Spotify announced cutting about 1,500 jobs, nearly 17% of its workforce, marking its third layoff round in 2023. CEO Daniel Ek cited economic slowdown and rising capital costs as critical reasons for this decision, following substantial investments in 2020 and 2021. Despite strong user growth and operating income, the company faces modest growth in North American subscribers and a decline in average revenue per user. The tech sector is experiencing significant layoffs, reflecting broader economic instability.

Subscribe to the Newsletter.
Join the Chat @ GeekNews.Chat
Email Todd or follow him on Facebook.
Like and Follow Geek News Central’s Facebook Page.

Download the Audio Show File

New YouTube Channel – Beyond the Office

Show Notes Summary and Story Links:

I discuss the digital media landscape, focusing on the issue of digital ownership. It’s pointed out that users don’t truly own the digital movies and shows they purchase, as highlighted by PlayStation’s decision to remove titles from users’ libraries due to licensing issues. This segment underscores the transient nature of digital content ownership and encourages listeners to consider physical copies for permanent ownership.

The episode also touches on the US government’s Border Asylum app (CBP One), which allows migrants to schedule appointments for asylum requests. The discussion highlights the complexities and challenges migrants face at the US border.

Twilio’s third round of layoffs is mentioned in corporate downsizing, indicating a significant reduction in its workforce. The podcast also covers AWS’s new feature allowing businesses to simulate cloud outages, helping them prepare for potential disruptions.

Apple’s strategic focus on 6G technology is another key topic, emphasizing Apple’s efforts to integrate future 6G modems with its hardware and negotiate better terms with modem manufacturers. The podcast also warns Mac users about new malware targeting their systems, urging caution and recommending downloads only from trusted sources.

Chrome’s update introducing a feature that shows memory usage of individual tabs, aimed at improving user experience by identifying resource-heavy websites, is discussed. The host also covers a Russian cargo ship’s spectacular disintegration in Earth’s atmosphere, witnessed by astronauts aboard the ISS.

Given the expected price increase, the episode discusses the semiconductor market and the advisable timing for purchasing memory. The terms of service change for chatbot interactions, specifically regarding repetitive commands, are noted, highlighting a potential flaw in AI training.

There’s coverage of Toyota’s unveiling of two new EV crossover concepts, slated for a 2025 release in Europe, and TikTok’s expansion of its Ticketmaster integration to more countries. A significant data breach at 23andMe, affecting 6.9 million users, is reported, raising concerns about privacy and security in DNA data handling.

Uber’s stock surge following its inclusion in the S&P 500 is discussed, signaling a positive turn for the company. Verizon’s new bundle offering ad-supported versions of Netflix and HBO Max for certain wireless plan subscribers is also mentioned.

The podcast touches on the use of digital avatars by the band KISS in their farewell concert, a trend that could redefine live performances. A unique space send-off for the remains of some “Star Trek” actors aboard a rocket launch is highlighted, showcasing the intersection of fandom and space exploration.

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Book 4 release, with leaked specs and AI enhancements, is noted. A study ranking countries on cyberattack risks places Denmark as the most secure, with Panama as the least. The potential early release of Windows 12 is mentioned as a boon for the struggling PC and laptop market.

Booking.com’s inadequate response to app hacks that led to customer financial losses is criticized. NordVPN’s new feature for detecting vulnerable Windows apps is praised for enhancing cybersecurity.

Klarna’s hiring freeze due to AI productivity gains is discussed, indicating a broader trend of AI impacting employment. Express VPN’s availability on Apple TV is reported, enhancing privacy for streaming services.

U.S. Senator Edward Markey’s critique of automakers’ data privacy practices is highlighted, emphasizing the need for better consumer data protection. Microsoft’s Seeing AI app for Android, assisting blind and low-vision users, is applauded for its inclusivity and technological advancement.

Concerns are raised about TikTok’s development of a chatbot builder, given its Chinese ownership and potential privacy implications. OpenAI’s purchase of brain chips from a company partially owned by its CEO Sam Altman is scrutinized for potential conflict of interest.

The U.S. Navy, the UK, and Australia’s collaboration to use AI for tracking Chinese submarines is noted, marking a significant development in military technology. Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) struggle to receive effective support following cyberattacks is discussed.

Amazon’s Q AI assistant facing challenges with inaccuracies and privacy issues is reported, highlighting the complexities in developing reliable AI systems. Finally, Amazon’s partnership with SpaceX for Project Kuiper satellite launches is mentioned, demonstrating the evolving dynamics in the space industry.

The podcast concludes with a reminder of the host’s return to the studio for the next live show and extends thanks to the listeners for their continued support of Geek News Central.

• 05:53–You don’t own the movies you bought
  
• 08:37–Biden’s Border Asylum app
  
• 10:15–Twilio
  
• 10:51–AWS
  
• 11:51–Apple and 6G
  
• 13:00–Mac users are being targeted again
  
• 14:12–A new Chrome update
  
• 15:51–A Russian cargo ship burnt to a crisp
  
• 16:32–Now is a good time to buy memory
  
• 17:17–The word ‘forever’ is a violation
  
• 18:14–Toyota unveils EVs
  
• 18:52–TikTok’s Ticketmaster
  
• 19:24–23andMe
  
• 21:02–Uber joins the S&P 500
  
• 21:45–Verizon bundles with Netflix and HBO Max
  
• 22:35–The band KISS as avatars
  
• 23:35–A rocket will include remains of some “Star Trek” actors
  
• 24:58–Samsung Galaxy Book 4
  
• 25:52–These are the countries most at risk from cyberattacks.
  
• 26:36–Windows 12 launch date leak
  
• 27:14–Booking.com
  
• 28:24–NordVPN
  
• 29:14–Klarna
  
• 30:29–Express VPN
  
• 31:11–Automakers’ data privacy practices are unacceptable, says a Senator
  
• Spanish media outlets filed a lawsuit against Meta
  
• 32:50–Microsoft’s Seeing AI app
  
• 33:45–TikTok is working on a chatbot 
  
• 34:10–OpenAI
  
• NASA receives a signal from 10 million miles away in space
  
• 35:23–The US Navy, the UK, and Australia will test AI system
  
• 36:07–CISOs are getting more help
  
• 36:36–Amazon Q
  
• 04:19–Spotify
  
• 37:29–Amazon and SpaceX
  

The post Spotify’s Major Workforce Reduction Amid Economic Challenges #1709 appeared first on Geek News Central.