Tech Digest daily roundup: Microsoft takeover of Nuance under scrutiny

Microsoft’s $19.7bn (£14.5bn) acquisition of an artificial intelligence company used by the NHS is being scrutinised by the competition regulator. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is understood to have raised questions with Microsoft and quizzed customers and rivals about its takeover of Nuance Communications.  Microsoft is yet to file with the regulator, which would have…

Apple goes head to head with Spotify, plans to launch streaming service and revamp iTunes Radio with Zane Lowe

According to the New York Times, Apple and Beats - the headphones company Apple purchased for $3bn in 2014 - are set to take on Spotify with a new music streaming service. Unlike Spotify, there will be no free option with the streaming service. According to several music executives, Apple recently tried but failed to persuade…

Dr. Dre lends his hand at designing 'Beats' headphones with Monster

The company best known for its high-quality HDMI cables has dallied with headphones once again, after we saw the iFreePlay ‘phones mid-last year that docked your iPod Shuffle when on the go.

These over-ear cans pictured are their latest venture, made in collaboration with music moguls Dr. Dre and Interscope Chairman Jimmy Iovine.

Dubbed ‘Beats’, the headphones have been in development for two years and will be available in the US for $399.95 as of June, with no word yet on worldwide availability.

“When I’m making a track…