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Nov 8

Emerging Tech Roundup — November 8

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

This week in tech: Amazon begins delivering select products via drone, a startup won the Pentagon’s first AI defense contract, Microsoft Notepad is getting AI text editing, OpenAI acquired Chat.com, Proton is bringing more encrypted collaboration features to its Docs app, Google accidentally leaked a preview of its Jarvis AI, and Australia plans social media ban for under-16s.

Amazon Begins Delivering Select Products Via Drone in Phoenix

(Tech Crunch, November 5)

Amazon has launched drone deliveries in Phoenix, Arizona, allowing select customers in the West Valley area to receive items weighing five pounds or less within an hour. Operating during daylight and favorable weather conditions, the service uses Amazon's new MK30 drone, which has FAA approval to fly beyond the visual line of sight. Amazon has also expanded MK30 deployments to College Station, Texas, despite past challenges from noise complaints, regulatory obstacles, and budget cuts.

Meet the Startup That Just Won The Pentagon’s First AI Defense Contract

(Venture Beat, November 5)

The Department of Defense has awarded its first generative AI cybersecurity contract to Jericho Security to develop tools for the Air Force, totalling $1.8 million. Jericho's technology simulates complex phishing and deepfake attacks across multiple channels to address human vulnerabilities, which cause up to 95% of data breaches. This contract not only marks a shift in military cybersecurity strategy but also positions Jericho to expand into the government sector, leveraging a "predator and prey" model that continuously adapts to evolving threats.

Even Microsoft Notepad Is Getting AI Text Editing Now

(The Verge, November 6)

Microsoft is rolling out "Rewrite," an AI-powered text editing feature in Notepad, allowing Windows Insiders to rephrase sentences, adjust tone, and modify text length directly within the editor. Users can highlight text, select "Rewrite," and choose from three AI-generated revisions, though it requires signing in with a Microsoft account. Additionally, Microsoft is previewing AI tools in Paint, including Generative Fill for adding image content based on prompts and Generative Erase for seamless removal of image parts.

OpenAI Acquired Chat.com

(Tech Crunch, November 6)

OpenAI has acquired the Chat.com domain, which now redirects to its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. This domain, registered in September 1996, was previously owned by HubSpot co-founder Dharmesh Shah. Shah confirmed the sale to OpenAI, indicating he received OpenAI shares as part of the transaction.

Proton Brings More Encrypted Collaboration Features to Its Docs App

(Engadget, November 6)

Proton is enhancing its Docs app by introducing a "suggesting mode" that enables encrypted, real-time collaboration for teams handling sensitive documents. This new mode allows users to make tracked changes and suggestions without altering the original document, and includes a public link feature with read-only permissions and expiration dates for secure sharing. Since its launch in July, Proton Docs has added features like PDF exporting, keyboard shortcuts, and word count — positioning it as a secure alternative to Google Docs for privacy-conscious users.

Google Accidentally Leaked a Preview of Its Jarvis AI That Can Take Over Computers

(Engadget, November 6)

Google’s new AI prototype, Jarvis, briefly appeared on the Chrome Web Store, described as a web-surfing assistant capable of handling tasks like grocery shopping, booking flights, and researching topics. Although access was restricted, Jarvis showed potential to control a computer for completing tasks autonomously, setting it apart from basic AI helpers. Google removed the store page ahead of its December reveal, but Jarvis will face competition from Anthropic’s Claude AI, which also offers capabilities to control computers for more complex functions.

Australia Plans Social Media Ban For Under-16s

(BBC, November 6)

Australia plans to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from social media to address the harm it believes these platforms cause to young users. The proposed law would require social media companies to prevent access for underage users, with enforcement by the eSafety Commissioner — without penalties for individual users, however. Set to take effect 12 months after passage, the legislation includes a review period, though experts are divided on whether an outright ban is effective for protecting adolescents' mental health.