Latest In Web3, AI & Emerging Tech

Hello, and welcome to the latest edition of my weekly newsletter, where I bring you updates on the latest happenings in the world of Web3, AI, and Emerging Technologies.?

There are just so many things happening all at the same time in this industry and it’s often a job in itself to keep up to date with the latest, so it’s my pleasure to digest it all for you and share with you some of my favourites or most important developments in the space.

So, without further ado, let's dive into this week's news!

Microsoft Seeks to Replace Google as Firefox's Default Search Engine

Microsoft is aiming to challenge Google's dominance by making Bing the default search engine for Firefox. The contract between Firefox and Google is set to expire, presenting an opportunity for Microsoft to step in. While it's uncertain whether this move will significantly boost Bing's usage, Microsoft sees potential in securing the default search engine position.

The report also highlights a potentially lucrative opportunity for Microsoft to expand Bing's reach. Apple's Safari browser, which is the primary web browser on Apple devices, will see its contract with Google expire next year. Microsoft could seize this opportunity to make Bing the default search engine on iPhones.

Although these possibilities remain speculative, Microsoft's determination to increase Bing's market share is evident. Users familiar with Microsoft Edge's pushiness in promoting Bing as the default search engine can attest to the company's persistence.

Buying ETH Made Easy: MetaMask Introduces PayPal Integration

MetaMask, the leading web3 wallet, has made purchasing Ethereum (ETH) and other cryptocurrencies effortless with its buy crypto solution. Adding to the list of payment options, MetaMask has integrated PayPal as a payment method, available for users across the U.S. (excluding Hawaii).

As a prominent digital payment provider, PayPal also offers cryptocurrency services on its platform. With the new integration, MetaMask users can now utilize their PayPal balance, linked bank account, or debit card to directly add ETH to their MetaMask wallet.

Getting started is simple for PayPal's U.S. users. By logging into the MetaMask browser extension, mobile app, or MetaMask Portfolio, users can easily initiate the ETH purchase process. Selecting the "BUY" option, users can choose PayPal as their payment method, select the desired amount of ETH, sign in to their PayPal account, choose their preferred payment option (PayPal balance, eligible bank, or debit card), review the purchase, and confirm the transaction.

With MetaMask's PayPal integration, acquiring ETH has become quick and convenient, empowering users to easily engage in core web3 activities.?

Google Introduces "Codey," an AI Model for Programming

Google has unveiled a new generative AI model called "Codey," designed specifically for writing and comprehending code.

While Google has previously relied on large language models (LLMs) like PaLM and LaMDA for its generative AI tools, Codey offers a more specialized approach for developers. Although PaLM has demonstrated its ability to write code, Codey is tailored to be an even more effective coding assistant.

Codey is now available for preview on Google Cloud, allowing developers to train the model on their own codebase. Additionally, Google announced "Duet AI for Google Cloud," a project that includes an "AI expert pair programmer" trained on users' code and style. This development bears similarities to tools like GitHub Copilot and Amazon CodeWhisperer.

Beyond providing autocomplete and function generation, Duet AI can assist in code review and inspection, enhancing the overall development process for programmers.

OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Plugin Access for Plus Users

OpenAI's ChatGPT is gaining enhanced capabilities with the introduction of plugins, allowing users to delegate various tasks to the chatbot. Initially available to a limited group during the alpha phase, OpenAI has now announced in a tweet the rollout of over 70 third-party plugins to ChatGPT Plus users.

ChatGPT Plus subscribers, who pay a monthly fee of $20, gain access to OpenAI's ChatGPT-4 model, an improved version of ChatGPT-3. The plugins provide a range of functionalities, such as web browsing, data visualisation, language learning, and more. Users can install multiple plugins but can use only up to three simultaneously.

These plugins cover diverse industries, including shopping, real estate, stocks, travel, and food. For example, plugins like "AskYourPDF" and "ChatWithPDF" that allow users to parse PDF documents by providing a URL. However, note that certain restrictions apply to the acceptance of URLs, and local files are not supported.

To access the plugins, ChatGPT Plus users can find them under "Beta Features" in their settings. OpenAI plans to roll out the plugins to Plus users over the course of the next week, marking a significant expansion of ChatGPT's capabilities.