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Microsoft wants to radically change the way you surf the web
TechXplore· 2025-05-30 11:20
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Microsoft sees artificial intelligence transforming the internet as fundamentally as mobile phones have over the past two decades. But the technology's limitations could curb Microsoft's grand vision. Generative AI—which creates content based on a user's request—burst into the zeitgeist in late 2022 w ...
Meta and Anduril join forces on battlefield tech
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 19:38
Core Insights - Meta and Anduril Industries have announced a partnership to develop mixed reality technology for military applications, specifically for soldiers to control autonomous systems on the battlefield [1][2] - The collaboration will integrate Meta's augmented reality and artificial intelligence technologies with Anduril's Lattice data analytics platform, aimed at enhancing battlefield intelligence and decision-making [2][6] Company Developments - Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the company's decade-long investment in AI and AR technologies, positioning them as essential for future computing platforms [2] - Anduril's founder Palmer Luckey expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting a mission to empower soldiers with advanced technological capabilities [4] Political Context - The partnership reflects a broader trend of tech companies aligning with U.S. military interests, particularly under the influence of the Trump administration's America First agenda [3][8] - Zuckerberg's political alignment with the Republican administration has been noted, including his significant investments in Washington, D.C. real estate [3] Technological Integration - Anduril's Lattice platform is described as an AI-powered command and control system that aggregates data from numerous sources to provide real-time intelligence for military operations [6] - The collaboration aims to transform soldiers into "technomancers," blending technology with military operations [4]
Boeing CEO confident US will clear higher MAX output in 2025
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 19:30
Core Viewpoint - Boeing is optimistic about receiving US approval for increased production of the 737 MAX in 2025, following recent approvals for the 787 Dreamliner, which could significantly enhance the company's output and profitability [3][4][5]. Production Plans - Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg indicated that the company could receive approval to increase 737 MAX production to 42 planes per month by mid-2025 and potentially to 47 planes per month by the end of 2025, contingent on meeting key performance indicators [6][7]. - The current production cap for the 737 MAX is set at 38 planes per month, with the FAA closely monitoring Boeing's production processes after a recent incident involving an Alaska Airlines plane [4][5]. Recent Developments - The FAA recently approved an increase in the production of the 787 Dreamliner from five to seven planes per month, which sets a precedent for the review process for the 737 MAX [4]. - Ortberg emphasized the importance of aligning with the FAA and ensuring that Boeing is ready before increasing production rates [7]. Market Impact - Following the announcement of potential production increases, Boeing's shares rose by 4.4% in morning trading [8]. - The company is also seeing a positive shift in relations with China, as the country has lifted a ban on airlines accepting Boeing planes, with first deliveries expected next month [8].
Virtual reality has transformed design process for robotic floor-cleaners at Tennant
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 13:10
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain After Tennant figured out how to keep its plants open during the pandemic, it had a second problem to solve. The company's designers aren't all in the same place. Neither are its customers, and sharing pen-and-paper designs isn't easy on a video call.Video game technology gave the company a wa ...
Netflix chairman Reed Hastings joins board of AI giant Anthropic
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 12:51
Core Insights - Reed Hastings, Chairman of Netflix, has joined the board of Anthropic, an AI company valued at $61.5 billion, known for its AI chatbot model Claude [1][2]. Company Developments - Hastings expressed optimism about AI's benefits for humanity while acknowledging economic, social, and safety challenges associated with AI development [2][3]. - Hastings was selected by Anthropic's Long Term Benefit Trust, which consists of five financially disinterested members responsible for board appointments [3][4]. - The selection of Hastings was based on his leadership experience, philanthropic efforts, and commitment to addressing societal challenges posed by AI [4]. Board Composition - Hastings will join a five-member board that includes Anthropic's CEO Dario Amodei, President Daniela Amodei, investor Yasmin Razavi, and Jay Kreps, CEO of Confluent [5]. Philanthropic Efforts - Hastings has a history of philanthropic contributions, including a recent $50 million donation to Bowdoin College to establish the Hastings Initiative for AI and Humanity, aimed at providing ethical frameworks for AI [6].
Meta AI bot used a billion times monthly: Mark Zuckerberg
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 09:10
Core Insights - Meta's generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) assistant is experiencing rapid growth, particularly on the WhatsApp platform, with usage reaching one billion people monthly across its applications [3][8] - The company aims to enhance user experience and establish Meta AI as the leading personal AI assistant [9] Company Performance - Mark Zuckerberg highlighted the milestone of one billion monthly users during Meta's annual shareholder meeting, emphasizing the competitive landscape with other tech giants like Google and Microsoft [3] - Meta's standalone AI assistant app was launched on April 29, designed for personalized interactions primarily through voice [7] Industry Context - Google reported that its AI Overviews feature has surpassed 1.5 billion users since its launch, indicating strong competition in the AI space [4] - Google's dedicated Gemini AI app has over 400 million monthly users, showcasing the rapid development of AI products across the tech industry [6]
Nvidia earnings beat expectations despite US export controls
TechXplore· 2025-05-29 09:05
Core Viewpoint - Nvidia reported earnings that exceeded market expectations despite facing significant challenges from US export controls, which are projected to cost the company about $8 billion in the current quarter [3][4][8]. Financial Performance - Nvidia incurred a charge of $4.5 billion in the recent quarter due to excess inventory and purchase obligations related to its H20 chips, which are now restricted from being sold in China [7][8]. - The company's revenue for the quarter was $44.1 billion, with a profit of $18.8 billion, leading to a more than four percent increase in share price in after-market trading [8]. - Revenue from Nvidia's data center division reached $39.1 billion, marking a 10% increase year-over-year, although this was below market expectations [10]. Market Dynamics - The new US licensing requirements have effectively closed the $50 billion AI market in China to Nvidia, as the company cannot further reduce the capabilities of its H20 chips to comply with export constraints [5][6]. - Nvidia's gaming chip business achieved a record revenue of $3.8 billion, a 48% increase, driven by the ongoing AI boom [11]. Competitive Landscape - Nvidia faces increasing competitive pressure from rivals like AMD, as well as geopolitical challenges that may impact AI chip demand in future quarters [11][12]. - The CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang, emphasized that while China is advancing in AI independently, the question remains whether the market will operate on American platforms [6][7]. Technological Advancements - Nvidia's new Blackwell NVL72 AI supercomputer, described as a "thinking machine," is now in full production, indicating strong ongoing demand for the company's AI technology [9].
AI to spur more music creativity, not a threat: Spotify CEO
TechXplore· 2025-05-28 14:33
Core Viewpoint - Artificial intelligence is expected to enhance music creation rather than pose a threat to the industry, according to Spotify's CEO Daniel Ek [1][2]. Group 1: AI and Music Creation - The rise of machine-learning tools in music production has sparked concerns about AI-generated music potentially replacing human artists [2][3]. - Ek expresses optimism about the future of creativity with AI, emphasizing that the industry is just beginning to explore this new frontier [2][4]. - The barriers to music creation are diminishing, leading to an increase in the number of people who will create music [5]. Group 2: Spotify's Position and Growth - Spotify had 678 million active users as of March, including 268 million paying subscribers, and aims to reach over a billion paying subscribers globally [7][8]. - The company achieved its first annual profit in 2024 and has 100 million paying subscribers in Europe alone [7]. - Ek views the development of AI in the music industry as an evolution rather than a revolution, highlighting the potential for increased creativity among artists [7][4]. Group 3: Controversies and Responses - Spotify has faced accusations of using AI to create music under fake profiles, which allegedly undermines real artists by reducing their royalties [3]. - The company has denied these claims, asserting its commitment to human artists and creators [3].
Inside Google's plan to have Hollywood make AI look less doomsday
TechXplore· 2025-05-28 10:40
Core Perspective - Google aims to reshape the cultural narrative around artificial intelligence (AI) by funding short films that depict AI in a more positive light, moving away from the traditional dystopian portrayals seen in films like "The Terminator" and "Ex Machina" [2][9]. Group 1: Google Initiative - The initiative, named "AI on Screen," is a collaboration with Range Media Partners, focusing on producing short films that explore the intersection of humanity and technology [3][8]. - Two short films have been approved: "Sweetwater," featuring a hologram of a deceased celebrity mother, and "Lucid," which follows a couple using a device to share dreams [4][9]. - Google has not disclosed the financial investment in these films but intends to fund more projects in the future [9]. Group 2: Public Perception and Cultural Impact - A survey indicated that 56% of Americans view AI as having equal amounts of harm and good, while 31% believe it does more harm than good, highlighting the need for a shift in AI's cultural representation [5]. - Google’s effort is seen as a way to potentially alter public perceptions of AI, which are currently mixed and often negative [5][12]. - The initiative comes amid concerns in Hollywood regarding AI's impact on jobs and intellectual property, as actors and writers fear misuse of their likenesses and works [11][12]. Group 3: Industry Context - The AI sector is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players like OpenAI, Anthropic, Apple, and Meta also involved in shaping AI narratives [7]. - Google is not promoting its products through these films, focusing instead on storytelling that reflects human experiences with technology [8][9]. - Other companies, like Anthropic, are also exploring ways to make AI more approachable through public exhibits and collaborations with filmmakers [16].
UK loot box self-regulation fails: New study finds rampant non-compliance and no enforcement
TechXplore· 2025-05-27 23:00
Core Viewpoint - The self-regulation of the loot box industry in the UK has failed, leading to widespread noncompliance and lack of enforcement, particularly affecting consumer protection for children [2][4][5] Group 1: Industry Self-Regulation - The previous Conservative UK government encouraged the gaming industry, represented by Ukie, to self-regulate instead of imposing legislation [1] - A study published in Royal Society Open Science indicates that compliance with self-regulation is very poor, with only 23.5% of the top 100 iPhone games disclosing the presence of loot boxes in their marketing [2] - Only 8.6% of these games consistently disclosed the probabilities of obtaining different rewards, highlighting a significant lack of transparency [2] Group 2: Enforcement Issues - Noncompliant games were reported to Ukie and the UK government over six months ago, yet no enforcement actions have been taken, allowing these games to remain available for download [3] - Ukie had previously promised that noncompliant games would face "severe fines" and "delisting" from app stores, but these promises have not been fulfilled [3] Group 3: Consumer Protection - The current state of noncompliance and lack of enforcement fails to protect consumers, especially children, as initially promised by the industry [4] - Companies are not only breaching self-regulation but also advertising regulations and consumer laws, indicating a need for more proactive enforcement by other regulators [4]