Duolingo to replace contract workers and prioritise AI
In a new statement, Duolingo CEO and co-founder Luis von Ahn has said that the company will ‘gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle.’ One of the world’s biggest language learning apps is looking to shake up how its business fundamentally operates, with a greater...
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Google pushes for some remote workers to return to office
The search giant Google is reportedly introducing a new hybrid work model. Employees will be asked to be in the office at least three days a week, with potential consequences for those unable to do so. It seems another major corporation is keen to get workers back into the...
New report finds unsafe ‘energy-saving’ plugs easily available in UK
An investigation by ‘Which?’ finds that illegal and potentially dangerous plug-in ‘energy-saving’ devices are widely available to shoppers in the UK. They’re targeted toward consumers struggling with high energy bills. A new report and investigation by consumer body ‘Which?’ has found that illegal ‘energy-saving’ devices are easily accessible via...
Is AI sparking demand for natural features?
No-one can shut up about Aimee Lou Wood’s teeth. But our sudden preoccupation with ‘natural’ faces says more about our propensity to reject them. Aimee Lou Wood has lovely teeth. Not perfectly symmetrical, not blindingly white, not sculpted into identical rectangles, but lovely, human teeth. And yet, since the actor...
Nvidia pledges up to $500 billion USD on AI infrastructure
The chip designer company Nvidia has stated that it will build up to $500 billion USD worth of AI infrastructure in America over the next four years. This is likely a response to Trump’s expensive tariffs. Nvidia has pledged up to $500 billion USD worth of AI infrastructure in America...
UK making ‘murder prediction’ tool to identify likely killers
The Guardian reports that algorithms are being used to study data on thousands of people in order to determine whether they’re likely to kill at some point in the future. The UK is seemingly getting more surveillance-friendly, if that’s even possible. A new report from The Guardian indicates that the...
Microsoft introduces 3D telemedicine technology in Africa
Microsoft has introduced 3D telemedicine technology to increase healthcare access across rural and underserved areas in the African continent. Microsoft’s 3D telemedicine service uses cutting-edge holographic and augmented reality to deliver completely immersive, real-time doctor-patient consultations. As opposed to traditional telemedicine based on 2D video conferencing, the technology allows physicians to see patients in three dimensions for improved assessment of symptoms and conditions. The system is propelled by artificial intelligence...
OpenAI raises additional $40 billion USD in latest funding round
Led by SoftBank, OpenAI has secured another $40 billion USD in funding as part of its latest funding round. This means the company is now estimated to be worth $300 billion USD and is the largest funding round ever for a private tech company. OpenAI has secured another huge round of funding. Led by SoftBank, a Japanese multinational investment holding company, the company is now worth $300 billion USD after raising...
Napster sells for $207 million USD to Infinite Reality
Napster was once synonymous with music piracy in the early noughties and has been credited with kickstarting the industry shift toward streaming services. It has just sold for $207 million USD. Napster still exists! The once-giant file-sharing platform has been bought by tech startup Infinite Reality for $207 million USD. The deal was announced on Tuesday, with intentions to transform Napster into a social music platform where artists can interact with...
Tanzanian startup lighting up education with solar backpacks
In rural Tanzania, where many households do not have electricity, a startup is transforming how children study after dark. Soma Bags is providing a simple yet revolutionary solution: solar-powered backpacks made from repurposed cement bags. Tanzania’s Soma Bags are revolutionizing education in rural areas of the country. The startup collects discarded cement bags from construction sites and streets and upcycles the material into study backpacks. Each bag is equipped with...
