Tech
Discord users breach access controls to reach Anthropic’s Mythos model
A recent security incident involving Anthropic has highlighted just how fragile the safeguards around advanced AI systems can be. A Wired report suggests that a small group of users, operating through private Discord channels, managed to gain unauthorized access to the company’s highly restricted Mythos AI model – an experimental system designed for cybersecurity applications.
A Breach That Exposes Bigger Risks Around AI Control
The incident appears to have occurred almost immediately after Mythos was made available to a limited group of trusted partners. According to multiple reports, the unauthorized users gained access through a third-party vendor environment, rather than directly breaching Anthropic’s core systems.
Some accounts suggest that members of a private Discord community were able to exploit access permissions or identify entry points using publicly exposed information, effectively bypassing restrictions placed on the model.
Importantly, there is no confirmed evidence that the system was used for malicious activity. In fact, reports indicate that the users interacted with the model in relatively limited ways. Still, the fact that access was obtained at all is the real story.
Mythos itself is not just another AI model. It is designed to identify vulnerabilities in software systems and simulate cyberattacks – making it one of the most sensitive AI tools currently under development. That dual-use capability is precisely why access was tightly restricted in the first place.
Why This Incident Matters Beyond One Breach
At a glance, this might seem like a contained security lapse. In reality, it underscores a broader issue facing the AI industry: control is becoming harder than capability.
AI models like Mythos are built to find weaknesses in systems, which means that in the wrong hands, they could accelerate cyberattacks rather than prevent them. Researchers and officials have already warned that such tools could pose significant risks if misused, given their ability to automate complex attack chains.
What makes this case particularly notable is how the breach happened. It wasn’t a sophisticated hack targeting core infrastructure. Instead, it appears to have leveraged gaps in the surrounding ecosystem—contractors, permissions, and access management.
That distinction matters. It suggests that securing advanced AI isn’t just about the model itself, but the entire environment around it.
Why It Should Matter To You
For everyday users, this incident may feel distant, but its implications are closer than they seem.
AI systems like Mythos are being developed to secure everything from browsers to financial systems. If those same tools are exposed prematurely or improperly controlled, the risk shifts from defensive to potentially offensive.
Even without malicious intent, unauthorized access introduces uncertainty. It raises questions about how well companies can protect technologies that are increasingly critical to digital infrastructure.
In simpler terms, if AI is being built to protect the internet, it needs to be protected first.
What Happens Next For Anthropic And AI Security
Anthropic has already launched an investigation into the incident and has stated that the breach was limited to a third-party environment, with no evidence of broader system compromise.
However, the timing of the breach – coinciding with the model’s early rollout – will likely intensify scrutiny around how such systems are tested and shared. Regulators and industry bodies are already paying close attention to high-risk AI models, and incidents like this only add urgency to those discussions.
Going forward, expect stricter access controls, tighter vendor oversight, and potentially new frameworks for handling sensitive AI tools. Because if this episode proves anything, it’s that the challenge is no longer just building powerful AI – it’s keeping it contained.
Tech
SVS Sound R|Evolution Experience Tour 2026 Brings Full System Demos to Three U.S. Cities in April and May
SVS isn’t sitting back and hoping a product page does the heavy lifting. The Ohio-based speaker and subwoofer maker is taking a far more direct route in April and May 2026 with its Sound R|Evolution Experience, a three-city tour built around live demos, real conversations, and zero patience for passive marketing. Stops in St. Louis, Atlanta, and Paramus, New Jersey will host in-store events where attendees can hear multiple two-channel systems and a full Dolby Atmos home theater setup in action.
Leading the charge will be SVS President Gary Yacoubian, Vice President Nick Brown, and key members of the SVS team alongside local dealer staff offering presentations, setup advice, and a closer look at what’s coming next. The focus isn’t subtle: SVS will be showcasing its latest Ultra Evolution speaker lineup, subwoofer innovations tied to the R|Evolution platform, and complete system integration across both stereo and immersive Dolby Atmos home theater environments.
And because showing up matters, but giving people a reason to stay doesn’t hurt either, SVS is stacking the table. Giveaways include a $2,000 stereo system built around Ultra Evolution speakers and a $10,000 5.1.2-channel home theater package with a 4K UHD TV and AV receiver, along with additional prizes and SVS swag.
All events are free, open to the public, and yes, there will be light refreshments because even the most hardened audiophile makes better decisions when fed. Although Paramus attendees have plenty of options on Route 17 in Bergen County once their bodies recover from the bone-shattering bass. Jersey diners for the win.
It’s aggressive, it’s hands-on, and it’s exactly how it should be done. Instead of hiding behind Instagram posts and the 29th YouTube review this week of the same product, SVS is putting its people and products in the same room as actual listeners and letting the systems do the talking.
For those who can’t attend in person, SVS will also broadcast each event live on the SVS Facebook Page and YouTube Channel with separate giveaways for those who tune in and leave a comment.
How to Register for the SVS Sound R|Evolution Experience Tour
Attendees can RSVP at the links below.
Each event will have live demonstrations of the SVS Ultra Evolution Speakers, R|Evolution Subwoofers, Prime Wireless Pro audio gear, and more. SVS will provide “Experience Zones” that include an immersive Dolby Atmos home theater system, audiophile stereo set-up, budget wireless audio systems, and more.
“There’s simply no substitute for experiencing world-class speakers and subwoofers in person. The scale, the emotion, the way sound fills a room and pulls you into the moment. Events like this are about bringing that to life and giving people a chance to feel what’s possible in their homes,” said Nick Brown, VP of Marketing, SVS “It’s also about connecting with the SVS community over shared passions for music and movies and shining a spotlight on some of the premier A/V retailers in the country. We’re waking people up to the joys of great sound!”
The SVS Sound R|Evolution Experience has been touring the United States for nearly a decade, with previous stops at ListenUp in Denver; NFM in Dallas, Omaha, and Kansas City; IQ Home Entertainment in Washington, D.C.; World Wide Stereo in Philadelphia; Huppin’s in Spokane, WA; Abt Electronics in Chicago; Gramophone in Baltimore; and elsewhere. Since launching the series, SVS has hosted more than 65 events with over 14,000 attendees.
Pro Tip: Upcoming events are being planned for San Antonio and Minnesota.
The Bottom Line
Buying speakers or a subwoofer isn’t a spec-sheet decision, no matter how many tabs you’ve got open. You need to hear the gear, in a real room, with people who actually know how to set it up and that’s where this tour earns its keep. SVS is bringing complete systems, experienced staff, and enough time for actual conversations, not five minute demos.
If you’re anywhere near St. Louis, Atlanta, or Paramus, this is an easy call. You’ll get hands-on listening across stereo and Dolby Atmos setups, practical setup advice, and a chance to ask questions without someone rushing you out the door. And if SVS isn’t your final choice? You still walk away knowing what to listen for and what to avoid.
And if those cities don’t line up, don’t panic — SVS is already planning additional stops in San Antonio and Minnesota, so the roadshow isn’t done yet.
Not everyone can make the two dozen global hi-fi shows in 2026. This is the opposite of that chaos. Smaller rooms. No elevator purgatory. No media camped out in the sweet spot like they’ve claimed squatter’s rights. Just gear, your ears, and a much clearer path to making the right call.
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Photo credit: Top Gear
Top Gear recently took the F-26 from Gunther Werks for a spin and came away convinced of what a beast of a car it truly is. The F-26, based on the 993 generation Porsche 911, gives the iconic slantnose design a makeover, filling it with a lot of the technology you’d expect in a high-end supercar that works just as well on the track as it does on the road.
Every panel and door in the car is constructed of carbon fiber. The original pop-up headlights have been replaced with fixed ones that just slice through the air. They’ve also added some substantial ventilation to keep the car’s air-cooled 4.0-liter flat six (designed in partnership with Rothsport Racing) cool, which now produces 1067 horsepower (on E85) or 880 (on standard high-octane), with 750lbft of torque. Not only that, but the airflow over it has been more than doubled when compared to a regular engine in order to keep temperatures down. To add to the loudness, they’ve installed a large 6-speed manual transmission with a limited slip differential that sends everything to the rear wheels.
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The F-26 is also not particularly heavy, weighing only 2750 pounds thanks to the carbon panels, magnesium wheels, and some clever wiring choices. The front suspension is double wishbone, with multilink in the back, and electronic JRZ dampers are used to absorb bumps. Big ceramic discs, 381mm up front and 355mm at the back, are clamped down by six-piston and four-piston calipers, all wrapped up in some 18inch wide Continental tires.
Inside, the exposed carbon fiber is offset by some beautiful leather and Alcantara in the seats and headliner. The wheel is a robust piece of kit, with a fighter jet-inspired wing design that feels natural in the hands, and a wooden knob on the shifter adds a touch of luxury. There’s a beautiful dramatic red roll cage running through the car, as well as a Porsche vintage radio that blends in with the rest of the style and includes Apple CarPlay.
Production is limited to only 26 units total, and each one is built to order. However, this does not imply that each one is made using the same old parts; instead, the F-26’s owners have complete control over their vehicle, so each one is unique.
Kameirah Johnson, a senior at Seattle’s Lakeside School, is one of five students nationwide whose artwork will appear on the Google homepage later this month, after being selected as a finalist in the annual Doodle for Google contest.
The contest, which drew tens of thousands of submissions from K-12 students, invited entrants to interpret the theme, “My superpower is …” through original artwork. Kameirah, 18, of Renton, Wash., created a piece centered on hair as a symbol of identity and inherited strength.
The work depicts three figures — inspired by Kameirah, her mother Simone, and her sister Kalieyah — lying in the grass, their hair styled as crowns.
Her artist’s statement reads: “My superpower is my hair and the family history it carries. Each texture and style holds culture, care, and survival passed down without words. Lying in the grass, our crowns rest without weakening. This kinky hair refuses conformity; it makes us different. Shaped by our lineage, our hair is undeniably beautiful.”
Kameirah said she spent more than 40 hours on the piece, often staying up late to work on it. She drew on her own photography and old family albums, including film photos her grandmother has preserved for years.
“I often take inspiration from my own photography or from old family photos,” she said. “Using those images as references, I incorporate elements of my family into my art as a way to honor my lineage.”
Kameirah’s path to art started early, watching her older sister draw. She began sketching as a child, but got more serious during COVID, experimenting with pastels and charcoal. A turning point came freshman year, when she completed her first acrylic painting — a portrait of Stevie Wonder — for a school art show. She now works primarily in oils and acrylics, though her Doodle was created digitally.
Kameirah’s artistic pursuits stretch beyond her painting. She’s a dancer, plays bass guitar in a cover band, collects records, and makes short films.
In the fall, she’ll head to NYU to study economics and studio arts, with an eye toward the intersection of art and business. She hopes to own a gallery someday.
The five finalists’ artwork will appear on the Google homepage on April 28. The public can vote for a favorite through April 29, with the overall winner announced May 12. Kameirah has already secured a $10,000 college scholarship and a Chromebook. If she wins the top prize, that total jumps to $55,000, and her school would receive a $50,000 technology package.
Now in its 17th year, the Doodle for Google contest has attracted Seattle-area winners in the past. Mahee Chandrasekhar, a ninth grader at Redmond High School, was the Washington state winner in the 16th contest. In 2023, sixth-grader Rebecca Wu of the International School in Bellevue, had her artwork recognized.
Judges this year include NBA All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and 2025 National Teacher of the Year Ashlie Crosson.
Tech
OpenAI’s Sam Altman apologizes for not reporting ChatGPT account of Tumbler Ridge suspect to police
Two months following the deadly shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, OpenAI’s Sam Altman has formally apologized for not informing police of the alarming ChatGPT conversations seen with the suspect’s account. Before the incident, OpenAI banned the account belonging to the alleged shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, for violating its usage policy due to potential for real-world violence.
“I am deeply sorry that we did not alert law enforcement to the account that was banned in June,” Altman wrote in the letter. “While I know words can never be enough, I believe an apology is necessary to recognize the harm and irreversible loss your community has suffered.”
Altman noted in the letter, which was published in full by Tumbler RidgeLines, that he spoke with both Darryl Krakowa, Tumbler Ridge’s mayor, and David Eby, the British Columbia premier, and agreed that a “public apology was necessary, but that time was also needed to respect the community as you grieved.”
Eby, who also highlighted Altman’s letter in his post on X, agreed that the “apology is necessary,” but added that it was “grossly insufficient for the devastation done to the families of Tumbler Ridge.” Moving ahead, Altman reaffirmed in the letter that OpenAI would “find ways to prevent tragedies like this in the future” and work with all levels of government to prevent something like this from happening again. Altman’s latest commitment builds on the previous letter from OpenAI’s vice president of global policy Ann O’Leary, who said the company would notify authorities if it finds “imminent and credible” threats in ChatGPT conversations.
Mixing concrete for industrial purposes often requires heavy machinery. Specifically designed trucks are used to prepare the mixture, the volume of which is determined by a calculator. It is then poured to lay everything from a city sidewalk to a residential driveway. But there’s more to the process, as workers often follow the 90-minute rule, which means that prepared concrete must be emptied from the mixing truck within 90 minutes after mixing begins.
The reason for this is due to how the mix behaves over time. A concrete mix is kept fresh with a consistent texture thanks to the spinning cement truck. The truck does its job by preparing the concrete to be poured, and once it’s ready, the operator can release it accordingly. But after the 90-minute window closes, the mix isn’t what it used to be and if poured after the fact, there’s no guarantee it will set properly.
The 90-minute mix time keeps the cement loose, and easily workable, as the hydration process takes place. Without that process, the cement would become less fluid and eventually it could get firm, essentially “setting” in the truck’s mixer. However, temperature fluctuations can also cause the same effect. Moisture loss is another problem for the mixer’s contents, as it can directly affect how easily the concrete is poured. In the end, the longer the mix is in the truck, the more challenging everything becomes.
Concrete timing is more flexible than it used to be
The 90-minute rule regarding the mixing of concrete has been in place since around the 1930s. It is a long-standing guideline set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). In fact, ASTM C94 governs ready-mix concrete standards used throughout the United States in construction projects. The rule has been well established over time thanks to both building codes and state highway associations. It was originally based on older production methods, as well as shorter transportation distances overall.
But the 90-minute rule isn’t as rigid as it was once. That’s because today’s standards allow for more flexibility based on the actual condition of the concrete at the time of placement. As of this writing, updated ASTM guidance no longer enforces a strict time limit. Any adjustments are instead allowed during transportation or at the job site itself. As long as the concrete meets its required expectations, workers can safely pour and it should be effective.
Because of this different approach, and due to preexisting standards under ASTM C94, the 90-minute rule is mostly connected to ready-mixed concrete instead of hand mixing. So even if you’re using a portable mixer or doing it yourself by hand, there’s no real hard and fast rule like the truck delivery standard. Of course, wet concrete mix shouldn’t remain in a holding state for long as it will eventually begin to harden.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, producer Christopher McQuarrie and collaborators pitched a feature film adaptation of EA’s Battlefield series to studios and streaming services this week. McQuarrie is expected to write, direct, and produce the project, while Oscar-winning actor Michael B. Jordan (Sinners) is reportedly in talks to produce and…
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Making an iPhone or iPad is a global effort, with companies across North America, Europe, and Asia contributing to every stage of the process. Here’s how it all fits into place.
Apple products are assembled in multiple countries.
Apple relies on multiple supply chain partners, with assembly plants located throughout the world. The United States’ ever-changing tariff policies throughout 2025 affected everyone, from consumers to corporations. It made us more aware of where a given product was made.
While the average person had to figure out the extra fees they had to pay for orders from China, Apple had to find ways of diversifying its already complex supply chain.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
Foldable phones have spent years asking you to accept tradeoffs, but the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is the clearest sign yet that the category has finally grown up and stopped apologising for itself.
That confidence is well-timed, because the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is currently down from $1,999.99 to $1,599.99 at Amazon, saving you $400 on one of the most fully realised foldables Samsung has built.
The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is now available for under $1600
For anyone who has been waiting for a foldable that genuinely earns that price, this $400 discount makes the timing difficult to argue with.
The most immediate upgrade over its predecessor is physical: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is 3.2mm thinner and 24g lighter when folded, which means it finally sits in a jacket pocket without announcing itself.
That slimmer profile doesn’t come at the expense of screen real estate either, since the inner display still stretches to eight inches at 2520 x 1080 across an AMOLED panel running at a 120Hz refresh rate.
The 6.5-inch cover display deserves particular attention here, because it’s wide enough to handle most day-to-day tasks without ever needing to unfold the phone, which changes how the device actually feels to carry and use.
Camera is where the Galaxy Z Fold Z makes its most significant generational leap, with a 200MP main sensor arriving on a Fold for the first time, paired with a ProVisual Engine for processing that keeps detail sharp even in challenging light.
Powering all of this is the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip customised for Galaxy, which Samsung claims delivers 38% faster CPU performance and 41% quicker AI processing compared to previous Galaxy Z Fold models.
That AI muscle feeds directly into the software experience, with Google Gemini integration allowing you to go live with the camera for real-time assistance, share your screen for contextual help, or point at something on screen for an instant explanation.
Durability has been reinforced through Armor Aluminum framing and Corning Gorilla Glass Ceramic 2 on the display, with the hinge rated to at least 200,000 folds, which Samsung equates to roughly ten years of average use.
At $1,599.99, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 remains a premium commitment, but for anyone who has been waiting for a foldable that genuinely earns that price rather than asking for patience, this $400 discount makes the timing difficult to argue with.
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When it comes to car maintenance, it can be easy to miss crucial tasks that can drastically improve the longevity of your vehicle, like routine oil changes. It comes with the mental load of choosing the right oil filter brand and risking damage to your property with an oil spill. Plus, the cost of necessary equipment and parts, like automotive jacks and creepers, can be expensive, and you may not have the space to accommodate them.
However, there are still a lot of valid reasons why you may want to still do it yourself. It’s always a good idea to develop car maintenance skills, especially if you want to be the kind of person who doesn’t need to rely on other people in an emergency.
While it’s not always the most cost-effective way of doing things, if you decide to take the DIY route, we’ve made a step-by-step guide that you can follow. That said, what you lack in skill, you may be able to make up for with the right tools. Through some strategic shopping, you can avoid some common oil change issues. To help you, we’ve taken note of some clever finds that people swear by. We also let you know our methodology for how we’ve narrowed down our selection and why we chose them at the end.
TEC Products FlexAll Long Flexible Funnels
The first thing you’ll need for an oil change, is a way to get the oil into the engine, and that starts with a funnel like the TEC Products FlexAll Long Flexible Funnels. Available in two sizes (small and large) its prices range between $24.99 to $34.99. If you’re not sure what size to get, it’s important to reflect on whether you need high volume or want the compactness for tighter spaces.
When not stretched out, the small model measures 12 inches in length with a 4-inch cone and spout that is 0.53 inches. On the other hand, the large option is 16 inches in length with a significantly wider 5.3-inch cone mouth and 0.71-inch spout. You can also trim the outlet to your desired size.
Made for heavy-duty automotive use, you can safely use it for all kinds of automotive liquids from oil, ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, and hydraulic fluid. Since it’s made of nitrile rubber, it can be cleaned with just warm soapy water after every use.
Listed as an Amazon’s Choice Product, more than 1,400 people rated it around 4.6 stars. A Made in the USA product, 72% of users rated it a perfect rating with most people saying it meets expectations. But while only 3% thought it was 1-star material, there were some disappointed customers who commented that it melted in the heat, was too thin, and the wind blows it away too easily.
WORKPRO Oil Filter Wrench
To help you grip your automotive oil filters more effectively, the WORKPRO Oil Filter wrench set is for you. If you just want the 12-inch model, it retails for $13.05. But if you want the set that includes both the 9-inch and 12-inch models, you’ll only need to shell out $17.99 for both. If you’re wondering which option to get, the 9-inch variant has a jaw capacity between 1-3/4 -inches to 3 inches, while the 12-inch model can fit 2-½-inch to 3-¾-inch. Either way, both sizes are made of heat-treated carbon steel with a soft grip handle.
In general, WORKPRO is known to be a pretty reliable brand when it comes to hand tools. In fact, we’ve recommended everything from its pliers sets to big mechanics tool sets. Knowing this, it’s unsurprising that this particular oil filter wrench offers also fares pretty well with an average rating of 4.6 stars from 1,700+ Amazon customers.
An Amazons’ Choice product, an impressive 77% of users thought it was worth giving a perfect rating. In general, people think that it grips well and a good alternative to strap wrenches. But take note, the 4% of buyers who were unhappy enough to rate it a single star said it had problems with rusting, not locking, and slipping.
Drymate Oil Spill Mat
Made to prevent all sorts of liquids from staining your garage floors, the Drymate Oil Spill Mat is made of 2 layers. First, it has a polyester fabric that absorbs any oil, brake fluid, or coolant that falls on it. Second, it has a slip-resistant backing, which it’s soft enough that you can lie on top of it if you need to get to work on your car. As for regular maintenance, you can use soap and water to clean any residue off and simply hang it to dry. While there are hundreds of cheaper products out there, this one is made for those patriotic environmentalists, because it’s both Made in the USA and built with recycled fibers.
With prices that start at $15.99, it comes in different sizes and even has versions made to be garage floor runners and mats. For the 36-inch by 59-inch XL mats, you can get a pair for $39.99 (around $20 each) or a dozen for $199.99 (around $16.70 per unit). It can also be cut to fit your preferred sizes. Apart from being an Amazon’s Choice product, the oil spill mats have collectively been both a highly rated and popular product. As of April 2026, more than 7,000 people have rated it 4.5 stars on average.
Capri Tools Portable Oil Drain Pan
Available in two colors (black and green), the price for the Capri Tools Portable Oil Drain Pans starts at just under $29.99. With a capacity of 4.5 gallons, the polyethylene drain pan has features like an anti-splash lip and molded handle. Measuring 23 inches by 29 inches by 6 inches, it has a 1-inch diameter spout that can be used to prevent accidental spills. it’s also stackable and weighs just 2.5 pounds, so you can easily store a few of them in your garage. Or you can use the front hole to hang it up.
Aside from being an Amazon’s Choice product, it has an impressive ratio in terms of satisfied customers. So far, over 2,500+ Amazon buyers have rated it 4.8 stars on average with a whopping 88% giving it a perfect 5-star rating. In general, people often praise its user-friendly design and capacity.
Among satisfied reviewers, some mentioned that it works great for large oil changes, such as trucks. Others shared that the product works for years with no problems. Perhaps it’s even more impressive is not a single user has rated it 1-star. Although some 3-star reviews note that it doesn’t pour as cleanly when it’s too full and doesn’t let you put the old filter in the pan. Alternatively, if you don’t really need the large capacity, Capri Tools also offers a 2 Gallon model for $24.99.
EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump
For people who don’t want to crawl under their cars anymore, the EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump helps you avoid having to jack up your car, as well the risks of getting oil stains on your new shirt by skipping risky part of transferring the oil from your pan. It comes with a 6L oil container, hose set, pump handle, sealing cap, and pour spout. Apart from its 59-inch clear hose, it also has a 42-inch flexible metal probe. While it’s not meant for fluids hotter than 175°F, you can use it for other kinds of liquids, like coolant and power steering fluids. It’s also fit for other vehicles, like boats, jet skis, motorcycles, and even lawnmowers.
Priced at $49.99, the EWK Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump has generated an average rating of 4.5 stars from more than 1,500 Amazon customers. An Amazon’s Choice product, around 79% of users rated it a perfect 5 stars with many saying it was simple to use, affordable, and multi-purpose, since you can use it for other vehicles apart from your car. Among satisfied customers, they mentioned that it works well with correcting over-filling.” Although, there a few peppered complaints with 6% of users rating it a single star, such as people wishing the reservoir had a cap, issues with vinyl flaking, and concerns about durability.
Methodology
We scoured the internet to find products that address different issues that we all tend to encounter during the oil change process. In particular, we looked for options that helped make the process more efficient and to reduce the expected clean up afterwards. Next, we chose products that have been rated at least 4.5 stars by more than a thousand users. Then, we made sure to only include tools that more than 70% have given a perfect rating and less than 10% rating it a single star.
Lastly, we mentioned specific issues that people have raised, so you can manage your expectations regarding their performance. While it didn’t impact their inclusion on this list, we also shared if the product was listed as made in the USA, which may matter to people who want to support local products. We also took note if they’ve been tagged as Amazon’s Choice products.
Brev, a startup with roots in Seattle’s tech community, has raised $3.3 million in pre-seed funding for its AI tools that automatically track how companies are performing against goals.
The company’s AI agents join standups, business reviews, and other internal meetings, then automatically update goals and flag risks. Brev also pulls data from tools like Slack, Jira, and Salesforce, generates agendas, and tracks follow-through on action items.
Overall, the idea is to replace manual coordination that often slows teams down.
“Everything is grounded in quotes from participants, which keeps the AI accurate and unlocks context that would otherwise be lost across hundreds of meetings every quarter,” explained Brev CEO and co-founder Chris Pitchford in an email this week.
Pitchford is a serial startup founder and a former executive at Ally, a Seattle goal-tracking startup that Microsoft acquired in 2021. He founded Brev with CTO Vic Hu, a former senior engineer at Meta and engineering manager at Indeed. Benn Graham is founding engineer.
Its pre-seed funding, announced Wednesday, was led by Resolute Ventures, with participation from ShuckerVC, Duro VC, Gaingels, and FOG Ventures. Brev plans to use the money to expand its engineering team and deepen integrations with business tools its customers use.
When GeekWire first reported on Brev in October 2024, it was bootstrapped and pitching itself as a “business performance OS.” Since then, it has launched a self-serve product with usage-based pricing, and started working with companies including RecordPoint, Flex, and Patlytics.
The company competes in a space that includes goal-tracking and performance-management software, along with a growing wave of AI meeting assistants. In effect, Brev is aiming to bridge those two segments, connecting what happens in meetings to larger company goals rather than treating them as separate workflows.
Notably, Microsoft discontinued Viva Goals in 2025, the successor to Ally, the company where Pitchford was previously an exec, leaving a gap in the market that Brev could help fill.
Brev’s longer-term goals include moving beyond tracking into actively driving execution for its customers, with AI that coordinates across teams and tools.
The company is based in San Francisco, where Pitchford is now located, with Hu based in the Seattle area and Graham in Toronto. It has contractors across multiple time zones and is hiring.
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SVS Sound R|Evolution Experience Tour 2026 Brings Full System Demos to Three U.S. Cities in April and May
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