THE NEWS WRAP: Apple gives $US50 million to improve diversity in tech

Apple is donating $US50 million ($A65m) to organisations that strive to improve diversity in the tech sector.

 

Apple’s head of human resources Denise Young Smith has told Fortune the company was partnering with several not-for-profits in order to increase the workplace participation of women, people of colour, and people with diverse sexualities and genders.

 

“We wanted to create opportunities for minority candidates to get their first job at Apple,” she said.

 

“There is a tremendous upside to that and we are dogged about the fact that we can’t innovate without being diverse and inclusive.”

 

The news follows Apple’s announcement that the Apple Watch will launch worldwide on April 24.

What’s happened to Yik Yak?

Anonymous messaging app Yik Yak has quietly disappeared from the Google Play charts.

 

An investigation by TechCrunch found the startup was delisted from Google Play in October 2014, suggesting Google has taken action against the platform.

 

The company has previously come under fire for publishing “demeaning” and “sexually explicit” language and imagery.

 

Yik Yak brought on $US62 million in capital late last year in a funding round led by Sequoia Capital – valuing the startup at between $US300 million and $US400 million.

Google’s CFO to retire

Google’s chief financial officer Patrick Pichette has announced he is retiring in order to spend more time with his family.

 

In a post on his Google+ page, Pichette said he will hand over the role in the coming months after the company finds a suitable replacement.

“Life is wonderful, but nonetheless a series of trade-offs, especially between business/professional endeavours and family/community,” he said.

 

“And thankfully, I feel I’m at a point in my life where I no longer have to make such tough choices anymore. And for that I am truly grateful.”

Overnight

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is down 332.78 points, falling 1.85% overnight to 17,662.94. The Aussie dollar is currently trading at around 76.26 US cents.

 

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