Big Tech's Major Push into Artificial Intelligence: Amazon, Meta, Apple, and AMD Report Significant Investments and Focus in AI Capabilities and Applications
Top executives at Amazon, Meta, Apple, and AMD have all reported major investments in AI capabilities and applications in their latest quarterly earnings calls. Amazon CEO Andy Jassy highlighted AI as "at the heart of what we do," and stated that the company is working to implement AI across all of its businesses.
US Big Techs Form Alliance to Develop Standards for 3D Graphics in the Metaverse
Nvidia, Apple, Adobe, Autodesk, and Pixar Animation Studios have joined forces to establish the Alliance for OpenUSD, which aims to promote the development of 3D graphics standards in the metaverse. OpenUSD is an open data format created by Pixar that allows graphic artists to collaborate on large-scale 3D animation projects. The Alliance for OpenUSD will work with the Joint Development Foundation to standardize the technology. Apple has recently launched the Vision Pro AR/VR headset and partnered with Disney to bring fans closer to their favorite characters in film and TV.
US lawmakers question Apple's App Store policy on crypto-related apps
Two US lawmakers, Republican Congressman Gus Bilirakis and Democratic Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, have written a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, seeking information about App Store's restrictive crypto policy. The lawmakers are concerned that the guidelines are potentially being used by the tech giant to restrict emerging technologies like blockchains and NFTs, which could damage the United States' superiority in emerging technologies. They have given Apple until August 14 to respond to their inquiry and have raised concerns about the company's attempt to use App Store policies to increase its revenue at the expense of crypto-related applications. The bipartisan initiative has been praised by Coinbase's Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal and the Chief Executive of the crypto advocacy group Blockchain Association, Kristin Smith.
Mobile NFT Platform Floor to Absorb Apple and Google's 30% Fees for In-App Purchases
Floor, a mobile NFT platform, plans to absorb the 30% fees charged by Apple and Google for in-app NFT purchases. This move sets it apart from other NFT marketplace apps, which have avoided fees by not allowing in-app purchases. Floor hopes that its absorption of the fees will lead to a reduction in Apple and Google's take across the industry.
Apple Reportedly Developing Internal Generative AI Model, No Plans for Public Launch
Apple is said to be developing its own generative pre-trained transformer (GPT) artificial intelligence (AI) model called "Ajax", which is similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard. However, there is no indication that the company plans to release it to the public.
Zapple Pay Emerges as Alternative to Bitcoin-Friendly App Damus After Apple Threatens Delisting
In June, Apple threatened to remove Damus, a Bitcoin-friendly social media app, from its App Store due to its feature that allows users to tip each other with bitcoin. Despite efforts to address the issue, Apple rejected Damus' submission, leading to concerns about restricting Bitcoin adoption.
Apple Unveils Revolutionary Vision Pro Headset for Immersive Augmented and Virtual Reality Experience
June 25 (Cointime) - Apple has entered the Spatial computing market with its new mixed reality headset, the Apple Vision Pro.
Apple Rejects Lightning-Enabled Bitcoin Wallet Zeus Over License Issues
June 15 (Cointime) - Apple has rejected the latest version of the non-custodial Lightning-enabled bitcoin wallet, Zeus, due to a lack of proof of requisite licenses and permissions for the transmission of virtual currency.
Louis Vuitton Partners With Epic Games and Apple for Immersive Digital Experiences and Tap To Pay Technology
June 15 (Cointime) - Louis Vuitton has formed strategic partnerships with Epic Games and Apple to enhance their digital experiences. The first deployment of Epic Games' Unreal Engine 5 technology by a LVMH maison was showcased at the Viva Technology show in Paris, featuring an interactive and immersive digital recreation of the Louis Vuitton Men's Fall '23 fashion show.
Decentralized Social Media Platform Damus Reached a Consensus With Apple To Allow It To Be Listed on the App Store After Modifying the Zaps Function
Apple has asked decentralized social media platform Damus to adjust its bitcoin tipping feature to comply with App Store guidelines or face removal. Apple claims the feature may allow users to sell digital content outside of the App Store, in violation of the guidelines. Damus' founder said the change would "cripple" the platform. But after communicating with Apple, the two sides reached a consensus and confirmed that the problem can be solved in the next update. Currently, users can tip others via the lightning button, as well as on their profiles.
