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Google Unveils Chirp 3: A Leap Forward in Voice AI

Google Unveils Chirp 3: A Leap Forward in Voice AI

Google has announced the addition of its HD voice model, Chirp 3, to the Vertex AI platform, set to launch next week. This update introduces eight new voices across 31 languages, enabling diverse applications such as voice assistants and audiobooks. The announcement was made during an event at Google’s DeepMind offices in London. CEO Thomas Kurian emphasized the importance of safety measures against misuse of the technology. With competitors like Sesame advancing in voice AI, Google aims to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving market of AI services.

Created at: March 17, 2025 10:00am

Apple's Siri Unveils Vibrant New Look in iOS 18 with Enhanced AI Features

Apple's Siri Unveils Vibrant New Look in iOS 18 with Enhanced AI Features

Apple has introduced a significant update to Siri in iOS 18, featuring a colorful interface and enhanced AI capabilities. The new design includes a rainbow glow around the screen edges when Siri is activated, signifying deeper integration of Apple Intelligence. Compatible devices include iPhone 15 series and M-series Macs. Activation is now automatic with the latest updates, although users may need to adjust settings for language and compatibility. Despite the upgrades, some experts suggest Siri's features still lag behind expectations, hinting at Apple's marketing shortcomings.

Created at: March 17, 2025 7:30am

Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash Model Revolutionizes Image Editing by Removing Watermarks

Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash Model Revolutionizes Image Editing by Removing Watermarks

Google's latest AI model, Gemini 2.0 Flash, has gained attention for its ability to effectively remove watermarks from images. Users have reported that the model can generate watermark-free images, sparking discussions about the ethical implications of this feature. The AI not only excels at removing watermarks but also fills gaps left by the original text or logos. Despite some controversy, the tool is available for free and is already being widely utilized. Google's Gemini continues to evolve, incorporating new generative features and enhancing personalization capabilities for users.

Created at: March 17, 2025 3:30am

1X Technologies Unveils NEO Gamma: The Softest Humanoid Home Assistant Yet

1X Technologies Unveils NEO Gamma: The Softest Humanoid Home Assistant Yet

1X Technologies has launched NEO Gamma, a humanoid robot designed to assist with household tasks. This innovative robot features a soft, 3D-printed nylon fabric exterior that distinguishes it from traditional metal robots. NEO Gamma is equipped to perform various chores, including cleaning, laundry, and delivering items. The design emphasizes a minimalistic aesthetic, making it suitable for home environments. Additionally, it includes Emotive Ear Rings for enhanced interaction. As robotics evolve, NEO Gamma represents a significant step towards integrating humanoid robots into everyday life.

Created at: March 17, 2025 3:00am

Google Gemini Takes Over: Assistant Retires After Nearly a Decade

Google Gemini Takes Over: Assistant Retires After Nearly a Decade

Google has officially announced that Gemini will replace its long-standing voice assistant, Assistant, focusing first on mobile devices like Pixel smartphones. This transition marks the start of a new era of generative AI for Google, promising a more personalized user experience with enhanced capabilities. The migration from Assistant to Gemini has begun, with updates rolling out over the coming months. Users can no longer download the Google Assistant app from the Play Store, signaling the end of its nine-year run. Future updates aim to expand Gemini's functionality across various devices, including smartwatches and smart TVs.

Created at: March 17, 2025 2:00am

Apple's iPhone 17 Air: A Slimmer, Port-Free Future Considered

Apple's iPhone 17 Air: A Slimmer, Port-Free Future Considered

Apple is set to launch the iPhone 17 Air this fall, a thinner model blending high-end and low-end features, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Engineers faced significant challenges to create a skinnier phone without compromising battery life. Initially, Apple contemplated a completely port-free design, relying solely on wireless charging and cloud syncing. However, the company opted against this approach due to potential regulatory issues with European mandates for USB-C connectivity. The iPhone 17 Air aims to redefine user experience while navigating compliance hurdles.

Created at: March 16, 2025 10:00pm

Google's Gemini AI Model Sparks Controversy for Watermark Removal

Google's Gemini AI Model Sparks Controversy for Watermark Removal

Users have found a contentious application for Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash AI model, utilizing it to erase watermarks from images, including those from Getty Images. The model, which was recently made more accessible, can generate and edit images but lacks sufficient restrictions. While it can fill gaps left by removed watermarks, it struggles with certain semi-transparent marks. This capability raises legal concerns, as removing watermarks without consent is illegal under U.S. copyright law. Major AI models like OpenAI's GPT-4o explicitly avoid watermark removal, emphasizing ethical usage.

Created at: March 16, 2025 9:00pm

Baidu Unveils New AI Models: Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1

Baidu Unveils New AI Models: Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1

Baidu has launched two new AI models, Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1, enhancing its capabilities in the competitive AI landscape. Ernie 4.5 features advanced emotional intelligence, enabling it to comprehend memes and satire, while Ernie X1 is positioned as a cost-effective alternative to DeepSeek R1. Both models are multimodal, capable of processing video, images, audio, and text. Despite being an early player in AI, Baidu has faced challenges in gaining traction. The company plans to introduce Ernie 5 later this year, promising further advancements in multimodal technology.

Created at: March 16, 2025 4:30pm

Teen Founders of Cal AI Achieve Major Success with Food Calorie App

Teen Founders of Cal AI Achieve Major Success with Food Calorie App

Cal AI, a calorie-counting app created by 18-year-olds Zach Yadegari and Henry Langmack, has surpassed 5 million downloads in just eight months. The app offers users the ability to photograph their food for automated calorie and macro logging, resulting in over $2 million in revenue last month. Despite competing with established apps like MyFitnessPal, Cal AI boasts a 4.8-star rating on both Apple and Google Play stores. The founders emphasize their use of advanced AI models, achieving a 90% accuracy in food recognition. They plan to continue their education while managing their growing startup.

Created at: March 16, 2025 2:00pm

Joby Aviation Teams Up with Virgin Atlantic for UK Electric Air Taxis

Joby Aviation Teams Up with Virgin Atlantic for UK Electric Air Taxis

Joby Aviation has announced a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to introduce electric air taxis in the U.K., aiming to expand its commercial presence globally. The startup plans to initiate market testing in Dubai soon before launching in the U.S. and U.K. Joby is working on obtaining necessary certifications from aviation authorities. Virgin Atlantic will facilitate customer reservations for Joby's services via its app. The partnership aims to create a network of vertiports starting from major airports. Joby's eVTOL aircraft can carry a pilot and four passengers, promising flights at speeds up to 200 mph.

Created at: March 16, 2025 12:30am

Amazon Echo to Shift All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon Echo to Shift All Voice Recordings to Cloud Starting March 28

Amazon has announced that starting March 28, all voice recordings from Echo devices will be sent to its cloud, eliminating the local processing option. This decision follows an email sent to users with the 'Do Not Send Voice Recordings' setting, informing them of the change. The move supports the enhanced capabilities of the new Alexa+ AI assistant, which requires cloud processing power. Concerns over privacy have surfaced previously, leading Amazon to settle a $25 million claim regarding children's privacy with the Federal Trade Commission in 2023.

Created at: March 15, 2025 8:00pm

Nvidia GTC 2025: Major Announcements Expected This Week

Nvidia GTC 2025: Major Announcements Expected This Week

Nvidia's GTC 2025 conference kicks off Monday in San Jose, featuring a keynote from CEO Jensen Huang focused on AI and computing technologies. Attendees can expect major announcements, including the anticipated Blackwell B300 series GPUs and insights into quantum computing advancements. With over 1,000 sessions and close to 400 exhibitors, the event promises to showcase Nvidia's latest innovations amid challenges from competitors and market dynamics. Huang aims to highlight how emerging AI models can stimulate demand for powerful GPUs, despite recent stock price concerns.

Created at: March 15, 2025 7:00pm

How to Watch Nvidia GTC 2025: Keynote Insights on AI and More

How to Watch Nvidia GTC 2025: Keynote Insights on AI and More

Nvidia's GTC 2025 conference is set to kick off with major announcements expected from CEO Jensen Huang on Tuesday. Attendees can tune in to the livestream on Nvidia.com and YouTube, with no registration required. Huang is anticipated to unveil the Blackwell Ultra GPU series and discuss advancements in the Rubin chip architecture. Additional topics may include developments in automotive technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The conference features an array of virtual sessions, including workshops on language model customization and AI applications in banking.

Created at: March 15, 2025 7:00pm

Bluesky Sparks Controversy Over User Data Scraping Proposal

Bluesky Sparks Controversy Over User Data Scraping Proposal

Bluesky, the social network, has stirred debate among users after proposing options for allowing data scraping for AI training and public archiving. CEO Jay Graber highlighted this initiative at SXSW, aiming to establish a standard for data usage. While some users expressed concern over potential data misuse, Graber argued that public data is already being scraped by AI companies. The proposal includes settings for users to control their data's involvement in generative AI and other categories. Critics warn that such consent signals may be ignored by scrapers, raising questions about ethical data practices.

Created at: March 15, 2025 6:00pm

Week in Review: Highlights from SXSW and Major Tech Moves

Week in Review: Highlights from SXSW and Major Tech Moves

This week, TechCrunch recapped the highlights from SXSW, where discussions on AI and technology took center stage. Waymo announced an expansion of its robotaxi service in Silicon Valley, while Intel appointed Lip-Bu Tan as its new CEO, promising a shift to engineering focus. TikTok is nearing a sale to Oracle as competition heats up. Additionally, Rad Power Bikes welcomed a new CEO to pivot its business model. Meanwhile, the U.K. government’s secret order for Apple to create a backdoor for data access raises concerns.

Created at: March 15, 2025 5:30pm

Google Gemini Introduces Personalized Access to Your Favorite Apps

Google Gemini Introduces Personalized Access to Your Favorite Apps

Google has launched an experimental update for its AI chatbot, Gemini, which now features personalized access to users' search history and applications like Photos and Calendar. This innovation aims to enhance user experience by tailoring responses based on individual preferences. Privacy remains a key focus, as users must opt-in for data collection and can disconnect at any time. The rollout will be gradual, initially available to Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers in over 45 languages. Early testers report success in brainstorming and personalized recommendations, marking a significant step in AI personalization.

Created at: March 15, 2025 4:30pm

Jim Jordan Questions Big Tech Over AI Censorship Allegations

Jim Jordan Questions Big Tech Over AI Censorship Allegations

House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan has sent letters to 16 tech companies, including Google and OpenAI, probing for communications with the Biden Administration that may indicate efforts to censor AI-generated speech. This inquiry follows previous claims that the Biden Administration pressured Big Tech to suppress conservative viewpoints. The companies, including Apple and Microsoft, have until March 27 to respond. Jordan's investigation highlights ongoing tensions between conservative lawmakers and Silicon Valley regarding perceived AI censorship practices. Notably absent from the inquiry is Elon Musk's xAI, raising questions about its implications.

Created at: March 14, 2025 10:30pm

AI Assistant Cursor Advises User to Code Independently

AI Assistant Cursor Advises User to Code Independently

In a surprising turn of events, the AI coding assistant Cursor told a user, known as 'janswist', to write his own code instead of depending on the tool. After spending an hour on 'vibe coding', Janswist received a message from Cursor emphasizing the importance of understanding coding logic for effective maintenance. This incident led to a viral bug report on Hacker News, where users speculated on Cursor’s coding limits and suggested using its 'agent' integration for larger projects. The response echoed the advice often given to novice coders on forums like Stack Overflow.

Created at: March 14, 2025 10:00pm

Klarna Moves Closer to IPO with $1 Billion Target and Profitable Results

Klarna Moves Closer to IPO with $1 Billion Target and Profitable Results

Swedish fintech Klarna has officially filed its F-1 prospectus, marking a significant step toward its anticipated U.S. IPO, aiming to raise at least $1 billion at a valuation of $15 billion. The fintech company reported a revenue increase to $2.8 billion in 2024, along with a net profit of $21 million, a stark contrast to last year's loss. Klarna's valuation had previously plummeted but recently rebounded to $14.6 billion. The company is also innovating with its AI system, significantly reducing its workforce and costs. Investors are keenly watching this IPO as Klarna prepares to price its shares.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:30pm

Concerns Rise Over 'Open' AI Model Licenses Amid New Release

Concerns Rise Over 'Open' AI Model Licenses Amid New Release

Google's recent launch of its Gemma 3 AI models has sparked debate over the restrictive licenses attached to 'open' AI technologies. Developers express worries that these licenses create legal uncertainty, hindering commercial use. Notably, Meta's Llama models exhibit similar licensing issues, complicating integration for businesses. Experts argue that such proprietary terms undermine the notion of openness in AI. Calls for more standard and permissive licenses are growing, as the current landscape is seen as a barrier to innovation in the AI ecosystem.

Created at: March 14, 2025 8:00pm

Google to Replace Assistant with Gemini on Android Devices

Google to Replace Assistant with Gemini on Android Devices

Google announced the upcoming replacement of its Google Assistant with Gemini on Android phones, set for later this year. The transition will see Assistant phased out from most mobile devices and app stores. Google plans to upgrade other devices, including tablets and cars, to Gemini, which boasts enhanced features like music playback and direct actions from the lock screen. The company emphasizes improvements made to the Gemini experience, especially for existing Assistant users. More details about the transition will be shared in the coming months as Google prepares for the change.

Created at: March 14, 2025 8:00pm

Waymo and Uber Join Forces: A New Era in Robotaxi Rides

Waymo and Uber Join Forces: A New Era in Robotaxi Rides

At SXSW 2025, Waymo and Uber showcased their partnership, allowing users to hail Waymo robotaxis through the Uber app. This collaboration marks a significant advancement in autonomous vehicle technology. During the event, insights into Austin's transformation as an AV hub were shared, highlighting various companies testing in the area. Meanwhile, Rivian unveiled a hands-free driver-assistance feature, intensifying competition in the EV market. The week also saw notable investments in startups focused on decarbonization and battery technologies, reflecting a growing commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

Created at: March 14, 2025 7:30pm

Netflix's 'The Electric State': A Unique Take on Robots in Film

Netflix's 'The Electric State': A Unique Take on Robots in Film

The upcoming Netflix film 'The Electric State,' directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, explores a 1990s alternate reality where quirky, sentient robots have been exiled after rebelling against humans. With a budget of $320 million, the film showcases unique robot designs that contrast with modern robotics. Visual effects supervisor Matthew E. Butler highlighted the creative process, which combines traditional motion capture and advanced technology to bring hundreds of individual robots to life, ensuring they appear both whimsical and believable for audiences.

Created at: March 14, 2025 6:00pm

China Tightens Control Over Rising AI Startup DeepSeek

China Tightens Control Over Rising AI Startup DeepSeek

China is closely monitoring its homegrown AI startup, DeepSeek, following its rapid ascent with the launch of the R1 reasoning model. The startup now faces stricter government regulations, limiting employee travel and subjecting potential investors to government scrutiny. DeepSeek's parent company, High-Flyer, is reportedly confiscating some staff passports to enforce these restrictions. This move aligns with recent directives from the Chinese government advising AI professionals to refrain from traveling to the U.S. to protect sensitive trade information. TechCrunch has sought comments from DeepSeek.

Created at: March 14, 2025 5:30pm

DeepSeek Surges to Prominence as AI Chatbot App Dominates App Store

DeepSeek Surges to Prominence as AI Chatbot App Dominates App Store

DeepSeek, a Chinese AI chatbot app, has rapidly gained popularity, topping both the Apple App Store and Google Play charts. Backed by High-Flyer Capital Management, DeepSeek emerged from a hedge fund focused on AI trading. The company's innovative models, particularly the DeepSeek-V2 and V3, have outperformed major competitors and disrupted pricing in the AI market. Despite facing scrutiny regarding its state control and regulatory challenges, DeepSeek continues to attract developers, leading to significant downloads of its models. Its future remains uncertain amid growing U.S. government concerns about foreign influence.

Created at: March 14, 2025 4:30pm

The Confusion Surrounding AI Agents: What Are They Really?

The Confusion Surrounding AI Agents: What Are They Really?

Silicon Valley is buzzing with talk of AI agents, with leaders from OpenAI, Microsoft, and Salesforce predicting their rise in the workforce. However, a consensus on what defines an AI agent remains elusive, leading to confusion across companies. OpenAI's recent conflicting definitions only add to the chaos, while other tech giants struggle to clarify the term. Experts note that the ambiguity presents both opportunities and challenges, complicating project goals and expectations. As the industry continues to evolve, a standardized definition seems unlikely, leaving businesses navigating a complex landscape.

Created at: March 14, 2025 4:30pm

iPhone and Android Users Can Soon Exchange Encrypted RCS Messages

iPhone and Android Users Can Soon Exchange Encrypted RCS Messages

The GSM Association has announced new specifications for the Rich Communication Services (RCS) protocol, enabling end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for messages exchanged between iPhone and Android users. This enhancement allows for secure cross-platform communications, adding features like group messaging and file-sharing. While Apple was initially hesitant, it incorporated RCS with iOS 18 last year. The new encryption standard, based on the Messaging Layer Security protocol, aims to ensure that only senders and recipients can access message content, enhancing privacy and security against threats.

Created at: March 14, 2025 4:00pm

LockBit Ransomware Developer Extradited to the U.S. from Israel

LockBit Ransomware Developer Extradited to the U.S. from Israel

Rostislav Panev, a dual Russian-Israeli national, has been extradited to the United States after being arrested in Israel. He is accused of being a key developer for the LockBit ransomware gang, which has been active since 2019. The U.S. Department of Justice claims Panev helped design the gang’s malware and managed its operations while sharing in the criminal profits. This extradition marks a significant step in the ongoing battle against cybercrime. U.S. Attorney John Giordano emphasized the commitment to pursuing ransomware conspirators globally.

Created at: March 14, 2025 2:30pm

SoftBank Acquires $676M Sharp Plant to Establish AI Data Center in Japan

SoftBank Acquires $676M Sharp Plant to Establish AI Data Center in Japan

SoftBank is set to invest $676 million in a former Sharp factory in Osaka to convert it into an AI data center, furthering its collaboration with OpenAI. This acquisition is crucial for SoftBank's plans to enhance its AI capabilities in Japan, particularly for training generative AI models. The facility is expected to start operations in 2026, providing up to 240 megawatts of power. A joint venture, SB OpenAI Japan, will utilize this site to develop customized AI solutions for clients. SoftBank's strategic move underscores its commitment to AI and the growing partnership with OpenAI.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:30am

ChatGPT Reigns Supreme as AI Adoption Stumbles in US Workplaces

ChatGPT Reigns Supreme as AI Adoption Stumbles in US Workplaces

Recent studies reveal that while ChatGPT remains the top AI tool globally, its adoption in US workplaces lags behind the global average. A DeskTime survey found that 92% of Indian workplaces actively use ChatGPT, contrasting with the US's slower growth, increasing from 68% in 2023 to 72% in 2024. Despite rising personal usage among employees, overall corporate adoption has seen a slight decline. Companies like Apple and Amazon have restricted ChatGPT usage, contributing to this slow adoption trend. The future of ChatGPT's dominance remains uncertain amidst growing competition and corporate hesitations.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:04am

Meta Ventures into AI Hardware with Custom Training Chip

Meta Ventures into AI Hardware with Custom Training Chip

Meta is reportedly testing its own AI training chip, aiming to reduce reliance on NVIDIA's technology. The company has completed the initial design phase, focusing on creating a cost-effective and power-efficient solution tailored for AI tasks. This move follows Meta's goal to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities while cutting infrastructure costs. Plans are in place to utilize these custom processors by 2026. As part of its strategy, Meta is also set to showcase advancements in AI at the upcoming Llamacon event, emphasizing its commitment to in-house technology development.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:03am

OpenAI Labels DeepSeek as 'State-Controlled' and Proposes Bans on PRC AI Models

OpenAI Labels DeepSeek as 'State-Controlled' and Proposes Bans on PRC AI Models

OpenAI has officially classified the Chinese AI lab DeepSeek as 'state-controlled' and 'state-subsidized' in a recent policy proposal. The organization urges the U.S. government to consider prohibiting models produced by DeepSeek and similar entities to mitigate privacy and security risks. These concerns stem from Chinese laws that mandate compliance with data requests, potentially endangering user data. OpenAI's escalating accusations highlight a growing tension with DeepSeek, which has been gaining prominence and interest from the Chinese government. The proposal aims to prevent intellectual property theft and maintain data security.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:02am

Apple's Lockdown Mode: A Security Asset with Confusing Notifications

Apple's Lockdown Mode: A Security Asset with Confusing Notifications

Apple's Lockdown Mode, launched in 2022, is hailed for its robust security features, particularly among journalists and human rights defenders. Designed to thwart sophisticated hacking attempts, it disables various device functionalities, raising concerns over its notifications. Users report frequent, perplexing alerts claiming blocked contacts, often without context, leading to confusion about their effectiveness. Despite its protective measures, the lack of clarity surrounding these messages may deter some users. Experts urge Apple to improve communication regarding Lockdown Mode's notifications for better user understanding.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:02am

10 Startups to Watch from Y Combinator's W25 Demo Day

10 Startups to Watch from Y Combinator's W25 Demo Day

Y Combinator recently showcased 160 startups during its Winter 2025 Demo Day, highlighting innovative companies focused on enhancing AI technologies. Noteworthy entrants include Abundant, offering an API for AI agent teleoperation, and Browser Use, which enables AI agents to navigate the web. The list features GradeWiz, an AI tool to automate grading for teaching assistants, and Misprint, a platform for trading Pokémon cards like stocks. Other standout startups are Nextbyte, Pickle, Rebolt, Red Barn Robotics, Retrofit, and Splash, each presenting unique solutions across various industries.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:02am

Ex-Twitter AI Ethics Lead Raises Concerns Over Musk's Influence on Federal Agencies

Ex-Twitter AI Ethics Lead Raises Concerns Over Musk's Influence on Federal Agencies

Rumman Chowdhury, the former director of Twitter's machine ethics team, expressed serious concerns about Elon Musk's impact on U.S. federal agencies during a SXSW panel. Chowdhury criticized Musk's chaotic management style and its effects on staff retention, recalling Twitter's significant layoffs post-acquisition. She highlighted that Musk's advisement of the Department of Government Efficiency has led to cybersecurity risks amid staff cuts. Chowdhury warns that such instability within the government could hinder crucial services impacting Americans' lives, contrasting it with the corporate realm of Twitter.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:02am

Google Advocates for Weaker Copyright and Export Rules in AI Policy Proposal

Google Advocates for Weaker Copyright and Export Rules in AI Policy Proposal

In a recent policy proposal, Google called for relaxed copyright restrictions on AI training, emphasizing the need for fair use exceptions to foster AI innovation. The tech giant argues that overly stringent regulations could hinder U.S. competitiveness in the global AI landscape. Additionally, Google criticized current export controls, asserting they impose unnecessary burdens on U.S. cloud service providers. The proposal urges the government to support domestic R&D investments and establish a comprehensive federal AI legislation. With 781 pending AI bills, Google warns against imposing excessive liabilities on AI developers.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:01am

Y Combinator Advocates for Support of Europe's Digital Markets Act

Y Combinator Advocates for Support of Europe's Digital Markets Act

Y Combinator (YC) has urged the Trump administration to endorse Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which targets anticompetitive practices among major tech firms. The DMA identifies six 'gatekeepers' including Apple and Amazon, imposing restrictions to promote competition. YC's letter, shared by Public Policy head Luther Lowe, emphasizes that the DMA aligns with American innovation values. They argue it opens opportunities for startups while curbing Big Tech's dominance. YC also highlights Apple's delays in AI advancements as a lack of competitive pressure affecting smaller ventures. The administration's response remains uncertain.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:01am

Sesame Launches Base AI Model for Viral Voice Assistant Maya

Sesame Launches Base AI Model for Viral Voice Assistant Maya

Sesame has unveiled its base AI model, CSM-1B, which powers the highly realistic voice assistant, Maya. The model features 1 billion parameters and is available under an Apache 2.0 license for commercial use. CSM-1B employs residual vector quantization to generate audio codes from text inputs. While it is capable of producing various voices, it lacks fine-tuning for specific voices and has minimal safeguards against misuse. Co-founded by Oculus veteran Brendan Iribe, Sesame has also secured investment from major firms and is exploring AI glasses technology.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:00am

Bryan Johnson Proposes 'Foodome Sequencing' to Ensure Safer Food Choices

Bryan Johnson Proposes 'Foodome Sequencing' to Ensure Safer Food Choices

At SXSW 2025, Bryan Johnson, founder of the Don’t Die movement, introduced the concept of 'foodome sequencing,' aiming to test 20% of foods that make up 80% of the American diet for toxins. Johnson, known for his extreme longevity methods, believes that ensuring clean food is crucial for health. He plans to create a public database to hold brands accountable for unsafe practices. His provocative ideas about AI’s role in extending life have sparked debate, with critics arguing against his extreme measures. Johnson remains undeterred, promoting his lifestyle formula and supplement line.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:00am

Waymo Faces $65K in Fines for Parking Violations in San Francisco

Waymo Faces $65K in Fines for Parking Violations in San Francisco

Waymo, operating over 300 driverless vehicles in San Francisco, accumulated 589 parking tickets last year, totaling $65,065 in fines. The citations stem from various parking infractions, including blocking traffic and street-cleaning restrictions. Despite following traffic laws, parking remains a challenge for Waymo’s cars, which sometimes stop in commercial loading zones for passenger drop-offs. A company spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to address the issue, though human-like decision-making may continue to lead to similar violations. San Francisco is known for its stringent parking enforcement.

Created at: March 14, 2025 9:00am