Apple’s Quiet Transformation: The New Siri Keyboard

There’s a time and place for everything, and that includes talking to digital assistants. In the privacy of my own home, I’ve got no problem saying “Hey Google, Alexa, Siri, Meta,” and on occasion, “Bixby.” But out in public? Where other people can perceive me? I’d rather crawl under a rock.

This aversion to talking to AI gadgets in public isn’t unique to me. Despite the growing ubiquity of voice-activated assistants, most people seem reluctant to use them outside their homes. Apple seems to have picked up on this hesitancy. During the recent WWDC keynote, Apple announced that iOS 18 will enable users to type to Siri instead.

Technically, you can already type to Siri via the iPhone’s accessibility settings (Accessibility > Siri > Type to Siri). However, iOS 18 will make this feature more accessible by allowing users to double-tap the bottom of the screen to bring up a Siri keyboard. Additionally, it will show quick suggestions that can be tapped instead of typing or speaking a whole query.

Imagine being able to set a timer or play a song without muttering commands under your breath in a crowded café. This feature could significantly reduce the self-consciousness that comes with using voice commands in public. Not only is it practical, but it also respects your privacy by letting you interact with your phone quietly.

As an investor, features like these show that Apple is in tune with its user base, continuously innovating and refining their user experience.

DEI vs. Meritocracy: The Debate Continues

Who’s afraid of the big bad DEI? Diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have been either embraced as essential or condemned as unnecessary in the tech industry. Scale AI’s founder Alexandr Wang recently stirred up this debate by posting on social media, advocating for MEI – merit, excellence, and intelligence – instead of DEI.

Wang’s post declares Scale AI as a meritocracy, stating that hiring decisions are made solely on qualifications without the influence of any orthodoxies or virtue signaling. This prompted a range of reactions, from enthusiastic support on X (formerly Twitter) to skepticism and criticism on LinkedIn.

Critics argue that the notion of meritocracy is subjective and often overlooks the systemic barriers faced by underrepresented groups. Diverse teams, they contend, are more effective and bring different perspectives that enrich problem-solving processes. For instance, a survey revealed that the number of new women recruits in the U.S. data industry dropped significantly from 36% to 12% in just one year.

The discussion around DEI versus meritocracy exposes the tech industry’s ongoing struggle with inclusivity. Companies must recognize that hiring the best talent isn’t just about credentials or prior experience but involves understanding and addressing the structural inequalities that affect access to these opportunities. While some view DEI efforts as counterproductive, there’s ample data showing diverse teams drive better outcomes. Silicon Valley’s fixation on meritocracy might prevent it from seeing the full picture, especially when the so-called merit often benefits those already in advantageous positions.

Nvidia: Defending Its AI Throne

AI has captured the imagination of both believers and skeptics, and at the center of this revolution is Nvidia. The upcoming annual shareholder meeting on June 26, 2024, promises to shed light on the company’s strategies amidst increasing competition.

One aspect that sets Nvidia apart is its substantial cash reserve. Outpacing its competitors, Nvidia spent $2.7 billion on research and development last quarter. AMD and Intel spent $1.5 billion and $4.4 billion respectively, but Intel’s overspending has put it in the red.

The AI market is predicted to grow rapidly, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.5% through 2030. Nvidia aims to maintain its dominant position by continually innovating and expanding its revenue streams.

Beyond its powerful AI-enabling chips, Nvidia is venturing into full-scale AI ecosystems, partnering with companies like Dell, and exploring technologies in autonomous vehicles, humanoid robotics, and drug research.

To stay ahead, Nvidia isn’t just focusing on hardware but on creating a comprehensive AI platform that solidifies its position as a central player in the AI world. For investors, Nvidia’s strategic expansion beyond chips into a broader AI ecosystem makes it a compelling long-term investment.

APIGen: The Teenage AI Prodigies

In a small office in Boulder, Colorado, two 18-year-old best friends, Christopher Fitzgerald and Nicholas Van Landschoot, are working on their startup APIGen after raising a $500,000 pre-seed investment from Varana Capital. This high school project has now become a promising venture aiming to simplify API creation.

APIGen’s platform will allow businesses to build custom APIs from natural language prompts. For example, an e-commerce business could request an API to connect its web front end to its database, and APIGen would generate the code, even enabling complex functionalities.

The road ahead for APIGen is still in its early stages, but with a beta version set to be released soon and interest already brewing from businesses, this startup highlights the democratizing potential of AI. It’s not just the big players who are innovating; even high school graduates are making a significant impact on the tech landscape, proving that innovation knows no age.

CISOs and CIOs: The New Dynamic Duo

As cybersecurity threats rise, CIOs and CISOs must work closer than ever. Balancing robust security measures with minimal disruption to productivity is no easy task. One area where this balancing act plays out is multi-factor authentication (MFA), a proven deterrent against identity-based attacks, yet often resisted by employees.

To effectively manage cybersecurity, companies need to understand the different skill sets required at varying stages of their growth. CISOs with a technical focus may be ideal for mid-sized companies, but as businesses scale, a CISO with a compliance or risk management background might be more suitable.

Moreover, the CISO’s role is broad, but without domain control, they must collaborate across the enterprise. This requires the CIO to foster direct lines of communication between the CISO and other business leaders, ensuring cybersecurity measures are taken seriously and implemented effectively.

In the age of AI and increasing digital interconnectivity, the relationship between CIOs and CISOs is more critical than ever. Businesses must strike the right balance between security and productivity, knowing that both are essential for long-term success.