Amazon increases fees, ChatGPT comes to the enterprise, and Apple announces a press conference

Welcome to the latest edition of Week in Review (WiR), Techfullnews’ comprehensive newsletter summarizing the week’s most significant developments in the tech world. If you’ve been too swamped to keep up with the latest news, you’ve come to the right place. WiR is here to provide you with a concise recap of what you may have missed.

Teamshares: Disrupting Small Business Succession Plans

Teamshares, a New York-based startup with strong backing from venture capital, has emerged as a game-changer in the realm of small business acquisitions. Their approach involves quietly acquiring mom-and-pop shops, often at prices below market rates, but with a unique twist. Upon acquisition, Teamshares appoints a new president and allocates 10% of the company’s stock to its employees. The real game plan, according to co-founder and CEO Michael Brown, is to generate revenue through an expanding range of fintech products offered to the acquired businesses. This innovative approach capitalizes on the opportunity presented by small businesses lacking a clear succession plan.

Zepto: India’s Newest Unicorn in 2023

Zepto, an instant grocery delivery startup, has made waves by raising a remarkable $200 million in its latest funding round, elevating its valuation to a staggering $1.4 billion. This achievement stands out in an industry where many firms have faced significant challenges or failed to thrive. Zepto operates in seven Indian cities, processing a staggering 300,000 daily orders spanning everything from groceries to electronic gadgets. The company’s ambitious plans include an IPO slated for 2025.

OpenAI: ChatGPT Goes Enterprise

Building upon the viral success of ChatGPT, OpenAI is unveiling ChatGPT Enterprise, a business-focused iteration of their AI-powered chatbot application. ChatGPT Enterprise boasts “enterprise-grade” privacy and data analysis features in addition to enhanced performance and customization options, setting it apart from the standard ChatGPT. This move positions OpenAI to cater specifically to the needs of the business world, enhancing productivity and communication.

Google: BigQuery Studio for Data Analytics

Google has introduced BigQuery Studio, a groundbreaking addition to BigQuery, their fully managed serverless data warehouse. BigQuery Studio simplifies data analytics by providing a unified platform where programming languages like SQL, Python, and Spark can be used to run analytics and machine learning workloads at a massive scale, even reaching the petabyte range. Teams can seamlessly access data while enjoying enhanced controls for governance, regulation, and compliance, making it an ideal solution for enterprise-level data management.

Apple’s Upcoming Event: iPhone 15 Anticipation

Apple enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the company’s upcoming press conference scheduled for September 12. The event will once again take place at Apple Park in Cupertino. Anticipated as the centerpiece of the event is the unveiling of the iPhone 15. Additionally, expectations include the introduction of the Apple Watch Series 9 and a sneak peek at the Vision Pro, Apple’s AR headset, set to launch in 2024.

Google Flights: Insights for Smart Travel Booking

Google Flights is enhancing the travel booking experience by rolling out a new feature that aids users in determining the optimal time to book their flights. Leveraging historical trend data, this feature provides insights into when ticket prices have historically been lowest for selected destinations on specific dates. In some instances, Google will even offer refunds if fares decrease before departure, ensuring travelers make informed decisions.

Brazilian Phone Spyware Breach

A Portuguese-language spyware known as WebDetetive has been implicated in compromising over 76,000 Android phones, primarily in South America, with a significant focus on Brazil. WebDetetive is the latest phone spyware company to fall victim to hacking. Anonymous hackers exploited security vulnerabilities to compromise WebDetetive’s servers and access user databases. This breach raises concerns about the security of personal data and privacy in the digital age.

Amazon Adjusts Shipping Fees

Amazon is modifying its shipping fee policies, increasing the minimum for free shipping to $35 for customers without a Prime membership in select regions. Previously, the minimum for free shipping stood at $25. Amazon clarifies that this change is being tested on a regional basis and that all users within a specific region will encounter the same free shipping threshold.

Babylon Health: Financial Struggles and Restructuring

Babylon Health, a London-based telehealth startup previously valued at nearly $2 billion and backed by the founders of DeepMind, has faced a turbulent financial journey. The company’s U.S. shares became worthless, leading to insolvency. This week, the UK subsidiary formally entered administration while simultaneously selling a significant portion of its assets to eMed Healthcare UK, a new subsidiary of U.S. company eMed.

EU Empowers Users to Reject Algorithmic Manipulation

Internet users in the European Union are witnessing a significant shift in their experience on mainstream social networks. Thanks to the bloc’s Digital Services Act, users on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can now easily decline “personalized” content feeds based on AI-driven algorithms. Instead, they can opt for a more straightforward news feed, displaying posts from friends in chronological order. This empowers users to take control of their online experience and opt out of algorithmic manipulation.

If you’re looking for engaging podcasts to fill your hours, TechCrunch offers several options that cover a range of topics, from the intricacies of successful leadership to the power of collective intelligence and digital asset management. These podcasts provide valuable insights and interviews with industry experts, making them perfect for the workday commute.

The Dodge Charger GT: A V6 Muscle Car That Sparks Debate

WHO MAKES AIRCRAFT TIRES AND HOW MUCH DO THEY COST?

Evel Knievel: The Legendary Daredevil and His Iconic Motorcycles

Starlink’s Growing Waitlist: What It Means for Satellite Internet Users

Social Tech

The Rise and Fall of Skype: A Story of Innovation, Dominance, and Decline

by George Mensah 2025-02-13

In the early 2000s, the world was on the brink of a communication revolution. The internet was becoming more accessible, and people were eager to connect across borders without the hefty price tags of traditional phone calls. Enter Skype, a groundbreaking platform that promised free voice and video calls over the internet. For over a decade, Skype was synonymous with online communication, but its journey from a trailblazing startup to a fading relic is a tale of innovation, missed opportunities, and fierce competition.

In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of Skype, examining how it changed the way we communicate, why it lost its edge, and what lessons we can learn from its story.

The Birth of Skype: A Revolutionary Idea

The Early Days of Internet Communication
Before Skype, long-distance communication was expensive and cumbersome. International calls were a luxury, and video calls were the stuff of science fiction. The internet was still in its infancy, but a few visionaries saw its potential to transform communication.

In 2003, a group of developers from Estonia and Sweden—Niklas Zennström, Janus Friis, and a team of talented engineers—created Skype. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: to make communication free and accessible to everyone.

How Skype Changed the Game

Skype’s peer-to-peer (P2P) technology was a game-changer. Unlike traditional phone systems, Skype used the internet to transmit voice data, bypassing costly infrastructure. Users could make free voice calls to other Skype users and affordable calls to landlines and mobile phones.

The introduction of video calls in 2005 took Skype to the next level. Suddenly, people could see their loved ones across the globe in real time. It was a revolutionary concept that resonated with millions.

The Rise of Skype: Dominating the Communication Landscape
Explosive Growth and Global Adoption

Skype’s user base grew exponentially. By 2010, it had over 600 million registered users, and its name became a verb—people would say, “Let’s Skype,” instead of “Let’s video call.”

Businesses also embraced Skype for its cost-effectiveness and convenience. Remote teams could collaborate seamlessly, and freelancers could connect with clients worldwide.

Key Features That Made Skype a Household Name

Free Voice and Video Calls: Skype’s core offering was its ability to connect people for free.

Affordable International Calls: Low rates for calling landlines and mobiles made it a favorite for expats and travelers.

User-Friendly Interface: Skype was easy to set up and use, even for non-tech-savvy users.

Cross-Platform Compatibility: It worked on desktops, laptops, and later, smartphones.

The eBay Acquisition and Microsoft’s Takeover

In 2005, eBay acquired Skype for $2.6 billion, hoping to integrate it into its marketplace. However, the synergy never materialized, and eBay sold Skype to an investor group in 2009.

In 2011, Microsoft stepped in, purchasing Skype for $8.5 billion—a staggering sum that signaled its potential. Microsoft integrated Skype into its ecosystem, including Windows and Office, further solidifying its position.

The Fall of Skype: A Series of Missteps

The Emergence of Competitors
While Skype was busy integrating with Microsoft, new players entered the market. Apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Zoom offered simpler, more innovative solutions.

WhatsApp: Focused on mobile-first messaging and voice calls, WhatsApp quickly gained traction.

FaceTime: Apple’s seamless integration with iOS devices made it a favorite among iPhone users.

Zoom: With its superior video conferencing features, Zoom became the go-to platform for businesses and virtual events.

Skype’s Failure to Innovate
As competitors evolved, Skype struggled to keep up. Its interface became clunky, and new features felt like afterthoughts. Users complained about bugs, poor call quality, and a lack of innovation.

Microsoft’s decision to replace Skype with Microsoft Teams in 2020 was the final nail in the coffin. While Teams focused on enterprise communication, Skype was left to languish.

The Shift in User Preferences
The rise of mobile-first communication apps highlighted Skype’s shortcomings. Users wanted lightweight, intuitive apps that worked seamlessly across devices. Skype, with its desktop-centric design, failed to adapt.

Lessons from Skype’s Rise and Fall
The Importance of Continuous Innovation
Skype’s downfall underscores the need for constant innovation. In the tech world, resting on your laurels is a recipe for obsolescence.

Understanding User Needs
Skype lost touch with its users. While competitors focused on simplicity and convenience, Skype became bloated and complicated.

The Role of Competition
The rise of competitors like Zoom and WhatsApp shows how quickly the market can shift. Companies must stay agile and responsive to changing trends.

The Legacy of Skype
Despite its decline, Skype’s impact on communication is undeniable. It paved the way for modern platforms and showed the world the potential of internet-based communication.

Today, Skype still has a loyal user base, particularly among those who value its affordability and familiarity. However, its days as a dominant player are over.

A Cautionary Tale

The rise and fall of Skype is a story of innovation, success, and missed opportunities. It reminds us that even the most revolutionary ideas can falter without continuous evolution and a deep understanding of user needs.

As we look to the future of communication, Skype’s legacy serves as a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration. It’s a reminder that in the fast-paced world of technology, staying relevant requires more than just a great idea—it demands adaptability, foresight, and a relentless focus on the user.

FAQs About Skype

What was Skype’s biggest innovation?
Skype’s biggest innovation was its peer-to-peer technology, which allowed free voice and video calls over the internet.
Why did Skype lose popularity?
Skype lost popularity due to increased competition, a lack of innovation, and failure to adapt to mobile-first communication trends.
Is Skype still available?
Yes, Skype is still available, but its user base has significantly declined in favor of platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp.
What replaced Skype?
Microsoft Teams replaced Skype for enterprise communication, while apps like Zoom and WhatsApp became popular for personal use.
What can businesses learn from Skype’s decline?
Businesses can learn the importance of continuous innovation, understanding user needs, and staying ahead of competitors.

By reflecting on Skype’s journey, we can better navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and communication. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business leader, or simply someone who loves a good story, the rise and fall of Skype offers valuable insights and lessons for us all.

Social Tech

TikTok Encourages Android Users to Sideload Its App Amid U.S. Ban Uncertainty

by George Mensah 2025-02-11

With TikTok’s future in the U.S. hanging in the balance—its ban temporarily paused due to an executive order from former President Donald Trump—the ByteDance-owned platform is taking proactive steps to ensure its app remains accessible. In a strategic move, TikTok is now urging Android users to sideload its app directly onto their devices. This approach allows the platform to bypass app store restrictions and maintain its presence on millions of devices, even as legal and political challenges persist.

Why TikTok is Promoting Sideloading for Android Users

TikTok’s decision to offer a direct download option stems from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its availability in the U.S. While the ban has been temporarily halted, the app remains excluded from major app stores, including Google Play and Apple’s App Store. To address this, TikTok recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that its Android app is now available for direct download via TikTok.com/download.

This strategy leverages Android’s flexibility, which allows users to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store. By providing an Android Package Kit (APK) file—a format containing the app’s code, assets, and resources—TikTok ensures users can continue accessing its platform without relying on traditional app distribution channels.

How to Sideload TikTok on Android Devices

Sideloading TikTok on Android is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit TikTok’s Official Download Page: Go to TikTok.com/download using your Android device’s browser.

Download the APK File: Tap the download link to save the TikTok APK file to your device.

Enable Installation from Unknown Sources: Navigate to your device’s settings, go to “Security” or “Apps & Notifications,” and enable the option to install apps from unknown sources.

Install the App: Locate the downloaded APK file in your device’s file manager and tap on it to begin the installation process.

Launch TikTok: Once installed, open the app, log in, and enjoy uninterrupted access to TikTok’s features.

This method ensures Android users can continue using TikTok, even if the app is removed from the Google Play Store.

Why Sideloading is a Strategic Move for TikTok

Sideloading provides TikTok with a temporary workaround to the app store ban, enabling it to maintain its user base in the U.S. Here’s why this approach is significant:

Bypassing App Store Restrictions: By offering a direct download, TikTok avoids reliance on Google Play, ensuring its app remains accessible despite the ban.

Maintaining User Engagement: With over 150 million active users in the U.S., TikTok’s ability to stay operational is crucial for retaining its audience and advertisers.

Android’s Open Ecosystem: Unlike iOS, which restricts sideloading outside the EU, Android’s flexibility makes it easier for TikTok to distribute its app independently.

Challenges and Risks of Sideloading TikTok
While sideloading offers a temporary solution, it comes with certain challenges:

Security Concerns: Downloading APK files from unofficial sources can expose users to malware or compromised versions of the app. TikTok’s direct download link reduces this risk, but users should remain cautious.

Limited Reach on iOS: Unlike Android, Apple’s iOS does not support sideloading outside the EU, leaving iPhone users dependent on the App Store.

User Convenience: Sideloading requires additional steps compared to downloading from an app store, which may deter less tech-savvy users.

What This Means for TikTok’s Future

TikTok’s decision to promote sideloading highlights its determination to remain accessible in the U.S. market. However, this is likely a temporary measure as the company continues to navigate legal and regulatory challenges.

For Android users, sideloading offers a way to keep using TikTok without interruption. For TikTok, it’s a strategic move to retain its massive user base and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

As TikTok’s fate in the U.S. remains uncertain, the platform’s decision to encourage Android users to sideload its app underscores its commitment to staying connected with its audience. By offering a direct download option, TikTok ensures that millions of users can continue to enjoy its content, even as it battles legal and political hurdles.

For Android users, sideloading TikTok is a simple and effective way to keep the app on their devices. However, it’s essential to download the APK file only from TikTok’s official website to avoid security risks. As the situation evolves, TikTok’s ability to adapt and innovate will be key to its survival in one of its largest markets.

Load More Posts