Key Takeaways:
– Microsoft is set to offer a special one-time monetary award for employees
– DoorDash resorts to new delivery fees in Seattle for operational sustainability
– A wearable AI companion, ‘Friend’, launched by the Covid-era prodigy
– AI researcher Yejin Choi departs Allen Institute for AI and Univ. of Washington
– Steve Ballmer presents a video series, ‘Just the Facts’, to inform US voters
– Kelly Ortberg becomes the Boeing’s new CEO, based in Seattle
– The head of Amazon Web Services AI talks about the future of large language models
– Seattle-based AI startup led by ex-Techstars leader raises $4M
– Pioneer Square Labs recruits tech experts for a new advisory board
– AI House in downtown Seattle, a new hub for AI startups, is in the pipeline
Microsoft’s Special Cash Award
In a significant announcement, Microsoft revealed plans to reward employees with an extra cash award. The tech giant disclosed on Tuesday that it would grant this one-time award that could range from 10% to 25% of their annual bonus, following the end of their recent financial year.
DoorDash’s Response to Seattle’s Minimum Wage Law
In response to recent changes in Seattle’s minimum wage laws for drivers, DoorDash intends to impose new delivery fees. Blaming the City Council’s alleged inaction in light of the new law established earlier this year, the company said it needed to enact these charges to continue its sustainable operations in Seattle.
Covid-era Prodigy Introduces Wearable AI
The tech world welcomed a new innovation this week in the form of the ‘Friend’, a wearable AI companion, created by a young talent who achieved fame during the pandemic. More details about this project are expected to be out soon.
Yejin Choi Leaves Allen Institute for AI
Yejin Choi, a distinguished AI researcher and 2022 MacArthur Fellow, announced her resignation from the University of Washington and Seattle’s Allen Institute for AI. Choi, named one of Time’s Most Influential People in AI for her work in natural language processing, is moving on to new ventures.
Steve Ballmer’s New Initiative for Voters
Former Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, launched ‘Just the Facts’, a video series designed to enlighten American voters on crucial issues. Leveraging the power of government data, the video series is set to cover diverse topics, including economy, immigration, healthcare, and more.
Boeing’s New Leadership
Boeing announced its new CEO this week: the 64-year-old aerospace executive Kelly Ortberg, former CEO at Rockwell Collins. The company stated that Ortberg, leading the company into a new era, would mark his return to Seattle for this venture.
Amazon Web Services AI Foresees Future Trends
The leader of Amazon Web Services AI offered insights on the future of large language models and autonomous agents. In a compelling discussion, he highlighted the enduring relationships between companies and database vendors.
New AI Startup Raises $4M
Seattle’s burgeoning AI sector welcomed another entrant this week, with technology industry veterans unveiling their stealth AI startup. The team successfully raised $4M in funding to assist companies with brand guidelines adherence.
Advisory Board Formation
Pioneer Square Labs, a Seattle startup studio, announced the creation of a new advisory board. Assembling a group of the city’s leading technology researchers and innovators, the board aims to bolster early-stage companies within the studio’s portfolio.
AI House: Seattle’s Upcoming Tech Hub
Downtown Seattle will soon be home to the ‘AI House’, a hub designed specifically for AI startups. The plans, supported by city and state leaders, signal the continuation of Seattle’s efforts to position itself as a leading tech hub.
