wifi master key Free Wi-Fi App Ranks Among China's Most Popular Services WiFi Master Key, a free hotspot app by Shanghai startup LinkSure, ranks as China's fifth-largest app with 800 million global users. The service shares network passwords while keeping users engaged with algorithmic news content.
apple Apple Hints at Upcoming iPad Mini and Budget iPad Launch Apple registers seven new tablet models in a Eurasian database, pointing to an imminent refresh of the iPad mini and entry-level iPad.
jedi contract Pentagon Dismisses Conflict of Interest Claims in JEDI Contract Process Despite a recent court filing suggesting a potential conflict of interest involving a former Amazon employee, the Pentagon insists its investigation into the JEDI cloud contract remains closed. The Department of Defense maintains that the individual followed all necessary rules and regulations.
predictive index Workplace Analytics Firm Predictive Index Raises $50M to Build Better Teams The Predictive Index secures a $50 million growth round from General Catalyst to expand its behavioral assessment software. The funding supports the company's mission to help businesses win the talent war through strategic hiring.
vodafone Vodafone Temporarily Halts Huawei Purchases in Europe Over 5G Security Concerns Vodafone pauses its purchase of Huawei networking equipment in Europe as it waits for clarity on potential government bans. This temporary hold threatens to delay or increase the cost of the carrier's upcoming 5G rollout.
facebook Facebook Plans End-to-End Encryption Across Instagram and Messenger Facebook is unifying the infrastructure of its messaging platforms by bringing end-to-end encryption to Instagram Direct and making it default on Messenger.
brd Crypto Wallet BRD Secures $15M to Expand Into Asian Markets Mobile cryptocurrency wallet BRD raises $15 million in a Series B round led by SBI Crypto Investment to fund team growth and Asian expansion. The company currently boasts 1.8 million global users and $6 billion in stored digital assets.
government shutdown Longest US Government Shutdown Ends as Trump Relents on Border Wall The longest government shutdown in U.S. history concludes after President Trump agrees to temporarily reopen federal agencies without securing border wall funding. Lawmakers now face a tight deadline to negotiate a broader immigration compromise.
lydia French Payment App Lydia Introduces Shared Accounts for Group Expenses Lydia rolls out shared sub-accounts to simplify group spending, eliminating the need to track debts. Users can pool money and spend directly via virtual cards or mobile wallets.
venturebeat VentureBeat Seeks Disruptive AI Startups for Transform 2019 Innovation Showcase VentureBeat is currently accepting applications for its Innovation Showcase at the Transform 2019 conference, offering AI companies a chance to present on stage to industry leaders. Up to fifteen finalists will gain valuable exposure to investors and millions of readers.
intel Intel Stock Drops 8 Percent on Weak Q4 Revenue and Ongoing CEO Search Intel reports fourth-quarter earnings that beat expectations but misses on revenue due to ongoing supply constraints. Investors also express impatience over the prolonged search for a permanent CEO.
deepmind DeepMind AlphaStar AI Defeats Top StarCraft II Pros in Landmark Display Google's DeepMind reveals its AlphaStar AI, which dominates professional StarCraft II players TLO and MaNa by winning ten consecutive matches. The achievement marks a major milestone in artificial intelligence after the company's previous successes in the game of Go.
march capital Los Angeles Venture Firm March Capital Closes $300 Million Fund March Capital Partners raises $300 million to invest in artificial intelligence and computing infrastructure startups. The firm also targets opportunities in the growing eSports sector and the emerging tech market in India.
go-jek Go-Jek Secures $920 Million at $9.5 Billion Valuation Amid Rivalry with Grab Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Go-Jek raises an initial $920 million from existing backers like Google and Tencent. The new round values the company at $9.5 billion as it seeks to expand its services and compete with Grab.
apple iOS 12.2 Beta Hints at Hands-Free Siri for Upcoming AirPods A hidden screen discovered in the iOS 12.2 beta suggests that Apple is preparing to bring "Hey Siri" functionality to the next generation of AirPods. This upgrade addresses a major limitation of the current earbuds.