Google Search queries hit an “all time high” in the first quarter of 2026, according to a statement from CEO Sundar Pichai published as part of Alphabet’s earnings on Wednesday. “Our AI investments and full stack approach are lighting up every part of the business,” Pichai says. “Search had a stron… …
… The new devices helped boost Mac revenue to $8.4 billion, while iPads reached $6.91 billion. Apple’s services segment, which includes subscriptions like Apple One, Apple Music, Apple TV, and others, soared to another “all-time record” at $30.98 billion.
… Microsoft went ahead and added Call of Duty to Game Pass, but the removal of new entries in the franchise from the service is a clear indication that it was a mistake to add Activision’s big revenue driver into the subscription mix.
… There’s a strategy behind this: Executives across the streaming industry have reported earning more average revenue per user ARPU on ad-supported tiers, as they rake in cash from viewer subscriptions and the ads they sell to them. …
After announcing tests of premium subscriptions for Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp earlier this year, TechCrunch and Bloomberg report that Meta is launching a global rollout over the next few weeks and is also starting to test subscriptions for Meta AI. …
… While you’d only be giving Plex around 3.5 years of annual revenue at today’s rates, it gets an instant infusion of cash. …
… Spotify highlighted the principles that would guide that program: Choice in participation, Fair compensation and new revenue, and Artist-fan connection. …
… But now Google is seeing dollar signs in the prospect of selling AI-driven subscriptions in the smart home. …
… Update, May 20th: Added details about xAI’s revenue and Anthropic’s payments.
… They serve consumers or viewers in different ways.” Roku has begun dabbling in paid subscriptions, too, with the acquisition of the $6.99-per-month Frndly streaming service, followed by the launch of Howdy, an even cheaper $2.99-per-month ad-free streaming subscription. …