How One Company Is Using A.I. to Make Custom Emojis
From Apple's Animojis to Bitmoji, the emoji world is beginning to merge technology with self-expression. Mirror A.I.'s Serge Faguet joins Cheddar to discuss his company's keyboard, which uses facial recognition to make custom emoji. He explains the research and development that went into creating the app's software.
The co-founder and CEO also gives his take on the emoji industry's landscape. He says his company has a leg up on Bitmoji, thanks to its facial-recognition software and the ability to make likenesses of friends, in addition to oneself. He says this makes the app inherently more social, which gives it an advantage over competitors.
Finally, we discuss what the future of emoji may hold in store. Faguet says his company is exploring entering the VR and personalized advertising spaces. We also discuss how celebrities are using custom emoji keyboards to market their brands.
The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Uber, alleging the ride-hailing company discriminates against customers with disabilities. The DOJ is arguing that its two-minute wait period before a cancellation fee is applied violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Food delivery giant DoorDash is acquiring European food delivery company Wolt. The all-stock deal is valued at $8.1 billion and is expected to close in the first half of 2022. The companies say they share a mission to build a global delivery platform. Gerber Kawasaki investment advisor Eva Agi joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss what the deal means for Doordash, as well as its customers and investors.
Identity verification startup Socure recently raised $450 million dollars in a series E round, bringing the company's valuation to $4.5 billion. Socure says it is now the highest-valued private company in the identity verification space, and that the funds will be used to accelerate its mission to verify 100% of good identities and eliminate identity fraud across all industries. Socure Founder and CEO Johnny Ayers joins Cheddar News' Closing Bell to discuss.
With more companies offering employees flexibility in work schedules, Airbnb is looking to accommodate flexible travel plans. Chief Strategy Officer Nathan Blecharczyk joined Cheddar to discuss the growing trend of people staying in Airbnbs for longer periods of time. "In December over the holidays, in North America, we are seeing a 68 percent increase in the demand for month-long stays relative to years past," he said.
Coinbase reported third quarter earnings yesterday and revenue did not at all meet estimates, with the company saying that it also saw a staggering decrease of about 1.4 million customers in comparison to the previous quarter. This comes in the same week where bitcoin and ethereum, two of its most important digital assets hit record highs. Martin Gaspar, research analyst at CrossTower explains how a soft crypto trading quarter contributed to the less-than-ideal revenue outcome.
