Tech Explained: Here’s a simplified explanation of the latest technology update around Tech Explained: Seattle tech leaders warn Gov. Ferguson new taxes will hurt AI innovation in Simple Termsand what it means for users..
Seattle tech leaders are warning that the “millionaires tax” proposal could stall the region’s momentum in artificial intelligence. A group of AI researchers, founders, and investors argue that higher taxes on high earners and investment gains would push top talent and future startups elsewhere at a critical moment in tech. Read more.
We dug into the SEC filings behind
Amazon
‘s $50 billion
OpenAI
deal and found a more complicated story than the press releases suggest. One detail in the fine print: a mutual NDA between Amazon and OpenAI, dated May 2023, indicates that they’ve been talking seriously for nearly three years. Here’s how the money actually flows, what can force Amazon’s hand, what
Microsoft
keeps, and what the companies are still keeping under wraps. Read more.
Bay Area-based
Aetherflux
is getting in on Seattle’s space race. The startup says it’s planning a hub for satellite development in the region as it works on a mission to build an orbital data center fueled by solar power. Read more.
Rivian
and
Lucid Motors
have fought for years to directly sell cars to customers in Washington state. That may happen with a new proposal in front of lawmakers in Olympia. Read more.
On a new episode of the GeekWire Podcast, we discuss
Anthropic
’s acquisition of Seattle startup
Vercept
and the impact of early exits on the region’s ecosystem. And our weekly trivia question tests your knowledge of the original Xbox unveiling. Listen here.
A total lunar eclipse will turn the full moon red — but night owls in the Seattle area may not get to see it if skies cloud over before it starts early Tuesday morning. (Above: Photo sequence from March 2025 eclipse.) Read more.
Early bird prices end this week for our upcoming half-day summit exploring how agentic AI is redefining work, creativity, and leadership. Grab your tickets here.
- Amazon is adding $21 billion to its investment in Spain to bolster data center infrastructure. (Data Center Dynamics; Amazon)
Zillow
CEOJeremy Wacksman
on the politics of Zillow’s database and navigating AI-generated slop in real estate listings. (Decoder)
Waymo
, which is currently testing its autonomous vehicles on Seattle-area roads, drew attention over the weekend when a robo-taxi blocked an ambulance during a mass shooting in Austin. (KXAN)
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