Tech Companies in a Pandemic: Uber, Lyft, Zoom, Google

Tech Companies in a Pandemic: Uber, Lyft, Zoom, Google | Tech In :60 | GZERO Media

Nicholas Thompson, editor-in-chief of WIRED, provides his perspective on technology in the age of the coronavirus pandemic: How are rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft doing? Can they survive this pandemic?

They're not doing well. People are worried about getting into Ubers and Lyfts. I mean the economy is doing badly, but they have a particular problem. Will they survive? Yes, they'll survive. They're massively capitalized companies with somewhat diversified businesses. Also, I think that the autonomous revolution will be accelerated. Maybe they can take advantage of that.

Will Zoom disappear as fast as it appeared with the software now being banned by schools and companies?

No, Zoom's taking a hit because of their privacy problems, but the software is really good. People like it. So, they'll lose a few users here and there, but they're going to be fine.

Any advice or tech recommendations to help remind me what day it is?

Yeah, it is a little hard. We lose our routines. It's hard to remember, but I don't know. OK Google, what day is it?

Google: "It is Thursday, April 9th, 2020."

There we go. See you next week.

More from GZERO Media

Throughout his Walmart career, Greg has earned nine promotions, moving from an hourly associate to now overseeing 10 Walmart stores. His story is one of many. More than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates, and the retailer offers competitive benefits to support associates on and off the clock. At Walmart, there is a path for everyone. Learn how Walmart is investing in opportunities for associates at all levels.

This summer, Microsoft released the 2025 Responsible AI Transparency Report, demonstrating Microsoft’s sustained commitment to earning trust at a pace that matches AI innovation. The report outlines new developments in how we build and deploy AI systems responsibly, how we support our customers, and how we learn, evolve, and grow. It highlights our strengthened incident response processes, enhanced risk assessments and mitigations, and proactive regulatory alignment. It also covers new tools and practices we offer our customers to support their AI risk governance efforts, as well as how we work with stakeholders around the world to work towards governance approaches that build trust. You can read the report here.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba adjusts his glasses during a press conference as he announces his resignation, in Tokyo, Japan, on September 7, 2025.
Toru Hanai/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

GZERO spoke to Eurasia Group’s Japan Director David Boling about why Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba resigned after less than a year in charge, and about who will replace him.

A girl is inoculated against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) during a vaccination event hosted by Miami-Dade County and Miami Heat, at FTX Arena in Miami, Florida, USA, on August 5, 2021.
REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo’s plan to repeal childhood vaccine mandates in the state’s public schools has prompted further debate over shots, states’ rights, and medical freedoms.

The body of Israeli Levi Itzhak Pash, who was killed when Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop at the outskirts of Jerusalem, is transported on the day of his funeral procession in Jerusalem September 8, 2025.
REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun

A group of terrorists from the West Bank opened fire on civilians at a major junction in Jerusalem on Monday morning, killing at least six people and injuring another 21.