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Rani Molla

Google’s YouTube to launch cheaper streaming packages that could potentially compete with Netflix

Google’s YouTube announced today that it will launch 10 genre-specific packages early next year that will cost less than its existing $82.99-per-month YouTube TV.

While the company didn’t specify how much these new packages will cost, they’re expected to come in well under the price of the full YouTube TV bundle. That could put its price point in line with other major streaming services like those offered by Apple, Disney, and Netflix. YouTube already commands the largest share of TV viewership in the US, and lower-priced subscription options could widen its lead even further.

That’s unwelcome news for other streamers, particularly Netflix, which has faced investor pressure since reports emerged about its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount has since launched a hostile counterbid, but Netflix’s stock continues to struggle. Shares are down nearly 2% today.

While the company didn’t specify how much these new packages will cost, they’re expected to come in well under the price of the full YouTube TV bundle. That could put its price point in line with other major streaming services like those offered by Apple, Disney, and Netflix. YouTube already commands the largest share of TV viewership in the US, and lower-priced subscription options could widen its lead even further.

That’s unwelcome news for other streamers, particularly Netflix, which has faced investor pressure since reports emerged about its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Paramount has since launched a hostile counterbid, but Netflix’s stock continues to struggle. Shares are down nearly 2% today.

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OpenAI employees are cashing out their shares, dozens making $30 million each

OpenAI’s planned IPO later this year is expected to be one of the largest of all time. Employees who got equity early on are sure to reap a windfall when the company shares hit the public markets.

Often these pre-IPO shares can’t be cashed in until the company goes public, and many startups have longer lockup periods before employees can sell their shares.

But The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI has a relatively short two-year vesting period, and the company allowed employees to sell shares before the IPO via a tender offer, as long as they’ve reached the two-year mark.

According to the report, in October, more than 600 current and former OpenAI employees sold shares through this process, minting a cluster of new multimillionaires. The Journal said about 75 of those walked away with $30 million (the maximum sale amount for this offer).

But The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI has a relatively short two-year vesting period, and the company allowed employees to sell shares before the IPO via a tender offer, as long as they’ve reached the two-year mark.

According to the report, in October, more than 600 current and former OpenAI employees sold shares through this process, minting a cluster of new multimillionaires. The Journal said about 75 of those walked away with $30 million (the maximum sale amount for this offer).

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Intel pops on reported Apple chip deal

Intel soared more than 14% on a Wall Street Journal report saying the company has reached a preliminary agreement with Apple to manufacture chips for the iPhone maker. Intel, already on a tear as of late, jumped earlier this week when Bloomberg first reported the two companies were in talks. It’s still unclear which chips Intel would manufacture for Apple, which has been facing supply constraints for its iPhone as well other products.

In any case, the deal could help Apple ease supply constraints that have hit some of its products and reduce its reliance on longtime partner TSMC, as it aims to bring more chip manufacturing stateside.

In any case, the deal could help Apple ease supply constraints that have hit some of its products and reduce its reliance on longtime partner TSMC, as it aims to bring more chip manufacturing stateside.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella (R) greets OpenAI CEO Sam Altman during the OpenAI DevDay event

Emails show Microsoft wasn’t impressed by OpenAI’s early work, but wanted to keep it from Amazon

OpenAI wanted further Azure computing discounts, but Microsoft didn’t think it was on the verge of a breakthrough.

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