🛡️ Apple, Google Tackle Tracking

Update 2023-05-03

What’s in today’s Business Edge update?

The tech world continues to be all about AI, today’s update is no exception; NVIDIA unveils cutting-edge AI research for generative graphics and neural rendering while Apple and Google join forces to prevent unwanted tracking

In other news, the rise of an AI-powered world stirs uncertainty for businesses, Uber's Q1 earnings exceed expectations, and AMD's revenue declines by 9% due to a sharp drop in PC chip sales.

Let’s dive in!

🌐 Digest

Concise summaries of the most interesting tech news stories.

[1] NVIDIA Unveils Groundbreaking AI Research for Generative Graphics and Neural Rendering

NVIDIA has introduced an array of cutting-edge AI research for generative graphics and neural rendering, including around 20 papers to be presented at the SIGGRAPH 2023 conference. These innovations span personalized text-to-image models, inverse rendering tools, neural physics models, and real-time AI-powered visual details. The advancements will aid developers and creators in areas like virtual world population, robotics training, and game development.

More:

• Generative AI models transform text into images for concept art or storyboarding

• Inverse rendering tools convert still images into 3D objects

• Neural physics models simulate complex 3D elements with striking realism

• Real-time AI-powered visual details unlocked by neural rendering models

• NVIDIA's research often shared with developers and integrated into products

_{Tags: #AI #NVIDIA #GenerativeGraphics}

Read more about it at —> (read time: 10 minutes)

Insight: We classify this news as having Industry-wide Impact as it affects the entire tech industry, especially in areas like game development, virtual world creation, and robotics. NVIDIA's innovations in generative AI and neural rendering will transform how developers create immersive experiences and how artists produce high-quality visuals, ultimately changing the competitive landscape within the sector.

[2] Apple and Google Collaborate on Unwanted Tracking Prevention

Tech giants Apple and Google have joined forces to address the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices for unwanted monitoring. The companies submitted a first-of-its-kind specification to the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) to enable unauthorized tracking detection and alerts across iOS and Android platforms. Samsung, eufy Security, and Pebblebee have expressed support for the proposal, which suggests best practices for manufacturers. The initiative builds on Apple's existing AirTag protections and is considered critical in combating unwanted tracking on iOS and Android devices.

More:

• Submitted to the IETF, an industry standards development organization

• Apple and Google's joint statement shared on the Apple news site

• Apple updated AirTag software to discourage tracking misuse

_{Tags: #Apple #Google #Privacy}

Read more about it at —> (read time: 3 minutes)

Insight: We classify this news as having an Industry-wide Impact, as it involves major technological advancements and affects an entire industry. Apple and Google's joint efforts to tackle the misuse of Bluetooth location-tracking devices have significant implications for device manufacturers and the wider tech industry. By establishing a common standard for unauthorized tracking detection and alerts, they aim to ensure user privacy and security across platforms.

[3] AI-Powered World Creates Uncertainty for Businesses

As generative AI technology like OpenAI's ChatGPT gains traction, businesses are grappling with uncertainty about its implications. Nvidia GPUs played a central role in the development of ChatGPT, with Nvidia's NeMo Guardrails helping address security concerns. Amazon CTO Werner Vogels discussed the need for "guardrails" around AI during the Future Compute conference, while Elon Musk and the Biden administration have called for regulatory oversight.

More:

• OpenAI used Nvidia AI-optimized GPUs to build ChatGPT

• Nvidia's NeMo Guardrails framework keeps AI chatbots safe and accurate

• Custom chip development continues with Amazon, Apple, and others

_{Tags: #AI #GPT-4 #Nvidia}

Read more about it at —> (read time: 7 minutes)

Insight: We classify this news as having an Industry-wide Impact due to its implications for multiple sectors worldwide. The rise of generative AI technology like ChatGPT drives rapid innovation and creates challenges in areas such as security and regulation, which will affect businesses across various industries.

[4] Uber Surpasses Expectations with Q1 Earnings Boost

Uber Technologies Inc. reported an 11% surge in stock value after announcing Q1 revenues of $8.82 billion, surpassing analyst expectations. Uber's mobility business played a significant role in revenue growth, with sales reaching $4.3 billion after a 72% YoY increase.

More:

• Mobility trip growth increased to 24% from 19% last quarter

• Ride-hailing gross bookings reached $15 billion, a 40% YoY growth

• Food delivery revenue climbed 23% YoY to $3.1 billion

• Freight business revenue declined 23% to $1.4 billion

_{Tags: #Uber #Financial report #Mobility}

Read more about it at —> (read time: 4 minutes)

Insight: We classify this news as having a Market Impact, as it affects a specific market within the tech industry. Uber's increase in revenues and stock value has implications for its competitors in the ride-hailing and food delivery markets, as well as affecting consumer behavior and trends within these markets.

[5] AMD Revenue Falls 9% Amid Sharp Decline in PC Chip Sales

AMD's Q1 results reveal a 9% YoY drop in revenue, with earnings and sales beating Wall Street expectations. However, shares fell over 2% in extended trading due to the company's lighter-than-expected guidance for the current quarter.

More:

• EPS: $0.60 per share, adjusted, versus $0.56 per share expected

• Revenue: $5.35 billion, versus $5.3 billion adjusted

• Q1 net loss: $139 million, compared to net income of $786 million during the same quarter last year

• PC processor sales: $739 million, down from over $2.1 billion last year

• Data center segment growth: $1.295 billion, up from $1.293 billion last year

_{Tags: #AMD #Financial report #Semiconductors}

Read more about it at —> (read time: 3 minutes)

Insight: We classify this news as having an Industry-wide Impact, as it affects the semiconductor industry and reflects the challenges faced by chipmakers during a difficult period for the PC market. AMD's revenue decline and the drop in PC chip sales may have implications for other companies in the industry, influencing competition and trends.

⚡️Bites

Brief news summaries that provide quick and easy-to-consume information.

Meta introduces new discovery and personalization features for Facebook Reels, allowing users to customize recommendations and improve content visibility. (link)

Scientists develop AI language decoder to non-invasively translate human thoughts into text using fMRI brain patterns, with potential applications in speech restoration and privacy concerns. (link)

Box integrates generative AI models using OpenAI's ChatGPT API into its Content Cloud, helping users surface information and generate content faster across various use cases. (link)

Snap tests sponsored links in My AI conversations, announces 170% YoY growth in Spotlight with 350M MAUs, and launches "First Story" ad product. (link)

Chegg's shares drop 50% as customers favor ChatGPT over its study tools; company aims to integrate AI for competitiveness. (link)

Clubhouse announces layoffs as the audio app faces challenges in maintaining growth and user engagement. (link)

Zipline and OpenAI secure the top two funding rounds in April, raising $330M and $300M, respectively, boosting drone delivery and AI development. (link)

🔍 Extra

A mix of learning links, software products, deals, and other interesting content.

Startups' value accrues in later years, with majority created in the last 24 months; early years lay groundwork for hypergrowth and higher valuations. (link)

Startups developing generative AI copilots for coders set to raise over $300M in 2023, with tools enhancing software development efficiency and productivity. (link)