LaunchPass Round-Up: January 2023

Discord is rolling out voice chat integration with PlayStation 5 in March

In early March, Discord will be rolling out voice chat integration with PlayStation 5. Users will be able to join their PlayStation 5 friends in voice chats without leaving the Discord app. Users will also be able to use Discord’s advanced features, such as push-to-talk, volume control, and priority speaker. It’s currently in closed Beta.

Microsoft invests billions into OpenAI in multi-year partnership

The software giant plans to incorporate artificial intelligence tools from the startup OpenAI — the minds behind ChatGPT — allowing businesses to integrate into their own cloud apps. Microsoft will become OpenAI’s exclusive cloud provider.

Despite volatility, web3 developer activity grew in Q4 of 2022

According to a report from Alchemy, web3 developer activity spiked in Q4 of 2022, seeing a 453% increase in smart contract deployments despite crypto market volatility.

More layoffs at big tech companies

Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and other giants announced significant layoffs this month. In the industry at large, more than 46,000 workers in US-based tech companies have been let go in job cuts in 2023 so far — more than the first half of 2022.

DeepL launches Write, taking Grammarly head-on

DeepL has launched a new AI-powered writing tool called Write, which helps users to clean up their prose and correct grammar mistakes. The tool is designed to compete with popular services like Grammarly, and aims to help users create better writing quickly and effortlessly. Write is currently available for free in beta mode.