LinkedIn News

Health Insurance

Media & Entertainment

Customer Success

Biotech & Health

Education Technology

Human Resources

Telecommunications

Music Streaming

Entrepreneurship

Cloud Computing

Web Development

Renewable Energy

Renewable Power

Consumer Technology

Agriculture Tech

Machine Learning

Software Development

Environmental Health

Mergers and Acquisitions

Business Development

Government & Policy

Electric Vehicles

Anthropic Launches $200/Month Claude Subscription to Compete with ChatGPT Pro

Anthropic Launches $200/Month Claude Subscription to Compete with ChatGPT Pro

Anthropic has introduced a new subscription plan for its AI chatbot, Claude, named Max, with options priced at $100 and $200 per month. This offering provides users with significantly higher usage limits compared to its previous $20 Claude Pro plan. The launch aims to enhance revenue streams amidst rising competition in the AI sector, particularly against OpenAI’s ChatGPT Pro. Anthropic's product lead indicated potential for even pricier subscription tiers in the future. The company is also developing Claude for Education targeting universities. User feedback will shape future product directions.

Created at: April 9, 2025 5:00pm

US May Impose $1B Fine on TSMC Over Huawei AI Chip

US May Impose $1B Fine on TSMC Over Huawei AI Chip

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) faces potential fines exceeding $1 billion due to a U.S. export control investigation regarding a chip used in Huawei's AI processor. The investigation revolves around TSMC's involvement with Huawei and Xiamen Sophgo Technologies, which is linked to Bitmain. TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker, has not supplied Huawei since September 2020. The situation escalated after TechInsights revealed the presence of TSMC-based chips in Huawei's 910B AI processor. The U.S. Commerce Department has previously restricted advanced chip shipments to Chinese firms, including Sophgo.

Created at: April 9, 2025 4:00pm

Startups Revolutionizing Laundry Services Attract Major Investments

Startups Revolutionizing Laundry Services Attract Major Investments

Innovative laundry startups are gaining traction as investors flock to fund their services. NoScrubs, an 11-month-old company, has secured $2 million in pre-seed funding led by Initialized Capital for its on-demand laundry delivery in Austin. Meanwhile, Rinse, dubbed the 'Uber of laundry,' raised $23 million in Series D funding to expand its operations across major U.S. cities. Both companies aim to streamline laundry processes, with NoScrubs promising rapid turnaround times and Rinse focusing on employee-based service. The laundry market is projected to grow, presenting opportunities for multiple players.

Created at: April 9, 2025 3:30pm

WordPress.com Unveils Free AI-Powered Website Builder

WordPress.com Unveils Free AI-Powered Website Builder

WordPress.com has launched a new AI-driven website builder, enabling users to create websites through a chat interface. This feature is aimed at entrepreneurs and freelancers needing a professional online presence. Currently, the builder is limited to basic sites, not suitable for e-commerce or complex integrations. Users can provide prompts to guide the AI in designing their site, and they'll have 30 free uses before needing a hosting plan. The tool is intended to enhance WordPress's competitiveness against platforms like Squarespace and Wix.

Created at: April 9, 2025 3:00pm

Artisan Raises $25M Series A Despite Controversial 'Stop Hiring Humans' Campaign

Artisan Raises $25M Series A Despite Controversial 'Stop Hiring Humans' Campaign

Artisan, an AI sales agent startup founded by Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, has secured $25 million in a Series A funding led by Glade Brook Capital. The company, known for its provocative marketing campaign, has evolved from its early challenges, boasting a customer base of 250 and achieving $5 million in annual recurring revenue. Despite a tumultuous year, including a viral April Fool's joke about replacing its CEO with AI, Artisan continues to hire and now plans to launch additional AI products by the end of 2025. The startup emphasizes targeted outreach and a new success-based pricing model to enhance customer value.

Created at: April 9, 2025 3:00pm

TechCrunch Sessions: AI to Gather 1,200 Innovators in Berkeley

TechCrunch Sessions: AI to Gather 1,200 Innovators in Berkeley

TechCrunch Sessions: AI is set for June 5, 2025, at UC Berkeley, bringing together 1,200 leaders from the AI sector. The event promises insightful discussions led by notable figures like Jared Kaplan and Ion Stoica, focusing on AI advancements and ethical considerations. Attendees will also witness startup pitches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities designed for founders and investors alike. Early Bird tickets are available, offering discounts for teams. This event marks a significant return to topic-focused gatherings in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Created at: April 9, 2025 2:30pm

Tessell Secures $60M to Transform Data Management with AI

Tessell Secures $60M to Transform Data Management with AI

Tessell, a startup specializing in multi-cloud database management, has raised $60 million in funding led by WestBridge Capital. The company aims to revolutionize operational data management by launching an AI-powered conversational database service. With a focus on flexibility and cost-efficiency, Tessell claims to deliver up to 10x performance improvements compared to traditional database services. The four-year-old startup is expanding its market reach, including plans to enter Europe and Asia-Pacific. Tessell currently supports major cloud providers and database engines, with 40 customers, primarily in India.

Created at: April 9, 2025 2:30pm

Solve Intelligence Secures $12M to Revolutionize Patent Workflows with AI

Solve Intelligence Secures $12M to Revolutionize Patent Workflows with AI

Solve Intelligence, a Delaware-based startup, has raised $12 million in Series A funding led by 20VC to enhance its AI-driven document editor designed for patent attorneys. The platform, already utilized by 200 IP teams globally, streamlines patent drafting and related tasks, boasting a 25% month-on-month revenue growth. Co-founder Chris Parsonson highlighted the startup's profitability and plans for expansion, including a new office in New York and increased R&D for life sciences. The funding will also advance their AI capabilities tailored to unique legal drafting styles, setting them apart in the legal tech landscape.

Created at: April 9, 2025 2:30pm

Nuro Secures $106M Funding to Shift Focus to Licensing Autonomous Technology

Nuro Secures $106M Funding to Shift Focus to Licensing Autonomous Technology

Nuro has raised $106 million in Series E funding, bringing its total funding to $2.2 billion and valuation to $6 billion, down from its previous peak. The company is pivoting from building delivery robots to licensing its autonomous driving technology to automotive manufacturers and commercial fleets. This strategic shift follows layoffs and a halt in manufacturing plans as Nuro aims to enhance its self-driving capabilities, leveraging AI to extend its operational runway. Investor support remains strong, primarily from institutional backers like T. Rowe Price and Fidelity.

Created at: April 9, 2025 2:30pm

Apple Vision Pro's Sales Struggles Prompt New Model with M5 Chip by 2025

Apple Vision Pro's Sales Struggles Prompt New Model with M5 Chip by 2025

Apple's Vision Pro headset has faced disappointing sales, failing to meet market expectations despite an enthusiastic launch. The company is now working on an incremental upgrade, the Vision Pro 2, aimed for late 2025 release. This new model will feature the next-generation M5 chip but minimal redesign. Reports indicate that production of the original Vision Pro will cease by the end of 2024. Apple hopes that the enhanced performance will attract more customers as they phase out the first version. However, significant improvements may be delayed due to development challenges.

Created at: April 9, 2025 12:31pm

Google Unveils New AI Features for Vertex Cloud Amidst Growing Competition

Google Unveils New AI Features for Vertex Cloud Amidst Growing Competition

Google has announced significant updates to its Vertex AI cloud platform, introducing the Lyria music-generating model in preview. Enhancements to the Veo 2 video creation model now allow advanced editing and visual effects. The new voice-cloning feature, powered by Chirp 3, can synthesize speech in approximately 35 languages and enables Instant Custom Voice. Imagen 3 has also received upgrades for improved image generation. These updates aim to strengthen Google's position in the enterprise generative AI market, competing directly with Amazon's Bedrock platform.

Created at: April 9, 2025 12:31pm

Google Launches Gemini 2.5 Flash AI Model for Enhanced Efficiency

Google Launches Gemini 2.5 Flash AI Model for Enhanced Efficiency

Google has announced the upcoming release of its Gemini 2.5 Flash AI model, designed for efficiency and strong performance. Set to debut on the Vertex AI platform, this model allows developers to adjust processing times based on query complexity. With a focus on balancing speed, accuracy, and cost, Gemini 2.5 Flash serves high-volume applications like customer service and document parsing. The model is also being adapted for on-premises environments, ensuring compliance with data governance needs. Despite lacking a safety report, it presents a viable alternative to more expensive AI models.

Created at: April 9, 2025 12:30pm

Samsung Integrates Google’s Gemini AI into Home Robot Ballie

Samsung Integrates Google’s Gemini AI into Home Robot Ballie

Samsung announced a partnership with Google Cloud to incorporate the Gemini AI into its home robot, Ballie. This integration allows users to engage with the robot using queries, benefiting from Gemini’s multimodal capabilities. Ballie will offer personalized responses, including outfit suggestions and health recommendations, by utilizing its camera and visual intelligence. Samsung aims to redefine AI's role in the home through this collaboration. The robot is set to launch in South Korea and the U.S. later this year, following years of showcasing at tech events.

Created at: April 9, 2025 12:00pm

Brinc Drones Secures $75M Funding to Transform Police Response

Brinc Drones Secures $75M Funding to Transform Police Response

Brinc Drones, a Seattle-based startup founded by 25-year-old Blake Resnick, has successfully raised $75 million in funding led by Index Ventures. This investment brings Brinc's total funding to $157.2 million, marking an up-round in valuation since its last $55 million Series B in 2022. The company specializes in drone systems for police and public safety agencies, capitalizing on a trend of domestic drone manufacturing. With new funding, Brinc is forming a strategic partnership with Motorola Solutions to integrate drones into emergency response systems, enhancing their operational capabilities in critical situations.

Created at: April 8, 2025 11:00pm

Deep Cogito Launches Hybrid AI Models for Enhanced Reasoning

Deep Cogito Launches Hybrid AI Models for Enhanced Reasoning

Deep Cogito has officially emerged from stealth mode, unveiling its Cogito 1 family of AI models that seamlessly toggle between reasoning and non-reasoning modes. These hybrid models are designed to perform complex problem-solving while maintaining efficiency for simpler queries. The startup claims that its models outperform existing competitors, including those from Meta and DeepSeek. Developed in just 75 days, the models range from 3 to 70 billion parameters, with future expansions planned. Founders Drishan Arora and Dhruv Malhotra aim to push the boundaries of AI capabilities, aspiring for general superintelligence.

Created at: April 8, 2025 8:00pm

Jeff Bezos Backs Secretive EV Startup Slate Auto for Affordable Electric Pickup

Jeff Bezos Backs Secretive EV Startup Slate Auto for Affordable Electric Pickup

Jeff Bezos is secretly funding Slate Auto, an EV startup based in Michigan, aiming to produce a low-cost two-seat electric pickup truck for around $25,000 by late 2026. Slate, founded in 2022, has already raised over $111 million and attracted significant investors like Mark Walter and Thomas Tull. The company plans to generate revenue through vehicle customization and accessories, drawing on expertise from former employees of major automakers. Slate's CEO, Christine Barman, emphasizes a unique approach by targeting first-time car buyers, diverging from the high-end focus of many competitors.

Created at: April 8, 2025 7:30pm

Colossal Biosciences Unveils Genetically Engineered Dire Wolves Amid Controversy

Colossal Biosciences Unveils Genetically Engineered Dire Wolves Amid Controversy

Colossal Biosciences has revealed its latest creation, genetically engineered dire wolves, amidst a $10 billion valuation. These animals, based on ancient DNA, are being questioned by scientists regarding their true status as de-extinct species. Co-founder Ben Lamm defends the project, emphasizing both the scientific advancements and ethical considerations taken during the gene editing process. Critics argue that these hybrids do not represent a genuine revival of the species, sparking debate within the scientific community. Colossal aims to pair de-extinction efforts with conservation projects, particularly focusing on red wolves.

Created at: April 8, 2025 5:30pm

Amazon’s Zoox Launches Robotaxi Testing in Los Angeles

Amazon’s Zoox Launches Robotaxi Testing in Los Angeles

Amazon's autonomous vehicle division, Zoox, has begun testing a fleet of retrofitted vehicles in Los Angeles, marking its sixth city for data collection. Unlike Waymo, Zoox is still in early stages, utilizing manually driven Toyota Highlanders to gather mapping data. The company aims to expand its autonomous testing in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year. Currently, Zoox's autonomous vehicles are being tested in multiple cities, including Austin and Miami. This expansion follows a recent software recall on 258 vehicles due to braking issues, highlighting the challenges in the autonomous driving sector.

Created at: April 8, 2025 3:30pm

Join the Conversation at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Speaker Applications Open Now

Join the Conversation at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Speaker Applications Open Now

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 invites innovators to apply as speakers for the event happening from October 27 to 29 in San Francisco. This is an opportunity for tech leaders and founders to share insights with over 10,000 attendees. Applicants can select between breakout sessions or roundtable discussions to engage in meaningful conversations. The deadline for applications is May 16, with finalists entering an audience voting round. This event promises to shape the future of technology and startup ecosystems.

Created at: April 8, 2025 3:30pm

Startup Battlefield 200 Applications Now Open for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025!

Startup Battlefield 200 Applications Now Open for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025!

TechCrunch has officially launched applications for the Startup Battlefield 200, inviting innovative founders to showcase their groundbreaking ideas at Disrupt 2025. Selected startups will compete for $100,000 in equity-free funding and global exposure. Among thousands of applicants, only 200 will be chosen, with 20 pitching onstage to elite VC judges. Benefits include free exhibit space, complimentary tickets, and access to investor-led masterclasses. Applications close on June 9, so aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply early.

Created at: April 8, 2025 3:00pm

Rain Secures $75M Series B to Enhance Fintech Offerings

Rain Secures $75M Series B to Enhance Fintech Offerings

Los Angeles-based fintech startup Rain has successfully raised $75 million in a Series B funding round led by Prosus, achieving a valuation of $340 million. The funds will be utilized to introduce credit card and savings products, enhancing their earned wage access (EWA) app, which already serves over 2.5 million employees. Rain aims to differentiate itself in a competitive market by offering financial wellness features like coaching and tax services. The startup plans to launch an EWA-secured credit card and expand its offerings to include Health Saving Accounts and savings accounts later this year.

Created at: April 8, 2025 3:00pm

Volunteer for a Free Ticket to TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Volunteer for a Free Ticket to TechCrunch Sessions: AI

TechCrunch is calling for volunteers for its upcoming Sessions: AI event at UC Berkeley on June 5. Those interested can apply by May 22 to earn a free ticket while gaining hands-on experience in event production. Volunteers will assist with various tasks, ensuring a smooth experience for over 1,000 attendees. This opportunity also includes a complimentary pass to Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco. Participants will engage with expert-led sessions on AI, making it an invaluable experience for aspiring entrepreneurs and marketers.

Created at: April 8, 2025 2:30pm

Audience Choice Winners Announced for TechCrunch Sessions: AI

Audience Choice Winners Announced for TechCrunch Sessions: AI

TechCrunch has unveiled the two Audience Choice winners who will lead breakout sessions at the upcoming TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 at UC Berkeley. Yann Stoneman from Cohere will discuss secure generative AI for regulated enterprises, providing practical strategies for deploying AI models. Hua Wang from the Global Innovation Forum will focus on AI policies for startups, offering insights on compliance and market expansion. Both experts aim to empower attendees with knowledge to navigate the evolving AI landscape. This event promises engaging sessions for AI leaders and enthusiasts.

Created at: April 8, 2025 2:00pm

Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab Welcomes Ex-OpenAI Advisors

Mira Murati's Thinking Machines Lab Welcomes Ex-OpenAI Advisors

Thinking Machines Lab, led by former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati, has gained two notable advisors: Bob McGrew and Alec Radford. Both previously held significant roles at OpenAI, where McGrew served as chief research officer and Radford was instrumental in developing generative pre-trained transformers. Murati's startup aims to create AI tools tailored to individual needs and enhance overall understanding and customization of AI systems. The lab has attracted talent from top AI organizations, signaling its ambitious vision. However, it remains vague about its research agenda and product roadmap.

Created at: April 8, 2025 1:30pm

Amazon Launches Nova Sonic: A Game-Changing AI Voice Model

Amazon Launches Nova Sonic: A Game-Changing AI Voice Model

Amazon has introduced Nova Sonic, a new generative AI voice model that processes voice and generates natural speech. This model competes with offerings from OpenAI and Google, boasting superior performance in speed and conversational quality. Nova Sonic is integrated with Amazon's Bedrock platform and is touted as the most cost-effective AI voice model available. It enhances Alexa's capabilities with advanced speech recognition, achieving a low word error rate across multiple languages. Nova Sonic aims to contribute to Amazon's broader goal of developing artificial general intelligence.

Created at: April 8, 2025 1:00pm

Blackbird Secures $50M for Blockchain Payment-Loyalty App Revolutionizing Restaurants

Blackbird Secures $50M for Blockchain Payment-Loyalty App Revolutionizing Restaurants

Blackbird Labs has successfully raised $50 million for its innovative blockchain-based payment and loyalty app aimed at enhancing customer engagement for restaurants. With 1,000 establishments already signed up, CEO Ben Leventhal plans to launch the Blackbird Club, a cross-restaurant points system, and expand beyond New York, San Francisco, and Charleston. Led by Spark Capital, the funding round also included Coinbase Ventures and Amex Ventures. Blackbird's Flynet service simplifies transactions while saving restaurants 3-4% on processing fees, addressing the industry's profitability challenges amidst rising costs.

Created at: April 8, 2025 12:30pm

Sizl Secures $3.5M to Revolutionize Cook-to-Order Food Delivery

Sizl Secures $3.5M to Revolutionize Cook-to-Order Food Delivery

Sizl, a Chicago-based cook-to-order food delivery service, has raised $3.5 million in seed funding to enhance its offerings. The company aims to shift perceptions of dark kitchens by providing meals made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients within 30 minutes. Unlike typical ghost kitchens, Sizl operates its own kitchens staffed by Ukrainian cooks and local talent. The service features a mobile app that rewards customers through game mechanics and offers cashback on orders. Sizl plans to expand to four additional kitchens in Chicago and is eyeing growth in Boston, Charlotte, and San Francisco.

Created at: April 8, 2025 12:00pm

XL Batteries Innovates with Organic Flow Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

XL Batteries Innovates with Organic Flow Batteries for Grid-Scale Energy Storage

XL Batteries, a promising startup, is revolutionizing energy storage by developing organic flow batteries that aim to outperform traditional lithium-ion solutions. Co-founder Tom Sisto revealed that their technology could be cheaper, safer, and more durable. Targeting grid-scale applications, XL Batteries plans to deploy a demonstration unit at Stolthaven Terminals. The innovative design utilizes existing petrochemical infrastructure, enabling large-scale installations. With the potential to power 25,000 homes for a day, the company is poised to significantly impact renewable energy storage.

Created at: April 8, 2025 12:00pm

Apple Plans to Import iPhones from India to Avoid Tariffs

Apple Plans to Import iPhones from India to Avoid Tariffs

In light of new tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese imports, Apple is exploring the option to import more iPhones from India, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. This strategy aims to mitigate the impact of the 54% tariffs on Chinese goods while negotiating for exemptions from the Trump administration. Currently, the U.S. proposes a 26% tariff on Indian imports, making it a more viable option. Apple is projected to produce 25 million iPhones in India this year, potentially fulfilling 50% of U.S. demand if all units are imported.

Created at: April 8, 2025 9:30am

Turkey's Sipay Secures $78M Funding to Propel Fintech Expansion

Turkey's Sipay Secures $78M Funding to Propel Fintech Expansion

Sipay, a Turkish fintech company, has successfully raised $78 million in a Series B funding round, achieving a valuation of $875 million. This capital will enable Sipay to expand its services beyond Turkey, focusing on remittances and other offerings currently lacking in these regions. The funding round was led by Elephant VC and included participation from QuantumLight. Founded in 2019, Sipay serves 6.3 million wallet users and 25,000 merchants, boasting a 5x revenue growth year-on-year. The company has been profitable since 2023, projecting run-rate revenue of $600 million.

Created at: April 8, 2025 9:30am

iOS 19 Leak Unveils Stunning New Features for iPhone 17 Pro

iOS 19 Leak Unveils Stunning New Features for iPhone 17 Pro

Tech insider Jon Prosser has leaked exciting details about the upcoming iOS 19 for the iPhone 17 Pro. The update promises a significant UI redesign, featuring rounded app icons and glass-like effects for a more immersive user experience. The Messages app will adopt a cleaner, visionOS-inspired aesthetic with a repositioned search bar for enhanced usability. One standout feature is the reintroduction of dual video recording, allowing simultaneous use of front and rear cameras. Apple's official announcement is anticipated at WWDC 2025 in June.

Created at: April 8, 2025 8:30am

Amazon's Nova Reel Expands Video Capabilities with New AI Features

Amazon's Nova Reel Expands Video Capabilities with New AI Features

Amazon has upgraded its Nova Reel platform, allowing users to generate AI videos up to two minutes long—a significant increase from the previous one-minute limit. The new version, 1.1, introduces a 'Multi-shot' feature that enhances content creation by ensuring a consistent style across multiple shots. Users can provide prompts of up to 4,000 characters, leading to intricate video outputs. Additionally, a 'Multishot Manual' mode offers more control by letting users upload images for precise video generation. This update reflects Amazon's commitment to integrating advanced AI features across its services.

Created at: April 8, 2025 3:30am

Amazon's Nova Reel 1.1: AI Video Generation Now Supports 2-Minute Clips

Amazon's Nova Reel 1.1: AI Video Generation Now Supports 2-Minute Clips

Amazon has unveiled an upgrade to its AI video model, Nova Reel, allowing users to generate videos up to two minutes long. Launched in December 2024, Nova Reel 1.1 features a new mode called ‘Multishot Manual,’ enabling users to reference an image alongside a prompt for enhanced video composition. The model can create ‘multi-shot’ videos maintaining consistent style across shots. Although Nova Reel is only accessible via AWS, concerns arise over the ethical sourcing of training data. Amazon has pledged to protect customers against copyright claims related to generated media.

Created at: April 7, 2025 9:30pm

Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen Navigates Tariff Turmoil with Customers

Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen Navigates Tariff Turmoil with Customers

In the wake of President Trump's new tariffs, Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen addressed over 2,300 customers, explaining the profound impact on U.S. importers. Tariffs as high as 79% on Chinese goods and a 46% tariff on Vietnam's products are causing chaos in global trade. Petersen emphasized the importance of calm leadership during crises, stating that Flexport is committed to providing stability and guidance. With impending port fees for Chinese-built ships, the logistics landscape remains in flux. Despite the turmoil, Petersen believes these changes could lead to a restructured global supply chain.

Created at: April 7, 2025 9:00pm

Trevor Milton Pursues Nikola's Assets Amid Bankruptcy Drama

Trevor Milton Pursues Nikola's Assets Amid Bankruptcy Drama

Trevor Milton, the founder of Nikola, is attempting to acquire the assets of his bankrupt company after being pardoned for securities fraud. Nikola filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in February and plans to sell its business soon. Milton's bid faced resistance, including a prohibition on inspecting the Coolidge factory where the assets are located. A judge has dismissed the notion that Milton's interest is anything more than a publicity stunt. Meanwhile, the court will hold an auction to assess the highest bid for Nikola's assets, with a deadline for submissions already passed.

Created at: April 7, 2025 9:00pm

Meta Executive Refutes Claims of Manipulated Llama 4 Benchmark Scores

Meta Executive Refutes Claims of Manipulated Llama 4 Benchmark Scores

A Meta executive has denied allegations that the company manipulated benchmark scores for its new AI models, Llama 4 Maverick and Llama 4 Scout. Ahmad Al-Dahle, VP of generative AI at Meta, stated that the claims of training on test sets are false. The rumors gained traction after reports suggested the models performed poorly on certain tasks. Al-Dahle acknowledged that users are experiencing inconsistent quality across cloud providers but assured that improvements are underway. He emphasized that the models were released as soon as they were ready, with ongoing bug fixes planned.

Created at: April 7, 2025 7:00pm

Former Tesla Exec Launches Heron Power to Innovate Electrical Transformers

Former Tesla Exec Launches Heron Power to Innovate Electrical Transformers

Drew Baglino, a former senior vice president at Tesla, has founded Heron Power, a startup focused on developing advanced solid-state transformers for the electrical grid. The company aims to raise between $30 million and $50 million in a Series A funding round, with Capricorn Investment Group expected to lead the effort. Baglino's initiative addresses the aging transformer technology that has remained largely unchanged for over a century, promising enhanced grid stability and efficiency. Heron Power joins other startups like Singapore’s Amperesand in seeking to modernize this critical infrastructure.

Created at: April 7, 2025 6:00pm

Waymo to Use Interior Camera Data for Generative AI Training and Ad Personalization

Waymo to Use Interior Camera Data for Generative AI Training and Ad Personalization

Waymo plans to leverage interior camera footage from its robotaxis to train generative AI models, as revealed in a draft of its privacy policy. This initiative raises concerns about the extent to which rider behavior may be utilized for AI training and targeted advertising. Riders will have the option to opt out of sharing their data, including video linked to their identities. Despite increasing paid rides, Waymo continues to explore alternative revenue streams as it copes with significant operational losses. The company aims to expand its services into new markets while investing heavily in research and development.

Created at: April 7, 2025 4:30pm

Shopify's CEO Pushes for AI Adoption Before Adding Staff

Shopify's CEO Pushes for AI Adoption Before Adding Staff

In a recent memo, Shopify CEO Tobi Lütke mandated that teams must prove AI cannot accomplish their tasks before requesting additional staff and resources. He encouraged exploring how autonomous AI agents could integrate into their workflow, a move expected to spark debate over AI's role in job security. This policy aligns with a broader trend among tech CEOs seeking efficiency through AI, as seen with Klarna's leader, who claims their AI can replace a significant number of customer service positions. Shopify currently employs around 8,100 people after a series of layoffs in the past year.

Created at: April 7, 2025 4:00pm

Google’s AI Mode Enhances Image Queries with Multimodal Search

Google’s AI Mode Enhances Image Queries with Multimodal Search

Google has launched an upgraded AI Mode that allows users to ask complex, multi-part questions about images they upload or capture. This new feature leverages Google Lens’ multimodal capabilities to analyze scenes, objects, colors, and arrangements within images. Users can ask follow-up questions to refine their search results further. Previously exclusive to Google One AI Premium subscribers, AI Mode is now available to millions more users enrolled in Labs. This innovation aims to compete with services like OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search, enhancing the overall search experience.

Created at: April 7, 2025 4:00pm