1. Tables Have Turned for US Tech Giants
It is a known fact that the US is one of the leading innovators in the tech industry, but as true as this once was, there is a major contender on our heels—China. Their apps were once thought to emulate what the US produced; they have their versions of Google, eBay, and Facebook in apps like Baidu, Taobao, and Renren. However, it seems like China is making a comeback and pushing harder to be a top creator, leaving the US trailing behind. Here are a few ways in which the US was left to play catch up:
- Facebook looks to China’s WeChat app to integrate the messaging app for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. They want to focus on a transition toward a “privacy-focused communications platform.”
- WhatsApp is focused on creating a payment option just as WeChat has successfully integrated into their platform.
- Google takes inspiration from WeChat’s “mini-apps,” that allows users to use the apps within Google rather than having to make separate downloads.
Even the all-powerful empire Amazon embraces Amazon Live after Chinese companies Alibaba and Taobao come out with a similar feature.
(Source: Gartner L2)
2. Amazon’s Push for Drone Deliveries
At a conference in Las Vegas, Amazon executive Jeff Wilke revealed their plans to have drones deliver packages within the month. Although Mr. Wilke did not announce where the drones are set to deliver, he said the drones will be able to travel about 15 miles and carry up to 5 lbs. Unfortunately, this is not the first time they’ve made this announcement. Amazon has been accused of announcing the use of drones several times to push people to subscribe to their Amazon Prime service, but this time it seems like the real deal. They say that they have spent this time perfecting the drone’s situational awareness. It has six rotors and uses a combination of visual, thermal, and ultrasonic sensors to “see” where it is going on its delivery path. This state-of-the-art technology has already been tested in the UK which suggests great progress and a promising future for Amazon.
(Source: BBC News)
3. Apple Preserves iPhone Batteries
In a new software update in iOS 13, Apple looks into improving and elongating the iPhone battery life. They have programmed the phone to learn your charging patterns and keep the phone at an 80% charge until you unplug it for use. Staying at 80% will decrease the stress on the battery, leading to a longer life for the phone. This update comes because most people do overnight charging, however, this feature is only an option. For those who have unpredictable charging habits, this feature can be turned off and you can charge your phone just as you normally would. Thinking about buying a new iPhone now? While this feature seems great, Apple warns against going out to buy a new phone right after the update. There is no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a new phone rather than $80 on a simple battery replacement.
(Source: Business Insider)
