OpenAI drama continues as board in talks to bring fired CEO back https://ift.tt/jzrRJb9

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• OpenAI fired CEO Sam Altman on November 17.
• OpenAI’s board is reportedly in discussions with Altman to return as CEO.
• Altman is “ambivalent” about coming back.

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OpenAI has been on a bit of a rollercoaster over the last 48 hours. On Friday, Open AI announced it had fired CEO Sam Altman. After major upheavals following the announcement, the board that fired him is now in talks to bring him back.

According to The Verge, multiple sources close to the matter say the OpenAI board is in discussions with Altman to return as CEO. However, Altman is reportedly “ambivalent” about coming back to the company and wants significant governance changes.

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I used to recommend Garmin for fitness enthusiasts, but the Apple Watch is gaining ground https://ift.tt/YQvA8WJ

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One perk of reviewing wearables is garnering insight into all the top brands available. That also means the ability to help friends and family choose the best smartwatch or fitness tracker to toss into their own carts. Historically, Garmin has been my go-to brand for athletes and big fitness enthusiasts. Apple’s watches I’ve primarily recommended to those who want an extension of their phones on their wrist. In the last few years, though, Apple has been moving in on Garmin’s territory and I see myself recommending the Apple Watch more and more instead of Garmin. Here’s why.

Both Apple and Garmin are after users’ hearts

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Amazon is laying off ‘several hundred’ Alexa staff to focus on AI https://ift.tt/sPKgRw6

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• A leaked internal memo from Amazon reveals the company is preparing for layoffs.
• Amazon plans to cut “several hundred” jobs from its Alexa department.
• The move is meant to help Amazon maximize its resources toward its current priorities — generative AI.

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Yesterday, Amazon announced a partnership with Hyundai that would allow shoppers to browse for cars on the website. As part of that deal, Hyundai is putting Alexa in its cars starting in 2025. Only one day later, Amazon has internally announced plans for massive layoffs to its Alexa department.

Daniel Rausch, Amazon’s vice president of Alexa and Fire TV, sent an internal memo to employees earlier today. Obtained by GeekWire, the memo states Amazon’s intentions to shift its focus to its generative AI efforts. Unfortunately, it appears this change in priorities will come at the cost of “several hundred” jobs in the US, Canada, India, and a few other regions.

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WhatsApp teases AI chatbot debut with new shortcut https://ift.tt/53Wge7G

Credit: Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority

• WhatsApp is rolling out the latest beta update for the app.
• The update features a new shortcut to open AI chats.
• The new shortcut is available to some beta testers.

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During Meta Connect 2023, the company announced WhatsApp would be getting an AI chatbot. Since then, only select beta testers have been able to use the AI-powered chats feature. It’s unknown when we’ll see a broader launch, but a new shortcut suggests that day is getting closer.

WhatsApp has started rolling out the latest beta for the Android app — version 2.23.24.26. Currently available for download in the Google Play Store, the fresh update appears to have a new shortcut for the AI assistant, according to WABetaInfo.

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The best 20,000mAh power banks you can buy https://ift.tt/LP4pmGt

Credit: Ryan Haines / Android Authority

A power bank is often the only option to keep your devices charged when you’re away from an outlet. You can get smaller portable batteries with 5,000mAh and 10,000mAh capacities, but 20,000mAh is more ideal, since it’s enough to charge a phone several times over. Here are our recommendations for some of the best 20,000mAh power banks you can currently get your hands on.

Best 20,000mAh power banks

1. Anker PowerCore III
2. Anker 200w Prime Power Bank
3. Crave Plus Pro portable charger

5. Mophie Powerstation XL
6. Baseus 65W power bank
7. Omnicharge Omni 20 Plus

Editor’s note: We’ll continually update this list as new 20,000mAh power banks are announced.

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The best Midjourney alternatives (paid and free) https://ift.tt/HOV1ztc

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You have to feel for the graphic designers and digital artists. AI may be coming for all of our jobs eventually, but AI image generation already gives everyone with an internet connection fantastic capabilities beyond our imagination a few years ago. Midjourney was one of the first AI image generators, and remains a leading player to this day, but the competition is heating up fast. If you’re wondering what other options you have, we’ve compiled a list of the best Midjourney alternatives out there.

The best Midjourney alternatives

Use the links below to jump directly to each option in our list. Some of these services require a paid subscription, some are free, and some have both options. We’ll make those differences clear in each instance. 

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Apple gives iPhone 14 users another free year of Emergency SOS https://ift.tt/XbitASM

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• Apple launched Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022.
• The service was initially made to be free for the first two years after an iPhone is activated.
• Apple has announced that the iPhone 14 will now get an additional year of free access to the service.

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Apple has announced that existing iPhone 14 users will now get an additional year of free access to Emergency SOS via satellite. This means anyone who bought an iPhone 14 between now and when it launched will end up with three years in total of free access to Apple’s service.

Apple first launched Emergency SOS via satellite in 2022 for the iPhone 14 lineup in the US and Canada. The feature gives users the ability to text with emergency services even if they are out of range of cellular and Wi-Fi networks. It has since expanded to 16 countries and regions and now also appears on the iPhone 15 series.

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