Bluesky, the decentralized social network, is planning significant updates to its platform, while TikTok's U.S. operations have undergone restructuring to address data privacy concerns. Meanwhile, a new AI assistant called Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) has gained popularity, and fashion rental app By Rotation has partnered with Uber to offer convenient delivery services. In other news, Anduril is hosting an AI-powered drone competition to recruit talent.
Bluesky, which launched to the public in early 2024, is focusing on improving its algorithmic Discover feed and providing better recommendations for users to follow, according to TechCrunch. The company also aims to give the app a more real-time feel. Despite having over 42 million users, Bluesky acknowledged the need to improve basic features like private accounts and support for longer videos.
TikTok's U.S. operations have been restructured into a separate American entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, to address concerns about data privacy and foreign control. This move followed years of pressure from lawmakers, who feared the Chinese government's potential access to Americans' data, according to TechCrunch. In 2024, Congress enacted a law mandating the separation of TikTok's U.S. operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance. Under the new structure, approximately 80% of the U.S. TikTok entity is owned by non-Chinese investors, with ByteDance retaining a 19.9% share. The new entity licenses TikTok's recommendation algorithm from ByteDance and independently manages content moderation and data oversight.
A new AI assistant, initially named Clawdbot but rebranded as Moltbot after a legal challenge from Anthropic, has experienced rapid growth in popularity. According to TechCrunch, Moltbot is designed to manage calendars, send messages, and check users in for flights. The AI assistant was created by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger as a personal project.
By Rotation, a U.K.-based peer-to-peer fashion rental platform, has partnered with Uber to provide delivery services for its users. From now until May 31, By Rotation users in the U.K. can rent outfits and have them delivered via Uber within 60 minutes at a 10% discount, according to TechCrunch. The service is geared toward those renting ski gear, with By Rotation reporting that 30% of ski renters on its platform look for same-day pickup.
Anduril, founded by Palmer Luckey, is hosting an AI Grand Prix, a drone-flying contest where drones must operate autonomously. According to TechCrunch, the contest will test participants' software-writing skills, with prizes including a $500,000 pot and job opportunities at Anduril. Luckey stated that the event was created as a recruitment strategy, after someone suggested sponsoring a drone-racing tournament.
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