The Level1 Show June 26th 2024: X Gonna Bill It To Ya

Science & Technology

Introduction

Hello everybody! Today is June 26th, 2024, and we are diving into the world of business and social stories with our yearly June tradition on Links With Friends. Let's break down the latest in tech, layoffs, social media, and more.

Microsoft’s Major Layoffs

Microsoft is laying off 10,000 workers to trim costs. However, reports suggest the actual number might be higher, especially affecting contractors in India. CEO Sachin Nellis brushed off concerns, stating that such layoffs are an annual occurrence.

Apple and Goldman Sachs Struggles

Apple has discontinued their "Apple Pay Later" feature ahead of new releases this fall. This follows scathing internal memos from Goldman Sachs about the Apple card. CEO Tim Cook acknowledged Goldman Sachs is bearing the brunt.

Boeing’s Controversies and NASA’s Dilemma

Boeing has faced significant issues, from stranded astronauts due to equipment failure to counterfeit titanium in their jets. The FAA is currently investigating these matters, affecting both Boeing and Airbus.

Students Boycott Google and Amazon

Over 1,000 students have pledged not to work at Google or Amazon due to their involvement with Project Nimbus, which collaborates with the Israeli government. This is a budding trend reflecting wider socio-political awareness among the youth.

Fisker’s Bankruptcy

EV maker Fisker has filed for bankruptcy after its SUV failed to gain traction due to glitchy performance. Some buyers have reported that their vehicles are already dead.

Wells Fargo’s Millennial Dilemma

Wells Fargo severely underestimated Millennial credit card users. Their card designed to help pay rent has backfired as tech-savvy users avoided overages and fees, utilizing the card to boost their credit scores without falling into traps.

Intensifying Regulatory Challenges for AI and Tech

Nvidia has surpassed Microsoft to become the world’s most valuable public company, thanks to their significant role in AI development. Meanwhile, Apple has paused work on its next Vision Pro model due to windshield issues and is focusing on developing thinner devices.

Microsoft's Snapdragon Laptop: A Struggle

Microsoft's first day rollout of the Snapdragon-powered Surface laptop has been marred by software integration issues, particularly in gaming performance and AI features.

Asus’ Customer Support Overhaul

After Gamers Nexus exposed how poor Asus' customer service truly was, Asus has made public efforts to overhaul their support system.

Younger Generations Swing Back to Flip Phones

There’s a surge in flip phone sales as younger generations seek connectivity without the distraction that modern smartphones bring.

SpaceX’s new portable Starlink mini dish could revolutionize internet access, making connectivity available even in remote locations.

Tesla investors are suing Elon Musk for diverting company resources to his AI startup xAI, including using GPUs meant for Tesla for Twitter operations instead.

Sonos’ Privacy Policy Controversy

Sonos faces backlash again for its controversial privacy policies which could allow them to sell user information.

YouTube Cracks Down on VPN Cheapskates

YouTube is taking steps to crack down on users who are buying premium plans at discounted rates using VPNs.

Meta’s Dwindling Revenue

Meta is seeking new revenue streams, including rolling out a payments system as ad revenue continues to fall. Additionally, there’s internal controversy over sexist hiring practices within Meta.

Engagement Farming and AI-Generated Content

Engagement farming on social media is growing rampant with AI-generated content, often misleading users with quick hacks and stolen videos.

Battling for Online Content and Consumer Rights

The Internet Archive had to delete 500,000 books from its digital lending library due to copyright issues, sparking a debate over digital ownership and access to content.

Meta’s War on Ad Researchers

Meta is reportedly trying to discredit ad researchers to protect its bottom line. This includes extreme actions like deepfaking explicit materials.

Effective Customer Service Hacks

Small claims court has become a way for frustrated Meta users to get attention for their issues. With just $ 100 and no need for a lawyer, customers can finally get a response from Meta.

New Features for YouTube Community Notes

YouTube is rolling out a new feature called 'Community Notes,' which allows select users to add contextual notes to videos. This move is likely aimed at combating misinformation and engagement farming.

Keywords

  • Microsoft layoffs
  • Apple Pay Later
  • Boeing controversies
  • Google and Amazon boycott
  • Fisker bankruptcy
  • Wells Fargo Millennial credit cards
  • Nvidia AI
  • Microsoft Snapdragon laptop
  • Asus customer support
  • Flip phones revival
  • SpaceX Starlink
  • Tesla xAI
  • Sonos privacy
  • YouTube VPN crackdown
  • Meta revenue fall
  • AI-generated content
  • Internet Archive
  • Meta ad research
  • Small claims court
  • YouTube Community Notes

FAQ

What is the main reason behind Microsoft’s layoffs? Microsoft is trimming costs, with significant layoffs primarily affecting contractors in India.

Why did Apple discontinue 'Apple Pay Later'? Apple Pay Later was discontinued due to financial issues, with Goldman Sachs taking significant losses from it.

What issues is Boeing currently facing? Boeing is dealing with problems, including stranded astronauts, counterfeit titanium in jets, and ongoing FAA investigations.

Why are students boycotting Google and Amazon? Students are boycotting due to the companies' involvement with Project Nimbus, supporting Israeli operations.

How did Wells Fargo's new credit card backfire? Savvy Millennial users avoided overages and fees, undermining Wells Fargo’s intention to generate revenue from the card.

What are Nvidia's recent achievements? Nvidia has become the most valuable public company due to its significant role in AI development.

Why did Tesla investors sue Elon Musk? Investors sued Musk for diverting Tesla’s resources to his AI startup, xAI.

How can small claims court help Meta users? Filing in small claims court for $ 100 can prompt Meta to address user issues, as they often ignore other forms of communication.

What new feature is YouTube launching? YouTube is launching 'Community Notes,' allowing select users to add notes to videos for context and combating misinformation.