daily crunch: apple might be working on a vr headset
Recent reports indicate Apple is developing a high-end VR headset, Facebook’s Oversight Board will review a significant decision made by the social media platform, and we’ve completed a review of the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra. This is your Daily Crunch for January 21, 2021.
Key development: Apple’s potential VR headset
According to Bloomberg, Apple is currently engineering a self-contained virtual reality headset with a potential launch in 2022.
This headset is anticipated to feature a processor exceeding the capabilities of the M1 chip found in the MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro. The expected price point is likely to be higher than many comparable products currently available, potentially exceeding $1,000.
This suggests the initial release is targeted towards a specialized market, potentially establishing a foundation for a more widely accessible device in the future.
Updates from major technology companies
Facebook’s Oversight Board will be assessing the decision to suspend Donald Trump – Facebook VP Nick Clegg described the situation surrounding Trump’s suspension as an “exceptional circumstance requiring an unprecedented response.”
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra review: Improved camera features are welcome, but the reduced price is the main benefit – The updates are largely incremental improvements to an already strong device, but a $200 price reduction is certainly appealing.
YouTube introduces hashtag landing pages for all users – The company has been quietly implementing a new function that enables users to find content through the use of hashtags.
Startups, funding, and venture capital news
TripActions secures $155M at a $5B valuation as business travel rebounds from pandemic-related declines – The company became well-known as an example of how COVID-19 impacted specific startup sectors.
Omnipresent raises $15.8M Series A to facilitate global remote worker employment – Omnipresent claims its platform significantly reduces the costs associated with hiring employees remotely.
Soci obtains $80M for its localized marketing platform – Companies such as Ace Hardware, Anytime Fitness, The Hertz Corporation and Nekter Juice Bar utilize Soci to manage marketing efforts across individual locations.
Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch
Eight VCs concur: Digital health is a promising investment for 2021 due to advancements in behavioral support and remote healthcare – More individuals than ever before consulted with their doctors via video in 2020.
Recently launched IPOs maintain their value as investors continue to favor technology stocks – Lemonade serves as a prime illustration.
Decrypted: Addressing the ongoing SolarWinds repercussions and Biden’s cybersecurity team selections – This week’s Decrypted edition examines the continuing consequences of the SolarWinds breach and the incoming president’s choices for leading the recovery efforts.
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Additional news
The Biden administration’s most significant climate action yesterday wasn’t rejoining the Paris Agreement – Instead, it focused on establishing fundamental monitoring and accounting procedures, including metrics and data visualization.
How Bitcoin is assisting middle-class individuals in navigating the pandemic – People like Saeed, an Iranian immigrant residing in France, view cryptocurrency as essential.
MIT is working to accelerate robot movements to synchronize them with robot processing speed through the development of specialized chips – This approach involves creating custom computer chips to provide hardware acceleration for faster response times.
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