Growth Notes

Slate Auto has officially priced its minimalist electric pickup at $24,950, making it one of the least expensive new electric vehicles expected to reach the U.S. market. The startup, backed by Jeff Bezos, says deliveries are still planned for late 2026 after receiving more than 180,000 reservations.

Keeping the price low means cutting back on features that have become standard in most new vehicles. The base truck comes with manual windows, no built-in infotainment system or radio, and a simple interior focused on practicality. Instead, buyers can customize the truck over time with more than 200 optional accessories, including kits that can even convert it into an SUV.

The truck offers an estimated 205 miles of range, a single rear-wheel-drive motor, and access to Tesla's Supercharger network through the NACS charging standard. While the concept has attracted plenty of interest, the real test will come once production begins and the company proves it can build the vehicles at scale.

My Thoughts:

Apple is giving Siri its most significant overhaul in years, turning the assistant into a much more conversational AI that can understand context, follow longer discussions, and help complete tasks across apps. The new version, called Siri AI, is deeply integrated with Apple's broader Apple Intelligence platform and is designed to feel less like a voice command tool and more like an actual digital assistant.

One of the biggest changes is Siri's ability to draw on personal information—such as messages, emails, photos, and what's currently on screen—to answer questions and help users get things done. Apple says it can locate information across apps, perform actions between apps, and maintain the flow of a conversation without constantly needing to be reminded of the context.

The project also reflects Apple's effort to catch up in the AI race after delays and criticism that Siri had fallen behind competitors. To accelerate the reboot, Apple has incorporated Google's Gemini technology while continuing to emphasize privacy protections through on-device processing and its Private Cloud Compute system.

My Comment:

Stellantis laid out a huge plan for its U.S. brands, and it sounds like Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep are all getting major shakeups over the next few years. The company says it wants to launch a bunch of new vehicles by 2030, including cheaper models aimed at bringing prices back under $40k and even under $30k in some cases.

Chrysler is apparently getting a full refresh with new SUVs like the Arrow and Arrow Cross, while Dodge is leaning back into muscle-car territory with a new coupe and more SRT versions. Ram is expanding its truck lineup with compact and midsize pickups like the Rampage and Dakota, plus more performance-focused trucks. Jeep also has new plans for the Cherokee, Recon, and a Wrangler-based Scrambler pickup.

A lot of the strategy seems focused on fixing complaints that Stellantis drifted too far into expensive vehicles while sales slid. They’re also still pushing EVs and hybrid tech pretty hard, but alongside traditional gas models instead of replacing them outright.

Homeowners in Cambridge are encouraged to take a careful, step-by-step approach when choosing a renovation contractor.

The guide points to basics like checking licensing, insurance, past work, references, and written quotes before making a decision. It also stresses clear communication, realistic timelines, and knowing who will manage the project day to day.

Rather than choosing based only on the lowest price, the piece suggests comparing what each contractor actually includes, from materials and labour to permits, inspections, and warranty support.

DJI has launched two new beginner-focused drones, the Lito 1 and Lito X1. Both weigh 249g and are aimed at first-time pilots who want simple flying, solid camera features, and fewer crash worries.

The Lito 1 starts at £299, while the higher-end Lito X1 starts at £369. Both offer 4K video, 48MP stills, subject tracking, and up to 36 minutes of flight time, with the X1 adding a larger sensor, LiDAR, internal storage, and stronger safety features.

The series appears to be taking over DJI’s entry-level space from the Mini line, though US availability has not been confirmed yet.

Oakville homeowners usually do not need constant window cleaning, but the local weather can make glass get cloudy faster than expected. Spring pollen, fall debris, winter salt, and lake moisture all add up, so a lot of homes end up needing a more seasonal routine.

The piece suggests twice a year as a solid baseline, usually in spring and fall. Homes near busy roads, construction, or heavy tree cover may need three or four cleanings a year instead, especially if dirt and residue build up quickly on the outside glass.

Instagram has introduced a small but long-requested feature: users can now edit their comments after posting them. The catch is that there’s a 15-minute window to make any changes before the comment becomes permanent.

Within that time, comments can be edited multiple times, making it easier to fix typos or rephrase something without deleting and reposting. Once edited, a small “edited” label appears, though there’s no visible history of what the comment originally said.

The feature works across posts and Reels and is rolling out on mobile apps. It mirrors a similar editing option Instagram added to direct messages earlier, also limited to a short time window.

The Canadian government has announced an increase to the federal minimum wage, raising it to keep pace with inflation. The adjustment is part of a yearly update tied to the Consumer Price Index, which is meant to help workers maintain their purchasing power as costs rise.

The new rate will apply to employees in federally regulated private sectors, such as banking, telecommunications, and interprovincial transportation. If a province or territory has a higher minimum wage, employers are still required to pay the higher local rate.

Officials framed the increase as part of a broader effort to support low-income workers, especially as living expenses continue to climb across the country.