logo
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral 'cheating' Coldplay video

Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after viral 'cheating' Coldplay video

TimesLIVE21-07-2025
US-based software company Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has resigned after a video of him spotted with head of HR Kristin Cabot at British rock band Coldplay's concert in Boston went viral last week.
In the video captured on the 'kiss cam' at the concert, the two were seen cuddling, sparking controversy and rumours that they were having an affair.
Astronomer confirmed Byron's resignation in a statement on LinkedIn.
'As stated previously, Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,' the statement read. 'Our leaders are expected to set the standard in, both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.
'Byron has tendered his resignation, and the board of directors has accepted. The board will begin a search for our next CEO, as cofounder and chief product officer Pete DeJoy continues to serve as interim CEO.'
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US tech titan earnings rise on AI as economy roils
US tech titan earnings rise on AI as economy roils

IOL News

time5 hours ago

  • IOL News

US tech titan earnings rise on AI as economy roils

AI. Global leaders have entered the AI race. Image: File Image: IOL Tech giants Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft this week eclipsed earnings expectations, cashing in on artificial intelligence (AI) while navigating economic waters roiled by US tariffs. "Massive results seen by Microsoft and Meta further validate the use cases and unprecedented spending trajectory for the AI Revolution on both the enterprise and consumer fronts," Wedbush tech analyst Dan Ives said in a note to investors. "We have barely scratched the surface of this 4th Industrial Revolution now playing out around the world led by the Big Tech stalwarts such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Palantir, Meta, Alphabet, and Amazon," Ives added. Amazon reported a 35 percent jump in quarterly profits as the e-commerce giant said major investments in AI technology are paying off. "Our conviction that AI will change every customer experience is starting to play out," said Chief Executive Andy Jassy, pointing to the company's expanded Alexa+ service and new AI shopping agents. But the Seattle-based company's profit outlook for the current quarter came in lower than hoped for, with investors worried that the cost of AI was weighing on the bottom line. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ This was despite a stellar second quarter that exceeded analyst expectations, much like it did for its AI-focused rivals Google, Microsoft and Meta, which posted bumper results for the period. Amazon's net sales climbed 13 percent, signaling that the company was so far surviving impacts of the high-tariff trade policy under US President Donald Trump. Amazon Web Services (AWS), the company's world-leading cloud computing division, led the charge with sales jumping 17.5 percent to $30.9 billion. Its strong performance reflects surging demand for cloud infrastructure to power AI applications, a trend that has benefited major cloud providers as companies race to adopt generative AI technologies. $4 trillion club Shares of Microsoft spiked Thursday following blowout quarterly results, lifting the tech giant into the previously unprecedented $4 trillion club along with Nvidia, another AI standout. The landmark valuation is the latest sign of growing bullishness about an AI investment boom that market watchers believe is still in the early stages -- even as companies like Microsoft plan $100 billion or more in annual capital spending to add new capacity. "Cloud and AI is the driving force of business transformation across every industry and sector," said Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. At the heart of the results was a stunning surge in Azure, the company's cloud computing platform, which is getting "supercharged" with AI, said Angelo Zino, technology analyst at CFRA Research. Zino attributed "just about all of" Microsoft's recent climb in valuation to AI. Superintelligence? Meta reported robust second-quarter financial results Wednesday, with revenue jumping 22 percent year-over-year as the social media giant continues investing heavily in artificial intelligence. "We've had a strong quarter both in terms of our business and community," said CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "I'm excited to build personal superintelligence for everyone in the world." Zuckerberg has embarked on a major AI spending spree, poaching top researchers with expensive pay packages from rivals like OpenAI and Apple as he builds a team to pursue what he calls AI superintelligence. Hours before the earnings report, Zuckerberg insisted that the attainment of superintelligence -- technology that would theoretically be more powerful than the human brain -- is now "in sight." Meanwhile Apple, which is seen as lagging in the AI race, beat expectations with earnings driven by strong iPhone sales despite US tariffs costing the company $800 million in the recently-ended quarter. Apple expects Trump's tariffs to cost the iPhone maker $1.1 billion in the current quarter. "The results show that Apple's iPhone strategy is working to offset the impact of looming challenges with AI development timelines, tariff pressures, and Google's antitrust issues," said Emarketer tech analyst Jacob Bourne.

Anthony Hopkins playfully mocks Kim K's new product
Anthony Hopkins playfully mocks Kim K's new product

The South African

time6 hours ago

  • The South African

Anthony Hopkins playfully mocks Kim K's new product

At 87, British acting legend Sir Anthony Hopkins has playfully taken a jab at Kim Kardashian's latest Skims launch, the Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap. The new product, retailed at around R900 (USD 48 converted), is designed to sculpt the jawline using collagen-infused fabric. It fastens around the chin, neck, and ears, according to Page Six. Anthony Hopkins posted a remarkable Instagram video echoing his chilling 1991 character Hannibal Lecter from The Silence of the Lambs . In the clip, he dons the face wrap in a clay colour and wittily quips, 'Hello Kim, I'm already feeling 10 years younger. Goodbye.' He then mimics his famous slurping of fava beans and Chianti, a dark nod to Lecter's character. The actor cheekily invites Kardashian, saying, 'Thank you, Kim. Don't be afraid to come over for dinner.' Anthony Hopkins' video quickly went viral, amassing millions of views and drawing praise for his sharp humour. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow called it 'genius,' while fans appreciated the blend of nostalgia and wit. One fan joked, 'Are you having Kim for dinner???' while another celebrated Hopkins as a 'great actor with a great sense of humour.' Kardashian herself shared the post on her Instagram story, revealing she was 'screaming' with laughter over the tribute. The Skims Seamless Sculpt Face Wrap promises to be an effective tool for those seeking non-surgical face sculpting. It featured Velcro closures for comfort and ease. Despite mixed reactions online, many fans intrigued by beauty and wellness innovations might find the technology appealing. The product's launch coincides with growing interest in face-lifting alternatives amid rising surgical costs and a desire for less invasive beauty routines. Kim K has made a name for herself through bold, inventive products. She previously released popularity-driving items like the nipple bra and butt-enhancing shorts. She has stated, 'I love being able to push boundaries and bring humour to our campaigns' while encouraging people to 'look and feel their best.' The Skims face wrap continues in this spirit, combining fashion with function and a wink to popular culture. South African beauty enthusiasts often seek accessible and effective skincare and shaping products, making this an interesting addition to the market. With an approximate price of R900, it occupies a middle ground between affordable beauty tools and luxury skincare. Several fans have joked that Kardashian's creation is 'because we all can't afford face lifts.' This reflects a wider conversation around beauty standards and accessibility. As one follower noted, 'This is getting weird, how are we normalising this?' Another tempered the mood with humour, saying, 'We're not going to make it, are we? Humans, I mean.' These sentiments speak to the cultural impact of celebrity influence in shaping beauty trends. Hopkins' inventive endorsement highlights the merging of Hollywood culture with beauty entrepreneurship. It enriches the global conversation about ageing, self-care, and playful marketing. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Tata Motors to make SA comeback after 8-year passenger vehicle pause
Tata Motors to make SA comeback after 8-year passenger vehicle pause

The Citizen

time12 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Tata Motors to make SA comeback after 8-year passenger vehicle pause

In a surprise development, Indian auto giant Tata has announced its return to South Africa next month after quietly ending its passenger vehicle operations eight years ago, The Citizen reports. 'New' Tata Still present via its truck and bus division, the Mumbai-based brand has provided no details of its planned product range, though a hint has been provided by the official event invitation. Its current line-up comprises two A- and B-segment hatchbacks — the Tiago and its sedan sibling, the Tigor — and the Altroz. It also fields two B-segment SUVs, the Punch and Nexon, plus two C-segment SUVs: The Harrier and Safari. On Safari According to the mentioned document, the Safari appears set to be one of the products Tata will launch with, as the original had been a quiet presence in the local market more than two decades ago. A radical departure from its predecessor, the current second-generation Safari made its world debut four years ago and received a mid-life facelift two years back. Drawing on Tata's ownership of JLR, the Safari rides on the same D8 platform as the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, with dimensions of 4 668mm in overall length, a wheelbase of 2 741mm, width of 1 922mm and height of 1 795mm. Offered only with front-wheel drive — unlike the original body-on-frame version that had part-time four-wheel drive — the Safari comes standard with seven seats or, optionally, six, featuring ventilated captain's chairs in the second row. Boot space, depending on configuration, ranges from 211L with all seven seats up, to 1 550L with the second and third rows folded flat. Available in five trim levels — Smart, Pure, limited-edition Stealth, Adventure and flagship Accomplished — the Safari uses Tata's Kryotec 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine based on Fiat's earlier Multijet design as part of a long-standing licensing agreement. Developing 125kW/350Nm, the engine is paired either with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed torque converter automatic. Depending on the trim, the Safari features 16-inch steel or 19-inch alloy wheels, a six-speaker or upgraded 10-speaker JBL sound system, dual-zone climate control, ventilated and electric front seats, LED headlights, push-button start, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, a wireless smartphone charger, rear window blinds, a hands-free electric tailgate and ambient lighting. Standard features also include Type-A and Type-C USB ports, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a choice between a 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch infotainment display, both with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and voice recognition. Safety and tech On the safety front, the Safari boasts: Tyre pressure monitor 360-degree surround-view camera Seven airbags Front and rear parking sensors Hill Descent Control Rollover Mitigation Hill Hold Assist Driver Attention Alert Tata also includes 21 additional advanced safety systems, a drive mode selector with Eco, City and Sport modes, and a terrain selector with Normal, Wet and Rough settings. Pricing and outlook Priced from ₹1 549 900 to ₹2 724 990 — roughly R320 481 to R563 461 before taxes — the Safari is likely to headline Tata's local line-up, although exact details remain unconfirmed. Other likely options At the lower end of the range, the Punch, which has been a runaway success since debuting two years ago, could serve as Tata's entry-level model locally, possibly alongside the Altroz, which premiered in 2020. Another contender is the coupe-styled Curvv, launched last year as Tata's newest offering in its global portfolio. More clarity is expected next month.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store