Top 10 in Tech – December 2023

Every month, we gather the hottest news in the tech world and wrap it up in our Top 10 in Tech news collection. Take a quick tour and learn the latest news in the tech world.

Ekin TorunContent Editor

December 19, 2023
5min read

1- Amazon CTO Shares His Tech Predictions for 2024

In this reflection on the changes in the technology industry and predictions for the future, there are three key areas of growth. First, there’s a focus on making generative AI culturally aware by addressing biases in language models. Second, the rise of FemTech is emphasized, with a prediction that technology addressing women’s health needs (FemTech) will be a trillion-dollar industry by 2027. Third, the evolution of education to match the speed of technology is discussed, noting the shift towards industry-led, skill-based training programs as an alternative to traditional degrees.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

2- Google claims new Gemini AI ‘thinks more carefully’

Google has released Gemini, an AI model with advanced reasoning capabilities, tested in 57 subjects. It’s integrated into Google’s tools and touted to outperform human experts and rival OpenAI’s GPT-4. Gemini’s ability to learn from various sources is seen as a new standard for generative AI. Despite increasing competition, concerns about AI’s potential harm drive global efforts to establish rules and legislation for safe development.

Source: BBC

3- Mercedes-Benz teases new AI-powered infotainment system that gives you an empathetic virtual assistant

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up for CES 2024, teasing a groundbreaking AI-powered MBUX infotainment system that combines high-res graphics from Unity and advances the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice assistant. The Concept CLA Class features an extended ‘Superscreen’ with a new graphic interface, emphasizing natural interaction and integration with MB.OS across four domains. Mercedes hints at a characterful ‘face’ for the voice assistant, set to “reinvent the digital passenger experience” by adapting to driving styles and moods, according to CEO Ola Källenius.

Source: Tech Radar

4- Startup Armada Is Bringing AI To Remote Places, Using SpaceX Starlink Satellites

Armada, a startup led by former DataRobot CEO Dan Wright, is collaborating with SpaceX to offer edge computing for remote locations. With $55 million raised at a valuation near $250 million, Armada’s platform, Commander, integrates with Elon Musk’s Starlink and features a weatherized mobile data center called Galleon. The company aims to address challenges in utilizing vast data generated in remote areas. Despite zero current revenue, investors see potential in energy, manufacturing, mining, and defense applications. Armada is actively pursuing contracts with major players and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Source: Forbes

5- Tips to Spot Misinformation on the Web

In the age of rampant misinformation, it’s essential to be mindful when navigating online information. Adopt strategies like prioritizing reputable sources, cross-checking information with multiple sources, and reviewing source history to ensure accuracy and authenticity. Utilize fact-checking services to validate news reports and debunk misinformation. By being mindful and informed, you can make well-informed decisions and maintain a balanced perspective.

Source: Wired

6- AI was the buzzword of 2023. What happens in 2024?

AI is a prominent focus for companies, with 152 of the S&P 500 citing the term in Q3 earnings calls, making it the second-highest number in the past decade. Goldman Sachs CIO Marco Argenti predicts the emergence of hybrid AI, combining large foundational models and smaller, fine-tuned models for specialized tasks. He foresees a shift in venture capital funding toward AI applications, away from creating new foundational models. Argenti also anticipates proof of concept projects coming to fruition in 2024, leading to a focus on safety, governance, and a thoughtful balance in AI regulation.

Source: CNN

7- E.U. Agrees on Landmark Artificial Intelligence Rules

The E.U. has taken a significant step forward in regulating A.I. with its landmark A.I. Act, which addresses the potential risks of A.I. in various industries and introduces transparency requirements for technologies like ChatGPT. While the law introduces restrictions on facial recognition and penalizes violators, concerns remain about its efficacy and implementation. The E.U.’s pioneering approach to balancing innovation with safety has attracted global attention, sparking conversations about the future of A.I. regulations and their impact on the industry.

Source: NYTimes

8- How Factories are Deploying AI on Production Lines

Source: BBC

9- 3 key digital transformation priorities for 2024

As the digital landscape evolves, CIOs in 2024 are called upon to strike a balance between innovation and operational excellence. While generative AI remains a top priority, closing security and operational gaps is equally important. To fully harness the potential of generative AI, CIOs should focus on six key workstreams, while also addressing unstructured data challenges and improving pilot-to-production conversions. Additionally, CIOs should prioritize closing operational gaps such as security practices, finops, and continuous testing, while fostering digital transformation leadership through HR partnerships and training programs.
Source: CIO

10- Technology Key to Integrating Sustainability Into Strategies

A study by Kyndryl and Microsoft reveals that only 16% of organizations have integrated sustainability into their strategies and data. While 85% consider sustainability goals strategically important, just 32% believe they are fully utilizing technology to achieve them. CEOs and boards prioritize sustainability and digital transformation, yet 61% use AI to monitor energy use, with only 34% using current data to predict future consumption. The report suggests making sustainability a CEO and boardroom priority, aligning sustainability with technology modernization, building an integrated data foundation, and leveraging AI for predictive sustainability.