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Here are the top technology stories around the world for December 8, 2023.
1. Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok for X Premium+
Elon Musk is introducing Grok, an AI chatbot, to X Premium+ subscribers for $26 a month in Australia. Grok aims to diversify the X platform’s revenue streams away from advertising and compete with ChatGPT. X CEO Linda Yaccarino welcomed Grok’s arrival.（Capital Brief）
2. Spotify CFO Paul Vogel departs
Spotify’s chief financial officer, Paul Vogel, is leaving the company at the end of March 2024. CEO Daniel Ek cited the need for a CFO with different experience, as Spotify shifts its focus to profitability following layoffs and podcast cancellations. Vogel’s departure follows a significant share sale, raising questions about the timing.(The Verge)
3. Linux’s BSOD-Like udpdate
The systemd 255 update for Linux introduces a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)-inspired feature with meaningful error messages and a QR code for error resolution. The release also includes new features such as “systemd-vmspawn” for virtual machines and improved support for TPM2 and disk encryption.(Tom’s Hardware)
4. Google Maps for Android auto adds parking location save
Google Maps for Android Auto now includes a convenient feature that allows users to save their parking location when they arrive at their destination. The toggle for this feature appears on the arrival screen, making it easy for drivers to keep track of where they’ve parked. While there are some questions about its functionality, it’s a useful addition for users navigating busy urban areas.(9to5Google)
5. Android’s emergency data sharing feature
Android phones with the Personal Safety app, such as Google Pixels, can now send vital emergency information to emergency services via the RapidSOS platform. This includes health information, allergies and more to help emergency responders act quickly in an emergency. Users can enable this feature in the device settings.(The Verge)
6. Binance withdraws UAE license application
Binance has withdrawn its application for a licence to manage a collective investment fund in the UAE, citing changing licensing requirements. The move is unrelated to the recent $4.3 billion settlement in the United States. Binance continues to operate in the UAE and holds regulatory licenses in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with Dubai serving as its Middle East and North Africa headquarters.(CNA)
7. Tesla’s Dojo project lead departs
The head of Tesla’s Dojo supercomputer project, Ganesh Venkataramanan, has reportedly left the company. Peter Bannon, a former Apple executive with seven years’ experience at Tesla, has taken over the project, according to sources.(Yahoo Finance)
8. Digital realty and blackstone’s $7 billion data center joint venture
Digital Realty and Blackstone will form a $7bn joint venture to develop 10 hyperscale data centres in Frankfurt, Paris, and Northern Virginia, targeting a 500MW total IT load. Blackstone will own 80% stake for around $700m. The deal is anticipated to close in H1 2024, pending regulatory approvals.(Data Center Dynamics)
9. Social media platform X hiring engineers in japan
Social media platform X, acquired by Elon Musk in 2022, plans to hire engineers in Japan in 2024 to develop features and advertising products for the Japanese market. The company’s focus will be on creating low-cost advertising mechanisms and addressing concerns about inappropriate content to regain advertiser trust.(The Hindu)
