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Hugging Face's Clem Delangue on Open Source AI and the LLM Bubble | MTS Live

Hugging Face's Clem Delangue on Open Source AI and the LLM Bubble | MTS Live

Here's a surprising twist: Clem Delangue from Hugging Face argues the real bubble isn’t in big, API-driven language models. It’s in the hype around their rapid, costly expansion. According to Delangue, open-source AI is quietly reshaping the game, making AI more accessible and adaptable. He points out that open-weight models — those that anyone can tweak — are gaining ground, especially as the US and China compete for AI dominance. But here's where it gets interesting — Delangue suggests robotics could be the next big interface for AI, transforming how we interact with technology daily. This shift might even sideline the current LLM bubble, which, as he explains, is inflated by hype rather than true innovation. As content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com reports, the real future might lie in open infrastructure that encourages collaboration and safety. So, what’s next? Those who build flexible, open systems could win in this rapidly evolving landscape, not just those chasing the biggest models.

Weekly Dose of Optimism #194

Weekly Dose of Optimism #194

Here's a wild one — retatrutide, a triple hormone drug, has now shown it can help people lose over 28% of their body weight in less than two years. That’s more than double what older meds like Wegovy or tirzepatide deliver, according to Packy McCormick’s report in Business. And get this — people are dropping around 70 pounds on average, with many reaching a BMI below obesity thresholds. These results aren’t just impressive; they’re revolutionary, especially since the drug also reduces knee pain, cholesterol, and even helps prediabetics return to normal blood sugar. Meanwhile, Colossal Biosciences is pushing the boundaries of biology itself — hatching chicks from fully artificial eggs. As Packy highlights, this breaks the longstanding eggs-or-chicken dilemma and could transform animal conservation and agriculture. If these trends hold, we’re looking at a future where biotech and medicine will become more powerful and accessible than ever — ushering in an era of radical health and environmental breakthroughs.

Not boring by packy mccormick

Pod Shops Got Many Shots to Get AI Right

Pod Shops Got Many Shots to Get AI Right

Ever wonder if the thousands of pod shops trying to build AI right are missing the bigger picture? Byrne Hobart points out that many of these small players have multiple shots at getting it right, but that’s not necessarily enough. The real game-changer? The ones who figure out how to scale, manage vendor relationships, and navigate the murky waters of supply chains will dominate. Hobart explains that as AI becomes more embedded in everything — pricing, distribution, even crypto — the companies that adapt quickly and get their infrastructure right will leap ahead. It’s not just about tech talent anymore; it’s about managing complexity and staying flexible. So what does this mean for your business? The next few years could see winners emerge not just from innovation, but from mastering operational complexity. And get this — those who fail to keep pace risk falling behind. The question is: who will get it right before the window closes?

Rocket Report: Starship launch delayed, German launch company may aid Canada

Rocket Report: Starship launch delayed, German launch company may aid Canada

Ever wonder why a Starship launch can still slip? SpaceX nearly fired it off Thursday in South Texas, only to get held up by a ground system glitch. According to Eric Berger at Ars Technica, this isn’t surprising — new hardware always brings surprises. They’re aiming to try again as soon as Friday evening, but the stakes are high for SpaceX and the whole US space effort. Meanwhile, in Texas, Firefly Aerospace is expanding its footprint with a huge new campus — 144,000 square feet packed with spacecraft assembly, testing, and engineering. As Berger points out, this growth reflects a broader push to ramp up launch capacity and reduce delays. So, what does all this mean? Spaceflight remains a game of nerves and timing — delays happen, but the industry adapts fast. The real question isn’t whether these hiccups will continue, but who will innovate quickly enough to stay ahead in this high-stakes race.

First vaccines, now mammograms? RFK Jr.’s latest firings have doctors outraged.

First vaccines, now mammograms? RFK Jr.’s latest firings have doctors outraged.

Ever wonder what happens when politics interferes with public health? Well, now we’re seeing just that — RFK Jr., the controversial Health Secretary, has fired key leaders of the US Preventive Services Task Force, a vital panel that decides what screenings and preventive care Americans should get. According to Beth Mole in TechCrunch, this isn’t just about replacing some names; it’s about gutting a nonpartisan group that’s been guiding evidence-based health policies for years. The panel, which usually has 16 experts, now has eight vacancies — meaning critical recommendations on mammograms, colonoscopies, and even depression screening could be delayed or ignored. Beth reports that Kennedy’s been blocking the panel from meeting and releasing updates, raising serious concerns among doctors who rely on this guidance. So, here’s the thing — what does this mean for your health? If the panel’s work stalls, future screenings could be less clear, and that’s a risk no one should ignore.

Mohnish Pabrai: How to be a top 1% investor

Mohnish Pabrai: How to be a top 1% investor

Ever wonder what sets the top 1% of investors apart? Mohnish Pabrai says it all boils down to mental models — ways of thinking that shape how you see the world. According to Pabrai, the key isn’t just about picking stocks; it’s about developing a mindset that embraces patience, randomness, and simplicity. As My First Million highlights, he suggests waiting for those rare, fat pitches — big opportunities that can make or break your portfolio — and being willing to sit on the sidelines until the right moment. Pabrai also emphasizes the importance of studying legendary investors and copying their best habits, not just superficial tricks. But here’s where it gets really interesting — he warns against over-relying on tools like Excel, calling it a distraction from core insights. The big takeaway? Success isn’t about constant activity, but about disciplined patience and deep understanding. And get this — Pabrai’s advice isn’t just for stocks. It’s a mindset shift for anyone looking to outperform in a noisy, unpredictable world. So, the real question is: are you thinking like a top 1% investor yet?

NASA undertakes major reorganization to reduce bureaucracy and move faster

NASA undertakes major reorganization to reduce bureaucracy and move faster

Ever wonder if NASA can move faster without losing its way? Well, according to Eric Berger in TechCrunch, NASA’s boss Jared Isaacman is pushing for a major shake-up. The goal? Cut through the red tape that’s been slowing down space ambitions. Isaacman sent out a long, clear message — no layoffs, no center closures — just smarter, leaner operations focused squarely on high-priority missions. That means doubling down on returning humans to the Moon, building that lunar base, and even pioneering nuclear power in space. As Berger reports, this reorganization isn’t about shrinking NASA, but about unleashing its best ideas without needless hurdles. The real challenge? Making sure these changes actually speed up progress without sacrificing the agency’s core science and exploration goals. And get this — NASA’s looking to ignite a whole new economy in low-Earth orbit, pushing boundaries faster than before. So, the big question now isn’t just ‘Can NASA go faster?’ — it’s ‘Who’ll be first to adapt to this new, streamlined approach?’

PSA: The Steam Controller’s magnetic charger can be a fire hazard

PSA: The Steam Controller’s magnetic charger can be a fire hazard

Ever wonder if something as simple as a magnetic charger could spark a fire? Well, it turns out the Steam Controller’s magnetic puck has a hidden risk. According to Kyle Orland at Ars Technica, a Reddit user shared how the metal charger started sizzling when it touched their metallic watch strap — nearly igniting a fire. Valve is aware of this danger; their manual warns that the magnetic parts can attract metal objects, increasing the risk of sparks, property damage, or even injury. The key issue? If metallic objects — like watches or other nearby items — are in contact with the puck, short circuits can happen. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: this isn’t just a rare fluke. It’s a clear reminder that even small tech accessories need careful handling. So, the question isn’t just about the hazard — it's about whether you’re paying enough attention to prevent these risks before they ignite a bigger problem.

2026.21: The Data Center Veto

2026.21: The Data Center Veto

Here's something that might surprise you — by 2026, local communities could wield real veto power over building new data centers. It’s not just about zoning; it’s a pushback fueled by fears over energy use and environmental impacts. According to Ben Thompson, author of the recent Tech article, this opposition isn’t just noise — it's a fundamental shift, giving everyday people more say in the physical infrastructure supporting AI and the digital economy. So, what does this mean? Well, data centers are the backbone of AI development, but if communities keep blocking new sites, the pace of innovation might slow down. Ben points out that the only way to fix this is paying people off — literally offering compensation to win local approval. And get this — if this pattern holds, the next tech winners will be those who figure out how to navigate or even leverage these community vetoes, rather than ignoring them.

Feed: » stratechery by ben thompson

Soaring solar and a surge in hydro push more coal off the US grid

Soaring solar and a surge in hydro push more coal off the US grid

Here’s something surprising — last year, US coal use actually spiked briefly as demand edged up, only to fall back as renewables took over again. According to John Timmer at Tech, despite fears of a data-center-driven surge in energy demand, the overall growth was just 1.5 percent in early 2026. What’s interesting is that solar power has soared, pushing coal off the grid, but hydroelectric power saw a mysterious jump without extra capacity — likely due to early snowpack melt from unseasonably warm weather in the West. Now, here’s where it gets intriguing: this weather pattern is probably just a snapshot, and the year’s later months could tell a different story. The takeaway? If this trend continues, the US’s clean energy push isn’t just about adding renewables — it's about how weather and climate shifts can temporarily shake things up. So, the next phase will be about resilience and adaptation in our energy system, not just building more renewables.

Marketer that claimed it could tap devices for ad targeting will pay $880K settlement

Marketer that claimed it could tap devices for ad targeting will pay $880K settlement

Ever wonder if your devices are secretly listening just to serve ads? Well, a marketing firm claimed it could tap into your gadgets for real-time voice data. According to Scharon Harding reporting for Ars Technica, Cox Media Group’s Local Solutions advertised a service called Active Listening, saying it could detect conversations via smartphones, TVs, and more — then use that for targeted ads. But here’s where it gets wild — those claims turned out to be false, and the company is now paying an $880,000 settlement. ((slower)) Many experts, including Scharon Harding, argue that this kind of bold marketing sparks serious privacy fears, especially when companies suggest they can eavesdrop without consent. And get this — CMG even deleted the blog post that laid out these capabilities, probably realizing how damaging it was. So what does this actually mean for your privacy? The key takeaway isn’t just the settlement, but that transparency and trust are more critical than ever in ad tech. The real question now: will regulators crack down on these kinds of shady claims before they become the norm?

Before it comes down, what should be saved from the International Space Station?

Before it comes down, what should be saved from the International Space Station?

So, here’s a question — what do we save from the International Space Station before it’s gone? According to Robert Pearlman writing in Ars Technica, the ISS, which has been humanity’s longest-lasting presence in space, is headed for deorbit around 2030. And honestly, the big challenge isn’t just the end, but what to do with it. The Smithsonian’s panel discussion, highlighted by Pearlman, brought together space officials, curators, and even an archeologist, all pondering how to preserve this historic piece of our story. The issue is clear: the station’s size and complexity make full preservation impossible. So what’s the plan? Some suggest salvaging key modules or artifacts, turning them into museum pieces or educational tools. But here’s what’s fascinating — this debate isn’t just about nostalgia. It’s about deciding what of our shared human achievement should survive, and how to honor its legacy. The real question isn’t just about an end, but about what we choose to save from this giant leap for mankind.