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Microsoft and Meta have recently announced an exciting collaboration to produce a special edition Meta Quest VR headset infused with an "Xbox-inspired" design, marking a significant step in the convergence of gaming and virtual reality technology. While the partnership details are yet to be fully disclosed, it appears that the venture will entail customizing the Meta Quest 3, or potentially a future iteration, bundled with an Xbox controller. In their joint announcement, Meta stated, "We’re working together again with Microsoft to create a limited-edition Meta Quest, inspired by Xbox." This strategic move underscores Meta's broader initiative of opening its Quest VR operating system to third-party hardware manufacturers, a trend already evident with companies like Asus and Lenovo developing dedicated headsets running on the Meta Horizon OS. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to Instagram to provide additional insights into the collaboration, revealing that the special edition headset will come equipped with Xbox controllers and Game Pass integration. This means users can seamlessly transition into immersive gaming experiences on a large screen from virtually anywhere, adding a new dimension to the gaming landscape. While Microsoft's previous endeavors with VR on Xbox consoles faced challenges, the recent collaboration with Meta signifies a renewed effort to explore the potential of virtual reality. Despite earlier setbacks, the partnership signals a growing synergy between the two tech giants, with Meta's Quest platform offering users access to Microsoft Office apps in VR and the integration of Xbox Cloud Gaming with Quest VR headsets last year. Overall, the collaboration between Microsoft and Meta represents a significant development in the virtual reality space, blurring the lines between gaming and immersive experiences while paving the way for future innovations in the field.

Canada's Squido Studio has unveiled "Anarchitects," a new sandbox game available for free on Meta Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro. Offering nearly 200 unique components and customization options, players can collaborate with up to ten friends in real-time, crafting their own mini-games without any programming knowledge. One of its standout features is the seamless transition between different game modes, eliminating loading screens. Squido Studio plans to roll out new objects and features through themed seasons via regular updates. Future updates will introduce a medieval theme with gameplay elements like swordplay and shields. "Anarchitects" offers diverse movement systems, including options inspired by "No More Rainbows" and Gorilla Tag, allowing players to control their avatar via arm movements, joystick controls, or a combination of both. While the game is free to play, players can purchase optional cosmetic items, offering over 300 possible combinations. During the launch period, players who rate "Anarchitects" will receive an exclusive in-game gift as an incentive. Squido Studio's previous VR game, "No More Rainbows," has amassed over 500,000 players since its 2023 release. Available on various platforms including Quest Store, Pico Store, and Steam, it is set to debut on PlayStation VR 2 in the second quarter of 2024. "No More Rainbows" features a single-player campaign with five worlds and over 30 levels, along with two multiplayer modes. Recently, an update introducing a new world was released. Squido Studio has secured $2.5 million in investments to fuel the development of future VR projects.

A recent report from the Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence at Stanford University sheds light on the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2024, AI systems like the renowned ChatGPT are approaching or surpassing human performance across various tasks, from reading comprehension to image classification and complex mathematical competitions. This progress has rendered many traditional benchmarks and tests outdated, necessitating new ways of evaluating AI capabilities. Published on April 15, the comprehensive report highlights the meteoric advancement in machine-learning systems over the past decade. It emphasizes the increasing need for assessing AI on complex tasks like abstraction and reasoning, as benchmarks that once served the community for years now become obsolete within a few years due to the rapid pace of AI development. The AI Index, an annual report compiled by academic and industry specialists, aims to inform researchers, policymakers, and the public about the technical capabilities, costs, ethics, and more within the field of AI. Notably, this year's report underscores the rising regulatory interest in AI-related matters in the United States. However, the lack of standardized assessments for responsible AI use poses challenges in comparing AI systems' risks. Moreover, the report highlights the growing use of AI in scientific applications, dedicating an entire chapter to projects like Graph Networks for Materials Exploration (GNoME) and GraphCast, developed by Google DeepMind. These projects aim to facilitate material discovery and weather forecasting, showcasing the diverse applications of AI in advancing scientific endeavors. The report also delves into the escalating costs associated with AI development, exemplified by the substantial investments required to train advanced language models like GPT-4 and Gemini Ultra. Concerns about the environmental impact of AI systems, particularly their energy consumption and water usage for cooling data centers, are also raised. Furthermore, ethical considerations surrounding AI development and deployment are gaining prominence, with mounting concerns about issues like truthfulness, bias, and likability of AI models. Regulatory efforts are on the rise to promote responsible AI use, although standardizing assessment metrics remains a challenge that requires collaborative efforts within the AI community. As AI continues to reshape various industries and societies globally, the report underscores the importance of addressing ethical concerns, advancing regulatory frameworks, and fostering collaboration to ensure responsible and beneficial AI deployment.

PayPal has quietly implemented changes to its policies surrounding transactions involving non-fungible tokens (NFTs), marking a notable shift from its previous approach. In a subtle update buried within its terms of service, PayPal has announced that it will no longer provide buying and selling protections for NFT-related transactions. Effective from May 20, the updated policy dictates that purchases involving NFTs will no longer be covered by PayPal's buyer protection program. Furthermore, transactions exceeding $10,000 in NFT sales will no longer benefit from the company's safeguards against false claims, chargebacks, or other fraudulent activities, leaving sellers vulnerable to potential financial losses. Explaining the decision, a spokesperson for PayPal informed The Block that the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the NFT market, including challenges related to verifying order fulfillment, necessitated this change in policy. Interestingly, while PayPal had disclosed its intent to withdraw protections for certain NFT transactions as early as March 21, these revisions largely flew under the radar until now. On its policy updates page, under the "Amendments to PayPal’s Purchase Protection Program" section, PayPal explicitly stated the changes: "Effective May 20, 2024: We are revising PayPal’s Purchase Protection Program to exclude from eligibility: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs)." This adjustment underscores the evolving nature of digital asset markets and the need for platforms to adapt their policies accordingly. As NFTs continue to gain traction and reshape various industries, PayPal's decision reflects the challenges and considerations faced by financial service providers in navigating this dynamic landscape.

The US government has made a significant move in bolstering domestic semiconductor production by awarding Samsung Electronics up to $6.4 billion to expand its chip manufacturing facilities in Texas. This strategic investment aims to enhance the nation's semiconductor manufacturing capacity, particularly in critical industries such as aerospace, defence, and automotive. US Commerce Department secretary Gina Raimondo emphasised the importance of this grant, highlighting its potential to propel the United States back to the forefront of semiconductor manufacturing. Raimondo noted that while the US currently leads in semiconductor design, there is an opportunity to regain leadership in manufacturing, advanced packaging, and research and development. Samsung's plans include investing approximately $45 billion in building and expanding its Texas facilities over the course of the decade. This significant infusion of capital represents more than a doubling of Samsung's previous investment in the region. The grant is expected to support the development of four facilities in Taylor, Texas, including a $17 billion chip plant announced by Samsung in 2021, a second factory, an advanced packaging facility, and a research and development center. This grant is part of the broader US Chips and Science Act initiative, which aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly in countries like Taiwan and mainland China. The initiative comes at a time when global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions have underscored the importance of secure and resilient semiconductor supply chains. The award to Samsung follows similar grants awarded to other semiconductor companies, including a $6.6 billion award to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and an $8.5 billion award to Intel. These investments signal a concerted effort by the US government to revitalize domestic semiconductor manufacturing and regain global competitiveness in this critical industry. Furthermore, the US government aims to significantly increase its share of semiconductor manufacturing, targeting 20 percent of cutting-edge processor production by 2030. This ambitious goal aligns with broader efforts to promote technological innovation, economic growth, and national security. As Samsung and other semiconductor companies expand their operations in the United States, these investments are poised to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen America's position in the global semiconductor industry. With continued support and collaboration between the public and private sectors, the United States is well-positioned to lead the way in semiconductor innovation and manufacturing for years to come.

STEPN is making waves in the digital realm with its latest announcement. Following the successful $100 million $GMT airdrop, the Move-to-Earn mobile app has unveiled Genesis Sneaker NFTs in collaboration with Adidas and ALTS by Adidas. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the intersection of fashion, technology, and blockchain. Set to launch on April 17, these Genesis Sneaker NFTs will be co-created by STEPN and Adidas and will be available through a digital raffle on the Solana blockchain, facilitated by the FSL Ecosystem. This event is closely tied to STEPN’s MOAAR marketplace and the web3 game Gas Hero, creating a seamless integration of digital experiences for users. The announcement has sparked excitement among blockchain enthusiasts and sneaker aficionados alike, with promises of more to come. While details remain scarce, the prospect of exclusive digital assets in collaboration with a global brand like Adidas is enough to generate buzz within the community. One question on everyone's mind is whether these digital sneaker NFTs will have physical counterparts, similar to previous releases like the 'Adidas X Crazyfast Bugatti' football boots. The inclusion of physical merchandise could further elevate the appeal of these digital collectibles, bridging the gap between the virtual and physical worlds. Early access privileges for the Genesis Sneaker NFT raffle have been extended to specific members of the Adidas and FSL communities. Eligible participants include holders of ALTS by Adidas, STEPN OGs, Genesis NFT owners, and individuals with specific badges in STEPN and MOAAR. Those meeting the eligibility criteria must register using their STEPN-associated emails via the designated portal on April 16, the day before the release. For those who don't meet the initial criteria, fear not! An open raffle will be held from April 18 to 21, offering 790 individuals the chance to secure one of these highly sought-after digital collectibles. However, gaining access to these assets comes at a notable cost, with each digital sneaker priced at 10,000 $GMT, approximately $2,500 based on current exchange rates. Despite the price tag, the allure of owning a piece of digital fashion history in collaboration with a renowned brand like Adidas is undeniable. As the world of digital collectibles continues to evolve, opportunities like these represent a unique intersection of technology, culture, and creativity. Stay tuned for more updates as the Genesis Sneaker NFTs draw near, and don't miss your chance to step into the future of fashion.

Meta's strategic expansion into the education sector with its enterprise-level Quest services marks a significant move in the evolution of virtual reality (VR) technology. The decision comes as Meta's Quest VR headsets solidify their position as leaders in the extended reality (XR) market, with projections indicating an installed user base exceeding 34 million units by 2024. This anticipated growth, representing a remarkable compound annual growth rate of approximately 27.3% since 2020, underscores the increasing demand for immersive VR experiences. Meta's pivot towards enterprise-focused initiatives within the metaverse market is evident, reflecting a broader trend in the industry towards practical applications and real-world utility. With the recent announcement, Meta aims to address a persistent need in the education sector for innovative tools and resources to enhance learning and training experiences. The forthcoming product offering for Quest devices, tailored specifically for education, holds promise for educators, trainers, and administrators alike. According to Meta's president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, this new product will provide access to a range of education-specific apps and features, empowering educators to deliver immersive and engaging lessons. Moreover, it will streamline device management in educational settings, simplifying the process of updating and preparing multiple Quest devices. While specific details about the new product, including its name and features, are yet to be unveiled, Meta has provided examples of educational institutions already leveraging Quest headsets to enhance learning experiences. These include immersive life sciences courses at the University of Glasgow, virtual crime scene investigations at New Mexico State University, and interview preparation sessions at Stanford University's business classes. With a full launch anticipated by the end of 2024, Meta's entry into the education sector signals a promising evolution in VR technology's role in learning and training. As Meta continues to innovate and pioneer advancements in VR technology, its foray into education underscores a commitment to revolutionizing how we learn and interact in virtual environments. Stay tuned for further updates as Meta's vision for the metaverse unfolds.

Meta has introduced its Generative AI to WhatsApp, marking a significant milestone in the integration of artificial intelligence into everyday communication platforms. This new AI, known as Meta AI, promises to revolutionise the way users interact within the app, offering functionalities that rival existing generative AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini, but with the added convenience of operating directly within WhatsApp. Unlike standalone applications or external websites, Meta AI seamlessly integrates into the familiar interface of WhatsApp, providing users with instant access to a wide range of AI-powered features. From real-time information retrieval and image generation to joke-telling and trip planning, Meta AI offers an array of capabilities designed to enhance user experience within the app. One of the standout features of Meta AI is its accessibility within personal or group chats, allowing users to interact with the AI simply by tagging @MetaAI and issuing commands or inquiries. While the rollout of Meta AI is still ongoing and may vary in availability across different regions, early adopters have already begun to experience its potential firsthand. Upon activation, Meta AI can be accessed via a distinctive Blue Ring icon within the WhatsApp interface, providing users with options to engage with the AI chatbot or generate text and images directly within conversations. The integration of Meta AI into WhatsApp not only streamlines the user experience but also ensures that AI assistance is readily available whenever needed. In terms of performance, Meta AI demonstrates impressive capabilities, particularly in image generation. Leveraging AI technology powered by Bing, Meta AI produces high-quality images with photorealistic details, surpassing the standards set by similar offerings from competitors like Google Gemini. Despite some limitations, such as the inability to edit generated images post-creation, Meta AI's speed and image quality make it a compelling addition to the WhatsApp experience. However, the convenience of Meta AI comes with a caveat. Unlike standard WhatsApp conversations, interactions with Meta AI are not end-to-end encrypted, meaning that messages tagged with @MetaAI are accessible to Meta for training and improvement purposes. While this raises privacy concerns, it's important to weigh the benefits of AI assistance against potential trade-offs in data privacy. Overall, the introduction of Meta AI to WhatsApp signifies a significant step forward in the integration of AI technology into everyday communication. As the platform continues to evolve and improve, Meta AI has the potential to fundamentally transform the way users engage with each other, offering unprecedented convenience and functionality within the world's most popular messaging app.

Veyond Metaverse Inc, a pioneer in AI-driven Extended Reality (XR) healthcare technologies, announces the integration of Apple Vision Pro into its XR 5D Digital Surgery platform. This milestone reflects our commitment to revolutionizing healthcare and democratizing digital surgery globally, with a focus on anatomy education and remote assisted surgeries through our Veyond Connect platform. The shortage of cadavers, exacerbated by the global pandemic, poses significant challenges to medical education worldwide. Veyond Metaverse offers a groundbreaking solution with its cadaver-based 5D anatomy platform, providing digital and interactive training that mimics traditional methods. This scalable and efficient approach meets the growing demand for anatomical training resources, especially in countries like South Korea, aiming to expand medical education programs. Veyond Connect extends our technological capabilities to remote assisted surgeries, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency. Integrated with Apple Vision Pro, this innovation enables real-time collaboration and support during surgical procedures, advancing healthcare practices globally. The integration of Apple Vision Pro signifies a leap forward in surgical and educational practices, offering unparalleled visual clarity and intuitive interactions. Comprehensive testing underscores its transformative potential in medical training and practice. Testimonials from Innovation Leaders Dr. Raymond Thein, a prominent figure in digital surgery, emphasizes the transformative impact of XR technology on healthcare, citing Veyond Metaverse's pioneering efforts. With Apple Vision Pro, we are setting new standards in medical training and practice. Overcoming Educational Barriers Veyond Metaverse's platform addresses critical challenges such as cadaver shortages and limited operating room availability, offering immersive digital experiences for efficient learning. Our comprehensive library of educational materials further enhances the learning experience. Our initiatives have garnered attention from prominent media outlets, showcasing the practical applications of our technology in healthcare. These case studies highlight our role in advancing digital surgery and education, reaffirming our impact on the healthcare industry. Veyond Metaverse aims to establish its platform as the gold standard in anatomy education, revolutionizing how anatomical knowledge is acquired and applied. We envision unprecedented levels of engagement and understanding in medical education. Veyond Metaverse invites the medical community, technology enthusiasts, investors, and potential partners to join us in shaping the future of healthcare. Together, we are redefining education, surgery, and patient care with XR 5D Digital Surgery. Founded in January 2021, Veyond Metaverse is a leader in AI and XR healthcare technology, committed to innovation and excellence. With our XR 5D Digital Surgery platform, we are revolutionizing traditional medical practices and reshaping the future of healthcare.

Intel made waves on Tuesday with the introduction of its newest artificial intelligence chip, Gaudi 3, positioning itself at the forefront of the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This announcement comes amidst a flurry of activity in the semiconductor industry as chipmakers scramble to develop cutting-edge solutions capable of training and deploying large AI models, such as those powering OpenAI's ChatGPT. The Gaudi 3 chip boasts impressive performance metrics, claiming to be over twice as power-efficient as Nvidia's H100 GPU while also running AI models 1.5 times faster. Available in multiple configurations, ranging from a bundle of eight chips on a single motherboard to standalone cards compatible with existing systems, Intel's latest offering promises versatility and scalability to meet diverse AI application needs. During testing, Intel evaluated Gaudi 3's capabilities on various models, including Meta's open-source Llama and the Falcon project backed by Abu Dhabi. Results indicate that Gaudi 3 excels in both training and deploying AI models, demonstrating its potential across a spectrum of tasks, from Stable Diffusion to OpenAI's Whisper model for speech recognition. As Intel positions itself to compete with Nvidia, which currently commands an estimated 80% share of the AI chip market with its GPUs, the company aims for Gaudi 3 to be available to customers in the third quarter. Strategic partnerships with industry stalwarts like Dell, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Supermicro ensure widespread adoption, although specific pricing details are yet to be disclosed. In the rapidly expanding data center AI market, there is a growing demand for alternative chip suppliers to mitigate costs associated with running AI workloads. While Nvidia's stock has experienced exponential growth, Intel and AMD are intensifying their efforts to capture market share. AMD recently introduced the MI300X data center GPU, while Nvidia unveiled successors to the H100, the B100, and B200 GPUs. Intel's approach to software integration sets it apart from Nvidia, with a focus on collaboration with industry leaders like Google, Qualcomm, and Arm to develop open software solutions. This strategy aims to provide customers with flexibility and choice, offering alternatives to Nvidia's proprietary CUDA software suite. Moreover, Intel's decision to manufacture Gaudi 3 using a five-nanometer process suggests a reliance on external foundries for chip production. Looking ahead, Intel plans to expand its AI chip manufacturing capabilities, potentially catering to external companies, as CEO Patrick Gelsinger hinted at plans for a new Ohio factory expected to commence operations in 2027 or 2028.

Wow Bao, the fast-casual Asian bao bun concept, is venturing deeper into the metaverse with the launch of a virtual dance club and lounge on Roblox. This immersive experience allows Roblox users to customize their avatars with a unique "bao head" accessory, connect to Wow Bao's Hot Buns Club rewards program, and engage in a scavenger hunt for the chance to win complimentary food items. While some brands have been scaling back their presence in Web3-based digital content, Wow Bao has been steadily expanding its footprint in the metaverse. Starting with the introduction of the Hot Buns Club as a tiered NFT membership program in November 2022, followed by the launch of vending machines in the virtual world, and the minting of its first NFTs ("CollectaBaos") in 2023, Wow Bao has been actively embracing virtual innovation. Geoff Alexander, CEO of Wow Bao, sees this as a strategic move to engage tech-savvy generations where they spend their time. By offering a seamless blend of virtual experiences and real-life rewards, Wow Bao aims to enhance brand awareness and loyalty among younger demographics, particularly those immersed in platforms like Roblox. Participants in the Roblox experience can claim one of 10,000 bao bun heads for their avatars, explore the virtual lounge, and join the scavenger hunt. Winners of the hunt stand to receive coupons for free baos at local grocery stores and the chance to win free Wow Bao for a year. While the hype around NFTs may have subsided, Wow Bao sees them as a means to offer digital collectibles and foster a sense of belonging among its fanbase. The ultimate goal is to bridge the virtual and real worlds, with gamified experiences serving as a conduit for tangible rewards and brand engagement. Looking ahead, Wow Bao envisions expanding its virtual offerings to include more interactive games and educational experiences, potentially involving delivery platforms to further enrich the customer experience. The success of these endeavors, Alexander notes, will depend on user adoption and the ability to align digital innovation with consumer preferences.

OpenAI and Meta are poised to unveil groundbreaking artificial intelligence models capable of reasoning and planning, marking significant strides towards achieving superhuman cognitive abilities in machines. Executives from both OpenAI and Meta have indicated their plans to launch the next iterations of their large language models, which power generative AI applications like ChatGPT. Meta announced the imminent rollout of Llama 3 in the coming weeks, while OpenAI, backed by Microsoft, hinted at the impending release of its next model, anticipated to be named GPT-5, in the near future. Joelle Pineau, Meta's vice-president of AI research, emphasized the ongoing efforts to equip these models not just with conversational abilities but also with reasoning, planning, and memory capabilities. Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s chief operating officer, highlighted the upcoming advancements in the next generation of GPT, particularly in addressing challenging problems like reasoning. While today’s AI systems excel in isolated tasks, they remain limited in their breadth of capabilities, as noted by Lightcap. The upgrades from Meta and OpenAI form part of a broader trend of releasing new large language models this year by companies such as Google, Anthropic, and Cohere. As tech companies strive to develop increasingly sophisticated generative AI, the pace of innovation is accelerating, with a focus on creating software capable of producing human-like outputs across various domains. Reasoning and planning are crucial milestones on the path towards artificial general intelligence, enabling chatbots and virtual assistants to execute sequences of tasks and anticipate outcomes effectively.