Apple is considering ending its partnership with Goldman Sachs for financial products. Microsoft Outlook's syncing feature raises privacy concerns. Unity is cutting jobs and closing offices. The podcast covers these topics along with other tech news and recommendations for gaming podcasts and tech shows.
Unity software is cutting jobs and closing offices as part of a company reset, following backlash from industry regarding developer fee restructuring.
Amazon's palm scanning for the enterprise may face challenges due to laws in certain states requiring consent for the storage of biometric data, potentially burdening employers operating in multiple states.
Deep dives
Unity software cuts jobs and closes offices
Unity software is cutting 265 jobs, which is about 3.8% of its workforce, and closing offices in 14 locations, including Berlin and Singapore. The layoffs are part of the termination of its agreement with Weta Digital Effects, and the office changes are seen as cost-saving measures. This comes after Unity's attempt to restructure its developer fees in September received backlash from the industry. The company is currently under the interim leadership of former IBM president Jim Whitehurst, who hinted at more changes to come.
Potential legal complications with Amazon's palm scanning for the enterprise
Laws in certain states, such as Illinois, require consent for the storage of biometric data. This could pose challenges for Amazon's palm scanning for the enterprise. Employers operating in multiple states would need to have non-biometric alternatives available, which could be burdensome. Opting in for shopping conveniences is different from opting in at work, and employees may be stubborn if not given a choice. It remains to be seen how Amazon will navigate these legal requirements in different jurisdictions.
Understanding privacy concerns with Microsoft Outlook's cloud-based email service
The new Microsoft Outlook service requires users to sync their emails to the Microsoft Cloud, raising privacy concerns. Users log in to the Outlook software on their desktop, but the credentials are stored in Microsoft's cloud server. While Microsoft does provide privacy statements, the lack of specific information about protecting user data is troubling. Concerns include the absence of communication between the desktop client and the email server after setup, implying that everything is happening in the cloud. Users expect clear notification and proper privacy and security protections when their email data is accessed from the cloud.
Potential breakup between Apple and Goldman Sachs over the Apple credit card
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple may be ending its partnership with Goldman Sachs for its Apple credit card. Goldman Sachs had been supplying financial services for the Apple Card, but the company has been pulling back from consumer lending. The article suggests that other companies like American Express, Synchrony, and JPMorgan Chase are being considered as potential partners for Apple. The move could indicate Apple's desire to become more self-reliant in its financial services. The transition may take time, as the current partnership with Goldman Sachs is contracted through 2029.
The WSJ says Apple is looking to end its relationship with Goldman Sachs that it currently uses to support several financial products including Apple Card. Plus Is the new Microsoft Outlook a potential privacy risk? And Unity is cutting jobs and closing offices as part of a company reset. We explain what might be going on.
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