Last week was a victory for tech-inclusive infrastructure. Google released a truly groundbreaking app, and the big three of Meta, OpenAI, and Tesla saw their fortunes and fates change. Industry movers and shakers stole the show with surprising high-profile hires, trailblazing experimental products, and big-name departures.
In particular, we’d like to commend the important innovation Google has demonstrated by creating Doppl. This characteristically experimental app allows users to virtually try on outfits by generating an AI-driven replica from just one photo. This new app is just the latest example of Google’s drive to bring artificial intelligence into everyday life. It gives consumers the ability to visualize how apparel will fit on them without ever stepping foot into a dressing room. Whether shopping for groceries or the hottest gift this holiday season, Doppl’s launch is designed to make online shopping more personal and exciting than ever.
Meanwhile, OpenAI made waves by quietly retracting a promotional video that highlighted the partnership between CEO Sam Altman and renowned designer Jony Ive. This partnership became tied up in the $6.5 billion Medtronic startup deal to create new startups with novel cardiac device technologies. Her withdrawal from the video raised big questions about the direction that this widely-publicized partnership was taking. Industry watchers are left to wonder what’s behind the puzzling decision.
In a significant move within Meta, the company has been assembling a formidable team of AI talent recruited from rival organizations. The newly established organisation boasts influential members such as Trapit Bansal, one of the lead researchers at OpenAI. He has officially joined the team to double down on Meta’s goal of creating superintelligent AI systems. By bringing all of these exceedingly highly qualified researchers on board at the same time, Meta looks to solidify its place among the most competitive race in artificial intelligence.
As you may recall, Elon Musk made headlines when he supposedly ousted Omead Afshar. Afshar was Tesla’s vice president in charge of sales—and frankly, manufacturing—across North America and Europe. The decision is part of a broader ongoing reshuffling at Tesla, as the company continues to adjust amidst a perfect storm of challenges in an ever more competitive landscape.
It’s actually Microsoft’s biggest change, having completely redesigned the all-too-famous “blue screen of death.” Instead this error indicator has long been the hallmark of Windows for almost 40 years. The redesign will bring this very well known screen more in line with today’s user interface expectations. It must keep its first and most important role, as an error message.
JB Straubel’s Redwood Materials recently powered up North America’s largest microgrid. This colossus of a installation is made possible by 805 decommissioned electric vehicle batteries. The new project is focused on energy storage and includes an AI data center. It’s a groundbreaking success story and the future of sustainable energy practices. Redwood Materials has announced plans to get into the energy storage business. This initiative will concentrate on providing service to AI data centers and deeper entrenches its position in the developing tech ecosystem.
CoreWeave CEO Michael Intrator became a billionaire this spring after his company’s chaotic IPO, with his net worth now pegged at a stunning $10 billion. This is a further indicator of the booming demand for AI infrastructure and services highlighted by CoreWeave’s cloud services focused specifically on artificial intelligence applications.
It hasn’t stopped Travis Kalanick, the former CEO of Uber, from making an obvious play to get back into the self-driving car game. According to recent reports he is thinking of buying the U.S. branch of Pony AI with help from Uber. If this takeover happens, this might be an indication of Kalanick’s newfound interest in the autonomous vehicle space, as competition heats up in the industry.
As we read this week, there is a slew of layoffs from every corner of the technology industry. Please note publication will be on hiatus next week for the July 4 holiday. This brief recess will allow everyone involved the opportunity to pause, reset and recharge for exciting developments ahead in this fast-evolving field.
