Latest news with #Humane
Business Insider
28-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Here's the pitch deck smart contact lens startup Xpanceo used to raise $250 million and become a unicorn
Xpanceo says smart contact lenses will be the computing interface of the future. The Dubai-based startup has raised $250 million at a $1.35 billion valuation. Here's the pitch deck laying out its team, product road map, and more. Smart contact lens startup Xpanceo announced earlier this month that it has raised $250 million in Series A funding, valuing the company at $1.35 billion. In the coming years, the Dubai-based startup envisions contact lenses that could offer augmented reality, night vision, and zoom, health tracking through tear fluid, and other features. "The initial idea was to merge all the screens you have into one limitless screen," and to arm wearers with "new abilities," said cofounder and managing partner Roman Axelrod, a 35-year-old serial entrepreneur. He said the company's unicorn status is a sign it's on the right path. Physicist Valentyn Volkov also cofounded Xpanceo. Hong Kong-based Opportunity Venture led the funding round, which also led Xpanceo's $40 million seed round in 2023. The funds will go to product development and expanding the company's team, which consists of about 100 employees. Xpanceo has built 15 prototype lenses, including ones that can charge wirelessly and measure interocular pressure, or eye fluid pressure. It aims to combine these capabilities into one lens by early 2027 and begin seeking FDA approval. After that, it plans to start on narrow business use cases, such as working with medical organizations on lenses that can measure interocular pressure. That's because launching a first-generation product to the consumer market can be "suicide," Axelrod said, nodding to Humane and Rabbit. Both AI wearables weathered negative reviews, and Humane's device was discontinued. Business customer projects could arrive as soon as 2028, and the lenses could be available to the public in the early 2030s, he said. In the future, lenses could be controlled by eye tracking, tongue movements, or voice control, the company said. Xpanceo isn't alone in attempting to solve the complexity of smart contact lenses. Google and Samsung began exploring the field roughly a decade ago. XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO XPANCEO
Straits Times
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
At The Movies: Illogical twists in Echo Valley, David Cronenberg's daughter debuts with Humane
At The Movies: Illogical twists in Echo Valley, David Cronenberg's daughter debuts with Humane Echo Valley (M18) 104 minutes, streaming on Apple TV+ ★★☆☆☆ The story: Kate (Julianne Moore) is a solitary divorcee running a horse ranch in Echo Valley in America's rural Pennsylvania, where her prodigal daughter Claire (Sydney Sweeney) shows up hysterical late one night with a dead body in her car. She has, she claims, bashed in her boyfriend's (Edmund Donovan) head by accident during a spat. How far will a parent go to protect her child? To answer the poser in the Apple TV+ thriller Echo Valley, Kate, without hesitation, goes to the local lake and disposes of the corpse. A drug addict, Claire has furthermore unwittingly tossed out US$10,000 worth of heroin belonging to a dealer (Domhnall Gleeson) among her boyfriend's possessions. Kate, who cannot even afford her roof repair, has to somehow repay him or he will kill them both. The depressed middle-ager, once married to a lawyer (Kyle MacLachlan), is mourning the death of her wife in a tragic accident. She cannot risk losing Claire too. And so, it is one bad decision after another. The same can be said of the story from Mare Of Easttown (2021) series creator Brad Ingelsby, directed by Bafta-winning British film-maker Michael Pearce of Beast (2017). Beyond plot quirks such as Kate's bisexuality that does nothing to deepen her character, this study on unconditional maternal love takes illogical twists into a third-act crime melodrama once the dealer blackmails her for the murder. He is a menacing villain. But the central relationship getting sidelined is between the exasperatingly acquiescent Kate and Sweeney's shrill, manipulative Claire, whose emotional betrayal is the most grievous violence. Hot take: Moore and Sweeney are an intense double act in a movie that does not know what to do with them nor what it wants to be. Humane (NC16) 93 minutes, streaming on Max ★★★☆☆ (From left) Jay Baruchel, Alanna Bale, Sebastian Chacon, Sirena Gulamgaus and Emily Hampshire in Humane. PHOTO: MAX The story: Mere months after an ecological collapse, world leaders are mandating euthanasia either voluntary or by conscription as a means to reduce the population. Those contributing to the planet-saving effort are valorised as 'heroes', and their next-of-kin are rewarded with a substantial payout. Humane is directed by Canadian photographer Caitlin Cronenberg. Her dad, Canadian auteur David Cronenberg, is the progenitor of body-horror cinema, and her brother is film-maker Brandon Cronenberg of Infinity Pool (2023) and Antiviral (2012). Nonetheless, her dystopian fable has no bodily mutations. The characters, just the way they are, are the horror in their greed, duplicity and selfishness. A family dinner in a vaguely North American suburb implodes into a violent fight for survival when the wealthy patriarch's (Peter Gallagher) plan to join the suicide programme goes awry. A creepily cheery Department of Citizen Strategy representative (Enrico Colantoni) arrives at the manor for the appointed 'cadaver procurement', and the four adult children have two hours to decide whom among themselves to sacrifice before the armed agents do the choosing for them. The eldest (Jay Baruchel), an anthropologist, is a government propagandist. One sister (Emily Hampshire) is a snippy pharmaceutical executive under investigation for fraud. Another is a talentless actress (Alanna Bale) and the adopted sibling (Sebastian Chacon) is a recovering addict piano virtuoso. Inside the house over a single night, they turn against one another with every sharp instrument available. This is Caitlin Cronenberg's feature debut. It shows in the lack of both dramatic depth and visual flair, but the sociopolitical satire on class and privilege is blackly comic. Hot take: The Cronenberg family business continues to make a killing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Tom's Guide
10-06-2025
- Tom's Guide
OpenAI's new device could replace your phone — here's what we know so far
We've seen what ChatGPT can do on a screen. But what happens when AI steps off the screen entirely? That's the question swirling around OpenAI's rumored upcoming device; a physical AI assistant designed in collaboration with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive and his hardware details are still under wraps, early rumors suggest this could be the beginning of an entirely new product category, and potentially a direct challenge to the role of smartphones in our lives. The first thing to know is that this device might not look anything like what you're used to. According to leaked reports, OpenAI's hardware concept is expected to be pocket-sized, screenless, and contextually aware, with microphones and cameras that let it 'see' and 'hear' your environment. Think of it as ChatGPT that follows you around, minus the screen fatigue. One version of the device is said to resemble an iPod Shuffle (remember that?) worn around your neck, with subtle touch or voice-based controls that could let you interact with OpenAI's models in real time. Whether you're walking down the street, cooking in your kitchen, or out running errands, the goal seems to be a more seamless, natural way to integrate AI into everyday life, but without needing to tap or type. If OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has his way, this device could eventually replace your smartphone entirely. While that may sound bold, it's part of a growing industry shift toward ambient computing, where AI assistants blend into the background and proactively help you, rather than waiting for you to open an app. And OpenAI isn't the only one betting on this future. Humane's AI Pin, Rabbit's R1, and Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses have all staked claims on the idea that AI will soon become a wearable, conversational companion and go beyond smartphone apps. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. But OpenAI's advantage is clear: it's building on top of ChatGPT's massive capabilities, which already include vision, voice, memory and real-time reasoning. Combine that with Ive's design legacy (he helped shape the iPhone, iMac, and Apple Watch), and you've got a dream team capable of defining the next major tech category. We're still a couple years away. According to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the first OpenAI device is expected to debut in late 2026 or early 2027, with mass production possibly starting soon after. My industry research indicates the following regarding the new AI hardware device from Jony Ive's collaboration with OpenAI:1. Mass production is expected to start in 2027.2. Assembly and shipping will occur outside China to reduce geopolitical risks, with Vietnam currently the… 22, 2025 That gives OpenAI time to figure out not just the hardware, but also how users will actually want to interact with a screenless, AI-powered device. Will it whisper reminders in your ear? Will it help navigate traffic while you walk or bike? Could it even summarize your emails before you sit down at your desk? The details remain to be seen — but one thing is certain: OpenAI is going beyond making ChatGPT as an occasional tool, into something that feels human, wearable and ever-present. And if it succeeds, your next assistant might not live in your pocket, it might live around your neck or clipped to your t-shirt.
Arabian Business
30-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia joins the race to be the next Silicon Valley of the Middle East
Saudi Arabia could emerge as the Middle East's Silicon Valley, with moves to partner directly with global leaders in new-age tech to form the bedrock for powering local innovation, sector experts said. Institutional alignment, sovereign capital and regulatory clarity make the country an execution-first environment for AI and Web3 startups. Saudi Arabia is also making smart moves to build its own AI infrastructure through sovereign initiatives like Humane aimed to ensure data sovereignty, strategic control and scalable impact, besides aligning with national values and priorities, that can act as a template for emerging economies to model their digital futures instead of outsourcing them, experts said. 'Saudi Arabia is building infrastructure, not just regulation. While Europe debates constraints, Saudi partners directly with global innovators to build at scale,' Johanna Cabildo, CEO of D-GN (Data Guardians Network), told Arabian Business. 'When a government like Saudi Arabia doesn't just endorse, but funds and deploys AI across ministries, oil giants and smart cities, it creates demand signals that attract private innovators,' he said. Cabildo cited moves like Saudi Aramco's engagement with US-based droppGroup for developing foundational AI and blockchain systems as smart measures to power local innovation. Industry players said the Saudi government's $40 billion AI investment is bound to reshape the country – as well as the wider region – into a competitive innovation hub, triggering a large-scale influx of global talents into the country. The kingdom's big AI push in line with its 'Vision 2030' is turning the country into a magnet for global AI builders, they said. Saudi Arabia's AI ambition Experts said Saudi Arabia is one of the few markets with both political will and economic scale to support the next wave of AI and Web3. The Saudi market is seeing a healthy combination of convergence of technologies with active support of local regulators, they said. Jaspreet Bindra, Co-founder, AI&Beyond, said the kingdom is rapidly positioning itself as the Silicon Valley of the Middle East by combining sovereign capital, regulatory clarity, and bold partnerships with global tech leaders. 'It's a smart, future-facing approach that not only fosters local innovation, but also offers a replicable model for other emerging economies to shape their digital futures on their own terms rather than relying on external ecosystems,' Bindra told Arabian Business. Cabildo said if Saudi Arabia introduces clear regulations and fast onboarding frameworks, it will not just attract founders, it will become the launchpad for global ventures building around data sovereignty, digital identity and decentralised intelligence. 'This is where the next breakout companies could be born,' he said. Citing that the Saudi Capital Market Authority (CMA) has quietly issued over 80 tokenisation licences as far back as 2021, Cabildo said the intent has been there for a push to innovate locally. Blockchain adds the transparency and ownership AI needs, he said. Senior executives at other tech firms said Saudi Arabia – as well as countries like the UAE in the region – is stepping out from being a consumer of innovation to becoming a global producer. This could turn the kingdom into the new centre of gravity for AI, where capital talent and emerging technologies collide, they said. Pointing out that Saudi Arabia's $40 billion AI push is more than an investment, it's a declaration, Cabildo said such moves signal that the country will not just replicate Silicon Valley, but will build something different – an ecosystem built for sovereign-scale digital infrastructure that prioritises trust, equity and intelligence. 'With the right moves, Saudi Arabia has the potential to pull the future toward it,' he said. AI powers industry shift Industry players said collaborations such as Saudi Aramco's mega AI and blockchain deal with droppGroup are expected to have a significant impact on traditional sectors such as energy, logistics and education in the country. AI can revolutionise operations in the energy sector, with predictive maintenance, powered by machine learning, that could save billions by preventing outages in Aramco's oil fields. In logistics, AI-driven systems will streamline supply chains, cutting delays at ports like Jeddah and optimising NEOM's global trade hub, while in education, AI will personalise learning with platforms like the National e-learning initiative, equipping students for a digital economy, they said. Cabildo said the real transformation, however, will be in the workforce. 'Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Programme aims to shift workers from routine tasks to knowledge-driven roles. [Deal like the Aramco-droppGroup] fuel that shift, creating demand for data scientists, AI engineers and innovation managers – roles critical to a diversified economy,' he said.
Mint
23-05-2025
- Business
- Mint
OpenAI teams with Jony Ive on AI hardware? Here's what Ming-Chi Kuo reveals about the prototype
A new wave of excitement has been stirred in the tech world following reports of a collaboration between former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive and OpenAI, the artificial intelligence company led by Sam Altman. The partnership centres around a sleek new AI-powered device, currently in the prototype stage, with plans for mass production by 2027. According to respected industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who shared details in a recent post on X, the prototype bears a form factor slightly larger than Humane's Ai Pin, a compact wearable computer that struggled to gain market traction. Despite its size, the device is expected to exhibit the same minimalist elegance as Apple's iconic iPod Shuffle. Designed for ambient intelligence, the device is said to include cameras and microphones for environmental awareness. This would enable contextual interactions when worn around the neck, without the need for a built-in screen. Instead, it would leverage smartphones and PCs for display and computational power, offering a seamless, interconnected AI experience. OpenAI and Ive's design firm, known as 'io,' are reportedly aiming to make the device an everyday essential, not a pair of smart glasses, but a compact, intelligent companion that could rest on a desk or be tucked into a pocket. Sam Altman is believed to have already showcased early concepts to OpenAI staff, describing it as a potential "third core device" to accompany a laptop and smartphone. To circumvent ongoing geopolitical tensions and avoid dependency on Chinese manufacturing, assembly and distribution are expected to take place in Vietnam. This shift aligns with a broader trend among tech companies seeking to diversify their supply chains due to increasing trade restrictions and rising tariffs between China and the United States. While the project remains in early development and final specifications are yet to be confirmed, industry watchers anticipate that the collaboration between Ive's legendary design sensibilities and OpenAI's artificial intelligence capabilities could set a new standard in personal computing.
