Good evening!
The sun has officially set on Q3. Are we feeling ready for the homestretch?
Here are the 7 things you missed today:
1. 📱 OpenAI introduces Sora app alongside Sora 2 model
In an invite-only launch, OpenAI rolled out a TikTok-style social app for AI video called Sora. Users can create clips and add “cameos” of themselves after a one-time video-and-audio verification. The iOS app is available now in the U.S. and Canada, with expansion planned. OpenAI also released the Sora 2 generator and said the app is free at launch, with paid extras during high demand. (TechCrunch)
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3. 🤝 Meta to acquire chip startup Rivos in semiconductor push
According to Meta, the deal would add RISC-V chip design expertise from Santa Clara–based Rivos. Financial terms weren’t disclosed; a source previously put Rivos near a $2B valuation. Meta’s Yee Jiun Song said Rivos brings full-stack AI systems know-how to accelerate MTIA, its in-house accelerators. Reuters also noted Rivos has backing from Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan. (Reuters)
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5. 👀 Amazon unveils new AI-powered Ring, Echo, and Kindle devices
At its New York showcase, Amazon introduced Alexa+, an AI assistant designed to proactively anticipate user needs. Echo speakers and displays now run on new silicon that supports more natural conversations and on-device processing. Ring and Blink devices add features like facial recognition, advanced alerts, and tighter integration with Alexa+. A refreshed Kindle Scribe brings improved note-taking tools, while Fire TV devices expand voice controls and AI-powered recommendations. (NY Post)
6. 💸 Venmo and PayPal to enable cross-app payments starting November
Per Venmo, users will be able to pay across the two apps in the U.S. and worldwide beginning in November. PayPal users can find Venmo contacts via phone numbers at launch, with email search added later. The change follows PayPal’s “PayPal World” network expansion announced earlier this year. Combined, Venmo and PayPal total about 2 billion users, according to PayPal. (TechCrunch)
7. 📈 U.S. stocks close higher as quarter ends despite shutdown risk
By the close, the Dow rose 0.18%, the S&P 500 gained 0.41%, and the Nasdaq added 0.31%. The advance delivered both monthly and quarterly gains across the major indexes. Investors continued to track a possible U.S. government shutdown that could delay key data. Sector moves were mixed, with health care up and airlines weaker, per the Reuters recap. (CNBC)
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