Google sells Zagat to NYC media company The Infatuation
In 2011, Google acquired Zagat with the hope that the “legendary” restaurant guide would bolster their local reviews. Now, Google has reportedly sold the media property, originally founded in 1979, to the “budding,” NYC-based media company The Infatuation. Zagat fans “rejoiced” at the news, believing that the newly-minted partnership will “restore” the “good Zagat name” from obscurity. [Forbes]
WeWork acquires marketing platform Conductor for undisclosed amount
2017 was a landmark year for WeWork, and the co-working giant just made its first splash in 2018 with an announcement that it has acquired Conductor for an undisclosed amount. Founded in 2008, Conductor works with companies to analyze SEO data and generate targeted content. It’s possible WeWork will utilize Conductor’s specialization to bolster its own online presence, as well to offer services to the multitude of startups it hosts. [Venture Beat]
ClassPass revamps business model; introduces credits
Fans of ClassPass’s groundbreaking “work out where you want” model have reason to rejoice. The company is eliminating its flat membership fee in favor of credits. Users can purchase credits at the beginning of the month, and use them to sign up for the class of their choice. Different classes will require different credit amounts, and up to 10 credits can rollover from month to month. Credit packages start at $45. [CNN]
Uber launches Uber Health to meet demand for emergency transport
Whether you think it’s sorry state of affairs or a genius idea, the fact is that more and more people are using Uber as a pseudo-ambulance in order to shorter wait times and offset exorbitant medical costs. Now, the ride-hailing company has launched UberHealth, a division of the company that will coordinate transportation between doctors and their patients. While it may not exactly be equipped with an AED, UberHealth vehicles will be HIPAA compliant, and at the very least, a step towards greater medical accessibility. [TechCrunch]
Studies show younger and younger people suffering from “tech neck”
Research recently compiled by The New York Post indicate that the spinal health of the average young person is rapidly deteriorating due to device overuse. Leaning over a laptop or mobile device for extended periods of time can actually start to manipulate the natural curve of your spine, and lead to more chronic issues as you age. Fortunately, doctors agree that core-strengthening exercises, regular stretching, and periodic breaks from one’s desk can help prevent and even reverse symptoms of “tech neck.” [The New York Post]
GrubHub welcomes former Amazon, ClassPass exec as Chief Product Officer
This week, foodie-favorite GrubHub welcomed Sam Hall as the company’s new chief product officer. Previously, Hall served as chief product and technology officer at ClassPass, and vice president of consumable customer experience at Amazon. With no shortage of skill, Hall will lead GrubHub’s product team as they work to refine their platform and expand their vision. [Press Release]
