technology

Highlights:...

Cisco to lay off more than 4,000 employees to focus on artificial intelligence::Cisco revealed plans to slash its headcount by 5% on Wednesday, which will affect roughly 4,250 employees across the tech behemoth’s global workforce.

Media study on Gen Alpha kids show ‘purposeful participation’ over ‘mindless consumption’ of media and increased privacy consciousness over previous gen::Gen Alpha kids are protective of their personal data online and enjoy media that allows them to control their experiences with content.

Google DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman warns AI is a ‘fundamentally labor replacing’ tool over the long term::Despite today’s AI hype, it’s still a “truly transformational” technology that will replace jobs unless policy steps in, Suleyman said.

AI-created “virtual influencers” are stealing business from humans::Brands are turning to hyper-realistic, AI-generated influencers for promotions.

Ford’s CEO says he definitely didn’t pay for that viral video of a stuck Cybertruck needing a rescue on a snowy hill::undefined

Alex Jones and his conspiracy theories are allowed back on X::Elon Musk created a poll on Saturday asking users to vote on whether Alex Jones should be reinstated. After the majority voted “Yes,” the conspiracy theorist best known for calling the Sandy Hook massacre a hoax was given his X account back.

Why scientists are making transparent wood / The results are amazing, that a piece of wood can be as strong as glass::The material is being exploited for smartphone screens, insulated windows, and more.

Meanwhile, some new details emerged about the days leading up to Altman’s firing. “In the weeks leading up to his shocking ouster from OpenAI, Sam Altman was actively working to raise billions from some of the world’s largest investors for a new chip venture,” Bloomberg reported. Altman reportedly was traveling in the...

Microsoft Hires Sam Altman Hours After OpenAI Rejects His Return::The announcement capped a tumultuous weekend for OpenAI, after Mr. Altman made a push to reclaim his job as C.E.O. of the artificial intelligence company.

Scarlett Johansson hits AI app with legal action for cloning her voice in an ad | An AI-generated version of Scarlett Johansson’s voice appeared in an online ad without her consent.::Scarlett Johansson is taking legal action against an AI app developer for using her likeness in an online ad without her consent.

Comcast resists call to stop its misleading “10G Network” claims | Comcast renamed its whole network “Xfinity 10G” despite cable’s slower speeds.::Comcast renamed its whole network “Xfinity 10G” despite cable’s slower speeds.

German anti-racism body leaves X over ‘rise in hate speech’::A German agency that tackles discrimination and racism says it is quitting the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. It cited a rise in hate speech since owner Elon Musk took over last year.

Utah sues TikTok, alleging it lures children into addictive and destructive social media habits::Utah has become the latest state to sue TikTok, alleging the social media company is “baiting” children into addictive and unhealthy habits.

The rent is too damn algorithmic — DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb is investigating RealPage, a company that helps landlords set rent prices, for potential antitrust violations::Attorney General Brian Schwalb is investigating RealPage, a company that helps landlords set rent prices, for potential antitrust violations.

Scientists confirm that the first black hole ever imaged is actually spinning::The first black hole humanity has ever imaged has also provided us with what researchers are calling “unequivocal evidence” that black holes spin.

Texas power prices soar 20,000% as brutal heat wave sets off emergency::On Wednesday evening, spot electricity prices topped $5,000 per megawatt-hour, up more than 200 times from Wednesday morning.

Software CEO worth almost $12 billion says he goes into the office ‘about once a quarter,’ bucking the return to office trend in Big Tech::undefined