good morning Millennials—the overachieving, avocado-toast-eating, unluckiest demographic generation in American history of which I am an elder (germ?) politician—are apparently the most optimistic about AI in the workplace.
A majority of millennials said AI has improved decision-making, reduced stress, and increased creativity at work, according to a survey published this week. Meanwhile, only 1 in 5 members of Gen X and Gen Z felt the same way. The data were similar for the belief that AI could increase income.
And after living with them all Matrix Movies too. I know, I know. – Andrew Noska
Want to send ideas or suggestions on datasheets? Drop a line here.
Under fire from US mistrust, Alphabet stock fell 6 percent
Shares of Google parent Alphabet fell to around $166 on Thursday after Justice Department prosecutors. Outlined proposed antitrust remedies. This will significantly change how search companies conduct their business.
In September, US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the search market with billions of dollars in payments to ensure it was the default search engine on smartphones and web browsers. stay
In addition to requiring a halt to these practices, the DOJ also wants to prevent Google from making the default search option on its Pixel line of smartphones. The agency asked a judge to force the company to sell its flagship Chrome browser.
In a statement, Kent Walker, Alphabet’s chief legal officer, said the proposed remedies would threaten the security and privacy of Americans and chill the company’s investment in artificial intelligence. Hearings begin in 2025. A final decision is expected by August. – Greg McKenna
Anthropic CEO: AI regulation math isn’t math
The CEO of $19 billion AI startup Anthropic says the notion that artificial intelligence is just “math, software and chips” is misleading.
Speaking at a conference this week, Dario Amodei Pushed back The creation of technology by investor Marc Andreessen suggests that it has no basis. Resistance regulation.
“Isn’t your brain just math? A neuron fires and sums up calculations, that’s math too,” Amoudi said. “Like, we shouldn’t be afraid of Hitler, it’s just math. The whole universe is math.”
Amodei is one of several AI executives who have been vocal about the potential risks of the technology and advocate for regulation. Anthropic went so far as to support the controversial Californian. SB 1047which was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Amodei acknowledged that today’s AI models are “not smart enough” to pose a serious threat. But are AI agents coming? A different story.
“Today people laugh when chatbots say something unexpected,” he said. “But we have to do a better job of controlling agents.”
Fintech IPOs are coming.
The planned IPO of Swedish buyout, pay-later darling Klarna in the first half of 2025 could start fintech startups itching to go public.
Citing multiple Wall Street sources, A new report from Bloomberg A successful listing of Klarna — plus Trump’s promises of lighter regulation during his second presidency — could entice more privately-funded companies to take a shot at the public markets, say.
Among those waiting in the wings? Chime (consumer banking) and Zilch (buy now, pay later), which are eyeing listings in 2025. Plaid (infrastructure) and Revolut (consumer banking and trading), which have signaled interest in going public. and Trustly (payments) and Brex (spend management), which are reportedly considering a move.
The question that will be on the minds of investors? Should companies be valued more like fast-growing tech companies or stable AD finance firms? All eyes on Klarna.
The US agency will treat digital wallet providers like banks.
Is there any point in introducing a new financial technology regulation in the US before Donald Trump takes office again? The industry will soon find out.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Thursday finalized a rule that means services like Venmo, Apple Wallet, and Google Pay will receive the same kind of intensive regulatory scrutiny that traditional banks do.
“Digital payments have gone from novelty to necessity and our oversight must reflect that reality,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. According to Reuters. Big Tech is obviously not happy.
Legal experts expectation Trump will remove Chopra from office as soon as he takes office. With the GOP controlling all of Congress, there’s a good chance the bureau’s powers will be curtailed — and some of its rules will be overturned. – David Meyer
Google is reportedly pulling the plug on the next Pixel tablet.
Speaking of Alphabet: A flurry of new reports suggest that Google has canceled development of its next-generation Pixel tablet over profitability concerns.
The so-called Pixel Tablet 2 was expected in 2025, but that’s no longer the case. According to Android Authority. A Pixel Tablet 3, reportedly planned for 2027, is in development. (Google had no comment.)
Details about the boxed device reportedly suggest that Google is tilting its Pixel tablets towards productivity. Only Wi-Fi and 5G versions were reportedly in the works, as was a keyboard accessory.
As with anything in consumer technology, pinning the future gives the company the opportunity to put more advanced components inside the device. And, naturally, more AI-powered services at that.
More data
–Gary Gensler steps down as SEC chairman The crypto villain is no more.
–OpenAI considered creating a web browser. Just in case Google’s threat wasn’t obvious enough.
–AI landlord tool ordered to pay $2.3m for discrimination. Scoring Tenants: Loaded!
–Is there an AI bubble? “Absolutely,” says enterprise tech legend Tom Seibel.
–Crypto entrepreneur spends $6 billion on bananas Sometimes the jokes write themselves, people.
End stop activated.
Andrew Noska
