Thu. 06/24 – New Windows!

Jun 24, 2021 16m

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The new Windows is Windows 11. Google delays the Adpodcalypse. BuzzFeed finally to go public. Comcast is having issues with Peacock. Google and Jio’s cheap smartphone is announced. Is the biggest ever crypto crime story evolving right now in South Africa? And RIP John McAfee.

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Microsoft announces Windows 11, with a new design, Start menu, and more (The Verge)
Google delays Chrome's cookie-blocking privacy plan by nearly 2 years (Cnet)
BuzzFeed announces plans to go public via SPAC, targets $1.5 billion valuation (CNBC)
Inside Comcast’s Plan to Become a Streaming Giant (Wall Street Journal)
Google and India’s Jio Platforms announce budget Android smartphone JioPhone Next (Tech Crunch)
South African Brothers Vanish, and So Does $3.6 Billion in Bitcoin (Bloomberg)
John McAfee, Software Pioneer Turned Fugitive, Dies in Spanish Prison (New York Times)

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AI-Generated Summary

Microsoft Unveils Windows 11

Microsoft has officially announced Windows 11, marking a departure from the Windows 10 paradigm. The new operating system features a simplified user interface with a centered Start Menu that resembles previous designs seen in Windows 10X. Major highlights include the elimination of live tiles, introduction of Snap Layouts for multitasking and app organization, and a focus on performance improvements with smaller updates. Notably, Microsoft Teams will be directly integrated into the taskbar, signaling a strategic shift away from Skype. In a nod to gaming, features like Auto HDR and Direct Storage for faster load times will enhance the gaming experience within Windows 11.

Google Delays the Ad Apocalypse

In a significant privacy-related decision, Google announced a delay in the rollout of its plan to block third-party cookies from early 2022 to late 2023. This extension aims to allow time for better privacy-preserving technologies to be developed, balancing the needs of advertisers and website publishers. Google clarified concerns that hasty changes might push advertisers towards less transparent tracking methods, such as fingerprinting, which compromises user privacy. They emphasize that a thoughtful approach results in a more sustainable digital advertising ecosystem.

BuzzFeed Goes Public

BuzzFeed has revealed plans to go public through a merger with a SPAC, aiming for a valuation of $1.5 billion. This comes alongside an acquisition of Complex Networks for $300 million, alongside BuzzFeed's earlier acquisition of HuffPost. With $321 million in revenue reported for 2020 and projections suggesting $654 million in 2022, BuzzFeed is positioning itself to thrive amidst media consolidations.

Comcast's Streaming Challenges

Recent reports indicate that Comcast's streaming service, Peacock, has fewer than 10 million paid subscribers, prompting speculation about potential mergers with Viacom CBS or an acquisition of Roku. Comcast CEO Brian Roberts is exploring options to bolster Peacock's competitive edge against leaders like Netflix and Disney+, focusing on aggressive content spending and new smart TV partnerships to incorporate more streaming apps and deliver a better user experience.

Launch of JioPhone Next

Google and India’s Jio Platforms introduced the JioPhone Next, a budget-friendly smartphone aiming to capture India's underserved economy. Scheduled to launch on September 10, it’s designed to be affordable while delivering essential features such as AI-powered read-aloud and translation capabilities. While specific pricing and hardware details remain limited, the JioPhone Next seeks to fill the gap for consumers in search of smartphones costing under $100.

Major Crypto Heist in South Africa

In a shocking development, two South African brothers linked to AfroCrypt reportedly vanished after informing clients about a hack involving 69,000 bitcoins worth over $3.6 billion. Their abrupt disappearance is deemed the largest recorded loss in a cryptocurrency scam to date. The investigation into the incident raised suspicions among investors due to prior lack of access to backend accounts and requests to refrain from legal actions.

John McAfee Found Dead

John McAfee, the notorious antivirus pioneer, was found dead in a Spanish jail cell, allegedly by suicide. His death occurred shortly after an extradition ruling tied to charges of tax evasion in the U.S. McAfee had lived a turbulent life, marked by eccentric behavior and legal troubles that led to his arrest in Spain after a chaotic period of living as a fugitive.