Almost Informed

What does it mean when Uncle Sam one of your biggest shareholders? Chip startup xLight about to find out

Today's podcast covers: Chip startup xLight is bracing for a major shift as Uncle Sam becomes one of its largest shareholders. Apple appoints a new AI chief with expertise from Google and Microsoft. Google's AI strength lies in its knowledge of users. Zillow scraps climate risk scores due to agent backlash. Cyber Monday brings deals on laptops, phones, and digital notebooks. Construction workers benefit from the AI boom. Nvidia introduces new AI models for autonomous driving. European authorities shut down a crypto mixing site laundering billions. OpenAI invests in Thrive Holdings. Nvidia strengthens its chip-design stack with a $2B Synopsys investment. Sources: - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/what-does-it-mean-when-uncle-sam-is-one-of-your-biggest-shareholders-chip-startup-xlight-is-about-to-find-out/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/apple-just-named-a-new-ai-chief-with-google-and-microsoft-expertise-as-john-giannandrea-steps-down/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/one-of-googles-biggest-ai-advantages-is-what-it-already-knows-about-you/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/zillow-drops-climate-risk-scores-after-agents-complained-of-lost-sales/ - https://www.wired.com/story/best-cyber-monday-laptop-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/shopify-resolves-outage-disrupting-merchants-on-cyber-monday/ - https://www.wired.com/story/surface-laptop-cyber-monday-deal/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/nvidia-announces-new-open-ai-models-and-tools-for-autonomous-driving-research/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/aws-reinvent-2025-how-to-watch-and-follow-along-live/ - https://www.wired.com/story/meta-quest-3s-deal-cyber-monday-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/cyber-monday-phone-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/construction-workers-are-cashing-in-on-the-ai-boom/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/data-center-energy-demand-forecasted-to-soar-nearly-300-through-2035/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/european-cops-shut-down-crypto-mixing-website-that-helped-launder-1-3-billion-euros/ - https://www.wired.com/story/digital-notebook-cyber-monday-sales/ - https://www.wired.com/story/cyber-monday-streaming-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/aura-frame-cyber-monday-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/openais-investment-into-thrive-holdings-is-its-latest-circular-deal/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/deezer-rolls-out-my-deezer-year-2025-its-spotify-wrapped-clone/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/12/01/nvidias-2b-synopsys-bet-tightens-its-grip-on-the-chip-design-stack/

Varda says it proven space manufacturing works — now it wants to make it boring

Today's podcast covers: Varda has successfully demonstrated the viability of space manufacturing and aims to streamline the process. Swatch introduces the MoonSwatch Mission To Earthphase Moonshine Gold Cold Moon with details on price, specs, and availability. James Cameron expresses concerns about generative AI. A report delves into David Sacks' potential gains from a role in the Trump administration. Cyber Monday Tech Deals for 2025 are highlighted. ChatGPT celebrates its third anniversary. Finland explores drone food delivery behind the scenes. Black Friday deals for Amazon devices, Kindles, and streaming services are showcased. The Rocco Fridge is praised for its aesthetics. Climate change predictions focus on rising oceans and tensions between the US and China over rare earth metals. Black Friday deals on Christmas trees and lights for 2025 are featured. Sources: - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/30/varda-says-it-has-proven-space-manufacturing-works-now-it-wants-to-make-it-boring/ - https://www.wired.com/story/every-model-of-this-new-snoopy-moonswatch-is-different-and-you-can-only-get-one-when-it-snows/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/30/avatar-director-james-cameron-says-generative-ai-is-horrifying/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/30/new-report-examines-how-david-sacks-might-profit-from-trump-administration-role/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-tech-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/30/chatgpt-launched-three-years-ago-today/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/30/behind-the-scenes-of-drone-food-delivery-in-finland/ - https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-device-kindle-black-friday-deals-2025-2/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-streaming-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/you-have-8-hours-to-save-on-this-stunning-smart-fridge/ - https://www.wired.com/story/the-oceans-are-going-to-rise-but-when/ - https://www.wired.com/story/yttrium-rare-earth-metal-china-us/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-christmas-tree-deals/

Airbus orders software fix to thousands of planes due to solar radiation risk

Today's podcast covers: Airbus is ordering a software fix for thousands of planes to address the risk of solar radiation. Black Friday deals in 2025 include discounts on protein powder, supplements, streaming services, tech gadgets, phones, Amazon devices, Google Pixel, iPads, digital notebooks, smart glasses, and e-readers. New York state is implementing a law targeting personalized pricing. An article discusses the inability to make AI admit to being sexist. VC Kara Nortman is leading the way in investing in women's sports. The WIRED Guide offers tips on digital opsec for teens. Additionally, a method to find any lost phone, regardless of the operating system, is highlighted. Sources: - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/29/airbus-orders-software-fix-to-thousands-of-planes-due-to-solar-radiation-risk/ - https://www.wired.com/story/protein-powder-black-friday-deals-2025-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-streaming-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/29/new-york-state-law-takes-aim-at-personalized-pricing/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/29/no-you-cant-get-your-ai-to-admit-to-being-sexist-but-it-probably-is/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-phone-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-device-kindle-black-friday-deals-2025-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-tech-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-google-pixel-deals-2025-2/ - https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ipad-black-friday-deal-2025-2/ - https://www.wired.com/story/digital-notebook-black-friday-sales/ - https://www.wired.com/story/meta-sale-black-friday-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/digital-opsec-for-teens/ - https://www.wired.com/story/my-favorite-color-e-readers/ - https://www.wired.com/story/ringit-app-finds-any-lost-phone-even-if-it-uses-a-different-operating-system/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/28/vc-kara-nortman-bet-early-on-womens-sports-and-now-shes-creating-the-market/

9 Best Black Friday Laptop Deals (2025), Rocco Fridge Isn't So Smart, Supabase hit $5B by turning down million-dollar contracts

Today's podcast covers: In 2025, Black Friday is in full swing with enticing deals on laptops, tech gadgets, and more. Companies like Supabase are thriving by turning down lucrative contracts, while SoftBank invests in Meesho's successful IPO. AI is reshaping go-to-market strategies, while the regulation of AI sparks a federal vs. state showdown. Sex workers create an 'Anti-OnlyFans' platform, and there are discounts on innovative products like the Rocco Fridge and the Nothing (1) Headset. Overall, Black Friday shoppers can expect great deals on a variety of products, from laptops and phones to protein powder and office chairs. Sources: - https://www.wired.com/story/best-black-friday-laptop-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/you-have-8-hours-to-save-on-this-stunning-smart-fridge/ - https://techcrunch.com/video/supabase-hit-5b-by-turning-down-million-dollar-contracts-heres-why/ - https://www.wired.com/live/black-friday-live-25/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-ninja-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/protein-powder-black-friday-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/28/softbank-stays-in-as-meesho-606m-ipo-becomes-indias-first-major-e-commerce-listing/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/28/how-openai-and-google-see-ai-changing-go-to-market-strategies/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-phone-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-tech-deals-2025/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/28/the-race-to-regulate-ai-has-sparked-a-federal-vs-state-showdown/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/28/best-ipad-apps-to-boost-productivity-and-make-your-life-easier/ - https://www.wired.com/story/amazon-device-kindle-black-friday-deals-2025/ - https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-measure-the-earths-radius-with-legos/ - https://www.wired.com/story/nothing-1-headset-deal-1125-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/sex-workers-built-an-anti-onlyfans-to-take-control-of-their-profits/ - https://www.wired.com/story/apple-ipad-black-friday-deal-2025-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/black-friday-herman-miller-sale-november-2025-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/oura-ring-4-deal-1125-1/ - https://www.wired.com/story/poems-can-trick-ai-into-helping-you-make-a-nuclear-weapon/

Lovable says it’s nearing 8 million users as year-old AI coding startup eyes more corporate employees

Today's podcast covers: Lovable, an AI coding startup, is nearing 8 million users and aims to attract more corporate employees. VC Jennifer Neundorfer shares tips for standing out in the competitive AI market. Kaltura acquires eSelf in a $27M deal. Google introduces Gemini to Google TV Streamer. AI PowerPoint-killer Gamma hits $2.1B valuation. Wikipedia calls on AI companies to use its paid API. Venmo launches cash back rewards program. Amazon Music allows users in Canada to chat and stream music. Remote driving startup Vay could secure up to $410M from Grab. Amanda Kahlow raises $30 million for new AI sales startup 1mind. Sources: - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/lovable-says-its-nearing-8-million-users-as-the-year-old-ai-coding-startup-eyes-more-corporate-employees/ - https://techcrunch.com/video/the-circular-money-problem-at-the-heart-of-ais-biggest-deals/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/vc-jennifer-neundorfer-explains-how-founders-can-stand-out-in-a-crowded-ai-market/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/a-better-way-of-thinking-about-the-ai-bubble/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/kaltura-acquires-eself-founded-by-creator-of-snaps-ai-in-27m-deal/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/google-brings-gemini-to-the-google-tv-streamer/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/ai-powerpoint-killer-gamma-hits-2-1b-valuation-100m-arr-founder-says/ - https://www.wired.com/story/jbl-charge-6-deal-1125/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/wikipedia-urges-ai-companies-to-use-its-paid-api-and-stop-scraping/ - https://www.wired.com/story/heres-where-to-build-data-centers-to-keep-emissions-down/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/consolidation-begins-to-hit-the-carbon-credit-market/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/google-maps-releases-new-ai-tools-to-let-you-create-interactive-projects/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/venmo-launches-cash-back-rewards-program-for-debit-cards/ - https://www.wired.com/story/the-first-radio-signal-from-comet-3i-atlas-ends-debate-about-its-nature/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/knicks-player-miles-mcbride-launches-a-location-sharing-friendship-app-to-rival-snap-map/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/amazon-music-allows-users-in-canada-to-chat-and-stream-music-with-each-other/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/sapphire-sport-spins-out-rebrands-as-359-capital-with-300m-aum/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/remote-driving-startup-vay-could-grab-up-to-410m-from-singapores-grab/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/why-a-lot-of-people-are-getting-hacked-with-government-spyware/ - https://techcrunch.com/2025/11/10/6sense-founder-amanda-kahlow-raises-30-million-for-new-human-replacement-ai-sales-startup-1mind/