Day August 4, 2026

Texas Orders Data Center Audits Before Grid Connections, Signaling a Tougher Era for AI Power Demands

Texas ordered a data center audit before grid hookups, a move aimed at protecting the grid as AI demand surges.

Texas orders data center audits as ERCOT’s queue hits 474 GW, raising questions about power, water, and grid reliability.

Spotify expands its AI music plan with Merlin, bringing 30,000+ labels into an artist-approved remix and covers product.

Tesla AI shift is accelerating as Musk spends more earnings-call time on robotaxis and Optimus, even while cars still drive most revenue.

Apple says more ex-employees may be tied to trade secrets leaks as it seeks to block OpenAI’s AI device plans.

Runware launches a modular data center pod for faster, cheaper AI inference, betting portability can beat traditional buildouts.

EON raised $10.75M to use space lasers for data center traffic, targeting high-bandwidth links between continents and AI infrastructure.

OpenAI pushes back on the Apple lawsuit by publishing messages and emails, escalating a trade-secret fight over former employees and hardware plans.

ESPN’s AI poker tells overlay at the 2026 WSOP Main Event has pros debating whether cameras can really read bluffing and body language.

Hollywood AI is already reshaping studios, labor, and talent deals as executives chase savings and creators push back.