AI has a 1% problem. Few organizations have the computational firepower for deep-learning software models. Computer scientists fear an AI research scenario split between the haves (Alphabet, Facebook, etc.) and the have-nots (university labs).
Case study. OpenAI began in 2015 as a nonprofit research lab aimed at sharing its research world-wide. Earlier this year it announced a $1 billion investment from Microsoft. As part of the deal, OpenAI made the company its source of computing. “If you don’t have enough compute, you can’t make a breakthrough,” Ilya Sutskever, chief scientist of OpenAI, tells the New York Times.
Still cloudy. Google Cloud chief Thomas Kurian said the U.S.-China trade war hasn't affected sales. In fact, the provider is looking to expand into China's cloud market, he said. (CNBC)
Microsoft takes on Fed in "sneak and peak" searches. Microsoft plans to challenge a federal court order prohibiting it from informing one of its corporate customers that the U.S. government has issued a warrant for its data. It's the latest incident in Microsoft's yearslong battle with the government over "sneak and peek" searches, says Bloomberg.
And Justice makes four. The Justice Department is opening an antitrust case against Facebook, joining the Federal Trade Commission, the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and a group of state attorneys general in pursuing probes against the social network. (Reuters)
FTC not in love with Match.com. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission is suing Match Group Inc., alleging the company deceived users of dating service Match.com. The FTC in a complaint said that the company sent emails from fake customers to tempt users to subscribe to the service. (BBC)
Microsoft grants loan for affordable housing. Microsoft issued its first loan for affordable housing as part of a $500 million commitment to tackle a housing crisis in Seattle and surrounding areas. The $60 million loan at below-market interest rates will allow King County Housing Authority to buy 1,029 apartments. (Geekwire)
Apple considering investment in display maker. Apple is considering investing $200 million to bail out financially strapped Japan Display Inc., which makes displays for the iPhone 11. About 60% of Japan Display’s revenue comes from Apple. (WSJ)
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