Here is the top trending tech news from the world of technology. News that I feel every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Apple is exploring ChatGPT inspired AI Chatbot in testing phase
According to Bloomberg, Apple is testing an AI chatbot that is very much similar to ChatGPT. Codenamed as ‘Apple GPT,’ the chatbot is being currently used by Apple employees to help with product prototyping. Similar to ChatGPT and Google’s Bard, Apple’s chatbot can be used to summarize text and answer questions based on data it has been trained with. However, it reportedly does not have any other additional features. If Apple does plan to launch its AI chatbot in the market in near future then this will only further heighten the competition in the generative AI space.
2)
Massive outage hits WhatsApp service
Instant messaging giant WhatsApp was hit by massive server outage on Wednesday at around 1.:15 Pm PST. The outage lasted for almost an hour. During the outage time WhatsApp users were unable to send or receive messages, make or receive calls, or use the app’s other features. According to website Downdetector, it received huge number of outage complaints mainly from India. It is still not known what really caused this blackout but WhatsApp claimed that there was no evidence of cyberattack. As per the latest report, WhatsApp services are back to normal and the company has apologized for the outage.
3)
Netflix drops ad free plan in the U.S & U.K
Netflix has removed its basic tier ad free plan in the US and the UK. Priced at $9.99 per month, this plan allowed Netflix users to watch movies and TV series in standard definition on a single device. However, with the removal of this plan, Netflix subscribers will have to either settle between the ad-supported plan priced at $6.99 per month and standard plan priced at 15.49 per month. The axing of basic ad-free plan clearly hints that Netflix is trying to aggressively promote its ad-supported plan in order to increase its subscriber numbers and protect its market share in the highly competitive streaming market.
4)
Christopher Nolan compares artificial intelligence with Atomic Bomb
Hollywood’s famous director Christopher Nolan has compared artificial intelligence (AI) with the atomic bomb. Speaking in a BBC interview, Nolan said that in future humans will eventually use AI technology for handling nuclear weapons and other deadly weapons and this could result in catastrophic and terrifying outcome for the humanity. He also compared the current race to develop AI technology with the ‘Manhattan Project’ during the World War 2, which ultimately helped the U.S. in developing world’s first nuclear weapon. Nolan’s view on AI echoes similar opinions by other experts who have often described AI as a dangerous invention if it is not properly regulated.
5)
Tesla’s Profits Surge as Price Slashing Strategy Pays Off
Tesla’s revenue soared amid rampant price cutting in the second quarter of 2023. The electric car maker said that revenue increased by 47% year-over-year to $24.9 billion while net income increased to $3.1 billion, up 20% year-over-year. Tesla’s revenue growth was driven by robust demand for its vehicles, particularly in China. While Aggressive Price Cuts helped Tesla to post revenue growth, investors are still concerned whether Tesla’s aggressive price cuts will pay-off in the long run. Spooked of the profit concerns, Tesla stocks were trading low on Wednesday despite announcing good numbers in the second quarter.