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XChat, the standalone app for messaging on X, is available on iOS now
XChat, a new standalone messaging application for the social platform X, has been released on iOS. The app includes features such as message editing, screenshot blocking, disappearing messages, and end-to-end encryption. XChat will also support larger group chats, potentially replacing the soon-to-be-retired X Communities feature.
The DOJ is backing xAI in its lawsuit against Colorado
The Department of Justice is intervening in xAI's lawsuit against Colorado over a new AI law. The law requires developers of high-risk AI systems to disclose and mitigate algorithmic discrimination. The DOJ argues the law violates the Fourteenth Amendment by potentially forcing developers to discriminate based on protected characteristics.
What you need to know as Elon Musk's lawsuit against Sam Altman begins
Jury selection is set to begin in the lawsuit filed by Elon Musk against Sam Altman and OpenAI, alleging fraud in the company's reorganization into a for-profit entity. The trial could significantly impact the artificial intelligence industry, with Musk seeking to revert OpenAI to its original nonprofit structure and demanding significant financial damages. Legal experts suggest undoing the reorganization is unlikely, but the jury's decision on fraud allegations could lead to substantial monetary penalties or leadership changes.
Gas power projects for just 11 US data center 'campuses' could emit more greenhouse gases than entire…
New natural gas power projects linked to 11 US data center campuses could emit more greenhouse gases than Morocco in 2024. Microsoft, OpenAI, and Meta are among the companies whose projects face scrutiny over potential emissions, with some individual projects exceeding the yearly emissions of entire nations. While some companies argue these are theoretical maximums, even halved figures would still surpass Norway's 2024 emissions.
Tesla to use Intel 14A for AI chips as Musk says it will be 'ready for prime time' when the multi-billion…
Tesla will utilize Intel's upcoming 14A process node for its AI chips, as announced by Elon Musk during a Tesla earnings call. This partnership is part of Musk's ambitious Terafab project aimed at producing custom chips for Tesla, xAI, and SpaceX to power vehicles, robots, and data centers. Intel's 14A node is expected to be mature by the time Terafab scales up.
SpaceX and Cursor strike partnership that might end in a $60 billion acquisition
SpaceX and AI company Cursor have announced a partnership that could lead to a $60 billion acquisition of Cursor by SpaceX later this year. The collaboration aims to leverage Cursor's AI coding tools and SpaceX's supercomputing infrastructure to advance AI model training. This potential deal follows SpaceX's earlier acquisition of Elon Musk's AI company, xAI.
Monterey Park, California has banned any data centers within its city limits
Monterey Park, California has permanently banned the construction of new data centers, deeming them a public nuisance. This decision follows resident pushback against a proposed 250,000 square foot facility. Other regions, including New York and Maine, are considering similar legislation, while federal representatives have proposed a ban on new data centers until AI development and environmental security are better addressed.
DOJ refuses to help French authorities in criminal probe of X
The US Department of Justice has refused to assist French authorities in a criminal probe against X, citing concerns that the investigation is an attempt to regulate the social media platform through prosecution. France's investigation into X, which began in July, includes accusations of algorithm manipulation, fraudulent data extraction, and potentially CSAM dissemination and Holocaust denial. X and xAI expressed gratitude for the DOJ's decision, calling the investigation baseless.
Engadget Podcast: Allbirds goes from shoes to AI
This podcast episode discusses the surprising shift of shoe company Allbirds into the artificial intelligence sector and its implications for the AI economy. Additional topics include the Artemis II moon mission, Meta's facial recognition technology, and teens' perceptions of social media's influence.
NAACP sues xAI over data center pollution
The NAACP has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's AI startup xAI and its subsidiary MZX Tech, alleging the operation of unpermitted methane gas turbines to power their Colossus 2 data center in South Memphis. The lawsuit seeks to have the company cease using the turbines, pay financial penalties, and declare violations of the Clean Air Act due to alleged pollution.
X has a slightly more functional photo editor now
X has updated its in-app photo editor, adding features like drawing, text overlay, and AI-powered edits through xAI's Grok. These enhancements bring the editor closer to dedicated photo applications. The update is currently available on iOS and will soon be released on Android.
Intel gets on board with Musk's Terafab project
Intel has partnered with Elon Musk's companies, including SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI, to help design and build his proposed Terafab in Austin, Texas. This joint venture aims to manufacture the chips necessary for powering various AI projects, with a goal of producing 1 terawatt of computing power annually. The collaboration leverages Intel's expertise in chip fabrication to accelerate Musk's ambitious AI and robotics initiatives.
Morning Tech Bits
Intel has announced its participation in Elon Musk's Terafab project, aiming to revolutionize silicon fabrication technology. The company will collaborate with SpaceX, xAI, and Tesla on this initiative to refactor existing fab processes.
It's no longer free to use Claude through third-party tools like OpenClaw
Anthropic has updated its Claude AI subscription policy, discontinuing free usage for third-party tools like OpenClaw as of April 4. Users will now require an extra usage bundle or an API key to access Claude through external applications. This change is attributed to engineering constraints and a need to manage increasing demand by prioritizing direct customers and API users.
Judge tosses out X's advertiser boycott lawsuit
A US District Court Judge has dismissed X Corp.'s lawsuit against advertisers who allegedly participated in an illegal boycott. The judge ruled that the advertisers' actions, motivated by concerns over X's content moderation policies, did not constitute an antitrust violation. X Corp. is unable to refile the lawsuit.
OpenAI drops plans to release an adult chatbot
OpenAI has indefinitely canceled plans to release an erotic chatbot for adults, citing concerns from employees and investors. The company also decided to shelve its Sora video generator and will focus on core productivity tools. This decision follows internal debates and external controversies surrounding AI ethics and user attachment.
Evening Legal Briefs
Meta has been ordered by a jury to pay $375 million for violating New Mexico law in a child exploitation case. Separately, Baltimore is suing xAI concerning alleged deepfakes generated by its Grok AI.
Baltimore sues xAI over Grok deepfakes
The city of Baltimore has filed a lawsuit against xAI, alleging that its AI chatbot Grok violated the city's Consumer Protection Ordinance. This action follows widespread criticism of Grok's image generation tool for creating millions of sexualized images, including those of minors. The lawsuit claims xAI failed to disclose the risks associated with using Grok and the X social network.
Elon Musk announces Terafab project he claims will be the 'largest chip manufacturing facility ever'
Elon Musk announced the Terafab project, a joint venture between Tesla, SpaceX, and xAI, aiming to build the largest chip manufacturing facility ever. The project, estimated to cost at least $20 billion, will produce a terawatt of computing power annually to meet the companies' growing chip demands for terrestrial applications like Full Self-Driving and Optimus robots, as well as high-powered chips for space.
The Defense Department reportedly plans to train AI models on classified military data
The US Department of Defense is reportedly planning to train AI models on classified military data with companies like OpenAI and xAI. This initiative aims to create AI systems for military use, potentially offering more accurate responses for specific situations. However, concerns exist regarding data security and access control for personnel without the correct clearance.