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This week in AI, Alphabet Inc. restricted election-related queries on its AI chatbot Bard, Bill Gates discussed AI's impact on healthcare, and OpenAI, along with Microsoft, faced a copyright infringement lawsuit. Google's decision aims to manage AI's interaction with voters for the 2024 elections. Bill Gates emphasized AI's potential in healthcare and its influence on future generations. OpenAI and Microsoft are accused of using authors' works without permission to train AI programs. Additionally, Jordan Peterson criticized the 'wokeness' of AI chatbots, and Elon Musk reflected on OpenAI's early days.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

December 24, 2023 | 2:00 pm

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Alphabet Inc. considered changing Google Play's fee model to avoid regulatory scrutiny but decided against it, fearing multi-billion dollar losses. Documents from the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit revealed Project Everest, which assessed alternative billing models. Google feared significant revenue loss with the proposed changes, opting instead for a model allowing developers to handle payments for a reduced fee. The Epic lawsuit also highlighted Google's app store duopoly with Apple Inc., which is under threat due to legal challenges and regulatory scrutiny.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

December 24, 2023 | 12:53 pm

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Apple Inc. (AAPL) faces a potential U.S. ban on its $17 billion smartwatch business due to patent infringement allegations by Masimo Corp. (MASI). Apple is modifying algorithms to avoid the ban. Apple Card Savings Account interest rate has increased to 4.25% APY. Apple instructed customer service not to guide customers to watch retailers, affecting sales at Walmart (WMT), Best Buy (BBY), and Target (TGT). Apple unveiled AI tech 'HUGS' for digital avatars and is under DOJ scrutiny for blocking the Beeper app.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

December 24, 2023 | 12:43 pm

Aylo Holdings, the parent company of Pornhub.com, has been arraigned on charges of profiting from sex trafficking proceeds and agreed to pay a $1.84 million fine. The charges stem from Aylo's hosting of videos from GirlsDoPorn, which were allegedly created through sex trafficking. Despite receiving complaints and content removal requests, Aylo continued to profit from the partnership until 2019. The FBI conducted the investigation. In 2020, Visa (V) and Mastercard (MA) severed ties with Pornhub over related accusations.

Portfolio Pulse from Nabaparna Bhattacharya

December 23, 2023 | 8:40 pm

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The anticipated launch of the spot Bitcoin ETF is expected to occur between January 5-10, 2024. The SEC's 'cash only' requirement has been met by ETF providers, clearing the way for the launch. QCP Capital warns of potential short-term volatility, suggesting a 'sell the news' scenario with Bitcoin possibly retracing to $36,000 before resuming its uptrend. Long-term, QCP remains bullish on Bitcoin. They advise experienced investors to consider strategic plays like selling covered calls and buying puts. Ethereum may temporarily lag behind Bitcoin but could benefit from future spot ETF developments.

Portfolio Pulse from Murtuza Merchant

December 23, 2023 | 3:02 pm

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Stock indices marked their eighth consecutive week of gains, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all rising. Inflation measured by the PCE index fell to 2.5% in November, the lowest since March 2021, prompting economists to reconsider the Fed's rate plans for 2024. Bullish views included predictions for Apple and Tesla, a potential Bitcoin ETF approval, and a Dogecoin rally. Bearish perspectives involved a drop in oil prices following Angola's OPEC exit, a predicted 75% fall in Ethereum, and a downgrade of Roku by Seaport Research Partners.

Portfolio Pulse from Michael Cohen

December 23, 2023 | 2:50 pm

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Billy Markus, co-founder of Dogecoin, criticized SEC Chair Gary Gensler for not providing clear rules for the crypto industry, reacting to Gensler's comments on widespread non-compliance and fraud in the sector. Gensler described the crypto market as the 'Wild West' and emphasized the harm to US investors due to non-compliance with securities laws.

Portfolio Pulse from Rounak Jain

December 23, 2023 | 10:00 am

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Apple Inc. (AAPL) is in talks with news and publishing firms for licensing deals worth $50 million to train its generative AI systems. The deals with firms like Condé Nast, NBC News, and IAC are part of Apple's efforts to compete in the generative AI space, where tech giants like Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, and Meta Platforms are active. Publishers' responses are mixed, with some concerned about licensing terms and legal liabilities, while others see potential for collaboration. The deals could provide a legal framework for using news content in AI training, amid industry concerns about copyright use by AI systems.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 23, 2023 | 8:10 am

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Morgan Stanley CEO James Gorman agrees with Warren Buffett's view that poor management decisions led to recent bank failures. In an interview, Gorman criticized the mismanagement and recklessness of banks, specifically citing the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and others as 'entirely their own doing.' Despite this, he remains optimistic about the future of investment banks, predicting a surge in activity once interest rates stabilize.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

December 23, 2023 | 6:28 am

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Alphabet Inc's Waymo has achieved significant milestones this year, including providing over 700,000 autonomous rides and expanding its operation areas. The co-CEOs highlighted the safety of Waymo Driver, which was involved in fewer crashes compared to human drivers. Despite industry challenges, including calls for federal regulation and a recent accident involving a Cruise AV, Waymo's performance in terms of miles traveled before a crash surpasses that of Cruise and the average human driver.

Portfolio Pulse from Anan Ashraf

December 23, 2023 | 5:51 am