Here are the 5 most interesting news from the world of technology…..Check it out
1
Uber’s experimentation with self-driving car has almost ended
Uber has decided to sell its self-driving car unit, Uber ATG, to Amazon and Sequoia-backed startup in an apparently complex deal. Aurora is not paying any upfront cash as the deal has paved way for a merger wherein Uber will invest $400 Mn to take a 26% stake in the combined entity. Although the deal does give Uber a sizable presence in the nascent self-driving market, but it does mark the end of the ride-hailing giant’s bold ambition to become a dominant player in the self-driving market. Industry experts have always argued that Uber’s experimentation with self-driving cars was proving to be too costly and over-indulgent for the cash strapped company.
2
Airbnb increases its IPO price range as it braces for stock market debut
Airbnb has decided to increase its price IPO range, with now its shares slated to sell between $56 -$60 apiece. The home rental major had initially settled for a price range between $44 -$50. The increase in IPO price range clearly indicates that investors are clearly buoyed over the company’s public listing. This is a stunning recovery for the home rental major that had seen its business severely impacted due to COVID-19 Pandemic. The company is planning to raise nearly $3,09 Bn through this public listing.
3
Google Assistant-enabled Smart Speakers to now support Apple Music
Google has announced that all its Google Assistant-enabled smart speakers will now support Apple Music. This means that all Google flagship speaker devices including Nest Audio, Nest Hub Max, Nest Mini will now be able to play Apple Music songs, playlists and albums. This update was long overdue as almost all leading speaker devices including Amazon Echo was already supporting Apple Music.
4
Cisco acquires Cloud Communication Company IMI Mobile for $730 Mn
Cisco has made one of its biggest acquisitions of 2020 by acquiring London based cloud communication company IMI Mobile for whopping $730 Mn. The latest acquisition seems to be an effort by CISCO to ramp up its customer management services. IMI Mobile helps enterprises and companies to constantly stay connected with their customers via cloud communication channels.
5
Chinese Smartphone makers are shrugging Chinese connection to sustain in the Indian market
There was a time when Chinese smartphone brands proudly boosted the’ made in China’ logos on their phones in the Indian market. But with anti-Chinese sentiments refusing to abate, these brands are now trying their best to refrain from boosting their Chinese connections. In this quest, Xiaomi has taken an unprecedented step by marketing itself as an Indian brand rather than a Chinese brand. To know more click here.