Technology
- BusinessBloomberg
Amazon Workers Say They Struggle to Afford Food, Rent
(Bloomberg) -- Five years after Amazon.com Inc. raised wages to $15 an hour, half of warehouse workers surveyed by researchers say they struggle to afford enough food or a place to live.Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First Time in Six Months in Relief for FedChina Considers Government Buying of Unsold Homes to Save Property MarketFlood of China Used Cooking Oi
4 min read - BusinessBloomberg
Cisco Rallies After Upbeat Forecast Shows Spending Recovery
(Bloomberg) -- Cisco Systems Inc. gained about 5% in extended trading after giving a solid sales and profit forecast for the current quarter, indicating that customers are beginning to invest in their computer networks again.Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First Time in Six Months in Relief for FedChina Considers Government Buying of Unsold Homes to Save Proper
3 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Google I/O 2024: Here's everything Google just announced
It’s that moment you’ve been waiting for all year: Google I/O keynote day! Google kicked off its developer conference each year with a rapid-fire stream of announcements, including many unveilings of recent things it's been working on. Google showcased a demo of a call scam detection feature during I/O, which it says will be added to a future version of Android.
15 min read - PoliticsAssociated Press
Now armed with AI, America's adversaries will try to influence election, security officials warn
America's foreign adversaries will again seek to influence the upcoming U.S. elections, top security officials warned members of the Senate Wednesday, harnessing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence to spread online disinformation, mislead voters and undermine trust in democracy. The latest warning from security officials comes as advances in AI make it easier and cheaper than ever to create lifelike images, video and audio that can fool even the most discerning voter. Other tools
3 min read - BusinessBloomberg
AT&T Strikes Space Broadband Deal in Challenge to Musk’s SpaceX
(Bloomberg) -- AT&T Inc. and satellite provider AST SpaceMobile Inc. are teaming up to provide wireless service from space — a challenge to Elon Musk’s SpaceX, which struck a similar deal two years ago with T-Mobile US Inc. AST SpaceMobile jumped in extended trading on the news. Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First Time in Six Months in Relief for FedChina Con
3 min read - LifestylePopular Mechanics
These Top 7 Inflatable Standup Paddleboards Combine Capability and Portability
Recent design improvements mean that inflatable SUPs are closing the gap in performance to their rigid brethren and aren’t just blow-up afterthoughts.
11 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Senate study proposes 'at least' $32B yearly for AI programs
A long-running working group in the Senate has issued its policy recommendation for federal funding for AI: $32 billion yearly, covering everything from infrastructure to grand challenges to national security risk assessments. In a final report published by the office of Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), the bipartisan working group identifies the most important areas of investment to keep the U.S. competitive with its rivals abroad. "A cross-government AI R&D effort, including relevant infrastructur
3 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Matt Garman taking over as CEO with AWS at crossroads
It’s tough to say that a $100 billion business finds itself at a critical juncture, but that's the case with Amazon Web Services, the cloud arm of Amazon, and the clear market leader in the cloud infrastructure market. On Tuesday, the company announced that CEO Adam Selipsky was stepping down to spend more time with his family and recharge a bit, according to his statement. During Selipsky’s tenure, growth for the cloud division has slowed pretty dramatically, falling from 33% in Q2 2022 to 12
4 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Google still hasn't fixed Gemini's biased image generator
Back in February, Google paused its AI-powered chatbot Gemini's ability to generate images of people after users complained of historical inaccuracies. Google CEO Sundar Pichai apologized, and Demis Hassabis, the co-founder of Google's AI research division DeepMind, said that a fix should arrive "in very short order" -- within the next couple of weeks. Google touted plenty of other Gemini features at its annual I/O developer conference this week, from custom chatbots to a vacation itinerary pl
1 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Google's Wear OS 5 promises better battery life
Google has unveiled Wear OS 5 at its I/O developer conference today, giving us a glimpse of new features and other improvements coming with the platform.
2 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Google lets third-party developers into Home through new APIs
Google is letting developers tap into hundreds of millions of Home-compatible devices through new APIs. It suggests, for instance, that food delivery apps can switch on your outdoor lights as the courier shows up with dinner.
1 min read - BusinessYahoo Finance
Google is reinventing itself for the AI age
Google took back the AI crown during its I/O developer conference, but its reign could be short-lived.
4 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Google's call-scanning AI could dial up censorship by default, privacy experts warn
A feature Google demoed at its I/O confab yesterday, using its generative AI technology to scan voice calls in real time for conversational patterns associated with financial scams, has sent a collective shiver down the spines of privacy and security experts who are warning the feature represents the thin end of the wedge. Google's demo of the call scam-detection feature, which the tech giant said would be built into a future version of its Android OS — estimated to run on some three-quarters o
5 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
The top AI announcements from Google I/O
Google’s going all in on AI — and it wants you to know it. During the company’s keynote at its I/O developer conference on Tuesday, Google mentioned “AI” more than 120 times. Google plans to use generative AI to organize entire Google Search results pages.
5 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Google announced an update for Android Auto with new apps and casting support
Google just announced an update for Android for Cars. There are new apps, like Max and Angry Birds, and casting support.
2 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Android 15 will make it harder for phone thieves to steal your data
After shirking tradition and devoting its entire Google I/O keynote to showcase how it’s stuffing AI into everything you can imagine, the company has reserved day two to catch up on the one-time star of the show, Android.
2 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Quilt heat pump sports sleek design from veterans of Apple, Tesla and Nest
Heating and air conditioning is usually pretty boring stuff, performed by appliance-like boxes with uninspired designs, from sheet metal outdoor units to cheap plastic indoor mini-splits. The heat pump startup unveiled its first products on Wednesday, and they sport the sort of sleek and intuitive designs you’d expect from veterans of Apple, Nest, Google and Tesla. While design is a big part of the appeal, the startup wants to make the entire heat pump experience better.
3 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Google I/O: Android 15's Second Public Beta Is Here, and It's Focused on Keeping Your Secrets
Google is rolling out Android 15's second public beta in tandem with the second day of the Google I/O developer conference. Google announced that many new features, fixes, and tweaks are coming to the operating system, including Private Space and Theft Detection Lock, which are designed to help protect your stuff. A new WearOS 5 beta is also available, and you can be the first to try it if you feel brave.
2 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Android’s new Theft Detection Lock helps deter smartphone snatch and grabs
Google on Wednesday and at its Google I/O 2024 developer conference announced an upcoming feature for Android called Theft Detection Lock, designed to protect against this growing threat. When triggered, the AI-powered feature will automatically lock the device.
1 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Google takes aim at Android malware with an AI-powered live threat detection service
Google is preparing to launch a new system to help address the problem of malware on Android. Its new live threat detection service leverages Google Play Protect's on-device AI to analyze apps for malicious behavior. The service, announced following the Google I/O developer event on Tuesday, examines various signals related to an app's use of sensitive permissions and interactions with other apps and services, the company explains.
2 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
Google adds live threat detection and screen-sharing protection to Android
On the second day of the Google I/O 2024 conference, Google said on Wednesday that it is adding new security and privacy protections to Android, including on-device live threat detection to catch malicious apps, new safeguards for screen sharing and better security against cell site simulators. The company said it is increasing the on-device capability of its Google Play Protect system to detect fraudulent apps trying to breach sensitive permissions. Google said if the system is certain about
2 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Everything Announced at Google I/O: Gemini Takes Over
You only need two letters to describe best the latest iteration of Google’s big yearly developer shebang: AI. That’s right; Google I/O has touched on a slew of new features coming to the Mountainview company’s software ecosystem, specifically what could be coming to the still-in-betaAndroid 15. A big chunk of these updates announced on Day 1 centered on improvements to Gemini that will put AI front and center across every Android and every time you do a Google Search.
17 min read - WorldAssociated Press
A second scourge is battering Brazil's flooded south: Disinformation
While flooding that has devastated Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has yet to subside, another scourge has spread across the region: disinformation on social media that has hampered desperate efforts to get aid to hundreds of thousands in need. Among fake postings that have stirred outrage: That official agencies aren't conducting rescues in Brazil's southernmost state. One persistent rumor contends that authorities are concealing hundreds of corpses, said Jairo Jorge, mayor of the hard-hit c
6 min read - WorldAssociated Press
In first AI dialogue, US cites 'misuse' of AI by China, Beijing protests Washington's restrictions
U.S. officials raised concerns about China's “misuse of AI” while Beijing's representatives rebuked Washington over "restrictions and pressure" on artificial intelligence, the governments said separately Wednesday, a day after a meeting in Geneva on the technology. Summaries of the closed-door talks between high-level envoys, which covered AI's risks and ways to manage it, hinted at the tension between Beijing and Washington over the rapidly advancing technology that has become another flashpoi
3 min read - BusinessBloomberg
Microsoft’s AI Push Imperils Climate Goal as Carbon Emissions Jump 30%
(Bloomberg) -- When Microsoft Corp. pledged four years ago to remove more carbon than it emits by the end of the decade, it was one of the most ambitious and comprehensive plans to tackle climate change. Now the software giant's relentless push to be the global leader in artificial intelligence is putting that goal in peril.Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First
6 min read - TechnologyPopular Mechanics
We Tested a Bunch of Smart Bulbs — And These Are Our Favorites for Efficiency and Customization
These smart bulbs illuminate your home and set the mood with customized lighting and features you never knew you needed. Here are our top picks from Philps, Nanoleaf, and more.
10 min read - BusinessBloomberg
OpenAI Rival Anthropic Taps Instagram Co-Founder as Product Head
(Bloomberg) -- Artificial intelligence startup Anthropic hired Instagram co-founder Mike Krieger to be its new product chief, part of a broader push to bring its AI services to more users and businesses. Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First Time in Six Months in Relief for FedChina Considers Government Buying of Unsold Homes to Save Property MarketFlood of Chi
1 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Why ‘Multimodal AI’ Is the Hottest Thing in Tech Right Now
OpenAI and Google showcased their latest and greatest AI technology this week. For the last two years, tech companies have raced to make AI models smarter, but now a new focus has emerged: make them multimodal. OpenAI and Google are zeroing in on AI that can seamlessly switch between its robotic mouth, eyes, and ears.
3 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Apple Adds Tons of New Accessibility Features to iPhones and iPads
Today, Apple announced a host of new accessibility features, such as eye tracking and vocal shortcuts, that should arrive on iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pros later this year.
2 min read - BusinessEngadget
Chuck Schumer is dropping the ball on regulating AI
A new legislative plan from a bipartisan group of senators outlines billions for AI research and development while passing the buck on regulation to various committees.
1 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Canon confirms its long-rumored flagship EOS R1 is coming later this year
Canon has confirmed long-standing rumors that a flagship EOS R1 is in the works. The full-frame mirrorless camera is coming alter this year.
2 min read - BusinessBloomberg
Schumer’s AI Plan Urges Billions in Spending to Challenge China
(Bloomberg) -- The US needs to shield Americans from the risks posed by artificial intelligence while promoting the emerging technology with at least $32 billion in annual government spending to stay ahead of rivals like China, according to a highly anticipated policy blueprint from a bipartisan group of senators.Most Read from BloombergSlovak Premier Fighting for Life After Assassination AttemptS&P 500 Tops 5,300 in Record-Breaking Stock Rally: Markets WrapUS Inflation Ebbs for First Time in Si
4 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Apple brings eye-tracking to recent iPhones and iPads
Apple is bringing eye-tracking to iPhones and iPads without the need for additional devices or hardware.
5 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Anthropic hires Instagram co-founder as head of product
Mike Krieger, one of the co-founders of Instagram and, more recently, the co-founder of personalized news app Artifact (which TechCrunch corporate parent Yahoo recently acquired), is joining Anthropic as the company's first chief product officer. As CPO, Krieger will oversee Anthropic's product engineering, management and design efforts, Anthropic says, as the company works to expand its suite of AI apps and bring Claude, its generative AI technology, to a wider audience.
2 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Venture orgs form alliance to standardize data collection
Seven venture capital and startup organizations focused on diversity within tech have announced the Diversity Data Alliance, a commitment to standardizing the way that data is collected and shared. Data transparency remains a pressing issue within venture for people looking to better track where and to whom money is allocated. Many firms already privately compile background information on their founders, but that data can be skewed when publicly shared without insight into how the data was col
3 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Alkira connects with $100M for a solution that connects your clouds
As cloud adoption continues to surge toward the $1 trillion mark in annual spend, we’re seeing a wave of enterprise startups gaining traction with customers and investors for tools to help manage that usage. In the latest development, a startup called Alkira has raised $100 million for “network infrastructure as a service,” which lets users virtualize and orchestrate hybrid cloud assets to manage them as a whole. Tiger Global Management, a new backer of the startup, is leading this Series C, w
4 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Cerebral Valley Hackers Build $20 Open Source Smart Glasses
What started as a 24-hour hackathon project last weekend could empower the open-source community to upend the smart glasses industry. Five team members built a $20 pair of smart glasses, dubbed Open Glass, that connects what you see and hear to an AI chatbot, such as Meta’s Llama 3.
6 min read - TechnologyGizmodo
Google I/O: Hands-on With Project Astra, the AI Assistant of the Future
As usual, Google I/O 2024 is an absolute whirlwind of news and announcements. This year, rather than focusing on hardware, Android, or Chrome, Google spent most of this year’s developers’ conference convincing us that its AI features are worth prioritizing. One of those projects is Project Astra, a multimodal AI assistant you can semi-converse with that can simultaneously use the camera to identify objects and people.
3 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Weka raises $140M as the AI boom bolsters data platforms
In a 2022 survey by Great Expectations, an open source data benchmarking platform, 77% of organizations said they were concerned about their data quality. On Wednesday, Weka, a platform for building data pipelines that handle a range of data sources, types, and sizes, announced that it raised $140 million in a two-part ($100 million and $40 million) Series E round led by Valor Equity Partners, with participation from Nvidia, Norwest Venture Partners, Micron Ventures, Qualcomm Ventures, Hitachi
3 min read - TechnologyEngadget
Google's Project Gameface hands-free 'mouse' launches on Android
Google has open-sourced more code for Project Gameface, allowing developers to build Android applications that can use the hands-free "mouse" technology.
1 min read - SciencePopular Mechanics
Scientists Say Our Universe Might Be a Hall of Mirrors
Scientists used Cosmic Microwave Background data to challenge our understanding of the universe's shape. Here's what they found.
3 min read - ScienceThe Conversation
Viruses are doing mysterious things everywhere – AI can help researchers understand what they’re up to in the oceans and in your gut
Scientists are discovering viral genetic sequences in the wild faster than they can analyze them. A kind of ChatGPT for proteins can help make sense of all that data.
5 min read - SciencePopular Mechanics
Scientists Bent Light to Curve 6G Beams, and It Might Make the Internet Unstoppable
The quest for perfect connectivity has taken a giant leap forward.
3 min read - SciencePopular Mechanics
Archaeologists Found 23,000-Year-Old Footprints That Rewrite the Story of Humans in America
New Mexico’s ancient sands reveal the oldest-known traces of early inhabitants.
3 min read - TechnologyEngadget
The Morning After: The biggest news from Google's I/O keynote
The biggest news stories this morning: With Gemini Live, Google wants you to relax and have a natural chat with AI, Google Pixel 8a review.
3 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Restaurant365 orders in $175M at $1B+ valuation to supersize its food service software stack
The U.S. restaurant industry is expected to pass $1 trillion in sales for the first time this year, despite wider economic pressures on consumers. Now Restaurant365, a startup building tech to manage those businesses, has raised a hot $175 million to capitalize on that growth. The funding is being led by ICONIQ Growth, with KKR and L Catterton also participating, all existing backers of the company.
5 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Portuguese VC firm Shilling launches €50M opportunity fund to back growth-stage startups
It seems like it was only yesterday (well, seven years ago!) that I was honing in on the rapid development of Portugal’s growing startup and investment scene. Today comes further proof that Portugal is stretching its wings as one of Europe’s freshest and hungriest tech ecosystems: Venture firm Shilling has launched a €50 million fund to support growth-stage startups in its own portfolio and also — crucially — to invest in startups everywhere else. The VC arm of Portuguese private equity firm D
3 min read - TechnologyTechCrunch
LanceDB, which counts Midjourney as a customer, is building databases for multimodal AI
Chang She, previously the VP of engineering at Tubi and a Cloudera veteran, has years of experience building data tooling and infrastructure. LanceDB makes money by selling fully managed versions of its open source software with added features such as hardware acceleration and governance controls -- and business appears to be going strong.
3 min read - PoliticsAssociated Press
Senators urge $32 billion in emergency spending on AI after finishing yearlong review
A bipartisan group of four senators led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is recommending that Congress spend at least $32 billion over the next three years to develop artificial intelligence and place safeguards around it, writing in a report released Wednesday that the U.S. needs to “harness the opportunities and address the risks” of the quickly developing technology. The group of two Democrats and two Republicans said in an interview Tuesday that while they sometimes disagreed on the best pa
6 min read - BusinessTechCrunch
Berlin-based trawa raises €10M to use AI to make buying renewable energy easier for SMEs
The brutal invasion of Ukraine by Russia in February 2022 took businesses that depended on oil and gas energy by surprise. Suddenly, renewable energy became crucial to survival. Trawa’s pitch is that it simplifies energy purchasing and management for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by leveraging two things: An AI-powered platform that lets businesses buy from renewable energy sources, and downstream data from the customers themselves about when they need energy most.
3 min read
