Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
OpenAI backed Figure officially unveils Figure 02 – a self-correcting humanoid robot
After releasing a teaser last week, OpenAI backed startup Figure on Tuesday officially raised the curtain over its new next generation humanoid robot – Figure 02. The new robot promises to be a significant upgrade from its predecessor Figure 01, claiming it to be much faster and efficient including its ability to handle heavier items more easily. However, more importantly, Figure 02 comes with visual reasoning capabilities that helps in learning new tasks and also self-correct it if it goes wrong. As of now, Figure 02 will be available to only limited companies but the names of these companies have not been revealed. The startup recently announced that it has signed a commercial agreement with auto giant BMW for using its robots in production process.
2)
Google launches Chromecast successor, the ‘Google TV Streamer’
Google on Tuesday showed off its brand new streaming device, the Google TV Streamer, which will replace its predecessor, the Chromecast. While the latter was a simple dongle with limited functionalities, Google TV Streamer is a full-fledge set-up box that comes with better features and upgraded hardware specifications. Talking specifically about hardware, it is powered by a processor that is apparently 22 percent more efficient, boast 4 GB RAM (twice more than Chromecast) and 32 GB of integrated storage. Available at $99 the Google TV Streamer is surely packed with lot punches and it will be interesting to see whether or not these punches land at the right target. We’ll come to know this only after the product starts shipping, which will start from September 24.
3)
X sues Advertising groups for illegally boycotting its platform
X CEO Linda Yaccarino has announced that the microblogging platform has filed a anti-trust case against two powerful advertising groups for what she described as ‘systematic illegal boycott’ of the platform. These two advertising groups are Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) and the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA). Both these groups boost some of the top brands and companies as its members, giving it a substantial clout in determining the advertising policies of its top brand members. X’s CEO has been compelled to take this action after several top brands refused to advertise on X following Elon Musk’s dramatic takeover of the microblogging platform in 2022. Apple, IBM, Disney, Warner Bros and Sony Picture are some of the top companies that are included in this list. These brands have cited the reason that X under the leadership of Musk is unlikely to encourage freedom of speech in true spirit.
4)
Reddit plans to test AI Powered Search Result Pages
To improve the user experience of its users, Reddit is planning to start beta testing AI powered search result pages that will show summarized content and also recommend content. This was announced by CEO Steve Huffman during investor’s earning call. He claimed that this feature will help Reddit users to dive deep into content and discover new Reddit communities. There is every likelihood that Reddit might leverage OpenAI’s large language model to power its AI search feature. The company had struck a deal with ChatGPT’s parent company to use OpenAI’s LLMs and other technologies in May this year. Huffman did not give exact timeline when it plans to test this feature.