IBM announced that it is selling its weather unit, which includes popular platforms like The Weather Channel mobile app and Weather.com, to Francisco Partners, a tech-focused private equity firm. The deal also includes the weather unit’s forecasting science and tech platform, as well as enterprise data services for various industries. Francisco Partners plans to enhance the consumer experience by adding new tools related to health and well-being. IBM will retain access to the company’s weather data, which it uses for its artificial intelligence models. The sale aligns with IBM’s focus on software, cloud services, and AI development.

A new field of business is emerging in the fight against global warming – removing carbon from the atmosphere. While big air vacuums have been used in this endeavor, new technology is now focusing on utilizing the ocean’s capabilities as a major carbon sink. The ocean, often referred to as the lungs of the planet, absorbs a quarter of all carbon dioxide we produce and generates half of the oxygen we need. However, with increasing heat and carbon dioxide levels, the ocean’s ability to function optimally has been compromised.

Companies such as Ebb Carbon, Equatic, Captura, and Running Tide are now using innovative methods to restore ocean chemistry and enhance its carbon absorption capabilities. This involves utilizing an electrochemical process to remove acid from seawater, enabling it to absorb and store carbon dioxide more effectively. Ebb Carbon alone aims to remove one million tons of CO2 annually within five years. These new technologies not only contribute to addressing climate change but also offer potential revenue streams through carbon removal services and sales of offsets to companies seeking zero-emission goals. The scalability and potential for lower costs make this an attractive opportunity for investors.

Ebb Carbon, backed by Prelude Ventures, Evok Innovations, Congruent Ventures, and Propeller, has raised $27.75 million to date for its ocean-based carbon removal technology.

Nvidia is set to announce its fiscal second-quarter earnings, reflecting the significant surge in its stock price primarily driven by the booming demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. Analysts predict that the company’s revenue will have increased by 67% in comparison to the previous year, primarily due to the insatiable demand for graphics processing units (GPUs) utilized in generative AI services. Investors are eagerly waiting to see if Nvidia’s momentum will continue, with third-quarter revenue expected to exceed 110% of the prior year.

CEO Jensen Huang has positioned Nvidia as a central player in the AI industry, highlighting the “surging demand” the company has experienced. However, Nvidia’s soaring stock price has increased expectations for substantial growth in both revenue and earnings to justify its valuation of over $1 trillion, exceeding that of Tesla and Amazon. While Nvidia’s gaming revenue is expected to rise by 16% from the previous year, its Datacenter group, responsible for AI chips, is projected to see a significant revenue increase of 111%. Challenges such as supply constraints and export restrictions imposed by the U.S. on Nvidia in the Chinese market may be addressed during the earnings call.

Amazon is facing resistance from employees over its demand for some staff members to relocate to a central hub. Those unwilling or unable to comply are being forced to find work elsewhere, and some are choosing to quit. The relocation requirement is causing tension between the company and its corporate employees, many of whom moved away from their office location during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Amazon has been pushing for employees to return to the office at least three days a week and has faced protests and criticism over its handling of the return-to-office plans. The company is also cutting costs in other areas, such as ending a perk that provides free drinks at in-office coffee shops. The relocation policy has been seen as onerous and disruptive by affected employees, who may be asked to move out of state and make significant personal adjustments. Some employees have chosen to leave Amazon rather than comply with the relocation requirement.

IBM chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna stated in an exclusive interview with CNBC that white-collar jobs will be the first to be affected by artificial intelligence (AI). Krishna explained that generative AI and large language models can enhance productivity in every enterprise process, allowing the same work to be accomplished with fewer individuals. He emphasized that back-office, white-collar work will likely be the initial roles to experience the impact of AI.

IBM has invested in AI for over a decade, and in May, the company unveiled WatsonX, an AI building tool. Krishna clarified that the company plans not to fill certain roles for the next five years and instead will use AI bots to work alongside human employees. He believes that AI will augment jobs rather than completely replace them and create more GDP. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister has also expressed similar sentiments, stating that AI will disrupt the labor market but not eliminate jobs entirely.

In conclusion, Krishna sees AI as a key technology for the future, and during IBM’s second-quarter earnings call, he emphasized the significance of AI in various aspects of the company’s operations.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reversed its previous directive and stated that automakers can comply with Massachusetts’ Right to Repair law. The law requires car manufacturers to equip vehicles with an open data platform to allow independent mechanics and owners access to telematics data for repairs and diagnostics. NHTSA had initially cited hacking concerns to justify not enforcing the law but has now agreed that automakers can share diagnostic data with independent mechanics using short-range wireless technology.

However, long-range wireless signals may still pose a security risk. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey had criticized NHTSA for favoring big auto companies and spending $25 million to oppose the initiative. The White House competition council has also played a role in facilitating the agreement. This development aligns with the growing trend of Right to Repair legislation being introduced in various states to promote competition and prevent monopolization of repairs and servicing. Tesla is currently facing legal action alleging antitrust violations related to its restrictions on maintenance and replacement parts.

Google announced several security-related enhancements for its Google Workspace products, including Gmail and Drive. These updates aim to enhance the zero trust security model and integrate it with data loss prevention (DLP) capabilities. The additions include AI-powered continuous classification and labelling of sensitive data, enhanced DLP controls in Gmail, context-aware controls in Drive, and AI-driven log data analysis for detecting data breaches and suspicious activities.

Google is also introducing client-side encryption for mobile versions of Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and other Workspace tools, allowing customers to control their encryption keys. The company is also offering the option to choose the data processing location, starting with the EU and the United States. Pricing details for these features are yet to be specified.