Tech News Digest: Wednesday, 29 July 2026

Today in tech, we're seeing AI move from experimental software to London streets, while industry leaders are beginning to rethink the breakneck speed of development. From new productivity tools for your wrist to massive security deals, here is the news you need to know this Wednesday.

Lyft and Baidu enter London’s robotaxi battleground as testing begins

Baidu's Apollo Go autonomous vehicles are heading to the capital via the Freenow network, marking a major escalation in the race for UK driverless transport. It’s a significant moment for Londoners, as we're finally seeing global heavyweights test their tech on our notoriously tricky streets.

Fish Audio raises $52M to scale AI voice models for creators

This massive seed round highlights the booming demand for high-quality, open-source voice cloning tools that creators and businesses are using to streamline content production. For anyone with a side hustle in video or podcasting, this startup is becoming a key player in making professional-grade audio far more accessible.

Granola brings its AI note-taking magic to the Apple Watch

The popular AI meeting assistant is ditching the laptop and heading to your wrist, allowing users to record and transcribe conversations on the go. It’s a brilliant bit of kit for productivity junkies who want to capture ideas or meeting minutes without the friction of pulling out a phone or MacBook.

Cyera acquires Oasis Security for $1B to protect AI agents

As companies increasingly deploy autonomous AI agents to handle tasks, the security risks associated with these "non-human identities" are sky-rocketing. This billion-dollar deal shows just how seriously the industry is taking the threat of AI bots being hijacked or mismanaged within corporate networks.

OpenAI’s Sam Altman signals a shift toward AI "deceleration"

In a surprising turn of events, the OpenAI CEO has expressed a willingness to slow down development following a "visceral" security incident. It’s a noteworthy pivot that suggests even the biggest advocates for rapid AI advancement are starting to feel the weight of the safety risks involved.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more updates from the world of tech—stay safe and stay curious.