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VUZ gets $12M to scale immersive video experiences across emerging markets and the U.S. May 20, 2025

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VUZ, a startup known for offering immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million as it doubles down on its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as accelerates expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States

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Cognichip emerges from stealth with the goal of using generative AI to develop new chips May 20, 2025

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Chips are a critical component of the AI industry. But new chips don’t hit the market with the same speed as new AI models and products do. Cognichip has a lofty goal of creating a foundational AI model that can help bring new chips to market faster.

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Sam Altman’s goal for ChatGPT to remember ‘your whole life’ is both exciting and disturbing May 19, 2025

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman laid out a big vision for the future of ChatGPT at an AI event hosted by VC firm Sequoia earlier this month. When asked by one attendee about how ChatGPT can become more personalized, Altman replied that he eventually wants the model to document and remember everything in a person’s life.

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Airbnb expands into services and experiences, plans more social and AI features May 19, 2025

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As part of a broader app update, Airbnb on Tuesday introduced a new feature that allows travelers to book services and experiences, like getting a message, haircut, or chef-prepared meal, or taking part in some activity. These new offerings can be added to your stay, but they can also be booked independently, Airbnb says.

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Grok is unpromptedly telling X users about South African genocide ... and more May 16, 2025

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Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok appeared to experience a bug on Wednesday that caused it to reply to dozens of posts on X with information about genocide in South Africa, even when the user didn’t ask anything about the subject. The strange responses largely came from the X account for Grok. Also, digital consumer bank Chime has moved forward with its IPO by filing its S-1 paperwork Tuesday. Chime had reportedly filed confidential S-1 paperwork back in December. S-1 filings typically reveal all kinds of information, covering financial, legal, and other risk factors. But Chime’s documents still have a lot of blank spaces.

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White House scraps plan to block data brokers from selling Americans’ sensitive data ... and more news May 16, 2025

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The decision to reverse course comes after an industry lobby group called for the rule change to be withdrawn. Also, speaking during a business summit in Doha, Trump said he met with Cook and asked him to stop building in India and instead increase production in the US ... and YouTube introduced an interactive product feed for shoppable TV ads

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Sam Altman apparently does not respect olive oil May 15, 2025

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is using his olive oil inefficiently in an “offense to horticulture,” the Financial Times humorously reports. For its “Lunch with the FT” series, the paper joined Altman in his kitchen. He prepared a garlicky pasta and salad

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GM’s new ‘manganese rich’ battery promises cheaper EVs in 2028 May 15, 2025

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Lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries should slash costs without sacrificing much range.

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VCs are known to move in herds, which is why Eric Slesinger stands out a bit. While most American investors chase AI startups or U.S.-based defense tech startups, the former CIA officer is hunting for defense tech deals in Europe. I May 14, 2025

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The mobile controller company Backbone unveiled its Backbone Pro controller this week, which brings iOS and Android gaming experiences to the next level. A successor to the Backbone One controller, the Pro features full-size joysticks, re-mappable buttons, and Bluetooth compatibility, making for a more premium gaming setup.

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InventWood is about to mass produce wood that’s stronger than steel May 14, 2025

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The material has 50% more tensile strength than steel with a strength-to-weight ratio that’s ten-times better.

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