RE: LeoThread 2024-10-18 04:22

Currently only available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, Enterprise, and Edu users, the app is an early version, OpenAI says, arriving ahead of a “full experience” later in the year.

“With the official ChatGPT desktop app, you can chat about files and photos,” OpenAI writes. “This app brings you the newest model improvements from OpenAI, including access to OpenAI o1-preview, our newest and smartest model.”

The ChatGPT app for Windows can run on most Windows 10 machines, but currently has certain limitations compared to other ChatGPT clients. It doesn’t support voice yet, including Advanced Voice Mode, and some integrations with OpenAI’s GPT Store aren’t functional.

As with the ChatGPT app for macOS, the ChatGPT app for Windows lets you minimize it to a small “companion” window alongside other apps while you work. You can upload files and photos to it, have it summarize documents, and create images via OpenAI’s DALL-E 3 image generator.

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) announced Friday that it is probing the driver assistance system to find out whether it can “detect and respond appropriately to reduced roadway visibility conditions,” such as “sun glare, fog, or airborne dust.” The agency also wants to know if other crashes have occurred in these conditions beyond the ones that were reported.

The investigation comes just one week after Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the prototype of his company’s “CyberCab,” a two-seater car that he said is supposed to serve as a robotaxi, following years of unmet promises. Musk also claimed at the event that Tesla’s Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV would be able to operate without supervision in California and Texas at some point in 2025, though he did not offer any details about how that will happen.

In April, NHTSA closed a nearly three-year probe into Autopilot, the less-capable driver assistance software that Tesla offers, after investigating almost 500 crashes where the system was active. The agency found 13 of those crashes were fatal. At the same time that it closed that probe, NHTSA opened a new investigation into the recall fix that Tesla had issued to address problems with Autopilot.

Tesla’s software also faces other legal threats. The Department of Justice is investigating the claims Tesla has made about its driver-assistance features, and the California Department of Motor Vehicles has accused Tesla of inflating the software’s capabilities.

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Nebius: The Netherlands-Based Company Poised to Dominate Europe's GPU-as-a-Service Market

In a bold move, Yandex N.V., a Dutch holding organization, has transformed into a new entity called Nebius, with the aim of becoming one of Europe's leading players in the rapidly growing "GPU-as-a-service" space. This unique startup-turned-public company offers an alternative to traditional US hyperscalers like Alphabet and Microsoft, allowing anyone to invest in its innovative AI infrastructure business.

A Brief History of Yandex

Founded in 1997, Yandex is often referred to as the "Google of Russia" due to its extensive portfolio of products and services, including search engines, advertising, maps, and autonomous vehicles. Initially, Yandex focused on its domestic Russian market and a few neighboring countries. However, its parent company, Yandex N.V., went public on the NASDAQ in 2011 and later listed on the Moscow exchange in 2014.

Over the years, Yandex expanded its operations to various countries, including Turkey, Ukraine, and Belarus.

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and the Birth of Nebius

Prior to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Yandex N.V. had a valuation of $31 billion. However, the conflict led to a series of global sanctions against companies in the region, including Yandex. In response, Yandex co-founder and CEO Arkady Volozh was forced to resign after being placed on a European Union sanctions list.

He was later removed from the list in March 2024, paving the way for his return as CEO of the new entity, Nebius. The conflict also led to the sale of Yandex's Russian assets, which generated $2 billion in cash, providing Nebius with a solid financial foundation.

Nebius: A European AI Compute Leader

Nebius is built around Yandex N.V.'s remaining assets outside of Russia, including a Finnish data center and AI cloud business called Nebius AI. The company formally emerged in July, outlining its ambition to become a "European AI compute leader" similar to CoreWeave, a company expanding into Europe and raising significant equity and debt.

Nebius's AI infrastructure business is designed to provide a scalable and secure platform for AI workloads, leveraging its expertise in machine learning and data analytics.

A Public Company with a Unique Advantage

Despite the Nasdaq's initial decision to delist Yandex and other Russian-affiliated companies in 2022, Yandex appealed and the Nasdaq agreed to maintain its listing, albeit with a trading halt. With the Russian ties severed and $2 billion in the bank from selling its Russian assets, Volozh decided to continue Nebius as a public company, citing its ease and cost-effectiveness in accessing capital for its capital-intensive business. This unique advantage allows Nebius to focus on its growth strategy without the need for additional funding.

A Vision for the Future

Nebius aims to build one of the world's largest specialist AI infrastructure businesses, requiring access to technological expertise, graphics processing units, and capital. With its existing assets and expertise, the company is well-positioned to achieve its goal. Volozh emphasized, "Our ambition is to build one of the world's largest specialist AI infrastructure businesses. This requires access to technological expertise, graphics processing units and capital. These are exactly what we have." The company plans to achieve this goal by expanding its data center footprint, investing in research and development, and building strategic partnerships with leading technology companies.

Trading Resumes

Nebius's Class A ordinary shares will resume trading on Monday, October 21, 2024, offering investors a unique opportunity to participate in the company's growth and innovation in the GPU-as-a-service market. With its public listing and capital-intensive business model, Nebius is poised to make a significant impact in the European AI infrastructure landscape.

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In a recent candid conversation with a group of journalists, Byju's founder Byju Raveendran revealed the shocking truth behind the startup's downfall, which has left the founder with a bitter taste in his mouth. Despite being once valued at a staggering $50 billion, Byju's has since entered insolvency proceedings, a far cry from its former glory.

Raveendran attributed the company's demise to its aggressive expansion into new markets, which ultimately proved fatal when financing dried up in 2022. The startup had planned to go public earlier that year, but the global market downturn following Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent the venture capital market into a tailspin. Many of Byju's over 100 investors had urged Raveendran to pursue expansion into as many as 40 markets, but when the global market crashed, those very investors "ran away," leaving the startup high and dry.

The departure of three key backers – Prosus Ventures, Peak XV, and Chan Zuckerberg Initiative – from the company's board last year made it impossible for Byju's to raise additional funds. Representatives of the aforementioned three firms, as well as auditor Deloitte, left the startup's board last year, citing governance issues. Raveendran lamented, "It's worth zero. What valuation are you talking about? It's worth zero." The founder's words are a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of poor governance and accountability.

Byju's, once India's most valuable startup, had raised over $5 billion from prominent investors such as BlackRock, UBS, Lightspeed, QIA, bond, silver Lake, Sofina, Verlinvest, Tencent, Canada Pension Plan investment Board, General Atlantic, Tiger Global, Owl Ventures, and the world Bank's IFC.

Despite the setbacks, Raveendran remains hopeful that his startup will make a comeback. "I have nothing to lose. I came from a small village. I invested everything I had into the startup." The founder's determination to revive Byju's is a testament to his unwavering commitment to his vision.

The story of Byju's serves as a cautionary tale for startups and investors alike. It highlights the importance of prudence and caution in the face of uncertainty, as well as the need for strong governance and accountability. As Raveendran's words echo through the startup ecosystem, one thing is clear: the demise of Byju's is a stark reminder of the risks and challenges that come with entrepreneurship.

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The New York Times on Thursday published a look at the “fraying” relationship between OpenAI and its investor, partner, and, increasingly, rival, Microsoft, reporting their five-year romance has cooled owing to financial pressure on OpenAI, the limited computing power Microsoft is providing OpenAI, and disagreements between the two about ground rules.

Most fascinating perhaps is a reported clause in OpenAI’s contract with Microsoft that cuts off Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s tech if the latter develops so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI), meaning an AI system capable of rivaling human thinking.

TC has asked OpenAI for comment, but the Times — which talked with 19 people familiar with the companies’ relationship — says the clause aims to ensure Microsoft can never misuse the technology. Thing is, OpenAI’s board can reportedly decide when AGI has arrived, and CEO Sam Altman has already said that moment will be somewhat subjective. As he told this editor early last year, “The closer we get, the harder time I have answering [how far away AGI is] because I think that it’s going to be much blurrier, and much more of a gradual transition than people think.”

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Netflix Surpasses Earnings Expectations, Shares Soar as Ad-Supported Tier Shows Significant Momentum

In a major boost to its investors, Netflix reported a stellar set of earnings for the third quarter, surpassing expectations and sending its shares skyrocketing in premarket trading. The streaming giant's revenue and earnings per share (EPS) both exceeded analyst estimates, with EPS coming in at $5.40 and revenue reaching a record-breaking $9.83 billion.

The company's ad-supported membership tier, which was launched earlier this year, showed remarkable momentum, with a 35% quarter-over-quarter increase. This growth is particularly noteworthy, as Netflix does not expect ads to become its primary growth driver until 2026. However, the ad-tier accounted for over 50% of sign-ups in the third quarter in countries where it is available, indicating a strong demand for the service.

Netflix also provided an optimistic outlook for the December quarter, forecasting a 14.7% increase in revenue to $10.128 billion. The company expects revenue to reach $43 billion to $44 billion in 2025, representing growth of 11% to 13% from its expected 2024 revenue of $38.9 billion.

analysts at Citi praised Netflix's fourth-quarter outlook, stating that it "exceeded the Street," while its 2025 forecast was "relatively in line with consensus estimates." The analysts predicted that shares would trade higher on the back of the earnings report, citing the company's strong performance and growing ad-supported membership tier.

Richard Broughton, executive director of Ampere Analysis, told CNBC that Netflix's continued investments in content have been a key factor in its success, despite a challenging environment for the broader media landscape.

"It's a good indicator that some of the growth that dropped out of the market in 2022 is returning," he said. "If you think about the last 24 months, we've had cutbacks in content expenditure, hiring freezes, redundancies in some of the major studios and streamers. And aLL through this, Netflix has tried to keep investing in content. That sets it up extremely well over the next couple of years."

Broughton also highlighted Netflix's scale and dominance in the scripted TV market, noting that the company will be responsible for not far off one in 10 global series next year. "It's in a very, very different position compared to some of its competitors just in terms of scale," he said. "Netflix has a massive library of content, and it's able to produce a huge amount of original content every year. That gives it a significant advantage over its competitors."

Overall, Netflix's strong earnings report and upbeat outlook have sent a positive signal to investors, with shares expected to trade higher in the coming days. The company's continued focus on content investment and its growing ad-supported membership tier have set it up for success in the years to come. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, Netflix's ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial in maintaining its position as a leader in the industry.

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History

Wiz was founded in 2019 by four Israeli friends, Assaf Rappaport, Eliran Moizel, Roy Yanai, and Avi Doron, while they were still serving in the 8200, Israel's intelligence unit. The company's early days were marked by a focus on developing its cloud security software, which was designed to scan cloud storage providers like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure for risks.

In 2020, Wiz raised its first funding round, securing $30 million in venture capital from investors such as Sequoia Capital and Bessemer Venture Partners. The company used this funding to expand its engineering team and further develop its software.

Technology

Wiz's software is designed to scan cloud storage providers for risks, including security vulnerabilities, data breaches, and compliance issues. The company's software uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze the cloud storage provider's infrastructure and identify potential risks.

Wiz's software is built on top of a cloud-based architecture, which allows it to scale quickly and efficiently. The company's software is also designed to be highly customizable, allowing customers to tailor its features to their specific needs.

Growth

Wiz has experienced rapid growth since its founding, with its ARR more than tripling in the past year. In 2022, the company achieved a remarkable feat, reaching $100 million in ARR in just 18 months, making it the fastest software company to achieve this milestone.

Wiz's growth has been driven by its expanding customer base, which now includes some of the world's largest organizations. The company's software is used by customers such as online retailer ASOS and digital bank Revolut, among others.

Acquisition Bid from Google

In February 2023, Wiz rejected a staggering $23 billion acquisition bid from Google. The bid was widely seen as a surprise, and it marked a significant turning point in Wiz's history.

Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport expressed his gratitude for the bid but made it clear that the company would not be sold. "We're flattered by the offer, but we believe we can do it alone and achieve even greater things as an independent company," he said.

Despite the rejection of the Google bid, Wiz has received interest from numerous other parties looking to acquire the company. However, Rappaport remains resolute in his decision to take the company public, citing the company's impressive growth record and its potential for continued expansion.

Expansion into the UK

Wiz has been expanding its presence internationally, with a particular focus on Europe. The company has opened its first European office in London, a move that CEO Reznik attributes to the UK's vibrant talent pool and thriving cybersecurity ecosystem.

The UK represents a major growth opportunity for Wiz, particularly in the cybersecurity space. Recent high-profile cyberattacks on National Health Service hospitals and Transport for London have highlighted the urgent need for cloud security solutions, and Wiz is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.

Growth Plans

Wiz's CEO, Assaf Rappaport, has outlined the company's growth plans, which include doubling its ARR to $1 billion by 2025. The company is also planning to expand its engineering team and further develop its software.

In an interview with CNBC, Reznik said, "We're excited about the opportunities ahead and we're committed to continuing to grow and innovate. We believe that our software is a game-changer in the cloud security space, and we're confident that we can make a significant impact over the next few years."

Wiz's expansion into the UK is seen as a strategic move to tap into the continent's vast and growing cloud security market. The company's software is already being used by customers in the UK, and it is expected to play a major role in the country's growing cybersecurity ecosystem.

Market Opportunity

The cloud security market is poised for explosive growth, with estimates suggesting it will reach $1 trillion over the next few years. Wiz is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, with its innovative software and strong engineering capabilities.

The cloud security market is dominated by a few large players, but there is still a significant opportunity for smaller players to make a dent. Wiz is positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, with its software designed to be highly customizable and its engineering team focused on developing innovative solutions.

Overall, Wiz is a company that is poised for significant growth and success in the cloud security space. Its innovative software, strong engineering capabilities, and strategic expansion plans make it an exciting company to watch in the years to come.

Article

Intel is looking for a deal that values Altera at around $17 billion, said the people, who requested anonymity to speak freely about confidential information. Intel purchased Altera for $16.7 billion in 2015.

Following a steep drop in its stock price and extended stretch of market share losses, Intel has been looking to make drastic changes.

The company made overtures to a number of private equity and strategic investors this week about Altera, the sources said. Intel has expressed to some of those investors that it would be possible to acquire a majority stake in the business.

A representative for Intel declined to comment. The sale process represents an abrupt change from Intel's prior commentary on Altera. As recently last month, CEO Pat Gelsinger said that Intel's leadership considered the business to be a core part of Intel's future.

Intel has previously said it could look to monetize Altera business through an IPO, possibly as soon as 2026. But the idea of taking strategic or private equity investment would be a marked acceleration of those plans.

Gelsinger and his leadership team have previously said that Intel understands its disadvantaged position and is working aggressively to remedy it. Selling a stake in Altera might allow Intel to more easily pursue its semiconductor fabrication ambitions and assure investors that it has a future as an independent company.

But the sale process also comes as Qualcomm has expressed interest in acquiring its onetime rival, a deal that would face fierce regulatory scrutiny and potentially reshape the semiconductor industry.

Intel shares have dropped 50% this year, as the company has been trounced by NVIDIA in artificial intelligence chips and has lost share to Advanced Micro Devices in its core PC and data center market.

Article

Amazon's New Return-to-Office Policy

Amazon has announced a new policy that requires corporate workers to be in the office at least three days a week. This policy is part of the company's efforts to keep pace with rival companies in the development of generative artificial intelligence.

Background

Amazon's previous return-to-work stance required corporate workers to be in the office at least three days a week. However, the company has since relaxed this policy and allowed workers to work from home or in a hybrid work environment. However, with the rise of rival companies in the development of generative artificial intelligence, Amazon has decided to revert to a more traditional office-based work arrangement.

CEO Matt Garman's Comments

CEO Matt Garman made the announcement during an all-hands meeting at the company's second headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Garman stated that the new policy is aimed at preserving Amazon's culture and "leadership principles," which are a list of more than a dozen business philosophies meant to guide employee decisions and goals.

Garman emphasized the importance of working together in an office environment, saying, "If there are people who just don't work well in that environment and don't want to, that's OK, there are other companies around." He also acknowledged that some employees will have some flexibility to work from home, but emphasized that the office environment is crucial for preserving Amazon's culture and leadership principles.

Backlash from Employees

Not all Amazon employees are happy with the new policy. Roughly 37,000 employees have joined an internal Slack channel to advocate for remote work and share grievances about the return-to-work mandate. Some employees argue that the new policy puts extra strain on families and caregivers, who may need to take care of children or elderly relatives while their parents are at work.

Others claim that they are just as productive working from home or in a hybrid work environment as they are in an office. They argue that the new policy is out of touch with the needs and preferences of many employees, and that it will lead to increased stress and burnout.

Expert Opinion

Some experts have questioned the validity of Amazon's argument that working together in an office environment is necessary for preserving the company's culture and leadership principles. A study by Stanford University found that remote work can lead to increased productivity and better work-life balance, and that employees who work from home are more likely to be engaged and motivated.

Key Concerns

There are several key concerns surrounding Amazon's new return-to-office policy. These include:

1. Increased stress and burnout: Some employees may experience increased stress and burnout as a result of the new policy, particularly if they are required to commute long distances to the office.
2. Impact on families and caregivers: The new policy may put extra strain on families and caregivers, who may need to take care of children or elderly relatives while their parents are at work.

1. Loss of productivity: Some employees may argue that the new policy will lead to decreased productivity, as they are forced to work in an office environment that is not conducive to their individual needs and preferences.
2. Outdated policy: Some experts have questioned the validity of Amazon's argument that working together in an office environment is necessary for preserving the company's culture and leadership principles. They argue that remote work is a more modern and effective way of working.

Conclusion

Amazon's new return-to-office policy has sparked controversy among employees and experts. While some argue that the policy is necessary for preserving the company's culture and leadership principles, others argue that it is outdated and will lead to increased stress and burnout. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Amazon will adapt to the changing needs and preferences of its employees.

Article

The launch of WLFI tokens and the involvement of the Trump family in the project is a complex and multifaceted story. Here are some additional details:

The Trump Family's Involvement

According to the WLFI paper, the Trump family will receive a significant portion of the net protocol revenues, with 35% of the total supply allocated to the token sale. This means that the Trump family will own a substantial portion of the WLFI tokens, which could give them significant influence over the project's direction and decision-making.

The paper also claims that the Trump family will assume no liability for the project, and none of them will be considered directors, employees, managers, or operators of WLF or its affiliates. However, this does not necessarily mean that they will have no involvement in the project's decision-making process.

DT Marks DEFI LLC

DT Marks DEFI LLC, a Delaware-based company connected to the former president, is set to receive three-quarters of the net protocol revenues. This company is listed as the sole owner of WLF, and it is unclear what the nature of this relationship is.

It is worth noting that the WLFI paper does not provide any information about the ownership structure of DT Marks DEFI LLC, or who the company's executives are. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.

Axiom Management Group

Axiom Management Group, a Puerto Rico LLC wholly owned by co-founders Chase Herro and Zachary Folkman, will receive 25% of the remaining revenue. This company is listed as a key partner in the WLFI project, and it is unclear what the nature of this relationship is.

Chase Herro and Zachary Folkman are both listed as co-founders of the WLFI project, and they have both been involved in the development of other cryptocurrency projects. However, it is unclear what their role is in the WLFI project, or what their motivations are.

Steve Witkoff and Zachary Witkoff

The WLFI paper also reveals that Steve Witkoff, a close friend and political donor of the Trump family, as well as his son Zachary, will receive a portion of the net protocol revenues. Steve Witkoff has been a long-time supporter of the Trump family, and has made significant contributions to their campaigns and business ventures.

Zachary Witkoff is listed as one of the co-founders of the WLFI project, and he has been involved in the development of other cryptocurrency projects. However, it is unclear what his role is in the WLFI project, or what his motivations are.

The WLFI Paper

The WLFI paper is a lengthy document that outlines the project's mission, goals, and technical specifications. It claims that WLFI is a decentralized finance platform that will provide financial services to individuals and businesses.

However, the paper is also somewhat opaque, and it raises more questions than it answers. For example, it does not provide any information about the project's ownership structure, or who the key executives are.

It also does not provide any information about the project's technical specifications, or how the WLFI tokens will be used. This lack of transparency has raised questions about the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.

The Trump Campaign's Response

When asked about the project, the Trump campaign referred questions to the Trump Organization, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Cryptocurrency Community's Response

The cryptocurrency community has been largely skeptical of the WLFI project, and many have questioned the project's legitimacy and the motivations of its creators.

Some have raised concerns about the project's ownership structure, and the involvement of the Trump family and their associates. Others have questioned the project's technical specifications, and the use of the WLFI tokens.

Overall, the launch of WLFI tokens and the involvement of the Trump family in the project is a complex and multifaceted story that raises many questions. While the project's proponents claim that it is a legitimate attempt to create a decentralized finance platform, many in the cryptocurrency community remain skeptical.

Article

The move was announced by Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, who said in a blog post on Thursday that Raghavan will be moving into the role of chief technologist after 12 years of leading teams across the search company. Raghavan will continue to report to Pichai in the new role, the company told CNBC in a statement.

"Prabhakar has decided it's time to make a big leap in his own career," Pichai wrote in the post. "In this role, he'll partner closely with me and Google leads to provide technical direction and leadership and grow our culture of tech excellence."

The move comes as Google continues to restructure its teams to move more quickly in the artificial intelligence arms race, where it faces increased competition. The company is also dealing with several antitrust lawsuits related to its search and ads business.

Fox has long been a member of Raghavan's leadership team. He will be leading Google's Knowledge and Information division, which includes the company's search, ads and commerce products, Pichai said.

A Google employee since 2003, Fox has been vice president of product and design for the company's Assistant product in recent years. He previously worked within the company's ads business unit.

"Over the past few years, Nick has been instrumental in shaping Google's AI product roadmap and collaborating closely with Prabhakar," Pichai wrote.

Raghavan has led the knowledge and information unit since 2018. Earlier this year, he told employees to prepare for a different market reality because "things are not like they were 15-20 years ago," CNBC reported.

Additionally, Pichai announced that the team working on Google's Gemini app, which includes Google's AI direct-to-consumer products, will join Google DeepMind under AI head Demis Hassabis.

"Bringing the teams closer together will improve feedback loops, enable fast deployment of our new models in the Gemini app," Pichai wrote.

The move also means the Assistant teams focused on devices and home experiences will move to the Platforms and Devices unit "so they can sit closer to the product surfaces they're building for," Pichai wrote.

Article

Economic Weakness and Sluggish Demand in China

Germany's automotive industry is heavily reliant on exports, particularly to China, which is the world's largest car market. However, demand in China has been sluggish in recent years, due to a combination of factors such as economic slowdown, increasing competition from Chinese brands, and changing consumer preferences.

As a result, German automakers have been struggling to maintain sales and profitability in the Chinese market. This has led to a decline in demand for German-made vehicles, which has had a ripple effect on the entire industry.

Increased Competition from China

China has emerged as a major player in the global automotive industry, with many domestic brands such as Geely, BYD, and Great Wall gaining popularity worldwide. These brands have been able to offer high-quality vehicles at competitive prices, which has put pressure on German automakers to reduce their prices and improve their quality.

However, many German manufacturers have struggled to adapt to this new reality, with some failing to innovate and improve their products quickly enough. This has led to a decline in brand loyalty and sales, particularly in China.

Shift Away from ICE Vehicles

The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with many countries and companies shifting towards electric vehicles (EVs) and alternative fuels. However, this transition has been slower than expected, and many German manufacturers have been caught off guard.

The shift away from ICE vehicles has created new challenges for German manufacturers, who are struggling to adapt to the changing market. Many have invested heavily in traditional manufacturing processes, which are not well-suited to the production of EVs.

End of Electric Car Subsidy Program

In December 2023, the German government announced that it would be ending its subsidy program for electric vehicles, which had been in place since 2020. This move has been seen as a significant blow to the industry, as it has reduced the incentive for consumers to purchase EVs.

However, the government has said that it will continue to provide support for the development of EVs, and that it will work with manufacturers to ensure that they are able to produce high-quality EVs at competitive prices.

German Government's Failure to Prevent EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs

In June 2023, the European Union voted to impose tariffs on Chinese EVs, which has been seen as a significant blow to the German automotive industry. The tariffs have been imposed in response to concerns about the intellectual property theft and unfair trade practices of Chinese companies.

However, the German government has been criticized for its failure to prevent the imposition of these tariffs, and for its inability to negotiate a favorable deal for German manufacturers. This has raised concerns about the country's influence on regional policy and its ability to protect its industries.

Impact on Brand Loyalty and Sales

The challenges facing Germany's automotive industry have had a significant impact on brand loyalty and sales. Many consumers have become disillusioned with the industry, and are turning to alternative brands such as Tesla and Hyundai.

However, some experts believe that brand loyalty will remain a key factor in the success of German manufacturers. Many consumers remain loyal to brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, which have a long history of producing high-quality vehicles.

BMW's Launch of Low-Cost EVs

In an effort to address the challenges facing the industry, BMW has launched two budget electric Mini models at the Paris Motor Show. These models are seen as a positive step forward for the industry, and demonstrate BMW's commitment to producing affordable EVs.

However, more needs to be done to address the challenges facing the industry, and to ensure that German manufacturers are able to compete with their Chinese rivals. This will require a concerted effort from policymakers, manufacturers, and consumers alike.

Article

Revolutionizing the Energy Industry: The Rise of Terralayr

The energy industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources and the need for more efficient and sustainable power management. Amidst this shift, a new startup, Terralayr, is poised to disrupt the traditional energy trading landscape.

Founded by a former jet fuel trader at Glencore, Terralayr is a virtual power plant that aggregates grid-scale energy storage assets, bundles them, and sells capacity to power providers. This innovative approach is designed to address the inefficiencies and high costs associated with traditional energy trading, creating a more sustainable and efficient future for the industry.

The Problem with Traditional Energy Trading

The traditional energy trading model is flawed, according to Terralayr's founder. "The industry, while still very nascent, has been built the wrong way around," he said. "Today, people build a battery, and then somebody else trades it." This approach creates inefficiencies and high costs for both battery owners and power providers. For instance, battery owners often struggle to find buyers for their excess capacity, leading to wasted energy and revenue. Meanwhile, power providers face the challenge of managing their output to meet demand, which can result in costly penalties for failing to match their forecast.

The Virtual Power Plant Solution

Terralayr's innovative approach is similar to Amazon's cloud service, AWS, which aggregates computing resources and sells fractions of them. Terralayr aggregates grid-scale energy storage assets, bundles them, and sells capacity to power providers. This allows battery owners to sell their capacity to the highest bidder, without having to manage the trading process themselves.

The startup's platform operates as an exchange, connecting battery owners with power providers, and charges a small percentage fee based on revenues. Additionally, Terralayr takes a portion of the upside if it can operate the battery more profitably than a competitor.

How it Works

Terralayr's platform operates as an exchange, connecting battery owners with power providers. The startup's algorithm matches excess capacity from battery owners with the demand from power providers, ensuring that energy is sold to the highest bidder. This approach eliminates the need for battery owners to manage the trading process themselves, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. For power providers, Terralayr's platform allows them to fill gaps in their output, avoiding costly penalties for failing to match their forecast.

Expansion Plans

Terralayr has already made significant progress, with seven megawatt-hours of capacity on the grid and another 40 megawatt-hours expected to be turned on soon. The startup has signed development agreements for over 200 sites in Germany, totaling over seven gigawatts, or about 3% of Germany's total generating capacity. Terralayr is also eyeing U.S. markets, particularly California and Texas, and has raised €77 million in funding to support its expansion.

A Generational Opportunity

Terralayr's founder believes that the company is poised to capitalize on a generational opportunity. "We believe this is a generational opportunity," he said. "The industry is changing rapidly, and we're well-positioned to take advantage of that change." With its innovative approach and strong funding, Terralayr is well on its way to revolutionizing the energy industry and creating a more sustainable and efficient future. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, Terralayr is poised to play a leading role in shaping the future of energy trading and management.

Article

Bluesky Soars to T 5 on US App Store, Overtakes X in Social Networking Category

Bluesky, a social networking startup, has experienced a remarkable surge in growth, with over half a million new users joining the platform in just one day. As a result, Bluesky has catapulted to the top 5 apps on the US App Store and has become the No. 2 app in the Social Networking category, surpassing X, a popular social media platform. This meteoric rise is a testament to the startup's ability to capitalize on the growing dissatisfaction with X's recent changes and moderation issues.

According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Bluesky's growth is entirely organic, with no paid advertising campaigns running on the App Store. The app's popularity has spread globally, with many countries showing four-digit growth in downloads, including Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, South Korea, and Singapore. This widespread adoption is a significant achievement, considering that Bluesky is a relatively new player in the social media landscape.

Bluesky's rapid growth can be attributed to a combination of factors. One reason is the controversy surrounding X's decision to change its block function, which has left many users feeling unsafe and vulnerable to harassment and abuse. This change has led to widespread criticism and a loss of trust among users, who are seeking a more secure and respectful online environment. Additionally, X's updated terms of Service and privacy policy, which allows the company to share user data with third-party companies, has raised concerns among users about their privacy and data security.

Another factor contributing to Bluesky's success is the moderation issues plaguing Threads, a social media platform owned by Meta. Users have been reporting account bans and post downrankings without explanation, leading some to switch to Bluesky in search of a more transparent and fair moderation system.

While X is still experiencing a significant number of downloads, its growth has slowed, and the app has dropped to No. 29 on the US App Store. Bluesky, on the other hand, continues to rise, with Appfigures estimating 197,000 new installs on the App Store on Thursday alone. This surge in growth is a testament to the startup's ability to adapt to changing user needs and preferences.

Bluesky's previous surges in growth have been driven by similar factors, including its public launch and the Brazil ban on X. The startup's ability to capitalize on these trends has helped it establish a strong presence in the social networking space.

As Bluesky continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how the company maintains its momentum and addresses the concerns of its new users. With its focus on providing a safe and secure platform, Bluesky is well-positioned to become a major player in the social media landscape. The startup's commitment to transparency, moderation, and user privacy will be crucial in building trust with its users and differentiating itself from its competitors.

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OpenAI's Pledge to Use Patents Responsibly: A Game-Changer for AI Development

In a groundbreaking move, OpenAi, a leading artificial intelligence (AI) research organization, has announced that it will not use its patents offensively, sending shockwaves throughout the tech industry. This bold declaration marks a significant shift in the way the company approaches intellectual property and has far-reaching implications for the development of AI technology.

Understanding the Concept of Offensively Using Patents

Before delving into the specifics of OpenAI's pledge, it's essential to comprehend what it means to use patents offensively. In the context of intellectual property, a patent is a legal right granted to an inventor that gives them exclusive rights to make, use, and sell an invention for a certain period. When a company uses a patent offensively, it means they use it to prevent others from using the same technology or to extract royalties from competitors who are using similar innovations.

In the AI space, patents can be particularly contentious, as they often relate to fundamental technologies that are essential for the development of more advanced AI systems. When a company uses a patent offensively, it can stifle innovation, limit access to critical technologies, and create barriers to entry for new competitors.

OpenAI's Pledge: A Commitment to Responsible Patent Use

OpenAI's pledge to use its patents responsibly is a significant departure from the traditional approach to patent use in the tech industry. By committing not to use its patents offensively, OpenAI is sending a powerful message that it prioritizes the advancement of AI research and development over short-term financial gains.

According to the statement published on OpenAI's website, the organization will not use its patents to:

• Sue or threaten to sue other companies for patent infringement
• Extract royalties or licensing fees from competitors
• Use patents to block the development of new AI technologies

Instead, OpenAI has committed to using its patents to:

• Advance the state of AI research and development
• Collaborate with other organizations to develop new AI technologies
• Make its patents available for use by other companies and researchers

The Far-Reaching Impact of OpenAI's Pledge

OpenAI's pledge to use its patents responsibly has significant implications for the development of AI technology. By committing not to use its patents offensively, OpenAI is creating a more collaborative and open environment for AI research and development.

This move is likely to:

• Encourage other companies to follow suit and adopt a more responsible approach to patent use
• Foster greater collaboration and cooperation between companies and researchers in the AI space
• Accelerate the development of new AI technologies and applications
• Increase access to critical AI technologies and reduce barriers to entry for new competitors
• Promote a culture of innovation and experimentation, allowing researchers to focus on advancing AI capabilities rather than navigating complex patent landscapes

Conclusion

OpenAI's pledge to use its patents responsibly is a significant development in the AI space. By committing not to use its patents offensively, OpenAI is prioritizing the advancement of AI research and development over short-term financial gains. This move has the potential to create a more collaborative and open environment for AI development, accelerate the pace of innovation, and increase access to critical AI technologies.

As the AI landscape continues to evolve, it will be essential for companies and researchers to adopt a responsible approach to patent use. OpenAI's pledge serves as a powerful example of the benefits of collaboration and cooperation in the development of AI technology, and its impact is likely to be felt throughout the industry.

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Not sure why people are upset by this type of stuff.

They are the ones who willing give the data to Big Tech. Nobody forced them to do it.

And now they complain that something on X servers is being used by X.

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg Offers Buyout to Employees, Threatens to Banish Them from WordPress Community

In a shocking move, Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has offered a buyout to employees who are not aligned with his views on the company's fight with hosting provider WP Engine. The offer, which was made in a Slack message seen by TechCrunch, comes with a stern warning: those who accept the offer will lose access not only to Automattic but also to WordPress.org, effectively banning them from the WordPress community.

The buyout offer is the latest development in a bitter feud between Automattic and WP Engine, which has been ongoing for nearly a month. The dispute started when Mullenweg called WP Engine "a cancer to WordPress" and accused the independent firm of not contributing enough to the WordPress open source project. Since then, the fight has escalated, with Automattic accusing WP Engine of violating trademarks, WP Engine filing a lawsuit, and WordPress.org blocking WP Engine's access and taking over a plug-in it had been maintaining.

The buyout offer is a significant departure from the usual approach to employee departures, and it's unclear how many employees have taken Mullenweg up on the offer. Automattic's headcount currently stands at 1,731, according to its website, but it's possible that some employees may have already left the company.

The buyout offer is not the first time Mullenweg has taken a hardline stance on the issue. Earlier this year, he published an internal post in which he threatened to involve "nice and not nice" lawyers to defend Automattic's trademarks. The post was seen as a warning to employees who were not aligned with his views on the issue.

The implications of the buyout offer are far-reaching, and it's unclear what the future holds for the WordPress community. The open source project is a critical part of the web development ecosystem, and the loss of key contributors could have significant consequences for the project's future.

The feud between Automattic and WP Engine is a complex and multifaceted one, with both sides accusing each other of wrongdoing. At its core, the dispute is about control and influence over the WordPress open source project.

Automattic, which is the company behind WordPress.com, is the largest contributor to the WordPress project, and Mullenweg has long been a dominant figure in the community. WP Engine, on the other hand, is an independent hosting provider that has built a reputation for its expertise in WordPress development.

The dispute started when Mullenweg accused WP Engine of not contributing enough to the WordPress project, and accused the company of being a "cancer" to the community. WP Engine responded by filing a lawsuit against Automattic, alleging that the company had violated its trademarks.

The dispute has also raised questions about the future of the WordPress community, and whether it will be able to maintain its independence and integrity in the face of increasing commercial pressure. The community has long been a bastion of open source values, and the dispute has raised concerns about whether those values will be able to withstand the pressure of commercial interests.

The future of the WordPress community will depend on the ability of its members to come together and find a way to resolve the dispute. The buyout offer and the ongoing feud between Automattic and WP Engine are a reminder of the importance of maintaining a positive and inclusive community, and the need for leaders to prioritize the values of openness and collaboration.

In the meantime, the WordPress community is left to wonder what the future holds for the project and its contributors. Will the dispute be resolved, or will it continue to escalate, threatening the very existence of the community? Only time will tell.

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Salesforce's Marc Benioff vs. Microsoft

Marc Benioff, the CEO of Salesforce, has been a long-time advocate for AI and its potential to transform industries. At Dreamforce, his company's massive tech conference, he heavily promoted AI's capabilities and touted Salesforce's own AI-powered products. However, in recent interviews and appearances, Benioff has taken a more nuanced approach, warning that the hype surrounding AI is not always matched by reality.

Benioff's criticism of Microsoft, in particular, is aimed at the company's AI-powered Copilot tool. He compares Copilot unfavorably to Clippy, Microsoft's infamous 1990s Office cartoon that was meant to be a helpful assistant but ended up being a nuisance. This comparison is a clever way for Benioff to highlight the limitations of Copilot and Microsoft's approach to AI.

The Limitations of AI

Benioff's criticism of Microsoft's AI efforts is not just about Copilot, but also about the broader hype surrounding AI. He argues that customers have been misled about the capabilities of AI, particularly enterprise AI. This is a common theme in the AI industry, where some companies and experts have been overly optimistic about the potential of AI to solve complex problems.

Benioff's warnings about the limitations of AI are not meant to dismiss its potential, but rather to caution against unrealistic expectations. AI is a powerful tool, but it is not a magic bullet that can solve aLL problems. It requires careful consideration, expertise, and a deep understanding of the underlying technology.

The Importance of AI Agents

Benioff's emphasis on AI agents, particularly in customer service, sales, and prospecting, highlights an area where AI has shown significant promise. AI agents can help automate routine tasks, improve customer experience, and provide valuable insights for businesses.

Salesforce's own AI-powered offerings, such as Agentforce, are designed to leverage the power of AI agents to drive business success. Benioff's prediction that Salesforce will have more than a billion agents running within the next 12 months is ambitious, but it reflects the growing importance of AI agents in the enterprise.

Microsoft's Strengths and Weaknesses

Microsoft, on the other hand, has its own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to AI. While its Copilot tool has shown promise in certain areas, such as coding and debugging, it still lags behind other AI-powered solutions in terms of overall capabilities.

Microsoft's close relationship with OpenAi, however, gives it access to some of the most advanced AI technology in the industry. Its cloud platform, Azure, is a popular choice for enterprises looking to deploy AI-powered solutions.

However, Microsoft's strengths in AI are also its weaknesses. The company's focus on LLMs (Large language Models) has led to criticism that it is not doing enough to develop more advanced AI technologies, such as AGI (Artificial General Intelligence).

The AI Industry's Hype Problem

The article highlights a broader issue in the AI industry: the hype problem. Some companies and experts have been overly optimistic about the potential of AI to solve complex problems, leading to unrealistic expectations and disappointment.

Benioff's criticisms of Microsoft and the AI industry as a whole serve as a reminder that AI is a complex and multifaceted technology that requires careful consideration and expertise. While AI has the potential to revolutionize industries, it is not yet ready to replace human workers in most cases, and its limitations should not be glossed over.

In conclusion, the article provides a nuanced view of the AI industry, highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of various companies and technologies. Benioff's criticisms of Microsoft and the AI industry as a whole serve as a reminder that AI is a complex and multifaceted technology that requires careful consideration and expertise.

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Amazing examples of the Agent
Since launch, we’ve seen resoundingly positive impact from our community. Builders of all types are creating tools that help them drive impact. From students to doctors, the Agent is taking ideas to apps.

Custom health dashboards
A doctor was able to deploy custom dashboards for their patients to help improve health outcomes.

We're not entirely sure what he means by "stool heat map," but this is the one time we're ok with seeing those words in the same sentence.

Interactive campus parking map
If you’ve ever been a student in the US, you know parking on campus can be a nightmare. One Replit user solved parking with a campus map, complete with availability reports.

I certainly wish this was around when I was in school, perhaps I wouldn't have had all those tickets.

Replacing workflow automation tools
There are even users replacing expensive workflow automation tools, like Zapier or Make.

Stop spending hundreds / thousands on no-/low-code tools. With the Agent, you can build and deploy the solutions you've always wanted.

The video titled "AGI vs Superintelligence: What's the Difference?" discusses the potential benefits and risks of superintelligence. The video also includes interviews with experts on AI, such as Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAi.

Here is a summary of the video:

• AGI vs Superintelligence: Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) refers to a machine with the ability to understand, learn, and apply knowledge across a wide range of tasks, similar to human intelligence. Superintelligence, on the other hand, surpasses human intelligence in every aspect, including problem-solving, creativity, and learning.
• Sam Altman's Prediction: Superintelligence is Coming Soon: Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, believes that superintelligence is only a few thousand days away and will revolutionize our lives. He envisions a future where superintelligent AI can solve complex problems, such as climate change and space exploration, and push human progress forward.

• Potential Benefits of Superintelligence: Altman outlines several potential benefits of superintelligence, including:
  • Personalized education: Virtual tutors can provide tailored instruction to each student.
  • Autonomous personal assistants: AI-powered assistants can handle tasks like coordinating medical care and running households.
  • Scientific breakthroughs: Superintelligence could lead to breakthroughs in fields like physics and medicine.