Issue #113
Meta launches Muse Wonder, plus AI regulation and new startup funding
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Today covers Meta's first frontier model, Microsoft's comments on UK AI regulation, and a US Air Force contract for WindBorne's balloon data. We also look at AI labs buying data from defunct startups, new funding for a background-listening app, and startups targeting blueprints and corporate communications.
1 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Meta releases its first frontier model, Muse Wonder
Meta released Muse Wonder, its first frontier model, built as a larger and more capable system than the lightweight Muse Spark. The company reports higher benchmark scores and improved performance on complex tasks such as coding.
Read the full story →2 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Microsoft president says UK is best placed to drive AI regulation
Microsoft president Brad Smith said the UK is well positioned to lead on AI regulation, arguing that current oversight of AI companies lags behind that of everyday products like milk and washing machines. His comments add to ongoing debate over how and where AI rules should be set.
Read the full story →3 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
WindBorne wins a hefty US Air Force contract for its balloon data
WindBorne, a Silicon Valley startup that combines weather balloons and AI for weather prediction, secured a U.S. Air Force contract valued at nearly $50 million.
Read the full story →4 of 7 · MIT Technology Review
AI labs are buying data from dead startups to train their models
AI labs are purchasing data archives from defunct startups to train their models, creating a new revenue stream for founders winding down their companies. One founder reported earning roughly $25,000 for his code base, with additional payments still pending.
Read the full story →5 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Former Plaud exec raises $26M for AI app that listens to you in the background
A former Plaud executive has raised $26 million for an AI app designed to run in the background and continuously listen to users' activity. The funding reflects growing investment in AI tools that gather ongoing context to provide personalized assistance.
Read the full story →6 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
This AI startup says it can generate permit-ready blueprints in minutes
Blueprints AI, a bootstrapped Santa Monica startup, released software that generates code-compliant construction blueprints from a photo, PDF, or sketch. The company says the resulting documents are permit-ready and can be produced in minutes.
Read the full story →7 of 7 · TechCrunch AI
Honeyjar offers AI tools to improve PR and comms at every company
Honeyjar has launched AI tools aimed at improving public relations and communications workflows across companies. The product targets inefficiencies in the PR process that journalists, entrepreneurs, and some PR professionals have described as broken.
Read the full story →That's your scan for today. See you tomorrow morning.
Morning Roost Issue #113