OnePlus Watch Announced: Details on the First Smartwatch | Daily Crunch

Tech News Roundup: March 23, 2021

Recent developments include product launches from OnePlus, updates to Apple’s educational resources, and announcements regarding Facebook’s upcoming developer conference. This summarizes the key tech stories for March 23, 2021.

OnePlus Enters the Smartwatch Market

OnePlus has officially announced its inaugural smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch. This device, priced at $159, features a streamlined aesthetic and a newly developed operating system.

The watch incorporates various sensors for health monitoring, including heart rate and blood oxygen level tracking. Alongside this, the company unveiled its OnePlus 9 series smartphones.

The OnePlus 9 series represents a collaboration with Hasselblad, a renowned camera manufacturer. The phones boast a 48-megapixel Sony sensor as their primary camera. The standard OnePlus 9 begins at $729, while the Pro model starts at $969.

Updates from Tech Industry Leaders

Apple has introduced the Apple Teacher Portfolio recognition program. Educators completing nine lessons can submit a portfolio for evaluation and earn the Apple Teacher Portfolio designation.

Furthermore, Apple has updated its Schoolwork and Classroom applications to enhance the educational experience. Facebook is planning a return of its F8 developer conference on June 2nd.

This year’s F8 will be a streamlined, one-day, virtual event. Notably, Facebook’s CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, will not be delivering a keynote address. Investigations into the Apple Card program have concluded.

New York’s Department of Financial Services determined that the program did not violate fair lending regulations. This decision follows an inquiry initiated by user complaints in November 2019.

Funding and IPO News

Robinhood has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO). This suggests the company is progressing towards becoming publicly traded. goPuff, a rapid delivery service, has secured $1.15 billion in funding.

This investment values the company at $8.9 billion. Last autumn, goPuff expanded its operations through a $380 million funding round and the acquisition of BevMo. Security concerns remain for Roll.

The company is still investigating the circumstances surrounding a recent hack of its hot wallet.

Insights from Extra Crunch

Analysis focuses on Discord’s potential $10 billion exit and the IPO price ranges set by Compass and Intermedia Cloud Communications. Discord has attracted substantial investment and is experiencing rapid revenue growth.

Pre-seed funding is facing increased scrutiny, with investors demanding more than just innovative ideas. Data from the DocSend Startup Index indicates a shift in the early-stage fundraising landscape.

A UX teardown of Clubhouse examines homepage curation, user engagement strategies, and other features. Addressing UX challenges is crucial for rapidly growing startups.

(Extra Crunch is a membership program designed to support founders and startup teams. Sign up details are available here.)

Additional Tech Headlines

CEOs from leading tech companies will testify before Congress regarding social media’s role in the Capitol attack. Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, Twitter’s Jack Dorsey, and Google’s Sundar Pichai will participate in the virtual hearing.

Disney+ will offer Premier Access releases for “Black Widow” and “Cruella”. Subscribers can pay an additional $29.99 to stream these films at home on May 28th (“Cruella”) and July 9th (“Black Widow”).

Extra Crunch Live’s April schedule includes speakers from Forerunner, Accel, Fifth Wall, and other prominent firms.

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