Google has announced a suite of upcoming generative AI features for its Workspace apps, including Google Docs and Gmail.
You will soon be able to generate, summarize, and brainstorm text with AI in Google Docs.
You will have the option to generate full emails in Gmail based on brief bullet points, and the ability to produce AI imagery, audio, and video to illustrate presentations in Slides.
You will also be able to generate new backgrounds and capture notes in Meet, and enable workflows for getting things done in Chat.
These features will begin rolling out to a selection of US-based users this month and is another step forward in Google’s plans to not only catch up to, but dethrone Microsoft as the leader in the Generative AI race.
You will soon be able to generate, summarize, and brainstorm text with AI in Google Docs.
You will have the option to generate full emails in Gmail based on brief bullet points, and the ability to produce AI imagery, audio, and video to illustrate presentations in Slides.
You will also be able to generate new backgrounds and capture notes in Meet, and enable workflows for getting things done in Chat.
These features will begin rolling out to a selection of US-based users this month and is another step forward in Google’s plans to not only catch up to, but dethrone Microsoft as the leader in the Generative AI race.
📣 Meta Cuts 10,000 More Workers After Scrapping NFT Plans
Meta’s workforce ballooned in recent years as the Facebook parent company signaled its ambitions for the metaverse—but recent moves suggest that it is feeling the sting of changing tech trends and rough market conditions. The company today announced another round of layoffs, one day after saying that it was “winding down” support for NFTs. Co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post today that Meta will shed about 10,000 further employees in the months ahead across multiple waves, as well as close about 5,000 current listings for open positions. The moves will affect its recruiting department this week, its tech groups in April, and business groups in May. Meta previously laid off about 11,000 employees in November, representing about 13% of its workforce at the time, per CNBC. As of December 31, 2022, Meta reported having a headcount of 86,482 people across all divisions —a 20% jump from the year prior.
Meta’s workforce ballooned in recent years as the Facebook parent company signaled its ambitions for the metaverse—but recent moves suggest that it is feeling the sting of changing tech trends and rough market conditions. The company today announced another round of layoffs, one day after saying that it was “winding down” support for NFTs. Co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a post today that Meta will shed about 10,000 further employees in the months ahead across multiple waves, as well as close about 5,000 current listings for open positions. The moves will affect its recruiting department this week, its tech groups in April, and business groups in May. Meta previously laid off about 11,000 employees in November, representing about 13% of its workforce at the time, per CNBC. As of December 31, 2022, Meta reported having a headcount of 86,482 people across all divisions —a 20% jump from the year prior.
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Metalink has announced the launch of its mobile app – available now in the App Store 📲
They are aiming to create the first mobile platform enabling NFT collectors to communicate via gated chats; track real-time portfolio valuations; aggregate announcements; and eventually buy, sell and swap assets in a single app.
“Our vision is for Metalink to be the one place for NFT collectors to Talk, Track and Transact NFTs,” said Metalink CEO, Jakeu Dell. “No more communicating through web2 messaging apps and separately buying and selling through several different marketplaces. We’re excited about our ‘Talk’ and ‘Track’ features and working hard to make transactions a reality soon.”
The app features novel and secure NFT chat rooms, NFT portfolio management suite, announcement aggregation – and more.
They are aiming to create the first mobile platform enabling NFT collectors to communicate via gated chats; track real-time portfolio valuations; aggregate announcements; and eventually buy, sell and swap assets in a single app.
“Our vision is for Metalink to be the one place for NFT collectors to Talk, Track and Transact NFTs,” said Metalink CEO, Jakeu Dell. “No more communicating through web2 messaging apps and separately buying and selling through several different marketplaces. We’re excited about our ‘Talk’ and ‘Track’ features and working hard to make transactions a reality soon.”
The app features novel and secure NFT chat rooms, NFT portfolio management suite, announcement aggregation – and more.
📣 Microsoft dips Teams in the metaverse vat with avatars ahead
Microsoft Teams users are getting more ways to express themselves to other participants on those increasingly frequent video calls. Redmond is continuing to add features that enable users to change the look of their environments during video meetings, from blurring the background to putting shots of scenic vistas behind them. Teams users now are getting more filters to add colorful animation to the screen or change the hue of the video. The visual effects filters, which were put into public preview in January, are being made generally available this month. And for those who just want to turn off the camera and get off the screen during video conferences, Microsoft starting in May will be rolling out 3D avatars that will give other participants something else to look at instead. Video conferencing was already on the rise, but the COVID-19 pandemic almost overnight ramped demand.
Microsoft Teams users are getting more ways to express themselves to other participants on those increasingly frequent video calls. Redmond is continuing to add features that enable users to change the look of their environments during video meetings, from blurring the background to putting shots of scenic vistas behind them. Teams users now are getting more filters to add colorful animation to the screen or change the hue of the video. The visual effects filters, which were put into public preview in January, are being made generally available this month. And for those who just want to turn off the camera and get off the screen during video conferences, Microsoft starting in May will be rolling out 3D avatars that will give other participants something else to look at instead. Video conferencing was already on the rise, but the COVID-19 pandemic almost overnight ramped demand.
📣 Solana-based NFT website Formfunction to shut down on March 29
Formfunction, an NFT marketplace platform on Solana, will shut down its website on March 29, about a year after the project raised $4.7 million in a seed funding round. Creators on the platform have been advised to delist their items before March 29. Formfunction launched in February 2022 to support “one of one” NFT creators on Solana. Formfunction said it has supported more than 4,000 creators on its platform and that 60% of them had made at least one sale, with over 600 earning at least $1,000. The website added that 70 creators had earned more than $10,000 each during its run. Despite these successes and the $4.7 million fundraising, Formfunction is shutting down. The March 15 announcement did not give reasons for ending the project, but called the decision “extremely difficult.” Formfunction CEO Katherine Liu thanked team members for their efforts in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Formfunction, an NFT marketplace platform on Solana, will shut down its website on March 29, about a year after the project raised $4.7 million in a seed funding round. Creators on the platform have been advised to delist their items before March 29. Formfunction launched in February 2022 to support “one of one” NFT creators on Solana. Formfunction said it has supported more than 4,000 creators on its platform and that 60% of them had made at least one sale, with over 600 earning at least $1,000. The website added that 70 creators had earned more than $10,000 each during its run. Despite these successes and the $4.7 million fundraising, Formfunction is shutting down. The March 15 announcement did not give reasons for ending the project, but called the decision “extremely difficult.” Formfunction CEO Katherine Liu thanked team members for their efforts in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Microsoft dips Teams in the metaverse vat with avatars ahead
Microsoft Teams users are getting more ways to express themselves to other participants on those increasingly frequent video calls. Redmond is continuing to add features that enable users to change the look of their environments during video meetings, from blurring the background to putting shots of scenic vistas behind them.
Teams users now are getting more filters to add colorful animation to the screen or change the hue of the video. The visual effects filters, which were put into public preview in January, are being made generally available this month. And for those who just want to turn off the camera and get off the screen during video conferences, Microsoft starting in May will be rolling out 3D avatars that will give other participants something else to look at instead.
Microsoft Teams users are getting more ways to express themselves to other participants on those increasingly frequent video calls. Redmond is continuing to add features that enable users to change the look of their environments during video meetings, from blurring the background to putting shots of scenic vistas behind them.
Teams users now are getting more filters to add colorful animation to the screen or change the hue of the video. The visual effects filters, which were put into public preview in January, are being made generally available this month. And for those who just want to turn off the camera and get off the screen during video conferences, Microsoft starting in May will be rolling out 3D avatars that will give other participants something else to look at instead.
🖼 Instagram NFT initiative's swift death mints mourners, mehs
Meta’s decision to test an initiative that allowed artists to sell NFTs on Instagram was widely considered a positive development for the struggling industry. Now that the tech giant has pulled the plug on the project, web3 enthusiasts’ reaction to the sudden move is all over the place. Krugman’s frustration may resonate with many independent artists. Meta’s new NFT feature allowed him to interact directly with his audience and he could seamlessly sell NFTs on the platform rather than having to redirect potential buyers to third-party marketplaces like OpenSea. Krugman did only one drop on Instagram of 100 NFTs at $50 a piece, which he said sold in under a minute. Meta is moving off of NFTs a little less than five months after launching the initiative that allowed a select few “creators” to showcase and sell “digital collectibles” — NFTs — using Instagram. Stephane Kasriel, Meta’s head of commerce & financial technologies.
Meta’s decision to test an initiative that allowed artists to sell NFTs on Instagram was widely considered a positive development for the struggling industry. Now that the tech giant has pulled the plug on the project, web3 enthusiasts’ reaction to the sudden move is all over the place. Krugman’s frustration may resonate with many independent artists. Meta’s new NFT feature allowed him to interact directly with his audience and he could seamlessly sell NFTs on the platform rather than having to redirect potential buyers to third-party marketplaces like OpenSea. Krugman did only one drop on Instagram of 100 NFTs at $50 a piece, which he said sold in under a minute. Meta is moving off of NFTs a little less than five months after launching the initiative that allowed a select few “creators” to showcase and sell “digital collectibles” — NFTs — using Instagram. Stephane Kasriel, Meta’s head of commerce & financial technologies.
🔫 Hello Pets Now Acquires 10 BAYC In $6M NFT Expansion, Sets Sights On Metaverse
Hello Pets, a blockchain-based entertainment company, has recently made a significant investment in the NFT space. The firm announced that it had acquired 10 Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs as the first step of its newly established $6M funds to develop and strengthen its Metaverse ecosystem. The purchased NFTs will be incorporated into Hello Pets’ various products, including movies, metaverse, games, AR/VR applications, Lego-like toys, fashion, and many more. Hello Pets believes that this approach will result in richer and more captivating content in its products, appealing to a broader audience. The company plans to keep buying more Blue Chip NFTs, as well as excellent content creating teams, to strengthen its ecosystem further. As part of the $6M fund, Hello Pets also plans to invest in and acquire high-quality Metaverse and game teams to build the ecosystem together and synergize with all its products.
Hello Pets, a blockchain-based entertainment company, has recently made a significant investment in the NFT space. The firm announced that it had acquired 10 Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) NFTs as the first step of its newly established $6M funds to develop and strengthen its Metaverse ecosystem. The purchased NFTs will be incorporated into Hello Pets’ various products, including movies, metaverse, games, AR/VR applications, Lego-like toys, fashion, and many more. Hello Pets believes that this approach will result in richer and more captivating content in its products, appealing to a broader audience. The company plans to keep buying more Blue Chip NFTs, as well as excellent content creating teams, to strengthen its ecosystem further. As part of the $6M fund, Hello Pets also plans to invest in and acquire high-quality Metaverse and game teams to build the ecosystem together and synergize with all its products.
📣 Decoding the Enigma of Bitcoin NFT Ordinals
With the advent of blockchain technology, the revolution in the space of financial transactions has been phenomenal. From decentralized banking to trading cryptocurrencies, we have witnessed spectacular advancements. Another recent breakthrough was the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which have been capitalized on by a large number of people. Bitcoin has evolved from being a lending and borrowing mechanism to becoming a host to a range of DeFi protocols in recent years with the advent of Stacks (STX), Wrapped Bitcoin, etc. It has now found another use case in enabling people to create and store digital artwork like images, audio, text, or videos on the Bitcoin blockchain network. This has become possible because of the Ordinals protocol. As thrilling as it sounds, this new evolution has become highly popular among the bitcoin community, and more than 100,000 ordinals have already been created.
With the advent of blockchain technology, the revolution in the space of financial transactions has been phenomenal. From decentralized banking to trading cryptocurrencies, we have witnessed spectacular advancements. Another recent breakthrough was the emergence of non-fungible tokens (NFTs), which have been capitalized on by a large number of people. Bitcoin has evolved from being a lending and borrowing mechanism to becoming a host to a range of DeFi protocols in recent years with the advent of Stacks (STX), Wrapped Bitcoin, etc. It has now found another use case in enabling people to create and store digital artwork like images, audio, text, or videos on the Bitcoin blockchain network. This has become possible because of the Ordinals protocol. As thrilling as it sounds, this new evolution has become highly popular among the bitcoin community, and more than 100,000 ordinals have already been created.
Instagram NFT initiative's swift death mints mourners, mehs
Meta’s decision to test an initiative that allowed artists to sell NFTs on Instagram was widely considered a positive development for the struggling industry. Now that the tech giant has pulled the plug on the project, web3 enthusiasts’ reaction to the sudden move is all over the place. Krugman’s frustration may resonate with many independent artists.
Meta’s new NFT feature allowed him to interact directly with his audience and he could seamlessly sell NFTs on the platform rather than having to redirect potential buyers to third-party marketplaces like OpenSea. Krugman did only one drop on Instagram of 100 NFTs at $50 a piece, which he said sold in under a minute. Meta is moving off of NFTs a little less than five months after launching the initiative that allowed a select few “creators” to showcase and sell “digital collectibles” — NFTs — using Instagram.
Meta’s decision to test an initiative that allowed artists to sell NFTs on Instagram was widely considered a positive development for the struggling industry. Now that the tech giant has pulled the plug on the project, web3 enthusiasts’ reaction to the sudden move is all over the place. Krugman’s frustration may resonate with many independent artists.
Meta’s new NFT feature allowed him to interact directly with his audience and he could seamlessly sell NFTs on the platform rather than having to redirect potential buyers to third-party marketplaces like OpenSea. Krugman did only one drop on Instagram of 100 NFTs at $50 a piece, which he said sold in under a minute. Meta is moving off of NFTs a little less than five months after launching the initiative that allowed a select few “creators” to showcase and sell “digital collectibles” — NFTs — using Instagram.
🇨🇳 China Will Become a Metaverse Tech Leader During 2023
A report issued by Globaldata, a global consulting and data analysis company, predicts that China will become a leading country in metaverse tech during 2023. The firm believes that the development of other technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 6G will allow China to configure itself as a metaverse hub. While the interest in the metaverse seems to be waning at a worldwide level, China is still pushing to become a leader in the industry. According to a recent report prepared by Globaldata, a consulting firm, China is positioning itself to surpass the West when it comes to metaverse tech, as the country will keep investing in technologies related to this field. Furthermore, Globaldata believes that there are signs that indicate that China will continue to invest in virtual reality and artificial intelligence with the objective of promoting the economic development of the nation.
A report issued by Globaldata, a global consulting and data analysis company, predicts that China will become a leading country in metaverse tech during 2023. The firm believes that the development of other technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 6G will allow China to configure itself as a metaverse hub. While the interest in the metaverse seems to be waning at a worldwide level, China is still pushing to become a leader in the industry. According to a recent report prepared by Globaldata, a consulting firm, China is positioning itself to surpass the West when it comes to metaverse tech, as the country will keep investing in technologies related to this field. Furthermore, Globaldata believes that there are signs that indicate that China will continue to invest in virtual reality and artificial intelligence with the objective of promoting the economic development of the nation.
🖼 Origin Protocol Considers Subsidizing OGN Rewards After Joining NFT Royalty Wars
The protocol is moving toward backstopping its OGN staking program with ether (ETH) and OGN subsidies funded by its budget, according to a governance proposal poised to pass on Tuesday. The action is designed to combat a short-term shortfall in the fee revenue that usually supports Origin’s popular yield program, which currently holds 11% of all OGN tokens. At press time, Origin’s website dashboards showed the protocol’s rewards pools for both ETH and OGN were fully depleted, indicating there were no tokens available to pay out to OGN stakers. With hours left in the voting, the subsidies proposal appeared likely to pass. At press time, 27 holders of Origin’s OGN tokens had voted over 1 million tokens in favor of passage, and none against. At least three participating addresses were associated with employees of Origin Protocol. Together, they comprised over 50% of the voting power.
The protocol is moving toward backstopping its OGN staking program with ether (ETH) and OGN subsidies funded by its budget, according to a governance proposal poised to pass on Tuesday. The action is designed to combat a short-term shortfall in the fee revenue that usually supports Origin’s popular yield program, which currently holds 11% of all OGN tokens. At press time, Origin’s website dashboards showed the protocol’s rewards pools for both ETH and OGN were fully depleted, indicating there were no tokens available to pay out to OGN stakers. With hours left in the voting, the subsidies proposal appeared likely to pass. At press time, 27 holders of Origin’s OGN tokens had voted over 1 million tokens in favor of passage, and none against. At least three participating addresses were associated with employees of Origin Protocol. Together, they comprised over 50% of the voting power.
🖼 NFT wash trading increases by 126% in February: Data
The top six nonfungible token (NFT) marketplaces saw a rise in wash trading for the fourth straight month, with a total volume of $580 million. According to a new report from CoinGecko, February 2023 witnessed a 126% increase from the previous month’s volume of $250 million. As for the reason for the jump, the report points to a correlation with the overall recovery of NFT marketplace. Wash trading refers to the manipulation of trading volume or price through repeated transactions. The six marketplaces included in the report are Magic Eden, OpenSea, Blur, X2Y2, CryptoPunks and LooksRare. X2Y2, Blur and LooksRare played the largest roles in February’s wash trading volume, with $280 million (49.7%), $150 million (27.7%) and $80 million (15.1%), respectively. The other two marketplaces, Magic Eden and OpenSea, reported $590,000 and $42.57 million in wash trading, respectively. CryptoPunks, on the other hand, didn’t see any NFT wash trading, according to the report. The marketplaces have previously incentivized users to increase trading volume.
The top six nonfungible token (NFT) marketplaces saw a rise in wash trading for the fourth straight month, with a total volume of $580 million. According to a new report from CoinGecko, February 2023 witnessed a 126% increase from the previous month’s volume of $250 million. As for the reason for the jump, the report points to a correlation with the overall recovery of NFT marketplace. Wash trading refers to the manipulation of trading volume or price through repeated transactions. The six marketplaces included in the report are Magic Eden, OpenSea, Blur, X2Y2, CryptoPunks and LooksRare. X2Y2, Blur and LooksRare played the largest roles in February’s wash trading volume, with $280 million (49.7%), $150 million (27.7%) and $80 million (15.1%), respectively. The other two marketplaces, Magic Eden and OpenSea, reported $590,000 and $42.57 million in wash trading, respectively. CryptoPunks, on the other hand, didn’t see any NFT wash trading, according to the report. The marketplaces have previously incentivized users to increase trading volume.
Web3 gaming is picking up steam, and is being legitimized by some of the world's biggest streamers and brands.
Sony has filed patents for NFTs to allow transfers between games and consoles.
Their vision is to have items you earn in-game to be interoperable between different games and hardware like VR headsets, computers and different consoles.
Dr. Disrespect launches early access for his Web3 shooter game called Deadrop.
The game has taken the gaming community by storm, and incorporates NFTs.
CCP Gaming, makers of EVE Online, has secured $40M in funding led by a16z for a Web3 EVE game.
Sony has filed patents for NFTs to allow transfers between games and consoles.
Their vision is to have items you earn in-game to be interoperable between different games and hardware like VR headsets, computers and different consoles.
Dr. Disrespect launches early access for his Web3 shooter game called Deadrop.
The game has taken the gaming community by storm, and incorporates NFTs.
CCP Gaming, makers of EVE Online, has secured $40M in funding led by a16z for a Web3 EVE game.
⚡️ Vault Hill City Metaverse launches it’s first PC build
Vault Hill's goal is to bring the first-ever human-centric metaverse, and now, they are bringing this experience to everyone. With this year dedicated to Vault Hill's devoted community, they are offering the necessary tools to build, expand, and flourish in the metaverse, following their successful community-exclusive Virtual land (VLAND) sale. For the first time, Vault Hill City (VHC) is now available as a downloadable application, which can launch on a PC/Laptop. Install the application and start exploring, building, interacting, and playing in the first human-centric metaverse. Not only this, but the new product release also includes a NO CODE building tool! If someone has purchased a virtual land in the VHC metaverse, go ahead and customize the installation inside out and add selected assets and decorations without writing a single code line.
Vault Hill's goal is to bring the first-ever human-centric metaverse, and now, they are bringing this experience to everyone. With this year dedicated to Vault Hill's devoted community, they are offering the necessary tools to build, expand, and flourish in the metaverse, following their successful community-exclusive Virtual land (VLAND) sale. For the first time, Vault Hill City (VHC) is now available as a downloadable application, which can launch on a PC/Laptop. Install the application and start exploring, building, interacting, and playing in the first human-centric metaverse. Not only this, but the new product release also includes a NO CODE building tool! If someone has purchased a virtual land in the VHC metaverse, go ahead and customize the installation inside out and add selected assets and decorations without writing a single code line.
Trace Network Labs launches global fashion metaverse ‘PARIZ’
Trace Network Labs – a global metaverse tech brand – has launched PARIZ that’s a fully functional and next-generation fashion and lifestyle metaverse that connects the real and virtual worlds.
One of the virtual spaces in PARIZ to vouch for is the Shopping District where global fashion brands can showcase and sell their latest digital fashion-wear collections, whereas another space is Events where brands, influencers, artists, and designers can organise events such as fashion shows, fireside chats, panel discussions, and more. The Lounge is a personalised experience zone that serves as an alternative to physical meetings in clubs or conference rooms, as well as video conferencing tools like GMeet or Zoom. Last but not least is the Social District that’s a dedicated social space in PARIZ.
Trace Network Labs – a global metaverse tech brand – has launched PARIZ that’s a fully functional and next-generation fashion and lifestyle metaverse that connects the real and virtual worlds.
One of the virtual spaces in PARIZ to vouch for is the Shopping District where global fashion brands can showcase and sell their latest digital fashion-wear collections, whereas another space is Events where brands, influencers, artists, and designers can organise events such as fashion shows, fireside chats, panel discussions, and more. The Lounge is a personalised experience zone that serves as an alternative to physical meetings in clubs or conference rooms, as well as video conferencing tools like GMeet or Zoom. Last but not least is the Social District that’s a dedicated social space in PARIZ.
🖼 NFT Investor Animoca Brands Cuts Target for Metaverse Fund to $800M: Reuters
Non-fungible token (NFT) and gaming investor Animoca Brands has reduced the target for its metaverse fund by 20% to $800 million, Reuters reported on Friday, citing two people familiar with the matter. When Animoca initially unveiled its plans for the fund in November, its target was $2 billion. This was then cut in half to $1 billion in January. The firm was valued at almost $6 billion following a $75 million fundraise in July. However, its market cap in secondary markets has slipped below $2 billion, according to the report, citing two other people. The metaverse is a term for a virtual world where the internet exists as an immersive space that can be used for work, play, socializing, experiences and events. While there is much excitement about its potential in some quarters, it remains a largely unproven concept. As such, appetite for metaverse-related investment may have taken a hit in recent months as the broader digital asset industry's.
Non-fungible token (NFT) and gaming investor Animoca Brands has reduced the target for its metaverse fund by 20% to $800 million, Reuters reported on Friday, citing two people familiar with the matter. When Animoca initially unveiled its plans for the fund in November, its target was $2 billion. This was then cut in half to $1 billion in January. The firm was valued at almost $6 billion following a $75 million fundraise in July. However, its market cap in secondary markets has slipped below $2 billion, according to the report, citing two other people. The metaverse is a term for a virtual world where the internet exists as an immersive space that can be used for work, play, socializing, experiences and events. While there is much excitement about its potential in some quarters, it remains a largely unproven concept. As such, appetite for metaverse-related investment may have taken a hit in recent months as the broader digital asset industry's.
