TechCrunch Industry News

A fierce AI chip race is underway among major cloud players. Google unleashes its Trillium chip, while Microsoft prepares to follow with Maia. Not to be outdone, Amazon showcases its trio of innovative chips: Trainium, Inferentia, and Graviton. Meanwhile, Amazon reveals a controversial $110 million grant program aimed at boosting AI research in academia. This initiative raises eyebrows about corporate influence on research independence. The stakes are high and the competition is heating up!

Standing desks may not be the health saviors we thought; prolonged standing can have its own risks. Trade restrictions hit hard as TSMC halts advanced chip shipments to China, reshaping the tech landscape. Meanwhile, Social Network X prepares to unleash a free version of its AI chatbot Grok, which could shake up the AI market significantly. Lastly, Encore emerges as an innovative search engine designed to streamline thrifting, promising to enhance how users find second-hand treasures online.

Ben Peters, the technical co-founder of 5AI, leads Cogna, a groundbreaking startup focused on AI-generated enterprise software. He discusses his journey from autonomous vehicles to creating AI that self-writes software. The conversation highlights Cogna's recent $15 million funding and explores how their innovative solutions can transform ERP systems. Peters also shares insights on the competitive landscape of enterprise AI, drawing parallels to his experiences in self-driving technology and the strategies that could shape the market's future.

What’s the secret to success? It isn’t any of the trends that so many founders in Silicon Valley subscribe to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The PRESS Act would protect a journalist's sources, and gained unanimous bipartisan support when passed by the House in January. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A recent partnership is reshaping defense technology as a data analytics giant teams up with major tech players. They aim to provide U.S. intelligence agencies access to advanced AI models, enabling enhanced data processing and strategic decision-making. The collaboration raises important questions about the military's cautious adoption of AI solutions. Listeners explore the implications of this integration in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The FTC is cracking down on neobank Dave for misleading marketing tactics. They accuse the platform of advertising cash advances that were seldom available. The podcast dives into the complexities of dark patterns in user interfaces that hide fees from consumers. Listeners learn about the implications of deceptive practices in the fintech industry and the potential impact on users. It's a fascinating exploration of ethics in digital finance.

Corinne Riley, a Partner at Greylock, unveils the transformative impact of AI coding assistants on startups. She discusses how tools like GitHub Copilot are reshaping software engineering and aiding developers in overcoming challenges. The conversation dives into the benefits these AIs provide, from speeding up coding processes to enhancing problem-solving capabilities. Riley also addresses the potential hurdles startups face when integrating AI, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs navigating this evolving landscape.

Lyft is making bold strides in the autonomous vehicle market with new partnerships. They’re teaming up with May Mobility, Mobileye, and Nexar to leverage innovative technologies. The goal? A pilot program in Atlanta by 2025. These collaborations promise to enhance driver experience while prioritizing safety. It's an exciting time as Lyft aims to catch up with Uber in the rapidly evolving world of self-driving services.

“Move cautiously and red-team things” is sadly not as catchy as “move fast and break things.” But three AI safety advocates made it clear to startup founders that going too fast can lead to ethical issues in the long run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices