Sources: Perplexity is looking to raise ~$500M to double its valuation to $8B or more; Perplexity's annualized revenue is ~$50M, up from ~$10M in March (Wall Street Journal)

After facing significant media scrutiny due to a social media scandal, data operations startup Astronomer is attempting to reshape its public image by releasing a humorous video featuring actress and entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow. This strategic move aims to divert attention from the controversy and engage audiences with lighthearted content. Want More Context? 🔎

As of Friday, the UK mandates that users must complete age verification to access pornographic content online, requiring methods like selfies or photo ID. Popular sites like PornHub comply, but users are finding workarounds, such as VPNs, despite potential fines of up to £18 million for non-compliance under the Online Safety Act. Want More Context? 🔎

As back-to-school season approaches, students should carefully consider their laptop options, focusing on operating systems and specifications that ensure longevity and performance. The Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) is highly recommended for its excellent battery life, build quality, and overall performance, making it a solid choice for most students. Want More Context? 🔎

Earth's water is predominantly found in oceans (97%), with only 3% as freshwater, much of which is frozen; just 0.3% is accessible for drinking. This limited resource faces threats from climate change, pollution, and urbanization, leaving over 2 billion people in regions with contaminated water, leading to serious health risks. Want More Context? 🔎

Researchers from the University of South Florida have discovered that Hurricane Ian's rapid intensification from Category 3 to Category 5 was driven by unusually warm waters in the Gulf, due to the Loop Current failing to mix surface and subsurface temperatures. This lack of upwelling near a critical "pressure point" led to the warm conditions that contributed to the storm's strength before it made landfall in Florida on September 28, 2022. Want More Context? 🔎

A recent Echelon firmware update has rendered its smart gym equipment unusable offline, requiring a connection to Echelon's servers for basic functionalities, including access to workout stats and compatibility with third-party apps like QZ. Developers like Roberto Viola have criticized this change, warning that if Echelon ceases operations, users' equipment could be rendered entirely inoperable. Want More Context? 🔎