Welcome to the Week in Review!
Welcome back to Week in Review! Lots in store for you today, including Wix’s latest acquisition, Meta’s new smart glasses, a look at the new Digg, and much more. Have a great weekend!
Meta and Oakley’s New Smart Glasses
Meta and Oakley have collaborated on a new pair of smart glasses that offer features like recording 3K video, playing music, handling calls, and responding to Meta AI prompts. Priced at $399, these smart glasses have double the battery life of Meta’s Ray-Bans. Additionally, a limited-edition Oakley Meta HSTN model will be available starting July 11 for $499.
Wix Acquires Base44
Wix recently acquired Base44, a 6-month-old solo startup, for $80 million in cash. Base44 gained rapid traction as a no-code AI tool for building web apps. Despite being created by a single founder, Base44 was already profitable, making it an irresistible acquisition for Wix.
Finland’s Sand Battery Innovation
Finland has unveiled the world’s largest sand battery, which stores heat to power the heating system of the small town of Pornainen while reducing carbon emissions. This low-tech and low-cost system is made from discarded fireplace soapstone, housed in a giant silo, and can store heat for weeks, showcasing an innovative approach to fighting climate change.
News Highlights
VamMoof has launched the S6, its first e-bike since bankruptcy, promising smoother rides, smarter features, and enhanced repair network support. Baiju Bhatt, known for co-founding Robinhood, is now working on Aetherflux, a startup focused on beaming solar power from orbit using space lasers. Unfortunately, SpaceX experienced a setback as one of its Starship rockets exploded during a test in Texas.
Spotify’s awaited lossless audio tier is in active development, hinting at a potential imminent launch. Digg has introduced a new AI-era Reddit alternative with its rebooted app. The U.S. Navy is collaborating with startups to accelerate innovation and technological advancements.
AI Talent Wars
Mark Zuckerberg is offering significant cash incentives to attract AI talent from OpenAI and DeepMind. However, OpenAI’s Sam Altman emphasizes the team’s mission over money, with ongoing developments in AI models and a potential AI-powered social app in the works.
Before You Go
San Francisco witnessed a startup saga as Cluely’s after-party for YC’s AI Startup School gained viral attention but was shut down by authorities before it began. Founder Roy Lee’s viral marketing tactics may have promised chaos, but the real party is yet to happen.
