Using Home Assistant, adguard home and an $8 smart outlet to avoid brain rot

A new AI startup called Periodic Labs, founded by former OpenAI and DeepMind employees, is set to reach a $1 billion valuation after a $200 million funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company focuses on using artificial intelligence to advance material science.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the growing influence of AI in scientific research and the high investor confidence in startups led by top talent from major AI firms. If successful, Periodic Labs could accelerate breakthroughs in material science, potentially leading to innovations in everything from electronics to clean energy. Big-money backing like this signals that AI's next frontier isn't just chatbots—it's real-world science.

Anthropic, the AI company behind Claude, is heavily reliant on just two major customers—Cursor and GitHub Copilot—for its $5 billion revenue run rate. Meanwhile, OpenAI's cheaper GPT-5 is putting pressure on Anthropic's pricing, raising concerns about profit margins and the risks of depending too much on a small number of clients.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights how even successful AI startups like Anthropic aren't immune to market pressures. With OpenAI slashing prices, smaller players could struggle to compete, and over-reliance on a few big customers could backfire. For businesses using AI, this might mean more affordable options—but it also signals turbulence ahead for the industry.

If you're stuck on today's Wordle puzzle (#1429), this article offers handy hints and the solution to get you unstuck—plus yesterday's answer if you missed it. Think of it as a friendly nudge when your brain hits a word wall.

Former NSA chief Paul Nakasone delivered a cautious yet urgent message at the Defcon security conference, suggesting that significant shifts are coming for the tech industry. While navigating a politically sensitive climate, he hinted at looming changes that could reshape how tech companies operate, though specifics remain unclear.

Editor’s Note: Nakasone's warning signals that big developments—possibly regulatory or security-related—are on the horizon for tech. Given his background, this isn’t just idle speculation; it’s a heads-up that businesses and users should pay attention to. Whether it’s about AI, data privacy, or national security, his words suggest the industry might need to brace for impact.

A recent study highlights that a lesser-known leguminous plant could boost beef production by up to 60%, offering a potential game-changer for the livestock industry. The plant's high nutritional value and efficiency in feed conversion make it a promising alternative to traditional cattle feed.

Editor’s Note: If this plant can be widely adopted, it could significantly improve beef yields while reducing resource use—good news for farmers, consumers, and sustainability efforts. It’s a rare win-win in an industry often criticized for its environmental impact.