EMPIST Tech News Roundup is coming at you with the latest headlines and recent news stories from around the web to keep you informed on tech news surrounding IT, business, marketing, and everything in between. Workday acquires Adaptive and the neutrality repeal is in effect, what does that mean for you? Get your tech news update now!
The Net Neutrality Repeal Is Official. Here’s How That Could Affect You
New York Times | Mon June 11, 2018 — On Monday, the FCC made it official. The Net Neutrality Repeal was put into effect, and many people are still unhappy about it. The original net neutrality rules put in place by Obama previously disallowed internet service providers from charging more for certain content. The repeal of these rules now allows them to do just that. Fortunately, some states have already taken measures to sign into effect bills that negate much of the new federal rules. However, not every bill is passed. This could potentially mean being subjected to censorship and stingy services from different ISPs following the repeal.
Uber Envisions Technology That Identifies Drunk Passengers
CNBC | Mon June 11, 2018 — Ride-sharing apps like Uber have become the go-to safe option after a night out when driving is out of the question. Uber is now looking to make that late-night experience even safer. In addition to their recent release of a 911 geo-tracking, panic button feature in their app, they are now starting to look at technology identifying abnormal rider behavior. Last Thursday, Uber filed a patent application that would use machine-learning to detect such behavior as intoxication and fatigue.
The system will track user behavior based on typing accuracy and speed, walking speed, and where/when the ride is requested. All of this is plugged into an algorithm and used to judge a rider’s behavior. If an altered user is identified, it can help to match with specific drivers and warn them ahead of possible intoxication. This all is in an effort to avoid safety and personal conflict incidents. For now, this is just a patent application and not yet an Uber app feature.
It May Be Time to Break Up With your Default Web Browser
USA Today | Tue June 12, 2018 — If you have a long history of favoring Chrome or Safari or Firefox alone, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship. The web’s top competitor, Google Chrome, is in a 4-way competition with Apple, Microsoft, and Mozilla to be the default browser of choice. Apple recently announced that they are intensifying the privacy features of Apple Safari. Between Safari, Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, there are pros and cons to each. Privacy safety could make Safari more enticing, but Firefox offers tracking protection, though it isn’t a default setting. Chrome’s strongest asset is its security. Either way, with new developments happening for each it might be time to look at your options.
Instagram Plans June 20 Launch Event for Long-Form Video Hub
TechCrunch | Tue June 12, 2018 — Instagram is taking new steps to go from being categorized as “social media” to being referenced as simply “media.” They are preparing to launch a long-form video hub, which will allow users to upload 4K, full-screen, vertically-oriented videos. These videos will be able to surpass the current 60 second time limit and can be anything from shows to music videos, and more. There will be curated sections in the hub to organize different video types and the option to resume clips you did not finish watching. Instagram is working to find social media starts to be launch partners. This could also be an opportunity for Instagram to announce that it has reached 1 billion users, which could be a major draw for potential video content contributors. Instagram’s curated video hub could be the easier way to find videos you’ll like as opposed to YouTube’s smattering of high-quality and amateur videos mixed together.
Workday Acquires Financial Modeling Startup Adaptive Insights for $1.55 Billion
TechCrunch | Mon June 11, 2018 — It’s a season of acquisitions. Last week in our tech news roundup, we shared Microsoft’s recent acquisition of GitHub in a $7.5 billion deal. This week, another high-dollar acquisition has taken place. Workday, a cloud-based platform that offers HR and other back-office apps for businesses, has acquired Adaptive Insights for $1.55 billion.
Adaptive Insights is a cloud-based provider of business planning and financial modeling tools. They recently filed for an IPO as recently as May 17, making it a notable deal in the industry. This is another feather in Workday’s cap as it works to become the go-to solution for all back-office services. Adaptive Insights tools will be integrated into Workday’s existing platform.
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