Beautiful enterprises that deceive our senses are thriving in a time when President Joe Biden’s voice is mimicked to generate robocalls for Trump. The question arises: can we develop the antidote before the venom, considering how easily something designed to delight us can be turned against us?
ElevenLabs Secures $80 Million in Series B Funding
BRAZIL- 2023/11/22: An illustration featuring the Eleven Labs brand displayed on a laptop screen. The recent \(80 million Series B funding round has propelled ElevenLabs, an AI Voice company, to a total funding of \)101 million, incorporating the earlier \(19 million Series A round. This latest investment has elevated the company’s market valuation to \)1.1 billion. The funding was spearheaded by Andreessen Horowitz, Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross, with the participation of Sequoia Capital and SV Angel. The founders of ElevenLabs, engineers from Palantir and Google, specialize in language generation and cloning through machine learning. The company is gearing up to introduce a tool for audio creation and a platform where users can showcase their AI-cloned voices.
Artisse Receives $6.7 Million in Seed Funding for AI Photo App
Artisse, an AI photo application, has secured \(6.7 million in seed funding. The app has the remarkable ability to transform ordinary selfies into stunning, model-like photographs. Influencers, models, and marketers who previously struggled to create visually appealing content are now embracing Artisse. The app anticipates generating \)2.5 million in subscription revenue by the end of the year. The funding round was led by The London Fund, and Artisse is exploring online fitting room technology to enhance the online shopping experience, allowing users to virtually try on clothing and pose with friends or celebrities.
Rabbit R1: Portable AI Device with Pre-Orders Totaling $10 Million
Pre-orders for the Rabbit R1, a portable AI device similar to Tamagotchi, have reached $10 million. Developed in collaboration with Teenage Engineering, Rabbit R1 features a lens, scroll wheel, 2.8-inch touch screen, and push-to-talk switch, packed into a compact size. With a 2.3GHz MediaTek processor, 4GB of memory, and 128GB of storage, Rabbit R1 introduces the innovative Large Action Model concept, enabling users to access apps and subscriptions through the “Rabbit Hole” web portal. The device’s functionality raises questions about the sustainability of cloud computing, particularly if Squirrel, a similar product, gains widespread adoption.
Microsoft Teams Introduces Wire for Group Communication
Microsoft Teams now supports wire communication in groups, offering a platform similar to Altspace but without the extensive data. The integration of 3D and VR discussions into Microsoft Teams has sparked mixed reactions, with some questioning Microsoft’s decision to merge AltspaceVR features into Teams using Mesh. This integration allows VR and AR users to engage in video calls and appear as avatars in the Metaverse. The rationale behind Microsoft’s strategy and its reception among users remain subjects of debate.
Apple Vision Pro Unveils FOMO-Inducing Introduction
A highly anticipated introduction of the Apple Vision Pro has stirred excitement and fear of missing out (FOMO) among tech enthusiasts. With speculations and demos circulating, the device’s rumored capabilities have captivated audiences. Apple’s strategic marketing aims to embed the desire for this $5,000 face computer in consumers’ minds, prompting them to consider significant investments for a cutting-edge experience.
Disney Introduces Holotile for VR Movement
Disney’s latest innovation, Holotile, revolutionizes VR movement by offering a seamless and immersive experience for users. Designed to address the challenge of physical movement in VR environments, Holotile Floor enables users to navigate virtual spaces with ease. Disney’s engineers are exploring new possibilities for creating engaging virtual experiences without the need for large-scale setups, reimagining how users interact with virtual worlds.
OpenAI Collaborates with Arizona State University for AI Education
A groundbreaking partnership between OpenAI and Arizona State University (ASU) has been announced, focusing on integrating ChatGPT into ASU’s Freshman Composition program. This collaboration aims to enhance writing support for students across various subjects, particularly in STEM fields, by developing a customized AI tutor. ASU plans to leverage ChatGPT Enterprise for educational purposes, including creating AI avatars for tutoring, courses, and research. The enhanced features of ChatGPT Enterprise offer faster performance, increased API credits, and unrestricted access to GPT-4, empowering ASU to explore innovative educational applications.
Nice Aunties Unveils AI Animated Art Piece “GARLIC”
Last year, Nice Aunties introduced “GARLIC,” an enchanting AI animated artwork set to Running A Fever’s music. This immersive creation provides a sanctuary for stress relief, meditation, and personal reflection, catering to individuals seeking solace. Constructed from locally sourced brassicas, GARLIC embodies sustainability by repurposing materials for culinary use after serving its artistic purpose.
Storybook Studio’s AI-Driven Historical Narrative
Germany’s Storybook Studio is crafting a compelling tale of love, passion, conflict, and retribution set in the first century, depicting a world resisting Roman rule. This AI-generated narrative offers a unique storytelling experience, blending historical elements with imaginative storytelling techniques.
Futurist’s Ted Schilowitz and XR Innovators Host “This Week in XR”
Ted Schilowitz of Futurist, alongside XR pioneers like Rony Abovitz of Magic Leap, hosts the audio series “This Week in XR.” David Weinstein, Nvidia’s XR expert, leads discussions on immersive technologies, available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube, offering insights into the latest developments in the XR landscape.
