Tech Brew Ride Home
Tue. 05/05 – UK’s Contact Tracing App Won’t Work In the Background
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The WWDC 2020 will be a virtual event free for all developers, expanding accessibility beyond traditional lottery systems.
- The UK NHS contact tracing app is struggling due to its reliance on constant user engagement and privacy conflicts with Apple and Google's decentralized model.
- Uber's potential investment in Lime reveals the ongoing challenges in the micro-mobility sector exacerbated by the pandemic.
- Microsoft is adjusting its Windows strategy to focus on single-screen devices due to changes in user behavior and increased remote work.
- Sensor Tower's funding success underscores the heightened demand for mobile app market insights as businesses navigate through the pandemic.
Summary
WWDC Announcement
Apple has announced the dates for the virtual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), set to begin on June 22nd. This year's format will be free and accessible for everyone via the Apple Developer app and the website, allowing for broader participation without the traditional lottery system for slots. There will be particular interest in how Apple manages demos given the ongoing social distancing requirements.
UK's NHS Contact Tracing App Challenges
The podcast delves into the problems facing the UK's National Health Service (NHS) contact tracing app, which has not adopted the decentralized model from Google and Apple. Currently, the app only functions effectively when active and requires users to keep their phones awake, limiting its usability. It also raises privacy concerns as it collects more identifiable data than allowed in decentralized systems. In contrast, the Google/Apple system emphasizes privacy without location data collection.
Uber and Lime Investment Discussions
Uber is in talks to lead a $170 million investment in eScooter startup Lime, demonstrating the ongoing need for cash amid the COVID-19 pandemic. If the deal goes through, Uber plans to sell its bike and scooter division, Jump, to Lime. This move could save Uber significantly in operational costs while positioning Lime for recovery post-crisis.
Microsoft's Shift in Windows Strategy
Microsoft has noted a surge in Windows 10 usage, likely reflective of remote work trends induced by the pandemic. They will pivot Windows 10X from a dual-screen to a single-screen focus, adapting to current user needs. While a launch date remains unspecified, the company is preparing for a broader rollout that aligns with changing market demands.
Sensor Tower's Successful Funding Round
The mobile app market research company Sensor Tower has raised $45 million in a new funding round, building on its profitable status since inception. This successful raise highlights the continuing demand for market analysis within the app economy, particularly during a time when mobile app trends are crucial for businesses.
Sponsors
- Acorns · Acorns makes it easy to start automatically saving and investing so your money has a chance to grow for you, your kids, and your retirement. You don't need to be an expert; Acorns will recommend a diversified portfolio that fits you and your money goals.
- Robinhood Gold · With Robinhood Gold, you can now enjoy the VIP treatment, receiving a 3% IRA match on retirement contributions. The privileges of the very privileged are no longer exclusive.
- Tibco · Tibco is a software company providing innovative solutions for tech integration and analysis, particularly in helping businesses thrive through real-time data and insights.
- DoubleUp · DoubleUp is an agency that specializes in helping brands increase their profitability with advanced marketing strategies and analytics.
Show notes
The virtual WWDC begins June 22! The UK hasn’t played by Google and Apple’s rules and it seems like their contact tracing app is failing because of that. And yet, are Google and Apple making decisions above their station? Uber might be bailing out Lime. Microsoft is reconsidering its Windows X strategy. And Sensor Tower is the interesting raise of the day.
Sponsors:
Tibco.com/ride
DoubleUp.agency
Links:
Apple kicking off week of virtual WWDC on June 22, jackets and pins for Swift Challenge winners (9to5Mac)
UK finds itself almost alone with centralized virus contact-tracing app that probably won't work well, asks for your location, may be illegal (The Register)
The U.K.’s Coronavirus Contact Tracing App Is a Complete Mess (Vice)
Apple, Google ban use of location tracking in contact tracing apps (Reuters)
Uber in Talks to Lead $170 Million Lime Investment at Lower Valuation (The Information)
Confirmed: Intel is buying urban mobility platform Moovit in a $900M deal (TechCrunch)
Microsoft confirms Windows 10X is coming to laptops amid big jump in Windows usage (The Verge)
Facebook’s Oculus Is Developing a New Quest VR Headset (Bloomberg)
Google Meet starts rolling out in Gmail, continuing Google’s quest to unseat Zoom (The Verge)
Sensor Tower raises $45M as demand for app data grows (TechCrunch)
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