HeyWhatsNew: Having an AI Girlfriend May be Bad for Your Wellbeing, and Microsoft Is Under FTC Investigation
What’s new, heyuppers? Welcome back to HeyWhatsNew, your weekly dose of the latest tech news and updates shaping our world. AI is dominating our headlines this week, plus some new updates on tech related lawsuits making the news. Let’s see what went down in the week beginning 25/11/2024.
T-Mobile Confirms That They Stopped a Cyberattack Before Sensitive Data Was Collected
This week, T-Mobile confirmed that they recently intercepted a cyberattack as it was taking place. The company’s successful defense against a sophisticated cyberattack marks a critical victory in the ongoing battle against increasingly advanced threats to the telecommunications industry. While the attack was reportedly linked to a compromised telecom operator network, T-Mobile’s quick detection and response reflect a significant step forward for a company that has faced a string of data breaches in recent years.
With the potential involvement of “Salt Typhoon,” a group linked to Chinese state-sponsored operations, this incident highlights the persistent risks posed by highly coordinated cyberattacks targeting critical industries. As telecom companies remain prime targets in this type of attack, T-Mobile’s efforts highlight the importance of vigilance, robust security measures, and cross-industry collaboration to safeguard sensitive information in an era of escalating cyber threats.
The Federal Trade Commission Launches an Antitrust Investigation Into Microsoft
Wide-ranging business ventures and investments, including its partnership with OpenAI and the development of Copilot, has cemented Microsoft as a leader in emerging technologies. This has, however, drawn the attention of regulators seeking to address potential antitrust concerns in the fast-evolving AI industry. The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) investigation into Microsoft marks yet another pivotal moment for the tech giant as it navigates its expanding influence in the AI and tech sectors.
As the FTC begins its scrutiny, CNN reports that questions around competition and market influence will likely take center stage, adding to ongoing global discussions about the regulation of AI and tech monopolies. Whether this investigation will lead to formal actions or policy changes remains to be seen, but it highlights the increasing accountability tech giants face in balancing innovation with fair market practices.
xAI Is Almost Ready to Hit the Chatbot Market
Elon Musk’s xAI appears to be gearing up for a significant expansion of its Grok AI chatbot with the rumored launch of a standalone app. By entering the space currently dominated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini, xAI aims to establish Grok as a direct competitor in the AI landscape. Grok is currently only available to X Premium subscribers and lacks a free-tier option, so the introduction of a dedicated app could mark a significant turning point.
If xAI follows through with plans to offer a free version, it may help Grok attract a broader audience and carve out a larger share of the AI chatbot market. This move would not only enhance accessibility but also intensify competition among leading AI developers as they race to deliver the most innovative and user-friendly tools.
Google and DoJ Await Verdict on the Tech Monopoly Case
The U.S. Justice Department’s closing arguments against Google are an important moment in a high-stakes antitrust case that could reshape digital advertising as we know it. According to Reuters, Prosecutors have accused Google of wielding its power across multiple advertising markets to maintain dominance. On the other hand, Google’s defense argued that the DOJ failed to meet its burden of proof and disregarded legal precedents.
As the case awaits Judge Leonie Brinkema’s decision, its outcome could set a significant precedent for how the tech industry defines and addresses monopolistic behavior. A ruling against Google might lead to substantial changes in its ad-tech operations, while a dismissal would signal a major setback for antitrust regulators seeking to rein in Big Tech’s influence.
AI Relationships Can Make One Feel Isolated, According to Former Google CEO
Rising concerns over AI chatbots highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards and ethical considerations in their design and use. The tragic case involving Character.AI, in which a teenager committed suicide to be closer to his AI girlfriend, underscores the potential dangers when technology is inadequately regulated, especially when it interacts with vulnerable users.
In an interview with Scott Galloway, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt issued a warning about AI romantic partners contributing to loneliness, further emphasising the psychological and societal risks posed by these systems.
As AI chatbots become more integrated into daily life, addressing their harmful impacts must remain a priority. Striking a balance between innovation and responsibility is essential to ensure AI technology serves as a tool for support rather than a source of harm.
Nothing Phone 3 Makes Its First Appearance on Geekbench
The Nothing Phone 3 is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the brand’s lineup, with a focus on AI and a potential shift in positioning. A recent Geekbench leak, spotted by GSMArena, suggests that at least one variant of the phone will feature the Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor.
This chipset represents a notable step down from the flagship-level Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 2 found in the Nothing Phone 2, indicating a move toward the mid-range market. If Nothing follows this strategy, we could see higher-end models equipped with more powerful specs arriving alongside this mid-range variant.
The inclusion of advanced AI features across the lineup will likely be a key differentiator for the Nothing Phone 3, as the brand continues to balance performance, innovation, and affordability. Fans will no doubt be eagerly awaiting further details.
That’s a wrap of this week’s tech news headlines. Join us again next time where we’ll unpack more interesting tech updates.
