It’s time for Bits & Bytes…
… where we bring you news, innovations, and thought-provoking insights from AI, IT, and beyond. In this week’s newsletter we’re looking at:
- Texas aims to prevent future power outages with new infrastructure
- Remote code execution flaw found in DrayTek routers
- Microsoft struggles to convince users to upgrade
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
🗞️ OpenAI’s Next Chapter Begins
OpenAI just hit a mind-blowing $157 billion valuation after raising $6.6 billion in fresh funding. Major players like Microsoft, Thrive Capital, and SoftBank are all in, with Microsoft tossing in nearly $1 billion to stay in the AI game. But here’s the twist: investors have an exit strategy. If OpenAI doesn’t complete its planned shift from its nonprofit roots to a full-on for-profit company, they can pull their money out.
This profit-first pivot is stirring up some serious internal tension. Once dedicated to making AI for the public good, OpenAI’s new direction has some employees worried it’s losing sight of its original mission. The drama even led to the temporary firing (and rehiring) of its CEO last year. Despite the bumps, OpenAI’s momentum is hard to ignore. With 250 million weekly ChatGPT users and 1 million businesses paying for its services, the AI juggernaut is still full steam ahead—even as competition from Meta and Google looms in the background.
TL;DR
- OpenAI just hit a $157 billion valuation after raising $6.6 billion.
- Investors are ready to jump ship if OpenAI doesn’t go full-on for-profit.
- Some insiders think the original mission of OpenAI is getting left in the dust.
TECH HEADLINES FROM ACROSS THE WEB
🔋 Texas Grid Gets a Much-Needed Boost
Texas is finally connecting to the US grid with a $1.5B DOE project. Nearly 1,000 miles of new transmission lines will boost grid reliability, lower energy costs, and create 9,000 jobs. It’s a major upgrade that aims to prevent Texas-sized outages like the infamous Winter Storm Uri.
đź‘ľ Another Day, Another Router Vulnerability
DrayTek has patched 14 vulnerabilities, including a major flaw that could allow remote code execution. Over 700,000 routers are exposed online, putting them at serious risk. Pro tip: update your router firmware ASAP, disable remote access, and check your settings before hackers check them for you.
🖥️ Windows 11 Faces Adoption Challenges
Windows 11 is struggling to win over users, with just 33.37% market share after three years, while Windows 10 holds a firm 62.79%. Strict hardware requirements and little incentive to upgrade mean Windows 10 remains the go-to for most users. Microsoft might need to rely on the looming end of support for Windows 10 to drive adoption.
TECH FOR GOOD
Canada’s aging infrastructure is facing a ticking clock, but engineers at the University of Waterloo are using AR/VR technology to give it a much-needed life extension. Their Smart Infrastructure Metaverse system allows inspectors to simultaneously view both the physical structure and a detailed 3D model, giving them a better understanding of problems in bridges, roads, and pipelines. By allowing on-site and off-site inspectors to collaborate in real-time, this tech speeds up inspections, boosts accuracy, and helps keep infrastructure safe—without the hefty $264 billion price tag for replacements.
This breakthrough system doesn’t just make inspections faster—it could extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure across Canada, reducing costs and increasing public safety. Now that’s tech for good!
