Issue 126

Bizarro Devs is a monthly newsletter with the best tech links, tools, and articles.

Aug 04, 2021

✨ GOOGLE BANS SUGAR DADDY APPS - PLUS, HOW TO MAKE MONEY ONLINE

Heya,

This week we have mighty back-end dev, Uriahs, in the captain's chair. He's picked out a bunch of fantastic links for you. I only regret that we couldn't make this an audio newsletter because the dude has voiceover quality tones.

Still, you'll enjoy the following regardless:

💵 Google plans to ban sugar daddy apps from the Play Store.
🎤 Uber to offer free language lessons to their best drivers.
🎨 Code as art.

Enjoy,

Uriahs and Chris.

📰 From the Newsroom

Disney sued over Black Widow hybrid release 🕷️

While the phrase "Black Widow hybrid release" sounds like a zoological disaster that could impact the economy, it's nothing more than a run-of-the-mill payroll scam.

Disney is in hot water after releasing the Black Widow film, starring Scarlett Johansson, on Disney+. It turns out a significant part of the actress’s salary is based on the film's performance at theatres.

The lawsuit states that by releasing the movie on Disney+ at the same time as theatres, Marvel (owned by Disney) intentionally sabotaged the box office performance, which means less money needed to be paid to Johansson.
The lawsuit also alleges that Disney wanted to increase subscriber numbers for its streaming service and inflate its stock value.
A Disney Spokesperson says that Johansson “callously” disregards the prolonged effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and that the hybrid release move has actually enhanced her ability to earn additional compensation.

theverge.com

Google to ban sugar daddy apps.

Google has updated its policies to ban sugar daddy apps as of September 1st, 2021. The change, according to Google, stems from feedback from advocacy groups concerned with user safety.

A sugar daddy is a man (most times wealthy) who gifts expensive items or sometimes cash to a woman (typically younger than himself). Sugar Mommies also exist.
Don’t worry; Tinder won’t disappear from the Play Store. It’s too big.
Existing Sugar dating apps would have to pivot or make their description as vague as possible to get around this impending ban.

androidauthority.com

Uber will offer free Rosetta Stone language learning to its drivers 🗣️

Uber will offer free Rosetta Stone language classes to its drivers to lower the language barrier between drivers and their passengers. It's hoped the new skills will also help drivers in future endeavors.

Highly-rated Uber drivers will have access to all 24 languages available from Rosetta Stone.
It's part of a wider effort to help drivers who may rely on Uber as their only source of income. By giving drivers more skills and Uberesumes, they might be able to move on.
Drivers will get official letters from Uber that include the total number of trips completed by a driver, their top feedback, and other information about the driver and their performance.

cnet.com

⛓️ Ten Must See Links of the Month

I didn't know this happened, but if you woke up and suddenly inside a random WhatsApp group? Here’s how to prevent unknown users from adding you to WhatsApp groups.
Ever wanted to view your browser console on a mobile phone while debugging a website? It’s possible with Google Chrome Mobile.
Ahh, that passive income. Every internet entrepreneur’s dream, put in a little work here, a little work there, then sit back and watch their online store earn money while they sleep. What a dream! Here's how to start.
Coding is an art - Most developers will tell you that. But this is what true art in the world of code looks like.
Working with clients is great until you hear the dreaded words "Can we add..." How to balance price, timeframe, and scope in project management.
Here's a twofer. Ariana Grande will be the latest superstar to enter the virtual world of Fortnite Concerts. In case you’ve never heard of such a thing, here’s a look back at Travis Scott tearing up the virtual space.
Do you Rust? No, not the programming language. Improve your survival skills by renting out a private Rust Server or make it public so that other players can join. Here are the best providers.
xkcd's take on 'Hopeful spirit'.
This website allows you to fill in that emptiness during quiet workdays or when you are trying to relax, with beautiful natural “noise”.
Spotify Plus is currently being tested with a limited number of users who'll pay $0.99 to get those sweet, sweet unlimited skips and hear fewer ads.

🎤 It’s How They Said It

"We as a species shouldn’t feel too bad for failing to develop an interstellar entanglement communication network ourselves."

🧮 The numbers game

8.4% - The record-breaking drop in Robinhood's share value on the day of their IPO.
$10 - The price Amazon is willing to pay for your palm print biometrics (store credit only).
$1.5 trillion - The amount wiped off Chinese tech stocks following a government crackdown.
47 minutes - Total time the International Space Station was spinning out of control following a docking-thruster incident.