Sharp Tech with Ben Thompson (Preview) Google and Apple Avert Disaster, More on Kpop Demon Hunters and Hollywood, Mail on Microsoft, Adobe and ASML
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Sep 5, 2025 Dive into the recent court ruling that surprisingly favors Google while examining its complex ties with Apple. Discover how these financial agreements may stifle genuine competition and innovation. The discussion also touches on AI's transformative effect on internet searches and ongoing regulatory needs. Plus, enjoy a quirky detour into the realm of K-Pop Demon Hunters and a critical look at Hollywood’s creativity crisis. Finally, explore Microsoft’s future in the AI landscape and the implications for leading tech companies like Adobe and Nvidia.
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Payments Preserve Google's Dominance
- Judge Amit Mehta found Google a monopolist but declined to stop its payments to partners like Apple.
- The ruling treats Google's payments as essential downstream funding, limiting effective remedies.
Payments Kill Rivals' Incentives
- Google's payments to Apple removed Apple's incentive to build a competing search product.
- That lack of competition produced long-term downstream harm like weaker alternatives and less innovation.
Apple Wins Short Term, Loses Long Term
- The ruling gives Apple a huge ongoing windfall of over $20B annually without requiring competition.
- That financial relief reduces Apple's incentive to invest in search or AI long-term.