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Apple Gets an OpenAI Board Seat?

Apple is rumored to be getting a board observer seat at OpenAI as part of its deal with the company. This would give Apple insight into the cutting edge of AI research, potentially giving the company a competitive advantage.

• This arrangement follows Microsoft's previous investment in OpenAI, which included a similar board position.
• Phil Schiller is speculated to be the chosen representative from Apple.

Google AI Moves

Google showcased its latest AI advancements at its recent IO developer event, highlighting generative AI technology. However, the company seemed to have less emphasis on Android and its on-device AI capabilities compared to Apple's approach.

• Google is now expected to offer new AI features on its Pixel devices, although this approach is more challenging for Google due to its limited control over Android and the Pixel's smaller market share.
• Apple's strategy focuses on on-device AI using its own silicon, giving it more control over the experience.

Shein and Temu Face EU Scrutiny

The European Union is considering closing the same tax loophole that Shein and Temu have benefited from, possibly impacting their operations.

• This follows similar discussions in the USA about closing the de minimus import tax threshold.
• Both companies have been heavily reliant on this loophole to avoid taxes and gain a market edge.
• Shein and Temu's significant air freight volumes could be affected as the EU aims to level the playing field.

Sequoia Ventures on AI Revenue

Sequoia Ventures, a venture capital firm, highlights the gap between massive investment in generative AI and the revenue needed to justify it.

• The firm raises concerns about the sustainability of the current AI investment landscape.
• The need to create a clear path for profitability in generative AI is critical for continued success.

Podcast Trends

Podcasts are a growing segment of the audio market, but their future remains uncertain. Despite their popularity, the fragmented nature of the industry and lack of robust metrics pose challenges for growth.

• The podcasting landscape resembles the early days of the internet, lacking the cohesiveness and standardization of a web browser-based experience.
• Google's limited presence in podcasting, compared to Spotify and Apple, raises questions about its future role.
• The ease of video production and the success of platforms like YouTube create potential competition for podcasts, making it difficult to define the future of the format.

More News

Other notable tech news includes:

• Google Deepmind's new AI model training method uses 10x less compute.
• Anthropic is funding research to assess AI risk.
• Waymo expands its robotaxi service in San Francisco.
• Ferrari is planning a battery subscription service.
• Amazon and Salesforce are investing in luxury retailers Saks and Neiman Marcus.

Conclusion

This week's tech news reflects the ongoing evolution of AI and its impact on various industries. From Google's AI advancements to Apple's strategic partnership with OpenAI, the race to innovate continues. The rise of Shein and Temu highlights the changing landscape of e-commerce, while the podcasting industry faces challenges in finding a sustainable model. The future of technology is in constant flux, and staying informed about the latest trends is crucial for understanding the direction of innovation.