Technology

A preprint published by Stanford University and Google researchers proposes an AI technique that predicts how goals were achieved, effectively learning to reverse-engineer tasks. They say it enables autonomous agents to learn through self-supervision, which some experts believe is a critical step toward truly intelligent systems. Learning general policies for …

Seattle-based DefinedCrowd, which describes itself as a “smart” data curation platform, today announced it raised $ 50.5 million. CEO Daniela Braga says the proceeds will be used to expand the company’s existing solutions, launch new subscription-based offerings, and grow DefinedCrowd’s international reach. AI algorithms typically require labeled data to train, …

Alice&Bob has raised $ 3.3 million to join the quantum computing arms race by accelerating research that promises to make this next generation computing more stable. Elaia Partners and Breega led the round of funding for the Paris-based startup which has developed its first prototype. The company is using research …

Microsoft has shared few usage numbers since acquiring Skype for $ 8.5 billion in October 2011. Skype’s monthly active users, for example, haven’t been updated since August 2015 — 300 million has been the number for years. But the coronavirus has shaken up the communications space for everyone, even Skype. …

(Reuters) — The new robot barista at the cafe in Daejeon, South Korea, is courteous and swift as it seamlessly makes its way toward customers. “Here is your Rooibos almond tea latte, please enjoy. It’s even better if you stir it,” it says, as a customer reaches for her drink …

(Reuters) — Reliance has launched an online grocery service, JioMart, the head of its grocery retail business said, in a move aimed at rivalling Amazon.com’s local unit and Walmart’s Flipkart in the huge Indian market. JioMart will deliver groceries in more than 200 towns across the country, Damodar Mall, chief …

It might be challenging to find bright spots in financial news these days, but seismic economic shifts, such as the one COVID-19 has sparked, always give way to new markets and opportunities. As with past downturns, it’s in those areas that the next industry game-changers and investment darlings will emerge. …

Gaming brands overall reduced their TV marketing from mid-April to mid-May with a 26.67% decrease in total ad impressions vs. the previous 30-day period. Nintendo continues to lead, but PlayStation is gaining steam; together, the two brands account for over 75% of the industry’s TV ad impressions. GamesBeat has partnered …

As strange as this year has been, we’re finally coming up on Memorial Day if you can believe it. With all of the madness around the world, VB Deals is here to cheer you up by bringing you some of the best deals online right now. From tension-relieving muscle relaxation …