Silicon Beach Report Nov. 30: Snapchat Shuts Down Story Explorer Feature

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Snapchat shuts down Story Explorer feature, SpaceX to carry private rover to moon, and tronc Inc. Director Michael Ferro stocks up on additional shares.

Snapchat Shuts Down Story Explorer Feature

Snapchat has removed Story Explorer, which allowed users to view videos of featured events from the perspective of other users, reports MarketingLand. The featured allowed users, for example, to see how a game-winning field goal looked for someone sitting behind the end zone.

SpaceX to Carry Private Rover to Moon

An effort by Audi to build and place an electric vehicle on the moon will likely use a SpaceX rocket, reports Electrek. The rover is equipped with a four-wheeled electrical drivetrain, solar panels, rechargeable batteries, and high-definition cameras. It is venturing to the moon as part of the Google Lunar XPRIZE.

Tronc Inc. Director Michael Ferro Stocks Up on Additional Shares

Tronc Inc. Director and Chairman Michael Ferro has purchased an additional 42,126 shares of stock in the company, according to a Nov. 28 filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, reports the L.A. Business Journal. The purchase comes less than a week after Patrick Soon-Shiong, the wealthiest person in Los Angeles and the second largest shareholder in tronc, purchased an additional 1.83 million shares on Nov. 23 at prices of $12.90 and $12.94. He also spent more than $826,000 to acquire nearly 65,000 shares in purchases on Nov. 16, 17, and 18 at prices of $12.85 and $12.75 each.

Send tips on L.A. tech companies and startups to reporter Garrett Reim via [email protected]. Follow @garrettreim on Twitter for the latest in L.A. tech news.