LinkedIn, a social network mainly used for professional networking, has recently launched a new feature called LinkedIn Games. These puzzle and logic games are free and are aimed at providing users with a short mental break while using the platform. The games, which are similar to The New York Times’ popular offerings, are designed to keep users engaged and on the platform for longer periods of time. Currently, there are three games available: Pinpoint, Crossclimb, and Queens. Users can play each game once per day and share their scores on the platform, adding a competitive element to the experience.
In other consumer tech news, Razer, a company known for its colorful RGB lighting in products, faced scrutiny over its Zephyr face mask. The mask, which was marketed as having the filtration qualities of an N95 mask, was not formally tested for such capabilities. As a result, the Federal Trade Commission ordered Razer to refund customers who purchased the mask, totaling over a million dollars. The company’s misleading claims about the mask’s filtration capabilities during the Covid-19 pandemic led to this financial penalty.
Peloton, a company that gained popularity during the pandemic for its connected exercise equipment, has recently faced financial challenges. In addition to a stock price plunge in 2021, Peloton announced the departure of its CEO, Barry McCarthy, and the layoff of 15 percent of its workforce, affecting nearly 400 employees. These developments have raised concerns about the company’s future in the home-exercise-equipment industry, which once seemed promising.
The concept of hybrids in the automotive industry has evolved from being associated with vehicles like the Toyota Prius to becoming more appealing and popular. Hybrid vehicles, which combine gas and electric power sources, are gaining traction in the US market, driven by government mandates for automakers to move towards a zero-emission future. There is even a high-performance Lamborghini plug-in hybrid entering the market, showcasing the shift towards more advanced and desirable hybrid vehicles. WIRED staff writer Aarian Marshall discusses this trend on the Gadget Lab podcast, highlighting the growing prominence of hybrids in the American vehicle market.
Overall, these developments in the tech and automotive industries demonstrate the ongoing evolution and innovation within these sectors. Whether it’s the introduction of gaming features on a professional networking platform like LinkedIn, the regulatory scrutiny faced by companies like Razer, or the changing perceptions of hybrid vehicles, these trends reflect the dynamic nature of consumer tech and the importance of adaptation and transparency in meeting consumer expectations.