How Startups Are Really Spending on AI
Startup AI spend is shifting from traditional infrastructure to practical, application-layer solutions. The a16z/Mercury analysis shows horizontal apps (usable by anyone in a company) outpacing vertical, role-specific solutions, with LLM assistants, creative AI platforms, and “vibe coding” tools leading adoption.
Anthropic Launches its Best Model For Coding Yet
Claude Sonnet 4.5 is now live, setting new standards in AI coding and agent building. The launch includes major updates to Anthropic’s products, like file creation, advanced memory tools, and the Claude Agent SDK, enabling longer tasks and better multi-step reasoning.
Apple Shifting Focus From VR to AI
In a strategic shift to catch up with Meta's four-year head start in smart glasses, Apple is abandoning its Vision Pro redesign to focus on AI glasses. The company plans to unveil the N50 model (iPhone-paired, no display) next year for 2027 release, while accelerating development of a display-equipped version originally slated for 2028.
New OpenAI Safety Rules Under Scrutiny
ChatGPT’s new safety filters have sparked online outrage for secretly switching users to more restrictive models when sensitive topics are detected.
Advanced Analytics Coming to the NBA
The NBA’s new partnership with AWS ushers in NBA Inside the Game, an AI-powered platform offering fans real-time metrics like Defensive Box Score, Shot Difficulty, and Gravity, expanding the reach and depth of fan engagement through Prime Video and the NBA’s digital platforms.
Universal Donor Organs Take a Step Forward
Scientists at the University of British Columbia achieved the first successful human transplant of an enzyme-converted kidney, transforming a type-A organ into universal type-O compatibility. The converted kidney functioned for two days without rejection in a brain-dead recipient, marking a breakthrough that could make organ transplants faster and more widely available by eliminating blood-type compatibility barriers.
California Allowing Drivers to Unionize
Governor Newsom has signed a sweeping law enabling 800,000 Uber and Lyft drivers in California to unionize for better pay and benefits. The deal is paired with lower insurance requirements for ride-share companies, which may cut fares but keeps drivers as independent contractors.
Meta Betting On Robotics
Meta is betting billions on humanoid robots, with CTO Andrew Bosworth revealing that progress depends more on breakthrough software than hardware. The goal: to create a software platform for dexterous, practical robots, not just build the machines themselves.
DoorDash Rolls Out Delivery Robot
Spotify CEO Moving Up
Spotify founder Daniel Ek is transitioning from CEO to Executive Chairman effective January 1, 2026, with co-Presidents Alex Norström and Gustav Söderström becoming co-CEOs.
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