Techmeme
May 25, 2016, 8:40 PM

Top News

BBC:
Foxconn replaces 60K factory workers with robots, denies that it means long-term job losses  —  Apple and Samsung supplier Foxconn has reportedly replaced 60,000 factory workers with robots.  —  One factory has “reduced employee strength from 110,000 to 50,000 thanks to the introduction of robots” …
Tom Warren / The Verge:
Report: Microsoft to announce a basic Chromecast-like Xbox streaming device and a more advanced option at E3  —  Microsoft is said to be planning to unveil new Xbox streaming devices at E3 next month.  The software giant has been considering an “Xbox TV” device for at least three years …
Kotaku:
Sources: Microsoft is planning a cheaper, smaller Xbox One for E3 and a more powerful model in 2017; possible partnership with Oculus in the works  —  Microsoft is preparing at least two new Xbox models for release in the next two years, sources tell Kotaku.
Ingrid Lunden / TechCrunch:
Microsoft is laying off 1,850 to “streamline” its smartphone business, takes $950M charge  —  Following last week's news of Microsoft selling off its feature phone business for $350 million, today Microsoft turned its attention to smartphones: the company announced it would lay off 1,850 staff …
David Muller / MLive.com:
Google to open a 53K square foot self-driving car development center in Novi, outside of Detroit  —  DETROIT - Google's self-driving car project will open a technology development center in Novi, John Krafcik, who heads the technology giant's autonomous vehicle program, announced on social media Wednesday.
Barb Darrow / Fortune:
Salesforce to spend $400M on Amazon Web Services over next four years according to 10Q statement and sources  —  We knew Salesforce and Amazon Web Services were getting cozy, ever since Salesforce's recent earnings call when its chief executive, Marc Benioff, effusively praised Amazon's cloud unit.
Bloomberg:
Sources: Google is aiming to reduce Android fragmentation by pressuring carriers, OEMs into pushing out updates more quickly  —  Web giant creates rankings that could shame ecosystem laggards  —  Friendly tactics also used to unify top phone operating system
Jon Russell / TechCrunch:
Xiaomi launches Mi Drone with 360-degree camera in China, priced at $380 with 1080P video or $450 with 4K  —  Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi officially unveiled its first drone today, ending a week of teasers about it, and the low price of the product might bring some serious competition to the space.
Jacob Pramuk / CNBC:

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Earlier Picks

Mark Scott / New York Times:
Billy Steele / Engadget:
Forbes:
Chris Welch / The Verge:
Sam Schechner / Wall Street Journal: