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Aug. 22
We serve up the most interesting stories in tech, science, world affairs, business, and more—all in 5 minutes or less. (Next issue at 4:30 am PST)
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Your must-reads on important topics
On a lighter note
Tech
- Apple's App Store head, Matt Fischer, will leave in October as the division reorganizes amid regulatory scrutiny. The App Store will split into two teams, overseeing Apple’s store and alternative app distribution.
- Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket faces setbacks, including a factory mishap and stress test failure, jeopardizing its NASA mission deadline. Repairs are ongoing, aiming for an October launch.
- Xiaomi prioritizes growth over profits in its electric vehicle (EV) division, aiming to join Tesla and BYD among top global automakers despite initial losses.
- Franklin Templeton’s Western Asset Management replaced its chief investment officer amid federal investigations into past trading practices. The firm is closing a $2 billion fund, and Franklin Templeton’s shares dropped over 12%.
- Edgar Bronfman has increased his bid for Paramount Global to $6 billion, up from $4.3 billion. His offer includes $3.2 billion for debt reduction or buying non-voting shares, challenging Skydance Media's $8.4 billion bid. Paramount’s board has extended the review period for Bronfman's proposal until September 5.
AI
- Microsoft's Recall AI feature, delayed due to security concerns, will now be available for Windows testers in October. Originally set for June, it's undergoing further testing and improvements.
- Meta's Llama struggles to gain traction on AWS, where Claude is most popular; Microsoft pitches Llama to clients with data expertise, per a staffer.
- OpenAI opposes California’s SB 1047 AI safety bill, arguing it could stifle innovation and drive AI companies out of the state. They advocate for federal regulation instead.
- California's new $250 million deal with tech firms will fund journalism and AI research over five years, starting in 2025. Critics argue it doesn't sufficiently address the media industry's challenges.
Business
- Target CEO Brian Cornell denied price gouging claims, citing retail's competitive margins. Target's price cuts on essentials boosted traffic, despite cautious consumer spending amid inflation concerns and rising costs.
- Ford is delaying its Tennessee EV plant, canceling a three-row electric SUV, and shifting focus to hybrids and commercial EVs to enhance profitability. These changes will incur significant costs.
Science
- Neuralink reports its second brain implant surgery was successful. The patient, Alex, can now design 3D objects and play video games. The company has improved the implant to prevent issues seen with the first patient and aims to expand trials by year-end.
- Sesame's new weight loss program offers compounded semaglutide for $249/month, undercutting branded drugs like Wegovy. The program includes clinical oversight and aims to address high drug costs and shortages.
- Astronomers found WASP-193 b, the second-lightest exoplanet, 1.5 times Jupiter’s size but only 1/10th its mass. Its fluffy, cotton candy-like density challenges current planet formation theories.
- Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a new mechanism in hair follicles for removing dead cells. Two sensors in healthy cells detect and clear dying cells, preventing tissue damage and inflammation.
- New heavy-lift rockets are emerging to compete with SpaceX. Notable contenders include ULA’s Vulcan Centaur, Arianespace’s Ariane 6, SpaceX’s Starship, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and Relativity Space’s Terran R.
Space
World
