Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 10/18/24. We aim to educate people about this crucial area along with providing information of what is taking place.
Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.
Stripe in talks to acquire Bridge for $1 billion
Bridge is a platform with an API that helps companies accept stablecoins.
#technology #crypto #stablecoins #stripe #bridge
The Guardian: Hike in capital gains tax will spark tech exodus from UK, investor says
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2024/oct/17/capital-gains-tax-tech-entrepreneurs-exodus-uk-investor
Reuters: Bain & Co, OpenAI expand partnership to sell AI tools to clients
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/bain-co-openai-expand-partnership-sell-ai-tools-clients-2024-10-17/
Meta fires staff for ‘using free meal vouchers to buy household goods’
Meta has reportedly fired about 24 staff at its Los Angeles offices for using their meal credits to buy household goods. Meta usually feeds staff for free from canteens at its larger offices, but those at smaller sites are given daily credits to order food through delivery services. Some workers were found to be abusing the system, including sending food home when they were not in the office. Employees who had only occasionally broken the rules were reprimanded but were able to keep their jobs.
#technology #meta
Sam Altman’s Worldcoin becomes World and shows new iris-scanning Orb to prove your humanity
Sam Altman's Worldcoin crypto project has changed its name to just 'World', potentially signaling the project's interest in expanding its identity beyond its original cryptocurrency mission. Tools for Humanity, the startup behind the project, has unveiled the next generation of its iris-scanning 'Orb' and other tools. The new Orb is easier to mass-produce, has fewer parts, and operates three times faster than the previous version. One of the new tools is called Deep Face - it is an attempt to combat online deepfakes and impersonation using Tools for Humanity's human-verification services.
#technology #samaltman #worldcoin #world
Reuters: US prosecutors see rising threat of AI-generated child sex abuse imagery
https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-prosecutors-see-rising-threat-ai-generated-child-sex-abuse-imagery-2024-10-17/
Reuters: Google shifts Gemini app team to DeepMind
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/google-shifts-gemini-app-team-deepmind-2024-10-17/
Scientists claim breakthrough to bringing back Tasmanian tiger from extinction
Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company, claims to have extracted a thylacine DNA sequence that is 99.9% the same as the original from a 108-year-old specimen preserved in alcohol at a museum in Melbourne, Australia. The company aims to eventually bring back the thylacine, along with other species, back from extinction. While some argue that it is unethical to return long-extinct animals to habitats degraded by human activity, the company's research has produced beneficial advances that can be applied across current living animals. Its efforts could help protect threatened species.
#technology #biotech #bioscience #colossalbiosciences #dna #tasmaniantiger
Reuters: TSMC says it is a law abiding company, after report of US probe
https://www.reuters.com/technology/tsmc-says-it-is-law-abiding-company-after-report-us-probe-2024-10-18/
Reuters: Togo suspends Russia's ride-hailing app Yango
https://www.reuters.com/technology/togo-suspends-russias-ride-hailing-app-yango-2024-10-18/
Reuters: South African click-and-collect firm Pargo considers continent-wide expansion
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/south-african-click-and-collect-firm-pargo-considers-foray-into-rest-africa-2024-10-18/
Reuters: Virginia congressional candidates debate incumbent’s AI – with a few glitches
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/virginia-congressional-candidates-debate-incumbents-ai-with-few-glitches-2024-10-18/
BBC: How does WhatsApp make money? It's free - with some tricks
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8j7nrppny2o
BBC Video: How do you vote when you're stuck in space?
https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/c0m0yyg28v4o
BBC Video: AI v The Mind: Meet the world's first artist robot
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0jylq65/ai-v-the-mind-meet-the-world-s-first-artist-robot
BBC: Instagram defends new teen safety features after criticism
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdd4vn6p601o
Microsoft and OpenAI’s Close Partnership Shows Signs of Fraying
Ties between Microsoft and OpenAI have started to fray. The partnership has been strained by financial pressure on OpenAI, concern about OpenAI's stability, and disagreements between employees of the two companies. OpenAI has been trying to renegotiate its deal with Microsoft to help it secure more computing power and reduce expenses, but Microsoft executives have grown concerned that the company's AI work is too dependent on OpenAI. Microsoft has started to hedge its bet on OpenAI by building its own technologies.
#technology #ai #openai #microsoft
The Guardian: AI mediation tool may help reduce culture war rifts, say researchers
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/17/ai-mediation-tool-may-help-reduce-culture-war-rifts-say-researchers
Space
Cold War in the Stars
On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union launched the first human-created object to orbit the atmosphere of planet Earth. It was Sputnik-1, which lasted six months before crashing. For 22 days, until October 26 of that year, the artificial satellite transmitted small radio signals, basically "beeps" monitored by experts and radio amateurs. The Space Race, which for decades brought together intense efforts from both the Soviets and the Americans, was officially underway.
#newsonleo #space #technology
In addition to small radio signals, Sputinik-1 also carried out important studies of the properties of the atmosphere, the effects of microgravity and solar radiation, which paved the way for the first flight of a living being off the planet (the dog Laika, in 1957), and the first manned mission (Yuri Gagarin, in 1961) — undoubtedly the first major media achievement of the space race efforts.
Since the success of Sputnik, global powers have become involved in a dispute over the sovereignty of space research, in dramatic events that were only brought to an end after the end of the Cold War. In recent decades, the space race has changed its shape: it is no longer seen only as a piece of ideological propaganda and a source of scientific study, but also as a potential market, which has also gained the company of companies in search of profits and resources. It is no coincidence that experts see that we are experiencing a new space race, the results of which are still unclear.
Like many of the technologies that became popular in the 20th century — such as the internet and smartphones — the space race and the launch of spacecraft were a military initiative. The large rockets that transport artifacts and humans into space are direct heirs of the large ballistic missiles that were created as a weapon of deterrence, such as nuclear warheads. The first satellites were also prototypes of spying devices that could not be avoided.
Even before the end of World War II, the famous Nazi scientist Wernher von Braun, considered the father of V2 rockets and intercontinental ballistic missiles, negotiated his own surrender to the United States government. Along with more than 500 rocket scientists and researchers, the German was secretly taken to the country, where he received US citizenship. It was called Operation Paperclip, which welcomed more than 1,600 German scientists, engineers and technicians into North American services, including former leaders of the Nazi Party.
The Soviets undertook a similar operation, known as Operation Osoaviakhim, when they relocated more than 2,500 German engineers and secret research equipment to areas controlled by the Soviet Union after Germany's surrender in 1945, but without giving them new citizenship.
Tesla
Por que um departamento de polícia nos EUA comprou um Cybertruck de R$ 850 mil?
Um departamento de polícia no sul da Califórnia anunciou que comprou o primeiro Tesla Cybertruck dos Estados Unidos para uso policial. O Departamento de Polícia de Irvine divulgou a compra na terça-feira (15), pelo preço de US$ 153.175,03 (cerca de R$ 850 mil).
#newsonleo #tesla #technology #hivebr #pt
O Cybertruck, veículo desenvolvido pessoalmente por Elon Musk, fará parte da frota da polícia e vai atuar ativamente no combate ao uso de drogas na cidade de Irvine. Apesar disso, o carro dificilmente será visto em abordagens ou em regiões com presença de tráfico.
A intenção é que o Cybertruck faça parte da estratégia educativa dos policiais que participam do programa, servindo como uma forma de ficarem mais próximos de crianças e adolescentes. Já é tradição na cidade que os carros utilizados no programa sejam chamativos e consigam captar a atenção dos jovens.
Mesmo sem a intenção de ser utilizado em ações policiais, será equipado com luzes de emergência, gráficos personalizados e espaço para armas. Além disso, será capaz de responder a emergências policiais e poderá auxiliar a comunidade local, contando com tecnologia de comunicação policial na cabine.
A participação do veículo será no programa D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education), fundado em 1983. A iniciativa surgiu no auge da chamada “guerra às drogas” e é alvo de polêmicas atualmente. O programa serviu de inspiração para o PROERD (Programa Educacional de Resistência às Drogas e à Violência), iniciado pela Polícia Militar do Rio de Janeiro em 2001 e, posteriormente, levado para todos os estados do Brasil.
O nome do programa também é um trocadilho com a palavra “Dare” (ouse, em português), dentro do lema “Dare to say no” (ouse dizer não, em tradução livre), como forma de empoderar os adolescentes a rejeitar o uso de drogas. No Brasil, o lema foi traduzido como “Lutando contra as drogas, ensinando a dizer: não!”.
Nos EUA, o programa foi totalmente reformulado, de acordo com o porta-voz da polícia de Irvine, Kyle Oldoerp. A cidade é uma das poucas que ainda mantém o programa na Califórnia. Agora, mais do que um programa de resistência ao uso de drogas, tabaco e abuso de álcool, a iniciativa foca em “boas escolhas”, segundo Oldoerp. No formato atual, a expectativa é que o programa aborde também temas como anti-bullying, respeito, estabelecimento de metas e autoestima positiva.
Apple
Turning to plastic: “cheaper” version of the Apple Vision Pro should cost US$2,000
Apple is about to launch a more affordable version of its acclaimed mixed reality glasses, the Vision Pro. According to information released by Mark Gurman, renowned Bloomberg analyst, the Cupertino giant plans to launch a variant of the headset in 2025 with an estimated price of US$2,000, approximately R$10,000 at the current price.
#newsonleo #apple #technology
This new version of Apple Vision Pro represents a bold strategy by the company to expand its user base in the mixed reality segment. The original model, launched in 2023 with a price of US$3,499 (around R$17,500), established a new technological level, but its high cost limited access to a wider audience.
To achieve the most competitive price, Apple will make some concessions in terms of materials and specifications. The new model will replace aluminum and glass with plastic in its construction, a significant change that will reduce production costs. Furthermore, the device will feature a less powerful processor, possibly the A18 Pro, which should debut in the iPhone 16 Pro line.
One of the most notable features that will be sacrificed is the EyeSight feature, which displays the user's eyes on the outside of the headset. This function, which uses an external screen, will be removed to further reduce manufacturing costs.
Despite these changes, Apple maintains high expectations for the new model. Gurman reports that the company aims to double sales of the Vision Pro with this more affordable version, indicating a strong bet on the market potential for more affordable mixed reality devices.
It's important to note that even with these changes, the $2,000 price tag still places the device in the premium segment of the market. However, it represents a significant step by Apple towards the democratization of mixed reality technology.
Gurman's report also reveals Apple's future plans in the field of augmented and virtual reality. The company is developing the second generation of Apple Vision Pro, scheduled for 2026, which should feature a faster processor. Additionally, Apple plans to launch smart glasses similar to Meta's Ray-Bans and AirPods with cameras, possibly in 2027.
This information suggests that Apple is committed to expanding its presence in the mixed and augmented reality device market by offering a wider range of products to serve different consumer segments.
Neuralink
Device from Elon Musk's company receives government approval to restore people's vision with new method
Elon Musk's company claims that the first version of the device will gradually restore people's vision. Everything will work as a projection and the chip will be connected to a part of the brain responsible for vision.
#newsonleo #neuralink #technology
"As long as the visual cortex is intact, it will allow even those born blind to see for the first time," Musk wrote on his X account.
"To set expectations correctly, the vision will initially be low-resolution, like Atari graphics, but over time it has the potential to be better than natural vision and allow you to see in infrared, ultraviolet, or even wavelengths. radar, like 'Geordi La Forja' [Star Trek character]".
It is worth mentioning that, despite being an advance, a cure for blindness has not yet been found. Furthermore, the Blindsight device has not yet entered the human testing phase and does not have an exact date for this.
Meta
Meta AI: brasileiros compartilham testes e reações sobre IA do WhatsApp
A Meta AI é a inteligência artificial (IA) generativa integrada ao WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook e Messenger. O chatbot chegou ao Brasil no último dia 9, e está sendo liberado aos poucos para todos os usuários das redes sociais da Meta. Na Internet, os primeiros brasileiros a receber a novidade já repercutem a ferramenta. No X (antigo Twitter), a IA do WhatsApp foi recebida com surpresa por muitos, e o público se divide entre os que gostaram do recurso e os que não curtiram a implementação da IA.
#newsonleo #meta #ai #hivebr #technology #pt
Desenvolvida para concorrer diretamente com o ChatGPT, a Meta AI é uma ferramenta da Meta totalmente integrada com o WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook e Messenger. A assistente já conta com quase 500 milhões de usuários ativos mensalmente e é capaz de responder a perguntas, fazer consultas na internet, e gerar imagens, GIFs e figurinhas. O recurso pode ser acessado a partir do ícone azul e roxo nos aplicativos ou no site "meta.ai" (sem aspas).
No X, grande parte dos comentários sobre a Meta AI mostram a surpresa dos brasileiros com a nova ferramenta, que está chegando aos poucos na base de usuários das redes da Meta. No entanto, muitos também já experimentaram o chatbot e mostram suas primeiras impressões acerca da capacidade da IA. Confira algumas reações.
On Wednesday, X (formerly Twitter) made changes to its Privacy Policy, stating that third-party collaborators can now use X's data to train their AI models unless users choose to opt out. This follows previous reports of Elon Musk using X user data to train xAI's Grok AI chatbot, which led to an investigation by the EU’s main privacy regulator. However, the policy hadn't mentioned before that third parties could also use the data.
#newsonleo #technews
Not sure why people are upset by this type of stuff.
They are the ones who willing give the data to Big Tech. Nobody forced them to do it.
And now they complain that something on X servers is being used by X.
exactly what I told my brother last night while we were talking about These stuff
Yep. But like most things, get enough people bitching and then it becomes the norm.
Why does this make so much sense? #lolz
Just an observation.
😅 I'm keeping this as a quote. And don't worry, I'd quote you
Article
The Agent-as-a-Judge framework is a breakthrough in evaluating AI systems. It allows for continuous, real-time feedback on every step of an AI’s process, providing deeper insights and improving the efficiency of evaluations. This framework reduces costs, is scalable, and offers a more reliable alternative to human evaluation.
#newsonleo #AIevaluation
Article
@ben.haase
You asked about feeding #leoai with numbers:
The reason why numbers are important is computers operate in binary code (1 and 0). All other languages have to be converted to that. The easiest transition for computers is to go from a number.
Another factor is the AI databases are vectored. This means that data is laid in a different way than with classical databases, which are basically input/output (what goes in comes out each time).
Numbers can be grouped together easier. The best example is a table where the data is positioned to provide context.
For example, you could have a city table with population, crime states, and crimes/1000 people. This all feeds into itself and allows the vector database to establish context.
It is much harder with language.
Did you know Nvidia released an open source LLM?
I didn't know that. I see more open competition in the market. Good to know that.
Not really competitions. This is a new form of compute. Hence we are dealing with expanding of infrastructure. To me, think of it as more roads being built.
Okay, I'll think of it that way then.
May more companies follow this path.
ChatGPT comes to Windows
OpenAI's AI-powered chatbot platform, ChatGPT, is now on Windows, in preview for certain paying customers.
Today, OpenAI announced that it’s begun previewing a dedicated Windows app for ChatGPT, its AI-powered chatbot platform.
#newsonleo #chatgpt #windows #microsoft #technology
Currently only available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users, the app is an early version, OpenAI says, arriving ahead of a “full experience” later in the year.
“With the official ChatGPT desktop app, you can chat about files and photos,” OpenAI writes. “This app brings you the newest model improvements from OpenAI, including access to OpenAI o1-preview, our newest and smartest model.”
The ChatGPT app for Windows can run on most Windows 10 machines, but currently has certain limitations compared to other ChatGPT clients. It doesn’t support voice yet, including Advanced Voice Mode, and some integrations with OpenAI’s GPT Store aren’t functional.
As with the ChatGPT app for macOS, the ChatGPT app for Windows lets you minimize it to a small “companion” window alongside other apps while you work. You can upload files and photos to it, have it summarize documents, and create images via OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 image generator.
Article
Tesla's Full Self-Driving software under investigation by federal safety regulator
The U.S. automotive safety regulator has opened a new investigation into Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software after four reported crashes in low-visibility situations.
The top U.S. automotive safety regulator has opened a new investigation into Tesla’s so-called “Full Self-Driving (Supervised)” software after four reported crashes in low-visibility situations — including one where a pedestrian was killed.
#newsonleo #tesla #selfdriving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) announced Friday that it is probing the driver assistance system to find out whether it can “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions,” such as “sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.” The agency also wants to know if other crashes have occurred in these conditions beyond the ones that were reported.
The investigation comes just one week after Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the prototype of his company’s “CyberCab,” a two-seater car that he said is supposed to serve as a robotaxi, following years of unmet promises. Musk also claimed at the event that Tesla’s Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV would be able to operate without supervision in California and Texas at some point in 2025, though he did not offer any details about how that will happen.
In April, NHTSA closed a nearly three-year probe into Autopilot, the less-capable driver assistance software that Tesla offers, after investigating almost 500 crashes where the system was active. The agency found 13 of those crashes were fatal. At the same time that it closed that probe, NHTSA opened a new investigation into the recall fix that Tesla had issued to address problems with Autopilot.
Tesla’s software also faces other legal threats. The Department of Justice is investigating the claims Tesla has made about its driver-assistance features, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of inflating the software’s capabilities.
Article
Nebius to resume Nasdaq trading after severing ties with Russia and Yandex
Nebius, Yandex 2.0, will begin trading on the public markets once more -- two years after the Nasdaq halted trading due to sanctions.
Nebius, the company formerly known as Yandex that’s now focused on cloud infrastructure for AI uses (aka “AI compute”), is to begin trading on the public markets once again — more than two years after the Nasdaq halted trading due to economic sanctions imposed in the wake of Russia’s Ukraine invasion in 2022.
#nebius #technology #newsonleo #ai
Nebius: The Netherlands-Based Company Poised to Dominate Europe's GPU-as-a-Service Market
In a bold move, Yandex N.V., a Dutch holding organization, has transformed into a new entity called Nebius, with the aim of becoming one of Europe's leading players in the rapidly growing "GPU-as-a-service" space. This unique startup-turned-public company offers an alternative to traditional US hyperscalers like Alphabet and Microsoft, allowing anyone to invest in its innovative AI infrastructure business.
A Brief History of Yandex
Founded in 1997, Yandex is often referred to as the "Google of Russia" due to its extensive portfolio of products and services, including search engines, advertising, maps, and autonomous vehicles. Initially, Yandex focused on its domestic Russian market and a few neighboring countries. However, its parent company, Yandex N.V., went public on the NASDAQ in 2011 and later listed on the Moscow exchange in 2014.
Over the years, Yandex expanded its operations to various countries, including Turkey, Ukraine, and Belarus.
The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Birth of Nebius
Prior to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yandex N.V. had a valuation of $31 billion. However, the conflict led to a series of global sanctions against companies in the region, including Yandex. In response, Yandex co-founder and CEO Arkady Volozh was forced to resign after being placed on a European Union sanctions list.
He was later removed from the list in March 2024, paving the way for his return as CEO of the new entity, Nebius. The conflict also led to the sale of Yandex's Russian assets, which generated $2 billion in cash, providing Nebius with a solid financial foundation.
Nebius: A European AI Compute Leader
Nebius is built around Yandex N.V.'s remaining assets outside of Russia, including a Finnish data center and AI cloud business called Nebius AI. The company formally emerged in July, outlining its ambition to become a "European AI compute leader" similar to CoreWeave, a company expanding into Europe and raising significant equity and debt.
Nebius's AI infrastructure business is designed to provide a scalable and secure platform for AI workloads, leveraging its expertise in machine learning and data analytics.
A Public Company with a Unique Advantage
Despite the Nasdaq's initial decision to delist Yandex and other Russian-affiliated companies in 2022, Yandex appealed and the Nasdaq agreed to maintain its listing, albeit with a trading halt. With the Russian ties severed and $2 billion in the bank from selling its Russian assets, Volozh decided to continue Nebius as a public company, citing its ease and cost-effectiveness in accessing capital for its capital-intensive business. This unique advantage allows Nebius to focus on its growth strategy without the need for additional funding.
A Vision for the Future
Nebius aims to build one of the world's largest specialist AI infrastructure businesses, requiring access to technological expertise, graphics processing units, and capital. With its existing assets and expertise, the company is well-positioned to achieve its goal. Volozh emphasized, "Our ambition is to build one of the world's largest specialist AI infrastructure businesses. This requires access to technological expertise, graphics processing units and capital. These are exactly what we have." The company plans to achieve this goal by expanding its data center footprint, investing in research and development, and building strategic partnerships with leading technology companies.
Trading Resumes
Nebius's Class A ordinary shares will resume trading on Monday, October 21, 2024, offering investors a unique opportunity to participate in the company's growth and innovation in the GPU-as-a-service market. With its public listing and capital-intensive business model, Nebius is poised to make a significant impact in the European AI infrastructure landscape.
Article
Byju's founder says his edtech startup, once worth $22B, is now 'worth zero'
Byju Raveendran, the founder of the embattled edtech group Byju's, acknowledged on Thursday afternoon that he made mistakes, mistimed the market, Byju Raveendran, founder of edtech group Byju's, said his startup, once valued at $22 billion, is now effectively worth "zero."
Byju Raveendran, the founder of the embattled edtech group Byju’s, acknowledged on Thursday afternoon that he made mistakes, mistimed the market, overestimated growth potential and that his startup, once valued at $22 billion, is now effectively worth “zero.”
#newsonleo #edtech #technology #startup
In a recent candid conversation with a group of journalists, Byju's founder Byju Raveendran revealed the shocking truth behind the startup's downfall, which has left the founder with a bitter taste in his mouth. Despite being once valued at a staggering $50 billion, Byju's has since entered insolvency proceedings, a far cry from its former glory.
Raveendran attributed the company's demise to its aggressive expansion into new markets, which ultimately proved fatal when financing dried up in 2022. The startup had planned to go public earlier that year, but the global market downturn following Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent the venture capital market into a tailspin. Many of Byju's over 100 investors had urged Raveendran to pursue expansion into as many as 40 markets, but when the global market crashed, those very investors "ran away," leaving the startup high and dry.
The departure of three key backers – Prosus Ventures, Peak XV, and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – from the company's board last year made it impossible for Byju's to raise additional funds. Representatives of the aforementioned three firms, as well as auditor Deloitte, left the startup's board last year, citing governance issues. Raveendran lamented, "It's worth zero. What valuation are you talking about? It's worth zero." The founder's words are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of poor governance and accountability.
Byju's, once India's most valuable startup, had raised over $5 billion from prominent investors such as BlackRock, UBS, Lightspeed, QIA, bond, silver Lake, Sofina, Verlinvest, Tencent, Canada Pension Plan investment Board, General Atlantic, Tiger Global, Owl Ventures, and the world Bank's IFC.
Despite the setbacks, Raveendran remains hopeful that his startup will make a comeback. "I have nothing to lose. I came from a small village. I invested everything I had into the startup." The founder's determination to revive Byju's is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his vision.
The story of Byju's serves as a cautionary tale for startups and investors alike. It highlights the importance of prudence and caution in the face of uncertainty, as well as the need for strong governance and accountability. As Raveendran's words echo through the startup ecosystem, one thing is clear: the demise of Byju's is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges that come with entrepreneurship.
Article
The surprising way OpenAI could get out of its pact with Microsoft
The New York Times on Thursday published a look at the "fraying" relationship between OpenAI and its investor, partner, and, increasingly, rival,
#openai #newsonleo #microsoft #technology
The New York Times on Thursday published a look at the “fraying” relationship between OpenAI and its investor, partner, and, increasingly, rival, Microsoft, reporting their five-year romance has cooled owing to financial pressure on OpenAI, the limited computing power Microsoft is providing OpenAI, and disagreements between the two about ground rules.
Most fascinating perhaps is a reported clause in OpenAI’s contract with Microsoft that cuts off Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s tech if the latter develops so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI), meaning an AI system capable of rivaling human thinking.
TC has asked OpenAI for comment, but the Times — which talked with 19 people familiar with the companies’ relationship — says the clause aims to ensure Microsoft can never misuse the technology. Thing is, OpenAI’s board can reportedly decide when AGI has arrived, and CEO Sam Altman has already said that moment will be somewhat subjective. As he told this editor early last year, “The closer we get, the harder time I have answering [how far away AGI is] because I think that it’s going to be much blurrier, and much more of a gradual transition than people think.”
Article
Netflix shares jump 7% in premarket after third-quarter earnings beat
Netflix saw momentum in its ad-supported membership tier, which jumped 35% quarter-over-quarter.
Netflix shares jumped Friday after the media streaming giant reported third-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations.
#newsonleo #netflix #entertainment #streaming #revenue
Netflix Surpasses Earnings Expectations, Shares Soar as Ad-Supported Tier Shows Significant Momentum
In a major boost to its investors, Netflix reported a stellar set of earnings for the third quarter, surpassing expectations and sending its shares skyrocketing in premarket trading. The streaming giant's revenue and earnings per share (EPS) both exceeded analyst estimates, with EPS coming in at $5.40 and revenue reaching a record-breaking $9.83 billion.
The company's ad-supported membership tier, which was launched earlier this year, showed remarkable momentum, with a 35% quarter-over-quarter increase. This growth is particularly noteworthy, as Netflix does not expect ads to become its primary growth driver until 2026. However, the ad-tier accounted for over 50% of sign-ups in the third quarter in countries where it is available, indicating a strong demand for the service.
Netflix also provided an optimistic outlook for the December quarter, forecasting a 14.7% increase in revenue to $10.128 billion. The company expects revenue to reach $43 billion to $44 billion in 2025, representing growth of 11% to 13% from its expected 2024 revenue of $38.9 billion.
analysts at Citi praised Netflix's fourth-quarter outlook, stating that it "exceeded the Street," while its 2025 forecast was "relatively in line with consensus estimates." The analysts predicted that shares would trade higher on the back of the earnings report, citing the company's strong performance and growing ad-supported membership tier.
Richard Broughton, executive director of Ampere Analysis, told CNBC that Netflix's continued investments in content have been a key factor in its success, despite a challenging environment for the broader media landscape.
"It's a good indicator that some of the growth that dropped out of the market in 2022 is returning," he said. "If you think about the last 24 months, we've had cutbacks in content expenditure, hiring freezes, redundancies in some of the major studios and streamers. And aLL through this, Netflix has tried to keep investing in content. That sets it up extremely well over the next couple of years."
Broughton also highlighted Netflix's scale and dominance in the scripted TV market, noting that the company will be responsible for not far off one in 10 global series next year. "It's in a very, very different position compared to some of its competitors just in terms of scale," he said. "Netflix has a massive library of content, and it's able to produce a huge amount of original content every year. That gives it a significant advantage over its competitors."
Overall, Netflix's strong earnings report and upbeat outlook have sent a positive signal to investors, with shares expected to trade higher in the coming days. The company's continued focus on content investment and its growing ad-supported membership tier have set it up for success in the years to come. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the industry.
Article
After rejecting Google takeover, cyber firm Wiz says it will IPO 'when the stars align'
Wiz is hoping to achieve $1 billion in annual recurring revenue in 2025 — a key condition the company wants to meet before going public.
Cybersecurity firm Wiz is seeking to hit $1 billion of annual recurring revenues next year, the company's billionaire co-founder Roy Reznik told CNBC, adding that the firm will go public "when the stars align."
#wiz #google #cybersecurity #newsonleo #technology
History
Wiz was founded in 2019 by four Israeli friends, Assaf Rappaport, Eliran Moizel, Roy Yanai, and Avi Doron, while they were still serving in the 8200, Israel's intelligence unit. The company's early days were marked by a focus on developing its cloud security software, which was designed to scan cloud storage providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure for risks.
In 2020, Wiz raised its first funding round, securing $30 million in venture capital from investors such as Sequoia Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners. The company used this funding to expand its engineering team and further develop its software.
Technology
Wiz's software is designed to scan cloud storage providers for risks, including security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and compliance issues. The company's software uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze the cloud storage provider's infrastructure and identify potential risks.
Wiz's software is built on top of a cloud-based architecture, which allows it to scale quickly and efficiently. The company's software is also designed to be highly customizable, allowing customers to tailor its features to their specific needs.
Growth
Wiz has experienced rapid growth since its founding, with its ARR more than tripling in the past year. In 2022, the company achieved a remarkable feat, reaching $100 million in ARR in just 18 months, making it the fastest software company to achieve this milestone.
Wiz's growth has been driven by its expanding customer base, which now includes some of the world's largest organizations. The company's software is used by customers such as online retailer ASOS and digital bank Revolut, among others.
Acquisition Bid from Google
In February 2023, Wiz rejected a staggering $23 billion acquisition bid from Google. The bid was widely seen as a surprise, and it marked a significant turning point in Wiz's history.
Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport expressed his gratitude for the bid but made it clear that the company would not be sold. "We're flattered by the offer, but we believe we can do it alone and achieve even greater things as an independent company," he said.
Despite the rejection of the Google bid, Wiz has received interest from numerous other parties looking to acquire the company. However, Rappaport remains resolute in his decision to take the company public, citing the company's impressive growth record and its potential for continued expansion.
Expansion into the UK
Wiz has been expanding its presence internationally, with a particular focus on Europe. The company has opened its first European office in London, a move that CEO Reznik attributes to the UK's vibrant talent pool and thriving cybersecurity ecosystem.
The UK represents a major growth opportunity for Wiz, particularly in the cybersecurity space. Recent high-profile cyberattacks on National Health Service hospitals and Transport for London have highlighted the urgent need for cloud security solutions, and Wiz is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Growth Plans
Wiz's CEO, Assaf Rappaport, has outlined the company's growth plans, which include doubling its ARR to $1 billion by 2025. The company is also planning to expand its engineering team and further develop its software.
In an interview with CNBC, Reznik said, "We're excited about the opportunities ahead and we're committed to continuing to grow and innovate. We believe that our software is a game-changer in the cloud security space, and we're confident that we can make a significant impact over the next few years."
Wiz's expansion into the UK is seen as a strategic move to tap into the continent's vast and growing cloud security market. The company's software is already being used by customers in the UK, and it is expected to play a major role in the country's growing cybersecurity ecosystem.
Market Opportunity
The cloud security market is poised for explosive growth, with estimates suggesting it will reach $1 trillion over the next few years. Wiz is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with its innovative software and strong engineering capabilities.
The cloud security market is dominated by a few large players, but there is still a significant opportunity for smaller players to make a dent. Wiz is positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, with its software designed to be highly customizable and its engineering team focused on developing innovative solutions.
Overall, Wiz is a company that is poised for significant growth and success in the cloud security space. Its innovative software, strong engineering capabilities, and strategic expansion plans make it an exciting company to watch in the years to come.
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Intel seeks billions for minority stake in Altera business, sources say
This move that would represent a sharp about face from its earlier public messaging about the larger company's prospects.
Intel is looking to sell at least a minority stake in its Altera unit in a transaction that would raise several billion dollars in cash for the struggling chipmaker, according to people familiar with the matter.
#newsonleo #intel #altera #technology
Intel is looking for a deal that values Altera at around $17 billion, said the people, who requested anonymity to speak freely about confidential information. Intel purchased Altera for $16.7 billion in 2015.
Following a steep drop in its stock price and extended stretch of market share losses, Intel has been looking to make drastic changes.
The company made overtures to a number of private equity and strategic investors this week about Altera, the sources said. Intel has expressed to some of those investors that it would be possible to acquire a majority stake in the business.
A representative for Intel declined to comment. The sale process represents an abrupt change from Intel's prior commentary on Altera. As recently last month, CEO Pat Gelsinger said that Intel's leadership considered the business to be a core part of Intel's future.
Intel has previously said it could look to monetize Altera business through an IPO, possibly as soon as 2026. But the idea of taking strategic or private equity investment would be a marked acceleration of those plans.
Gelsinger and his leadership team have previously said that Intel understands its disadvantaged position and is working aggressively to remedy it. Selling a stake in Altera might allow Intel to more easily pursue its semiconductor fabrication ambitions and assure investors that it has a future as an independent company.
But the sale process also comes as Qualcomm has expressed interest in acquiring its onetime rival, a deal that would face fierce regulatory scrutiny and potentially reshape the semiconductor industry.
Intel shares have dropped 50% this year, as the company has been trounced by NVIDIA in artificial intelligence chips and has lost share to Advanced Micro Devices in its core PC and data center market.
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Behind the scenes: How AI is reshaping Google
Google has decided to reshuffle some of its departments to further speed up its AI development. The first part of this change involves the Gemini app team being absorbed by DeepMind. Another big change involves the Assistant teams moving to Platforms and Devices. Prabhakar Raghavan, SVP of search and ads, is changing roles to become Google's chief technologist. Nick Fox, who was a part of Raghavan's leadership team, will be taking over Raghavan's old position and be in charge of Search, Ads, Geo, and Commerce products.
#technology #google #ai #gemini #deepmind
Amazon cloud boss says employees unhappy with 5-day office mandate can leave
Amazon's cloud boss on Thursday told employees who are unhappy with the company's new five-day in-office mandate they can leave for other companies.
Amazon's cloud boss on Thursday gave employees a frank message about the company's recently announced five-day in-office mandate.
#amazon #remotework #cloud #technology #newsonleo
Amazon's New Return-to-Office Policy
Amazon has announced a new policy that requires corporate workers to be in the office at least three days a week. This policy is part of the company's efforts to keep pace with rival companies in the development of generative artificial intelligence.
Background
Amazon's previous return-to-work stance required corporate workers to be in the office at least three days a week. However, the company has since relaxed this policy and allowed workers to work from home or in a hybrid work environment. However, with the rise of rival companies in the development of generative artificial intelligence, Amazon has decided to revert to a more traditional office-based work arrangement.
CEO Matt Garman's Comments
CEO Matt Garman made the announcement during an all-hands meeting at the company's second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Garman stated that the new policy is aimed at preserving Amazon's culture and "leadership principles," which are a list of more than a dozen business philosophies meant to guide employee decisions and goals.
Garman emphasized the importance of working together in an office environment, saying, "If there are people who just don't work well in that environment and don't want to, that's OK, there are other companies around." He also acknowledged that some employees will have some flexibility to work from home, but emphasized that the office environment is crucial for preserving Amazon's culture and leadership principles.
Backlash from Employees
Not all Amazon employees are happy with the new policy. Roughly 37,000 employees have joined an internal Slack channel to advocate for remote work and share grievances about the return-to-work mandate. Some employees argue that the new policy puts extra strain on families and caregivers, who may need to take care of children or elderly relatives while their parents are at work.
Others claim that they are just as productive working from home or in a hybrid work environment as they are in an office. They argue that the new policy is out of touch with the needs and preferences of many employees, and that it will lead to increased stress and burnout.
Expert Opinion
Some experts have questioned the validity of Amazon's argument that working together in an office environment is necessary for preserving the company's culture and leadership principles. A study by Stanford University found that remote work can lead to increased productivity and better work-life balance, and that employees who work from home are more likely to be engaged and motivated.
Key Concerns
There are several key concerns surrounding Amazon's new return-to-office policy. These include:
Conclusion
Amazon's new return-to-office policy has sparked controversy among employees and experts. While some argue that the policy is necessary for preserving the company's culture and leadership principles, others argue that it is outdated and will lead to increased stress and burnout. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Amazon will adapt to the changing needs and preferences of its employees.
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Trump family gets 75% of crypto coin revenue, has no liability, new document reveals
Donald Trump's crypto project, World Liberty Financial, published a 13-page paper on Thursday laying out its mission and how tokens get allocated.
Donald Trump's crypto project, World Liberty Financial, published a 13-page document Thursday that described its mission and how tokens can be allocated, and that indicated that the Republican presidential nominee and his family could take home 75% of net revenue.
#trump #newsonleo #technology #worldliberty #crypto
The launch of WLFI tokens and the involvement of the Trump family in the project is a complex and multifaceted story. Here are some additional details:
The Trump Family's Involvement
According to the WLFI paper, the Trump family will receive a significant portion of the net protocol revenues, with 35% of the total supply allocated to the token sale. This means that the Trump family will own a substantial portion of the WLFI tokens, which could give them significant influence over the project's direction and decision-making.
The paper also claims that the Trump family will assume no liability for the project, and none of them will be considered directors, employees, managers, or operators of WLF or its affiliates. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will have no involvement in the project's decision-making process.
DT Marks DEFI LLC
DT Marks DEFI LLC, a Delaware-based company connected to the former president, is set to receive three-quarters of the net protocol revenues. This company is listed as the sole owner of WLF, and it is unclear what the nature of this relationship is.
It is worth noting that the WLFI paper does not provide any information about the ownership structure of DT Marks DEFI LLC, or who the company's executives are. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.
Axiom Management Group
Axiom Management Group, a Puerto Rico LLC wholly owned by co-founders Chase Herro and Zachary Folkman, will receive 25% of the remaining revenue. This company is listed as a key partner in the WLFI project, and it is unclear what the nature of this relationship is.
Chase Herro and Zachary Folkman are both listed as co-founders of the WLFI project, and they have both been involved in the development of other cryptocurrency projects. However, it is unclear what their role is in the WLFI project, or what their motivations are.
Steve Witkoff and Zachary Witkoff
The WLFI paper also reveals that Steve Witkoff, a close friend and political donor of the Trump family, as well as his son Zachary, will receive a portion of the net protocol revenues. Steve Witkoff has been a long-time supporter of the Trump family, and has made significant contributions to their campaigns and business ventures.
Zachary Witkoff is listed as one of the co-founders of the WLFI project, and he has been involved in the development of other cryptocurrency projects. However, it is unclear what his role is in the WLFI project, or what his motivations are.
The WLFI Paper
The WLFI paper is a lengthy document that outlines the project's mission, goals, and technical specifications. It claims that WLFI is a decentralized finance platform that will provide financial services to individuals and businesses.
However, the paper is also somewhat opaque, and it raises more questions than it answers. For example, it does not provide any information about the project's ownership structure, or who the key executives are.
It also does not provide any information about the project's technical specifications, or how the WLFI tokens will be used. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.
The Trump Campaign's Response
When asked about the project, the Trump campaign referred questions to the Trump Organization, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Cryptocurrency Community's Response
The cryptocurrency community has been largely skeptical of the WLFI project, and many have questioned the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.
Some have raised concerns about the project's ownership structure, and the involvement of the Trump family and their associates. Others have questioned the project's technical specifications, and the use of the WLFI tokens.
Overall, the launch of WLFI tokens and the involvement of the Trump family in the project is a complex and multifaceted story that raises many questions. While the project's proponents claim that it is a legitimate attempt to create a decentralized finance platform, many in the cryptocurrency community remain skeptical.
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The Guardian: Quit if you don’t like our office-working policy, Amazon executive suggests
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/oct/18/quit-if-you-dont-like-our-office-working-policy-amazon-executive-suggests
The Guardian: AI-generated child sexual abuse imagery reaching ‘tipping point’, says watchdog
The Guardian: Here’s the deal: AI giants get to grab all your data unless you say they can’t. Fancy that? No, neither do I
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/oct/18/ai-systems-big-tech-data-ministers
BBC: 'It's our moonshot': Why scientists are drilling into volcanos
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1e8q4j1yygo
Google CEO names new search and ads boss, slides predecessor to role of chief technologist
Google is replacing Prabhakar Raghavan, the company's search and ads boss since 2018, with longtime executive Nick Fox.
Google is replacing Prabhakar Raghavan, the company's search and ads boss, with longtime Google executive Nick Fox.
#google #search #newsonleo #technology
The move was announced by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who said in a blog post on Thursday that Raghavan will be moving into the role of chief technologist after 12 years of leading teams across the search company. Raghavan will continue to report to Pichai in the new role, the company told CNBC in a statement.
"Prabhakar has decided it's time to make a big leap in his own career," Pichai wrote in the post. "In this role, he'll partner closely with me and Google leads to provide technical direction and leadership and grow our culture of tech excellence."
The move comes as Google continues to restructure its teams to move more quickly in the artificial intelligence arms race, where it faces increased competition. The company is also dealing with several antitrust lawsuits related to its search and ads business.
Fox has long been a member of Raghavan's leadership team. He will be leading Google's Knowledge and Information division, which includes the company's search, ads and commerce products, Pichai said.
A Google employee since 2003, Fox has been vice president of product and design for the company's Assistant product in recent years. He previously worked within the company's ads business unit.
"Over the past few years, Nick has been instrumental in shaping Google's AI product roadmap and collaborating closely with Prabhakar," Pichai wrote.
Raghavan has led the knowledge and information unit since 2018. Earlier this year, he told employees to prepare for a different market reality because "things are not like they were 15-20 years ago," CNBC reported.
Additionally, Pichai announced that the team working on Google's Gemini app, which includes Google's AI direct-to-consumer products, will join Google DeepMind under AI head Demis Hassabis.
"Bringing the teams closer together will improve feedback loops, enable fast deployment of our new models in the Gemini app," Pichai wrote.
The move also means the Assistant teams focused on devices and home experiences will move to the Platforms and Devices unit "so they can sit closer to the product surfaces they're building for," Pichai wrote.
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Germany’s auto giants are struggling to stay relevant
Germany's automotive sector, long recognized for producing high-quality cars, is struggling to preserve its relevance in the age of electrification.
Germany's automotive sector, long recognized for producing reliable and innovative internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, is struggling to preserve its relevance in the age of electrification.
#technology #germany #automotive #newsonleo
Economic Weakness and Sluggish Demand in China
Germany's automotive industry is heavily reliant on exports, particularly to China, which is the world's largest car market. However, demand in China has been sluggish in recent years, due to a combination of factors such as economic slowdown, increasing competition from Chinese brands, and changing consumer preferences.
As a result, German automakers have been struggling to maintain sales and profitability in the Chinese market. This has led to a decline in demand for German-made vehicles, which has had a ripple effect on the entire industry.
Increased Competition from China
China has emerged as a major player in the global automotive industry, with many domestic brands such as Geely, BYD, and Great Wall gaining popularity worldwide. These brands have been able to offer high-quality vehicles at competitive prices, which has put pressure on German automakers to reduce their prices and improve their quality.
However, many German manufacturers have struggled to adapt to this new reality, with some failing to innovate and improve their products quickly enough. This has led to a decline in brand loyalty and sales, particularly in China.
Shift Away from ICE Vehicles
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with many countries and companies shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. However, this transition has been slower than expected, and many German manufacturers have been caught off guard.
The shift away from ICE vehicles has created new challenges for German manufacturers, who are struggling to adapt to the changing market. Many have invested heavily in traditional manufacturing processes, which are not well-suited to the production of EVs.
End of Electric Car Subsidy Program
In December 2023, the German government announced that it would be ending its subsidy program for electric vehicles, which had been in place since 2020. This move has been seen as a significant blow to the industry, as it has reduced the incentive for consumers to purchase EVs.
However, the government has said that it will continue to provide support for the development of EVs, and that it will work with manufacturers to ensure that they are able to produce high-quality EVs at competitive prices.
German Government's Failure to Prevent EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs
In June 2023, the European Union voted to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, which has been seen as a significant blow to the German automotive industry. The tariffs have been imposed in response to concerns about the intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices of Chinese companies.
However, the German government has been criticized for its failure to prevent the imposition of these tariffs, and for its inability to negotiate a favorable deal for German manufacturers. This has raised concerns about the country's influence on regional policy and its ability to protect its industries.
Impact on Brand Loyalty and Sales
The challenges facing Germany's automotive industry have had a significant impact on brand loyalty and sales. Many consumers have become disillusioned with the industry, and are turning to alternative brands such as Tesla and Hyundai.
However, some experts believe that brand loyalty will remain a key factor in the success of German manufacturers. Many consumers remain loyal to brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, which have a long history of producing high-quality vehicles.
BMW's Launch of Low-Cost EVs
In an effort to address the challenges facing the industry, BMW has launched two budget electric Mini models at the Paris Motor Show. These models are seen as a positive step forward for the industry, and demonstrate BMW's commitment to producing affordable EVs.
However, more needs to be done to address the challenges facing the industry, and to ensure that German manufacturers are able to compete with their Chinese rivals. This will require a concerted effort from policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers alike.
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Historic bitcoin theft tied to Connecticut kidnapping, luxury cars, $500K bar bills
The kidnapping of a Connecticut couple has been linked to one of the biggest thefts of cryptocurrency from an individual in United States history.
Two young men accused of committing one of the largest person-to-person crypto thefts in U.S. history went on a brazen spending spree that included buying exotic cars and a $2 million wristwatch, renting mansions and running up nightclub tabs of hundreds of thousands of dollars apiece, new court records reveal.
#bitcoin #crime #technology #crypto
This is very important.
While it is a low level, it is scaling at a great pace.
Exclusive: Former watch trader is now building the AWS of grid storage, Terralayr
The startup's technology is a twist on the virtual power plant concept, in which batteries are aggregated and portions of the whole are sold off to various customers.
Philipp Man was burned out. He had founded a watch trading company with his flatmate, but the grind was wearing him down.
“We did that for ten years,” Man said. “It’s very difficult to keep yourself motivated when you know the whole reason for your operation is to sell expensive stuff to wealthy people.”
#energy #technology #power #electricity #newsonleo
Revolutionizing the Energy Industry: The Rise of Terralayr
The energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for more efficient and sustainable power management. Amidst this shift, a new startup, Terralayr, is poised to disrupt the traditional energy trading landscape.
Founded by a former jet fuel trader at Glencore, Terralayr is a virtual power plant that aggregates grid-scale energy storage assets, bundles them, and sells capacity to power providers. This innovative approach is designed to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional energy trading, creating a more sustainable and efficient future for the industry.
The Problem with Traditional Energy Trading
The traditional energy trading model is flawed, according to Terralayr's founder. "The industry, while still very nascent, has been built the wrong way around," he said. "Today, people build a battery, and then somebody else trades it." This approach creates inefficiencies and high costs for both battery owners and power providers. For instance, battery owners often struggle to find buyers for their excess capacity, leading to wasted energy and revenue. Meanwhile, power providers face the challenge of managing their output to meet demand, which can result in costly penalties for failing to match their forecast.
The Virtual Power Plant Solution
Terralayr's innovative approach is similar to Amazon's cloud service, AWS, which aggregates computing resources and sells fractions of them. Terralayr aggregates grid-scale energy storage assets, bundles them, and sells capacity to power providers. This allows battery owners to sell their capacity to the highest bidder, without having to manage the trading process themselves.
The startup's platform operates as an exchange, connecting battery owners with power providers, and charges a small percentage fee based on revenues. Additionally, Terralayr takes a portion of the upside if it can operate the battery more profitably than a competitor.
How it Works
Terralayr's platform operates as an exchange, connecting battery owners with power providers. The startup's algorithm matches excess capacity from battery owners with the demand from power providers, ensuring that energy is sold to the highest bidder. This approach eliminates the need for battery owners to manage the trading process themselves, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. For power providers, Terralayr's platform allows them to fill gaps in their output, avoiding costly penalties for failing to match their forecast.
Expansion Plans
Terralayr has already made significant progress, with seven megawatt-hours of capacity on the grid and another 40 megawatt-hours expected to be turned on soon. The startup has signed development agreements for over 200 sites in Germany, totaling over seven gigawatts, or about 3% of Germany's total generating capacity. Terralayr is also eyeing U.S. markets, particularly California and Texas, and has raised €77 million in funding to support its expansion.
A Generational Opportunity
Terralayr's founder believes that the company is poised to capitalize on a generational opportunity. "We believe this is a generational opportunity," he said. "The industry is changing rapidly, and we're well-positioned to take advantage of that change." With its innovative approach and strong funding, Terralayr is well on its way to revolutionizing the energy industry and creating a more sustainable and efficient future. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Terralayr is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of energy trading and management.
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Tesla now has 60K chargers globally. They passed 50K in Sept of 2023. They are averaging around 75 sites per month with an average of 10 stalls per.
Bluesky surges into the top 5 as X changes blocks, permits AI training on its data
Social networking startup Bluesky, which just reported a gain of half a million users over the past day, has now soared into the top 5 apps on the U.S.
#newsonleo #technology #bluesky #microblogging #socialmedia
Bluesky Soars to T 5 on US App Store, Overtakes X in Social Networking Category
Bluesky, a social networking startup, has experienced a remarkable surge in growth, with over half a million new users joining the platform in just one day. As a result, Bluesky has catapulted to the top 5 apps on the US App Store and has become the No. 2 app in the Social Networking category, surpassing X, a popular social media platform. This meteoric rise is a testament to the startup's ability to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with X's recent changes and moderation issues.
According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Bluesky's growth is entirely organic, with no paid advertising campaigns running on the App Store. The app's popularity has spread globally, with many countries showing four-digit growth in downloads, including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, and Singapore. This widespread adoption is a significant achievement, considering that Bluesky is a relatively new player in the social media landscape.
Bluesky's rapid growth can be attributed to a combination of factors. One reason is the controversy surrounding X's decision to change its block function, which has left many users feeling unsafe and vulnerable to harassment and abuse. This change has led to widespread criticism and a loss of trust among users, who are seeking a more secure and respectful online environment. Additionally, X's updated terms of Service and privacy policy, which allows the company to share user data with third-party companies, has raised concerns among users about their privacy and data security.
Another factor contributing to Bluesky's success is the moderation issues plaguing Threads, a social media platform owned by Meta. Users have been reporting account bans and post downrankings without explanation, leading some to switch to Bluesky in search of a more transparent and fair moderation system.
While X is still experiencing a significant number of downloads, its growth has slowed, and the app has dropped to No. 29 on the US App Store. Bluesky, on the other hand, continues to rise, with Appfigures estimating 197,000 new installs on the App Store on Thursday alone. This surge in growth is a testament to the startup's ability to adapt to changing user needs and preferences.
Bluesky's previous surges in growth have been driven by similar factors, including its public launch and the Brazil ban on X. The startup's ability to capitalize on these trends has helped it establish a strong presence in the social networking space.
As Bluesky continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the company maintains its momentum and addresses the concerns of its new users. With its focus on providing a safe and secure platform, Bluesky is well-positioned to become a major player in the social media landscape. The startup's commitment to transparency, moderation, and user privacy will be crucial in building trust with its users and differentiating itself from its competitors.
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