Silicon Beach Report Nov. 11: SpaceX Shifts Gears on Satellite Testing

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Seven exit SpaceX’s satellite testing team; Hulu prioritizes non-English content; new Office of Child Protection website launches with AI

Starlink Satellite Operation Poses Trouble for SpaceX

According to Reuters, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. leader Elon Musk is unhappy with the pace of satellite testing at SpaceX’s Redmond, Wash., facility, prompting him to fire at least seven high-level executives. However, SpaceX said in a statement that many of the managers left of their own volition. Among the seven who departed are SpaceX Starlink satellite program vice president Rajeev Badyal and satellite designer (and former Google spacecraft engineer) Mark Krebs, who departed the company Oct. 31. Musk aims to use his satellites to provide internet service by 2020, and reportedly is scrambling to replace the fired managers in an effort to stay on-target for an initial satellite launch in mid-2019.

Hulu Focuses on Spanish Programming

For an additional $5 per month, Hulu subscribers can access small bundles of Spanish language channels, including ESPN Deportes, NBCUniverso and CNN En Espanol. TechCrunch reports that another subscription add-on for $7.99 will offer live network feeds in English, from the Cooking Channel, CNBC World and the DIY Network. Hulu subscriptions, without add-ons, cost a monthly $7.99 or $10.99 if the customer wants to circumnavigate ads.

Office of Child Protection Launches New Website

The Los Angeles County Office of Child Protection revamped its website recently to prioritize user experience and rapid reporting, Techwire reports. The Office of Child Protection is reportedly considering adding an artificial intelligence director for its child abuse hotline, which would entail the AI using voice recognition and an application programming interface to decrease customer wait time for relevant information. The full updated website was published and went live for public use Oct. 31.

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