🖥️ Tech Futures #11

Happy Monday 👋

This week, Nvidia released a 72-billion parameter open-source AI LLM model, competing with other major tech firms. O2 Telefónica has deployed 1,900 new 5G transmitters in Germany, extending 5G coverage to over 96% of the population. Google and Samsung partnered to develop smart glasses integrated with AI, aiming to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses. In tech finance, OpenAI raised $6.6B, boosting its valuation to $157B, the largest VC round ever, and Thoma Bravo acquired Darktrace for $5.3B.

💡 Technology Innovations

🚀 Nvidia released NVLM 1.0, an open-source AI model with 72 billion parameters, rivaling proprietary systems like GPT-4. This release improves multimodal capabilities and boosts text performance, potentially accelerating AI research. 

✨ Pika Labs released Pika 1.5, enhancing its AI video generation platform with new “Pikaffects” that create realistic visual effects. The update includes improved video quality, advanced cinematic shots, and lifelike movements. 

📱 At OpenAI's 2024 DevDay, the company released a public beta of its Realtime API, enabling low-latency AI-generated voice interactions. Other announcements included vision fine-tuning and model distillation features. However, no new AI models were introduced amidst recent executive departures and intensified competition from rivals.

📶 5G and 6G Advancements

🌐 O2 Telefónica deployed 1,900 5G transmitters in Germany, achieving over 96% population coverage. The carrier's 5G Standalone network, offering improved voice quality and connectivity for various sectors, is set to reach full coverage by the end of 2025.

🔋 Korea Telecom successfully tested 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, integrating terrestrial 5G with the KOREASAT 6 satellite. This expands 5G coverage and could pave the way for future low-orbit and 6G NTN services in South Korea.

📊 Strategic Tech Collaborations

🕶️ Google collaborated with Samsung to develop smart glasses, aiming to compete with Meta's successful Ray-Ban smart glasses. The project, greenlit after pitching the concept of integrating AI with wearable glasses, reflects Google’s push to catch up in the growing smart glasses market driven by AI advancements.

🌍 Viasat partnered with CYSEC, a cybersecurity firm, under its ELEVATE program to enhance satellite communications security. The collaboration will provide custom cybersecurity solutions, leveraging CYSEC's expertise and Viasat's ecosystem to meet mission-critical connectivity needs in remote areas.

📡 Ericsson and VNPT partnered to develop network APIs, enabling innovation and enhanced service quality in Vietnam's 5G networks. This collaboration will provide developers access to VNPT's network infrastructure, fostering the creation of new applications and expanding opportunities in the growing 5G ecosystem.

💰 Tech Deals

💰 OpenAI raised $6.6B, reaching a $157B valuation in the largest VC round ever. Led by Thrive Capital, investors include Microsoft, Nvidia, and SoftBank. The funding aims to advance AI research and tools, with OpenAI required to transition to a for-profit model within two years.

💸 11x.ai, which develops AI-driven sales development tools, secured $50M in Series B funding. The funding will support growth and competition in the AI sales market.​

💵 Thoma Bravo, a leading private equity firm, acquired Darktrace a cybersecurity company for $5.3B. To improve its portfolio in the cybersecurity sector, particularly focusing on artificial intelligence-driven solutions.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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