Google Unveils New Open Large Language Models Amidst Industry Shakeups Including Layoffs at Rivian and Enhanced Security Features from Signal
Welcome, folks, to Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch’s regular newsletter covering noteworthy happenings in the tech industry. This week, we’ve got a packed edition for you, with updates on Google’s new open large language models, MariaDB’s potential takeover, and more.
Google Dives into Generative AI
In a move to solidify its position in the generative AI space, Google has launched two new open large language models: Gemma 2B and Gemma 7B. The company describes these LLMs as ‘inspired by Gemini,’ its flagship family of GenAI models. Both models are now available for commercial and research usage.
This move is part of Google’s continued bid to dominate the generative AI landscape. With these new additions, the company aims to provide developers with more powerful tools to create innovative applications. The availability of these LLMs for both commercial and research purposes will undoubtedly fuel further development in this area.
MariaDB Faces Uncertain Future
Database company MariaDB has revealed that it may be taken private in a $37 million deal. This nonbinding proposal comes 14 months after MariaDB went public via SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Company). The decision to consider a takeover highlights the challenges facing the company, which has struggled to maintain its growth trajectory.
Other Noteworthy Happenings
- Marco Troper’s Tragic Death: Earlier this week, Marco Troper, the 19-year-old son of former YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, was found dead at UC Berkeley due to an apparent drug overdose.
- Cake Sale Update: The future of bankrupt electric motorbike startup Cake is still uncertain. However, it has been revealed that the majority of its U.S. inventory will be going to a man in Florida.
Cybersecurity and Laying Off
- Change Healthcare Cyberattack: Change Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare tech companies in the U.S., confirmed that a cyberattack on its systems occurred recently.
- Rivan Layoffs: Rivian is laying off 10% of its salaried workforce to cut costs amid an increasingly tough market for electric vehicles.
E-commerce and Acquisitions
- Dunzo Buyout Discussions: Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart has held discussions in recent weeks about potentially acquiring Dunzo, the hyperlocal delivery startup backed by Reliance Retail.
- Signal’s Private Phone Numbers: Signal now lets users keep their phone numbers private with the launch of usernames.
Funding and Analysis
- Planity Funding: France-based Planity has raised $48 million to expand its software-as-a-service product for hair salons.
- Monumental Brick-laying Robots: Dutch startup Monumental landed a $25 million tranche for its robotic carts and arms that help lay bricks for construction.
Segment Under Threat
Activist pressure is said to be one of the reasons why Segment, the customer data company, could be put up for sale by corporate parent Twilio. This move highlights the impact of activist investors on the tech industry.
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