Lots has happened this past week in the tech world! With Nvidia outranking Apple as the most valuable company, Universal Music Group using AI to release new music, and more, there’s much to catch up on. So, let’s get started!
On Friday, Nvidia briefly surpassed Apple as the world’s most valuable company, driven by record-breaking demand for its specialized AI chips. Nvidia’s market value reached a high of $3.53 trillion, just edging past Apple’s $3.52 trillion, according to LSEG data. By the end of trading, Nvidia’s stock had gained 2.2%, placing its valuation at $3.52 trillion, while Apple’s shares rose 0.9%, giving the iPhone maker a market value of $3.54 trillion.
On Friday, Universal Music Group unveiled a Spanish rendition of Brenda Lee’s 1958 holiday classic, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” created with SoundLabs’ AI tech. Titled “Noche Buena y Navidad,” the adaptation was produced with Lee’s approval by acclaimed Latin music producer Auero Baqueiro. Universal Music emphasized that the project exemplifies how AI can be responsibly used to honor artists’ rights and ensure their full consent.
Missouri’s Republican Attorney General, Andrew Bailey, announced Thursday the launch of an investigation into Google over claims that it censors conservative speech. Google has called Missouri’s allegations “totally false.”
Republicans have frequently argued that social media platforms show bias against conservative voices, though tech companies deny censoring any political viewpoints on their platforms.
On Friday, messaging platform Telegram informed an Indian court that it cannot actively monitor all user accounts for leaked data from India’s Star Health and will only remove flagged content. India’s largest health insurer, Star Health, has faced significant reputational and business challenges since a Sept. 20 Reuters report revealed that a hacker had used Telegram chatbots and a website to expose sensitive customer information, including biometric ID cards and medical claim documents.
The European Union and China announced Friday that they will soon hold additional tech negotiations to explore alternatives to tariffs on China-made electric vehicles. The EU is expected to impose extra tariffs of up to 35.3% on Chinese-built EVs next week as part of its anti-subsidy investigation, though it remains open to further discussions after the tariffs are enacted.
