X.ai Series B Funding Round

X.ai Series B Funding Round

xAI announced a $6 billion Series B funding round with investors like Valor Equity Partners and Sequoia Capital. The funds will be used to market products, build infrastructure, and accelerate R&D. xAI has advanced rapidly, releasing models like Grok-1 and Grok-1.5. The company seeks to develop AI systems that benefit humanity and is hiring for various roles. (Read More)

Scale’s Series F: Expanding the Data Foundry for AI

Scale AI, a leading AI data provider, announced the closing of a $1B financing transaction at a $13.8B valuation. The funding, led by Accel and other existing and new investors, aims to advance AI by ensuring data abundance, developing frontier data, and improving AI measurement and evaluation. Scale AI has contributed to significant AI advancements, including collaborations with OpenAI and the US Department of Defense. They intend to further accelerate the development of AI-ready data to power the next generation of AI models. (Read More)

OpenAI didn’t copy Scarlett Johansson’s voice for ChatGPT

OpenAI did not clone Scarlett Johansson's voice for ChatGPT's "Sky," documents reveal. Instead, a different actress, hired months prior and with a naturally similar voice, provided the voiceover. Johansson had claimed her voice was used without consent after declining a request from OpenAI’s CEO. The company paused Sky’s use following the allegations, emphasizing that the Sky voice actor was chosen earlier, and Johansson’s vocal mimicry was not intended. Legal experts compare this case to past impersonation lawsuits, highlighting the nuances in proving vocal likeness infringement. (Read More)

Introducing Copilot+ PCs

Microsoft has unveiled Copilot+ PCs, a new category of AI-powered Windows computers. Featuring advanced silicon with 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), these PCs promise exceptional performance, extended battery life, and cutting-edge AI capabilities. Key features include Recall for effortlessly retrieving past activities, Cocreator for real-time AI image creation, and Live Captions translating audio from 40+ languages. Devices from Microsoft Surface and partners like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung will be available starting June 18, with prices starting at $999. (Read More)

OpenAI sends internal memo releasing former employees from NDAs

OpenAI has reversed its decision to force former employees to sign indefinite non-disparagement agreements in exchange for retaining their vested equity. An internal memo, also shared with current employees, confirmed that OpenAI would not enforce these agreements or cancel any vested units. The company has apologized for the previous language used and is removing non-disparagement clauses from standard departure paperwork. This change comes amid broader scrutiny and internal adjustments at OpenAI, including the disbanding of a team focused on long-term AI risks and controversy over one of its ChatGPT voices. (Read More)