Laude Institute announces first batch of ‘Slingshots’ AI grants
Slingshots AI grants provide resources that would be unavailable in most academic settings. Its debut program has 15 startups focused on AI evaluation.
The Download: AI’s impact on the economy, and DeepSeek strikes again
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The State of AI: Welcome to the economic singularity —David Rotman and Richard Waters Any far-reaching new technology is always uneven in its adoption, but few have been more uneven than generative AI.…
TopTechTrends
Meta estimates that it earns 10% of its revenue from scams, report says
These fraudulent ads purport to offer a product or service that isn’t actually real, and may be intended to solicit payments from less savvy users.
Sam Altman says OpenAI has $20B ARR and about $1.4 trillion in data center commitments
Altman named a long list of upcoming business he thinks will generate significant revenue.
Google to buy carbon credits from massive Amazonian reforestation project
The deal is the first selected by the Symbiosis Coalition, an advance market commitment founded to seed the market for nature-based carbon removal.
Amazon launches an AI-powered Kindle Translate service for ebook authors
Kindle Translate, an AI-powered translation service, is designed to broaden the reach of ebook authors.
Americans Owe More Money Than Ever, Driven By These 2 Types of Debt
U.S. student loan debt and credit card balances reached record highs this year, driving an overall high for U.S. household debt.
Sam Altman says he doesn’t want the government to bail out OpenAI if it fails
The furor over Sarah Friar’s comments grew so loud that Trump’s AI Czar David Sacks weighed in.
Ford execs reportedly discuss ending the F-150 Lightning
Production was already paused as Ford prioritizes gas and hybrid versions of the truck. The Lightning has been on the market for three years.
Sora for Android saw nearly half a million installs on its first day
Sora’s Android launch is off to an auspicious start, new data shows.
The One Trait That Separates Successful Fintech Founders From the Rest
Strategic preparation helps fintech leaders navigate long periods of quiet persistence and seize opportunities when growth accelerates.