Threads vs. Twitter: Meta shows off its social media leverage with a successful Threads launch. Digital privacy will be key in thwarting its plan to beat Twitter.
US tech layoffs drop in June: The tech industry has likely finished the bulk of its cutting, but macroeconomic conditions mean there are still challenges ahead, especially for startups.
Airbnb wants to become the ‘ultimate AI concierge’: The technology could help increase platform engagement and bookings while also introducing privacy, security, ethical, and regulatory headaches.
Google wants to build omniscient AIs with selective amnesia: It wants wide latitude for internet data harvesting and to stay on regulators’ good side at the same time.
Apple considering Mac that doubles as smart home monitor: Struggling PC sales are sending device designers back to the drawing board. Not all features will win over reluctant consumers.
Google’s quantum computer is 47 years faster than the top supercomputer: Budget cuts aren’t slowing Google’s quantum progress as it eyes dominion in the next hot tech race.
Heineken, Renault, and Siemens decry AI Act reach: Europe’s private sector isn’t happy about the AI Act’s direction, warning about the continent’s diminished competitiveness with the US.
Inflection AI, Runway, and Typeface nab $1.5B: Generative AI startups defy decline in venture capital funding, buoyed by interest in personalized, customizable productivity tools and Big Tech’s boost.
Apple quietly marches toward a new world record: The iPhone maker is soaring to a possible $4 trillion valuation on tech’s outsized strength. Warning signs emerge despite the stellar performance.
Meta project targets ad industry’s AI obsession: It’s building a recommendation algorithm that could dwarf OpenAI’s GPT-4 to capture user engagement and enhance targeted ad strategy.
Microsoft, OpenAI slapped with $3B class-action lawsuit: It’s the latest in a litany of legal woes facing the generative AI pioneers. Judicial and legislative outcomes are uncertain.
More cuts at Google part of a running theme: It ends Project Iris AR glasses and lays off workers at Waze. Google’s simplicity sprint is freeing up resources for AI dominance.
C-suite plans an AI-induced hiring spree: Workers are worried about AI, but bosses want to hire more because of the technology. Short-term workforce gains could shift to longer-term job losses.
iCloud prices surge internationally: Apple’s decision to raise storage prices sparks user dissatisfaction and calls for a strategic reevaluation.
Y Combinator embraces AI: Accelerator welcomes a new cohort—with 35% AI-focused startups—amid San Francisco’s thriving tech scene.
OpenAI’s ‘supersmart personal assistant’ bot could ruffle Microsoft’s feathers: The company’s CEO keeps divulging a half-baked strategy, which could create industry tensions. Monetization hurdles will continue.
Google launches Perspectives as Reddit blackout hits Search: Users demand discussion-based results that depend on other platforms. An innovation journey lies ahead for Google to maintain its search supremacy.
Ford lays off engineers: The shift to EVs is a heavy lift for traditional automakers who still need workers with the right skills. Corporate training programs might be necessary.
Consumers are shopping around for cheaper insurance deals. Providers that can outcompete on price through stripped-back coverage stand to gain.