Sep 23, 2025

From Harvard to Hacker: Post-romantic, youthful AI founders are upending San Francisco

A new wave of brilliant, workaholic teenagers is flooding San Francisco, transforming vacant hotels into hacker houses and basement labs into brain-scanning operations as they race to build AI startups. This gold-rush mentality among Gen Z founders represents a fundamental shift in Silicon Valley's ecosystem, where 18-to-28-year-olds are raising millions pre-product while casually discussing humanity's potential extinction—what they call P(doom)—with the same nonchalance previous generations reserved for discussing the weather. The big picture: San Francisco's latest tech boom is being driven by exceptionally young founders who view traditional career paths as outdated and are willing to bet everything on AI...

read Sep 23, 2025

FBI arrests Michigan man for AI deepfake extortion threats on social media

The FBI has arrested 36-year-old Joshua Justin Stilman of Commerce Township, Michigan, on federal charges of cyberstalking and interstate threats to extort, alleging he used AI-generated nude images to harass and threaten women on social media. The case represents one of the first high-profile federal prosecutions involving AI-generated pornographic content used as a weapon for digital harassment and extortion. What you should know: Federal agents conducted a dramatic arrest at Stilman's West Commerce Road home, with neighbors reporting they witnessed agents with weapons and shields forcing entry. Stilman allegedly used Instagram accounts "friendblender" and "thisDIYguy" to send AI-generated nude and...

read Sep 23, 2025

Tom Brady rubs shoulders with AI massage company Aescape as new innovation chief

Tom Brady is joining forces with Aescape, the world's first robotic massage technology company, in what sources describe as a merger that will make him Chief Innovation Officer. The partnership aims to expand Aescape's reach from luxury hotels and gyms into professional sports facilities and potentially the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while democratizing access to high-quality massage therapy through AI-powered robotics. What you should know: Brady will share his longevity and recovery protocols with Aescape while his business partner Alex Spiro, a prominent attorney who has represented Jay-Z and Elon Musk, joins as a strategic advisor in exchange for equity.•...

read Sep 23, 2025

AI to replace half of white-collar jobs as blue-collar opportunities ignored, Ford CEO warns

Ford CEO Jim Farley is warning that artificial intelligence will eliminate up to half of all white-collar jobs in America within the next decade, while the country simultaneously faces critical shortages in blue-collar and skilled trade positions. His call to action highlights a fundamental mismatch between where the economy is heading and where educational priorities currently focus, as entry-level white-collar positions disappear while hundreds of thousands of manufacturing and construction jobs remain unfilled. The big picture: Farley describes America as ignoring its "essential economy"—the sectors that get things "moved, built, or fixed"—while overemphasizing four-year college education and tech careers that...

read Sep 23, 2025

Volusia County, Florida deploys AI metal detectors across 10 high schools

Volusia County Schools is expanding AI-powered metal detectors to all 10 of its high schools, with four campuses already equipped and the remainder scheduled for installation by the end of the school year. The technology represents a significant upgrade from traditional metal detectors, using artificial intelligence to identify specific items rather than simply detecting metal objects, aiming to enhance campus safety while minimizing disruptions to students' daily routines. How it works: The AI-powered system can distinguish between everyday items and potential threats with remarkable specificity. "It scans everything on the person and identifies each item," said Capt. Todd Smith with...

read Sep 23, 2025

30 US hospitals deploy “Robin the Robot” for pediatric care amid AI attachment concerns

Hospitals across the United States are deploying Robin the Robot, a therapeutic AI companion designed to behave like a seven-year-old girl to comfort pediatric patients. The cartoon-faced robot has been implemented in 30 healthcare facilities across California, New York, Massachusetts, and Indiana, offering emotional support to children during medical treatment while raising questions about AI's role in human care. What you should know: Robin combines AI technology with human remote operation to create personalized interactions with young patients. The robot is only 30% autonomous, with the remaining functionality handled by remote teleoperators from Expper Technologies, the company that built Robin...

read Sep 23, 2025

San Francisco’s AI community lives in a gilded bubble, says VC

Venture capitalist Hunter Walk reflects on the disconnect between perception and reality in San Francisco's AI scene, drawing parallels between teenage emotions and the tech community's current mindset. His observations, inspired by both parenting advice and Jasmine Sun's essay on SF's AI culture, suggest that while the feelings and experiences of AI participants are genuine, they may not accurately reflect the broader technological landscape. The big picture: Walk uses the metaphor "it might not be true, but it is real" to describe how San Francisco's AI community experiences their environment—their swagger and confidence are authentic emotions, even if they don't...

read Sep 23, 2025

Boeing taps Palantir for AI-powered defense manufacturing upgrade

Boeing's defense and space division has partnered with Palantir Technologies to integrate the software company's AI platform across its military production operations. The collaboration will standardize data analytics across Boeing's defense manufacturing lines and provide AI tools for classified military projects, positioning both companies to capitalize on the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and defense contracting. What you should know: Boeing Defense Systems will use Palantir's AI solutions to enhance operations across its diverse military manufacturing portfolio. The unit produces military aircraft, helicopters, satellites, spacecraft, missiles, and weapons systems. Palantir will supply AI tools specifically designed for classified projects supporting...

read Sep 23, 2025

Google AI Plus expands to 40 countries with affordable features

Google has expanded its AI Plus subscription service to 40 additional countries, following its initial launch in Indonesia two weeks ago. The mid-tier subscription plan aims to make Google's AI capabilities more accessible globally by offering advanced features at a lower price point than the company's Pro and Ultra tiers. What you should know: Google AI Plus is positioned as an affordable entry point into Google's premium AI ecosystem, designed to "help more people do more with Google AI for less."• Users receive 200 GB of storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Photos that can be shared with up to...

read Sep 23, 2025

Daytona 1000: Amazon opens automated warehouse facility creating 1k Florida jobs

Amazon has opened a new $200 million robotics fulfillment center in Daytona Beach, Florida, marking a significant expansion of the company's automated warehouse operations in the region. The facility represents part of Amazon's broader $38 billion investment across Florida and is expected to create over 1,000 jobs with starting wages of $19 per hour plus benefits. What you should know: The new fulfillment center on Bellevue Avenue showcases Amazon's commitment to advanced robotics technology in its logistics operations. The facility features cutting-edge robotics systems designed to streamline order fulfillment and package processing. Starting wages of $19 per hour plus benefits...

read Sep 23, 2025

GoPro’s new $230 AI gimbal offers 18-hour battery life and universal compatibility

GoPro has announced the Fluid Pro AI, a new $229.99 handheld camera stabilizer that works with action cameras, smartphones, and compact point-and-shoot cameras up to 400 grams. Unlike the company's previous Karma Grip stabilizer from 2016, which only worked with GoPro devices, this versatile gimbal features AI-powered tracking and an 18-hour battery life, positioning it as a premium alternative to competitors like DJI and Insta360. Key capabilities: The Fluid Pro AI offers comprehensive camera movement with 360-degree panning and 320-degree tilting capabilities.• An integrated AI tracking module recognizes hand gestures for remote control and automatically keeps subjects in frame by...

read Sep 23, 2025

Perplexity launches $200 monthly AI email assistant for Gmail and Outlook

Perplexity has launched Email Assistant, an AI-powered tool that integrates with Gmail and Outlook to manage emails, draft responses, and schedule meetings. However, the service comes with a steep price tag of $200 monthly, as it's exclusively available to Perplexity Max subscribers, making it one of the more expensive AI email solutions on the market. What you should know: Email Assistant offers comprehensive inbox management capabilities but requires users to interact through a specific email address. Users must either email [email protected] or CC the address in email threads to activate the AI assistant. The tool can draft replies in the...

read Sep 23, 2025

Perplexity launches AI-powered Comet browser in India with Pro-only access

Perplexity has launched its AI-powered Comet browser in India on September 22, 2025, marking the company's expansion into the competitive browser market. The launch brings AI-enhanced browsing capabilities to Indian users, though availability remains limited to specific platforms and user tiers. What you should know: The browser is currently available with significant platform restrictions across different user categories. Android users can pre-register for Comet on the Google Play Store, though no specific launch date has been announced for actual usage. Windows and macOS users with Perplexity Pro subscriptions can already download and use the browser. iOS availability has been delayed...

read Sep 23, 2025

California bill requires data centers to report water usage, awaits Newsom signature

California lawmakers have passed Assembly Bill 93, which would require data centers to report their water consumption both before operating and annually thereafter. The legislation, now awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, comes as the AI-driven data center boom puts growing pressure on water resources in California and the drought-stricken Southwest. Why this matters: Data centers can consume massive amounts of water for cooling—up to 500,000 gallons per day for a 100-megawatt facility—yet many companies don't currently disclose their usage, making it difficult for communities to plan for water allocation amid ongoing shortages. Key details: The bill requires both new and...

read Sep 23, 2025

Swiss franc meets Shark Tank as AI startup Giotto.ai seeks $200M funding at $1B+ valuation

Swiss AI startup Giotto.ai is seeking to raise more than $200 million at a valuation exceeding $1 billion, positioning itself as Europe's latest contender in the race for artificial general intelligence (AGI). The Lausanne-based company has hired investment bank Lazard to lead the fundraising, which will test investor appetite for a new European AI player in a market dominated by well-funded U.S. labs like OpenAI and Anthropic. What you should know: Giotto.ai plans to use the capital for AI research, building commercial prototypes with enterprise and government clients, and open-sourcing core technology. The company was launched in 2017 by CEO...

read Sep 23, 2025

EU considers delaying AI Act enforcement by up to one year due to catch-up concerns

The European Union is considering a pause on enforcing key provisions of its landmark 2024 Artificial Intelligence Act, potentially delaying compliance requirements for high-risk AI systems by up to a year beyond the planned August 2025 deadline. This potential retreat marks a significant shift for the EU from being a global AI regulation leader to a region increasingly worried about falling behind the U.S. and China in the AI race. What you should know: The EU's tech chief Henna Virkkunen, the European Commission's executive vice president for tech sovereignty, has acknowledged that parts of the AI Act may need postponing...

read Sep 23, 2025

UN climate chief calls AI a climate “gamechanger” but warns of energy risks

The UN's climate chief says artificial intelligence can be a "gamechanger" in tackling global heating, but governments must regulate the technology to manage its risks and energy demands. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized that while AI offers significant potential for climate solutions, its growing energy requirements from large datacenters require immediate regulatory attention. What you should know: AI is already being deployed across multiple climate applications, from energy system optimization to industrial carbon reduction tools. The UN itself is using AI to support climate diplomacy efforts, demonstrating the technology's versatility in addressing...

read Sep 23, 2025

TikTok AI suggests shopping items on…Gaza war footage

TikTok is tagging videos from Gaza with AI-powered product recommendations, matching items visible in war footage with shop listings. The algorithm has been suggesting clothing items like "Dubai Middle East Turkish Elegant Lace-Up Dress" on videos showing Palestinian women searching for family members amidst rubble, highlighting the platform's failure to consider appropriate contexts for its new shopping feature. How it works: TikTok's new AI tool automatically scans video content to identify objects and suggest similar products from its shop.• When users pause a video, the system displays a "Find Similar" pop-up with product recommendations that match visible items in the...

read Sep 23, 2025

AI vocalist “Xania Monet” scores $3M record deal amid industry copyright lawsuits

Telisha "Nikki" Jones, operating under the AI-generated persona Xania Monet, has secured a $3 million record deal with Hallwood Media. The agreement highlights the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and the music industry, even as major labels simultaneously sue AI platforms like Suno—the very tool Jones uses to create Monet's vocals and production. What you should know: Jones combines human songwriting with AI-generated elements to create a fully artificial musical persona that's achieving commercial success. Jones writes all lyrics and takes production credits, but uses Suno's AI platform to generate Monet's vocals, images, and musical arrangements. Monet's song "How Was...

read Sep 23, 2025

Google.org funds $240K “AI in the D” training program for Detroit seniors

The Chapman Family Foundation, Google.org, and the City of Detroit have launched "AI in the D," a groundbreaking artificial intelligence literacy program specifically designed for senior citizens. The initiative represents the first program of its kind focused on teaching older adults practical AI applications, building on a successful summer workshop that introduced Detroit high school students to AI entrepreneurship. What you should know: More than 70 Detroit seniors will participate in a half-day workshop on September 23, 2025, at Kemeny Recreation Center, receiving hands-on AI training tailored to their daily needs. Attendees will learn how to use AI for spotting...

read Sep 23, 2025

Meet “Meet Cute”: Facebook Dating adds AI chatbot to cure swipe fatigue

Facebook Dating is introducing AI-powered features designed to combat "swipe fatigue," including a dating assistant chatbot and an automated matching system called Meet Cute. The new tools represent Meta's latest effort to make its social platforms more culturally relevant and engaging as the company pushes to differentiate Facebook Dating in the competitive online dating market. What you should know: The dating assistant functions as an AI chatbot that helps users find specific types of matches through natural language prompts. Users can type requests like "find me a Brooklyn girl in tech" to get personalized recommendations. The assistant can also help...

read Sep 23, 2025

Microsoft’s $1B Kenya data center meant to thwart China stalls amid geopolitical, commercial tensions

A $1 billion geothermal-powered data center project in Kenya, announced by Microsoft and UAE's G42 in May 2024, has stalled despite its strategic importance in the US-China tech competition for African digital infrastructure. The project was designed to leverage Kenya's abundant geothermal energy and serve as a blueprint for loosening Beijing's grip on the continent's tech ecosystem, but developers have yet to break ground with the original May 2026 deadline fast approaching. The big picture: The Olkaria data center represented a geopolitically motivated partnership between three nations—the US, UAE, and Kenya—aimed at countering China's dominance in African digital infrastructure, where...

read Sep 23, 2025

Meta’s AI wrongly bans teen rock (climber) star, destroying sponsorship deals

Mitchell Boyer, a 16-year-old rock climber ranked second nationally and seventh globally in speed climbing, has been permanently locked out of his Instagram account after Meta's AI wrongly flagged it for "child exploitation and sexual content." The ban has disrupted his sponsorship deals and international athletic connections, highlighting broader issues with automated content moderation that has affected thousands of users worldwide. What you should know: Boyer used his Instagram account, built over seven years, primarily for athletic promotion and securing sponsorships that helped fund his international climbing career. His sponsors provided equipment like climbing shoes (costing upwards of $250 per...

read Sep 23, 2025

Meta invests tens of millions in super PAC targeting state AI laws

Meta is launching a national super PAC called the American Technology Excellence Project to combat state-level AI regulation across the United States. The company is investing "tens of millions" of dollars into the effort, which aims to elect pro-AI candidates from both parties who will champion American technology leadership and resist what Meta considers "onerous" AI restrictions. Why this matters: With over 1,000 state-level AI policy proposals introduced this year, Meta views excessive regulation as a threat to America's competitive position against China in the global AI race. How it works: The super PAC will target state elections to support...

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