ThaWakery Wednesday Morning - News Digest - Issue 2
Your current news update.
Articles in this issue:
-
While Los Angeles Burns, AI Fans the Flames | Truthout
Artificial intelligence is a water-guzzling industry hastening future climate crises from California's own backyard.
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Wildfires in Los Angeles County have claimed lives and destroyed thousands of structures, prompting renewed scrutiny of California’s water management and conservation efforts. Former President Trump used the crisis to spread misinformation about a nonexistent “water restoration declaration,” falsely suggesting that Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies were to blame for empty fire hydrants. In reality, local water storage tanks were depleted by firefighters’ heavy demand at lower elevations, and hurricane-force winds also hampered aerial water drops. Though Trump’s accusations are largely political grandstanding, the situation underscores California’s severe vulnerability to climate change-fueled disasters—where heat waves, droughts, and wildfires grow more devastating by the year.
Meanwhile, another looming threat to the state’s limited water supply is the rapid expansion of data centers designed to meet the growing demand for AI. These massive facilities can use millions of gallons of water per day to cool their servers, with some projections indicating that AI-driven data centers could soon outpace the emissions of all California cars. Companies are flocking to water-stressed regions like Imperial Valley and Los Angeles County, lured by plentiful solar and wind resources as well as favorable tax incentives. But local communities, armed with examples of successful pushback in other states, are increasingly resisting these developments, fearful of intensifying competition for water. With the climate crisis already straining California’s reservoirs and rivers, the intersection of AI infrastructure and disaster management reveals a critical need to rethink the state’s resource priorities.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
China's AI disrupter DeepSeek bets on low-key team of 'young geniuses' to beat US giants
DeepSeek, the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) start-up that took the tech world by surprise with its powerful AI model developed on a ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has stunned the industry by developing an advanced large language model (LLM), DeepSeek V3, using limited resources and a “young geniuses” approach to talent. Rather than recruiting long-established AI researchers or overseas-educated PhDs, the Hangzhou-based firm prefers bright newcomers who have excelled in fields like physics and engineering at top universities in China. Founder and hedge-fund manager Liang Wenfeng, himself an AI graduate of Zhejiang University, spun DeepSeek off from High Flyer-Quant in 2023 and cultivates a low-key, mentor-like atmosphere, guiding junior engineers and researchers with subtle suggestions. DeepSeek’s team of around 150 researchers and engineers, plus a dedicated data automation wing, managed to train the V3 model in about two months using only 2,000 Nvidia H800 chips for roughly US$6 million—significantly less than typical training budgets for similarly capable models.
Despite its “shoestring” development, DeepSeek V3 has matched or even surpassed certain U.S. rivals, including systems from Meta and OpenAI. Much of this success rests on DeepSeek’s novel training architectures and techniques, such as Multi-head Latent Attention and DeepSeekMoE, which allow the firm to achieve major gains in performance without the usual financial and computing power requirements. High-profile engineers like “AI prodigy” Luo Fuli have helped raise DeepSeek’s visibility, reportedly drawing generous employment offers from other tech giants. As competition between Chinese and U.S. AI developers intensifies—and with China’s limited access to top-tier chips—DeepSeek’s resourceful approach and unconventional hiring methods have gained attention as a possible blueprint for closing the AI gap.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
CES 2025 has shown me the future of AI in fitness, and it's hilariously unimaginative
... AI. Artificial intelligence is being shoehorned into everything, from cars to coffee machines – often whether we like it or not. Even if it's an ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
The author of this opinion piece observes that the buzzword of CES 2025 was “AI,” with manufacturers integrating artificial intelligence into fitness gadgets as the next big trend. However, the author argues that most of these AI-powered fitness devices and services aren’t offering anything truly new. Products like the Amazfit Active 2 smartwatch, AI-guided home gym machines such as Amp and Gym Monster 2, and data-driven recovery plans from Therabody essentially build on existing algorithmic approaches that Garmin, COROS, and others have already used to recommend workouts based on training data. Although some companies are using large language models or generative AI to refine their suggestions, the results mostly resemble the same flowchart-based offerings from previous years.
According to the author, the fundamental limitation is that physical exercise and training still need a human element for real-time feedback and nuanced decision-making, such as dialing back intensity when you’re unwell. While AI can make intelligent recommendations or automate certain planning tasks, it doesn’t replace personal trainers or human expertise. Despite the hype, the author remains disappointed by the lack of truly inventive AI applications in the fitness sector at CES, believing that the so-called “AI revolution” in consumer health and fitness has yet to introduce anything genuinely game-changing.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
AI Isn't Magic, and It Isn't a Strategy Either - Inc. Magazine
You can be strategic with artificial intelligence but don't confuse it with having a strategy.
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
In this opinion piece, Larry Robertson argues that while artificial intelligence has the potential to transform how businesses operate, it should not be mistaken for a strategy in and of itself. Using past examples—like the fax machine and early desktop computing—Robertson illustrates how the hype around any new innovation often overstates its immediate impact. AI is no different: it’s a tool, not a complete plan.
Companies rushing to incorporate AI sometimes lose sight of their core mission and strategic goals, effectively letting the technology dictate their direction. Noting that AI can already exceed developers’ expectations, Robertson warns that blindly adopting it without a broader organizational “rewiring” can be detrimental. A recent McKinsey report echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that real competitive advantage arises from properly integrating AI into an organization’s overarching strategy and capabilities. Ultimately, businesses must remember that AI is an instrument to support strategy, not replace it.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
As technology evolves, it becomes harder to tell 'real' AI from marketing
Without understanding AI's function and foundation, it's easy to get lost in the hype cycle, technologists say.
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Technologists and industry professionals warn that the term “artificial intelligence” is often used so broadly and loosely that it can be difficult to distinguish between genuinely innovative AI tools and those overhyped for marketing purposes. While AI can involve sophisticated learning algorithms that improve over time, many companies simply use basic automations or rule-based alerts yet call them “AI-driven,” fueling confusion and fear of being left behind. This “AI washing” — where even simple predictive analytics or chatbots are labeled as cutting-edge generative AI — can obscure the actual capabilities of the technology. Educators like Stanford lecturer Jehangir Amjad emphasize that AI draws from a long history of incremental advancements, and note that hype around “original” and “creative” outputs often overlooks the reality that AI largely reorganizes data rather than inventing truly new ideas.
In today’s tech landscape, the competitive rush to introduce AI products leads organizations to spend on new software with little clarity about its practical implementation or the training required for employees to use it. Experts argue that while AI can be transformative in tasks like pattern recognition and data sorting, it has inherent limitations—namely, truly creative, original work still lies firmly in the realm of human effort. The broad definition of AI also opens the door for companies to over-promise its value or functionality, similar to past hype cycles around blockchain, Web3, or the cloud. In the end, while AI’s potential is enormous, being able to separate realistic applications from inflated claims is essential to harness its real benefits.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
Business Productivity Software Market to Grow by USD 119.4 Billion from 2025-2029
Integration capabilities with other business functions like customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP), and project ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
According to a new Technavio report, the global business productivity software market is poised to expand by USD 119.4 billion between 2025 and 2029, growing at a 17.6% CAGR over the forecast period. Key factors driving this growth include a greater need for large-scale business portfolio management, adoption of cloud-based solutions, and an increasing reliance on AI and machine learning to automate tasks and inform decision-making. Major players in the market, such as Adobe, Alphabet (Google), Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Salesforce, continue to refine productivity tools that integrate with enterprise systems like ERP and CRM, making it simpler to track projects, communicate with teams, and analyze large data sets in real time.
Despite this promising outlook, the report highlights certain challenges, including cybersecurity threats and the complexity of integrating new software into existing workflows. As organizations transition to hybrid work models, demand for secure, mobile-friendly solutions that can accommodate remote employees is on the rise, placing an emphasis on data encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Looking ahead, AI-powered features such as predictive analytics, scheduling automation, and workflow orchestration are expected to become increasingly critical. With cost-effective subscription models and robust cloud-based offerings leading the way, business productivity software will remain vital for companies striving to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate project delivery, and stay competitive in a data-driven marketplace.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
Global Real Estate CRM Software Market Size, Share and Forecast - openPR.com
... customer relationships, streamline operations, and improve sales performance. These CRM systems help real estate agents manage leads, track ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
According to a new report by Market Research Intellect, the global Real Estate CRM Software market is expected to grow at a robust CAGR of 14.73% between 2024 and 2031, increasing in value from $7.88 billion to around $17.97 billion by the end of the period. This surge is driven largely by the real estate sector’s continued need for streamlined lead management, automated marketing tools, and central databases that can track and personalize client interactions. Demand for mobile accessibility, AI-enabled analytics, and predictive modeling is also rising as market competition intensifies and agencies seek better, data-driven insights.
Despite these positive trends, data security concerns, integration challenges, and high implementation costs could pose hurdles for broader adoption of real estate CRM solutions. Nonetheless, mergers and acquisitions remain a key strategy in the sector, with leading players consolidating their positions and expanding their technology portfolios to cater to diverse market needs. As digital marketing grows more essential and consumer expectations continue to evolve, real estate CRM software is set to play an increasingly pivotal role, helping professionals optimize operations and maintain a competitive edge.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
Cybersecurity myths that are putting businesses at risk | Microscope - Computer Weekly
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Services · Enterprise Resource Management (ERP) Services · Independent Software Vendor (ISV) community ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Many businesses underestimate cybersecurity threats, assuming hackers only target large enterprises or believing that basic antivirus software offers sufficient defense. In reality, small organizations are often prime targets due to limited protection measures, and relying solely on antivirus software leaves gaps in layered security. Additionally, business owners sometimes dismiss the value of their own data, not realizing even “insignificant” information can be used for illicit purposes, sold on the dark web, or exploited to commit fraud. Another prevalent myth is that outsourcing IT automatically transfers all cybersecurity responsibilities to a service provider, but unclear role definitions and overlooked software patches can still open the door to damaging breaches.
Key Takeaways
- Size Doesn’t Matter: Small companies are frequently targeted, as they typically lack advanced defenses.
- Layered Security Is Crucial: Relying on one security solution is insufficient; tools like multi-factor authentication, regular patching, and backups are essential.
- Cost-Effective Measures Exist: Free resources like the NCSC’s Cyber Essentials, along with basic but robust security steps, can drastically improve protection.
- Data Always Has Value: Hackers aim to exploit customer information, financial records, or even delivery details.
- Shared Responsibility: Outsourcing IT tasks doesn’t absolve an organization from maintaining vigilance; responsibilities and expectations should be well-defined and regularly audited.
By dispelling myths and focusing on practical, budget-friendly strategies, businesses can protect themselves more effectively against evolving cyberthreats.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
'We're just getting started': How the crypto industry plans to remake Washington - POLITICO
Coinbase, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, is now calling on President-elect Donald Trump and the new Republican-controlled Congress to quickly pass ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
The cryptocurrency industry, led by firms like Coinbase and venture firm Andreessen Horowitz, poured substantial resources into the 2024 election cycle—most notably through the pro-crypto super PAC Fairshake, which spent a staggering $173 million in support of crypto-friendly candidates. Their efforts helped unseat prominent skeptics such as former Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio). Now, with Donald Trump returning to the White House and Republicans controlling Congress, the industry hopes this newly empowered leadership will move swiftly to pass legislation designating the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as the primary regulator for digital assets, simplifying a regulatory patchwork they believe has stifled innovation.
Coinbase, in particular, is calling for an end to what its president and COO Emilie Choi describes as “regulation by enforcement” and “turf wars” among federal agencies. Despite past statements from Trump that dismissed cryptocurrency as “not money” with value “based on thin air,” his new administration features notable pro-crypto figures like Paul Atkins, who will chair the Securities and Exchange Commission, and David Sacks as an adviser on AI and crypto. The crypto industry views this shift as an opportunity to broaden the technology’s domestic development, focusing on comprehensive rules rather than piecemeal crackdowns—and vows to keep expanding its lobbying efforts until “100 percent of the members of Congress understand and are pro-crypto.”
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
How Crypto Regulation Could Change Under Trump and the New SEC
President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to make the US “the crypto capital of the planet.” He envisions creating a Bitcoin strategic reserve, ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Under the incoming Trump administration, the U.S. crypto sector may see a dramatic shift in regulatory approach, reflecting the President-elect’s pledge to make the country the “crypto capital of the planet.” Paul Atkins, a known cryptocurrency supporter, is poised to lead the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and many industry players are hopeful he will halt “regulation by enforcement” in favor of clearer, more supportive rules. Key areas on the table include clarifying which crypto assets qualify as securities—especially for initial token sales—while potentially allowing secondary trading to proceed without strict broker-dealer rules. There’s also growing sentiment that consumer protection regulations, similar to Japan’s approach, may better serve the market than the more cumbersome securities-focused framework for every transaction.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill appear ready to enact new crypto legislation—potentially covering stablecoins, guidance for non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and clarifying the SEC’s stance on custodial services. For innovators, the main goal is to gain explicit assurances about which tokens and transactions fall outside securities laws. Meanwhile, proposed changes such as repealing staff accounting rules that hinder banks from providing crypto custody could galvanize the broader financial industry’s involvement. Although much is still uncertain, the possibility of a pro-crypto environment in Washington has offered renewed hope for the sector, which has long sought clear regulatory engagement and stability.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
Donald Trump could issue crypto executive orders on first day: Report - Cointelegraph
US President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly expected to issue a crypto-related executive order on his first day back in power on Jan. 20.
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
Donald Trump may sign several crypto-related executive orders on Jan. 20, his first day back in the White House, according to a report by The Washington Post. These orders could address crypto “de-banking,” which industry executives say stems from Biden-era financial regulators pressuring banks to cut off digital asset firms. Another key target is the SEC’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 121, which classifies crypto held by banks as liabilities on their balance sheets—an approach Trump’s advisors want repealed.
Trump’s incoming crypto and artificial intelligence czar, David Sacks, has reportedly indicated that the new administration will prioritize rolling back Biden’s “Operation ChokePoint 2.0.” Additionally, prominent venture capitalist Marc Andreessen is said to be playing a behind-the-scenes role in screening candidates for various government positions, including tech, defense, and intelligence posts. These moves align with Trump’s campaign promise to make the United States a global “crypto capital,” which includes establishing a Bitcoin strategic reserve and easing regulatory hurdles for the industry.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
-
Weekly Roundup: Major Price Correction in the Crypto Market - Mobee
The global market shows a positive trend with the U.S. services sector growing strongly, while Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana experience ...
Published on: Jan 22, 2025 13:13
Original Article: Click here to read the original article
Thawakery Quick Summary:
During the week of January 6–13, 2025, global economic data underscored a resilient U.S. economy, highlighted by stronger-than-anticipated service sector activity, a steady labor market, and rising Treasury yields. Despite some softer signals (like the lower-than-expected ADP Nonfarm Employment), major indicators—such as Nonfarm Payrolls surpassing forecasts and the Unemployment Rate dipping—reinforced the Federal Reserve’s “higher-for-longer” interest rate stance.
In the crypto market, Bitcoin (BTC) initially broke above the $99,000 resistance but failed to maintain that level, retracing to a range around $93,000–$95,900. Ethereum (ETH) similarly pushed above $3,591 before reversing and dropping below subsequent supports; it now trades near $3,251, with $3,000 as the next major target if selling pressure persists. Solana (SOL) climbed past $203.40 but quickly reversed course, consolidating near the $181–$185 support zone. Across these assets, traders saw a shift from bullish breakouts to a more cautious, sideways or downward trend, driven by indecision and selling pressure. A solid rebound would require each cryptocurrency to reclaim its former support levels or break higher resistance thresholds, while a breach below current supports could trigger further declines.
Your Vote
You have not voted yet
Original Article
Click here to read the original article
*WARNING* - If the "Source" link above is not working, the article was moved or removed, and we do NOT have control of that part. Just so you know.
Our Sponsors
Featured Articles
- Business Productivity Software Market to Grow by USD 119.4 Billion from 2025-2029
- Cybersecurity myths that are putting businesses at risk | Microscope - Computer Weekly
- 'We're just getting started': How the crypto industry plans to remake Washington - POLITICO
- Weekly Roundup: Major Price Correction in the Crypto Market - Mobee
- AI Agents in the USA: Development Services and Use Cases
About
Welcome to our news section where we bring you the latest articles across various topics. Explore, engage, and stay informed.