Activision Blizzard Employees , Are Joining a Union.
NPR reports that Activision Blizzard's
Raven Software employees have voted in favor of
joining the Communication Workers of America.
Raven Software is a subsidiary
of the video game company.
Among the 28 quality assurance testers unionizing,
the final vote was 19-3 in favor of joining.
The move comes after Microsoft announced its plan to acquire Activision Blizzard in January.
Kelvin Liu, an Activision Blizzard
spokesperson, issued a statement.
We respect and believe in the right of all employees to decide whether or not to support or vote for a union, Kelvin Liu, an Activision Blizzard
spokesperson, via NPR.
We believe that an important decision that will impact the entire Raven Software studio of roughly 350 people should not be made by 19 Raven employees, Kelvin Liu, an Activision Blizzard
spokesperson, via NPR.
NPR reports Activision Blizzard tried to
stop the union vote from happening.
Former Treasury Secretary , Looking to Form Investor Group , to Purchase TikTok.
NBC reports that former Treasury Secretary
Steven Mnuchin is looking to put together an
investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok.
NBC reports that former Treasury Secretary
Steven Mnuchin is looking to put together an
investor group to acquire ByteDance's TikTok.
The news comes as a bipartisan bill works its
way through Congress that threatens to bring an
end to the platform's existence in the United States.
The news comes as a bipartisan bill works its
way through Congress that threatens to bring an
end to the platform's existence in the United States.
On March 13, the House of Representatives passed
the bill, which would force ByteDance to divest
the platform or face a ban on the app in the U.S.
I think the legislation should
pass and I think it should be sold.
It’s a great business and I’m going
to put together a group to buy TikTok, Steven Mnuchin, Former Treasury Secretary, via CNBC’s “Squawk Box”.
This should be owned by
U.S. businesses. There’s no
way that the Chinese would
ever let a U.S. company own
something like this in China, Steven Mnuchin, Former Treasury Secretary, via CNBC’s “Squawk Box”.
NBC points out that the bill still requires Senate approval
before it heads to President Joe Biden, who has indicated
that he would support the bill if it passes through Congress.
NBC points out that the bill still requires Senate approval
before it heads to President Joe Biden, who has indicated
that he would support the bill if it passes through Congress.
However, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew has said
that selling TikTok is not a viable option. .
According to PitchBook data, , ByteDance was valued at , $220 billion in 2023. .
Mnuchin has yet to specify the potential valuation
of a deal to acquire the social media platform
or which investors may be interested in the deal.
At the same time, the 'Wall Street Journal' reported that
former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has also
expressed interest in a deal to purchase TikTok.
At the same time, the 'Wall Street Journal' reported that
former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has also
expressed interest in a deal to purchase TikTok
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The Multi-Cloud Storage Service offers a single, intuitive interface for interacting with industry-leading cloud storage platforms like Amazon S3, Google Cloud.. DNA
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
US Government Emails With Microsoft , Were Stolen by Russian Hackers.
On April 11, American officials confirmed
that emails sent between Microsoft and
U.S. government agencies have been
stolen by Russian hackers, CNN reports. .
According to Eric Goldstein, a senior
official at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), .
those emails may have included login information like usernames and passwords.
At this time, we are not aware of any
agency production environments that
have experienced a compromise as
a result of a credential exposure. , Eric Goldstein, a senior official at the U.S. Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), via CNN.
Even though there is currently no evidence that the stolen credentials have been used to compromise federal computer systems, .
CISA described the occurrence as an "unacceptable risk to agencies.".
As a result, the agency released an "emergency directive" on April 11 ordering those potentially affected by the hack to bolster their defenses. .
The hack was first revealed by
Microsoft in January, but it has gotten more serious as new details continue to emerge.
CNN reports that the U.S. has
previously linked the hackers in question
to Russia's foreign intelligence service. .
A Microsoft spokesperson
issued a statement on April 11.
As we shared in our March 8 blog,
as we discover secrets in our
exfiltrated email, we are working
with our customers to help them
investigate and mitigate, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN.
This includes working with CISA on
an emergency directive to provide
guidance to government agencies, Microsoft spokesperson, via CNN
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
NYC’s AI Chatbot Has Been , Telling Businesses to Break the Law.
New York City's AI chatbot was created to help small business owners, but it's been dispensing concerning advice, AP reports. .
For example, many small business owners have
been given inaccurate information about local policies or been encouraged to break the law.
However, the city is not removing
the chatbot from its official website.
Instead, it has provided a disclaimer stating that the chatbot may "occasionally produce incorrect, harmful or biased" information.
Critics say that the situation highlights
the dangers of AI being used by
governments without proper guardrails.
They’re rolling out software that
is unproven without oversight, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
It’s clear they have no intention
of doing what’s responsible, Julia Stoyanovich, computer science professor
and director of the Center for Responsible AI
at New York University, via statement.
There’s a different level of trust that’s
given to government. Public officials need
to consider what kind of damage they can
do if someone was to follow this advice
and get themselves in trouble, Jevin West, a professor at the University of Washington and
co-founder of the Center for an Informed Public, via statement.
Microsoft, which powers the chatbot, said it
is working with the city "to improve the service
and ensure the outputs are accurate and
grounded on the city’s official documentation.".
On April 2, Mayor Eric Adams said that
letting users find issues with the chatbot is just part of sorting out the new technology.
Anyone that knows technology knows this
is how it’s done. Only those who are fearful
sit down and say, ‘Oh, it is not working the
way we want, now we have to run away from
it all together.’ I don’t live that way, Mayor Eric Adams, via statement.
Julia Stoyanovich, a computer science professor and director of the Center for Responsible AI at New York University, referred to Adams' approach as "reckless and irresponsible," AP reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
OpenAI and Microsoft Make Plans , for $100 Billion Data Center.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
According to The Information, the two companies are planning to build a data center that would house an AI supercomputer
called "Stargate," Reuters reports.
The project, which could cost $100 billion or more, is reportedly set to launch in 2028.
The tentative cost is roughly 100 times
more expensive than some of the
biggest data centers that exist today. .
Demand for AI data centers has increased due to
the rapid advancement of generative artificial intelligence technology, Reuters reports. .
This is because traditional data
centers aren't as capable of handling
the advanced tasks that AI requires. .
Several supercomputers
would be built across five phases.
"Stargate" would be launched in the fifth phase, while a smaller supercomputer would be launched
in the fourth phase, tentatively around 2026.
Microsoft and OpenAI are reportedly
in the third phase currently.
We are always planning for
the next generation of infrastructure
innovations needed to continue
pushing the frontier of AI capability, Microsoft spokesperson, to Reuters .
The cost for the next two phases largely revolves around acquiring expensive AI chips.
In March, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said
that the newest "Blackwell" B200 AI chip
will cost between $30,000 and $40,000
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
How to Be , a Better Neighbor.
You don't even know
your neighbors, do you?.
Per a Pew Research study conducted in 2018, only a quarter of adults under 30
said they know even one of their neighbors.
A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life.
A fostered sense of community may be what's missing in your young life.
Here are a few ways to
become a better neighbor:.
Say
Hello.
Obvious, yes, but the logical first
step to becoming a better neighbor
is to introduce yourself.
Don't do anything grandiose so you
don't come on too strong.
You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR.
You don't have to show up with a fresh apple pie or anything like that. , Chris Loggins, supervising producer
Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, via NPR.
Small Acts
of Kindness.
Show your neighbors that you can
be a kind and generous person.
Always clean up after your pets,
and don't litter.
Connect.
Often it may feel easier to just go home, but experts believe human connection is worth the effort.
Overcoming the initial anxiety may trouble you, but meeting new people could increase your happiness
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Are You in a Creative Rut? , Here's How to Stay Inspired.
Have you had a hard time accessing the creative part of your brain lately?.
Maybe you're hoping for a magical breakthrough
like something you'd see in a movie.
Experts say it may not be so easy, but it's still possible to pull yourself out of a creative rut if you keep these things in mind:.
Creativity Is for Everyone.
Most folks are creative, and experts
say you don't have to be a genius
to harness the power.
I think we are already
creative beings and
how you use that
[creativity] is
up to you, Sarah Urist Green, producer of
'The Art Assignment,' via NPR.
You don't need to have particular skills; you don't need to have
particular materials. , Sarah Urist Green, producer of
'The Art Assignment,' via NPR.
Take a Break.
Experts say allowing your brain to de-stimulate is great practice
if your schedule allows. .
What our brains actually need is periods of destimulation, Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR.
which means no screens, no emails, no audiobooks. , Rahaf Harfoush, host of 'The Thought Experiment,' via NPR.
Don't Force
Yourself.
Experts say don't use stress as a tool
to get things done.
Being overly reliant on pressure and stress may deepen your creative rut.
It could also increase chances of
anxiety attacks and depression
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
How to Be , More Timely.
Have you been rolling out
of bed with minutes to spare?.
Maybe you've been wondering to yourself: "where does all the time go?".
Strive to be on time with these helpful tips:.
Timeliness is
a Sign of Respect.
Being timely can project respect for ourselves and others.
I think it's very important to be on time. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
You can always let time pass, but you can't
get it back once it's already gone. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
Plan Ahead.
For the chronically late, experts
say it helps to have a plan.
There's a lot of steps
that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
There's a lot of steps
that I think people just don't consider. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
Help yourself by picking out tomorrow's outfit today. Pack your bag, and confirm appropriate directions before you depart.
Be Honest With Yourself and Others.
Everybody is late for something now and then. True character is how you respond to it.
If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
If you know you're going to be late to something, the very best thing you can do is communicate right away, Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting
30 minutes later.
It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR.
It's not thinking about it and then calling or texting
30 minutes later.
It means right at that moment. , Rashelle Isip, professional organizer-productivity consultant, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
![Former Treasury Secretary Looking to Form Investor Group to Purchase TikTok [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240314/1368651192-Former-Treasury-Secretary-Looking-to-Form-Investor-Group.jpg)
![Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion Investment in Leading UAE Technology Firm [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240416/1372835054-Microsoft-Makes-Billion-Investment-in-Leading.jpg)
![US Government Emails With Microsoft Were Stolen by Russian Hackers [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240412/1372498992-US-Government-Emails-With-Microsoft-Were-Stolen-by.jpg)
![NYC’s AI Chatbot Has Been Telling Businesses to Break the Law [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240404/1371817078-NYC-AI-Chatbot-Has-Been-Telling-Businesses.jpg)
![OpenAI and Microsoft Make Plans for $100 Billion Data Center [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240401/1371513548-OpenAI-and-Microsoft-Make-Plans-for-100-Billion.jpg)
![How to Be a Better Neighbor [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240425/1373753528-How-to-Be-Better-Neighbor.jpg)
![Biden Is Giving $6 Billion to Micron Technology for Semiconductor Production [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240425/1373731970-Biden-Is-Giving-Billion-to-Micron-Technology.jpg)
![Are You in a Creative Rut? Here's How to Stay Inspired [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240425/1373732016-Are-You-in-Creative-Rut-Here.jpg)
![How to Be More Timely [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240424/1373647484-How-to-Be-More-Timely.jpg)
![FTC to Decide Whether Noncompete Agreements Should Be Banned [Video]](https://video.newsserve.net/300/v/20240423/1373526476-FTC-to-Decide-Whether-Noncompete-Agreements-Should-Be.jpg)
