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Yann LeCun, renowned AI scientist, launches startup AMI with Alex LeBrun as CEO. AMI focuses on world model AI, aiming to solve large language models hallucination problems. LeBrun, former Nabla CEO, brings multi-modal AI expertise.

Netflix Dives into Video Podcasting, Challenging YouTubes Dominance Netflix is expanding its content offerings by venturing into the video podcast space, signing deals with major players like iHeartMedia and Barstool Sports. This move comes after a recent agreement with Spotify and rumors of talks with SiriusXM. The streaming giant aims to remain a content king as viewers shift towards low-cost, low-production value content like podcasts on platforms such as YouTube. YouTube has seen a significant surge in podcast viewership, with over seven hundred million hours watched on living room devices in 2025, compared to four hundred million hours the previous year. Entertainment attorney Matthew Dysart and podcaster Ronald Young Junior believe Netflix is positioning itself to compete directly with YouTube in the evolving media landscape. However, not all podcasters are convinced that video is the only way forward. Mike Schubert and Sequoia Simone, creators of Professional Talkers, initially launched with a video-first approach but found their audience was largely ambivalent to the video component. They realized that for many listeners, the audio experience remains paramount. This shift raises questions about the very definition of a podcast. While Netflixs moves are less aggressive than Spotifys past acquisitions, independent creators remain cautious, remembering how previous industry consolidations impacted their livelihoods.

Tech giants and AI: A week of bankruptcies, investments, and mergers - The hardware sector faced a challenging week with iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes filing for bankruptcy. TechCrunchs Equity podcast explored the reasons behind these struggles and discussed Amazons investment in OpenAI, Trumps evolving stance on AI regulation, Merriam-Websters word of the year, Databricks massive funding round, and the potential merger between Coursera and Udemy.

OpenAIs AI chatbots face intense scrutiny following teen suicides, prompting state AGs and policymakers to demand stricter safeguards. OpenAI responds with updated Model Spec, emphasizing teen safety and transparency. However, experts remain cautious, questioning the AIs adherence to guidelines.

Samsung unveils Exynos two thousand six hundred chip, a game-changer in smartphone technology. Built on a two-nanometer process, it packs more power and efficiency, potentially outpacing competitors like Apple and Qualcomm. However, its use in upcoming Galaxy S twenty-six models remains uncertain, possibly leading to varied performance across regions.

Known app, created by Celeste Amadon and Asher Allen, aims to encourage in-person meetings, not just dates. With 80% of introductions leading to actual dates, its gaining traction. Securing $9.7M in funding, Known plans to expand its team and launch nationwide next year, offering a unique approach to dating.

Netflix Acquires Avatar Creation Platform Ready Player Me, Signaling New Focus on TV Gaming and Personalized Experiences In a significant move, Netflix has acquired Ready Player Me, an avatar creation platform based in Estonia, marking a shift towards games played on television. This acquisition will allow Netflix subscribers to create and use personalized avatars across different games, with the potential for avatars to follow users from one Netflix game to another. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed, but Ready Player Me had previously raised $72 million from investors like a16z and co-founders of Roblox and Twitch. The entire Ready Player Me team, consisting of about twenty people, will join Netflix. While no specific timeline has been set for the launch of these new avatar features, Netflix is investing in a more personalized gaming experience. Ready Player Mes independent services, including its online avatar creation tool PlayerZero, will close by January 31, 2026. This acquisition underscores Netflixs evolving gaming strategy, moving from mobile games to more interactive experiences on television, potentially transforming how subscribers engage with their favorite content.

Global memory shortage, driven by AI companies demand, could increase prices of new phones and computers by up to 8% by 2027.

Metas SuperIntelligence Labs unveils ambitious AI projects: Mango for visual understanding and Avocado for enhanced coding abilities. The company aims to catch up with competitors like OpenAI and Google, following leadership changes and recruitment efforts. The success of these projects is crucial for Metas future in AI, as it currently lacks a standalone successful AI product.