OpenAI's new image generation model, Meta's AI-powered glasses for improved conversations, and DoorDash's Zesty social app demonstrate AI's expansive applications, while Google tests a new email productivity assistant, Leona Health secures funding for an AI co-pilot for doctors, **Databricks' AI business heats up with a $4B raise, Adobe Firefly introduces prompt-based video editing, Everbloom utilizes AI to create cashmere from chicken feathers, and VCs debate the staying power of consumer AI startups**.

• DoorDash rolls out Zesty, an AI social app for discovering new restaurants — TechCrunch -
• Meta’s AI glasses can now help you hear conversations better — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI continues on its ‘code red’ warpath with new image generation model — TechCrunch -

• Uber Eats alum lands $14M seed from a16z to fix WhatsApp chaos for LatAm’s doctors — TechCrunch -
• Google tests an email-based productivity assistant — TechCrunch -
• Databricks raises $4B at $134B valuation as its AI business heats up — TechCrunch -
• Adobe Firefly now supports prompt-based video editing, adds more third-party models — TechCrunch -
• Everbloom built an AI to turn chicken feathers into cashmere — TechCrunch -
• VCs discuss why most consumer AI startups still lack staying power — TechCrunch -

Texas is suing major TV manufacturers for allegedly spying on users, senators raise concerns about data centers passing energy costs to consumers, and a hacking group claims to be extorting Pornhub after stealing user viewing data, while X updates its terms and countersues to protect the 'Twitter' trademark, and a **study reveals Instacart may be charging some shoppers 20% more for identical products**.

• Texas sues biggest TV makers, alleging smart TVs spy on users without consent — Ars Technica -
• X updates its terms, files countersuit to lay claim to the ‘Twitter’ trademark after newcomer’s challenge — TechCrunch -
• Study shows Instacart may be charging some shoppers 20% more for the same product — TechCrunch -

• Senators count the shady ways data centers pass energy costs on to Americans — Ars Technica -
• Hacking group says it’s extorting Pornhub after stealing users’ viewing data — TechCrunch -

WikiFlix offers free public domain films, Netflix expands its video podcast offerings with a new iHeartMedia deal, Apple TV now supports Google Cast despite Netflix dropping the feature, and Instagram Reels are coming to Amazon Fire TV, broadening content accessibility.

• WikiFlix shows us what Netflix would have been like 100 years ago — TechCrunch -
• Netflix doubles down on video podcasts with iHeartMedia deal — TechCrunch -
• Instagram brings Reels to the big screen, starting with Amazon Fire TV — TechCrunch -

• Apple TV adds support for Google Cast even as Netflix ditches the feature — TechCrunch -

Luminar faces bankruptcy due to a troubled Volvo deal, Slate continues to garner reservations for its EV truck, and the 2026 Mercedes CLA electric sedan gets its first drive review, showcasing the evolving landscape of electric transport.

• How Luminar’s doomed Volvo deal helped drag the company into bankruptcy — TechCrunch -
• Slate crosses 150,000 reservations despite waning EV truck enthusiasm — TechCrunch -
• 2026 Mercedes CLA first drive: Entry level doesn’t mean basic — Ars Technica -

Whole Foods plans to install smart food waste bins from Mill, Utah leaders are hindering efforts to develop solar energy supplies, and **Last Energy secured $100M for its micro nuclear reactor**, highlighting diverse approaches to environmental challenges.

• Whole Foods to install smart food waste bins from Mill starting in 2027 — TechCrunch -
• Utah leaders hinder efforts to develop solar energy supply — Ars Technica -
• Nuclear startup Last Energy raises $100M for its steel-encased micro reactor — TechCrunch -

The **$4.3 billion space telescope is now complete, promising 3D movies of the Milky Way, and India's Digantara raised $50M for space-based missile defense technology**, indicating significant advancements in space exploration and security.

• The $4.3 billion space telescope Trump tried to cancel is now complete — Ars Technica -
• India’s Digantara raises $50M for space-based missile defense tech — TechCrunch -

Software leaks hint at the first Apple Silicon 'iMac Pro', rumors persist about Half-Life 3 launching with Steam Machine, Canadian clothing rental company Rax is expanding to the US, and Neil Murray's Nordic-focused VC fund closed its third round to back robotics, AI-native, and deep tech founders.

• Software leaks point to the first Apple Silicon “iMac Pro,” among other devices — Ars Technica -
• Reporter suggests Half-Life 3 will be a Steam Machine launch title — Ars Technica -
• Canadian peer-to-peer clothing rental company Rax is expanding to the US — TechCrunch -

• Solo VC and Lovable investor Neil Murray raises third Nordic-focused fund — TechCrunch -