Mission Everywhere

Google's Pixelbook Go is a perfect secondary, portable, use-anywhere internet-browsing Chromebook that complements a larger, more powerful computer. All it really does is run the Chrome web browser , which is all I want from a little laptop that complements my big, powerful computer.  Except it has one critical flaw: An $850 price tag.  For that money, you can get a great Windows 10 13-inch laptop that's similarly portable, runs full apps, and is much more versatile. For $150 more, you can pick up an Apple MacBook Air .  Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.  In almost every respect, the $850 Pixelbook Go is a perfect solution for anyone who wants a secondary, portable, use-anywhere internet-browsing laptop that complements a larger, more powerful computer. I have to compete with my wife for Pixelbook Go time on the living room couch or in the kitchen. I'll try the excuse that I need to use it to review it, but she doesn't care.  "D...

Amazon and Google have been at the forefront of voice computing technology through smart devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home . The companies have created corporate venture funds like Alexa Fund to invest exclusively in voice-first startups to bolster the capabilities of smart assistants like Alexa . Paul Bernard, director of Amazon's Alexa Fund, told Business Insider that corporate venture funds have been more active investors in voice tech than traditional venture firms . That is partly driven by self-interest in furthering the technology, he said, but also so that voice computing can become as widespread as mobile computing. Corporate venture also has the benefit of a sole investor, the backing company, instead of a wider investor base that necessitates a more varied portfolio, Bernard said. For voice computing to reach critical mass, both corporate funds and venture firms will have to partner on early and mid-stage deals to best support companies furthering the em...

Hello and welcome back to Startups Weekly, a weekend newsletter that dives into the week’s noteworthy startups and venture capital news. Before I jump into today’s topic, let’s catch up a bit. Last week, I wrote about Airbnb’s issues . Before that, I noted Uber’s new “money” team . Remember, you can send me tips, suggestions and feedback to kate.clark@techcrunch.com or on Twitter  @KateClarkTweets . If you’re new, you can subscribe to Startups Weekly here . China’s pivot to Africa Three African fintech startups; OPay , PalmPay and East African trucking logistics company Lori Systems , closed large fundraises this year. On their own, the deals aren’t particularly notable, but together, they expose a new trend within the African startup ecosystem. This year, those three companies brought in a total of $240 million in venture capital funding from 15 different Chinese investors, who’ve become increasingly active in Africa’s tech scene. TechCrunch reporter Jake Bright , who...

The average life expectancy in the US has declined for a third straight year . New research linked that decline to the fact that "working-age" Americans, between ages 25 and 64, have been dying at higher rates. These deaths have been linked to drug overdoses, suicides, and alcohol-related diseases, among other health problems. Multiple experts agree that socioeconomic inequality and a economic hardship may have contributed to this increase in middle-age American deaths . Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories . The US is the only wealthy country in the world where the life expectancy needle is moving the wrong way. Between 1959 and 2014, the average length of time that Americans were expected to live was on the rise. Now, for the third year in a row, it's declining, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "Americans operate under a lot of misconceptions about how superior we are in many facets...

Nallur Sethuraman / Reuters : An overview of crisis in India's telecom sector, after a Supreme Court ruling that sided with the government saddled mobile carriers with $13B in fresh debt   —  (Reuters) - India's telecoms sector has been rocked by a Supreme Court ruling last month that sided with the government in a dispute … from Techmeme https://ift.tt/2OCU9kZ

Apple's legendary former chief design officer Jony Ive appears to have formally left Apple after his profile disappeared from Apple's leadership page this week. The departure of Ive was first announced by Apple back in June, with the company's press release saying Ive would leave "later this year." Ive said he would set up his own design shop, but since the announcement has been spotting enjoying himself with celebrities, models, and fashion designers at glamorous events in his native UK. Ive played a pivotal role in designing Apple devices like the iPhone, iPod and iPad. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. Even business icons need a break. Apple's legendary former chief design officer Jony Ive looks to have left Apple for good after his profile disappeared from Apple's leadership page this week . Since his departure was first announced, it looks like he's been having fun. Ive formed one of the most fruitful business and ...