TechCapsules

AI inference company Baseten is reportedly closing a $1.5 billion funding round at a $13 billion valuation, according to the Wall Street Journal. This latest round represents a 160% increase in valuation in less than half a year, following a $300 million Series E round in May 2023 at a $5 billion valuation. The startup, launched in 2019, benefits from the "inference gold rush" and promises to handle inference quickly while controlling costs.

At the VivaTech tech conference in Paris, concerns about "sovereign AI" are being discussed, with European companies questioning their dependence on American AI technology. The U.S. government's recent shutdown of foreign access to Anthropic's powerful Mythos-tier models has highlighted the risks of technological dependence. Companies are now reassessing their AI spending, with some burning through their budgets quickly and others becoming more selective in their use of AI technology. This shift marks a move from the "free-for-all" [...]

Humanoid robots and smart homes took center stage at VivaTech 2026 in Paris, showcasing the practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in various sectors. Chinese company Unitree's AI-powered humanoid robots performed demonstrations, while robotic dogs navigated through exhibition halls. Companies like Samsung presented AI-driven products for everyday life, including a smart refrigerator that tracks food items and generates shopping lists. The event, which runs until 20 June, has attracted start-ups and industry leaders from around the world [...]

At the Augmented World Expo (AWE) 2026, the tech industry showcased a significant shift in spatial computing, transitioning from experimental novelty to practical, AI-driven applications. The event highlighted a move towards utility over spectacle, with AI enabling spatial interactions that understand user context. Snap CEO Evan Spiegel unveiled "Specs" smart glasses, demonstrating advanced AR/XR capabilities, and the open-source "Sneeze" browser engine was introduced to standardize 3D spatial content delivery. The industry's focus is on integrating AI into [...]

Google has updated Gemini Live with Memory access, allowing it to recall past chats and information from Connected Apps. This update enables Gemini Live to provide more tailored responses and securely remember key details across different sessions. The feature is currently available in English in the US and helps Gemini Live achieve feature parity with the main chat experience. Gemini Live follows the same permissions as Gemini, and the update was added to the support page after [...]

Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed that the company plans to integrate Grok with Full Self-Driving, allowing drivers to control the car's navigation more explicitly. This feature is expected to be available in about three months, or around September. Musk's response was prompted by a Tesla owner's suggestion to enable conversing with Grok like an Uber driver, providing examples of commands such as turning right or dropping off at a specific location. The upcoming feature may also include [...]

The semiconductor industry is projected to surpass $2 trillion in revenue by 2027, driven by artificial intelligence investment. According to TechInsights, the industry recently crossed the $1 trillion threshold, making this a rapid expansion. AI is creating demand for sophisticated semiconductor technologies, with the four largest US hyperscalers expected to spend $718 billion in capital expenditures in 2026. This growth is fueled by investment in AI infrastructure, with datacenter processors expected to contribute over $100 billion in [...]

The increasing use of AI tools in the workplace is leading to exhaustion and mental fatigue among workers, particularly developers. Despite the potential for AI to free up time and increase productivity, many workers are finding themselves overwhelmed by the need to oversee and manage these tools. A survey by Boston Consulting Group found that 18 percent of developers reported AI-induced exhaustion, with even higher rates in other roles such as HR and marketing. Workers are describing [...]