Mistral AI, seen as Europe's great hope for AI, is losing ground to US rivals and being overshadowed by DeepSeek; sources say its ARR is in the tens of millions (Financial Times)

The author, despite being a good cook, struggles with stovetop rice and decides to try a rice cooker for better results. They tested various rice cookers based on their ability to prepare different types of rice, including sushi-grade white rice, brown rice, and basmati, while also considering ease of use and cleaning. The final recommendations focus on models under $300, emphasizing value for cost and the importance of cooking performance to enhance meals like katsu,...

Virtual reality (VR) headsets have significantly evolved, offering immersive experiences for gaming, exploration, and virtual meetings. Options range from standalone devices like the Meta Quest 3, which operate independently, to high-end systems such as the Apple Vision Pro that provide advanced features and visuals. Testing criteria for VR headsets include ergonomics, immersion, and controller functionality, with a focus on comfort, display quality, and tracking accuracy for an optimal user experience. Full Article

StrictlyVC Expands to Europe TechCrunch events have had a busy year and are set to grow even more, with the exclusive StrictlyVC series for VCs and startups heading to Europe this May. Scheduled for May 8, the event will focus on Athens' burgeoning tech scene, bringing insider conversations to the continent. Additionally, there will be stops in London, further enhancing the reach and impact of StrictlyVC's discussions. Full Article

A new DARPA project, expMath, aims to accelerate mathematical innovation using AI, as the agency believes progress in mathematics is slow. The project seeks to develop AI co-authors that can propose and prove mathematical abstractions through auto decomposition and auto(in)formalization, despite current AI limitations in high-level math. DARPA's initiative will engage the math and AI communities to collaboratively address this complex challenge, with optimism from participants about the potential for transformative changes in mathematical practice....

In an effort to empower Amazon workers, the "Worker as Futurist" project, supported by Canada's Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, began with a 2022 pilot involving over 25 workers discussing their conditions through science fiction. By 2023, participants engaged in workshops to draft stories envisioning "The World After Amazon," culminating in a published book and a 13-episode podcast featuring experts and activists. The initiative emphasizes reclaiming the narrative and future from corporate control, promoting...

Zombies remained a popular theme in television during the 2010s, highlighted by the success of The Walking Dead and comedies like The Santa Clarita Diet. iZombie, a supernatural dramedy on the CW, garnered a loyal fanbase over its five-season run thanks to its humor, character development, and blend of episodic and overarching storylines. Based on a Vertigo comic by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, it follows Gwen Dylan, a gravedigger who consumes brains to retain...