Austrian advocacy group Noyb alleges BeReal is breaching GDPR by repeatedly pushing users to share personal data. BeReal, once celebrated for its authentic, real-time approach to social media, is now facing serious privacy concerns. Austrian privacy rights group Noyb (None of Your Business) has lodged a formal complaint against BeReal, claiming the platform employs manipulative consent practices that violate the…

Meta's microblogging platform Threads has surged past 100 million daily active users. The announcement, made by CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Monday, marks a milestone for the platform, which has been growing rapidly amid dissatisfaction with its rival, X. Threads also boasts 300 million monthly active users, up from 275 million in November. This is the first time Threads has shared…

United Airlines is making strides to ease travel anxiety by integrating Apple’s Share Item Location feature into its mobile app. This innovative step means that passengers equipped with AirTags or devices using the Find My network can now share their luggage’s real-time location with airline staff directly from the United app. For travelers whose bags seem to have a mind…

Microsoft is set to absorb a massive $800 million impairment charge after General Motors (GM) announced the shutdown of its Cruise robotaxi program. This development highlights the ongoing fallout for investors who once saw significant promise in the self-driving car venture. The tech giant, which invested in Cruise in 2021, disclosed the financial hit in a recent regulatory filing. The…

Spotify has unveiled its highly anticipated Wrapped 2024, introducing two standout features that redefine how users engage with their listening habits. This year, the platform is taking personalization to a new level by collaborating with Google’s NotebookLM AI to offer an AI-powered podcast detailing your music and podcast preferences from the year. The AI Podcast: Your Year in ReviewFor the…

Meta, the tech behemoth behind Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is charting a bold course toward technological self-sufficiency. The company plans to construct a $10 billion undersea fiber-optic cable, spanning over 40,000 kilometers, making it Meta’s first wholly owned global communications artery. This ambitious project is designed to connect continents, support burgeoning user traffic, and anchor Meta’s expanding AI initiatives. A…

As global demand for non-English content surges, IMAX is embracing AI technology to scale localization efforts and enhance the global reach of its original content. The move comes in response to a rapidly changing entertainment landscape where non-English language content is seeing unprecedented growth, even in traditionally English-speaking markets such as the U.S., U.K., and Canada. In 2023, the entertainment…

Uber Technologies Inc. is venturing beyond its rideshare origins, embracing a burgeoning market by enlisting gig workers to assist in artificial intelligence (AI) development. Through its new initiative, Scaled Solutions, Uber now connects businesses with independent contractors skilled in data labeling and AI programming—a move that positions the company as a competitive player in AI training and annotation. A New…

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally determined that Apple’s mobile browser policies are stifling innovation and competition. Following a detailed inquiry, the CMA's findings point to Apple’s rules as a roadblock for third-party browser developers aiming to innovate within the iOS ecosystem. With stricter scrutiny now enabled under the recently enacted Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act…

Google has launched a new feature for Google Lens that allows in-store shoppers to receive tailored search results, making the shopping experience more seamless by blending the best of online and offline browsing. This update enables users to take a picture of an item in-store and instantly access a wealth of product information, including reviews, price comparisons, and lists of…

Elon Musk’s artificial-intelligence startup, xAI, has successfully raised $5 billion in a recent funding round, pushing its valuation to an impressive $50 billion—more than double what it was valued just a few months ago. Rapid Growth in AI SpaceLaunched in July 2023, xAI has quickly become a formidable player in the AI industry. The latest round of investment has been…

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world leader in advanced semiconductor production, is set to receive $6.6 billion in grants from the U.S. government under the CHIPS Act. This substantial funding marks a significant step in reshoring semiconductor production to the United States and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains. The Biden administration has already approved an initial $1 billion…

The European Union has taken a significant step in regulating general-purpose AI (GPAI) models with the publication of its first draft Code of Practice. Released on Thursday, the draft offers detailed guidance on managing risks, ensuring compliance, and avoiding penalties for companies creating powerful AI models. Stakeholders have until November 28 to provide feedback, with finalized rules expected by May…

The acclaimed translation platform DeepL is moving beyond text-based services with the introduction of a real-time audio translation feature known as DeepL Voice. This service allows users to listen to someone speaking in one language and see it translated immediately into another, aiming to meet a growing demand for real-time, cross-language communication. This innovation builds on DeepL’s reputation for nuanced…

Amazon is reportedly developing augmented reality (AR) glasses for its delivery drivers, aiming to enhance efficiency and shave off valuable seconds per delivery. According to sources cited by Reuters, the glasses, internally codenamed Amelia, build upon Amazon’s Echo Frames smart glasses and are designed to streamline navigation and package handling. A Glimpse Into the Future of Delivery Logistics The AR…