OpenAI has embarked on a unique initiative with its "12 Days of OpenAI" event, wherein the company plans to deliver updates and unveil new features daily until December 23. This event includes a significant development: a new subscription tier priced at $200 per month intended for advanced users of ChatGPT. Alongside this, the full version of the “reasoning” model, referred to as o1, has been officially released. For those interested in following these announcements, OpenAI has provided a live blog to keep users informed of the updates.
In the entertainment sector, Spotify Wrapped has disappointed many users this year. The annual year-in-review feature, which typically generates keen interest among music listeners, has drawn criticism for its inclusion of an AI-generated podcast rather than the engaging and creative storytelling users have come to expect. Additionally, several users have expressed dissatisfaction due to fewer detailed statistics and the omission of familiar metrics, such as the top music genres of the year.
In the realm of corporate governance, a Delaware Chancery court judge has rejected Tesla’s plea to modify her earlier ruling regarding CEO Elon Musk’s substantial $56 billion compensation package. The judge's decision, presented in a comprehensive 103-page opinion, outlined that the legal team's arguments lacked the necessary procedural basis to alter the outcome, despite a shareholder vote earlier this year aimed at “re-ratifying” the agreement.
Furthermore, Google is experiencing a shift in leadership, with the exit of three key figures from its NotebookLM team who are reportedly heading to a new stealth startup. The direction of this startup remains uncertain; however, speculation suggests they may either continue with the popular themes of AI-generated podcasts or pivot to entirely different ventures.
In the aerospace industry, SpaceX is reportedly negotiating a significant tender offer, aiming to sell insider shares at a valuation of around $350 billion, highlighting the rapid growth and interest in the company.
In technological innovations, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the first electric popemobile for the Vatican. This modified G-Class SUV is equipped with a specially designed height-adjustable swivelling seat, designed to enhance the pope’s ability to engage with his audience during public appearances.
In corporate changes, Intel announced the retirement of CEO Pat Gelsinger, who departs from the company's board of directors and is set to receive over $10 million in severance pay, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
The Browser Company has also teased the upcoming release of a new web browser named Dia, which is expected to be heavily centred around AI tools and is set for launch in early 2025.
Current trends in social media were highlighted during a StrictlyVC event, where Bluesky CEO Jay Graber discussed the possibility of integrating advertisements into the platform. Graber indicated that any future advertising would be approached cautiously to ensure it does not negatively impact the user experience.
Lastly, the peculiarities of artificial intelligence continue to garner attention. Recently, users discovered that asking about a "David Mayer" caused ChatGPT to malfunction temporarily, leading to various theories surrounding digital privacy requests as the underlying cause.
In a lighter take on technology, a new app called Death Clock claims to predict users' mortality dates while offering advice on how to extend their lives, although its validity hinges on the interpretation users place on such predictions.
These developments highlight the ongoing advancements and varied applications of AI across industries, reflecting both the excitement and complexities arising as businesses adapt to the changing technological landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services