EducateKaro – Curated News on Tech, Startups & Entrepreneurship
Curated News on Tech, Startups & Entrepreneurship
Perplexity introduced Sonar, an API allowing developers to integrate its AI search tools into applications. Offering two tiers, Sonar and Sonar Pro, it aims to provide real-time, factually accurate answers by connecting to trusted internet sources. Sonar Pro provides more detailed responses and citations. The API is notably affordable, potentially increasing Perplexity’s revenue, with Zoom already utilizing it for real-time answers during video calls.
Read more on TechCrunch.
OpenAI may soon launch “Operator,” an AI tool capable of autonomously performing tasks like coding and booking travel. Leaks suggest the macOS ChatGPT app includes hidden options for Operator, and benchmarks show mixed performance. While surpassing rivals on some tasks, Operator struggles with others. Safety concerns and competition from Anthropic and Google highlight the challenges of AI agent development.
Read more on TechCrunch.
AI-driven search engine Perplexity has recently acquired Read.cv, a professional networking platform that was launched in 2021 by former Facebook designer Andy Chung. Read.cv is recognized for its features such as resumes, team profiles, job listings, and a Sites function that allows users to create personal websites with “.cv” domains. However, the platform will start winding down operations this Friday. Users will have the opportunity to export their data until May 16, and the domain transition to Hello.cv will take place on January 31. Perplexity’s CEO, Aravind Srinivas, commended Read.cv for its insights into consumer and social experiences. This acquisition is the third for Perplexity as it broadens its focus on corporate tools, following its impressive $9 billion valuation and $500 million in funding from investors, including Institutional Venture Partners.
Read more on TechCrunch.
Microsoft is taking steps to tighten its budget by temporarily halting hiring in its U.S. consulting division, as shared in an internal memo. The decision, first reported by CNBC, is part of the company’s broader strategy to manage expenses while prioritizing significant investments in artificial intelligence (AI).
Derek Danois, a leader in Microsoft’s consulting arm, explained that the hiring freeze includes backfilling existing roles. The team has also been asked to cut back on travel for internal meetings, opting for remote sessions, and to reduce marketing and non-essential spending by 35%.
These adjustments come as Microsoft continues to pour resources into building data centers to support its ambitious AI projects, with plans to invest $80 billion in fiscal 2025. While these changes aim to keep costs in check, Microsoft remains focused on driving innovation and supporting its global teams.
The company hasn’t yet commented on the reports, but these measures align with its efforts to balance operational efficiency and future-focused investments.
Read more on Thehindu.
Blaize, an AI chip startup started by ex-Intel engineers, is gearing up to go public on Nasdaq through a SPAC deal this Tuesday, as reported by TechCrunch.
Founded in 2011 and based in El Dorado Hills, California, Blaize focuses on AI chips designed for edge applications like drones, robots, and smart cameras. The company has garnered support from investors including Samsung and Mercedes-Benz, raising a total of $335 million.
Even though it reported a loss of $87.5 million in 2023 on just $3.8 million in revenue, Blaize is highlighting $400 million in deals, which includes a significant $104 million defense contract in EMEA aimed at developing systems that can detect drones and identify troops. CEO Dinakar Munagala believes that edge computing is the way forward because it offers advantages in cost, latency, and privacy. While Nvidia is concentrating on data centers, Blaize is putting its energy into practical AI solutions that address real-world needs that often get overlooked.
Read more on TechCrunch
At CES 2025, groundbreaking technologies took the spotlight, with innovations aimed at empowering people with disabilities and futuristic concepts like flying cars generating excitement. Key highlights included an app designed to enhance accessibility and independence for individuals with disabilities, leveraging AI and voice commands. Meanwhile, flying car prototypes showcased the future of urban mobility, drawing significant attention for their potential to revolutionize transportation. Other advancements included wearable health tech, next-gen robotics, and immersive virtual reality experiences, underscoring how technology continues to shape the future. The event highlighted global strides toward inclusivity, sustainability, and smarter living through technological innovation.
Read more on thehindu.
In a recent blog post, Mullenweg shared that he had disabled the WordPress.org accounts of a few contributors, such as Joost de Valk and Karim Marucchi. This action was taken due to their supposed intentions to create a fork of WordPress, according to TechCrunch. This decision comes after these contributors expressed interest in spearheading the next WordPress update, particularly after Automattic announced it would be scaling back its support for the open-source project.
Read more on TechCrunch.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on a potential TikTok ban unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025. The justices leaned towards national security over free speech. Frank McCourt and Kevin O’Leary proposed buying TikTok’s U.S. assets. If no sale happens, TikTok could be banned from U.S. app stores, affecting its functionality. The outcome might influence future cases involving foreign tech in the U.S.
Read more on CNNBusiness.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai has shared the company’s ambitious plans for AI leading up to 2025. During his reflection on the successes of 2024, he highlighted how crucial AI and technical innovation are in shaping Google’s offerings. Pichai expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming year, underlining the impressive strides made in AI development.
Read more on livemint.
As we say goodbye to 2024, it’s a great moment to reflect on some of the most inventive and transformative tech products that shaped the year. From leaps in AI to breakthrough hardware, the technology sector kept us on our toes, making us both surprised and inspired. Here’s a recap of the standout products that made headlines in 2024:
Apple’s Vision Pro was among the most eagerly awaited launches of the year. Combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), this stylish and user-friendly headset introduced a whole new level of immersive experiences for both work and play, completely changing how we engage with digital environments.
After years of anticipation, Tesla’s Cybertruck finally made its debut on the roads in 2024. Its futuristic design certainly sparked debate, but there’s no denying it’s a pioneering force in automotive engineering.
Google’s AI chatbot, Bard, became a must-have for millions of users. Its knack for generating human-like text, handling complex questions, and aiding in creative endeavors really showcased the everyday potential of AI.
Samsung’s latest version of its foldable smartphone, the Galaxy Z Fold 6, kept on leading the charge in the foldable phone arena. With enhanced durability, a lighter design, and better multitasking features, it set a new standard for mobile devices.
The Framework Laptop 16 marked a significant step forward for modular technology. Designed with DIY enthusiasts in mind, this laptop allows users to easily upgrade and repair its components, winning over eco-conscious and tech-savvy crowds.
For drone lovers and filmmakers, the DJI Inspire 3 raised the bar for aerial cinematography. Its advanced flight capabilities and top-notch camera made it a top pick among professionals.
Amazon’s Astro 2 home robot took smart home integration to the next level. With AI navigation and Alexa compatibility, it became a helpful assistant for both families and individuals.
Meta’s Quest 3 VR headset managed to strike a balance between affordability and high performance. Its focus on mixed reality (MR) experiences made it a noteworthy player in the expanding VR landscape.
In 2024, Bluesky, the decentralized social networking platform, gained significant traction. Offering an alternative to traditional platforms, it put a strong emphasis on user control and data privacy, attracting a diverse user base.
Pixal’s AI-driven photo enhancement tool transformed image editing in 2024. Its ability to upscale, deblur, and colorize images effortlessly made it a go-to for both professional photographers and casual users.
2024 brought a wave of new electric vehicles (EVs) that redefined eco-friendly transport. Some highlights included:
Check out more on technewsworld.
