scores

Live Scores for Sports Games Being Added by Threads: Starting with the NBA

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Threads, the Twitter-like app from Instagram, is adding live scores for sports games. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced on Friday that Threads has started testing live scores for NBA games, and that the platform plans to add support for additional leagues in the future. The launch of the feature comes as Threads continues to take on X, which has had live scores for sports games for around a decade now. Threads isn’t just adding live scores — users will also be able to tap a team’s logo to be redirected to the conversation about that team, and connect with other users who follow them. The addition of live scores marks Threads’ latest effort in building out a platform to rival X.

$200M in Compute Fuels Up-and-Coming AI Startups at AI2 Incubator

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AI2 Incubator, spun out of the Allen Institute for AI in 2022, has secured a windfall $200 million in compute that startups going through its program can take advantage of to accelerate early development. “Our community of hundreds of AI practitioners are desperate for compute,” said managing director Jacob Colker. A million dollars of dedicated compute goes a long way for pre-seed startups, which is where AI2 focuses (we’ve covered WellSaid Labs, Xnor.ai, and others from their program). Colker suggested it would cover most compute needs even for companies developing new foundation models. They’ve helped build more than 30 startups and last year raised a $30 million fund to continue the work.

“Major Accomplishments and Setbacks in the World of Automated Vehicles: Waymo Secures Vital Robotaxi License, Fisker Implements Additional Layoffs, and Hopes for Apple Car Diminish”

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I was in Los Angeles earlier this week where I interviewed Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana on stage at our StrictlyVC LA event. The approval removes the last barrier for the Alphabet company to charge for rides in these expanded areas. Yup, that’s right the Apple ended plans to build and sell an autonomous electric car. Electric vehicles, batteries & chargingXiaomi showed off its first electric car, the SU7, at Mobile World Congress. I’ve taken numerous rides in Waymo robotaxis, but never one in Los Angeles.

“New App Alert: Keep Score and Stats for Your Favorite Sports with Apple’s Latest Release!”

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Apple today is continuing its investment in sports and subscriptions business with the launch of a new app for iPhone users, Apple Sports. While the app itself is free to use, it can help Apple direct customers to its other subscription offerings in live sports, via its Apple TV app where users can watch live games from Apple and their other apps. Last year it also began offering the MLS Season Pass through the Apple TV app, for $14.99 per month or $99 per season. Sports can help Apple to grow its services revenue, which hit a record of $22.3 billion in the fourth quarter, encompassing areas of Apple’s business including Apple TV+, Apple Music, iCloud, the App Store, advertising and more. Apple TV+ subscribers can add MLS Season Pass at a discounted rate of $12.99 per month or $79 per season.

“Record-breaking Funding: Udaan Receives $340 Million Boost in India”

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The investment arm of the UK retail bank M&G has led a funding of $340 million into Udaan, a business-to-business e-commerce startup, in one of the largest financing rounds secured by an Indian startup in 2023. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup, which helps merchants in smaller Indian cities and towns secure inventories from major brands as well as gain access to working capital, said the new funds include some convertible debt. Existing backers Lightspeed Venture Partners and DST Global have also participated in the new round, which awaits regulatory nod. Udaan competes with a number of players, including Mukesh Ambani’s $100 billion Reliance Retail, the largest retail chain in India. Udaan didn’t share how M&G and other investors valued the startup in the new round.