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OpenAI removed promotional content featuring Sam Altman and Jony Ive due to a court order related to a trademark complaint from iyO, an Alphabet X spin-off. The issue revolves around the use of the name 'io.' Despite this, OpenAI confirms the $6.5 billion acquisition of Ive's company is proceeding as planned. The lawsuit alleges consumer confusion due to the promotional video. The promotional video remains viewable on X.
European governments are re-evaluating their reliance on American technology and services due to concerns that U.S. companies must comply with U.S. government actions. The trigger was Microsoft's disabling of the International Criminal Court prosecutor's email after President Trump sanctioned him. This has prompted some to seek alternative solutions, like Swiss email service Proton. Microsoft has since made policy changes and announced 'sovereign solutions' to protect European institutions.
Paul Pope, renowned for his comics like "Batman: Year 100" and "Battling Boy," is experiencing a career resurgence with a gallery show, an expanded art book, and the upcoming release of his sci-fi epic "THB."
Pope acknowledges the challenges of creating graphic novels, describing the process as lengthy and often frustrating due to the lack of public visibility during production. He views his current activities as strategic moves to reintroduce and rebrand himself in the comics world.
Despite his preference for traditional analog techniques using brushes and ink, Pope isn't averse to using AI for research and acknowledges its potential as a tool. However, he expresses concerns about AI's implications, particularly regarding copyright and the potential displacement of artists. He worries more about the development of killer robots and surveillance technologies than AI plagiarism.
Pope discusses his career arc, his analog working style, and his views on the increasing digitalization of comics. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the human element in art and creativity, which he believes machines cannot replicate. He is also working on "Battling Boy 2", which will be released after "THB".
This week's tech news includes Meta's partnership with Oakley for new smart glasses capable of recording 3K video and responding to AI prompts. Wix acquired Base44, a 6-month-old AI web app builder, for $80 million. Finland launched the world's largest sand battery for heat storage. VanMoof is back with its S6 e-bike after bankruptcy. SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during a test. Digg's reboot has entered alpha testing. The U.S. Navy is speeding up work with startups. Meta is trying to lure AI talent from OpenAI and DeepMind. Cluely’s party was shut down by the police.
Thinking Machines Lab, founded by ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has secured a $2 billion seed round, valuing the six-month-old startup at $10 billion.
The round was reportedly led by Andreessen Horowitz with participation from Sarah Guo’s Conviction Partners.
Murati, who left OpenAI in September after leading development on ChatGPT and DALL-E, is joined by former OpenAI colleagues, including co-founder John Schulman.
The company's specific focus remains undisclosed, but it has attracted significant investment due to Murati's reputation and the involvement of high-profile AI researchers.
Murati was also briefly the interim CEO of OpenAI after Sam Altman's ouster in November 2023.
This week's transportation news highlights significant developments in autonomous vehicles, micromobility, and future flight. Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service in California and eyeing New York City, while Applied Intuition's valuation soared to $15 billion after a $600 million Series F round. The micromobility sector is experiencing a resurgence, with companies focusing on profitability and integration into public transportation. Honda launched an electric last-mile delivery vehicle, and VanMoof returned with a new e-bike. In future flight, the FAA is collaborating on an advanced air mobility roadmap, and Archer Aviation showcased its Midnight aircraft at the Paris Air Show.