Xanadu Set to Go Public After SPAC Vote Approval

Market Pulse

As of Apr 20, 16:00 ET

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Daily market data: indices, sectors, top movers, and volatility

The Frontier

Science & tech breakthroughs in AI models, hardware, and computing that define what's possible

Xanadu set to go public as SPAC deal clears shareholder vote. Xanadu is set to become the first Canadian tech company to list on the TSX since 2021, following a merger with Crane Harbor Acquisition Corp., aiming to raise over $300 million USD.

This IPO could signal a resurgence in Canadian tech investments, potentially attracting further capital to the quantum computing sector.

Betakit

Anthropic just shipped an OpenClaw killer called Claude Code Channels, letting you message it over Telegram and Discord. Anthropic has introduced Claude Code Channels, enabling users to interact with its AI agent via messaging apps, marking a shift towards more accessible and integrated AI interactions.

This development enhances user engagement with AI, potentially increasing adoption rates among developers who prefer asynchronous communication methods.

VentureBeat

Most Canadians want algorithmic pricing to be banned: poll. A recent poll indicates that 52% of Canadians oppose algorithmic pricing, highlighting public concern over automated pricing strategies and their implications for consumer rights.

Politicians now have clear voter cover to curb dynamic pricing. 52% want a ban and 31% stricter rules, a disapproval level that drove 2013 telecom roaming caps within 24 months. Watch Ottawa float Competition Act changes this year, forcing Uber, Ticketmaster and hotels to justify or limit algorithmic surcharges.

Mobilesyrup

Model Developments

Latest AI model releases, capabilities, and technical breakthroughs shaping the competitive landscape

Scale AI launches Voice Showdown, the first real-world benchmark for voice AI — and the results are humbling for some top models. Scale AI's launch of Voice Showdown introduces a real-world benchmark for voice AI, addressing the inadequacies of existing evaluation methods that rely on synthetic speech.

This initiative could redefine standards in voice AI performance assessment, potentially influencing how companies develop and deploy conversational AI technologies.

VentureBeat

Capital & Control

Tracking the flow of capital and influence that shapes the tech landscape

Trump takes another shot at dismantling state AI regulation. The White House unveiled a new AI policy aimed at blocking state regulations while promoting federal oversight, indicating a shift towards centralized control of AI governance.

Trump’s move to pre-empt state AI laws strips a costly compliance layer, boosting return expectations across the $50B+ 2023-26 gen-AI capex wave. OpenAI at $157B and hyperscalers gain scale leverage over leaner peers. If it passes, watch mid-tier names like Mistral ($6B) test the IPO window by Q4.

The Verge

The Performance Edge

Peak performance science for sustained execution in high-stakes environments

Extra Belly Fat, Not BMI, a Stronger Predictor of Heart Failure Risk. Research indicates that excess belly fat is a stronger predictor of heart failure risk than BMI, suggesting a need for more nuanced health assessments. This could influence clinical practices in cardiovascular risk evaluation.

The focus on waist circumference as a risk factor may lead to earlier interventions and tailored health strategies for individuals with abdominal obesity.

Healthline

Digital Defense

Threats and defenses shaping the global security landscape

Feds Disrupt IoT Botnets Behind Huge DDoS Attacks. The U.S. Justice Department, alongside international partners, dismantled four botnets responsible for major DDoS attacks, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cyber threats from compromised IoT devices.

This operation underscores the increasing collaboration among nations to address cybercrime, particularly as IoT devices become more prevalent in critical infrastructure.

Krebsonsecurity