LATEST TECH NEWS: 5 things you need to know today, April 2, 2020

These 5 latest stories from the tech space will keep you updated with trends today.

1. Microsoft cancels all in-person events for the next 14 months

American software company, Microsoft, has reportedly cancelled all in-person events through June 2021. This, according to Microsoft, is its attempt to adjust to the COVID-19 temperament as it persists. A public statement from the company’s spokesperson had remarked: “In light of the challenges presented by COVID-19, we are adjusting our event calendar and strategy. For the remainder of 2020, we are embracing the opportunity to experiment with new platforms to provide our partners, customers, and developers the highest quality, digital-first experiences.”

This revelation is coming on the heels of Microsoft’s decision to cancel its “Build 2020” conference in favour of a digital event instead. In the same vein, the company has also officially confirmed that “Ignite 2020” also won’t go on as planned, and will be held as a digital experience. There are strong indications that Microsoft is resolved in its decision as Microsoft has already alerted internal officials about plans to cancel all public events in favour of online events for fiscal 2021, which runs from July 2020 to June 2021.

2. Detroit goes first to deploy Abbott Labs’ 5-minute COVID-19 test kit

Detroit Mayor, Mike Duggan, has on Wednesday, April 1, disclosed Detroit’s readiness to deploy the use of the Abbott Lab’s 5-minute COVID-19 testing device. This, according to press, indicated that Detroit will be the first city to deploy Abbott Labs’ five-minute COVID-19 test kit. The mayor, while commenting on the development, has further stated that the test would be available for first responders.

In carrying out this test, first responders who are self-isolating would be tested to confirm their status. Before this push for deployment, the testing system from Abbott has been granted emergency clearance for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It has been designed as a lab-in-a-box that is roughly the size of a small kitchen appliance. Should the kit work perfectly, a lot progress will be recorded in testing the population, especially in rural areas.

3. T-Mobile acquires Sprint in a $30 billion merger deal

Wireless service provider T-Mobile has acquired Sprint in a $30 billion merger deal, that has now left the US with just 3 cellphone giants. T-Mobile and Sprint announced this closing of their $30 billion merger on Wednesday, April 1. While this merger is the result of a long-in-the-works effort by both companies to speed the progress of wireless technology and put up a fight against AT&T and Verizon; the merger might disrupt the American market as AT&T and Verizon will be meeting a stiffer competition.

Read also: LATEST TECH NEWS: 5 things you need to know today, April 1, 2020

Following the closing of the deal, John Legere, the chief executive who led T-Mobile for nearly a decade, has handed over leadership reins to his longtime second-in-command, Mike Sievert. Although, there have been fears and concerns that the new formation might be a disservice to Americans, T-Mobile has promised regulators not to raise prices on service charges. It added that the new company will ensure it expands rural coverage by building a 5G wireless network covering 97 percent of the US population within three years and 99 percent within six years.

4. Samsung donates smartphones to quarantined coronavirus patients

Mobile phone manufacturer, Samsung, like many other tech companies is pitching in to fight the novel coronavirus with its recent donation of smartphone to COVID-19 patients. Although Samsung had earlier provided funding and medical supplies such as hygiene kits and face masks in solidarity to the cause, its donation of smartphones comes as social palliatives, aimed at ensuring people stay in touch.

According to a public statement from Samsung, the donation also includes air purifiers and other appliances. Samsung remarked: “We are donating smartphones to patients in quarantine to help them keep in touch with their families and friends, as well as air purifiers and other appliances to hospitals and quarantine centers. We are also donating tablets to educational institutions so that children can continue to learn outside of the classroom.” This social welfare donation brings Samsung’s kind gesture to $29 million in funding and goods to local governments and communities battling coronavirus.

5. SpaceX bans use of Zoom as videoconferencing app amongst workers

Elon Musk’s SpaceX has prohibited its employees from using the videoconferencing app Zoom on the account of privacy breach concerns. According to SpaceX, Zoom can no longer be trusted as a platform of choice following recent indications that hackers can get through its security. Hence, in an email to its employees, SpaceX ordered the boycott and issues directives that they opt for emails and text as they observe the #workFromHome culture to stay productive.

According to the mail sent to it’s employees, SpaceX agreed that Zoom had been a support to its company strategy, however, it will cease to continue its use, citing alternatives. SpaceX stated: “We understand that many of us were using this tool for conferences and meeting support. Please use email, text or phone as alternate means of communication.” Recall that Facebook recently was challenged for harvesting data from Zoom, leading to Zoom upgrading its system to block out Facebook’s reaping code. With SpaceX shunning Zoom, there is fear that other top companies might follow suit.

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