Companies Embracing AI: Uber, LinkedIn, and More!

Nov 29

Emerging Tech Roundup — November 29

The Quantious team’s top picks for timely trending news in the tech world.

This week in tech: Anthropic says Claude AI can match your unique writing style, Threads says 35 million users signed up in November, Uber’s Gig Workers Now Include Coders for Hire on AI Projects, LinkedIn posts are more often than not AI-generated, Seattle tech leader launches networking app to connect parents of young kids, TikTok to restrict some beauty filters for under-18s, and Audio platform Pocket FM taps into AI tools to help it expand its content catalog.

Anthropic Says Claude AI Can Match Your Unique Writing Style

(The Verge, November 26)

Anthropic’s Claude AI now offers custom styles, allowing users to tailor its responses to match their communication preferences or choose from presets like Formal, Concise, or Explanatory. Users can upload sample content to train the chatbot in their unique writing style, enhancing its ability to create personalized and context-appropriate replies. This feature is designed to make Claude more versatile for tasks ranging from professional emails to detailed technical writing.

Threads Says 35 Million Users Signed Up in November

(The Verge, November 26)

In November, Meta's Threads platform experienced significant growth, adding over 35 million new users, with 20 million joining since November 14th — maintaining a pace of more than a million signups per day for nearly three months. Concurrently, Bluesky expanded its user base to over 22 million, also achieving a daily signup rate of about a million users. In response to Bluesky's rapid growth, Threads has implemented features like custom following feeds and is testing options for users to set a follows-only feed as their default view.

Uber’s Gig Workers Now Include Coders for Hire on AI Projects

(Yahoo, November 26)

Uber has launched Scaled Solutions, an AI training and data labeling division, expanding its gig-economy model to support businesses in developing AI through independent contractors. Initially serving Uber’s own divisions, Scaled Solutions now provides high-quality datasets to external clients like Aurora Innovation and Niantic, entering the lucrative data annotation market. This move positions Uber to compete with established players like Scale AI, valued at $14 billion, as demand for AI-ready data continues to grow.

Yes, That Viral LinkedIn Post You Read Was Probably AI-Generated

(Wired, November 26)

A new analysis by Originality AI estimates that over 54% of LinkedIn posts longer than 100 words are AI-generated, reflecting the widespread adoption of AI writing tools on the platform. The shift began with the release of ChatGPT in 2023 and has since been bolstered by LinkedIn’s own AI-powered tools, available to Premium users for rewriting posts, profiles, and messages. While this initiative has boosted engagement, the AI-generated content often mimics the corporate tone of human posts, making it harder to differentiate from traditional "thought leadership" writing.

Seattle Tech Leader Jennifer Wong Launches Networking App to Connect Parents of Young Kids

(Geek Wire, November 26)

Seattle tech leader Jennifer Wong, founder of the Seattle NFT Museum, has launched Visible, an app designed to help parents network and share insights. Akin to LinkedIn for professionals, the free app allows parents to connect based on schools, activities, and organizations, with plans to expand geographically next year through a subscription and ad-based revenue model. Wong, inspired by her own parenting experiences, aims to address modern parenting needs beyond social interactions, focusing on community-based decision-making and recommendations.

TikTok Will Restrict Some Beauty Filters for Under-18s

(Tech Crunch, November 27)

TikTok, under scrutiny from U.S. attorneys general over its impact on minors' mental health, announced plans to restrict beauty filters that alter appearance for users under 18. The decision follows criticism about how such filters affect younger users’ self-image and mental well-being. These changes, aimed at addressing regulatory concerns, will roll out globally in the coming weeks.

Audio platform Pocket FM Taps Into AI Tools to Help it Expand its Content Catalog

(Tech Crunch, November 27)

India-based Pocket FM, with over 200,000 hours of content, aims to expand its library by leveraging AI for audio production, writing, and adapting stories across geographies. Collaborating with ElevenLabs, the platform has reduced production costs by 30 times and increased speed fivefold — all through using AI models that are refined to handle cultural nuances for regional adaptations. Despite challenges like hallucinations and maintaining consistency in long-form stories, Pocket FM continues to enhance its in-house AI tools to deepen its content catalog and improve global reach.