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Startups Weekly: Near-Pentacorn Emerges Amid CES 2025 Buzz

Startups Weekly: Near-Pentacorn Emerges Amid CES 2025 Buzz

The second week of January 2025 saw significant developments in the startup ecosystem. Livestream shopping app Whatnot raised $265 million, nearing a $5 billion valuation. Notable CES 2025 launches included May Mobility's electric autonomous minibus and Soliddd's smart glasses for macular degeneration. Additionally, Dutch semiconductor giant NXP plans to acquire TTTech Auto for $625 million. Healthcare analytics platform H1 acquired Ribbon, further expanding its reach. Amidst these, Flock Safety faces lawsuits, adding to its legal challenges.

Created at: January 10, 2025 6:30pm

Atari's New Handheld Gaming Device Targets Nostalgic Players

Atari's New Handheld Gaming Device Targets Nostalgic Players

At CES 2025, Atari unveiled its latest handheld gaming console, the Gamestation Go, developed in collaboration with My Arcade. This device features a 7-inch display and comes preloaded with over 200 classic Atari titles. Unlike typical game emulators, the Gamestation Go focuses on delivering an authentic vintage experience, complete with a unique keypad and various control options. The console also includes a light system for game-specific controls and HDMI output for TV connectivity. Set to launch in Q3 2025, it will retail for $149.

Created at: January 10, 2025 6:00pm

US Charges Three Russians for Laundering Cryptocurrency Tied to North Korea

US Charges Three Russians for Laundering Cryptocurrency Tied to North Korea

The U.S. Department of Justice has indicted three Russian citizens for operating cryptocurrency mixers allegedly used by North Korean hackers and ransomware gangs. Roman Ostapenko, Alexander Oleynik, and Anton Tarasov are accused of facilitating the laundering of criminally obtained funds through Bender.io and Sinbad.io. These services were seized in a 2023 international law enforcement operation. Ostapenko faces charges of money laundering, while Oleynik and Tarasov are implicated in conspiracy. If convicted, they could face up to 30 years in prison, highlighting significant national security concerns.

Created at: January 10, 2025 5:00pm

TikTok Argues Against Potential Ban in Supreme Court Hearing

TikTok Argues Against Potential Ban in Supreme Court Hearing

TikTok's legal team presented its case before the Supreme Court, asserting that a ban would infringe on First Amendment rights for both the platform and its American users. The court is reviewing the 'Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act,' which mandates TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to divest U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face a ban. TikTok's lawyer emphasized that a divestiture is impractical, as it would alter the platform fundamentally. Concerns over national security have fueled this debate, with implications for users and creators alike.

Created at: January 10, 2025 5:00pm

Evacuation Alert Error Causes Panic Across Los Angeles County Amid Wildfires

Evacuation Alert Error Causes Panic Across Los Angeles County Amid Wildfires

A technical glitch has led to a countywide evacuation alert being mistakenly sent to all smartphones in Los Angeles County, causing widespread panic as wildfires continue to threaten neighborhoods. The alert, intended only for residents near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills, disrupted daily life for those far from danger zones. At least 10 fatalities have been reported as emergency services work tirelessly to contain the fires. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed the error and promised a correction. Accurate emergency alerts are crucial for public safety, particularly during such disasters.

Created at: January 10, 2025 4:00pm

X Introduces Parody Labels to Combat Misinformation

X Introduces Parody Labels to Combat Misinformation

Social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, has launched a new labeling system for parody accounts to enhance transparency and reduce misinformation. Users can self-apply the parody label through account settings, making it clear that their content is not authentic. This initiative aims to help users distinguish between satire and real accounts, addressing the confusion caused by misleading parody accounts. While the mandatory labeling feature is still in development, X believes this move could improve user experience and potentially attract back former subscribers.

Created at: January 10, 2025 4:00pm

CES 2025 Unveils AI-Powered Motorcycle Helmet with 360-Degree Safety Features

CES 2025 Unveils AI-Powered Motorcycle Helmet with 360-Degree Safety Features

At CES 2025, Intelligent Cranium Helmets introduced the world's smartest motorcycle helmet, integrating AI technology for enhanced rider safety. The helmet features a 240-degree field of view and an action camera that provides a total of 300 degrees of panoramic awareness. In case of an accident, it can automatically alert emergency services. Additional features include a proximity alert system, a heads-up display for crucial information, and advanced Bluetooth communication. The helmet promises a battery life of 5 to 7 hours while aiming to reduce weight for improved comfort. This innovation marks a significant advancement in motorcycle safety and connectivity.

Created at: January 10, 2025 3:00pm

China Breaches U.S. Treasury's CFIUS Amid National Security Concerns

China Breaches U.S. Treasury's CFIUS Amid National Security Concerns

Chinese hackers have successfully infiltrated the U.S. Treasury's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which evaluates foreign investments for security risks. This incident follows a major cybersecurity breach linked to a security vendor, BeyondTrust, allowing unauthorized access to the department's unclassified network. Treasury officials confirmed the breach affected documents and workstations, while the cyberattack is attributed to the China-backed group known as Silk Typhoon. U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA reported no breaches in other government departments during this incident. The Chinese government has denied involvement in these cyberattacks.

Created at: January 10, 2025 3:00pm

Tesla Recalls 239,000 Vehicles Over Rear-View Camera Issues

Tesla Recalls 239,000 Vehicles Over Rear-View Camera Issues

Tesla has announced a recall affecting approximately 239,000 vehicles due to a malfunction in the rear-view camera system, which fails to display images when reversing. This issue arises from a short circuit caused by reverse current and poses safety risks. Affected models include the 2023-2025 Model X, Model Y, and 2024-2025 Model 3 and Model S. Tesla plans to fix the problem through an over-the-air software update, ensuring minimal inconvenience for owners. This recall follows an earlier one involving over 700,000 vehicles and is part of a growing trend of electrical system-related recalls in the automotive industry.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:30pm

Meta's Policy Shift Sparks Surge in Google Searches for Account Deletion

Meta's Policy Shift Sparks Surge in Google Searches for Account Deletion

Meta's recent announcement to discontinue third-party fact-checking and relax content moderation has triggered a significant backlash. Google searches for deleting Facebook, Instagram, and Threads accounts have skyrocketed, with some phrases seeing increases of over 5,000%. Critics argue that these changes could amplify misinformation and hate speech, leading to user dissatisfaction. As trust in Meta wanes, many are exploring alternatives like Mastodon and MeWe. This shift highlights a growing concern for online safety and ethical content moderation, signaling a potential exodus from Meta platforms.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:00pm

Microsoft Contributes $1 Million to Trump's Inauguration Fund Amid Workforce Cuts

Microsoft Contributes $1 Million to Trump's Inauguration Fund Amid Workforce Cuts

In a significant political move, Microsoft announced a $1 million donation to President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration fund, just a day after cutting less than 1% of its workforce. This contribution aligns Microsoft with other tech giants like Google and Meta, which have made similar pledges. The donations reflect a strategic effort by tech leaders to maintain influence over AI policy and foster relationships with both political parties. Microsoft's previous donations to Trump's inaugural funds highlight its ongoing engagement with the political landscape. The tech sector aims to promote innovation while minimizing regulatory burdens.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:00pm

Stiiizy Confirms Data Breach: Hackers Access Sensitive Customer ID Documents

Stiiizy Confirms Data Breach: Hackers Access Sensitive Customer ID Documents

Stiiizy, a popular cannabis brand based in Los Angeles, has reported a significant data breach where hackers accessed sensitive customer information, including government-issued IDs and medical cannabis cards. The breach, linked to an organized cybercrime group, affected data processed from October to November 2024 at four retail locations in California. While the company has not disclosed the total number of affected customers, cybersecurity experts claim that over 420,000 individuals may be impacted. The Everest ransomware group has claimed responsibility for the attack and published the stolen data after ransom demands were ignored.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:00pm

TikTok Confirms US Shutdown Amid Ban Threats

TikTok Confirms US Shutdown Amid Ban Threats

TikTok has officially confirmed the shutdown of its operations in the United States, effective January 19, 2025, due to the impending ban under the Foreign Adversary Act. The company, unable to divest from ByteDance, has faced legal challenges and failed to convince judges regarding its First Amendment rights. While global users remain unaffected, American users have less than ten days to access the platform. TikTok's fate may hinge on potential changes from President-elect Donald J. Trump, but for now, the closure appears imminent as legal battles continue.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:31pm

US Authorized to Sell 69,000 Bitcoins Seized from Hacker, Impacting Trump's Crypto Plans

US Authorized to Sell 69,000 Bitcoins Seized from Hacker, Impacting Trump's Crypto Plans

The U.S. Department of Justice received court approval to sell 69,370 Bitcoins, marking the largest crypto seizure in history. Stolen from a 2012 Silk Road hack, these assets could potentially disrupt Bitcoin's current valuation of $92,000. The announcement has raised concerns about market volatility and its implications for President-elect Donald Trump's plans to establish a U.S. crypto reserve. Critics warn that the sale may further impact Bitcoin's price, which has already seen fluctuations. Trump's pro-crypto stance adds complexity to the situation as the market braces for potential fallout.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:31pm

Acer Unveils Nitro Blaze 11: The Largest Handheld Gaming Console at CES 2025

Acer Unveils Nitro Blaze 11: The Largest Handheld Gaming Console at CES 2025

At CES 2025, Acer showcased its Nitro Blaze 11, a groundbreaking handheld gaming console featuring an impressive 10.95-inch WQXGA IPS display. This device marks a significant shift in portable gaming, providing detachable controllers and high-end specs including an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and 4K resolution. While its size makes it less pocket-friendly, the standard Nitro Blaze 8 offers a more compact alternative. Acer aims to compete with established brands like Valve and Lenovo in the burgeoning handheld market, showcasing its ambition to redefine gaming experiences on the go.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:30pm

Gumloop Raises $17M Series A to Automate Workflows with AI

Gumloop Raises $17M Series A to Automate Workflows with AI

Gumloop, a startup founded by ex-Microsoft and Amazon engineers, has secured $17 million in a Series A funding round led by Nexus Venture Partners. The company, which originated in a Vancouver bedroom as a side project, aims to simplify task automation for non-technical users with its drag-and-drop workflow builder. With integrations for tools like GitHub and Gmail, Gumloop is already utilized by teams at Instacart and Rippling. The startup plans to maintain a small team of up to 10 while expanding its operations to San Francisco, focusing on delivering a product that resonates with users.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:30pm

Elon Musk Warns of AI Training Data Shortage at CES 2025

Elon Musk Warns of AI Training Data Shortage at CES 2025

At CES 2025, Elon Musk asserted that the world has run out of human-made data for AI training, a claim he believes dates back to last year. During an interview with Stagwell CEO Mark Penn, Musk discussed the implications for the AI industry, referencing predictions by OpenAI researcher Ilya Sutskever about reaching 'peak data.' To counter this shortage, Musk suggested the use of synthetic data, allowing AI to generate its own training material. His company, xAI, aims to innovate in AI development, including the creation of its chatbot, Grok.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:00pm

Automattic Cuts WordPress Core Contributions Amidst WP Engine Dispute

Automattic Cuts WordPress Core Contributions Amidst WP Engine Dispute

Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, announced it will reduce its contributions to the WordPress core project to align with rival WP Engine's efforts. This decision comes after CEO Matt Mullenweg's ongoing conflict with WP Engine, which he previously criticized for under-contributing to the community. Automattic's commitment will now match approximately 45 hours per week under the Five For the Future program, focusing on security and critical updates. The company aims to redirect resources towards its legal battle with WP Engine, while Mullenweg seeks more equitable participation from all contributors.

Created at: January 10, 2025 10:00am

Beams Secures $9M Series A to Transform UK Home Renovation

Beams Secures $9M Series A to Transform UK Home Renovation

UK startup Beams has successfully raised $9 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $13.3 million. The funding round, led by ETF Partners, aims to enhance Beams' innovative pricing engine and managed marketplace for home renovations. This technology predicts project costs, compares them to over 6,000 past projects, and utilizes 3D scans for detailed home modeling. With a market potential of £380 billion in Europe, Beams seeks to modernize the renovation process and expand its services across the UK and Europe, addressing inefficiencies in the sector.

Created at: January 10, 2025 7:30am

India's Payment Revolution: Sidelining Visa and Mastercard

India's Payment Revolution: Sidelining Visa and Mastercard

India is restructuring its payment landscape by prioritizing local networks over international card giants like Visa and Mastercard. The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) now processes over 13 billion transactions monthly, capturing 36% of consumer spending. RuPay, India's domestic card network, is gaining traction, processing $7.43 billion in UPI credit card transactions in just seven months of fiscal 2025. Recent regulatory changes are pushing banks to adopt RuPay, which accounted for half of all new credit cards issued in June 2024. This strategy offers an innovative model for reducing reliance on Western payment systems.

Created at: January 10, 2025 6:30am

X Introduces Labels for Parody Accounts to Enhance Transparency

X Introduces Labels for Parody Accounts to Enhance Transparency

Elon Musk's social media platform, X, is rolling out new labels specifically for parody and satire accounts. This initiative aims to help users distinguish these accounts from authentic ones, addressing past confusion where parody posts were mistaken for real statements. Currently, users can apply for these labels through their account settings. X emphasizes that these labels will promote transparency and reduce misinformation. Further guidelines on mandatory labeling for parody accounts will be shared soon. The authenticity policy allows such accounts provided they comply with platform rules.

Created at: January 10, 2025 6:00am

Tesla Unveils Redesigned Model Y for Asian Markets

Tesla Unveils Redesigned Model Y for Asian Markets

Tesla has launched a refreshed Model Y, targeting the Chinese and Asian-Pacific markets, marking its first significant update since 2020. This redesign follows a year where Tesla's vehicle deliveries fell for the first time since 2012. The new Model Y features a sharper front end, a continuous light bar, and an improved interior with enhanced ambient lighting and a rear touchscreen. Deliveries are expected to start in March, with the model also aiming to compete amidst a challenging market landscape in China. Tesla has now updated all its core EVs, while teasing new models for the future.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:30am

Innovative Security System Uses Paintballs to Deter Intruders

Innovative Security System Uses Paintballs to Deter Intruders

At CES 2025, Slovenian startup OZ-IT showcased the Eve PaintCam, a unique security system designed to shoot paintballs at intruders. The system features models like Eve, Eve+, EvePro, and the camouflaged Simba, tailored for human and animal targets. With advanced AI capabilities for pet detection and facial recognition, the system aims to disrupt traditional security methods. It offers various paintball projectiles, including those infused with capsaicin for added deterrence. This novel approach to home security is drawing attention for its unconventional methods.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:30am

LA Residents Receive Erroneous Wildfire Evacuation Alerts

LA Residents Receive Erroneous Wildfire Evacuation Alerts

A technical error caused every smartphone in Los Angeles County to receive a wildfire evacuation alert intended only for residents near the Kenneth Fire in West Hills. The evacuation notice was mistakenly sent to the entire county, affecting over 9 million residents. Many received the alert despite being far from the danger zones, leading to confusion and panic, especially as it interrupted a live broadcast. LA County officials acknowledged the mistake and promised a correction. Such errors in emergency notifications can heighten anxiety during critical situations like wildfires.

Created at: January 10, 2025 2:30am

Nvidia Unveils R2X AI Avatar at CES 2025: A New Desktop Companion

At CES 2025, Nvidia introduced R2X, a prototype AI avatar designed to assist users directly on their desktops. This avatar can navigate apps, interact via text and voice, and process uploaded files. Although R2X demonstrates potential, it faced issues in demos, including incorrect instructions and bugs in its animations. Nvidia plans to open-source these avatars in 2025, aiming to integrate them with popular AI models like GPT-4o and Grok. With features like live screen processing, R2X represents an innovative step in user interface design, despite its current limitations.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:00am

Hippocratic AI Secures $141M to Enhance Patient-Facing AI Solutions

Hippocratic AI Secures $141M to Enhance Patient-Facing AI Solutions

Hippocratic AI has successfully raised $141 million in a Series B funding round, reaching a valuation of $1.64 billion. The investment, led by Kleiner Perkins, follows a previous $53 million round and a $17 million investment from Nvidia. The startup, less than two years old, focuses on developing AI agents to assist with non-diagnostic patient tasks, addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals. Hippocratic AI has already partnered with 23 health systems and insurers in 2024 and plans to use the new funds to expand its market reach internationally.

Created at: January 10, 2025 1:00am

ICON Announces 25% Workforce Reduction Amid Strategic Shift

ICON Announces 25% Workforce Reduction Amid Strategic Shift

ICON Technologies, a leader in 3D-printed homes, is laying off 114 employees, approximately 25% of its workforce, to realign its priorities and focus on growth opportunities. The layoffs will take effect on March 8, following a WARN letter filed in Texas. Despite this reduction, ICON aims to accelerate the development of its multi-story 3D printers and enhance robotic technology for builders. Founded in 2017, the company has raised over $450 million and delivered numerous affordable housing solutions across the U.S. and Mexico, primarily for the homeless.

Created at: January 10, 2025 12:30am

Apptronik’s Apollo Robot Shines at CES 2025

Apptronik’s Apollo Robot Shines at CES 2025

At CES 2025, Apptronik's Apollo humanoid robot made a striking appearance, showcasing its bright and friendly design. Unlike many competitors, Apollo stands out with its cartoonish aesthetic and smooth movements during a limited demo. This marked the first in-person display of the robot, which is set for industrial applications, including factory work with Mercedes. The event highlighted the growing interest in humanoid robotics, with notable participation from larger companies like NVIDIA and Texas Instruments. Apollo's design aims to create a welcoming atmosphere, a departure from the typical sterile look of other humanoids.

Created at: January 10, 2025 12:00am

Defense Tech Startup Epirus Seeks Over $150M in New Funding

Defense Tech Startup Epirus Seeks Over $150M in New Funding

Epirus, a defense technology startup known for its drone interception solutions, is in discussions to raise between $150 million and $200 million, led by 8VC. If successful, the funding could bring its valuation down to around $1 billion from a previous valuation of $1.35 billion. Founded in 2018, Epirus has raised nearly $300 million from notable investors like DCVC and Bedrock. The startup is among the few American defense tech unicorns, alongside Anduril and Shield AI, as 2025 defense funding remains uncertain following last year's highs.

Created at: January 10, 2025 12:00am

TikTok Employees in LA Advised to Use Personal Days Amid Wildfire Crisis

TikTok Employees in LA Advised to Use Personal Days Amid Wildfire Crisis

As wildfires ravage Los Angeles, TikTok has instructed its LA staff to either work from home or utilize their personal/sick days if unable to do so due to power outages or evacuation orders. The office, closed until January 12, is not under mandatory evacuation, but employees face severe disruptions. Many homes are without power or Wi-Fi, affecting their ability to work. TikTok's PSSL policy does not explicitly cover natural disasters, raising concerns about employee welfare during this crisis. Staff are urged to prioritize safety while managing their time off amidst these challenging conditions.

Created at: January 9, 2025 11:00pm

ChatGPT Unveils Custom Trait Feature for Enhanced User Interaction

ChatGPT Unveils Custom Trait Feature for Enhanced User Interaction

OpenAI has rolled out an updated customization feature for ChatGPT, allowing users to define specific traits, such as 'Chatty' and 'Gen Z'. This enhancement enables users to input their preferred name, profession, and personal details to foster more personalized interactions. Though the feature appears to be an aesthetic update rather than a substantial technical overhaul, it still utilizes prompt engineering for tailored responses. OpenAI emphasizes moderation to ensure compliance with its terms of use, maintaining a safe environment for users. The chatbot now boasts over 300 million weekly interactions, underscoring its growing popularity.

Created at: January 9, 2025 10:00pm

CES 2025: Autonomous Vehicles Take Center Stage Amid Industry Hurdles

CES 2025: Autonomous Vehicles Take Center Stage Amid Industry Hurdles

At CES 2025, the spotlight is on autonomous vehicles, signaling a resurgence in interest as companies like Waymo and Scout Motors showcase their latest innovations. Despite the absence of major U.S. automakers, excitement flourished with numerous startups displaying advancements in automated driving technology. However, challenges remain in funding and operations, exemplified by Waymo’s recent incident involving a stuck robotaxi. Notable acquisitions, such as NXP's purchase of TTTech Auto for $625 million, further emphasize the drive towards automotive innovation. The atmosphere is optimistic yet cautious as the industry navigates its complex landscape.

Created at: January 9, 2025 9:30pm

Google Restructures AI Teams to Boost Development Speed

Google Restructures AI Teams to Boost Development Speed

In a strategic move to enhance its AI capabilities, Google has merged several development teams into its DeepMind division. Logan Kilpatrick, leading the AI Studio platform, announced this change on X, emphasizing a commitment to accelerating the research-to-developer pipeline. This shift follows the integration of the Gemini chatbot team into DeepMind, aiming to improve collaboration and innovation. Engineers involved expect better APIs and more open-source tools to emerge from this restructuring. Google CEO Sundar Pichai highlighted the urgency to increase the pace of AI advancements in 2025.

Created at: January 9, 2025 8:30pm

CES 2025: A Remarkable Absence of US Automakers

CES 2025: A Remarkable Absence of US Automakers

At CES 2025, the absence of American automakers raised eyebrows as no major U.S. brands showcased their innovations. Notably, Ford and GM opted out of significant displays, prompting industry experts to speculate on the shifting focus of automakers towards ROI in event participation. Chinese automakers like Zeekr and Wey filled the void, showcasing their electric vehicles. While some companies like Honda and Toyota made appearances, the main highlight remained automated driving technologies. The trend suggests a reevaluation of presence at tech events by legacy automakers amid longer product cycles in the automotive industry.

Created at: January 9, 2025 8:30pm

Scale AI Faces Second Wage Lawsuit in a Month Amid Worker Misclassification Claims

Scale AI Faces Second Wage Lawsuit in a Month Amid Worker Misclassification Claims

Scale AI is grappling with its second lawsuit regarding employee wage violations in less than a month. The latest suit, filed by Amber Rogowicz, alleges misclassification of workers as contractors, violating California's minimum wage laws. Rogowicz claims she worked 10 hours daily but was only paid for five, with unpaid time spent on instructions. This follows a previous lawsuit alleging widespread wage theft. Scale AI maintains compliance with labor laws and asserts that Rogowicz was terminated for policy violations. The case highlights ongoing issues within the gig economy regarding worker rights.

Created at: January 9, 2025 8:00pm

CES 2025 Highlights iFixit's 'Worst in Show' Gadgets

CES 2025 Highlights iFixit's 'Worst in Show' Gadgets

At CES 2025, iFixit announced its 'Worst in Show' awards, highlighting the least repairable and sustainable gadgets. The Ultrahuman ring was named 'Least Repairable,' with a price tag of $2,200, reflecting ongoing concerns in the smart ring market. Additionally, Bosch's Revol Smart Crib earned the title of 'Least Private' due to privacy concerns surrounding baby monitoring technology. This event serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability and repairability in emerging tech products.

Created at: January 9, 2025 7:00pm

Larry Page Surprises at Y Combinator Event

Larry Page Surprises at Y Combinator Event

Larry Page, the co-founder of Google, made a rare public appearance at a Y Combinator event in December, surprising attendees and highlighting YC's influence in the AI startup scene. During his talk, he reminisced about the early days of Google and shared insights from his career. Once a prominent figure in tech, Page has since stepped back from the spotlight, following health issues and his departure as CEO in 2019. Currently, he is focused on his flying EV startup, Pivotal, which launched its Helix vehicle last year. This engagement underscores Y Combinator's significance in the tech landscape.

Created at: January 9, 2025 7:00pm

Meta's Zuckerberg Allegedly Approved Use of Pirated Data for Llama AI

Meta's Zuckerberg Allegedly Approved Use of Pirated Data for Llama AI

In a recent court filing, plaintiffs in a copyright lawsuit against Meta claim that CEO Mark Zuckerberg authorized the use of pirated ebooks and articles to train the company's Llama AI models. The lawsuit, Kadrey v. Meta, highlights the use of a data set from LibGen, known for providing access to copyrighted materials. Despite internal concerns, Meta allegedly proceeded with the data, even stripping away copyright information to obscure its infringement. This case raises significant questions about fair use and the ethical implications of AI training methods employed by tech giants like Meta.

Created at: January 9, 2025 6:30pm

DoorBox Unveils Smart Delivery Box at CES 2025: Theft-Proof and AI-Powered

DoorBox Unveils Smart Delivery Box at CES 2025: Theft-Proof and AI-Powered

DoorBox introduced its advanced Smart DoorBox.ai at CES 2025, designed to combat the rising theft of packages. This innovative delivery box features a theft-proof design, live camera feeds, and an AI-powered unlocking mechanism that facilitates secure deliveries even when recipients are away. The startup, founded by Kumar Sundaresan, aims to enhance package security after his own experience with theft. The product includes robust features like a 125-decibel alarm and a steel cable for added protection, with a price tag starting at $300 plus a monthly subscription fee for app access.

Created at: January 9, 2025 6:30pm

Scout Motors CEO Highlights Dystopian Disconnect in Modern Cars at CES 2025

Scout Motors CEO Highlights Dystopian Disconnect in Modern Cars at CES 2025

At CES 2025, Scout Motors CEO Scott Keogh criticized modern vehicles for their dystopian feel, emphasizing a need for more tangible connections. Scout Motors, a Volkswagen-backed startup, is showcasing its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup with a focus on classic features like physical buttons and gas-powered range extenders. Keogh highlighted the importance of restoring the legacy of the iconic Scout brand while prioritizing customer needs. The company aims to balance innovation with simplicity, maintaining a direct-to-consumer model and investing in customer service infrastructure. Scout plans to keep vehicles updated remotely and ensure parts availability for customer satisfaction.

Created at: January 9, 2025 6:00pm