Here is the top trending news from the world of technology. News that every tech enthusiast should keep a tab on.
1)
SpaceX illegally fired workers critical of Elon Musk, claims US Labor Agency
The National Labor Relations Board, which is a US federal agency, has accused SpaceX of illegally firing eight employees in June 2022. The alleged reason for the firings was a letter circulated by the employees criticizing Elon Musk, the company’s founder and CEO. The letter reportedly called Musk a “distraction and embarrassment,” and expressed concerns about his tweets and other public statements. The US labour agency also alleged also alleged that SpaceX engaged in interrogating employees about the letter, disparaging those involved, and threatening to fire others who participated in similar activities. Neither SpaceX nor Elon Musk have so far commented on the issue.
2)
Twitch revises sexual content guidelines (again)
Twitch has once again revised its sexual content guidelines clamped down on what it calls “implied nudity.” This new policy, effective immediately, prohibits streamers from using clothing, objects, or camera angles to suggest nudity, even if no skin is actually shown. This means that Twitch users can no longer use transparent or see-through cloths and they also can’t use censor bars or other objects to cover their private parts. The move comes in response to a growing trend of streamers pushing the boundaries of Twitch’s dress code, giving viewers the impression of being naked, without technically violating the previous rules. Twitch claims that this revised guidelines will help in making its platform more ‘welcoming and inclusive’ for all users.
3)
Intel launches a new firm focused on Generative AI software
Tech giant Intel has made a significant move in the Generative AI (GenAI) landscape by spinning out a new enterprise-focused software company called Articul8 AI. This venture, backed by investment firm DigitalBridge, marks Intel’s strategic shift towards capitalizing on the burgeoning generative AI market, particularly within the corporate sector. Articul8 AI will develop and deploy generative AI solutions tailored specifically for enterprise needs. This could include applications like automating tasks, optimizing workflows, and generating creative content. The company is headed by seasoned industry veterans with experience in both AI and enterprise software. The move by Intel will further intensify competition in the generative AI space with big chip players like Nvidia and AMD also vying for domination.
4)
Apple stocks downgraded by Barclays, shares tank by 4%
Apple shares fell 4% on Monday, after Barclays downgraded the stock to “underweight” from “neutral” and trimmed its price target. Barclay cited disappointing iPhone 15 sales, particularly in China, as a major concern. It also expressed concerns about a lack of significant growth in Mac, iPad, and wearables sales, further dampening the outlook for Apple’s hardware revenue. The downgrade ended up eroding nearly $100 billion of Apple’s market capitalization on Monday. iPhone sales remain crucial for Apple’s success and the tech giant would be hoping that iPhone 15 sales remains bullish, especially in China. Overall, the Barclays downgrade raises some concerns about Apple’s future growth.
5)
Tesla delivered record 1.8 million EVs in 2023
Elon Musk’s EV company Tesla has just unveiled its production and delivery figures for 2023. Tesla has claimed that it reached a record 1.8 million electric vehicle deliveries in 2023, solidifying its position as a leader in the rapidly growing EV market. The bulk of the deliveries constituted of Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, accounting for 1.7 million deliveries, highlighting their continued popularity and affordability. China played a significant role in Tesla’s success, contributing a large portion of the overall deliveries. With their Gigafactories expanding and new models like the Cybertruck on the horizon, it seems that Tesla is poised for further growth in the coming years.
