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TikTok Faces Potential Sale or Ban, Senate Votes Overwhelmingly in Favor
Have you heard the latest on TikTok? The U.S. Senate has just given the thumbs up to a measure that’s stirring the pot big time. In a decisive vote of 79 to 18, senators agreed on a measure requiring ByteDance to either sell TikTok or watch it get banned in the U.S. This significant move, part of the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, is now waiting on President Biden’s desk. And guess what? He’s already hinted he’s ready to sign it off. (Yep, just like we anticipated, we’re diving into this drama all over again).
It’s not the first time TikTok has caught the eye of U.S. lawmakers, but the bipartisan support for this bill is something else. The bill, already breezing through the House of Representatives, insists TikTok divests from ByteDance within 12 months or face a ban in U.S. app stores and web hosting services. TikTok, however, isn’t taking this lying down and has branded the bill unconstitutional, promising a tough legal battle ahead. But let’s remember, in the fast-paced world of social media, a few years can feel like a lifetime. Remember Snap? Or even more so, Vine?
So, who’s in line to potentially snap up TikTok? Tech giants might be eyeing its vibrant young audience, but the idea of beefing up Big Tech further might not sit well with many. Interestingly, Steve Mnuchin, a figure from the Trump administration, mentioned putting together an investor group. Can you imagine how that might turn out?
— Mat Smith
The Must-Knows: Stories You Shouldn’t Miss
Feeling out of the loop? No worries, we’ve got you covered with some of the big headlines you might have skipped while scrolling. Who knew Elon Musk’s X platform would venture into the world of TV apps? Or that Adobe Photoshop’s latest beta is transforming simple text prompts into AI-generated masterpieces? And for those eager graduates ready to explore the world, the travel tech guide is a must-check.
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Microsoft’s Phi-3 Mini: A Glimpse into the Future of AI?
Speaking of innovation, Microsoft’s latest endeavor, the Phi-3 Mini, is breaking barriers. Tailored for smartphones and other devices, this light AI model promises an alternative to costly cloud-powered solutions. It’s not just about saving bucks; it’s about enabling smaller organizations to hop on the AI train with lower energy usage and no hefty processing fees. The intriguing part? Microsoft claims this mini model can go head-to-head with some of the big boys in the AI game, performing at a level comparable to models nearly ten times its size. Now, that’s something to watch!
Ride-Hailing, Tesla Style: What’s in Store for the Future
Tesla is teasing something big: ride-hailing features, right from its app. Ahead of an eagerly awaited robotaxi reveal, Tesla’s sneak peeks are sparking all kinds of conversations. The idea seems akin to summoning an Uber, but with Tesla flair — imagine setting your ride’s temperature before it even arrives! With Tesla’s long-standing promises of self-driving taxi services, we’re all eyes and ears on how this unfolds.
Meta’s Vision: Smart Glasses with a Touch of Multimodal AI
Ever thought your glasses could do more? Meta sure has. After much anticipation, Meta is incorporating multimodal AI into its smart glasses. This means your glasses won’t just help you see better; they’ll understand photos, videos, text, and audio. Meta is not stopping there; it’s also integrating hassle-free video calls via WhatsApp and Messenger, making communication as seamless as ever. Plus, there’s talk of new frame designs. It’s an exciting time for wearable tech, and Meta is clearly stepping up its game.
