ChatGPT app for iOS arrives, on its way to Android

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1/ OpenAI launches official ChatGPT app for iOS, Android coming ‘soon’ (Link)

The official version of AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT rolls out on Apple’s App Store, with hints of an Android version coming “soon” and a full global rollout on the horizon to see 1B+ users accessing the official app on iOS.

The details thus far:

• AI users and enthusiasts have been attempting to use ChatGPT’s features on their mobile devices for months, with many resorting to quite complex workarounds to integrate the chatbot with iPhone’s Siri.

• The ChatGPT app syncs user chat history with its web version and features voice input supported by OpenAI’s speech recognition model Whisper, notes a May 18 announcement.

• The app launches for iPhone and iPad users in the US and will expand to other countries “in the coming weeks.”

2/ Square Enix resolves to continue with web3, blockchain gaming drive (Link)

Following the issuance of its end-of-fiscal year statement, Japanese gaming giant Square Enix - creator of the Final Fantasy series - reasserts its commitment to blockchain gaming, saying it will push through with the development of blockchain, web3, and NFT games in the next 12 months.

For context, Square Enix has seen the following negatives:

• Backlash from many gaming communities for its blockchain pivot, which it first uncovered in early 2022.

• Company turnover falling slightly over the last year, from about $2.7B at this time in 2022 to around $2.5B, and losing almost 1,000 staff members in the same period.

• Lukewarm reception for its NFT-related titles such as Symbiogenesis.

Believing its blockchain business is set to “achieve further growth,” the company said that it would continue to target web3 growth, harnessing its ambitions as a web3 gaming “pioneer” via “investment activities globally.”

3/ Apple bans ChatGPT use for employees over fears of data leaks (Link)

Apple has restricted the use of AI chatbot ChatGPT and other AI tools by its employees, including Microsoft's GitHub Copilot AI tool for automated software coding.

An internal document reveals that Apple is worried about workers using these programs and exposing confidential company information during the development of its own AI tech.

The restriction comes after the recent debut of the ChatGPT app for iOS in the Apple App Store on May 18, with plans to expand to more countries and release an Android version soon.

4/ Ubisoft developers are experimenting with AI technology (Link)

Ubisoft is utilizing AI to revolutionize game development and maximize productivity, with its studios experimenting with AI and formulating a framework that focuses on talent management and fair use.

Ubisoft's R&D efforts in AI and ML, including its La Forge initiative, aim to identify the best use cases and harness the power of tech to enhance creativity, workflows, and players' experience.

In the words of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot:

"There's a lot coming there, and we also have a lot of data in the company from all our brands that we will be able to take advantage of to create lots of content. We've been working a lot on that in the last few years, so it will be good growth coming from that."

🏃‍♂️ Quick Hits

🎮 Gaming

• Virtual dating, indie movie screenings, and news as Roblox’s way to court older users. (Link)

• Ubisoft developers are experimenting with AI, no less. (Link)

• Blueprint Gaming has a fresh take on popular mechanics and themes via its latest release Viking Fury Spinfinity. (Link)

• Tech firm Wearable Devices completes testing for a gesture-based control system to provide mobile gamers with a touchless gaming experience. (Link)

• PlayStation releases new images of its accessibility-focused controller, as well as its official name and information about its user interface. (Link)

🕶 Fashion

• Forever 21 drops the cutest Barbie collection - and makes sure you can rep your love for Barbie in the metaverse. (Link)

• With technology and futurism as other design themes, goth reveals its dark heart at the Australian Fashion Week. (Link)

• Back in December, Warner Music Group announced a “first-of-its-kind partnership” with digital fashion retailer DRESSX. Now it’s Epic Games’ turn for a fashion crossover. (Link)

• Ebay acquires Certilogo, provider of AI-powered apparel digital IDs, to boost the preloved fashion category in its marketplace. (Link)

• Find the right clothes without fuss: Myntra’s AI stylist suggests users outfits based on their purchase and browsing history. (Link)

🏀 Sports

• Table tennis embraces technology and AI one stroke at a time. (Link)

• Virtual sports makes its way into traditional sports fans’ hearts. (Link)

• Why was retired UFC champ Khabib Nurmagomedov, a devout Muslim, criticized by fans for his involvement in sports metaverse Gameplan? (Link)

• “It’s an AI generated [apology]: How Ja Morant drew the ire of LeBron James’ most outspoken fan. (Link)

• How Web3 Sport Arena finds power in integrating digital twin with web3. (Link)

🎥 Media & Entertainment

• Following the lackluster debut of yet another AR game, Pokemon Go creator Niantic serves as proof of the metaverse’s growing woes. (Link)

• Virtual K-pop idols are booming as South Korea turns to the metaverse as the next Hallyu destination. (Link)

• European metaverse visionaries descend on Cannes NEXT. (Link)

• By 2024, 34M+ VR headsets are forecasted to be installed around the world. (Link)

• HTC unveils new HTC U23 series metaverse smartphones. (Link)

• To master the metaverse, brands need to build lasting connections with Gen Z. (Link)

• Carl Cox gets a VR concert series started this summer via Sensorium Galaxy. (Link)

🖼 Art

• Milan’s Dynamic Art Museum announces STAGE ROOM, dedicated to the world of digital art. (Link)

• Pudgy Penguins seeks to merge IP and reality via NFT-based toys. (Link)

• The Sandbox and Cipriani bring hospitality heritage to the metaverse through a masquerade ball, concerts, and chances for users to immerse themselves in the streets of Venice. (Link)

• NFT Artist and Collector OSF: "NFTs are just a medium." (Link)

• Blockchain and digital art conference NFT Show Europe woos exhibitors. (Link)

• NFT lender Blend skyrockets past 100k ETH volume. (Link)

🤖 AI

• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's biggest worry these days: AI could harm the world; regulation is a must. (Link)

• For the first time, Meta pulls the curtain back on its AI chips. (Link)

• A US senator introduces a bill to create a federal agency tasked with AI regulation. (Link)

• Coca-Cola’s message to brands: Invest in AI, not web3. (Link)

• Beijing calls on cloud providers to support AI firms. (Link)

• Alibaba gears up to spin off its cloud, AI, and business messenger unit. (Link)

💸 Funding & Partnerships

• The Sandbox and Cipriani collaborate to bring hospitality heritage to the metaverse. (Link)

• MMPWW partners with iion for gaming ads. (Link)

• Airstack raises $7M to build AI-powered web3 dev platform. (Link)

• World Play League raises pre-seed funding to revolutionize web3 gaming. (Link)

• Key2 and TCG World join forces to bring real-world experiences and VR entertainment to the fore. (Link)

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All content on this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not aim to serve as or replace expert investment advice.

📈 If you are a startup building in the metaverse / web3 ecosystem and are raising capital, please reach out to Sfermion. Sfermion is an investment firm focused on accelerating the emergence of the metaverse 📈

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