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November 16, 2024
Issue No. 129
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 Reportedly Plans to Launch AI Agent
OpenAI is reportedly planning to launch an autonomous AI agent, code-named "Operator," in January as a research preview and developer tool. This move is seen as a significant development in the field of AI, as it marks a shift towards AI systems that can actively engage with computer interfaces, rather than just process text and images.
The release of Operator is expected to intensify the competition among tech giants, including Anthropic and Google, which are also developing their own AI agents. Anthropic recently introduced its "computer use" capability, while Google is reportedly preparing its version for a December release.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, has been hyping up the possibility of autonomous AI agents, stating that they will be the next giant breakthrough in the field. The company's chief product officer, Kevin Weil, has also predicted that 2025 will be the year that agentic systems finally hit the mainstream.
The development of autonomous AI agents is seen as a way for AI labs to monetize their costly models, as incremental improvements may not justify higher prices for users. The hope is that these agents will be the next breakthrough product, similar to ChatGPT, which will validate the massive investment in AI development.
DeepL Launches ‘DeepL Voice’, Real-time Text-based Translation for Voices and Videos
DeepL has launched DeepL Voice, a real-time text-based translation service for voices and videos. The service allows users to listen to someone speaking in one language and automatically translate it to another in real time. DeepL Voice currently supports 13 languages and can be used for live conversations and video conferencing.
The service is aimed at real-time conversations and video conferencing, and the translations appear as text, not audio. Users can set up their translations to appear as "mirrors" on a smartphone or as a transcription that can be shared side by side with someone. The video conferencing service sees the translations appearing as subtitles.
DeepL's founder and CEO, Jarek Kutylowski, hinted that the company may expand its voice product to deliver audio and video files in the future. The company is taking a deliberate approach to building its product, focusing on building its service from the ground up rather than relying on large language models from other companies.
DeepL Voice is unique in that it works in real-time, making it suitable for live situations. The company has also emphasized its commitment to data protection, stating that voices will not be retained by its systems nor used for training its language models.
Microsoft Brings AI to the Farm and Factories
Microsoft has launched a new suite of specialized AI models designed to address specific challenges in manufacturing, agriculture, and financial services. The models, which are available through Microsoft's Azure AI catalog, represent the company's most focused effort yet to develop AI tools tailored to the unique needs of different sectors. The initiative is part of Microsoft's broader strategy to move beyond general-purpose AI and deliver solutions that can provide immediate operational improvements in industries that have long relied on traditional methods and tools.
The models are the result of partnerships with industry giants such as Siemens, Bayer, Rockwell Automation, and others. For example, Siemens and Microsoft have integrated AI into Siemens' NX X software, a widely used platform for industrial design. The partnership aims to streamline complex tasks and reduce human error in manufacturing. Another example is Bayer's E.L.Y. Crop Protection model, which provides farmers with insights into how best to apply pesticides and other crop treatments, factoring in everything from regulatory requirements to environmental conditions.
The initiative also extends into the automotive and financial sectors. Cerence, which develops in-car voice assistants, will use Microsoft's AI models to enhance in-vehicle systems. Saifr, a regulatory technology startup within Fidelity Investments, is introducing models aimed at helping financial institutions manage regulatory compliance more effectively. Rockwell Automation, meanwhile, is releasing the FT Optix Food & Beverage model, which helps factory workers troubleshoot equipment in real-time.
Microsoft's approach allows businesses to use AI models that are custom-built to address their specific operational challenges. This addresses a major pain point for industries that have been hesitant to adopt AI due to concerns about cost, complexity, or relevance to their particular needs.
In Other AI News…
Gaming
Mobile Gaming Market to Reach $98.7B in 2024 and Grow to $118.9B by 2027
Xsolla, a global game commerce firm, has released its Autumn 2024 State of Play report, which forecasts the mobile gaming market to reach $98.7 billion in total revenue in 2024. China is expected to lead the market, generating $34.6 billion, while Asia is predicted to remain the largest mobile gaming market globally, with revenue increasing from $65 billion in 2024 to $77 billion in 2027.
The report also estimates that the compound annual growth rate from 2024 to 2027 will grow by 6.4%, with the market expected to reach $118.9 billion by 2027. In terms of in-app purchases, global consumer spending reached $171 billion in 2023, with China and the US leading the individual markets.
The report highlights the importance of women in the mobile gaming market, with 64% of in-app purchasers being female, and 87% of players playing mobile games at least weekly. Google Play was the most popular app store, with users downloading approximately 25.6 billion apps in Q1 2024, while the Apple App Store saw 8.4 million downloads.
Capcom Unveils ‘Monster Hunter Outlanders’ Mobile Game
Capcom has announced a new mobile game in the Monster Hunter franchise, titled Monster Hunter Outlanders. The game is being developed in partnership with TiMi Studio Group, known for their work on Call of Duty Mobile and Pokémon Unite. Monster Hunter Outlanders is being billed as an open-world survival game, offering solo play as well as co-op for up to four people.
The game's announcement trailer focuses on mobility, showcasing a player paragliding, swimming, sliding, and utilizing a grappling gun to navigate the map. However, the trailer does not show any combat, which is a core aspect of the Monster Hunter franchise. According to a press release, the game will feature "the traditional hunting experience," but this aspect is not highlighted in the trailer.
TiMi producer Dong Haung stated that Monster Hunter Outlanders will offer players an authentic hunting experience in a massive open world, complete with community and social systems. The game is coming soon to mobile devices, with several playtests scheduled before its launch. No specific launch date has been announced.
The announcement of Monster Hunter Outlanders comes ahead of the release of the next mainline entry in the series, Monster Hunter Wilds, which is set to launch on February 28, 2025, for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Nine NetEase Games Employees Allegedly Arrested for Money Laundering and Bribery
Several employees of NetEase Games, including general manager Xiang Lang, have been arrested on suspicion of money laundering and bribery. The arrests were reportedly made after a meeting in Hangzhou, China, where the employees were detained for further investigation. According to reports, nine employees in total have been detained, including Lang and several members of his "channel centre" team, who were allegedly responsible for purchasing traffic for top NetEase products.
The investigation is said to have been led by NetEase's internal anti-corruption department, which reportedly "lured the enemy into a trap" by holding the meeting in Hangzhou instead of the usual location in Guangzhou. The detained employees are no longer listed in NetEase's internal system, indicating that they have been let go from the company.
The scandal involves a contract value of approximately ¥2 billion ($277.6 million), with the actual amount involved estimated to be between ¥800 million ($111 million) and ¥1 billion ($138.8 million). The incident has attracted attention online, with some commenting on the importance of integrity in personal and corporate conduct. This is reportedly NetEase's second anti-corruption move in just over a year.
In Other Gaming News…
Web3, Metaverse, and NFTs
Linea Announces Upcoming Decentralization and Confirms LINEA Token in Q1 2025
Linea has confirmed its commitment to decentralizing the Linea network with the launch of the Linea Association, an independent Swiss non-profit organization. The Association will oversee the development and governance of the Linea network, marking a significant step towards community-led governance and decentralization.
In a major development, Consensys has also confirmed that the LINEA token will be launched by the end of Q1 2025, allowing Linea token holders to participate in governance. The launch of the LINEA token is a key milestone in the decentralization of the Linea network and is expected to give the community a greater say in the direction of the project.
According to Consensys's CEO, Joseph Lubin, the decentralization of Linea is a key part of the company's vision for creating a Network State for the emerging decentralized global economy. Lubin stated that Consensys is excited for the future of Linea, which is better if it is owned and governed by the community instead of on a centralized basis.
The Linea Association will prioritize building a fast, secure, and accessible network for users worldwide, and will act as the steward for protocol governance, ensuring social and technical alignment. The Association will also work to fulfill Linea's vision for technical decentralization, which has already seen significant progress with the network becoming the fastest-growing zkEVM on Ethereum, surpassing 230 million total transactions in less than 15 months.
Doodles Partners with McDonald’s to Bring Limited-Edition Holiday-themed McCafé Cups
McDonald's has partnered with Doodles to launch a holiday-season initiative that combines NFT collectibles with coffee. The collaboration, dubbed the "GM Spread Joy" campaign, features custom cups with Doodles' colorful, hand-drawn style, which allows customers to access digital collectibles and content, as well as co-branded physical merchandise.
The limited-edition cups, available at participating McDonald's restaurants in the US, contain a "pack ripping" experience that includes accessories and apparel for Doodles characters, music videos, and access to Doodles' animated series. The campaign is an immersive experience that pays homage to the Crypto Twitter mantra "GM" (good morning).
McDonald's has been an early adopter of using digital assets to reward customers and cultivate brand loyalty. The company has also used NFTs to promote its purple icon Grimace and launched a metaverse game called My Happy Place outside of the US.
Goldman Sachs Discloses $710M Bitcoin ETF Holdings
Goldman Sachs has significantly expanded its Bitcoin ETF holdings, according to its latest 13F filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Wall Street giant now holds $710 million across various Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as of the quarter ending September 30.
The bank's largest exposure lies in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT), which now holds 12.7 million shares valued at $461 million. This represents an 83% increase from its previous filing in August. With this, Goldman becomes the second-largest holder of IBIT, trailing only behind the hedge fund Millennium Management.
Goldman has also boosted its positions in other major Bitcoin ETFs, including Fidelity's Wise Origin Bitcoin ETF (FBTC), the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (GBTC), and the Bitwise Bitcoin ETF (BITB). The bank's increased stake in these ETFs is a strong indicator that institutional interest in digital assets is gaining momentum.
The surge in Goldman's Bitcoin ETF investments comes amid record inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs. Last week, BlackRock's IBIT surpassed its long-established iShares Gold ETF (IAU) in net assets, a feat given that IBIT was launched only in January. The market rally is attributed to expectations of a pro-crypto regulatory environment under the Trump administration, with promises to support crypto mining and establish a Bitcoin reserve.
In Other Web3 & Metaverse News…
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