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Athulya

Being a cinephile with a love for all things outdoorsy, Athulya never misses a chance to chase inspiring stories or poke fun at things, even when the subject is herself. Currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, she is someone innately interested in technical and scientific research. Music reviews and op-eds define her as they allow her to explore different perspectives. Though sometimes she thinks she makes more sense playing the guitar than she does while writing.

tiktok

TikTok Strikes Back by Suing the Trump Administration for Ban

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The COVID-19 situation has led to several political and economic issues with certain nations beginning a trade war with China. The US has been very vocal with its displeasure regarding Chinese handling of the health pandemic. This has led to the souring of the economic and political relationship between the two nations. As a result, President Donald Trump stated that certain Chinese products and services would now not be available in the US. Furthermore, the American government has banned Chinese manufacturers from making excessive use of American technology. The most shocking of these moves was the one to ban TikTok in the US. However, reports state that TikTok has sued the Trump Administration for the same. Here’s a look at how the situation played out and what it could mean for the viral video platform.

TikTok Strikes Back

Reports state that the viral video-sharing platform filed a lawsuit on Monday against the executive order brought out by Trump. The lawsuit says that the order does not have enough evidence to deploy such strong measures against the use of the app. The company also states that the imminent ban on the app from September 20th violated its right to function within the US. TikTok has been facing scrutiny from around the world due to its ownership by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company. The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court of California, and lashes back at the executive order that came out on August 6th. It further claims that the executive order did not follow the due procedure or prove that the app was a threat to American security. 

Politics, Not Science

TikTok is an immensely popular video sharing platform that boasts of over 100 million users in America. The lawsuit filed by them claims that the company did not get an opportunity to put across their point. Furthermore, the lawsuit states that concerns regarding national security did not have any merit as there is no data to back these claims. The complaint also says that the order holds no value as it is a political stunt rather than an action taken due to fear for national security. The company also wrote that IT experts had rejected the order stating that it was more of a political tool rather than one backed by actual scientific data.

Executive Order by Trump

President Trump’s executive order, if it does come into effect will lead to a ban on American companies to engage or be a part of transactions with ByteDance, the company that owns TikTok. The order said that the data collected by TikTok from American users would help the Chinese Communist Party gain insights into personal details of American citizens. It also blamed the Party for snooping on US citizens, making the application a threat to national security, unless it changes ownership to an American company. 

Similar Views in India

The executive order came right after India banned TikTok in June, along with another 58 Chinese applications. India too had cited national integrity and security as reasons for banning the application. However, TikTok has vehemently denied both these claims and says that it has no ties with the Chinese government. Furthermore, TikTok also refuted claims that it always censored content that was critical of the Chinese system or government. However, CIA analysts reported to the White House that the Chinese Intelligence services could exploit the data that TikTok possesses.

Global Interest

TikTok had also put out a blog earlier this month wherein it called Trump’s order a political move that undermines global companies, and their trust in the US. However, as a result of these events, tech giant Microsoft had expressed an interest to purchase TikTok’s American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand divisions. But the deal by Microsoft requires the acquisition to happen before September 15th, which is the date the order comes into effect. 

The Wall Street Journal also reported that Twitter was in talks to acquire the video platform, but that chances of the deal happening were low. While Apple denied having any interest, Alphabet, which owns Google too had expressed an early interest. However, as of now, there is no confirmation or signs that any of these talks have gotten very far. Also, the filing of this lawsuit shows that TikTok wants to preserve its identity, rather than selling out to an American company. It will be interesting to see whether the American courts take the lawsuit seriously, owing to how the order comes directly from the President.

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Zoom Branching into Google Nest, Facebook Portal Displays and Amazon Echo

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The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to the massive exodus to remote working in our history. Due to the travel bans and lockdowns, a good portion of the world’s white-collar workforce is now working from home. As a result, internet services, remote working services, and video calling applications have been witnessing exponential rises in user strength. That is why, in the last few months, several companies have branched into or improved their video-calling and remote-working enabling technologies. Zoom has been a significant player in the field of remote communication, and they are now working towards expanding their current line-up. Here’s a look at how Zoom will be improving accessibility by making their service compatible with new devices.

Zoom’s Expansion

Zoom has released plans that will see it expanding to several new devices before the end of this year. Recent announcements state that the company will be making its services available through Facebook Portal, Amazon Echo, and even Google Nest Hub Max. The move is a significant expansion plan for the video conferencing conglomerate that has been having a successful year so far. Furthermore, the company also has plans to branch out into their unique line of video conferencing hardware solutions. These devices which will feature advanced directional microphones, smart displays, and built-in high-quality touchscreens, will provide users with a great video conferencing experience.

Zoom Entering Hardware Space

Zoom’s announcement that it will launch a new touchscreen device shocked several experts around the world. The device, titled Zoom For Home — DTEN ME, will start shipping in August and will cost $599. This 27-inch smart display touchscreen device will feature three webcams and eight built-in state-of-the-art noise-reducing microphones. The device also comes preloaded with the Zoom app, and the company is launching this project in collaboration with DTEN. DTEN will handle the hardware part of the device, being a San Jose-headquartered company that deals in videoconferencing technology manufacturing.

The device has a simple and intuitive interface, featuring contact displays, meeting dashboards, and whiteboards. Though experts feel that $599 might be steep for such a device, the company explained that the system made it easier for people to work remotely. They will no longer have to install the app or configure it on their various devices if they use the DTEN.

Integration with Big Players

Zoom’s integration with Amazon, Facebook, and Google will prove to be an important strategic decision for the future. It will also bring forth massive changes for these tech giants. Prior to this, these companies have exclusively stuck to their own unique in-house chatting services. While Google relied on Google Meet, Facebook users made use of Facebook Messenger for video conferencing. Reports state that the Portal will be the first third-party service to avail of Zoom, and the initial roll-out phase will happen in September.

Facebook Takes the Lead

However, all three companies will be implementing this integration in different ways. Facebook will add the Zoom App, along with a bunch of new services, including Webex, BlueJeans, and GoToMeeting. Furthermore, the application will use the smart camera provided and powered by Facebook to keep users in the frame, the same way Messenger and Whatsapp work. Zoom will be available on the Portal +, Portal Mini, and Portal devices, with Portal TV coming into the fold shortly.

Also, the social media giant will make Portal less reliant on Facebook accounts. The addition of a Workplace account for the Portal will help users log in without having to use their Facebook or Whatsapp accounts. Facebook states that the inclusion of such a Work account will become available in the weeks to come.

Google and Amazon to Follow

Meanwhile, Google will rely on Calendar and Assistant to pull and add Zoom meetings for its users. Furthermore, the tech giant will also allow users to start sessions using voice commands through its Assist feature. However, since the Nest Hub can link only to a single account, users may find it challenging to juggle meetings and personal video calls through Zoom.

Amazon will be taking a similar approach with Alexa, allowing Echo Show systems to sync with the calendar and Virtual Assistant. Doing so will enable the system to automatically join meetings without users having to input IDs and passwords. The system will also support all Alexa voice commands, with the rollout beginning later this year with the Echo Show 8.

It will be interesting to see how this cross-over pans out for everyone involved. With the roll-out becoming functional from September, we might be able to see this move impact sale of Zoom’s hardware devices. As per Zoom CPO Oded Gal, this move will make it easier than ever before for people to use video communication effectively in both their professional and personal lives.

Huawei

US Commerce Department Further Tightens Grip On Huawei’s Access to Chips

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The COVID-19 situation has become much more than a health pandemic, having had an impact on international relations as well. Ever since the crisis came to light, several countries have grown cold towards China, with the US topping that list. Over the past few months, President Donald Trump has been waging a trade war with China, causing problems for many Chinese firms. Recently, he has put in motion steps to stop TikTok from functioning in America as well.  Additionally, the US Department of Commerce released statements today, placing further restrictions on Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei. Read on to find out more about the restrictions placed and the impact they will have on the smartphone market.

US Commerce Department Further Tightens Grip On Huawei’s Access to Chips

USDC Restrictions

 As per new reports, the United States Department of Commerce issued updates to their list of rules this morning aiming to place further restrictions on Huawei. With these new laws in place, Huawei will find it difficult to source US-based technology. The new restrictions follow the same principle set by laws released in May. Since the starting of the ongoing health crisis, the US and China have been engaged in a cold-war sort of state, exchanging a few bitter words along the way. The American President has been trying vehemently to cut China’s access to the US market, and the technology it develops. 

New Laws

The new rules come as an amendment to the statement of rules released in May. As per reports, the new laws will help block all the loopholes that the old ones had which Huawei was using to gain access to the American market. These additions will make the blocking of technology complete, going a long way in shutting off the Chinese manufacturer’s access to American by-products. The old rules allowed Huawei to engage in business relations with third-party chip manufacturers. However, the present set of amendments will make it even harder for the Chinese phone giant to use American technology-based chips. The Department is also not trying to hide their intentions of shutting Huawei’s access to semiconductors, and are being quite evident and open about the whole arrangement.

Political Statements

Wilbur Ross, who serves as the Commerce Secretary, stated that Huawei and other foreign companies are making use of advanced semiconductor technology developed in the US to help the Chinese Communist Party. In a statement in which he held nothing back, Ross made it clear that they will continue to restrict the access of Chinese firms as a means to protect national security and safeguard foreign policy objectives. Furthermore, Mike Pompeo, who serves as the American Secretary of State, also did not mince words. In his statement, he called Huawei, ‘an arm of the CCP surveillance state’. He also stated that the company continually evaded American rules, leading to the implementation of such regulations.

Pompeo continued that the US will no longer tolerate Chinese efforts to undermine the personal privacy of its citizens. Furthermore, he said the government is backing up all statements through heavy-handed actions, such as the Department of Justice indicting Huawei for fraud, conspiracy, and theft. Furthermore, the charges made by the Department of Justice also hold the Chinese manufacturer responsible for helping Iran evade their sanctions.

On the Backfoot

Huawei has not released statements of their own as of now. However, they have continued to deny all the charges placed against them. The company also stated that it had no ties to the Chinese government. These new rules are an addition to the ever-growing Entity List, which also includes 38 affiliates of the smartphone maker from 21 different countries. Earlier reports had stated that the US Government believes Huawei was evading earlier rules to continue with engagement with American firms. However, the new rule makes it explicitly clear that Huawei cannot use any American software or equipment without a prior license. 

Since the company was added to the Entity List in May of last year, the US had kept adding companies and affiliates, bringing the list to a total of 152 firms. With the Department also refusing to extend the license of Huawei devices, it isn’t likely anyone within the market will purchase these devices again. 

These US Commerce department’s restrictions led to Huawei cutting production on its flagship Kirin chipset, as per a report that came out on August 8. Since Huawei’s HiSilicon division relies heavily on American software, the ban will most likely have a tremendous impact on the smartphone manufacturer. All of these actions make it abundantly clear that US-China relations are at a tipping point. The association between these two superpowers have never been this bad in decades, with Washington continuing to push Chinese players out of American markets. Though Huawei denies that it spies for the Chinese government, it is clear that the company will have to do more to regain the trust of the foreign market.

Scribd+slideshare

Scribd Acquires SlideShare from LinkedIn in Surprise Move

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SlideShare has changed hands for the second time now, having bought out from LinkedIn at an undisclosed price. As per news reports, the presentation-sharing platform now has a new owner in the form of rival Scribd. LinkedIn has released an official statement saying that Scribd will officially take over operations from September 24th. Here’s a look at how the acquisition came to be, and what it means for the business.

Common Missions and Goals

Trip Adler, who serves as the CEO of Scribd, stated that both the companies share a lot of values and ideas, both having similar journeys and backgrounds. Both the presentation-sharing platforms started in 2006-2007, announcing their arrival through TechCrunch, and both the companies share similar roles and responsibilities. The CEO stated that the companies share a joint mission, both being involved with presentation and document sharing. The major difference being that while SlideShare focused on PowerPoint presentations, Scribd developed PDFs and Word Doc files. Also, while SlideShare marketed more towards the business users, Scribd was more concerned with the general consumers.

Trip Adler
Image source: Wikipedia

Differences Later On 

Over the years though the companies drifted apart naturally, as a result of mergers, acquisitions, and a general change in strategy. LinkedIn acquired SlideShare in 2012, and four years later joined with Microsoft through an acquisition. Meanwhile, Scribd branched out into a Netflix-style subscription model for both e-books and audiobooks. However, Adler reaffirmed that for Scribd, both the premium and user-generated sides were crucial. 

Opportunity Arises

Hence, when both Microsoft and LinkedIn came to Scribd regarding an acquisition, Adler was very interested. He saw it as an opportunity to expand the company’s user base further. Scribd feels that having SlideShare on board will help them develop their document side, by integrating with their product, SlideShare’s vast content library. SlideShare, owing to its huge popularity, has over 40 million presentations on it and enjoys a user base of over 100 million unique visitors every month.

Adler believes that the acquisition will help Scribd leverage both SlideShare’s audience and content, helping Scribd grow exponentially. Furthermore, Adler also believes that Scribd can benefit from integrating SlideShare’s technology with its own. While Scribd will not be adding employees to its roster, it will not oversee the operations of the existing SlideShare team. Furthermore, SlideShare will continue as an independent service, and will not merge with Scribd to form one platform. He also hopes that the platform’s integration with LinkedIn too will remain as strong as it is now. Adler also made it clear that there will be no changes in the initial months, as decades’ worth of experience has given the team enough insight to know how to turn SlideShare genuinely successful.

LinkedIn’s Acquisition

LinkedIn took over the content and document sharing platform SlideShare in 2012, for $119 million split as both stock and cash. SlideShare is a massively popular document and presentation sharing website that even the likes of IBM use to curate their content. After the signing of the deal, the companies mentioned that their relationship was like that of Peanut Butter and Chocolate, as they were mutually complementary. The deal, worth slightly less than $119 million will be split 45% through cash and the remaining 55% through stock. Four years later, in December 2016, Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for a whopping $26.2 billion.

SlideShare’s Competitors

Some of SlideShare and Scribd’s most significant competitors include the following presentation sharing platforms.

  • SharePresentation is a high-quality web platform that supports the uploading and sharing of various kinds of presentations and documents. The platform offers a variety of functions and services that allow users to share information and improve their reach significantly.
  • Authorstream is another online document management and sharing platform that allows users to share their work with the world. It supports various multi-functional features, has an intuitive interface that is simple and easy to use.

VP of Engineering at LinkedIn, Chris Pruett released a statement highlighting the work that LinkedIn had done on the platform after acquiring it. LinkedIn took over SlideShare in 2012 to build its platform and make it more suitable for business professionals. The collaboration with SlideShare has helped the platform engage the community, and shape its content management and experience. As a new future awaits SlideShare, we will have to wait and see how Scribd develops and takes the platform forward.

google

Google Revamps Its Android Auto Service with New Update

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Google is coming out with a new update for its Android Auto service for automobiles. The service allows cars to use several Google features, and smart functionalities, making the entire car system more efficient. The changes as per this update will include the reintroduction of the Google Calendar app. Such an upgrade will allow users to access information, including appointments, receive driving instructions, and even gain reminders regarding important dates. Here’s a look at what the update will bring back, and why this update was a long time coming.

Android
Image Source: Techcrunch.com

Update for Google Calendar on the Way

The inclusion of the Google Calendar came as a surprise to many as Google had removed the feature from Android Auto last year. After removing the app, Google replaced it with a button that readout appointments and other essential details. Such an addition increased the system’s dependence on Google Assistant as the screen did not display anything. However, with this new update, Google is adding several new shortcuts to the Calendar. For instance, users can now directly call a bakery or ask for directions to a bakery in case there is a birthday coming up in the future. Such useful, thoughtful and intuitive shortcuts will make life easier for users while driving. Just last year, Apple introduced such features in their CarPlay update, while rolling out the iOS version 13. 

Other Changes

Other than improving the smart features on the Calendar app, Google announced that it was working with other partners to create better applications for Android Auto. Some of the new categories they are working on include EV charging, parking, and navigation. However, the tech giant has remained mum regarding the distribution of those services and apps. But reports state that if the tests go well, Google will make the APIs public so that developers can build new apps for the software.

Long Time Coming

Ever since 2014, Google has been trying to get smart features from its phones into cars efficiently and seamlessly. Therefore, it was not a surprise that the tech giant has come out with a new update that aims to improve the user experience for drivers sincerely. Google announced that it was seeing strong momentum with regards to usage of Android Auto, and will keep developing software for the service. Google’s initial plans with Android Auto was to help users stay connected while traveling and on-the-go, helping them utilise smart features without taking attention away from the road. The feature is already a part of most cars, and the tech company is in the process of introducing it to 100 million more vehicles in the future. Several manufacturers, such as BMW, Kia, and GM have also voiced their support for wireless connectivity, making it evident that Google will continue developing the Android Auto service.

Expanding Android Auto

The new partnership with other firms will result in the development of a variety of new applications. Google says the aim is to create useful functions and services that users can access with minimal taps. Reports state that the early access partners will make their services available to beta testers by the end of 2020. After additional testing, and collection of feedback, these APIs will go public, helping with faster development and distribution.

Some of the partnerships include ones with companies like SpotHero, Sygic, and ChargePoint. Furthermore, Google is also pushing the development of its Android Automotive OS, which serves as an open-source, efficient, and highly powerful automobile infotainment platform. The OS allows users to utilise Google Maps, Play, and Assistant without syncing their mobile device with the vehicle. Polestar 2 will be the first car to have the system built into it and has hit the global market. Other manufacturers who will run the OS include Renault, GM, and Volvo.

After launching the Android Auto in 2014, Google came out with a significant refresh in 2019. The update brought with it a new layout, launcher, typeface, and dark mode, giving it a polished and refreshed look. The update also made the interface for Android Auto a lot like standard Android phones to the delight of fans. However, this update did not intuitively launch Google apps simultaneously, instead pulled up Google Assistant whenever users chose Google Calendar, Podcasts, or News.

Therefore, users had to finish their commands by voice to access such features. While this made sense as the service aims to reduce physicality while driving, the highlight was not very well-received by users. Seeing how this new update, just a year later removes the feature, it is safe to assume that Google got the message. It will be interesting to see how the public reacts to this change, and how quickly Google can release new updates as promised through their partnerships.

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Amazon’s Twitch Prime is now Prime Gaming After a Rebranding Campaign

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Gamers have been receiving a lot of good news in the past month or so. Several significant updates have dropped regarding the Xbox and PlayStation. Furthermore, Microsoft and Google have also announced new titles in the coming year. Adding to this list of gaming news is Amazon’s rebranding move to breathe new life into their gaming division. As per reports, Amazon is rebranding their live streaming platform Twitch, and renaming it Prime Gaming. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the service, and what this rebranding could mean.

Twitch Prime to Prime Gaming

Amazon Prime subscribers used the Twitch Prime service to avail perks on the live streaming platform. As per new reports, the company is dropping the name Twitch, and focusing instead on the Prime brand. Hence, the service will now go by the title of Prime Gaming. However, the rebranding is purely a marketing strategy, as the benefits and services offered by the feature will remain the same. The main benefits provided by the service include free games with unlimited usage, gifting of free subscription, and exclusive in-game content. 

Why the Sudden Rebranding?

Most experts believe that the new strategy with respect to branding came as a result of motivation to bring all services under the Prime umbrella. Often regarded as the most recognisable term associated with Amazon, the company is backing that brand strategy. By offering all its services under the umbrella of Prime, the company hopes to improve brand loyalty and awareness. Furthermore, the title of Prime Gaming blends well with the rest of the content that Amazon publishes through the Prime subscription. The primary services they provide include Prime Video for TV shows and movies, and Prime Reading which offers access to magazines and e-books. Other benefits provided by the $119-annual subscription is free shipping and offers on Amazon’s marketplace. 

Commitment to Gaming

The recent rebranding is also a testament to the fact that Amazon has picked up substantial interest in the field of video gaming. Other than Twitch, Amazon also owns a unique game development studio called Amazon Games. However, this subsidiary wing has been struggling this year with its first title, Crucible not meeting consumer expectations. Crucible combines gameplay elements from shooting games and simulates that within an online battle arena, ensuring good experience on paper. The game came out in May this year but soon returned to a beta version as it required further work and refinement. Furthermore, their second major title, New World, which is an open-world MMO, was to release on August 25th. However, the company has pushed the release to July 10th, 2021. Also, Twitch had promised a Pac-man version in June, but no news has come out regarding this launch. 

Retracing their Steps

In May, Amazon’s Relentless, the studio that helped create Crucible admitted that the released the game too early, without completing it. Therefore, to provide a better user experience, the company recalled the game and placed it in a closed beta state. They also stated that they would use the extra time to develop the maps, combat styles, and improve the overall game to ensure that fans receive exactly what was promised. The company also set up a council of beta players to test updates and give feedback regarding the changes made. However, the game will be available to all gamers who had already downloaded it, and it will continue to function normally on Steam. The company also stated that it would continuously put out updates to make the game better and engage the audience.

Entry Into Cloud Gaming

Insiders are also predicting the entry of Amazon into cloud gaming in the future and even claims the company might launch a unique cloud gaming service. Reports state that the secret project has the codename Project Tempo and that it will launch sometime in early 2021. As per a report in the New York Times, the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is what led to the launch being pushed into 2021. This portal will be a direct competitor to Google’s platform Stadia which launched in November last year.

Job listings released by Amazon, which has been recruiting engineers for a new project within AWS has also helped provide some weight to these rumors. CNET reports state that the company might even integrate such a cloud service or platform with their Twitch/Prime Game service. This will be similar to how Google plans to integrate Stadia with YouTube in the long run. It will be interesting to see how this plan pans out, and whether it will provide more momentum to Amazon’s big push into the gaming industry.