TECH NEWS
●Microsoft Snags OpenAI Co-Founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, to Spearhead New AI Division
Microsoft has recruited former OpenAI co-founders Altman and Brockman to lead a new AI research team, amid OpenAI's internal turmoil and mass employee protests following Altman's ousting. Microsoft remains committed to its AI expansion, despite OpenAI's leadership shakeup and Altman's eventual reinstatement as CEO with a new board.
●OpenAI's Power Struggle Resolved: Altman Returns Amidst Controversy
>>> After internal conflict, OpenAI reinstates Sam Altman as CEO amidst debates on diversity and direction. The new, all-male board faces criticism for not reflecting OpenAI's mission of benefiting humanity. Microsoft's attempt to recruit Altman and Brockman is thwarted, with employee solidarity influencing the outcome. OpenAI's future now hinges on aligning its leadership with its founding principles.
●OpenAI Releases ChatGPT Voice Amidst Company Turmoil
>>> OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Voice, offering free public access to its realistic AI virtual assistant despite internal upheavals. This feature, available on mobile devices, provides a human-like spoken dialogue experience. Amidst executive turnover and employee dissatisfaction, OpenAI's decision to release ChatGPT Voice now raises questions about the timing and future implications for the company's direction and stability.
●Elon Musk Confirms Next-Week Launch of xAI Chatbot 'Grok' for X Premium+ Subscribers
>>> Elon Musk's xAI is launching Grok, a distinctive AI chatbot with a bold personality, for X Premium+ subscribers next week. Grok aims to stand out by engaging users with wit and tackling provocative questions, enhancing X's social platform amidst industry competition and recent controversies.
●Google's Bard AI Now Answers In-Depth Questions About YouTube Videos
>>> Google's Bard AI now answers specific questions about YouTube video content, enhancing user interaction. This update follows the YouTube Extension, allowing for more precise information about video details. Bard's conversational tools and teen accessibility further Google's AI innovation, raising questions about AI's role in content curation and the importance of ethical use, especially for young users.
GAMING NEWS
●EA SPORTS FC 24 Announces UEFA EURO 2024 Free Upgrade
>>> Electronic Arts (EA) has announced a free update for EA Sports FC 24 that will include UEFA Euro 2024 content, coinciding with the actual tournament. The update will be available across all platforms, and players of EA Sports FC 24 can receive an exclusive Ultimate Team Player item from a selection of six European stars if they play by January 16, 2024. EA and UEFA express excitement for the integration, enhancing the authentic football experience for fans and hinting at upcoming eEURO tournament details.
●The Last Of Us Part II Remastered lands on PS5 Jan 19, 2024.
-4K, VRR, new modes.
-$10 upgrade for PS4 owners.
-New roguelike 'No Return' mode.
-Expanded playable guitar feature.
APP STORE NEWS
●Roku and Unity Forge Alliance to Transform TV Streaming Ad Landscape
>>> Roku and Unity have partnered to integrate mobile app advertising with TV streaming, potentially revolutionizing app installation campaigns. The collaboration combines Roku's TV inventory with Unity's user acquisition technology, aiming to make TV streaming a viable performance channel for marketers. This strategic move could transform Connected TV into a high-scale channel for apps and games, offering seamless campaign measurement and optimization.
MARKET TRENDS
●Middle East Fintech 2023 Report: Expected to Triple Growth by 2025
>>> The MENA and Pakistan (MENAP) region is experiencing a fintech boom, with the sector's value projected to triple by 2025. Investments in fintech startups reached $885 million in 2022, with a notable presence in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Bahrain. New companies are diversifying the fintech offerings, including B2C and B2B services like buy-now-pay-later and investment platforms. The region's strong economy and diversification away from oil are driving growth, with MENAP set to become a significant global fintech player.