Latest News
04-12-2017 To 09-12-2017
Published
7 years agoon
The year 2017 has been extremely exciting up till now. The last one week has been especially interesting in terms of the tech and the startup world. With startups receiving new funding, companies being taken over and new launches, the last week has been a pretty interesting read. Check out our weekly wrap up here!
1. Tim Cook And Sundar Pichai Speak At China’s World Internet Conference
Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai spoke together at the 4th edition of the World Internet Conference held in China. Tim Cook appeared as a keynote speaker and gave a surprise speech at the conference and addressed issues regarding “cyberspace sovereignty.” The conference focused on the world of AI and had a host of interesting speakers including Cisco’s CEO Chuck Robbins.
2. Ola And Uber Drivers To Go On Strike
Cab aggregators Ola and Uber have been hit by people from all sides because of their severe mismanagement. First, it was the riders who had issues with the cab aggregators. Now, it is the drivers themselves who have issues with the owners. The drivers have now said that due to loss of pay and a reduction of overall benefits, they will go on a strike from the 10 December, 2017. Ola’s and Uber’s drivers called for a strike not just in Mumbai, but all over India.
3. Google Doodle Teaches Kids To Code
Technology giant Google came up with an amazing way to celebrate 50 years of coding. It created a Google doodle in order to teach noncoders how to code. Google’s Doodle team along with Google’s Blocky team and researchers from MIT Scratch worked on this doodle as a part of Computer Science Education Week. Google’s doodle, which features on the home screen, gave people an opportunity to learn thing they didn’t thought was extremely difficult.
4. Google Invests In Task Management Startup Dunzo
In an attempt to diversify its reach to homegrown startup services, Google has extended its reach to Bangalore based concierge service provider startup, Dunzo. Funded in 2015, Dunzo works to help people get services and products delivered whenever and where ever needed. Dunzo currently has 1350 active riders and completes 3000 to 4000 orders a day. With this round of investment from Google, Dunzo plans on launching offices all across the country.
5. Google Launches Google Go, Android Oreo Go And Maps Update
Google, one of the worlds largest technology giants announced multiple new launches today at its annual “Google for India” event. Google Maps Update, Google Go, Android Oreo Go and Files Go were some of the updates launched by Google at the Event. The apps were tested in the Beta version first before being launched in public.
6. Bitcoin Crosses Another Mark, Touches $ 12,000
Bitcoin, one of the fastest growing cryptocurrencies in the world, crossed the $ 12,000 mark for the first time early Wednesday morning. According to Reuters data, the digital currency rose by as much as 5.1% to reach $12,275, gaining over $ 500 since the day opened. Despite being down to $ 11, 769.02 on Tuesday, the valuation rose to over $ 14,000, according to data from CoinMarket App. Post the rise of Bitcoin, the valuation of cryptocurrency all over the world has reached up to $ 354 million.
7. Google Blocks YouTube On Amazon Devices In Bitter Feud
Technology giant, Google, has blocked video sharing site YouTube on all Amazon devices in a feud that escalated to unimaganable heights. According to reports, YouTube will also be blocked on Amazon Fire Stick and Echo Show starting in January. This is not the first time Google has done this. Earlier in September, Google blocked Amazon’s Echo Show, because Amazon reportedly created a broken user experience.
8. Top Indian Startups Are Leading The Job Postings
Top unicorn companies like Snapdeal, Paytm, ShopClues and Flipkart are on a hiring spree. Snapdeal in itself maked up for more than half the jobs posted by these startups. As per Indeed’s report, Snapdeal, ShopClues and Flipkart are expected to experience a boom in the business. While Snapdeal topped the chart with 53% job postings, Paytm came in a close second with 23%, followed by ShopClues at 11% and Flipkart at 4%. Zomato, Ola and InMobi are the other startups looking to hire freshers.
9. Little Internet And Nearby To Merge, Paytm Gets Majority Stake
Ecommerce platform Paytm announced acquisition of delivery and deals platform, Nearbuy and Little Internet. The online payments platform initially acquired 100 % equity in Little and gained complete shareholding through a share swap with Nearbuy. Along with Paytm, Sequoia India and the founders of Nearbuy Ankur Warikoo, Ravi Shankar and Snehesh Mitra have a minority stake in the merged firm.
10. Bitcoin On A Blazing Path, Soars Past $ 14,000 To Hit $ 15,000
Bitcoin surpasses records by hitting $ 15,000. However, despite the Wall Street accepting Bticoin as a valid currency, the Reserve Bank of India has issued warnings against using cryptocurrencies. All over the world, Bitcoin’s valuation in the market increased to $ 250 million according to data from CoinMarketCap. All over the world, Bitcoin’s more than 10 fold upsurge this year also led to warnings of a bubble.
11. PhonePe Processes 1 Million Daily Transactions In November
Flipkart owned UPI based app, PhonePe, recorded over 1 million transactions on a daily basis valued over $ 15.4 million, as of reports in November. PhonePe also introduced new categories like Credit Card Bill Payments and Gift Cards in its mobile application. According to sources, there were 105 million UPI transactions in November, with Rs. 9,679 crores being transacted.
12. Alibaba Buys 40% Stake In BigBasket For $ 300 Million
China based ecommerce website, Alibaba, is all set to enter India’s grocery retail industry by acquiring 40% stake in the homegrown hyperlocal delivery startup, BigBasket. As per the deal, Alibaba is going to invest $ 200 million in the first round and will also buy shares worth of $ 80 million from existing investors. Alibaba and Paytm have been interested in getting into the Indian grocery ecommerce market for a while and for this reason, Paytm has also started due diligence on BigBasket accounts.
13. WhatsApp Business Stand Alone App Coming Soon
WhatsApp, the widely recognised texting, calling and video calling service, is all set to launch a stand alone business app. All verified business owners will get a green checkmark badge on their profile, thereby giving users direct access to people they conduct business with. At the moment, the service is being tested by a group of private businesses. One of the major difference between regular WhatsApp and the Business WhatsApp is that the WhatsApp Business app will have a B inside the green WhatsApp icon.
14. The/Nudge Foundation Receives Grant Worth Of $ 250,000
The Nudge/Foundation, backed by the Rockefeller Foundation in New York, received a grant worth $ 250,000. Currently, the Foundation is based only in Karnataka and with this grant, the Foundation has designs on extending its reach to different parts of the country. Through two different arms, the Foundation works at educating underprivileged children and aims at decreasing the poverty levels in different parts of India as well.
15. Shazam To Be Acquired By Apple
Music, movies and TV shows identifier app, Shazam, is going to be acquired by Apple. Currently, Shazam is at a low valuation as it stands with tough competition. With technology progressing at exponential rates, it has become easier for people to replicate this app. The music discovery platform will be valued at $ 400 million for this acquisition deal. Through this merger, Apple stands to gain Shazam’s augmented and unique recognition technology which will help the tech giant boost it’s own Apple Music.
That’s all for this week! Subscribe to our portal to never miss updates from the startup world! If your startup has an exciting announcement coming up, you can even write to us at [email protected]. Catch up with the highlights of the week with our The News This Week section.
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Latest News
Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal Launches New Health Tech Venture ‘Continue’ for Wellness Tracking!
Published
1 hour agoon
October 22, 2024Deepinder Goyal, co-founder and CEO of Zomato, has entered the health tech space with a new venture called Continue, focusing on wellness tracking and mental health. According to a report by Moneycontrol, the startup, still in stealth mode, aims to become “The Ultimate Health Tracker,” though detailed information is yet to be disclosed.
Background of Continue
Continue was incorporated in April 2023 under the name Upslope Advisors Pvt Ltd. Filings with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs list Goyal as the Director, with two Zomato employees—Akriti Mehta and Simrandeep Singh—serving as Additional Directors. This new venture reflects Goyal’s deepening interest in promoting longevity and human wellness, particularly through mental health solutions.
Vision and Features
While the platform’s exact features remain under wraps, it is expected to offer tools for:
- Nutrition Tracking: Helping users monitor their dietary habits and nutritional intake.
- Sleep Monitoring: Providing insights into sleep patterns and quality.
- Preventive Healthcare: Encouraging proactive health measures to prevent illness.
There are indications that Continue may evolve into a comprehensive wellness platform addressing both mental and physical health needs.
Goyal’s Previous Involvement in Health Tech
Goyal’s interest in health tech is not new. He has previously invested in Ultrahuman, a wearable tech startup that enables users to monitor key health metrics such as sleep and heart rate. His personal fitness journey aligns with his growing involvement in wellness—Goyal has publicly shared that he lost 15 kilograms over the past four years by prioritizing his health alongside professional commitments.
Investment Background
Goyal first invested in Ultrahuman in 2021, increasing his stake over time. He is recognized as one of the most prominent angel investors in the company, holding more than 8% of its shares. Ultrahuman offers products like the Ultrahuman Ring, which tracks various health metrics, reinforcing Goyal’s commitment to integrating technology with personal wellness.
Clarification on Zomato’s Focus
Despite Goyal’s focus on Continue, Zomato clarified that this new venture is his personal project and unrelated to the company’s core operations. Zomato will remain focused on its four key business segments:
- Food Delivery
- Blinkit (grocery delivery)
- Hyperpure (restaurant supplies)
- Events Management
This distinction emphasizes that while Goyal is exploring new opportunities in health tech, Zomato’s primary business activities will not be affected.
Potential Impact of Continue
With Continue, Goyal is poised to make a significant mark in the health tech space, building on his expertise and passion for wellness. The venture could play a crucial role in addressing growing concerns about mental health and overall well-being, especially as more individuals seek holistic solutions for their health needs.
Market Context
The launch of Continue comes at a time when there is increasing consumer interest in health tracking technologies. According to recent reports, India’s digital healthcare industry is expected to grow tenfold from $2.7 billion in 2022 to $37 billion by 2030. This growth indicates a robust market opportunity for ventures like Continue that aim to integrate wellness into everyday life.
Conclusion
Deepinder Goyal’s launch of Continue signifies an exciting development in the intersection of technology and health. As he leverages his experience from Zomato and his personal journey toward better health, Continue has the potential to become a vital player in the wellness sector.
By focusing on innovative solutions for nutrition, sleep, and preventive care, Goyal aims to contribute significantly to improving individual well-being while fostering a culture of health consciousness among users. As details about Continue emerge, it will be interesting to see how this venture shapes the future of health tech in India.
Latest News
Eutelsat Launches First Satellites with SpaceX Following Merger with OneWeb!
Published
3 hours agoon
October 22, 2024Satellite operator Eutelsat successfully launched 20 satellites for its communications network on Sunday, October 20, marking the company’s first deployment since its merger with Britain’s OneWeb in September 2023. The launch utilized a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, which lifted off from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base at 5:13 GMT.
Background of the Merger
As the world’s third-largest satellite operator by revenue, Paris-based Eutelsat now oversees more than 600 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, supporting a wide range of broadcasters, telecom providers, and radio stations. The merger with OneWeb was completed after gaining approval from Eutelsat’s shareholders in September 2023, creating a powerful entity capable of offering integrated geostationary (GEO) and LEO satellite services.
Statements from Leadership
“This is the first OneWeb satellite launch since our merger, and we plan to launch more over the next few years,” said Eva Berneke, CEO of Eutelsat. “We aim to integrate further into the telecom ecosystem. While satellites represent a smaller niche, they play a vital role in the broader connectivity landscape where telcos dominate.”
Strategic Market Expansion and India Focus
With a $4 billion order backlog, Eutelsat is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging markets like India and Saudi Arabia. India’s satellite services market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 36%, reaching $1.9 billion by 2030. However, regulatory delays have hindered international players, including Eutelsat and Elon Musk’s Starlink, from entering the Indian market.
“We have orders awaiting clearance in India,” Berneke noted. “Once the market opens, we’ll begin construction immediately.”
Potential Challenges
The regulatory landscape in India poses challenges for foreign companies looking to establish a foothold. The Indian government has strict guidelines regarding satellite operations, which can delay entry for companies like Eutelsat.
In-Flight Connectivity Plans
Eutelsat is also exploring new partnerships with aviation companies to offer in-flight connectivity, including onboard internet services. The company anticipates that these initiatives, along with market expansions, will contribute to revenue growth starting next year.
Importance of In-Flight Connectivity
The demand for reliable in-flight internet services has surged as airlines and passengers increasingly expect connectivity during flights. By tapping into this market, Eutelsat aims to diversify its revenue streams and enhance its service offerings.
Conclusion
This successful satellite launch represents a significant milestone for Eutelsat as it strengthens its position in the rapidly evolving global satellite communications market. The merger with OneWeb not only enhances Eutelsat’s capabilities but also positions it strategically to meet growing demands for connectivity across various sectors.
As Eutelsat navigates regulatory challenges and expands its service offerings, it will be crucial for the company to leverage its combined resources effectively. The focus on emerging markets and new technologies could pave the way for substantial growth in the coming years, making Eutelsat a key player in the future of satellite communications.
Latest News
Elon Musk’s X Redefines Account Blocking: What It Means for Users!
Published
23 hours agoon
October 21, 2024Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is set to redefine the meaning of blocking accounts, sparking discussions among its billions of users. In a notable shift, blocked accounts will now have the ability to view the posts of the users who blocked them, although they will still be unable to interact with those posts.
Changes to the Blocking Feature
This change is currently being communicated to users through a message appearing on their feeds, stating:
“If your posts are set to public, accounts you have blocked will be able to view them, but they will not be able to engage.”
The transformation stems from Musk’s earlier comments expressing his desire to eliminate the traditional blocking mechanism in favor of a more nuanced approach, akin to muting accounts. Historically, blocking someone on Twitter (now X) meant that users could not see each other’s profiles or posts. However, the new policy allows blocked accounts to access the content of the users who have barred them, fundamentally altering the function of the blocking feature.
Rationale Behind the Change
Musk has long criticized the concept of blocking as a hindrance to open dialogue and information flow on the platform. He believes that allowing blocked users to view public content promotes transparency and accountability. The engineering team at X has stated that this move aims to create an environment where users can be aware of discussions happening around them, even from those who have blocked them.
User Reactions and Backlash
This development has not been well-received by many users, who are frustrated with the idea of blocked accounts being able to view their public posts. Critics question the rationale behind this change and express concerns about the implications for privacy and user experience.
Public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. Many users have taken to the platform to criticize the engineering team and Musk for the decision. Some comments include:
- “That’s not blocking. It’s supporting stalking,” one comment with over thirty thousand likes stated.
- “So now the Block feature is essentially useless. X keeps bringing its best ideas. I hope this violates the terms of service for the App Store,” another user remarked.
Safety Concerns
Critics also express concerns about potential misuse of the new policy. Users worry that it may embolden stalkers and harassers, allowing them to continue monitoring their targets even after being blocked. Intelligence and defense experts have voiced apprehensions about how this policy could compromise personal safety and create new risks for vulnerable users.
Broader Context of Changes on X
Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, X has undergone significant transformations, with a clear emphasis on monetization through features like post editing and paid verification badges. These shifts, coupled with changes like the new blocking policy, have led to a decrease in advertising interest, raising concerns about the long-term viability of businesses on the platform as user dissatisfaction continues to grow.
Competitive Landscape
As user dissatisfaction mounts, some individuals are exploring alternative platforms like Bluesky, which has seen a surge in sign-ups amid criticism of X’s policies. The ongoing changes reflect a broader trend in social media where user experience and safety are increasingly scrutinized.
Conclusion
The redefinition of account blocking on Elon Musk’s X marks a significant shift in how users interact with one another on social media. While Musk’s vision aims at promoting transparency and open dialogue, it raises critical questions about privacy and safety for users.
As this new policy rolls out, it remains crucial for X to address user concerns effectively while balancing its goals for innovation and engagement. The outcome will likely shape not only user experience on X but also influence broader discussions about accountability and safety in social media platforms moving forward.
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