Techmeme Ride Home Thu. 01/02 - A Grand Unified Theory of the Google Civil War
Jan 2, 2020
Dell launches revamped laptops at CES, featuring an enhanced XPS 13 and a 5G-ready Latitude 9510. The partnership between Apple and Imagination Technologies is back on track, signaling renewed collaboration. Meanwhile, the IRS is reshaping tax filing, aiming for greater transparency in the industry. The discussion turns to a controversial 'Google Civil War,' sparked by allegations of human rights clashes within the company and internal cultural shifts that raise ethical questions about corporate practices in tech.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Apple and Imagination Technologies Reunite
- Apple and Imagination Technologies had a public falling out, with Apple ceasing to use Imagination's GPUs.
- However, a new multi-year licensing agreement suggests a potential reconciliation, possibly linked to Apple's rumored AR headset.
IRS Shakes Up Tax Prep
- The IRS amended its agreement with tax software companies, enabling easier access to free filing options.
- This change also permits the IRS to develop its own online filing system, potentially disrupting the industry.
Google's Cultural Shift
- Ex-Google employees describe a shift in the company's culture, citing increased bureaucracy and a focus on headcount.
- This, coupled with the founders' disengagement, created a power vacuum filled by executives with different priorities.
