In this week’s Friday Check, the discussion centers around the implications of Donald Trump’s recent election victory for the tech industry. One of the most significant potential changes is the introduction of wide-ranging tariffs on imports, particularly from China. If Trump follows through on his proposed 60% tariff, prices for laptops, smartphones, and game consoles could see dramatic increases, with estimates suggesting laptop prices could nearly double. This could lead companies to shift production to countries like Mexico, Vietnam, or India, although such transitions would take time. While high tariffs seem unlikely due to their regressive nature, the Biden administration’s Chips Act, aimed at boosting domestic semiconductor manufacturing, is expected to continue.
The video also touches on the future of antitrust investigations under Trump’s administration. The current bipartisan support for antitrust actions, particularly those led by the FTC, may persist, but Trump’s pro-business stance could lead to a halt in existing breakup plans against major tech companies like Google. Mergers and acquisitions are anticipated to become more common, which would likely please big tech firms and venture capitalists. Additionally, Trump’s administration is expected to deregulate the cryptocurrency sector, which has already led to a surge in Bitcoin prices.
Mozilla is facing significant challenges, announcing a layoff of 30% of its workforce, which amounts to around 120 employees. This decision includes the elimination of its nonprofit advocacy group, which focused on promoting a free and open web. While the layoffs primarily affect the Mozilla Foundation, the for-profit entities under its umbrella, such as Mozilla Corporation, have also experienced cuts earlier in the year, raising concerns about the future of products like Firefox and Mozilla VPN.
In another story, Corning, the manufacturer of Gorilla Glass, is under investigation for potential antitrust violations. Allegations suggest that Corning engaged in exclusive sourcing agreements with mobile OEMs, which could stifle competition by preventing these companies from sourcing glass from other suppliers. The European Union is conducting the investigation, reflecting a growing scrutiny of antitrust practices in the tech industry.
Lastly, the video briefly covers several product releases and updates, including the DJI Goggles N3 and Leica’s new laser TV. It also highlights Samsung’s success with the Galaxy S24, which made it to the top 10 bestselling smartphones for the first time since 2018. Meanwhile, Nvidia has replaced Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, marking a significant shift in the tech landscape. The video concludes with a mention of OpenAI’s acquisition of the domain chat.com and Google’s accidental leak of its upcoming AI agent, showcasing the rapid developments in the tech sector.
