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1. Stellantis’ Peugeot cars to use ChatGPT to talk to drivers
Stellantis’ Peugeot brand plans to integrate ChatGPT into its cars and vans, enhancing voice assistant capabilities. The service will launch in pilot form in five countries and become standard equipment this year. Peugeot also introduces an eight-year warranty for the e-3008 to promote electric vehicle adoption. (Reuters)
2. Replika’s new AI therapy app tries to bring you to a zen island
Replika and Blush have launched Tomo, a wellness app with an AI-generated avatar guiding users through meditation and talk therapy. While the app promises a virtual retreat experience, some find it similar to other guided meditation apps. Privacy concerns also linger, following past issues with Replika’s security standards. (The Verge)
3. ChatGPT users can now invoke GPTs directly in chats
OpenAI enables ChatGPT users to incorporate GPTs directly into conversations with a new “@” feature. The move follows the launch of the GPT Store, offering various GPTs for different purposes. OpenAI plans to introduce monetization for developers but faces challenges in moderation and traffic. (Tech Crunch)
4. ETF provider Global X pulls out its spot bitcoin ETF application
Global X, an ETF provider, has withdrawn its application for a spot bitcoin ETF, making it the first company to do so among those that applied last year. This comes after the SEC approved 11 spot bitcoin ETFs earlier this month, marking a significant development for the cryptocurrency industry. (U.S.News)
5. Alphabet shares slide on disappointing Google ad revenue
Alphabet’s Q4 2023 results beat expectations, but ad revenue fell short, causing a 6% drop in after-hours trading. Google Cloud grew 26% YoY, while YouTube ads slightly missed expectations. CEO Sundar Pichai continues to focus on AI investments, but last year’s 12,000 layoffs and more expected this year have caused severance charges of $2.1 billion. Net income rose 52% to $20.7 billion. (CNBC)
6. AMD shares fall as first-quarter forecast comes in light
AMD reported fourth-quarter earnings that met analyst expectations, with revenue beating estimates. However, the company’s first-quarter forecast fell short of expectations, causing the stock to slide over 6% in extended trading. AMD expects declines in some major businesses, including PC chips, but sees growth in data center GPU sales driven by its AI chips. (CNBC)
7. Apple iPhone shipments may see ‘significant decline’ in 2024, analyst says
Apple may experience a significant decline in iPhone shipments in 2024, attributed to the popularity of foldable phones and Huawei’s resurgence in the Chinese market, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. This, coupled with no major design changes expected until 2025, could impact Apple’s shipment momentum and ecosystem growth. (Money Report)
8. Elon Musk’s $56 billion Tesla compensation voided by judge, shares slide
A Delaware judge voided Elon Musk’s $56 billion compensation package that Tesla granted him in 2018, citing board failure to demonstrate fairness or negotiation. Tesla shares fell 3% in after-hours trading. Musk can appeal, but the ruling orders him to return the compensation received. (Microsoft Start)
9. TikTok tests a feature that would bring TikTok Shop links to more videos
TikTok is testing a feature to make all posts shoppable, aiming to expand TikTok Shop into a multibillion-dollar e-commerce business in the U.S. This move could bring e-commerce links to more videos, potentially altering the app’s user experience. (Tech Crunch)
10. YTL PowerSeraya to build new hydrogen-ready turbine on Jurong Island
YTL PowerSeraya will build a hydrogen-ready Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) with a capacity of 600 MW, according to the Energy Market Authority. It will be built on Jurong Island and at least 30% volume hydrogen ready with the potential to be retrofit for 100% hydrogen. (CNA)
