Major Tech News Updates: AI, Virtual Reality, and More

Recent developments in the tech industry have brought forth significant changes and innovations. Let’s dive into the latest news and updates from the world of technology.

Google Faces Antitrust Challenges

The U.S. Justice Department has called for a breakup of Google, specifically targeting the sale of the Chrome browser. This move comes after a judgment that Google holds a monopoly in the search market. Experts suggest that separating Chrome from Google’s search functionality may be the key to addressing this issue.

Wordware Secures Funding for AI Development

Wordware, a San Francisco-based startup, recently announced a $30 million seed round to develop AI agents using plain English. This innovative platform has been embraced by companies like Instacart and Runway, offering a unified interface for AI development with top models from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic.

Rokid Introduces AI Smart Glasses

Chinese company Rokid has unveiled AI smart glasses without a display, priced at $345 and powered by a Qualcomm platform. These glasses integrate Alibaba’s Tongyi Qianwen AI for features like object recognition and multilingual translation, marking a significant advancement in wearable technology.

Microsoft Teams Introduces Voice Cloning Feature

Microsoft is set to launch a voice cloning feature for Teams in early 2025, enabling real-time translation across nine languages while preserving users’ original voices. This tool underscores the growing demand for AI translation services and the potential for transformative advancements in communication.

BCI Market Predictions by Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs has identified Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) as a major tech frontier, with analysts predicting a potential market value of $400 billion annually by 2040. While challenges remain, including cost and ethical considerations, significant investments are being made in this transformative technology.

Meta Launches Premium Digital Currency for Horizon Worlds

Meta has introduced ‘Meta Credits,’ a premium digital currency for its social VR platform, Horizon Worlds. This currency allows users to purchase digital goods within the platform and marks a step towards establishing a creator economy that incentivizes content creation and commerce within virtual worlds.

Veteran VR Executive Named CMO of Another Axiom

Jake Zim, a seasoned VR and digital marketing executive, has been appointed as Chief Marketing Officer of Another Axiom, the creators of the popular VR game “Gorilla Tag.” Zim will lead marketing efforts for the company as it expands into new markets and ventures in the virtual reality space.

AI-Created Holiday Ad Sparks Controversy

A recent AI-generated holiday video by Coca-Cola has stirred controversy, with critics questioning the quality and creativity of the ad. While the video aimed to evoke nostalgia, it fell short of capturing the essence of Coca-Cola’s traditional campaigns, raising discussions about the intersection of AI and creativity.

Podcast Highlight: This Week in XR

Join industry experts Charlie Fink, Ted Schilowitz, and Rony Abovitz on “This Week in XR,” a podcast discussing the latest trends and innovations in extended reality. This week’s guest is Nanea Reeves, founder and CEO of Tripp, offering insights into the immersive tech landscape.