Google’s next internet-connected home device will test whether consumers trust the company enough to let it snoop on their sleep. New sleep-sensing technology will be a key feature on Google’s latest version of its Nest Hub, a 7-inch smart screen unveiled Tuesday. Like the previous generation, the $100 Nest Hub can display pictures and video […]
Tech
Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten sold on Monday 13 percent of its shares, worth $2.2 billion, to several new investors, as the company attempts to strengthen its balance sheet, while rolling out a more aggressive mobile strategy. The new investors into Rakuten are Japan Post – the country’s largest insurer and bank by deposit, as well […]
Facebook announced Monday plans to assist in informing the public about COVID-19 vaccine options, vaccinations sites, and related information, using a vaccine finder tool and other features. “We’re launching a global campaign to help bring 50 million people a step closer to getting COVID-19 vaccines,” said Mark Zuckerberg, company founder and CEO, in a press […]
A U.S. federal judge rolled back on a Department of Defense ban on investments in Chinese budget smartphone maker Xiaomi, citing insufficient evidence that the company posed a national security threat. On Friday, U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said that the court had found the Department of Defense (DoD) had “not made the case that […]
Oman has cut off access to the buzzy new audio chat app Clubhouse, the country’s telecommunications regulator confirmed Monday, setting off fears that authorities across the Persian Gulf may censor a rare forum for discussion of sensitive topics in the region. The Omani government has “forbidden the app because it was operating without the proper […]
While smoking has been a phenomenon for many centuries in human history, e-cigarettes are still in their nascent years, only being introduced in the later part of the 21st century. While its emergence was relatively low, and only used by chain smokers looking for a way out, the explosive rise of JUUL really propelled the […]
Six in ten Americans report that the COVID-19 pandemic year has permanently changed their spending and shopping habits, according to a new survey commissioned by shopping platform Slickdeals. The survey of 2,000 general population Americans examined pandemic shopping, spending, and saving trends and revealed that 2020 has forever affected how 60 percent of shoppers budget […]
Netflix is testing a way to crack down on password sharing. The popular streaming service has been using popups to ask some users to verify their account via email or text, or to “verify later.” “If you don’t live with the owner of this account, you need your own account to keep watching,” the screen […]
Clubhouse, the growing social media conglomerate that also encompasses a digital studio subsidiary, software division, and an worldwide network of professionally operated content and influencer houses, announced this week its new content Creator advisory panel—a first for the industry. The seven-member committee will be composed of professionals across various sectors, including peer influencers, Clubhouse executives […]
Chinese antitrust regulators are considering a record fine to slap on e-commerce titan Alibaba Group along with smaller fines against other leading technology companies in a bid to tame China’s sprawling tech industry, The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday citing people familiar with the matter. The regulator has already issued fines on Friday to […]