Ecommerce exploded at the onset of the pandemic. Two and a half years later, people have returned to stores, but ecommerce adoption remains high. Retailers are once again asking: What is the future of stores? Here are four red-hot predictions.
Last October, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Facebook was rebranding as Meta and setting its sights on the metaverse, which he dubbed the “successor to the mobile internet.” But 12 months and more than $15 billion later, the company has little to show for it.
Apple’s tablet explosion: The company now offers five different models of iPads, challenging 2-in-1 PCs at the high end as well as consumer Android tablets—but too much choice could be confusing for buyers.
Startups find investors on Twitter: We attend TechCrunch’s Disrupt 2022, where throngs of startups pitched to investors, judges, and potential new hires. Major trend: Founders are adapting to leaner economic conditions post-pandemic through social media—read on for more takeaways.
Meta agrees to sell Giphy: The UK’s CMA decision pulls Giphy away from Meta’s ownership and underscores the danger of closing a Big Tech merger without prior regulatory approval.
Widespread layoffs at Microsoft: The job cuts affect less than 1,000 but stretch across the organization in the latest example of Big Tech bracing for a recession.
Welcome to the world of white label EVs: Taiwanese multinational Foxconn is applying its component manufacturing model to its new EVs, which it is open to selling to other companies to brand as their own.
One year later, a new headset—and , a whole set of challenges: Nearly one year and $15 billion later, Meta’s vision for the metaverse remains optimistic even if a focus on business and productivity apps seems premature and risky.
Tech workers still have the upper hand: Big Tech spars with banks over workers and late-stage startups are in hiring mode, while a skilled-labor shortage means techies can be selective.
Tech cold war between US and China intensifies: As Chinese president Xi Jinping solidifies his third term, US federal regulators have intensified the ban of telecom equipment considered to be security threat
Microsoft dips its toes in the muddy AI-art waters: Tools based on the DALL-E 2 program will help content creators augment images. But commercial use is bound to trigger lawsuits.
iPhone charger removal results in $19 million fine: Apple gets dinged in Brazil for forcing new iPhone users to fork out more cash for necessary chargers—it’s the latest case against its consumer hostile decisions.
Small, easy, and ‘unhackable’: Qunnect is building a global quantum internet based on a flagship device that’ll be relatively simple to scale. Its infallible security could preserve our digital future.
Google eyes big banks as goldmine for new cloud customers: It showcased partnerships, new tools, and hardware to facilitate its global expansion plans at the fall event this week.
Roku’s smart home play: It’s leaning on its installed base of connected TVs as hubs for affordable smart home cameras, doorbells, and lights.
We Do Solar democratizes solar power: The Germany-based startup developed a solar array for renters that’s primed for strong sales amid the energy crisis. But there’s room for improvement.
Generative AI’s trillion-dollar wellspring: Tech shows its love for the arts as long as AI’s the artist. It’s an economic bright spot, but brace for ethical and legal controversy.
Microsoft’s shrinking Surfaces: Microsoft’s hardware offerings were meager this year as the company focused on popular products while remaining mum on its more daring moonshots.
Intel on the ropes: Competition, uncertainty, and stumbling PC sales could have Intel preparing to lay off thousands of employees when it is also seeking billions of dollars in investment for new factories.
GM’s Ultium home solution: The carmaker is seizing tax credit opportunities to launch a home energy division to rival Tesla’s. Strong residential sector partnerships are a necessary ingredient for success.