SoftBank (OTCPK:SFTBF,OTCPK:SFTBY) is expected to participate but not lead the new round of funding for robot pizza startup Zume, according to Recode sources.
Zume is in talks with investors for a round that would value the company at about $4B.
SoftBank is one of Zume’s largest investors and sunk $375M into the startup last year.
The exact amount Zume will raise hasn’t been determined.
Twitter implements reply-hiding worldwide
Twitter (NYSE:TWTR) is rolling out the ability for its users worldwide to hide replies to their tweets.
That’s a move to improve conversational “health” on the platform.
“Currently, repliers can shift the topic or tone of a discussion and derail what you and your audience want to talk about,” the company’s post notes. But testing was positive for giving users the ability to hide specific replies to their tweets.
The action moves such replies to another page that can still be accessed by anyone by clicking an icon.
Testing showed that the option offered a new way to control noise (since 85% of reply-hiders didn’t also use block or mute).
Microsoft delays launch for AirPods competitor
Microsoft (MSFT -0.2%) delays the release of its Surface Earbuds until spring 2020. The competitor to Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) AirPods was scheduled to launch late this year.
MSFT Chief Product Officer Panos Panay: “Product-making is about the relentless pursuit to get all the details right, which takes time…sometimes more than we planned on. To ensure we deliver the best possible experience for you, our fans & customers, Surface Earbuds will now launch worldwide in Spring 2020.”
Microsoft unveiled the Earbuds at its Surface event last month.
Sony in talks to take Network18 stake
Sony (NYSE:SNE) is in preliminary talks to take a stake in Network18 Media & Investments, owned by India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani.
That follows a breakdown in talks for Sony to take a 20% stake in Zee Entertainment.
While India allows 100% foreign direct investment in entertainment broadcasting, investment in news media is capped at 26% whether broadcast or digital.
Apple, Intel sell SoftBank unit for patent hoarding
The tech giants allege Fortress stockpiled patents primarily to pursue lawsuits. Apple says Fortress-connected firms filed at least 25 lawsuits against AAPL, demanding $2.6-5.1B in damages.
Intel previously filed suit against Fortress in October but withdrew the case.
