GMI Cloud, a San Jose-based startup, has secured $82 million in Series A funding for its GPU cloud infrastructure. The investment will be used to establish a new data center in Colorado and expand its workforce. GMI Cloud provides customized private cloud services and built-in support for Nvidia NIM, differentiating it from competitors. With the rapid growth of AI technology, this funding will help GMI Cloud meet increasing demand for GPU resources.
"TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is underway! The event has kicked off with a debut session featuring key stories and players in the tech industry. The session, exclusive to Investor Pass holders, offers a unique networking opportunity for investment professionals. Additionally, over 60 company-hosted Side Events are taking place throughout San Francisco this week, extending the Disrupt excitement. Don't miss out on these immersive experiences! Secure your tickets now or continue exploring the latest in tech news."
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/29/techcrunch-disrupt-2024-day-2/
MoneyGram has announced a leadership change, replacing CEO Alex Holmes with Anthony Soohoo. The move comes less than a month after the company confirmed a massive customer data breach, which compromised personal information and transaction records. MoneyGram has yet to provide details on the nature of the cyberattack. In a statement, the company emphasized that the leadership transition is unrelated to the recent cyber incident.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/29/moneygram-replaces-ceo-weeks-after-massive-customer-data-breach/
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is facing challenges in its regulation of the crypto industry. SEC Chair Gary Gensler's term ends in June 2026, but his future may be uncertain due to potential changes in presidential administrations. Recent sanctions against SEC attorneys for "gross abuse of power" have contributed to staff attrition and office closures. The debate surrounding Gensler's role as a regulator highlights the need for effective and predictable regulatory frameworks.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/24280387/gary-gensler-sec-chair-presidential-election-2024
Lucid Motors has announced pricing and reservation details for its upcoming Gravity SUV. The vehicle will be available in two trims, Touring and Grand Touring, with the Grand Touring starting at $94,900 and expected to go into production in late 2024. The Touring model starts at $79,900 and is scheduled for production in late 2025. Existing Lucid customers will receive priority delivery.
Lucid's Gravity SUV features up to 440 miles of range, 800 horsepower, and acceleration from 0-60mph in under 3.5 seconds. It will also be the first vehicle to come with a native NACS charging port compatible with Tesla's Supercharger network.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/29/24281934/lucid-gravity-price-announce-reservation
Vizio's new "MicMe" soundbar is a 2.1 stereo system that comes with built-in karaoke features and wireless microphones. The soundbar supports eARC, Dolby Atmos, and DTS:X audio and has a wireless subwoofer. It also includes six voice enhancements for pitch correction and ambient LED lights that adjust to the volume of your singing.
The MicMe soundbar is available online and in-store at retailers like Walmart and Amazon, with a price tag of $349.99. The device will ship in late November and comes with a free karaoke app that offers access to over 85,000 songs.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/29/24282101/vizio-micme-soundbar-karaoke-microphones
Delving into the history of Halloween, we find that its roots go back much further than you might expect. According to researchers, a 8th-century Irish priest named Virgil preached about an "other world" and "other men" beneath the earth, which angered the Pope himself. This concept may be linked to Persian rites around Nowruz, which involves ritual fires moving from earth to sky.
The Celtic branch of this tradition shifted the location of spirits, dead, and gods from the sky to the earth or water, emphasizing links to the sky via passage tombs oriented towards the sun. This is reflected in the archaeological record of the la Tené culture, famous for its votive offerings deposited in wetlands and bogs.
The article suggests that ritual human sacrifices may have been performed on or around Samhain, which could be connected to the term "jack-o'-lantern" coming from strange lights flickering over peat bogs. While we can't prove the link, finding connections across time is fascinating and a little spooky.
Source: https://resobscura.substack.com/p/a-very-deep-history-of-halloween
ZDNET reviews the Yaber T2 Plus projector, praising its brightness (450 ANSI lumens), built-in JBL speakers, and Google TV dongle. The device is portable, with a built-in battery providing up to 2.5 hours of use on a single charge. While it may require some experimentation to find the ideal viewing angle, the T2 Plus offers excellent performance, portability, and convenience.
Gartner has announced that agentic AI is the top strategic technology trend for 2025. According to Gartner, agentic AI systems autonomously plan and take actions to meet user-defined goals. This development is expected to drive a healthy increase in IT expenditure, with worldwide IT spending projected to reach $5.74 trillion in 2025.
Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/agentic-ai-is-the-top-strategic-technology-trend-for-2025/
Google has launched a Certified Refurbished Program, offering popular Pixel phone models at discounted prices. Devices like the Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro are available starting at $249, with each unit carefully inspected and tested for premium quality. The program includes a one-year warranty, matching Google's flagship Pixel 9 phones. Refurbished units come with genuine Google parts, ensuring display, battery, and other components of similar quality to new handsets.
A significant shift in the US legal system has occurred under the Trump administration. A third of the appeals courts are now comprised of judges with tenure for life, who were appointed during his presidency. This has led to concerns about the impact on national policy and the administrative state. The Supreme Court's ruling in Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council and West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency have expanded the power of the federal judiciary, allowing agency rulings to be second-guessed by judges at any level.
The article highlights the potential consequences for democracy, including the politicization of the judiciary and the ability of judges to impact national policy. The author notes that the issue is not limited to one party or administration, but rather a structural problem that will require electoral victories to address.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/24279829/trump-supreme-court-federal-judiciary-judges
Wired's "Best Gifts for Teens" features a range of unique and practical ideas, from affordable electronics to sustainable fashion. The article highlights perfumes that rival designer brands, shapewear-inspired loungewear, and even a camera made from recycled waste. Other gift options include wireless chargers, phone mounts, and Amazon gift cards. These suggestions cater to different interests and preferences, making it easier for individuals to find the perfect present.
Source: https://www.wired.com/gallery/best-gift-ideas-for-teens/
OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, has announced plans to offer its 250 million active weekly users even more services. The AI tool's growth has been impressive, with most revenue coming from consumer subscriptions. OpenAI's chief financial officer, Sarah Friar, emphasized the company's focus on corporate use, citing examples such as Morgan Stanley using their large language models in financial advisor services.
Stay private and secure on-the-go with a reliable mobile VPN. According to recent reviews, top-rated options include CyberGhost VPN and Proton VPN. While some free VPNs are available, experts warn that they may come with hidden costs and data tracking. Check your IP address and location using whatismyipaddress.com or run tests with DNS Leak Test to ensure your VPN is working correctly. Consider paying for a reputable VPN service like CyberGhost VPN ($2.19/month) for a hassle-free experience.
"Get the best out of a bright portable projector! ZDNET's recommendation, the Yaber T2 Plus Projector, is currently on sale for $150 off at Target. With its 450 ANSI lumens, built-in JBL speakers, and Google TV dongle, this mid-priced projector offers performance, portability, and convenience. Although it may require some experimentation to find the ideal viewing angle, its crisp visuals, detailed sound quality, and battery life of up to 2.5 hours make it a great option for movie nights or presentations."
Renowned author Margaret Atwood has shared her thoughts on AI-generated poetry, stating that it's "really bad" and not original. In an interview with Reuters, she emphasized that AI models are simply data scrapers, incapable of producing unique creations. Her comments come as a petition calling for an end to unlicensed use of creative works for AI training gathers momentum.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/29/margaret-atwoods-verdict-on-ai-poetry-is-in-and-its-not-good/
Salesforce's AI Chatbot Agentforce Hits General Availability, Aims to Enhance Customer Engagement
Salesforce has announced the general availability of its AI agent development platform, Agentforce. This low- or no-code solution enables companies to deploy chatbots for employees and customers. The platform is designed to work independently, triggered by changes in data, business rules, or pre-built automations.
Source: https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/29/salesforce-ai-chatbot-agentforce-hits-general-availability/
Kamala Harris has gained support from a diverse group of politicians, including AOC and Liz Cheney. Her campaign focuses on solving collective action problems and reaching across the aisle. In contrast, some critics argue that Donald Trump's presidency has led to a lack of governance in the US. While opinions about Trump vary, experts note that his strongman instincts may benefit certain individuals but harm the country as a whole.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/24282022/kamala-harris-endorsement-presidential-election-2024
Amazon has unveiled a new version of its Kindle Paperwhite, featuring improved battery life, faster page-turning, and enhanced display. The device boasts up to three months of battery life on a single charge, making it ideal for readers who devour books quickly. With an adjustable warm light and IPX8 waterproof rating, the Paperwhite is designed for comfort and convenience. The Signature Edition adds wireless charging and 32GB storage for an extra $20.
Source: https://www.wired.com/review/kindle-paperwhite-signature-edition-2024/
A recent investigation by WIRED has uncovered growing militia groups on Facebook, with some members expressing interest in joining or rejoining militias ahead of the upcoming election. These groups are using social media platforms to coordinate and organize, sparking concerns about potential unrest. As a neutral platform, we will continue to monitor and report on this development.
Source: https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-militia-organizing-election/