GREY Journal Daily News Podcast

Meta acquired Manus, a Singapore-based, Chinese-founded AI company, for $2 billion to integrate agentic AI technology into its platforms, aiming to automate business tasks and increase user engagement. Manus generates revenue through subscriptions and operates profitably. The acquisition is part of Meta's broader strategy to strengthen its AI capabilities and compete with companies like OpenAI and Google. The deal is subject to US regulatory review due to concerns over data privacy and Manus's Chinese origins.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Phoenix startups presented new health technology wearables, clean energy solutions, and smart home devices at CES 2026. These companies attracted attention from investors and industry leaders, highlighting Phoenix's emergence as a technology hub. Local founders credited a supportive business ecosystem and access to talent for their success. The event increased the visibility of Phoenix startups and created new partnership opportunities, positioning the city for further growth in the tech sector.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Waymo and Tesla have expanded driverless taxi operations in major US cities, including San Francisco, Atlanta, Austin, and Phoenix. Waymo operates in six cities and plans to enter Dallas, Houston, and Miami, while Tesla is growing its ride-hailing fleet in Austin and San Francisco with plans for Arizona, Florida, and Nevada. Amazon's Zoox runs robotaxis in Las Vegas, Miami, and Seattle. Waymo reports over one million autonomous rides monthly and seeks a $100 billion valuation. Both companies are testing various business models, such as app-based bookings and partnerships with Uber, and are working to access airport and highway routes. The industry faces challenges with incidents, regulatory scrutiny, and the need to achieve financial sustainability without human drivers.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks announced a merger to combine cloud-based access control and video surveillance technologies, aiming to offer a unified security platform for business owners and property managers. The merger will accelerate product development, expand market reach, and provide integrated security management tools for commercial and residential clients. Both companies plan to leverage shared resources to introduce new features, improve analytics, and streamline security operations across multiple locations.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Show description:Microsoft reports a 29 percent year-over-year decrease in Xbox hardware sales and a 70 percent drop in console sales, while the broader industry faces a 27 percent decline in hardware spending. Microsoft shifts its strategy from console competition to expanding cloud gaming and cross-platform access, growing Xbox Game Pass to 34 million subscribers and nearly $5 billion in annual revenue. The company acquires multiple game studios, moves away from exclusive titles, implements layoffs and price increases, and tests an ad-supported Game Pass tier to reach new users as it focuses on global gaming accessibility.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Personal care brands are increasing consumer engagement by maintaining consistent visibility across multiple touchpoints, including streaming entertainment and digital advertising. Over 77 percent of U.S. consumers think about shopping several times a week and interact with brands an average of 11 times before making a purchase, with most decisions planned in advance and driven by routine. More than 40 percent of shoppers recall ads before buying, and over half discover new brands while streaming entertainment. Amazon Ads connects brands to consumers through platforms like Prime Video, Netflix, Roku, and Spotify, using interactive ad formats and AI-driven marketing tools to optimize performance and support early engagement, brand nurturing, and long-term brand equity.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

A pirate activist group extracted and released 256 million rows of Spotify track metadata and 86 million audio files, with only metadata made public so far. Spotify confirmed the unauthorized access and stated that illicit tactics bypassed digital rights management. The company is investigating the incident and working to strengthen security. Industry leaders note that the released data could enable individuals to create private music libraries, but copyright laws remain a barrier. The breach is larger than previous open music archives, and the activist group describes the project as an effort to preserve cultural knowledge. Business leaders are advised to review data protection strategies in response to evolving digital risks.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

Parallax, a Leeds-based technology consultancy, reported securing 25 new clients and expanding into international markets, with one third of its revenue now coming from global clients. The company forecasts a 7.5 million pound revenue for 2026, representing a 35 percent increase over previous years. Parallax attributes its growth to international expansion, investments in talent and technology, and partnerships with organizations including Norwegian universities.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/

SoundThinking opened a new office in downtown Orlando to provide advanced safety technology, including real-time data analytics, gunshot detection, and digital evidence management. The office will support public agencies and private businesses, offer training and resources, and facilitate collaboration to enhance emergency response and crime prevention in the city.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/