The Rise of TikTok: How It’s Changing Social Media
▼ Summary
– A potential deal to keep TikTok operating in the US is advancing, following an executive order signed by President Trump.
– The Vergecast episode covers gadget news, including Google’s efforts with ChromeOS/Android and rumors of a touchscreen Mac.
– The show features a discussion with Liz Lopatto analyzing the TikTok deal’s key players and implications, including Larry Ellison’s role.
– A question is raised about whether TikTok can retain its original community feel after undergoing significant ownership changes.
– The episode concludes with a lightning round segment discussing topics like Jimmy Kimmel’s return and new tech products.
The future of TikTok in the United States appears to be stabilizing after years of political and corporate uncertainty. A recent executive order from the White House has paved the way for a resolution, creating the necessary framework for a final agreement. This development marks a significant shift from the prolonged period of secret negotiations and legislative challenges that have surrounded the popular video-sharing platform.
On a recent episode of The Vergecast, recorded just prior to the official announcement, the team delved into the intricate details of the proposed TikTok arrangement. Before tackling that major topic, the hosts explored several intriguing developments in the tech world. The discussion covered Google’s persistent efforts to merge ChromeOS and Android, growing speculation about Apple potentially releasing a touchscreen Mac, and fresh insights into the collaborative project between design legend Jony Ive and the artificial intelligence research lab OpenAI.
The conversation then turned to the TikTok situation, featuring an analysis from The Verge’s Liz Lopatto. She helped break down the known components of the deal, identifying the central figures involved. One notable update since recording is the emergence of Abu Dhabi-based MGX as a significant prospective investor. A key point of examination was the considerable influence Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison is expected to wield in the newly structured TikTok, raising questions about the platform’s future direction. A fundamental concern discussed was whether TikTok can retain its unique culture and community feel after undergoing such a substantial corporate transformation.
Wrapping up the show, the hosts sped through a lightning round of topics. These included Jimmy Kimmel’s return to late-night television, a new party speaker from Anker, the online controversy dubbed “SCRATCHGATE,” and more. The segment concluded with a tongue-in-cheek expression of sympathy for the financial situation of the immensely successful chipmaker Nvidia.
(Source: The Verge)
