A casual conversation between Jensen Huang and Mark Zuckerberg at SIGGRAPH 2024 turned heads with unexpected twists. Initially focusing on Nvidia GPUs capabilities and Zuckerberg’s vision of an AI chatbot future, the chat took a more laid-back turn. The event included a jacket swap, an uncommon F-bomb from Meta’s CEO, and a slightly eerie story about slicing tomatoes.
Meanwhile, vulnerabilities in dating apps like Bumble and Hinge allowed stalkers to track users within a 2-meter radius. Although researchers identified and resolved the issue, it serves as a reminder of how privacy is always at risk of being violated.
Intel’s announcement of massive layoffs impacting 15,000 employees reflects the company’s challenges with declining revenue and unsuccessful AI initiatives. CEO Pat Gelsinger anticipates a tough remainder of the year for the company.
In legal news, BitClout founder Nader Al-Naji faces fraud charges from the SEC for unregistered securities offerings, raising over $257 million in cryptocurrency under a pseudonymous identity. BitClout attracted investments from prominent firms like a16z, Sequoia, and Coinbase Ventures.
Meta’s $1.4 billion settlement with Texas AG Ken Paxton stems from a lawsuit alleging privacy violations through past facial recognition technology use. The settlement requires a $500 million initial payment within the month.
TechCrunch’s Week in Review highlighted significant tech news, such as Apple’s Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 beta, OpenAI’s Voice Mode rollout for ChatGPT Plus users, and the introduction of the AI necklace “Friend” to combat loneliness.
Moreover, Meta launched AI Studio for U.S. creators to develop AI bots for various platform interactions. Users can opt out of facial recognition at U.S. airports, and a study links doomscrolling to negative psychological impacts.
Canva’s acquisition of Leonardo.ai expands its AI capabilities, while Flo Health’s $200 million Series C funding elevates the fertility app to unicorn status. Microsoft’s investment in OpenAI sparks discussions about their evolving relationship.
The return of Motorola Razr flip phones and Samsung’s competition in the foldable smartphone market provide consumers with more options. Additionally, the analysis delves into Wiz’s bold decision to reject Google’s $23 billion acquisition offer, showcasing confidence in its potential.
Lastly, the exploration of Heeyo’s AI companion for children raises concerns about privacy and safety in developing such technology. As the tech landscape evolves, these developments shape the future of AI and its impact on society.