News

Mercedes-Benz joins forces with OpenAI to incorporate their AI chatbot, ChatGPT, into its MBUX infotainment system, aiming to enhance the voice assistant's natural language understanding and response capabilities.

Amazon introduces Amazon Verified Permissions, a streamlined approach for managing user permissions in applications. The system centralizes user permissions into a policy store, easing the complexity that arises from growing numbers of users and permissions, and addressing challenges faced in authorization and auditing.

Launched on June 14, the Canva Developers Platform boasts powerful APIs and development tools that enable developers to build new applications for the 135-million-strong Canva community.

Meta brings Instagram's Channels feature to the global stage, enabling users and creators worldwide to connect and communicate through one-to-many messages. The company is also testing new tools and functionalities, such as question prompts and a dedicated channels tab, to enhance user experience.

Microsoft is set to remove its built-in Microsoft Teams client from Windows 11 and replace it with the more flexible, free standalone version. The move comes amidst Microsoft's ongoing shift to focus on AI integration and new projects for Windows.

Synthesia, a startup creating AI-driven avatars for video production, has raised $90 million in a Series C round, reaching a valuation of $1 billion.

AI startup, Blackbird, raised $20 million in Series B funding to expand its risk intelligence software. Using machine learning algorithms and network analysis, Blackbird helps organizations detect and counter cyber information threats.

Google Lens expands its recognition capabilities to identify skin conditions, offering non-medical assistance to users. The feature integrates with Bard, Google's AI-powered chatbot, enhancing user experience and AI development.

Docker emerges as the most-used developer technology in Stack Overflow's 2023 Developer Survey, dethroning npm. The survey delves into popular web frameworks, languages, resources, and tools, highlighting trends like Rust, Phoenix, and the role of AI tools in the development process.

Microsoft is testing a Windows Ink upgrade for Windows 11 that allows handwriting input anywhere text can be typed. Part of the Dev Channel preview build, the feature enhances text recognition, supports scratch-out gestures, and promises multilingual capabilities.

Google Maps is enhancing its discovery and navigation capabilities with new glanceable directions, updates to Recents on desktop, and an expanded Immersive View featuring over 500 landmarks. These updates aim to improve user experience in time for the summer travel season.

Vercel recently unveiled its AI Accelerator program, AI Playground, AI SDK, and chatbot starter template for early-stage AI startups. The accelerator offers guidance, industry expert insights, and valuable resources to participants, resulting in a robust platform for AI technology experimentation.

Google enhances its Search Generative Experience (SGE) with cutting-edge AI capabilities, placing its focus on travel and retail sectors. This update aims to revolutionize user experience and compete with AI-driven search platforms like You.com and Perplexity AI.

Grafana Labs celebrates its 10-year anniversary with the release of Grafana 10, introducing new visualization capabilities, improved team collaboration features, and onboarding enhancements. The release also focuses on updated security capabilities and exciting extensions catering to developers.

Google announces a generative AI-powered virtual try-on feature for clothes, enhancing the online shopping experience by allowing customers to preview garments on real-life models.

Informatica, a leading data management cloud provider, has acquired Privitar, a UK startup specializing in data access controls. The acquisition strengthens Informatica's data stack and follows the industry's ongoing trend of consolidation as companies seek cost-effective IT solutions and more streamlined vendor portfolios.

OctoML announces the launch of its new platform, OctoAI, a self-optimizing compute service for AI, designed to facilitate ML-based applications deployment, from optimizing models to selecting the best hardware, while ensuring ease of use and focus on generative AI.

French startup Mistral AI, co-founded by alumni from Google's DeepMind and Meta, raises a $113M seed funding round, aiming to compete against OpenAI in the development of large language models and generative AI. The startup targets enterprises, focusing on open source solutions to make AI more useful to diverse industries.

Amazon Web Services has announced new security products and features aimed at simplifying and enhancing security for cloud users. The advances come as businesses face growing cyber threats, particularly due to the meteoric rise of generative AI.

Microsoft announces the C# Dev Kit extension for Visual Studio Code, designed to improve C# developer productivity across Linux, MacOS, and Windows.

Vectara, a Californian startup founded by ex-Google employees, secures $28.5M in seed funding to develop AI-driven conversational search solutions for enterprises.

Instagram Notes adds music and translations features, allowing users to share a 30-second song clip and view translations of notes written in different languages.

Google Home launches the script editor tool, enabling more powerful automations for smart homes, with features similar to Home Assistant, Samsung SmartThings, and Apple Home.

ServiceNow enhances its Virtual Agent chatbot with generative AI capabilities, providing more relevant and conversational responses. Now Assist for Virtual Agent offers intelligent self-service, while the Virtual Agent Designer enables customized conversational experiences.

OpenAI introduces new versions of GPT-3.5-turbo and GPT-4, unveils the functional calling capability, and reduces the pricing for GPT-3.5-turbo model. These updates come as competition in the generative AI space intensifies, prompting OpenAI to focus on a strategy of incremental improvements.

Itoka, a startup that recently joined the Allen Institute for AI’s incubation program, is shaking up the music industry by tokenizing AI-generated music on the blockchain and enabling creators to license and receive compensation independently.

Development platform Netlify has released Netlify Connect, a data layer that consolidates data from multiple sources to facilitate the transition from monolithic to composable architectures.

Kodem, an application security startup, has raised a total of $25 million funding, including an $18 million Series A led by Greylock and a $7 million seed co-led by TPY Capital and Greylock. The Israel-based company aims to strengthen application security through runtime intelligence analysis, reducing the number of alerts by 95% to streamline the cybersecurity process.

YouTube streamlines its Partner Program eligibility with reduced subscriber and watch hours criteria, and broadens the shopping affiliate program to include more US creators having over 20,000 subscribers.

Adobe has introduced Generative Recolor, an AI feature for Adobe Illustrator aimed at enabling designers and marketers to change colors, themes, and fonts of graphics through text prompts.

Striveworks, an MLOps tools provider, announces its first funding round of $33M, with plans to use the funds for staff expansion and business development. The company has experienced impressive ARR growth of 300% annually over the past two years.

Match aims to boost meaningful connections by adding a fresh twist on online dating.

Microsoft introduces file sharing in Windows 11's Android integration, enabling seamless interaction between Windows and Android subsystems. Preview users can now share documents, photos, and videos across devices with permissions, boosting the versatility of Windows 11.

Microsoft's experimental DeviceScript technology aims to extend TypeScript to IoT devices.

Voima Ventures, the Nordic VC firm, has announced its third fund with an initial closing of €90 million and a final target of €120 million.

Google is developing an 'On-the-Go' mode for Google Meet, aimed at making video conferencing safer and more convenient while walking. The new mode simplifies the UI, disables cameras and only displays essential buttons for improved user experience during outdoor meetings.

Optimizely has unveiled Content Graph, a service designed to streamline content delivery across various platforms. Previously in beta, the service is now available for all CMS customers, empowering non-technical users to interact with a CMS easily and promoting seamless content integration across the entire Optimizely product suite.

Meta has introduced MusicGen, an AI-powered music generator that turns text descriptions into short audio clips.

Hyper raises $3.6M in seed funding led by Two Sigma Ventures, with participation from Amazon's Alexa Fund and other investors to develop its iPhone-based VTuber avatar platform.

Google DeepMind's AlphaDev, an AI system based on AlphaZero, has developed algorithms that sort data up to 3x faster than existing human-crafted methods. Expanding on its predecessor's success in mastering Go and Chess, AlphaDev utilizes reinforcement learning to create advanced algorithms.

Rex App, created by a team of Twitter alumni, is officially launching as a platform that leverages AI and computer vision to help users discover and share recommended places. The app has raised $3.96 million in seed funding from Accel, Khosla Ventures, and other investors.

Nasdaq confirms its $10.5 billion acquisition of Adenza, a financial services software firm providing risk-management and regulatory solutions. The deal is expected to expand Nasdaq's serviceable addressable market by $10 billion, strengthening its position in regulatory technology, compliance, and risk management.

Salesforce has unveiled AI Cloud, a new suite of products designed to deliver enterprise-ready AI and strengthen its position in the competitive AI market. AI Cloud includes tools from partners like AWS, Anthropic, Cohere, and OpenAI, as well as Salesforce's own AI research division.

The latest version of Microsoft's code editor, Visual Studio Code 1.79, offers ReadOnly mode for specific files and folders, automatic copying of external files, and linked editing for JSX tags.

Apple is introducing native VPN support to its Apple TV 4K with the tvOS 17 update, allowing for hassle-free streaming across country borders. The new feature joins an array of enhancements, from improved dialogue and Dolby Vision 8.1 support to Apple Fitness+ updates.

Microsoft plans to bring PC Game Pass titles to Nvidia’s GeForce Now streaming service, enabling a superior gaming experience on various devices, including low spec PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, and more. This move is part of Microsoft's partnership with Nvidia to further enhance cloud gaming offerings.

Microsoft now offers voice mode functionality for Bing Chat on desktop via the Edge browser. Users can ask questions and receive vocal responses in multiple languages from the chatbot. This move precedes Microsoft's plan to discontinue Cortana on Windows later this year.

Sol Reader captured $5 million in a seed funding round to develop a VR headset devoted solely to reading digital books. The e-ink-focused glasses are specifically designed to reduce the time spent on smart devices and foster a healthier relationship with technology.

Meta revealed plans for new generative AI technologies, including AI chatbots for Messenger and WhatsApp, AI stickers on Messenger, and more. The company will also host an internal AI hackathon in July to potentially develop new AI-based products for consumers.

Tiki, a short video app popular in India, is set to cease operations on June 27, 2023. Despite having 35 million monthly active users, it was unable to compete in the rapidly consolidating Indian short video market.

Quickbase's latest platform generation brings advanced features to tackle data fragmentation and improve workplace efficiency, including Next Generation Forms, Snowflake integration, Scaled Solution Management, and more.

Pipefy is set to launch Pipefy AI, a pioneering technology that bridges artificial intelligence with its no-code platform. The latest addition aims to improve process management by providing critical data insights and expediting process development.

Atlassian empowers software teams with improved security capabilities in Jira Software Cloud.

Spotify has officially begun testing 'Your Offline Mix,' a playlist that automatically downloads users' recently liked songs, according to CEO Daniel Ek.

The Java Development Kit 21 has entered the initial rampdown phase, with generational Shenandoah GC feature being dropped due to its lack of readiness. According to Oracle, this experimental feature will be reassessed for a future JDK release when it's ready.

Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently shared a video showcasing how Reels would look when viewed in virtual reality on their Quest headset.

Beloved iOS Reddit browsing app Apollo is shutting down due to Reddit's new API pricing that has made operation significantly more expensive.

Meta unveils its first generative AI feature: AI stickers in Messenger, enabling users to create stickers based on text prompts. The company is also working on AI models that transform images and delving deeper into AI with the open-source LLaMA language model.

Google enhances its Password Manager by adding biometric authentication for desktop users. The update also introduces several convenience features on both desktop and mobile.

Monster API introduces a cutting-edge platform for AI development through decentralized computing, granting developers access to GPU infrastructure, pre-trained models, and significant cost savings. The efficiency of the platform allows the creation of AI applications within minutes and up to 90% cost reduction.

Enterprise AI model ecosystem developer Cohere has raised $270 million in a Series C funding round. This new capital will help to expand the development of its cloud-agnostic, data-secure AI platform targeted at enterprises around the world.

AWS unveils AWS Glue Data Quality, a solution that optimizes high-quality data management across data lakes and pipelines while reducing manual work.

OpenAI has released an update for ChatGPT on iOS, providing improved support for iPad devices, alongside Siri and Shortcuts integration. iPad users can now utilize the chatbot on their tablet with a full-screen view and drag-and-drop functionality. The update also brings voice input enhancements and hints at an upcoming Android release.

LinkedIn introduces an AI-powered ad copywriting tool, following Meta's release of generative AI tools for advertisers. The feature, based on OpenAI models, helps marketers generate different introductory text options for their ads using company and campaign data.

Google Meet's latest update focuses on improving its picture-in-picture mode, enabling users to multitask with ease.

iOS 17 is introducing a feature that allows users to connect their content subscriptions from App Store apps to Apple Podcasts for exclusive benefits, making it easier for subscribers to access exclusive content without needing separate apps or subscriptions.

Adobe introduces Firefly, a generative image generator for enterprise users, along with Adobe Express design app for enhanced efficiency. The company also announces several new AI-powered services as a part of its Sensei GenAI platform.

Meta is introducing Channels, a broadcast messaging feature similar to Instagram's, on WhatsApp for its 2 billion users. Channels provide new avenues for NGOs, research institutions, and fact-checking entities to communicate with users securely and privately.

Contextual AI emerged from stealth, securing $20 million in seed funding as it accelerates the development of the next-generation language models (LLMs) tailored for enterprise use. Addressing limitations that currently inhibit large-scale corporate adoption of LLMs, Contextual AI sets sights on transforming the generative AI industry.

JetBrains has updated its test automation IDE, Aqua, with support for Playwright and Cypress.

Apple has announced new features coming to Apple Wallet with iOS 17, including recurring payments with Apple Cash and business acceptance of digital ID cards.

Sentra, a cloud data security company, announced the launch of ChatDLP Anonymizer, a feature that removes Personal Identifiable Information (PII) from ChatGPT and Google Bard prompts. This offers privacy guardrails for companies, ensuring compliance with privacy frameworks such as CCPA and GDPR.

Google Cloud unveils an expansion of its consulting services aimed at aiding enterprises in their AI journey, offering C-suite leaders high-touch training, new on-demand learning paths, and generative AI consulting offerings.

Following the ongoing WWDC event, Apple has revised its App Store Review Guidelines to further combat app clones and copycats.

Apple has acquired Mira, an AR headset startup focusing on lightweight hardware.

Twitter extends the editing window for Blue subscribers from 30 minutes to one hour, allowing users more flexibility in correcting typos and modifying tweets.

Google's generative AI support in Vertex AI, based on models like PaLM 2, Imagen, and Codey, is now generally available. Vertex AI offers text generation, chat experiences, and text-embedding APIs for developers. Partners like GitLab, Canva, Typeface, DataStax, Neo4j, and Twilio are already leveraging these features.

Apple recently unveiled 88 exciting WebKit updates, paving the way for significant improvements to Safari 17 set for release this fall. The enhancements include AR/VR headset compatibility, support for new image formats, and cutting-edge developer tools.

India's edtech giant, Byju's, has introduced three AI transformer models focusing on streamlining learning, personalization, and enhancing service quality. Badri, MathGPT, and TeacherGPT are the models designed to address potential learning gaps, solve math problems, and provide personalized guidance, utilizing AI to boost multiple aspects of the business.

LlamaIndex, founded by former Uber research scientist Jerry Liu, aims to overcome limitations in large language models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and GPT-4 by integrating private data to expand capabilities, use cases. The company recently raised $8.5 million in seed funding to launch an enterprise solution later this year.

Apple introduces a redesigned Shortcuts app in iOS 17 to simplify its use and widen its audience.

Broadcom has announced the acquisition of ConnectALL, a value stream management platform provider.

Apple has announced TipKit, a developer toolkit that simplifies user onboarding through customizable tips and tutorials.

Landing AI has recently released a free SDK that enables developers to easily integrate advanced computer vision capabilities into their applications.

Apple introduces its new AR/VR headset, Apple Vision Pro, and the accompanying visionOS during WWDC 2023.

Apple Podcasts gears up for a significant makeover as iOS 17 rolls out, featuring a refreshed Now Playing interface, search filters, and more integrated subscription options with top App Store applications. These improvements look to provide a more enhanced and streamlined user experience.

In response to growing privacy concerns, Zoom announced new features and services, including the support for localized data storage in the European Economic Area for its premium customers. The company is also introducing global audit log tracking and an enhanced privacy dashboard to address data subject access requests.

Apple announces a new Visual Look Up feature on iOS 17 enabling users to search for recipes from their food photos on iPhone, further redirecting users away from Google Search.

Apple's new Family Sharing feature in Safari, set to debut in macOS Sonoma and iOS 17, will enable users to securely share passkeys with friends and family. This latest feature aims to improve security through end-to-end encryption in Apple's Keychain password manager.

Apple announces its new Vision Pro augmented reality headset priced at $3,499, while Microsoft unveils plans to bring Word, Excel, and Microsoft Teams to the platform.

Intel announces its new PowerVia chipmaking process at the VLSI Symposium, a breakthrough in creating more efficient processors.

Apple unveils macOS 14 Sonoma, featuring interactive widgets, game mode, improved teleconferencing capabilities, and new Safari enhancements.

Escape, a French startup that completed Y Combinator’s winter 2023 cohort, recently raised $3.9 million for their cybersecurity solution targeting API security.

Apple unveils iPadOS 17 during WWDC 2023, bringing widget upgrades, customizable home screen options similar to iPhone, and new native apps. Improved Notes app and Health app also introduced alongside improved live interactions for widgets.

GitLab Achievements enhances the platform by providing a centralized way for organizations to reward individual contributions and accomplishments, fostering continuous learning and skill development culture in software development teams.

Apple announces the arrival of its Health App on the iPad during the Worldwide Developers Conference, boasting an optimized design for iPad display and synchronized features across devices.

Apple has revealed the 'Journal' app, an upcoming feature for iOS 17, aimed at helping users keep a record of their daily experiences and thoughts. The announcement was made during the recent Worldwide Developers Conference. With on-device machine learning capabilities, the app offers personalized suggestions to augment users' writing experience.

Google has expanded the open beta launch of passkeys for Google Workspace and Cloud accounts, aiming to strengthen security for business users. Passkeys eliminate the reliance on passwords and multifactor authentication, offering speed, simplicity, and lower error rates.

Multiple subreddits and moderators have joined forces to protest Reddit’s API pricing changes, fearing negative consequences for their communities.

Microsoft plans to phase out support for its virtual assistant Cortana in Windows, shifting the focus to its AI tools such as the new Windows Copilot.

WhatsApp has unveiled its Security Center to enhance user safety and implemented design overhauls for its Android and iOS applications.

Microsoft is testing Bing Chat's compatibility with third-party browsers like Apple's Safari and Google Chrome.