GeekWire Podcast: Microsoft (maybe) rescues TikTok; downtown Seattle struggles; micro-schools

Right here’s what we’re speaking about on the GeekWire Podcast this week.

Who would have thought that Microsoft might be the possible white knight to avoid wasting social video app TikTok from threats by President Trump to ban it within the U.S.? Trump set a tough deadline this week for Microsoft or one other entity to purchase the corporate earlier than he’ll block all transactions with its Chinese language dad or mum firm, ByteDance. We talk about what is perhaps behind Microsoft’s curiosity in getting into the social media sphere.

• In newest TikTok twist, Microsoft reportedly looking to buy total social media large
• Trump points govt order banning transactions with TikTok dad or mum ByteDance in 45 days
• Gates interview tackles TikTok, his most popular COVID meds, and the gentler antitrust hearings of right this moment

We take a stroll by means of eerily quiet downtown Seattle to see how the shift to distant work by tech giants is impacting native companies — and it’s not wanting good.

What are micro-schools and the way may they assist frazzled dad and mom making an attempt to take care of distant studying in the course of the pandemic?

A Seattle sock-making startup pivoted to creating masks for the pandemic, however then a misstep in a promotion prompted large grief. We’ll speak about what occurred and the way they handled it.

Hear above, and subscribe in any podcast app.

With GeekWire’s John Prepare dinner and Kurt Schlosser. Produced by Curt Milton. Theme music by Daniel L.Okay. Caldwell.