Waymo’s robotaxi expansion accelerates with 3 new cities

Alphabet is making waves in the tech world by launching independent companies through its Series X Capital fund, which has successfully raised over $500 million. This initiative not only showcases Alphabet's commitment to innovation but also allows for the exploration of groundbreaking ideas that could reshape industries. By spinning out these 'moonshot' projects, Alphabet is positioning itself as a leader in fostering new technologies and business models, which could have a significant impact on the economy and society.

Alphabet Inc. has successfully sold $25 billion in corporate bonds, with $17.5 billion coming from the US and €6.5 billion from Europe. This significant move highlights the growing trend of technology companies borrowing to invest in artificial intelligence, showcasing Alphabet's commitment to innovation and growth in this critical sector.

Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxi service has reached a significant milestone, achieving 250,000 weekly orders globally as of October 31. This figure matches the 250,000 weekly paid rides reported by Waymo in the U.S. back in April 2025. This development highlights the growing acceptance and demand for autonomous vehicle services, showcasing Baidu's competitive position in the rapidly evolving mobility market. As more consumers embrace robotaxis, it could signal a shift in transportation norms and further innovation in the industry.

Alphabet is taking a bold step by launching its 'moonshot' projects as independent companies, which reflects its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. This strategy not only allows for greater focus and resources on groundbreaking ideas but also ensures that employees have a vested interest in the success of these ventures. By fostering a culture of independence, Alphabet is positioning itself to lead in transformative technologies that could shape the future.

Google Cloud has emerged as one of Alphabet's fastest-growing sectors, largely due to strategic investments in artificial intelligence, data centers, and custom chips under the leadership of Thomas Kurian. This growth is significant as it showcases how tech companies can pivot and innovate in response to market demands, positioning Google Cloud as a key player in the competitive cloud services landscape.

Coca-Cola is facing significant backlash for its decision to use artificial intelligence in its 2025 Christmas advertisement, which some critics have labeled as 'disgusting.' While the ad is festive, many are upset that the company opted for fewer human contributors, raising concerns about the impact of AI on jobs and creativity in advertising. This controversy highlights the ongoing debate about the role of technology in traditional industries and the potential alienation of consumers who value human touch in marketing.

House Speaker Mike Johnson has pointed fingers at Democrats, claiming that their 'extremism on the left' is the main reason behind the ongoing government shutdown, which has now lasted 34 days. He argues that this situation is causing unnecessary hardship for millions of Americans. This matters because a prolonged shutdown can have serious implications for government services and the economy, affecting everyday citizens and their livelihoods.

A recent POLITICO/Public First poll reveals that over half of Americans fear a political candidate may be assassinated within the next five years. This alarming sentiment reflects growing concerns about political violence and instability in the country, highlighting the urgent need for discussions around safety and security in politics.

Building a simple HTML5 game hub can be an exciting project for web developers. This article guides you through creating a platform that organizes and launches HTML5 games, similar to what GamH5 offers. It's a great way to enhance your skills in JavaScript and responsive design while providing a fun resource for gamers.

Andreessen Horowitz has decided to pause its Talent x Opportunity (TxO) fund, which was aimed at supporting underserved founders, and this move has resulted in staff layoffs. This decision is significant as it reflects the challenges in venture capital funding, particularly for initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion. The pause raises concerns about the future support for underrepresented entrepreneurs and the overall impact on innovation in the startup ecosystem.

Recent findings by experts reveal significant flaws in hundreds of tests designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of artificial intelligence models. This is concerning because these weaknesses could undermine the validity of claims made about AI technologies, potentially leading to unsafe implementations in real-world applications. The research, conducted by scientists from the AI Security Institute and prestigious universities like Stanford, Berkeley, and Oxford, highlights the urgent need for more rigorous testing standards in the rapidly evolving field of AI.