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Khosla Ventures-backed AI music company GRAI acquires social music platform Hangout
AI music company GRAI has acquired Hangout, the social music platform created by Joseph Perla’s Turntable Labs, strengthening its position in music technology following its August licensing of over 24 AI music patents from Music IP Holdings, an entity backed by Universal Music Group. The merger combines Hangout’s community-driven streaming model—where users create virtual rooms…
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Trump and Xi set to discuss AI risks without slowing development
Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are due to meet in Washington, with artificial intelligence expected to be a major topic. Although their discussions show that AI risks are receiving high-level political attention, both leaders appear opposed to slowing development, viewing continued progress as essential to maintaining national advantage. This makes a major international agreement on…
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Windows Task Manager creator develops TMOG for macOS, Windows and Linux
Dave Plummer, the original creator of Windows Task Manager, has developed TMOG (Task Manager OG), a cross-platform reimagining of his classic tool that runs on macOS, Windows and Linux. Using Claude Code with a 107-page specification document, Plummer generated a working application in approximately four hours that functioned correctly on the first attempt. This project…
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Breakthrough Energy backs 21 startups developing future energy technologies
Breakthrough Energy, the investment fund connected to Bill Gates, has announced its sixth cohort of the Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme, backing 21 early-stage startups developing technologies to transform the global energy sector. The initiative comes as the organisation warns that electricity demand will surge dramatically over the coming decades as countries electrify entire economic sectors…
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Waymo and Visa offer $2.85 credits for Bay Area transit users
Waymo has announced a new transit discount programme in partnership with Visa for the San Francisco Bay Area. The scheme offers $2.85 credits to customers who use Waymo’s robotaxis and public transit within two hours of each other when paying with a Visa credit card. This initiative represents Waymo’s latest attempt to position autonomous ride-hailing…
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EssilorLuxottica unveils Nuance Audio Plus glasses with clearer sound and longer battery
EssilorLuxottica has launched the Nuance Audio Plus, an upgraded version of its discrete over-the-counter hearing aid glasses. The device retains the appearance of standard eyewear whilst housing FDA-approved hearing aid technology in its thin temple arms, and introduces enhanced audio amplification, improved voice clarity in noisy environments, and extended battery life of up to 10…
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Meadowhall to welcome new store from fashion giant
Meadowhall shopping centre in Sheffield is preparing to welcome a new Michael Kors store, with hoardings already installed while final work is completed. The opening will add another major fashion retailer to the centre and contribute to a series of recent and upcoming new businesses. The store’s signage says it is “opening soon” and confirms…
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PRONG Shares New Single ‘Fear The Sun’ From Upcoming Self-Titled Album
PRONG have released “Fear The Sun”, a new single from their forthcoming self-titled album and debut for Napalm Records. Frontman Tommy Victor describes the track as a modernised return to the groove-metal foundations established by “Beg To Differ”, while its lyrics metaphorically reflect on living without seasonal change. The album will contain 11 songs blending…
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Brand Collective buys Glue Store, The DOM and Running Bare
Australian fashion brands Glue Store, The DOM and Running Bare have been bought by Brand Collective after their previous owners faced financial difficulties. The deal provides a last-minute rescue and gives the brands a chance to continue operating, with Brand Collective planning to rebuild them by strengthening their online businesses. Glue Store was shut by…
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EU trade deficit with China tops €1bn a day in July
The EU is importing far more from China than it exports there, with the bloc’s trade deficit exceeding €1bn a day in July. The widening imbalance is increasing pressure on Brussels to address trade relations with Beijing, as both sides seek to avoid a broader trade war. The deficit reached €36.5bn in July, compared with…