Welcome to the October edition of Monthly Tech Digest, where we dive into the latest breakthroughs shaping the world of AI and beyond. This month, OpenAI sets a new standard in tech funding, securing an unprecedented investment and fueling its ambition to lead the future of AI. Meanwhile, Apple steps up its game with the launch of “Apple Intelligence” in iOS and macOS, marking its most significant AI rollout yet. From OpenAI’s audacious growth strategies to Apple’s push into generative AI, this digest unpacks the bold moves, rivalries, and tech developments propelling the industry forward.
AI
OpenAI secures record-breaking $6.6B funding round
In our September news digest, we reported that Sam Altman plans to lead OpenAI’s shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit benefit corporation, a move expected to attract more investment but raise accountability concerns as the company advances its AI ambitions. Consequently, this month, OpenAI has closed the largest venture capital round in history, raising $6.6 billion and bringing its valuation to $157 billion. Thrive Capital led the round, contributing $1.3 billion with an option to invest another $1 billion by 2025. Other major investors included Microsoft, Nvidia, SoftBank, and Khosla Ventures. This funding will help OpenAI advance its AI research and expand its computing power. Interestingly, OpenAI reportedly asked investors not to back rival AI startups like Anthropic, led by Daniela Amodei and Dario Amodei, adding an unusual condition to the deal.
Besides, OpenAI announced plans to expand globally by opening new offices in cities including New York City, Seattle, Paris, Brussels, and Singapore, alongside its existing locations, as part of a broader growth strategy, and it will establish a Singapore hub to support Asia-Pacific operations while partnering with AI Singapore to enhance access to its technology in the region.
OpenAI builds its first AI chip while introducing new human technology verification technology
But OpenAI isn’t stopping there. OpenAI is making strides in AI hardware development, working with TSMC and Broadcom to create its first in-house AI chip by 2026, a shift aimed at reducing reliance on Nvidia amidst chip shortages.
Simultaneously, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s other venture, World (formerly Worldcoin), unveiled new iris-scanning Orbs as part of its mission to provide a “proof of humanity” system, which could support AI-driven identity verification in a future where distinguishing humans from AI might become difficult. Both OpenAI’s chip initiative and World’s identity tools highlight Altman’s dual commitment to advancing AI capabilities while addressing potential challenges AI may pose to society.
OpenAI launches ChatGPT search to compete with Google
Moreover, OpenAI has launched ChatGPT Search, a real-time search feature on ChatGPT that retrieves up-to-date information from the web, challenging Google Search. The tool provides users with live data, images, and sources and offers the option to ask follow-up questions. Currently available to Plus and Team users, it will soon expand to enterprise customers and free accounts.
Anthropic’s Claude AI can now write and run JavaScript code
Meanwhile, its well-known competitor, Anthropic, has enhanced its Claude chatbot with a new analysis tool that allows it to write and execute JavaScript code. This feature enables Claude to provide “mathematically precise and reproducible answers” by performing complex calculations and analyzing data from files like spreadsheets and PDFs.
The tool is a built-in code sandbox, allowing Claude to clean and explore data step-by-step for more accurate results. It can be used for practical tasks, such as analyzing sales data or creating financial dashboards. While Claude previously attempted these tasks, it lacked a mechanism for mathematical verification, leading to less reliable answers. This new capability positions Claude alongside similar offerings from competitors like Google and OpenAI. The analysis tool is now available for all Claude users on the web.
Is AI slowly changing the job market?
AI is increasingly transforming the job landscape, as seen in recent moves by major companies. For example, ByteDance’s TikTok has laid off hundreds of employees, primarily in Malaysia, as it shifts content moderation responsibilities to automated systems. This transition reduces the need for human moderators, allowing TikTok to streamline operations while still investing in trust and safety.
Similarly, LinkedIn has unveiled Hiring Assistant, its first AI tool designed to automate various recruitment tasks. This AI agent assists in creating job descriptions and sourcing candidates, enabling recruiters to focus on more strategic aspects of their roles. Currently used by select large enterprises, Hiring Assistant exemplifies LinkedIn’s strategy to integrate AI into its platform, enhancing its B2B services in recruitment. Future updates will add features like messaging and interview scheduling, further minimizing manual tasks. Looks like the reliance on AI is growing, which is not only optimizing operations but also leading to significant job displacement across industries.
What is Mira Murati, ex-CTO of OpenAI, doing after leaving OpenAI?
Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, who announced her departure from OpenAI last month, is reportedly seeking over $100 million in venture capital to fund a new AI startup. This new venture is expected to focus on creating AI products powered by proprietary models, distinct from OpenAI’s current systems. In her farewell message, Murati highlighted OpenAI’s achievements in advancing AI’s ability to “learn and reason through complex problems” and noted that she was leaving to carve out space for her own AI research and development.
Robotics
Musk unveils Robovan – Tesla’s electric solution for urban transport
During Tesla’s “We, Robot” event in Los Angeles, Elon Musk unveiled a prototype of the Robovan, an electric, autonomous vehicle designed to transport up to 20 people in high-density areas and also carry goods. The vehicle is notable for lacking a steering wheel, emphasizing its autonomous capabilities, and features a spacious interior with tinted windows. Although the Robovan is currently just a prototype, it reflects Tesla’s ambition to change the appearance of urban transportation. Musk did not share plans for production facilities or timelines, but he did mention that the Cybercab, another upcoming vehicle, is expected to begin production in 2026 or 2027.
Zoox prepares for Robotaxi launch
While Tesla is just unveiling its prototype Cybercab robotaxi, Zoox is taking significant strides by preparing to launch its fully autonomous ride-hailing service in San Francisco and Las Vegas. At TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, co-founder and CTO Jesse Levinson announced that Zoox will begin rolling out dozens of purpose-built robotaxis, starting with employee rides in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood and along the Las Vegas Strip. With a decade of development since its founding and four years under Amazon’s ownership, Zoox has reached a level of “internal safety readiness” that allows it to confidently expand its operations.
In contrast to Tesla’s plans, which Levinson questions due to the company’s reliance solely on camera-based technology, Zoox aims to provide a more reliable and robust system. Levinson emphasized that while Tesla’s Full Self-Driving capabilities may be impressive, they still require human intervention and may not be as safe as a fully autonomous solution. As Zoox prepares for a measured rollout of its services, Tesla’s recent announcements highlight the differing approaches within the autonomous vehicle industry.
Apps
Apple finally rolls out “Apple intelligence” in next iOS and macOS update
Apple’s new generative AI platform, Apple Intelligence, is set to launch next week with the public releases of iOS 18.1, iPadOS 18.1, and macOS Sequoia 15.1, most likely on Monday, November 4th. While developer beta users have already been testing features like writing tools, image cleanup, article summaries, and a redesigned Siri with typing input, this rollout will open up the features to more users.
Additional Apple Intelligence tools, including Genmoji, Image Playground, Visual Intelligence, Image Wand, and ChatGPT integration, will also be available in upcoming developer updates (iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2). However, only certain devices can use Apple Intelligence, requiring an iPhone 15 Pro/Pro Max, any iPhone 16, iPads with the A17 Pro or M1 chip, or Macs with M1 or newer chips.
