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Military Technology

Rune Technologies Secures $24M to Modernize Military Logistics with AI-Powered Software

Rune Technologies, founded by ex-Anduril and Meta employees, has raised a $24 million Series A round to develop AI-enabled software, TyrOS, for military logistics. TyrOS aims to replace manual processes with intelligent supply webs that predict needs and optimize resources, even in disconnected environments.

The U.S. Army and Marine Corps are already piloting the system. TyrOS uses deep learning to forecast supply and demand, considering environmental and supply variables. Its edge-first architecture allows operation without constant server connectivity.

Rune is integrating generative AI for real-time battle space analysis and has partnered with Palantir. The company envisions connecting tactical data to strategic decision-making, potentially influencing defense production.

Artificial Intelligence

AI Browsers Enhance User Experience with Prompt Automation

AI-powered browsers like Dia and Comet are introducing features to simplify repetitive tasks. Dia has launched a skill gallery where users can copy prompts for various tasks, while Comet is preparing to launch ready-made shortcuts for tasks like organizing tabs and preparing for meetings. Comet will also allow users to create custom scripts using natural language prompts.

Robotics and Automation

Cartken Shifts Gears: From Food Delivery to Industrial Robotics

Autonomous robotics startup Cartken, known for its delivery robots, is shifting its focus to the industrial sector. The company has seen increased demand for its robots in factories and labs, leading to the development of larger robots like the Cartken Hauler.

Cartken's robots are capable of navigating both indoor and outdoor environments, thanks to data collected from food delivery operations. The company is expanding its partnership with Mitsubishi, with Melco Mobility Solutions ordering nearly 100 Cartken Hauler robots for use in Japanese industrial facilities.

While Cartken will continue its last-mile delivery business, it will not be expanding it, focusing instead on industrial applications across various sectors, including automotive, pharmaceutical, and chemical companies.

Government & Defense

Microsoft Restricts China-Based Engineers from US Department of Defense Projects

Following a report highlighting the use of China-based engineers to maintain cloud computing systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, Microsoft has announced changes to prevent this practice moving forward. The previous system involved "digital escorts" supervising the engineers, but concerns were raised about the escorts' technical expertise. Microsoft's chief communications officer, Frank X. Shaw, stated that no China-based engineering teams will provide technical assistance for DoD Government cloud and related services.

Business and Acquisitions

Windsurf's Acquisition by Cognition: From Bleakness to a Deal That Cares for Employees

Jeff Wang, Windsurf's interim CEO, shared details about the company's acquisition by Cognition following a failed deal with OpenAI and the departure of key executives to Google DeepMind.

The initial news of the Google deal and executive departures led to a demoralized team, but Wang and Cognition executives negotiated an acquisition that prioritized employee payouts, waived cliffs, and accelerated vesting for Windsurf equity.

Wang highlighted the complementary nature of the two companies, with Cognition's strong engineering team and Windsurf's go-to-market and marketing expertise creating a synergistic fit.

The acquisition was finalized quickly, turning what Wang described as "probably the worst day of 250 people’s lives" into "probably the best day."

Cybersecurity

Unveiling the Best Cyber Security Reads: A Journey Through Hacking, Espionage, and Digital Surveillance

This curated list highlights essential cybersecurity books covering a range of topics from historical hacks to modern digital espionage.
Key Highlights:
  • Countdown to Zero Day: Explores the Stuxnet cyberattack on Iran's nuclear facility.
  • Dark Wire: Uncovers the FBI's Operation Trojan Shield, a daring sting operation against global criminals.
  • The Cuckoo’s Egg: Recounts Cliff Stoll's investigation of a $0.75 discrepancy that led to uncovering a KGB cyberespionage operation.
  • Your Face Belongs to Us: Investigates the rise of Clearview AI and the implications of facial recognition technology.
  • Cult of the Dead Cow: Chronicles the history of the influential hacking supergroup and their impact on the internet.
  • Hack to the Future: Provides a comprehensive history of the hacking world and its evolution.
  • Tracers in the Dark: Details investigations into cryptocurrency-related crimes and the takedown of dark web marketplaces.
  • Dark Mirror: Offers an inside look at Edward Snowden's leaks and the U.S. government's global surveillance operations.
These books offer valuable insights into the world of cybersecurity, from its historical roots to its current challenges and implications.

Data Privacy and Security

The Alarming Trend of AI Overreach: Protecting Your Personal Data

AI is increasingly integrated into daily life, prompting concerns about excessive access to personal data. AI-powered web browsers and assistants often request broad permissions, such as managing emails, accessing calendars, and even company directories. This raises significant privacy and security risks, as users grant AI autonomous control over sensitive information. Experts warn against blindly trusting AI with personal data, emphasizing the importance of carefully evaluating the cost-benefit ratio before granting access.

Cybersecurity

Middle Eastern Surveillance Firm Exploits SS7 Flaw to Track Phone Locations

Security researchers have uncovered a surveillance company in the Middle East exploiting a novel attack to deceive phone operators into revealing a subscriber's location. This attack circumvents security measures designed to prevent unauthorized access to SS7, a protocol used by global phone carriers for call and text message routing. The exploitation, observed since late 2024, allows the surveillance vendor to pinpoint individuals' locations via cell tower connections.
Enea, a cybersecurity firm, reported the bypass attack targeted specific subscribers, but its effectiveness varied across carriers. The attack can narrow a person's location to within a few hundred meters in urban areas. While the affected phone operator was notified, the surveillance vendor remains unnamed.
The use of such exploits is reportedly on the rise, with surveillance vendors, often working for government clients, employing them for intelligence gathering. Despite phone companies implementing firewalls, vulnerabilities persist within the global cell network, leaving subscribers with limited defense options.

Business & Finance

CaaStle Founder Faces Fraud Charges After $300M Investor Deception

Christine Hunsicker, the founder of fashion startup CaaStle, surrendered to authorities on Friday to address fraud charges.

The U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York has charged her with wire fraud, securities fraud, money laundering, aggravated identity theft, and lying to financial institutions.

Hunsicker is accused of defrauding investors of over $300 million. She resigned as CEO after allegations of misleading investors about the company's financial performance.

CaaStle, which raised more than $500 million in funding, filed for bankruptcy in June. The company is also facing lawsuits from an apparel company and an investment vehicle.

Two former employees expressed no surprise at the financial troubles, citing the discreet nature of executives regarding the company’s financial health.

Music Tech

Kesha's Reinvention: From Pop Star to Tech Entrepreneur with Smash

Kesha, known for her pop hits, is now a startup founder with her app, Smash. This platform aims to help musicians connect, collaborate, and create artist-friendly contracts.

Smash differentiates itself with a built-in system for generating contracts, ensuring artists retain control and rights over their work. The app was motivated by Kesha's own experiences with exploitative record deals, particularly her legal battle with Dr. Luke.

The app is co-founded by Kesha's brother, Lagan Sebert, and CTO Alan Cannistraro, formerly of Apple. Smash intends to launch later this year, aiming to empower music creators and shift power back into their hands.

To test the technology, Smash hosted a remix contest for Kesha's song 'Boy Crazy,' with winners receiving an industry-standard remix fee and a release on Kesha's label.