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November 2, 2024
Issue No. 127
CURATOR:
Welcome to this week's AtherXplorer, covering the latest in gaming, blockchain, and everything in between.
This week’s top picks include:
Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI Search Engine is Now Live in ChatGPT
OpenAI's ChatGPT is now officially an AI-powered web search engine, with the feature rolling out to paid subscribers and SearchGPT waitlist users today. The search functionality will be integrated into ChatGPT's existing interface, allowing users to access real-time information in conversations. This move closes a key competitive gap with rivals like Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, which have long offered real-time internet access in their AI conversations.
The search feature determines when to tap into web results based on queries, and users can also manually trigger web searches. In a pre-launch demo, OpenAI's ChatGPT search lead, Adam Fry, showcased the feature by searching for Apple's stock and relevant news, displaying an interactive stock graph, upcoming earnings information, and news articles with clickable citations linking to sources. The new search functionality will be available across all ChatGPT platforms, including iOS, Android, and desktop apps for macOS and Windows.
Before this update, ChatGPT's knowledge was limited to a cutoff between 2021 and 2023, depending on the model. With live search active, the company will continue to refresh its training data to ensure users have access to the latest advancements. However, the training of the company's models is distinct from the live search functionality. OpenAI has also secured media partnerships with big names like Hearst, Condé Nast, and News Corp, which will give them more control over how their content surfaces in ChatGPT.
GitHub Announces ‘GitHub Spark’, Allowing Users to Build Web Apps with Natural Language
GitHub has announced GitHub Spark, an experiment that allows users to build small web apps using natural language. Spark is a tool that enables users to create prototypes and refine them through a chat-like experience. The app is built on top of a GitHub repository, GitHub Actions, and Microsoft's Azure CosmosDB as the default database.
According to GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke, Spark is intended to be a tool for users to explore ideas, build little bots, and explore software development with natural language. It is not meant to replace professional developers, but rather to provide a way for users to create "micro apps" that can be used to automate tasks or build simple applications.
Spark allows users to start with an initial prompt and then fine-tune the app through subsequent iterations. The app can use any web API and leverage AI models, and there are currently no limits on prompts or capacity. Users can also share their Sparks with customized access controls and take the shared code and build upon it themselves.
Developers who want to take these applications further can look at the code at any time and edit it if necessary. GitHub acknowledges that AI is not perfect and that mistakes can happen, but provides the option for users to modify the code directly. Spark also offers the choice between Anthropic's Claude Sonnet and OpenAI's GPT models, allowing users to select the large language model they prefer.
LinkedIn Launches Its First AI Hiring Assistant
LinkedIn has launched its first AI agent, Hiring Assistant, designed to take on various recruitment tasks, from creating job descriptions to sourcing and engaging with candidates. The AI assistant is currently live with a select group of customers, including large enterprises such as AMD and Siemens, and is expected to roll out more widely in the coming months.
Hiring Assistant is a significant milestone in LinkedIn's AI trajectory, marking the company's first "AI agent" and a major step in its efforts to build artificial intelligence tools for users. The platform has been leveraging its partnership with OpenAI to develop various AI-powered tools, including learning coaches and marketing campaign assistants.
The AI assistant is designed to automate repetitive tasks, allowing recruiters to focus on more impactful aspects of their jobs. It can upload job descriptions, note desired qualifications, and create an initial pipeline of candidates based on skills rather than other indicators. The system also integrates with third-party application tracking systems and is trained on LinkedIn data, which spans 1 billion users, 68 million companies, and 41,000 skills.
Hiring Assistant is aimed squarely at LinkedIn's B2B business, specifically the recruitment industry, and is expected to get more features soon, such as messaging and scheduling support for interviews. The company sees AI as a key business driver, with Premium subscriptions already being driven by AI tool usage. However, it remains to be seen whether recruiters will see these tools as a help or a threat, and how they will impact the company's revenue.
In Other AI News…
Gaming
Monster Hunter Wilds Launches Open Beta Test
Monster Hunter Wilds launched its Open Beta Test for Xbox and PC platforms, offering players an early opportunity to experience the game before its official release on February 28, 2025. The beta began on October 31, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. PT (11:00 p.m. EST) and will conclude on November 3, 2024, at 6:59 p.m. PT (9:59 p.m. EST).
Xbox Series X|S users can access the beta through the Microsoft Store by searching for 'Monster Hunter Wilds Beta' and selecting the 'GET free' button. PC players can download the beta through Steam by visiting the game's store page and clicking on "Play the Monster Hunter Wilds Playtest now!" An Xbox Game Pass subscription is not required for the beta, though it will be necessary for online multiplayer in the full game.
The beta content includes a Character Creator with the ability to transfer created avatars to the full game, a Story Trial mission featuring a tutorial against a Chatacabra, and a hunting mission involving a Doshaguma. Players who complete the beta missions will receive special rewards for the full game, including a cosmetic pendant for their Seikret mount or weapons, and an item pack containing healing items and armor upgrade materials.
Capcom has implemented a feedback system through a survey on the official Monster Hunter Wilds website, allowing players to provide input that may influence improvements to the final game. The beta follows a successful PlayStation Plus Early Access period, which has already generated positive gameplay impressions from the PlayStation community.
Phasmophobia Launches on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
The multiplayer horror game Phasmophobia has expanded to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, four years after its initial PC release. The launch included cross-play functionality, allowing players across all platforms to investigate paranormal activities together. This milestone coincided with the release of the Crimson Eye update, which brought significant changes to the game.
A returning seasonal event called Blood Moon has been implemented, featuring increased paranormal activity and empowered ghosts at various locations. Players can earn Blood Points by completing investigations, optional objectives, and photographing Blood Altars. The update requires an online connection for all seasonal events, enabling developers to track progress and make necessary adjustments through cloud servers.
The update introduced an Event Board to the Warehouse, displaying current in-game events and challenges, including the new Ranger Challenge and Sunny Meadows Survival. To accommodate this addition, the photo corkboard was relocated to the warehouse truck. Technical improvements included a significant physics upgrade addressing door-related issues, preventing players from being pushed through walls, and fixing low frame rate problems.
Latin American Spanish language support has been added, along with various quality-of-life improvements such as Steam friends list integration and Unity ID display on the main menu. The update also delivered extensive optimization for better performance and frame rates across all platforms, while addressing numerous bug fixes related to ghost behavior, UI elements, and gameplay mechanics.
The game, still technically in early access, is available on Steam with a 25% discount, pricing it at $15. While the console version launched with most features intact, some known issues persist, including lighting and reflection problems in certain locations and visibility issues with rain and snow effects on consoles.
Pokémon TCG ‘Pocket’ Has Launched
Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket launched worldwide on October 30th, marking a significant digital evolution of the 28-year-old physical card game. The mobile adaptation built upon the franchise's massive success, which had seen over 50 billion card sales since its inception in 1996.
The game offered players two free digital card packs daily, with options for additional purchases. Developed through a collaboration between The Pokémon Company, Creatures Inc., and DeNA, the mobile version had already generated $500,000 during its soft launch in New Zealand and attracted more than six million pre-registrations globally.
Notable features included streamlined battles without Energy cards, flashy animations, and special Immersive Cards that exceeded the limitations of physical cards. The game introduced a diamond-based rarity system, shiny cards, 3D cards, and digital binders for collection display. A trading system was planned for implementation post-launch, allowing players to exchange duplicate cards.
Focusing primarily on the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, the game aimed to tap into nostalgia while attracting both newcomers and veteran players. This strategy mirrored Pokémon Go's successful approach, featuring beloved characters like Charizard, Mewtwo, and Gardevoir. The game emphasized casual gameplay, designed to be enjoyed during brief breaks throughout the day.
As the sixth active Pokémon mobile game, Pocket represented the franchise's first new mobile entry since Pokémon Sleep. The game combined classic card illustrations with new artwork, offering varied depictions of the same Pokémon to appeal to different collector preferences.
In Other Gaming News…
Web3, Metaverse, and NFTs
Bitcoin Flirts with All-Time Highs As US Elections Race Narrows
The price of Bitcoin briefly dipped below $70,000 on Thursday, after coming close to a new all-time high earlier in the week. On Tuesday, the asset nearly beat its March record of over $73k but traded sideways before dipping. According to CoinGecko data, Bitcoin fell 2.8% to $70,300 over the past 24 hours.
The dip in Bitcoin's price comes as traders sold off equities, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 having their worst day in a month. Top tech companies Meta and Microsoft announced plans to increase spending to meet growing AI demand, leading to a decline in the stock market. Bitcoin and the broader crypto market have traded closely with tech and large market cap equities this year.
Among the top 10 cryptos, Ethereum has taken the biggest hit, down 5.3% to $2,500, while Dogecoin dipped 4.4% to $0.16. The price dip also coincides with the tightening of the US presidential election, with Kamala Harris slightly ahead of Donald Trump in a recent poll. Notably, former President Trump has emerged as the pro-crypto candidate, while Vice President Harris has spoken about crypto regulation and blockchain technology.
JP Morgan analysts have predicted that Bitcoin will experience upward momentum if Trump wins the election next week. This prediction adds to the growing interest in the relationship between the US presidential election and the cryptocurrency market.
MrBeast Wallets Linked to Potential Insider Trading Netting $20M+ in Profits
A group of on-chain researchers has conducted a thorough investigation into the cryptocurrency activities of popular YouTuber MrBeast. Their findings reveal a complex web of insider trading, misleading investors, and using MrBeast's influence to promote tokens.
According to the investigation, MrBeast's cryptocurrency activities span over 50 wallets, which have been linked to various projects, including SuperVerse, Ethernity Chain, and AIOZ. The researchers found evidence of insider trading and questionable deals, including MrBeast's involvement in SuperVerse, a cryptocurrency token that was heavily promoted by influencers with shady histories.
The investigation also uncovered a network of associates who have worked with MrBeast on various cryptocurrency projects, including Alex Becker, KSI, and Jaggedsoft. The researchers found evidence of a 1% fee being paid to Jaggedsoft for handling wallets designated for farm projects.
The researchers used on-chain analysis to track MrBeast's cryptocurrency transactions, identifying patterns of behavior that suggest insider trading and manipulation of the market. The investigation has raised questions about the legitimacy of MrBeast's cryptocurrency activities and the potential losses suffered by investors who followed his promotions.
MetaMask Creator Consensys Announces Restructuring and Focus on Decentralization
Consensys, the company behind MetaMask and Linea, is undergoing a significant transformation to ensure its long-term sustainability and decentralization.
The company is streamlining its operations, which will impact 20% of its workforce, to position itself for ongoing rapid innovation and leadership in the web3 space. Consensys is also refocusing its efforts on its core revenue drivers and aligning its business objectives with its long-term strategy.
The company is committed to decentralization and is transforming its products into protocols to drive progressive decentralization. MetaMask, a leading web3 platform, will continue to be critical in driving innovation and adoption in the web3 space. Consensys is also investing in innovations, such as the MetaMask card, to further extend its utility and empower users.
The company's transformation is a pivotal moment in its evolution, as it moves from a company to a Network State. Consensys is positioning itself to contribute more effectively to the web3 ecosystem, not just as a participant, but as a builder of the Consensys Network State. The company remains dedicated to pioneering the way forward and driving the adoption of web3 and decentralization.
In Other Web3 & Metaverse News…
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