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Meet the $600 Buzz Lightyear: The Most Realistic Robotic Toy Yet

Meet the $600 Buzz Lightyear: The Most Realistic Robotic Toy Yet

Robosen and Pixar have teamed up to launch a $600 Buzz Lightyear robot, featuring over 3,000 parts and 75 microchips. This innovative toy utilizes unique micro-servos for intricate movements, including eye and mouth animations. Users can interact with Buzz through voice commands, buttons, or an app that offers preset actions and a remote control feature. Notably, the app includes an editor for creating custom scenes. The Buzz Lightyear robot is now available for purchase, promising a blend of nostalgia and technology for fans.

Created at: October 18, 2024 9:00pm

Fluid Truck Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Leadership Shakeup

Fluid Truck Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Amid Leadership Shakeup

Fluid Truck has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after laying off 30% of its staff and experiencing significant financial losses. The company, known as the Zipcar of commercial vehicles, has also received a $7 million interim loan to facilitate its restructuring and potential sale. This decision follows the removal of its co-founders due to mismanagement and mounting debts, including $12 million owed to its Fluid Vehicle Investor Program members. A potential buyer, Kingbee Rentals, has emerged but lacks the funds to acquire all assets. The situation remains dire for unsecured creditors.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:30pm

Investors Rally Around Innovative Startups: From Light to Diamonds

Investors Rally Around Innovative Startups: From Light to Diamonds

This week in the startup ecosystem saw significant fundraising activities and mergers. Indian startup Table Space plans an IPO at a $2.5 billion valuation, while cybersecurity unicorn Cyera acquired Trail Security for $162 million. Amplitude has purchased Command AI for over $45 million to boost user engagement. Notably, X-Energy raised $500 million to enhance data center efficiency. Lightmatter secured $400 million for photonic chips, and Japanese Ookuma Diamond Device raised $27 million for semiconductor manufacturing. Fable and OroraTech also raised funds to promote accessibility and wildfire detection, respectively.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

Changes to X's Block Function Spark User Exodus

Changes to X's Block Function Spark User Exodus

Elon Musk's X is modifying its block function, allowing blocked users to view public posts from those who blocked them. This controversial change has drawn criticism from users and experts alike, who argue it undermines user safety. Tracy Chou of Block Party emphasizes the risks for harassment victims, while Bluesky, a competing platform, has seen a surge of 1.2 million new users in response to the shift. The policy prioritizes visibility over user protection, raising concerns about its implications for stalking and abuse victims. Critics fear this move may escalate harassment on the platform.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital Celebrates 5 Years with $700M Fundraise

Acrew Capital has successfully raised $700 million to further its investment strategies in data security, healthcare, and fintech. This fundraising boosts the firm’s total assets under management to $1.7 billion. The allocation between early-stage and later-stage investments remains undisclosed. Despite a challenging fundraising environment, Acrew's strong portfolio, including the successful exits of Divvy and Superpeer, has contributed to its ability to attract funds. Founded in 2019, Acrew continues to operate under its original leadership with a focus on innovative startups.

Created at: October 18, 2024 8:00pm

YouTube Kings of 2024: MrBeast, T-Series, and Cocomelon Reign Supreme

YouTube Kings of 2024: MrBeast, T-Series, and Cocomelon Reign Supreme

As of October 2024, MrBeast leads YouTube with 321 million subscribers, captivating audiences with extravagant challenges and giveaways. T-Series follows with 276 million subscribers, showcasing Bollywood's rich content to a global audience. Cocomelon ranks third with over 160 million, providing engaging educational material for children. These channels thrive on consistency, relatability, and global reach, setting them apart in a competitive landscape. Despite the rising competition, MrBeast, T-Series, and Cocomelon maintain their reign, continuously evolving and captivating millions of viewers worldwide.

Created at: October 18, 2024 6:00pm

Microsoft's Potential Equity Stake in OpenAI's For-Profit Transition

Microsoft's Potential Equity Stake in OpenAI's For-Profit Transition

Microsoft is poised to secure a significant equity stake in OpenAI as the startup transitions to a for-profit model, with negotiations underway to determine the exact amount. Having invested nearly $14 billion, Microsoft is under pressure to finalize terms with OpenAI ahead of a two-year deadline. Key discussions include equity distribution among CEO Sam Altman and employees, as well as Microsoft's governance rights. OpenAI, currently the second-most valuable U.S. startup, will be structured as a public-benefit corporation with a nonprofit element. OpenAI's president, Greg Brockman, is expected to return from leave in November.

Created at: October 18, 2024 4:30pm

WP Engine Seeks Court Intervention to Restore WordPress.org Access

WP Engine Seeks Court Intervention to Restore WordPress.org Access

WP Engine has filed an injunction in a North California court to regain access to the WordPress.org repository after being blocked by Matt Mullenweg, co-creator of WordPress. This comes following a lawsuit WP Engine filed against Mullenweg and Automattic. The block prevents WP Engine from updating its Advanced Custom Fields plug-in, which is crucial for customizing edit screens. WP Engine aims to restore its access to the repository as it existed before September 20, 2024, claiming no harm will come to the defendants. The situation has sparked controversy within the WordPress community.

Created at: October 18, 2024 3:30pm

Banjo-Tooie Makes a Comeback on Nintendo Switch This October!

Banjo-Tooie Makes a Comeback on Nintendo Switch This October!

The beloved N64 classic, Banjo-Tooie, is set to launch on Nintendo Switch this month as part of the Nintendo Switch Online package. Originally released in 2000, this sequel to Banjo-Kazooie has captivated gamers with its charming gameplay and nostalgic graphics. Following a series of re-releases, including enhancements for Xbox, the game returns to delight both old fans and newcomers. With its mix of magical minigames and challenging puzzles, Banjo-Tooie promises an engaging experience reminiscent of its original glory. The game joins an esteemed collection of Rare titles currently available on the Switch.

Created at: October 18, 2024 3:00pm

Bluesky Soars to Top 5 as Users Flee X After Controversial Changes

Bluesky Soars to Top 5 as Users Flee X After Controversial Changes

Bluesky, the emerging social networking app, has surged into the top 5 on the U.S. App Store, gaining half a million users in just one day. This organic growth has been catalyzed by dissatisfaction among X users due to recent policy changes regarding blocking and data sharing. Bluesky is also experiencing significant international growth, ranking high in various countries, including Japan and Taiwan. Meanwhile, X's recent updates have resulted in a drop to No. 29 in the App Store. The changing landscape highlights the ongoing competition in social media.

Created at: October 18, 2024 3:00pm

New FCC Rules Mandate Bluetooth Hearing Aid Compatibility for Smartphones

New FCC Rules Mandate Bluetooth Hearing Aid Compatibility for Smartphones

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has enacted new rules requiring all US-made smartphones to be compatible with Bluetooth hearing aids, including Apple’s AirPods Pro 2. This change aims to enhance accessibility for the 48 million Americans experiencing hearing loss, allowing them to choose from a wider range of mobile devices. Previously, iPhones only supported MFi-certified hearing aids, limiting options for users. The new rules also involve a standard for Bluetooth coupling, ensuring seamless connectivity with various hearing aids. This initiative marks a significant step towards inclusivity in technology.

Created at: October 18, 2024 2:30pm

God of War Series Adaptation Hits Restart: New Creative Direction Needed

God of War Series Adaptation Hits Restart: New Creative Direction Needed

The production of the highly anticipated 'God of War' television series is starting over after significant changes in the team, including the departure of key figures. Amazon and Sony are now seeking new showrunners and scriptwriters to align with their revised vision. This fresh start comes two years after the adaptation was first announced, as previous scripts did not meet expectations. Despite the setback, executives from PlayStation and Sony Santa Monica remain involved in the project, aiming to deliver a faithful adaptation of the acclaimed video game franchise.

Created at: October 18, 2024 2:00pm

Disney Increases Streaming Prices Again—What Subscribers Need to Know

Disney Increases Streaming Prices Again—What Subscribers Need to Know

Disney has raised subscription prices for its streaming services, impacting Disney Plus, Hulu, and ESPN Plus. The new rates include Disney Plus with Ads now at $10, while the Ad-Free tier rises to $16. Hulu's pricing also sees increases, with Hulu with Ads at $10 and the Ad-Free version at $19. ESPN Plus will now cost $12 monthly. Despite these hikes, Disney offers bundle deals that may provide better value. The changes align with industry trends as competitors also raise their prices. Consumers face a decision on balancing cost and content in the evolving streaming landscape.

Created at: October 18, 2024 2:00pm

Instagram Songs Now Easily Addable to Spotify Library

Instagram Songs Now Easily Addable to Spotify Library

Instagram has announced a new collaboration with Spotify, allowing users to add songs found on Instagram directly to their Spotify library with just a few clicks. This feature simplifies the music discovery process, eliminating the need for manual searches. Users can click on a song's title, which redirects them to an information page where they can save it or add it to Spotify. Both iOS and Android users can access this feature if they have both apps installed. Though it remains unclear if a Spotify Premium subscription is required, users must be logged into both accounts to utilize the feature.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:30pm

FCC Mandates Hearing Aid Compatibility for All Smartphones

FCC Mandates Hearing Aid Compatibility for All Smartphones

The FCC has enacted new regulations requiring all smartphones to be compatible with hearing aids, enhancing accessibility for millions of Americans with hearing impairments. This rule allows users to select their preferred smartphone brand without being limited to specific models that support hearing aids. In addition to compatibility, a new Bluetooth coupling requirement will ensure universal connectivity between mobile devices and hearing aids. This landmark decision aims to eliminate the need for specialized devices, making hearing aid technology more integrated into everyday smartphones. Tech giants like Apple are already incorporating hearing aid features into their products.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:30pm

iPhone 16 Surges in China, Outselling iPhone 15 Amidst Huawei Rivalry

iPhone 16 Surges in China, Outselling iPhone 15 Amidst Huawei Rivalry

Apple's iPhone 16 has seen a remarkable 20% increase in sales in China over its first three weeks, surpassing the iPhone 15's launch performance. The success is notable despite fierce competition from Huawei, which released new models simultaneously. The premium iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max led the charge with a 44% sales surge. Analysts suggest that while the iPhone 16's early success is promising, concerns linger about potential sales declines similar to the iPhone 15's trajectory. Apple's ability to maintain its lead in China's competitive smartphone market is crucial for its global strategy.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:30pm

Trump Reveals Apple Faces $17 Billion EU Fine Amid Tim Cook's Call

Trump Reveals Apple Faces $17 Billion EU Fine Amid Tim Cook's Call

Donald Trump disclosed that during a recent call with Apple CEO Tim Cook, he learned that the tech giant is facing a staggering $17 billion fine in the European Union. This includes a $15 billion penalty related to a tax case ruling by Ireland and a $2 billion fine for anti-competitive behavior linked to Apple Music. Trump emphasized his commitment to protecting U.S. companies from EU overreach if elected. The fines stem from Apple's compliance challenges with the Digital Markets Act, which aims to curb anti-competitive practices. Cook's outreach appears aimed at preserving ties with influential political figures.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:00pm

Tesla's Full Self-Driving Software Under Federal Investigation After Crashes

Tesla's Full Self-Driving Software Under Federal Investigation After Crashes

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has initiated a probe into Tesla's Full Self-Driving software following four incidents in low-visibility conditions, one of which resulted in a pedestrian's death. The investigation aims to determine the software's ability to detect and react to reduced visibility due to factors like fog and sun glare. This comes on the heels of CEO Elon Musk's recent unveiling of a robotaxi prototype. Tesla's Autopilot software previously faced scrutiny, leading to a closed investigation after 13 fatal crashes. Additional legal challenges are also looming for the company.

Created at: October 18, 2024 12:00pm

Nebius Set to Resume Nasdaq Trading After Ending Russian Ties

Nebius Set to Resume Nasdaq Trading After Ending Russian Ties

Nebius, previously part of Yandex, is set to resume trading on the Nasdaq after more than two years of suspension due to sanctions linked to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The company, focused on AI cloud infrastructure, aims to establish itself in the European GPU-as-a-service market. After severing its ties with Russia, Nebius has $2 billion from the sale of its Russian assets. CEO Arkady Volozh expressed ambitions to build a major AI infrastructure business, with shares resuming trading on October 21, 2024.

Created at: October 18, 2024 10:00am

OpenAI's Tenuous Pact with Microsoft: AGI Clause Raises Concerns

OpenAI's Tenuous Pact with Microsoft: AGI Clause Raises Concerns

OpenAI's relationship with Microsoft may be fraying due to financial pressures and disagreements over computing resources. A New York Times report highlights a controversial clause in their contract that could cut off Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology if it achieves artificial general intelligence (AGI). This clause aims to prevent potential misuse of AGI by Microsoft, but the determination of when AGI is reached is subjective, as stated by CEO Sam Altman. The dynamics between the two companies are evolving, indicating a complex future for their partnership.

Created at: October 18, 2024 7:00am

Byju’s Founder Admits Edtech Startup Now Worth Zero After $22B Valuation

Byju’s Founder Admits Edtech Startup Now Worth Zero After $22B Valuation

Byju Raveendran, founder of Byju’s, revealed that his once-prominent edtech startup, valued at $22 billion, is now effectively worthless. He attributed this decline to misjudged market timing and aggressive expansions that faltered when funding dried up post-2022. The departure of key investors and board members exacerbated the situation, leading to insolvency proceedings. Raveendran expressed a glimmer of hope for a future comeback, stating he has nothing to lose after investing everything into the firm. Byju’s, once a leader in the edtech space, has raised over $5 billion from various backers.

Created at: October 18, 2024 7:00am

Ex-Watch Trader Launches Terralayr: The AWS of Grid Storage

Ex-Watch Trader Launches Terralayr: The AWS of Grid Storage

Phillip Man, a former watch trader, has founded Terralayr, a startup aimed at revolutionizing grid-scale energy storage. Drawing inspiration from AWS, Terralayr aggregates and manages battery storage capacity for energy traders, allowing them to optimize their output. The company currently operates seven megawatt-hours of capacity and has development agreements for over 200 sites in Germany. With €62 million in equity and €15 million in debt raised, Man sees potential expansion into U.S. markets, particularly California and Texas. Terralayr aims to bridge gaps in energy supply, enhancing grid reliability and sustainability.

Created at: October 18, 2024 4:00am

Amazon CEO Tells Employees: Return to Office or Find Another Job

Amazon CEO Tells Employees: Return to Office or Find Another Job

Amazon's AWS CEO Matt Garman has issued a stern warning to employees unhappy with the company's new five-day in-office work policy, suggesting they seek employment elsewhere. This decision follows CEO Andy Jassy's announcement of a full return-to-office policy set for 2025, increasing from the three-day requirement previously in place. Garman’s comments echo a growing trend among tech leaders who are tightening remote work policies. Despite these mandates, studies indicate that many remote workers would likely resign if forced back into the office.

Created at: October 18, 2024 1:30am

Automattic Offers Employees Nine Months' Severance to Quit Amid Controversy

Automattic Offers Employees Nine Months' Severance to Quit Amid Controversy

Automattic has presented its employees with a new severance offer, allowing them to leave with nine months' pay, just days after a previous six-month offer was accepted by 159 employees. CEO Matt Mullenweg's latest proposal came with only four hours' notice, prompting immediate decisions. Those who opt for the severance will lose access to Automattic and WordPress.org, effectively banning them from contributing to the open-source platform. The offers come amid an ongoing dispute with WP Engine, which has escalated into legal actions and public accusations. Automattic has not disclosed the number of employees who accepted the new offer.

Created at: October 18, 2024 12:00am

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst to Invest in Saudi Fintech Startup Despite Controversies

General Catalyst is set to make its first investment in a Saudi Arabian startup by backing Lean Technology, a fintech firm. This move comes amid growing interest from US investors in Saudi startups, despite the country’s human rights record. Previously, Coatue Management supported Tamara, a lending platform. Additionally, Flow, a co-living startup associated with a16z, has established an apartment complex in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has also been backing US venture capital firms to promote investments in the region's startups. General Catalyst is not currently listed among these firms.

Created at: October 17, 2024 11:00pm

Stripe Negotiates $1 Billion Acquisition of Bridge

Stripe Negotiates $1 Billion Acquisition of Bridge

Stripe is reportedly in advanced talks to acquire Bridge, a stablecoin platform, for $1 billion, as confirmed by Forbes. Founded by Coinbase alumni, Bridge has developed an API that facilitates stablecoin acceptance for businesses. The startup previously raised $58 million from prominent investors including Index Ventures and Sequoia Capital. This potential acquisition would mark a significant increase from Bridge's current $200 million valuation and would be Stripe's largest acquisition to date. Stripe's commitment to crypto is evident, having recently introduced features enabling stablecoin transactions.

Created at: October 17, 2024 10:00pm

Elon Musk’s X Allows Third Parties to Train AI on User Data

Elon Musk’s X Allows Third Parties to Train AI on User Data

X, formerly known as Twitter, has updated its Privacy Policy to permit third-party collaborators to use user data for training AI models, unless users opt out. This change indicates a shift towards monetizing data, similar to practices by Reddit and other media outlets. The revised policy, effective November 15, 2024, also modifies the retention period for various types of user information. Additionally, X introduced a 'Liquidated Damages' clause, imposing fees on organizations scraping its content. The move comes as X seeks new revenue streams amidst decreased advertising support.

Created at: October 17, 2024 9:30pm

Worldcoin Rebrands to World, Launches Next-Gen Iris-Scanning Orb

Worldcoin Rebrands to World, Launches Next-Gen Iris-Scanning Orb

Worldcoin, co-founded by Sam Altman, has rebranded as 'World' and unveiled a new iris-scanning device called the Orb during a live event in San Francisco. CEO Alex Blania stated the old name no longer fits their vision, as they aim to broaden their identity beyond cryptocurrency. The next-gen Orb is designed for mass production and faster operation, enhancing user verification experiences. World also announced a partnership with Latin America's leading delivery service, Rappi, to facilitate home verifications. The startup's approach to identity verification raises privacy concerns amid ongoing investigations in various regions.

Created at: October 17, 2024 8:30pm

FCC Mandates Hearing Aid Compatibility for All Mobile Phones

FCC Mandates Hearing Aid Compatibility for All Mobile Phones

The FCC has announced new regulations requiring all mobile phones sold in the U.S. to be compatible with hearing aids. This decision follows the FDA's move to make hearing aids accessible without prescriptions. The FCC has yet to specify a compliance timeline but emphasizes a transition period will be in place. Manufacturers are discouraged from using proprietary Bluetooth systems that could restrict compatibility. Additionally, companies must disclose hearing aid compatibility on their websites. This initiative aims to enhance accessibility for users with hearing impairments.

Created at: October 17, 2024 8:00pm

OpenAI's Patent Pledge: Experts Call It 'Virtue Signaling'

OpenAI's Patent Pledge: Experts Call It 'Virtue Signaling'

OpenAI recently announced a patent pledge stating it would only use its patents defensively to promote innovation. Despite this commitment, experts criticize the statement as vague and lacking substance, with unclear definitions of what constitutes defensive use. Critics argue that the pledge resembles similar public relations moves from other tech companies rather than a binding commitment. OpenAI's limited patent portfolio further undermines the impact of its promise, as it primarily relies on trade secrets for intellectual property protection. Legal experts suggest that the pledge may lack enforceability, calling it a 'paper tiger'.

Created at: October 17, 2024 7:30pm

Microsoft Reports Loss of Security Logs for Cloud Products

Microsoft Reports Loss of Security Logs for Cloud Products

Microsoft has informed customers of a loss of over two weeks' worth of security logs for certain cloud products due to a bug in its internal monitoring agents. This malfunction, which occurred between September 2 and September 19, has left network defenders without essential data for identifying potential intrusions. The outage, not linked to any security incident, impacted products like Microsoft Entra and Defender for Cloud. Microsoft confirmed the issue was operational and has rolled back service changes. Affected clients may face challenges in detecting unauthorized access during this period.

Created at: October 17, 2024 7:30pm

Google's Leadership Shakeup: Prabhakar Raghavan Steps Down as Search Chief

Google's Leadership Shakeup: Prabhakar Raghavan Steps Down as Search Chief

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a significant leadership change as Prabhakar Raghavan steps down from overseeing the search engine and ads products. Raghavan will transition to the role of Chief Technologist, focusing on technical direction and leadership. Nick Fox, a seasoned Google executive, will take over Raghavan's previous responsibilities. The adjustment coincides with a strategic move to enhance AI capabilities and comes amid ongoing antitrust challenges facing the company. Pichai also revealed that the Gemini app team will merge with Google DeepMind to boost collaboration and efficiency in AI product development.

Created at: October 17, 2024 6:30pm

Marc Benioff Critiques AI Hype, Blames Microsoft for Misleading Promises

Marc Benioff Critiques AI Hype, Blames Microsoft for Misleading Promises

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff has voiced concerns over the overhyping of AI technologies, particularly criticizing Microsoft’s claims about its Copilot tool. During a podcast appearance, he emphasized that AI's current capabilities do not meet the grand expectations set by industry leaders. Benioff noted that many assertions about AI solving major issues like cancer and climate change are exaggerated. He pointed to research indicating that only a quarter of organizations are ready to adopt Copilot widely. Despite the hype, Benioff remains excited about AI’s potential, especially for customer service applications.

Created at: October 17, 2024 6:30pm

Tesla's Robotaxi Reveal Sparks Debate Over Regulatory Challenges

Tesla's Robotaxi Reveal Sparks Debate Over Regulatory Challenges

Following Tesla's recent robotaxi presentation, opinions vary widely on the showcased Cybercabs, which feature a unique design without pedals or steering wheels. Elon Musk announced production plans for 2026 or 2027, but critics highlight potential regulatory hurdles. Additionally, a new autonomous Robovan was introduced, although specifics on its market strategy were lacking. Tesla's stock fell approximately 10% post-event, raising concerns about growth opportunities. Musk's promises for unsupervised Full Self-Driving in Model Y and Model 3 vehicles by 2025 also raised eyebrows among skeptics.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:30pm

Feds Arrest Alabama Man Linked to SEC X Account Hack That Boosted Bitcoin's Price

Feds Arrest Alabama Man Linked to SEC X Account Hack That Boosted Bitcoin's Price

Federal authorities have arrested Eric Council Jr. in Alabama for his alleged role in hacking the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's X account. The hack occurred on January 9, resulting in a false announcement that Bitcoin ETFs were approved, causing Bitcoin's price to surge by $1,000. Council reportedly executed a SIM swap on the phone of an individual with access to the SEC account, using fake identification to obtain a new SIM card. He faces charges of aggravated identity theft and access device fraud, highlighting growing concerns over cybersecurity in financial institutions.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:30pm

Instagram Fights Sextortion With New Features to Protect Teens

Instagram Fights Sextortion With New Features to Protect Teens

Instagram has announced a series of new measures aimed at combating sextortion scams targeting users, particularly teens. These features include blocking screenshots from disappearing stories, restricting suspicious accounts from accessing follower information, and issuing geolocation alerts for chats with users from other countries. Additionally, 'Teen Accounts' will have stricter safety protocols, including automatic blurring of nude images in direct messages. These initiatives come in response to rising sextortion cases involving minors, with Meta striving to enhance online safety and user privacy.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

Apple Music Launches 'Set List' Feature for Artists' Concert Playlists

Apple Music Launches 'Set List' Feature for Artists' Concert Playlists

Apple Music has unveiled a new feature called 'Set List' that allows artists to create playlists based on their concert set lists. This tool enhances fan engagement by enabling artists to share playlists from specific shows, residencies, or tours. The feature integrates with Bandsintown to boost show discoverability and requires artists to connect their Apple Music profiles. Artists can customize the playlists with cover art and track arrangements, offering fans a sneak peek into live performances. This addition complements Apple Music's existing Set Lists area, promoting upcoming concerts.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

Waymo Launches $3 Credit Program for Bay Area Robotaxi Riders

Waymo Launches $3 Credit Program for Bay Area Robotaxi Riders

Waymo has introduced a special promotion offering Bay Area riders a $3 credit for traveling to and from select public transit stations using its robotaxi service. The program runs until November 15, allowing riders to apply the credits towards future rides until December 31. This pilot initiative, unique among U.S. autonomous vehicle operators, responds to a survey revealing that over a third of riders use Waymo’s service to connect with other transit options. The promotion is limited to one credit per day and covers specific stations mainly in southern San Francisco.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

ChatGPT Launches Dedicated Windows App for Enhanced AI Experience

ChatGPT Launches Dedicated Windows App for Enhanced AI Experience

OpenAI has unveiled a preview of the ChatGPT app for Windows, currently accessible to Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users. The app allows users to engage with files and photos while incorporating the latest model advancements, including access to OpenAI's o1-preview. Although the app is compatible with most Windows 10 machines, it lacks voice support and certain GPT Store integrations. OpenAI plans to roll out a more comprehensive experience later this year, promising improvements and expanded functionality.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm

2024 Sees Surge in Tech Take-Private Acquisitions

2024 Sees Surge in Tech Take-Private Acquisitions

Private equity activity in the technology sector has surged in 2024, with 97 take-private deals reported by mid-year, indicating a potential match with last year's total. Notable acquisitions include Adevinta's $13 billion deal led by Permira and Blackstone, and Smartsheet's $8.4 billion offer from Vista Equity Partners. Other significant transactions involve Squarespace, Nuvei, and PowerSchool, with valuations ranging from $5.6 billion to $7.2 billion. The trend reflects private equity's growing influence as a liquidity source for tech companies seeking exits.

Created at: October 17, 2024 5:00pm