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Apple Confirms It's Bringing Ads to Maps as Part of New Apple Business Platform
CNET· 2026-03-24 18:37
Core Insights - Apple is launching an advertising platform on its Maps service, with a rollout expected this summer, as part of a broader initiative to enhance its services business [1][3] Group 1: Advertising Platform - The advertising system for Maps will function similarly to Google Maps, allowing brands to purchase ad slots linked to search results [2] - The Apple Business platform will be available in over 200 countries and regions, with initial ad rollout in the US and Canada [2] Group 2: Services Business Growth - The advertising initiative is part of Apple's strategy to expand its services segment, which includes offerings like Apple TV Plus, Apple News, iCloud, and the App Store, contributing to over $100 billion in annual sales [3] - Apple Business will also provide options for companies to purchase upgraded iCloud storage and AppleCare Plus for Business, along with a dedicated app for managing Apple accounts and devices [4]
Zoox Expands Service and Brings Its Robotaxi to Two New Cities
CNET· 2026-03-24 13:31
Core Insights - Zoox is expanding its autonomous ride-hailing service into new areas in Las Vegas and San Francisco, increasing accessibility for riders [2][3] - The company has plans to deploy its robotaxis in Miami and Austin, Texas, after testing its self-driving technology in these cities since mid-2024 [3] - Zoox's robotaxis have completed nearly 2 million autonomous miles and transported over 350,000 riders, with rides currently offered for free as the company awaits regulatory approval to charge [6] Expansion Details - In Las Vegas, Zoox is more than doubling its service locations, adding major venues like the Las Vegas Convention Center and hotels along the Strip [2] - The service in San Francisco is being quadrupled to cover the eastern half of the city, including areas like Marina, North Beach, and Chinatown [3] - Zoox is also expanding operations into Phoenix and Dallas, where it will first manually map the areas before starting autonomous testing [8] Vehicle Design and Features - Zoox's robotaxis feature a unique carriage-style interior with two rows of seats facing each other, designed without a driver's seat or steering wheel [5][7] - The vehicles are bidirectional, allowing them to operate in either direction, enhancing their usability [7] Partnerships and Accessibility - Zoox is collaborating with Uber to make its robotaxis available through the Uber app, starting in Las Vegas this summer and in Los Angeles next year [9] - This partnership aims to facilitate access for first-time riders by integrating the service into an existing app [9]
Elon Musk Unwraps $25 Billion Terafab Chip-Building Project
CNET· 2026-03-24 01:40
Core Viewpoint - Elon Musk announced a partnership between Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI to establish a $25 billion semiconductor manufacturing facility named Terafab in Austin, Texas, which aims to address the current chip shortage and potentially become the largest semiconductor plant globally [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The Terafab project is intended to alleviate the semiconductor supply issues by producing chips at a scale of billions, targeting a 2-nanometer process [5] - If realized, Terafab would be the most expensive semiconductor manufacturing facility, significantly enhancing the onshore chip-making infrastructure in the US [3] Group 2: Industry Context - The CHIPS Act of 2022 has led to increased investments in semiconductor facilities in the US, with companies like Nvidia already manufacturing chips in Arizona [2] - Despite the CHIPS Act funding several projects, the establishment of new semiconductor fabs in the US has been slow, highlighting the urgency for projects like Terafab [3] Group 3: Technological Ambitions - The Terafab facility aims to produce chips that will power various technologies, including AI robotics and self-driving cars, with specific chips like AI5, AI6, and D3 being developed for terrestrial and orbital applications [4] - The ambition of the Terafab project aligns with similar goals announced by Nvidia to create orbital AI data centers, indicating a broader trend in the industry towards advanced semiconductor capabilities [4]
OpenAI Plans to Combine Its AI Tools in a Desktop 'Superapp'
CNET· 2026-03-20 18:31
Core Insights - OpenAI is developing a desktop "superapp" that integrates ChatGPT, Codex, and Atlas to enhance user experience [1][2] - The initiative is part of a strategic shift to focus on core business areas rather than multiple side projects [2][4] - The new app aims to strengthen OpenAI's competitive position against rivals like Anthropic [3] Company Strategy - OpenAI's CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, emphasized the need to simplify efforts by consolidating applications [2] - The company is prioritizing successful projects, particularly Codex, which has shown promising results [4] - The launch of smaller and faster versions of the ChatGPT 5.4 model, named GPT-5.4 mini and nano, reflects OpenAI's commitment to supporting coders and enterprises [5]
Amazon Reportedly Planning Alexa-Focused Phone for Shopping and AI
CNET· 2026-03-20 16:23
Core Insights - Amazon is reportedly developing a new mobile device that aims to integrate with its existing ecosystem, including Alexa and Prime Video services [1][2] - The project, internally referred to as "Transformer," is still in early stages with no confirmed release timeframe or unique features compared to competitors like Apple and Samsung [2] - The new phone is expected to focus on AI capabilities rather than traditional app downloads, enhancing the ease of purchasing from Amazon and using its services [3] Group 1 - The new mobile device is designed to sync with Amazon's ecosystem, potentially improving user experience with Alexa and Prime services [1] - The project is still in early development, with limited information available on its differentiation from existing smartphones [2] - The phone will prioritize AI features and facilitate easier access to Amazon's services, although Alexa will not be the primary operating system [3] Group 2 - Amazon's previous attempt with the Fire Phone in 2014 was poorly received, leading to its discontinuation within a year [1] - Experts suggest that Amazon must create a compelling standalone device that appeals to consumers, rather than relying solely on its ecosystem [5] - The company is also rumored to be developing an Android tablet, marking a shift from its current Fire OS tablets [3]
Tim Cook Riffs on Retirement Rumors, AI, Phone Addiction and Trump
CNET· 2026-03-18 19:52
Core Viewpoint - Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, has dismissed retirement rumors, emphasizing his commitment to the company as it celebrates its 50th anniversary and prepares to launch new products, including a foldable phone and the MacBook Neo [1][2][4]. Company Performance and Products - Under Cook's leadership since 2011, Apple's revenue has nearly quadrupled, with the introduction of numerous iPhone models, iPads, Apple Watches, and AirPods [4]. - Apple has launched several new products this year, including the MacBook Neo priced at $599, which has disrupted the budget laptop market [4]. - The company is expected to release its first foldable phone later this year [4]. Technology and AI - Cook expressed concerns about excessive smartphone use, advocating for a balance between technology and personal interactions [5]. - Apple has been cautious in its AI investments, allocating $14 billion compared to nearly $700 billion combined by competitors like Amazon and Microsoft [7]. - Cook stated that Apple does not access users' private data for AI training, emphasizing the security of user information [6]. Manufacturing and Policy - Apple has committed to investing $600 billion over four years to increase domestic manufacturing in the U.S. [9]. - Cook highlighted that glass for iPhones will be sourced from Kentucky and that 100 million chip engines will be produced in Arizona this year [10].
Encyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster Sue OpenAI
CNET· 2026-03-17 22:29
Core Viewpoint - Encyclopedia Britannica and Merriam-Webster have filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming that the company used their copyrighted content to train its AI models without permission [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit alleges that OpenAI's ChatGPT reproduces Britannica's copyrighted content in its responses, often verbatim or nearly verbatim [2]. - It is claimed that ChatGPT's summaries of Britannica's content are cannibalizing traffic and that OpenAI reproduces web publishers' copyrighted content without authorization or remuneration [2]. Group 2: Industry Context - The lawsuit reflects a growing trend of content owners suing AI companies for copyright infringement [2]. - Anthropic and Meta previously won lawsuits under the fair use exception, allowing them to use copyrighted content without permission [3]. - Britannica has also filed a lawsuit against Perplexity, which is still pending [3].
Amazon Speeds Up Delivery Even More With 1- and 3-Hour Options
CNET· 2026-03-17 20:27
Core Insights - Amazon is introducing new shipping options that allow for delivery within one or three hours to meet customer demand for faster service [1][2] Group 1: New Shipping Options - The one-hour delivery option is available in hundreds of cities across the US, while the three-hour option is live in over 2,000 areas [2] - More than 90,000 products will be available for these expedited shipping windows [2] Group 2: Pricing Structure - The cost for one-hour delivery is $19.99 for non-Prime members and $9.99 for Prime subscribers, while three-hour delivery costs $14.99 for non-Prime and $4.99 for Prime [3] Group 3: Operational Strategy - Amazon has established same-day delivery hubs close to metropolitan customers and prepares products for shipping within 15 minutes, utilizing warehouse robots [5] - The company believes that faster shipping will lead to increased sales, as quicker service enhances the likelihood of purchases [5] Group 4: Competitive Landscape - Other retailers, such as Walmart, are also enhancing their same-day delivery options or exploring ways to accelerate shipping times to compete with Amazon [6]
Nvidia Wants to Make It Easier to Create an OpenClaw AI Agent
CNET· 2026-03-16 23:16
Core Insights - Nvidia has introduced NemoClaw, a specialized infrastructure layer designed to simplify the creation and management of AI agents, enhancing security measures [1][3] - OpenClaw is described as an "operating system for personal AI," enabling the development of autonomous AI assistants capable of performing tasks independently [2] Group 1: Product Features - NemoClaw allows for setup through a single command, installing all necessary components and software for agent creation [3] - The platform includes a layer of trust with policy-based guardrails, ensuring secure handling of data within an isolated sandbox [3] - A privacy router is integrated, enabling safe connections between the AI agent and cloud tools [3] Group 2: Performance and Hardware - NemoClaw agents are optimized for continuous operation, requiring constant computing power to perform tasks [4] - The agents can run 24-7 on various dedicated platforms, including Nvidia's RTX PCs and other laptops and workstations [4] - Dell has launched a new supercomputer, the Dell Pro Max with GB10 and GB300, specifically for NemoClaw applications [4]
3 Things From Nvidia GTC 2026 Keynote: NemoClaw, DLSS 5 and Vera CPU
CNET· 2026-03-16 23:16
Core Insights - Nvidia's GTC conference showcased advancements in AI technology, including new software and hardware aimed at enhancing gaming and AI capabilities [1] Group 1: AI Agent Platform - Nvidia introduced NemoClaw, a reference stack for the AI agent platform OpenClaw, simplifying the creation of autonomous AI agents with easy installation [3] - NemoClaw features an "isolated sandbox" for enhanced privacy and security, optimizing always-on assistants for continuous performance on Nvidia hardware [4] Group 2: Gaming Technology - DLSS 5 was unveiled, utilizing AI to deliver high-fidelity visuals in gaming, creating experiences that resemble film quality [5] - The AI model behind DLSS 5 analyzes single frames to generate upscaled visuals, enhancing the realism of characters and environments [6] - Major game developers, including Bethesda and Capcom, will support DLSS 5, with titles like Assassin's Creed Shadows and Starfield set to benefit from this technology [7] Group 3: New CPU Development - Nvidia launched the Vera CPU, which offers double the efficiency and 50% faster performance compared to traditional CPUs, designed for the era of agentic AI [8] - The Vera CPU supports the development of AI factories, providing high single-thread performance and bandwidth per core, marking a significant step in Nvidia's vision for agentic AI [9]