🍎Apple's Biggest Competitor Could Soon be a Startup

Welcome to the Thursday Newsletter, where we cover top industry news stories to keep you in the know.

Good morning. For many, “let’s circle back after the holidays” is a common phrase this time of year. As more than 55 million Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving, productivity will take a hit. So we wondered, what would help employees be more productive during the holiday season? A study by West Monroe found that:

• 44% Larger holiday bonus

• 37% Ability to work remotely more than usual

• 33% More scheduling flexibility

• 21% More festivities (like office parties)

• 19% Better-organized PTO schedule for the team

_{-Bailey Hepler, Mikael Hall}

WORLD

Undersea Volcanic Eruption Unveils New Island Off Coast of Japan

Spirit Halloween is kicking themselves for missing the opportunity to place a pop-up store on the most sought-after real estate in the world right now. An extraordinary geological event unfolded off the coast of Japan three weeks ago, as an undersea volcano erupted, leading to the emergence of a new island. This natural spectacle, occurring about half a mile off the southern coast of Iwo Jima (known in Japan as Ioto), has captured the attention of experts and enthusiasts alike.

The formation of the island. The volcanic activity began on October 21st, with the unnamed undersea volcano starting a series of eruptions. Within just ten days, the accumulation of volcanic ash and rocks on the shallow seabed led to the formation of an island. By early November, this new landmass measured approximately 100 meters in diameter and rose to a height of 20 meters above sea level. Yuji Usui, an analyst at the Japan Meteorological Agency's volcanic division, has been closely monitoring this development.

Don’t get too excited. Before Big Real Estates starts licking their lips, it’s important to note the longevity of the island. Despite the initial growth of the island, its future is uncertain. The volcanic activity has since decreased, and the island's size has somewhat diminished due to its fragile composition, which is easily eroded by waves. The island's longevity depends on its material composition; if it consists of more durable substances like lava, rather than crumbly volcanic rocks such as pumice, it might hold up longer.

ENTERTAINMENT

ESPN Bet: A New Era in Sports Gambling with Penn Entertainment

Well it’s finally official, Disney is in the gambling arena with the launch of ESPN Bet, a rebranded sports-gambling service owned by Penn Entertainment. This collaboration between a major sports media giant and a leading entertainment company is set to reshape the sports betting industry.

With the rights to the ESPN brand initially set for a decade and an option for a ten-year extension, ESPN Bet is poised to become a major player in the sports gambling market. The app's launch in states like Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and several others marks the beginning of a new chapter in sports entertainment and betting.

The launch of ESPN Bet. ESPN Bet, carrying the renowned name of the Disney-owned sports channel, officially launched in 17 U.S. states. This move comes after Penn Entertainment secured the rights to the ESPN name in a monumental $1.5 billion deal in August. As part of this agreement, Penn will operate ESPN Bet, while ESPN will promote the app across its extensive online and broadcast platforms.

It’s really a rebrand. The ESPN Bet app is a rebranding of the existing sports-betting app, Barstool Sportsbook. This strategic move by Penn Entertainment not only enhances the app's visibility but also leverages ESPN's substantial influence in the sports world. In August, Penn announced the sale of Barstool Sports back to its founder, Dave Portnoy, further emphasizing its focus on the ESPN Bet venture.

Disclaimer to journalists. ESPN has banned reporters and team insiders from placing bets on the new ESPN BET platform as it seeks to uphold the integrity of its editorial output.

TECH

Redefining the Smartphone - Humane's AI Pin

The newest threat to smartphone manufacturers might actually have a shot at overtaking the market. Humane, a start-up founded by former Apple execs has kicked off the race to create consumer products that utilize AI, the “AI Pin”.

Intro to AI Pin. Humane, a startup, has released the Ai Pin, a device aimed at replacing traditional smartphones. Priced at $699 with a $24 monthly subscription, it offers a unique approach to personal technology.

The Ai Pin lacks a traditional screen and keypad, instead featuring a built-in camera and microphone. It is clipped onto your clothing and functions more like a voice-activated search engine. The device operates on Cosmos, an AI-powered system reportedly using OpenAI's GPT-4, connecting various AIs and tools as needed. Aaand since it doesn’t have a screen, it projects information onto your hand using lasers, as pictured above.

The big picture. The release of Ai Pin is part of a larger trend towards AI-first hardware. Other companies, like Rewind AI and Meta, are exploring different wearable technologies like pendants and smart glasses. Similar to how smartphones revolutionized mobile internet, the goal is to find the next breakthrough device that could unlock the potential of generative AI.