Netflix cancels basic plan in Canada as IRL closes down and Shein’s influencer stunt backfires

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Welcome to TechCrunch’s Week in Review, where we recap the top tech news of the week. In this edition, we’ll cover Netflix’s decision to remove its basic plan in Canada, the downfall of social app IRL due to fake users, and the popularity of the Flipper hacking device. Additionally, we’ll touch on Lenovo’s unique dual-screen laptop, DeepMind’s new chatbot, and Robinhood’s recent acquisition. Lastly, we’ll discuss Shein’s attempt to improve its image through an influencer stunt. Let’s dive in!

First up, Netflix has quietly discontinued its basic plan in Canada for new subscribers. This move simplifies the streaming service’s options but creates a significant gap between the ad-supported plan and the standard plan.

In a surprising turn of events, popular social app IRL has shut down after a revelation that 95% of its reported 20 million users were either bots or automated accounts. Despite raising over $200 million in venture capital, the app’s lack of genuine users led to its downfall.

Lenovo’s Yoga Book 9i laptop made waves at CES earlier this year with its dual 13-inch OLED screens connected by a central hinge. This innovative design proves that dual-screen laptops can be highly functional and appealing to a wide range of users.

The Flipper Zero hacking device has gained immense popularity, selling almost $5 million worth as Kickstarter preorders and claiming to be on track for $80 million in sales this year. With its ability to manipulate various systems such as RFID cards and key fobs, Flipper offers users a unique way to interact with the world around them.

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Robinhood, the popular investment app, recently acquired credit card startup X1 for $95 million in cash. X1 offers an income-based credit card with rewards and has raised $62 million in funding since its inception in 2020.

Shein, a fashion e-commerce company, has faced backlash for various ethical issues, including the theft of designs from indie designers and violations of labor laws. In an attempt to improve its image, Shein invited influencers to tour one of its factories in China, luring them with free travel opportunities and gifts. However, critics argue that this was a heavily curated brand trip designed to promote a positive image of the company.

In other news, Databricks announced its acquisition of MosaicML, an open-source startup specializing in neural networks and generative AI tools. The $1.3 billion deal will allow Databricks to enhance its platform for training large language models.

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Plus subscribers can now use the ChatGPT app to search the web, but only through Bing. This new feature, called Browsing, enables users to find answers to their queries using ChatGPT’s AI chatbot capabilities.

If you’re looking for some engaging podcasts, TechCrunch has you covered. The Equity podcast discusses recent funding rounds and M&A activities, while Found features the founders of Spout, a startup that extracts drinking water from the air. Chain Reaction welcomes Jack Lu, CEO of NFT marketplace Magic Eden, to discuss the state of the crypto market. And The TechCrunch Podcast delves into Shein’s influencer trip to its Chinese facilities, which received mixed reactions from the internet.

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For TC+ subscribers, there is exclusive access to in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys. This week, notable articles explore the resurgence of tech M&A, the dominance of Big Tech in generative AI, and the vast influence of companies like Apple compared to countries.

That concludes this Week in Review. Stay tuned for more tech news, updates, and insights from TechCrunch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to the Above News

Why did Netflix cancel its basic plan in Canada?

Netflix discontinued its basic plan in Canada for new subscribers in order to simplify its streaming service options. This decision creates a gap between the ad-supported plan and the standard plan.

What led to the downfall of the social app IRL?

IRL shut down after it was revealed that 95% of its reported 20 million users were either bots or automated accounts. Despite raising significant venture capital, the lack of genuine users caused the downfall of the app.

Can you tell me about Lenovo's unique dual-screen laptop?

Lenovo's Yoga Book 9i laptop features dual 13-inch OLED screens connected by a central hinge. This innovative design proves that dual-screen laptops can be highly functional and appealing to a wide range of users.

What is the Flipper Zero hacking device?

The Flipper Zero hacking device has gained immense popularity, selling almost $5 million worth as Kickstarter preorders. It has the ability to manipulate various systems such as RFID cards and key fobs, offering users a unique way to interact with the world around them.

What was Robinhood's recent acquisition?

Robinhood recently acquired credit card startup X1 for $95 million in cash. X1 offers an income-based credit card with rewards and has raised $62 million in funding since its inception in 2020.

How did Shein attempt to improve its image through an influencer stunt?

Shein, a fashion e-commerce company, invited influencers to tour one of its factories in China, luring them with free travel opportunities and gifts. However, critics argue that this was a heavily curated brand trip designed to promote a positive image of the company.

What is the latest acquisition by Databricks?

Databricks announced its acquisition of MosaicML, an open-source startup specializing in neural networks and generative AI tools. The $1.3 billion deal will enhance Databricks' platform for training large language models.

What new feature does OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus offer?

OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus subscribers can now use the ChatGPT app to search the web, but only through Bing. This new feature, called Browsing, enables users to find answers to their queries using ChatGPT's AI chatbot capabilities.

What podcasts does TechCrunch offer?

TechCrunch offers several engaging podcasts, including Equity, which discusses recent funding rounds and M&A activities; Found, featuring the founders of Spout, a startup that extracts drinking water from the air; Chain Reaction, welcoming Jack Lu, CEO of NFT marketplace Magic Eden, to discuss the state of the crypto market; and The TechCrunch Podcast, which delves into Shein's influencer trip to its Chinese facilities.

What does TC+ offer to subscribers?

TC+ subscribers have exclusive access to in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys. They can explore articles on various topics, such as the resurgence of tech M&A, the dominance of Big Tech in generative AI, and the vast influence of companies like Apple compared to countries.

Please note that the FAQs provided on this page are based on the news article published. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it is always recommended to consult relevant authorities or professionals before making any decisions or taking action based on the FAQs or the news article.

Anaya Kapoor
Anaya Kapoor
Anaya is our dedicated writer and manager for the ChatGPT Latest News category. With her finger on the pulse of the AI community, Anaya keeps readers up to date with the latest developments, breakthroughs, and applications of ChatGPT. Her articles provide valuable insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of conversational AI.

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