Business Archives - Audinsights

The Future of Franchising Hangs in the Balance as Challenges Mount Against the NLRB’s Joint Employer Rule

December 18, 2023December 18, 2023 Business

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has delayed the implementation of its new “Joint Employer Rule” (JER). Originally slated to take effect on December 26, 2023, the revised rollout date is now set for February 26, 2024. This move comes amidst a flurry of legal challenges and political scrutiny, highlighting the complexities and contentious nature of the rule. The delay grants additional time for businesses to understand and adapt to the new regulations while legal and political debates continue to shape its final form.

Charlie Munger Remembered as an Enlightened Sage by ‘Chinese Warren Buffett’

December 5, 2023December 5, 2023 Business

Li Lu, commonly known as the ‘Chinese Warren Buffett,’ penned a touching tribute to his late mentor, Charlie Munger. Li expressed his admiration for Munger, describing him as an ‘enlightened sage’ and the embodiment of modern-day Confucianism. The tribute highlighted the impact Munger had on Li’s career and the mutual respect between the two.

Greg Abel: Warren Buffett’s Chosen Successor at Berkshire Hathaway

November 29, 2023November 29, 2023 Business

Warren Buffett has named Greg Abel as his successor at Berkshire Hathaway, solidifying Abel’s position as the heir apparent. Abel, a Canadian businessman, is currently the chair of Berkshire Hathaway Energy and vice chair for non-insurance operations at Berkshire Hathaway. With a background in accounting, Abel has earned high praise from Buffett and his longtime business partner, Charlie Munger. Abel’s appointment signals a bright future for Berkshire Hathaway under his leadership.

United Auto Workers Union’s Bargaining Strategy and Success

October 8, 2023November 23, 2023 Business

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union, led by President Shawn Fain, has taken a bold approach in negotiating new contracts with General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. With a strike that began on September 15, the UAW…

Reka Unveils Yasa-1: A Multimodal AI Assistant with Advanced Capabilities

October 5, 2023November 11, 2023 Business

AI startup Reka has introduced Yasa-1, a multimodal AI assistant that can understand images, short videos, and audio. Yasa-1 is highly customizable, supports multiple languages, and provides context-based answers from the internet. It also boasts features like processing long documents and executing code. Reka plans to iron out limitations and expand Yasa-1’s accessibility in the coming weeks. While Reka is relatively new in the AI industry, its team combined with substantial funding positions it as a competitor against established players like OpenAI and Anthropic.

Controversy Arises from Meta’s AI-Generated Stickers

October 4, 2023November 11, 2023 Business

Meta’s AI-generated stickers have already caused controversy due to their failure to prevent objectionable content. Users have created mashups involving copyrighted children’s characters engaged in inappropriate activities. Meta acknowledges the issue and vows to improve its AI system based on user feedback.

Citizen Developer Creates Price Comparison Tool to Fight Rising Food Prices in Austria

October 3, 2023November 11, 2023 Technology

Citizen-developed price comparison tool Heisse Preise is helping fight rising food prices in Austria by providing transparency and valuable data on price changes by supermarkets. The tool has grown from a prototype to a comprehensive resource with over 177,000 items listed across several supermarket chains. It has also contributed to the investigations of the Austrian Federal Competition Authority. The government plans to establish a legal framework for private price comparison tools and require supermarkets to make basic food prices available.

The Benefits of Social Media Asset Management

September 28, 2023November 23, 2023 Lifestyle

Social media asset management is essential for maximizing your brand’s online influence. Organize your assets using templates, centralized storage, labels, and DAM software. Benefits include platform integration, flexibility, ensuring external credit, and facilitating collaboration.

Amazon Upgrades Alexa with Improved Language Skills and ChatGPT Technology

September 20, 2023November 11, 2023 Technology

Amazon has announced an upgrade to its voice assistant, Alexa, that leverages ChatGPT technology. This upgrade allows Alexa to answer complex questions and engage in more natural conversations. The new capabilities of Alexa include modulating its voice, simulated personality, and improved language skills. Amazon plans to continuously improve Alexa’s capabilities and offer users the ability to control devices through Alexa. The use of large language models has allowed algorithms to handle more complex dialogues, but challenges remain in ensuring accuracy and avoiding inappropriate responses. Amazon has implemented guardrails to remind users that Alexa is a machine and is conscious of the long-term risks associated with AI advancements.

Deezer Strikes Deal to Change Monetization Model for Ambient Sounds

September 19, 2023November 10, 2023 Technology

Deezer and Universal Music have reached an agreement to change the monetization model for ambient sounds and non-music content on the streaming platform. The new model, branded as “artist-centric,” will demonetize certain non-artist audio and replace it with Deezer’s own functional music. Streams by professional artists, defined as those with a certain number of monthly streams and unique listeners, will count for double. Despite the potential benefits for professional artists, critics argue that the model may overlook independent and avant-garde musicians. The agreement aims to address fraudulent activities and gaming behaviors on the platform.