Thu. 12/19 – 1800CHATGPT - Techmeme Ride Home - Audio Brevity

Thu. 12/19 – 1800CHATGPT

Dec 19, 2024 17m

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Apple says Meta is getting annoying. You can now call 1800CHATGPT to, you know, talk to ChatGPT. Apple scraps plans for a hardware subscription package. Oura’s big new raise also indicates how well its smart-ring business is going. And has Bengaluru grown to quickly for its own good?

Links:

Apple hits out at Meta's numerous interoperability requests (Reuters)
OpenAI makes ChatGPT available for phone calls and texts (CNBC)
Apple Halts Effort to Build iPhone Hardware Subscription Service (Bloomberg)
Smart ring start-up Ōura raises $200mn as valuation leaps to $5.2bn (Financial Times)
Oura closes $200M round, bringing its valuation to $5.2B (TechCrunch)
3 Changes That Would Make Samsung's Galaxy Ring So Much Better (CNET)
PS5 Pro deep dive reaction: GPU and RT improvements, PSSR and Sony's new AMD Amethyst partnership (EuroGamer)
Inside India's 'Silicon Valley' (BusinessInsider)

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AI-Generated Summary

Apple vs. Meta: Privacy in the Crossfire

In a fierce exchange, Apple has condemned Meta for its multiple interoperability requests under the EU's Digital Markets Act, stating they pose significant privacy risks to users. This reflects an ongoing rivalry where Apple accuses Meta of seeking invasive access to user data, such as messages and calls, primarily to enhance its own service offerings. Meta, on the other hand, defends its attempts as necessary for competition, arguing that Apple’s reluctance stems from its anti-competitive practices.

OpenAI's 1-800-CHAT-GPT Service Launch

OpenAI introduces a novel way to interact with ChatGPT via phone by dialing 1-800-CHAT-GPT, allowing users 15 minutes of free access each month. This move follows a wave of recent updates from OpenAI and aims at providing a straightforward and familiar method for users to engage with AI technology. The announcement highlights OpenAI's ongoing expansion and improvements in user accessibility.

Apple's Subscription Plans Scrapped

Amidst shifting strategies, Apple has abandoned its plans to develop a hardware subscription service for the iPhone that aimed to revolutionize ownership by enabling users to pay monthly fees for device swaps. This decision, influenced by a series of operational setbacks, reflects a broader recalibration of Apple’s payment services approach, thereby affecting how consumers will engage with iPhone purchases in the future.

Oura's Growth and Smart Ring Trends

The smart ring manufacturer Oura has successfully raised $200 million in funding, now valued at $5.2 billion and reporting a doubling of its sales. With market expansion and increased partnerships, including collaborations with major health brands, Oura demonstrates the growth potential in the smart ring market, which is attracting significant venture capital interest compared to typical wearables.

Bengaluru's Struggles as a Tech Hub

Bengaluru faces growing pains as its rapid population growth strains local infrastructure, drawing parallels to the Silicon Valley of India. Despite its burgeoning tech industry and global recognition, the city grapples with severe traffic, water shortages, and rising living costs. Experts and residents express a blend of optimism and concern, calling for improved infrastructure and education to sustain growth.