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// Tech news at terminal velocity
cat 2026-08-18.md
$ cat TLDR.md
▸ • Anthropic's annualized revenue run rate hits a staggering $65B ahead of its IPO.
▸ • OpenAI launches a dedicated, heavily-guarded ChatGPT mode for teenagers.
▸ • GitHub introduces Copilot Canvases to bring persistent workspaces to AI-agent workflows.
Anthropic's annualized revenue run rate has reportedly surged past $65 billion as of July, up from just $9 billion at the end of last year. Investors are projecting it could hit $100B-$120B by the end of 2026. The AI money printer isn't just going brrr; it has officially broken the sound barrier.
OpenAI is rolling out a dedicated ChatGPT experience for 13-to-17-year-olds, complete with guardrails against self-harm, romantic chats, and giving away easy homework answers. They're also partnering with CodeAI to build AI literacy for the first true 'AI generation.'
AI workflow automation startup Relay is shutting down its Zapier-killer dreams. Founder Jacob Bank is heading back to Google as VP of Product for Chrome to spearhead their ambitious (and currently mysterious) Chrome AI plans.
The famously repairable Fairphone 6 Plus is finally making its official US debut for $650. It's a minor hardware refresh, but a major win for the right-to-repair crowd who want a phone that doesn't require a heat gun and a prayer to fix.
Chat interfaces are great for intent, but terrible for complex, multi-step agent workflows where context gets lost in the scroll. GitHub is introducing Copilot Canvases—persistent workspaces that make AI-agent tasks visible, steerable, and easier to approve. It's a necessary step away from chat-only UIs toward actual multi-agent orchestration.
Three former SpaceX engineers have launched '1872,' a startup building a highly automated factory in Cincinnati to manufacture steel parts. Instead of rockets, their first target is building steel skids for AI data centers and small modular nuclear reactors using AI-driven robots. They're aiming for 80% automation rather than dogmatic full autonomy.
Freight mobility company Einride has struck a massive deal to add 500 Tesla Semis to its fleet. The electric trucks will be deployed to service Amazon and other major customers, marking a significant step in electrifying heavy freight.
Reach Capital just closed an oversubscribed $265 million Fund V. The goal? Backing AI founders who are building tools to 'expand human potential'—which is essentially VC-speak for edtech and future-of-work startups.
The Verge dives into the hilarious and slightly dystopian reality of pet tech, where cats are now getting addicted to iPad games and YouTube videos while their owners work from home.
Keeping nano fish alive is harder than it looks. One writer details their journey of turning a simple fish tank into a high-tech, sensor-laden aquatic smart home.