OpenAI launches Astra, its powerful (and controversial) new model

Source: Tech Crunch

OpenAI launches Astra, its powerful (and controversial) new model

Startups

OpenAI has launched Astra, its most powerful AI model, focusing on enhanced computer and browser use, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Available to Daybreak users and soon to paid subscribers, Astra claims superior alignment and coding capabilities. However, the model faces scrutiny over "opaque recurrence," which hinders reasoning audits. President Greg Brockman suggested the model may represent the arrival of artificial general intelligence, despite changing contractual definitions.

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Abliteration.ai is making a business out of removing AI guardrails

Startups

Abliteration.ai has launched a commercial service providing open-weight AI models with their safety guardrails removed. By hosting models like GLM-5.3, the startup aims to assist cybersecurity professionals in red-teaming and modeling bad actors. However, critics warn that making these "abliterated" models easily accessible increases the risk of cyberattacks and biological threats, sparking a debate over whether such tools enhance defense or enable harm.

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Cars24 Trims FY26 Net Loss By 19% YoY To ₹441 Cr, Revenue Slides 18%

Business

Cars24 reported a narrowed net loss of ₹441.1 Cr in FY26, an 18.7% decrease, despite an 18.3% drop in operating revenue to ₹5,091.7 Cr. While product revenue declined, service revenue more than doubled. The IPO-bound startup reduced total expenses by 17.8% and is expanding into financing and AI-driven services. Despite these improvements, cash reserves halved and borrowings rose as the company prepares for a 2027 public listing.

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Meta is paying to peek at how you use their latest AI model

Startups

"Meta is introducing a new pricing model for its Muse Spark model, offering a roughly 95% discount to users who allow their data to be used for training future versions. This initiative aims to secure vital training data for agentic tools, as Meta has previously struggled with data collection. The strategy may incentivize companies to share non-proprietary information while contributing to broader price competition among frontier AI labs.".

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Ultrahuman Bags $70 Mn To Build An Integrated Healthtech Platform

Business

Ultrahuman, a smart ring maker founded in 2019, has raised $70 million in a new funding round to expand its AI-powered wellness platform and scale R&D. Total funding now exceeds $173 million. The company aims to grow its Blood Vision and CGM platforms globally. Despite recent cybersecurity issues and a legal dispute with Oura, Ultrahuman reported a net profit of ₹71.5 crore for FY25.

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RentoMojo Files RHP, Trims OFS To 2.7 Cr Shares

Business

"Furniture and appliance rental startup RentoMojo has filed its red herring prospectus with SEBI for an IPO. The company aims to raise ₹150 crore through a fresh issue of shares, while trimming its offer for sale to 2.7 crore shares. Investors like Accel and Chiratae Ventures will participate. The IPO opens for subscription from September 9 to 11, with funds targeting warehouse expansion and debt repayment.".

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Qualcomm backs Ultrahuman in $70M round on bet to turn smart rings into computers

Startups

Ultrahuman is targeting a $200 million annual revenue run rate by January 2027 as it builds a new Qualcomm-powered smart ring.

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Circular unveils Ring 3 series with contactless payments and on-finger vibration alerts

Startups

Circular has unveiled the Ring 3 series, featuring Pro and Slim models made from titanium steel. Both include NFC payments, vibrating alerts, and wireless charging. The Pro model offers advanced health tracking, including FDA-cleared ECG and glucose monitoring, with a 12-day battery. The Slim version provides essential wellness insights and a 10-day battery. Expected in early 2027, these rings compete with Oura and RingConn in the growing market.

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SoftBank Offloads Meesho Stake Worth ₹1,650 Cr

Business

After paring stake in Lenskart, global tech investor SoftBank offloaded 8 Cr equity shares in ecommerce platform Meesho, representing a.

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Ollie is betting its focus on privacy can help it win the AI assistant race

Startups

The family-focused AI assistant wants access to the details of your everyday life, but says it won’t use that data to train AI models or share it with others.

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Google launches AI voice features in Gmail, Docs and Keep

Startups

"Google is introducing conversational AI features called Docs Live, Gmail Live, and Keep Live for iOS and Android users in English. These Gemini-powered tools allow users to query their inboxes, draft documents using cross-app data, and create notes via dictation. Availability varies by subscription tier, with Gmail Live accessible to AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra users, while Docs and Keep Live require Pro or Ultra plans.".

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BITS Pilani-incubated Apollyon Dynamics sets new speed record in India with 498 km/h interceptor drone

Startups

Hyderabad-based defence startup Apollyon Dynamics has entered the India Book of Records after its Ahuti Mk II electric interceptor drone reached a top speed of 498 km/h. This marks the fastest multirotor UAV in South Asia. Incubated at BITS Pilani, the company develops autonomous aerial systems for the Indian armed forces. The Ahuti Mk II is designed to intercept hostile drones, with plans for a cruise missile platform by 2030.

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Furlenco’s FY26 Profit Surges Multifold To ₹59.5 Cr, Revenue Up 62% YoY

Business

After turning profitable in the fiscal year FY25, furniture rental startup Furlenco saw its net profit for the fiscal year.

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Government-school teachers are ready for AI, survey finds

Startups

A JanAI survey of 797 Indian government-school teachers reveals that 72% view artificial intelligence positively, though only 26% use it regularly. While teachers leverage AI for lesson planning via personal devices, a lack of institutional support persists. Concerns include student overdependence and data privacy risks. As India prepares an AI curriculum for 2026-27, JanAI plans to train 50,000 teachers to ensure responsible technology adoption.

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PayPal’s Global Mass Layoffs Impact 220 Indian Employees

Business

"PayPal has laid off approximately 220 employees in India, representing about 4% of its local workforce. These cuts, affecting roles in tech, engineering, and finance across Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, are part of a global restructuring plan to simplify operations and reduce costs. The company aims to trim its global workforce by 20% over several years to save $1.5 billion and prioritize long-term growth investments.".

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Google’s latest AI weather model gives you no excuse to forget your umbrella

Startups

Google DeepMind and Google Research have launched WeatherNext 3, a high-resolution AI weather forecasting model. Outperforming traditional government systems and other AI models, it offers 5km resolution and improved rain predictions. The model integrates raw satellite data for hourly updates and will power Google Search, Maps, and Gemini. This advancement promises more accessible, accurate forecasts, potentially benefiting global agriculture and renewable energy projects in underserved regions.

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HDB region can drive Karnataka’s tech-led growth, says Priyank Kharge

Startups

Karnataka is expanding its technology growth beyond Bengaluru by developing the Hubballi-Dharwad-Belagavi (HDB) corridor. The state aims to attract 35 large companies, 10 Global Capability Centres, and 100 startups within five years. Supported by a Rs 25 crore seed fund and new infrastructure, the region leverages strengths in aerospace, research, and electronics. This strategy seeks to distribute economic opportunities and innovation across North Karnataka's diverse districts.

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AMD, Delhi University partner to train 10,000 students in AI

Startups

AMD and the University of Delhi have partnered to train approximately 10,000 students in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technologies over the coming year. Through the 'AI Engage Developer Program,' participants will gain hands-on access to AMD's ROCm AI software platform, GPU cloud credits, and technical workshops. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, strengthening India's pipeline of skilled AI developers.

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Kalaari Capital opens applications for investor fellowship programme

Startups

The fellowship programme provides participants exposure to different aspects of venture investing and helps build their analytical, research and writing capabilities.

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KKR Backs BookMyShow As Live Entertainment Becomes Its Next Growth Engine

Business

India’s live entertainment market is entering a new phase, and BookMyShow is at the centre of it. The company has.

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