Top stories today:

1. Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold debut with Tensor G5
2. OpenAI crosses $12B ARR in Jul., but faces “voracious” compute costs
3. Character.AI said to weigh sale or $1B+ raise after founders’ exit
4. Meta freezes AI hiring after scooping up 50+ researchers, engineers
5. Ackman’s AI-driven school, rejecting DEI, set for NYC debut in Sep.

0. Data and calendar

Listen to our AI-generated podcast summarizing today’s newsletter (beware of hallucinations):

1. Google Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold debut with Tensor G5 chip

• $799 is the Pixel 10 price, while Pixel 10 Pro comes at $999, Pixel 10 Pro XL at $1,999, and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold at $1,799.

• The Pixel 10 adds triple rear cameras, up from dual on Pixel 9.

• The Pixel 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL are the least upgraded devices in the lineup.

• The Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers a new hinge with a gear-less design.

The Pixel 10 series features Google’s Pixelsnap magnetic wireless charging, which is also compatible with MagSafe

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has debuted in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip

• Priced at $349 (41mm) and $399 (45mm).

The Pixel Buds 2a have also been launched with a Tensor A1 chip, ANC support, and a replaceable battery

• $129.99 price.

Gemini for Home has also been announced as Google’s new voice assistant for Nest devices

• Launching later this year as Google Assistant’s replacement.

• A new Gemini-powered health coach for Fitbit is also rolling out as a preview in Oct.

• Magic Cue and an upgraded Gemini Live with visual overlays are among AI features on the Pixel 10 series.

• Gemini Nano-powered Journal app and Gboard Writing Tools are also available on the new Pixel models.

2. OpenAI crosses $12B ARR in Jul., but faces “voracious” compute costs

• OpenAI’s biggest challenge is the lack of compute to meet rising AI demand, CFO Sarah Friar said in an interview.

• “That’s why we launched Stargate. That’s why we’re doing the bigger builds,” she said.

• Growing demand calls for more partners to diversify risk and increase supply, she noted.

• “Microsoft will be an important partner for years to come,” she said.

• ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscriptions are accelerating, Friar said, after OpenAI resumed access to previous models for paid users.

4. Character.AI said to weigh sale or $1B+ raise after founders’ Google exit