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News
SpaceX capsule docks as astronauts prepare return after nine months
A SpaceX capsule has docked at the ISS, bringing a new crew and preparing for the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The two were meant to stay for just eight days but remained for over nine months due to technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. NASA ultimately decided to bring them back on SpaceX’s Dragon capsule for safety reasons, a move Boeing opposed. While some political figures claimed they were “left” in space, NASA officials insist the decision was based purely on technical and safety considerations.
Y Combinator startups are fastest growing, most profitable in fund history because of AI
Y Combinator startups are growing faster than ever, thanks to AI. CEO Garry Tan highlights “vibe coding,” where AI handles most programming tasks. This lets small teams achieve what once needed many more people. Some startups now earn millions with under 10 employees.
AI Search Has A Citation Problem
A study by the Tow Center for Digital Journalism evaluated eight AI search engines and found that they often fail to accurately cite news sources. These tools frequently provide incorrect or speculative answers instead of admitting uncertainty, with premium versions sometimes being more confidently incorrect than free ones. Additionally, some AI search engines bypass website restrictions and fabricate links, undermining the credibility of their responses.
10 startups to watch from Y Combinator’s W25 Demo Day
Y Combinator’s Winter 2025 Demo Day featured 160 startups, with many focusing on AI advancements. Notable among them is Abundant, which offers an API allowing human operators to remotely assist AI agents when they encounter challenges. Another standout is Browser Use, providing open-source tools that enable AI agents to navigate web browsers, a feature that recently gained attention due to its application by the Chinese AI agent, Manus.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov given permission to leave France
Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram, has left France after receiving approval from a French court, reportedly relocating to Dubai. This follows legal issues where he was accused of allowing illicit activities on Telegram. While details remain unclear, the move has sparked discussions on tech leaders’ responsibilities and jurisdictional concerns. The crypto market reacted positively, with Toncoin’s price rising significantly.
Alphabet back in talks to buy Israel’s Wiz for over $30 billion, source says
Alphabet is in talks to acquire Israeli cybersecurity firm Wiz for over $30 billion, a significant increase from its previous $23 billion offer last year. The deal would strengthen Alphabet’s cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure, already generating over $43 billion in revenue. Wiz, known for AI-driven cloud security solutions, works with major clients like Morgan Stanley and DocuSign. Despite previous antitrust concerns, the deal could push Alphabet further into the cybersecurity market, though it still faces regulatory scrutiny.
BYD unveils new super-charging EV tech, to build charging network in China
Chinese automaker BYD has unveiled a new ultra-fast charging system that can fully charge electric vehicles in just five to eight minutes, addressing range anxiety and positioning itself as a strong competitor to Tesla. The company plans to install over 4,000 of these charging stations across China and has introduced upgraded models, the Han L sedan and Tang L SUV, featuring this technology.
Sakana claims its AI-generated paper passed peer review
Sakana, a Japanese AI startup, claimed that its AI-generated paper passed peer review at an AI conference, but the process wasn’t as straightforward as it seemed. While the paper was accepted initially, it was withdrawn before further review, and the peer review process was not as rigorous as traditional methods. Critics argue that human judgment still played a significant role in selecting the paper, and AI’s ability to “sell ideas” rather than contribute novel scientific knowledge raises important questions about AI’s role in research.
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Reads
The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you
The article explores how our reliance on AI and digital tools may weaken our critical thinking and independence. While technology helps with tasks like memory and navigation, overuse might reduce our attention spans and problem-solving skills. It’s important to balance using AI for convenience with keeping our minds sharp.
Buying out contracts: How to Displace an Existing Vendor
When potential clients are locked into long-term contracts with existing vendors, sales professionals can employ strategic approaches to facilitate a switch. First, assess the client’s current dissatisfaction and identify key decision-makers. Then, consider offering a partial solution that addresses specific pain points without violating existing agreements, building trust and demonstrating value. Alternatively, if the client’s challenges are significant, present a comprehensive plan highlighting the benefits of transitioning to your service, including financial incentives like buyouts, while ensuring decision-makers can make the change without reputational risk. These strategies can effectively position your solution as a compelling alternative.
How to Get More Email Subscribers in 2025
Neil Patel’s article outlines ten effective strategies to quickly grow a high-quality email list. Key recommendations include crafting a compelling offer, using pop-ups, creating dedicated landing pages, and leveraging social proof. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of simplifying the subscription process, offering content upgrades, and utilizing exit-intent pop-ups to capture potential subscribers before they leave your site.