April 6, 2024
Tech News
Snapchat has disabled its ‘Solar System’ feature by default following criticism that it exacerbated teens’ anxiety by ranking friendships. The feature, which was available to Snapchat+ subscribers, ranked friends based on interaction levels, potentially leading to hurt feelings and strained relationships. Despite its low usage rate, the company has opted to make the feature optional rather than remove it entirely, aiming to balance user demand with concerns over its impact on mental health.
X, formerly known as Twitter, has experienced a significant drop in users, losing 30% of its user base between 2023 and 2024 according to an American study. The decline reflects a broader trend of diminishing interest in the platform, with only 19% of Americans currently using X, down from 27% the previous year. This contrasts with the stable popularity of other social networks like Facebook and Instagram. The decline raises questions about X’s ability to retain its place in the social media landscape.
Apple has filed a 916-page appeal against the International Trade Commission’s ban on the sale of Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, arguing that the ban was based on Masimo’s pulse oximetry patents which were not applicable since Masimo did not have a competing product at the time of the complaint. Apple contends that the decision, if upheld, could encourage similar actions from other companies, potentially harming innovation and competition.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced the creation of a ‘green bank’ with $20 billion in grants from the Inflation Reduction Act to finance small-scale renewable energy projects. The Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund aims to support projects in disadvantaged communities and is expected to leverage an additional $160 billion in private capital. The initiative is seen as a critical step towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and stimulating the market for consumer-level climate technologies.
Tech Explained
Social Network – A social network is a digital platform that allows users to create profiles, connect with others, and share content such as photos, videos, and messages.
Pulse Oximetry – Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method for monitoring a person’s oxygen saturation (SO2). It measures the percentage of oxygen in the blood and is commonly used in medical settings to assess respiratory function.
Renewable Energy – Renewable energy is energy that is collected from renewable resources, which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves, and geothermal heat.
Carbon Emissions – Carbon emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. These emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.
