This Week in Tech News: 10 Stories You Need to See

A roundup of the most newsworthy tech announcements from PR Newswire this week, including a $10B investment for Databricks, a new AI model for Hollywood and a sample of CES 2025 news.

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help tech journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

1. Databricks is Raising $10B Series J Investment at $62B Valuation
   The Databricks Data Intelligence Platform democratizes access to data and AI, making it easier for organizations to harness the power of their data for analytics, machine learning, and AI applications.
2. Sony's Beyond Sports Teams up with ESPN for First Real-time Animated Alternate Presentation of an NBA Game
   The special Christmas Day alternate presentation of the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs game will use data processing and real-time visualization technology from Beyond Sports, as well as optical tracking technology from Hawk-Eye Innovations, to insert iconic Disney characters into the game action using 3D animation, while the two teams play in real time.
3. WiMi Develops FPGA-Based Digital Quantum Computer Verification Technology
   The development paves the way for the practical and commercial realization of quantum computers. It is expected that this technology will play an important role in the future development of quantum computing, providing new solutions to complex scientific and engineering problems.
4. Simplilearn and Degreed Join Forces to Transform Digital Upskilling with Comprehensive Learning Solutions
   This collaboration aims to provide professionals with unparalleled access to Simplilearn's comprehensive range of live tech instructor-led programs, reinforcing its mission to empower the workforce in today's fast-changing digital environment.
5. Asteria and Moonvalley Announce The First Clean AI Model for Hollywood
   Named "Marey" after early cinema trailblazer Étienne-Jules Marey, this model will bring unparalleled power to film and media production, while distinguishing itself by relying exclusively on ethically sourced data owned by the company.
6. Deep Sky Secures $40M Grant from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to Scale Direct Air Capture
   The Catalyst program funds large demonstration projects and invests in first-of-a-kind commercial projects that use emerging climate technologies. It prioritizes projects with high-impact and scalable climate tech that need additional capital to reach commercial scale.
7. NASA Finalizes Strategy for Sustaining Human Presence in Low Earth Orbit
   The agency's efforts in low Earth orbit are integral to its broader ambitions for deep space exploration. The microgravity environment in low Earth orbit provides a cost-effective, easily accessible proving ground for technologies and research necessary for human missions to explore the solar system.
8. Jasper Launches AI Studio, Empowering Enterprise Marketing Teams to Build & Scale Generative AI Solutions
   The company announced and new no-code AI App Builder and Slack integration to democratize generative AI for marketers, accelerating marketing AI transformation.
9. Crew Launches in Southern California - A New App Powered by Cognitive Science-Informed AI to Help Adults Build Friendships Through Tailored Small Group Activities
   Crew uses cognitive science to match users based on "small group synergy," helping people form meaningful connections while enjoying tailored activities they love together. The platform focuses on adults in their mid/late-20s and beyond, and particularly people who have moved into new phases of life.
10. IBM Study: More Companies Turning to Open-Source AI Tools to Unlock ROI
    "Companies now recognize the value of defining specific use cases and optimizing AI projects. They are leveraging hybrid cloud strategies and open source to drive AI innovation and deliver financial returns," said Maribel Lopez of Lopez Research.

For more news like this, check out all of the latest technology-related releases from PR Newswire.

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CES 2025 Preview

We're starting to get an idea of the wide variety of innovations that will be on display at CES 2025 in Las Vegas. Whether it's advances in mobility, home appliances or medtech, PR Newswire is here to help journalists and consumers keep track of the announcements tied to the consumer electronics tradeshow.

Here are a few releases that were sent this week:

• Cellid Unveils Cutting-Edge AR Glasses at CES 2025, Revolutionizing Everyday AR Experiences
• Hisense Unveils Newest Smart Home and AI Innovations at CES 2025
• Ansys Collaborates with Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Advance Scenario-Based Perception Testing in Autonomous Vehicles
• CES 2025: ESR to Unveil Next-Gen MagSafe Innovations for Charging, Productivity, and Protection
• Join MemryX at CES 2025 to Experience Edge AI Advantages offered by the MX3 AI Accelerator

Catch up on all the latest consumer technology news from PR Newswire.

Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News

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