NFTs, Tractor Automation: The Week in Tech

Online marketplace OpenSea was valued at US$13.3 billion, following a new investment of US$300 million. Meanwhile, John Deere unveiled its first automated tractor, which can till a field without a driver.

Here are the week’s major headlines in Tech!

WHO Classifies Gaming Addiction as a Disease

The World Health Organization (WHO) included video game addiction on its list of mental disorders for the first time. The disease is characterized by the compulsive playing of video games, leading to the deterioration of life and the neglect of other interests and activities.

Gaming is labeled a disorder only if it significantly impairs personal, family, social, educational, occupational or other areas for at least 12 months. Studies suggest that gaming disorder affects only a small proportion of the population that engages in digital or video-gaming activities, explains the WHO. 

Volvo, Honda and Renault Sign Chip Deals with Qualcomm

Qualcomm Corp signed deals to supply chips to Volvo Group, Honda Motor and Renault, pushing its automotive industry strategy with legacy firms digitizing their vehicles.

Originally known for its mobile phone chips, Qualcomm entered the automotive industry with several offerings ranging from self-driving car brains to chips that operate infotainment systems and digital dashboards. These technologies aim to transform automakers into platform innovators, allowing them to generate revenue long after a vehicle is sold through over-the-air upgrades, a business model introduced by Tesla.

NFT Marketplace OpenSea Valued at US$13 billion

OpenSea says it is now worth US$13.3 billion, following a new investment of US$300 million, reported the BBC. OpenSea enables trade in NFTs, unique pieces of digital code that can be associated with a digital asset such as a work of digital art. Certain NFTs have sold for millions of dollars.

"In 2021, we saw the world awaken to the idea that NFTs represent the basic building blocks for brand new peer-to-peer economies," wrote Devin Finzer, Co-Founder, OpenSea.

John Deere Presented Automated Tractor

Farm equipment maker John Deere unveiled its first automated tractor that can till a field without a driver, reported the BBC. The machine is activated through a smartphone, using cameras and sensors to drive through farmland. The automation functions will work as an add-on to existing tractors rather than a new machine.

JOKR’s Online Grocery Experience Is Catching On

“People working in the collaborative economy sometimes forget about the importance of social security. JOKR is pro-regulation in this regard. You can see delivery people from different applications in every corner in Mexico City, and these people do not have access to healthcare, Infonavit or paid vacations,” said to MBN Germán Peralta, Co-Founder and CEO, JOKR Latin America.

Read our full interview here.