Obvio's AI Stop Sign Cameras Detect Unsafe Drivers; Amazon Expands AI Use in Warehousing and Delivery
Key Takeaways
- Obvio's AI stop sign cameras identify unsafe drivers; $22M Series A funding secured.
- Amazon expands AI use in warehouses and delivery, testing humanoid robots.
- US AI search ad spend projected to hit $26B by 2029, up from $1B in 2025.
- Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally with high demand; pre-orders sold out quickly.
- Reddit sues Anthropic for AI data theft, seeking restitution and an injunction.
Top Stories
Obvio's AI stop sign cameras identify unsafe drivers
On June 4, 2025, Obvio announced its AI-powered stop sign cameras, which identify unsafe drivers. The company, based in San Carlos, California, secured $22 million in Series A funding led by Bain Capital Ventures to expand the system beyond its initial five cities in Maryland, detecting infractions and matching license plates for verified citations.
Amazon expands AI use in warehouses and delivery
On June 4, 2025, Amazon announced it is expanding its use of AI in warehouses, delivery maps, and product stocking to reduce carbon emissions. Amazon is also developing specialized eyeglasses for delivery drivers and preparing to test humanoid robots for deliveries.
US AI search ad spend to hit $26B by 2029
On June 4, 2025, Emarketer reported that U.S. spending on AI-powered search advertising is projected to surge to nearly $26 billion by 2029, up from just over $1 billion in 2025, driven by rapid adoption and sophisticated user targeting.
Nintendo Switch 2 launches globally amid high demand
On June 5, 2025, Nintendo launched the Switch 2 globally, expected to be in short supply due to high demand. The Switch 2 features a larger screen and improved graphics and debuts with titles such as "Mario Kart World." Nintendo received 2.2 million applications for its Switch 2 sales lottery in Japan, and pre-orders at Target sold out quickly, driving Nintendo’s shares near highs.
Reddit sues Anthropic for AI data theft
On June 4, 2025, Reddit sued Anthropic, accusing the AI startup of stealing data to train its AI models despite assurances to the contrary. The lawsuit seeks unspecified restitution and punitive damages, and an injunction prohibiting Anthropic from using Reddit content for commercial purposes.
EV Revolution
Musk criticizes spending bill; Republicans seek EV tax revision
On June 3, 2025, Elon Musk criticized a Congressional spending bill, calling it a "disgusting abomination," particularly regarding revisions to the EV tax credit and rooftop solar constraints affecting Tesla. Republicans are seeking to revise the EV tax credit, potentially impacting Tesla, aiming to end the credit in 2026 and reinstate the cap of 200,000 vehicles per manufacturer.
Tech in Motion
Apple, Alibaba's AI rollout in China delayed
On June 4, 2025, it was reported that Apple and Alibaba's AI rollout in China is being delayed by a Beijing regulator due to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war. The delay could prove costly for Apple, facing declining iPhone sales amid competition from domestic rivals like Huawei.
Google, Microsoft, Apple integrate AI into search
On June 4, 2025, it was reported that Google, Microsoft, and Apple are integrating AI capabilities into their search functions. Google and Microsoft's Bing are competing with chatbots like ChatGPT, while Apple explores AI-driven search in Safari, potentially shifting from its Google partnership.
Apple's WWDC to highlight software updates
On June 4, 2025, it was reported that Apple will hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 9 to 13, 2025, highlighting updates to the software powering iPhones, iPads, and other Apple devices.
Apple loses bid to pause App Store order
On June 4, 2025, Apple lost its bid to pause a federal judge's order requiring it to open its App Store to more competition. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney stated that "the long national nightmare of the Apple tax is ended," following the appeals court ruling.
Google to deploy Pacific submarine data cable
On June 4, 2025, Google signed an agreement with the Chilean government to deploy a 14,800-kilometer submarine data cable across the Pacific Ocean to connect with Australia and Asia, expected to be operational by 2027.
AI industry trend: smaller chip groups for AI training
On June 4, 2025, CoreWeave's chief product officer, Chetan Kapoor, noted a trend in the AI industry towards using smaller groups of chips for separate AI training tasks, instead of large homogenous groups.
Microsoft launches free cybersecurity program for Europe
On June 4, 2025, Microsoft launched a free cybersecurity program for European governments to enhance their defenses against cyber threats, including those enhanced by artificial intelligence.
Starlink's India license nearly complete; Reliance, Airtel compete
On June 4, 2025, Telecoms Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that Starlink's license acquisition process in India is nearly complete. Reliance and Airtel have distribution agreements for Starlink equipment but will compete with Starlink's services upon launch, following significant investments in 5G spectrum.
SES set for EU approval of $3.1B Intelsat bid
On June 4, 2025, sources reported that SES is set to gain unconditional EU antitrust approval for its $3.1 billion bid for Intelsat, potentially creating a major European competitor to Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. The merged company would possess a fleet exceeding 100 GEO and 26 MEO satellites, and the deal is undergoing review by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice.
Uber introduces Senior Accounts for older users
On June 4, 2025, Uber revealed Senior Accounts, a new account type for older users featuring a simpler app experience with larger text and icons, ride updates for family, saved destinations, and family payment options.
Market Watch
CrowdStrike shares fall amid regulatory scrutiny
On June 4, 2025, CrowdStrike's shares fell more than 5% after U.S. regulators inquired about certain transactions and a July 19 outage. The company was on track to lose nearly $6 billion from its market value, reporting a first-quarter loss.
LinkedIn CEO Roslansky takes on Microsoft Office products
On June 4, 2025, LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky took on additional responsibility for Microsoft's Office products, including overseeing Microsoft's AI product, "Copilot." Roslansky will report to Rajesh Jha.