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This week, Apple finally added Rich Communication Services (RCS) support to Messages as part of the second developer beta of iOS 18. Until now, iPhone users could only send SMS or MMS messages to people who didn't have the Messages app. Apple devices. You can now share high-quality images and receive read receipts and typing indicators while messaging with Android users. But the text bubble is still green.
OpenAI is delaying the launch of its new Voice Mode. The company had planned to release Advanced Voice Mode in alpha to a small number of ChatGPT Plus users in late June, but said it had to delay the launch to July due to ongoing issues. The company said Advanced Voice Mode may not be available to all ChatGPT Plus users until the fall, pending internal safety and reliability testing.
The FCC has proposed an easier way for consumers to unlock their phones from their carriers, requiring all devices to be unlocked within 60 days of purchase. This rule would allow phones to work on other mobile networks after that period, but it would be against today’s mobile and wireless market.
News
OpenAI launches ChatGPT for Mac: ChatGPT is now available to all macOS users with a new app. Mac users can quickly invoke ChatGPT using the Option + Space keyboard combination after installing the new app. read more
Ultimately, Apple reportedly won't be integrating Meta's AI models. Days after the Wall Street Journal reported that Apple and Meta were in discussions to integrate Meta's AI models, Bloomberg reported that Apple had shelved the idea due to privacy concerns. Read more
Waymo removes waiting list in San Francisco. Waymo announced that anyone can now download its app and instantly hail a robotaxi in San Francisco, removing the final hurdle for customers looking to use its self-driving technology. read more
Zuckerberg criticizes “closed” AI: In a new interview, the Meta CEO says he doesn’t believe there will be “one AI” and emphasizes the importance of open-source AI. Zuckerberg also said that closed-source AI competitors are trying to “create God.” Read more
Andrew Ng's AI fund wants to raise a lot of cash. Andrew Ng’s AI fund plans to raise more than $120 million for its second effort, according to a new SEC filing. The startup incubator supports small teams of experts who are trying to solve major problems using AI. Read more
Gemini AI is coming to Gmail. Google has launched the Gemini AI side panel in Gmail to help you draft emails and find information in your inbox. The Gemini side panel is also available in Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive. Read more
OpenAI continues its M&A spree. OpenAI has acquired Multi, a startup developing an enterprise-focused video-first collaboration platform. A source familiar with the matter told TechCrunch that most of Multi’s team will join OpenAI after the deal closes. Read more
A creepy, smiling robot with living skin: Could a robot have living human skin? Researchers from the University of Tokyo and Harvard have been exploring this question, and have come up with some pretty disturbing results. Read more
Meta's chatbot is heading to India. After months of testing during the general elections, Meta is building a Llama 3-based AI chatbot that can be used by all users in India. However, Meta AI currently only supports English. read more
Prosus reduces all stakes in Byju's to zero. One of Byju’s biggest investors says his once $2.1 billion stake in the Indian edtech startup is now worthless. But Prosus remains hopeful Byju’s can be saved. read more
analyze
Silicon Valley is acting weird on DEI again. DEI has become incredibly divisive. A prime example of the tension is a conversation where Alexandr Wang, founder of startup Scale AI, discussed moving away from DEI and embracing “MEI” (merit, excellence, intelligence) instead. But Dominic-Madori Davis and Kyle Wiggers write that data shows that “meritocracy” is not better than DEI. Read more
What Ayana Parsons' Resignation Means: Fearless Fund co-founder Ayanna Parsons is stepping down. This announcement follows ongoing legal challenges and a pendulum swing in the tech sector that has led to growing antipathy toward DEI. Julie Bott and Dominic-Madori Davis explain that the Fearless Fund's recent trend and shift toward public criticism of DEI is a sad reflection on the world of VC for black women. Read more
