As some of the biggest VCs in crypto start to consider funding AI startups, a16zcrypto's new fund will stay the course.
WhatsApp is introducing usernames, allowing users to share profiles without revealing their phone numbers, enhancing privacy. While account creation still requires a phone number, users can reserve unique usernames (3-35 characters) now for an official rollout later this year.
London-based Flipper Devices, known for its Flipper Zero, launched Busy Bar, a productivity gadget featuring an LED display for timers, app blocking, and custom messages. It offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Matter certification, and open firmware, with sales starting July 14 in the US, EU, UK, and Canada.
Jay Li's Proception, a robotics startup focused on high-dexterity robotic hands, secured an $11 million seed round led by First Round Capital and began shipping its first products, all after settling a trade secret lawsuit with his former employer, Tesla.
OpenAI is set to release an AI-powered device on July 15th, designed to enhance shortcuts for its coding tool, Codex. The square-shaped device, teased in a video, is a collaboration with Work Louder, known for mechanical keyboards and macro pads.
The reading tracker StoryGraph has partnered with Rakuten’s Kobo e-reader, allowing automatic syncing of reading progress and challenging Amazon's long-standing dominance in the digital books market. This integration aims to provide a robust alternative to Goodreads by connecting directly with e-reading devices.
Chamath Palihapitiya's AI coding startup, 8090 Labs, secured $135 million in Series A funding led by Salesforce Ventures. Palihapitiya also announced he will serve as CEO, returning to a full-time operating role, comparing the AI boom to early Facebook days.
