Here’s a roundup of interesting startup links I came across today:
Google Chrome at 17 – A history of our browser
In this write-up, I’ll walk through Chrome’s origins and evolution across these pillars (as best I know them), highlight key milestones (from multi-process architecture to AI-powered features), and share a few behind-the-scenes tidbits along the way. It’s been an incredible journey – one driven by relentless performance improvements, cutting-edge security efforts, and an uncompromising focus on user experience. Let’s dive in!
Manners Matter. Rejection Stings. Silence Corrodes… – CamiKaos
It’s also a disservice… to the individual, yes, but also to the organization itself. When you ghost applicants, or speakers, or volunteers, you aren’t sparing feelings. You’re advertising your own indifference. You’re teaching people that your community doesn’t value communication… that your leadership can’t be trusted with even the smallest act of courtesy.
How Seattle is testing AI to improve public services and streamline operations
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell today announced a “responsible AI plan” that provides guidelines for the municipality’s use of artificial intelligence and its support of the AI tech sector as an economic driver.
Blue Ox Films signs lease for big Portland expansion – Portland Business Journal
“We believe in Portland and what it brings in terms of quality of life and access,” Executive Producer Taylor Kavanaugh told the Business Journal. “And that matters because we are attempting to build one of, if not the, best creative teams in production and entertainment and media.”
Oregon’s business reputation has taken a hit. Are businesses really leaving? • Oregon Capital Chronicle
A report earlier this year from Business Oregon, the state’s economic development agency, alongside researchers at the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement found that 68% of businesses that had been contacted by recruiters did eventually expand out of state. As businesses eye other states for expansion, Oregon loses thousands of potential jobs and private investment.
Humanoid Robots: The Scaling Challenge – IEEE Spectrum
Market requirements for humanoid robots include a slew of extremely dull, extremely critical things like battery life, reliability, and safety. Of these, battery life is the most straightforward—for a robot to usefully do a job, it can’t spend most of its time charging. The next version of Agility’s Digit robot, which can handle payloads of up to 16 kilograms, includes a bulky “backpack” containing a battery with a charging ratio of 10 to 1: The robot can run for 90 minutes, and fully recharge in 9 minutes. Slimmer humanoid robots from other companies must necessarily be making compromises to maintain their svelte form factors.
Portland Linux/Unix Group’s Monthly Linux Clinic » Calagator: Portland’s Tech Calendar
The PLUG Clinic returns again this month on September 21st, from 1pm-5pm, at Willamette University’s space on the 2nd floor of the Ecotrust Building. If you need help with your Linux computer, or want to offer help, you are welcome!
AI Stocks Are Driving This Market Rally. Why It’s Not a Dot-Com Bubble Repeat and 5 Other Things to Know Today. – Barron’s
Baggy jeans are back in fashion, South Park is dominating headlines, and there are worries about a technology bubble. This might sound like we have stepped back in time to the late 1990s but hold off panicking about an artificial-intelligence bust just for now.
California Lawmakers Advance Suite of AI Bills | Global Policy Watch
As the California Legislature’s 2025 session draws to a close, lawmakers have advanced over a dozen AI bills to the final stages of the legislative process, setting the stage for a potential showdown with Governor Gavin Newsom (D). The AI bills, some of which have already passed both chambers, reflect recent trends in state AI regulation nationwide, including AI consumer protection frameworks, guardrails for the use of AI in employment and healthcare, frontier model safety requirements, and chatbot safeguards.
Pennsylvania is ready to lead the AI revolution, Gov. Shapiro says at Pittsburgh summit | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
In one of the most well-attended AI Horizons Summit panels of the day, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro touted the state’s capabilities and commitment to further the development of artificial intelligence.
