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.
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.
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.
