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Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Fri, May 8, 2026, 9:34 AM EDT

Tech

AI Summary

  • Lime is reportedly preparing for an IPO, signaling a potential shift in the micromobility market.
  • The immense power demands of AI are straining the U.S. power grid, sparking widespread concern.
  • Airbnb is leveraging AI to automate a significant portion of its code generation, highlighting AI's role in software development.
  • OpenAI is expanding its API with new voice intelligence features and introducing a 'Trusted Contact' safeguard for user safety.
  • Recent reports indicate significant funding and valuation shifts for AI startups like Ramp and Kodiak AI, alongside broader discussions about AI's impact on industries from healthcare to gaming.

TechCrunch

  • Lime, the Uber-backed micromobility company, files for IPO an hour ago by Kirsten Korosec
    Transportation, IPO, JUMP, lime, Uber

    After years of hints and preparation, Lime plans to enter the public markets.

  • The biggest U.S. power grid is under strain from AI — and no one is happy an hour ago by Tim De Chant
    Climate, data centers, electrical grid

    PJM Interconnection — which oversees the grid for some of the densest data center developments on Earth — wants to overhaul itself. Not everyone thinks it's up to the task.

  • Airbnb says AI now writes 60% of its new code an hour ago by Ivan Mehta
    Commerce, Real estate, ai coding, Airbnb, travel tech

    Airbnb also said its customer support AI bot now handles 40% of issues without escalating to a human agent.

  • Why you can never get your doctor to call you back 10 hours ago by Connie Loizos
    AI, Biotech & Health, TC, Aileen Lee, Basata, Basis Set Ventures, cowboy ventures, Sofeon, Victoria Treyger

    Like many AI companies automating work that humans currently do, Basata will eventually face a harder question about where the line is between augmenting workers and displacing them. For now, the founders say the administrative staff they work with aren't worried about that; they're more worried about drowning.

  • Ramp in talks to hit $40B+ valuation, 6 months after reaching $32B 15 hours ago by Julie Bort
    Fintech, Startups, TC, In Brief, Ramp

    The company is reportedly in talks to raise another $750 million at a pre-money valuation of more than $40 billion. It last raised in November at $32 billion.


Hacker News


Engadget


The Verge

  • Everybody wants to rule the AI world 44 minutes ago by David Pierce
    AI, Elon Musk, OpenAI, Podcasts, Tech, Vergecast

    Sometimes, companies pick CEOs based on carefully laid succession plans designed to maximize investor confidence and future performance. Other times, apparently, companies pick CEOs based on a bunch of video calls while the current CEO is texting the former CEO about who the new CEO even is. Such was the story of The Blip, the days in 2024 when Sam Altman was ousted from OpenAI. We knew that situation was chaotic; the ongoing Musk v. Altman trial is showing just how chaotic it really was. Verge subscribers, don't forget you get exclusive access to ad-free Vergecast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Nanoleaf bets its future on robots, red light therapy, and AI 2 hours ago by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy
    Interview, Matter, Report, Smart Home, Tech

    Nanoleaf teased a trio of new products focused on embodied AI as it looks to move its brand beyond smart lighting. | Image: Nanoleaf Smart lighting company Nanoleaf has been unusually quiet recently. While competitors such as Govee and Philips Hue have been pumping out new products and innovative features at an impressive pace, Nanoleaf has launched just a handful of smart lighting products in the last two years. There's a reason for this lull - the company has been going through a "brand evolution" focused on wellness, robotics, and, of course, AI. "The smart home is getting kind of boring," says

  • Apple’s education discount now requires proof that you’re a student 2 hours ago by Jess Weatherbed
    Apple, News, Tech

    Watch models like the Apple Watch Series 11 (pictured) are also now available at discounted education rates for the first time. | Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales / The Verge Apple now requires proof of eligibility from US customers who purchase products online at discounted education rates, which also apply to the Apple Watch for the first time. According to a new pop-up message displayed on Apple's education webstore, Apple is directing students, parents, and teachers to verify their status via Unidays' third-party verification service - a system the Cupertino company has already implemented in other countries, including the UK. Apple Insider

  • Sony’s PS5 sales plummet amid price rises and a memory crisis 5 hours ago by Tom Warren
    Gaming, News, PlayStation, Sony, Tech

    Sony sold just 1.5 million PS5 consoles in its most recent fourth fiscal quarter, down 46 percent year over year. The slump in PS5 sales comes after Sony raised the price of its PS5 consoles twice over the past year, pushing the price of the regular PS5 from $499.99 all the way up to $649.99. Sony blamed "continued pressures in the global economic landscape," for the price hikes in March, amid an ongoing memory crisis and pressure from the war in Iran. Sony now forecasts that annual gaming revenue will drop 6 percent, but these forecasts could be impacted by ongoing

  • Nintendo is raising Switch 2 prices 6 hours ago by Jess Weatherbed
    Business, Entertainment, Gaming, News, Nintendo

    Nintendo is raising the price of its Switch 2 console globally, "in light of changes in market conditions," and is now forecasting a drop in sales over the next year. Starting September 1st, the Switch 2 will cost $499.99 in the US, up from its current $449.99 price. At the same time, prices will also increase by $50 in Canada ($679.99, up from $629.99) and €40 in Europe, bringing it to €499.99 (about $587). The price increases in Japan go into effect sooner, on May 25th, and impact a greater range of Switch products. The Switch 2 will increase from ¥49,980


Wired

  • The Best Mobile Gaming Controllers for iPhone and Android (2026) 3 hours ago by Louryn Strampe
    Gear, Gear / Buying Guides, Gear / Products, Gear / Products / Gaming, Gear / Products / Phones, Button, Mashing

    Your iPhone or Android phone can work overtime as a full-on gaming console with the help of these mobile controllers. Backbone makes my favorite.

  • We Asked Coffee Pros to Blind Test Coffee Machines. The Results Were Surprising 4 hours ago by Chris Haslam, Jeremy White
    Gear, Gear / Gear News and Events, Gear / Products / Kitchen, WIRED, Blind, Test

    For our latest WIRED Blind Test, we sat coffee industry professionals down to rank leading do-it-all coffee machines—and the winner wasn't what anyone expected.

  • Billie Eilish Doesn't Know if There Will Ever Be Another Billie Eilish 4 hours ago by Angela Watercutter
    Culture, Culture / Music, Culture / Digital Culture

    In an interview with WIRED ahead of her new concert film Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), Billie Eilish talked about whether or not future artists will be able to leverage SoundCloud the way she did.

  • The New Wild West of AI Kids’ Toys 4 hours ago by Sophie Charara
    Gear, Gear / Gear News and Events, Gear / Trends, Friends, Like, These

    These cuddly, connected companions could disrupt everything from make-believe to bedtime stories. No wonder some lawmakers want them banned.

  • The Best Cat Water Fountains of 2026: Petlibro, Petkit, Oneisall 5 hours ago by Molly Higgins
    Gear, Gear / Buying Guides, Gear / Products / Home, Buying, Guide

    Ensuring your cat stays hydrated is one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. The right pet water fountain can help.


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