Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of WiR, a digest of the latest tech news from around the world. As we kick off our weekend, I’m reminded that winter has finally arrived in New York City – a rare treat thanks to our changing climate.
The Promise of Headsets: A Glimpse into the Future
As the Apple Vision Pro prepares for its imminent launch, one of its promises is to transport us away from the stresses of everyday life and into more optimistic realities. At least, that’s what Brian thought after getting his hands on it this week.
But before we dive into the news, a quick reminder: if you haven’t already, sign up to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday.
News Digest
NASA and Lockheed Martin Unveil X-59 Supersonic Jet
In a significant development for both military and civilian air travel, NASA and Lockheed Martin have unveiled the X-59, a "quiet supersonic" jet that could revolutionize the industry. Devin writes:
"The X-59 is an aircraft designed to fly at supersonic speeds without generating the sonic booms that can shatter windows and rattle nerves. It’s a game-changer for the aviation industry, and we’re excited to see it take flight."
Byju’s Valuation Cut by BlackRock
Byju’s, the Indian startup, has seen its valuation cut by BlackRock from $22 billion in early 2022 to around $1 billion. The move is a significant blow to the company, which has been struggling to maintain its growth momentum.
Read more about Byju’s valuation here
Notion Launches Standalone Calendar App
Notion, the popular note-taking and project management service, has launched a standalone calendar app. Frederic writes:
"Notion’s new calendar app is designed to help users manage their schedules and appointments in one place. With this launch, Notion continues to expand its offerings beyond traditional productivity tools."
Read more about Notion’s new calendar app here
Samsung Unveils Galaxy S24 with AI-Powered Features
Samsung has unveiled its latest flagship phones, the Galaxy S24 series, which come equipped with various AI-powered features. The company promises improved performance and battery life.
Read more about the Galaxy S24 here
Google Announces Further Layoffs
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has sent a memo to staff warning that further layoffs are expected this year. This comes after the company laid off over 1,000 workers across multiple divisions last week and cut 100 jobs at YouTube.
Read more about Google’s layoffs here
Analysis
CES Chases Off Sex Tech Industry
This year’s CES conference has seen a significant decline in sex tech exhibitors, with many citing the stigma associated with their industry as a major factor. Haje writes:
"CES has long been an uneasy platform for sex tech companies, but this year it seems they’ve finally been chased off. Whether this is for better or worse remains to be seen."
Read more about CES and sex tech here
Startups Are the Lifeblood of Tech
As we continue to navigate the ever-changing tech landscape, startups remain a vital source of innovation and growth.
Learn more about the importance of startups in the tech industry here
TechCrunch Newsletters
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from around the world by subscribing to our newsletters. Choose from:
- TechCrunch Daily News: Get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage delivered every weekday and Sunday.
- TechCrunch AI: Stay ahead in the fast-moving field of artificial intelligence with our expert insights.
- Startups Weekly: Follow the latest developments in startups with our weekly newsletter.
Subscribe Now
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. Don’t miss out on the latest news – subscribe now!
Related News
- YouTuber LegalEagle Sues PayPal Over ‘Sleeping Leech’ Honey Extension
- Bad News for Adrian Dittman/Elon Musk Truthers
Stay informed about the latest developments in tech with TechCrunch’s expert coverage. Follow us on social media to stay up-to-date: @TechCrunch.
This concludes this week’s edition of WiR. Thank you for reading, and we look forward to bringing you more news next time!
