Today on Talk That Tech we discuss:

Jeff Bezos selling $5B worth of Amazon shares as company’s stock hits all-time high

• Jeff Bezos is selling 25 million Amazon shares worth $5 billion, according to a regulatory filing on the day the tech giant’s stock hit a record high.
• The proposed sale on Tuesday came as Amazon’s stock closed at $200 per share, its highest price since Amazon’s 1997 NASDAQ listing.

Seattle-area EV drivers left searching for fast chargers due to ‘epidemic’ of cable theft

• Thieves in Seattle have been stealing EV charging cables for their copper content, leaving drivers stranded without the ability to recharge their vehicles.
• This issue has become more prevalent in the last few years, with over 100 cables stolen across the city in the past year alone.

How to Get a Real ID License Before the Deadline

• A new type of driver’s license, called Real ID, will be required to board domestic flights in the United States starting from May 7, 2025.

Today on Talk That Tech the Morning Show:

• Amazon has reached a $2 trillion market cap for the first time, joining other tech giants like Nvidia, Apple, Alphabet, and Microsoft.
• Bugatti has unveiled its first plug-in hybrid car, the Tourbillon, with 1,800 horsepower, a V16 engine, and a $4 million price tag. Only 250 units will be produced.
• Borderless tech hiring is overtaking the conversation from remote work for technology roles.

Tech talent marketplaces and a digitized workforce are opening up global hiring opportunities beyond traditional boundaries.

The trend of borderless tech hiring has doubled in the last three years, with tech markets in cities like Beijing and Delhi surpassing those in U.S. hubs like San Francisco and New York.

Today on Talk That Tech the Morning Show:

• The race is on for Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft to reach a market cap of US$4 trillion, with Microsoft and Nvidia predicted to lead.
• McDonald's is ending its partnership with IBM for AI-powered drive-thrus, which began in late 2021. The company plans to shut off the automated order technology in test locations by July 26, 2024
• 3 in-demand remote jobs hiring now that pay $100,000 in 2024

1. Product Manager = Average salary: $106,812

2. Account Director = Average salary: $103,820

3. Business Development Director = Average salary: $113,961

- Remote job opportunities offering salaries over $100,000 remain abundant, despite a slight decrease from peak levels.

Today on Talk That Tech the Morning Show:

• New York Attorney General Letitia James has recovered $50 million from the cryptocurrency platform Gemini Trust to repay investors defrauded in its Gemini Earn program

Gemini, run by billionaire twin brothers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, will provide full recoveries to more than 230,000 Earn investors, including 29,000 in New York, and agreed to a ban on operating crypto lending programs in the state

• Cleveland's City Hall remains closed to the public following a ransomware attack detected on Sunday.

- The ransomware attack has been contained, but details about ransom payment and amounts remain undisclosed due to ongoing investigations.

• Summer Fridays allow employees to leave early on Friday afternoons during summer.

- Companies like IBM, Pfizer, and Condé Nast are known for offering Summer Fridays.

• The movie "Atlas," available on Netflix, delves into themes of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential consequences of advanced AI systems.
• Data allegedly belonging to 560 million Ticketmaster customers has been on sale all week, but the company stayed silent until Friday night.
• General Summary of the Job Market for College Graduates (2024)

1. Improving Job Market:

- The job market for college graduates has been gradually improving. With economic recovery post-pandemic, many industries are resuming hiring and expanding their workforce.

2. High Demand in Certain Sectors:

- Certain sectors, such as technology, healthcare, and finance, are experiencing high demand for graduates. These fields are rapidly growing and often offer competitive salaries and benefits.

3. Challenges Remain:

- Despite improvements, challenges persist. Many graduates face stiff competition, underemployment, or the need to accept positions outside their field of study. Additionally, economic uncertainties and inflation can impact job stability and salary growth.

4. Importance of Skills and Internships:

- Employers are placing a strong emphasis on practical skills and relevant experience. Internships, co-op programs, and practical projects during college can significantly enhance job prospects.

5. Remote Work Opportunities:

- The rise of remote work has broadened opportunities for graduates. Many companies are offering flexible work arrangements, allowing graduates to work from anywhere, which can also impact job availability and satisfaction.

6. Networking and Job Search Strategies:

- Effective networking, leveraging online job platforms, and a professional social media presence are critical for job search success. Graduates are encouraged to build professional connections and utilize career services offered by their educational institutions.

7. Economic Factors:

- Broader economic factors, including government policies, inflation, and global economic conditions, continue to influence the job market. Graduates need to stay informed about these factors as they can impact hiring trends and salary expectations.

The U.S. Department of Education announced that 160,000 more Americans have received student loan forgiveness.

Amazon is adding generative AI to its Alexa voice assistant, which will come with a monthly subscription fee.

TikTok will notify employees of layoffs on Thursday, affecting about 1,000 workers in operations, marketing, and content.

• The layoffs are part of a reorganization effort to help TikTok become profitable amid regulatory pressures.

Apple's iOS 17.5 update is causing previously deleted photos, including NSFW material, to reappear on users' devices.

Alaska Airlines is testing a new AI travel planner tool to transform airfare searches.

• The tool acts as a personalized AI travel agent, helping users find flights based on specific travel desires like culinary journeys or hiking trips.

Google's AI-infused search is causing anxiety among businesses reliant on web search results, with news publishers warning of "catastrophic" effects.

TikTok is taking a stand against the recent U.S. ban by pursuing legal action. The social media giant has lodged a lawsuit in Washington, D.C., urging a federal appeals court to intervene in the law mandating its China-based parent company, ByteDance.

Apple has introduced a new chip that could rival industry leaders.

• The tech giant unveiled the M4 chip during its "Let Loose" event, branding it as "outrageously powerful" and asserting that it will revolutionize AI-related tasks within iPadOS.

Job satisfaction has reached its peak in nearly four decades, soaring to 62.7%, according to recent data from the Conference Board.