eBay Acquires Depop to Strengthen Resale Fashion

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eBay has forecast stronger-than-expected first-quarter revenue while announcing the acquisition of fashion resale platform Depop from Etsy for approximately $1.2 billion. The move aims to expand eBay’s position in the fast-growing pre-owned fashion segment.

The company expects quarterly revenue between $3 billion and $3.05 billion, surpassing analyst projections of $2.80 billion. This outlook reflects continued growth driven by its focus on recommerce, which emphasizes refurbished, authenticated and second-hand products.

Depop is seen as a strategic addition, particularly due to its popularity among younger consumers who prioritize sustainability and circular consumption. The platform has gained traction in the resale fashion market by promoting the reuse of clothing and accessories.

According to CEO Jamie Iannone, the acquisition aligns with shifting consumer preferences toward environmentally conscious shopping habits. The deal is expected to close in the second quarter and could contribute up to two percentage points to eBay’s gross merchandise volume growth by 2026.

For the first quarter, eBay anticipates total merchandise sales between $21.5 billion and $21.9 billion, exceeding market expectations. The company previously reported $2.97 billion in fourth-quarter revenue, alongside a 10 percent increase in merchandise volume.

Microsoft Targets $50B AI Investment in Global South

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Microsoft announced plans to invest up to $50 billion by the end of the decade to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure across developing and emerging economies, commonly referred to as the Global South.

The commitment was revealed during the AI summit held in New Delhi, where technology leaders and policymakers gathered to discuss the future of digital transformation in lower-income regions.

The Global South includes nations primarily located in the southern hemisphere that are still building their technological and economic capacity. Microsoft’s initiative aims to accelerate AI adoption in these regions by improving infrastructure and access to advanced digital tools.

India remains a central focus of this strategy. Last year, Microsoft unveiled $17.5 billion in AI-related investments in the country, reinforcing its position as a key growth market with rapidly expanding digital demand.

The broader initiative reflects increasing efforts by major technology companies to extend AI capabilities beyond traditional technology hubs, enabling wider participation in the global digital economy.

Meta Revives Smartwatch Project for 2026 Launch

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Meta Platforms is reportedly restarting its smartwatch initiative as part of its expanding wearable technology strategy. The revived project, known internally as Malibu 2, is expected to introduce a device focused on health monitoring and integrated artificial intelligence capabilities.

The smartwatch is anticipated to include fitness tracking features alongside a built-in Meta AI assistant. This marks a renewed push into wearables after the company previously halted development in 2022 amid broader cost-cutting measures within its Reality Labs division.

The move reflects growing industry interest in AI-powered personal devices, particularly in health and lifestyle applications. Wearable technology is increasingly being positioned as a key interface for artificial intelligence in everyday use.

Meta has already seen strong market traction in smart eyewear through its collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban. Shipments of AI-enabled glasses reached nearly 6 million units last year, highlighting rising consumer demand for intelligent wearables.

Beyond smartwatches, Meta continues to work on multiple augmented and mixed-reality devices. However, the company is reportedly reassessing release timelines to avoid overwhelming consumers with too many new products in a short period.

Earlier internal discussions also indicated delays in certain mixed-reality projects, with some developments now expected closer to 2027.