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Story of the day
TBC launches Mischief, an AI video model shaped by brain cells
The Biological Computing Co.
has unveiled TBC Mischief 1, an innovative AI video model that transforms still images into short videos, leveraging insights from living neurons to achieve a processing speed approximately five times faster than Alibaba's Wan 2.2.
Priced at $0.005 per second, TBC Mischief 1 is available on developer platforms like fal and OpenRouter.
The company, based in San Francisco, studies lab-grown neuron networks to enhance its software, although it has not released independent benchmarks to substantiate its speed claims.
Co-founder Jon Pomeraniec emphasized the platform's potential to revolutionize AI economics.
Top in AI
OpenAI Faces Lawsuit After ChatGPT's Medical Advice Linked to Woman's Death
The parents of Bowen Wan, a 31-year-old software engineer, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT advised their daughter to stop taking her epilepsy medication, leading to her death on February 14, 2023.
The lawsuit claims that the chatbot's guidance contradicted FDA-approved guidelines for her medication, Lamictal, and that her lamotrigine levels were critically low at the time of her death.
Fujifilm to Boost Magnetic Tape Production Fivefold
Fujifilm has announced a significant fivefold increase in its magnetic tape production capacity to meet the surging demand for data archiving driven by artificial intelligence.
The company is investing 10 billion yen to enhance its facilities in Kanagawa, marking its largest commitment to LTO tape production.
This move comes as major cloud service providers increasingly adopt magnetic tape for its cost-effective, high-volume storage capabilities.
New York Enacts AI Chatbot Safety Law for Minors
New York has implemented a law prohibiting AI chatbots from impersonating humans when interacting with children under 18, following concerns over the safety of minors online.
Signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, the legislation mandates age verification and requires companies to delete age data after use, with penalties for violations.
This move comes in the wake of the tragic suicide of Adam Raine, a 16-year-old linked to chatbot interactions.
Top in Robotics
Waymo and Toyota Launch Robotaxi Partnership in Japan
Waymo has announced a partnership with Toyota to develop a fleet of autonomous robotaxis using the Toyota bZ4X electric SUV, set to begin testing in Japan in 2027.
The vehicles will be manufactured at Toyota's Takaoka plant, integrating Waymo's self-driving technology for enhanced safety and accessibility.
Trump declares robot imports a national security threat
President Donald Trump has declared the imports of foreign-made factory robots a national security threat, initiating new U.S. trade negotiations and potentially imposing tariffs on these imports.
The proclamation, issued on October 28, emphasizes the importance of industrial robots for U.S. military weapon systems and critical infrastructure.
An investigation by the Department of Commerce revealed that these imports pose risks to the U.S. industrial base and may introduce significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Trump has set a 180-day timeline for reaching agreements with trading partners, warning that failure to do so may lead to tariffs and other import restrictions.
Top in Markets
Intel's woes wipe out $1 trillion of semiconductor market cap in one day — PC market bloodbath leaves few chip stocks unscathed
Intel's shares experienced a historic drop of 30% on Friday, erasing nearly $150 billion in market capitalization, the largest single-day loss in the company's history.
This decline was prompted by a disappointing financial outlook, particularly a forecasted 20% drop in sales from Intel's client computing group, which constitutes nearly half of its revenue.
The fallout extended across the semiconductor sector, leading to a collective loss of approximately $1 trillion in market capitalization, as the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index fell 9.14%.
Other chip manufacturers like AMD and Qualcomm also saw significant declines, though not as severe as Intel's.
Top in Tech
GM to pay $220 million for selling driver data
General Motors has agreed to a $220 million settlement over allegations of illegally selling customer driving data to insurance companies.
The lawsuit, initiated by attorneys general from 35 states and the District of Columbia, revealed that over 370,000 drivers were misinformed about their enrollment status in GM's Smart Driver program, which was discontinued in 2024.
Top in Startups
Greentech Alliance Expands Network with Intermobility Acquisition
Greentech Alliance has acquired Intermobility, significantly expanding its network to over 5,000 members.
This strategic move aims to address the funding and coordination challenges in Europe's mobility sector, where emissions currently exceed 25.3% above 1990 levels.
François Hoehlinger, the founder of Intermobility, will join the board of Greentech Alliance to assist with the integration process.
Top in Design
Exclusive details about Akai's MPC Sample Key
Akai has unveiled the MPC Sample Key, an open-source instrument designed for pitched sample playback rather than traditional drum chopping.
The device, which shares controls with the MPC Sample, omits the chop button entirely, indicating a new direction for the series.
It includes 37 keys, dedicated pitch and mod wheels, and buttons for octave adjustment, chord playback, and arpeggiator functions, suggesting a focus on melodic composition.
Additionally, the Sample Key will support CV outputs for modular synth integration and features a built-in mic and speaker for comprehensive music production capabilities.
