generative ai Generative AI Startup Writer Reaches $1.9 Billion Valuation After $200M Raise Enterprise AI company Writer secures a $200 million Series C round, pushing its valuation to $1.9 billion. The startup plans to use the funds to develop autonomous AI agents and expand its full-stack platform.
deepfakes Deepfake Disinformation Thrives in the Shadows, Missing the Mainstream A deepfake tracking nonprofit warns that while AI disinformation seems scarce to most Americans, millions of people encounter highly targeted fakes in private messaging apps.
perplexity Perplexity Launches Sponsored Questions as New Ad Revenue Stream Perplexity introduces "sponsored follow-up questions" to generate revenue for its publisher partners, distinguishing its approach from rivals like OpenAI. The AI search engine insists the new ads maintain the accuracy and objectivity of its platform.
red hat Red Hat Acquires Neural Magic to Boost Open Source AI Performance Red Hat purchases AI optimization startup Neural Magic to enhance model speeds on standard processors. The acquisition strengthens Red Hat's enterprise-grade AI stack across hybrid cloud environments.
zoox Amazon-Backed Zoox Launches Custom Robotaxis in Two Major Cities Zoox is testing its custom-built, steering-wheel-free robotaxis on public roads in San Francisco and Las Vegas. The company currently transports only employees but plans to invite early public riders in 2025.
apple Apple Tests Find My Update to Share Lost Item Locations With Strangers Apple is testing a new Find My feature that allows users to share lost item locations via link with non-contacts. Nearly 20 airlines will soon accept these links to help return misplaced luggage.
battery recycling Battery Recycler Tozero Raises $11.7M to Build First Industrial Plant Munich-based startup Tozero secures €11 million in seed funding to scale its lithium-ion battery recycling technology. The company plans to build its first industrial plant to meet surging global demand for critical materials.
ecosia European Search Engines Ecosia and Qwant Team Up to Build Independent Index Ecosia and Qwant form a joint venture to create their own European search index, aiming to reduce reliance on Google and Microsoft while cutting rising API costs.
intuitive machines Intuitive Machines Builds Full Stack for Emerging Lunar Economy After securing a major cislunar communications contract, Intuitive Machines positions itself as a commercial platform provider for a growing lunar economy. The company leverages its historic moon landing and new data capabilities to offer end-to-end space services.
spacex SpaceX Veterans Pivot Mars Tech to Earth-Based Carbon Fuel Production General Galactic, founded by SpaceX alumni, applies Mars-ready CO2-to-methane technology to replace underground natural gas. The startup raises $8 million to deploy its first commercial modules by 2025.
zoox Zoox Begins Testing Purpose-Built Robotaxis in San Francisco Zoox officially starts testing its unique, purpose-built robotaxis in San Francisco, marking its second commercial market. Employee-only testing begins in the SoMa neighborhood as the company expands beyond its existing Las Vegas operations.
ai regulation a16z Partner Warns Lawmakers Target Sci-Fi AI Risks Over Real Threats Andreessen Horowitz general partner Martin Casado argues that current AI regulations focus on imaginary future scenarios rather than the technology's actual, tangible risks. He praises the veto of California's SB 1047 but warns that similar misguided bills could still emerge.
encore Encore AI Search Engine Consolidates Fragmented Secondhand Market Two former tech engineers launch Encore, an AI-powered search engine that aggregates secondhand items across platforms like Poshmark and eBay. The Y Combinator startup aims to eliminate the friction of hunting for specific vintage or used goods online.
gen z Temu and TikTok Lead App Downloads Among Gen Z Young Adults New data reveals that Temu and TikTok dominate the app preferences of U.S. Gen Z users aged 18 to 24 in 2024. The list highlights a strong inclination toward affordable e-commerce and short-form video platforms.
tsmc US Orders TSMC to Halt Advanced AI Chip Shipments to China TSMC stops sending advanced chips to Chinese customers after a US investigation finds one of its processors inside a Huawei product. The shipment pause aims to prevent companies from illegally diverting AI-focused hardware to the restricted tech giant.