Waymo is expanding its robotaxi service, MrBeast's company is acquiring a fintech app, and a London-based startup is using AI to revolutionize electricity markets, according to recent announcements. Additionally, social media platform Bluesky has added drafts, a feature long requested by its users. These developments highlight the ongoing evolution of technology and its impact on various sectors.
Waymo, the Alphabet-owned company, removed human safety drivers from its autonomous test vehicles in Nashville, Tennessee, as it moves closer to launching a robotaxi service in the city. The company plans to launch the service this year in partnership with Lyft, with riders initially hailing rides through the Waymo app. Once the service expands, Waymo's self-driving vehicles will also be available through the Lyft app. Lyft will handle fleet services, such as vehicle readiness and maintenance, charging infrastructure, and depot operations, through its wholly owned subsidiary Flexdrive. Waymo already operates commercial services in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Meanwhile, MrBeast's company, Beast Industries, announced the acquisition of Step, a teen-focused banking app. Step, which raised half a billion in funding and has over 7 million users, offers financial services geared toward Gen Z to help them build credit, save money, and invest. The app has attracted celebrity investors like Charli D'Amelio, Will Smith, The Chainsmokers, and Stephen Curry, in addition to venture firms like General Catalyst, Coatue, and the payments company Stripe. Partnering with MrBeast, the most-subscribed creator on YouTube with over 466 million subscribers, is a strategic move to reach a young audience.
In the energy sector, London-based startup Tem secured $75 million in a Series B round led by Lightspeed Venture Partners. Tem is using AI to cut electricity prices for its business customers. The company has signed up more than 2,600 business customers throughout the U.K., promising savings of up to 30% on their energy bills. The round values Tem at over $300 million, according to a source familiar with the deal. Tem plans to use the funds to further develop its energy transaction engine.
In other tech news, social network Bluesky rolled out drafts, a feature that allows users to save and edit posts before publishing. This feature has long been available on competitors like X and Threads. Users can access drafts by opening the new post flow and selecting the Drafts button. The rollout of drafts comes as Bluesky recently teased its roadmap for the year ahead, which includes improving the app's algorithmic Discover feed and offering better recommendations on who to follow. The company acknowledged that it still needs to get the basics right.
The rapid adoption of AI is also raising concerns about its impact on the workforce. A new study published in Harvard Business Review suggests that companies are at risk of becoming "burnout machines" as they embrace AI. The study found that while AI may increase productivity, it can also lead to increased workloads and pressure on employees.
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