Here are today’s top trending news from the world of technology. News that we feel every business-tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Microsoft Edge will soon launch a free built-in VPN
In a desperate attempt to beat its arch rival Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge is now planning to launch a new feature for its users – a free built-in VPN. Like all other VPNs, Microsoft Edge’s VPN will help in masking your location and accessing services that might otherwise be blocked in your country. More importantly, Microsoft claims that this tool will encrypt your internet connection. This means that your data will be protected from your internet service provider. However, this soon-to-be-lunched feature will be limited to only 1GB of data usage. In terms of market share, Edge continues to lag way behind Google Chrome, which is the undisputed market leader in the global browsing market.
2)
Wikipedia to stop accepting crypto donation on environmental concerns
Wikimedia, the non-profit NGO that runs popular information platform Wikipedia, has overturned its earlier decision to accept cryptocurrency donations. Now henceforth Wikipedia supporters or netizens cannot make any donations using virtual currencies. The latest decision came after the majority of Wikimedia’s users voted against the use of cryptos for making donations. The users cited that crypto mining uses tremendous amount of computing power, adversely impacting the environment. Wikimedia had started accepting cryptocurrency donations in 2014, accepting popular virtual currencies like bitcoin, bitcoin cash and ether via BitPay.
3)
Nearly-Half of Elon Musk Twitter followers may be fake
Elon Musk proudly said that one of his top priorities after acquiring Twitter for $44Bn is to crack down on the so- called fake or spammy accounts. If Musk is even remotely serious about dealing with this problem then he will have to start with his account first. That’s because half of Musk’s own followers may be fake. This is according to Twitter auditing tool SparkToro. However, this fact has not been independently confirmed yet. Musk has nearly 80 Mn Twitter followers, making him one of the most popular personalities on the microblogging platform.
4)
Softbank backed FirstCry is planning a $1Bn IPO
Softbank & Azim Premji backed Firstcry, an online marketplace for infant products, is inching towards public listing. According to Economic Times, the Pune based company has already converted itself into public company and will file its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with SEBI next week. The company is likely to raise $1 Bn through this IPO and is seeking a valuation of $7Bn. According to reports, majority of the funds raised through this IPO will be used for giving exit to existing investors.
5)
Coinbase hires former ‘Snap India Head’ for pushing growth in emerging markets
Coinbase, which launched its services in India barely a few weeks back, has hired a former Snap India Head Durgesh Kaushik. According to TechCrunch, Kaushik has been assigned with the responsibility of pushing for Coinbase’s growth in emerging markets like India, Asia Pacific, Middle-East and Africa. Notably, Coinbase was recently in the news after its plan to launch crypto trading on the UPI platform was stalled by NPCI.