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On-device AI: Apple’s Strategic Move Tim Cook strongly hinted to analysts during an earnings call last week that his company will be building new AI features into its various operating systems later this year. Apple already uses some machine learning in its phones for photography features, but Cook likely means that Apple has been working on adding generative AI features to its phone OS—perhaps for tasks like generating image captions or crafting text messages. Apple is unlikely to offer generative AI as a stand-alone app or feature but might very well use the burgeoning technology to improve existing experiences (Siri,…

In a significant move, the Biden administration has appointed Elizabeth Kelly, a top White House aide and economic policy adviser to President Joe Biden, as the director of the newly established AI Safety Institute at the National Institute for Standards and Technology within the Commerce Department. Kelly played a pivotal role in the formulation of the executive order signed in October, which paved the way for the institute’s creation, according to a statement from the Commerce Department. Lael Brainard, the director of the White House National Economic Council, highlighted Kelly’s influence on shaping the president’s agenda in technology and financial…

Investors in Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, are grappling with a substantial setback as the stock takes a nosedive of over 32% in premarket trading, plummeting to $11.74. This comes in the aftermath of a tumultuous period marked by a 10% reduction in the workforce and disappointing Q4 financial results, shedding light on the challenges ahead for the social media giant. The catalyst for this dramatic decline was the revelation of Snap’s Q4 results, which fell short of Wall Street expectations. Despite a 5% year-over-year increase in revenues to $1.36 billion, it failed to meet the projected $1.38 billion.…

In the latest edition of Plugged In, Harry McCracken, Fast Company’s Global Technology Editor, shares insights and reflections on his recent experiences in the realms of augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and extended reality (XR). As he delves into the rapidly evolving landscape, the narrative takes us on a journey from the immersive Apple Vision Pro headset to the vibrant atmosphere of MIT’s Reality Hack, an annual hackathon that brought together over 600 participants for a deep dive into the potential of XR technologies. Exploring the XR Tapestry at MIT: Reality Hack serves as a testament to the ongoing…

Spotify’s Soaring User Base: Spotify has announced a notable 23% surge in monthly active users for the fourth quarter, reaching a total of 602 million – slightly surpassing analysts’ expectations of 601.33 million. This growth follows strategic moves by the company, including a subscriber price increase and substantial workforce reductions through layoffs. With plans to achieve one billion users by 2030, Spotify continues to navigate the competitive streaming landscape. Boeing Confronts Labor Challenges: Boeing, facing fresh challenges, encounters demands from its largest union, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. As contract negotiations loom in March, the union seeks…

One undeniable reality amid the ongoing stock-market surge is the remarkable ascent of a select few stocks, particularly the Magnificent Seven mega-cap growth companies—Meta, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Nvidia, and Tesla. Together, these giants command almost 30% of the S&P 500’s market capitalization, sparking concerns reminiscent of the Dotcom Bubble of the late 1990s and early 2000s. JPMorgan analysts highlight parallels between the current market composition and the tech bubble era, emphasizing the concentration of market cap within the top 10 stocks. The striking resemblance includes a high concentration in the tech sector, a lack of diversity among the top…

Apple’s pioneering foray into spatial computing with the Vision Pro has stirred excitement, promising to revolutionize communication, play, and work. However, the potential societal impact of this $3,500 device is at risk of being overshadowed by a burgeoning trend of what can only be described as Glasshole behavior, as captured and shared on social media platforms, particularly TikTok. The term “Glasshole” emerged over a decade ago, originally characterizing individuals sporting Google Glass in public spaces, often to the discomfort of those around them. The use of augmented reality glasses during face-to-face interactions, casual strolls, or even in meetings raised concerns…

In a groundbreaking venture not witnessed since 1972, NASA is ushering in a new era of lunar exploration in 2024 by deploying science experiments on the moon. The deployment is made possible through a fusion of cutting-edge technologies and strategic collaborations between public and private entities. Unlike previous missions where NASA took the lead in constructing and operating lunar landers, the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program delegates these responsibilities to commercial companies, marking a shift towards a collaborative public-private partnership. Under CLPS, uncrewed landers from various vendors will facilitate NASA’s return to lunar scientific experimentation after a hiatus of…

As the Smart Retail Tech Expo approaches on February 27-28, the stage is set for an immersive experience encompassing masterclasses, insightful success stories, product launches, and educational seminars. One highlight is a masterclass hosted by Stuard Alldis, the Managing Director at CDA, a leading e-commerce agency. Alldis will delve into e-commerce best practices, shedding light on common pitfalls retailers encounter during platform development and providing valuable insights on how to steer clear of them. Attendees can anticipate gaining strategies to elevate user experience, introduce unique functionality, streamline the purchasing journey, and harness modern payment solutions. The expo’s agenda extends beyond…

In a critical review, the quasi-independent Meta Oversight Board highlighted the inadequacy of Meta’s policies concerning manipulated media, labeling them as “incoherent.” The board’s scrutiny followed the spread of an altered video of President Joe Biden on Facebook, exposing gaps in Meta’s current policy. The board recommends expanding the policy beyond AI-generated videos, emphasizing the need to address manipulated media regardless of its creation method, including fake audio recordings. Additionally, it suggests Meta clarify the harms it aims to prevent and opt for labeling manipulated content instead of outright removal. The feedback underscores the challenges tech companies face in handling…