AI News, Aug 13, 2026: Google releases Gemini 3.7 Flash with lower pricing and coding upgrades

Today's updates highlight a push toward faster, cheaper models and streamlined user experiences as major players optimize their AI offerings.

1. 01
   Databricks raises $5 billion at a $190 billion valuationTechCrunch

   Databricks secured $5 billion in new funding after overwhelming investor demand pushed the company's valuation to $190 billion.

   Why it matters

   Massive investor interest shows the financial market's continued willingness to fund the expensive infrastructure behind enterprise AI.
2. 02
   OpenAI launches 14x faster Ultrafast mode for GPT-5.6 SolTechCrunch

   OpenAI introduced a preview of an "Ultrafast" API tier for its GPT-5.6 Sol model, delivering up to 750 output tokens per second.

   Why it matters

   Businesses can now build real-time AI applications that generate text up to 14 times faster than before.
3. 03
   Google releases Gemini 3.7 Flash with lower pricing and coding upgradesThe Decoder

   Google launched Gemini 3.7 Flash just three weeks after its previous version, cutting API prices by half and improving performance on coding tasks.

   Why it matters

   Developers get a much cheaper, faster model for coding and agent workflows, cutting costs by 50% compared to its predecessor.
4. 04
   OpenAI replaces chief revenue officer in ongoing leadership shakeupTechCrunch

   OpenAI appointed Wiz president Dali Rajic as its new chief revenue officer, replacing Denise Dresser after nine months in the role.

   Why it matters

   Leadership changes at the top AI lab could shift how the company sells its technology to enterprise clients.
5. 05
   Suno launches Studio 2.0 with MIDI support and chat controlsThe Verge AI

   Suno released Studio 2.0, adding MIDI import and a chat interface that allows users to generate instruments and plugins using text commands.

   Why it matters

   Musicians and creators can now use text prompts to generate MIDI data and control digital audio workstations directly.
6. 06
   Microsoft consolidates Copilot apps and removes experimental featuresTechCrunch

   Microsoft is merging its separate consumer and business Copilot apps into a single interface while retiring features like AI-generated podcasts and its Mico avatar.

   Why it matters

   Users will get a single, simplified Copilot app instead of separate personal and work versions, though some experimental features are gone.
7. 07
   Anthropic adds invisible watermarks to text processed by ClaudeArs Technica

   Anthropic introduced an invisible watermarking system that flags any text processed or edited by its Claude AI model.

   Why it matters

   Users who use Claude to edit or write professional or academic work may face detection issues due to invisible watermarks.
8. 08
   SpaceXAI releases Grok 4.6 with 500K context windowMarkTechPost

   SpaceXAI released Grok 4.6, a post-training upgrade designed for long-running agents and coding that matches top rival models at a lower price point.

   Why it matters

   Provides a highly competitive, cheaper alternative for long-running agent tasks and complex coding.