The firm credited its expansion in users partly to audio e-books, though it did say: “The hard problems ahead – in music, in podcasts, in books, in video, in live, and in things we haven’t built yet – we’re going to keep building the technology to solve them.” Source link
US consumer spending slowed in December – Is it a warning for the economy?
Retail sales were unexpectedly flat in December as consumers pulled back, raising questions about a broader economic slowdown. Source link
Ford says it took an extra $900m Trump tariff hit last year
The vehicle manufacturer had said it was backing away from plans to make large EVs, citing lacklustre demand and recent regulatory changes under Trump. The business case for leaning heavily into EV production, specifically large-sized EV models, has “eroded”, the company had said. Source link
‘Menacing’ Disney advert featuring severed body banned
Disney subsidiary Twentieth Century Studios, which produced the film, said it was rated 12A, and the advertisement had been designed with that in mind. The company argued the brief and stylised nature of the scene meant the alien character or other imagery used would be unlikely to cause harm or offence. Source link
Sean Dyche sacked by Nottingham Forest with club in relegation fight
Nottingham Forest have sacked Sean Dyche as head coach after less than four months in charge and are looking for their fourth boss of the season. Forest were held to a goalless draw at home by bottom club Wolves on Wednesday and are just three points above the Premier League relegation zone with 12 games […]
Scrap proposed England holiday tax, hospitality bosses urge
Critics say the proposed tax could force families to shorten trips or spend their money overseas. Source link
The Dutch love four-day working weeks, but are they sustainable?
The Netherlands has the lowest working hours in Europe, but some say it is harming its economy. Source link
Six dead in suspected murder-suicides in Bulgarian mountains, officials say
The national police chief has branded the case an “unprecedented crime” unlike any other seen before in the country. Source link
I died for 40 minutes – here's what it taught me about life
After a cardiac arrest Patrick Charnley was clinically dead. He came back to life a changed man. Source link
What’s driving Northern Ireland’s falling fuel costs?
“Locally, the prices are very much linked to geopolitical instability, they’re linked to supply and demand at global level… and money markets, currency exchange rates, which again there’s no ability for people in Northern Ireland to control,” explained Smyth. Source link