Apple AirPods Max Announced - Daily Crunch

Apple introduces its latest premium headphones, Calm secures additional investment, and Cyberpunk 2077 is receiving negative feedback. This is your Daily Crunch for December 8, 2020.

Leading the headlines: Apple unveils the AirPods Max headphones

These represent Apple’s initial foray into over-ear headphones within the AirPods product line (the company also owns Beats), and they are priced considerably higher than previous AirPods models at $549.

Key features include active noise cancellation technology, a transparency mode, spatial audio capabilities, and Adaptive EQ, which customizes the audio experience based on the headphones’ fit and seal. The headband is constructed from stainless steel, and a digital crown is incorporated for volume control, track selection, and other functions.

Pre-ordering begins today, with initial shipments scheduled for December 15.

Major technology companies

Tesla has filed plans to issue $5 billion in stock while its share value remains strong — Tesla is capitalizing on its current high stock price.

SAP joins other enterprise software leaders by offering low-code workflow solutions — SAP Cloud Platform Workflow Management empowers users with limited coding experience to create automated operational processes.

Apple Fitness+ is set to launch on December 14 — The service will offer 10 distinct workout categories upon release, including High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), strength training, yoga, dance, core work, cycling, indoor walking, and running.

Startups, funding, and venture capital news

Calm has raised an additional $75 million, resulting in a company valuation of $2 billion — This funding round was expected following reports that the company was seeking up to $150 million at a $2.2 billion valuation.

Gotham Greens, a New York-based indoor agriculture company, has secured $87 million in funding — The company currently distributes its produce in over 40 states and operates greenhouses in Chicago, Providence, Rhode Island, Baltimore, and Denver.

Rivian is developing its own electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with a focus on adventure-oriented locations — The electric vehicle manufacturer is establishing a network of EV charging stations across the United States.

Insights and analysis from Extra Crunch

A closer look at Klarna — The Swedish fintech company is currently the most highly valued private tech firm in Europe.

China is observing and learning from the US in the area of AR/VR technology — A new generation of Chinese entrepreneurs is well-positioned to develop leading-edge hardware.

Is the volume of edtech funding in 2020 unprecedented, or does it simply appear that way? — Venture capital investment is at a peak, but activity levels vary across different sectors.

(Extra Crunch is our subscription program, designed to provide accessible information about startups. You can register here.)

Other noteworthy developments

Cyberpunk 2077 is facing criticism due to a sequence that could trigger seizures, without any prior warning or preventative measures — The game’s developer, CD Projekt Red, is already under scrutiny for an earlier in-game segment with the potential to cause seizures.

Christopher Nolan has described HBO Max as the ‘worst streaming service’ — The director has expressed his dissatisfaction with WarnerMedia’s decision to release its 2021 films directly on the streaming platform.

Nielsen is planning to integrate traditional and digital TV ratings — While Nielsen has long been the standard for measuring TV viewership, tracking digital viewing presents more challenges.

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