The article discusses the experience of Kacey Smith, a supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris, as she navigated TikTok in the lead-up to the US presidential election. Initially optimistic about Harris' chances against Donald Trump, Smith began to notice troubling messages in her TikTok feed that seemed to oversimplify complex issues, such as framing women's rights as opposed to economic concerns.
Wall Street banks plan sale of X debt at a discount
Bankers are reportedly gearing up to offload debt used to fund Elon Musk’s social network, for which he paid $44 million in 2022 including $13 billion in financing. Morgan Stanley is leading the charge, hoping to sell senior debt at between 90 and 95 cents on the dollar, reports the WSJ. As notes the outlet, […]
Wall Street banks are preparing to sell debt used to fund Elon Musk’s social network at a discount. The debt was acquired for $44 million in 2022, with $13 billion in financing. Morgan Stanley is leading the sale of senior debt at a price range of 90 to 95 cents on the dollar.
Berkeley Sky Computing Lab Introduces Sky-T1-32B-Flash: A New Reasoning Language Model that Significantly Reduces Overthinking, Slashing Inference Costs on Challenging Questions by up to 57%
Artificial intelligence models have advanced significantly in recent years, particularly in tasks requiring reasoning, such as mathematics, programming, and scientific problem-solving. However, these advancements come with challenges: computational inefficiency and a tendency to overthink. Overthinking in AI occurs when models engage in overly lengthy reasoning, leading to increased inference costs and slower response times without […]
The article discusses the introduction of a new reasoning language model called Sky-T1-32B-Flash by the Berkeley Sky Computing Lab. This model aims to reduce overthinking in artificial intelligence systems, particularly in tasks requiring reasoning like mathematics and scientific problem-solving. By minimizing overthinking, the model significantly cuts down on inference costs for challenging questions by up to 57%.
The article discusses a selection of indie games that are currently popular and worth playing. It features a variety of games across different platforms like PC, Switch, and Steam Deck. The article encourages readers to check out the recommendations for some great indie gaming experiences. For more details, you can read the full story at The Verge.
ElevenLabs has raised a new round at $3B+ valuation led by ICONIQ Growth, sources say
Companies that want to build AI voice into their products are rushing to work with ElevenLabs, the startup that develops synthetic voice technology like voice cloning and dubbing tools. Now ElevenLabs is turning up the volume on its business with a huge series C raise, just a year after a sizable series A. The New […]
ElevenLabs, a startup specializing in synthetic voice technology, has reportedly raised a significant amount of funding in a new round, valuing the company at over $3 billion. The funding round was led by ICONIQ Growth, and the company is known for developing AI voice capabilities such as voice cloning and dubbing tools. This latest funding round comes just a year after a sizable series A round for ElevenLabs.
Rivian will add hands-free driver assist to vehicles this year, ‘eyes-off’ next year
Image: Cath Virginia / The Verge
Rivian is planning to launch a hands-free driving assistant system for its electric R1T and R1S vehicles later this year, followed by an “eyes-off” version in 2026, reveals Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe in a press roundtable interview according to a post on Rivian Forums and reported by Electrek. The first part of the system sounds like it will work similarly to Ford’s Blue Cruise or GM’s Super Cruise software, which are Level 2 assistants that only work on highways fully mapped by each manufacturer.
It’s unclear if current Gen 1 and Gen 2 Rivian vehicles will support the upcoming hand-free assistant software or if it will come to upgraded models or the upcoming R2 SUV.
Gen 2 vehicles already come with exclusive features like matrix headlights and an upgraded light bar that can change colors, which Scaringe says could be used as an indicator to let others know a Rivian is operating autonomously, according to a Rivian Forum user. Gen 2 vehicles also come with a newer Rivian Autonomy Platform, which might mean Gen 1 vehicles aren’t going to get some of the upcoming advanced ADAS features.
Currently, Rivian trucks have available “Driver Plus” advanced driver assistant systems (ADAS) that work similarly to Tesla’s standard Autopilot software in that they enable lane keeping and auto speed up / slow down on highways. However, like other Level 2 systems, you still need to pay attention to the road.
In an email to The Verge, Rivian’s product communications manager, Courtney Richardson, confirms Scaringe’s comments about the upcoming ADAS upgrades in the interview yesterday. Richardson says there are no further details to add at this time. Currently, only Mercedes-Benz ships a Level 3 autonomous system that works in some states in the US, which allows drivers to look away from the road.
Summary
Rivian plans to introduce a hands-free driving assistant system for its R1T and R1S electric vehicles later this year, followed by an “eyes-off” version in 2026. This system will function similarly to Ford’s Blue Cruise and GM’s Super Cruise, operating on highways fully mapped by the manufacturer. It is uncertain if existing Rivian vehicles will support the new software. Gen 2 Rivian vehicles already feature exclusive upgrades like matrix headlights and a light bar that can change colors, potentially indicating autonomous operation. Currently, Rivian trucks offer the “Driver Plus” advanced driver assistant system, similar to Tesla’s Autopilot, which requires driver attention. Mercedes-Benz is currently the only manufacturer shipping Level 3 autonomous systems in some
Researchers at Stanford Propose a Unified Regression-based Machine Learning Framework for Sequence Models with Associative Memory
Sequences are a universal abstraction for representing and processing information, making sequence modeling central to modern deep learning. By framing computational tasks as transformations between sequences, this perspective has extended to diverse fields such as NLP, computer vision, time series analysis, and computational biology. This has driven the development of various sequence models, including transformers, […]
The article discusses a new unified regression-based machine learning framework proposed by researchers at Stanford for sequence models with associative memory. Sequence modeling is crucial in deep learning, used in various fields like NLP, computer vision, time series analysis, and computational biology. The framework aims to enhance sequence modeling tasks by leveraging associative memory.
Google commits to combatting fake reviews in the UK after 5-year probe
The U.K.’s antitrust regulator has reached an agreement with Google to counter the scourge of fake online reviews. The internet giant has committed to several remedies. Bogus endorsements have blighted the web since the creation of user reviews, which is why regulators around the world have been upping the ante on tech companies to put […]
Google has agreed to combat fake online reviews in the UK following a five-year investigation by the country’s antitrust regulator. The tech giant has committed to implementing measures to address the issue of bogus endorsements that have been prevalent on the internet. Regulators globally have been pressuring tech companies to take action against fake reviews.
Microsoft AI Introduces Sigma: An Efficient Large Language Model Tailored for AI Infrastructure Optimization
The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) has enabled transformative progress across diverse fields. However, the “system domain,” which focuses on optimizing and managing foundational AI infrastructure, remains relatively underexplored. This domain involves critical tasks such as diagnosing hardware issues, optimizing configurations, managing workloads, and evaluating system performance. These tasks often present […]
The article discusses Microsoft AI’s introduction of Sigma, an efficient large language model designed specifically for optimizing AI infrastructure. It highlights the importance of focusing on the “system domain” to manage foundational AI infrastructure effectively, addressing tasks like diagnosing hardware issues, optimizing configurations, managing workloads, and evaluating system performance. Sigma aims to enhance AI infrastructure optimization by leveraging advanced AI and machine learning technologies.
Samsung’s new phones will almost certainly be the most popular Android phones of 2025. They’ll probably also be among the best Android phones of 2025. And yet the Unpacked event this week felt like one of the most boring phone launches… ever. Are we entering a new phase of the smartphone industry, in which companies basically just launch the same thing over and over? Wait a second: have we been in that phase for a while now?
After that, we take a deep breath and wade into the first week of the new Trump administration. The Verge’s Lauren Feiner explains what’s going on with Stargate, and why a $500 billion AI data-center plan is being announced in the White House. We talk…
Samsung recently launched its new phones, the Galaxy S25 series, which are expected to be popular in 2025. Despite being among the best Android phones, the launch event was considered boring, raising questions about innovation in the smartphone industry. The thinner S25 Edge model received positive reception, and Samsung emphasized the role of AI in enhancing phone capabilities. The event also showcased the Project Moohan headset and discussed Gemini’s influence on virtual assistants. Additionally, the article delves into the impact of a new AI data-center plan announced during the first week of the new Trump administration.