Photo/Zheng Yuhang (NBD)

1. Google cuts hundreds of jobs in hardware and voice assistant teams

Google is reportedly cutting hundreds of jobs in its digital assistant, hardware, and engineering teams to further reduce costs. The layoffs affect employees in the Google Assistant voice assistant team, the augmented reality hardware team, and the central engineering department.

Commentary: Google may need to reconsider its hardware strategy or focus more on its strengths in software and services.

2. SpaceX successfully sends text messages through Starlink satellites

SpaceX, the space exploration company owned by Elon Musk, announced on January 11 that it had successfully sent text messages through Starlink satellites using T-Mobile's network. The company plans to launch its phone-to-satellite service to the market next year.

Commentary: This is a significant development for SpaceX's Starlink project, demonstrating that its satellite network has some communication capabilities.

3. OpenAI launches GPT Store

OpenAI announced on January 10 that it is officially launching GPT Store to ChatGPT Plus users, developer teams, and enterprise users. According to the announcement, users can access, share, and sell AI models created using OpenAI technology in the ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise programs.

Commentary: This is an interesting attempt by OpenAI to promote its AI technology. GPT Store makes it easier for users to access and use a variety of AI models based on OpenAI technology.

4. Rabbit's mini AI device R1 sells over 10,000 units in one day

Rabbit, a startup company, released its handheld AI hardware product R1 at CES 2024. Within 24 hours of its release, Rabbit announced on the X platform that R1 had sold 10,000 units, far exceeding the company's previous forecast of 500 units. According to the official introduction, R1 can help users complete many daily tasks, such as ordering taxis, making reservations, and playing music. Users simply need to hold down the interaction wheel button and issue voice commands to R1.

Commentary: R1 has demonstrated demand and recognition in the market, reflecting the capabilities of the startup company Rabbit. It may also be a sign of a trend in the development of AI hardware.

5. Qualcomm releases Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 AI chip for VR/MR devices at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 is an upgraded version of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen2, which Qualcomm released in September 2023. Samsung and Google have already planned to use the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 in their virtual reality products on the Android system. It could eventually compete with Apple's Vision Pro.

Commentary: The Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip improves performance, power efficiency, and compatibility, providing a smoother and more realistic experience for VR/MR devices. Qualcomm may use this to launch a new round of competition with Apple.

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