Writer Launches New AI Model Aimed at Reducing Token Costs
Writer has introduced a new AI model built as a post-training variation on Z.ai's open source model GLM-5.2, according to TechCrunch. Alongside the model, Writer released an upgraded harness designed to help contain token costs for enterprise deployments. Writer says the new system is intended to provide deployment-ready capabilities at a significantly lower price point than comparable offerings. The move reflects a broader industry push to make production-grade AI more economically accessible for businesses operating at scale.
Databricks Closes $5B Funding Round at $190B Valuation
Databricks has closed a $5 billion funding round at a $190 billion valuation, TechCrunch reports. CEO Ali Ghodsi said the company originally intended to raise $1 billion, but investor demand was strong enough that the final figure came in far higher — with some investors reportedly pushing for as much as $15 billion. Ghodsi noted to TechCrunch that AI infrastructure remains expensive, and the additional capital reflects the level of confidence investors are placing in the data and AI platform space. The round marks one of the larger private funding events in recent AI industry history.
OpenAI Unveils Ultrafast Mode for GPT-5.6 Sol
OpenAI has launched a preview of a new "Ultrafast" mode for GPT-5.6 Sol, its latest flagship model, according to TechCrunch. The company says the mode enables the model to operate at approximately 14 times its standard speed. OpenAI is positioning the capability as part of an effort to attract enterprise users who require lower latency at scale. The preview release suggests the feature is still in early availability, with a broader rollout likely to follow based on feedback from enterprise partners and developers.
IBM and OpenAI Form Enterprise AI Partnership
IBM and OpenAI have announced a partnership aimed at accelerating enterprise AI adoption, TechCrunch reports. As part of the agreement, IBM plans to train and certify tens of thousands of its consultants on OpenAI's technologies. The partnership is framed as an effort to bolster IBM's enterprise AI push by combining its large global consulting footprint with OpenAI's model capabilities. The deal signals continued momentum in enterprise-focused AI service delivery, as major technology companies look to build out professional services ecosystems around leading AI platforms.
These developments collectively reflect a busy period across the AI industry, with activity spanning model efficiency, large-scale infrastructure investment, speed improvements to frontier models, and expanding enterprise partnerships.