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Here's the latest tech news from the last 24 hours:

🦾 Amazon trials humanoid robots to 'free up' staff
🐦 X to launch two new premium tiers soon
💸 OpenAI in talks for deal that would value company at $80B
🥷 FBI says North Korea deployed thousands of IT workers to get remote jobs in US
🍎 Google’s 21-year deal with Apple is the “heart” of monopoly case, judge says

🦾 Amazon trials humanoid robots to 'free up' staffLINK

Amazon is testing a new humanoid robot named Digit which can move, grasp and handle items like humans, in an effort to 'free up' staff.

Despite having over 750,000 robots working in collaboration with human staff, Amazon dismisses the idea of fully-automated warehouses in the future.

The robot, still in prototype stage, is part of an experiment to understand how mobile robots can be used safely within Amazon's environment, potentially creating jobs and furthering expansion.

🐦 X to launch two new premium tiers soonLINK

X, owned by Elon Musk and formerly known as Twitter, is set to introduce two new subscription tiers: a lower-cost option with full features and ads, and a pricier, ad-free version.

These new subscriptions follow recent changes under Musk, including staff cuts, the removal of the blue checkmark from nonpaying accounts, and the allowance of previously banned accounts; these changes have led to a significant drop in ad revenue and a negative cash flow.

The new subscription plans, which could include a $1 annual subscription currently under test in New Zealand and the Philippines, aim to stabilize the company's finances and open new revenue avenues amidst competition from platforms like Meta's Threads and Bluesky.

💸 OpenAI in talks for deal that would value company at $80BLINK

OpenAI is negotiating a deal that could raise the company's valuation to $80 billion, tripling its worth in less than six months.

The venture firm Thrive Capital is potentially leading a tender offer to buy existing OpenAI shares, which would make it the highest valued start-up in San Francisco.

This deal highlights the continuous investment interest in AI start-ups, due to the belief that artificial intelligence can revolutionize current technologies and promote industry growth.

🥷 FBI says North Korea deployed thousands of IT workers to get remote jobs in USLINK

North Korean hackers, disguised as IT workers, have been infiltrating U.S companies by using VPN services, stolen identity documents, and fake social media accounts, as warned by the FBI.

These hackers have been using the money gained from their jobs to fund Kim Jong Un's weapons, steal company secrets, and plant malware; authorities from US and South Korea have updated their guidelines to avoid such hiring incidents.

The FBI's latest effort in stopping these activities has led to the seizure of around $1.5 million and 17 web domain names which were used in the deceptive campaign; but the infiltration is suspected to be still ongoing.

🍎 Google’s 21-year deal with Apple is the “heart” of monopoly case, judge saysLINK

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded its case against Google, arguing that the tech giant's default contracts, particularly with Apple, contribute to an alleged monopoly over search.

The DOJ alleges that Google's payment to maintain its default status on various platforms, notably Apple's, prevents competition and stifles innovation in the search market.

Key testimonies from industry rivals and economists have supported the DOJ's case, noting significant challenges faced when competing against Google's entrenched search engine, leaving Google to defend its practices in the next phase of the trial.

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OpenAI's latest AI image generator, DALL-E 3, now live for premium users, generates photorealistic images and includes a safety system against misuse.LINK

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, dismisses billionaire bunkers, joking they're useless if artificial general intelligence (AGI) goes awry, despite the mega-rich's growing fascination.LINK

OpenAI's Sam Altman hints at hardware for ChatGPT, arguing it's crucial for its survival amidst stiff competition despite not aiming to rival smartphones.LINK

Philippine defense personnel and military have been ordered to stop using AI-based apps that generate personal portraits due to security concerns.LINK

Scientists have detected an incredibly powerful and distant "fast radio burst" from space, challenging our understanding of such cosmic energy emissions.LINK

BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, Toyota, and Lexus announced they are transitioning from Combined Charging Standard 1 to the North American Charging System plug, gaining access to Tesla's Supercharger network from 2025.LINK

US Marines tested a Chinese-made Unitree Go1 robot dog equipped with an M72 infantry anti-armor rocket launcher, demonstrating tech's increasing role in defense strategy.LINK

Coinbase nominates Ireland as the central EU regulatory locale, applying for a license under the MiCA regulation, amidst growing U.S. scrutiny.LINK

Acer reports rebound in PC demand, with notable Q3 growth in notebook and desktop revenues, anticipating continued robust growth.LINK

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