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AAPL

Apple Inc. has introduced a new generative AI technology called HUGS, which stands for Human Gaussian Splats. This technology can create a digital human avatar from a short video in approximately 30 minutes. The avatars are fully animatable and can be produced at a rendering speed of 60fps at HD resolution. The research was conducted in partnership with the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems and underscores Apple's focus on AI as a central component of its products and future growth, as emphasized by CEO Tim Cook.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 20, 2023 | 10:05 am

GOOG

MSFT

Microsoft Corp. has introduced a new extension called Suno for Copilot, allowing users to generate AI songs using just a line of text. Suno, created by musicians and AI experts in Cambridge, enables the creation of songs with lyrics, instrumentation, and voice. The service is free for up to 10 songs per day or 300 per month, with paid plans for more frequent users. Microsoft's integration of AI into its products is part of a broader trend, with rivals like Alphabet Inc.'s YouTube also exploring generative AI music tools.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

December 20, 2023 | 8:58 am

HIMX

Himax Technologies is set to unveil its new generation WiseEye AI processor, WE2, at CES 2024. This announcement could indicate the company's continued innovation and commitment to the AI sector, potentially impacting its market position and investor sentiment.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 20, 2023 | 8:41 am

GOOG

GOOGL

META

Google, under Alphabet Inc. (GOOG, GOOGL), is restricting election-related queries on its AI chatbot Bard and search generative experience ahead of the 2024 U.S. Presidential election. This follows Meta Platforms Inc. (META)'s decision to ban political campaigns from using its AI advertising products and to require disclosure of AI use in political ads. The moves reflect concerns over AI's role in spreading misinformation during elections.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 20, 2023 | 8:15 am

AAPL

An Israeli soldier's life was saved when his iPhone, believed to be an iPhone X, stopped a bullet. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally replaced the soldier's damaged phone with the latest iPhone 15, which features a USB-C slot. The incident was shared by the Living Lchaim account on X (formerly Twitter). Apple's iPhones and smartwatches have a history of life-saving incidents, though the company has not claimed their devices are bulletproof.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 20, 2023 | 2:49 am

AMC

CNK

DIS

A projection for the global box office in 2024 forecasts a 5% decline from 2023, potentially impacting movie theater operators like AMC and Cinemark. The Hollywood Strike has caused production delays, affecting the number of movies released. Despite record-breaking films in 2023, Disney struggled without a $1 billion hit. Concert films may boost AMC's Q4 results. China's box office is expected to grow, but North America's could drop 11%. The decline is attributed to reduced production, not waning interest in cinema. The impact of the strike is expected to be felt in 2024, with a recovery possible in 2025.

Portfolio Pulse from Chris Katje

December 20, 2023 | 12:12 am

AAPL

AMZN

CRWD

CYBR

DIS

GOOG

GOOGL

MAGS

META

MSFT

NVDA

PANW

QQQ

TENB

TSLA

Wedbush analyst Daniel Ives predicts major developments in the tech sector for 2024, including AI going mainstream, Apple introducing an AI App Store, increased M&A activity, Tesla launching a sub-$30K vehicle, tech stocks rising by 25%, Apple potentially acquiring ESPN, cybersecurity being the top sub-sector, the 'Magnificent 7' leading tech growth, Musk advancing the super-app concept for X, and Apple and Microsoft reaching $4 trillion market caps.

Portfolio Pulse from Chris Katje

December 19, 2023 | 9:55 pm

SPCE

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:SPCE) has announced the opening of the 'Galactic 06' flight window on January 26, 2024. This marks the company's 11th spaceflight and follows a year with six suborbital spaceflights in six months. The upcoming commercial spaceflight will carry four private astronauts from Ukraine/California, Texas, Austria, and California. The crew includes VSS Unity Commander CJ Sturckow, pilot Nicola Pecile, VMS Eve Commander Michael Masucci, and pilot Dan Alix. CEO Michael Colglazier highlighted the company's achievements and the safe customer experience provided.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 19, 2023 | 9:12 pm

CELH

KDP

MNST

PEP

Patrick Mahomes has signed with PRIME Drink Company as a PRIME Hydration Athlete, potentially boosting the brand's profile and challenging the dominance of Coca-Cola and Pepsi in the sports drink market. PRIME, co-founded by Logan Paul and KSI, has shown significant growth, with $565 million in sales and a 896% increase year-over-year. Coca-Cola and Pepsi, with their respective brands Powerade, BodyArmor, and Gatorade, may face increased competition as PRIME continues to expand its market presence.

Portfolio Pulse from Chris Katje

December 19, 2023 | 9:09 pm

TCNNF

Florida is on the cusp of a significant shift in cannabis policy, potentially moving from medical to recreational marijuana use. A ballot initiative supported by Smart & Safe Florida and Trulieve (OTC:TCNNF) aims to legalize recreational cannabis for adults over 21. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Hollywood, Florida, will be a pivotal event for stakeholders to discuss these changes. The state has already seen progress with a bill approved by the Florida Senate Criminal Justice Committee to legalize recreational marijuana and establish a regulatory framework.

Portfolio Pulse from Abbey Higginbotham

December 19, 2023 | 7:58 pm