Curated 2025-5-16 | U.S.-China tariff rollback, Microsoft layoff, Coinbase joining the S&P 500

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News

U.S. and China are in makeup mode

The two sides agreed to slash blanket tariffs by 115% for 90 days and will negotiate a long-term deal.

Microsoft laying off about 6,000 people, or 3% of its workforce

Microsoft is laying off about 6,000 employees, nearly 3% of its global workforce. The cuts affect various roles, including engineers, managers, and even AI directors, across different teams and locations. CEO Satya Nadella mentioned that AI now contributes to 20–30% of the company’s code, indicating a shift in operations. The layoffs aim to streamline management and enhance AI capabilities.

You can book private chefs and personal trainers on Airbnb now

Airbnb has introduced “Airbnb Services,” allowing guests to book professionals like private chefs, personal trainers, and makeup artists directly through the platform. These services, starting at under $50, are available in 260 cities and can be arranged at Airbnb rentals or guests’ own homes.It’s part of Airbnb’s strategy to enhance guest experiences and stay competitive in the evolving travel market.

Google just changed its ‘G’ logo

The company has changed its logo for the first time in nearly a decade.

After back-to-back failures, SpaceX tests its fixes on the next Starship

SpaceX is gearing up for its ninth Starship test flight, scheduled as early as May 27. This mission will be the first to reuse a Super Heavy booster, aiming to demonstrate improvements after two previous failures. The FAA has approved the launch, expanding the hazard zone due to increased safety measures. This test is crucial for SpaceX’s goal of making space travel more reliable and cost-effective.

Coinbase joining S&P 500 days after bitcoin soared past $100,000

Coinbase has made history by becoming the first cryptocurrency company to join the S&P 500, replacing Discover Financial Services following its acquisition by Capital One.

China Just Made the World’s Fastest Transistor and It Is Not Made of Silicon

Chinese researchers at Peking University have developed the world’s fastest transistor, using bismuth-based materials instead of silicon. This new design operates 40% faster and consumes 10% less energy than the latest 3-nanometer silicon chips from companies like Intel and TSMC.

How UAE is shifting gears to lead Middle East’s EV revolution

The oil-rich nation is racing toward an electric future with ambitious targets and expanded infrastructure.

Robot chefs take over at South Korea’s highway restaurants, to mixed reviews

In South Korea, robot chefs are replacing human cooks at highway rest stops to address labor shortages. These machines can prepare up to 150 meals per hour, doubling the output of human chefs. However, the shift has led to a simplified menu, removing local favorites like makguksu, and has left some workers feeling their roles have been reduced to cleaning staff. Customers have also expressed dissatisfaction, noting a decline in food quality and taste.

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