Latest news with #Metaverse
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Why Mark Zuckerberg is making a $14 billion bet on an AI startup
Charles Rollet is a rockstar tech reporter who recently joined Business Insider. He's knocked out several scoops about Scale AI lately. This is the startup that Meta is investing in. Founder Alexandr Wang is also joining Meta. If you want to understand what Mark Zuckerberg is buying, Charles's coverage is a must-read. He broke news on how Google used Scale AI to chase ChatGPT and led exclusive reporting on how big Scale AI customers are deserting the startup. There's also an astounding story on how Scale AI left sensitive data about Google, xAI, and Meta open for anyone on the web to see. I asked Charles what he thought of this peculiar deal. Why is Zuck paying so much? If you want a cutting-edge AI model, one way to do that is by having humans rewrite millions of chatbot responses and do lots of other little tricks to painstakingly improve each AI answer. Our reporting shows that Scale AI specializes in this kind of work: it's what Scale AI did to help Google catch up with ChatGPT, for example. This kind of expertise is valuable for Zuck as he seeks to release new models that blow everyone away. The lukewarm reception to Llama 4 clearly got to him, and he's taking aggressive action. What's the future of Scale AI now, and how can it help Meta and Zuck's AI ambitions? Or is this just a massive acquihire of Alexandr Wang? It was stunning to see Google pull Scale AI projects hours after the Meta investment was announced. It's an open question whether Scale AI can regain that kind of lost revenue. But I don't think Meta will just let Scale AI peter out and die. Meta now has much more direct access to Scale AI for training its latest models. Zuck needs Llama models to be at, or very near, the top of AI benchmarks. And Scale AI has a good idea of what works and what doesn't, along with the platform to make things happen. This deal wasn't solely about hiring Wang — no offense to Alex, but there were probably cheaper ways to do that. What has your Scale AI reporting revealed about how AI models are developed? Training AI models requires a ton of human labor. A key way to improve models is through Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback, or RLHF. Scale AI's biggest platform, Remotasks, has more than 240,000 human contributors doing this stuff. Ironically, automation is something of a problem here: It turns out that these humans often prefer to copy and paste answers from ChatGPT instead of giving genuine human feedback. We noticed many examples of humans being banned from Scale AI's platforms for doing this. What else should BI readers know about this situation? Zuck made a huge bet with Scale AI. People have been comparing this to the Metaverse, which burned billions and hasn't panned out yet. But if Meta starts to climb AI rankings and gets Llama models performing much better, this could be seen as a wise move — closer to Facebook buying Instagram.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
King Hussein Business Park launches region's first virtual Business Ecosystem in the Metaverse
Amman, Jordan – In a pioneering move toward shaping the digital future, King Hussein Business Park (KHBP) officially has announced the launch of the Virtual King Hussein Business Park, the first integrated virtual smart business ecosystem in Jordan and the region, powered by Metaverse technologies. This platform was developed in partnership with Hydra, a leading company in software development and virtual reality solutions. It represents one of the Business Park's most prominent startups, reflecting its ongoing commitment to digital transformation and entrepreneurial empowerment. Unveiled during an official signing ceremony held at the King Hussein Business Park in the presence of the Business Park's and Hydra management, the platform forms a key part of the broader digital transformation strategy. This strategy has included the launch of a new corporate website, an AI-powered automated voice response service, and several smart applications designed to enhance business operations. The Virtual King Hussein Business Park offers a dynamic and immersive environment where companies can establish and manage operations entirely online. The platform enables users to rent virtual office spaces, register their businesses, and gain access to government services. It also facilitates the hosting of virtual events such as webinars, provides advertising opportunities within the platform, and allows entrepreneurs to connect with investors and partners from around the world, all within a fully integrated 'smart digital business city' that redefines how business is done across borders. This flexible, innovation-driven platform serves as a strategic tool to attract international, regional, and local enterprises. It supports business setup and management virtually, acceleration and market access through simplifying operational procedures, reducing overhead costs, and fostering global connectivity. Additionally, it supports young entrepreneurs in entering the market, promoting innovation, and helping position Jordan as a regional hub for technology and investment. Commenting on the occasion, Ammar Izziddin, CEO of King Hussein Business Park, said, 'The launch of this virtual platform marks a strategic milestone in our evolution toward becoming an integrated smart business gateway. It enhances the fluidity of physical and virtual operations while presenting a bold model that blends innovation, accessibility, and global connectivity. We are proud of the new platform, which aligns with the Royal Vision to build a sustainable, youth-driven digital economy that remains on top of global advancements in technology and entrepreneurship. It paves the way for the development of globally competitive projects, with the help of streamlined operations and attractive incentives.' Basheer Hinnawi, Founder and CEO of Hydra, added, 'This project represents a powerful integration of Jordan's entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems. It showcases the KHBP's role as a catalyst for launching scalable technology projects with regional and global potential, amplifying Jordanian success stories on the world stage.' It is worth noting that King Hussein Business Park continues to be a home to a growing number of companies in the technology, media, telecommunications, and creative industries, offering an advanced and sustainable business environment that supports growth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Arabian Post
23-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
TerraZero Unveils Voice‑Activated Guide 'Gigi' for Intraverse Platform
TerraZero has introduced 'Gigi', a voice-activated AI assistant designed to guide users through its immersive 3D social gaming and brand-engagement platform, Intraverse. The assistant is available both on the website and within virtual environments, offering real-time audio guidance to facilitate exploration, creation, and interaction. This marks a key shift in user experience, integrating conversational AI with virtual exploration functionality. Gigi enables users to ask questions aloud and receive spoken responses, helping them navigate virtual apartments, branded activations, and artist-led environments. The technology has been developed in partnership with AI infrastructure startup TheHallway Inc., leveraging a closed-source model trained specifically for Intraverse use cases. Its in-world presence permits seamless movement and customisation of environments guided by natural language prompts, enhancing accessibility across mobile, tablet and desktop platforms. The AI guide reflects a wider strategic push by TerraZero, supported by parent company BIGG Digital Assets Inc., to deepen engagement and monetisation within the Metaverse. Commentators from TerraZero emphasise Gigi's role as an interface 'for how we engage with the 3D web,' signalling a shift away from static environments toward dynamic, intuitive user experiences. ADVERTISEMENT Over the past year, the company has progressed through closed and open beta stages, integrating e-commerce tools, virtual apartments, social chat functions and gaming interfaces. In March, the public beta launched following the 'Great Online Sale', a collaboration with Dubai's retail authority and SEED Group. More than 80 major brands participated, offering interactive shopping experiences within branded virtual stores and attracting thousands of users. Following that event, TerraZero summarised the 2024 development roadmap, noting the rollout of game mechanics, artist to fan communication tools, scalable automation pipelines, and friend system features. The focus in 2025 now centres on public onboarding, brand and creator activations, and commercial growth. Industry analysts say Gigi exemplifies a growing trend in virtual platforms that blend immersive 3D social spaces with AI-driven assistance. By providing voice-interaction capabilities, TerraZero reduces barriers for new users and offers a smoother onboarding process, especially in environments that can be complex and multifaceted. Gigi's capabilities extend beyond simple navigation. Operators and content creators can query the AI assistant for advice on building activations and designing virtual environments. This can streamline the ideation process, reducing the need for manual setup or guidance from developers. TerraZero anticipates Gigi will evolve alongside the platform, adapting to new artist events, brand rollouts, and environmental controls. Strategic partnerships position Intraverse for further innovation. The early integration of AI follows on from TerraZero's 2023 move to integrate Polygon's proof-of-stake blockchain, enabling minting of digital assets, fiat payments and KYC compliance. That announcement preceded brand activations including campaigns with Bebe Rexha, Warner Records and Fidelity International. TerraZero's focus on accessible virtual commerce has previously led to a beta offering for an iGaming tech stack, employing iframe-linked casino-style games hosted by licensed operators, anchored within branded virtual spaces. The company plans further rollouts targeting entertainment, music, and branded events in 2025. BIGG Digital Assets reported strategic achievements in February, highlighting TerraZero's completion of the 2024 roadmap and the initiation of a 2025 public rollout aimed at revenue growth through brand activations and enterprise engagement. The launch of Gigi appears aligned with this direction, adding a layer of AI enabling more intuitive user interaction and scalable creative potential. Key voices within TerraZero underscore Gigi's significance. Brandon F. Johnson, President and COO, described the AI as representing 'a new interface for how we engage with the 3D web'. Early reports suggest the in-world version helps users navigate with ease, creating a stepping stone toward richer interactive experiences. TerraZero is encouraging brands, artists and creators to adopt the Intraverse platform, using Gigi to support ideation and rollouts. The company pitches the AI as both a user aid and a toolkit for commercial engagement—helping plan event spaces, virtual storefronts, and brand activations via natural language prompts. As virtual spaces evolve from static exhibition environments to dynamic, voice-guided social platforms, TerraZero is positioning itself at the intersection of AI, gaming and e-commerce. Gigi marks a significant step in that evolution, enabling conversation, navigation and creative control within a 3D world. The technology also offers brands and creators a scalable way to co-create immersive experiences without requiring deep technical knowledge.
Khaleej Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Where AI and top professionals help you learn and earn
CEEK is running full steam with brand new features geared at empowering everyone who wants to turn their unique perspective into content. Known for unforgettable experiences with Bon Jovi, Lady Gaga, Universal Music and Magic Gaming, the platform enables users (ceekers) to engage deeper on any and every screen. CEEK's mission is turning content into currency by enabling creators to sell, stream or license their creations on any device: mobile, TV, VR/AR, web, wearables, and protecting it from AI companies training on it for free. 'Today, most creators don't make enough to even pay for the content they create. We saw this need years ago and successfully created a platform that them earn with AI, virtual commerce, in the Metaverse, live coaching and many other ways that weren't available twenty years ago when most social media platforms were built,' says CEEK Founder Mary Spio. CEEK has incorporated AI tools that help you create and even interact with fans in your own authentic voice, so you can amplify who you are 24/7. No experience or coding needed to get started. Mary Spio is seeking to redefine the creator economy, turning anyone into bonafide professionals with polished work worthy of worldwide recognition. On CEEK, fans, labels, collectors and studios can directly buy ownership rights in content they love and benefit from its potential value—turning fans into owners and creating a powerful viral loop where ownership drives promotion and attracts more fans. No more chasing algorithms or dealing with trolls. It comes as no surprise that top professionals, sports teams, educators, life coaches and practically anyone looking to inspire, educate, and share what they love, know or do, are choosing to call CEEK home for their content.
New Indian Express
11-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Meta to invest $15 billion in Scale AI in a bid to achieve computerised ‘superintelligence'
Meta is preparing to unveil a $15 billion investment to pursue computerised 'superintelligence', an AI capable of outperforming humans across all tasks, by securing a 49 percent stake in Scale AI, according to The Gaurdian. This move marks one of Meta's largest external investments to date, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg assembles a 50‑member team to pioneer an advanced AI initiative dubbed 'superintelligence,' alongside Scale's founder and CEO, Alexandr Wang. Scale AI, founded in 2016 by Alexandr Wang and Lucy Guo, is a San Francisco‑based leader in AI data labelling. In 2025, the company is projected to double its revenues, rising from roughly $870 million in 2024 to about $2 billion this year, with an anticipated valuation nearing $25 billion, Reuters reported. Superintelligence is described as a type of AI that can perform better than humans at all tasks. Currently AI cannot reach the same level as humans in all tasks, a state known as artificial general intelligence (AGI). Recent studies have shown that many mainstream systems collapse when presented with highly complex puzzles. This initiative comes as Meta looks to rebound from recent setbacks, such as the underperformance of its LLaMA 4 models, delays in its flagship 'Behemoth' AI, and the fading momentum of the Metaverse, amid escalating competition from OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, and Microsoft Meta's bold strategy has sparked renewed calls in Europe for transparent, publicly‑funded AI research programs, mirroring institutions like CERN to ensure accountability, fairness, and public trust in this rapidly accelerating technological race .
