TechCapsules

Reflection AI, a startup founded by two former Google DeepMind researchers and backed by Nvidia, launched an open‑weight large language model named Beam on Monday. Beam is marketed toward business users and developers for coding and AI‑agent tasks, and the company claims it matches the advanced reasoning performance of China’s flagship GLM‑5.2 model while being cheaper than many rivals. The startup, which emerged from stealth last year, has secured billion‑dollar computing agreements with SpaceX and Nebius Group [...]

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman stated in Politico’s Decoded newsletter that society must accept a baseline of AI‑enabled harm—fraud, scams, hacks—as the price of keeping the technology widely available. He clarified that OpenAI’s voluntary governance framework tolerates certain harms rather than eliminating them, arguing that lighter regulation allows users agency while the industry learns resilience. Altman contrasted this stance with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s call for stricter pacing and independent oversight, highlighting a growing divide over AI safety governance. [...]

Google announced that starting October 9, free users and its AI Plus subscribers will lose access to its higher‑tier Gemini models. Free accounts will be limited to Gemini Flash‑Lite, while AI Plus will retain only Flash and Flash‑Lite, dropping Pro. The AI Pro tier will gain the Deep Think reasoning mode, previously exclusive to Ultra. These changes follow Google’s shift to compute‑based usage limits, tying model availability to subscription level and encouraging users needing advanced capabilities to upgrade. The move clarifies the [...]

The article reports that electric vehicles (EVs) suffer steep depreciation, with the overall segment losing 57% of value in five years. Rapid technological advances, frequent price cuts on newer models, and battery degradation drive this decline. Some models, notably the Mustang Mach‑E and Tesla Model Y, have depreciated over 50% within five years, illustrating the volatility of EV resale markets. The piece highlights how newer EVs with better range force older models to drop in price to stay [...]

Tesla’s Model Y has surged to 1,810 units behind Kia’s Sorento in September, narrowing the gap that could allow an imported vehicle to become South Korea’s best‑selling car for the first time. The Model Y’s rapid climb reflects growing domestic demand for electric SUVs and a shift toward foreign brands, which now account for over a quarter of new passenger‑car registrations. Kia’s Sorento remains the top domestic seller, but the Model Y’s performance signals a significant challenge to Hyundai‑dominated market [...]

Apple’s iOS 27.2 beta reintroduces the Siri AI “Suggested Actions” in Messages after earlier removal due to random prompts. The feature offers one‑tap options such as adding items to Reminders or Notes and searching photos based on conversation context. A leaker revealed beta 3 includes new granular controls, allowing users to toggle suggestions by category or let Siri AI hide unused categories after 30 days. Apple plans to release these settings soon to address user complaints.

Apple TV+ has renewed the drama series Imperfect Women for a second season after initial plans called for a single season. The new season centers on Eleanor and will be filmed on Martha’s Vineyard, expanding the narrative beyond the original focus on Annie and Justin. Apple TV’s head of programming, Matt Cherniss, praised the series’ acclaim and fan enthusiasm, describing the continuation as a natural, thrilling next chapter. The renewal signals strong audience engagement, though a release [...]

Instinct, an AI agent valued at $10 billion after its latest funding, has launched group‑chat functionality that allows users to add the agent to conversations with friends who do not have Instinct accounts. Early access users can now embed Instinct in group chats for tasks such as travel planning, ticket booking, fantasy leagues, carpools, and holiday coordination. The feature gives Instinct a competitive edge over rivals like Meta’s Muse, which lacks group‑chat support. Instinct’s founder emphasized privacy safeguards, [...]