Top tech news stories today: April 2, 2024

Top tech news stories today: April 2, 2024 is profiled by BTW Media because public-source evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

From OpenAI’s venture fund changes to Samsung’s Bixby enhancements, explore updates from companies like Microsoft, Alibaba Cloud, and Yum Brands, shaping the future of technology and AI. Dive into insights on AI-powered fast food, voice cloning tools, and more.

1. Sam Altman gives up control of OpenAI Startup Fund, resolving unusual corporate venture structure

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has transferred control of the firm’s corporate venture fund to Ian Hathaway. Initially overseen by Altman, the OpenAI Startup Fund saw Hathaway’s leadership in managing investments, with significant growth from $175 million to $325 million in net asset value. (Tech Crunch)

2. The FTC is trying to help victims of impersonation scams get their money back

The Federal Trade Commission implements new regulations targeting impersonation scams, aiming to curb losses of $1.1 billion in 2023. The rule prohibits impersonating government or businesses in interstate commerce, enabling the FTC to directly pursue scammers for restitution. (The Verge)

3. Major Chinese telecom companies slow infrastructure investment, target AI computing power

China’s three major telecom companies, China Telecom, China Mobile, and China Unicom announced a strategic shift in investment from 5G to cloud computing and AI. (Digitimes)

4. Alibaba Cloud’s livestream event draws millions, sparks cloud computing price war

Alibaba Cloud’s inaugural livestream event, featuring Chinese influencer Luo Yonghao on Taobao, engaged 2.3 million viewers. The showcase highlighted cloud solutions such as Alibaba Cloud Drive and Elastic Compute Service, drawing interest from around 1,000 companies during the broadcast. (Investing.com)

5. Nuco.cloud aims to be the ‘Airbnb’ of computing power

Nuco.cloud mirrors Airbnb’s transformative impact by converting idle computing power into valuable assets. Nuco.cloud aims for a more accessible and sustainable cloud computing landscape. (The Daily Hodl)

6. Waiting for Xiaomi: Customers planning to buy SU7 EV are facing 7-month waiting lists

Xiaomi’s SU7 electric sedan launched last Thursday, priced at $29,870, witnessing a staggering 88,898 pre-orders within 24 hours. Xiaomi faces high demand, with potential buyers encountering wait times up to seven months. (Firstpost)

7. TikTok is bringing its dedicated STEM feed to Europe

Amidst scrutiny in the U.S. and the U.K., TikTok reaffirms its commitment to educational content by expanding its STEM feed across Europe, beginning in the U.K. and Ireland. The feed, already popular in the U.S., targets users under 18 and offers auto-translate subtitles, fostering engagement with STEM topics. (Tech Crunch)

8. Telegram launches new ‘Business’ features and revenue-sharing, challenging Meta

Telegram introduces its ‘Business’ features, challenging Meta’s WhatsApp and Messenger. These features cater to businesses, offering ad-revenue sharing and diverse tools like customised start pages, preset replies, and chatbots. (Global Village Space)

9. Microsoft to separate Teams and Office globally amid antitrust scrutiny

Microsoft has opted to sell its chat and video app Teams separately from its Office suite worldwide, following a six-month separation in Europe aimed at averting EU antitrust scrutiny. (CNBC)

10. OpenAI clearly nervous about its new voice cloning tool being used for scams

OpenAI introduced Voice Engine, an AI-driven audio cloning tool. While highlighting its potential for reading assistance and voice restoration, OpenAI expressed apprehension regarding potential misuse. (Gizmodo)

11. The chess master trying to propel Google’s AI push

DeepMind’s CEO, Demis Hassabis, shifts focus to late-night video calls with Google leaders, previously reserved for independent work. Amid DeepMind’s evolution into a “relentless production line,” Hassabis consolidates teams and mandates dual leadership to boost synergy. (The Wall Street Journal)

12. Taco Bell, Pizza Hut going ‘AI-first’ with fast-food innovations

Yum Brands, parent company of KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill, ramps up technology integration with plans for “AI-powered” fast food. Digital sales now represent about 45% of revenue, nearly doubling from 2019, signaling a strategic shift towards automation. (Fox Business)

13. Samsung is bringing GenAI capabilities to its digital voice assistant Bixby, executive confirms

Samsung aims to elevate its digital Assistant, Bixby, through generative AI advancements, as revealed by executive vice president Won-joon Choi. With a focus on large language models, Samsung seeks to redefine Bixby’s capabilities, aiming for enhanced intelligence and functionality in the evolving landscape of voice assistants. (The Times of India)