Apple Unveils AI Integration at Worldwide Developers Conference
Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference featured significant advancements in AI technology. The company introduced Apple Intelligence, a generative AI offering set to be included in iOS 18 later this year. New features in iOS 18 will include the ability to schedule text messages, customize home screens, major upgrades to Siri with ChatGPT integration, and AI-generated emojis.
Elon Musk’s $56 Billion Compensation Package Approved
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has garnered enough shareholder votes to approve his 2018 stock option compensation package. This approval could result in a payout of up to $56 billion, marking it as the largest CEO compensation package in history. However, a final decision from a Delaware judge, who previously deemed the package unfair, is still pending.
Mistral AI Secures €600 Million in Series B Funding
Mistral AI has completed its Series B funding round, securing €600 million (approximately $640 million) in a combination of equity and debt. This funding round values the startup at $6 billion as it continues to compete with major players like OpenAI and Anthropic.
Notable News in Tech and Business
- Former NSA Head Joins OpenAI: Retired Army General Paul Nakasone, former head of the NSA, will join OpenAI’s board of directors and serve on its “security and safety” subcommittee.
- Tesla Shareholders Sue Elon Musk: Tesla shareholders have filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk and the board of directors over his decision to start xAI, alleging that talent and resources are being diverted from Tesla.
- BeReal Acquired by Voodoo: French mobile apps and games publisher Voodoo has acquired BeReal for €500 million. Co-founder and CEO Alexis Barreyat will leave after a transition period.
- Apple Watch Activity Rings Pause Feature: Apple has introduced a feature that allows users to pause activity rings on Apple Watches, beneficial for those who are sick or otherwise unable to engage in physical activities.
- Raspberry Pi Goes Public: Raspberry Pi has gone public on the London Stock Exchange at £2.80 per share, with the price quickly rising to £3.70 per share, valuing the company at $690 million.
- iPads Get a Calculator App: For the first time, iPads will feature a dedicated calculator app, which includes Math Notes, a feature that solves math problems for users.
- New Minimalist Smartphone by Light: Light has announced the Light Phone III, a minimalist smartphone that lacks access to social media and the internet but includes a larger OLED display and a camera.
- Spotify Launches In-House Creative Agency: Spotify is expanding into the ad space with its first in-house creative agency, Creative Lab, and will begin testing generative AI ads.
- iOS 18 Compatibility: Apple’s iOS 18 will be compatible with many Apple devices this fall, but some users may need to upgrade their devices to experience the full benefits of Apple Intelligence.
