Tech

Elon Musk denies reports he’s raising billions for xAI

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2024

Ahron Young

Elon Musk has hit out at reports that he’s gearing up for a formidable challenge against OpenAI with substantial financial backing.

Reports suggest that his competitor, xAI, is in discussions to raise up to $6 billion, aiming for a proposed valuation of $20 billion, according to the Financial Times.

Breaking news: Elon Musk’s xAI is in talks to raise up to $6bn. The billionaire’s artificial intelligence start-up has courted wealthy individuals and investors around the world in recent weeks, according to multiple people familiar with the matter https://t.co/kKaa7SEPp1 pic.twitter.com/TaFIKDEQD0

— Financial Times (@FT) January 26, 2024

Sources familiar with the matter have indicated that Musk has been engaging with family offices in Hong Kong and targeting sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East as potential sources of funding.

This new fundraising goal significantly exceeds the initial target of $1 billion that xAI had set just last month, as per a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

But in a Tweet on X, Elon Musk refuted the reports, saying “xAI is not raising capital and I have had no conversations with anyone in this regard.

xAI is not raising capital and I have had no conversations with anyone in this regard https://t.co/KyjeqnW9eu

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 26, 2024

Ambitious fundraising

xAI has managed to secure $135 million toward its fundraising objective.

Last week, Musk refuted claims that his xAI startup had already garnered $500 million in commitments from investors toward the $1 billion goal, asserting that such reports were inaccurate.

In November, xAI introduced its AI chatbot, Grok, which competes with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Grok is designed to respond to queries with humor and a touch of rebellion, with the company advising against its use “if you hate humor.”

While xAI’s valuation of $20 billion remains a fraction of OpenAI’s, it aligns closely with Anthropic’s valuation of $18 billion in the AI space.

Thriving AI

Despite a slowdown in overall startup funding, AI continues to thrive.

Global funding for AI startups reached $50 billion in 2023, marking a 9% increase from the previous year, according to market research firm Crunchbase.

This surge in interest from tech leaders underscores the growing importance of AI technology.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

1 week ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.