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Amazon will train on Twitch streamers' content by default, unless they opt out
Twitch users can now opt out of allowing their content to be used to train Amazon's generative AI models. If they do, streams, VODs, clips, chats, and channel images and text won't be used in future training. Twitch CPO Mike Minton acknowledged on a livestream that the company chose opt-out over opt-in because "if this was opt-in, nobody would opt in."
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Some Claude users are mad that Anthropic's new watermarks will catch them using it at their jobs, classes
Anthropic has introduced a watermarking system for Claude-generated content, prompting backlash from users who fear being caught using the AI at work or school. Many have taken to social media to criticize the move as an overreach. The controversy highlights the growing tension between AI transparency tools and users who rely on AI assistance without disclosure.
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As AI safety concerns mount, three pioneers make the case for staying open
At the Ai4 conference, AI luminaries Geoffrey Hinton, Fei-Fei Li, and Andrew Ng debated AI regulation, open-source access, and US competitiveness against China. Despite growing safety concerns, the trio largely advocated for keeping AI development open rather than imposing heavy restrictions. The discussion reflects deepening divisions in the AI community over how to balance innovation with risk.
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Guitar company D'Addario admits that AI music was used in a promotional video
Music accessories company D'Addario has admitted that AI music tool Suno was used in a recent promotional video, ending nearly two weeks of denial amid mounting evidence. The company had offered multiple alternative explanations, including low-quality exports and audio plug-ins. The admission adds D'Addario to a growing list of brands facing backlash for undisclosed AI-generated content.
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Everything announced at Made by Google '26: Pixel 11, Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Tag, and tons of Gemini features
Google held its Made by Google 2026 event, unveiling the Pixel 11 series, a new AirTag competitor called Pixel Tag, and the Pixel Watch 5. The event was heavily focused on AI, with numerous new Gemini features announced across the product lineup. The Pixel Watch 5, priced at $399, leans into AI-driven health features powered by Gemini and a slightly upgraded Qualcomm processor.
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Why Sandbar thinks its voice-enabled ring can avoid the AI hardware graveyard
Sandbar is betting that its Stream ring — a voice-enabled AI wearable — can succeed where many AI hardware devices have failed by focusing on capturing stray thoughts and ideas through voice. The company argues that voice is the natural future interface for AI wearables, distinguishing itself from clip-on and pendant-style devices. Sandbar joins a growing wave of ring-form-factor wearables targeting the AI notetaking market.
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AI coding startup Cognition reportedly already in talks to raise at $40B valuation
Cognition, the AI coding startup behind the Devin agent, is reportedly in talks to raise a new mega-round at a $40 billion valuation — just months after raising $1 billion at a $26 billion valuation. If confirmed, the deal would represent a dramatic acceleration in the company's perceived value. The news underscores the intensifying investor appetite for AI coding tools.
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Lovable confirms new $13.3B valuation, raises another $400M
AI app-building startup Lovable has raised $400 million in new funding, confirming a valuation of $13.3 billion. The round follows Lovable reaching $500 million in annualized run rate revenue in June. The rapid growth cements Lovable as one of the fastest-scaling AI startups in the current wave.
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OpenAI-backed Thrive Holdings raises $2B to bring AI to the enterprise
Thrive Holdings, backed by OpenAI, has raised $2 billion in new funding at a $12 billion valuation, with investors including SoftBank, D1 Capital Partners, and Altimeter Capital. The company is focused on deploying AI solutions for enterprise customers. The raise signals continued strong institutional interest in enterprise AI platforms.
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AI code-testing startup Blacksmith's valuation jumps almost 10x in less than a year
Blacksmith, an AI-powered code-testing startup, has seen its valuation jump nearly tenfold in under a year, reaching $550 million. The company says its revenue has also grown more than tenfold over the same period. The rapid rise reflects surging demand for AI tools that automate software validation and quality assurance.
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Grok is now an AI 'teammate' you can assign work
xAI has launched Grok Bot, an always-on AI agent service that acts as an independent "AI teammate" capable of completing multi-step workplace tasks. The bots operate in their own cloud-based environment and can log into apps and websites on a user's behalf. The launch positions Grok as a direct competitor to agentic AI services from OpenAI and Anthropic.
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Google tests AMIE for clinical video consultations
Google's medical AI system AMIE (Video) has been tested in synchronous video consultations with trained patient actors across a range of clinical presentations. Clinical evaluators rated AMIE's performance on par with primary care physicians across several core measures. Google noted that future studies will involve real patients, signaling a step toward broader clinical deployment.
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Of course the ChatGPT dog cancer vaccine spawned a startup
Paul Conyngham, the Australian tech entrepreneur who made headlines for using ChatGPT and Grok to design a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine for his dog, has launched a startup called Gamgee. The company aims to offer personalized mRNA cancer vaccines for dogs. The move follows widespread media coverage of the original story and signals a push to commercialize the AI-assisted approach.
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Mesh, Automattic's AI-powered CRM, comes to Android
Mesh, an AI-powered contacts and relationship management app developed by Automattic, has launched on Android. The app is designed as a CRM for everyday users, helping people manage personal and professional relationships. The Android launch expands Mesh's availability following its initial rollout.
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How a $250 million acquisition collapsed into allegations of fraud and forged signatures
A $250 million acquisition deal involving VideoVerse has collapsed amid allegations of fraud and forged signatures, leaving investors without their expected payout. Co-founder Vinayak Shrivastav is now at the center of multiple legal cases stemming from the fallout. The story highlights the risks of high-value tech M&A deals and the legal exposure executives can face when deals unravel.
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