Apple Introduces Vision Pro AR Headset

Welcome to TechCrunch’s Week in Review (WiR), where we recap the latest in tech. Last week was particularly eventful. Let’s delve into the highlights.

Tech Layoffs Surge

Tech layoffs have surged to a three-quarter high, with major companies like Okta, Block, and PayPal shedding a significant number of employees. This trend, as discussed by Alex and Anna on TechCrunch+, is affecting both large corporations and smaller firms.

iOS 18: Apple’s Major Update

Apple is gearing up for its most significant iOS update yet with iOS 18. Aisha discusses the potential features, including a revamped Siri, improved autocomplete in Messages, and potential support for RCS.

Apple’s Vision Pro AR Headset Launch

Apple launched its first spatial computing device, the Vision Pro AR headset, accompanied by approximately 600 apps and games. Brian shares his initial impressions, providing insights for those interested in purchasing the device.

Taylor Swift Fans Combat Deepfake Porn

Taylor Swift fans took action against the proliferation of explicit deepfakes featuring the superstar on X, formerly known as Twitter. Frustrated by the platform’s lack of effective measures, fans worked to minimize the visibility of these deepfakes.

Palworld Faces Plagiarism Allegations

The Pokémon Company announced an investigation into Palworld, a popular video game, over allegations of plagiarism and unauthorized use of Pokémon intellectual property. The company intends to take appropriate measures against the game’s developer, Pocketpair.

Analysis: The Rise of SaaS

Julien Codorniou, a SaaS investor at Felix Capital, highlights the opportunity for software entrepreneurs to revolutionize the frontline workers’ world, akin to the impact of Microsoft or Salesforce in other sectors.

Podcast Highlights

• On Equity, Alex discusses interest rates and business cycles with Anshu Sharma, CEO of Skyflow, delving into the implications for products like the Vision Pro.
• Found features Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg, co-founders of the Skimm, discussing their digital media company’s mission to empower women with concise information.
• Chain Reaction interviews Chris Dixon, general partner at Andreessen Horowitz, exploring his insights into the crypto world and web3 investments.

TechCrunch+ Insights

Rebecca examines how pitch competitions contribute to leveling the playing field for underrepresented founders but emphasizes that more comprehensive efforts are necessary to achieve fairness and equality.

Jacquelyn reports on Ethereum’s resurgence in developer interest despite market conditions, along with increased activity on other blockchains like Solana, Polygon, and Optimism.

Bonus: Y Combinator President’s Controversial Tweet

Y Combinator president Garry Tan sparked controversy with a tweet referencing Tupac Shakur lyrics, later deleting it and issuing an apology.