Daily Tech Headlines - July 2, 2025

Hosts: Sarah Lane, Robb Dunewood, and Tom Merritt
Episode Title: Microsoft To Lay Off ~9,000 Employees Across Multiple Divisions

1. Microsoft Announces Major Layoffs

Timestamp: [02:30]

Sarah Lane opens the episode with significant news from Microsoft. According to CNBC sources, Microsoft plans to lay off approximately 9,000 employees, representing just under 4% of its global workforce. This decision is part of a broader restructuring effort aimed at flattening management layers within the company.

“It's a lot of jobs, but just under 4% of its global workforce as the latest restructuring effort aimed at flattening management layers.” – Sarah Lane ([02:30])

These layoffs follow earlier cuts earlier in the year, totaling over 6,000 roles, and affect multiple teams and geographies, including the gaming division. This move coincides with Microsoft's preparations for its 2026 fiscal year, signaling a strategic shift in the company's operational structure.

2. Honor Unveils the Magic V5 Foldable Phone

Timestamp: [03:00]

In the smartphone sector, Honor has launched the Magic V5 foldable phone in China, claiming it to be the world's thinnest at 8.8 millimeters. However, the phone is only available in a white model, and it still features a camera bump despite its sleek design.

Key specifications include:

• Processor: Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip
• Memory: Up to 16GB of RAM
• Display: Dual 120Hz OLED screens
• Battery: 5820 mAh

This launch positions Honor as a competitive player in the premium foldable phone market, emphasizing design and performance.

3. Qantas Suffers Cyber Attack

Timestamp: [03:45]

Australian airline Qantas has disclosed a cyberattack that compromised data from its call center. The breach affected more than 6 million customers, exposing:

• Names
• Contact details
• Frequent flyer numbers

Importantly, no financial data was compromised. The attack bears similarities to recent aviation cyberattacks attributed to the Scattered Spider group, raising concerns about targeted threats in the aviation industry.

4. TikTok Expands E-Commerce with TikTok Shop in Japan

Timestamp: [04:15]

TikTok has launched its e-commerce platform, TikTok Shop, in Japan, where it boasts 33 million monthly users. The platform is attracting Japanese brands and ad agencies, aiming to expand TikTok's presence in a market currently dominated by Rakuten and Amazon. This move signifies TikTok's strategic push into the e-commerce space, leveraging its vast user base to facilitate online shopping experiences.

5. Hyundai Opens UX Studio Seoul

Timestamp: [04:45]

Automaker Hyundai has inaugurated the UX Studio Seoul, an interactive lab designed for the public to test and provide feedback on future vehicle designs and technologies. Visitors can engage in:

• Driving simulations
• Adjusting car interiors
• Exploring Hyundai's mobility platforms

Data collected from these interactions will inform the development of future models for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. This initiative marks Hyundai's first permanent public research lab, with plans to establish a similar facility in Shanghai by 2026.

6. Threads Introduces Direct Messaging Features

Timestamp: [05:15]

Threads, Meta's messaging platform, now offers direct messages for users aged 18 and over, allowing them to message:

• Followers
• Mutual Instagram followers

Available across Android, iOS, and the web, Threads currently does not support end-to-end encryption. However, Meta has indicated plans to expand features based on user feedback. Additionally, Threads introduced a highlighter tool to showcase posts in discovery feeds, with a broader rollout anticipated in the future.

7. Apple to Open New Apple Music Studio in Los Angeles

Timestamp: [05:45]

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, Apple is set to open a 15,000 square foot Apple Music Studio in Los Angeles later this summer. Located in the Culver City neighborhood, the facility includes:

• A live performance stage
• A spatial audio mixing room
• Podcast booths
• Radio studios

This space will serve as a creative hub for artists and Apple Music Radio, complementing existing studios in New York, Tokyo, and Paris.

8. DJI Launches the Power 2000 Portable Power Station

Timestamp: [06:15]

DJI has introduced the Power 2000, a versatile portable power station featuring:

• Battery Capacity: 2048 watt-hour lithium-ion phosphate
• Inverter: 3000 watts
• Expandability: Supports up to 10 expansion batteries, totaling 22,000 watt-hours
• Charging: Fast drone charging with proprietary ports, fully charges in approximately 75 minutes

Designed for both mobile and home backup use, the Power 2000 is priced starting at $1,299, catering to users needing reliable and expandable power solutions.

Conclusion and Further Resources

Timestamp: [06:25]

Sarah Lane wraps up the episode by directing listeners to dailytechnewshow.com for more in-depth analysis of the day's tech news, along with show notes and links to all the headlines discussed.

“For more analysis of the tech news of the day, subscribe to dailytechnewshow.com that's where you can find show notes and links to all these headlines there as well.” – Sarah Lane ([06:25])

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to provide a focused overview of the key technological developments discussed in the episode.