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Why the Government is Blocking OpenAI’s Best Models

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  June 26, 2026 at 22:18  |  1:31:16  |  This Week in Startups
Speakers
Jason Calacanis — Angel Investor / Founder, LAUNCH

Summary

Jason Calacanis and Lon Harris interview Lyall Davenport of SKN Systems about his sensor tape that replaces wind tunnels for real-world aerodynamics testing. The news covers the US government blocking OpenAI's new GPT-5.6 models on security grounds, Apple's Vision Pro lead defecting to OpenAI's hardware team, Apple price hikes blamed on chip costs, Mark Cuban urging AI firms to compensate affected communities, and Meta's plans for a points-based prediction market. Off-duty, Jason reveals he is considering buying United Airlines stock because free Starlink Wi-Fi could dramatically boost business travel.

  • SKN Systems pitches sensor tape that captures pressure, temperature, and vibration on vehicles, aiming to replace wind tunnels in motorsports and expand into defense and automotive.
  • US government restricts access to OpenAI's GPT-5.6 models to a few trusted partners; Jason argues the oversight is justified given hacking risks.
  • Apple's Vision Pro VP leaves for OpenAI's hardware unit, signaling Sam Altman's ambition to compete directly with Apple in consumer devices.
  • Apple raises MacBook and iPad prices 15-25% due to DRAM/NAND cost increases; Jason dismisses it as a non-issue for luxury tech buyers.
  • Mark Cuban says AI companies must pay billions directly to communities impacted by data centers and job displacement to avoid backlash.
  • Meta plans a points-based prediction market app called Arena, possibly partnering with Poly Market or Khi, aiming at 18-34 year-olds.
  • Jason expresses intent to buy United Airlines stock, citing free Starlink Wi-Fi as a catalyst to boost business travel preference by up to 50%.
Ideas
Jason Calacanis Angel Investor / Founder, LAUNCH 76:43
United stock will benefit from free Starlink.
United Airlines will be the first major U.S. airline to offer free Starlink Wi-Fi on flights, which will significantly increase business travel demand and customer preference. He estimates business travel could rise by 50%, making United stock a buy at current levels.
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This This Week in Startups video, published June 26, 2026, features Jason Calacanis discussing UAL. 1 trade idea extracted by AI with direction and confidence scoring.

Speakers: Jason Calacanis  · Tickers: UAL