1. Former executives from Squad and Twitter have raised $7 million to build a hardware-based AI assistant. The startup, called Orion, aims to create a device that can handle a wide range of tasks, from scheduling to research and analysis. The founders, Sima Gandhi and Priya Kasireddy, have extensive experience in the tech industry and are aiming to create a more capable and user-friendly AI assistant than what is currently available on the market.

2. Orion's hardware-focused approach sets it apart from other AI assistants, which are primarily software-based. The company believes that by integrating the AI capabilities directly into a physical device, they can create a more seamless and intuitive user experience. The device is expected to have advanced natural language processing and machine learning capabilities, allowing it to understand and respond to complex queries and commands.

3. The $7 million in funding will be used to further develop Orion's technology and bring the product to market. The startup plans to focus on enterprise and professional users initially, as they believe there is a significant demand for a more capable and customizable AI assistant in the workplace. Orion's founders are confident that their hardware-based approach will give them a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving AI assistant market.