In today’s Digest, we cover Musk losing the OpenAI trial after a two-hour verdict, Google and Blackstone launching an AI cloud venture, and HBO Max debuting podcast content in Europe.

Musk loses OpenAI case

A California court has dismissed Musk’s lawsuit against Sam Altman and OpenAI after finding the case was filed outside the statute of limitations, marking a significant legal setback for the Tesla chief and removing a key obstacle to the AI company’s planned public listing. Following around two hours of deliberation, a nine-member jury unanimously concluded that Musk’s claims were time-barred, a finding the presiding judge said she would accept. 

The case, filed in 2024, centred on Musk’s allegation that OpenAI founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman improperly shifted the organisation from its original non-profit structure into a for-profit entity. Musk sought USD$134bn (£105.9bn) in damages, alongside structural changes at the company, arguing he was misled about its direction after departing following a 2018 internal power struggle. Musk has said he will appeal the ruling in the US Ninth Circuit.

Google and Blackstone launch AI cloud venture

Google and Blackstone have announced a joint venture to develop an-focused cloud business, as demand for high-performance computing infrastructure continues to surge globally. The partnership is designed to expand access to AI computing capacity by combining Google’s cloud technology with Blackstone’s large-scale infrastructure investment capabilities.

Under the deal, Blackstone will invest an initial USD$5bn (£3.95bn) in equity to help deliver 500 megawatts of data centre capacity by 2027, with plans for further expansion over time. Leadership of the new company will be headed by Benjamin Sloss, a long-time Google executive.

HBO Max debuts podcast content in Europe 

HBO Max has announced the rollout of podcasts on its streaming platform across Europe, marking an expansion of its content ecosystem beyond films and series. The move is aimed at deepening audience engagement by offering companion audio and video experiences, including behind-the-scenes insights, creator discussions, and franchise-led storytelling extensions.

The launch begins with Harry Potter: The Official Film Podcast, hosted by film critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon. From June, the platform will expand its slate to include podcasts tied to major franchises such as Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, alongside titles linked to The Last of Us, The Pitt, The Comeback, and Sinners: In Proximity. 

HBO Max says select podcasts will also be available in video format exclusively on its platform, while audio versions will be distributed across major services including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.