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📬 AI Progress Surges Forward
Today: Amazon's AI Focus | AirPods 4 Features | X Delays Payouts
Kristoffer Lindström
August 07, 2023
Hey there, welcome to today's update!
Today is Monday, August 7. I hope you had a fantastic weekend! Now, let's jump right into some exciting tech news headlines for you to explore:
Google Antitrust Case Reduced
Threads Expanding Beyond Mobile
X Delays Payouts
AI Progress Surges Forward
AI Dominates Amazon's Focus
AirPods 4 Anticipated Features
and more...
READ TIME: 5.2 MINUTES
Tech Companies
Alphabet Inc.'s Google will undergo a reduced antitrust trial after a judge dismissed several allegations by state attorneys. The focus remains on Google's agreements with companies to maintain its search engine as the default.
Chinese-owned TikTok introduced features for European users, enhancing compliance with the upcoming EU Digital Services Act (DSA). New steps include easier reporting of illegal content, adjusted recommendations, and limited targeted advertising for 13-17-year-olds.
One month post-launch, Meta's microblogging platform, Threads, is set to release a web version and advanced search. Mark Zuckerberg confirmed these upcoming features, although currently, Threads is only accessible via mobile. Despite its rapid growth, surpassing 100 million users in five days, the absence of certain features led to user drop-off.
Due to overwhelming popularity, X has delayed payments from its "Ads Revenue Sharing" program. While Musk communicated about the delays, Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X, remained silent. This comes amid concerns about X's financial health and recent accusations of unpaid dues since Musk's takeover.
Microsoft has addressed a security flaw in Azure AD after Amit Yoran, CEO of Tenable, criticized the company's delayed response. Initially reported by Tenable, the vulnerability could grant unauthorized access to sensitive data. Yoran's post emphasized the ongoing vulnerability, even after Microsoft claimed to have rectified it. The tech giant finally resolved the issue after public exposure.
Startup Scene
Based on numerous reports, chat app Discord dismissed 40 employees amid company restructuring efforts.
AI hardware startup Tenstorrent secures a $100 million investment co-led by Hyundai Motor Group and Samsung Catalyst Fund, targeting AI chips for mobility and robots.
Vienna-based GoStudent raises $95 million for hybrid learning in the DACH region, blending online tutoring, offline lessons, and GoVR, a VR language platform. Deutsche Bank and major investors like Softbank Vision Fund 2 support the raise.
AI Corner
AI's advancements have been significant in a decade, from besting Go players in 2016 to surpassing human capabilities in image and speech recognition. The rapid pace of AI progress was emphasized at a recent U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. Key drivers of this AI evolution are advancements in computing power, vast amounts of data, and innovative algorithms. Experts predict that computing will keep rising, valuable internet data will train AI models, and more efficient AI system training will ensue.
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy revealed that every business segment within Amazon is currently engaged in multiple generative AI initiatives. These initiatives span from operational enhancements to core customer experiences, including areas like AWS, advertising, and Alexa. The emphasis on AI is part of a broader tech trend, with leaders like Apple's Tim Cook and Alphabet's Sundar Pichai also highlighting the importance of AI in their products and services.
SoftBank Corp. initiated SB Intuitions Corp. to create Large Language Models (LLM) tailored for Japanese, offering generative AI services and targeting Japan-centric needs in diverse sectors.
Alphabet's Waymo is initiating a commercial robotaxi service in Austin, Texas, transitioning from manual testing to offering passenger services, with its history in Austin dating back to 2015.
Markets & Money
After announcing robust fiscal fourth-quarter outcomes, Atlassian's shares soared, with the company forecasting improved margins. The software firm's revenue climbed 24%, surpassing analyst predictions, and its net loss decreased from the prior year.
Cloudflare raised its annual revenue and profit predictions following strong Q2 results, causing a 6% stock surge. The updated outlook reflects increased tech investments as macroeconomic conditions stabilize.
As per SEC filings, alphabet significantly reduced its positions in various firms, notably selling over 90% of its Robinhood shares. Despite Robinhood's recent profit announcement, its past challenges, including controversies around "meme stock", have overshadowed its performance.
Insights & Analysis
A Korean research team's assertion of discovering a room-temperature superconductor, LK-99, has generated much excitement online. However, efforts by various international research teams to reproduce the groundbreaking results have largely been unsuccessful. Initial replication studies lack concrete evidence of the material's superconductivity. Notably, the discovery promises significant advancements for technologies like computer chips and maglev trains, but skepticism remains regarding the material's practical application.
Apps & Gadgets
Apple's fourth-generation AirPods may inherit features from second-gen AirPods Pro, including the H2 chip for enhanced audio, Bluetooth 5.3 for improved connectivity, longer battery life, touch-based volume controls, and enhanced Find My features. Other potential upgrades: USB-C port, Apple Watch charger compatibility, and "Find My" advancements.
iPhone 16 Pro is expected to feature a new stacked camera system, initially introduced in the iPhone 15 models, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This shift suggests Apple's intention to expand the feature difference between standard and Pro models, with Sony's high-end CIS in demand.
Meta's Quest 3 VR headset has appeared in the FCC's database, indicating potential US sales. Although not explicitly named "Quest 3", it matches Meta's previously announced device descriptions. The upgraded headset supports Wi-Fi 6E, offers a slimmer design, utilizes a new Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, and features color passthrough. Its price starts at $499.99, higher than the Quest 2. Additionally, new handheld Touch Plus controllers without outer tracking rings are also expected.
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