Welcome back to Week in Review! We have a jam-packed edition for you today, featuring exciting updates such as Wix’s latest acquisition, Meta’s new smart glasses, a fresh look at the revamped Digg, and much more. Enjoy your weekend!
In a groundbreaking partnership, Meta and Oakley have unveiled a new pair of smart glasses. These innovative specs can record stunning 3K video, play music, handle phone calls, and respond to prompts powered by Meta AI. Priced starting at $399, these smart glasses offer double the battery life compared to Meta’s previous Ray-Bans model. A limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN model will also be available starting July 11 for $499, showcasing advanced features for tech enthusiasts.
In a noteworthy move, Wix has acquired the six-month-old solo startup Base44 for a staggering $80 million in cash. Base44 quickly gained traction as a no-code AI tool for building web applications, making it an irresistible target for Wix. Founded by a single entrepreneur and already profitable, this acquisition highlights Wix’s commitment to expanding its offerings in the competitive tech landscape.
Finland has achieved a remarkable milestone by activating the world’s largest sand battery. This innovative system stores heat to power the small town of Pornainen’s heating system, significantly reducing its carbon emissions. Constructed from discarded fireplace soapstone and housed in a massive silo, this low-tech and cost-effective solution can store heat for weeks, demonstrating that effective climate action doesn't always require high-tech materials but can rely on simple, natural resources.
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In a triumphant return, VanMoof has introduced the S6, its first e-bike following a challenging bankruptcy period. Maintaining its signature custom design, the new e-bike is bolstered by McLaren technology and an enhanced repair network. The VanMoof S6 promises smoother rides, smarter features, and, hopefully, fewer stranded cyclists, marking a new chapter for the brand.
Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, is venturing into space with his new startup, Aetherflux. The company has successfully raised $60 million to explore the feasibility of beaming solar power from orbit. With a demo satellite set to launch next year and initial support from the Department of Defense, Aetherflux is pushing the boundaries of renewable energy technology.
In a recent test in Texas, one of SpaceX’s Starship rockets exploded, likely delaying its next planned launch, which was tentatively scheduled for June 29. The explosion, attributed to a pressurized tank failure, fortunately did not result in any injuries. However, this incident marks another setback for SpaceX in a challenging year for their ambitious mega-rocket program.
Fans of Spotify are still eagerly awaiting the launch of the long-awaited lossless audio tier. Although recent hints in the app’s code suggest that development is underway, years of delays mean that listeners should temper their excitement until Spotify provides an official rollout timeline.
Digg has officially entered alpha testing with a fresh iOS app aimed at becoming an alternative to Reddit in the age of AI. The app features a clean, simple design, curated communities, AI-powered article summaries, and gamified elements like “Gems” and daily leaderboards, making it an exciting new player in the social media landscape.
The U.S. Navy is accelerating its collaboration with startups by cutting red tape and focusing on tangible outcomes such as improved efficiency and morale. According to Department of the Navy CTO Justin Fanelli, the Navy is prioritizing problem-solving and seeking game-changing technologies in areas like AI, GPS, and system upgrades. With increased interest from Silicon Valley, the Navy is positioning itself as a prime partner for innovative solutions.
In a bold move, Mark Zuckerberg is offering up to $100 million to attract top AI talent from companies like OpenAI and DeepMind. However, OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman has stated that none of his key personnel have accepted these offers, emphasizing the team’s dedication to their mission over monetary incentives. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to advance its AI models and hints at launching an AI-powered social app that could potentially outpace Meta’s own initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights in our next edition of Week in Review!
