January 20, 2022

TNW 218: Can Microsoft Improve Activision Blizzard? - App Store Changes, Big Tech Bills, 5G Grounds Flights

58 minutes

Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition is underway, but can the company address the workplace concerns? Apple has made changes to its App Store rules in the Netherlands and South Korea. Apple and Google are telling U.S. lawmakers the latest Big Tech bills will harm user privacy and security. AT&T and Verizon want to launch their 5G C-Band services, but the FAA prohibited the launch in airport "buffer zones."

First, Protocol's Anna Kramer stops by to talk about Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. As a workplace reporter, Kramer discusses the concerns of employees and ponders Microsoft's ability to address the workplace concerns.

Then, Rene Ritchie explains the latest App Store changes in the Netherlands and South Korea, as the countries move to regulate Apple and Google.

Then, Mark Gurman from Bloomberg dives into the Big Tech bills making their way through the Senate and details some of the lobbying efforts by Apple and Google.

Lastly, Mikah discusses grounded flights and 5G. AT&T and Verizon were set to launch a large swath of their 5G C-Band services on Tuesday, but the FAA set up "buffer zones" where the companies weren't allowed to activate the new bands. Despite the buffer zones, some airlines chose to ground flights.

Host: Mikah Sargent

Guests: Anna Kramer, Rene Ritchie, and Mark Gurman

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