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.

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David Lynch’s Warning About America’s Car Culture: A Dark Reflection

Italy Bans Chinese AI App DeepSeek Over Data Privacy Issues

Meta Warns That It Will Fire Leakers in Strongly Worded Memo

Social Tech

Snap launches a new way to reward AR creators

by George Mensah 2025-01-23

On Thursday, Snap revealed an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting augmented reality (AR) creators. The company introduced “Challenge Tags,” a rewards program that gives AR developers the chance to earn cash prizes for creating standout Lenses. In addition, Snap announced discounted pricing for its Spectacles AR glasses, tailored specifically for students and educators, further emphasizing its dedication to the AR community.

Challenge Tags: Showcasing Talent and Earning Rewards

The inaugural theme for the Challenge Tags program is “humor,” encouraging developers to design fun and original Lenses. The competition runs through January 31 and offers attractive rewards for the most creative entries. The creator of the top Lens will receive $2,500, while second and third place winners will take home $1,500 and $1,000, respectively. Additionally, twenty honorable mentions will each receive $250, providing recognition for a wide range of creators.

To join, participants must register for the challenge, develop a Lens using Snap’s Lens Studio, and include the relevant Challenge Tag during submission. Snap plans to release new challenges every month, ensuring ongoing opportunities for AR creators to demonstrate their skills.

Lenses submitted for the program will be assessed based on creativity, technical skill, and alignment with the theme. With Snap’s collaboration with the AR marketing platform Lenslist, developers from over 100 countries can now participate, significantly expanding the program’s accessibility.

Affordable Spectacles for Students and Educators

In another move to encourage AR innovation, Snap is introducing special pricing for its Spectacles AR glasses, targeting students and educators. Eligible participants, including college students, teachers, and university staff, can subscribe to Spectacles at a reduced rate of $49.50 or €55 per month. This is a significant discount from the regular subscription fee of $99 per month.

This offer is available in all markets where Spectacles are sold, including the United States, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, and the Netherlands. By making these cutting-edge AR tools more accessible, Snap aims to inspire educators and students to explore AR’s potential and integrate it into their academic projects and teaching.

Snap’s Commitment to Advancing AR

Snap has long been recognized as a pioneer in augmented reality, transforming how users engage with AR through its popular filters and Lenses. The company’s ongoing investments in AR technology underscore its leadership in the space.

By launching the Challenge Tags program and offering discounted Spectacles pricing, Snap is reaffirming its dedication to supporting the AR creator community. These initiatives provide creators with financial rewards, global exposure, and access to advanced tools, empowering them to push the boundaries of AR innovation.

Through these efforts, Snap is not only strengthening its position as a leader in the AR industry but also fostering a vibrant ecosystem where AR creators can thrive and shape the future of augmented reality.

Social Tech

MrBeast Joins Forces in Bold Bid to Acquire TikTok

by George Mensah 2025-01-22

Jesse Tinsley, CEO of the workforce management platform Employer.com, has launched one of the year’s most daring acquisition attempts. Teaming up with YouTube icon MrBeast and other prominent figures, Tinsley has submitted an all-cash bid to purchase TikTok, a move that could significantly shape the app’s future amidst ongoing uncertainty.

A Series of Bold Moves by Employer.com

This development is part of a string of high-profile moves by Employer.com under Tinsley’s leadership. Just last month, the company announced plans to acquire Bench, a Canadian accounting startup that unexpectedly shut down during the holiday season. Now, with the TikTok bid, Tinsley aims to make an even greater impact on the tech landscape.

Though the group has not disclosed the exact bid amount, their involvement signals a serious effort to save TikTok, which has faced regulatory hurdles in the United States. Legal backing for the bid includes representation from Brad Bondi, a well-known attorney and brother of former Trump administration figure Pam Bondi.

MrBeast’s Strategic Role in the TikTok Bid

The inclusion of YouTube superstar MrBeast adds a unique dimension to the acquisition attempt. Known for his viral content, philanthropic efforts, and entrepreneurial ventures, MrBeast has built a massive global following. His involvement reflects the growing influence of creators in shaping the future of digital platforms.

MrBeast’s expertise in engaging online audiences could prove invaluable for TikTok. As one of the world’s most-followed social media influencers, his insights could help transform TikTok into an even more dynamic platform, appealing to users and advertisers alike.

The Future of TikTok Remains Uncertain

TikTok has been at the center of controversy due to its parent company ByteDance’s ties to China, raising national security concerns in the United States. The platform briefly went offline last weekend but was restored hours before former President Trump signed an executive order delaying any potential ban for 75 days.

Despite these challenges, TikTok remains one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. ByteDance has not yet confirmed whether it is seriously considering the offer from Tinsley, MrBeast, and their team. However, other prominent potential buyers, including Elon Musk, Amazon, Oracle, and billionaire Frank McCourt’s syndicate, have also expressed interest in acquiring the app.

Legal and Strategic Backing for the Bid

The legal support for the acquisition team, led by Brad Bondi, demonstrates their commitment to navigating the complex regulatory and legal landscape surrounding TikTok’s operations. The bid also highlights the increasing convergence of business, technology, and influencer power in high-stakes acquisitions.

What TikTok Ownership by MrBeast and Tinsley Could Mean

If this acquisition succeeds, it could bring transformative changes to TikTok’s operations:

Innovative Leadership: MrBeast’s expertise in content creation and online trends could redefine how TikTok engages users and grows its audience.

Regulatory Relief: Transitioning TikTok to U.S.-based ownership may help address government concerns and ensure the platform’s continued availability in the country.

New Opportunities: Employer.com’s workforce management experience could pave the way for TikTok to explore e-commerce, job-related content, and even educational features.

Creators Taking Center Stage

MrBeast’s involvement in this high-profile deal highlights a significant trend: creators are no longer just participants in the digital ecosystem—they are becoming influential players in shaping its future. By leveraging their expertise and massive reach, creators like MrBeast are increasingly driving innovative solutions to business challenges, including high-stakes acquisitions like this one.

A Pivotal Moment for TikTok

The collaborative bid led by Jesse Tinsley and MrBeast TikTok presents a bold vision for the platform’s future. With the stakes higher than ever, this acquisition attempt could secure TikTok’s place in the digital world while redefining how creators influence major business decisions.

As ByteDance weighs its options, this move represents a crucial turning point for TikTok and the broader social media landscape. For users, creators, and advertisers, the outcome of this bid could signal the beginning of a new era for the platform.

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