However, seizing trends sometimes entails significant expenditures, like acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp for billions. Such moves have led Meta to face antitrust challenges from the FTC. In a recent trial in DC, there’s been intense scrutiny over whether Meta acquired these companies to nurture their potential or to prevent them from becoming competitors. The decision by Judge James Boasberg will have significant consequences for the tech industry at large.

In this episode of The Vergecast, The Verge‘s Lauren Feiner shares insights on the trial’s developments. Having attended nearly every session, Feiner offers clarity on the complexities surrounding WhatsApp, the impact of TikTok on the case, and the frequent discussions about “friends and family.” The case’s conclusion and its implications remain uncertain, but Feiner suggests a potential direction where outcomes might head.

After that, The Verge’s Victoria Song joins the show to talk about her latest experience with Google’s Android XR smart glasses. She compares this month’s demos to the ones she saw a few months ago, and explains why Google’s partnership with Gentle Monster could be a big deal. She also has some thoughts about what Jony Ive and OpenAI are building together — if it’s not smart glasses, what might it look like?

Finally, we answer a question from the Vergecast Hotline (call 866-VERGE11 or email vergecast@theverge.com!) about what you should do now that Mozilla is killing the Pocket read-later app. Pocket had a lot of users, with a lot of links saved, but luckily there are some other good options out there.

If you want to know more about everything we discuss in this episode, here are some links to get you started: