GREY Journal Daily News Podcast

Nintendo announced the Hello, Mario! app, a free mobile application for iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch that allows children to interact with Mario's face through touch-based controls. The company also introduced the My Mario collection, a series of Mario-themed products for young children, including plush toys, dinnerware, teething toys, clothing, an interactive board book, and wooden building block sets with Amiibo functionality. The app and collection will launch in Nintendo's Japanese stores in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto on August 26, with select products planned for international release next year.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The August 2025 Sturgeon Moon will reach peak illumination on August 9 at 3:55 a.m. Eastern Time, coinciding with the Perseid meteor shower, which peaks August 12-13. The Sturgeon Moon is named after lake sturgeon that were once abundant in the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain. Conservation efforts have helped restore lake sturgeon populations, and they are not currently listed under the Endangered Species Act. The brightness of the full moon is expected to reduce visibility of the Perseid meteors this year. NASA recommends the Geminids meteor shower in December for better meteor viewing.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wild Zebra, a Seattle-based startup, developed an AI-powered tutor that uses a Socratic approach to guide students through lessons tailored to their interests and learning styles. The platform has been piloted in four schools, serving over 6,000 students, and focuses on math and reading comprehension. Wild Zebra employs multiple large language models for accuracy and privacy, partners with the Educational Records Bureau for anonymized data, and provides teachers with dashboards for tracking student progress. The company raised $2 million to expand its reach, plans to introduce an implementation fee for schools in fall 2025, and intends to launch a direct-to-consumer version.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Elon Musk announced that X will introduce advertisements into Grok's AI-generated responses to create new revenue streams after the departure of CEO Linda Yaccarino. Advertisers will be able to pay for their solutions to appear as suggestions when users interact with Grok. The company will use technology from xAI, which acquired X for $45 billion, to improve ad targeting and relevance. This initiative is designed to offset the high operational costs of running advanced AI and to strengthen X's advertising business.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft analyzed 200,000 anonymized Bing Copilot conversations to determine which jobs are most susceptible to AI automation. The research found that roles involving information gathering and communication, such as interpreters, historians, sales representatives, writers, and customer service representatives, are most at risk. Occupations requiring manual skills or specialized expertise, including phlebotomists, nursing assistants, hazardous materials removal workers, and surgeons, are least likely to be replaced by AI. The findings recommend that business leaders assess AI applicability in their organizations and prioritize workforce development and reskilling to adapt to technological changes.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As of mid-2023, approximately one in four U.S. venture capital dollars funds startups using artificial intelligence, following the widespread adoption of generative AI tools like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Bard, and Microsoft's Bing. Venture capital activity has accelerated, with companies such as fintech Rillet raising $70 million in a Series B round shortly after a $25 million Series A. AI is being integrated across industries, major tech companies are advancing new solutions, and ethical considerations are increasingly discussed. Business leaders are adapting to these changes to leverage new opportunities and manage challenges.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small business contractors in the United States face operational and financial challenges due to unpredictable federal policies, including sudden contract terminations, funding freezes, and shifting tariffs. These changes impact a range of sectors, such as IT, consulting, and agriculture, and lead to lost revenue, layoffs, and reduced investment. Diversity, equity, and inclusion program reversals further affect women-owned, veteran-owned, and minority-owned businesses. Advocacy groups are urging Congress to enforce oversight, ensure proper allocation of funds, and maintain open communication between agencies and contractors.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Deciens Capital closed its third fintech investment fund with $93.33 million in commitments to support early-stage financial technology startups. The fund will target companies developing scalable business models and disruptive technologies in the financial sector. Investors, founders, and industry professionals will see increased access to capital and new opportunities as the firm deploys funds to support innovation in digital banking, payments, and financial operations.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Heartflow, a California-based medtech company specializing in AI-driven cardiac diagnostics, plans to list on the Nasdaq under the ticker HTFL, offering 12.5 million shares at $15 to $17 each and targeting a valuation up to $1.3 billion. The company received FDA approval in 2022, expanded its market through Medicare and AMA regulatory changes, and has assessed over 400,000 patients as of March 2025. Heartflow reported $125.8 million in 2024 revenue, a 44% increase from the previous year, but posted a net loss of $96.4 million and expects continued losses. Major investors include Bain Capital, Panorama Point Partners, and Capricorn Investment Group. The IPO follows a previous canceled SPAC plan and recent public listings by other medtech firms.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Google DeepMind introduced Genie 3, a world model that generates interactive 3D environments from text prompts to train general-purpose AI agents. Genie 3 produces several minutes of continuous, physically consistent 3D content and allows users to alter environments with prompts. The model builds on previous versions and incorporates memory-driven architecture to simulate realistic interactions. Genie 3 remains in research preview with limitations, including restricted agent actions, challenges in multi-agent simulation, and limited continuous simulation time. The technology is positioned for applications in virtual training, product prototyping, and education, with potential impact on business innovation and AI development.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A London judge ruled in favor of a venture capital firm in a legal fee dispute with a City law firm, determining the firm was not at fault for raising a new argument late in the process. The dispute involved payment under a conditional fee agreement, with the law firm appealing for costs. The court found that late arguments could be considered if relevant and not unfairly prejudicial, emphasizing the importance of clear legal fee agreements and procedural fairness in business litigation.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazon is restructuring Wondery by merging its narrative-driven studio with Audible and moving celebrity-hosted podcasts to a new creator services team focused on sponsorships. The changes result in the departure of CEO Jen Sargent and approximately 110 employees, with some transitioning to other roles within Amazon. The Wondery Plus app will remain available, and certain shows will retain Wondery branding. The restructuring responds to industry shifts toward video and creator-led content, and follows earlier layoffs and the departure of flagship podcasts to other platforms.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Google removed 58 diversity, equity, and inclusion groups, including the Latino Leadership Alliance and the ACLU of Illinois, from its 2024 funding list curated by its U.S. Government Affairs and Public Policy team. The organizations dropped often referenced terms such as 'race' and 'women' in their missions, which have faced increased scrutiny following federal guidance to reduce such language. The funding cuts may affect the operational capacity and outreach of these organizations and reflect a broader trend of corporations reevaluating their support for social causes amid changing political and regulatory environments.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TikTok launched TikTok Pro in Germany, Portugal, and Spain, introducing the Sunshine Programme that enables users to support charities by earning virtual sunshine through in-app engagement. Users can allocate virtual sunshine to charities, prompting TikTok to make donations. TikTok Pro offers the same content as the standard app but removes live-streams, shopping features, and ads, focusing on charitable giving through digital interaction.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U.S. biopharma clusters are responding to high interest rates, NIH restructuring, and FDA changes while maintaining investment in research and development. Boston/Cambridge, San Francisco Bay Area, BioHealth Capital Region, New York/New Jersey, San Diego, Los Angeles/Orange County, Greater Philadelphia, North Carolina, Seattle, and Chicagoland rank as the top ten regions based on patents, NIH funding, venture capital, laboratory space, and jobs. Major projects, mergers, and facility expansions are underway in these regions, with efforts focused on addressing unmet medical needs, supporting domestic drug manufacturing, and advancing biotechnology for national security and economic growth.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The U.S. government raised tariffs to 35 percent, prompting the Canadian Federation of Independent Business to warn that the move will negatively affect small businesses in both countries. Most Canadian exports remain tariff-free under CUSMA and USMCA, but ongoing uncertainty is causing businesses to delay decisions on layoffs and downsizing. CFIB urges the Canadian government to release funds collected from retaliatory tariffs and proposes temporary tax relief or tariff rebates to support small businesses. The organization highlights unresolved trade issues and the resulting instability for business planning.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI companies are transitioning from offering free services to implementing paid subscription and usage-based models due to increased operational costs and the need for sustainable revenue. This change requires startups and businesses to reassess budgets and consider alternative solutions, while the industry anticipates enhanced features and competition as firms seek to attract paying customers.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cinemark announced plans to open 18 new ScreenX panoramic theaters in the United States and two in Latin America by 2026, expanding its partnership with CJ 4DPlex. ScreenX technology extends the movie screen onto auditorium walls to create a 270-degree viewing experience. The expansion targets major film releases and responds to declining theater attendance as more Americans choose home streaming. Cinemark reported a first-quarter 2025 revenue decrease to $541 million and a net loss of $39 million, with a market capitalization of $3.1 billion. Specific new theater locations have not been disclosed.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lindsay Connelly, founder of Linden Digital Marketing, and Scott Miller, owner of Scott Miller Salon Spa & Store, received Business Person of the Year awards from the Small Business Council, a Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce affiliate. Connelly was recognized in the under 25 employees category for her work in digital marketing, while Miller was honored in the 25 or more employees division for expanding his salon business. Finalists included Lauren Goetz, Stephen McDonnell Jr., Michael McNaughton, Nannette Nocon, Erika Sorbello, Mark Fuerbacher, Sarah Hasenauer, Ardis Mangione-Lindley, Gail Morelle, and Becca Post. Steve Hogan, president of the Small Business Council, acknowledged the achievements and contributions of all winners and finalists to the Greater Rochester business community.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Meta launched Edits, a mobile video editing app for iOS and Android, targeting creators and business users and competing with ByteDance's CapCut. Edits integrates with Instagram accounts and offers features such as green screen, timeline editing, frame rate selection, automatic captions, an audio library, AI-powered animation, and a teleprompter. The app includes tabs for ideas, inspiration, project management, recording, and performance insights. Edits is currently free, mobile-only, and has fewer advanced features and a smaller music library than CapCut, which offers a paid subscription and web access. Meta plans to update Edits and may introduce paid features in the future.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

W Health Ventures launched a $70 million fund to invest in early-stage healthcare and healthtech startups in India and the United States, focusing on oncology, psychiatry, geriatric care, longevity, and preventive health. The firm plans to support eight to ten startups over four years, offering hands-on operational support and expanding its team with senior operating partners. Initial investments include Everhope Oncology, co-incubated with Narayana Health, and a psychiatry-focused startup structured as a US-India managed services platform. W Health Ventures previously deployed $43 million across 12 companies, serving over 25 million patients globally.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kraft Heinz reported second quarter net sales of $6.35 billion and adjusted profit of 69 cents per share, exceeding analyst expectations. The company experienced a smaller decline in overall sales volumes compared to the previous quarter, with strong demand for sauces and condiments as more consumers cooked at home. Kraft Heinz introduced healthier product options and removed artificial ingredients to meet changing consumer preferences. The board is evaluating strategic options for certain brands, including a possible spin-off, and recorded a $9.3 billion impairment charge due to a decrease in market value. The company reaffirmed its annual targets, expects modest cost impacts from tariffs, and projects international growth while anticipating limited improvement in the U.S. market through 2025.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Southern Delta Aquariid and Alpha Capricornid meteor showers are peaking tonight and into tomorrow morning, with optimal viewing conditions expected due to a quarter moon. Observers in areas with low light pollution may see 20 to 30 meteors per hour. Meteor showers occur when Earth passes through comet debris, and these events are named for their apparent origin points in the sky. The Perseid meteor shower will peak in early August but may be less visible due to a full moon. NASA recommends watching from dark locations, lying flat facing east, and allowing eyes to adjust for 30 minutes.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seattle-based startups Data Freelancers, Dodda, Little Blueprint, and Miirr are launching new solutions in AI talent sourcing, real estate permitting, parenting support, and fashion merchandising. Data Freelancers connects organizations with vetted AI experts through an invitation-only platform. Dodda streamlines real estate permit processing by aggregating property data and legislative updates. Little Blueprint offers an AI-driven app to help families manage child development challenges. Miirr uses AI to automate product data management and trend tracking for fashion buyers and merchandisers.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft is expected to report nearly $74 billion in fourth quarter revenue for fiscal year 2025, driven by increased corporate demand for artificial intelligence and growth in cloud services such as Azure OpenAI Services and GitHub Copilot. The company's capital expenditures reached over $21 billion in the third quarter, contributing to an estimated $80 billion in annual infrastructure spending and resulting in a decline in cloud gross margins from 72% to 69%. Microsoft implemented layoffs affecting over 15,000 employees to manage rising costs, citing shifting priorities and resource reallocation, while overall headcount remains stable due to ongoing hiring. Microsoft Cloud, including Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics 365, and LinkedIn commercial services, reported $42.4 billion in revenue last quarter, up 20% year-over-year. Analysts identify operational expense control and continued investment in AI and cloud infrastructure as key factors for sustained growth.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will take place in San Francisco from October 27 to 29, drawing over 10,000 founders, investors, and industry leaders to examine whether Silicon Valley remains essential for startup success. The event will feature a panel on the Builders Stage with Anh-Tho Chuong of Lago, David Hall of Revolution's Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, and Heather Doshay of SignalFire, who will discuss the impact of distributed teams, remote collaboration, and global fundraising on startup growth and opportunity in 2025.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

50 South Capital, a global alternatives asset manager under Northern Trust Asset Management, closed two private equity funds—Private Equity Strategic Opportunities Fund V at $1.2 billion and Private Equity Core Fund XI at $893 million—both exceeding fundraising targets and attracting commitments from wealth managers, family offices, and financial intermediaries. The oversubscription of these funds reflects increased demand for alternative assets and highlights the importance of investment strategy, performance, and risk management in the private equity sector.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yali Capital closed its first deeptech fund at $104 million, exceeding its initial target and attracting investments from global and Indian corporates, fund-of-funds, and individual investors. The fund supports startups in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, robotics, genomics, aerospace, and smart manufacturing, with two-thirds allocated to early-stage ventures and the remainder to mature companies. Yali Capital has invested in five startups and plans to expand its portfolio to eight by year-end, operating as a SEBI-registered Category II Alternative Investment Fund with a GIFT City-based feeder vehicle to draw international capital. Lip-Bu Tan serves as an advisor, and the fund joins a growing ecosystem of deeptech investors in India.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small businesses in 2025 are increasingly adopting subscription models to secure predictable revenue, respond to economic uncertainty, and meet changing consumer preferences for convenience and personalization. Platforms like Shopify, Stripe, and Chargebee enable automated billing and analytics, making subscriptions accessible to smaller enterprises. The trend spans multiple sectors, including retail, food and beverage, fitness, wellness, and home services. Benefits include steady income, stronger customer relationships, and reduced pressure to acquire new clients, while challenges involve managing churn, operational logistics, and pricing. Experts recommend starting with pilot programs, focusing on retention, offering tiered plans, and ensuring transparency to build trust and maintain subscriber engagement.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enova reported a 28 percent year-over-year increase in small business loan originations, reaching $1.8 billion in the second quarter, with total loan and finance receivables at $4.3 billion. Small and medium-sized business revenue rose 30 percent to $326 million. Surveys show over 90 percent of small business owners expect growth, and 76 percent prefer nonbank lenders for speed and convenience. Only 37 percent of small businesses have any credit card access, and 32 percent have business credit cards, prompting a shift toward alternative financing. Enova's consumer segment maintained stable credit quality with a net charge-off ratio of 8.1 percent. The company's diversified portfolio and a stable competitive landscape support its growth and risk management. American businesses are absorbing increased tariff costs, and small businesses face added pressure, increasing demand for flexible financing.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Consumer advocacy groups led by Rise Economy filed a lawsuit against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau for not implementing a small-business data collection rule mandated by Congress under the Dodd-Frank Act. The lawsuit alleges violations of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Administrative Procedure Act and seeks to require the CFPB to collect and publish data on small-business loan applications, including demographic details and loan denials. Banking trade groups have also challenged the rule, citing compliance burdens, resulting in multiple court delays and an extended compliance deadline to July 2026. The case centers on the need for data to identify lending discrimination and credit access gaps for small businesses.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ironmouse, a leading VTuber, announced her departure from VShojo, alleging the agency withheld over $500,000 in charitable donations. Following her announcement, nearly all major VTubers affiliated with VShojo also left, with some citing unpaid funds. VShojo, established in 2020 to give creators more control over their digital personas, faces scrutiny over its business practices. Ironmouse and her community raised nearly $1 million independently for the Immune Deficiency Foundation after the controversy.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft laid off up to 9,000 employees despite strong market performance and continued investment in artificial intelligence. CEO Satya Nadella addressed employees, acknowledging the layoffs and stating that overall headcount remains stable. He outlined security, quality, and AI transformation as the company's top business priorities, with a focus on strengthening security after recent cyberattacks. Nadella encouraged employees to maintain a growth mindset during organizational changes and emphasized the need for adaptability as Microsoft reorganizes teams and expands business scopes.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April raised $38 million in Series B funding to expand its tax technology platform, with plans to accelerate product development, hire additional staff, and scale operations. The company will focus on enhancing its offerings for individuals and small businesses, investing in research and development, and strengthening partnerships with financial institutions and fintech providers. April's technology uses automation and data analysis to simplify tax filing and compliance for users across the United States.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aidoc raised $150 million to expand its clinical AI platform, which supports healthcare providers with faster diagnosis, patient management, and workflow automation. The funding will be used to develop new products, scale operations, and increase adoption of AI tools in hospitals and clinics, addressing industry challenges such as staff shortages and operational costs.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DeepSeek expands access to artificial intelligence for Southeast Asian businesses as venture capital funding in the region declines by 79 percent from 2022 to 2024. Investors urge startups to focus on differentiated solutions and market readiness rather than replicating existing models or seeking immediate mass adoption. Industry leaders highlight the need to address infrastructure challenges, such as persistent memory and containerization, to support advanced AI systems. The region's technology sector shifts toward specialized, high-impact applications and emphasizes sustainable growth over rapid expansion.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Microsoft identified Chinese government-affiliated hacking groups exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities in SharePoint servers, leading to breaches at at least 54 organizations, including universities, energy operators, and a federal health agency. Microsoft released security patches for affected SharePoint versions and advised organizations to update their systems, monitor network activity, and review user permissions to mitigate ongoing risks.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cloaked launches AI-powered Call Guard to screen incoming calls and filter spam or scam attempts, allowing users to view real-time transcripts and mask their phone numbers. The company plans to add outbound AI call features and an eSIM product. Cloaked also introduces a dark web monitoring tool that scans for leaked personal information and alerts users to potential breaches. Its data deletion program enables users to request removal of personal data from various websites and brokers, with over 170 million records deleted to date. Cloaked has added over 100,000 paying customers since the start of the year and secured $11 million in new funding, bringing total funding to $40 million.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco features an AI Defense panel with leaders from DARPA, Point72 Ventures, and the Department of the Navy who address how artificial intelligence is impacting national security, defense strategies, and critical infrastructure. The panel covers the rapid advancement of AI, its integration into defense and intelligence operations, the role of startups in defense innovation, and the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to maintain technological leadership and address emerging security challenges.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The City of Atlanta launched Showcase Atlanta, a vendor directory that allows local small businesses to register and connect with event planners, organizers, and community members. The program enables businesses to be considered for major city events and provides year-round exposure for vendors seeking opportunities in Atlanta's event scene. The initiative aims to strengthen the local economy by facilitating connections between small businesses and event opportunities.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ares Management appointed a former Alberta Investment Management Corporation managing director as co-head of its Global Capital Solutions division. The new executive brings experience in alternative investments and portfolio management from AIMCo. Ares aims to expand its capital solutions platform and provide flexible financing options to private equity firms, institutional investors, and corporate clients by leveraging this leadership addition.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Google's Pixel 10 will feature a third rear camera, including a telephoto lens, according to leaked renders. The device will use sensors similar to those in the Pixel 9A and will be available in four colors: obsidian black, indigo blue, frost grayish blue, and limoncello yellow. Google plans to launch the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 4 on August 20.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charles Hudson of Precursor Ventures and Navin Chaddha of Mayfield will speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 in San Francisco, focusing on how early-stage investors evaluate and fund founders before a product exists. They will outline the importance of founder narrative, adaptability, and mission-driven values, and will identify common mistakes and red flags in early-stage fundraising. The session aims to provide actionable guidance for entrepreneurs seeking their first institutional investment.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ring, owned by Amazon, has resumed allowing police to request video footage from users through a partnership with Axon, enabling law enforcement to solicit and receive encrypted video clips for investigations. Users can choose whether to share footage, and those who decline will not have their information disclosed. The company previously discontinued a similar feature due to privacy concerns but now manages requests through Axon's digital evidence system. Ring is also exploring potential livestreaming features for law enforcement with user consent. In 2023, Ring settled a lawsuit with the Federal Trade Commission over unauthorized access to user video. Jamie Siminoff, Ring's founder, has returned to Amazon to oversee several teams, including Ring.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DuckDuckGo launched a feature allowing users to filter out AI-generated images from search results in response to user feedback. The filter is accessible through the Images tab and search settings, and relies on open-source blocklists from uBlockOrigin and the Huge AI Blocklist. The feature aims to reduce the presence of AI-generated images, with more filtering options planned for the future. This update follows industry concerns about the impact of generative AI on search quality and content authenticity.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Unicode Consortium previewed new emoji, including a Bigfoot icon, set for release with Unicode 17.0 in spring 2026. The update will also add icons such as an apple core, ballet dancers, distorted face, fight cloud, orca, treasure chest, and trombone. The emoji creation process involves design reviews and technical assessments before approval. Apple launched an emoji word game for Apple News Plus subscribers, and Emojipedia relaunched EmojiTracker.com to track emoji usage. Businesses can use new emoji for digital engagement and marketing.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Small businesses are experiencing a rise in scams involving generative AI deepfakes, which enable fraudsters to convincingly impersonate employees and executives. Incidents include a finance clerk at an engineering firm who authorized over $25 million in transfers after being deceived by AI-generated video calls. Data from TRM Labs' Chinabuse platform shows a 450 percent increase in such scams over the past year, and a Nationwide Insurance survey reports 12 percent of small business owners have faced at least one deepfake scam. Experts attribute the trend to limited cybersecurity resources at smaller companies and recommend increased awareness, staff training, and stronger verification processes to reduce risk.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scale AI is laying off 200 employees and 500 contractors as part of a strategic restructuring following rapid expansion in its generative AI business. The company is consolidating operations from 16 business pods to five main focus areas and reorganizing its go-to-market team. This action follows Meta's recent multibillion-dollar investment and acquisition of key staff. Scale AI plans to increase hiring in Enterprise, Public Sector, and International Public Sector divisions in late 2025 and has provided severance to affected employees.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ugreen announced a Qi2.2-certified power bank capable of 25-watt wireless charging, exceeding the current 15-watt standard in the U.S. The MagFlow Magnetic Power Bank includes a 10,000mAh battery, built-in USB-C cable, an additional USB-C port, and a power display. The Wireless Power Consortium has not finalized the Qi2.2 standard, so Ugreen has not confirmed a release date or pricing but projects a Q3 2025 launch. The Qi2.2 standard is expected to support up to 50-watt charging, stronger magnets for better alignment, dynamic power output, and enhanced safety features.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia attracted $860 million in venture capital funding in the first half of 2025, surpassing its total for 2024 and accounting for 56 percent of all VC deployed in the MENA region. The country recorded 114 VC deals, supported by government initiatives under Vision 2030 and organizations like Saudi Venture Capital. Saudi Arabia also ranked first globally in growth of international tourism receipts in early 2025 compared to 2019, according to UN Tourism.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia secured $860 million in venture capital funding during the first half of 2025, surpassing its total for 2024 and capturing 56 percent of all VC deployed in the MENA region. The country recorded 114 venture capital deals in six months, driven by government initiatives under Vision 2030 and support from Saudi Venture Capital. Saudi Arabia also ranked first globally in growth of international tourism receipts, reflecting broader economic momentum.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.