Top 10 Must-Know Tech News From Around The World

If you don’t already know the usual technology-is-important, tech-is-the-future mumbo jumbo, you’re either in the wrong place or you’ve woken up after a zillion years. Regardless, the fact that you can read this piece is evidence enough you’ve knowingly or unknowingly embraced technology.

Let’s take it up a notch, shall we? Here are ten things you absolutely must know about the tech world today.

1. LinkedIn CEO Steps Down

LinkedIn is a well-known professional networking platform that has helped career-oriented individuals connect with opportunities globally. CEO Jeff Weiner had been in charge of LinkedIn’s direction for more than a decade – 11 years to be precise. Allegedly, he had been planning the step down for more than a year. He will now be replaced by Ryan Roslansky, his first hire in 2008.

2. Clearview AI Gets Cease-And-Desist Letters by Google, Twitter, and YouTube

The startup had been working on facial recognition database by scraping public photos from online social channels such as Facebook and Google. The solution was built for US law enforcement agencies. However, Twitter, Google, and YouTube believe this activity is in absolute violation of their terms of service and agreements. Taking matters into their own hands, Google and YouTube issued cease-and-desist letters to not only highlight the illegal activity but also to condemn it.

3. Casper IPO Underperforms

The startup Casper came to be known as synonymous to ‘sleep.’ The eCommerce platform launched its initial public offering at $12 a share, summing up the IPO valuation to $490 million. In a short span of half a decade, the company has built a reputation for being the next Airbnb of this decade. However, this IPO seems to be suggesting otherwise, being in clear contradiction with venture investors’ valuation less than a year ago.

4. Free Google Stadia

Google pretty much has everything under its name. Their video game streaming service, Google Stadia, is planning to launch a free version soon. If you haven’t already heard of this, it is probably because this service was only available in its “premiere edition” for individuals ready to shell out $130. Is Google trying to expand its user base by getting gamers hooked to something for free? Possibly! But it is definitely worth a shot.

5. Kendall Jenner Removed From TikTok

Apparently, the celebrity never joined TikTok in the first place! An imposter had been enjoying a verified Kendall Jenner account, posting her photos and videos to create a fan following in millions. Although the account has been removed, it raises questions on TikTok’s verification processes. Their guidelines offer little help in this regard. Who’s to say who could be next!

6. Worker Safety at Tesla Improves

Factory workers are always at risk. When it comes to Tesla, their track record for worker accidents and injuries had been rather alarming. Given the company’s reputation for pioneering innovation, this concern was expedited for the management’s attention. Tesla’s head of health and safety reportedly announced at least a 50% decrease in their Fremont factory’s injury rate per vehicle, clarifying the company’s stance on the subject. The future seems better for factory workers.

7. Twitter Polls and Elon Musk

This business magnate, engineer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist requires no introduction. News of his passion for space exploration has reached across the globe, thanks to social media. Elon Musk has launched a poll on Twitter to see how people respond to the idea of a Tesla Gigafactory in Texas. Similar Gigafactories are already operational in New York and Nevada, while Shanghai is the latest addition to the list.

8. Tinder Makes $1.2 Billion in 2019

The Tinder app is famous for its right-swipe and left-swipe simplicity in the online dating world. Another indicator of its popularity is the fact that the app made $1.2 billion in 2019 alone, which is more than 50 percent of the overall revenue of The Match Group.

9. Elon Musk… Sings?

Who would’ve thought! Elon Musk recently recorded and released an EDM song on SoundCloud. “Don’t doubt ur vibe” seems to have resonated with many people, amounting to over 2.6 million plays in less than a week. What’s more, he seems to have broken the top ten record as well. Could he be more talented?

10. Waymo’s Self-Driving Car Workers Unhappy

Welcome to the future where self-driving cars have become a reality! Waymo, under the loving care and guidance of Alphabet, has successfully launched its project in Phoenix. However, the workers employed to ‘drive’ the autonomous vehicles are unhappy for two reasons: their worker benefits were cut following the transition of their status from ‘contractors’ to ‘vendors,’ and there had been repeated reports of leftover needles being found in the cars. In addition to lower benefits, these workers seem to be working in uncharacteristically risky situations.

There’s a lot more happening in the world of technology. Stay tuned for the next update.