Sundar Pichai’s steadfast leadership in the emergence of ChatGPT can be attributed to his focus on long-term goals and strategic planning. As others panicked, he reorganized Google’s AI resources under DeepMind and spearheaded the development of Gemini, a cutting-edge multi-modal AI model. Today, Gemini is outperforming benchmarks, not merely keeping pace. Pichai’s reliance on solid infrastructure, data, and patience demonstrates that slow and steady wins the race. Find more on Semafor.
Read Also: Google Introduces Gemini 2.0 AI for Search Overviews
Urgent Update: WordPress Plug-in Vulnerability
A crucial security vulnerability in the WordPress Hunk Companion plug-in has been actively exploited, meaning more than 8,000 websites are at potential risk. HackersHackers use this vulnerability by including malicious code and installing other outdated and vulnerable plug-ins such as WP Query Console. Prevent unauthorized access or possible damage to your website by updating it to version 1.9.0 immediately. Get more from Ars Technica.
Tech and the Rise of Loneliness
Overuse of technology feeds loneliness, as binge-watching, endless scrolling, and texting replace meaningful human connections. Social media comparisons and shallow communication through emojis or texts increase isolation. Experts suggest simple steps, such as replacing texts with calls, reducing doom-scrolling, and pausing auto-play features. Real connection thrives through voices, eye contact, and authentic conversations, not endless reels. Learn more in The New York Times (soft paywall).
Crypto Leaders Back Trump as Bitcoin Soars
It will include some heavy hitters like Donald Trump’s crypto allies, Armstrong and Michael Saylor. Of course, with Donald Trump and his policies toward cryptocurrency. The move to $100,000 reflects this kind of trend. There are exceptions, such as Vitalik Buterin from Ethereum. As Trump promises to “set crypto free,” the crypto world braces for a transformative era. Read more at FT.com (hard paywall).
Game of the Year Highlights
The gaming world was abuzz with the “Game of the Year” awards as the year closed. Not all favorites could make it to the shortlist, but several shone bright, including that of the “Player’s Voice” winner. Check the full list of award-winning games from The Game Awards.
Epic Games Gets Big on Android
Epic Games breaks new ground by pre-installing its store on millions of Android phones. That is a significant move that challenges Google’s leadership of the app store to gain a bigger share of the revenue. This is another landmark in Epic’s bid to have more reasonable and just policies at the app store. For more details about this, check it out on The Verge.
Australia Makes a Step Further to Support Media
Australia is cracking down to ensure Big Tech pays local media fairly. For years, little cooperation followed initial agreements with governments, and now they’re forced to take more severe measures to protect the sustainability of media. It is an audacious step aimed at balancing the influence of Big Tech on journalism, but it offers some lessons to countries like South Africa—more on The Wall Street Journal.
