DEV Community: 10x Magazine

AI Takes the Drive-Thru: Fast-Food Ordering Gets a High-Tech Upgrade

10x Magazine — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:39:30 +0000

TL;DR: AI that once wrote code is now taking orders at fast-food windows, using voice assistants and predictive menus to cut wait times and boost sales.

From Coding to Counter Service

When developers first saw generative AI churn out functional code, the tech world buzzed. Within months, the same models began learning the nuances of human speech, menu items, and payment processing. Restaurants in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin have started piloting AI-driven kiosks and drive-thru bots that understand regional slang and dietary preferences.

The shift isn't about replacing cashiers; it's about augmenting them. An AI assistant can suggest a combo based on past orders, predict popular sides, and apply loyalty points automatically — all while the driver rolls forward.

How AI Is Redefining the Drive-Thru

Voice-first ordering lets models parse accents and background noise instantly. Predictive menus analyze weather and local events to surface likely sellers. Dynamic pricing suggests limited-time offers matched to spending habits. Seamless payment integration speeds up the handoff, and localized search benefits grow as the AI captures phrases like 'best drive-thru breakfast near me.'

What This Means for Local Restaurants

Small chains can now compete with national brands via cloud-based AI platforms, deploying bots that learn community favorites within weeks and generate performance reports highlighting peak hours and inventory waste.

Takeaway: Generative AI is reshaping the fast-food landscape by turning drive-thrus into intelligent, data-driven service hubs — faster orders for diners, higher throughput for owners.

ICE seized DNA of nearly 1 million people – kids included – what's next?

10x Magazine — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:29:30 +0000

TL;DR: In 2023 ICE collected DNA from close to one million people – many of them children – and fed the samples into the FBI's CODIS system, sparking a legal battle over privacy, consent, and the future of immigration enforcement.

The United States' immigration agency has taken a dramatic step into the world of genetic surveillance. By the end of last year, ICE had amassed DNA swabs from roughly 970,000 individuals in its custody, ranging from adults awaiting deportation to toddlers held in detention centers. Those samples were uploaded to the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a database traditionally reserved for solving violent crimes.

The Scale of the DNA Sweep

ICE's DNA-collection program began as a pilot in 2019. By 2023 the agency was gathering cheek swabs from virtually every person processed at its facilities, then extracting genetic markers and uploading profiles to CODIS. CODIS, which houses DNA from roughly 17 million crime-scene samples, now includes profiles from a population never meant to be part of a criminal-justice database — including a significant number of children under five.

Legal and Ethical Fallout

Civil-rights groups argue the program violates Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections. A coalition of NGOs filed a class-action lawsuit claiming ICE lacked proper consent protocols. DHS asserts the collection is voluntary and for national-security purposes, but critics note detainees have little real choice. State legislators in several jurisdictions have introduced bills to ban transferring immigration-related DNA to CODIS.

Takeaway: ICE's DNA collection effort blurs the line between immigration enforcement and criminal policing, raising profound questions about consent and privacy as lawsuits and legislative battles continue.

Marc Benioff‑Backed Startup Claims AI Can End Enterprise Deployment Headaches

10x Magazine — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 07:15:07 +0000

TL;DR: A new venture funded by Salesforce founder Marc Benioff is rolling out an AI‑driven platform that automates the end‑to‑end deployment of machine‑learning models, promising faster time‑to‑value for enterprises.

The promise of artificial intelligence has never been louder, yet a stubborn roadblock keeps many businesses stuck in the proof‑of‑concept phase: turning a trained model into a reliable, production‑grade service. Enter CortexAI, a stealth‑mode startup that just closed a $30 million Series A round led by Benioff's venture arm, Benevolent Ventures.

Why AI Deployment Remains a Bottleneck

Enterprises pour millions into data science talent and cloud compute, only to watch projects stall when they reach the integration stage. According to a 2025 McKinsey survey, 70% of AI initiatives never make it past pilot because of operational hurdles like governance, security, and compliance.

CortexAI's AI‑Powered Solution

CortexAI tackles the problem with code synthesis (auto-generating production-ready inference code from model artifacts), auto-orchestration (provisioning cloud resources without manual scripts), and continuous guardrails (monitoring latency, drift, and data quality). CEO Aisha Patel says the platform cuts deployment time from weeks to hours. Early adopters report 30-40% faster model rollout and up to 25% lower cloud spend.

Takeaway: By marrying generative AI with MLOps, CortexAI hopes to turn the deployment problem into a solved equation, accelerating enterprise AI adoption.

Alibaba's Qwen3.8-Max Claims to Beat GPT-5.6 on Agentic Tasks

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 23:58:08 +0000

TL;DR – Alibaba's new Qwen3.8‑Max, a 2.4‑trillion‑parameter mixture‑of‑experts LLM, claims top scores on the OSWorld‑Verified benchmark, edging out GPT‑5.6, Sol Max and Fable 5 in agentic computing tasks.

The AI arms race just got a fresh challenger. Late last night, Alibaba’s Qwen research team rolled out Qwen3.8‑Max, a multimodal, mixture‑of‑experts (MoE) large language model built to tackle the toughest autonomous‑software‑engineering problems and long‑horizon enterprise workflows. If the internal benchmarks released by Alibaba hold up under independent scrutiny, the model could rewrite the competitive landscape for AI‑driven productivity tools.

Qwen3.8‑Max: Specs and Ambitions

Qwen3.8‑Max is engineered around a 2.4‑trillion‑parameter backbone, but it leverages MoE architecture to activate only a fraction of those parameters per inference step. This design keeps latency in check while delivering the raw capacity typically reserved for far larger dense models. The model is multimodal, meaning it can process text, images, and structured data in a single prompt, a capability that aligns with Alibaba’s push toward “agentic” AI—systems that can plan, execute, and iterate without constant human guidance.

Key technical highlights include:

Mixture‑of‑Experts routing that selects up to 64 expert sub‑networks per token, cutting compute cost by roughly 40% compared to a dense counterpart.
Multimodal tokenization supporting up to 64‑pixel‑by‑64‑pixel image patches, enabling visual reasoning alongside natural‑language understanding.
Extended context window of 64k tokens, a boon for complex codebases, design documents, and enterprise reports that exceed typical LLM limits.

Alibaba frames Qwen3.8‑Max as a “flagship” model for autonomous software engineering, positioning it to power everything from code generation assistants to AI‑orchestrated business process automation. The company emphasizes that the model is hosted on its Alibaba Cloud platform, offering enterprise customers a turnkey solution that blends high‑performance inference with Alibaba’s existing data‑security ecosystem.

Benchmark Showdown: How It Stacks Up

The most eye‑catching claim comes from the OSWorld‑Verified benchmark, a suite designed to evaluate an AI system’s ability to interact with a simulated operating system, install software, debug code, and complete multi‑step tasks. Qwen3.8‑Max posted an 86.1 % success rate, a figure Alibaba says surpasses the scores of OpenAI’s GPT‑5.6, Sol Max, and Fable 5 on the same test.

Other reported metrics include:

Code generation: 78.4 % pass rate on HumanEval‑Plus, edging out GPT‑5.6’s 75.9 %.
Multimodal reasoning: 84.3 % on the MM‑Bench visual‑question set, comparable to state‑of‑the‑art models from Google and Meta.
Long‑context tasks: 90.2 % on the 50k‑token “Document Summarization” challenge, highlighting the model’s ability to retain context over extended inputs.

Critics caution that Alibaba’s results stem from internal testing pipelines, which may differ from open‑source evaluation frameworks. Independent researchers will need to replicate the tests to confirm the claimed edge. Nonetheless, the numbers suggest that Qwen3.8‑Max is not merely a participant but a potential leader in the niche of agentic computing, where LLMs must not only answer questions but also execute actions in a sandboxed environment.

Implications for Enterprise AI

If Qwen3.8‑Max lives up to its promises, enterprises could see a shift from “assist‑only” AI tools to autonomous agents that manage code deployments, troubleshoot infrastructure, and even draft policy documents without continuous human prompting. Alibaba’s cloud integration means businesses can tap the model directly via API, bypassing the need to fine‑tune massive dense models on‑premises.

The model’s multimodal abilities also open doors for sectors like retail and logistics, where visual data (e.g., product images, warehouse floor plans) must be interpreted alongside textual instructions. By handling both modalities in a single pass, Qwen3.8‑Max could streamline workflows that currently require separate vision and language pipelines.

However, the rise of such powerful agents raises governance questions. Autonomous code execution carries security risks, and the model’s capacity to generate convincing but incorrect outputs demands robust verification layers. Alibaba has hinted at built‑in safety guards, but the broader community will likely call for transparent audit logs and third‑party safety evaluations.

Takeaway: Alibaba’s Qwen3.8‑Max showcases a bold step toward truly autonomous AI assistants, posting benchmark scores that challenge the current leaders. While independent validation is still pending, the model’s scale, multimodal design, and cloud‑first delivery could accelerate enterprise adoption of agentic AI—provided safety and transparency keep pace with performance.

Save $1,100 on the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip with T‑Mobile Pre‑order Deal

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 19:47:59 +0000

TL;DR: T‑Mobile is handing out as much as $1,100 in savings on the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip – pink included – for customers who place a preorder now.

The flip‑phone renaissance is back, and this time it comes with a price tag that feels almost too good to be true. Samsung’s latest Z Flip model, praised for its compact design and vibrant displays, is now within striking distance for many shoppers thanks to a limited‑time T‑Mobile promotion. If you’ve been eyeing the sleek pink version or simply want a premium foldable without breaking the bank, the numbers below explain why you should act fast.

How the T‑Mobile Deal Works

T‑Mobile’s offer bundles two separate discounts into a single checkout experience. First, the carrier applies a $650 price reduction directly to the Galaxy Z Flip 5, regardless of the colour you choose. Second, a $450 credit is automatically added to your account for eligible Samsung accessories – think Galaxy Buds 2, a watch, or a protective case. When both components are combined, the total potential savings reach $1,100.

The promotion is tied to a preorder window that runs until the end of the month, and the discount is only applied when you place the order through T‑Mobile’s online portal or authorized retail locations. The system flags qualifying devices and accessories, so you won’t need to hunt for coupon codes or enter promo numbers manually.

What You Get and Who Qualifies

Device discount: All new Galaxy Z Flip 5 units – including the eye‑catching pink finish – are eligible for the $650 reduction. Existing T‑Mobile customers receive the same price cut as new subscribers, making the deal universally accessible.
Accessory credit: The $450 credit can be used toward a single Samsung accessory purchase or split across multiple items, as long as the total does not exceed the credit amount.
Eligibility: Both current postpaid plans and new line activations qualify. If you’re switching from another carrier, you’ll need to activate a qualifying T‑Mobile plan (a minimum 24‑month contract or a 30‑day installment plan) to lock in the discount.
Limited supply: T‑Mobile warns that the promotion is subject to inventory constraints. Once the allocated stock of discounted Z Flip units is exhausted, the offer will close, regardless of the preorder deadline.

Because the discount is applied at checkout, you’ll see the final price reflected instantly – no hidden fees or delayed rebates. For example, the standard retail price of the Galaxy Z Flip 5 sits at $1,399. After the $650 reduction, the device costs $749, and the $450 accessory credit can effectively bring the overall out‑of‑pocket expense down to under $300 if you pair the phone with a $450‑value accessory.

Should You Jump on the Offer?

If you’ve been waiting for a foldable that feels premium yet pocket‑friendly, the math makes a strong case. The combined discount eclipses most carrier‑specific promotions, and the inclusion of the pink colour expands the appeal for style‑conscious buyers.

However, a few considerations remain:

Plan commitment: To retain the discount, you must stay on a qualifying T‑Mobile plan for the contract length. Early termination could result in a prorated charge that erodes the savings.
Accessory relevance: The $450 credit is only useful if you need a Samsung accessory that matches the credit amount. If you already own compatible gear, the effective savings drop.
Availability: Since the deal is inventory‑driven, placing your preorder sooner rather than later reduces the risk of missing out.

Overall, the promotion delivers a rare opportunity to own a high‑end foldable at a fraction of its list price. For anyone already planning a T‑Mobile upgrade or comfortable committing to a new plan, the financial upside outweighs the minor constraints.

Takeaway: T‑Mobile’s preorder special slashes up to $1,100 off the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, pink included, by bundling a $650 device discount with a $450 accessory credit. Act before inventory runs out to secure the lowest‑possible price on one of 2024’s most talked‑about smartphones.

Base Power lands $1B to power homes with backyard batteries

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:17:16 +0000

TL;DR: Base Power secured $1 billion to scale its residential battery systems, aiming to decentralize grid support and cut energy costs.

The energy‑tech scene got a jolt this week as Base Power announced a fresh $1 billion financing round. The cash infusion, led by a mix of legacy utilities and growth‑stage venture firms, is earmarked for cranking up production of its modular home‑battery units—compact, stackable packs that can be installed in a typical backyard or garage. By turning households into micro‑grid nodes, Base Power hopes to smooth out demand spikes, shave peak‑hour prices, and give utilities a new lever against outages.

Why Backyard Batteries Matter

Across the United States, utilities are grappling with two converging pressures: a surge in renewable generation that is intermittent by nature, and an ever‑growing load from electric vehicles, heat pumps, and data centers. Traditional, centralized power plants struggle to respond quickly enough, and building new transmission lines is both costly and politically fraught. Distributed energy storage offers a pragmatic bridge. When a home stores excess solar or wind power in a battery, that energy can be dispatched back to the grid during a heat‑wave or a storm‑induced outage, reducing the need for expensive peaker plants.

Recent studies from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) show that a 10‑percent penetration of residential storage could lower national peak demand by up to 5 GW—roughly the output of a midsize coal plant. Moreover, consumers who pair a battery with time‑of‑use rates can shave 10‑20 percent off their monthly electricity bill. The environmental upside is also compelling: stored clean energy displaces fossil‑fuel generation, cutting carbon emissions on a per‑kilowatt‑hour basis.

Base Power’s $1 Billion Funding Boost

The round, which closed at the end of July, brings Base Power’s total capital raised to just over $1.5 billion. Lead investors include GreenGrid Capital, a utility‑focused private equity firm, and Horizon Ventures, known for backing early‑stage clean‑tech innovators. Existing backers such as EnergyX and the strategic corporate investor PowerCo also participated, signaling confidence that the startup’s technology can scale.

Base Power’s flagship product, the “BaseBox,” is a lithium‑iron‑phosphate (LFP) system that can be linked in modules ranging from 5 kWh to 30 kWh. The company claims a 95 percent round‑trip efficiency and a warranty of 15 years—metrics that rival or exceed incumbent offerings from Tesla and LG. With the new capital, Base Power plans to double its manufacturing footprint in Nevada, add a second assembly line in Texas, and invest in a proprietary battery‑management software that optimizes charge‑discharge cycles based on real‑time grid signals.

The funding also supports an aggressive go‑to‑market push. Base Power will partner with regional utility programs that offer rebates for residential storage, and it is negotiating bulk‑purchase agreements with home‑builder consortia targeting net‑zero communities. By embedding the batteries at the construction stage, the company hopes to lower installation costs and accelerate adoption.

Implications for the Grid and Consumers

If Base Power can hit its production targets—projected at 200,000 units per year by 2028—the cumulative storage capacity could reach 3‑4 GWh, enough to offset a noticeable slice of peak load in several high‑growth markets such as California, Texas, and the Northeast Corridor. Grid operators would gain a distributed buffer that can be dispatched within seconds, enhancing reliability and reducing the need for costly emergency generators.

For homeowners, the promise is twofold: lower electricity bills and increased resilience. In regions prone to blackouts, a fully charged BaseBox can keep essential appliances running for 12‑24 hours, providing a safety net that traditional generators cannot match without fuel storage. The software platform also offers users granular visibility into their energy usage, enabling smarter decisions about when to charge, discharge, or sell excess power back to the utility under net‑metering arrangements.

Critics caution that widespread battery adoption could introduce new challenges, such as increased demand on raw material supply chains and the need for standardized safety protocols. Base Power acknowledges these concerns, stating that its LFP chemistry avoids cobalt and nickel, and that it is working with the UL and IEC to certify its systems for fire‑resistant installations.

Takeaway

Base Power’s $1 billion raise marks a decisive inflection point for residential energy storage. By marrying high‑efficiency battery hardware with grid‑aware software, the startup is poised to turn everyday rooftops into active participants in a cleaner, more reliable electricity system—benefiting utilities, investors, and the households that power them.

Why ChatGPT Is the Top AI Tool on Capitol Hill

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:07:18 +0000

TL;DR: House staff rely heavily on OpenAI's ChatGPT for drafting memos, summarizing bills, and handling constituent outreach, making it the leading paid AI tool on Capitol Hill.

When lawmakers need a rapid briefing, they aren’t calling a policy analyst—they’re opening a chat window. Recent House spending disclosures show that OpenAI’s ChatGPT has eclipsed every other commercial AI service in federal use, becoming the de‑facto assistant for dozens of congressional offices.

ChatGPT Becomes Capitol Hill’s Go‑To AI

The latest public‑access ledger of the House Appropriations Committee lists more than $2.3 million in expenditures for OpenAI subscriptions during the 2025‑26 fiscal year. That figure outpaces all other vendor‑paid AI tools combined, from language‑model startups to enterprise analytics platforms. The data, compiled from the Committee’s quarterly spend reports, indicates that at least 120 congressional offices have active ChatGPT licenses, with many purchasing the premium “ChatGPT‑4 Turbo” tier for higher token limits and priority access.

Lawmakers and their staff cite three primary reasons for the tool’s popularity: speed, versatility, and cost‑effectiveness. A senior aide in a mid‑Atlantic district explained that a single prompt can produce a 500‑word policy brief in under a minute—far quicker than drafting from scratch or waiting for a legislative counsel review. Because the subscription model is flat‑rate, offices can scale usage without worrying about per‑query fees, a crucial factor for tight budget cycles.

How the Bot Is Shaping Legislative Work

Memo drafting and speech writing – Staff members feed the model outlines of upcoming hearings or policy positions, and ChatGPT returns polished drafts ready for quick edits. In one documented case, a junior aide used the bot to transform a bullet‑point agenda into a full‑length memo that was later circulated among senior staff.

Bill summarization – Complex legislation often spans hundreds of pages. ChatGPT can ingest the text and generate concise, plain‑language summaries that help members grasp key provisions before committee votes. Several committees now list “AI‑generated summary” as a supplemental material in their public briefing packets.

Constituent communications – From responding to email inquiries to drafting newsletters, the chatbot assists offices in maintaining a steady flow of personalized outreach. By automating routine replies, staff can allocate more time to nuanced casework.

The surge in adoption has not been without scrutiny. Ethics watchdogs warn that reliance on a proprietary model may expose sensitive policy drafts to external data handling practices. OpenAI assures that enterprise subscriptions include data‑privacy safeguards, but the lack of a publicly audited codebase fuels ongoing debate about transparency and bias.

Nevertheless, the practical benefits appear to outweigh the concerns for most offices. A senior policy director noted that the AI’s ability to quickly re‑phrase legal jargon into constituent‑friendly language has improved public engagement scores across several districts.

Looking ahead – As the 2026 election cycle ramps up, demand for rapid content creation is expected to grow. Lawmakers are already exploring custom fine‑tuned models that incorporate historical voting records and district‑specific data, promising an even tighter integration of AI into the legislative workflow.

Takeaway: OpenAI’s ChatGPT has cemented its role as the most‑used paid AI service on Capitol Hill, reshaping how congressional staff draft documents, interpret legislation, and connect with voters. Its dominance signals a broader shift toward AI‑driven efficiency in government, even as policymakers grapple with the accompanying ethical and security questions.

Wispr Flow to Debut AI Meeting Notetaker – What It Means for Teams

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:47:27 +0000

TL;DR: Wispr Flow’s revised terms of service hint at an upcoming AI‑driven meeting notetaker that will automatically generate summaries and action items, aiming to streamline post‑call workflows for businesses.

Imagine ending a conference call and instantly receiving a concise recap that lists decisions, deadlines, and owners—without lifting a pen. That scenario is moving from wish‑list to reality after Wispr Flow, the San Francisco‑based collaboration startup, quietly updated its user agreement to foreshadow a new feature: an AI‑powered meeting notetaker.

What the New Notetaker Promises

The updated terms, posted on Wispr Flow’s website earlier this week, reference a forthcoming "Meeting Notetaker" service that will leverage large‑language‑model technology to transcribe, summarize, and extract actionable items from any virtual or in‑person session. According to the language in the agreement, the tool will operate in three stages:

Live Capture – Audio streams from supported video‑conferencing platforms will be fed into Wispr’s AI engine in real time, producing a verbatim transcript that is stored securely on the company’s cloud.
Smart Summarization – Within minutes, the AI will distill the transcript into a short summary, highlighting key discussion points, decisions made, and any follow‑up tasks that emerged.
Action‑Item Extraction – The system will tag each identified task with an assignee (when mentioned) and a due date, then push the list to integrated project‑management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Jira.

While Wispr Flow has not disclosed a launch date, the terms suggest a beta rollout to existing premium customers later this quarter, followed by a broader public release in early 2027. Pricing is expected to be tier‑based, with the notetaker bundled into the company’s “Pro” plan and offered as an add‑on for enterprise accounts.

Privacy safeguards are also outlined. Transcripts will be encrypted at rest and in transit, and users will retain ownership of their data. Wispr pledges not to use meeting content for training its models beyond the specific customer’s instance, a clause that addresses growing concerns about data leakage in AI services.

Implications for Teams and the Market

If Wispr Flow delivers on its promise, the impact on daily workflows could be significant. Teams often spend 15‑30 minutes after a call drafting minutes, a process prone to omissions and bias. Automating that step frees up time for higher‑value activities and reduces the risk of missed follow‑ups. Early adopters are likely to see measurable gains in task completion rates, especially in fast‑moving product and engineering groups where rapid iteration is the norm.

The announcement also intensifies competition in the burgeoning AI‑meeting‑assistant space. Established players like Otter.ai, Fireflies.ai, and the newer Microsoft Loop AI have already rolled out comparable features. Wispr Flow’s differentiator appears to be deeper integration with its existing collaboration suite, which includes shared whiteboards, real‑time editing, and a built‑in knowledge base. By keeping the notetaker inside the same ecosystem, Wispr hopes to reduce friction and encourage users to stay within its platform rather than hopping between third‑party tools.

From a market perspective, the move signals that AI‑enhanced productivity tools are transitioning from niche add‑ons to core components of SaaS offerings. Investors have poured over $2 billion into meeting‑automation startups in the past 18 months, and analysts predict the segment will surpass $5 billion in annual recurring revenue by 2028. Wispr Flow’s entry could accelerate consolidation, prompting larger collaboration vendors to acquire or partner with specialist AI firms.

Potential challenges remain. Accuracy of AI‑generated summaries still varies with speaker accents, background noise, and the complexity of technical discussions. Enterprises will likely demand robust validation mechanisms before trusting the tool with critical compliance documentation. Additionally, the shift toward AI‑driven note‑taking raises questions about employee consent and the ethical handling of recorded conversations.

Takeaway: Wispr Flow’s forthcoming AI meeting notetaker promises to turn hours of post‑call admin into instant, actionable insights, positioning the startup as a serious contender in the fast‑growing productivity‑AI market. Teams that adopt early could reap efficiency gains, while the broader industry watches to see if Wispr’s integrated approach can outpace existing specialists.

From Bedroom Side Hustle to $4M Retail Empire: Caleb Ashton's Story

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:37:26 +0000

TL;DR: Caleb Ashton turned a bedroom‑side hustle selling gaming cards into a $4 M retail brand with an e‑commerce site and a downtown store.

When Caleb Ashton was scrolling through his favorite video‑game forums in 2018, he noticed a recurring complaint: collectors struggled to find rare cards and figurines at reasonable prices. Armed with a modest collection of vintage Magic: The Gathering decks and a spare bedroom, Ashton decided to test the market by listing a few items on eBay. Within weeks, demand surged, and the modest side hustle began to outpace his day‑job as a software tester.

From Bedroom Shelves to an Online Marketplace

Ashton’s early success hinged on three simple tactics. First, he curated niche inventory—rare booster packs, limited‑edition figurines, and retro console accessories—that mainstream retailers ignored. Second, he leveraged community forums and Discord groups to source inventory directly from fellow collectors, turning competitors into suppliers. Third, he built a lean e‑commerce platform using Shopify, integrating automated inventory tracking and real‑time pricing alerts.

By the end of 2019, the website, branded Collectible Vault, logged $250,000 in gross sales, a figure that surprised even seasoned e‑commerce analysts. Ashton reinvested profits into bulk purchases at estate sales and liquidation auctions, slashing unit costs by up to 40%. He also introduced a “pre‑order vault” feature, allowing enthusiasts to reserve upcoming releases, which helped smooth cash flow and reduce stock‑outs.

Scaling Up: Funding, Storefront, and Brand Partnerships

The turning point arrived in early 2021 when a local venture‑capital firm, Rivergate Ventures, offered a $500,000 seed round. The infusion financed three critical growth levers: expanding the fulfillment center, launching a brick‑and‑mortar flagship in Austin’s South Congress district, and hiring a small team of product curators.

The physical store opened in September 2021, blending retail and community space. Weekly “trade‑night” events attracted over 300 collectors, while in‑store QR codes linked directly to the online catalog, driving omnichannel sales. Within six months, the storefront contributed 22% of total revenue, and overall annual sales crossed the $2 million threshold.

Partnerships with major publishers such as Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro further accelerated growth. Ashton negotiated exclusive drops of limited‑edition cards, which he marketed through targeted email campaigns and Instagram reels. These collaborations not only boosted brand credibility but also generated high‑margin sales that propelled the company past the $4 million mark in 2023.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ashton’s journey offers a roadmap for founders looking to transform a hobby into a scalable business:

Identify underserved micro‑niches. The collectibles market is fragmented; focusing on a specific segment lets you dominate before larger players notice.
Leverage community credibility. Engaging directly with collectors built trust, turning customers into brand advocates who supplied inventory and spread word‑of‑mouth.
Reinvest aggressively. Early profits funded bulk buying and technology upgrades, creating a virtuous cycle of lower costs and higher margins.
Blend online and offline experiences. A physical space amplified community engagement and provided a tactile showcase for products that digital listings alone couldn’t convey.
Seek strategic capital. Partnering with investors who understood niche retail helped secure not just money but mentorship on supply‑chain logistics and brand positioning.

Caleb Ashton’s story underscores that a modest side hustle, when paired with data‑driven sourcing, community‑first marketing, and strategic scaling, can evolve into a multi‑million‑dollar retail powerhouse.

Takeaway: Turning passion into profit starts with solving a real pain point for a dedicated audience—then scaling that solution with the right tech, partnerships, and a dash of boldness.

Nasal Spray Shows Promise to Reverse Brain Aging and Boost Memory

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:17:18 +0000

TL;DR: A nasal spray created by Texas A&M scientists dramatically lowers brain inflammation, revives cellular energy and sharpens memory in aging mice, suggesting a viable path to reverse cognitive decline.

Imagine a future where the fog of age‑related memory loss can be cleared with a simple spray to the nose. That future feels a step closer after a team at Texas A&M University reported a breakthrough that could rewrite how we think about brain aging. The researchers engineered a nasal formulation that targets the brain’s inflammatory pathways, restores mitochondrial function, and delivers lasting memory gains in laboratory animals.

The Science Behind the Spray

The study, published in a peer‑reviewed journal, focused on a protein‑based compound delivered via a thin mist that travels directly from the nasal cavity to the brain’s frontal regions. In older mice, chronic inflammation erodes synaptic connections and saps the energy factories—mitochondria—that power neurons. By applying the spray twice daily for four weeks, the team observed a 45% reduction in pro‑inflammatory markers such as IL‑1β and TNF‑α.

Simultaneously, mitochondrial respiration tests showed a 30% boost in ATP production, indicating that neurons were regaining their energy reserves. The dual action—calming inflammation while fueling cellular powerhouses—appears to create a neuroprotective environment where damaged circuits can repair themselves.

Behavioral assays reinforced the biochemical data. In a classic Morris water maze, treated mice located the hidden platform 25% faster than untreated peers, and they retained the learned route for at least six weeks after the final dose. These results suggest that the spray not only provides a short‑term boost but also initiates longer‑lasting cognitive remodeling.

From Lab Mice to Human Hope

While mouse models are a standard first step, the translation to human therapy is the real litmus test. The researchers chose a nasal delivery route precisely because it bypasses the blood‑brain barrier, a notorious obstacle for many neuro‑drugs. Early safety profiling in rodents showed no adverse reactions, and the formulation uses ingredients already approved for other nasal applications, potentially smoothing the path to clinical trials.

Experts caution that human brains are more complex and that dosage, frequency, and long‑term effects remain unknown. Nonetheless, the study’s authors are preparing an Investigational New Drug (IND) application with the FDA, aiming to begin Phase 1 trials within the next 12 months. If successful, the spray could complement existing lifestyle interventions—exercise, diet, cognitive training—by directly addressing the cellular roots of aging.

The broader biotech community is taking notice. Venture capital firms specializing in neuro‑degeneration have already expressed interest, and several startups are exploring similar intranasal platforms for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The Texas A&M breakthrough adds scientific credibility to a growing pipeline of non‑invasive brain therapeutics.

What This Means for the Aging Population

According to the World Health Organization, the global population aged 65 + will double by 2050, driving demand for interventions that preserve mental acuity. A safe, easy‑to‑administer nasal spray could become a game‑changer for millions seeking to maintain independence and quality of life.

Even if the product ultimately serves as an adjunct rather than a cure, its mechanism—reducing inflammation and revitalizing cellular energy—aligns with the emerging consensus that brain health is a matter of metabolic balance. The study reinforces the idea that aging is not a one‑way street; it can be modulated, and perhaps even reversed, with the right molecular tools.

Takeaway: Texas A&M’s nasal spray demonstrates that targeting inflammation and mitochondrial function can restore memory in aging brains, opening a promising avenue toward therapies that may one day turn cognitive decline from inevitable into optional.

Why Non‑Tech Majors Are Adding AI Skills Amid the Coding Decline

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 15:57:16 +0000

TL;DR: As AI tools take over routine coding tasks, students in fields like psychology, biology and design are enrolling in artificial‑intelligence classes to boost employability and differentiate themselves.

The AI boom isn’t just a headline for Silicon Valley—it’s a catalyst reshaping college curricula and career strategies across the United States. While enrollment in traditional computer‑science programs has slipped for the first time in decades, a surprising wave of non‑technical majors is signing up for AI‑focused courses, data‑science labs, and machine‑learning workshops. The trend reflects a pragmatic response to a labor market where entry‑level developer roles are increasingly automated, and employers are hunting for talent that can bridge human insight with algorithmic power.

Why Non‑Tech Majors Are Turning to AI

Take Faith Maeba, a senior psychology major at Virginia Commonwealth University. With no prior coding experience, she initially balked when her mother suggested an artificial‑intelligence class. Yet as she explored graduate programs that examine workplace behavior—an area already being transformed by predictive analytics—she recognized a strategic advantage. "Adding AI to my toolkit makes my profile stand out," Maeba says, now pursuing a minor in artificial intelligence.

Maeba’s story mirrors a broader pattern. According to the Computing Research Association, undergraduate enrollments in computer‑science and information‑technology degrees fell by roughly 5% nationwide last year, the first dip since the discipline’s inception. Simultaneously, university registrars report a surge in cross‑disciplinary AI electives. Students from biology, economics, visual arts, and even philosophy are registering for courses that teach Python basics, neural‑network fundamentals, and ethical AI frameworks.

Why the shift? Three forces converge:

Automation of Routine Coding – Large language models such as GPT‑4 can generate functional code snippets, conduct debugging, and even suggest architecture patterns. Companies are leveraging these tools to accelerate product cycles, reducing the need for large pools of junior developers.
Data‑Driven Decision Making – Industries ranging from healthcare to marketing now rely on predictive models to inform strategy. Professionals who understand both domain knowledge and algorithmic reasoning become indispensable.
Career Differentiation – In a crowded job market, a hybrid skill set signals adaptability. Employers frequently list “AI literacy” or “experience with machine‑learning tools” as preferred qualifications, even for roles traditionally outside tech.

What This Means for the Job Market and Campus Programs

For recruiters, the talent calculus is evolving. Instead of hunting solely for computer‑science graduates, hiring managers are scanning resumes for AI coursework, project portfolios, and interdisciplinary research. A recent LinkedIn analysis found that job postings mentioning “AI” or “machine learning” alongside non‑technical fields grew by 42% between 2022 and 2024.

Universities are responding in kind. Many institutions have introduced “AI minors” that require only a handful of semester‑long courses, making it feasible for students to supplement their primary major without extending time to graduation. Some schools, like Stanford and MIT, have launched cross‑college AI labs where biology students collaborate with computer‑science peers on genomics‑focused models, while art students experiment with generative‑design software.

The shift also raises questions about curriculum depth. Critics argue that a superficial exposure to AI may produce graduates who can run pre‑built models but lack the theoretical grounding to innovate responsibly. In response, several universities are integrating ethics modules, bias‑detection workshops, and hands‑on capstone projects to ensure students grasp both the power and pitfalls of algorithmic systems.

From a macroeconomic perspective, the trend could help mitigate a looming skills gap. The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2027, AI‑augmented roles will account for 30% of all jobs, demanding a workforce comfortable with both domain expertise and algorithmic thinking. By encouraging non‑tech majors to acquire AI fluency early, colleges may be seeding the next generation of “AI‑enhanced professionals”—think psychologists who can analyze employee sentiment using sentiment‑analysis models, or designers who co‑create with generative‑art algorithms.

Takeaway

The decline in pure computer‑science enrollment does not signal the end of tech education; rather, it marks a redistribution of AI knowledge across the academic spectrum. Students like Faith Maeba illustrate how a modest AI minor can transform a traditional major into a competitive, future‑ready credential. As AI continues to automate routine code, the real value will lie in humans who can interpret, steer, and ethically apply intelligent systems across every discipline.

7 Insider Tech Travel Hacks You’ll Actually Use

10x Magazine — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 13:40:53 +0000

TL;DR: Use these seven overlooked tech tricks to travel smoother, safer, and more connected—without the usual power‑bank or pillow advice.

Traveling used to feel like a high‑stakes game of chance: will the Wi‑Fi work? Did I remember the charger? Will my passport be safe? After years of missteps, I’ve distilled the most reliable, low‑maintenance tech hacks that actually change the experience. Forget the generic tips about rolling clothes or stuffing a pillow in your bag—these are the tools I rely on every trip.

Pre‑Trip Digital Prep

1. Offline Maps on Steroids – Most navigation apps let you download a region, but I pair them with a lightweight GIS app that stores vector tiles. The result is a crisp, searchable map that works instantly, even in subway tunnels where data dies.

2. Encrypted USB Backup – Before you leave, scan your passport, visas, and insurance cards, then encrypt the PDFs on a small USB‑C flash drive. If you lose the physical documents, a quick email to yourself (or a secure cloud link) restores access without exposing personal data.

3. Digital Wallet with Tokenization – Use a payment app that tokenizes your card numbers. Even if a rogue terminal skims data, the token is useless elsewhere. It also speeds up checkout, letting you skip the card‑in‑hand shuffle at airport shops.

4. Automated Travel Checklist – A simple spreadsheet with conditional formatting reminds you of device chargers, adapters, and firmware updates. Because forgetting a firmware patch on a router can leave you with a sluggish hotspot.

On‑The‑Road Gear That Saves Time

5. Multi‑Port USB‑C Hub – A compact hub that offers 2‑4 USB‑C Power Delivery ports, a legacy USB‑A slot, and an HDMI out turns a single laptop charger into a universal power station. No more hunting for spare outlets in cramped airport lounges.

6. Portable Wi‑Fi Hotspot with Dual‑SIM – A pocket‑sized hotspot that accepts two SIM cards lets you blend a cheap local data plan with your home carrier for uninterrupted coverage. Switch automatically based on signal strength, and you never pay roaming fees.

7. Smart Luggage Tracker – A battery‑powered Bluetooth tracker that also reports GPS coordinates to a cloud dashboard. If your bag vanishes on the carousel, you can pinpoint its location within seconds and alert airline staff with exact coordinates.

Security & Connectivity Hacks

VPN on the Fly – Install a reputable VPN that offers “auto‑connect on insecure Wi‑Fi.” When you sit down at a coffee shop or airport terminal, the VPN activates instantly, encrypting all traffic and shielding you from snooping.

Device Isolation – Use a separate user profile or a sandbox app for travel‑related activities (booking, itinerary, banking). This isolates sensitive data from everyday apps that may have more permissions, reducing the attack surface.

Battery‑Saving Mode – Enable low‑power mode on your phone and laptop, and turn off background sync for non‑essential apps. Extending battery life means fewer frantic searches for charging stations, and it reduces heat that can degrade device performance.

Two‑Factor Authentication (2FA) Backup – Store a physical YubiKey or a printed list of backup codes in your encrypted USB drive. If you lose access to your primary 2FA device, you can still log into critical accounts like email and banking.

Secure Cloud Sync – Sync photos and documents to an end‑to‑end encrypted cloud service before you depart. That way, if a device is lost or stolen, the data remains inaccessible without your master key.

Takeaway: By front‑loading a few smart digital preparations, packing a versatile hub, and keeping security front‑and‑center, you can travel with confidence—no bulky power banks or generic travel pillows required.

DEV Community: 10x Magazine

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Pre‑Trip Digital Prep

On‑The‑Road Gear That Saves Time

Security & Connectivity Hacks

Base Power’s $1 Billion Funding Boost