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Artificial Intelligence

Zelda Williams Condemns AI Deepfakes of Her Late Father, Robin Williams

Zelda Williams, the daughter of Robin Williams, has publicly denounced the creation and sharing of AI-generated deepfake videos of her father. Her statement comes after the release of OpenAI's Sora 2 video model, which allows users to create realistic deepfakes. Williams expressed her distress and disapproval, emphasizing that such content is disrespectful and not what her father would have wanted. OpenAI's Sora 2 model has faced criticism for enabling the creation of deepfakes of deceased individuals without consent, raising ethical concerns about the use of AI technology to manipulate and exploit the likeness of the dead.

Artificial Intelligence

Google Expands AI Vibe-Coding App Opal to 15 More Countries with Enhanced Features

Google is expanding access to Opal, its AI-powered vibe-coding app, to 15 additional countries, including Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. The app enables users to create mini web apps using text prompts.

Early adopters in the U.S. surprised Google with sophisticated and practical apps, prompting the global expansion.

Opal allows users to describe their desired app, and Google's models generate it. Users can customize the app's visual workflow, edit prompts, and add new steps. Apps can be published and shared for others to test.

Google has improved Opal's debugging program, keeping it no-code. Users can run workflows step-by-step, tweak steps in the console, and see errors in context.

Performance improvements have significantly reduced app creation time. Steps can now run in parallel for complex workflows.

Automotive Technology

Tesla Unveils Stripped-Down Model 3 and Model Y 'Standard' Editions

Tesla has introduced more affordable 'Standard' versions of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, priced at $36,990 and $39,990, respectively. These models offer an estimated 321 miles of range but come with fewer features, including the omission of Autopilot and a more minimalist interior. The release aims to boost Tesla's sales after a decline in 2024, though the pricing is higher than initial expectations, particularly the unrealized $25,000 Tesla.

The new 'Standard' models have differences inside and outside, such as manually adjusted steering wheels and side mirrors, fewer speakers, and no second-row touchscreen. External changes include removing the light bar and glass roof found on pricier Model Y variants. This move is part of Tesla's effort to cut costs, but it also strategically positions Tesla against competitors, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Slate Auto, amid changing market dynamics and EV tax credit expiration.

AI & Business Productivity

Otter.ai Evolves into a Corporate Meeting Knowledgebase with New AI-Powered Tools

Otter.ai is expanding beyond meeting transcription with a new suite of enterprise tools designed to integrate meeting data into company workflows, creating a centralized knowledge base.

The new product suite includes an API for custom integrations with platforms like Jira and HubSpot, an MCP server for connecting Otter data to external AI models, and an AI agent that can search meeting notes and presentations.

CEO Sam Liang aims to transform Otter.ai into a comprehensive system of record for conversations, facilitating information sharing and driving business value.

Despite privacy concerns and a class-action lawsuit regarding unauthorized recording of conversations, Otter.ai believes increased access to information through AI-powered meeting tools is beneficial for companies.

Social Media

Facebook Enhances User Control with Algorithm Update for Reels

Meta has updated the Facebook algorithm to give users greater control over the Reels they see. The update includes features like 'Not Interested' to flag undesirable content, enhanced 'Save' options, and AI-powered search suggestions to discover more relevant videos. Friend bubbles will also appear on Reels and the main feed, allowing users to see posts liked by friends and open private messages.

The algorithm will prioritize newer content, aiming to show users 50% more Reels uploaded on the same day they're scrolling. These changes address user complaints about scammy or low-quality AI-generated videos.

Social Media

Mastodon Adopts 'Packs' Feature Inspired by Bluesky

Mastodon is planning to introduce a new feature called 'Packs,' inspired by Bluesky's Starter Packs, to help new users discover curated collections of accounts to follow.

The feature aims to address the 'cold start' problem of joining new social networks by suggesting relevant accounts to follow.

Mastodon emphasizes user control, allowing users to opt out of appearing in Packs and providing notifications when they are included.

The development is a collaboration with fediverse developers on a Fediverse Enhancement Proposal (FEP), with the initial version expected in the Mastodon 4.6 release.

Artificial Intelligence

Anthropic Expands to India: Office Opening and Potential Reliance Partnership

Anthropic is expanding its presence in India, its second-largest market after the U.S., with plans to open an office in Bengaluru and explore a partnership with Reliance Industries. CEO Dario Amodei is visiting India to meet with Reliance executives, including Mukesh Ambani, to discuss expanding access to Anthropic's Claude AI assistant in India. Anthropic's Claude app has seen significant growth in India, with a 48% year-over-year increase in downloads and a 572% surge in consumer spending in September. Anthropic is targeting developers and startups with its Bengaluru office, while other AI companies like Perplexity are also tapping into the Indian market.

Mobile Technology

iPhone Air: A Mixed Bag of Exquisite Design and Trade-offs

The iPhone Air stands out for its incredibly light and thin design, making it a delight to hold. Its 6.5-inch screen offers a sturdy build that can withstand minor drops. However, the phone's battery life may require a MagSafe battery pack for intensive use. The single-lens rear camera, while capable, lacks a dedicated telephoto and wide-angle lens. The absence of dual speakers is a minor drawback. Ultimately, the iPhone Air is best suited for those who prioritize aesthetics and portability over all-day battery life and a versatile camera system.

Mobile App Development

AltStore Secures $6M to Integrate Fediverse and Expand App Store Reach

AltStore, an alternative app store, has raised $6 million in Series A funding from Pace Capital, giving the firm a 15% equity stake. This funding will enable AltStore to expand its team and capitalize on opportunities in the EU and other markets like Australia, Brazil, and Japan.

The company is also launching a Mastodon server to connect with the fediverse, allowing users to receive app updates on platforms like Mastodon and Threads. Developers can opt-in to publish updates to the server, creating a social layer for app discovery and interaction.

AltStore is also donating $500,000 to various fediverse projects, including Mastodon gGmbH and others, to support the ecosystem that will enable its social network.

Business & Finance

xAI Appoints Anthony Armstrong, Ex-Morgan Stanley Banker, as New CFO Amid Executive Changes

Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, has appointed Anthony Armstrong, a former Morgan Stanley banker, as its new CFO. Armstrong, who previously advised Musk during the Twitter deal, will oversee the finances of both xAI and X. This appointment follows a series of executive departures at xAI, including the exit of its previous CFO, general counsel, and co-founder. Armstrong will replace X’s current CFO, Mahmoud Reza Banki.