Microsoft has plans to release a low-cost Surface device, Lyft joins Uber on sexual assault claims, and Cogeco CEO Louis Audet steps aside.
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From Facebook – Microsoft is looking to challenge Apple in the tablet market, and is reportedly planning to release a line of cheaper Surface tablets. Slated for a possible release in the second half of 2018, the new tablet is expected to not only be cheaper, but 20 per cent lighter with USB-C connectivity. Apple sold about 44 million iPads that generated almost $20 billion in revenue during the past four quarters. In comparison, Microsoft’s entire Surface hardware produced $4.4 billion in the same period.
From LinkedIn – On the heel’s of Uber’s announcement this week that it will no longer require mandatory arbitration for sexual assault and harassment claims from riders, drivers and employees, Lyft is following suit. Prior to this change, victims would be required to enter into confidentiality agreements, a tactic that was criticized as a way to silence victims and hide illegal activities. Uber made the switch in an effort to restore its brand and image since numerous high profile scandals. The ride-hailing company is currently facing a class action lawsuit for poor driver vetting that has led to numerous sexual harassment and assault incidents.
Also from Facebook – After 25 years leading Cogeco Communications Inc., Louis Audet is stepping aside this fall. Stepping into the CEO role will be Philippe Jetté, a senior executive who currently runs Cogeco’s business unit. The changes are expected to be effective Sept. 1. This will be the first time a CEO outside of the Audet family assumes the role of CEO, and only the third time in the company’s history. Jette is an electrical engineer with 20 years of experience in the telecom industry. Audet is expected to stay on as chairman of the company.
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