Week in Review: AI, Acquisitions, and Controversies
Welcome to Week in Review, where we dive into the most significant news stories from the world of technology. This week, we’re exploring the internal chaos surrounding HP’s $116 million acquisition of AI Pin maker Humane, Mira Murati’s new AI venture, and more.
HP Acquires Humane for $116 Million
In a surprising move, HP acquired AI Pin maker Humane for $116 million, less than half of the $240 million the startup raised in VC funding. The acquisition comes with some controversy, as Humane will discontinue sales of its $499 AI Pins and stop connecting devices to its servers after February 28. The move has left some employees out of a job, while others received job offers from HP with pay increases and bonus plans.
Mira Murati’s New AI Venture
Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati has launched a new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, which includes OpenAI co-founder John Schulman and former OpenAI chief research officer Barret Zoph. The startup will focus on building collaborative “multimodal” systems, marking a new chapter in Murati’s career.
Other Notable News
- Apple has revealed the iPhone 16e, a budget-minded smartphone capable of running Apple Intelligence due to the addition of an A18 processor.
- Duolingo has “killed” its iconic owl mascot with a Cybertruck, sparking a marketing campaign to encourage users to do more lessons.
- OpenAI has “uncensored” ChatGPT, allowing the AI to offer multiple perspectives on controversial subjects in an effort to be neutral.
- Uber is suing DoorDash, accusing its delivery rival of stifling competition by intimidating restaurant owners into exclusive deals.
- Elon Musk’s xAI has released its latest flagship AI model, Grok 3, which claims to be a “maximally truth-seeking AI” that is sometimes “at odds with what is politically correct.”
Trends and Insights
This week’s news highlights the ongoing evolution of AI, with companies like HP and OpenAI pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. The acquisition of Humane by HP demonstrates the growing importance of AI in the tech industry, while Mira Murati’s new venture marks a new chapter in her career.
The controversy surrounding HP’s acquisition of Humane serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by startups in the tech industry. The move has left some employees out of a job, highlighting the need for companies to prioritize employee welfare in the face of change.
Actionable Insights
- Keep an eye on the development of AI in the tech industry, as companies like HP and OpenAI continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
- Be prepared for changes in the job market, as companies like HP and Humane undergo restructuring.
- Consider the impact of AI on our daily lives, from noise-canceling headphones to the potential effects on our brains.
Summary
This week’s Week in Review has highlighted the internal chaos surrounding HP’s acquisition of AI Pin maker Humane, Mira Murati’s new AI venture, and more. The news serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution of AI in the tech industry, as well as the challenges faced by startups and companies undergoing restructuring. As we move forward, it’s essential to keep an eye on the development of AI and its impact on our daily lives.