Author: Naveed Ahmad

**Higgsfield Hits $1.3B Valuation After Raking In $80M in New Funding** I just learned that Higgsfield, the AI video tech startup co-founded by former Snap exec Alex Mashrabov, has just secured a whopping $80 million in additional funding, bringing its Series A round to a total of $130 million. And with that, the company has reached a valuation of $1.3 billion. Yes, you read that right – $1.3 billion! For those who might be new to the game, Higgsfield offers a software that lets users create and edit AI-generated videos with a super polished, pro finish. Think TikTok-style clips, but…

**OpenAI Invests in Brain-Computer Interface Startup Merge Labs, Founded by Sam Altman** You might have heard of Elon Musk’s Neuralink, the brain-computer interface startup aiming to merge human and artificial intelligence. Now, OpenAI, the company co-founded by Sam Altman, is taking a similar approach with its latest investment in Merge Labs, a startup that’s actually tackling the same problem – but with a different approach. **$252 Million in Funding and a Non-Invasive Twist** Merge Labs just scored a whopping $252 million from OpenAI, private investment firm Bain Capital, and online game developer Gabe Newell. The company plans to use ultrasound…

Breaking News: US Imposes 25% Tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI Chips Headed to China – But What Does it Mean? In a move that’s been months in the making, the Trump administration has finally imposed a 25% tariff on certain semiconductors, including Nvidia’s high-end AI chips, the H200. The tariff applies to chips produced outside the US and imported into the country before being exported to other nations. But what’s behind this decision, and what does it mean for Nvidia, China, and the global AI chip market? The tariff is aimed at protecting America’s economic and national security interests, according…

**The Great Plumber Shortage: How AI Data Centers are Putting the Squeeze on Skilled Trades** Have you ever heard the phrase “the tech industry’s insatiable appetite”? It’s a real thing, folks, and it’s causing a major headache for contractors and skilled tradespeople everywhere. Specifically, I’m talking about the plumber shortage. As data centers continue to sprout up left and right, the demand for skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians is going through the roof. But, here’s the thing, there just aren’t enough qualified workers to keep up with the pace of construction. It’s a supply-and-demand issue, and it’s…

Wikipedia Turns 25: The Online Encyclopedia’s Big Birthday Bash and New Partnerships with AI Tech Giants Can you believe it’s been 25 years since the internet’s most beloved hub of knowledge, Wikipedia, was born? To celebrate this milestone, the Wikimedia Foundation dropped some major news: a series of new partnerships with AI tech companies, all revolving around their industrial product, Wikimedia Enterprise. So, what is Wikimedia Enterprise, you ask? It’s a platform that allows for the large-scale reuse and distribution of Wikipedia content, as well as content from other Wikimedia projects. And the companies they’ve partnered with? We’re talking the…

Breaking News: Jen Easterly, Former CISA Director, Takes the Helm at RSAC Convention Get ready for a major shake-up in the cybersecurity world! Jen Easterly, a seasoned cybersecurity veteran with a rich background in both public and private sectors, has just been appointed CEO of RSAC Convention. This is huge news, folks, and I’m excited to dive in and share the details. For those who might not be familiar, Easterly comes from a strong background, having served as the Director of the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Safety Agency (CISA) for over three years. Prior to that, she was the Global…

**Breaking News: WhatsApp Reverses Stance on Third-Party Chatbots in Brazil – But What Does it Mean for Users?** Just when we thought we knew where things were headed, WhatsApp has done a 180 with its policy on third-party chatbots in Brazil. In a surprise move, the company has announced that it will allow AI providers to continue offering their chatbots to users with Brazilian phone numbers, despite the country’s competition regulator ordering it to suspend its new policy. As of today, the 90-day grace period has begun, giving developers and AI providers the chance to stop responding to user queries…

**China’s On the Rise: Join Our Livestream Discussion on January 21** Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in neutral while China drives by with the latest tech innovations? You’re not alone! From renewable energy to robotics and electric cars, China’s making waves and it’s time to dive deeper into what it means for our future. Here at WIRED, we’re jumping into the China challenge and we want you to join the conversation! On January 21 at 12pm ET / 9am PT, we’re hosting a subscriber-only livestream that’ll give you the inside scoop on China’s dominance in tech. Don’t…

**Google Trends Just Got a Whole Lot Smarter: Here’s What You Need to Know** Hey there, folks! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for ways to level up your research game. And, let’s be real, Google Trends is one of those tools that’s like having a magic crystal ball in your toolkit. But, we’re not just talking about a minor tweak here – Google’s just given Trends a serious upgrade, and it’s all thanks to their AI-powered buddy, Gemini. **What’s New and Improved** The revamped Trends Explore page is rolling out on desktop now, and trust…

**Wikipedia at 25: The Online Encyclopedia’s Existential Threats Come Home to Roost** It’s hard to believe it’s been 25 years since Wikipedia first burst onto the scene as the free online encyclopedia that would change the way we access information forever. But when I say “forever,” I mean it. In the age of Google and AI, the site’s relevance is being tested like never before. Let’s flash back to 2010 when the FBI sent Wikipedia a stern letter demanding they remove all references to the FBI’s branding from their entry. The wiki lawyers pushed back, and the FBI eventually backed…