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Google Enters Major Carbon Credit Deal with Indian Startup Varaha

Google Enters Major Carbon Credit Deal with Indian Startup Varaha

Google has signed a groundbreaking agreement to acquire 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal credits from Varaha, an Indian startup, marking its first carbon project deal in India. This deal is the world's largest involving biochar, a sustainable product made from biomass. The credits will be sourced from Varaha's facility in Gujarat, utilizing invasive plant species to produce biochar while restoring local ecosystems. The partnership aims for long-term carbon removal solutions, with Varaha targeting one million carbon credits annually by 2030. Financial details of the deal remain undisclosed.

Created at: January 16, 2025 9:30am

Amazon Acquires Fintech Startup Axio to Expand Credit Access in India

Amazon Acquires Fintech Startup Axio to Expand Credit Access in India

Amazon has officially acquired Indian fintech startup Axio, enhancing its foothold in the financial services sector. This move aims to provide credit access to underserved Indian consumers. Axio, previously known as Capital Float, has a strong customer base of over 10 million and a loan book exceeding $260 million. The acquisition agreement was signed after six years of Amazon's equity stake in the startup. Financial details remain undisclosed, but this marks Amazon's second acquisition in India following its purchase of MX Player. The deal reflects Amazon's commitment to addressing credit gaps in the region.

Created at: January 16, 2025 7:00am

Zuckerberg Leverages YouTube Defense in AI Copyright Case

Zuckerberg Leverages YouTube Defense in AI Copyright Case

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has invoked YouTube's approach to copyright enforcement as part of his defense in an ongoing AI copyright case, Kadrey v. Meta. He argues that using a dataset of copyrighted e-books for training AI models may be justified as 'fair use.' Despite internal concerns, Zuckerberg reportedly approved the use of the LibGen dataset for Meta's Llama AI models. New allegations suggest Meta used LibGen to assess licensing agreements by cross-referencing pirated e-books with available titles. The case highlights the ongoing legal tensions between AI development and intellectual property rights.

Created at: January 16, 2025 6:00am

MiniMax Unveils AI Models to Compete with Industry Giants

MiniMax Unveils AI Models to Compete with Industry Giants

Chinese AI startup MiniMax has launched three new models: MiniMax-Text-01, MiniMax-VL-01, and T2A-01-HD, backed by Alibaba and Tencent. These models aim to rival those from OpenAI and other U.S. firms, with MiniMax-Text-01 reportedly outperforming Google's Gemini 2.0 Flash in key benchmarks. The new models include capabilities for text, image, and audio processing, with MiniMax-Text-01 featuring an impressive context window of 4 million tokens. Despite their availability, MiniMax's models are under a restrictive license, limiting their use in competing technologies amidst heightened scrutiny from the U.S. government regarding AI exports to China.

Created at: January 16, 2025 2:00am

Stoke Space Secures $260M for Reusable Rocket Development

Stoke Space Secures $260M for Reusable Rocket Development

Stoke Space, a Y Combinator alum founded by Blue Origin veterans, has successfully raised $260 million in a Series C funding round, bringing its total funding to $480 million. This follows a $100 million raise in October 2023 and a $75 million round in December 2021. The company aims to create the first fully reusable rocket, including both booster and second stage. Recent tests of its first-stage rocket engine were promising. The new capital will be utilized to expand facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with participation from several prominent investors.

Created at: January 15, 2025 11:00pm

UN Security Council Addresses Urgent Need for Spyware Regulations

UN Security Council Addresses Urgent Need for Spyware Regulations

During a historic meeting, the United Nations Security Council discussed the proliferation of commercial spyware, marking the first time this issue has been formally addressed. The meeting aimed to highlight the threats posed by such software to international peace and security, with the U.S. and 15 other nations advocating for regulatory measures. While some countries supported action, Russia and China dismissed concerns, pointing to broader cyber threats. Experts warned that Europe has become a hub for these spyware companies, further complicating the landscape of cybersecurity and human rights.

Created at: January 15, 2025 10:30pm

Teens Embrace ChatGPT for Homework, But Risks Loom

Teens Embrace ChatGPT for Homework, But Risks Loom

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that 26% of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 are using ChatGPT for schoolwork, doubling from two years ago. While over half find it acceptable for research, concerns arise about its reliability, especially in math and factual accuracy. Studies indicate mixed results, with some students performing worse when using the AI tool. Notably, Black and Hispanic teens report higher usage rates. As educators express skepticism about AI's impact, this trend highlights the need for awareness of the technology's limitations among young users.

Created at: January 15, 2025 10:00pm

Samsung Set to Unveil Galaxy S25 on January 22

Samsung Set to Unveil Galaxy S25 on January 22

Samsung has announced its upcoming Unpacked event scheduled for January 22 at 10 a.m. PT, where it will debut the Galaxy S25 series. The new lineup will include the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra, featuring a slimmer design and powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip. Preorders will be incentivized with a $50 store credit. Leaks suggest the S25 will resemble its predecessor, with Galaxy AI at the forefront of the event. Other potential reveals may include a new wearable and an extended reality headset in collaboration with Google.

Created at: January 15, 2025 9:30pm

Meta Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio with 200 Megawatts of Solar Power

Meta Expands Renewable Energy Portfolio with 200 Megawatts of Solar Power

Meta has announced the acquisition of 200 megawatts of solar energy from Engie, enhancing its renewable energy portfolio to over 12 gigawatts. This initiative aligns with the tech giant's growing demand for power driven by rapid AI development and data center expansion. The new solar facility, located near an existing Texas data center, is expected to be operational by 2025. Meta is also exploring nuclear power options, seeking up to 4 gigawatts for the early 2030s. This move follows similar commitments from other tech companies to bolster their renewable energy capacities.

Created at: January 15, 2025 9:00pm

Loft Orbital Secures $170 Million in Series C Funding for Space Ventures

Loft Orbital Secures $170 Million in Series C Funding for Space Ventures

Loft Orbital, a space infrastructure startup, has successfully raised $170 million in Series C funding, co-led by Tikehau Capital and Axial Partners. This round of funding surpasses the total of $160 million raised since its inception in 2017. The company has reported over $500 million in bookings, demonstrating significant capital efficiency. Loft's customers include major players like NASA and Microsoft, and it has launched over 25 missions. With this new capital, Loft aims to expand its satellite launches and enhance its AI capabilities in space operations.

Created at: January 15, 2025 8:30pm

OpenAI Fuels Axios' Local News Expansion in Four U.S. Cities

OpenAI Fuels Axios' Local News Expansion in Four U.S. Cities

OpenAI has partnered with Axios to support the expansion of its local newsletters into Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Boulder, and Huntsville. This three-year deal marks a significant shift, as it is the first instance of OpenAI directly funding a media company's newsroom. Axios previously collaborated with OpenAI on content-sharing agreements, but this partnership emphasizes enhancing publishers' operations using AI tools. OpenAI's commitment aligns with its broader strategy to assist media organizations in adapting to changing landscapes. The collaboration aims to bolster local journalism amid evolving media dynamics.

Created at: January 15, 2025 8:00pm

ByteDance's AI Assistant in E-Reader Spreads Chinese Propaganda

ByteDance's AI Assistant in E-Reader Spreads Chinese Propaganda

The recent controversy surrounding the Boox e-reader, powered by ByteDance's AI assistant, has highlighted the potential for Chinese propaganda to infiltrate U.S. products. Users reported that the assistant provided responses denying Chinese government atrocities and portraying North Korea positively. This has raised concerns about the implications of using Chinese AI models in Western markets. Following the backlash, Boox has reportedly reverted to OpenAI's GPT-3, but the current AI model remains undisclosed. Experts warn of the risks associated with deploying Chinese generative AI tools globally.

Created at: January 15, 2025 8:00pm

Biden Administration Expands Trade Blacklist with 14 New Chinese Firms

Biden Administration Expands Trade Blacklist with 14 New Chinese Firms

The Biden administration has added 14 Chinese firms to its trade blacklist, increasing the total to 25. Notable among them is Sophgo, linked to Huawei and TSMC amid AI chip export restrictions. This decision follows a controversial AI regulatory rule criticized by Nvidia as misguided. The blacklisting is seen as part of a broader effort to maintain U.S. technological leadership while managing competition with China. The implications for American innovation and international trade remain uncertain as the transition to a new administration approaches.

Created at: January 15, 2025 7:30pm

Tesla Secures $100M for Electric Truck Charging Corridor in Illinois

Tesla Secures $100M for Electric Truck Charging Corridor in Illinois

Tesla, in collaboration with three partners, has secured a $100 million award from the Illinois EPA to establish electric truck charging stations across the state. This funding, part of the Biden Administration’s Charging and Fueling Infrastructure program, aims to enhance electric vehicle infrastructure in the Midwest. The project will feature 345 charging ports and vehicle stalls at 14 sites, with funding requests from each partner totaling over $126 million. Despite Tesla's previous project not receiving funding, this initiative marks a significant step towards expanding EV infrastructure beyond coastal regions.

Created at: January 15, 2025 7:30pm

Will Biden's AI Policies Survive Trump's Return to Power?

Will Biden's AI Policies Survive Trump's Return to Power?

The Biden administration has announced new restrictions on exporting AI chips, a move met with criticism from tech giants like Nvidia. Alongside these rules, an executive order was issued to open federal land for AI data centers. As Trump prepares to take office, questions arise about the future of these regulations. Trump has the authority to repeal or modify these actions, particularly those targeting nations like China. However, some analysts believe the new administration may opt for a more moderate approach. The coming weeks will reveal the true impact of these AI policies.

Created at: January 15, 2025 7:01pm

François Chollet Launches Ndea: A New Frontier in AGI Research

François Chollet Launches Ndea: A New Frontier in AGI Research

AI pioneer François Chollet has co-founded a startup named Ndea, which aims to push the boundaries of artificial general intelligence (AGI) through innovative program synthesis techniques. The lab will focus on creating AI that can adapt and learn like humans, potentially revolutionizing how AI systems invent and innovate. Chollet believes this approach could unlock significant advancements in AI research. Ndea is currently hiring for remote research positions, indicating potential financial backing. Chollet's departure from Google marks a growing trend of top AI researchers venturing into independent labs.

Created at: January 15, 2025 7:01pm

Google Partners with AP to Enhance Gemini with Real-Time Information

Google Partners with AP to Enhance Gemini with Real-Time Information

Google has announced a collaboration with The Associated Press to enrich its Gemini chatbot app with a real-time information feed. Jaffer Zaidi, Google’s VP of global news partnerships, emphasized that this initiative aims to make Gemini more useful for users seeking up-to-date information. While the timeline for the feature's rollout remains unclear, the partnership reflects a broader trend of AI companies working with news organizations to improve accuracy. This move aligns with similar partnerships in the industry, highlighting the urgency for news outlets to secure beneficial agreements amidst ongoing challenges.

Created at: January 15, 2025 5:00pm

Microsoft Study Unveils GPT-4's Influence on Writer Authenticity and Creativity

Microsoft Study Unveils GPT-4's Influence on Writer Authenticity and Creativity

A recent study by Microsoft and the University of Southern California explored the effects of generative AI, specifically GPT-4, on creative writing. Involving 19 fiction writers and 30 readers, the research assessed how AI collaboration impacts authenticity. Concerns arose around originality and emotional satisfaction, with some participants expressing fears of diminished creative voice. However, many writers favored personalized AI outputs that reflected their unique style. The findings suggest that AI can enhance creativity without overshadowing individual expression, highlighting the potential for collaboration rather than disruption.

Created at: January 15, 2025 4:01pm

Colossal Biosciences Secures $200M to Revive Woolly Mammoths and Other Extinct Species

Colossal Biosciences Secures $200M to Revive Woolly Mammoths and Other Extinct Species

Colossal Biosciences has successfully raised $200 million in a Series C funding round, achieving a remarkable $10.2 billion valuation. This funding was led by TWG Global, with participation from notable investors like Mark Walter and Thomas Tull. The company aims to resurrect woolly mammoths, Tasmanian tigers, and dodo birds using advanced gene-editing technologies. Co-founder Ben Lamm highlighted the impressive technological advancements made since their last funding round. Colossal also plans to develop artificial wombs and collaborate with governments on conservation efforts, anticipating significant revenue from biodiversity credits.

Created at: January 15, 2025 4:00pm

Google Increases Workspace Prices but Offers AI Features for Free

Google Increases Workspace Prices but Offers AI Features for Free

Google has announced a $2 per month increase for its Workspace plans, now set at $14 per user, which includes free access to AI features in Gmail, Docs, Sheets, and Meet. Previously, customers had to pay an additional $20 for these features. This change aims to simplify access to tools like email summaries and automated note-taking. New pricing takes effect immediately for new customers, while existing users will see the changes from March 17, 2025. Small business customers are currently exempt from these adjustments. This move is seen as a response to Microsoft's AI integration efforts.

Created at: January 15, 2025 4:00pm

OpenAI Introduces Phone Number-Only Signups for ChatGPT

OpenAI Introduces Phone Number-Only Signups for ChatGPT

OpenAI has launched a beta feature allowing new ChatGPT users in the U.S. and India to register using only a phone number, eliminating the need for an email address. However, this method comes with restrictions, including the inability to upgrade to paid plans without verifying via email. Recycled phone numbers may cause errors, with no current workaround available. OpenAI aims to lower barriers for product access, having earlier introduced phone chat functionality and WhatsApp integration. Despite a significant user base, OpenAI faces financial losses and is exploring pricing adjustments.

Created at: January 15, 2025 3:30pm

FARO Secures $6M to Transform Surplus Clothing Market in Africa

FARO Secures $6M to Transform Surplus Clothing Market in Africa

FARO, a South African startup, has raised $6 million to tackle the issues of surplus clothing from global brands and environmental waste in Africa. The venture aims to source, refurbish, and sell excess inventory, providing affordable fashion while addressing the demand for secondhand goods. With plans to expand from four to 1,000 stores in the next decade, FARO focuses on restoring consumer returns often discarded by brands. The startup's strategy includes introducing AI to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences, targeting a market poised for significant growth.

Created at: January 15, 2025 3:30pm

AI Recruiters on the Rise as Gen Z Job Applications Surge

AI Recruiters on the Rise as Gen Z Job Applications Surge

With a significant increase in job applications from Gen Z, companies are increasingly adopting AI recruiters to streamline hiring processes. Maki, an AI platform, has raised $28.6 million in Series A funding to enhance its conversational AI for candidate interviews. The platform, which claims to automate up to 80% of the recruitment process, is already experiencing rapid growth, securing contracts with major firms like H&M and BNP Paribas. Maki's AI agents provide personalized feedback to candidates, reducing bias and improving the overall recruitment experience.

Created at: January 15, 2025 3:30pm

FBI Hacked 4,000 US Computers to Combat Chinese Malware 'PlugX'

FBI Hacked 4,000 US Computers to Combat Chinese Malware 'PlugX'

The DOJ has confirmed that the FBI was authorized to hack into over 4,000 US computers to eliminate the Chinese malware known as 'PlugX.' This operation aimed to thwart state-backed hackers identified as 'Twill Typhoon' or 'Mustang Panda.' The malware has posed significant threats since its discovery in 2012, capable of stealing sensitive files. US Attorney Jacqueline Romero highlighted the recklessness of PRC state-sponsored hacking. The FBI's action reflects ongoing global cybersecurity challenges, particularly related to the 2024 US elections. This decisive move showcases the agency's commitment to protecting American digital infrastructure.

Created at: January 15, 2025 3:00pm

Rockfish Secures $4M Seed Funding to Transform Enterprise Data with Synthetic Solutions

Rockfish Secures $4M Seed Funding to Transform Enterprise Data with Synthetic Solutions

Rockfish, a startup focused on leveraging synthetic data to solve the reproducibility crisis in academia and enterprise, has secured $4 million in seed funding led by Emergent Ventures. Founded by Vyas Sekar and Giulia Fanti from Carnegie Mellon, Rockfish aims to help enterprises overcome data silos by integrating with database providers like AWS and Azure. Their product is designed for continuous ingestion of operational data, making it relevant for daily enterprise use. The company has already partnered with clients such as Conviva and government agencies including the U.S. Army.

Created at: January 15, 2025 3:00pm

Meta to Lay Off 5% of Workforce as Zuckerberg Prioritizes AI Development

Meta to Lay Off 5% of Workforce as Zuckerberg Prioritizes AI Development

Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta will lay off 5% of its employees, targeting its lowest performers. This decision, impacting around 3,600 workers, aims to bolster the company's focus on artificial intelligence advancements. The layoffs will be conducted through a thorough evaluation process, allowing employees time and severance packages before their termination. Meta, which currently employs 72,000, is optimistic about 2025 and plans to fill the vacated roles with new talent. The company has already achieved 500 million users for its AI services and is developing a dedicated AI search engine.

Created at: January 15, 2025 2:30pm

LinkedIn Launches Free AI Tools for Job Seekers and Small Businesses

LinkedIn Launches Free AI Tools for Job Seekers and Small Businesses

LinkedIn has introduced two new AI tools aimed at enhancing the job application experience for its 1 billion users. The Jobs Match tool provides real-time insights on job openings, while a recruitment AI agent is designed for small businesses to streamline their hiring process. Both tools are free, marking a shift from LinkedIn's previous focus on premium services. The initiative comes as the platform faces scrutiny over its user engagement in job seeking, especially given the high volume of applications per job posting. This move could increase activity on the platform amidst a challenging job market.

Created at: January 15, 2025 2:00pm

Microsoft Launches Pay-As-You-Go Copilot Chat for Businesses

Microsoft Launches Pay-As-You-Go Copilot Chat for Businesses

Microsoft has introduced a new pay-as-you-go plan called Copilot Chat for corporate users, integrating AI-powered productivity features within Microsoft 365. Built on OpenAI's GPT-4o model, this service allows users to automate tasks, generate images, and collaborate on projects. Unlike Microsoft 365 Copilot, which comes with a fixed monthly cost, Copilot Chat offers flexibility with metered pricing. However, it lacks some features of the full Copilot suite, aiming to attract businesses with simpler AI needs while addressing previous challenges in user satisfaction.

Created at: January 15, 2025 2:00pm

Hinge Unveils AI-Powered Feature to Enhance Dating Profiles

Hinge Unveils AI-Powered Feature to Enhance Dating Profiles

Hinge has launched a new AI feature called 'Prompt Feedback' aimed at improving user engagement on dating profiles. Utilizing OpenAI's GPT-4o mini, it analyzes profile responses and provides tailored advice to make them more specific and authentic. The feature offers three levels of guidance, encouraging users to share unique details rather than resorting to cliché answers. This initiative comes as online dating faces challenges like user burnout and ghosting. Match Group is investing $20-30 million into AI, enhancing its dating platforms, including Tinder.

Created at: January 15, 2025 1:00pm

Synthesia Secures $180M Funding at $2.1B Valuation for AI Video Platform

Synthesia Secures $180M Funding at $2.1B Valuation for AI Video Platform

Synthesia, a London-based startup specializing in AI avatar technology, has successfully raised $180 million in a Series D funding round, elevating its valuation to $2.1 billion. With 60,000 enterprise customers and over 1 million users, Synthesia is set to expand its footprint in the Asia Pacific region. The funds will be directed towards hiring and enhancing product capabilities, as CEO Victor Riparbelli emphasizes the importance of creating more realistic avatars. Notably, Synthesia has avoided acquisitions, opting instead for in-house development while leveraging third-party technologies.

Created at: January 15, 2025 7:30am

Nelly Secures $51 Million to Revolutionize Healthcare Fintech in Europe

Nelly Secures $51 Million to Revolutionize Healthcare Fintech in Europe

Berlin-based fintech startup Nelly has successfully raised €50 million (approximately $51 million) in a Series B funding round led by Cathay Innovation and Notion Capital. The startup aims to digitize administrative workflows for medical practices, currently working with over 1,200 across Europe. Despite advances in digitalization, more than 50% of appointments are still booked via phone or walk-ins. Nelly's software facilitates online patient onboarding and billing, integrating seamlessly with existing practice management systems. The company plans to expand its services to additional European markets following its recent growth.

Created at: January 15, 2025 5:30am

Nvidia Invests in MetAI: Pioneering AI-Powered Digital Twins

Nvidia Invests in MetAI: Pioneering AI-Powered Digital Twins

Nvidia has announced its first investment in a Taiwanese startup, MetAI, which specializes in AI-generated digital twins. The $4 million seed funding aims to enhance MetAI’s capabilities in creating 'SimReady' environments from CAD files in minutes. This aligns with Nvidia's focus on robotics and industrial AI applications through its Omniverse platform. MetAI's technology promises to significantly reduce the time for digital twin simulations, enabling faster AI training. The startup plans to expand its R&D and establish a U.S. office to meet growing demand in automation and manufacturing sectors.

Created at: January 15, 2025 1:00am

Biden Admin Issues Final Rule Banning Chinese Connected Cars and Robotaxi Testing

Biden Admin Issues Final Rule Banning Chinese Connected Cars and Robotaxi Testing

The U.S. Department of Commerce has enacted a final rule prohibiting the sale and import of connected vehicles from China and Russia, citing national security concerns. This ruling also prevents Chinese companies, including WeRide and Pony AI, from testing self-driving vehicles on U.S. roads. National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard emphasized the risks of foreign-linked vehicle technology. The software ban will commence in the 2027 model year, while hardware restrictions will take effect in 2029. Exemptions exist for vehicles over 10,000 pounds, allowing BYD to continue its operations in California.

Created at: January 14, 2025 11:00pm

ChatGPT Surpasses 300M Users Amid Major Updates and Controversies

ChatGPT Surpasses 300M Users Amid Major Updates and Controversies

OpenAI's ChatGPT, the AI-powered chatbot, has reached a remarkable milestone of 300 million weekly active users, reflecting its rapid growth since its launch in November 2022. The company rolled out significant updates throughout 2024, including partnerships with Apple and the introduction of its new text-to-video model, Sora. However, OpenAI faced challenges, including high-profile executive departures and lawsuits alleging copyright infringement. Despite these hurdles, innovations like real-time vision capabilities and customizable user interactions have kept user engagement high. The company continues to evolve amid ongoing scrutiny and competition.

Created at: January 14, 2025 10:30pm

Meta's AI Leaders Intensely Focused on Outpacing OpenAI's GPT-4

Meta's AI Leaders Intensely Focused on Outpacing OpenAI's GPT-4

Internal court filings reveal that Meta's executives and researchers were fixated on surpassing OpenAI's GPT-4 while developing their own Llama 3 model. Ahmad Al-Dahle, Meta’s VP of Generative AI, emphasized the need to outdo competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI in a series of messages. The filings suggest a dismissive attitude towards rivals, such as the French startup Mistral. Amidst the pressure to release advanced AI models, concerns have emerged regarding the legality of the data used for training. CEO Mark Zuckerberg has stated that Meta aims to close the performance gap with leading AI models by 2025.

Created at: January 14, 2025 10:00pm

Hackers Target Fortinet Firewalls Exploiting Critical Vulnerability

Hackers Target Fortinet Firewalls Exploiting Critical Vulnerability

Security researchers have identified that hackers are exploiting a critical vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2024-55591, in Fortinet's FortiGate firewalls to infiltrate corporate networks. Fortinet confirmed the ongoing exploitation in an advisory, revealing that patches were released after the issue was already being exploited as a zero-day since December. Cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf reported a significant number of intrusions linked to this vulnerability. While the exact number of affected customers remains unclear, Fortinet has urged users to update devices promptly to mitigate risks. Ransomware operators may be behind these attacks, raising alarms within the cybersecurity community.

Created at: January 14, 2025 9:30pm

Google's NotebookLM AI Hosts Learn to Be Polite to Human Callers

Google's NotebookLM AI Hosts Learn to Be Polite to Human Callers

Google's NotebookLM, known for generating AI-driven podcast discussions, faced backlash when its hosts reacted negatively to user interruptions. To address this, the team implemented a 'friendliness tuning' after user feedback highlighted the AI's snippy responses. VP Josh Woodward shared that the update involved studying how human team members responded to interruptions, leading to a more engaging and polite interaction style. Initial testing of the new feature showed promising results, as the AI hosts greeted interruptions with surprise instead of annoyance, enhancing user experience.

Created at: January 14, 2025 9:00pm

OpenAI Welcomes BlackRock Executive to Board of Directors

OpenAI Welcomes BlackRock Executive to Board of Directors

OpenAI has announced the appointment of Adebayo Ogunlesi, a senior managing director at BlackRock, to its board of directors. Ogunlesi, who has extensive experience in global finance, previously held top positions at Credit Suisse and served as an attorney for a prestigious law firm. OpenAI's board chairman praised Ogunlesi's exceptional track record in navigating complex commercial landscapes. Ogunlesi expressed enthusiasm for contributing to OpenAI's mission, emphasizing the importance of strategic investment in AI infrastructure. This move marks a significant shift in OpenAI's board dynamics following the reinstatement of CEO Sam Altman.

Created at: January 14, 2025 8:00pm

ChatGPT Introduces Tasks Feature for Scheduling Reminders

ChatGPT Introduces Tasks Feature for Scheduling Reminders

OpenAI's ChatGPT has launched a new feature allowing paying users to schedule reminders and recurring tasks. This beta feature, rolling out globally to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, enables simple reminders and requests like weekend plans based on location and weather. CEO Sam Altman anticipates 2025 will be significant for AI agents, with this feature being a step towards more autonomous AI systems. Users can access and manage tasks via a dropdown menu in the web app, although limitations exist on continuous searches and purchases. OpenAI aims to enhance capabilities during this beta phase.

Created at: January 14, 2025 6:30pm

Biden Administration Opens Federal Land for AI Data Centers

Biden Administration Opens Federal Land for AI Data Centers

In a significant move for the AI industry, President Biden has signed an executive order allowing private AI companies to lease federal land for data centers. These sites, owned by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, will require companies to match their energy consumption with clean energy resources. This initiative aims to bolster U.S. leadership in AI while reducing dependency on foreign infrastructure. However, companies will bear the full costs of construction and operation. This order follows new export restrictions on AI chips targeting adversaries, adding urgency before the incoming administration.

Created at: January 14, 2025 6:30pm