Apps
Uber’s Travis Kalanick Resigns As CEO
Uber’s embattled CEO Travis Kalanick is resigning from the ride-sharing company he helped found in 2009. This was following a “shareholder revolt” led by some of Uber’s most prominent investors, various news outlets have reported.
Five of Uber’s most prominent investors, including Benchmark, wrote a letter titled “Moving Uber Forward,” which recommended that the CEO step aside immediately. After hours of discussion, Kalanick agreed to resign.
“I love Uber more than anything in the world and at this difficult moment in my personal life I have accepted the investors request to step aside so that Uber can go back to building rather than be distracted with another fight,” Kalanick said. Kalanick will continue to hold a position on Uber’s board of directors, according to a statement from the board.
“Travis has always put Uber first. This is a bold decision and a sign of his devotion and love for Uber. By stepping away, he’s taking the time to heal from his personal tragedy while giving the company room to fully embrace this new chapter in Uber’s history. We look forward to continuing to serve with him on the board,” the company said.
Kalanick announced just last week that he was taking a leave of absence from the company following the release of a report into Uber’s toxic company culture by former Attorney General Eric Holder. Kalanick cited a recent family tragedy and internal issues at the company as reasons for the leave, saying in a letter to Uber employees, “…I need to take some time off of the day-to-day to grieve my mother, whom I buried on Friday, to reflect, to work on myself, and to focus on building out a world-class leadership team.”
Following his leave, Kalanick had put day-to-day leadership in the hands of several employees who had reported directly to him. With Kalanick’s resignation, Uber is now missing a CEO, COO, CFO, CMO and a host of other critical high-level positions following months of seemingly endless executive departures.
Today’s move shows that the gravity of recent scandals at the company and their threat to Uber’s core business was weighing heavily on investors’ minds. Perhaps most damaging were the numerous reports of sexual harassment and discrimination at the company, which led to an external investigation into complaints that eventually resulted in more than 20 employees being fired.
Uber has raised more than $11 billion in funding and left its most recent raise with a reported $70 billion valuation. Though Silicon Valley investors have shown that they will follow a founder’s direction in even the most turbulent times, recent events proved to threaten Uber’s stability, something they could not accept.
Apps
Lamborghini Rolls Out Smart TV App
Lamborghini has launched Lamborghini TV, a smart TV app that offers fans and customers an immersive experience in the world of this iconic automaker.
The app delivers exclusive content, including in-depth model analysis, technical insights, motorsport highlights, event coverage, lifestyle features, interviews, and podcasts.
Available on Android TV (8.0 Oreo and above), Samsung Tizen (2018+ devices), and LG WebOS (2018+ devices), Lamborghini TV can be downloaded directly from smart TV app stores. With high-resolution visuals and curated programming, the app allows enthusiasts to explore behind-the-scenes stories.
From comprehensive looks into Lamborghini’s latest supercars to exclusive podcasts offering expert insights, Lamborghini TV is designed to provide a captivating experience tailored to every fan. The app is available for download now on compatible devices.
Apps
Elon Musk Teases Launch of ‘Xmail’ to Rival Gmail
Elon Musk has sparked speculation about the potential launch of ‘Xmail,’ an email service that could rival Google’s Gmail. The excitement began when the X account DodgeDesigner suggested that an X-based email service would be “cool.” Musk responded, stating, “Yeah. On the list of things to do,” confirming that the concept is being considered.
Interesting.
We need to rethink how messaging, including email, works overall. https://t.co/6wZAslJLTc
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 15, 2024
This announcement is in line with Musk’s usual method of revealing updates through casual interactions on X. Although no official timeline or details about ‘Xmail’ have been shared yet, the news has generated significant buzz on social media, especially among Musk’s followers.
As of September 2024, Apple Mail dominates the global email market with a 53.67% share, while Gmail holds 30.70%, according to recent data. Outlook, Yahoo! Mail, and Google Android combined account for less than 10% of the market. If Musk introduces ‘Xmail,’ it could potentially disrupt the current market dynamics, leveraging his influence as the world’s richest man and US President-elect’s ‘First Buddy.’
Supporters are already rallying behind the idea. One user expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “I’d drop Gmail so damn fast,” reflecting frustration with Google’s dominance.
The potential launch of ‘Xmail’ underscores Musk’s ambition to expand X’s ecosystem and challenge established tech giants. Whether ‘Xmail’ will succeed remains to be seen, but the anticipation and excitement are already high.
Apps
Careem Groceries Expands to Abu Dhabi
Careem has expanded its ultra-fast grocery delivery service to Abu Dhabi, adding to the ride-hailing, food delivery, and payment services already available in the city. With an average delivery time of 20 minutes, Careem Groceries provides Abu Dhabi residents with fresh, high-quality essentials at unbeatable prices. Customers can expect the highest quality fruits and vegetables, premium meats, baked goods, and other essentials like school supplies, electronics, cleaning and household items, available in a few taps.
Chase Lario, VP of Groceries at Careem, commented, “We’re thrilled to bring Careem Groceries to Abu Dhabi. We’re now delivering the highest-quality daily items to your door in just minutes, at unbelievably competitive prices. The Everything App has landed in Abu Dhabi, and it’s a true one-stop solution for all your everyday needs.”
To celebrate the launch, Careem is offering Abu Dhabi customers 50% off their first five grocery orders using code GRAB50. Careem Plus members enjoy exclusive perks, including up to AED 100 in monthly savings on groceries and unlimited free delivery. Members also benefit from unlimited free delivery on food orders, credit back on 10 rides every month, as well as discounts on Careem Bike.
Careem Plus members save an average of AED 300 a month, for a monthly fee of just AED 19. Careem Groceries has delivered over 3.4 million orders in 2024 and has already delivered tens of thousands of orders since launching in Abu Dhabi.
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