## Mistral Takes Aim at Enterprise AI With a Bold New Strategy

Most enterprise AI initiatives stumble — not because companies lack access to cutting-edge technology, but because the underlying models simply don't speak the language of their business. Generic models trained on publicly available internet data often miss the nuance buried in decades of internal documentation, operational workflows, and hard-earned institutional knowledge.

That critical disconnect is exactly where French AI startup Mistral is planting its flag.

## Introducing Mistral Forge

At Nvidia's annual GTC technology conference — an event this year centered heavily on AI and agentic enterprise systems — Mistral unveiled **Mistral Forge**, a first-of-its-kind platform designed to give organizations the power to build and train AI models entirely on their own proprietary data.

Unlike most competing solutions that rely on fine-tuning pre-existing models or layering company data on top through techniques like Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), Mistral Forge takes a fundamentally different approach: training models from scratch.

"What Forge does is it lets enterprises and governments customize AI models for their specific needs," said Elisa Salamanca, Mistral's Head of Product.

## Why Training From Scratch Matters

The distinction between fine-tuning and ground-up training may sound technical, but its business implications are significant. Fine-tuning and RAG-based methods adapt or query existing models at runtime using company data — they don't fundamentally reshape how a model thinks or processes information.

By enabling full model training from the ground up, Mistral Forge offers several potential advantages:

- **Better handling of non-English and highly specialized data**
- **Greater control over model behavior and outputs**
- **The ability to train agentic systems using reinforcement learning**
- **Reduced dependence on third-party model providers**, eliminating risks associated with unexpected model changes or deprecation

Forge customers can build their custom models by drawing from Mistral's extensive library of open-weight AI models, which includes compact options such as the newly launched Mistral Small 4.

### Smaller Models, Smarter Customization

According to Mistral co-founder and Chief Technologist Timothée Lacroix, Forge unlocks new value from the company's existing model lineup by allowing businesses to tailor what each model prioritizes.

"The trade-offs that we make when we build smaller models is that they just cannot be as good on every topic as their larger counterparts, and so the ability to customize them lets us pick what we emphasize and what we drop," Lacroix explained.

While Mistral provides guidance on which models and infrastructure best suit a customer's needs, both decisions ultimately remain in the hands of the client.

## Forward-Deployed Engineers: A Palantir-Inspired Model

For companies that need more than technical tooling, Mistral Forge comes bundled with a team of **forward-deployed engineers (FDEs)** who work directly alongside customers. This hands-on service model draws inspiration from enterprise veterans like IBM and Palantir.

These embedded engineers help organizations surface the right data, build appropriate evaluation frameworks, and ensure training pipelines are properly configured — expertise that most enterprises simply don't have in-house.

"Understanding how to build the right evals and making sure that you have the right amount of data is something that enterprises usually don't have the right expertise for, and that's what the FDEs bring to the table," Salamanca noted.

The platform itself also comes equipped with built-in tooling for generating synthetic data pipelines, further lowering the barrier to entry for organizations embarking on custom model development.

## Early Partners and Target Industries

Mistral has already onboarded a notable roster of early Forge partners, including:

- **Ericsson**
- **The European Space Agency**
- **Reply** (Italian consulting firm)
- **DSO and HTX** (Singapore-based organizations)
- **ASML** — the Dutch semiconductor giant that led Mistral's Series C funding round last September, valuing the company at approximately €11.7 billion (around $13.8 billion at the time)

According to Chief Revenue Officer Marjorie Janiewicz, Forge is being targeted at four primary sectors:

1. **Governments** requiring models adapted to specific languages and cultural contexts
2. **Financial institutions** operating under strict compliance requirements
3. **Manufacturers** with deep product and process customization needs
4. **Technology companies** seeking models finely tuned to their proprietary codebases

## Enterprise Focus Fueling Rapid Growth

While rivals OpenAI and Anthropic have captured mainstream consumer attention, Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch has remained unwavering in the company's enterprise-first approach — and the numbers suggest it's paying off. Mistral is reportedly on track to surpass **$1 billion in annual recurring revenue** this year.

The launch of Mistral Forge represents a doubling down on that strategy, offering corporate clients and governments not just access to powerful AI, but genuine ownership and control over the systems they deploy.

Mistral launches Forge, enabling enterprises to train custom AI models from scratch on their own data, challenging OpenAI and Anthropic's enterprise approach.

Mistral Forge: Custom AI Model Training for Enterprises

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Mistral Forge: How the French AI Startup Is Empowering Enterprises to Build Custom AI Models from the Ground Up

## Why Build Your Own NAS Server?

In a world dominated by cloud storage and streaming platforms, building your own Network Attached Storage (NAS) server might seem like an old-fashioned idea. But for anyone who values privacy, wants to cut recurring costs, or simply needs a reliable central hub for family files and media, a personal NAS setup makes a compelling case.

Think of a NAS server as your own private cloud — one that lives in your home, operates under your rules, and never sends your data to a server on the other side of the planet. You decide who can access it, how it's organized, and whether it ever touches the internet at all.

## Practical Reasons to Consider a NAS Server

### Personal File Backup

For anyone managing a large volume of important files — whether that's professional work, family photos, or creative projects — relying solely on USB flash drives or a single cloud service is a risky strategy. A NAS server allows you to run automated local backups continuously, without manual effort.

The golden rule of data backup is the 3-2-1 approach: three copies, on two different media types, with one stored off-site. A NAS handles the local side of that equation beautifully, and pairing it with a cloud service covers the off-site requirement. It's a significant upgrade over ad-hoc backup habits.

### Centralized Family File Sharing

Households with multiple members and a mix of devices often end up with files scattered across various cloud platforms and personal gadgets. A NAS server with a well-organized file structure becomes the central hub for shared photos, videos, travel plans, creative projects, and important household documents. Instead of hunting across five different apps and accounts, everything lives in one place.

### Home Media Streaming

The streaming landscape has become increasingly expensive, fragmented, and ad-heavy. If you own a physical media collection — DVDs, Blu-rays, or CDs — a NAS server gives you a compelling reason to finally digitize it all.

Ripping Blu-rays is straightforward using **MakeMKV**, and you can compress files efficiently with **HandBrake**. From there, installing a media server application like **Jellyfin** or **Plex** transforms your NAS into a polished, Netflix-style streaming platform. Jellyfin automatically fetches artwork and metadata, and once installed on your TVs, phones, and tablets, local streaming works seamlessly across every device in your home.

### Other Useful Applications

The versatility of a NAS server goes well beyond backups and streaming. Here are some popular use cases worth exploring:

- **Smart home automation** — Run a local home assistant for device control without relying on third-party servers
- **Security camera storage** — Record and monitor local security footage privately
- **Game servers** — Host a private Minecraft server or other multiplayer environments for your family
- **Network-wide ad and tracker blocking** — Deploy Pi-hole directly from your NAS
- **Local AI assistant** — Run AI tools privately without sending data to external services
- **Remote file sharing** — Securely access your files from anywhere using a VPN

Many of these use cases directly replace paid subscription services, meaning your NAS can pay for itself over time while simultaneously returning control and privacy back to you.

## What You Need to Get Started

### Choosing a NAS Device

You can either build a custom NAS from spare hardware or purchase a ready-made device. Pre-built options vary widely in size, capability, and complexity.

For those prioritizing ease of setup, the **Ugreen NASync DH4300 Plus** is an excellent starting point. It supports four storage drives and handles up to 120 TB of total capacity. Setup is minimal — insert your drives, connect power and Ethernet to your router, download the companion app, create an account, and format your drives. The entire process takes well under an hour.

A key advantage of the DH4300 Plus is its **Docker support**, which allows you to install virtually any compatible application in its own isolated container. This dramatically expands what the device can do beyond its built-in features.

If your storage needs are more modest, the **Ugreen NASync DH2300** (around $200) offers a two-bay configuration that is equally easy to configure. Other well-regarded NAS brands worth researching include **Synology**, **QNAP**, **Terramaster**, and **Asustor**, each offering their own ecosystems and feature sets.

### Hard Drives and Storage

You can repurpose existing hard drives to save money, or invest in purpose-built NAS drives for better reliability under continuous operation. Drives like the **Seagate IronWolf 4TB** (approximately $100 each) are specifically designed for NAS environments and handle the demands of 24/7 operation well. For maximum speed and durability, SSDs are an option, though they come at a higher cost per terabyte.

### Network Infrastructure

A fast, stable home network is essential if multiple users will be streaming content or transferring large files simultaneously. Your NAS should be connected directly to your main router via an **Ethernet cable** — not over Wi-Fi. Pay attention to the port speeds on both your router and NAS device, and ensure your Ethernet cables are rated appropriately (Cat 5e at minimum; Cat 6 or higher recommended).

### Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

While not strictly mandatory, a UPS is strongly recommended for anyone storing irreplaceable data. A sudden power loss during a write operation can corrupt files or damage drive arrays. A UPS provides enough battery backup to either ride out a brief outage or safely shut down your system.

Two solid options to consider:

- **CyberPower 1000VA Battery Back-Up System** (~$140) — Six battery-backed outlets, six surge-protected outlets; runs approximately two minutes at full load or up to ten minutes at half load
- **Amazon Basics UPS 600VA** (~$62) — Four battery-backed outlets, four surge-protected outlets; sufficient runtime to safely power down your system during an unexpected outage

Many modern portable power stations also include UPS functionality, offering a dual-purpose solution.

## Keeping Your NAS Secure

Security is a critical consideration, whether your NAS stays entirely local or connects to the outside world.

### Avoid Direct Internet Exposure

Never expose your NAS directly to the internet by opening ports on your router. If you need remote access, use a reputable **VPN service** to encrypt your connection and avoid broadcasting your device to potential attackers.

### Secure Your Local Network Too

Even if you never intend to access your NAS remotely, local security still matters. A compromised device on your home network — infected with malware, for example — could potentially spread laterally to your NAS if it isn't properly protected. Enable the built-in firewall on your NAS device and configure it carefully according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

### Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Always activate **two-factor authentication (2FA)** on your NAS account. This adds a critical extra layer of protection by requiring a time-sensitive passcode in addition to your standard login credentials, making unauthorized access significantly harder even if your password is compromised.

## Final Thoughts

Setting up a personal NAS server is one of the most practical technology investments a privacy-conscious household can make. It consolidates your backups, centralizes your shared files, replaces multiple streaming subscriptions with a self-hosted alternative, and puts you firmly in control of your own data. The initial setup requires a modest time investment, but the long-term payoff in convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind is well worth it.

Learn how to build your own NAS server for private file backups, family file sharing, and home media streaming. A complete beginner-friendly setup guide.

How to Set Up a NAS Server for Backups and Streaming

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Build Your Own NAS Server: The Ultimate Guide to Local Backups and Home Streaming

## A Fashion Industry Under Pressure to Change

The global fashion industry is facing a reckoning. Every second, the equivalent of a full garbage truck of discarded textiles ends up in landfills or incinerators. On top of that staggering waste crisis, the sector produces more carbon emissions than international aviation and maritime shipping combined — making it one of the most environmentally damaging industries on the planet.

While some companies are exploring textile recycling innovations and others are developing materials that sidestep fossil fuels entirely, one California-based startup is taking a radically different approach: pulling carbon dioxide straight from the atmosphere and transforming it into fabric.

## Meet Rubi: Biology Outside the Cell

Founded by twin sisters Neeka and Leila Mashouf, **Rubi** has engineered an enzymatic process that converts captured CO2 into cellulose — the raw material used to produce lyocell and viscose fabrics. Co-founder and CEO Neeka Mashouf describes the technology as "basically taking the machinery of biology outside of the cell."

Unlike competing approaches that rely on genetically engineered bacteria in fermenters or chemical catalysts to drive the CO2 conversion, Rubi harnesses enzymes — proteins that facilitate chemical reactions with remarkable efficiency. This distinction matters. The enzyme industry is already massive, powering everything from high-fructose corn syrup production to wastewater treatment, meaning the infrastructure and cost efficiencies are already within reach.

Neeka, a materials scientist by training, teamed up with her sister Leila — then a medical student at Harvard Medical School — to survey every available technology for sustainable cellulose production. Time and again, they kept returning to enzymes as the most promising solution.

## How the Technology Works

Rubi's process uses a carefully sequenced "cascade" of enzymes to break down and reassemble waste carbon dioxide into cellulose. The company has also integrated artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve the enzymes' effectiveness and long-term stability.

In practice, the enzymes are suspended in a water-based solution. When carbon dioxide is introduced into the reactor, white cellulose begins to form within just a few minutes. The reactors themselves are compact enough to fit inside shipping container-sized modules, making the system highly scalable and deployable across different locations.

Currently, the process operates in batches, but Rubi is working toward a continuous production model that would significantly increase output and reduce costs.

## $7.5 Million Raised to Scale Up Production

Rubi recently closed a **$7.5 million funding round** to build a demonstration-scale version of its cellulosic production system — one capable of producing tens of tons of material using CO2 as its primary input. The round was led by AP Ventures and FH One Investments, with additional backing from CMPC Ventures, H&M Group, Talis Capital, and Understorey Ventures.

The startup has already secured more than **$60 million in non-binding off-take agreements** with select partners, signaling strong commercial interest in the technology. Rubi has also completed material testing with 15 pilot partners, a roster that includes retail giants **H&M, Patagonia, and Walmart**.

## Addressing a Gap in the U.S. Supply Chain

One of Rubi's key value propositions lies in addressing a notable gap in domestic raw material supply. Today, most cellulose destined for textile production is sourced from trees — including both managed plantations and, in some cases, old-growth rainforests. These supply chains are lengthy, complex, and geographically fragmented.

"These textile and raw material supply chains are very long," Mashouf explained. "Here in the U.S., we've gotten interest in being able to actually produce cellulose pulp that's textile grade, where that doesn't exist today."

By enabling local, carbon-negative cellulose production, Rubi could help brands shorten their supply chains while simultaneously reducing their environmental footprint.

## Beyond Fashion: A Platform for the Broader Economy

While apparel companies represent Rubi's primary target market in the near term, the startup's ambitions extend well beyond clothing. Cellulose is a versatile compound used across numerous industries, from packaging and pharmaceuticals to construction materials.

"This really is a platform," Mashouf said. "We think of it as a platform to make all the important chemicals and materials across the economy in a low-cost way."

If Rubi can scale its technology effectively, it could represent a meaningful shift in how industries source one of the world's most widely used natural materials — replacing tree-derived cellulose with a version built entirely from captured carbon.

Startup Rubi uses enzymes to convert CO2 into cellulose for fabrics. H&M, Patagonia, and Walmart are already testing the sustainable material technology.

H&M Backs Rubi's CO2-to-Clothing Technology

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How H&M Plans to Turn CO2 Into Clothing With Rubi's Breakthrough Technology

## Maximize Your Savings at Sam's Club With These Exclusive Deals

Sam's Club consistently delivers some of the most competitive prices on everyday essentials, and right now shoppers have even more reasons to take advantage of what the warehouse retailer has to offer. From deep clearance discounts to loyalty rewards and special membership pricing, here is everything you need to know to stretch your dollar further.

## Score Up to 60% Off Clearance Items — No Coupon Required

Shopping smart has never been easier. Sam's Club is currently offering up to 60% off a wide range of clearance products, spanning categories like electronics, clothing, and home goods. The best part? No promo codes or special coupons are necessary to unlock these reduced prices. However, inventory rotates frequently, so it pays to check back regularly to catch the latest markdowns before they disappear.

## Earn Sam's Cash Through the Loyalty Rewards Program

Beyond everyday low prices, Sam's Club members can accumulate additional savings through the Sam's Cash Loyalty Rewards Program. Available to all members across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, this program allows shoppers to earn Sam's Cash on qualifying purchases made both in-store and online.

### How Sam's Cash Works

Members can earn Sam's Cash through three primary channels:

- **Plus Membership** purchases
- **The Sam's Club Mastercard**
- **The Bonus Offers Program**

Once earned, rewards appear as "pending" in your account dashboard. Cash earned via the Sam's Club Mastercard is issued on your monthly billing cycle date, while rewards from Plus Membership and Bonus Offers are credited on your monthly membership anniversary. Accumulated Sam's Cash can then be applied toward future purchases, cashed out directly, or used to renew your membership — offering genuine flexibility based on your individual needs.

## Discounted Memberships for Qualifying Members

Sam's Club recognizes the contributions of several key community groups and rewards them with significantly reduced membership fees — up to 60% off standard pricing.

### Healthcare Workers
Nurses, medical providers, and hospital employees can qualify for a discounted **Club membership at just $20** or a **Plus membership for $60**, representing substantial savings off regular rates.

### Military Personnel and First Responders
Active duty military members, veterans, their spouses, and first responders are also eligible for 60% off new memberships, bringing the cost down to just **$20 per year** — a $30 reduction from the standard annual fee.

### Students and Educators
College students and teachers can take advantage of the same $20 membership deal by verifying their eligibility through **ID.me**, making it one of the most accessible and affordable warehouse club memberships available.

## Free Shipping on Orders Over $50 for Plus Members

Sam's Club Plus members enjoy an additional layer of convenience: free shipping on eligible orders of $50 or more. This benefit applies to shipments within the contiguous 48 states and complements existing perks such as fuel savings and Sam's Cash earnings — making the Plus membership a compelling option for frequent shoppers looking to maximize every dollar spent.

Explore Sam's Club deals including 60% off clearance items, Sam's Cash rewards, discounted memberships for select groups, and free shipping for Plus members.

Sam's Club Deals: Save Up to 60% on Top Products

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Maximize Your Savings at Sam's Club: Top Deals and Discounts Available Now

## Samsung Ventures Backs GridBeyond to Revolutionize Energy Grid Management

The electrical grid is undergoing its most dramatic transformation in history. Over the past decade alone, the rise of solar panels, wind turbines, and large-scale batteries has fundamentally disrupted how power is generated and distributed. Yet despite this rapid evolution, one stubborn challenge remains — keeping supply and demand perfectly balanced, especially during peak hours.

"The problem on the grid is a peak problem. Most of the time you're okay, you have plenty of power. But in those peak hours you might not have enough," said Michael Phelan, co-founder and CEO of GridBeyond, in a conversation with TechCrunch.

## What GridBeyond Actually Does

Founded in Dublin, Ireland, GridBeyond develops both hardware and software designed to connect fragmented pieces of the energy grid into what are known as virtual power plants. By linking together batteries, renewable energy sources, and large industrial consumers, the company creates a coordinated network capable of responding dynamically to shifts in electricity supply and demand.

Currently, GridBeyond manages approximately 1 gigawatt of generation capacity — spanning solar, wind, battery storage, and hydropower. On the demand side, it oversees several additional gigawatts across commercial and industrial operations. Its hardware controllers are deployed across energy facilities and large commercial sites in Australia, Ireland, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

### The Island Origin Story

Like many virtual power plant companies, GridBeyond's roots trace back to an island grid. As Ireland began integrating large volumes of wind energy, grid operators quickly encountered a familiar island problem — limited interconnection and a constant need to balance variable power sources. This environment proved to be the perfect testing ground for GridBeyond's flexible load management technology.

"They hit this problem where they were an island and they had to balance the grid. So it was very suitable for them to have things like flexible load that they could put into the market," Phelan explained.

## The Growing Role of Batteries

While demand-side flexibility has long been a tool in grid management — operators have historically paid heavy industrial users to reduce consumption during heat waves or periods of high demand — batteries have introduced an entirely new dimension to the equation.

GridBeyond manages several large-scale energy storage systems, including an impressive 200-megawatt battery installation in California. Unlike traditional peaking power plants, which can take several minutes to come online, batteries respond almost instantaneously to shifts in demand. This speed enables GridBeyond to buy and sell electricity rapidly, effectively engaging in a form of energy arbitrage that generates revenue while supporting grid stability.

### Solving the Data Center Dilemma

The urgency of GridBeyond's mission is increasingly tied to the explosion of artificial intelligence infrastructure. Data centers training and running large AI models consume enormous amounts of electricity, and their power demands are often irregular — spiking sharply during AI training cycles and then dropping off. These oscillations can destabilize the broader grid.

"You know the thing that collapsed the Spanish grid — which is not what people want," Phelan noted, referencing the risks posed by sudden, large fluctuations in power draw.

By deploying batteries at or near data centers, GridBeyond can absorb these spikes, smoothing out the facility's footprint on the grid and reducing the risk of disruptions. This capability also makes it significantly easier for hyperscale data center developers to secure grid connections in the first place.

"If you have enough energy stored in a battery or you have an industrial load you can turn down — and it's hundreds of megawatts — then you can start building those hyperscalers," Phelan said.

## Samsung Ventures Leads €12 Million Funding Round

To accelerate its expansion, GridBeyond has raised a €12 million (approximately $13.8 million) equity round led by Samsung Ventures. The funding round also drew participation from a notable lineup of strategic and financial investors, including ABB, Act Venture Capital, Alantra's Energy Transition Fund, Constellation Technology Ventures, EDP, Energy Impact Partners, Enterprise Ireland, Klima, Mirova, and Japanese technology company Yokogawa.

The broad investor base reflects growing institutional confidence in software-driven grid management as a critical enabler of the global energy transition. With AI power demands surging and renewable energy penetration continuing to rise, platforms like GridBeyond's are becoming essential infrastructure for a more resilient and flexible electrical grid.

GridBeyond raised €12M led by Samsung Ventures to expand its virtual power plant tech, helping balance electricity grids using batteries and smart software.

Samsung Backs GridBeyond to Fix Grid Peak Demand with Batter

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How a Dublin Startup and Samsung Are Using Batteries to Solve the Grid's Biggest Problem

## Get Your Taxes Done by a Pro — Before Costs Go Up

Tax season doesn't have to be stressful, especially when a professional can handle everything for you. TurboTax is currently offering a compelling flat-rate deal on its **Expert Full Service** tier, but the window to take advantage of it is closing fast. If you've been on the fence about hiring a tax expert this year, now is the time to act.

## Understanding TurboTax's Three Service Tiers

Before diving into the deal, it helps to understand how TurboTax structures its offerings. The platform provides three distinct levels of service:

- **DIY (Do It Yourself):** You handle your own return using guided, step-by-step instructions.
- **Expert Assist:** You file independently but have access to tax professionals who can answer questions and review your return before submission.
- **Expert Full Service:** A dedicated local tax expert takes complete ownership of your return — from start to finish.

Each tier comes with a different price point, and the **Expert Full Service** option is the most premium. Federal filing starts between **$89 and $129**, with the final cost depending on the complexity of your tax situation. State filings are billed separately at **$59 per state**, which means filers dealing with multiple states or a high volume of forms could see real savings with a flat-rate arrangement.

## Why Expert Full Service Makes Sense for Complex Tax Situations

If you're a small business owner, freelancer, or someone managing a particularly complicated financial picture, Expert Full Service deserves serious consideration. This tier is especially well-suited for:

- **S Corporation owners and partners** who need specialized knowledge
- **Business owners** who want to maximize industry-specific deductions
- Anyone who simply wants to **hand off the entire process** without worrying about errors

TurboTax will match you with a tax expert who has relevant experience in your specific industry, helping ensure you're not leaving any deductions on the table. You can choose to work with your expert either **online or in person**, and once everything is in order, the expert will sign and file your return on your behalf.

Another notable perk: **you won't be charged until after your taxes are filed**, so the $150 fee is only collected once the work is complete.

## How to Claim the Flat-Rate Deal

This offer comes with one key eligibility requirement — it is only available to filers who did **not** use a TurboTax expert to file their taxes last year. If you qualify, here's how to redeem it:

1. Begin your filing process through **TurboTax Expert Full Service**, or
2. Select **"prefer to hand off to an expert"** when the option appears during the filing flow.
3. If you're eligible, your discounted rate will be automatically applied at checkout.

> **Important deadline:** You must file by **11:59 PM ET on March 18** to lock in this deal.

For those who did use a TurboTax expert last year, standard pricing will apply, with the final cost determined by the complexity of your return and state filing fees billed separately.

## Not Sure Which TurboTax Tier Is Right for You?

Choosing the right filing service depends entirely on your individual tax situation. If your return is straightforward, the DIY tier may be all you need. For those who want a safety net, Expert Assist strikes a solid middle ground. But for anyone managing a business, multiple income streams, or complex deductions, **Expert Full Service offers the most comprehensive support**.

It's also worth exploring available TurboTax coupons and promotional codes before committing, as these can meaningfully reduce your out-of-pocket costs across any tier. Taking a few extra minutes to compare your options now could save you both time and money when the April deadline approaches.

TurboTax's Expert Full Service lets a local tax pro file for you. Lock in a flat-rate deal before March 18 and save on complex returns and business taxes.

TurboTax Expert Full Service Deal: File Before Prices Rise

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Lock In a Flat Rate With TurboTax Expert Full Service Before the Price Increases

## US Army Inks Landmark $20 Billion Deal with Anduril

The United States Army has officially entered into a sweeping 10-year contract with defense technology company Anduril, with the agreement carrying a potential value of up to $20 billion. The announcement, made late on a Friday, signals a significant shift in how the military approaches technology procurement.

### What the Contract Covers

The agreement is structured around an initial five-year base period, with an option to extend for another five years. The deal encompasses a broad range of Anduril's offerings, including hardware, software, infrastructure, and professional services.

Perhaps most notably, the Army has framed this as a single consolidated enterprise contract — one that effectively replaces what had previously been more than 120 separate procurement actions tied to Anduril's commercial solutions. The consolidation is designed to streamline operations and accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge capabilities across the armed forces.

### Software at the Heart of Modern Warfare

Officials from the Department of Defense emphasized the strategic importance of the deal in the context of an evolving battlefield landscape.

"The modern battlefield is increasingly defined by software," said Gabe Chiulli, Chief Technology Officer at the DoD's Office of the Chief Information Officer. "To maintain our advantage, we must be able to acquire and deploy software capabilities with speed and efficiency."

The statement underscores a broader push within the Pentagon to modernize procurement processes and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks when acquiring advanced technology.

### Anduril's Rise and Its Controversial Founder

Anduril was co-founded by Palmer Luckey, a name many will recognize from the early days of consumer virtual reality. Luckey previously founded Oculus, a VR startup he sold to Facebook — now known as Meta. His time at the social media giant came to an abrupt end amid controversy surrounding reports that he had donated to a pro-Trump political organization.

Luckey has consistently maintained that the media distorted his political views. Regardless, he has found significant favor with the current Trump administration, which has embraced both Luckey and Anduril's ambitious vision for a technology-driven military — one built on autonomous fighter jets, unmanned drones, and AI-powered submarines.

The company, whose name is drawn from a magical artifact in J.R.R. Tolkien's *The Lord of the Rings* — much like its Silicon Valley peer Palantir — reportedly generated approximately $2 billion in revenue last year. Furthermore, separate reports indicate that Anduril is currently in discussions to raise a new funding round at a staggering $60 billion valuation.

### A Contentious Moment for Defense AI Deals

This contract arrives at a particularly charged moment for technology companies doing business with the Department of Defense. The DoD is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with AI firm Anthropic, which filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon after being designated a supply chain threat following a collapsed contract negotiation.

OpenAI has also faced significant public criticism and internal fallout — including the departure of at least one executive — after finalizing its own deal with the Pentagon.

Weighing in on the Anthropic controversy, Luckey took to X to argue that AI companies attempting to set limits on the use of artificial intelligence in autonomous weapons systems or domestic surveillance represent "an untenable position that the United States cannot possibly accept."

His remarks highlight the deepening ideological divide between traditional AI ethics advocates and a new wave of defense-oriented tech entrepreneurs who see autonomous military systems as both inevitable and necessary.

The US Army has signed a 10-year, $20 billion contract with Anduril, consolidating 120+ procurement actions into one sweeping defense technology agreement.

US Army Awards Anduril a $20 Billion Defense Contract

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US Army Signs $20 Billion Defense Contract with Anduril in Major Military Tech Overhaul

## A Morning Ritual Worth Waking Up For

Most mornings blur together in a fog of routine. But certain rituals cut through the noise — and for countless coffee enthusiasts, brewing with a Chemex is one of them. The hourglass-shaped borosilicate glass brewer is arguably one of the most beautifully engineered objects in everyday domestic life. It combines elegant aesthetics with flawless function, and it has been doing so for over eighty years.

The design is refreshingly straightforward. A thick, bonded paper filter sits at a precise 60-degree angle inside the upper chamber, holding hot water in optimal contact with ground coffee before gravity draws the brew into the vessel below. There are no mechanical components, no plastic parts, and nothing that can malfunction. Just glass, paper, water, and coffee — working together in perfect harmony.

## A Design Classic With Deep Roots

The Chemex is often grouped alongside midcentury modern design icons, but it actually predates that era. It was invented in 1941 by German chemist Peter Schlumbohm, making it older than many people assume. By the time it graced the set of *Mad Men* — a show set in the early 1960s — it was already a vintage object. When it appeared in the James Bond film *From Russia With Love*, it had been around longer than the Blu-ray disc has been around today. And when it popped up on the set of *Friends* in 1994, it was already as old as the Betamax format is now.

Longevity like that doesn't happen by accident. The Chemex has endured because nothing else has come along to do what it does as effectively — and certainly not while looking as sophisticated doing it.

## Is It Really That Difficult to Use?

There's a persistent narrative that the Chemex carries a steep learning curve, even relative to other manual pour-over methods. That reputation is somewhat exaggerated. Compared to dropping a pod into an office machine or spooning pre-ground coffee into an automatic drip maker, yes — the Chemex requires more engagement. But that's hardly a fair benchmark.

The Chemex is a tool designed for people who genuinely care about what's in their cup. Placed alongside alternatives like manual espresso machines or the Aeropress, it's actually one of the more forgiving and intuitive brewing methods available. The margin for error is wider than most enthusiasts admit.

## From Casual Mornings to Coffee Perfection

That said, the Chemex is fully capable of producing an extraordinary cup when handled with precision. Walk into any serious specialty coffee shop — the kind that sources a low-yield Peruvian single-origin or a Panama Esmeralda Special Geisha roasted to exacting standards — and there's a strong chance the barista behind the counter is reaching for a Chemex.

At elite cafés, baristas may pour 900 grams of water in careful 200-gram increments, pausing 90 seconds between each pour, using a gooseneck kettle aimed precisely at the center of the filter cone. The entire process can take six to seven minutes and produces a cup of extraordinary clarity and depth. For premium beans — the kind priced at $85 per pound — this level of care is not just worthwhile, it's essential.

### Everyday Brewing Without the Stress

Of course, most mornings don't call for that level of ceremony. On a typical weekday, the process might look more like this: grinding beans loaded into the hopper days earlier, eyeballing the amount of grounds, and pouring near-boiling water while simultaneously packing a lunch and skimming through emails. A quick bloom pour, then the rest of the water in one go.

And the result? Still genuinely good coffee. That's the quiet brilliance of the Chemex — it rewards precision without punishing imprecision. It elevates the everyday cup without demanding perfection from the person making it.

## The Secret Is in the Filter

One of the most underappreciated aspects of the Chemex experience is its proprietary filter. Schlumbohm was a chemist by training, and he modeled the Chemex filter on laboratory-grade paper. These filters are noticeably thicker and denser than standard coffee filters, and they're engineered to remove oils, fine sediment, and excess acidity from the brew.

The result is a cup that is noticeably cleaner, crisper, and more balanced than what most other pour-over devices produce. Compared to brewers like the Hario V60 or the Kalita Wave — both capable devices in their own right — the Chemex consistently delivers a rounder, more refined flavor profile.

For devoted users, stocking up on Chemex filters becomes something close to a household priority. During the supply chain disruptions of the pandemic, when filters briefly disappeared from shelves, many Chemex loyalists made a firm commitment to never run low again. It's the kind of quiet devotion that speaks to just how integral this brewer becomes to daily life.

## Why the Chemex Endures

Eighty-plus years after its invention, the Chemex continues to occupy a unique space at the intersection of design and function. It belongs equally in a museum of modern design and on a kitchen counter being used every single morning. It asks only that you pay a little attention to your coffee — and in return, it delivers beauty, consistency, and a genuinely superior cup, day after day.

Invented in 1941, the Chemex coffee maker remains unmatched in design and brewing quality. Discover why this iconic brewer still dominates after 80+ years.

Why the Chemex Still Makes the Best Coffee After 80 Years

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Eight Decades On, the Chemex Remains the Gold Standard of Coffee Brewing

## Science Finally Explains Why Cats Almost Always Land on Their Feet

Cats have long fascinated scientists and pet owners alike with their seemingly gravity-defying ability to land on their feet after a fall. While this remarkable skill has been observed and admired for centuries, the precise mechanics behind it have remained somewhat mysterious — until now.

Researchers at Yamaguchi University in Japan have published a groundbreaking study in *The Anatomical Record* that sheds new light on exactly how cats pull off this incredible midair feat, pinpointing the spine as the key to their extraordinary landing ability.

## The Science Behind the Skill

To understand how cats manage to right themselves during a fall without any external surface to push against, the research team took a detailed two-part approach. First, they examined the spines of five deceased cats, carefully separating the thoracic and lumbar regions before conducting a series of mechanical tests designed to measure each section's flexibility, strength, and resistance to rotational force.

In a second experiment, the team used high-speed cameras to capture footage of two live cats being dropped onto a soft cushion, allowing them to closely analyze each phase of the midair correction in real time.

### A Tale of Two Spine Regions

What the researchers discovered was both elegant and surprising. A cat's spine is not uniformly flexible — far from it. The thoracic region, located in the upper portion of the back, is remarkably supple, capable of rotating up to 50 degrees with minimal resistance. The lumbar region, situated in the lower back, is considerably stiffer and serves as a natural stabilizing anchor.

This structural contrast is precisely what enables cats to perform their signature midair righting maneuver with such precision and consistency.

## How the Righting Maneuver Actually Works

The process unfolds in a specific, sequential order. When a cat begins to fall, it first rotates its head and front legs downward, a movement made possible by the highly flexible thoracic spine. Once the front half of the body is oriented toward the ground, the rest of the body follows. Throughout this process, the rigid lumbar spine acts as a stabilizing counterbalance, preventing the rotation from becoming uncontrolled or erratic.

As the study's authors put it: *"During air-righting, anterior trunk rotation was completed earlier than posterior trunk rotation... trunk rotation during air-righting in cats occurs sequentially, with the anterior trunk rotating first followed by the posterior trunk."*

This precise sequencing is what makes the maneuver so efficient and reliable across countless different fall scenarios.

## Beyond Cat Biology — Real-World Applications

While the study offers a fascinating window into feline biomechanics, its implications stretch well beyond understanding our four-legged companions. The researchers suggest that these findings could have meaningful practical applications in two important areas.

First, veterinarians may be able to use this deeper understanding of spinal mechanics to develop more effective treatments for cats suffering from spinal injuries. Second, and perhaps more unexpectedly, the principles observed in feline spine function could inform the design and development of more agile, adaptive robots — machines capable of recovering from falls and maintaining balance in unpredictable environments.

## Why This Research Matters

Cats' ability to land on their feet is far more than a curious quirk of nature. It represents a sophisticated biomechanical system refined over millions of years of evolution. By breaking down exactly how this system operates, scientists are not only satisfying a long-standing curiosity but also opening doors to innovations in veterinary medicine and robotics.

The next time you watch a cat leap gracefully from a height and land without so much as a stumble, you'll know there is a remarkable interplay of spinal flexibility and structural rigidity working seamlessly behind the scenes.

A Japanese university study reveals how a cat's flexible thoracic spine and rigid lumbar region work together to enable their famous midair righting ability.

Why Cats Always Land on Their Feet: New Study Explains

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Science Finally Explains Why Cats Almost Always Land on Their Feet

## Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Mouse: A Nostalgic Masterpiece With an Outrageous Price Tag

There are few better moments in recent memory for Razer to resurrect one of its most iconic products. The transparent, futuristic aesthetic that defined early-2000s PC gaming has made a remarkable cultural comeback, and the reimagined Boomslang fits perfectly into that renewed appreciation for retro tech design. That said, appreciation and value are two very different things — and this mouse makes that distinction painfully clear.

## Design and Build Quality

The Boomslang's silhouette is more than twenty years old, and it shows. Modern mouse ergonomics have evolved dramatically since the original design first hit desks, so judging this peripheral against today's standards would be somewhat unfair. What Razer has done, however, is wrap that vintage shape in a genuinely premium package. The body is covered in PU leather, an ambidextrous form factor features mirrored buttons, and the mouse even supports wireless charging — a forward-thinking touch on an intentionally backward-looking product.

One notable design choice was the use of artificial PU leather rather than genuine animal hide. According to Razer's lead designer Charlie Bolton, this decision was driven by both practical and cultural considerations. Beyond concerns about long-term durability and upkeep, Bolton noted that certain religious communities have reservations about handling leather-based products. By opting for synthetic material, Razer effectively broadened the product's appeal to a more diverse global audience — a thoughtful move that reframes what might otherwise seem like a cost-cutting decision.

The package also includes a striking visual bonus: an exploded mouse display mounted in a backlit frame, which elevates the entire product into genuine collector's territory.

## Performance and Specifications

### Internals That Punch Above Their Weight Class

Despite its vintage exterior, the Boomslang houses thoroughly modern hardware. Razer fitted it with the same internal assembly found in the latest DeadAdder, complete with fourth-generation optical switches and an 8,000Hz polling rate. By any technical measure, this mouse performs at the same level as the best premium lightweight mice on the market today.

### Weight and Feel

At approximately 108 grams, the Boomslang is noticeably heavier than the sub-60-gram ultralight mice that competitive players currently favor. However, the experience isn't as cumbersome as that number might suggest. Its large footprint combined with a relatively low profile distributes the weight effectively, making it feel considerably more agile than a heavy productivity mouse like the Logitech MX Master 4. It won't replace a featherweight gaming mouse, but it's far from sluggish.

## The Nostalgia Factor

Perhaps the most compelling argument for this mouse isn't found in benchmarks or spec sheets — it's found in the experience of booting up a classic game and playing it with hardware from the same era. Running through Quake 2, revisiting Halo: Combat Evolved, or dropping into a CS2 deathmatch lobby with the Boomslang in hand delivers a surprisingly powerful sense of physical nostalgia. Performance may not be optimal, but the tactile connection to gaming's past is genuinely enjoyable in a way that's difficult to quantify.

## Is the Razer Boomslang Worth Buying?

Let's be direct: as a functional mouse, the Boomslang is impossible to justify at $1,337. No peripheral — regardless of how sophisticated its internals or how beautifully crafted its exterior — can rationally command that price based on performance or utility alone. There is no objective measure by which spending over a thousand dollars on a mouse represents good value.

But that entirely misses the point.

The Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Edition is not a mouse purchase — it is a collector's acquisition. It exists for gaming enthusiasts who want a piece of hardware history displayed on their desk, celebrated in a backlit frame, and occasionally picked up to relive the feeling of a very specific moment in PC gaming culture. For that niche audience, it delivers exactly what it promises.

For everyone else, it remains a fascinating, beautifully made object that is best admired from a respectful financial distance.

The Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary mouse blends retro design with modern specs — but its $1,337 price tag makes it strictly a collector's item.

Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Mouse Review 2024

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Razer Boomslang 20th Anniversary Mouse Review: A Collector's Dream at a Collector's Price

## The Never-Ending Number We Call Pi

Pi is one of the most famous numbers in mathematics — an infinite, non-repeating decimal that has been calculated to an astonishing 314 trillion digits without ever reaching a conclusion. For most practical purposes, even NASA only needs the first 15 decimal places to navigate spacecraft across the solar system. That puts things in perspective.

What makes pi truly fascinating isn't just its infinite nature — it's the sheer variety of ways mathematicians have found to approximate it. From oscillating springs to geometric probability, pi has a habit of showing up in the most unexpected places. But perhaps the most surprising method of all was introduced by a French naturalist back in the 18th century.

## Buffon's Needle: A 1777 Probability Puzzle

In 1777, George Louis Leclerc — better known as the Comte de Buffon — proved something remarkable. Decades before, he had posed a simple yet profound question in geometric probability: if you have a flat floor marked with parallel lines, equally spaced at distance *d*, and you drop a needle of length *L* onto that floor, what is the probability that the needle will land across one of the lines?

This came to be known as **Buffon's Needle Problem**, and its solution is far more elegant than it might first appear.

### Setting Up the Problem

To simplify things, imagine the needle length equals the spacing between the lines — that is, *d = L*. When a needle falls, only two variables really matter:

- **x** — the distance from the needle's far end to the nearest line
- **θ** — the angle the needle makes relative to a perpendicular drawn to those lines

A needle crosses a line when *x* is less than half the line spacing. Naturally, a small angle and a small distance increase the likelihood of a crossing. Plotting many random combinations of these two values reveals a clear boundary — a cosine curve — separating crossing outcomes from non-crossing ones.

### Where Pi Comes In

To find the probability of a crossing, you calculate the ratio of the area beneath that cosine curve to the total area of the graph. This requires integration. When the needle length equals the line spacing, the math yields a crossing probability of exactly **2/π**.

Pi appears here because the needle's angle ranges from −π/2 to +π/2 — two quarter-circle arcs — which naturally introduces the trigonometric functions that bring pi into the equation.

## You Don't Need Calculus — Just a Lot of Needles

Here's where things get practically interesting. You don't need to solve any integrals to approximate pi. Instead, simply drop a large number of needles onto a lined surface, count how many cross a line, and divide that count by the total number of needles dropped. That ratio should closely approximate 2/π, which you can then rearrange to estimate pi.

In a computer simulation using 100 virtual needles, 66 of them crossed a line — yielding a pi estimate of approximately 3.03. Not perfect, but surprisingly reasonable for such a small sample. Scale that up to 30,000 needles, and the result can be accurate to six decimal places.

## The Monte Carlo Method: Randomness as a Tool

This needle-dropping approach is a real-world example of what scientists call a **Monte Carlo calculation** — a technique that uses random sampling to model complex systems and estimate outcomes that might be mathematically intractable.

The method was formally developed in 1946 during the Manhattan Project to simulate the behavior of nuclear reactions. It was named after the famous Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco, a nod to the role that chance plays in the process.

Today, Monte Carlo simulations are used across a wide range of fields — from modeling gas pressure in thermodynamics to pricing financial derivatives and predicting weather patterns. The power of the technique really comes alive when computers run millions of trials in seconds.

### Buffon's Needles as an Early Random Number Generator

What's perhaps most striking is the realization that Buffon's needle experiment was effectively a mechanical random number generator — two centuries before computers existed. Whether you're physically tossing needles on a kitchen floor or running a digital simulation, the underlying principle is the same: use randomness to reveal a mathematical truth.

In that sense, an 18th-century French naturalist unknowingly laid the groundwork for one of the most powerful computational tools in modern science.

Discover how Buffon's Needle Problem lets you approximate pi by dropping needles on a lined floor — and how it connects to Monte Carlo simulations.

How Dropping Needles on the Floor Approximates Pi

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How Dropping Needles on the Floor Can Help You Calculate Pi

## Travis Kalanick Launches Atoms, a Robotics Company With Big Industrial Ambitions

Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick is making a high-profile return to the technology arena with the launch of a new robotics-focused enterprise called **Atoms**. According to the company's official website, Atoms intends to operate across three distinct sectors: food, mining, and transportation — signaling an ambitious push into industrial automation.

## CloudKitchens Absorbed Into the Atoms Ecosystem

Kalanick's ghost kitchen venture, **CloudKitchens**, will be folded directly into Atoms as part of the consolidation. CloudKitchens, which disrupted the restaurant industry by offering shared commercial kitchen spaces for delivery-only food brands, now becomes a foundational piece of a much larger robotics vision.

While Kalanick has been more forthcoming about the food and mining verticals, precise details on how Atoms plans to break into transportation remain limited for now.

## Specialized Robots, Not Humanoids

Speaking in a live interview with TBPN, Kalanick outlined a focused philosophy behind Atoms' robotics development. The company intends to engineer a **"wheelbase for robots"** — a standardized platform that can be adapted for purpose-built, specialized machines rather than general-purpose humanoid robots.

"Humanoids have their place, but there's a lot of room for specialized robots that do things in an efficient, sort of industrial-scale kind of way, which is sort of where we play," Kalanick explained.

This industrial-first mindset, he suggested, represents the company's core identity. "The industrial thing is sort of like, probably, our main jam," he added.

## Pronto Acquisition Signals Mining Push

To anchor its mining ambitions, Kalanick revealed he is on the verge of acquiring **Pronto**, an autonomous vehicle startup built specifically for industrial and mining environments. Pronto was founded by **Anthony Levandowski**, a former Uber colleague with deep roots in the self-driving vehicle space.

Kalanick disclosed that he is already Pronto's largest individual investor, underscoring a long-standing belief in the company's direction. The acquisition, if completed, would give Atoms immediate access to proven autonomous technology tailored for rugged, off-road industrial conditions.

The Information was first to report that Kalanick had been in discussions to acquire Pronto.

## Uber's Shadow Looms Large

The same report from The Information also noted that Kalanick's new venture may carry **significant financial backing from Uber**, his former company. Sources indicated that Kalanick has expressed a desire to deploy self-driving technology more aggressively than even Waymo, Alphabet's well-funded autonomous vehicle division. Uber has not publicly commented on the matter, and Atoms' website contains no reference to any Uber involvement.

Separately, earlier negotiations that would have seen Kalanick acquire the U.S. operations of Chinese autonomous driving company **Pony AI** — reportedly also with Uber support — have since fallen through, according to The Information.

## A Complicated History With Self-Driving Technology

Kalanick's renewed interest in autonomous vehicles comes with a loaded backstory. Back in 2015, while still leading Uber, he established an internal self-driving division and recruited Levandowski away from Google to spearhead it. That move triggered a high-profile legal battle when Google alleged that Levandowski had stolen proprietary technology related to its self-driving project — the program that would eventually evolve into Waymo.

Uber and Google ultimately reached a settlement, but Levandowski faced criminal prosecution and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. He later received a last-minute pardon from President Trump near the end of his first term in office.

Kalanick stepped down from Uber in 2017 following a wave of internal crises, including widespread allegations of sexual harassment and workplace discrimination that prompted an external investigation resulting in more than 20 employee terminations.

After his departure, Uber continued developing its autonomous technology — until one of its test vehicles fatally struck a pedestrian in 2018. His successor, **Dara Khosrowshahi**, eventually shut down the division and offloaded it to autonomous trucking firm **Aurora** in 2020.

In a candid interview earlier in March 2025, Kalanick openly admitted his regret over Uber's decision to abandon its self-driving program — a sentiment that now appears to be driving his latest entrepreneurial chapter.

## What Comes Next for Atoms

With a robotics platform in development, a ghost kitchen business in tow, a potential acquisition on the horizon, and rumored backing from one of the world's largest ride-hailing companies, Atoms is positioning itself as a serious player in the next wave of industrial automation. Whether Kalanick can translate that ambition into lasting impact remains to be seen — but his return to the frontier of autonomous technology is anything but quiet.

Travis Kalanick unveils Atoms, a robotics company absorbing CloudKitchens and targeting food, mining, and transport with specialized autonomous machines.