Mistral releases Voxtral, its first open source AI audio model
French startup Mistral has jumped into the audio race with Voxtral, its first open model, aiming to challenge the dominance of walled-off corporate systems with open-weight alternatives.
Debates over AI consciousness are a trap
“Runaway” AI, “rogue” agents, and “autonomous” actors—the current rhetoric would have you believe that AI agents are not only awake and aware, but angry at their creators. Prominent tech leaders such as Demis Hassabis, Dario Amodei, and Sam Altman push for regulation of these seemingly “superhuman” systems, while a separate faction, led by policy organizations…
Reddit rolls out age verification in the UK to comply with new rules
Reddit users in the UK will have to upload their ID or a selfie to access potentially harmful content.
Building community and clean air solutions
When Darren Riley moved to Detroit seven years ago, he didn’t expect the city’s air to change his life—literally. Developing asthma as an adult opened his eyes to a much larger problem: the invisible but pervasive impact of air pollution on the health of marginalized communities. “I was fascinated about why we don’t have the…
Rivian taps Google to bring custom maps into its EVs and app
Rivian vehicles will soon replace its Mapbox-based maps with Google Maps. The integration will still see a lot of Rivian DNA in the new mapping system, though.
Rwazi raises $12M Series A to help companies with consumer insights and intelligence
Rwazi has raised a $12 million Series A led by Bonfire Ventures to help companies with market intelligence and consumer insights
Apple commits $500M to U.S.-based rare earth recycling firm MP Materials
The factory will develop a series of neodymium magnet manufacturing lines specifically designed for Apple products.
This Restaurant Tech Cost Him a Client — Then Changed Everything for His Business
Tunji Junard was skeptical of a new restaurant tech, but before long, he was convinced it could be a game-changer for his restaurant brand, Steam Boys.
Why First-Party Data and AI Are Crushing Outdated Ad Targeting
First-party data powered by AI and authentic community conversations is allowing brands to deliver relevant, high-ROI experiences as third-party cookies disappear.
DOGE staffer with access to Americans’ personal data leaked private xAI API key
The researcher who found the exposed key said it “raises questions” about how DOGE handles sensitive data.
China’s Geely is officially bringing its luxury EV startup Zeekr private
China’s Geely Auto is officially taking its luxury EV subsidiary Zeekr private, just over a year after the company debuted on the New York Stock Exchange.