In this issue of recap in tech – Pebble Time Kickstarter Sets Record, Microsoft Acquires LiveLoop, and Apple CEO to Donate Fortune to Charity.
Pebble Time Kickstarter Sets Record
Smart water maker Pebble has broken yet another record in crowdfunding breaking the $20 million mark. When the funding time limit ended on March 28, Pebble Time had more than 78,000 backers who had pledged $20,338,986 to bring the project to production. The Pebble Time is said to feature a color e-ink display, a seven day battery life, a 20% thinner body and is waterproof. This was actually the second Kickstarter record the Pebble Time’s campaign broke. Within the first day of its launch, it was the fastest project to raise $1 million (in 49 minutes) in addition to its final total of $20.3 million. The new watch is set to start shipping in May.
Microsoft Acquires LiveLoop
Technology company Microsoft has acquired LiveLoop, a program that helps to convert PowerPoint presentations into a URL format. The intent with a program like this is to allow anyone to check the URL and not make a user have to download the actual presentation onto their computer. LiveLoop will shut down on April 24 as a result of the purchase. The amount of the sale was not released by Microsoft.
Apple CEO to Donate Fortune to Charity
Technology has known its fair share of philanthropists. The likes of Bill Gates and Warren Buffett can now welcome Apple CEO, Tim Cook, to their charitable giving ranks. In an article published this past week, Cook revealed that his net worth is approximately $120 million based on his holding of Apple stork. His restricted stock holdings are worth an additional $665 million if fully vested. While Cook has already proved his goodwill by making several donations on behalf of Apple, his has announced plans to donate his own wealth to charitable organizations once his nephew’s college education is paid for. Cook’s nephew is currently 10 years old.
