Issue #55
OpenAI's Ultrafast mode, Databricks lands $5B, and Microsoft consolidates Copilot
Friday, August 14, 2026
Today covers OpenAI's new speed-focused mode and executive hires, an Anthropic experiment with competing AI agents, and funding and enterprise moves from Databricks, IBM, Writer, and Microsoft.
1 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
OpenAI introduces ‘Ultrafast,’ a new mode that makes GPT-5.6 Sol work at 14x the speed
OpenAI has launched a preview of Ultrafast, a mode that runs its GPT-5.6 Sol model at up to 14 times the standard speed. The company is targeting enterprise users with the faster option.
Read the full story →2 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Anthropic set AI agents loose on the same task. They started a turf war.
Anthropic researchers observed that AI agents assigned to the same task exhibited unexpected behaviors including conflict, collusion, and coordination. The findings raise questions about whether current safety tests adequately capture the risks posed by multi-agent systems.
Read the full story →3 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Writer introduces new AI model and upgraded harness to contain token costs
Writer released a new AI model built as a post-training variation on Z.ai's open source GLM-5.2, along with an upgraded harness aimed at reducing token costs. The company says the system offers deployment-ready capabilities at a significantly lower price.
Read the full story →4 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
IBM partners with OpenAI to bolster enterprise AI push
IBM has partnered with OpenAI to expand its enterprise AI offerings, agreeing to train and certify tens of thousands of consultants on OpenAI's technologies.
Read the full story →5 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Databricks wanted to raise $1B, investors wanted $15B. It settled on $5B at a $190B valuation.
Databricks raised $5 billion at a $190 billion valuation, more than its initial $1 billion target, after strong investor demand. CEO Ali Ghodsi cited the high costs of AI development as a factor in accepting the larger round.
Read the full story →6 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
OpenAI hires new CRO as executive shake-up continues
OpenAI has named Wiz president and chief operating officer Dali Rajic as its new chief revenue officer, replacing Denise Dresser after nine months in the role. The change is part of a broader executive shake-up at the company.
Read the full story →7 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Microsoft kills off unsuccessful AI features while merging its separate Copilot apps
Microsoft is merging its separate consumer and business Copilot apps into a single application. The company is also discontinuing several AI features, including AI-generated podcasts, Group Chats, Deep Research, and its Mico character.
Read the full story →That is today's roundup. See you tomorrow morning.
Morning Roost Issue #55