CES

“Discover Shader: A Revolutionary AR Creator with AI-powered Custom Effects, by Ex-Snap Design Leader”

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The startup built its platform on top of the open source Stable Diffusion model, letting users enter text-based prompts to generate their creations. The company was founded by Darya Sesitskaya, a former Snap design lead responsible for designing Snapchat’s AR camera, Lens Studio, Lens Cloud, and more. She also worked at Wanna (formerly Wannaby), an AR technology company known for its virtual try-ons for sneakers, clothing, and watches. Since launching its beta version, Shader has garnered approximately 3,000 downloads. In the near future, we also plan to implement the ability to create voice-to-AR effects and 3D background replacements,” says Sesitskaya.

HTC Vive Transforms into an Enterprise Solution Unnoticed by Many

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A lot has changed at HTC in the decade since a small team broke off to form its mixed reality division. These days, the mixed reality business comprises the “vast majority” of HTC’s global business, says Dan O’Brien. Ultimately, however, the consumer business has shrunk dramatically relative to its enterprise offerings. In recent years, Vive has expanded from a VR focus to mixed reality, utilizing passthrough technology similar to the kind found on the Vision Pro. We’re not there yet, but we definitely see that helping to develop the virtual reality space.

New Construction Tech Fund of $56 Million Unveiled by Zacua Ventures

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But a new venture capital firm, funded by some heavyweight legacy construction companies, is out to change that. Zacua Ventures has launched its inaugural $56 million fund targeting early-stage construction technology startups, backed by 19 of the construction sector’s biggest corporations. Vivin Hegde, Mauricio Tessi Weiss and Juan Nieto started San Francisco-based Zacua in 2022. Hegde was previously with construction tool maker Hilti Corp, while Tessi Weiss and Nieto were at Cemex Ventures. Since the launch of its fund, Zacua Ventures has invested in over a dozen startups across the construction technology ecosystem.

“Maximize Your Phone’s Potential: Utilize the Back with These Tips”

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The back of your phone is useless. Sure, the cameras are back that, but what about all of that blank real estate monopolizing 90% of the surface area? The Infinix E-Color Shift improves upon Yota’s phone somewhat, by adding color to the mix. Like e-ink, however, the back panel does have the advantage of holding a static image even when the battery isn’t putting in the work. It remains to be seen whether this gets licensed by a third party or simply shows up on an Infinix device.

“Developing Effective Solutions to AI Concerns: Policy Recommendations by Amba Kak”

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Amba Kak is the executive director of the AI Now Institute, where she helps create policy recommendations to address AI concerns. She was also a senior AI advisor at the Federal Trade Commission and previously worked as a global policy advisor at Mozilla and a legal advisor to India’s telecom regulator on net-netruality. How do you navigate the challenges of the male-dominated tech industry and, by extension, the male-dominated AI industry? The tech industry, and AI in particular, remains overwhelmingly white and male and geographically concentrated in very wealthy urban bubbles. By exposing the power dynamics that the tech industry tries very hard to conceal.

Intuitive Machines’ Moon Lander Disaster Avoided through Sharp Reflexes and a Stroke of Good Fortune

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Using a small model of the lander, Altemus demonstrated how engineers believe the spacecraft, called Odysseus, made its descent given the most recent telemetry data. “The vehicle is stable near or at our intended landing site,” Altemus said. Part of the reason for that is because the onboard camera, an instrument called EagleCam, was powered down during landing. The company originally thought Odysseus was actually upright, but Altemus said that was based on “stale” telemetry data. Much of the mission’s success came down to very quick thinking by Intuitive Machines’ mission controllers — and just a stroke of very good luck.

Deadline for Ai Pin delayed to mid-April due to compassionate decision

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First-generation products from new startups are notoriously so, regardless of how much money and excitement you’ve managed to drum up. Given all that, it’s likely few are too surprised that Humane’s upcoming Ai Pin has been pushed back a bit, from March to “mid-April,” per a new video from the Bay Area startup’s Head of Media, Sam Sheffer. The Ai Pin was finally unveiled at an event in San Francisco back in early November, where we were able to spend a little controlled hands-on time with the wearable. Humane is positioning its product as the next step for a space that’s been stuck on the smartphone form factor for more than a decade. The Ai Pin is currently available for preorder at $699.

Victorious in the Wireless Arena: Unleashing the Power of American Advantages

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We can’t compete against our global peers with that engine throttled by last-generation digital infrastructure and policy. They are already slowing investment in 5G network deployments and signaling their disinterest in 6G investment. If we create more game-changing wireless applications — from advanced manufacturing, to smart cities, to autonomous transport, to remote sensing — we create demand that pulls digital infrastructure forward. But we can’t compete against our global peers with that engine throttled by last-generation digital infrastructure and policy. We must acknowledge new realities and play to our strengths to reverse digital infrastructure deterioration.

Jesse Lyu from Rabbit Makes a Leap to StrictlyVC LA, Landing on Leap Day

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We’re announcing an exciting addition to our speaker lineup for StrictlyVC Los Angeles on February 29. Lyu is an entrepreneur renowned for his work in human-machine interaction. With rabbit, he leads a team dedicated to crafting intuitive experiences that redefine the way we interact with technology. Faraz Fatemi, partner at Lightspeed Venture PartnersFaraz joined Lightspeed as a Partner in 2022 and is focused on investments in consumer platforms. If you’re interested in learning how your brand can partner with StrictlyVC, head to our sponsorship form and someone from the team will respond shortly.

Introduction of Equality-Driven Tactics: How Hellohive is Fighting Hiring Discrimination alongside Fair and Inclusive Recruitment Enterprises

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The company is part of an increasing number of resume and skill apps that are trying to combat discrimination in the hiring process. Hellohive hosts virtual networking programs between companies and candidates on the app, with clients including Goldman Sachs, American Express, and Morgan Stanley. Hellohive’s holistic approach to hiring is important right now especially, as companies have been shifting away from DEI commitments. Candidates also complete a course model that prepares them for the job recruitment process. They then express interest in an employer on the app, and the hiring process formally kicks off.