takes

AccountsIQ Raises $65M to Enhance Bookkeeping Tools with Artificial Intelligence

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The economy remains on shaky ground in Europe, but there is some silver lining for enterprise startups: those building tools to help businesses run their finances in more steady and predictable ways are seeing a boost to their business. “We are now poised to take the AccountsIQ product and service to the next level,” said Tony Connolly, founder and CEO of AccountsIQ, in a statement. Thus, the prosaic accounting startup continues to get attention. (AccountsIQ and its primary investor for this round, Axiom Equity, are not disclosing its valuation.) In contrast, Cran says that AccountsIQ positions itself as the platform that businesses will move to as they scale up.

Advancing General Purpose Robotics: The Impact of Generative AI

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Given the frequency with which their developers toss around the phrase “general purpose humanoids,” more attention ought to be paid to the first bit. After decades of single purpose systems, the jump to more generalized systems will be a big one. The use of generative AI in robotics has been a white-hot subject recently, as well. One of the biggest challenges on the road to general purpose systems is training. The proliferation of multi-purpose systems would take the industry a step closer to general purpose dream.

Facebook’s Latest Move: Introducing a Vertical-First Video Player to Compete Against TikTok

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Facebook is introducing a new, full-screen video player on Wednesday, which offers a more consistent design and experience for all types of video lengths, including short-form Reels, long-form videos, and even Live content. These improved recommendations will also appear outside the player, on the Facebook Feed and Video tab. Facebook says its upgraded player will also offer new controls like a full-screen mode for horizontal videos and a slider to skip around in longer videos. TikTok, by comparison, has also tested horizontal videos and long-form content of 30 minutes as it looks to compete with YouTube and other sites. The timing of the video player change also comes at a time when U.S. lawmakers are weighing a possible TikTok ban, which, if enacted, could increase video consumption on other social platforms.

“Fueling Optimism: Unveiling the Past and Potential of Tomorrow in ‘A Brief History of the Future'”

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Cynicism is a quality taken almost for granted in tech journalism, and certainly we are as guilty as the next publication. “A Brief History of the Future,” hosted by Ari Wallach, also has the compelling quality of, as a PBS production, being completely free. But now we’re at a point that if we continually do that, we’re going to we’re going to lose the thread. And everyone seems to be relieved to be able to talk about the promise of the future rather than the threat of it. In case you’re wondering what moneyed special interest is trying to placate you with this beneficent presentation of a kindlier, wiser future… don’t worry, I asked.

“Attention Speakers: Take the Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024”

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Tech aficionados, startup enthusiasts, marketing wizards, and venture capitalists on the rise — seize the opportunity to showcase your expertise at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, happening from October 28–30 in San Francisco. Apply to speak at TechCrunch DisruptWe’re assembling a lineup of industry experts spanning the startup landscape to lead engaging breakout sessions or facilitate roundtable discussions. The TechCrunch team will review each application and select finalists who will proceed to the Audience Choice voting round. TechCrunch Disrupt takes place from October 28–30, but the deadline for content applications is April 26. Is your company interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024?

“Streamlined Avatar and 3D Model Creation: Roblox’s Revolutionary AI Upgrades”

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Roblox is introducing two new AI technologies to reduce the time it takes to create avatars and 3D models, the company announced on Monday. Once a creator select the new feature, Roblox will run a number of tests over an asset and automatically rig, cage, segment and skin 3D models. The second feature is called “Texture Generator,” and enables creators to quickly change the look of 3D objects using plain language text prompts. For example, you can enter a text prompt to create texture for a 3D wooden treasure chest. With Texture Generator, Roblox is enabling creators to do the same thing within 15 to 30 seconds.

“Fluent Metal Makes a Bold Entrance into the World of 3D Printing for Metal”

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Almost a decade ago, Desktop Metal was one of the early darlings in accessible 3D printing in metal. Last year, Stratasys tried to merge with Desktop Metal in a $1.8 billion deal, but the deal fell through, and these days, Desktop Metal is worth less than $210 million. In June 2020, he split off and started his own thing — Fluent Metal — which is taking a different technology path than Desktop Metal’s technology. It accomplishes this through liquid metal printing technology, which it hopes will set a new standard in additive manufacturing. “In the near term, Fluent Metal will spark the imagination of designers, engineers, and technologists to consider how rapid, on-demand production of custom metal parts could transform their capabilities.

Moonbird’s Relaxation Gadget Soars Across the Globe

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We had the idea of developing a device — a physical thing — that helps by breathing with you. The device is designed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation without continuous app connectivity. The device works without an app, so even if the Moonbird company were to disappear, the product itself will continue to work. By focusing on activating the parasympathetic nervous system, the theory is that the device will help users achieve a state of relaxation and calm. “The lack of subscription also means that you can share your device with other people if you want.”

Rivian Unveils $45,000 R2 SUV: The Ultimate Investment

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The occasion was the unveiling of the Rivian R2, a smaller and more affordable all-electric SUV, and a vital vehicle for the EV upstart hoping to show the world it’s here to stay. The air was filled with conversations about their Rivian vehicles, exclamations and congratulations, hugs and handshakes, and discussions of their hopes for the R2. When the Rivian R2 did arrive — it did not come alone. The R2, a two-row all-electric SUV that will have an estimated range of 300 miles and a base price of $45,000, was the main event. Today, Rivian produces four vehicles at its sole factory in Normal, Illinois: its two consumer vehicles, the R1T truck and R1S SUV, and two versions of its commercial van.

“Google Sets Sights on Eliminating SEO-Driven Spam and Junk Pages with Latest Search Modification”

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Google today took aim at the SEO industry which has gamified search rankings to destroy the value of Google Search results. That’s about to change with the company’s latest search update, the comapny said. On Tuesday, Google announced a search quality update that will specifically focus on improving the search quality ranking of websites and will update Google Search’s spam policies. Google estimates that through this update and its prior efforts, it will be able to reduce low-quality and unoriginal content by 40%. If Google could address these problems with its search quality update, it could have a significant impact on how consumers perceive the usefulness of Google Search, which many people have become increasingly concerned about in the wake of AI advances.