Technology
Boston Dynamics presents a new robot, controversy around MKBHD and layoffs at Tesla
Welcome to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s weekly news digest. The weather is getting hotter, but not as hot because it is within the AI generative space, which has seen a slew of new models launch this week, including Meta’s Lama 3.
In other artificial intelligence news, Hyundai’s robotics company Boston Dynamics has unveiled an electrically powered humanoid sequel to its long-running Atlas robot, which was recently discontinued. As Brian writes, the new robot — also called Atlas — has a nicer and gentler design than each the unique Atlas and more modern robots like Figure 01 and Tesla Optimus.
Turning our attention to YouTube for a moment, Dom and Amanda wrote about how Marques Brownlee (MKBHD), the famous gadget reviewer, mustn’t be blamed for the fate of the AI startup Humane AI, whose product, Ai Pin, Brownlee gave a scathing review earlier this week. They indicate that Humane is a well-financed company with loads of money within the bank to burn, and say that Brownlee’s critics – who accuse him of being unfairly harsh – have misplaced their fury.
Many other things happened. We sum all of it up on this issue of WiR – but first, let’s remind you to enroll in the WiR newsletter every Saturday.
News
X posting fees: X CEO Elon Musk plans to charge new X users a small fee to permit them to post on the social network in an effort to curb what he calls the “bot problem.”
Change ransomware: An extortion group has released a few of what it says is the private and sensitive patient data of thousands and thousands of Americans stolen in the course of the February ransomware attack on Change Healthcare.
Tesla adjusts prices: In more Tesla news, the automaker has scrapped price cuts on electric vehicle stock, which CEO Elon Musk described as a step toward “streamlining” sales and deliveries. Tesla has also reduced the worth of its advanced Full Self-Driving driver assistance package to $99 monthly within the US
Mars free for everybody: Devin reports that space startups are licking their lips over NASA’s decision to show the $11 billion, 15-year mission to gather and return samples from Mars into an essentially free industrial service.
Waymo issues: Waymo’s Robotaxis Six blocked traffic on a ramp in San Francisco on Tuesday. Rebecca notes that this is not the primary time Waymo vehicles have caused a roadblock, however it is the primary documented incident involving a highway.
Analysis
Google Cloud focuses on generative artificial intelligence: Ron writes about how Google Cloud is investing heavily in generative AI, as evidenced by a variety of announcements at the Google Cloud Next conference earlier this month.
Generative artificial intelligence in health: Generative AI is coming to healthcare – but not everyone seems to be thrilled. Some experts imagine that the technology shouldn’t be ready for prime time.
Airchat, to speak: Anthony breaks down the hype surrounding Airchat, an app launched by former AngelList founder Naval Ravikant and former Tinder chief product officer Brian Norgard that focuses on voice somewhat than text.