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Whatnot acquires Shaped to enhance live shopping recommendations
Whatnot has acquired Shaped to improve its real-time recommendation capabilities in live commerce. This acquisition aims to address challenges in product discovery and personalization as the platform scales across diverse product categories.
Pantograph Develops Goal-Conditioned Model for Robotics in Minecraft
Pantograph has developed a goal-conditioned robotics model trained using internet-scale video data, specifically applying it within Minecraft. This approach allows for the model to learn goal-directed behaviors during pretraining, enhancing its ability to generalize across diverse tasks and environments.
CXMT DDR5 RAM Gains MSI Validation but Faces Performance Criticism
CXMT's DDR5 modules achieved validation for speeds of up to 8200 MT/s on MSI's motherboards after new BIOS updates. However, early tests suggest CXMT RAM underperforms compared to SK Hynix, particularly in overclocking capabilities, which could affect its competitive standing.
FreeBSD 16 Eliminates Last GPL Code from Base System
FreeBSD 16 has removed the last piece of GNU GPL code from its base system, specifically the dialog implementation. This change marks the complete retirement of any GPL-licensed software, reflecting FreeBSD's ongoing shift towards its own licensing and development practices.
Open-source tool deja enhances coding agents with a memory layer synced over SSH
Deja is a new open-source tool that integrates a memory layer for coding agents like Claude Code, Codex, and Opencode. It simplifies the process of recalling past solutions by allowing users to sync histories over SSH or shared folders, making it easier to query previous work and decisions across multiple sessions.
ASRock launches Phantom Gaming and Steel Legend 360 LCD liquid coolers
ASRock has introduced its Phantom Gaming and Steel Legend 360 LCD AIO liquid coolers, featuring 3.4-inch LCD displays. These coolers offer strong thermal performance and low noise levels, targeting PC enthusiasts looking for effective cooling solutions.
misa77 codec claims 2x faster decoding than LZ4 with better compression ratios
misa77, a new LZ-based codec, offers high decompression speeds and efficient memory use, targeting write-once, read-many applications. It demonstrates superior decompression rates especially on highly compressible files, making it valuable for developers prioritizing performance in data-intensive tasks.
Coasty Launches API for Autonomous Task Automation
Coasty has launched an API enabling users to run autonomous tasks on managed machines, compose complex workflows, and use prediction primitives for granular control. This API allows developers to automate tasks efficiently while maintaining the ability to intervene when necessary.
Firewally: A Free Mac App for Controlling Internet Access of Applications
Firewally, a new free app available on the Apple App Store, allows Mac users to control which applications can access the internet. This additional layer of control enhances MacOS security by enabling users to set default policies and block app access when necessary.
Discovery of ELIZA Chatbot Source Code Reveals Its Complex Capabilities
The original source code for ELIZA, the first chatbot, has been discovered, revealing it supported multiple personas beyond simple conversation. This finding offers deeper insights into early AI and its impact on human-computer interaction.
Running Gemma 4 on 13-year-old Xeon shows AI model compatibility advancements
A 13-year-old Xeon server runs Google's 26-billion-parameter Gemma 4 model at five tokens/sec. This showcases the ability to deploy modern AI models on outdated hardware, emphasizing engineering skill and model understanding.
House Advances Sunshine Protection Act for Permanent Daylight Saving Time
The House voted 308 to 117 to advance the Sunshine Protection Act, proposing permanent daylight saving time in the US. This legislation aims to eliminate the biannual clock changes, but its future in the Senate remains uncertain due to mixed opinions among lawmakers.
DEA Schedules 7-Oh and Related Substances to Ensure Public Safety
The DEA has announced a temporary scheduling of 7-Oh and related substances to manage their potential risks. This action is aimed at addressing safety concerns associated with these substances in the public domain.
Anthropic and Partners Launch Ode, a $1.5B AI Implementation Firm
Anthropic and Blackstone have launched Ode, a $1.5 billion AI implementation company, in partnership with Hellman & Friedman and Goldman Sachs. The venture aims to facilitate effective enterprise adoption of AI by embedding expert engineers within firms, addressing the high failure rate of AI pilot projects. This move highlights the industry's shift towards focusing on practical AI deployment rather than just model development.
FCC votes to repeal local TV station ownership rules
The FCC plans a vote on August 6 to repeal the 39 percent ownership limit for local TV stations. This shift would allow ownership deals to be evaluated individually, potentially enabling greater media consolidation and influence in the industry.
8BitDo announces FlipPad, a portable gamepad for smartphones
8BitDo introduced the FlipPad, a $30 USB-C gamepad designed to turn smartphones into Game Boy-like devices. Its compact design and direct connection offer portability and ease of use, positioning it as a competitor to GameSir's Pocket Taco.
DTCC conducts trial of tokenized asset transactions with major financial firms
The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation (DTCC) has initiated a trial involving tokenized versions of financial assets in conjunction with over 25 firms, including JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs. This event signifies a meaningful advancement in integrating blockchain technology within traditional finance, potentially leading to wider adoption of tokenized assets in capital markets.
Google opts for Intel's EMIB-T packaging for next-gen TPUs over TSMC technology
Google will use Intel's EMIB-T packaging for its upcoming Ninth-Generation TPUs, marking a shift from TSMC's CoWoS technology. This decision reflects potential supply constraints with TSMC, indicating a growing preference for Intel's packaging solutions in AI and HPC applications.
Hinge introduces Friend's Take feature for user testimonials
Hinge has launched a new feature, Friend's Take, allowing users to add testimonials from friends and family to their profiles. This aims to enhance profile authenticity and user engagement, addressing the desire expressed by many users for assistance in improving their profiles.
George Lucas compares AI sceptics to Luddites resisting automotive innovation
George Lucas supports the use of AI in filmmaking, arguing that resistance parallels past technological skeptics. He emphasizes that AI will facilitate movie-making and is a crucial aspect of future progress, despite opposition from some directors.
Silicon Motion confirms PCIe Gen7 development is underway
Alex Chou of Silicon Motion announced that development of PCIe Gen7 has commenced amid growing focus on enterprise SSDs. This move aligns with the company's strategy to enhance its position in the increasingly competitive market for cloud service providers and hyperscalers.
StyleSeed Launches to Prevent Generic Output from AI Design Tools
StyleSeed has been introduced as a design-rules engine aimed at improving the uniqueness of user interfaces generated by AI. By establishing design standards and enforcing quality checks, it aims to combat common pitfalls in AI-generated designs, such as template layouts and generic aesthetics.
Apple introduces 36-month financing for cellular iPads via AT&T and Verizon
Apple now offers 36-month financing options for cellular iPad purchases through AT&T and Verizon. Previously, buyers could only access a 12-month interest-free plan with Apple Card, making the new option more affordable for customers following a recent price increase across the iPad lineup.
Apple TV announces return date and first look at 'Where's Wanda?' season two
Apple TV has confirmed that season two of 'Where’s Wanda?' will premiere on October 21, 2024. The show, a dark comedy about a family's quest to find their missing daughter, will resume with the Klatt family facing new challenges culminating in a murder investigation.
Google Maps' leaf icon signifies fuel-efficient routes; confusion persists
Google Maps includes a leaf icon to indicate fuel-efficient routes, which can save gas or battery. Users often encounter confusion as these routes may take longer than non-fuel-efficient options.
Grepathy Enhances Code Reviews by Documenting Agent Decisions
Grepathy is a tool that automatically documents decisions made by coding agents during feature development. By generating markdown files that detail these choices, it provides critical context for code reviews, addressing a common gap where approvals and rationale are unclear.
Telegram Reveals Data Center Distribution and Issues
Telegram operates five data centers worldwide, with notable issues regarding their usage and stability. Users connected to DC5, located in Singapore, frequently experience downtime, raising questions about the usability of other data centers, particularly DC2 and DC3, which seem inactive or underutilized.
Apple restricts unlocked iPhone purchases via carrier financing
Apple has closed a workaround that allowed customers to buy unlocked iPhones through carrier financing from T-Mobile and Verizon. This change locks iPhones to the specific carrier until fully paid off, affecting purchasing flexibility for customers.
Windows Bind Link Attacks Can Evade Endpoint Detection Tools
Researchers at Bitdefender reveal that Windows bind links can be exploited to hide malware from EDR tools. This manipulation allows attackers to redirect legitimate paths to malicious files, evading detection by security systems reliant on path validation.
Reelful AI App Transforms Camera Roll into Short-Form Videos for Social Media
Reelful is an iOS app that uses AI to automatically create social media videos from users' photos and clips. The app simplifies video creation, appealing to users who find traditional editing tools cumbersome.
Rime raises $24M Series A to enhance voice AI for enterprise calls
Rime, a voice AI startup, has raised $24 million in Series A funding to improve its voice models for enterprises. By creating its own conversational data instead of relying on web-sourced audio, Rime aims to streamline customer interactions in industries like food service and healthcare.
SpaceX's bond trades 10% below issue price, nearing junk status
SpaceX's recent bond is now trading at 10% less than its issue price, raising concerns about its creditworthiness. If the bond continues to decline, it may be classified as junk, threatening investor confidence and future financing options.
Briar Project Continues in Maintenance Mode with Security Updates
Briar will continue to operate in maintenance mode, focusing on essential security updates and fixing bugs. This decision comes after challenges in addressing longstanding issues like high battery usage and unreliable operation on Android.
NASA flight surgeon Anil Menon achieves dream of going to space
NASA flight surgeon Anil Menon, who faced rejection in his astronaut applications, successfully traveled to space. His journey illustrates resilience and adaptability in pursuing one's dreams, inspiring others in the field.
Webinar Addresses Security Risks in AI-Era Ad Tech
A new on-demand webinar highlights the Approval Gap in ad tech, emphasizing the security risks posed by unmonitored third-party scripts. It features insights from Reflectiz and Taboola, discussing how to vet vendors effectively to protect customer data.
Real World VoiceEQ Benchmark Launches To Evaluate Voice AI Quality
Real World VoiceEQ has been introduced as a benchmark for assessing the human quality of voice models. The tool measures 15+ evaluation dimensions and identifies failures in voice interactions, aiming to improve the reliability of voice AI systems in real conversations.
Home Depot upgrades 12-foot skeleton with interactive features
Home Depot has announced an upgraded version of its popular 12-foot skeleton, now allowing users to interact via a mobile app. The skeleton features 20 animations, real-time voice interaction, and customizable mouth movements, enhancing its appeal as a Halloween decoration.
Realta Fusion to build fusion reactor in former Oscar Meyer factory
Realta Fusion will establish its R&D facility at the vacant Oscar Meyer factory in Madison, Wisconsin, planning to create its first plasma by 2029. This decision, supported by bipartisan state incentives totaling approximately $55 million, highlights Wisconsin's commitment to advancing fusion energy amidst increasing electricity demands.
Emergent AI coding startup becomes unicorn with $130M Series C funding
Emergent has raised $130 million in Series C funding, reaching a valuation of $1.5 billion. This significant investment underscores the rising interest in AI coding platforms that cater to small and medium businesses.
Nvidia RTX 3060 Graphics Card Returns Amid AI Component Crunch
Nvidia's GeForce RTX 3060, a graphics card with 12GB of VRAM initially released in 2021, has been reintroduced as a response to AI-driven component shortages. MSI's Ventus 2X OC model is now available at Newegg for $329.99, a reduction from its previous near-$400 price. Palit has also launched a new Infinity 2 OC variant. This move aims to address the scarcity of GPUs vital for gaming and AI applications.