Show HN: PayGate – File paywall for freelancers (pay before download)
PayGate offers freelancers a simple payment-gated file distribution system where clients must pay before downloading digital work. The tool aims to solve the challenge of protecting creative assets while ensuring upfront compensation in the freelance workflow.
Jeff Bezos reportedly wants $100 billion to buy and transform old manufacturing firms with AI
Jeff Bezos is reportedly planning to invest around $100 billion in acquiring and modernizing aging manufacturing companies through artificial intelligence integration. The initiative would focus on retrofitting legacy industrial firms with AI-powered automation and machine learning technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
Cloud service providers ask EU regulator to reinstate VMware partner program
Cloud service providers are urging EU regulators to reinstate VMware's partner program, which was suspended after Broadcom's acquisition. The providers claim Broadcom is mischaracterizing market conditions, while Broadcom argues its approach complies with regulatory mandates. The dispute underscores escalating scrutiny of tech consolidation in Europe's cloud computing landscape. ---
Clockwise acquired by Salesforce and shutting down next week
Salesforce has purchased Clockwise, an AI-powered calendar management platform, and plans to discontinue the service next week. The acquisition adds another tool to Salesforce's productivity suite, though details on feature integration remain unclear. Current Clockwise users will need to seek alternatives as the platform prepares to shut down.
Launch HN: Voltair (YC W26) – Drone and charging network for power utilities
Voltair is developing weatherized drones for power utility inspections to address aging U.S. infrastructure, but faces challenges with battery life and FAA regulations. The startup initially attempted to harvest power from power line magnetic fields but abandoned this approach due to insufficient current on distribution lines and safety concerns from utilities. The company is now exploring alternative solutions to overcome range and battery limitations. ---
DoorDash launches a new ‘Tasks’ app that pays couriers to submit videos to train AI
DoorDash has introduced a Tasks app allowing delivery couriers to earn money by completing video-based assignments that train AI systems, such as recording everyday activities or demonstrating language skills. The program creates a new income stream for gig workers while providing the company with authentic training data for machine learning models. This approach reflects how major platforms are increasingly tapping their existing workforces as sources of AI training data. ---