TechSlice 2023-10-30

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BIG TECH & STARTUPS

Google agrees to invest up to $2 billion in OpenAI rival Anthropic (1 minute read)

Google plans to invest up to $2 billion in Anthropic, an AI company co-founded by former OpenAI executives, with an initial investment of $500 million and the potential to add $1.5 billion later, intensifying its competition with Microsoft and Amazon in the AI sector. Amazon has also invested in Anthropic with a $1.25 billion note, which can convert to equity, and the ability to invest up to $2.75 billion in a second note, as cloud companies seek to strengthen their ties with AI startups. Anthropic aims to compete with OpenAI and establish itself as a leader in the technology industry.

Elon Musk gives X employees one year to replace your bank (2 minute read)

Elon Musk envisions X as a comprehensive financial hub, aiming to offer users services that encompass their entire financial lives, including money, securities, and more, eliminating the need for traditional bank accounts. Musk's goal is to launch these features by the end of 2024 and position X as an all-encompassing platform like WeChat, offering a wide array of services beyond just payments.

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SCIENCE & FUTURISTIC TECHNOLOGY

How AI can help to save endangered species (5 minute read)

AI is increasingly being used to monitor biodiversity and protect endangered species, as it can quickly and effectively analyze large amounts of real-world data to support conservation efforts, including identifying animal species from audio recordings and analyzing camera-trap footage, and even modeling the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and historical changes in biodiversity.

Google researchers use off-the-shelf headphones to measure heart rate (2 minute read)

Google's researchers have explored a novel approach using audioplethysmography (APG) to measure heart rate via off-the-shelf active noise-canceling earbuds and a software update, which proved resilient even in challenging conditions like a poor ear seal, varying ear canal size, or darker skin tones. The study involved 153 participants and showed a median error rate of 3.21% for heart rate and 2.70% for heart rate variability, potentially offering a promising alternative to conventional heart rate monitoring.

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PROGRAMMING, DESIGN & DATA SCIENCE

Anti-ChatGPT (1 minute read)

In 2023, privacy concerns persist as big tech companies exploit user data for targeted advertising and manipulation, even in election contexts. Anti-ChatGPT empowers individuals to combat AI-driven manipulation by allowing them to specify content they want to block from their browser, offering a practical tool for enhancing online privacy and reducing exposure to unwanted content, as demonstrated with the blocking of politically biased tweets.

Why Every UX Designer Should Understand Product Management (11 minute read)

Exploring the enduring significance of product management, the article emphasizes its timeless relevance in understanding human needs, adapting to the ever-changing market, and fostering innovation. It delves into various facets of product management, including organizational design and culture, methods, and metrics, to establish its continued importance in the industry.

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MISCELLANEOUS

That’s one pricey subscription (6 minute read)

The streaming industry is witnessing a series of price hikes from major players like Netflix, Disney Plus, and others, with Netflix leading the way in premium-tier pricing. As competition grows and subscriber growth slows, streaming services are exploring ways to add value to their subscriptions, which may include expanding content offerings and features, ultimately driving prices higher.

The jury finally hears from Sam Bankman-Fried (9 minute read)

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder of FTX cryptocurrency exchange, is currently on trial facing charges of wire fraud and conspiracy, as it has been alleged that FTX was a fraudulent operation "from the start." During the trial, Bankman-Fried faced numerous instances of failing to provide clear and direct answers to prosecutors and his own lawyer's questions. This trial has highlighted concerns about the financial practices, risk management, and transparency within cryptocurrency exchanges and their associated businesses.

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QUICK LINKS

Windows 11 now lets you write anywhere you can type (1 minute read)

Microsoft is introducing enhanced Windows Ink features in a KB5031455 update for Windows 11, enabling handwriting-to-text conversion within search boxes and text input areas, and offering improved handwriting recognition, along with gestures for text editing; this update is currently accessible through Windows Update.

Potential Apple Watch Ban Issued by US Trade Tribunal in Masimo Patent Battle (2 minute read)

Apple is facing the possibility of an import ban on some Apple Watch models in the United States following a decision by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) over a patent dispute with medical technology company Masimo; the ban is now subject to presidential review, and Apple can take it to the U.S. Court of Appeals after a 60-day review period.

Apple is getting ready for Prime Time (5 minute read)

Apple's primetime experiment with Mac updates could be a strategic move to gather a larger audience for future keynotes, especially when unveiling products like the Apple Vision Pro, which will require more attention and appeal to a broader audience beyond traditional tech enthusiasts.

Hertz is scaling back its EV ambitions because its Teslas keep getting damaged (3 minute read)

Hertz is slowing down its EV rollout due to plummeting resale values and high repair costs, particularly with Tesla vehicles, as the company faces competition and increased demand for maintenance amid the expansion of its electric vehicle fleet.

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