Month: January 2024
Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package voided by Delaware judge
A judge has rejected a Tesla deal that helped its CEO, Elon Musk, receive a $56 billion pay package, propelling
The post Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package voided by Delaware judge appeared first on ReadWrite.
A judge has rejected a Tesla deal that helped its CEO, Elon Musk, receive a $56 billion pay package, propelling him to become the richest person in the world. Judge Kathaleen McCormick in Delaware called the compensation an “unfathomable sum,” ruling that he “failed” to prove that it was fair.
In her ruling, she wrote that Musk “enjoyed thick ties with the directors tasked with negotiating on behalf of Tesla, and dominated the process that led to board approval of his compensation plan,” and deemed that there was a conflict of interest between the parties involved. The suit was filed by Tesla shareholder Richard Tornetta, who sued Musk and several Tesla directors in 2018, claiming that the pay package was unwarranted.
“The process leading to the approval of Musk’s compensation plan was deeply flawed. Musk had extensive ties with the persons tasked with negotiating on Tesla’s behalf,” McCormick wrote.
She also referred to Musk as the “Superstar CEO,” who owned 21.9% of the company and held influential positions, allowing him to have “thick ties” with the directors who were negotiating the deal, and thus having significant influence over the approval process. The judge also agreed that Tornetta was also entitled to a “recission” as a remedy, directing Tesla and its shareholders to implement her decision and reverse the deal. However, Musk’s team retains the option to appeal her ruling.
Musk responded by conducting a poll on his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter, asking users whether Tesla should change its state of incorporation to Texas. He also criticized the decision by saying, “I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters.” At the time of writing, more than 88% out of 700,000 users called to move Tesla’s headquarters.
I recommend incorporating in Nevada or Texas if you prefer shareholders to decide matters
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2024
Should Tesla change its state of incorporation to Texas, home of its physical headquarters?
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 31, 2024
Tesla stocks tumble
Tesla’s shares dropped over 3% in after-hours trading, and as of Tuesday, the company’s market capitalization was approximately $600 billion. According to Bloomberg, the 201-page ruling could reduce Musk’s wealth, potentially making him the third richest person in the world.
The stock already took a dive last week after it released its fourth-quarter earnings, causing shares to fall more than 5% in extended trade.
Featured image: Canva / Debbie Rowe / The Royal Society
The post Elon Musk’s $56bn Tesla pay package voided by Delaware judge appeared first on ReadWrite.
OpenAI quietly slips in update for ChatGPT that allows users to tag their own custom-crafted chatbots
OpenAI discreetly enhances ChatGPT, introducing ‘@’ tag for custom GPTs, allowing users to further personalize their ChatGPT experience.
OpenAI is continuing to cement its status as the leading force in generative AI, adding a nifty little feature with little fanfare: the ability to tag a custom-created GPT bot with an ‘@’ in the prompt.
In November 2023, custom ChatGPT-powered chatbots were introduced by OpenAI that would help users have specific types of conversations. These were named GPTs and customers who subscribed to OpenAI’s premium ChatGPT Plus service were able to build their own GPT-powered chatbot for their own purposes using OpenAI’s easy-to-use GPT-building interface. Users would then be able to help train and improve their own GPTs over time, making them “smarter” and better at accomplishing tasks asked of them by users.
Also, earlier this year, OpenAI debuted the GPT store which allowed users to create their own GPT bots for specific categories like education, productivity, and “just for fun,” and then make them available for other users. Once they’re on the GPT store, the AI chatbots become searchable, can compete and rank in leaderboards against GPTs created by other users, and eventually users will even be able to earn money for their creators.
Surprising new feature
It seems OpenAI has now made it easier to switch to a custom GPT chatbot, with an eagle-eyed ChatGPT fan, @danshipper, spotting that you can summon a GPTs with an ‘@’ while chatting with ChatGPT.
HOLY SHIT they built it pic.twitter.com/oitY6FZ6gfJanuary 26, 2024
Cybernews suggests that it’ll make switching between these different custom GPT personas more fluid and easier to use. OpenAI hasn’t publicized this new development yet, and it seems like this change specifically applies to ChatGPT Plus subscribers.
This would somewhat mimic existing functionalities of apps like Discord and Slack, and could prove popular with ChatGPT users who wanted to make their own personal chatbot ecosystems populated by custom GPT chatbots that can be interacted with in a similar manner to those apps.
However, it’s interesting that OpenAI hasn’t announced or even mentioned this update, leaving users to discover it by themselves. It’s a distinctive approach to introducing new features for sure.
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Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Introducing Merlin Chain, a Native L2 Solution
NewYork, United States, January 31st, 2024, Chainwire This week, the much-anticipated Bitcoin L2 solution Merlin Chain went live on its testnet, while its mainnet is scheduled to be launching within a month as well. Bitcoin’s Network Congestion Dilemma and Scaling
The post Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Introducing Merlin Chain, a Native L2 Solution first appeared on TechStartups.
NewYork, United States, January 31st, 2024, Chainwire This week, the much-anticipated Bitcoin L2 solution Merlin Chain went live on its testnet, while its mainnet is scheduled to be launching within a month as well. Bitcoin’s Network Congestion Dilemma and Scaling […]
The post Unlocking Bitcoin’s Potential: Introducing Merlin Chain, a Native L2 Solution first appeared on TechStartups.
Destiny 2 is releasing a Mass Effect crossover event next month
Bungie has announced a brand-new Destiny 2 and Mass Effect collaboration event for next month.
Bungie has announced a brand-new Destiny 2 and Mass Effect collaboration event for next month.
Yesterday (January 30), the studio revealed the new crossover in partnership with EA and BioWare will bring all new in-game items inspired by the Mass Effect series to Destiny 2 on February 13.
On that day, players will be able to log in and find The Normandy Crew Bundle in the Eververse store, which will include a Commander Shepard-inspired N7 armor set for Titans, a Garrus-inspired Vakarian set for Hunters, and a Liara-inspired Shadow Broker set for Warlocks.
Additionally, to celebrate the collaboration, all players will be able to claim the Alliance Requisitions Bundle at no extra cost which comes with the Enhanced Defense Ghost Shell, Alliance Scout Frigate ship, and Alliance Drop Ship Sparrow.
Players can also get the Omni Strike finisher and Flux Dance emote by spending their Silver currency.
Join the Normandy crew.Inspired by Commander Shepard, Garrus Vakarian, Liara T’Soni, and more from the Systems Alliance, arriving via mass relay in Destiny 2 on Feb. 13. pic.twitter.com/h47SeZ7T46January 30, 2024
That’s not all. As of January 30, all-new weekly quests called Riven’s Wishes are now open to all players until March 12. During this period, Guardians will be tasked with completing a pursuit each week to earn a token redeemable for a treasure trove of rewards.
“Choose from the Wish for Strength to earn Last Wish raid Deepsight weapons, Wish for Protection to armor up with Exotic gear from the Lightfall year, or Wish for Beauty to collect event mementos and essential Ascendant crafting materials,” the press release reads.
Ahead of the release of the next major expansion The Final Shape on June 4, 2024, there’s also the year of Lightfall celebrations with the limited-time event Moments of Triumph to participate in. This is planned to run until June 3, and is available to all Destiny 2 players – although select Triumphs require certain expansion packs or Season entitlements.
Bungie also teased the return of the annual Guardian Games in March, as well as an upcoming two-month content update starting in April, called Destiny 2: Into the Light.
For more, check out our list of the best FPS games, along with our list of the best online games.
Palworld developer warns players against downloading unofficial mobile versions as ‘they are not affiliated with our company in any way’
Pocketpair has warned fans against downloading unofficial mobile apps which appear to be Palworld.
Pocketpair, the developer of the hit survival-crafting game Palworld, has advised fans to be cautious of any mobile apps claiming to be Palworld, as “they are not affiliated with our company in any way.”
In a post on Twitter / X earlier today (January 31), the official Palworld account wrote: “There is no Palworld application for phones. Apps using names and product images such as ‘パルワールド’ and ‘Palworld’ are appearing on the App Store and Google Play, but they are not affiliated with our company in any way.
“We have reported this issue to Apple, which operates the App Store, and Google, which operates Google Play,” it continued. “Please be aware that downloading these apps may lead to the leakage of personal information stored on your smartphone or to fraud.”
Furthermore, Pocketpair community manager ‘Bucky’ added: “Please be careful about phone games appearing to be Palworld! These are all fake!”
A quick browse on the Apple App Store shows that at the time of writing, there is at least one app using Palworld’s name and imagery, although it doesn’t appear that there’s an equivalent on the Google Play Store. Either way, fans should keep in mind that Palworld is currently only available to play via PC, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It’s also playable via Xbox Game Pass.
Palworld released in early access on January 19 to immediate popularity. Last week, developer Pocketpair released an early-access roadmap for the game, in which it confirmed that there are plans for raid bosses and PvP to be added at a later date.
Pocketpair has also been releasing a stream of patches to amend certain issues in Palworld. In an update last week, it aimed to combat “various cheats and exploits,” and stated that “we will continue to focus even more on security and aim to create an environment where everyone can play with peace of mind.”
If you’ve recently started playing Palworld and want some tips to help you along the way, be sure to check out our guides on how to farm coal, ore, sulfur, wheat and more.
Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 16 takes you to the Caribbean
Since its release in 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator has undergone an intensive update program from devs Asabo and Microsoft Game
The post Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 16 takes you to the Caribbean appeared first on ReadWrite.
Since its release in 2020, Microsoft Flight Simulator has undergone an intensive update program from devs Asabo and Microsoft Game Studios. We have had Sim Updates and World Updates, and somewhere along the line, we have reached the 16th of the latter.
World Updates take a region of the world and greatly enhance and upgrade scenery, select airports, and generally spruce everything up.
The update contains 104 new points of interest, including Bahama’s Nassau Harbor Lighthouse, Jamaica’s Colbeck Castle, Puerto Rico’s Faro De Pampatar, and Trinidad & Tobago’s Red House.
The team has also worked closely with Gaya Simulations to handcraft the new enhanced airports in the update. These airports include:
Dominican Republic’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport (Puerto Plata Airport) (MDPP)
Haiti’s Antoine-Simon Airport (MTCA)
Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (MKJS)
Trinidad & Tobago’s A.N.R. Robinson International Airport (formerly Crown Point International Airport) (TTCP)
North Eleuthera Airport (MYEH) in the Bahamas
Guadeloupe’s Les Saintes Airport (TFFS).
World Update 16: Caribbean also includes nine activities that you can play through:
Three Discovery Flights: Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, and San Juan, Puerto Rico
Three Landing Challenges: The Dominican Republic’s Gregorio Luperón International Airport (MDPP), a Famous Landing Challenge; North Eleuthera Airport (MYEH) of The Bahamas, an Epic Landing Challenge; and Haiti’s Antoine-Simon Airport (MTCA)
Three Bush Trips showcasing the beauty of the region
A post on the Flight Simulator dev blog says. “Microsoft Flight Simulator partnered with Bing Maps, Maxar, and a host of Caribbean governmental organizations to bring this magnificent update to simmers. The team ingested a massive trove of geospatial data for World Update XVI: the Caribbean, including aerial photographs, satellite data, LIDAR (light detection and ranging) data, DEM (digital elevation model) data, and DTM (digital terrain model) data.”
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 will be released later this year and will improve on everything that we currently have, but even if you are not planning on upgrading it is great to see its older brother still receiving this level of care and attention from the developers.
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MLB The Show 24 will release in March and get day one Xbox Game Pass treatment
MLB The Show 24 has been revealed with plans for a March release and a day one Xbox Game Pass launch.
Sony has pulled up the curtain on MLB The Show 24, revealing a launch date, the cover star, and details for a day one Xbox Game Pass launch.
The next incarnation of the beloved series of baseball-simulating sports games will be coming to consoles on March 19, 2024. The title will also be getting a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, meaning that those signed up for Microsoft’s subscription service will be able to get in on the action without putting down any extra cash.
It’s also been revealed that Vladimir Guerrero Jr., first baseman and designated hitter for the Toronto Blue Jays, will be taking center stage as the cover star for MLB The Show 24. This up-and-coming 24-year-old enjoyed a “breathtaking rise” according to ESPN thanks to his “preternatural plate discipline.” For the uninitiated, this means that he knows how to hit the ball and, perhaps more importantly, when to hit it.
You can see Guerrero Jr. for yourself in the cover athlete reveal trailer below.
The PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch editions will set you back $59.99 / £49.99 / AU$94.95 while the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions are set to cost $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$109.95.
Developer Sony San Diego Studio has also confirmed that crossplay and cross-progression will be returning for MLB The Show 24 alongside the popular Stadium Creator feature. That said, we’ll have to wait for further details as to what we might be able to expect from the title’s features.
We can expect two Feature Premiere videos on February 15 and February 22 as well as a Ratings Reveal Show and a third Feature Premiere on March 3 (via Dexerto). You’ll be able to access these through San Diego Studio’s Twitch Channel as well as the official PlayStation YouTube channel. There will also be a fourth Feature Premiere on March 14 ahead of the March 19 launch day.
Want more action? Check out our lists of the best PS5 games and the best Xbox Series X games.
Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted from Steam following expiration of ‘several partnership licenses’
Beloved shooter Spec Ops: The Line delisted from Steam and other digital storefronts.
Much-loved third-person shooter Spec Ops: The Line has been delisted from Steam following what publisher 2K referred to as the expiration of “several partnership licenses.”
A 2K spokesperson elaborated on the matter in a statement to Kotaku, saying: “Spec Ops: The Line will no longer be available on online storefronts, as several partnership licenses related to the game are expiring,” adding that it “would like to thank our community of players who have supported the game, and we look forward to bringing you more offerings from our label throughout this year and beyond.”
2K didn’t spell out what these expiring partnership licenses are, but it seems likely that it’s referring to the several licensed tracks that are in the game. Among which include Glasgow Mega-Snake by Mogwai, Rooster by Alice in Chains and Björk’s Storm, to name just a few.
Heading over to Spec Ops: The Line’s Steam page shows that it’s no longer available for purchase. However, Steam users that already own the game are still able to download and install it whenever they like; it’s not being removed from players’ libraries.
If you’re still keen to buy a copy of Spec Ops: The Line before it’s gone for good, the game is still live for the time being over at GoG, where it’s currently 80% off, taking it down to just $5.99 / £3.99. Absolutely worth it for one of the best shooters of the Xbox 360 generation.
There’s currently no word from 2K as to whether or not the listing for Spec Ops: The Line will ever return. But this would involve resolving the current licensing expirations, and that doesn’t seem overly likely.
TechRadar Gaming has reached out to 2K for further comment, but is yet to receive a response.
For games you can still actively download and play right now, check out our guides to the best FPS games and best Xbox Game Pass games.
Universal Music threatens to pull songs from TikTok over payment terms
Universal Music Group (UMG) is threatening to pull all of its music from TikTok today following a breakdown in negotiations over royalties, the company wrote in an open letter. That would mean TikTok creators would lose access to songs from stars including Taylor Swift, Billy Eilish, The Weeknd, Drake and others.
With UMG’s deal with TikTok set to expire, the sides have reportedly been in negotiations for the past year. Such deals are worth billions annually to music publishing firms and are typically negotiated every few years. Universal is the world’s largest record label, and if does pull it’s music from TikTok, it would be the first time this has happened in recent memory.
Universal said TikTok wanted to pay a “fraction” of the rate paid by other social media sites. “As our negotiations continued, TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth.”
In its own post, TikTok said that it serves as a valuable marketing tool for artists and publishers. “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”
TikTok also benefits greatly from access to Universal’s catalog and being cut off from access to ultra-popular artists like Taylor Swift would be a blow to creators and users. TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance has more than 3 billion monthly active users and made $29 billion in revenue in a single quarter ending June 2023, according to The Financial Times. Warner Bros. Music, the number three record label behind Sony Music and UMG, recently struck a deal with TikTok.
Universal said it does “not underestimate what this will mean for artists and their fans” but that it will not shirk its responsibilities. “TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans.” The company added that payments from TikTok amount to “only about 1 percent of our total revenue.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/universal-music-threatens-to-pull-songs-from-tiktok-over-payment-terms-101528365.html?src=rss
Universal Music Group (UMG) is threatening to pull all of its music from TikTok today following a breakdown in negotiations over royalties, the company wrote in an open letter. That would mean TikTok creators would lose access to songs from stars including Taylor Swift, Billy Eilish, The Weeknd, Drake and others.
With UMG’s deal with TikTok set to expire, the sides have reportedly been in negotiations for the past year. Such deals are worth billions annually to music publishing firms and are typically negotiated every few years. Universal is the world’s largest record label, and if does pull it’s music from TikTok, it would be the first time this has happened in recent memory.
Universal said TikTok wanted to pay a “fraction” of the rate paid by other social media sites. “As our negotiations continued, TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth.”
In its own post, TikTok said that it serves as a valuable marketing tool for artists and publishers. “Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent.”
TikTok also benefits greatly from access to Universal’s catalog and being cut off from access to ultra-popular artists like Taylor Swift would be a blow to creators and users. TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance has more than 3 billion monthly active users and made $29 billion in revenue in a single quarter ending June 2023, according to The Financial Times. Warner Bros. Music, the number three record label behind Sony Music and UMG, recently struck a deal with TikTok.
Universal said it does “not underestimate what this will mean for artists and their fans” but that it will not shirk its responsibilities. “TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans.” The company added that payments from TikTok amount to “only about 1 percent of our total revenue.”
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/universal-music-threatens-to-pull-songs-from-tiktok-over-payment-terms-101528365.html?src=rss