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AI Wars Heat Up: Cheaper Tech Challenges Giants

Anthropic's release of Claude Sonnet 4.6, a new AI model, has sent ripples through the tech industry, offering near-flagship intelligence at a significantly reduced cost. According to VentureBeat, the model, launched on Tuesday, is priced at $3 per million tokens, the same as its predecessor, Sonnet 4.5, but delivers a full upgrade across coding, computer use, long-context reasoning, agent planning, knowledge work, and design. It also features a 1M token context window in beta.

The new model is now the default in claude.ai and Claude Cowork. This repricing event is expected to accelerate enterprise adoption of AI agents and automated coding tools, according to VentureBeat. This comes as companies are rapidly deploying AI solutions.

Meanwhile, Google DeepMind is calling for increased scrutiny of the moral behavior of large language models (LLMs). According to MIT Technology Review, researchers are concerned about the trustworthiness of these models, especially as they take on more sensitive roles in people's lives, such as acting as companions or medical advisors. "With coding and math, you have clear-cut, correct answers that you can check," said William Isaac, a research scientist at Google DeepMind, during an exclusive preview.

In other tech news, the world of cryptocurrency continues to evolve. Jean-Paul Thorbjornsen, founder of THORChain, a blockchain that allows users to swap cryptocurrencies, is making waves. As reported by MIT Technology Review, Thorbjornsen, who once used a pseudonym and an AI-generated avatar, now operates openly. He even uses a luxury helicopter emblazoned with "BTC" for Bitcoin, a symbol of his success in the crypto world. Thorbjornsen claims a previous crypto project made over AU400 million, although he also says those funds were tied up in the company.

The rise of AI and cryptocurrency highlights the ongoing human desire to predict and control the future. As MIT Technology Review notes, "To be human is, fundamentally, to be a forecaster." From tea leaves to data sets, the tools of divination have changed, but the conviction that the future can be known remains.

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Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

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Democrats Fight Trump as Economy Falters
Business1h ago

Democrats Fight Trump as Economy Falters

Drawing from multiple news sources, recent events include President Trump's request for government funds amidst conflict of interest concerns, alongside developments like the UK's decreasing inflation and rising political tensions fueled by voter ID laws. Other key stories involve U.S. allegations against China, ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, and the weakening of the Japanese yen, while the U.S. men's hockey team advanced in the Olympics and Ukraine-Russia talks saw limited progress.

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Henson Channels Scary Spice on 'Masked Singer'!
Entertainment1h ago

Henson Channels Scary Spice on 'Masked Singer'!

Drawing from multiple news sources, this week's headlines cover a wide array of topics, including the Berlinale premiere of an animated film and a kabuki film's unexpected success, alongside discussions on Hollywood support and artists' political views, and a preview of the 2026 news cycle. Other notable stories include a politically charged fashion event, former President Trump's criticisms, debates on privacy and environmental issues, and a legal ruling on boneless wings, with entertainment news highlighting Taraji P. Henson's appearance on "The Masked Singer."

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Glass Stores Millions of Books for Millennia
Entertainment1h ago

Glass Stores Millions of Books for Millennia

Drawing from various sources, researchers have developed a novel copper acetylide complex catalyst that enables a stereospecific C(sp3)C(sp3) coupling reaction using boronic esters, a significant advancement in synthetic chemistry. This new methodology allows for the efficient construction of complex molecules, including natural products and bioactive compounds, by overcoming challenges in creating C(sp3)C(sp3) bonds at stereogenic carbon centers.

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DEVELOPING: OpenAI & Pine Labs Team Up: India Fintech Revolution!
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DEVELOPING: OpenAI & Pine Labs Team Up: India Fintech Revolution!

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Apple, Bose, SteelSeries, and AI Deals Dominate News!
AI Insights1h ago

Apple, Bose, SteelSeries, and AI Deals Dominate News!

Drawing from multiple news sources, Apple has released the first developer and public betas for its iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and macOS 26.4 updates, introducing new features like Playlist Playground for Apple Music and video podcast support. While the updates include enhancements like Creator Studio for Freeform, the anticipated new, more intelligent Siri has been delayed until a later release, possibly iOS 26.5 or even iOS 27.

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Global Tensions Rise: Protests, War, and Political Upheaval
World1h ago

Global Tensions Rise: Protests, War, and Political Upheaval

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Wildfires, Iran, and "The View" Dominate News
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Drawing from multiple news sources, the FDA reversed its initial decision and will now review Moderna's application for an mRNA flu shot, following the company's agreement to conduct further studies, particularly in older adults. This reversal comes after the FDA initially rejected the application, sparking debate within the biotech industry and raising concerns about the agency's decision-making process, as highlighted by health economists.

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eBay Buys Depop for $1.2B, Expanding Secondhand Fashion
Tech3h ago

eBay Buys Depop for $1.2B, Expanding Secondhand Fashion

Drawing from multiple news sources, Etsy is selling the popular second-hand fashion app Depop to eBay for $1.2 billion, just five years after acquiring it. This move aims to help eBay, a more established online marketplace, attract a younger demographic and capitalize on the growing re-commerce market, while Depop will retain its branding.

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Shiffrin Wins Gold, Trump Eyes Iran Strikes
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Shiffrin Wins Gold, Trump Eyes Iran Strikes

Drawing from multiple news sources, Mikaela Shiffrin, the most decorated skier in history, ended her eight-event medal drought at the 2026 Olympics by winning gold in the women's slalom, her best event. The victory, achieved with a significant lead over the competition, marked her first podium finish since 2018 and followed a disappointing performance in the giant slalom earlier in the games.

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Good Samaritan Stops Ice Rink Shooter; Avalanche Kills 8
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Good Samaritan Stops Ice Rink Shooter; Avalanche Kills 8

Drawing from multiple news sources, search and rescue teams recovered eight bodies after a deadly avalanche near Lake Tahoe, the deadliest in the US in nearly 50 years, while peace talks between Russia and Ukraine stalled, and figure skater Ilia Malinin reflected on his disappointing Olympic performance. Elsewhere, a transgender individual fatally shot his ex-wife and son before taking his own life, and Amber Glenn, an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ rights, is competing in the Olympics.

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Dyson Cleans Floors, AI Blows Things Up, Bose Discounts!
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Dyson Cleans Floors, AI Blows Things Up, Bose Discounts!

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