Apple Is Shutting Down Beats Music | Crunch Report

TL;DR

Apple is shutting down Beats Music, Facebook is testing disappearing messages, Snapchat introduces more selfie lenses and official stories, Fossil acquires Misfit for $260 million, and a Google autonomous vehicle is pulled over by the police.

Transcript

apple announces it is shutting down beats music facebook is testing out disappearing messages snapchat starts verifying celebrities and more it's Friday November 13 and this is crunch report I'm Katie roof filling in for Sarah Lane while she's on vacation now let's get to it first a big one from apple beats music is shutting down the streaming serv... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐕‍🦺 Apple's decision to shut down Beats Music reflects its focus on its own streaming service, Apple Music, and its efforts to provide personalized recommendations.
• 😀 Disappearing messages are becoming increasingly popular, with Facebook testing out the feature in its Messenger app.
• 🤳 Snapchat continues to add new features and enhancements to its platform, including more selfie lenses and official stories for verified users.
• ❓ Fossil's acquisition of Misfit highlights the company's ambition to expand its presence in the wearables market and incorporate fitness tracking technology into its products.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is Apple shutting down Beats Music?

Apple is closing down Beats Music to focus on its own streaming service, Apple Music, which provides customized recommendations based on listening habits and features human-curated DJs.

Q: How does Facebook's disappearing messages feature work?

In Facebook's Messenger app, users in France can send self-destructing messages that vanish within an hour. The feature can be activated by selecting an hourglass icon, and it aims to provide users with a fun and temporary messaging option.

Q: What new features has Snapchat introduced?

Snapchat has introduced new selfie lenses, allowing users to enhance their likeness with effects like rainbow puke or monster faces. The social media app has also introduced official stories, verifying celebrities and other well-known users.

Q: Why did Fossil acquire Misfit?

Fossil acquired Misfit, a company that makes fitness and sleep trackers, to expand its presence in the wearables market. Fossil plans to incorporate Misfit software into its next generation of connected accessories.

Q: Why was a Google autonomous vehicle pulled over by the police?

A Google autonomous vehicle was pulled over in Mountain View because it was driving under the speed limit and impeding traffic. The police officer stopped the car to learn more about how it determines speeds on certain roadways.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Apple is closing down Beats Music, the streaming service it acquired as part of Beats Electronics, in favor of its own streaming service, Apple Music.

• Facebook is testing out disappearing messages in its Messenger app, allowing users in France to send notes that vanish within an hour.

• Snapchat introduces new selfie lenses and official stories for celebrities and verified users.

• Fossil acquires Misfit for $260 million to expand its presence in the wearables business.

• A Google autonomous vehicle was pulled over by the police in Mountain View for driving under the speed limit and impeding traffic.