amazon AWS Distinguished Engineer Tim Bray Resigns Over Amazon Worker Firings Amazon Web Services VP Tim Bray steps down from his role to protest the company's termination of employees who publicly criticized warehouse working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
apple Apple and Google Share Developer Tools and Strict Rules for COVID-19 Alert Apps Apple and Google provide sample code and user interface assets to help developers build COVID-19 exposure notification apps. The tech giants also enforce strict privacy policies, including a ban on location tracking and advertising data collection.
whatsapp Poynter Launches WhatsApp Bot to Debunk Thousands of COVID-19 Hoaxes The Poynter Institute introduces a new WhatsApp chatbot that allows users to fact-check over 4,000 coronavirus-related myths. The free tool relies on a global network of independent fact-checkers to provide accurate health information.
apple Apple and Google Share Sample Code for Coronavirus Contact Tracing System Apple and Google release sample code and interface concepts to help health agencies build COVID-19 contact tracing apps. The tech giants provide an API framework rather than building the applications themselves.
coronavirus Coronavirus Disrupts Global Travel, Sports, and Entertainment Industries The coronavirus pandemic halts European travel, suspends the NBA season, and forces Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks into quarantine.
fda FDA Grants Emergency Authorization for Gilead's Remdesivir to Treat COVID-19 The Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for Gilead Sciences' remdesivir, allowing doctors to administer the intravenous drug to hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Clinical data shows the treatment shortens patient recovery time by an average of four days.
robots Robots and Drones Take on Delivery Duties During Coronavirus Pandemic As the COVID-19 crisis limits human contact, robots and drones step up to handle deliveries and reduce infection risks for essential workers.
ai FDA-Cleared AI Triage Tool Offered Free to Support Radiology Departments Medical startup Nines provides its FDA-cleared AI triage software at no cost until June 30 to assist overwhelmed radiology departments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool automatically identifies potentially critical brain conditions on CT scans to help doctors prioritize urgent cases.
walmart Walmart Launches Premium Express Grocery Delivery to Cut Pandemic Wait Times Walmart introduces a new "Express" grocery delivery service that allows customers to pay a $10 premium to skip long lines and receive their orders in two hours or less. The service responds to massive pandemic-driven demand that leaves standard delivery slots booked out for days.
startups Majority of Startups Face Severe Cash Shortages Amid Pandemic Layoffs A global survey reveals that nearly three-quarters of startups have reduced staff due to COVID-19, while 65% possess less than six months of operating cash. Venture capital funding drops significantly, leaving most young companies in a desperate fight for survival.
draganfly Pandemic Drones Grounded in Connecticut But Demand Surges Elsewhere Draganfly's COVID-19 monitoring drone faces setbacks after a quick termination in Westport, but overwhelming demand from private and public sectors keeps new U.S. pilots on the schedule.
lyft Lyft Cuts Nearly 1,000 Jobs and Furloughs Hundreds Amid Pandemic Lyft reduces its workforce by 17 percent, laying off 982 employees and furloughing 288 more as the COVID-19 pandemic devastates the ride-hailing industry. The company also implements widespread salary cuts for executives and staff to manage the financial fallout.
tesla Tesla Achieves Third Consecutive Profit Despite Pandemic Disruption Tesla earns $16 million in the first quarter by cutting operating expenses and boosting automotive margins. However, the company reports negative free cash flow amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
artificial intelligence Artificial Intelligence Plays Minor Role During Global Coronavirus Crisis Despite high expectations, artificial intelligence is not playing a major role in combating the coronavirus pandemic. Experts note that traditional statistical and mathematical models are currently proving far more effective than modern AI technologies.
alphabet Alphabet Beats Q1 Revenue Expectations Despite March Ad Slump Alphabet surpasses Q1 revenue expectations but misses earnings-per-share estimates as the pandemic triggers a sharp advertising slowdown in March.