iWorld
TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer steps down
NEW DELHI: Amidst the global political ousting of TikTok, including in the US, its CEO Kevin Mayer has announced his departure from the company with a letter addressed to the employees, reported Financial Times. Vanesa Pappas, who is currently general manager of TikTok, will become the interim head.
Mayer had ended his 15-year-long stint with Disney to join TikTok in May this year.
According to reports, Mayer wrote in his letter, “In recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require, and what it means for the global role I signed up for. Against this backdrop, and as we expect to reach a resolution very soon, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company.”
He added, “I understand that the role that I signed up for — including running TikTok globally — will look very different as a result of the US administration's action to push for a sell-off of the US business.”
“We appreciate that the political dynamics of the last few months have significantly changed what the scope of Kevin's role would be going forward, and fully respect his decision. We thank him for his time at the company and wish him well,” TikTok said in a statement to the FT.
Over the last few weeks, TikTok has been under tremendous pressure from the Trump administration. Donald Trump demanded that the app should be banned in the US as it poses a national security threat because of its China ownership.
Gaming
Samsung’s #PlayGalaxy Cup 5.0 crowns Kaashvi Warriors
Galaxy S26-powered esports event reaches 350 million plus users with 48 top creators.
MUMBAI: Samsung just powered up India’s gaming arena because when Galaxy S26 meets creator chaos, even the controllers get excited. India’s largest consumer electronics brand, Samsung, hosted the fifth edition of #PlayGalaxy Cup, powered by the all-new Galaxy S26 series, bringing together 48 top gaming creators for a high-stakes tournament. Kaashvi Warriors emerged as champions after approximately four and a half hours of intense head-to-head matchups, livestreamed on Samsung India’s official YouTube channel and select Exclusive Stores nationwide, reaching over 350 million users.
The event featured leading talents from Opraahfx, including TechnoGamerz, MythPat, GamerFleet, Desi Gamers, Gautami Abhyudaya, Sooneeta, and Sourav Joshi, delivering massive engagement and competitive fire.
The Galaxy S26 series stole the show with its enhanced performance, immersive display technology, reduced thickness, and lighter weight proving its mettle in sustained peak gameplay under tournament pressure.
Samsung Mobile,vice president and head of product marketing & e-commerce Aditya Babbar said, “At Samsung, we’re proud to empower India’s vibrant esports community with Galaxy devices designed for high-performance gaming. #PlayGalaxy Cup has now entered its fifth edition… we’ve taken it to the next level with even bigger battles and exclusive experiences.”
Over five seasons, #PlayGalaxy Cup has grown from tournament to creator-community powerhouse, cementing Samsung’s bond with Gen Z and millennial gamers fuelling India’s esports boom.
In a scene where mobile gaming is exploding, Samsung’s latest showcase wasn’t just a win for Kaashvi Warriors,it’s a statement that the right device can turn any matchup into a multi-million-view spectacle.
