💳 Apple Wallet IDs & Recurring Payments

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🤖 AI

The latest on AI from leaders like OpenAI, Microsoft, Midjourney, Anthropic Google, and more.

Instagram Reportedly Developing AI Chatbot with Multiple Personalities

Instagram might soon incorporate an AI chatbot with up to 30 different personality options, as leaked by a mobile developer on Twitter. The chatbot is rumored to answer questions and provide advice.

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Google Cloud Rolls Out Generative AI Tools in Vertex AI Suite

Google Cloud's generative AI tools from its Vertex AI product suite have been made generally available. The new services include 'Model Garden,' hosting over 60 AI models, and 'Generative AI Studio,' which allows developers to customize the weights of Google Cloud's neural networks.

Read more at ---> (5-minute read)

Insight: This development has a Global impact, as it reflects Google's commitment to democratizing AI. With these tools, we can anticipate a surge in custom AI applications across various sectors, accelerating innovation and potentially transforming business operations.

🥽 AR/VR

News on Oculus, Apple Vision, Metaverse, and the growing AR/VR market.

Apple Reportedly Purchases AR Headset Manufacturer Mira

Apple has allegedly procured Mira, an augmented reality (AR) headset maker. Mira's headsets are used in applications ranging from Nintendo World's Mario Kart rides to U.S. Air Force equipment instructions.

Read more at ---> (4-minute read)

Initial Details of Apple Vision Pro Hardware Unveiled

Apple Vision Pro, not due for launch until 2024, incorporates features like a laminated glass display, custom micro-OLED displays, and a thermal system to regulate heat. Though Apple has been sparse on specifics, the headset will reportedly have 12 cameras, five sensors, and two chips handling different tasks.

Read more at ---> (6-minute read)

Insight: This news holds an Industry-wide impact. As we look forward, the detailed hardware specs from Apple could set a new benchmark for AR/VR devices, thereby shaping the industry standards and influencing future product designs.

Apple Vision Pro Supports DualSense and Over 100 Arcade Games

Apple Vision Pro, revealed at WWDC 2023, will support DualSense controller and over 100 Apple Arcade games, heralding an expanded gaming experience.

Read more at ---> (3-minute read)

🛍️ E-commerce

Take the temperature of the growing E-commerce market with the most exciting stories in a concise format.

Shopify Finalizes Sale of Logistics Arm to Flexport

Shopify has concluded the previously announced sale of its Shopify Logistics business to Flexport, a tech-centric global logistics platform. Post-transaction, Shopify will possess a 13% equity interest in Flexport, building on its existing investment.

Read more at ---> (5-minute read)

💳 Fintech

Money is now digital, and here, we track the crucial players in the Fintech space.

Apple Wallet to Accept IDs, Launches Recurring Payments with iOS 17

The launch of iOS 17 introduces two key enhancements to Apple Wallet: the ability to setup recurring payments via Apple Cash and a system that allows businesses to accept IDs stored in Wallet. This upgrade could spur wider adoption of digital IDs.

Read more at ---> (6-minute read)

Insight: This announcement has a Global and Industry-wide impact. We foresee a transformation in digital transactions as Apple catalyzes a shift toward greater acceptance of digital IDs, fostering smoother, more secure, and more convenient user experiences.

Personal finance will be an ongoing focus from Apple in the coming years, and we believe their brand and vital consumer touchpoints make them a highly likely disruptor.

Stripe Buys Engineering Analytics Startup Okay

Stripe, the fintech giant, has acquired software startup Okay, which provides analytics and reporting software to boost engineering teams' efficiencies. The move is part of Stripe's strategy to enhance its engineering effectiveness.

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Coinbase CEO Responds to SEC Lawsuit Accusations

Coinbase CEO, Brian Armstrong, responded to the SEC lawsuit accusing the cryptocurrency exchange of operating an unregistered trading platform and selling unregistered securities. Armstrong underlined the regulatory ambiguity in the crypto industry and affirmed his readiness to represent the industry in court for clarity.

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Amazon Pay Integrates Affirm's BNPL Option for US Merchants

Amazon Pay has partnered with Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) firm, Affirm, enabling US merchants to offer installment payment options to customers. Amazon Pay users can choose Affirm as their payment method, proceeding with a real-time approval process that does not affect their credit score.

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Insight: This development has Company and Market impact. We perceive an expansion in Amazon's payment flexibility, potentially driving customer convenience and merchant appeal. Moreover, it reflects the growing trend and acceptance of BNPL solutions in the market.

🎮 Gaming

The largest entertainment industry in the world is Gaming. Here we keep check of crucial actors like Sony, Nintendo, EA, Microsoft, Take-two, and more.

Hints at Next-Gen Nintendo Console Emerge from Job Listing and Insider Leaks

A recent job listing for an embedded system developer in Kyoto, along with previous system specification leaks, hints at the development of a new Nintendo console. The listing suggests a mature stage of development, aligning with speculations that the next-gen console won't launch before spring 2024.

Read more at ---> (4-minute read)

Insight: This news carries Industry-wide and Company level impact. For Nintendo, it signifies innovation and staying competitive. From a broader perspective, it may reshape the gaming industry dynamics.

Nintendo Switch and 'The Legend of Zelda' Take Lead in May's UK Gaming Market

May's UK gaming market was led by 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' on Nintendo Switch, marking the most significant Zelda game launch in UK history. As a result, game sales rose nearly 30% YoY. Despite a 5% MoM dip, Nintendo Switch outperformed PS5, ending its four-month reign as the UK's top console.

Read more at ---> (5-minute read)

Gaming Startups See Q1 Increase Despite Economic Challenges

In Q1, gaming startups secured $1.1 billion, a 10.7% QoQ rise, and deal count also increased by 20.7%. However, these figures mark a significant YoY decline due to slowing consumer spending and the end of the pandemic-driven boom. Exit value doubled QoQ to $200 million across nine deals, yet remained notably below historic highs.

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🖥️ Hardware and Semiconductors

Hardware and chips are everywhere. This section follows companies like Nvidia, TSMC, Apple, HP, and more.

TSMC Anticipates Revenue Drop, Bullish on Long-Term Prospects

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) predicts a 10% YoY revenue decline in H1 2023. However, CEO CC Wei expects a rebound in H2 and 2024. While stabilizing global chip market conditions, TSMC plans to raise product prices by 3-6% in 2024. Despite supply chain and labor challenges, the company remains optimistic about its German expansion.

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Insight: This news highlights a Company level impact. The semiconductor giant TSMC's anticipated dip indicates potentially slower demand in the chip industry. However, their optimism towards future growth and expansion shows resilience and strategic adaption to market changes.

🚖 On-demand Services and Sharing Economy

Here we track the news from Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, and other key players in the space.

Uber Embraces Europe Amid Regulatory Changes

Despite impending EU regulations potentially converting Uber drivers and couriers into full employees, CEO Dara Khosrowshahi is affirming the company's commitment to Europe. Instead of threatening withdrawal, Uber is pledging to 'green' its fleet and improve benefits for drivers, working closely with labor unions and taxi companies.

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Insight: The news indicates an Industry-wide impact, as Uber’s commitment to Europe showcases a shift in strategy from technology companies towards more regulatory compliance and social responsibility. This could set a precedent for how gig-economy companies operate globally.

Uber and Serve Robotics Team Up for Sustainable Delivery

Uber and Serve Robotics are partnering to transform last-mile logistics, with a plan to deploy 2,000 autonomous robots across the US and Canada. The move supports the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and promises to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health, and enhance urban sustainability.

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☁️ SaaS, Software & Cloud

Software is eating the world. Here we check key players in SaaS, Software, and Cloud service providers.

Salesforce Bolsters AI Efforts with New Generative Products

Salesforce has launched Marketing GPT and Commerce GPT, generative AI products aimed at enhancing personalized campaigns and shopping experiences. The tools will be incorporated into Salesforce's Marketing Cloud and Commerce Cloud.

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Salesforce Leadership Reimagined: Brian Millham Takes on Expanded Role

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has reshuffled the company's leadership, with President and COO Brian Millham taking on broader responsibilities. Amidst concerns about succession and after a difficult period, this change is part of a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the software giant and driving it forward.

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Insight: The implications are primarily Company level. We see this as a proactive measure by Salesforce to solidify its leadership structure and reassure stakeholders about its long-term stability and strategic direction.

OpenAI’s GPT-3 and GPT-4 Now Accessible on Azure Government Cloud

Azure Government cloud users can now access OpenAI's GPT-3 and GPT-4 models, offering new opportunities for government agencies to utilize generative AI technologies.

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🔍 Search & browser

The window to the Internet is search and the browser. Here we follow news from Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo, Opera, and more.

Google To Account Office Attendance in Performance Reviews

Google will factor in office attendance as part of performance reviews, urging employees to embrace in-person work. Remote work requests will now be considered exceptions, and reminders will be sent to those with frequent absences to encourage more face-to-face collaboration.

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Insight: This change indicates a Company level impact. We think this marks a significant shift in Google's work policies, possibly influencing other tech giants' stances on hybrid work models.

Google's Bard Chatbot Receives Logic and Reasoning Update

Google has improved its AI chatbot Bard's logic and reasoning abilities, better handling mathematical problems and coding questions. The upgrades, powered by the large language model LaMDA, also allow Bard to execute code in the background for accurate responses to computational prompts.

Read more at ---> (4-minute read)

💬 Social media

Everything is social. Here we curate the most important news stories from leaders like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Twitter, and more.

TikTok Targets $20 Billion E-Commerce Expansion Amid Challenges

ByteDance's TikTok plans to expand its global e-commerce business fourfold to reach $20 billion in 2023, mainly focusing on Southeast Asia. The increase, leveraging TikTok Shop, will involve influencers selling products through live-streamed videos.

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Insight: This ambitious growth plan is an Industry-wide move. We anticipate it will disrupt the online commerce landscape, pushing social commerce and influencer marketing further into the mainstream, even amidst political headwinds.

TikTok's 'Series' Feature Now Open to More Creators

TikTok's 'Series' feature, allowing creators to lock exclusive content behind a paywall, is now accessible to users in 94 countries. The platform continues to enhance monetization options for creators with features like extended video length and newly launched creator funds.

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Meta Verified Expands to India, Maintains Legacy Badges

Meta has launched its paid verification system, Meta Verified, in India and will continue to honour existing "legacy blue badges". The service includes direct access to customer support and impersonation protection, with subscriptions starting at ₹699 monthly.

Read more at ---> (4-minute read)

Twitter Expands Edit Time to One Hour for Blue Subscribers

Twitter has extended the editing window from 30 minutes to one hour for its Blue subscribers, enabling more time for tweet modifications and typo corrections.

Read more at ---> (2-minute read)

📺 Streaming Services

The latest from the leading streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Spotify, and more.

Amazon Prime Considers Ad-Supported Streaming Tier

Amazon is reportedly planning an advertising-supported Prime Video streaming service tier, joining competitors like Netflix and Disney+.

Read more at ---> (4-minute read)

Insight: This move could have an industry-wide impact as Amazon aims to boost revenue and attract price-conscious customers, staying competitive with other streaming services that have already introduced ad-supported tiers.

Twitch Reverses Controversial Ad Rules Policy

Twitch has rescinded its recently announced rules regarding ad display on the platform after facing backlash from streamers and content creators, allowing them to continue working with sponsors.

Read more at ---> (2-minute read)

Insight: This company-level decision highlights the importance of clear communication and collaboration with the community, as Twitch's initial policy change could have significantly impacted creators' income and the platform's overall user experience.

💰 Venture capital

Data on the VC market and funding rounds on key upstarts.

Global Venture Funding Levels Off in May 2023 Despite AI Raises

Global venture funding reached nearly $22 billion in May 2023, up slightly month-over-month, but down 44% compared to May 2022, with funding declines across all stages.

Read more at ---> (5-minute read)

Top 10 Funding Rounds in May 2023: AI and Biotech Startups Dominate

The 10 biggest funding rounds in May 2023 were led by AI and biotech startups, with Anthropic and ElevateBio raising $450 million and $401 million, respectively.

 Read more at ---> (6-minute read)