Technology Weekly: April 06, 2024

Editor's Note


In this week’s edition of Technology Weekly, our cover story delves into the complex dynamics of venture capital and its challenges in identifying unicorn startups amidst a risk-averse investment climate. We explore the balance between mitigating risks and fostering innovation, highlighting how the drive for safety might be stifling the growth of potential industry leaders. Our focus then shifts to a series of technological breakthroughs and debates that are shaping the future. From the unveiling of AI21 Labs’ Jamba, pushing the boundaries of context handling in AI, to Google.org’s significant investment in generative AI for social good, we witness the expanding horizon of artificial intelligence and its implications across various sectors. Moreover, our examination of OpenAI’s move to make ChatGPT account-free signals a pivotal shift towards democratizing AI access. On the regulatory front, we discuss the emerging collaboration between the EU and the US on AI governance, shedding light on the intricate dance between innovation and regulation. Each article not only underlines the rapid evolution of technology but also invites our readers to ponder the societal and ethical dimensions of these advancements. Join us as we navigate through these captivating developments, offering insights that bridge the gap between technology enthusiasts and the wider audience seeking to understand the impact of these innovations on our world.

Cover Story


What Hinders VC's Ability to Identify and Foster Unicorns

Published on 2024-04-06 01:00:00 +0000, 568 words, 3 min read

Venture capital (VC) has long been at the forefront of fueling groundbreaking innovations and economic growth. However, amid increasing pressure from Limited Partners (LPs) to mitigate risk in their investments, the VC landscape has seen an influx of individuals wired to identify risk and follow established patterns. Yet, a relentless pursuit of risk mitigation presents a significant challenge to the VC sector - it often hampers the ability to accurately identify unicorn-capable founders, ultimately resulting in missed opportunities and mediocre outcomes. In this column, I argue that the obsession with risk mitigation in VC is not merely incompatible with the role but also a root cause of missed investments.

Technology Innovation


Understanding Language Acquisition from Mini Models

Published on 2024-04-06 01:00:00 +0000, 477 words, 3 min read, #202

As artificial general intelligence continues to advance, language models have emerged at the forefront of groundbreaking developments. From chatbots that mimic human conversation to sophisticated question answering systems, these models have pushed the boundaries of machine understanding and comm...


The Rise of Hybrid Search Technologies

Published on 2024-04-03 01:00:00 +0000, 508 words, 3 min read, #201

The digital age has ushered in an era where the ability to swiftly and accurately navigate vast oceans of information is paramount. In this context, the evolution of search technologies, especially the advent of hybrid search strategies, represents a significant leap forward. These innovative app...


The Complex Terrain of Artificial General Intelligence

Published on 2024-04-03 01:00:00 +0000, 387 words, 2 min read, #200

The concept of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) remains one of the most captivating yet contentious topics in the realm of technology and artificial intelligence. At the heart of the debate is the question of what exactly AGI is and how we can recognize its advent. Amidst a plethora of defin...


Beyond the Noisy Era into Practical Quantum Computing

Published on 2024-04-03 01:00:00 +0000, 412 words, 3 min read, #199

Microsoft and Quantinuum have unveiled a breakthrough in quantum error correction. This isn’t just another incremental step; it’s a giant leap that promises to push the bounds of quantum computing beyond the limitations that have so far restrained its practical application. By leveraging Quantinu...


Is Langchain Really Pointless?

Published on 2024-04-04 01:00:00 +0000, 547 words, 3 min read, #198

For large language models and generative AI, tools and frameworks are sprouting up with the promise of simplifying the development process, making it more accessible and efficient. One such tool that has garnered attention (and its fair share of criticism) is Langchain. While some laud its potent...


Musk's AI Dives into Controversy and Innovation

Published on 2024-03-31 01:00:00 +0000, 326 words, 2 min read, #197

Elon Musk’s AI startup, xAI, has unveiled Grok, a chatbot that promises to shake up the digital conversational landscape. Unlike its predecessors, Grok brings a mix of wit and rebellion to the table, diving headlong into topics often deemed off-limits for its kind. With its ability to draw from X...


AI21 Labs' Jamba Can Handle Unprecedented Long Contexts

Published on 2024-03-31 01:00:00 +0000, 278 words, 2 min read, #196

AI21 Labs has unveiled a significant development: Jamba, a generative AI model that surpasses current standards in context handling capabilities. This model is not just another addition to the burgeoning collection of AI technologies; it represents a notable leap in computational efficiency and t...


OpenAI's ChatGPT Goes Account-Free Finally

Published on 2024-04-01 01:00:00 +0000, 470 words, 3 min read, #195

OpenAI has thrown open the doors of ChatGPT to users without the need for an account, aiming to democratize access to this cutting-edge conversational AI. This strategic pivot seeks to widen the platform’s appeal and accessibility, potentially inviting a new wave of users who value anonymity or t...


OpenStack's Releases Caracal Provides to Support AI

Published on 2024-04-04 01:00:00 +0000, 382 words, 2 min read, #194

OpenStack marks a significant milestone with the release of its 29th version, ‘Caracal’. This version is not just another update; it’s a bold stride into the future of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, signifying a pivotal moment for enterprises navigating the complexities of clo...


Read AI Expands to Email and Message Summarization

Published on 2024-04-02 01:00:00 +0000, 275 words, 2 min read, #193

The allure of AI-powered tools to streamline our inundation of communications—be it through meetings, emails, or messages—is undeniable. Read AI, under the visionary leadership of David Shim, stands at the forefront of this wave, promising to transform our digital interactions with its recent for...

Market Dynamics


The Core Issue Behind the VC Fundraising Slump

Published on 2024-04-05 01:00:00 +0000, 527 words, 3 min read, #202

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged in the venture capital (VC) industry: a marked slowdown in fundraising. Venture capital firms, once the engine of record-breaking investment, have found it increasingly challenging to secure capital from institutional investors. This shift has profound...


Decoding the Impact of AI on Technology Jobs

Published on 2024-04-05 01:00:00 +0000, 472 words, 3 min read, #201

As the debate over artificial intelligence and its impact on technology jobs gathers momentum, the actions of key industry players, such as the AI-Enabled ICT Workforce Consortium, shed light on their intentions towards the future workforce. In this column, we delve deeper into the consortium’s e...


How Will LLMs Transform Business and Work

Published on 2024-04-05 01:00:00 +0000, 549 words, 3 min read, #200

The last few years have seen an intense interest in Artificial Intelligence and large language models in science, business, and media. While some view this fascination as an unnecessary distraction, others see it as the leading edge of an epochal transformation. In this column, I will argue that ...


Yahoo Acquires AI-Powered News Startup Artifact

Published on 2024-04-02 01:00:00 +0000, 350 words, 2 min read, #199

Yahoo has announced the acquisition of Artifact, the AI-powered news application founded by Instagram co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. This acquisition marks a notable development in the media and technology landscape, reflecting Yahoo’s commitment to leveraging advanced AI to enhance ...


Skyflow's AI Shift: A New Chapter in Data Privacy

Published on 2024-03-31 01:00:00 +0000, 353 words, 2 min read, #198

Skyflow is leading the charge in redefining the role of data privacy. The recent announcement of Skyflow’s $30 million Series B extension, led by Khosla Ventures, not only underscores the company’s growth trajectory but also highlights the increasing intersection of AI technologies and data priva...


Robovision Revolutionizes Manufacturing and Agriculture

Published on 2024-04-06 01:00:00 +0000, 401 words, 3 min read, #197

Manufacturing and agriculture industries are confronted with an escalating challenge in today’s market: labor shortages. In response, AI-driven automation is quickly becoming the go-to solution, and one Belgian startup, Robovision, is making a significant impact in this arena with its innovative ...


OctoStack Aims to Revolutionize Private AI Deployments

Published on 2024-04-02 01:00:00 +0000, 511 words, 3 min read, #196

OctoAI’s latest announcement heralds a significant advancement for enterprises looking to harness the power of AI while maintaining strict control over their data and computational resources. The unveiling of OctoStack, an end-to-end solution designed for the deployment of generative AI models in...


Google.org's $20M Leap into Generative AI for Social Good

Published on 2024-03-31 01:00:00 +0000, 292 words, 2 min read, #195

Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, has unveiled a $20 million accelerator program dedicated to nurturing generative AI projects by nonprofits. Dubbed the Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI, this initiative is set to empower 21 nonprofits, including names like Quill.org and World Bank...


Google Considers Introducing AI-Powered Premium Search

Published on 2024-04-04 01:00:00 +0000, 571 words, 3 min read, #194

Google is contemplating a seismic shift in its business model by introducing a premium, AI-powered search feature. This would mark the first time Google has placed any of its core products—specifically, its search engine—behind a paywall. The potential introduction of a paid service within its se...


Ghost Autonomy Shuts Down Due to Funding Challenges

Published on 2024-04-04 01:00:00 +0000, 409 words, 3 min read, #193

Startups like Ghost Autonomy have embarked on ambitious journeys to transform how we envision transportation. Founded in 2017 with a bold vision to equip privately owned vehicles with autonomous driving capabilities, Ghost Autonomy sought to redefine road safety and efficiency. Despite raising ne...

AI Regulation


The Implications of EU-US Collaboration on AI

Published on 2024-04-03 01:00:00 +0000, 417 words, 3 min read, #202

The impending cooperation between the European Union (EU) and the United States (US) on AI regulation and development marks a significant milestone. The forthcoming announcement at the EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) meeting encapsulates more than just a bilateral agreement; it represent...


Murky Waters of Reverse Searches and Privacy Rights

Published on 2024-04-02 01:00:00 +0000, 362 words, 2 min read, #201

The growing reliance of U.S. police departments on “reverse” searches presents a significant challenge to the balance between effective law enforcement and the safeguarding of individual privacy rights. These searches, which demand vast amounts of user data from tech companies to identify crimina...


Deepfakes: The Alarming Ease of Manipulating Reality

Published on 2024-04-05 01:00:00 +0000, 551 words, 3 min read, #200

The proliferation of deepfake technology has become a major concern in our digital age. Deepfakes, which refer to manipulated media that use artificial intelligence to create hyper-realistic videos or images of individuals saying or doing things they never did, pose a significant threat to inform...


Meta Requires Explicit Label on AI-Generated Content

Published on 2024-04-06 01:00:00 +0000, 587 words, 3 min read, #199

The proliferation of AI-generated content, particularly deepfakes and manipulated media, has raised growing concerns over authenticity, trust, and accountability in the digital world. In response to these challenges, Meta, the world’s leading social media platform, has announced plans to update i...

AI in Healthcare


Can AI Transform Healthcare Without Compromising Privacy?

Published on 2024-04-01 01:00:00 +0000, 374 words, 2 min read, #202

The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative’s ambitious goal to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to conquer all diseases is both exhilarating and daunting. As the frontiers of AI in healthcare expand—from enhancing diagnostics and patient care to accelerating drug development—the potential for transforma...


What Drives AI Integration into Healthcare?

Published on 2024-04-01 01:00:00 +0000, 363 words, 2 min read, #201

The healthcare sector, known for its patchwork digital transformation and reliance on outdated technologies, stands on the cusp of a major overhaul thanks to AI. From administrative cost-cutting to predictive diagnostics and patient care improvements, AI seems poised to address long-standing inef...


The Role of AI in Drug Discovery

Published on 2024-04-01 01:00:00 +0000, 459 words, 3 min read, #200

The remarkable success of Google DeepMind’s AlphaFold in predicting protein structures has been a game-changer, symbolizing a broader shift towards leveraging AI’s immense computational power to unlock mysteries within vast sets of biological data. This transformation extends to generating novel ...

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