We’re delighted to welcome you back for another installment of our assessment series, Week in Assessment. This week, attention turns to OpenAI’s anticipated advancements in AI technology, the runaway popularity of a novel messaging app among Generation Z users, and a surprising revelation from Tim Cook: the ability to detect a group chat in iMessage. Let’s get into it.
Will the organization unveil its cutting-edge subsequent frontier AI model, codenamed Orion, by year-end? In a statement to TechCrunch, OpenAI dismissed rumors of an imminent release, stating “We don’t have plans to launch a mannequin code-named Orion this year.” The ambiguity surrounding these remarks leaves the door open for potential future developments.
Following the tragic suicide of a 14-year-old boy whose mother claims he was deeply affected by the company’s platforms, the corporate giant announced a series of new security measures aimed at preventing similar incidents. These initiatives include enhanced detection capabilities to identify and respond to chats that violate its terms of service, as well as notifications when users have spent an hour in a chat.
For the first time, UnitedHealth Group, the healthcare insurer that owns Optum, has placed a figure on the number of people affected by the data theft that occurred in February. Previously, the company had estimated that the breach involved information on a “substantial proportion” of Americans.
Information
According to reports, former OpenAI Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati is seeking to raise over $100 million for her new AI-focused startup, which will purportedly develop AI products rooted in proprietary models.
A recent profile on Tim Cook has disclosed a surprising revelation: the Apple CEO was unaware that users can designate their group conversations in iMessage, highlighting the importance of familiarizing oneself with even the most basic features of technology. The group formerly known as “Chat” has rebranded themselves simply as “Roommates,” alongside Cook Dinner.
According to reports, Elon Musk has maintained frequent communication with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. The Wall Street Journal reports that the disclosures have sparked nationwide security concerns among some intelligence officials.
Anthropic has unveiled an enhanced iteration of its Claude 3.5 Sonnet model, boasting the capability to seamlessly interact with any desktop application. A robotic mannequin capable of mimicking keyboard inputs, button presses, and mouse movements, effectively simulating an individual working on a personal computer.
Meta’s Ray-Ban branded smart glasses have surpassed initial expectations, achieving significant commercial success. While Ray-Ban’s AI features are still being developed, their iconic glasses remain the top-selling product in 60% of stores across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The Throne, an Austin-based wellness startup, has developed a unique product: a camera that attaches to the side of a toilet bowl, capturing images of one’s stool. Currently in beta testing, the innovative system leverages artificial intelligence to analyze stool samples, providing insights on intestinal health and hydration levels.
Astropad’s latest innovation, Bookcase, is a revolutionary accessory that combines a MagSafe mount with an NFC chip, enabling users to seamlessly switch between their smartphone and Kindle for an unparalleled reading experience.
Midjourney is launching a revamped software that empowers users to refine any image they upload from the internet with the aid of its sophisticated generative artificial intelligence capabilities. The upgraded software enables customers to retexture objects in photographs, allowing for the “repainting” of colors and details to align precisely with provided captions.
Amazon offers Prime members a discounted price of just 10 cents per gallon at over 7,000 participating Amoco, AM/PM, and BP fuel stations across the United States. to combat escalating fuel expenses and outmaneuver rival services like Walmart+.
Daze is an innovative, AI-driven messaging platform that’s gaining immense popularity among Generation Z users, boasting a waitlist of approximately 156,000 sign-ups before its highly anticipated launch on November 4.
Brian Heater of TechCrunch gets a sneak peek at Apple’s forthcoming accessibility features for AirPods Pro 2, enabling the earbuds to function as a hearing aid and offer hearing tests.
Evaluation
As 23andMe navigates an uncertain future, concerns mount over the fate of its vast treasure trove of genetic data from approximately 15 million customers, sparking intense deliberation about the potential consequences for this sensitive information. When you submit your saliva sample to 23andMe, you may have reasonably expected that the genetic data it contains would remain private and confidential under applicable regulations. According to Carly’s Web page, 23andMe operates without HIPAA protection, relying solely on its own privacy policies that can be amended at any time. Here’s a revised version:
There’s a straightforward way to erase your information.
