OpenAI made headlines this week by closing the largest VC round in history, raising a whopping $6.6 billion. This funding round values the startup at $157 billion post-money and brings its total raised to $17.9 billion. Thrive Capital led the investment, and OpenAI also secured a significant credit line as part of the deal.
In other news, ElevenLabs, a company specializing in AI tools for generating synthetic voices and real-time video dubbing, is in talks for a new funding round that could value the company at $3 billion. This shows the continued interest and investment in AI technology and its applications across various industries.
On the flip side, Elon Musk’s X is facing challenges as its value has dropped significantly from its $44 billion purchase price to around $9.4 billion. This serves as a reminder of the volatile nature of the tech industry and the importance of strategic investments and decision-making.
Moving on to other tech updates, Meta’s Movie Gen model is generating realistic videos from text prompts, showcasing the advancements in AI research. Despite its potential, Meta has decided not to release it publicly, highlighting the need for responsible AI development and deployment.
Additionally, California governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a controversial AI bill, SB 1047, which aimed to hold companies accountable for safety protocols related to AI technology. This decision was met with mixed reactions, underscoring the ongoing debates surrounding AI regulation and governance.
In a more light-hearted project, a solar-powered box with an Android phone running Shazam has been installed on a San Francisco street pole to identify songs in the area. This creative initiative allows people to listen to the sounds of the city, adding a unique touch to urban life.
Moreover, the importance of cybersecurity is emphasized with tips on setting up a secure VPN on your own, rather than relying on paid services. This hands-on approach can enhance online privacy and data protection in an increasingly digital world.
On the app front, Napkin, a note-taking app focused on mindfulness and mental wellness, offers a refreshing take on productivity tools. This shift towards holistic well-being in technology reflects a growing awareness of the impact of digital tools on mental health.
In the realm of iOS updates, iOS 18 introduces changes to the Control Center, allowing for third-party app integration. This opens up new possibilities for customization and functionality, enhancing the user experience on Apple devices.
Lastly, OpenAI’s new “Canvas” workspace enables a collaborative workflow with ChatGPT, allowing users to generate writing or code and receive suggestions and feedback from the AI model. This innovative approach to AI interaction showcases the potential for human-AI collaboration in creative and productive endeavors.
