In today’s Digest, we discuss the Arc browser maker being acquired, Apple preparing a Siri search tool, OpenAI launching an AI hiring platform, and smartphones pushing streaming past linear TV in Germany.

Arc Browser maker to be acquired

Atlassian is buying The Browser Company for USD$610m (£454m) in cash. The deal gives Atlassian control of Arc, and Dia, the AI-powered browser. The Browser Company will continue to operate as an independent entity.

Talks between Atlassian and The Browser Company began a year ago, according to the latter’s CEO, Josh Miller. Many Atlassian employees were already using Arc and wanted more enterprise features like security, privacy, and management tools. As AI became a priority for businesses, both sides saw alignment. Mike Cannon-Brookes, Atlassian’s CEO, proposed joining forces to accelerate AI development and enterprise readiness.

The deal is focused on Dia, which launched in June. Dia combines a browser with an AI assistant that works across apps. For Atlassian, Dia offers a way to integrate its suite of tools into a single intelligent workflow.

Apple prepares Siri search tool; OpenAI plans launch of AI hiring platform

Apple plans to launch an AI-powered search tool next year. The feature, called World Knowledge Answers, will integrate into Siri. Apple aims to roll out the update in spring as part of a major Siri overhaul, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be revealed.

The system will work like ChatGPT or Google’s AI Overviews, using large language models. The tool will include text, photos, video, and local recommendations. It will also summarise results for faster, more accurate answers.

Meanwhile, OpenAI is building a hiring platform to compete with LinkedIn. OpenAI Jobs Platform will launch by mid-2026, according to a spokesperson. It will use AI to match companies with workers and include a track for small businesses and local governments seeking AI talent.

CEO Fidji Simo announced the plan in a blog post, saying the goal is to create better matches between skills and business needs. The move puts OpenAI in direct competition with LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft, OpenAI’s biggest investor.

Smartphones push streaming past linear TV in Germany

Streaming has overtaken linear TV in Germany for the first time, according to a new report from Bitkom. The Future of Consumer Technology 2025 study says the shift is driven by falling linear TV viewership, not a surge in streaming. The study shows 87% of German adults watch streaming services, compared to 86% who watch linear TV. In 2024, 92% percent watched linear TV, highlighting a steep 6% decline in a year, while streaming grew by only 1%.

Smartphones are also driving streaming adoption. The report found 84% of streaming viewers use smartphones, compared to 78% using smart TVs. Younger users lead this shift, with 91% of 16 to 29 year olds streaming on smartphones. High smartphone penetration in Germany (88%) and low smart TV app usage reinforce this trend.