Alphabet acquires Wiz for $32 billion to enhance security

Alphabet has announced its largest acquisition to date, buying cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion. This move aims to enhance Google Cloud's security features. The acquisition is expected to face regulatory checks, especially given Alphabet's ongoing legal issues in the U.S. The deal, if approved, is slated to close in 2026. In other news, Google introduced the Pixel 9a, a mid-range smartphone featuring the Tensor G4 chip. Priced at Rs 49,900, it boasts a brighter display and upgraded camera features. The phone will be available starting in April 2025. Ubisoft celebrated a successful launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows, attracting 2 million players within just two days of its release. This makes it the fastest-selling title in the franchise's history. Despite past challenges, the game has received favorable reviews and is currently the top-selling game on Steam. The European Commission has taken action against Google and Apple for violating the Digital Markets Act. The accusations include unfair practices that disadvantage competitors. Both companies could face hefty fines, and their responses indicate concern over the rules limiting their operations. Elon Musk's company, X, has filed a lawsuit against the Indian government, claiming the Ministry of Information Technology is unlawfully extending censorship. This lawsuit addresses ongoing tensions over content moderation between X and Indian authorities. Meanwhile, OpenAI and Meta are in talks with India's Reliance Industries for potential collaborations on artificial intelligence. These partnerships could include distributing AI models and hosting services locally in India. Lastly, Eric Migicovsky, the creator of the Pebble smartwatch, is launching two new smartwatches this year. The Core 2 Duo will ship in July, while the Core Time 2 will follow in December. These watches retain some classic features and aim for long battery life, though they face some compatibility challenges.