Skip to main content

Trump says Microsoft is in talks to acquire TikTok

Jan 27 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that Microsoft (MSFT.O), opens new tab is in talks to acquire TikTok and that he would like to see a bidding war over the app. Microsoft declined to comment. TikTok and ByteDance did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for a comment outside regular business hours. TikTok, which has about 170 million American users, was briefly taken offline just before a law requiring its Chinese owner ByteDance to either sell it on national security grounds or face a ban took effect on Jan. 19. Trump, after taking office on Jan. 20, signed an executive order seeking to delay by 75 days the enforcement of the law. Trump said last week that he was in talks with multiple people over buying TikTok and would likely have a decision on the popular app's future in 30 days. The U.S. president has previously said that he was open to billionaire Elon Musk buying the social media app if the Tesla (TSLA.O), opens new tab CEO wanted to do so. Musk, however, has not publicly commented on Trump's offer.
More recently, AI startup Perplexity AI on Sunday made a proposal to merge with TikTok, with the U.S. government getting up to half of the new company in future, a source told Reuters on Sunday. The reported talks mark the second time that Microsoft has been in the frame to acquire TikTok. During his first term, Trump ordered TikTok to separate its U.S. version from ByteDance citing national security concerns. Microsoft emerged as a top bidder in 2020, but the talks soon collapsed, and Trump's divestment push ended a few months later when he left office. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called that deal the "strangest thing I've ever worked on." The U.S. government had a "particular set of requirements and then it just disappeared," he said in 2021.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

iPhone 17 to Feature Electrically Induced Battery Adhesive for Easier Repairs

Apple is set to make a significant leap in device repairability with the iPhone 17 lineup by integrating a new electrically induced adhesive peel technology for battery removal. According to exclusive insights, this innovative approach, previously introduced on the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus, will now extend across the entire iPhone 17 series, marking a key shift in Apple’s design philosophy. A Step Towards Easier Repairs and Sustainability This move aligns with growing regulatory pressures, particularly from the European Union, which have been pushing smartphone manufacturers to simplify battery replacement. By making battery removal more accessible, Apple aims to enhance the lifespan of its devices while reducing electronic waste, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. The core of this technology lies in its adhesive system, which securely holds the battery in place but releases effortlessly when a low-voltage electric current is applied. Unlike traditional adhesive stri...

Apple’s iPhone 17 Pro: Unified Button Design in Testing

As Apple enthusiasts eagerly await the iPhone 17 Pro, reports suggest a significant design change is under consideration. According to sources, Apple is testing a unified button that could replace the traditional volume and action buttons on the upcoming device.  Streamlined Button Functionality The proposed design aims to consolidate multiple functionalities into a single button, potentially allowing users to control volume, ringtones, and other customizable features. This shift could simplify the device’s interface, offering a more streamlined user experience.  A Step Towards Button Unification Apple has previously explored the concept of unifying buttons in its prototypes. The current testing of a single, multifunctional button indicates that the company may be moving closer to implementing this design in its consumer devices.  Future Functionality and Customization While the exact capabilities of the new button remain undisclosed, it’s anticipated that Apple will expan...

iPhone 16e: Next Apple iPhone SE reveals itself in new leaked footage

The next iPhone SE has been pictured again in a new set of leaks. Currently thought of as the iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e, it still remains unclear whether the mid-range iPhone will line up with a Dynamic Island or Apple's infamous notch across its 6.1-inch display. Alex Alderson, Published 01/27/2025 Apple iPhone Leaks / Rumors Almost a fortnight has passed since Sonny Dickson shared the first photos of the long-awaited successor to the iPhone SE 3rd Gen (curr. $160.97 - renewed on Amazon). Now, leaker Majin Bu has published another round of photos that show the so-called iPhone SE 4 or iPhone 16e, which show the device in greater detail, which we have embedded below. The same leaker has also uploaded a short video of the same device, albeit still in dummy form. Nonetheless, the overall design shown should represent what companies are working against when designing third-party cases. For instance, the iPhone SE 4 has a single oversized rear-facing camera, which is reputed to be a ...