This week on Tech Times' Weekly Wrap covers the massive top news of the past seven days, with the one that caught significant attention is Grimes, the Canadian popstar and Elon Musk's ex, launching a Grok plush toy powered by AI. However, there is also the change of mind by Twitch which centers on artistic nudity that was first permitted by the platform, now revoking it.
(Photo : Tech Times Weekly Wrap-up)
Lastly, there are Cruise's significant problems in the present which led to a shake-up within the company, laying off several of its executives from their posts.
Grimes Unveiled Grok, an AI-powered Plush Toy with Curio
(Photo : Curio)
Earlier this December, Elon Musk and xAI launched its latest AI chatbot, Grok, for the X Premium+ users to experience, offering a cheeky virtual assistant that can take on any topic, even those avoided by others.
However, it was not the center of last week's release, nor the Grok we are talking about.
This is because Grimes, in partnership with Curio, released a new plush toy for kids named Grok, an AI-powered educational companion that takes on the form of a rocket ship.
Grok the Toy is not something to belittle as well, as in its limited beta release, the plush toy already offers children a chance to learn more about their questions about the Earth.
Moreover, Grok the AI plushie also features the voice of the popstar, Grimes, generated by AI to answer different queries by curious young minds.
Read Also: Grimes' Grok Toy Beats Elon Musk's xAI Chatbot in Trademark Application
Twitch's Artistic Nudity is Now Getting a Policy Change
(Photo : MARTIN BUREAU/AFP via Getty Images)
In a matter of days, Twitch made the headlines twice because of what it allowed on the platform, the controversial artistic nudity when it previously banned or suspended streamers that offer these kinds of content. However, in the most recent update, Twitch rolled back on its decision to allow these kinds of content on its platform, with the latest policy change.
Initially, the community grew concerned when Twitch allowed artistic nudity to be shown on its platform, seeing mixed reactions from different users, both streamers and the audience. While some welcomed the update, others were wary of what it would bring to the community, especially with adolescents and teenagers present.
The company's recent statement talked about its removal as a whole, centering on its Sexual Content Policy, and would no longer allow it despite the medium used. Moreover, it would not matter if it was real or fictional, as all those depicting explicit or sexual content would not be allowed.
Cruise's Problems: Layoffs Now Include Executives
Cruise had a problem that led to the company stopping its operations in San Francisco as it reevaluated where it stands and what it upholds-but amidst this, a massive restructuring took place, including with its executives. In a bid to reduce its workforce, the company is set to fire as many as 900 employees, focusing on a 24 percent reduction.
(Photo : Cruise via Twitter/X)
The change focused on its entire operations, including the removal of its previous chief operating officer (COO), and nine other high-ranking officials.
It was also shared by the company via a recent blog post that this is part of their next-generation self-driving service, with safety as its top priority, with massive expansion in different cities still coming by 2024.
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