This Social Media App Appears Primed for Resurgence

Author

Noah Zelvis
January 20, 2025

Hello and welcome to the Tech Stock Insider, the twice-weekly newsletter covering the biggest opportunities in the tech world.

Today, we’ll look into the latest tech news, highlight some recent movers, and investigate an under-the-radar tech stock with potential.

Technology

It just signed a deal to get its tech in Apple's iPhone until 2040!

Software

Microsoft Increases Microsoft 365 Prices and Adds AI Features

Microsoft is making significant updates to its Microsoft 365 consumer subscription plans by integrating advanced artificial intelligence tools and adjusting pricing for the first time in over a decade. The changes aim to enhance the value of its offerings while aligning with its ongoing innovation strategy.

The updates include the introduction of Copilot, an AI assistant that will be incorporated into popular applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Additionally, subscribers will gain access to Microsoft Designer, an AI-powered image editing tool. These features are designed to provide users with a more dynamic and efficient experience across the suite.

With these enhancements, subscription costs are set to rise. The Microsoft 365 Personal plan will now be priced at $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year, while the Family plan, accommodating up to six users, will increase to $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. Current subscribers will experience the new pricing upon renewal.

While Microsoft 365 consumer products contribute a smaller portion of the company’s revenue compared to commercial offerings, these updates reflect the company’s focus on delivering innovative tools for individual users. For those not seeking AI integration, Microsoft will offer alternative plans that exclude features like Copilot.

Self-Driving Vehicles

Zoox Plans Major Expansion as It Prepares to Launch Robotaxi Service

Amazon’s autonomous vehicle division, Zoox, is set to make significant strides in 2025, with plans to expand its self-driving fleet and offer public robotaxi rides. Co-founder Jesse Levinson shared that Zoox aims to grow its operations, increase its vehicle numbers, and offer services in new regions. The company has already been testing its driverless vehicles, which are unique in that they are designed without traditional controls like steering wheels or pedals, in cities such as Las Vegas, San Francisco, and Foster City, California.

Zoox's first commercial market is expected to be Las Vegas, where the company is launching an “Early Rider Program” soon. Additional cities, including Miami and Austin, could follow. Despite some setbacks in the autonomous vehicle industry—such as the discontinuation of similar efforts by competitors like GM’s Cruise—Zoox remains focused on a careful, safety-first approach to scaling its services.

The future of Zoox’s business hinges on its ability to successfully roll out its robotaxi services, positioning itself as a challenger to Waymo, which is currently leading the market. Though Zoox’s technology is advancing, questions remain about the business model and the industry's ability to generate sustainable profits, as companies continue to face high costs and regulatory hurdles in the race to commercialize self-driving vehicles.

Technology

What Elon Musk is about to do next could be BIGGER than PayPal, Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink… COMBINED.

His next big idea could not only unleash $9 trillion in value…

But it could also pay you an extra $30,000 a year in income outside of the markets.

Hard to believe, right?

But click here to watch the live demo, and you’ll see it for yourself.

Networking

Whitney Wolfe Herd to Reclaim Role as Bumble CEO

Bumble has announced that Whitney Wolfe Herd will resume her role as CEO, marking her return a little over a year after stepping down. The current CEO, Lidiane Jones, has decided to leave the position for personal reasons and will continue in the role until Wolfe Herd officially takes over in mid-March.

Bumble, a dating app designed to empower women to make the first move, was founded by Wolfe Herd in 2014. The company gained widespread recognition for its unique approach to online dating and achieved a milestone by going public in 2021. Although Bumble’s market valuation has seen significant changes since its IPO, the platform remains focused on fostering meaningful connections.

In its latest announcement, Bumble also shared optimistic financial expectations for the fourth quarter, anticipating revenue figures within its projected range. Alongside the leadership change, Ann Mather, a lead director at the company, will step into the role of chair of the board of directors.

This leadership transition signifies a renewed focus on the company's strategic goals under the guidance of its founder, with plans to build on its innovative platform and strengthen its market presence.

Recent Tech Movers

Arqit Quantum (ARQQ) witnessed big swings recently over the immediate future of quantum computing. The current trend seems to be moving in an upward direction, making this a potentially strong time to buy.

Alphabet (GOOG) is investing heavily in its Gemini AI platform to keep up with ChatGPT and newcomer Claude. Advances in this department and free offerings to users bode well for the company’s future.

Agora (API) joined forces with OpenAI to help users embed real-time streaming, video, voice, and more into the applications they use. It also recently received a Buy rating from Bank of America, giving runway for even more of the growth the company’s seen in the last few months.

Technology

Forget rockets or brain implants…

Elon’s new AI product could be his biggest invention yet.

Jeff Brown tried it himself recently and caught his experience on camera.

Click here to see this footage because according to Tesla Magazine, this new product “could well shape the technological and economic future of our society.”

Don’t Overlook This Tech Stock

Snap Inc. (SNAP) was dealt a pretty heavy blow by TikTok’s rise to prominence among social media apps. TikTok has managed to wrangle away significant market share as a result, especially among younger audiences.

With TikTok’s shutdown in the United States, influencers are forced to flee the Chinese platform for more stable options. In addition, Snap’s focus on augmented reality are unlike anything similar apps offer, giving the company a solid leg to stand on.

Snap has also embraced new revenue streams, such as its Snapchat+ paid subscription service that gives users access to exclusive features. All of these factors could point to a share rebound in the near future.

Everything Else

  • Sparkle Clean Tech has licensed advanced oil and gas water treatment technologies from Siemens Energy to enhance its clean tech solutions.

  • The latest innovations in autonomous agricultural technology were showcased at the Consumer Electronics Expo, highlighting advances in smart farming.

  • A potential merger between TikTok and Perplexity AI is raising questions about the app's future amid ongoing scrutiny over bans.

  • Instagram is set to launch a redesigned Android app in February, promising an improved editing interface and enhanced user experience.

  • Metropolis, an AI vision startup, is reportedly acquiring Oosto (formerly AnyVision) for $125 million, marking a strategic move in the AI space.

  • Palladyne AI Corp secured significant funding to accelerate its artificial intelligence solutions across multiple industries.

That's our coverage for today; thanks for reading! Reply to this email with feedback or any tech stocks you want me to check out.

Best Regards,
—Noah Zelvis
Tech Stock Insider