Welcome to your weekly dose of tech news! This week, we're diving into a range of topics, from robotaxis hitting the streets of Austin to a new app designed to help you make friends using the power of AI. Let's get started!
Robotaxis Arrive in Austin
Uber users in Austin now have a new option when hailing a ride: a Waymo robotaxi. The two companies officially launched the "Waymo on Uber" service this week, giving users the choice between a human driver and a self-driving vehicle. This launch comes just before the annual SXSW festival, adding another layer of excitement to the city. This partnership is a significant step forward in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology.
The "Waymo on Uber" robotaxi service is a testament to the deepening partnership between the two tech giants. It will be interesting to see how Austinites embrace this new mode of transportation and how it impacts the city's transportation landscape.
Automattic CEO Plans for the Future
Matt Mullenweg, co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, is facing increasing pressure to step down amidst a legal battle with hosting company WP Engine. However, Mullenweg is determined to stay in his role and is already thinking about succession planning. "I don't want to pass it to a committee," Mullenweg stated, emphasizing his desire to maintain control over the future of the company.
The debate over Mullenweg's leadership comes at a crucial time for Automattic, as the company continues to play a significant role in the online world. His decision to remain in charge and actively plan for the future signals his commitment to the company's continued success. He is clearly thinking about the long-term health of the company.
Crypto Heist and AI-Powered Friendships
In other news, experts are reporting that hackers, allegedly from North Korea, have begun laundering most of the $1.4 billion in stolen crypto from Bybit. This is reportedly only the first step in profiting from the historic heist.
On a lighter note, Andy Dunn, founder of Bonobos, is tackling a new challenge: helping people make friends. His new app, Pie, uses AI to connect people in real life and has already secured $11.5 million in Series funding. "We're a long way from pants," Dunn told TechCrunch, highlighting the shift in his focus from fashion to social networking.
Pie aims to address the growing issue of loneliness and social isolation by leveraging AI to facilitate meaningful connections. It will be interesting to see if Pie can truly help people forge lasting friendships in an increasingly digital world.
That's all for this week's tech news roundup. Stay tuned for more updates!