Issue #47
Anthropic builds chip team, Jeff Dean exits Google, and a server backdoor flaw
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Today covers hardware moves from Anthropic, major departures reshaping Google's AI leadership, and new agentic features from Meta and Google Maps. We also look at Shopify's take on AI search and a security flaw affecting thousands of servers.
1 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Anthropic is hiring an AI chip design team
Anthropic is forming a team to design its own custom AI chips. The company said it plans to co-design hardware and models to improve the speed and efficiency of its technology.
Read the full story →2 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Meta launches Muse Code, an AI agent for large code bases
Meta released Muse Code, an AI coding agent designed to work with large code bases and handle complex software tasks. The tool expands Meta's existing suite of AI coding products.
Read the full story →3 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Jeff Dean and other top AI researchers are leaving Google to launch their own startup
Google's Jeff Dean is leaving the company to start an AI venture alongside several other departing Google executives. The startup aims to apply AI to accelerate scientific discovery.
Read the full story →4 of 7 · MIT Technology Review
The Download: Google’s AI shake-up and Meta’s rogue model
Google is restructuring its AI operations following high-profile staff departures, delays to its next flagship model, and reports of low morale. The story also covers concerns about a Meta AI model.
Read the full story →5 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Google Maps adds agentic features, including food ordering and hotel bookings
Google Maps has added agentic features that let users complete tasks such as ordering food and booking hotels directly within the app. The update reflects Google's effort to expand Maps from a navigation tool into an assistant for real-world tasks.
Read the full story →6 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Shopify says AI search is driving more traffic and sales, not replacing Google
Shopify reported that AI-driven traffic and orders to its stores tripled year over year in the second quarter. The company said AI search is adding traffic and sales rather than replacing Google, in contrast to the declines publishers have experienced.
Read the full story →7 of 7 · Ars Technica
Thousands of servers can be backdoored by exploiting buggy motherboard controllers
A newly disclosed set of vulnerabilities in baseboard management controllers from major manufacturers could allow attackers to backdoor thousands of servers. Because these controllers operate independently of a server's main operating system, exploitation could give attackers persistent, low-level access that is difficult to detect or remove.
Read the full story →That is today's roost. See you tomorrow morning.
Morning Roost Issue #47