Tesla to Pay $329 Million for Fatal Autopilot Crash
Key Takeaways
- Miami jury orders Tesla to pay $329 million for fatal Autopilot crash; appeal planned.
- Vast Data seeks billions in funding, targeting $30 billion valuation with CapitalG and Nvidia.
- Apple reports 3 billion iPhones sold, 13% sales growth; new models planned.
- Epic Games wins court ruling mandating Google Play Store competition reforms.
- Brilliant Labs debuts Halo AI smart glasses with Noa AI; pre-order at $299.
Top Stories
Miami jury orders Tesla to pay $329 million for fatal Autopilot crash
A Miami jury ruled on a 2019 Autopilot crash killing Naibel Benavides, awarding $329 million in damages to victims on August 2025. Tesla plans to appeal the verdict.
Vast Data in talks to raise billions, targeting $30 billion valuation
Vast Data, an AI infrastructure firm, is negotiating with CapitalG and Nvidia for a funding round potentially valuing it at $30 billion, with $200 million ARR as of January 2025 and projections to reach $600 million next year.
Apple reports 13% sales growth, 3 billion iPhones sold, new models planned
Apple announced over 3 billion iPhones sold since 2007 and a 13% sales increase in Q2 2025, with $44.6 billion iPhone revenue. Upcoming models include iPhone 17 Air and foldable devices expected by late 2026.
Epic Games court win mandates Google Play Store competition reforms
In July 2025, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to increase competition on Google Play Store, allowing alternative app stores and payment systems, enabling Epic Games Store and Fortnite to return to Android.
Brilliant Labs debuts Halo AI smart glasses with real-time voice interaction
On August 1, 2025, Brilliant Labs launched Halo smart glasses featuring Noa AI for voice interaction and a memory system, available for pre-order at $299 with shipping expected in November.
AI Advancements
Google launches Gemini 2.5 Deep Think AI for advanced problem-solving
On August 1, 2025, Google launched Deep Think, an advanced reasoning AI feature in Gemini 2.5 Pro for AI Ultra subscribers, priced at $250/month. It uses parallel thinking to solve complex problems and achieved gold and bronze-level results at the 2025 International Mathematical Olympiad.
Apple boosts AI investments, plans AI-powered Siri and acquisitions
In July-August 2025, Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted increased AI investments, openness to acquisitions, and AI-driven product development including a Siri upgrade expected in 2026. Apple is reallocating staff to AI initiatives and considering AI-enhanced Safari and AI search startup acquisitions.
Meta leads AI talent war with massive GPU compensation offers
In 2025, Meta aggressively competes for AI researchers by offering up to 30,000 GPUs to recruits, intensifying the AI talent war and driving innovation and costs, as discussed in recent tech news and podcasts.
Reddit unifies AI Answers with search, pauses paid subreddit plans
In 2025, Reddit merged its AI-powered 'Reddit Answers' with core search to enhance user experience and paused plans for paid subreddits to focus on growth and international expansion.
Amazon to add ads in Alexa+ AI assistant conversations
Amazon announced plans to integrate product ads into Alexa+ AI voice assistant interactions in 2025, aiming to boost shopping but raising privacy concerns.
STAN secures $8.5M funding including Google to expand AI gaming tools
STAN, a social gaming platform with 25 million downloads, raised $8.5 million including Google investment in 2025 to enhance AI-driven creator tools and community features.
Zuckerberg outlines cautious approach to Meta's open-source AI
In 2025, Mark Zuckerberg published a memo emphasizing safety and rigor in Meta's open-source AI strategy, marking a shift from prior open-source enthusiasm.
AI accelerates climate research despite funding challenges
On August 1, 2025, AI was reported to enhance climate research projects amid worsening extreme weather and reduced funding.
StepFun unveils AI model compatible with domestic Chinese chips
Shanghai-based StepFun released an AI model in 2025 requiring less computing power, optimized for Chinese chips amid US-China AI competition.
Cybersecurity Watch
Microsoft Authenticator drops password management, shifts to passkeys
Effective August 1, 2025, Microsoft Authenticator will discontinue password management, encouraging users to switch to device-linked passkeys for enhanced security.
Microsoft Windows Recall leaks sensitive info despite filter improvements
Tests in 2025 revealed Microsoft's Windows Recall feature still captures sensitive data like passwords despite filtering efforts, raising security concerns.
Dev Corner
Cline secures $32 million to launch enterprise AI coding platform
Cline, an open-source AI coding tool with 2.7 million installs, raised $32 million in 2025 to launch Cline Teams, targeting large enterprises.
Future Tech
Quantum computing gains momentum with rising investments and applications
Quantum computing is advancing in cryptography and medicine with growing global investment and emerging commercial uses, promising transformative impacts across industries.
Industry Insights
Delta denies AI-based personalized pricing, aims to expand AI demand forecasting
In 2025, Delta clarified it does not use AI for personalized pricing based on personal data but uses AI on 3% of domestic routes for demand forecasting, aiming for 20% by year-end amid regulatory scrutiny.
Ad industry probe prompts revisions in AI product marketing claims
In 2025, the National Advertising Division investigated AI marketing claims by Apple, Google, Microsoft, and Samsung, resulting in revisions amid FTC's Operation AI Comply crackdown.
Mobile Matters
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 set new US pre-order records
Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold7 and Flip7 foldable phones saw over 25% higher US pre-orders than predecessors in 2025, with the Fold7 achieving a 50% sales increase and featuring a 200MP camera.
Tech Reviews
Top tablets for 2025: Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ lead
2025 tablet reviews praise the 11th-Gen Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ for performance and features, with Lenovo Yoga Tab Plus noted for display and accessories.