Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
Apple to respond Microsoft GitHub Copilot with Xcode Update
Apple may soon launch a new version of its programming software Xcode. This new version will have many generative AI features including the ability to automatically generate codes, a feature that will prove extremely useful for Apple’s developers. Apple’s developers can also verify codes, check for flaws and can do much more. Apparently, iPhone’s parent company is making this move after Microsoft recently incorporated its AI tool Copilot into its developer platform GitHub. Copilot helps GitHub developers to automatically generate codes and offers additional features to simplify their programming work. However, there is still no clarity when Apple plans to launch Xcode’s new version.
2)
SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son wants to build $100 Billion AI Chip company
SoftBank’s founder Masayoshi Son reportedly has plans to build a $100 billion AI chip venture. He has temporarily named this venture ‘Izanagi’ and aims to compete with chip giant Nvidia. According to Bloomberg, SoftBank intends to inject $30 Bn of its own capital into this venture while the remaining $70 Bn will be sought from investment firms in the Middle East. Additionally, SoftBank’s AI company may also collaborate with UK based chip making firm Arm, a company in which SoftBank already owns a substantial stake. This ambitious move comes after SoftBank has suffered series of setbacks over the years as many of its high-profile startup bets have proved to be disastrous.
3)
ChatGPT maker OpenAI is now worth $80 Bn: Report
The New York Times has claimed in its report that ChatGPT’s parent company OpenAI is now worth $80 Bn. With this new valuation, OpenAI has now become among the most valued tech companies in the world. OpenAI’s valuation has skyrocketed as it approaches a new funding deal. However, this new funding deal won’t be like a traditional funding deal but a tender offer wherein OpenAI will sell its shares to venture firm Thrive Capital for raising fresh funds. ChatGPT’s parent company also announced that it will also allow their employees to offload their shares in this round. OpenAI’s hunger for funds is not surprising considering that the company has been growing exponentially ever since ChatGPT became a sensational success.
4)
EU Launches Probe against TikTok over Child Protection
The European Union has launched a formal investigation into TikTok under its new Digital Services Act. The EU said that it is concerned potential breaches of child protection obligations by TikTok. In its new Digital Services Act, the EU has especially emphasized the importance of protecting children. TikTok recently launched features like age verification and content filtering to protect minors and children online. However, the EU probably thinks that these features are still not enough. If found guilty then the EU could impose a heavy fine or even force TikTok to change its practice. In a worse scenario, TikTok could even be banned in certain part of European Union.
5)
Nintendo Switch 2 unlikely to be launched in 2024
Nintendo’s next-generation console, widely referred to as the Nintendo Switch 2, is unlikely to be launched this year. Several unconfirmed media reports claim that the launch is now scheduled to take place somewhere in 2025. Nintendo has already reportedly informed the developers and publishers about the delay in launch. Although the exact reasons for the delay is not known, sources cite global chip shortages and taking unduly long time to build powerful features as possible reasons. Overall, Nintendo’s fans hoping for a 2024 release will need now to wait at least until early 2025 for the launch of Nintendo’s next-generation console.
