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Showing posts from April, 2026

OpenAI's president says AI has gone from writing 20% to '80% of your code' [Business Insider]

OpenAI President Greg Brockman dropped a quiet bombshell this week during a fireside chat in San Francisco, casually revealing that artificial intelligence now writes roughly 80% of the code produced at the company. That figure represents a staggering leap from just a year ago, when AI accounted for about 20% of coding output. The statement, which Brockman made during a discussion on the future of software engineering at the AI Frontiers conference, has sent ripples through the developer community and reignited debates about the role of automation in programming. For context, let’s unpack what Brockman actually said. Speaking to a packed auditorium, he described how OpenAI’s internal tooling has evolved. “A year ago, AI might have written a fifth of your code,” he explained. “Now it’s closer to 80%. That shift happened faster than anyone expected.” He wasn’t referring to a generic AI assistant—he was talking about the company’s own GPT models integrated into their development environ...

Tesla made over $500 million selling to xAI and SpaceX last year [Business Insider]

Tesla, the electric vehicle and clean energy giant, reported a notable financial detail in its latest regulatory filing: the company generated over $500 million in revenue last year from sales to two companies closely tied to its CEO, Elon Musk—xAI, the artificial intelligence startup, and SpaceX, the aerospace manufacturer. This figure, disclosed in Tesla’s annual 10-K report, highlights a deepening financial interdependence among Musk’s ventures, raising questions about governance, valuation, and the strategic direction of the companies involved. According to the filing, Tesla’s revenue from these related-party transactions amounted to approximately $512 million in 2024, up from less than $200 million the previous year. The bulk of this sum came from sales to xAI, which paid Tesla for access to its AI computing infrastructure, including high-performance chips and cloud services. SpaceX, meanwhile, purchased vehicle components and software from Tesla, likely for use in its Starlink ...

I planned to travel indefinitely — instead, I started a company in rural Japan [Business Insider]

It started as a simple fantasy: sell everything, buy a one-way ticket to Japan, and wander through its remote villages and mountain trails for a year or two. I had the backpack picked out, the minimalist wardrobe sorted, and a Google Doc titled “The Infinite Trip” filled with potential itineraries. I was a news journalist covering city council meetings and downtown real estate developments, and I was burned out. The plan was to escape the noise, the deadlines, and the endless notifications. I wanted to live in a place where the loudest sound at 8 PM was a rice field’s irrigation pump. Six months later, I found myself in a dusty, vacant kominka (a traditional wooden farmhouse) in the Tohoku region of northern Japan, surrounded by empty sake bottles, a laptop with a cracked screen, and an incorporation certificate from the local legal affairs bureau. I hadn’t gone on a single hike in three weeks. Instead, I had accidentally started a company. This is the story of how my “infinite tra...

US company aims to resurrect bluebuck antelope that was hunted to extinction

Let’s be honest: when you hear the words “de-extinction,” your brain probably jumps straight to Jurassic Park. You know, the chaotic scenes of velociraptors testing fences and a T. rex wreaking havoc in the rain. It’s a fun movie, sure, but it’s not exactly a blueprint for real-world science. Yet here we are, in 2025, with an actual company—a US-based biotech firm called Colossal Biosciences—announcing they want to bring back a creature that humans wiped off the planet centuries ago. Not a dinosaur. Not a woolly mammoth. An antelope. Specifically, the bluebuck antelope. And before you roll your eyes, hear me out. This isn’t some Silicon Valley stunt funded by a bored billionaire with a god complex. Well, maybe a little of that, but there’s more to it. The bluebuck ( Hippotragus leucophaeus ) was a striking animal—a medium-sized antelope with a bluish-grey coat (hence the name) and long, elegant horns. It once roamed the grasslands of South Africa’s southwestern Cape region. But by 18...

Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' before 60-day deadline

So, here we are again. You might have caught the headlines this morning: "Trump administration says its war in Iran has been 'terminated' before 60-day deadline." And if you’re like me, you probably did a double-take. A war? Terminated? Before a deadline? It sounds like a plot twist from a geopolitical thriller, except this is real life, and real lives are tangled up in the words. Let me break this down for you, because the phrasing alone is enough to make you wonder if someone’s playing with semantics—or if there’s something genuinely newsworthy beneath the jargon. What exactly happened? According to statements attributed to the Trump administration, the military campaign they’d initiated against Iran—yes, a campaign they themselves described as a "war"—has now been called off. Not paused. Not paused for negotiations. Terminated. And here’s the kicker: this termination comes well before a self-imposed 60-day deadline that was supposedly set for the ...

Steve Jobs gave Tim Cook advice that guided him as Apple CEO. Now it's Cook's turn to pay it forward. [Business Insider]

When Steve Jobs stepped down as Apple’s CEO in August 2011, the tech world held its breath. The man who had resurrected Apple from near-bankruptcy, launched the iPod, iPhone, and iPad, and built the most valuable company on earth was handing the reins to Tim Cook—a soft-spoken, operations-focused executive with none of Jobs’s theatrical flair. Many wondered if Apple could survive without its visionary founder. Thirteen years later, that question has been answered. Under Cook, Apple became the first company to reach a $3 trillion market cap, launched the Apple Watch, AirPods, and a services empire worth billions, and navigated supply chain crises and geopolitical storms. But Cook has often credited a single piece of advice from Jobs that shaped his entire tenure—and now, he says, it’s his turn to pass that wisdom on to the next generation. The advice that changed everything In interviews and his own public remarks, Cook has shared that Jobs’s most important directive was deceptive...

Tim Cook's tariff refund strategy shows why he's called the Trump whisperer [Business Insider]

When the world’s most valuable company stares down a tariff wall, it doesn’t just climb over it—it builds a ladder. And then it asks the guy who built the wall for a refund. That, in a nutshell, is Tim Cook’s playbook, and it’s the reason why inside the C-suites of Silicon Valley and the corridors of the West Wing, the Apple CEO has earned a nickname that sticks: the Trump whisperer. The latest chapter in this saga unfolded this week when reports confirmed that Apple secured a significant tariff exemption for its flagship iPhone models and other key hardware imported from China. To the casual observer, this looked like just another trade policy wrinkle. But to those who have watched Cook operate for the last eight years, it was a masterclass in corporate diplomacy—a quiet, relentless strategy of personal persuasion, legal leverage, and supply chain gymnastics that has saved Apple billions. The anatomy of a whisper Let’s be clear: Tim Cook does not shout. He does not tweet. He doe...

Apple earnings recap: Tim Cook delivers a beat across the board, talks rising memory costs [Business Insider]

Apple’s quarterly earnings report has become a ritual of high-stakes theater on Wall Street, but this time around, CEO Tim Cook delivered a script that even the most skeptical analysts couldn’t poke holes in. On Thursday, the Cupertino giant posted better-than-expected results for its fiscal second quarter, beating consensus estimates on revenue, earnings per share, and iPhone sales. The numbers were a welcome relief for investors who have been bracing for a potential slowdown in the world’s most valuable company. The top-line beat that surprised the Street For the quarter ending April 1, Apple reported revenue of $94.8 billion, up 3% year-over-year and well above the $92.9 billion analysts had penciled in. Earnings per share came in at $1.52, versus the $1.43 expected. It was a clean sweep. Cook, during the post-earnings call with analysts, attributed the performance to strong demand for the iPhone 14 Pro models and record-breaking services revenue. “We are pleased to report that ...

Apple earnings recap: Tim Cook talks rising memory costs, iPhone 17 demand, and gives incoming CEO John Ternus the mic [Business Insider]

In what was widely seen as a pivotal moment for the world’s most valuable company, Apple CEO Tim Cook took the stage for the quarterly earnings call this week. While the numbers were solid, the real story was about the future: rising memory prices, early whispers of the iPhone 17 cycle, and a symbolic passing of the microphone to incoming CEO John Ternus. Solid quarter, but the landscape is shifting Apple reported revenue of $94.8 billion for the fiscal fourth quarter, beating Wall Street estimates by a slim margin. Services revenue hit a new all-time high, buoyed by Apple Music, iCloud, and the App Store. iPhone sales were flat year-over-year, but that was largely expected given the late launch of the iPhone 16 series. But Cook didn’t spend much time on the quarter itself. Instead, he zeroed in on two headwinds that are reshaping Apple’s cost structure: memory and NAND flash pricing. Tim Cook on rising memory costs “We are seeing significant upward pressure on DRAM and NAND ...

Apple earnings recap: Tim Cook delivers a beat as iPhone 17 becomes its 'most popular lineup' ever [Business Insider]

Apple’s quarterly earnings call is always a bit like a Super Bowl for tech investors, but this time, the fireworks came early. CEO Tim Cook took the virtual stage to deliver a decisive beat on both revenue and earnings per share, fueled by what he described as the company’s “most popular lineup ever” — and no, it’s not the iPhone 16. The surprise star of the show was the iPhone 17, a device that hasn’t even officially launched yet in some markets but is already reshaping Apple’s sales narrative. The Numbers That Matter For the fiscal first quarter of 2025, Apple reported revenue of $124.3 billion, comfortably above the $121.5 billion analysts had penciled in. Earnings per share came in at $2.40, beating the consensus estimate of $2.35. While the iPhone remains the cash cow — generating $69.1 billion in revenue, a 6% year-over-year increase — the real story was in the product mix. Services revenue hit a new all-time high of $26.3 billion, and wearables, home, and accessories pulled i...

Apple beats out earnings estimates with continued iPhone momentum

Let’s be honest—when Apple reports earnings, the entire tech world holds its breath. And this time? They didn’t just meet expectations; they vaulted over them like a kid dodging a puddle. The headline reads: Apple beats out earnings estimates with continued iPhone momentum . But what does that actually mean for you, the person who might be reading this on an iPhone, or who’s just curious why your stock portfolio moved today? First, the raw numbers. Apple posted revenue and profit figures that made analysts’ spreadsheets blush. Now, I’m not going to drown you in decimal points—nobody needs that before lunch—but the key takeaway is simple: people are still buying iPhones. Like, a lot of them. And not just the latest Pro Max with the titanium finish. Even the base models are flying off shelves. It’s almost baffling. We’ve been hearing for years that smartphone upgrades are slowing down, that the market is saturated. Yet Apple keeps proving the skeptics wrong. How? Honestly, I think it’s...

Britney Spears charged with one misdemeanor in DUI case

It’s one of those headlines you never really expect to see again. Britney Spears—the pop icon, the Princess of Pop, the woman who survived a conservatorship that made global headlines—has been charged with one misdemeanor in a DUI case. Yes, you read that right. As of this week, the 43-year-old singer is facing legal trouble that feels like a strange echo from a past chapter of her life. And honestly? It’s a little jarring. The charge: What we know so far According to court documents obtained by multiple outlets, Spears was charged with a single misdemeanor count related to an alleged DUI incident. The specifics are still trickling in, but here’s the gist: she’s accused of driving under the influence, though the charge itself is relatively minor in the grand scheme of legal matters. No felony. No major injuries reported. Just a misdemeanor that carries potential penalties like fines, probation, or even a short jail stint—though that last one feels unlikely for a first-time offense ...

Apple earnings live updates: Tim Cook delivers a beat as iPhone 17 becomes its 'most popular lineup' ever [Business Insider]

By Ahmed Abed – News journalist Apple Inc. delivered its fiscal first-quarter earnings after the closing bell on Thursday, and the numbers were nothing short of a blockbuster. CEO Tim Cook, speaking from the company’s Cupertino headquarters, confirmed that the iPhone 17 lineup—launched just four months ago—has become the "most popular lineup" in the company’s history. The news sent shares up more than 3% in after-hours trading as investors cheered a rare beat across all major segments. "We’re seeing extraordinary demand for the iPhone 17, particularly the Pro and Pro Max models," Cook said during the call. "The combination of the A18 chip, the new camera system, and the always-on display has resonated with customers in ways we haven’t seen since the iPhone 12 supercycle." Here’s a breakdown of the numbers and what they mean for consumers, investors, and the broader tech landscape. Revenue beats estimates, driven by iPhone and Services Apple repor...

Apple earnings live updates: Tim Cook delivers a beat across the board as incoming CEO joins analyst call [Business Insider]

Apple earnings live updates: Tim Cook delivers a beat across the board as incoming CEO joins analyst call The headline numbers that shook Wall Street Apple Inc. reported its fiscal first-quarter earnings after the bell Thursday, and the numbers were nothing short of a blockbuster. The Cupertino giant posted revenue of $124.3 billion, crushing analyst expectations of $121.4 billion. Earnings per share came in at $2.40, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.30. For a company already trading at a market cap north of $3 trillion, these beats are a clear signal that consumer demand for Apple’s ecosystem remains remarkably resilient—even as competitors in the smartphone space struggle with component shortages and shifting consumer preferences. The headline numbers are impressive enough, but the real story of this call was the elephant in the room: the transition in leadership. For the first time, Tim Cook shared the analyst call with the company’s incoming CEO, a move that had inves...

Apple earnings live updates: Investors focus on Tim Cook's transition and iPhone growth [Business Insider]

Apple earnings live updates: Investors focus on Tim Cook's transition and iPhone growth CUPERTINO, Calif. – Apple Inc. reported its fiscal first-quarter earnings after the bell Thursday, and while the headline numbers were strong, the real story for investors was the delicate dance between record iPhone sales and the long-term vision CEO Tim Cook is stitching together. As the company navigates post-pandemic demand normalization and a rapidly shifting AI landscape, the market’s focus is squarely on whether Apple can sustain its growth engine without the singular product genius of Steve Jobs. For those tracking the live updates, the initial reaction was cautious optimism. Apple posted revenue of $119.6 billion, slightly above analyst estimates, with earnings per share of $2.10. The iPhone, still the company’s cash cow, generated $69.7 billion in sales, a modest year-over-year increase that surprised some skeptics who had predicted a dip. But the chatter in the trading pits and on...

Apple earnings live updates: Tim Cook delivers a beat across the board with all eyes on incoming CEO [Business Insider]

By Ahmed Abed – News journalist CUPERTINO, Calif. – The tech world held its collective breath Thursday afternoon as Apple Inc. reported its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, and the numbers did not disappoint. CEO Tim Cook delivered a clean beat across the board, sending shares up modestly in after-hours trading. But while the revenue and profit figures were strong, the real story of the day was the elephant in the room: the looming transition to a new chief executive. For the first time in recent memory, the earnings call wasn't just about iPhone sales. It was about the future of the company after Tim Cook. Rumors have swirled for months that Cook, who has led Apple since 2011, may be preparing to hand over the reins to a successor—potentially as early as next year. On the call, Cook addressed the speculation head-on, saying he has "full confidence" in the team he has built, but offered no timeline for his departure. The numbers: A clean sweep Let’s get into the ra...

Apple earnings live updates: Revenue and profits top Wall Street estimates [Business Insider]

Apple Inc. just released its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings, and the numbers are beating expectations. The tech giant reported revenue of $94.9 billion for the quarter ending September 28, 2024, surpassing Wall Street’s consensus estimate of $94.6 billion. Profits also came in strong, with earnings per share (EPS) at $1.64, compared to the predicted $1.60. This marks a solid performance amid a mixed global economy, driven by strong iPhone sales, record Services revenue, and growing momentum in emerging markets. iPhone Sales Remain the Anchor The iPhone remains Apple’s cash cow. Revenue from the smartphone line hit $46.2 billion, slightly above analyst projections of $45.5 billion. This is a 5% increase year-over-year, despite concerns about a slow upgrade cycle. Apple CEO Tim Cook noted in the earnings call that the iPhone 15 lineup, particularly the Pro and Pro Max models, saw “strong demand” in both developed and developing regions. The company also highlighted that iPhone sales i...

It's official: Some lower-income workers can get $1,000 in matching retirement savings from Uncle Sam [Business Insider]

If you’re a lower-income worker who has been putting off saving for retirement because you just can’t spare the cash, listen up: the federal government is now offering a direct match of up to $1,000 a year for your retirement account. It’s official, it’s real, and you don’t need to be a finance wizard to claim it. What is the Saver’s Match? Starting in 2027, the Saver’s Match replaces the old Saver’s Credit, which was a non-refundable tax credit that often left lower-income savers empty-handed because they owed little or no tax. The new match is a game-changer. Instead of a credit that reduces your tax bill, Uncle Sam will deposit up to $1,000 directly into your retirement account—like a 401(k), IRA, or similar plan. That’s real money you can invest and grow over time. Who qualifies for the $1,000 match? The rules are surprisingly straightforward. First, you must be at least 18 years old. Second, you can’t be a full-time student or claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax ret...