Get caught up on the latest technology and startup news from the past week. Here are the most popular stories on GeekWire for the week of Jan. 31, 2021.
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Most popular stories on GeekWire
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos to step down this year, replaced by AWS chief Andy Jassy in stunning turn for tech giant
Jeff Bezos will step down as CEO of Amazon, becoming executive chairman of the company he conceived 27 years ago on a road trip to Seattle, and built into one of the world’s most valuable companies. … Read More
NFL passes on T-Mobile Super Bowl ad featuring Brady and Gronkowski and a bad connection
The Goat got baaaaaaannnnned. T-Mobile’s Super Bowl ad featuring Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (Greatest Of All Time?) won’t air during the big game on Sunday so the Bellevue, Wash.-based wireless carrier released it Friday morning. … Read More
Data breach exposes 1.6 million Washington state residents who filed unemployment claims in 2020
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is investigating a security incident which has compromised the personal information of more than 1.6 million people who filed for unemployment claims in the state in 2020. … Read More
New COVID-19 prediction models forecast a potential fourth wave — and how to minimize it
Let’s start with the good news. The number of new COVID-19 cases in the greater Seattle area, Washington state and the national level have all been declining since early January, showing a recovery from what’s known as the third wave of infections. … Read More
Amazon unveils design plans for Virginia HQ2, with dramatic spiral ‘Helix’ building as centerpiece
Amazon’s proposed design plans for its second headquarters campus in Arlington, Va., will have a familiar look for anyone who has ever set foot in Seattle as three tall office buildings ring a unique glass-enclosed structure. … Read More
Amazon earnings preview: Record holiday quarter expected but COVID-19 expenses may curb profits
The pandemic-driven e-commerce surge is expected to drive record sales and profit for Amazon as the company reports its holiday quarter earnings on Tuesday. … Read More
Jeff Bezos’ role at Blue Origin hints at how his profile at Amazon is likely to change
What will Amazon without Jeff Bezos as CEO look like? … Read More
Sana Biotechnology boosts IPO range, looks to raise $517 million
Editor’s note: Sana Biotechnology priced shares on Wednesday evening, raising $587.5 million. … Read More
Tech workers sound off on Washington state’s proposed ‘billionaire tax’ at first public hearing
Tech workers showed up to a virtual hearing Tuesday to voice their opinion on a proposed tax on Washington state’s wealthiest residents. … Read More
Tech tycoon buys SpaceX flight to orbit, sets aside seats for sweepstakes winner (and a fellow techie)
A billionaire CEO who also happens to be a trained jet pilot is buying a days-long flight to orbit aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft — and he’s setting aside the three other seats for a health care worker, a sweepstakes prize winner and the top tech contestant in a “Shark Tank”-style competition. … Read More