Tesla showcased its self-driving capabilities by completing an "autonomous delivery" of a Model Y from its factory to a customer's apartment in Austin, Texas. The vehicle navigated a complex 15-mile route without anyone onboard, using software similar to that in Tesla's robotaxis. However, the software was downgraded upon delivery to the commercially available Full Self-Driving (Supervised) version.

The timing of the stunt is noteworthy, preceding the release of Tesla's second-quarter delivery figures and financial results, which are expected to be disappointing. The drive included challenging scenarios like highway merges, right turns on red, and unprotected left turns, demonstrating advancements in autonomous vehicle technology.

While impressive, the event raises questions about Tesla's preparations and the reliability of the software for repeated, safe execution. The demonstration is also viewed in light of past misleading claims by Tesla regarding its self-driving capabilities, particularly a staged video from 2016. Despite the skepticism, even critics acknowledge the progress made, with concerns now focusing on minor infractions like stopping in a fire lane.

Levelpath, a procurement software startup founded by the creators of Scout RFP, has raised $55 million in Series B funding led by Battery Ventures. The company aims to quadruple its revenue this year by leveraging AI capabilities to improve procurement processes.

The funding round included participation from existing investors like Benchmark and Redpoint. Levelpath's platform integrates AI to review unstructured contract data and suggest cost-effective alternatives.

Levelpath's solution targets the inefficiencies of legacy procurement systems, helping companies avoid 'rogue' spending and capitalize on bulk discounts. Their innovative technology and experienced founders have garnered significant investor confidence.

Apple is reportedly evaluating AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic to enhance Siri's capabilities, potentially moving away from its in-house AI development. The company is internally developing "LLM Siri" but has requested OpenAI and Anthropic to adapt their models for Apple's cloud infrastructure for testing purposes.

The release of the AI-enabled Siri has been postponed to 2026 or later due to technical challenges. This move indicates a deeper integration of third-party AI technologies into Apple's ecosystem.

Netflix is partnering with NASA to bring live space programming to its streaming service. Subscribers will have access to livestreams of rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, and views of Earth from the ISS. This partnership signifies Netflix's efforts to broaden its live programming beyond comedy, awards shows, and sports. NASA aims to engage space enthusiasts by partnering with popular platforms like Netflix, following a similar partnership with Prime Video. NASA also offers content on YouTube and its own streaming app, NASA+.

Tailor, a San Francisco- and Tokyo-based ERP platform, has raised $22 million in Series A funding to advance its "headless" ERP system, Omakase. This system allows AI agents to automate tasks via API, offering a customizable alternative to traditional ERP systems. With backing from investors like ANRI, JIC VGI, NEA, Spiral Capital, and Y Combinator, Tailor aims to expand in the U.S., enhance product development, and scale operations in Japan. The modular, API-first platform targets businesses seeking flexibility in managing operations like inventory, fulfillment, and finance, positioning itself against competitors like SAP and Oracle. Founded in 2021, Tailor has grown to 50 employees and plans to use the funding to build a U.S. go-to-market team, extend ERP modules with AI, and support growth in Japan.

Proton, known for its privacy-focused apps, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging anticompetitive practices within the App Store.

The lawsuit claims Apple holds a monopoly over smartphone distribution, app distribution, and payment processing, imposing 'artificial and arbitrary' fees.

Proton seeks changes to the App Store policies and monetary damages, intending to donate the latter to organizations supporting democracy and human rights.

The case highlights restrictions on developers, such as preventing direct communication with customers about web discounts and limiting background processing for apps like Proton Drive, unlike iCloud.

Proton also argues that Apple's control enables censorship, citing instances where its VPN app faced removal threats for bypassing website censorship.