Welcome back to another exciting edition of Week in Review, where we dissect the latest headlines shaping the tech landscape. This week, we delve into the intriguing chaos following HP’s acquisition of AI Pin creator Humane for a mere $116 million—a stark contrast to the startup’s hefty venture capital backing. We’ll also highlight the unveiling of Apple’s refreshed iPhone SE, the unexpected marketing twist from Duolingo that has fans buzzing, and the emergence of Mira Murati’s new AI venture. Join us as we unravel these stories and more, providing insight into the ever-evolving world of technology.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| HP Acquires Humane | HP acquired AI Pin maker Humane for $116 million, less than half of its $240 million in funding. Sales of AI Pins end immediately, and devices will stop functioning after February 28. |
| iPhone SE Refresh | Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, featuring the A18 processor, Face ID, and USB-C. It starts at $599 and ships on February 28. |
| Duolingo’s Marketing Stunt | Duolingo ‘killed’ its owl mascot Duo in a marketing campaign with a Cybertruck, encouraging users to complete lessons. |
| OpenAI’s ChatGPT Changes | OpenAI will no longer censor ChatGPT, allowing it to provide multiple perspectives on controversial topics. |
| Uber vs. DoorDash Lawsuit | Uber is suing DoorDash for allegedly intimidating restaurants into exclusive agreements. |
| Mira Murati’s New Startup | Mira Murati launched Thinking Machines Lab, focusing on collaborative multimodal systems. |
| Elon Musk’s Grok 3 | xAI released Grok 3, claiming it is a ‘maximally truth-seeking AI’ with new features. |
| Malware on Steam | Valve removed a game from Steam designed to spread malware called Vidar. |
| Zuckerberg’s DEI Program Cuts | Mark Zuckerberg’s charity will end internal DEI programs and social advocacy funding. |
| Amazon App Store Closure | Amazon will shut down its Android app store in August, focusing on its devices. |
| Negative Views on Zuckerberg and Musk | A Pew study found 54% of U.S. adults view Musk unfavorably; 67% feel the same about Zuckerberg. |
| Noise-Canceling Headphones Concerns | A BBC report suggests noise-canceling headphones may affect users’ ability to filter sounds. |
| Influence in the DOGE Universe | TechCrunch highlighted key figures working with or advising Elon Musk in the DOGE community. |
The Rise and Fall of Humane’s AI Pin
Humane, an innovative hardware startup, made headlines this week as it announced the acquisition of its assets by HP for a staggering $116 million. This amount is significantly less than the $240 million the company raised in venture capital funding, signaling a dramatic turn of events. The AI Pin, which was once a promising device, will cease sales immediately, leaving many customers disappointed and confused about the future of their wearable technology.
As HP takes over, the implications for Humane’s employees are mixed. While some staff members received enticing job offers with pay increases, others faced layoffs, particularly those closely tied to the AI Pin project. This turbulent transition highlights the challenges that startups often encounter in the competitive tech landscape. The fate of the AI Pin serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in bold technological ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Humane’s AI Pin after HP’s acquisition?
HP acquired Humane’s AI Pin for $116 million, causing immediate cessation of sales. Devices will stop connecting to servers after February 28, losing all functionality.
Can I get a refund for the AI Pin I purchased?
Customers who bought an AI Pin in the last 90 days are eligible for a refund. Those who purchased before that will not receive any refund.
What are the key features of the new iPhone SE?
The iPhone 16e features the A18 processor, Face ID instead of Touch ID, and a USB-C port. It starts at $599 and ships on February 28.
Why did Duolingo eliminate its owl mascot?
Duolingo replaced its owl mascot, Duo, in a marketing stunt involving a Cybertruck, aiming to boost lesson completion with the campaign slogan ‘Duo or die’.
What is the focus of Mira Murati’s new startup?
Mira Murati’s startup, Thinking Machines Lab, aims to develop collaborative multimodal AI systems, working alongside experienced talent from OpenAI.
What changes did OpenAI make to ChatGPT’s responses?
OpenAI decided to allow ChatGPT to present multiple viewpoints on controversial topics, moving away from a strictly editorial stance.
What is the significance of Uber’s lawsuit against DoorDash?
Uber’s lawsuit claims DoorDash is suppressing competition by intimidating restaurants into exclusive agreements, which could impact the delivery service market.
Summary
This week in tech news, HP acquired Humane for $116 million, ending the sales of its AI Pins, which will cease functioning after February 28. Meanwhile, Apple launched the iPhone 16e, featuring the new A18 processor and USB-C charging. Duolingo caused a stir by ‘killing’ its owl mascot in a marketing stunt. OpenAI is now allowing ChatGPT to present multiple views on controversial topics. Additionally, Uber is suing DoorDash for unfair competition, and Amazon plans to shut down its Android app store to focus on its own devices. Stay tuned for more updates!
