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

💸 Microsoft faces a $28.9 billion tax bill
🤖 OpenAI's push to attract developers
🛰️ Starlink's upcoming cellular service in 2024
🌖 Scientists reveal plan to use lasers to build roads on the moon
⚡ AI energy demands could soon match the entire electricity consumption of Ireland
📹 Atlassian to buy video messaging provider Loom for nearly $1 billion

💸 Microsoft faces a $28.9 billion tax billLINK

The IRS has informed Microsoft that it could owe $28.9 billion in back taxes, alongside penalties and interest, from the years 2004 to 2013.

Microsoft disputes this claim, mentioning the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act could reduce this obligation by up to $10 billion, and they deny owing the taxes claimed by the IRS.

This comes as the IRS is using AI tools to identify potential tax evasions, focusing on wealthy entities, Microsoft included, suspected of using schemes to avoid taxes.

🤖 OpenAI's push to attract developersLINK

OpenAI plans to unveil new updates that will make it cheaper and quicker for developers to create software applications using their AI models, as the company seeks to expand beyond consumer applications like ChatGPT.

The updates include the implementation of vision capabilities and memory storage in their developer tools, leading to potential cost reductions of up to 20-times for application makers.

The new features, aimed at enhancing AI-powered chatbots and autonomous agents, will be introduced at OpenAI's first developer conference in San Francisco on November 6.

🛰️ Starlink's upcoming cellular service in 2024LINK

Starlink is planning to launch its satellite cell phone service next year.

This service would be beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay connected while hiking, camping, or backpacking.

The specific carriers that will support this service have not yet been disclosed.

🌖 Scientists reveal plan to use lasers to build roads on the moonLINK

Scientists have suggested that by melting lunar soil with lasers, we could create solid, layered structures and pave roads or landing pads on the Moon.

The plan involves shipping a large lens from Earth to concentrate sunlight into a laser, thereby melting the lunar soil into solid pieces which can be assembled for construction purposes.

This innovation is key as many space agencies, including NASA, plan to establish semi-permanent bases on the Moon, and reliable transport capabilities will be essential.

⚡ AI energy demands could soon match the entire electricity consumption of IrelandLINK

Alex de Vries, an Amsterdam-based researcher, warns of the high energy consumption of AI systems, especially during the inference phase where models generate live responses.

Research suggests that implementing an AI similar to ChatGPT into every Google search could annually consume as much electricity as Ireland, a scenario needing millions of servers and a $100 billion investment.

Market leader Nvidia is expected to ship up to 1.5 million AI servers by 2027, pushing the yearly energy consumption rates to parallel countries like Argentina, Netherlands or Sweden.

📹 Atlassian to buy video messaging provider Loom for nearly $1 billionLINK

Atlassian, a leading software company, recently announced that it's purchasing video messaging service Loom for $975 million, a platform with 25 million customers producing over 5 million video conversations monthly.

The acquisition will bolster Atlassian's platform, particularly its tools like Jira and Confluence, as async video becomes an essential feature for team collaboration.

The deal, which will be financed using Atlassian's available cash, is expected to be finalized in the third quarter of next year, pending regulatory approval.

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Ellison testifies at Bankman-Fried trial revealing misuse of FTX customer funds, FTX's subsequent bankruptcy, destruction of reputation and personal relief at its collapse.LINK

YouTube surpasses Netflix in teen viewership for the first time, attributing to improving content and intensified competition in the streaming industry.LINK

Bobby Kotick, Activision CEO, envisions future gaming to leverage Elon Musk's Neuralink, with possible return of Guitar Hero backed by Microsoft funds.LINK

Apple's M3 MacBooks, potentially with 3nm TSMC chips, may only hit markets by 2024, contrary to rumors of a release this year.LINK

"NASA discovered both water and organic compounds in asteroid samples, potentially shedding light on life's origins."LINK

UK consumers disposed nearly 471 million small tech items in 2020, despite potential for valuable recycling and amidst rising e-waste globally.LINK

GM introduces "uServices", its own API for software developers, aiming to standardize in-car app creation and enhance connected vehicle ecosystem.LINK

Disney executives urge CEO Bob Iger to purchase EA or another major gaming publisher, aiming to bolster Disney's presence in the gaming industry.LINK

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