Lucidica Tech News #9

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN TECH?

U.S. tech giants are expressing increasing frustration and concern over the UK's regulatory environment, with some even threatening to leave the market. The tensions arise from proposed legislations like the Online Safety Bill, which could mandate platforms to hand over encrypted messages to law enforcement, and the Digital Markets Bill, which could grant unprecedented regulatory power over large companies. Apple's threat to remove Facetime and iMessage due to proposed amendments to the Investigatory Powers Act adds to the unease. Despite attempts by UK's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to attract tech firms, there's a growing perception that goodwill is souring in Silicon Valley towards the UK, raising concerns over the balance between national regulatory interests and maintaining the availability of popular digital services.

India, the world's largest smartwatch market, is getting smart rings from local manufacturers BoAt and Noise. These businesses, who already compete successfully in the wearable industry against worldwide brands such as Apple and Samsung, have declared plans to develop smart rings, albeit the devices have yet to hit the market. With a focus on health and sleep tracking, these smart rings are aimed at customers who are specific about tracking but prefer a different form factor. Overall, it appears like they are concentrating on: Health and Sleep Tracking: Both companies appear to be focusing on clients who are careful about tracking their health and sleep. Different Target Audiences: Customers who are wanting to upgrade their smartwatches are being targeted by BoAt. Noise, on the other hand, appears to be aimed at people who want reliable health and sleep tracking yet prefer to wear an analogue watch. Finger as Data Source: The use of a ring rather than a wrist-worn device was justified by the ability to reach arteries, which could provide a more reliable source of data. This view is supported by medical-grade devices such as pulse oximeters, which are usually placed on the finger.

California state regulators have approved Waymo and Cruise to operate driverless taxis as paid ride-hailing services in San Francisco. The decision allows the companies to charge for their services but has been met with objections from city officials and residents. Concerns include the driverless cars creating traffic jams and interfering with firefighters and police during emergencies. Despite viral videos showing the cars causing problems and skepticism expressed by experts such as Missy Cummings at George Mason University, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved the request in a 3 to 1 decision on August 10. The companies can now expand their commercial services, though they have indicated that they will not immediately deploy additional driverless cars.

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