10 Top Recent Tech Stories in the News

There has been a lot of news about technology this past week, but don't worry if you missed any. We have the top 10 biggest tech stories just for you. Let's dive in.

1. Twitter Buying TikTok

In the wake of the Trump administration signed an executive order that effectively bans TikTok in the US, US tech companies are looking to make a deal with ByteDance, the social media network's parent company. One of the companies considering this is Twitter.

Twitter making a deal with ByteDance might be an uphill battle as they compete with Microsoft. Many have questioned if Twitter can afford to commit to an agreement that could cost up to $30 billion.

2. TikTok Suing Trump

ByteDance is challenging the executive order by suing the Trump administration. The company says the order is unconstitutional because the app is not a national security threat, as Trump claims.

The national security concerns stem from a fear that the China-based company will use the app to influence the upcoming election or allow them to spy on US citizens. The claim is not entirely unfounded, as TikTok's security policy is invasive.

3. Retail Stores Turned Amazon Warehouses

With major retailers JCPenney and Sears filing bankruptcy, Amazon is talking about turning their stores into fulfillment centers. Amazon and Simpson Property, the US's largest mall owner, are talking to see if this deal will become a reality. If Amazon manages to get its fulfillment centers into malls, it could mean faster delivery to houses.

4. Doug Leone Invests in TikTok

Doug Leone, billionaire tech investor and global marketing partner at Sequoia Capital, has reached out to Trump to offer his help to keep TikTok in the US. Leone is a known Trump supporter and has made numerous donations to the Trump campaign. Leone has shares in ByteDance and hopes his influence can protect his stake in the company.

5. Microsoft in Talks to Buy TikTok

In another effort to keep TikTok in the US, Microsoft is in talks with ByteDance to purchase TikTok's US operations. The global tech company is the current front-runner for the deal. Teenagers, the site's primary users, are looking to Microsoft to save the social media platform, and this deal could mean a stronger relationship between the company and young people.

6. Huawei Stopping Production

The US sanctions against the smartphone manufacturer Huawei have hit them hard. The company claims it will have to stop production after losing its biggest supplier and are facing shortages of processor chips.

The sanctions are an attempt to cut the company off from businesses abroad. Huawei warns that forcing the company out will have a larger impact globally and will lead to distrust of US companies in the future.

7. Remote Work Goes Long Term

European tech companies are following Silicon Valley's suit and changing to long-term remote work. Companies like Revolut say most of their staff prefer to work remotely. This comes after the announcement from Google stating their employees will work remotely until the summer of 2021.

8. High Schooler Develops App

17-year-old Aaditya Agrawal has developed an app that records and shares police interactions. The app records someone's interaction with a police officer and sends it to predetermined phone contact or on social media platforms, such as Instagram or WhatsApp.Agrawal got the idea after his friend was racially profiled. The intention is to have more police accountability.

9. Less iPhones Due to WeChat Ban

Along with the executive order to end business with ByteDance, Trump has signed a similar order banning companies from interacting with WeChat. The parent company of WeChat is Tencent, based in China, like ByteDance.

Apple claims forcing WeChat from the app store entirely will have repercussions. Although it's not widely used in the US, the app's removal will significantly impact China. Because of this loss of business, Apple will have to reduce shipments of iPhones.

10. US Tech Workers Want to Work Abroad

Switching to remote work due to COVID has revealed many workers' preferences, especially in the tech industry. When asked if they would instead work remotely abroad, more than 70% of US startup workers said they would if offered.

Tech companies are now looking into at least offering remote work outside of the state they're based in. The development of remote work will change how the tech workforce operates in the future.

So, there you have it: the top. Join the Sugoi mailing list to keep up with the latest news in tech.