EducateKaro – Curated News on Tech, Startups & Entrepreneurship
Curated News on Tech, Startups & Entrepreneurship
Apple is exploring robotics, investigating humanoid and non-humanoid designs, with an emphasis on user interaction over appearance. Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo views this as early-stage work, with mass production not expected before 2028. Apple’s research includes non-anthropomorphic robots like a Pixar lamp, targeting smart home applications, amidst industry challenges in hiring and tech.
Read more on TechCrunch
Coinbase is actively working to re-enter the Indian market over a year after ceasing operations there. The U.S.-based crypto exchange is engaging with Indian authorities, including the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), to secure necessary approvals. This follows a challenging history in India where Coinbase previously had to halt services due to regulatory pressures. The move comes as part of Coinbase’s broader international expansion strategy, with India’s growing web3 ecosystem being a significant draw. However, the crypto market in India remains small due to high taxation on crypto transactions introduced in 2022.
Read more on TechCrunch
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.
Bluesky launched customizable video feeds for targeted content, while X introduced a “Video Tab” offering personalized video recommendations. These updates, arriving amid TikTok’s US ban, position both platforms as potential alternatives for vertical video consumption. Bluesky also highlighted early-stage decentralized TikTok-like apps being developed on its AT Protocol framework.
Read more on The Verge.
TikTok resumed operations after briefly going dark due to a federal ban. President Trump issued an executive order delaying the ban, ensuring no penalties for service providers. TikTok is now working on a long-term solution to stay in the US, while concerns over liability for supporting the app persist among lawmakers.
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.
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
The Supreme Court has put a hold on GST showcase notices totaling over ₹1 lakh crore that were sent to online gaming companies and casinos due to accusations of tax evasion. A bench led by Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan paused the proceedings and has set a date for the next hearing on March 18. A change to the GST law in October 2023 required foreign gaming companies to register in India and imposed a 28% GST on the total value of bets. Companies like Games 24×7 and Head Digital Works have challenged these hefty demands, leading the Supreme Court to take over cases from nine high courts in order to issue a unified decision.
Read more on Presstrustofindia.
Recent claims circulating online about Jagdeep Singh, the former CEO of QuantumScape, allegedly making ₹48 crore a day are completely inaccurate, as confirmed by official company records. A report from DNA India reveals that Singh stepped down from his CEO position in February 2024, giving up all compensation and forfeiting his stock options from the 2021 award program. His 2023 bonus in company shares was the final payout he received before moving to the role of Chairman of the Board.
SEC filings and statements from QuantumScape clarify that Singh is no longer part of any typical compensation plans. Dr. Siva Sivaram took over as CEO on February 15, 2024.
In conclusion, verified documents disprove these viral claims, confirming that Singh does not earn Rs 48 crore a day.
Read more on DNA India.
Vinay Hiremath, co-founder of Loom, sold his startup to Atlassian for $975 million. Post-sale, he felt directionless and declined a $60 million CTO position at Atlassian.
In his blog, “I am rich and I have no idea what to do with my life,” Hiremath discussed his search for purpose:
Now in Hawaii, Hiremath is studying physics, contemplating a future company focused on tangible products, valuing learning over end goals. His experiences underline the pursuit of personal fulfillment beyond financial success.
Read more on startupstorymedia.
