10 Things in Tech: Google's privacy changes
Hi there! Google is implementing privacy changes on Android, and now you can see how good of an Uber passenger you really are (or aren't).
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1. Google is adopting new privacy changes for Android. The company announced that it would be implementing new privacy restrictions, which will limit sharing of user data with third parties and change the way advertisers can track users across apps.
- The change is similar to the one Apple made on iPhones last year, which allowed users to choose which apps are allowed to track their behavior. Most people opted out.
- Chaos ensued for many mobile advertisers, app developers, and companies with ad-based businesses — including Facebook, which stands to lose $10 billion this year from Apple's changes alone.
- Google's privacy change, which it said will be rolled out gradually, will impact anyone who makes money off mobile ads — so while big advertisers will likely be fine, small businesses could struggle to find customers. We broke down who stands to lose out when the changes go into full effect.
Here's what you need to know about Google's privacy changes.
In other news:
2. Roku is exploring a plan to manufacture its own TVs. Roku, the top-selling smart TV operating system in the US, hosted a focus group about making its own televisions, showing participants different models and prices. Everything we know about its plans.
3. Inside Virgin Galactic's bumpy past 12 months. Richard Branson's aerospace company is selling tickets to the edge of space for the ultrawealthy — but after its stock price plummeted following an all-time high last year, insiders and analysts doubt it will ever turn a profit. How Virgin Galactic's stock came crashing back to earth.
4. Mark Zuckerberg just promoted Nick Clegg to president of global affairs. Clegg's new role, which has him leading on all policy matters, signals Zuckerberg's shift away from that area. Meet 13 other execs working to fix the tech giant's image.
5. Bitcoin may be on its way out. Andrew Kiguel, the CEO and cofounder of Tokens.com, says that while bitcoin is the biggest cryptocurrency by market capitalization, its technology is dated and it consumes too much energy. Here's what he thinks will replace it.
6. Peloton has reportedly lost three senior execs. As the company goes through a rough few weeks, Peloton's supply chain chief, chief business officer, and chief operating officer have left the company. What we know about their departures.
7. App Annie just rebranded as Data.ai. The renaming signifies the company's pivot to focus on growing data analytics for enterprise clients. We sat down with Data.ai's CEO, who explained the change.
8. A wave of M&A is hitting the rapid grocery delivery sector. Insider profiled 16 indie startups going up against the sector's acquisitive unicorns like Getir and Gorillas. Check out our list here.
Odds and ends:
9. You can check how many five-star — and one-star — reviews you got from Uber drivers. For the first time ever, Uber riders can see how many good (and bad) ratings they've received from their drivers. Here's how to check. Plus, see how well your city's riders are rated (spoiler: NYC passengers received the worst reviews nationwide).
10. The VR headset craze has led to a spike in insurance claims. With more gamers accidentally crashing into furniture and smashing TV screens, claims have jumped 31%, per the Guardian. Get the latest on reckless VR-ing.
What we're watching today:
- Dropbox, Palantir, and others are reporting earnings today. Keep up with earnings here.
- Today is the annual Random Acts of Kindness Day.
- Ferrari is launching its new 2022 Formula 1 car.
- The Re-Work Deep Learning Summit is happening today and tomorrow.
Curated by Jordan Parker Erb in New York. (Feedback or tips? Email jerb@insider.com or tweet @jordanparkererb.) Edited by Michael Cogley in London.