OpenAI is set to receive $10 billion up front (SoftBank will invest $7.5 billion along with $2.5 billion “from an investor syndicate,“ according to Bloomberg). The remaining $30 billion is slated to arrive by year’s end, CNBC reported — but only if it officially converts into a for-profit company by then. If not, it reportedly stands to lose a quarter of the deal.

The funding comes just a few months after OpenAI announced Stargate, a $500 billion joint venture with backing from SoftBank, Oracle, and the Abu Dhabi fund MGX to build out massive AI datacenters over the next four years. The company has been in a full sprint lately: On Monday, CEO Sam Altman posted that OpenAI gained 1 million users in a single hour in large part thanks to a new feature called Images in ChatGPT that went viral due to its ability to produce Studio Ghibli inspired AI art. Altman also announced on Wednesday that the company would “release a powerful new open-weight language model with reasoning in the coming months.” The funding announcement claims that ChatGPT serves 500 million people every week.

Despite the explosive growth the startup has seen thanks to ChatGPT, it’s still burning a ton of cash. Bloomberg recently reported that the startup is expecting to earn $12.7 billion in revenue this year alone, which is a massive jump from the $3.7 billion it earned in annualized recurring revenue last year. Still, the report claims OpenAI doesn’t expect to be cash flow positive until 2029, when its projections predict a whopping $125 billion in revenue.

OpenAI’s funding announcement emphasized the startup’s goal of building “AGI that benefits all of humanity.” Altman has been clear that it’ll take a lot to pull this all off—compute, energy, global infrastructure, and yes, a staggering amount of cash. This round, the startup claims, brings it one step closer.

Imagine skipping the gridlock and soaring over the English countryside, arriving at your destination in a fraction of the time. What sounds like a scene from a futuristic movie is about to become a reality in the U.K., thanks to a partnership between Joby Aviation, a California-based company, and Virgin Atlantic. They’re teaming up to introduce electric air taxis to the U.K., revolutionizing how people travel between airports and nearby cities. Let’s take a closer look at this development that could foreshadow the future of transportation here in the U.S.

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Joby’s electric air taxi: A game changer for short flights

Joby Aviation’s innovative aircraft are at the heart of this transportation revolution. This electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft is designed for quick, efficient travel. The air taxi comfortably seats five, including the pilot, making it perfect for small groups or business travelers. It can reach impressive speeds of up to 200 mph, significantly reducing travel times. The aircraft features a range of 100 emissions-free miles on a single charge, which is a huge win for sustainability. Another key feature is its quiet operation, especially during takeoff and landing, making it much less disruptive than traditional helicopters.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOP IN, NO DRIVER NEEDED FOR THIS FUTURE RIDE-HAILING ROBOTAXI

Virgin Atlantic joins the party

Virgin Atlantic’s involvement isn’t just about adding its name to the project; it’s a strategic move to enhance the entire customer experience. The airline will play a vital role in marketing the service to its customers, making it a seamless addition to their travel plans. Virgin Atlantic will also work closely with U.K. regulators to ensure the service meets all necessary safety standards. Furthermore, the airline will assist in developing the infrastructure needed for these air taxis to operate efficiently at major airports.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ELON MUSK UNVEILS TESLA’S ROBOVAN, ROBOTAXIS AND HUMANOID ROBOTS

What this means for travelers (and eventually, maybe us)

If this takes off as planned, it could change the way people travel in the U.K., offering a glimpse of what might be possible stateside. Imagine drastically reducing travel times between airports and city centers, potentially saving hours on your journey. Booking a ride will be easy, likely through Virgin Atlantic’s app and website, integrating air taxi travel into existing travel arrangements. While the initial pricing is expected to be comparable to premium ground ridesharing options, the time saved could be well worth the cost.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

ORLANDO’S PLAN FOR FLYING CARS TAKES OFF

The path to UK skies

While the vision is clear, there are still a few steps to take before these air taxis become a common sight. Joby needs to obtain validation from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring the aircraft meets the highest safety standards. A network of convenient landing locations needs to be established in major cities to make the service truly accessible. The exact launch date for the U.K. service is still under wraps, but the anticipation is definitely building.

Electric air taxi (Joby Aviation) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The partnership between Joby Aviation and Virgin Atlantic is a bold step towards a future where air travel is more accessible, sustainable and efficient. As this innovative service takes shape in the U.K., it sparks the imagination and raises the question: when will we see air taxis transforming the way we travel in the U.S.? It’s an exciting prospect and one that could reshape our cities and redefine the meaning of a quick commute.

Beyond the convenience, does the idea of flying in an air taxi make you excited, nervous or a little bit of both? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Warner Bros. Discovery introduced new branding for its Max streaming service yesterday, alongside announcing availability in Australia. Although still simply called Max, the service has traded its bright blue appearance for a monochromatic black-and-white color palette that’s more reminiscent of the iconic HBO logo. The new look has already been introduced on the streaming service’s user interface and social media channels, and will “continue to be rolled out on marketing material over the next few months,” according to Variety.

Max’s previously colorful branding was originally chosen to help promote the new service’s broader programming and make it appear more kid-friendly. “We all love HBO. And it’s a brand that has been built over five decades to be the edgy, groundbreaking trendsetter in entertainment for adults. But it’s not exactly where parents would most eagerly drop off their kids,” JB Perrette, president and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery’s global streaming and games, said during a Max launch event in 2023.

Yesterday’s rebrand, which appears to realign the streaming service with HBO, which is known for its more mature programming, “may help consumers associate the two brands with one another,” Variety speculates.