Lots has happened this past week in the tech world! With The New York Times suing Microsoft and OpenAI, NASA’s humanoid robot showing a promising future for space exploration, Apple resuming sales for smartwatches after the import ban, and more, there’s much to catch up on. So, let’s get started!
The New York Times Sues Microsoft and OpenAI
On Dec. 27, The New York Times filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging the unauthorized use of the newspaper’s articles to train tech chatbots, including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot. This action claims to be the first major U.S. media organization to sue OpenAI over copyright issues related to its content.
The Times argues that using copyrighted material for AI training doesn’t fall under “fair use.” OpenAI and Microsoft argue that using copyrighted works for AI training is fair use.
NASA Humanoid Robot Shows Promising Future for Space Exploration
At 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 300 pounds, Valkyrie, NASA’s humanoid robot, is currently being tested at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Designed to operate in challenging environments, such as natural disasters, Valkyrie, named after a figure in Norse mythology, may soon find purpose beyond Earth.
NASA’s Dexterous Robotics Team Leader, Shaun Azimi, envisions humanoid robots in space undertaking hazardous tasks such as cleaning solar panels or inspecting malfunctioning tech equipment outside spacecraft, allowing astronauts to focus on exploration and discovery. The collaboration between NASA and robotics companies like Apptronik in Austin, Texas, aims to adapt humanoid robots developed for Earthly applications to serve in space missions.
Apple Resumes Sales for Smartwatches After Import Ban
The latest Apple Watches, including the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2, are once again available to purchase directly from Apple. Some physical Apple stores have resumed sales today, with broader availability anticipated by Dec. 30.
This new development follows a federal appeals court’s temporary halt to a sales and import ban covering both devices. The ban resulted from the US International Trade Commission finding that Apple had infringed on patents owned by medical device maker Masimo. The court’s decision allows Apple to resume sales temporarily while awaiting a ruling on proposed changes to address patent concerns.
Tesla Set to Open New Factory in China
Tesla’s initiative to manufacture energy-storage batteries in China took a step forward as the company participated in a signing ceremony for land acquisition for a new factory in Shanghai. Construction is set to begin in early 2024, with tech production expected to start by the end of the year.
The facility will focus on manufacturing batteries for electric utilities and other entities for power storage purposes, catering to the increasing demand for storage solutions amid the rise of solar and wind energy. Tesla’s new factory will initially produce 10,000 Megapack units annually for global distribution.
UK Courts Rule OpenAI Can’t Be Named as “Inventor”
The highest court in the U.K. has ruled that artificial intelligence cannot be named as an inventor on a patent application. The case originated from two patent applications submitted by Stephen Thaler in 2018, where he listed his AI machine, “DABUS,” as the inventor instead of himself. The U.K. Intellectual Property Office initially rejected this approach, citing the requirement for a person to be the inventor.
The Supreme Court clarified that its decision did not address the broader question of whether technical advances by AI-powered tools should be patentable or if the definition of “inventor” should be expanded.
