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1. Japan to set up AI security organization

The Japanese government is considering establishing an organization to address AI security issues, including potential national security risks such as the use of AI to develop biological, chemical, or other weapons. The organization would also be responsible for checking for security vulnerabilities, such as cyberattacks.

The government is expected to announce the plan at its AI Strategy Committee meeting later this month. The committee is responsible for discussing national AI strategies and includes private-sector professionals with experience in AI.

Commentary:

This initiative could help to raise Japan's standing and reputation in the global AI competition, and could also help to promote innovation and development in the field of AI.

2. Cruise lays off 25% of its workforce

Cruise, a leading self-driving car company, announced on December 16 that it would be laying off over 900 employees, or about a quarter of its workforce. The layoffs come as the company has slowed its commercialization efforts.

Cruise CEO and CTO Kyle Vogt said that the company's top priority is safety and improving the performance of its self-driving cars. The layoffs will primarily affect operations and other areas, but some technical positions will also be affected.

Cruise has faced a number of challenges in recent years, including the suspension of its robotaxi operations license in San Francisco, the discontinuation of its self-driving car production line, and the departure of two co-founders. The company's parent company, General Motors, has also cut billions of dollars from its self-driving car division.

Despite the challenges, Cruise is still planning to restart its robotaxi business and pursue commercialization.

Commentary:

The layoffs at Cruise are a sign of the challenges and changes facing the self-driving car industry. Cruise is laying off employees in order to reduce costs and focus on its core priorities.

3. Nvidia CEO unhappy with "lazy" senior employees

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has expressed his frustration with some of the company's senior employees, who he believes are becoming "lazy" as a result of the company's soaring stock price.

In a recent companywide meeting, Huang said that working at Nvidia should be like a "volunteer movement" and that everyone should manage their time like a CEO.

Some employees have criticized Huang for creating a culture that is too employee-centered. However, Huang's approval rating among employees remains high, at 98%.

Commentary:

Huang's comments are a sign of the challenges facing Nvidia as it grows rapidly and faces increasing competition. The company needs to find a way to maintain its employees' motivation and productivity, even as they become more financially secure.

4. Intel CEO says China market is too important to give up

Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has said that the Chinese market is too important for the company to give up, even as the US government has tightened export controls on AI chips.

In an interview with Chinese media, Gelsinger said that Intel is working with Chinese customers to provide compliant products, but that the process is ongoing.

China is a major market for Intel, accounting for about 27% of the company's revenue. The company has a large number of customers and partners in China, and it is important for Intel to maintain its presence in the market.

Commentary:

Gelsinger's comments are a sign of Intel's commitment to the Chinese market. The company is willing to work with the Chinese government to comply with export controls, but it is also determined to maintain its presence in the market.

5. Samsung applies for "Flex Magic" trademark

Samsung has applied for a new trademark called "Flex Magic," which is believed to be for a next-generation augmented reality (AR) headset.

The trademark application describes the product as a "head-mounted display," "virtual reality headset," and "smart glasses."

Samsung has already applied for the same trademark with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO).

The application of a trademark does not necessarily mean that a product will be released, but it does suggest that Samsung is working on an AR headset.

Commentary:

The application of the "Flex Magic" trademark is a sign of Samsung's commitment to the AR market. The company is looking to compete with other leading AR headset manufacturers, such as Meta and Apple.