Amazon launches Amazon Q, a workplace focused AI assistant  

Here are the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.

1)

Amazon launches Amazon Q, a workplace focused AI assistant  

Amazon on Tuesday launched a new chatbot called ‘Q,’ a workplace focused AI assistant, at its annual Amazon Web Services’ Reinvent conference. Currently available in preview version, this AI assistant will cost $20 per person per month once the preview period ends. Powered by generative AI, it can generate blog posts, marketing copy, and code snippets that can be extremely useful for businesses of all size. In addition, Q can be integrated with over 40 enterprise applications, making it a extremely versatile AI tool. Amazon’s Q will directly compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which is currently the most used and popular AI chatbot in the world.

2)

Apple working on second-gen Vision Pro headset (it is going to be affordable)  

Although Apple’s mixed reality headset Vision Pro will be available for sale from 2024, media reports claim that the company has already started working on second-generation of Vision Pro lineup. However, the more important news is that many models in the second -generation lineup will come with much more affordable price tag. The second-generation Vision Pro lineup will consist of four models, with one targeting the high-end market and the other three being more affordable. The price of affordable models is expected to start from $1,500 and is likely to be available for sale either in late 2025 or early 2026.

3)

Google’s geothermal project for ‘clean energy’ starts operation

Google has started the operation of first of its kind geothermal project in Nevada region where it will power Google’s data centers with clean energy. Google has partnered with energy startup Fervo for this project. The main aim of this project is to provide carbon free electricity to the grids and these carbon free electricity will be then transferred to Google’s data centers. Data centers used by big tech companies like Google, OpenAI and Microsoft consume huge amount of energy, posing a major threat for climate change. However, geothermal technology, which basically provides carbon pollution-free electricity, has long been touted as a solution for such energy hungry data centers. Although Google’s geothermal project is operating at much smaller scale, it could prove to be a major milestone in promoting clean energy across the world.

4)

Google Drive home page will soon have a new look & design

According to Google Workspace Blogpost, Google Drive’s home page will soon have a new look and interface. The new home tab is soon likely to show suggested files and folders all in one place. However, if you want to use My Drive’s default home tab, which is what is in place currently, you can choose do that. Interestingly, this news has come at a time when Google  Drive is making headlines after several users complained that their files have gone missing from their drive. But Google seems to suggest that there is no connection between its decision to redesign Google Drive’s home tab and the missing files incidence.

5)

OpenAI won’t offer board seat to Microsoft & other investors  

According to sources, ChatGPT maker OpenAI  is unlikely to offer board seats to its major investors, including Microsoft, Khosla Ventures, and Thrive Capital in its new board. This decision comes after a highly dramatic few weeks for OpenAI, which witnessed the ousting of its CEO and founder Sam Altman, only to be reinstated later. OpenAI may have taken this decision in order to maintain its independence & autonomy in company’s daily operation. However, this move could potentially strain relationship with its major backers including Microsoft. Microsoft particularly has invested billions and owns substantial stake in the company.