Martin Shkreli Arrested On Securities Fraud | Crunch Report

TL;DR

Apple makes changes to its executive team, WhatsApp is briefly banned in Brazil, Lyft launches a redesigned app for easier use, and First Round Capital releases a holiday parody video.

Transcript

Apple gives a bunch of people new titles, WhatsApp is back up in Brazil after getting banned, Lyft redesigns their mobile app for all our big ass phones, and more... It's Thursday, December 17th and this is Crunch Report. Apple's moving some executive around, starting with Jeff Williams, who is Apple's new Chief Operating Officer. Apple hasn't had ... Read More

Key Insights

• 😤 Apple is making changes to its executive team, with Jeff Williams becoming the new Chief Operating Officer, and Phil Schiller taking on additional responsibilities.
• 🔒 Martin Shkreli, the controversial pharmaceutical executive, has been arrested on securities fraud charges.
• 😀 WhatsApp's temporary ban in Brazil highlights the app's popularity and the challenges it faces due to regulations and legal disputes.
• 😃 Lyft is taking steps to improve usability by redesigning its app to accommodate bigger phones and make it easier for users to interact with drivers.
• 🧑‍💻 First Round Capital's annual holiday video showcases the firm's creativity and involvement in the tech industry.
• 👎 The Facebook-owned messaging app, WhatsApp, plays a significant role in the internet landscape of Brazil.
• 😀 The temporary ban on WhatsApp in Brazil has led to a surge in downloads of rival messaging app Telegram.

Questions & Answers

Q: Who is the new Chief Operating Officer at Apple?

The new Chief Operating Officer at Apple is Jeff Williams. He joined Apple in 1998 and has been running the Apple Watch business.

Q: What additional responsibilities does Phil Schiller have at Apple?

Phil Schiller, Apple's VP of Worldwide Marketing, now also oversees the App Store across all Apple platforms. He is in charge of developer-related functions, international marketing, education marketing, and business marketing on various Apple devices.

Q: Why was Martin Shkreli arrested?

Martin Shkreli, the pharmaceutical executive infamous for raising the price of a life-saving drug, was arrested on securities fraud charges. He is accused of illegally using stock from a company he ran to pay off debts.

Q: Why was WhatsApp banned in Brazil?

Brazilian telcos claimed that WhatsApp's voice service is illegal and have blamed the app for causing users to abandon their cell phone lines. The ban was also related to a criminal case in which the court wanted access to WhatsApp communications.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apple appoints Jeff Williams as Chief Operating Officer, filling a position that has been vacant since 2011.

• Phil Schiller takes charge of the App Store in addition to his existing marketing responsibilities at Apple.

• Martin Shkreli, the controversial pharmaceutical executive, is arrested by the FBI on securities fraud charges.

• WhatsApp is temporarily banned in Brazil but the ban is later lifted by a higher court.

• Lyft redesigns its app to improve usability, allowing users to estimate prices, split rides, and contact drivers more easily.

• First Round Capital releases its annual holiday video, featuring a parody of popular songs with tech-themed lyrics.