Here is the daily technology #threadcast for 9/30/24. We aim to educate people about this crucial area along with providing information of what is taking place.
Drop all question, comments, and articles relating to #technology and the future. The goal is make it a technology center.
After their weeklong journey turned into a monthslong stay on the International Space Station, two Boeing Starliner astronauts are now within reach of the spacecraft that will eventually bring them home.
The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, chosen by NASA to carry astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore back to Earth after their Starliner spacecraft was deemed too risky for crew, has arrived the space station. The vehicle, on a mission called Crew-9, docked at the ISS at about 5:30 p.m. ET Sunday.
On board the SpaceX vehicle were NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Alongside them were two empty seats, saved for Williams and Wilmore to occupy when the group returns to Earth next year.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/29/science/spacex-crew-9-iss-starliner-astronauts/index.html
Elastic founder on returning to open source four years after going proprietary
Elastic founder and CTO Shay Banon explains why the company returned to open source, four years after going proprietary.
Licensing kerfuffles have long been a defining facet of the commercial open source space. Some of the biggest vendors have switched to a more restrictive “copyleft” license, as Grafana and Element have done, or gone full proprietary, as HashiCorp did last year with Terraform.
#technology #elastic #opensource #newsonleo
In a surprising move, Elastic, the company behind the popular search and data retrieval engine Elasticsearch, has decided to reverse its decision to switch to a proprietary license and make Elasticsearch open source once more. This decision goes against the trend of many companies abandoning open source and instead opting for proprietary licenses.
The company's decision to switch to a proprietary license in 2021 was due to a trademark dispute with Amazon's cloud subsidiary AWS, which was selling its own managed version of Elasticsearch. However, Elastic has now decided to abandon its proprietary license and return to an open source model.
According to Shay Banon, the company's co-founder and CTO, the decision to switch back to open source was made because the proprietary license was taking too long to resolve the trademark issue, and the company wanted to safeguard its brand. Banon also expressed his personal love for open source and his desire to be part of the open source community.
Elastic has chosen to use the AGPL (Affero General Public License) instead of the permissive Apache 2.0 license it used previously. The AGPL has greater restrictions, requiring any derivative software to be released under the same AGPL license. This decision allows Elastic to call itself open source again, as the AGPL is recognized as an open source license by the Open Source Initiative (OSI).
Banon hopes to work with the OSI to create a new license or have a discussion about which licenses get to be classified as open source. He believes that the perfect license would sit between the AGPL and SSPL (Server Side Public License), which is used by MongoDB. For now Banon is happy to simply be able to call Elastic's products "open source" again, as it encapsulates the code being open and the community aspects.
The company's decision to go open source again is a significant move, as it goes against the trend of many companies abandoning open source. The company's decision to use the AGPL license instead of the Apache 2.0 license shows that it is willing to make compromises to achieve its goal of being part of the open source community.
Elastic's decision to return to open source is a testament to the company's commitment to the open source philosophy and its desire to be part of the community. The company's willingness to work with the OSI to create a new license or discuss the classification of open source licenses also demonstrates its dedication to the open source community.
Slowing down the pace of #ai development makes no sense. People are fearful of themselves and projecting that onto AI. What we are dealing with is not intelligence.
We are barely at the point of creating AI knowledge.
California governor vetoes contentious AI safety bill
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed a hotly contested artificial intelligence safety bill.
California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed a hotly contested artificial intelligence safety bill after the tech industry raised objections, saying it could drive AI companies from the state and hinder innovation.
#ai #technology #california #newsom
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill aimed at regulating the development and deployment of generative AI systems, citing concerns that the legislation did not adequately address the unique risks and challenges associated with these advanced technologies. The bill, sponsored by Democratic State Senator Scott Wiener, would have required developers of AI software operating in California to undergo rigorous safety testing, outline methods for shutting down AI models, and establish a state entity to oversee the development of advanced AI models.
Newsom argued that the bill would impose "stringent standards" on even the most basic AI functions, without taking into account the specific environments in which the AI systems would be deployed. He expressed concerns that the bill would not differentiate between AI systems used in high-risk settings, those that involve critical decision-making, or those that handle sensitive data. Additionally, Newsom stated that the bill would not be informed by empirical trajectory analysis of AI systems and capabilities, which he believes is essential for developing effective regulations.
The veto was met with criticism from Senator Wiener, who argued that the decision makes California less safe and allows companies developing powerful AI technology to operate without binding restrictions. Wiener pointed out that voluntary commitments from industry are not enforceable and often fail to prioritize public interests.
The bill had faced opposition from a wide range of groups, including Alphabet's Google, Microsoft-backed OpenAi, and Meta Platforms, aLL of which are developing generative AI models. Some Democrats in the U.S. Congress, including Representative Nancy Pelosi, also opposed the bill.
Despite the veto, Newsom announced that he will work with the legislature to develop AI legislation during the next session. He also signed legislation requiring the state to assess potential threats posed by generative AI to California's critical infrastructure, including energy, water, and communications sectors.
The veto comes as legislation in the U.S. Congress to set safeguards for AI has stalled, and the Biden administration is advancing regulatory proposals for AI oversight. Newsom suggested that a California-only approach may be warranted, especially in the absence of federal action by Congress.
The debate surrounding generative AI systems is growing, as these technologies have the potential to revolutionize industries but also raise concerns about job displacement, election manipulation, and catastrophic effects. As AI continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers and industry leaders work together to develop effective regulations that balance innovation with public safety and well-being.
OpenAI Is Growing Fast and Burning Through Piles of Money
As the company looks for more outside investors, documents reviewed by The New York Times show consumer fascination with ChatGPT and a serious need for more cash.
#technology #finance #ai #openai
Companies never learn, do they?
hehehe some things never change
The WordPress vs. WP Engine drama, explained
The world of WordPress, one of the most popular technologies for creating and hosting websites, is going through a very heated controversy.
The world of WordPress, one of the most popular technologies for creating and hosting websites, is going through a very heated controversy. The core issue is the fight between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, which hosts websites built on WordPress.
#wordpress #wpengine #newsonleo
The ongoing legal battle between Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, and WP Engine, a hosting service that utilizes the WordPress brand, has sparked a heated debate within the open-source community. T
The dispute began when Automattic's CEO, Matt Mullenweg, published a blog post criticizing WP Engine for disabling the revision history feature for its users, which Mullenweg believes is essential for data protection. He also accused WP Engine of not contributing sufficiently to the open-source WordPress project and of confusing customers into believing it is part of WordPress.
In response, WP Engine sent a cease-and-desist letter to Mullenweg and Automattic, claiming that their use of the WordPress trademark was covered under fair use. Automattic then sent its own cease-and-desist letter to WP Engine, alleging that it had breached WordPress and WooCommerce trademark usage rules. The WordPress Foundation, which owns the trademark, subsequently updated its Trademark policy page to call out WP Engine for confusing users.
The dispute escalated when the WordPress Foundation banned WP Engine from accessing the resources of WordPress.org, which resulted in many websites being broken and left vulnerable to security attacks. The community was not pleased with this approach, and WP Engine accused Mullenweg of misusing his control of WordPress to interfere with its customers' access to WordPress.org.
The ban was temporarily lifted, but the dispute continues. Mullenweg has clarified that the fight is only against WP Engine over trademarks, and Automattic has been trying to broker a trademark licensing deal for a long time. The WordPress community is concerned about the potential for similar disputes with other projects and is asking for clear guidance on how they can and can't use the "WordPress" brand.
Developers are also worried about relying on commercial open-source products related to WordPress, especially when their access can be revoked quickly. Ghost's founder, John O'Nolan, has criticized the control WordPress has with one person, saying that the web needs more independent organizations and diversity.
In response to the controversy, WP Engine updated its site's footer to clarify that it is not directly affiliated with the WordPress Foundation or owns the WordPress trademark. The company also changed its plan names to remove references to "WordPress." The dispute highlights the complexities of trademark law and the importance of clear guidelines for using open-source brands. It also raises questions about the control and ownership of open-source projects and the potential for similar disputes in the future.
The controversy has sparked a wider discussion about the role of open-source projects and the need for clear guidelines on trademark usage. It has also raised concerns about the potential for similar disputes in the future, particularly in the context of commercial open-source products. As the debate continues, the WordPress community is left wondering what the future holds for the open-source project and how it will navigate the complexities of trademark law.
I better stay out of this one.
Meta's new AI-made posts open a Pandora's box
Meta's plan to generate synthetic content tailored to individual users — which attracted little notice this week amid a slew of product announcements — opens a whole new Pandora's box in an AI world already full of them.
#technology #ai #meta
SpaceX launches rescue mission to return stranded astronauts
A SpaceX rocket soared into the sky Saturday with two passengers on board, leaving two seats empty to return American astronauts who have been stranded for months on the International Space Station, NASA said.
#technology #space #nasa #spacex
In war-torn Sudan, a displaced startup incubator returns to fuel innovation
Businesses need stability to thrive.
Businesses need stability to thrive. Unfortunately for anyone in Sudan, stability has been hard to come by for the past year and a half as the country quakes amidst a raging civil war. More than 20,000 people have been killed, and about 7.7 million people have been displaced just within the country; millions have had to flee across international borders as refugees.
#newsonleo #sudan #startup #technology
The article sheds light on the daunting challenges faced by startups in Sudan, a country ravaged by war, and the unwavering dedication of Savannah Innovation Labs, a startup incubator, to continue operating despite the conflict.
The incubator's founder, Yousif Yahya, recounts the harrowing experience of fleeing to Egypt with his family in April when the war broke out, leaving behind their home and business. Despite the turmoil, Yahya remained committed to his vision of building a thriving startup ecosystem in Sudan and resumed operations in the relatively safer provinces of Port Sudan and Kassala.
Savannah Innovation Labs had previously established a startup incubator in Sudan, which had received funding from the European Union and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. The incubator aimed to foster entrepreneurship and had taken in over 300 entrepreneurs, providing them with a launchpad and training. The program had also planned to provide equity funding to the 100 finalists of the pitch competition, but due to the war, the funding was changed to grant funding.
Yahya believes that talent precedes investment and that building a strong talent pool is essential for national transformation. To achieve this, he has established networks in neighboring countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Egypt, to bring together dispersed members of the Sudanese startup community. Savannah has also enabled thousands of people to enter Sudan's startup ecosystem and has fostered several startups, including Sudan's first YC-backed startup, Bloom (now Elevate).
Despite the numerous challenges, Yahya remains optimistic about the potential of Sudan's startup ecosystem. He believes that the country will be a ripe VC market after the war, as many family businesses have been destroyed or bled cash, and the new generation will want to come in and set up funds and advisory firms in the sectors that their family businesses have historically been. This presents an opportunity for startups to fill the gaps and drive innovation.
Yahya's vision extends beyond Sudan, as he aims to bridge capital gaps in untapped markets like Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and especially those considered risky due to conflict, like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). He believes that these markets have the potential to rewrite the framework of what new economies will look like.
In summary, the article highlights the resilience of startups in Sudan, despite the challenges posed by war, and the efforts of Savannah Innovation Labs to continue operating and building a startup ecosystem in the country. Yahya's unwavering dedication to his vision and his ability to adapt to the changing circumstances are a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and innovation in the face of adversity.
Here's the 18th's Conversations with AI threadcast... I only had one convo with ChatGPT today, so it (probably) won't appear on top if no one else added their conversations:
https://inleo.io/threads/view/ahmadmanga/re-leothreads-33vdfjtn2
Fidelity has cut its estimate of X's value by 79% since Musk's purchase
Elon Musk's X is now worth less than a quarter of its $44 billion purchase price, according to a new estimate from investor Fidelity. The asset manager, Elon Musk's X is now valued at less than a quarter of its $44 billion purchase price, according to Fidelity.
Elon Musk’s X is now worth less than a quarter of its $44 billion purchase price, according to a new estimate from investor Fidelity.
#x #twitter #elonmusk #fidelity #technology
The asset manager, which helped Musk acquire the social network formerly known as Twitter, now values its stake in X at approximately $4.19 million, based on newly released disclosures from Fidelity’s Blue Chip Growth Fund. The fund has reduced the value of its holding in X by a total of 78.7% as of August end.
For context, Fidelity had initially invested $19.66 million in X through the Blue Chip Fund, as per regulatory filings. This isn’t the first time Fidelity has cut the value of its holding in X. As of July’s end, Fidelity had valued its shares in X at about $5.5 million.
This 78.7% markdown implies that Fidelity is currently valuing X at about $9.4 billion overall. Fidelity and X didn’t immediately respond to requests for comment outside of business hours.
Article
Why did it happen? Is it true? Has something changed drastically since the take-over?
Hi, @taskmaster4450le,
This post has been voted on by @darkcloaks because you are an active member of the Darkcloaks gaming community.
Get started with Darkcloaks today, and follow us on Inleo for the latest updates.
Raspberry Pi launches camera module for vision-based AI applications
Raspberry Pi, the company that sells tiny, cheap, single-board computers, is releasing an add-on that is going to open up several use cases
Raspberry Pi, the company that sells tiny, cheap, single-board computers, is releasing an add-on that is going to open up several use cases — and yes, because it’s 2024, there’s an AI angle. Called the Raspberry Pi AI Camera, this image sensor comes with on-board AI processing and is going to cost $70.
#newsonleo #raspberrypi #technology
The Raspberry Pi has recently unveiled its new AI camera module, a compact and affordable camera module that combines a Sony image sensor with a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller chip. This innovative module is designed to be used with Raspberry Pi computers and is compatible with aLL models, making it a versatile tool for a wide range of applications.
The AI Camera module is an extension of the existing Camera Module 3, which features a simple 12-megapixel image sensor from Sony mounted on a small add-on board. However, the new module is slightly larger due to the structure of the optical sensor, but it is still compact and easy to use. One of the key features of the AI Camera module is that it comes pre-loaded with the MobileNet-SSD model, an object detection model that can run in real-time. This means that the camera can be used for a variety of tasks such as detecting empty parking spots, tracking traffic flows, or performing basic automated quality assurance in industrial environments.
The AI Camera module is specifically designed for use in industrial and embedded applications, where it can be used to capture images and process them through common neural network models. The module is inexpensive and efficient, making it a cost-effective solution for companies that need to integrate computer vision capabilities into their products. This is particularly appealing to companies that need to produce computers and modules at scale, as Raspberry Pi is a popular choice due to its reliable sourcing and minimal production delays.
In fact, Raspberry Pi has reported that the industrial and embedded segment represents 72% of its sales, and the AI Camera module is likely to be used in a similar proportion. This is a testament to the company's commitment to providing reliable and affordable products to its customers. Furthermore, Raspberry Pi has promised to keep the AI Camera module in production until at least January 2028, demonstrating its dedication to supporting its customers and ensuring a steady supply of this innovative product.
Overall, the AI Camera module is an exciting development in the world of computer vision and machine learning, offering a powerful and affordable solution for companies looking to integrate AI capabilities into their products. With its compact design, real-time object detection capabilities, and commitment to production, the AI Camera module is poised to revolutionize the way companies approach computer vision and automation.
Financial evolution will saturate with crypto or it will overshoot further with something new and more disruptive?
????
Decentraized finance is here to stay or something more disruptuive or sophisticated thing to come?
Not sure we are seeing DeFi yet. Wall Street is hijacking a great deal of crypto. Time will tell how this all pans out.
We are nothing without data. That is why decentralizing data is the major priority. From there, AI models and agents can be built tied to blockchain. That is the future of financial (and economic) activity.
The Guardian: High tech, high yields? The Kenyan farmers deploying AI to increase productivity
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/sep/30/high-tech-high-yields-the-kenyan-farmers-deploying-ai-to-increase-productivity
The Guardian: In tackling Vladimir Putin’s web of troll farms and hackers, we have one advantage: democracy
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/29/in-tackling-vladimir-putins-web-of-troll-farms-and-hackers-we-have-one-advantage-democracy
The Guardian: It’s useful that the latest AI can ‘think’, but we need to know its reasoning
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/sep/28/openai-o1-strawberry-chain-of-thought-chatgpt
The Guardian: Man falsely accused of murder by Tommy Robinson calls for tighter rules on X
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/sep/30/abdul-hai-man-falsely-accused-of-murder-by-tommy-robinson-calls-for-tighter-rules-on-x
Wired: Inside Two Years of Turmoil at Big Tech's Anti-Terrorism Group
https://www.wired.com/story/gifct-x-meta-youtube-microsoft-anti-terrorism-big-tech-turmoil/
CNBC: Why it’s time to take warnings about using public Wi-Fi, in places like airports, seriously
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/29/its-time-to-take-warnings-about-using-airport-public-wi-fi-seriously.html
CNBC: Why it’s time to take warnings about using public Wi-Fi, in places like airports, seriously
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/29/its-time-to-take-warnings-about-using-airport-public-wi-fi-seriously.html
CNBC: Inside one of the first all-female hacker houses in San Francisco
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/09/28/inside-one-of-the-first-all-female-hacker-houses-in-san-francisco.html
CNN: This 'flying' ferry could revolutionize the way we commute
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/30/business/video/candela-electric-flying-ferry-digvid
CNN: US proposes ban on smart cars with Chinese and Russian tech
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/23/tech/us-car-software-ban-china-russia/index.html
CNN: AI-powered tech could help people with speech impairments to work remotely
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/23/tech/voiceitt-voice-recognition-speech-impairments-spc/index.html
BBC: SpaceX docks at ISS to collect stranded astronauts
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clylvz1ppdmo
BBC: The debate: Should smartphones be banned for under 16s?
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjd5z24d89vo
BBC: An 'abomination' of a sub – and the boss convinced Titan was safe
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckgn39epv85o
BBC Video: Is this the future of electric racing?
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p0js774d/is-this-the-future-of-electric-racing-
Reuters: Epic Games accuses Samsung, Google of scheme to block app rivals
https://www.reuters.com/legal/epic-games-accuses-samsung-google-scheme-block-app-rivals-2024-09-30/
Reuters: Exclusive: ByteDance plans new AI model trained with Huawei chips, sources say
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/bytedance-plans-new-ai-model-trained-with-huawei-chips-sources-say-2024-09-30/
Reuters: German competition watchdog vows closer eye on Microsoft
https://www.reuters.com/technology/german-competition-watchdog-vows-closer-eye-microsoft-2024-09-30/
Reuters: Focus: MercadoLibre, Latam's Amazon.com rival, rides high with AI, loans, drones
https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/mercadolibre-latams-amazoncom-rival-rides-high-with-ai-loans-drones-2024-09-30/
Reuters: Google to invest $1 billion in Thai data centre, cloud infrastructure
https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-invest-1-billion-thai-data-centre-cloud-infrastructure-2024-09-30/
Reuters: Tata iPhone component plant halts production indefinitely after fire
https://www.reuters.com/technology/tata-iphone-component-plant-halts-production-indefinitely-after-fire-2024-09-30/
Reuters: Spain's Merlin Properties bets on AI boom to drive revenue growth
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/spains-merlin-properties-bets-ai-boom-drive-revenue-growth-2024-09-30/
Reuters: OpenAI offers one investor a sweetener that no others are getting
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/openai-sees-116-billion-revenue-next-year-offers-thrive-chance-invest-again-2025-2024-09-28/
Reuters: BYD recalling 97,000 top-selling EVs on steering component fault, regulator says
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/byd-recalling-97000-top-selling-evs-steering-component-fault-regulator-says-2024-09-30/
Reuters: California governor vetoes contentious AI safety bill
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/california-governor-vetoes-contentious-ai-safety-bill-2024-09-29/
Reuters: If your AI seems smarter, it's thanks to smarter human trainers
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/if-your-ai-seems-smarter-its-thanks-smarter-human-trainers-2024-09-28/
Reuters: Apple drops out of talks to join OpenAI investment round, WSJ reports
https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/apple-drops-out-talks-join-openai-investment-round-wsj-says-2024-09-28/
Reuters: EU to vote on Oct 4 to finalize tariffs for China-made EVs, Bloomberg News reports
https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-vote-oct-4-finalize-tariffs-china-made-evs-bloomberg-news-reports-2024-09-28/
Podcasting startup Podeo gets $5.4M to go beyond the Arab world
The UAE-based podcast distribution platform plans to explore new growth opportunities in Latin America, Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
Podcast listeners crossed half a billion people at the end of last year as listenership maintained steady growth. With countries in the Arab world having some of the most engaged listeners, a podcasting startup out of Dubai is doubling down on the opportunity.
#newsonleo #podeo #podcasting #technology
Podeo, a pioneering podcast distribution platform based in the United Arab Emirates, has secured a significant $5.4 million investment in its Series A funding round to expand its operations in Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. This latest development marks a major milestone for the company, which has already established a substantial following in the Arab world, boasting an impressive 50 million subscribers.
Podeo's journey began in 2015 when its CEO, Stefano Fallaha, a high school student in Beirut at the time, launched a side project called Fallound, an audio-based social network. Although the project failed to gain traction, Fallaha relaunched the company as a smart podcast aggregator that utilized machine learning algorithms to make personalized recommendations based on user preferences. However, the app struggled to gain popularity in the Middle East-North Africa region due to a lack of engaging Arabic content.
It wasn't until the devastating 2020 Beirut chemical explosion that Podeo's fortunes changed. The disaster led to a surge in demand for authentic storytelling, and Podeo transformed into a platform for people to share their experiences and stories. By pivoting its focus towards storytelling and community-building, the company was able to gain traction and attract a large following.
Podeo's success can be attributed to its ability to produce exclusive podcasts and collaborate with creators to offer a diverse range of content. The company has also developed cutting-edge end-to-end production software to support creators, allowing them to audio edit, sound design, and mix their audio in a streamlined process. This innovative approach has enabled Podeo to stand out from the competition and establish itself as a leader in the region.
What sets Podeo apart from other podcasting platforms is its unique business model. Unlike many of its competitors, Podeo does not charge listeners a subscription fee and plans to eliminate creator subscription packages in the near future. Instead, the company relies on advertising revenue, which it believes will allow it to grow alongside its creators and empower them to monetize their content without limitations.
Podeo's decentralized approach to podcasting, which enables it to distribute ads across multiple channels, has given it a competitive advantage over international players like Acast. The company's focus on hyper-local approaches to supply, demand, and monetization has allowed it to address the needs of emerging markets and establish itself as a leader in the region.
Podeo's success is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and community-building in the podcasting space. The company's innovative approach to podcasting and its focus on emerging markets have positioned it for continued growth and success in the years to come. With its latest funding round, Podeo is well-equipped to expand its operations and continue to shape the future of podcasting in emerging markets.
HungryPanda, a food-ordering app for the Asian diaspora, picks up $55M at a valuation of around $500M
The food-delivery app, founded in London and aimed squarely at Chinese and other Asian consumers living outside their home countries, has picked up $55M.
Apps catering to the Chinese and wider Asian diaspora, especially urban consumers focused on food, can be big business. HungryPanda, one of the trailblazing startups in that market, is now announcing more funding.
#newsonleo #hungrypanda #technology
HungryPanda, a pioneering food delivery app catering to Chinese and other Asian consumers living abroad, has secured a significant $55 million funding round. The company plans to utilize this capital to further develop its existing business and expand into new categories, such as groceries. As a result, HungryPanda's valuation has increased to around $500 million post-money, a substantial jump from its valuation of $289 million in 2020.
Founded in 2017, HungryPanda has established itself as the largest Asian overseas food delivery platform, rivaling other prominent players like Fantuan and FreshGoGo. The startup operates as a classic, three-sided, on-demand food marketplace, connecting customers with merchants and riders across 80 cities in 10 countries. With a strong presence, HungryPanda boasts an impressive customer base of 6 million users, 100,000 merchants, and 80,000 riders. The company is targeting $1 billion in gross transaction volume for this year, a testament to its rapid growth.
Notably, HungryPanda has achieved profitability, a rare feat for food delivery platforms. The company's success can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of its team, as well as the strength of its business model. According to founder and CEO Eric Liu, the company's focus on the younger demographic, particularly students, has enabled it to bypass some of the challenges associated with food delivery platforms. HungryPanda's "family-style" ordering model, where orders are doubled or tripled, makes individual deliveries more profitable.
The app was founded by Liu, who was frustrated by the lack of authentic Asian food options during his time as a student in the UK. He created HungryPanda to provide a platform for Chinese and other Asian consumers to order food from their favorite restaurants, with menus and information available in their native language.
HungryPanda's success can also be attributed to the growing demand for authentic Asian food among consumers. The Chinese diaspora alone is estimated to be over 50 million people globally, and there is a growing trend of consumers seeking out authentic Asian cuisine. The company's focus on catering to this demand has enabled it to capitalize on this trend.
The funding round was led by Mars Growth Capital, with previous backers Perwyn, Kinnevik, 83North, and Felix also participating. With this significant investment, HungryPanda is poised to continue its rapid growth and expansion into new markets, further solidifying its position as a leading player in the Asian food delivery space.
Pinnit Android app lets you search through your notification history
The notification drawer on Android can be both useful and distracting because of the sheer number of notifications that come in.
The notification drawer on Android can be both useful and distracting because of the sheer number of notifications that come in. You have to manage per-app notifications better through settings or set up a system to avoid missing important updates. An app called Pinnit helps you look through notifications that you missed with its notifications history feature and also lets you create custom notifications.
#android #pinnit #google #notifications #technology
Pinnit, a notification management app developed by Indian developer Sasikanth Miriyampalli and Brazilian designer Eduardo Pratti, has undergone a significant redesign since its initial launch in 2020. The app's primary function is to allow users to pIN important notifications to the notification bar, ensuring they don't forget about them. The latest update introduces a groundbreaking feature called notification history, which enables users to view and search through aLL their dismissed notifications with ease.
The notification history feature is a game-changer, offering a range of functionalities that make it simple to manage notifications. Users can sort notifications by newest or oldest, filter out notifications from specific apps to declutter their view, and even view notifications through a date picker. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who frequently dismiss notifications only to forget about them later.
In addition to the notification history feature, Pinnit also allows users to create custom notifications with a title and description. This feature can be used to pin important reminders or tasks, ensuring they remain top-of-mind. The app's vision is to empower users to stay on TOP of their notifications and avoid missing crucial reminders and tasks.
The developers of Pinnit are committed to continually improving the app, with plans to introduce new features in the coming months. These additions will include location-based reminders, word filtering for notifications in privacy settings, app widgets, and support for large-screen devices. These updates will further enhance the app's functionality, making it an even more effective tool for managing notifications.
Pinnit is available for a one-time fee of $1.99 after a 14-day trial period. The app's simplicity and effectiveness make it an attractive option for anyone struggling to keep track of their notifications and stay organized. With its new notification history feature, Pinnit has taken a significant leap forward, solidifying its position as a must-have app for anyone looking to streamline their notification management.
YouTube blocks videos from Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, others in dispute with SESAC
A number of YouTube videos featuring music from artists such as Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. have been unplayable in the United States
A number of YouTube videos featuring music from artists such as Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. have been unplayable in the United States since Saturday.
#youtube #Music #google #newsonleo #technology
YouTube has blocked music videos featuring several popular artists, including Bob Dylan, due to a dispute with the Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC), a performing rights organization that represents over 35,000 music artists and publishers. The dispute has resulted in the removal of these videos from YouTube in the US, with users instead seeing a message stating that the content is not available in their country.
The issue is not limited to just a few videos, as many songs by these artists are no longer playable on YouTube. However, it's unclear whether all videos featuring these artists are blocked or if some have simply been overlooked.
YouTube has blamed the situation on failed negotiations with SESAC, stating that despite their best efforts, they were unable to reach an equitable agreement before the current deal expired. The company is now in active conversations with SESAC, hoping to reach a new deal as soon as possible.
This situation is similar to a dispute between Universal Music Group and TikTok earlier this year, where UMG pulled songs by popular artists including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande from the platform while negotiating over royalties.
SESAC is not a record label, but rather an organization that collects royalties for songwriters and publishers, similar to ASCAP and BMI. The organization represents a wide range of artists, including Burna Boy, George Clinton, Kenny Rogers, Kings of Leon, and many others.
The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities of copyright and royalty negotiations in the music industry.
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