Nvidia-backed Emerald AI raises $25M in seed extension funding at a $250M valuation, bringing total funding to $42.5M, as its software helps data centers slash energy costs and ease grid strain during peak demand.
Amazon rolls out Alexa+ nationwide with advanced AI capabilities including complex conversations, task automation, and restaurant bookings, offering free access to Prime members while charging non-Prime users $19.99 monthly for unlimited features.
Amazon launches Alexa.com web platform, delivering the complete Alexa+ AI assistant experience through browsers with seamless device continuity, smart home control, meal planning, and persistent chat history for Early Access customers.
AI voice assistants like Alexa Plus continue to struggle with basic smart home functions like operating coffee makers and lights, as generative AI fails to deliver on 2025 promises of seamless home automation, achieving only minor advances in security camera notifications instead of the revolutionary ambient intelligence consumers were promised.
Waymo resumes San Francisco robotaxi operations after suspending service during weekend power outages that left 130,000 customers without electricity and caused multiple autonomous vehicles to stall at intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.
Pony.ai becomes the first company to receive a citywide robotaxi permit for all of Shenzhen, China, ending pilot zone restrictions as it plans to deploy over 1,000 cost-efficient seventh-generation autonomous vehicles in partnership with local taxi firm Xihu Group.
Apple acquires computer vision startup Prompt AI and its 11-person team after the company shuts down its Seemour security camera app, beating out competitors xAI and Neuralink to secure UC Berkeley AI researchers for likely integration into HomeKit smart home technology.
Base Power secures $1 billion Series C funding at $3 billion valuation to expand home battery storage systems nationwide, currently serving 5,000 Texas households while reducing electricity bills by 10-20% monthly and providing backup power during outages amid growing AI infrastructure energy demands.
Google launches Gemini for Home, replacing Google Assistant on smart displays and speakers with advanced AI that enables natural conversations, transforms cameras into intelligent security systems with narrative alerts, and introduces a $10 monthly premium subscription for enhanced features.
Google replaces Assistant with advanced Gemini AI on all smart speakers starting October 1st and launches $10 monthly Home Premium subscription featuring conversational capabilities and enhanced camera intelligence.