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1. OpenAI Releases AI Safety Guidelines

OpenAI, a non-profit research company that develops and releases artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, has released a new set of guidelines for the safe development and use of AI. The guidelines, called the "Preparedness Framework," will be used to assess the risk of OpenAI's most advanced, unreleased AI models.

The framework will use a four-tiered risk classification system: low, medium, high, and severe. Only AI models that are classified as low or medium risk will be deployed, and only AI models that are classified as high or medium risk will be further developed.

The framework also includes a provision that allows OpenAI's board of directors to veto the deployment of an AI model, even if the company's CEO and other senior leaders believe the model is safe.

Commentary: OpenAI's new guidelines show the company's commitment to addressing the risks of AI. The guidelines could have a significant impact on the development and regulation of AI.

2. Apple to Stop Selling Latest Apple Watch Models in the US

Apple will stop selling its latest Apple Watch models, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, in the US this week. The decision comes after the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favor of medical technology company Masimo in a patent dispute over Apple's blood oxygen sensor technology.

Commentary: Apple's patent dispute with Masimo could damage the company's competitive position in the smartwatch market. The decision could also lead to delays in the launch of future Apple Watch models.

3. Adobe and Figma End Merger Talks

Adobe and Figma have agreed to terminate their previously announced merger agreement. The two companies said that they could not find a clear path to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from the European Commission and the UK Competition and Markets Authority.

Adobe announced in September 2022 that it would acquire Figma, a cloud-based user interface design software company, for $20 billion in cash and stock. However, the deal was met with scrutiny from antitrust regulators around the world.

Analysis: The collapse of the Adobe-Figma merger could change the M&A landscape in the software industry. The decision is a setback for both companies, which had been looking to expand their reach into new markets.

4. EU Sues Social Media Company "X"

The European Union (EU) has filed a lawsuit against social media company "X" (formerly Twitter) for allegedly failing to remove illegal content and disinformation. The lawsuit, filed by the European Commission, is the first under the EU's new Digital Markets Act (DMA), which is designed to regulate large tech companies.

The Commission alleges that "X" has failed to comply with its obligations under the DMA to remove illegal content, such as hate speech and child sexual abuse material, and to prevent the spread of disinformation.

Commentary: The EU's lawsuit against "X" could lead to stricter regulation of social media companies. The decision could have a significant impact on the way that social media companies operate in Europe.

5. Blue Origin to Reschedule Launch

Blue Origin, the private spaceflight company founded by Jeff Bezos, has rescheduled its launch of the New Shepard reusable rocket. The launch, which was originally scheduled for December 18, was delayed due to low temperatures at the launch site and other technical issues.

The rescheduled launch is now expected to take place later this week. The launch will not carry any passengers, but will instead carry more than 30 research and science instruments into space. Blue Origin's last launch failure was 15 months ago.

Commentary: Blue Origin's launch schedule shows the company's commitment to space exploration. The decision could also impact the competitive landscape in the private spaceflight industry.

6. IBM to Acquire Two Software AG Data Platforms

IBM has announced that it will acquire two data platforms from German software company Software AG: StreamSets and webMethods. The acquisition is designed to strengthen IBM's artificial intelligence (AI) and hybrid cloud offerings.

StreamSets will add data ingestion capabilities to IBM's AI and data platform WatsonX. webMethods will provide additional integration and API management tools for customers and partners' hybrid multi-cloud environments.

Commentary: IBM's acquisition could strengthen its competitive position in the AI and cloud computing markets. The decision is a positive development for IBM's technology strategy.

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