iCloud News: Microsoft adds more job cuts to the gaming industry

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Good afternoon and welcome to TechCrunch PM! Today we look at more layoffs — this time at Microsoft. Meanwhile, Pixel 8 Pro users can take their temperature, there's an update on Apple's App Store changes in the European Union, and we aren't surprised that kids are on TikTok more than YouTube.

— Christine

Image Credits: NurPhoto / Getty Images

TechCrunch PM Top 3

Microsoft lays off 1,900 employees: We just wrote about Riot Games cutting jobs and now the gaming industry layoffs continue. Over at Microsoft, the company is cutting 1,900 jobs at Activision Blizzard, just three months after Microsoft completed its $68.7 billion acquisition of the gaming company. Granted, redundant jobs are reduced after an acquisition, but the sting is still there.

That's hot: One of Google's new features for the Pixel 8 Pro is the ability to use the Thermometer app to measure body temperature. Yours or someone else's. The true test will be if you can use it on a squirmy baby.

Meet PayPal's new features: PayPal is giving some of its new updates the AI treatment for more personalization. One is a new CashPass cash-back offering called "Smart Receipts" for recommendations and enhanced checkout and guest experiences. There are also some Venmo enhancements for small businesses and a new offers platform for merchants.

Image Credits: Google

More top reads

Mmm . . . the internet: When Amanda looked at mmm.page, she described it as "MySpace meets Linktree, except not really." The website-creating company describes itself as "Tumblr x Animal Crossing x Mii Plaza." Whichever one you think, they both agree that creating websites should be fun and easy.

One sweet ride: Pricey electric vehicles seem to be everywhere now, and the Porsche Macan EV is no exception. Not everyone is racing over to buy one, so this is most likely a test for Porsche to see if drivers will want a Macan and are willing to shell out more than the popular gas-powered version.

Weather junkies will love this: Apple's widget support cleared away the clouds for Weather Up's fully interactive app that will help you see if sunny days are ahead.

A kid's attention span: A new study examining the online habits of children aged 4 through 18 reports that across the globe, children spent an average of 112 minutes daily on TikTok's short video app in 2023, an increase from 107 minutes the year prior. While YouTube remains a kid favorite, they spent 60% more time on TikTok last year.

Here's how Apple is responding to the Digital Markets Act, and some are not pleased: While Apple prepares the iOS for changes related to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney calls Apple's new App Store rules a case of "malicious compliance" filled with "junk fees."

File this under WTF: 23andMe is now saying hackers were actually breaking into its system for five months before the genetic testing company caught on.

More mmm, depending on your taste: Plant-based "meat" company Chunk Foods gobbled up some more venture capital and a new partnership as it starts to make its mark in Latin America.

ICYMI: The Russia-linked hacking group Midnight Blizzard has struck again. Hewlett Packard Enterprise said its cloud-based email system was compromised by the group, which is also being blamed for a similar breach on Microsoft's corporate network.

Before you go: Learn what OpenAI is doing to its models and pricing and more about the new government probe into autonomous driving company Cruise related to a pedestrian crash that happened last October.

Image Credits: mmm.page

On the pods

On today’s Chain Reaction, Jacquelyn interviewed Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana Labs, the technology company that aims to help grow the ecosystem for the layer-1 blockchain Solana. The conversation focused on Solana Mobile and its flagship web3 Android smartphone, Saga, which sold out in mid-December, as well as its new phone, Chapter 2 — which was announced last week.

Anatoly and Jacquelyn discussed the long road to selling out Saga, how important rewards and developers are and the nitty-gritty details for Chapter 2. They also dove into the company's strategy and long-term mission of going up against Google and Apple app stores and how long it may take for Solana Mobile to break even. Listen here.