🔐 Google's Journey Towards Privacy: Dropping Third-Party Cookies in 2024

Hello world!

Today is Tuesday, November 21, and we're diving into another exciting day in the world of technology. The OpenAI story is still unraveling; here's a snapshot of the top stories shaping the tech landscape.

• Google's Privacy Shift - Transitioning away from third-party cookies by 2024.

• Airbnb Tax Impact - Canada's new tax rules shake-up short-term rentals.

• Meta AI Overhaul - Significant changes in Meta's AI division.

• Germany's Tech Reforms - Financial strategies to rival Silicon Valley.

• OpenAI Staff Shift - Potential mass move to Microsoft's AI team.

• AI Skepticism Report - Retool uncovers tech workers' doubts about AI.

• Microsoft's Market Leap - Gains $54B in value with new AI talent.

• Zoom's Q3 Performance - Surpassing expectations, with focus on guidance.

• Safari 17 Unveiled - Explore the latest features in Apple's browser.

We've got all these stories and more waiting for you. Let's dive in!

Tech Companies

Google's Journey Towards Privacy: Dropping Third-Party Cookies in 2024 (5-minute read)

Google plans to gradually eliminate third-party cookies from Chrome by 2024, marking a significant shift in online privacy. The process starts with a 1% user testing period and aims to reduce user tracking while ensuring essential online services remain accessible. Once completed, advertisers are expected to use Google's Privacy Sandbox APIs to display ads based on user interests.

Meta Shakes Up AI Division: What It Means for Tech Industry (6-minute read)

Meta has dissolved its division controlling the firm's AI projects, with team members reassigned to roles within the AI Product Division and the AI Infrastructure Team. This move comes amidst an industry-wide prioritization for AI safety. Recently, Meta launched two AI-powered models, Emu Video and Emu Edit, focusing on video generation and image manipulation respectively.

Airbnb on Edge: Canada's Imminent Tax Rule Shakes Short-Term Rentals (5-minute read)

Canada is poised to introduce tax regulations that challenge Airbnb's business model, specifically in regions where these platforms are already restricted. Starting January 1, property owners can't deduct expenses for short-term rentals in such areas, aiming to enforce local regulations. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's plan also includes a C$15 billion ($10.9 billion) fund offering low-interest loans to developers for rental housing.

Startup Scene

Germany Unveils Massive Financial Reforms to Give Tech Industry a Silicon Valley Edge (12-minute read)

Germany has approved key financial reforms aimed at bolstering its technology industry and boosting its competitiveness with Silicon Valley. The changes, expected to take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, will affect stock-based compensation at startups, company listings, and taxation. Crucially, employees' tax on stock options will be deferred until the point of sale, reducing administrative burdens and increasing attractiveness of ESOPs for startups. The reforms will also allow German-listed companies to issue dual-class shares, enabling founders to retain control over their business.

AI Corner

Mass Exodus: Over 500 OpenAI Staff Threaten to Join Microsoft's New AI Team (10-minute read)

Over 500 employees of OpenAI are threatening to leave the company to join a newly formed ""advanced AI research team"" at Microsoft, helmed by former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman. The employees, making up the majority of OpenAI's workforce, accused the board of undermining the company's mission. The move comes as Microsoft expands its AI capabilities, recently announcing a custom AI chip to train large language models.

51.6% of Tech Workers Deem AI Overrated, Uncovers Retool Report (8-minute read)

A 2023 Retool survey reveals that 51.6% of over 1,500 tech professionals consider AI overrated, with concerns about its dependability and maturity. Despite this skepticism, they acknowledge the potential future benefits AI could bring to their roles. The report also notes a contrasting positive AI perspective from upper management.

Microsoft Skyrockets, Adds $54B to Market Value Following AI Hire (7-minute read)

US stocks rose Monday, driven by falling bond yields and Microsoft's hiring of OpenAI founder, Sam Altman, resulting in Microsoft shares hitting a new high yielding a $54 billion market value increase.

Discord Retires Clyde AI Chatbot: Implications and Future Prospects (4-minute read)

Discord is ending its experimental AI chatbot, Clyde, by December 1, ceasing the test of its AI capabilities launched earlier this year. The reasons remain unspecified.

Google's Chatbot Gemini Faces Major Delay, Giving OpenAI ChatGPT Advantage (5-minute read)

Google's release of ChatGPT rival, Google Gemini, has been postponed to 2024. The delay increases OpenAI's lead, given their continual advancements in ChatGPT.

Salesforce Courts Exiting OpenAI Researchers with Equal Pay (3-minute read)

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff invited departing OpenAI researchers to join his firm, promising them equivalent compensation.

Markets & Money

Zoom Exceeds Q3 Expectations, All Eyes on Zagging Midpoint Guidance (6-minute read)

Zoom Video Communications outperformed Q3 expectations with an adjusted earning of $1.29 per share on sales of $1.14 billion, a YoY growth of 21% and 3% respectively. The company predicts Q4 earnings of $1.14 per share on sales of $1.13 billion. In response to the positive results, Zoom stock increased in after-hour trading. New additions such as Zoom AI Companion are cited as reasons for the success.

Apps & Gadgets

Boost Your Mac Experience: Top Features of Apple's Safari 17 (8-minute read)

macOS Sonoma introduces Safari 17 with enhanced features including dedicated browsing profiles, advanced privacy controls, automatic tab closure, and the ability to convert websites into apps.