Global Tech Industry Responds to Unprecedented COVID-19 Shutdown
Technology companies adapt quickly to the global coronavirus pandemic by launching information portals, cancelling major events, and creating developer programs to find solutions.
The global tech industry adjusts rapidly as countries unite in an unprecedented shutdown to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Google reports that the coronavirus is its largest search topic by a wide margin, prompting the company to launch a dedicated information portal and an improved search experience for users on desktop and mobile devices.
Streaming services and developers step up to meet changing public needs during the crisis. Hulu adds a free 24/7 live news stream from ABC News Live to its standard on-demand app, while Amazon and IBM announce new programs to encourage developers to build solutions for pandemic-related challenges. Meanwhile, the FCC warns users about a rising wave of coronavirus-themed robocall scams that target unsuspecting victims.
Major physical operations and events face sudden halts as health concerns take priority. Google cancels its annual I/O developer conference completely, opting not to replace it with an online alternative, and electric vehicle startup Rivian shuts down all of its facilities across multiple states, affecting over 2,000 workers.