In other news, Google launched Gemini and AI Studio, and its Pixel 8 Pro is outperforming other phones. The article also mentions the EU's new framework for regulating AI, the current state of the startup world, and the potential decline of Austin as a tech hub. The most read stories of the week include Spotify's layoffs and the end of the podcast boom, the departure of Lucid's CFO, and Hasbro's plan to lay off 1,100 employees.
Key takeaways:
- Apple is phasing out the Lightning connector in favor of USB-C, reigniting the conversation about silos versus open standards.
- Omidyar Network is leaving India after 13 years, despite recent investments, citing a "significant change in context" and the rise of local philanthropy and venture capital.
- Indian startup Sarvam AI has raised $41 million in funding, aiming to build full-stack generative AI offerings with a focus on Indian languages and voice interfaces.
- Google's Pixel 8 Pro, powered by the AI model Gemini, features an AI summarizer in its Recorder app and a Smart Reply in Gboard, and works on-device, meaning it can function without Wi-Fi or a signal.