Elon Musk’s Neuralink Achieves Milestone with Second Brain Chip Implantation
Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company, Neuralink, has successfully implanted a brain chip in a second patient with a spinal cord injury, advancing its goal of enabling paralyzed individuals to control digital devices using only their thoughts. The latest announcement came from Musk himself, with confirmation via Reuters on August 4, 2024.
The implanted device, designed to help people with severe mobility limitations regain some level of digital autonomy, has been hailed as a groundbreaking innovation. According to Neuralink, the chip contains 400 electrodes, though the company’s website reports that a more advanced version can accommodate up to 1,024 electrodes.
The Neurochip: How It Works
The implanted chip functions as a capsule receiver, affixed behind the ear in a manner similar to a hearing aid. From this capsule, thread-like electrodes extend directly into the brain. These electrodes are extremely thin, up to four times finer than a human hair. In total, the device can implant as many as 1,500 electrodes, all connected to a 4×4 mm processor. This processor interprets and transmits neural signals, allowing the user to control external devices with thought alone.
A Second Attempt at Success
The first successful implant occurred in January 2024, in a patient who had been paralyzed from the neck down due to a diving accident. The initial success was remarkable—allowing the patient to play video games, surf the Internet, and even post on social media using nothing but his thoughts. However, technical issues surfaced a month later when several of the thread-like electrodes shifted out of place, leading to signal disruptions.
In response, Neuralink adjusted its strategy and announced plans to implant the chip deeper into the brain’s motor cortex in the second patient. This new implantation is part of a broader effort to refine the technology and prevent further complications.
Looking Ahead
Neuralink has ambitious plans for the future. By the end of 2024, the company aims to have implanted chips in at least 10 volunteers. Furthermore, Neuralink is preparing to apply for trials in Canada and the United Kingdom to broaden its scope and assess the technology’s global potential.
For more information, you can read the full story here.
This marks a pivotal moment in medical technology, where thought-controlled interfaces are moving closer to reality for patients suffering from debilitating injuries.
Warner Bros Discovery Avoids Break-up with Strategic Asset Sales
Warner Bros Discovery’s (WBD) top management is steering the company away from a potential break-up, a move designed to tackle the severe drop in its stock price since its inception in 2022. CEO David Zaslav and CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels have been reviewing various options to halt the stock’s decline, which has plummeted nearly 70% since the merger that formed WBD.
Insiders reveal that while a break-up was initially appealing, the management concluded that separating the company’s television channels from its streaming and studio businesses posed significant challenges. “On paper, a split seemed logical, but the operational complexities, particularly in negotiating sports rights and deciding content placement, make it a daunting task,” said an informed source.
Breaking up the Hollywood powerhouse could ignite legal disputes with debt investors and complicate content distribution across platforms, caution those close to the discussions. A company spokesperson refrained from commenting on the matter.
Instead of a drastic split, Zaslav and Wiedenfels are exploring the sale of smaller assets. These include potentially offloading the Polish broadcaster TVN or a stake in Warner’s video game division, known for its Harry Potter games. This strategy is aimed at reassuring investors of the company’s valuation, which management believes should be around $60 billion or $25 per share, a stark contrast to the $7.88 closing price on Monday.
The formation of WBD in April 2022, a merger between Discovery and WarnerMedia, was meant to enhance competitiveness against streaming giants like Netflix and Disney. However, convincing Wall Street of its potential has been an uphill battle, with its valuation slashed and management pressured into action. The company is slated to announce its quarterly earnings on Wednesday.
In response to these pressures, WBD has undertaken cost-cutting measures, including layoffs and asset sales like All3Media, the British production house behind “Fleabag”. CNN, WBD’s news division, recently laid off around 100 employees as part of its digital restructuring. Yet, selling CNN faces high hurdles due to its strategic value and the tax implications involved.
“Zaslav views CNN as a critical and reputational asset, integral to our affiliate relations,” an insider stated, referring to the fees cable operators pay to networks. They added that any offer for CNN would have to be exceptionally compelling to justify a sale.
Overall, those within the company assert that WBD’s true value should be much higher. However, the current market conditions are challenging, and success hinges on numerous factors aligning favorably.
For the full story, read more here.
PlayStation 5 Achieves 61 Million Units Sold Amid Falling Hardware Sales
Sony has announced that it has sold over 61 million PlayStation 5 (PS5) consoles, even as hardware sales have seen a notable decline. The company reported a 32% drop in hardware unit sales year-on-year, with 2.4 million PS5 consoles sold in the most recent quarter, down from 3.3 million in the same quarter of 2023, and a substantial decrease from 4.5 million units in the previous quarter.
Despite the decline in hardware sales, Sony’s game revenue saw a 12% increase year-on-year, contributing to a 33% increase in profit. This growth in revenue can be credited to an 18% increase in software sales and a 25% rise in Network Services revenue, largely driven by PlayStation Plus (PS Plus). While Sony hasn’t disclosed the exact number of PS Plus subscribers, it did reveal that the PlayStation Network now has 116 million monthly active users, up from 108 million year-on-year but a slight decrease from 118 million in the last quarter.
Software unit sales have dropped by 5% year-on-year, suggesting that the revenue increase is possibly due to higher game prices. In the recent quarter, the PS5-exclusive Stellar Blade sold a million copies by the end of June. Other significant releases include the PC version of Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut and the Destiny 2 expansion, The Final Shape.
For context, Nintendo sold 2.1 million Switch consoles in the same period, indicating that while the PS5 sales lead, the Switch remains competitive in its seventh year of release. Microsoft also experienced a 42% drop in hardware sales in the previous quarter, reflecting an industry-wide decline in hardware sales.
Read more at the original source here.
Recession Fears Trigger Massive Selloff Across Global Markets
The global financial markets took a massive hit on Monday, as over $1.93 trillion was wiped out from the U.S. stock market alone. The selloff was triggered by growing fears of an impending recession, following last week’s dismal economic data from the United States.
At 11:30 a.m. ET, the Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged 863.70 points, or 2.17%, to 38,873.56. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also faced significant declines, dropping 2.42% and 2.77%, respectively. Earlier in the day, the Nasdaq had dropped over 1,000 points, leading the rout as tech stocks bore the brunt of the selloff.
Weak jobs data released on Friday exacerbated recession fears. The U.S. economy added just 114,000 jobs in July, falling short of expectations, while the unemployment rate edged up to 4.3%. This news, combined with a dismal global economic outlook, sparked panic among investors, leading to a sharp selloff across global markets.
In Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 plunged 12.4%, marking its worst single-day loss since the Black Monday crash of 1987. South Korea’s Kospi index fell by 8.8%, while European markets sank roughly 3%. The ripple effects were felt across various asset classes, with Bitcoin dropping 12% and smaller U.S. companies represented by the Russell 2000 index losing 5.5%.
Big Tech stocks were particularly hard hit. Shares of Alphabet, Netflix, and Meta fell between 2.5% and 4.0%. Nvidia, the AI chip giant, saw its stock plunge over 8% following reports of a delay in launching its upcoming artificial-intelligence chips due to design flaws. Even Apple couldn’t escape the carnage, with its stock declining by 4.6% after Berkshire Hathaway reduced its stake in the company.
The bond market also reacted sharply, with Treasury yields falling as investors sought safe-haven assets. The yield on the 2-year Treasury note dropped to 3.81% from 3.88% late Friday. Meanwhile, commodities like gold and silver weren’t spared either. Gold prices fell over 2%, and silver plunged by 5% as investors liquidated their positions in response to the market turmoil.
For more details on the market’s dramatic downturn, visit the original source here.
Meta’s Star-Studded AI: Awkwafina and Judi Dench Among Celebs Tapped for New Digital Assistants
Meta is making a splash in the AI world by courting top celebrities like Judi Dench, Keegan-Michael Key, and Awkwafina to lend their voices to its upcoming digital assistants. According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is working swiftly to finalize agreements so that these high-profile voices can be showcased at the Meta Connect conference in September.
The primary focus is a digital assistant product named MetaAI, which aims to bring a touch of star power to AI interactions. Meta is reportedly negotiating with leading talent agencies in Hollywood, offering potentially multi-million dollar deals to secure these voices. This move follows a similar strategy from last year’s Connect, where Meta invested heavily in celebrity AI chatbots before discontinuing them.
The contracts with these celebrities are expected to be temporary, allowing actors the option to renew their involvement once the initial term expires. The voices are set to be integrated across Meta’s platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses. Meta has yet to comment on the details of these negotiations.
This approach recalls previous efforts to integrate celebrity voices into technology, such as Waze’s voice directions or the now-discontinued Meta AI chatbots. However, with advancements in generative AI, the new MetaAI could offer a more realistic and engaging experience. For instance, OpenAI’s recent demonstration featured an AI voice eerily similar to Scarlett Johansson, highlighting the potential for a more authentic interaction with voices like Awkwafina’s.
As Meta gears up for its big reveal, the integration of renowned voices could redefine how users interact with AI, making these digital assistants feel less like gimmicks and more like engaging, personable tools.
For more details on Meta’s latest initiative, visit The Verge.
New Google Maps Update Adds Building Entrance and Parking Guidance
Google is pushing the envelope on navigation technology by enhancing its two flagship apps, Google Maps and Waze, with a series of updates aimed at improving user experience. These updates not only bring the apps closer in functionality but also retain their distinct identities, catering to their dedicated user bases.
Google Maps: Enhanced Incident Reporting and Destination Guidance
One of the most significant updates to Google Maps is the introduction of enhanced incident reporting. Previously, incident reporting was a feature that distinguished Waze from other navigation apps. Now, Google Maps is incorporating this Waze-like functionality, allowing users to report and view incidents such as road closures, construction, speed cameras, and police presence with larger, more visible icons. These reports can be confirmed by other drivers with just a tap, creating a more interactive and up-to-date navigation experience.
Additionally, Google Maps is adding a feature that significantly improves destination guidance. As users approach their destination, the app will now identify the exact building entrance and highlight it in red, with a green indicator pointing to the main entrance. This feature is particularly useful in urban environments where locating the correct entrance can be challenging. Along with this, Google Maps will also show nearby parking lots, making it easier for users to find parking as they arrive at their destination.
These updates are rolling out to Google Maps on various platforms, including Android, iOS, cars with Google built-in, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The destination guidance feature is expected to be available to users in the coming weeks, providing a more seamless navigation experience.
Waze: New Camera Alerts and Event Notifications
While Google Maps is integrating some of Waze’s most popular features, Waze is also receiving updates that keep it ahead of the curve in traffic navigation. Waze users can now report and receive alerts for new types of traffic cameras, such as those monitoring bus lanes, HOV lanes, seat belt use, and even texting while driving. These alerts are crucial for drivers who want to avoid fines and stay safe on the road.
Waze is also introducing a new feature that provides notifications for events that may impact traffic. Whether it’s a marathon, concert, or sports event, Waze will alert users to road closures and traffic disruptions related to these events. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who frequently drive in areas where such events are common. The event notification feature is launching in time for the 2024 Olympic Games and will be expanded to cover future events.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Navigation
While these updates bring Google Maps and Waze closer together in terms of functionality, they also highlight the unique strengths of each app. Google Maps continues to focus on providing a comprehensive navigation experience with detailed destination guidance and real-time incident reporting. In contrast, Waze remains the go-to app for drivers who prioritize real-time traffic alerts and community-driven updates.
As Google continues to innovate and refine its navigation offerings, users can expect both apps to remain essential tools for navigating the complexities of modern travel. For more information on these updates, visit The Verge.
Spotify Drops Lyrics Cap, Free Users Now Enjoy Unlimited Access
Spotify has officially lifted the restriction on viewing lyrics for free users, allowing them to enjoy unlimited access to lyrics across all songs on the platform. This move comes after the company had implemented a cap in May, limiting free users to viewing lyrics for only three songs per month. The restriction, which was initially introduced as part of a wider test, was met with widespread criticism from the user base.
In response to the backlash, Spotify has decided to remove the cap, making lyrics accessible to all users, regardless of their subscription status. The company announced that it would be expanding the availability of lyrics for free users globally in the coming weeks. A Spotify spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to constantly testing and iterating its features across different tiers, markets, and devices.
The initial decision to limit lyrics access was speculated to be a strategy to encourage users to upgrade to Spotify’s paid subscription tiers, which start at $11 per month. However, during Spotify’s most recent earnings call, CEO Daniel Ek acknowledged the need to enhance the free user experience. “We are prioritizing enhancements in our free product pipeline based on existing performance in certain markets,” Ek stated. He also hinted at additional improvements to the free tier that will be rolled out in the coming months.
For more details, you can read the full article on Engadget.
OpenAI Challenges Google’s Dominance with New AI-Powered Search Engine Prototype
OpenAI announced it is testing a new prototype called “SearchGPT,” aimed at combining its advanced AI models with real-time web information to deliver quick and relevant search query responses. This move is a direct challenge to Google’s market-leading search engine.
In a blog post, OpenAI revealed that SearchGPT is currently available to a select group of users and publishers for feedback. The insights gained from this testing phase will help refine the features before they are integrated into ChatGPT in the future.
SearchGPT allows users to interact through conversational queries, similar to speaking with a person, and includes the ability to ask follow-up questions. This conversational approach is designed to make the search experience more intuitive and user-friendly.
Recently, Google introduced AI-generated query result summaries, termed “Overviews,” which are displayed at the top of search results pages. These summaries aim to provide direct answers to user queries, raising concerns about reduced opportunities for traditional ad placements.
OpenAI’s SearchGPT appears to mirror Google’s Overviews in function. However, the company emphasizes that it is working closely with publishers to ensure that the new technology respects and protects journalistic content.
“AI search is going to become one of the key ways that people navigate the internet,” said Nicholas Thompson, CEO of The Atlantic, in OpenAI’s blog post. “It’s crucial that this technology is built to value, respect, and protect journalism and publishers.”
Since ChatGPT’s release in late 2022, there has been intense competition in the AI sector to develop generative AI tools capable of creating text, images, and other content from simple prompts.
“We are innovating at every layer of the AI stack,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated during a recent earnings call for Alphabet.
OpenAI has invited interested users to join a waitlist to try SearchGPT, signaling its commitment to expanding the reach and functionality of AI-powered search.
“Winning Isn’t for Everyone”: Nike’s Audacious Olympic Push
Nike has unveiled a bold new campaign for the Paris Summer Olympics, marking a significant moment in the sportswear giant’s marketing strategy. Titled “Winning Isn’t for Everyone,” the campaign emphasizes the ruthless drive necessary to reach the top in sports, according to a press release from the company.
The ads, narrated by actor Willem Dafoe, delve into the qualities that drive elite athletes, such as an obsession with power, an insatiable desire for success, and a lack of empathy. Dafoe’s refrain, “Am I a Bad Person?” underscores the narrative, featuring legendary athletes like LeBron James and Serena Williams. Nike is positioning the Paris Olympics as a pivotal moment to reclaim its reputation for bold and conversation-starting marketing.
Some Olympic sponsors have opted for feel-good themes of sportsmanship and camaraderie in their marketing. However, Nike’s campaign takes a subversive approach, exploring traits often seen as negative but which fuel the drive of top-tier athletes. Dafoe, known for his villainous roles, provides an energetic voiceover that questions whether the intense drive to win makes one a bad person, complementing footage of sports icons at their peak.
The campaign includes social media content and out-of-home ads, with billboards in cities worldwide featuring athlete ambassadors alongside provocative copy like “If you don’t want to win, you’ve already lost” and “My dream is to end theirs.” This concept, embodying the elite athlete’s mindset, was inspired by insights from hundreds of Nike’s athlete partners, as stated in the campaign announcement.
Wieden + Kennedy Portland led the campaign, which is the largest marketing initiative undertaken by Nicole Hubbard Graham since she became Nike’s CMO earlier this year, replacing Dirk-Jan “DJ” van Hameren. “This isn’t just a campaign — it’s about celebrating athletes and their winning mindset,” Graham said in an email statement. “It’s a story about what it takes to be the best. The sacrifices, determination, and grit athletes commit to in their pursuit of greatness. The legacies that have yet to be shaped. And the dreams that will be made real. It reminds the world that there’s nothing wrong with wanting to win.”
Nike aims to use the Olympics to rediscover its “sharper and bolder” marketing strategy, focusing on athletes and key sporting moments. The company has admitted to over-focusing on its direct-to-consumer strategy in recent years and facing increased competition from emerging brands in categories it once dominated, like running. In its most recent financial quarter, Nike’s revenue slid 2% year over year to $12.6 billion, prompting the company to cut its guidance for the year.
For more details on Nike’s campaign, visit Marketing Dive.
CrowdStrike Software Glitch Sparks Global IT Disruption, Fix Deployed
As a result of the investigation regarding the global interruption in devices using Windows operating systems, it was determined that the outage is linked to US-based cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike’s software.
The disruption was not caused by a cyber-attack, the Information Technologies and Communication Authority of Türkiye announced on Friday.
“CrowdStrike is aware of reports of crashes on Windows related to the Falcon Sensor,” the firm said on its website. George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, said on the X platform his firm is actively working with customers impacted by a defect found in a single content update for Windows hosts.
“This is not a security incident or cyberattack. The issue has been identified, isolated and a fix has been deployed,” he stressed.
He recommended customers update their devices from the support portal while the firm will continue to provide complete and continuous updates. “We further recommend organizations ensure they’re communicating with CrowdStrike representatives through official channels. Our team is fully mobilized to ensure the security and stability of CrowdStrike customers,” he added.
He also said Mac and Linux hosts are not impacted by the outage.
Troy Hunt, a regional director at Microsoft, said on the X platform that the issue is not a “Microsoft outage,” it’s a CrowdStrike issue impacting Microsoft PCs. Microsoft has said on the X platform that its services are seeing continuous improvements while it continues to take mitigation actions. Microsoft also stated that its services, PowerBI, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft 365 admin center, were affected by the IT outage.
“We’re closely monitoring our telemetry data to ensure this upward trend continues as our mitigation actions progress,” it noted.
The IT outage has affected many sectors from aviation to health and TV channels so far. A major IT outage has disrupted businesses and institutions worldwide, affecting services ranging from airlines and airports to banks and supermarkets. In the UK, Sky News went off the air, and the largest train company warned of disruptions due to widespread IT issues. The outage has been linked to problems at Microsoft, which confirmed service degradation affecting many of its popular applications.
Business and institutions around the world have been knocked offline after a major IT outage.
In the UK, Sky News is off the air, while Britain’s biggest train company warned passengers to expect disruption because of “widespread IT issues.” Around the world, banks, supermarkets, and other major institutions reported computer issues disrupting services, with some airlines warning of delays and some airports grounding flights.
Overnight, Microsoft confirmed it was investigating an issue with its services and apps, with the tech giant’s service health website warning of “service degradation” that meant users may not be able to access many of the company’s most popular services, used by millions of businesses and people around the world.
Cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt also reported seeing issues at global cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike, with Australian telecoms firm Telstra posting to X, formerly Twitter, that the worldwide outage was “because of a global issue affecting both Microsoft and CrowdStrike.”
Among the impacted firms are Ryanair, with the airline posting on its website: “Potential disruptions across the network (Fri 19 July) due to a global third-party system outage.
“Affected passengers will be notified, and any passengers traveling across the network on Fri 19 July should check their Ryanair app for the latest updates on their flight. We advise passengers to arrive at the airport three hours in advance of their flight to avoid any disruptions. We regret any inconvenience caused to passengers by this third-party IT issue, which is outside of Ryanair’s control and affects all airlines operating across the network.”
Edinburgh Airport said the IT outage is causing longer waiting times.
A spokesperson said: “An IT system outage means wait times are longer than usual at the airport. This outage is affecting many other businesses, including airports. Work is ongoing to resolve this, and our teams are on hand to assist where we can. Passengers are thanked for their patience.”
Meanwhile, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) – parent company of Southern, Thameslink, Gatwick Express, and Great Northern – warned passengers to expect delays because of the issue.