SpaceX milestone, Apple iPhone 17 event, Anthropic’s Chrome tool, Spotify adds DMs

Important: If you're reading this in the Promotions tab, please drag it to your Inbox and click ‘Yes’ when your email provider asks to do it for future emails.

Piloting Claude for Chrome
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• Anthropic is rolling out a limited, invite-only pilot of a Claude browser extension for Chrome, allowing trusted Max plan users to instruct Claude to interact with web pages—filling forms, clicking links, managing calendars, and handling email-like tasks directly in the browser.

• The goal is to extend Claude’s capabilities into everyday browser workflows, making it more useful by having it "see what you see" and act on your behalf.

• Access is initially limited to about 1,000 users; Anthropic plans to expand availability gradually as they test safety controls and gather feedback.

SpaceX notches major wins during tenth Starship test
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• SpaceX achieved significant progress in its tenth Starship test flight by retaining the upper stage—marking a milestone after several prior failures in that component.

• This success alleviates concerns that SpaceX might otherwise miss key milestones like landing humans on the Moon by mid-2027 or launching new-generation Starlink satellites.

• The flight underscores growing confidence in Starship’s viability, though further advancements are still needed for reusability and mission readiness.

AWS, Microsoft and Google unite behind Linux Foundation DocumentDB database to cut enterprise costs and limit vendor lock-in
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• AWS, Microsoft, and Google have collaborated to support an open-source DocumentDB database project under the Linux Foundation, aiming to create a vendor-neutral alternative to MongoDB.

• This effort is designed to help enterprises reduce costs and mitigate vendor lock-in, particularly important for AI-driven applications using document databases for tasks like chat, context, and memory.

• The move signals a growing trend toward cooperative, open-source infrastructure development among major cloud providers.

Meta to spend tens of millions on pro-AI super PAC
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• Meta is planning to launch a super PAC with a multimillion-dollar budget to back California political candidates who favor minimal AI regulation.

• This aligns Meta with other tech leaders, such as Andreessen Horowitz and OpenAI’s Greg Brockman, who are also funding pro-AI PACs with around $100 million in total.

• The initiative reflects the escalating political engagement by Silicon Valley firms in shaping future AI governance.

Apple’s iPhone 17 launch event is set for September 9th
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• Apple has scheduled its iPhone 17 launch event for September 9, 2025, at the Steve Jobs Theater.

• Rumors suggest a new sleek “iPhone 17 Air” with a 6.6-inch display, fewer camera lenses, and a Google-Pixel-style rear camera bar; the event is expected to unveil iOS 26 with a “Liquid Glass” UI and enhanced Apple Intelligence features, especially for Siri.

• This redesign is viewed as part of a long-term modernization strategy, paving the way for foldable devices and a special 20th-Anniversary iPhone expected in 2027.

Spotify is adding DMs
(Click 👆️ to read more)

• Spotify is launching a new direct messaging (DM) feature that lets users share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly within the app. It’s rolling out this week in select markets on mobile—for both Free and Premium users aged 16 and older.

• The messaging interface is reached through the Now Playing share icon and includes a Messages inbox with text, emoji reactions, and industry-standard encryption. Users can accept/reject message requests, block users, opt out, and report harmful content.

• Spotify highlights that this social feature is meant to complement, not replace, existing platforms like Instagram or WhatsApp—and making it available to free users could be a major step in fostering in-app social interaction.