Marketplace Tech Bytes: Week in Review - RIP Skype
May 9, 2025
Joanna Stern, a senior personal technology columnist at The Wall Street Journal, dives into the changing landscape of tech with fascinating insights. She discusses OpenAI's retreat from its profit-driven plans and the Department of Justice's efforts to break up parts of Google's ad business. The conversation also pays homage to Skype, exploring its impact on communication and how Zoom has reshaped video conferencing preferences. The exploration of these pivotal shifts reveals the ongoing tensions in the tech industry.
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Google's Technical Defense
- Google's argument is breaking up its ad tech products is nearly impossible due to technical integration.
- This mirrors their previous defense against Chrome breakup claims citing technical and financial infeasibility.
Apple's External Payments Challenge
- Apple's restrictions on external payment links annoy users and developers alike.
- New rulings now force Apple to allow easier access to outside purchase options, benefiting consumers.
OpenAI Retreats from For-Profit Pivot
- OpenAI abandoned plans to become fully for-profit due to legal challenges and stakeholder pushback.
- The nonprofit control structure remains, balancing public fiduciary duty with ongoing investments.