In this edition of Week in Review, we have significant updates on the latest Apple antitrust lawsuit and Microsoft’s AI initiatives. Let’s delve into the details…
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The U.S. has joined global regulators in alleging that Apple is utilizing monopolistic tactics to retain iPhone users. In response, Apple argues that the DOJ’s actions may disrupt the core elements that users appreciate about its devices and ecosystem.
The lawsuit by the DOJ draws parallels between Apple and Microsoft from the 1990s era, highlighting differences in how the two companies aim to retain their customer base.
However, experts suggest that any significant outcomes from the lawsuit may take three to five years to materialize.
Read on for updates on Reddit’s IPO, Nvidia’s GTC event, and a surprising change for Glassdoor accounts.
News
Microsoft Incorporates Inflection AI’s Leads: Microsoft acquired the co-founders of the prominent AI startup, with Mustafa Suleyman heading the consumer-oriented Microsoft AI unit and KarĂ©n Simonyan as the EVP and CEO of the same division. This move comes after Inflection secured $1.3 billion in funding, with Microsoft being the primary investor.
Nvidia’s GTC Event: Nvidia, known for its advancements in ray tracing technology, unveiled surprises at its GTC developer conference, including CEO Jensen Huang’s projection that artificial general intelligence is just five years away and the introduction of an AI platform named GR00T for humanoid robots.
Google’s Gemini AI on iPhones?: Talks are ongoing between Google and Apple that could potentially see Google’s AI model being utilized to power upcoming iOS updates, raising questions about the nature and longevity of their collaboration.
Hacking & Privacy
Investors Address Past Malware Investments: The Biden administration is spearheading a global coalition to combat commercial spyware, with investors joining the cause. Interestingly, one such investor had previous involvement in the same business they are now fighting against, as revealed by TechCrunch.
Hacking Disrupts $5 Million Tournament: A hack that halted an Apex Legends tournament was reportedly carried out “for fun,” shedding light on security vulnerabilities within the gaming community.
Privacy Concerns with Glassdoor Reviews: Users have reported instances where their real names were added to profiles without consent on Glassdoor. The solution offered is to delete accounts entirely, cautioning users to review their online presence carefully.
Funding & IPOs
Successful IPO for Reddit: Reddit’s IPO launched at $34 per share, surged by 48% on the first day, closing at $46 after market hours on Friday.
Astera Labs Enjoys 72% Gains: Astera Labs, specializing in connectivity hardware for cloud computing data centers, experienced significant growth post-IPO, with its stock closing at $62.03 on the first day of trading.
The Browser Company Raises $50 Million: The startup behind the Arc browser secured funding at a valuation of $550 million, focusing on innovative features and AI updates while navigating challenges related to monetization.
Bonus Round
AI Struggles with Spelling: AI-generated images often exhibit poor spelling, underscoring ongoing challenges despite the technology’s vast potential.
Fisker Halts Production: Financial constraints have forced Fisker to pause production, potentially jeopardizing operations without additional capital infusion.
The Challenge of Reviewing AI Systems: Despite difficulties in comprehensively reviewing systems like ChatGPT or Gemini, it remains crucial to evaluate and test their capabilities rigorously.