OpenAI’s Sora Video App Is Jaw-Dropping (for Better and Worse)
Sora, OpenAI’s new video-generating app, is really a social network in disguise that can bring creative A.I. to the masses — and its problems, too.
Technology
OpenAI Finalizes Deal That Values It at $500 Billion
With the agreement, OpenAI becomes the world’s most valuable privately-held company, surpassing the rocket maker SpaceX.
Taiwan pushes trade talks with US while safeguarding chip base
Taiwan is considering forming a high-tech strategic partnership with the US, which wants increased Taiwanese investment, the island’s top tariff negotiator said on Thursday, giving an update on talks with Washington. Taiwan, home to the world’s biggest contract chipmaker TSMC 2330.TW, runs a large trade surplus with the United States. The island’s exports to the US are currently subject to a 20% tariff, a figure … Read more
From War Dogs cosplay to Pentagon contracts: Simoni’s rise
“I’m a warlord now, bitch!” Steven Simoni, wearing a $4,000 Celine track suit unzipped to reveal a bare chest and a silver chain, was holding court at a recent film premiere in the East Village of Manhattan, joking with a reporter about his latest venture. The tech entrepreneur was in town to see “Match in … Read more
We Finally Have Free Anti-Robocall Tools That Work
A new feature for iPhones screens calls, similar to a technology available for Android users. Here’s how to activate it.
the future is officially weird
From skin to egg: scientists pull off a sci-fi style fertility hack Source: Reuters Move over, sci-fi movies — real scientists just turned human skin cells into eggs. Yep, ordinary skin cells. Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University pulled off the feat by sliding the DNA from a skin cell into a donor egg … Read more
Spotify founder Daniel Ek shifts focus to defence and health tech
When Daniel Ek founded Spotify (SPOT.N) in 2006, a viable music product was a “moon shot.” The global music industry was struggling with years of declining sales, online music piracy was rampant, and services like Apple’s (AAPL.O) iTunes were pricey. Ek, then a 23-year-old coder, believed if access to music was as easy as turning on a tap … Read more
FT reports Universal, Warner Music closing in on AI licensing deals
Universal Music (UMG.AS) and Warner Music (WMG.O) are nearing landmark artificial intelligence licensing deals, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. Universal and Warner could each strike deals with AI companies within weeks, the newspaper said. Talks involved start-ups such as ElevenLabs, Stability AI, Suno, Udio and Klay Vision, the … Read more
Heaviest Users of Snapchat Will Face a Small Charge for Storage
The social media company will charge after users reach five gigabytes of free storage, which is in line with other tech giants’ policies.
Spam and Scams Proliferate in Facebook’s Political Ads
A new analysis of political advertisers found that the platform profits from ads that include deepfakes and other content prohibited by its own policies.