Hedra, the app used to make talking baby podcasts, raises $32M from a16z
Hedra, which offers a video generation and editing suite powered by its Character-3 model, has raised $32M.
Puzzle Corner
Ready for a fresh set of puzzles? Click here for the July/August 2025 Puzzle Corner, brought to you by guest editor Ed Faulkner ’03. Send problems, solutions (by August 1), and comments to puzzlecorner@technologyreview.com. Editor emeritus Allan Gottlieb ’67 launched Puzzle Corner in 1966. Find back issues through 2022 at cs.nyu.edu/~gottlieb/tr and more recent back issues at technologyreview.com/puzzle-corner.
How US research cuts are threatening crucial climate data
Over the last few months, and especially the last few weeks, there’s been an explosion of news about proposed budget cuts to science in the US. One trend I’ve noticed: Researchers and civil servants are sounding the alarm that those cuts mean we might lose key data that helps us understand our world and how…
Harvey reportedly in discussions to raise $250M at $5B valuation
Harvey AI is in discussions to raise more than $250 million in a funding round led by Kleiner Perkins and Coatue that would value it at $5 billion, Reuters reported
Billionaire founder of Luminar replaced as CEO following ethics inquiry
Austin Russell, who became a billionaire after his lidar startup Luminar went public, appears to be out as CEO, according to the company’s board. Luminar’s board announced Wednesday — the same day of its first-quarter earnings report — it had replaced Russell and appointed Paul Ricci to the role. Ricci is the former Chairman and […]
YouTube introduces an interactive product feed for shoppable TV ads
YouTube made its pitch to advertisers on Wednesday, accompanied by a flashy performance from Lady Gaga and special appearances from popular YouTubers like Brittany Broski and MrBeast. During its upfront presentation, YouTube executives introduced new ad formats coming to the platform, including an enhanced shoppable connected TV (CTV) offering that includes a new interactive product […]
YouTube targets TV dollars with NFL deal, bingeable ‘shows’ from creators
YouTube announced a range of initiatives designed to attract more TV ad dollars to its platform at Brandcast, its annual Upfront event for advertisers. Notably, the Google-owned video service is expanding its relationship with the NFL and plans to exclusively stream the NFL’s first Friday game of the 2025-2026 season. It’s also preparing to pilot […]
YouTube viewers will start seeing ads after ‘peak’ moments in videos
Imagine you’re watching a highly anticipated video from your favorite YouTube creator—perhaps the moment a famous couple finally gets engaged—when an ad pops up immediately after the clip. This is part of YouTube’s new ad format called “Peak Points.” The company revealed the new ad format during its upfront presentation on Wednesday in New York. […]
Barbara Corcoran Finds a Buyer in One Day for Her $12 Million ‘Palace in the Sky’ Penthouse
Corcoran bought the duplex co-op for $10 million in 2015 and spent $2 million renovating it.
You Can Now Order Food and Book a Massage on Airbnb. Here’s How.
Airbnb redesigned its app and added a host of new services.
The latest Apple Maps update will bring out your bougie side
Apple Maps announced a collaboration with the MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest to help users find recommended restaurants and golf courses in their area. Starting in the U.S., users will be able to filter their Maps searches to see restaurants with MICHELIN ratings, which denote exceptional dining experiences. But if you’re on the […]