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Apple's iPhone 16 series launched on September 16, 2024, but the highly anticipated AI features, branded as Apple Intelligence, will not be available until October. Early pre-order sales have declined by 12.7% compared to the previous year's iPhone 15, raising concerns about the device's competitiveness against rivals like Huawei.
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The European Court of Justice upheld a ruling that Ireland granted Apple illegal tax benefits, ordering the company to repay €13 billion. This decision has significant implications for Ireland's economy and its relationship with multinational corporations, as the funds are now in an escrow account pending distribution.
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In response to recent tragedies, JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America are implementing new policies to limit junior bankers' working hours. JPMorgan will cap hours at 80 per week, while Bank of America will introduce a detailed timekeeping tool. These changes follow the death of a junior banker earlier this year.
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OpenAI's recent unveiling of its o1 model, which boasts enhanced reasoning capabilities, has ignited discussions about the future of AI. While CEO Sam Altman promotes its potential, skepticism remains among experts regarding its reliability and the implications for society and the economy.
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Google is embroiled in multiple antitrust cases in the EU and US, with recent court rulings impacting its advertising practices. The EU's General Court annulled a €1.5 billion fine while the US Justice Department seeks to break up Google's ad tech business, alleging monopolistic practices.
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Recent discussions among tech leaders and the Biden administration highlight the urgent need for massive data centers to support AI development. OpenAI proposes facilities consuming as much power as entire cities, raising concerns about energy infrastructure and environmental impact. Major firms like Microsoft and Nvidia are investing heavily to meet this demand.
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The board of 23andMe has resigned following CEO Anne Wojcicki's failure to present a viable plan to take the company private. Wojcicki expressed disappointment over the resignations, emphasizing her commitment to the company's mission despite its declining stock value and recent controversies. The company faces significant challenges as its market capitalization dwindles.
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Telegram has revised its privacy policy to allow the disclosure of user data to authorities, marking a significant shift from its previous stance on user privacy. This change follows the arrest of CEO Pavel Durov in France, where he faces charges related to criminal activities on the platform.
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Meta is testing AI-generated content on Facebook and Instagram, including images of users based on their interests. This has raised concerns about privacy and user consent, especially following a viral hoax claiming users could opt out by sharing a post. The company insists users can object through account settings.
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Refik Anadol, a leading AI artist, has unveiled plans for Dataland, the first AI art museum, set to open in Los Angeles in late 2025. The museum aims to explore the intersection of human creativity and machine intelligence while promoting ethical AI practices.
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Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Samsung and Google, alleging that Samsung's Auto Blocker feature violates U.S. antitrust laws by restricting app downloads from third-party sources. The lawsuit claims this feature entrenches Google's dominance in the Android app distribution market, undermining competition and consumer choice.
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On October 12, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1047, which aimed to impose safety regulations on large AI models. The bill faced criticism for potentially stifling innovation while supporters argued it was necessary for public safety. Newsom emphasized the need for a more nuanced approach to AI regulation, citing concerns over its impact on the tech industry.
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On October 8, 2024, a bipartisan coalition of 14 states and the District of Columbia filed lawsuits against TikTok, alleging the app's design is intentionally addictive and harmful to youth mental health. The lawsuits cite features that promote excessive use and misrepresent the platform's safety for children, seeking financial penalties and regulatory changes.
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On October 3, 2024, Google announced significant updates to its search capabilities, introducing video search, voice queries, and improved AI Overviews. These changes aim to enhance user experience and engagement while addressing previous criticisms regarding AI-generated content accuracy.
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As of October 7, 2024, Israel marks one year since the deadliest terrorist attack in its history, which has escalated into a broader conflict affecting multiple countries. Survivors from both sides share their experiences amid ongoing violence and political tensions.
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A federal judge has ordered Google to implement significant changes to its Play Store policies following a ruling in favor of Epic Games. The injunction, effective November 1, restricts Google's ability to limit competition and could cost the company billions in revenue over the next three years.
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Geoffrey Hinton and John Hopfield have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics for their foundational work in artificial intelligence and machine learning. Hinton, known as the 'godfather of AI,' has raised concerns about the existential risks posed by advanced AI technologies.
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The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper of DeepMind, alongside David Baker from the University of Washington, for their groundbreaking work in protein structure prediction and design. This recognition highlights significant advancements in biochemistry and artificial intelligence.
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Meta has launched its AI assistant in the UK, allowing users to generate text and images via Facebook and Instagram. The rollout follows regulatory agreements with the UK's Information Commissioner's Office, but the service remains unavailable in the EU due to ongoing regulatory challenges.
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OpenAI's recent report reveals that foreign adversaries are using generative AI tools to influence elections globally. The report details 20 disrupted campaigns, highlighting the potential misuse of AI in disinformation efforts, particularly as the U.S. presidential elections approach.
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Google has entered a groundbreaking agreement with Kairos Power to utilize small modular reactors (SMRs) for energy supply, aiming to support its AI data centers. This deal marks a significant shift towards nuclear energy in the tech industry, which is increasingly seeking zero-carbon power sources.