Stop searching and indulge in today’s tech news. Updates on AI advancements, bitcoin, tech giants and emerging startups. Your tech news awaits.
1. Synthetaic claims synthetic data is as good as the real thing when it comes to AI
Synthetaic’s rise accelerated after the spy balloon incident of 2023, spotlighting its prowess in AI technology. Synthetaic promises transformative impacts, addressing data scarcity and quality challenges paving the way for enhanced innovation, efficiency, and competitiveness. (TechCrunch)
2. China’s generative video race heats up
Tencent’s unveiling of DynamiCrafter underscores China’s tech giant’s push into video generation. The diffusion-based model, now open source, promises enhanced video creation from text and images. With ByteDance, Baidu, and Alibaba also in the fray, China’s tech landscape embraces generative video innovation. (TechCrunch)
3. Finally, now with $10M, adds AI for better insight into small business accounting
Fintech startup Finally secures $10 million in venture capital, adding to its previous $95 million raise. Founded in 2018, the Miami-based company offered automated accounting and finance solutions for small businesses, with recent expansions including AI-powered ledger and mobile apps. (TechCrunch)
4. FTX, Alameda transfer $39M to exchanges in 37 days
Since January 2024, crypto wallets associated with the defunct FTX exchange and Alameda Research have moved over $38.8 million in digital assets to multiple crypto exchanges. As the exchange navigates restructuring, criticism arises over FTX’s plan. (Cointelegraph)
5. Solana network down: Validators act to restore service
Solana suffered a major outage on February 6, halting block production on its Mainnet-Beta cluster. Engineers and validators are actively investigating the issue. Exchanges like Upbit have suspended Solana-based transactions. (Cointelegraph)
6. YouTube is experimenting with red, blue, and green video feeds
YouTube is experimenting with a new feature that allows users to filter videos on their home feed by color, enhancing visual coherence. Currently available to select users on mobile devices, it offers color-coordinated feeds without replacing the existing homepage. (TheVerge)
7. Sony’s latest PS5 beta improves DualSense
Sony’s latest PS5 beta update introduces enhancements to the DualSense controller, including improved speaker and microphone functionality. Additionally, the Share Screen feature now supports pointers and emoji reactions, enhancing gameplay interaction. (The Verge)
8. Mozilla’s new service tries to wipe your data off the web
Mozilla introduces Mozilla Monitor Plus, a paid subscription privacy monitoring service for $8.99 monthly. Partnering with Onerep, it scans over 190 sites to locate and attempt to remove user information obtained by data brokers. (The Verge)
9. Government hackers targeted iPhones owners with zero-days, Google says
Google’s report reveals government hackers exploited three undisclosed iPhone vulnerabilities using spyware from European startup Variston. Google aims to disrupt such spyware campaigns due to their threat to freedom and democracy. (TechCrunch)
10. Apple Vision Pro replaces Face ID with Optic ID — here’s how it works
Apple Vision Pro introduces Optic ID, an iris scanner leveraging the device’s eye-tracking system to authenticate users. Optic ID enables seamless access and authorization for features like Apple Pay and Persona avatars in video calls. (Yahoo)
11. Tesla owners told not to wear Apple virtual reality headsets while driving
Videos of Tesla drivers wearing Apple’s VR headset while driving spark safety concerns. US Secretary for Transport emphasizes driver engagement. (BBC)
12. Alphabet is seeking outside investment for its GFiber internet business
Alphabet’s GFiber plans to seek external investment to expand its Wi-Fi and internet services across the US. With a growing customer base and expansion deals underway, GFiber aims to enhance connectivity in underserved areas. (Reuters)
13. Nintendo hikes Switch forecast as hardware launch expectations rise
Nintendo has increased its full-year Switch sales forecast to 15.5 million units, leveraging the console’s enduring popularity and success with hit titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom” and “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” (Reuters)
14. Meta to start labeling AI-generated images from companies like OpenAI, Google
Meta Platforms announces plans to detect and label AI-generated images from other companies, aiming to combat the spread of potentially deceptive content across its platforms. (Reuters)
15. Spotify’s user growth beats estimates, forecasts upbeat year
Spotify exceeded fourth-quarter expectations, with monthly active users and premium subscribers surpassing forecasts, driving shares up 8%. The company’s strategic shifts into podcasts and audiobooks, alongside price adjustments and workforce optimization, aim to achieve its ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion users by 2030. (Reuters)
