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tesla ceo elon musk announces robotaxi service in austin texas using tesla fleet vehicles with no people inside and unsupervised full self-driving software
Meta's microblogging service Threads now has 320 million monthly active users, up from 300 million last month. Let’s dive deeper…
In today's ContentBuffer update:
Tesla robotaxi service launches in Austin, Texas
Meta's Threads reaches 320 million MAUs, beating rivals
WordPress plugins compromised by hackers
Microsoft adds DeepSeek's reasoning model to Azure AI Foundry
8VC seeks nearly $1 billion for its sixth fund, aiming to invest in more than 600 companies
Apple's future with AI uncertain amid US-China tensions
5 new AI tools & 5 new AI jobs
More tech news
Latest Development
Autonomous Driving
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: tesla ceo elon musk has announced the launch of a paid ride-hailing robotaxi service in austin, texas using tesla's own fleet vehicles with no people inside. the service will use the yet-to-be-released unsupervised full self-driving software. this is the latest in a long line of promises made by elon musk about autonomy.
Key Points:
tesla ceo elon musk has announced the launch of a paid ride-hailing robotaxi service in austin, texas using tesla's own fleet vehicles with no people inside.
the service will use the yet-to-be-released unsupervised full self-driving software
tesla is expected to release the unsupervised fsd software to owners in california and many regions of the u.s. this year
Why it matters: this announcement marks a significant step towards the development of autonomous driving technology and could have far-reaching implications for the future of transportation
Social Media
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Threads has surpassed its previous milestone of 275 million MAUs in November, and is maintaining its status as a preferred platform for many users amid a crowded landscape of social media apps.
Key Points:
The increase in MAUs serves as an indicator that Threads is maintaining its status as a preferred platform for many users amid a crowded landscape of social media apps.
Threads is adding more than 1 million daily signups, further cementing its growth momentum.
Meta has been working to draw in more users to Threads by regularly introducing features such as scheduling posts and allowing people to see the number of views on their individual posts.
Threads is also testing ads in the U.S. and Japan, leveraging its expanding reach.
Why it matters: The growth of Threads matters because it highlights the appeal of Meta's microblogging service amid a competitive social media landscape.
Cybersecurity
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Over 10,000 WordPress sites compromised by hackers; fake Chrome browser updates prompt visitors to download malicious files; Amos and SocGholish malware variants target macOS and Windows users.
Key Points:
Hackers are exploiting outdated WordPress versions and plug-ins to compromise websites.
The goal is to spread malware that steals passwords and personal information from both Windows and Mac users.
Amos and SocGholish malware variants target macOS and Windows users, respectively.
Fake Chrome browser updates prompt visitors to download malicious files.
Why it matters: This widespread hacking campaign highlights the importance of keeping software up-to-date, especially WordPress plug-ins, to prevent compromise and protect personal information.
Artificial Intelligence
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Microsoft deploys DeepSeek's R1 reasoning model on Azure AI Foundry; despite concerns over IP violations and censorship; model undergoes rigorous testing and security evaluations
Key Points:
DeepSeek's R1 model is a reasoning model that can be used for various AI-related tasks.
The model has undergone rigorous testing and security evaluations to ensure its safety and reliability.
Microsoft plans to make the model available on Azure AI Foundry, allowing users to leverage its capabilities for their own projects.
Why it matters: The addition of DeepSeek's R1 model to Azure AI Foundry is significant because it provides a powerful tool for developers and enterprises to build AI-related projects.
Techinvesting
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: 8VC is seeking nearly $1 billion for its sixth fund, aiming to invest in over 600 companies. The firm has already invested in notable companies like Asana, Flexport, and Elon Musk's The Boring Company.
Key Points:
The firm's latest fund aims to raise nearly 14% more than its previous $880 million flagship vehicle, which closed in February 2023.
8VC has investments in the defense tech sector, including robotic boat drones and autonomous vehicles for defense applications.
The firm also focuses on health tech and life sciences, with investments in biotechs like Senti Bio and Vir.
Why it matters: This fundraising effort highlights 8VC's growing influence in the venture capital industry, as well as its commitment to investing in innovative companies across various sectors.
Tech Industry
Image source: TechCrunch
Summary: Apple partners with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT to apps; uncertainty surrounds plans for DeepSeek and iPhone sales in China amid US-China tensions
Key Points:
Apple's partnership with OpenAI brings ChatGPT to its apps, including Siri.
Uncertainty surrounds Apple's plans for DeepSeek and iPhone sales in China amid US-China tensions.
The White House is exploring the implications of DeepSeek for national security.
President Trump has raised alarm about DeepSeek, a Chinese AI app.
Why it matters: Apple's AI ambitions are uncertain as it navigates US-China tensions, with implications for its iPhone sales and national security.
New Tools & Job
📦 Convert It - Estimate e-commerce shipping and product delivery dates based on users' zip codes.
🎨 Cut Out - Get professional portrait cutouts with fast turnaround and unlimited revisions.
👥 Avatic - Create custom 3D avatars for gaming, social, or professional online representation.
📹 Sora AI - Generate AI videos with Sora and unleash your creative potential.
🔗 ConvoLinx - No description available
RAPIDCODE LLC - Backend Developer - Browser Automations
Proton.ai - Senior Backend Engineer
OnTheGoSystems - Senior PHP / AWS Developer for System Optimization
BotGuard - Lead Software Engineer - Networking and Web Security
dbt Labs - Senior Software Engineer, Pricing&Packaging (Ireland)
QUICK HITS
📰 After historic implosion, MoviePass sends out survey to gauge interest in web3.
⚠️ A new study finds that climate change increased the likelihood of recent wildfires in southern California by 35%.
📹 Instagram is targeting creators by offering bonuses and content deals after the US TikTok ban, while introducing new metrics to track reel performance.
💻 Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, weighs in on the debate over whether Chinese AI company DeepSeek's success implies that U.S. export controls on AI chips aren't working.
🚫 A new report from Common Sense Media found that most US teens don't trust big tech companies to prioritize their well-being and safety.
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