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Mastodon Launches Cute Plushies to Fund Development Efforts

Mastodon Launches Cute Plushies to Fund Development Efforts

Mastodon, the decentralized social network, has begun selling plushie toys to support its development. Following a successful test round of merchandise, the company launched its first plushie, priced at $45. Although initially available only in the EU due to shipping delays in the US, Mastodon quickly sold 176 units, generating nearly $8,000 in revenue. This initiative aims to help offset operational costs as Mastodon primarily relies on Patreon for funding. The community has shown strong support, rallying under the hashtag #plustodon.

Created at: October 15, 2024 9:30pm

White House Eyes AI Chip Export Limits to Persian Gulf Nations

White House Eyes AI Chip Export Limits to Persian Gulf Nations

The Biden administration is reportedly considering extending export limits on advanced AI chips from Nvidia and AMD to certain Persian Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, due to national security concerns. This move could cap sales as both nations invest heavily in AI infrastructure. Last year, the U.S. restricted sales of these chips to China and 40 other countries to prevent indirect access. The discussions reflect rising apprehensions about the region’s growing influence in the AI sector, especially with Saudi Arabia's $40 billion AI fund and OpenAI's funding talks in the UAE.

Created at: October 15, 2024 6:30pm

Keep Secures $2.5M to Transform Alert Management with AI

Keep Secures $2.5M to Transform Alert Management with AI

Keep, a Y Combinator-backed startup, has raised $2.5 million in a pre-seed funding round to enhance alert management for operations teams using AI. The company's platform reduces alert fatigue by deduplicating and correlating notifications, helping teams prioritize issues effectively. Co-founders Tal Borenstein and Tal Glazner, along with new partner Matvey Kukuy, aim to improve observability tools by enriching alerts with contextual data. Keep's AI models facilitate noise reduction and automated root cause analysis, providing significant value to enterprise customers. The funding was led by Runa Capital, with support from angel investors.

Created at: October 15, 2024 6:30pm

Automattic's Trademark Enforcement Strategy Revealed Amid WP Engine Dispute

Automattic's Trademark Enforcement Strategy Revealed Amid WP Engine Dispute

Automattic, the parent company of WordPress, has initiated a stringent trademark enforcement strategy against WP Engine, amid ongoing legal disputes over the use of the WordPress trademark. An internal blog post outlines plans for direct negotiations and legal actions, citing the need for a multi-pronged approach. Automattic aims to protect its branding through additional trademark registrations and licensing programs. The WordPress Foundation's trademark applications for 'Managed WordPress' and 'Hosted WordPress' are currently pending. Mullenweg emphasizes the necessity of enforcing trademark rights to safeguard the ecosystem.

Created at: October 15, 2024 5:00pm

India Supports Musk in Satellite Spectrum Allocation Dispute

India Supports Musk in Satellite Spectrum Allocation Dispute

India has decided to allocate satellite spectrum through administrative means, aligning with Elon Musk's stance against auctioning. Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia emphasized that shared spectrum is a global practice and cannot be auctioned. This decision favors Musk's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper, countering lobbying from major telecom operators like Reliance Jio. Musk previously warned that auctioning satellite spectrum would be unprecedented. The move intensifies competition for India's satellite internet market as industry leaders debate the future of spectrum allocation.

Created at: October 15, 2024 2:30pm

Apple's iPhone 18 to Feature Revolutionary 2nm Chips by 2026

Apple's iPhone 18 to Feature Revolutionary 2nm Chips by 2026

Apple is set to revolutionize its iPhone lineup with the introduction of TSMC's groundbreaking 2nm chipset in the iPhone 18, expected in 2026. This advancement marks the first use of a 2nm process for A-series chipsets, promising enhanced performance and efficiency. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo suggests that the 2nm chip may be exclusive to Pro models due to its higher costs. Alongside the new chipset, the iPhone 18 is anticipated to incorporate 12GB of RAM, potentially redefining standards in mobile technology. Production of the 2nm chips is slated to begin next year, following the successful development of 3nm processors.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:31pm

Early Secures $5M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Code Testing with Generative AI

Early Secures $5M Seed Funding to Revolutionize Code Testing with Generative AI

Early, a startup based in Tel Aviv, has raised $5 million in seed funding led by Zeev Ventures to enhance code testing for developers. Utilizing generative AI, the platform generates unit tests for JavaScript and TypeScript, enabling developers to identify bugs early in the development cycle. Early integrates seamlessly with Visual Studio Code, allowing for automated test generation directly within the IDE. CEO Sharon Barr emphasizes that the company aims to improve overall code quality, not just testing. The funding will accelerate product development and bolster the mission of freeing developers to focus on creative aspects of coding.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:31pm

Inversion Space Secures FAA License for Groundbreaking Reentry Mission

Inversion Space Secures FAA License for Groundbreaking Reentry Mission

Inversion Space has received a spacecraft reentry license from the FAA, marking a significant milestone for the startup. This approval enables the company to launch its Ray capsule for an orbital cargo delivery demonstration later this year. The Ray capsule, significantly smaller than Inversion’s future spacecraft, will be tested during a mission launching on SpaceX’s Transport-12. The reentry process involves a two-stage deployment of parachutes to ensure a safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Following this mission, Inversion plans to develop a larger vehicle, Arc, set for a future launch.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:31pm

Neuron7 Secures $44 Million in Series B Funding Led by Keith Block

Neuron7 Secures $44 Million in Series B Funding Led by Keith Block

AI customer service startup Neuron7 has successfully raised $44 million in an oversubscribed Series B funding round, spearheaded by Keith Block of Smith Point Capital. The firm aims to revolutionize complex service operations, differentiating itself from general chatbot solutions. Neuron7 leverages advanced AI to analyze repair manuals and support records, assisting technicians in diagnosing problems efficiently. With its user base primarily comprising Fortune 1000 companies, Neuron7 has reported a 300% growth in annual recurring revenue. This latest funding increases its valuation significantly, positioning it for further innovation in enterprise AI.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:30pm

Adobe Unveils Project Super Sonic: AI-Powered Sound Effects for Video Creators

Adobe Unveils Project Super Sonic: AI-Powered Sound Effects for Video Creators

At the Adobe Max conference, Adobe introduced Project Super Sonic, an innovative prototype that utilizes AI to generate audio effects for videos. This tool allows users to create sound effects using text prompts, object recognition, and even their own voice. Enhanced features include generating sounds by clicking on video frames and mimicking desired sounds for accurate audio creation. Justin Salamon, head of Sound Design AI at Adobe, emphasized the tool's aim to empower creators by providing precise control over sound design. While currently a demo, its potential integration into Adobe Premiere looks promising.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:30pm

Amplitude Acquires Command AI to Enhance User Engagement

Amplitude Acquires Command AI to Enhance User Engagement

Amplitude has acquired Command AI, a startup focused on app user engagement, as part of its strategy to improve digital analytics. The deal brings most of Command AI's 30-member team onboard, including co-founder James Evans, who expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. Command AI's technology will enable Amplitude to offer personalized user assistance through features like interactive product tours and smart triggers for updates. Evans will step into a leadership role at Amplitude, which has previously acquired two other companies since its inception. Amplitude serves over 2,700 paying customers, including many Fortune 100 firms.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:30pm

Monogoto Secures $27M to Enhance Connectivity-as-a-Service Platform

Monogoto Secures $27M to Enhance Connectivity-as-a-Service Platform

Monogoto, a startup specializing in 'connectivity-as-a-service', has successfully raised $27 million in a Series A funding round led by Toyota Ventures. The funding highlights the growing demand for software-defined connectivity solutions amidst a fragmented telecommunications landscape. With this latest round, Monogoto has raised a total of $38 million to date. The company operates in 180 countries and supports various network types, addressing the complexities enterprises face in managing connected devices. Monogoto aims to streamline connectivity for industries including fleet management and asset tracking.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:00pm

Career Karma Founders Launch OutRival to Transform Customer Service with AI Agents

Career Karma Founders Launch OutRival to Transform Customer Service with AI Agents

Ruben Harris and Timur Meyster, founders of Career Karma, have launched OutRival, a platform enabling businesses to create personalized AI customer service agents. The AI sector continues to attract substantial venture capital, with over $64 billion invested in 2023 alone. OutRival aims to work alongside existing teams rather than replace them, enhancing customer interactions. Operating in beta for two years, the company has already partnered with college admissions teams. OutRival will leverage funds from Career Karma's previous $40 million Series B round to expand its offerings across industries.

Created at: October 15, 2024 1:00pm

Port Secures $35M to Revolutionize Developer Tools and Workflows

Port Secures $35M to Revolutionize Developer Tools and Workflows

Port, an innovative platform aimed at centralizing developer tools and workflows, has successfully raised $35 million in a Series B funding round led by Accel and Bessemer Venture Partners. Founded in 2022 by Yonatan Boguslavski and Zohar Einy, Port addresses the bottleneck caused by developers' reliance on DevOps teams for managing various tasks. The platform, which features an internal developer portal, enhances efficiency by allowing developers to self-service their resource needs. With plans to expand its workforce and product offerings, Port is set to grow significantly in the coming year.

Created at: October 15, 2024 12:30pm

Xscape Photonics Unveils Multicolor Lasers to Revolutionize Datacenter Connectivity

Xscape Photonics Unveils Multicolor Lasers to Revolutionize Datacenter Connectivity

Startup Xscape Photonics is transforming datacenter interconnects with innovative multicolor lasers designed to boost AI training performance. By utilizing silicon photonics, these lasers promise high bandwidth and low power consumption, overcoming limitations of traditional metal-based interconnects. Founded by experts from Columbia University, Xscape has secured $44 million in Series A funding to scale production. CEO Vivek Raghunathan emphasizes the technology's potential to handle multiple data streams without interference. The company is already engaging with ten customers and aims to integrate its tech with AI software for broader applications.

Created at: October 15, 2024 12:30pm

Harry Stebbings' 20VC Secures $400M Fund to Boost European Startups

Harry Stebbings' 20VC Secures $400M Fund to Boost European Startups

Harry Stebbings, the UK podcaster turned venture capitalist, has successfully closed his largest fund yet, a $400 million investment vehicle aimed at supporting European startups. With a focus on seed and Series A investments, the fund will leverage Stebbings' media influence to shine a spotlight on the region's innovative companies. Despite challenging market conditions, this rapid fundraising reflects ongoing investor interest in Europe's startup ecosystem. Prominent backers include U.S. institutional investors, highlighting the transatlantic appeal of European ventures. Stebbings emphasizes the importance of finding exceptional founders to drive market success.

Created at: October 15, 2024 11:30am

Gladia Secures $16 Million to Transform Audio Transcription APIs with Real-Time Processing

Gladia Secures $16 Million to Transform Audio Transcription APIs with Real-Time Processing

French startup Gladia has raised $16 million in Series A funding to enhance its speech-recognition API, which converts audio files into text with improved accuracy and speed. Competing against giants like Amazon and Google, Gladia aims to integrate audio intelligence with language model tasks in a single API call. The company addresses latency issues, achieving real-time transcription with under 300 milliseconds delay. Gladia's service supports 100 languages and is utilized by over 600 companies, highlighting its growing relevance in the audio application landscape.

Created at: October 15, 2024 11:00am

Concourse Launches AI Platform to Streamline Financial Workflows

Concourse Launches AI Platform to Streamline Financial Workflows

Concourse, a new startup co-founded by Matthieu Hafemeister, aims to automate financial tasks by integrating AI into business financial systems. The platform addresses the inefficiencies of traditional finance workflows, where 38% of teams spend excessive time on manual tasks. Concourse allows finance teams to retrieve and analyze data, generating insights and executing complex, multi-step operations. Despite challenges in demonstrating ROI for AI tools, Hafemeister emphasizes data accuracy and privacy. Currently in beta, Concourse has secured $4.7 million in funding and is focused on product development and expanding its team.

Created at: October 15, 2024 10:30am

Reliance Launches $13 4G Phones to Capture 2G Users in India

Reliance Launches $13 4G Phones to Capture 2G Users in India

Jio Platforms, part of Reliance, has unveiled two affordable 4G phones, the JioBharat V3 and V4, priced at just 1,099 rupees ($13). These devices, aimed at transitioning millions of 2G users, feature basic specifications but offer access to live TV, music, and video streaming. Users can also make digital payments, enhancing connectivity for those unable to afford smartphones. With nearly 490 million subscribers, Jio is strategically positioning itself to dominate the Indian telecom market further. The phones are compatible only with Jio's network and come with a low-cost monthly data plan.

Created at: October 15, 2024 10:00am

OpenAI Acquires Microsoft’s Generative AI Research Lead

OpenAI Acquires Microsoft’s Generative AI Research Lead

Sebastian Bubeck, former VP of generative AI research at Microsoft, has joined OpenAI, marking a significant talent shift in the AI industry. Bubeck is known for his contributions to Microsoft’s Phi models, designed for efficient AI applications on edge devices. His expertise comes at a time when the demand for on-device AI solutions is rising, as larger models face challenges in certain markets. While his specific role at OpenAI remains unclear, it is anticipated that he will focus on enhancing efficiency and small-model development, an area where OpenAI seeks to grow.

Created at: October 15, 2024 2:00am

Google Partners with Kairos Power for Nuclear-Powered Data Centers

Google Partners with Kairos Power for Nuclear-Powered Data Centers

Google has officially signed a deal with nuclear startup Kairos Power to construct seven small reactors, aiming to deliver 500 megawatts of carbon-free electricity to its data centers. This initiative reflects the increasing energy demands driven by data centers and AI technologies. The reactors are expected to be operational by 2030, though this timeline is considered optimistic. Google joins Microsoft and Amazon in exploring nuclear solutions for energy needs, despite the ongoing skepticism surrounding nuclear power among the public. Kairos faces hurdles as it attempts to innovate with small-modular reactor technology while competing against emerging fusion startups.

Created at: October 14, 2024 11:00pm

TechCrunch Mourns the Loss of Steve O'Hear, a Remarkable Journalist

TechCrunch Mourns the Loss of Steve O'Hear, a Remarkable Journalist

Steve O'Hear, a cherished former journalist at TechCrunch, has passed away at 49 after a brief illness. Known for his prolific writing and unique voice, Steve contributed over 3,200 posts during his decade-long tenure. Despite living with muscular dystrophy, he was a relentless news hound and an advocate for accessibility in tech. He co-founded a startup and later established a communications consultancy. Colleagues remembered him for his generosity, humor, and love of music, underscoring the profound impact he had on the TechCrunch community.

Created at: October 14, 2024 10:00pm

Former Product Hunt CEO Josh Buckley Targets $250M Fundraise

Former Product Hunt CEO Josh Buckley Targets $250M Fundraise

Josh Buckley, ex-CEO of Product Hunt, is in the process of raising a $250 million fund for his venture capital firm, Buckley Ventures, as per a recent regulatory filing. This target is notably lower than his previous $500 million goal for the third fund, which netted $337 million amid a bearish VC market. Buckley, recognized for offering favorable terms to startups, faced challenges with some investments, including the failed logistics startup Airlift. He has not commented on this latest fundraising effort.

Created at: October 14, 2024 9:00pm

Aetherflux Emerges to Revolutionize Space-Based Solar Power

Aetherflux Emerges to Revolutionize Space-Based Solar Power

Aetherflux, a new startup founded by Robinhood co-founder Baiju Bhatt, has emerged from stealth mode with plans to develop space-based solar power technology. The company aims to unlock this untapped energy source, which has been studied for decades but hasn't yet been realized commercially. Meanwhile, venture capital firm Interlagos, established by former SpaceX leaders, is seeking to raise $550 million for its first fund, focusing on hard tech investments. These developments highlight growing interest and investment in the commercialization of space technologies.

Created at: October 14, 2024 5:30pm

Omnea Secures $25M Funding to Revolutionize Procurement Process

Omnea Secures $25M Funding to Revolutionize Procurement Process

London-based startup Omnea has raised $25 million in funding, comprising a $20 million Series A and a $5 million seed round, to streamline the cumbersome procurement process within organizations. Co-founded by former Tessian executives Ben Freeman and Ben Allen, Omnea's platform aims to enhance efficiency by utilizing AI to triage requests, manage vendor relationships, and improve price negotiations. The company reported an impressive 8x revenue growth last year, attracting notable clients like McAfee and Typeform. Investors include Accel, First Round Capital, and Point Nine, highlighting the market's demand for procurement solutions.

Created at: October 14, 2024 5:00pm

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt: Connect with Industry Giants!

Countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt: Connect with Industry Giants!

TechCrunch is set to host Disrupt 2024 in San Francisco in just over two weeks, featuring major players like Meta, Dropbox, J.P. Morgan, and HP. This event offers startups invaluable resources and networking opportunities. Notably, Meta will sponsor an invitation-only reception for women in tech, while Dropbox will lead a breakout session. J.P. Morgan will host a breakfast for women entrepreneurs. The AI Stage sessions are sponsored by HP and Thomson Reuters. Additionally, Braindate will facilitate networking through knowledge-sharing conversations during the event.

Created at: October 14, 2024 3:30pm

Last Chance for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Grab 2-for-1 Expo+ Passes!

Last Chance for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024: Grab 2-for-1 Expo+ Passes!

TechCrunch has announced a limited-time offer for Expo+ 2-for-1 passes for its highly anticipated Disrupt 2024 event, taking place from October 28-30 in San Francisco. Attendees can bring a guest and enjoy full access to the Expo Hall, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders. This offer ends on October 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and all ticket prices will rise at the event's start. Don't miss the Women of Disrupt Breakfast and exclusive side events for a comprehensive experience.

Created at: October 14, 2024 2:30pm

Foldable iPhones Expected to Launch by 2025 with Mass Production Underway

Foldable iPhones Expected to Launch by 2025 with Mass Production Underway

Apple is reportedly set to launch its highly anticipated foldable iPhones as soon as 2025, with mass production of parts commencing this year. Taiwanese sources reveal that Apple has engaged local manufacturers to begin production of essential components, including bearings for the folding mechanism. This development follows a period of speculation regarding Apple's entry into the foldable smartphone market, which aims to compete with offerings from Google and Samsung. The unveiling is expected to coincide with the iPhone 17 series in September 2025, marking a significant step for Apple in mobile innovation.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:30pm

Beyond Presence Secures $3.1M Funding to Create Hyper-Realistic AI Avatars

Beyond Presence Secures $3.1M Funding to Create Hyper-Realistic AI Avatars

Beyond Presence, a Munich-based startup founded by Awais Shafique, has raised $3.1 million in a pre-seed funding round led by HV Capital. The startup aims to develop hyper-realistic avatars capable of real-time, unscripted conversations, leveraging advancements in computer vision and AI. With over 300 companies on the waitlist, the public beta is expected by the end of October. Shafique, previously co-founder of Presize, has opted to bypass Y Combinator to maintain equity and focus on core technology. The funding will support ongoing model development and product launch efforts.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:01pm

Aerleum Develops Innovative DAC Technology to Transform CO2 into Fuel

Aerleum Develops Innovative DAC Technology to Transform CO2 into Fuel

Aerleum, a startup founded by Sébastien Fiedorow and scientist Steven Bardey, aims to revolutionize direct air capture (DAC) by converting captured carbon dioxide directly into methanol fuel. The company has secured $6 million in seed funding to build a pilot device for this technology. Aerleum's process removes the need for traditional DAC steps, allowing for a more efficient conversion of CO2 into fuel. The startup targets a production cost of $650 per metric ton of methanol within five years, positioning itself competitively against fossil fuels.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:00pm

Peanut Launches AI-Powered Pregnancy Tracking Tool for Women

Peanut Launches AI-Powered Pregnancy Tracking Tool for Women

Peanut, a social networking app for women, has introduced Peanut Track, an AI-driven pregnancy tracking feature. This tool aggregates seven years of user data to provide personalized guidance during pregnancy stages. Peanut focuses on community but now expands into utility, offering content from gynecologists and traditional pregnancy metrics. Users can track their baby's growth and symptoms while connecting with others at the same pregnancy stage. Following this launch, Peanut plans to unveil Peanut Grow next year, aimed at supporting new mothers. The app has secured $32 million in funding to enhance its offerings.

Created at: October 14, 2024 1:00pm

Table Space Targets $2.5B Valuation for Upcoming IPO in India

Table Space Targets $2.5B Valuation for Upcoming IPO in India

Table Space, an Indian managed workspace provider, is planning an IPO aimed at achieving a valuation of $2.5 billion or more next year. The startup, founded in 2017 and based in Bengaluru, has engaged Axis Securities as its bookrunner for the offering. Currently valued at approximately $550 million, Table Space operates over 60 centers across six cities, serving major corporations like Apple and Google. The company anticipates nearly doubling its real estate portfolio while projecting annual revenue to hit $600 million by March 2027, amid a robust demand for flexible office spaces in India.

Created at: October 14, 2024 8:30am

Rerail: A New Fintech-Focused Angel Fund Launched by Anthony Danon

Rerail: A New Fintech-Focused Angel Fund Launched by Anthony Danon

Anthony Danon, a seasoned investor in the fintech sector, has launched Rerail, a new angel fund aimed at early-stage fintech startups. With a target of $20 million, Rerail has already secured over $20.5 million in its first close. Danon, who has a decade of experience in venture capital, aims to invest between $200,000 and $500,000 per startup. He emphasizes a collaborative approach, leveraging his extensive network of founders and operators. This fund follows his separation from Cocoa, reflecting a sharper focus on fintech and related sectors globally.

Created at: October 14, 2024 7:00am

Constellation Technologies Aims to Bring 5G Internet from Space

Constellation Technologies Aims to Bring 5G Internet from Space

French startup Constellation Technologies & Operations plans to revolutionize telecommunications by launching a network of satellites to provide 5G internet access from low Earth orbit. By repurposing existing 5G spectrum, the company aims to partner with telecom operators to offer high-speed internet via stationary user terminals. Founder Charles Delfieux emphasizes the need for universal connectivity, noting that convergence between space and terrestrial networks is now achievable. Constellation has secured €9.3 million in seed funding and plans to launch its first prototype satellites by 2026, targeting a constellation of 1,500 for global coverage.

Created at: October 14, 2024 7:00am

AI's New Frontier: The Promise and Perils of Synthetic Data

AI's New Frontier: The Promise and Perils of Synthetic Data

The use of synthetic data in AI training is gaining traction as real data becomes scarce and expensive. Companies like Anthropic and Meta are already leveraging synthetic data for their models, while projections suggest the market could reach $10.34 billion in a decade. Despite its advantages, synthetic data is not without risks, including inherent biases and the potential for reduced model quality over time. Experts warn that careful oversight is essential to avoid pitfalls like model collapse. The future of AI training may still require human intervention to ensure data integrity.

Created at: October 13, 2024 5:00pm

Data Center Tech Growth Surges Amid AI Boom, But Startups Face Adoption Hurdles

Data Center Tech Growth Surges Amid AI Boom, But Startups Face Adoption Hurdles

The data center industry is rapidly expanding, driven by the growing demand for AI infrastructure, with the market projected to exceed $622 billion by 2030. However, startups aiming to innovate in this space face significant challenges, including high operational costs and the need for efficient energy consumption. Major companies like Microsoft are seeking solutions, yet skepticism remains about the scalability of new technologies. Despite the hurdles, startups like Incooling are gaining traction as interest in sustainable data center solutions increases, fueled by impending regulations.

Created at: October 13, 2024 3:00pm

Kind Humanoid: A Robotics Startup Collaborates with Yves Béhar to Create Home Care Robots

Kind Humanoid: A Robotics Startup Collaborates with Yves Béhar to Create Home Care Robots

Kind Humanoid, a three-person startup based in Palo Alto, is developing innovative humanoid robots aimed at home care, collaborating with renowned designer Yves Béhar. The team is creating a robot named Mona, designed for environments like care facilities, rather than the crowded industrial market. Béhar's whimsical design incorporates artistic elements to convey the robot's intent, avoiding the uncanny valley effect. Initial prototypes showcase a unique aesthetic, blending functionality with creativity. Field tests for the first dozen robots are set to begin early next year, marking a significant step towards practical home robotics.

Created at: October 13, 2024 1:00pm

Meta's Yann LeCun Dismisses A.I. Existential Threat Concerns as 'Complete B.S.'

Meta's Yann LeCun Dismisses A.I. Existential Threat Concerns as 'Complete B.S.'

Yann LeCun, a prominent AI researcher at Meta and NYU professor, has expressed skepticism about the fears surrounding artificial intelligence posing an existential threat. During an interview with the Wall Street Journal, he asserted that today’s large language models lack critical capabilities such as reasoning and persistent memory, suggesting they are not close to achieving true intelligence. LeCun emphasized the need for new approaches in AI development, highlighting efforts by his team to explore real-world video processing as a potential pathway. His comments challenge the prevailing narrative about super-intelligent A.I.

Created at: October 12, 2024 10:00pm

WordPress Forks ACF Plugin Amid Dispute with WP Engine

WordPress Forks ACF Plugin Amid Dispute with WP Engine

In a bold move, WordPress founder Matt Mullenweg has announced the forking of the Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin from WP Engine, now rebranded as Secure Custom Fields. This decision aims to eliminate commercial upsells and address security concerns. The ACF team criticized the action as unprecedented in WordPress history, raising ethical questions about its implications. Mullenweg, however, defended the choice as a necessary response to WP Engine's legal threats. The new plugin will be non-commercial and open for community contributions, providing a fresh direction for WordPress users.

Created at: October 12, 2024 9:30pm

Tesla Unveils Affordable Cybercab Robotaxi Under $30K

Tesla Unveils Affordable Cybercab Robotaxi Under $30K

Tesla has officially introduced its Cybercab robotaxi during the We, Robot event, boasting a sleek design and a projected price of less than $30,000. Alongside the Cybercab, CEO Elon Musk also showcased a prototype of the Robovan, an electric autonomous vehicle aimed at high-density areas. Meanwhile, Fidelity Investments reported that over 77,000 customer records were compromised in a data breach. In corporate news, Babbel's CEO is stepping down, with co-founder Markus Witte returning to lead the company into a new phase focused on AI.

Created at: October 12, 2024 8:30pm