Introduction to This Week’s Tech News
Welcome back to the weekly tech update. This week, we have a lot of exciting news to share, including Meta’s new smart glasses, Wix’s latest acquisition, and a look at the new Digg.
Meta’s New Smart Glasses
Meta has teamed up with Oakley to launch a new pair of smart glasses. These glasses can record 3K video, play music, handle calls, and respond to Meta AI prompts. They start at $399 and have double the battery life of Meta’s Ray-Bans. A limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN model will be available starting July 11 for $499.
Wix’s Latest Acquisition
Wix has acquired a 6-month-old solo startup called Base44 for $80 million in cash. Base44 is a no-code AI tool for building web apps and has gained traction quickly. The startup was created by a single founder and is already profitable, making it an attractive acquisition for Wix.
Innovative Solutions to Climate Change
Finland has launched the world’s largest sand battery, which stores heat to help power a small town’s heating system and reduce carbon emissions. The low-tech, low-cost system is built from discarded fireplace soapstone and can store heat for weeks. This innovative solution proves that you don’t need fancy technology to fight climate change.
News
VanMoof’s New E-Bike
VanMoof is back with the S6, its first e-bike since bankruptcy. The new bike features a custom design, smoother rides, and smarter features. VanMoof has also improved its repair network, aiming to provide a better experience for its customers.
Space Lasers
Baiju Bhatt, the co-founder of Robinhood, is now building lasers in space with his new startup, Aetherflux. The company has raised $60 million to develop a system that can beam solar power from orbit. A demo satellite is set to launch next year, with early backing from the Department of Defense.
SpaceX’s Starship Explosion
One of SpaceX’s Starship rockets exploded during a test in Texas, likely pushing back the vehicle’s next launch. The blast was caused by a pressurized tank failure, but fortunately, no one was injured. This is another setback for SpaceX’s ambitious mega-rocket program.
Spotify’s Lossless Audio Tier
Spotify’s long-awaited lossless audio tier is still in development, but fresh hints suggest that it’s closer to launch than ever. However, with years of delays and no official timeline, fans should temper their excitement until Spotify confirms the rollout.
Digg’s Reboot
Digg’s reboot has entered alpha testing with a fresh iOS app aimed at becoming an AI-era Reddit alternative. The app offers a clean design, curated communities, AI-powered article summaries, and gamified features.
The U.S. Navy and Startups
The U.S. Navy is speeding up its collaboration with startups, cutting red tape and focusing on real wins like saved time and better morale. The Navy is looking for game-changing tech in AI, GPS, and system upgrades, making it a go-to partner for innovators.
AI Talent Wars
Mark Zuckerberg is offering up to $100 million to lure top AI talent from OpenAI and DeepMind. However, OpenAI’s Sam Altman says none of his key people have been tempted, praising his team’s mission over money. Meanwhile, OpenAI continues to push ahead with new AI models and hints at launching an AI-powered social app.
Before You Go
Cluely’s Viral Party
Cluely’s after-party for YC’s AI Startup School became a viral sensation on Twitter, drawing 2,000 party crashers. However, the party was shut down by cops before it even started, making it the "most legendary party that never happened." Maybe the real party will happen once the weather warms up.
Conclusion
This week’s tech news has been exciting, with new smart glasses, innovative solutions to climate change, and updates on popular startups. From Meta’s new smart glasses to Wix’s latest acquisition, there’s been a lot to talk about. As the tech world continues to evolve, we can expect even more innovative solutions and exciting developments in the future.
