OpenAI is officially on the Pentagon’s payroll. The Department of Defence announced a $200 million contract with OpenAI to provide the US government with new artificial intelligence tools, including those used for proactive cyber defense.

In a post outlining its latest contracts, the DoD said that OpenAI “will develop prototype frontier AI capabilities to address critical national security challenges in both warfighting and enterprise domains.” The work will primarily be completed in the Washington, DC region with an estimated completion date of July 2026.

OpenAI said in a new blog post that the DoD contract is its first partnership under a new initiative to provide its AI technology to workers across federal, state, and local governments. The company is offering custom models for national security on “a limited basis,” according to the announcement, with OpenAI saying that all use cases must comply with its policies and guidelines. OpenAI’s current usage policy bans its services from being used to “develop or use weapons” and “injure others or destroy property.”

“This contract, with a $200 million ceiling, will bring OpenAI’s industry-leading expertise to help the Defense Department identify and prototype how frontier AI can transform its administrative operations, from improving how service members and their families get health care, to streamlining how they look at program and acquisition data, to supporting proactive cyber defense,” OpenAI said.

This isn’t the first time OpenAI has bedded down with the military, having entered a partnership with Anduril Industries in December 2024 to integrate its AI software into the defense tech company’s counterdrone systems. The new one-year DoD contract is antithetical to earlier versions of OpenAI’s terms of service that banned its technology from being used for “military and warfare” — a prohibition removed by the company last year.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill minivan, far from it. The Mercedes Vision V is shaking things up as a concept that gives us a sneak peek at what luxury vans could look like when they hit production in 2026.

Mercedes-Benz is on a mission to make you forget everything you thought you knew about family haulers. If you picture vans as boxy, practical and a little bit boring, the Vision V is here to flip that script with its bold looks, jaw-dropping tech and the kind of comfort that makes road trips feel like first-class flights.

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A striking exterior: Chrome, lights, iconic design

From the moment you see the Vision V, it’s clear Mercedes wants to turn heads. The exterior features sculpted lines and chrome accents, giving it a modern yet unmistakably Mercedes look.

At the front, you’ll spot an ornate LED light bar connecting the headlights, just beneath a glowing three-pointed-star hood ornament. The grille has been completely reimagined, combining chrome and illuminated elements for a futuristic touch. Massive 24-inch wheels with illuminated details and a wraparound rear taillight ensure this van stands out on any road.

Exterior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Step inside the Vision V: Lounge-inspired luxury

Climb inside, and you’re met with an interior that feels more like a private jet than a van. Mercedes uses rich wood trim, white Nappa leather, white silk, and polished aluminum to create an atmosphere that’s both tranquil and glamorous. The seats are designed for ultimate comfort, featuring flexible tubular cushions that can recline completely flat, transforming into beds for long journeys or restful stops.

Entering the Vision V feels special, thanks to a large, automatically opening portal door and an illuminated retractable running board. For privacy, a smart glass partition between the driver and rear passengers can shift from transparent to opaque with just a touch.

Interior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Immersive technology: A digital experience like no other

Mercedes has packed the Vision V with technology that turns every ride into an event. The centerpiece is a massive 65-inch retractable 4K cinema screen that rises from the floor, instantly transforming the rear cabin into a private theater. The 42-speaker Dolby Atmos surround sound system, including four glass-encased speakers, delivers an audio experience that rivals top home cinemas.

Seven hidden projectors in the roof and floor, along with windows that double as projection surfaces, allow for a 360-degree viewing experience. Ambient lighting can sync with your music, and a fragrance diffuser adds another layer of sensory delight.

Interior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Seven digital environments: Personalize every journey

Mercedes has created seven unique “digital environments” for passengers to enjoy. In Entertainment mode, you can relax and watch movies or listen to music. Relax mode reclines your seat and fills the screen with soothing landscapes and sounds. If you’re in the mood for gaming, there’s a controller tucked away, and you can even simulate driving while being chauffeured.

Work mode lets you take video calls and access productivity tools, while Shopping mode brings a virtual storefront right to your seat. Discovery mode uses augmented reality to let you explore your surroundings in 3D, and Karaoke mode is perfect for those moments when you want to sing along with friends.

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Interior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Built on the VAN.EA platform: The future of electric luxury vans

The Vision V is built on Mercedes’ new VAN.EA electric platform, which will support a lineup of high-end electric vans starting in 2026. This new architecture means a spacious, flat-floor design and the flexibility to include all the advanced features that make the Vision V unique. Mercedes plans to launch production models with names like VLS and VLE, targeting the premium end of the market.

Exterior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Competing in a new segment: Luxury vans for private owners

With the Vision V, Mercedes is targeting a growing trend of luxury vans for private ownership. While this segment has been popular in Asia, it’s now making its way to the U.S. The Vision V is set to compete with high-end minivans like the Lexus LM and Volvo EM90, but it goes even further with its focus on digital experiences and personalized luxury.

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Exterior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Cost and pricing expectations for the Mercedes Vision V

While Mercedes-Benz has not officially announced the price for the production version of the Vision V, early reports and industry speculation suggest that this luxury van could cost around $200,000, especially for models equipped with all the high-end features seen in the concept.

For context, the current V-Class starts at about $60,000 in Germany and can exceed $100,000 with options, so it’s reasonable to expect the Vision V to command a significant premium, positioning it well above existing luxury van offerings. As with most high-end vehicles, the final price will likely depend on customization and selected features, but the Vision V is clearly aimed at buyers seeking exclusivity and the ultimate in automotive luxury.

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Exterior of Mercedes Vision V (Mercedes) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Mercedes Vision V is a clear signal that the luxury van market is about to get a serious upgrade. With its bold design, high-tech features, and focus on comfort, this van is set to offer a travel experience that feels truly special, whether you’re heading to a meeting or taking the family on a weekend getaway. While we don’t know the exact price yet, it’s safe to say the Vision V will be a premium choice for those who want something different from the usual luxury SUV. If you’re looking for space, style, and a bit of wow factor in your next ride, the Vision V is definitely one to watch.

If money were no object, would you choose to ride in ultimate comfort and style, even if it meant swapping your dream car for a luxury van like the Vision V? Or does practicality still win out, no matter how tempting the tech and features? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Reddit is launching a new feature for advertisers that slots positive posts from Reddit users right under their ads.

The new alpha feature, called Conversation Summary Add-ons, “dynamically integrates positive content from Reddit users directly below an advertiser’s creative, putting community conversations front-and-center in the user experience and blending AI-driven efficiency with real human perspectives,” according to a post from Reddit.

As shown by Reddit, you’ll be able to scroll through the posts that appear under an ad. You’ll also see a short summary of what Reddit users are saying about the advertiser. Jackbox Games and Lucid are alpha testers of the feature.

Powering this new feature is an “engine” Reddit calls Reddit Community Intelligence. According to the company, Reddit Community Intelligence can turn the platform’s more than 22 billion posts and comments “into structured intelligence for smarter marketing decisions.”

As part of today’s announcements, which Reddit is making alongside the Cannes Lions festival, the company is also introducing a “scalable, AI-powered social listening tool” called Reddit Insights. “Informed by proprietary metadata, it provides precise, real-time insights that help marketers confidently plan campaigns, validate creative ideas, and make smarter business decisions,” Reddit says.