Understanding the Trump Administration’s Tariff Exemptions for the Tech Industry The tech industry has long been a focal point of international trade discussions, especially as it relates to manufacturing and supply chains. Recently, the Trump administration announced significant tariff exemptions that could reshape how the tech sector operates within global markets. While President Donald Trump delayed several market-altering tariffs initially planned for implementation, a baseline 10% tariff remains active. Additionally, tariffs on Chinese goods have been raised to 125%, building on an existing 20% levy. What These Tariffs Mean for the Tech Sector Speculation about the impact of these tariffs…
Author: Staffcontributor contributor
### Exploring the Latest Developments in Tech and Innovation In this edition of Week in Review, a treasure trove of updates awaits, covering everything from groundbreaking ventures to controversies rocking the tech world. Among the highlights, Jeff Bezos has thrown his weight behind an EV startup named Slate, while a former Meta executive raises eyebrows with allegations of collusion. Additionally, Waymo’s potential use of interior camera data sparks curiosity. Let’s dive into the details. #### Slate: Revolutionizing Affordable Electric Vehicles Slate, an emerging electric vehicle (EV) startup, is making waves with its bold vision of creating a budget-friendly two-seater pickup…
The Growing Trend of Egg Freezing and Its Challenges In recent years, the focus on career advancement and delayed marriage has led many women to explore fertility preservation options like egg freezing. This procedure allows women to preserve their eggs during their most fertile years—typically their 20s and early 30s—for use later in life. However, the high cost of egg freezing, which can range from $10,000 to $15,000 per attempt, makes it inaccessible for many who would otherwise consider it. Understanding the Cost Barrier Egg freezing is a complex medical process that involves hormone treatments and surgical procedures, contributing to…
The Debate on Intellectual Property Law: Insights from Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk A recent exchange between tech giants Jack Dorsey and Elon Musk has ignited a fiery debate about the future of intellectual property (IP) law, raising questions about its role in the age of artificial intelligence. The conversation began with a simple yet provocative tweet from Dorsey: “delete all IP law.” Musk’s immediate agreement added fuel to the fire, sparking discussions across social media and beyond. Understanding the Context of the Debate The timing of this discussion is significant. AI companies are currently under intense scrutiny for alleged…
Understanding the Potential Impact of New Tariffs on the Tech Industry Recent statements from U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick suggest that the tech industry may not be entirely shielded from new tariffs. While consumer electronics like laptops and smartphones were granted exemptions in a recent announcement, these products could still face scrutiny under targeted tariffs expected to focus heavily on semiconductors. The Trump administration’s decision to delay some tariffs has left a 10% baseline tariff in place, with an additional 125% tariff imposed on certain Chinese goods. However, the exemptions for popular consumer electronics do not necessarily mean the tech…
Understanding OpenAI’s New Verification Process for Advanced AI Models As the capabilities of artificial intelligence continue to evolve, OpenAI has taken a significant step toward ensuring responsible usage of its cutting-edge models. A recent update on the company’s support page highlights a new initiative called Verified Organization, designed to enhance security and accountability among developers accessing advanced AI resources. What Is Verified Organization? Verified Organization introduces an ID verification process that developers must complete to access certain future AI models and capabilities on the OpenAI platform. This process requires a government-issued ID from supported countries, ensuring that only legitimate organizations…
The Rising Demand for Solar Energy in Nigeria Nigeria’s power crisis has fueled a remarkable surge in solar energy adoption over the past decade. This growing demand stems from two critical factors: increasingly unreliable grid power and skyrocketing fuel costs. Among the companies capitalizing on this shift is Arnergy, a clean tech startup that recently secured a $15 million Series B extension, adding to its previous $3 million B1 round and bringing the total funding to $18 million. Policy Changes Driving Solar Adoption Significant policy shifts have played a crucial role in accelerating solar adoption across Nigeria. The most impactful…
Intel’s Strategic Move: Selling Majority Stake in Altera to Silver Lake On Monday, Intel announced a significant deal to sell 51% of its Altera semiconductor business to Silver Lake, a prominent private equity firm. Valued at $8.75 billion, this transaction aims to make the division operationally independent while Intel retains a 49% stake. This strategic decision underscores Intel’s efforts to streamline operations and enhance financial stability. Leadership Transition and Future Vision The leadership baton at Altera will soon pass to Raghib Hussain, who is set to take over as CEO on May 5, succeeding Sandra Rivera. In a statement, Intel…
### Conifer: Revolutionizing Electric Hub Motors with Rare Earth-Free Technology A new player has entered the electric motor space, bringing innovation that could redefine how hub motors are designed and manufactured. Conifer, a startup founded by engineers with experience at Lucid Motors and Apple’s secretive electric car project, is making waves with its novel approach to electric hub motors. By eliminating rare earth elements and leveraging ferrite magnets, Conifer’s technology promises cost savings, supply chain resilience, and enhanced performance. #### A Fresh Approach to Electric Motor Design Conifer’s hub motor stands out due to its use of ferrite magnets, which…
Nvidia Expands AI Chip Manufacturing Footprint in the U.S. Nvidia has taken a significant step toward reshaping its global manufacturing strategy by commissioning over a million square feet of production space across Arizona and Texas. This move underscores the company’s commitment to relocating a portion of its chip production to the United States, addressing growing demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The chipmaker revealed that production of its Blackwell chips is already underway at TSMC’s facilities in Phoenix, Arizona. Additionally, Nvidia is constructing advanced “supercomputer” manufacturing plants in collaboration with Foxconn in Houston and Wistron in Dallas. These new facilities are…
Audio-Enabled Crosswalk Buttons in Silicon Valley Hacked with AI Voices of Tech Titans Over the weekend, an unusual incident unfolded in Silicon Valley as audio-enabled traffic control crosswalk buttons were hacked to broadcast AI-generated speech mimicking the voices of tech billionaires Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Locals in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and Redwood City captured videos of these compromised buttons, sparking intrigue and concern over how easily such public infrastructure could be manipulated. The Hack: A Blend of Humor and Social Commentary One of the hacked crosswalk buttons, programmed to imitate Zuckerberg’s voice, delivered a message that seemed to…
Kodiak Robotics Poised for Public Debut Through SPAC Merger The self-driving truck industry is witnessing a pivotal moment as Kodiak Robotics, a prominent player in autonomous logistics, prepares to go public. The company has announced plans to merge with Ares Acquisition Corporation II, a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). This strategic move is expected to propel Kodiak into the public markets with a pre-money valuation of approximately $2.5 billion. Financing and Market Dynamics Kodiak Robotics has raised around $243 million to date, and the merger deal is backed by substantial financial commitments from both new and existing investors. Institutional heavyweights…
Meta’s AI Training Plans for EU Users: A New Chapter in Data Privacy and AI Development In a significant move, Meta has announced its intention to train its artificial intelligence models using public content from Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union. This decision comes after months of regulatory scrutiny and adjustments due to stringent data privacy laws in the region. The company plans to roll out this initiative across the EU starting this week, marking a pivotal moment in how AI technologies interact with user-generated content under strict privacy regulations. Understanding Meta’s Approach to AI Training in the…
Introducing the New Chipolo POP: A Versatile Lost-Item Finder for Everyone Lost-item finding devices have become essential tools for keeping track of personal belongings. Among the many brands offering these products, Chipolo has carved out a niche with its innovative approach to integrating with major technology ecosystems. Recently, the company unveiled its latest creation, the Chipolo POP, which promises to simplify the decision-making process for consumers by working seamlessly with both Apple and Google’s lost-item networks. Why the Chipolo POP Stands Out Unlike earlier models that catered exclusively to either Apple or Google users, the new Chipolo POP is designed…
Blue Origin’s Latest Space Mission: A Historic All-Female Crew Blue Origin, the space exploration company founded by Jeff Bezos, marked a significant milestone with the successful launch of its New Shepard rocket on Monday morning. The event, which took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. ET, underscores the growing competition between Blue Origin and Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the burgeoning space tourism industry. What makes this mission particularly noteworthy is that it featured the first all-female space crew since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova’s historic solo flight in 1963. This launch also represents the 31st trip for the New Shepard rocket and…
Google Classroom Unveils AI-Powered Question Generation Feature A groundbreaking addition to Google Classroom has been introduced, offering teachers a powerful tool to streamline lesson planning and assessment. This new feature, powered by Gemini, uses advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) technology to generate questions based on specific text input. Launched recently, this innovation aims to simplify the process of creating meaningful assessments while allowing educators to focus more on teaching and less on administrative tasks. How the Text-Dependent Question Generation Tool Works The question generation tool is designed to be user-friendly and versatile. Teachers have the option to upload files directly…
Understanding OpenAI’s Decision to Deprecate GPT-4.5 from Its API OpenAI recently announced that it will be winding down the availability of GPT-4.5 through its API, just a few months after its initial release in late February. This decision marks a significant shift for developers who have been utilizing this powerful AI model. By July 14, they will need to transition to an alternative within OpenAI’s catalog. The company is strongly recommending GPT-4.1 as the preferred replacement. Why OpenAI Is Phasing Out GPT-4.5 from the API According to OpenAI, GPT-4.1 delivers comparable or even superior performance to GPT-4.5 but at a…
OpenAI Launches GPT-4.1: A Leap Forward in AI Coding Models In a significant development for the artificial intelligence community, OpenAI has introduced its latest family of models, GPT-4.1. This new lineup includes three distinct versions: GPT-4.1, GPT-4.1 mini, and GPT-4.1 nano, marking another step forward in the company’s quest to create advanced coding models. Understanding the New Models The GPT-4.1 series represents OpenAI’s continued commitment to improving AI capabilities in programming and instruction following. These models are accessible through OpenAI’s API rather than ChatGPT and boast an impressive 1-million-token context window. This allows them to process approximately 750,000 words at…
Understanding the Hertz Data Breach: What Happened and Who Is Affected In late 2024, car rental giant Hertz began notifying customers about a significant data breach that compromised personal information, including driver’s licenses. The breach stems from a cyberattack on one of its vendors, Cleo Software, between October and December 2024. This incident has raised concerns among customers worldwide, as it involves sensitive data like names, dates of birth, contact details, payment card information, and even Social Security numbers for some individuals. The Scope of the Breach Across Regions Hertz operates globally under several brands, including Dollar and Thrifty, and…
Electric Vehicle Startup Lucid Motors Secures Nikola’s Arizona Factory in Bankruptcy Auction The electric vehicle (EV) industry has witnessed a surprising twist as Lucid Motors emerged victorious in the bankruptcy auction for Nikola Corporation’s Arizona factory and related assets. This development, revealed in a court filing late Thursday night, marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the EV manufacturing landscape. Deal Breakdown: Lucid Motors’ Strategic Acquisition Lucid Motors committed approximately $30 million in cash and non-cash considerations to secure Nikola’s Arizona-based factory, its Phoenix headquarters lease, and various machinery, equipment, and inventory. The deal also includes an ambitious plan…
WhatsApp has announced a slew of new updates across chats, calls, and channels designed to enhance the messaging and calling experience for users as it continues to compete with popular services like Telegram and Discord. Among the most notable additions is an “Online” indicator that appears at the top of a group chat to show you how many people are currently around to chat. Another new group chat feature will allow you to highlight certain notifications, as you can now use a newly added “Notify for” setting and select “Highlights” to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or…
Jobandtalent, an AI-based “workforce as a service” marketplace that connects people with companies looking for hourly workers, announced it has raised €92 million ($103 million). The Series F — which includes participation from Atomico, BlackRock, DN Capital, Hercules, Infravia, Kibo, and Kinnevik — values the Madrid, Spain-based company at €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) post-money. On the surface, a unicorn raising a decent round of funding from a well-known list of backers might sound like pretty strong news. The reality is a little different. This is a down round for the company. Jobandtalent, which has operations in 10 countries in Europe, the U.S., and Latin…
A challenge for many tech companies is delivering high-bandwidth, multimodal data — for example, simultaneous audio and video — to users in real time without interruptions. Some firms build solutions in-house, but these often require a lot of upkeep and maintenance. To ease the burden, Russ d’Sa and David Zhao created LiveKit, an open source software package for building apps that can transmit real-time audio and video. They launched the project in 2021 and soon suspected it had business potential. It was a good hunch. LiveKit now has “more than 500 paying customers and over 100,000 developers across its cloud platform and…
Although there has been significant pushback from artists regarding the proliferation of AI design tools and the content used to train generative models, the companies making the software for creative work are nevertheless building AI into their toolkits. It’s a signal of just how quickly AI has gained importance — regardless of what their customers say, graphic design software makers clearly seem to think they cannot survive without implementing some form of AI. The latest to double down on that strategy is Canva. The company on Thursday said it is adding a suite of new AI features to its platform,…
OpenAI announced on Thursday that it’s starting to roll out a new memory feature in ChatGPT that allows the chatbot to tailor its answers to users based on the contents of their previous conversations. The company says the feature, which appears in ChatGPT’s settings as “reference saved memories,” aims to make conversations with ChatGPT more relevant to users. The update will add conversational context to ChatGPT’s text, voice, and image-generation features, the company added. The new memory feature will roll out first to ChatGPT Pro and Plus subscribers, except for those based in the U.K., EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and…
YouTube is launching a new feature that will allow creators to use AI technology to generate custom instrumental backing music that can be added to their videos. In an update published to its Creator Insider channel this week, the company shared that it’s beginning to roll out an update to its Creator Music marketplace that will allow creators to generate new tunes using AI prompts. YouTube says the feature is being “gradually” rolled out to creators who have access to Creator Music, the platform’s commercial music licensing resource launched in 2023. The marketplace was designed to make it easier for creators to find…
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy thinks companies should invest “aggressively” in AI now to reap the full financial rewards in the future. In his annual letter to Amazon shareholders published Thursday, Jassy said “substantial capital” is required to keep up with the pace of AI innovation and customer demand for AI products. He added that Amazon, too, needs to spend this money now if it hopes to see strong returns on its investment years down the line. Jassy’s comments come after Amazon announced plans during its fourth-quarter earnings call in February to spend more than $100 billion on capital expenditures in 2025. The “vast…
The reboot of early-internet social news site Digg is underway. Original founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian have launched an early-access community for some of the first people who signed up after last month’s announcement that the pair had bought Digg and planned to relaunch it as something new. The early-access program is being called “Groundbreakers” and costs $5 to join — a one-time fee that Digg says is about keeping out bots versus making money. In fact, Digg says the proceeds will go to a nonprofit “we’ll choose together inside the community.” People who join Groundbreakers will get access…
There has been a lot of angst among tech companies and policymakers about a looming power shortage on the grid due in no small part to the rise in AI. But what’s less known is that there are terawatts of new capacity waiting to be approved for connection to the grid, and unknotting the bureaucracy could go a long way to solving the problem. All grid operators in the U.S. face the similar backlogs, but few are as significant as that of PJM, which manages the flow of electricity in the mid-Atlantic states, Ohio, and eastern Kentucky. Now, Google and PJM are…
WhatsApp has announced a slew of new updates across chats, calls, and channels designed to enhance the messaging and calling experience for users as it continues to compete with popular services like Telegram and Discord. Among the most notable additions is an “Online” indicator that appears at the top of a group chat to show you how many people are currently around to chat. Another new group chat feature will allow you to highlight certain notifications, as you can now use a newly added “Notify for” setting and select “Highlights” to limit notifications for @mentions, replies, and messages from saved contacts or…
On Wednesday, Google rolled out updates to several of its first-party media-generating AI models available through its Vertex AI cloud platform. Lyria, Google’s text-to-music model, is now available in preview for select customers, and the company’s Veo 2 video-creation model has been enhanced with new editing and visual effects customization options. The company has also launched a voice-cloning feature powered by Chirp 3, Google’s audio understanding model, for “allow-listed” users. And the Imagen 3 image generator now delivers what the company describes as “significantly” better performance. The updates, timed for Cloud Next, are Google’s latest push to corner the enterprise market for generative AI. The…
Google is releasing a new AI model designed to deliver strong performance with a focus on efficiency. The model, Gemini 2.5 Flash, will soon launch in Vertex AI, Google’s AI development platform. The company says it offers “dynamic and controllable” computing, allowing developers to adjust processing time based on the complexity of queries. “[You can tune] the speed, accuracy, and cost balance for your specific needs,” Google wrote in a blog post provided to TechCrunch. “This flexibility is key to optimizing Flash performance in high-volume, cost-sensitive applications.” Gemini 2.5 Flash arrives as the cost of flagship AI models continues trending upward.…
During its Cloud Next conference this week, Google unveiled the latest generation of its TPU AI accelerator chip. The new chip, called Ironwood, is Google’s seventh-generation TPU and is the first optimized for inference — that is, running AI models. Scheduled to launch sometime later this year for Google Cloud customers, Ironwood will come in two configurations: a 256-chip cluster and a 9,216-chip cluster. “Ironwood is our most powerful, capable, and energy-efficient TPU yet,” Google Cloud VP Amin Vahdat wrote in a blog post provided to TechCrunch. “And it’s purpose-built to power thinking, inferential AI models at scale.” Ironwood arrives…
It’s been a couple of years since our last topic-focused, one-day event — but with AI transforming the tech landscape, we couldn’t miss the chance to gather 1,200 founders, CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone shaping the future of AI for a deep dive into what’s next. On June 5 in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley, TechCrunch Sessions: AI lands right at the intersection of startups and the rapidly evolving AI boom. If you’re building in tech and want to get smart on where the industry stands — and where it’s headed — this is the room to be in. Book your Early…
Tessell, a startup developing a multi-cloud database-as-a-service, has raised $60 million in a new funding round led by WestBridge Capital ahead of its plans to expand its market presence and launch an AI-powered conversational database management service. As data becomes more critical than ever, many companies are struggling to manage and store it efficiently. Legacy database solutions are often rigid, offering little flexibility across cloud providers. Meanwhile, most managed database services remain costly, commanding high rates for high performance. Tessell aims to solve all this with its platform. The four-year-old startup leverages decades of database kernel experience from its co-founders…
Billing itself as “Stripe for emerging markets,” Turkish fintech Sipay has raised a $78 million Series B funding round, claiming a valuation of $875 million in the process. This round is significant, as Sipay plans to expand into markets outside of Turkey, offering additional services like remittances that Stripe currently does not offer in those regions. The all-equity round was led by U.S.-based Elephant VC, with participation from Revolut co-founder Nik Storonsky’s VC firm, QuantumLight. Founded in 2019, Sipay operates an all-in-one app for managing digital wallets, investments, and loyalty schemes, and offers embedded finance, FX transactions, and other products. It works with partners,…
Meta is introducing Teen Accounts to Facebook and Messenger. The feature, which automatically enrolls young users into an app experience with built-in protections, will be available on these platforms in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and Canada before expanding to additional regions in the future. Teen Accounts first rolled out to Instagram last September after Instagram and other popular social networks were grilled by U.S. lawmakers for not doing enough to protect teens. As part of Tuesday’s announcement, Meta said it’s bringing new built-in protections for Teen Accounts on Instagram. With the expansion to Facebook and Messenger, teens will automatically be placed into an experience…
Dark kitchens — also referred to as ghost kitchens, cloud kitchens, or virtual kitchens — often receive criticism for their food quality. Sizl, a cook-to-order delivery service based in Chicago, seeks to change this perception by delivering meals made with fresh ingredients in around 30 minutes flat. The company announced its recent $3.5 million seed round on Tuesday, at a $12 million post-money valuation. Unlike typical dark kitchens, which serve as shared spaces for various restaurants, Sizl says it runs its own kitchens with a small team of Ukrainian cooks and local culinary talent from Chicago who prepare the food. It…
Plenty of materials — from sulfur and sodium to manganese and organic molecules — have tried to topple the ubiquitous lithium-ion battery. And, so far, they’ve all failed. Organic batteries, which are built from some of the most abundant chemicals here on Earth, including carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen, has been perhaps the most frustrating failure. They should be cheaper than today’s batteries that use metals. Yet no one has been able to crack the organic battery. Until now, perhaps. A young startup called XL Batteries has a new take on the chemistry that it says should be cheaper, safer, and more durable than…
A founder who has carved out a name for himself building products to help restaurants connect better with would-be diners has raised $50 million for his latest startup: a new take on the idea of customer loyalty. Blackbird Labs has built a payments-meets-loyalty-meets-blockchain platform for restaurants to grow repeat business while reducing some of the friction around transactions. Now, with some 1,000 restaurants signed up, CEO Ben Leventhal said Blackbird plans to use the money to launch its newest product, a cross-restaurant “points” service it’s calling Blackbird Club, as well as to expand into more markets outside of New York (its…
On Tuesday, Amazon debuted a new generative AI model, Nova Sonic, capable of natively processing voice and generating natural-sounding speech. Amazon claims that Sonic’s performance is competitive with frontier voice models from OpenAI and Google on benchmarks measuring speed, speech recognition, and conversational quality. Nova Sonic is Amazon’s answer to newer AI voice models such as the model powering ChatGPT’s Voice Mode, which feel more natural to speak with than the more rigid models from Amazon Alexa’s early days. Recent technological breakthroughs have made legacy models and the digital assistants they underpin, such as Alexa and Apple’s Siri, seem incredibly stilted…
Snapchat is introducing Sponsored AI Lenses, a new ad format that lets brands engage with consumers in an immersive way. While Snapchat has offered brands the opportunity to pay for sponsored lenses on the platform for years, now they can leverage AI-generated experiences powered by Snap’s proprietary generative AI technology. With these interactive lenses, brands can reach and engage users in a more fun and interactive way when compared to traditional ads, as they allow users to take selfies to see themselves transported into different AI-generated scenes. When users take a selfie for an AI Lens, Snap analyzes their face…
Ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati’s new AI venture, Thinking Machines Lab, has gained two new prominent advisers: Bob McGrew, previously OpenAI’s chief research officer, and Alec Radford, a former OpenAI researcher behind many of the company’s more transformative innovations. Thinking Machines Lab’s website was quietly updated with McGrew and Radford’s names sometime in March. A spokesperson for the startup didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. McGrew joined OpenAI as a member of the technical staff in 2017 and was promoted to VP of research in 2018 before assuming the role of chief research officer. He left in September 2024, saying at the time…
You voted. They rose to the top! Meet the two Audience Choice winners who’ll take the breakout stage at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 in Zellerbach Hall at UC Berkeley to share their insights with 1,200 AI leaders and enthusiasts. We sifted through hundreds of Call for Content submissions and narrowed them down to six standout finalists. Your votes crowned two winners — and now they’re ready to share their cutting-edge AI insights live. Yann Stoneman, staff solutions architect at Cohere: Behind Your Firewall: Secure Generative AI for Regulated Enterprises Hua Wang, executive director at Global Innovation Forum: The AI Policy…
Waymo is preparing to use data from its robotaxis, including video from interior cameras tied to rider identities, to train generative AI models, according to an unreleased version of its privacy policy found by researcher Jane Manchun Wong, raising fresh questions about how much of a rider’s behavior inside autonomous vehicles could be repurposed for AI training. The draft language also reveals Waymo may also share rider data to personalize ads. This isn’t new; Waymo already collects personal data to improve services and for advertising purposes, per its existing privacy policy. What will change when this feature is released is that riders will…
Join us for an unforgettable opportunity at TechCrunch Sessions: AI, happening at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall on June 5! We’re on the lookout for enthusiastic volunteers to be part of this exciting event. If you’ve ever wondered what goes into the making of tech gatherings, now’s your chance to find out firsthand. Apply here by May 22. Learn and attend TC Sessions: AI By volunteering, you’ll dive into the inner workings of event production while earning a free ticket to experience TC Sessions: AI before or after your shift. Plus, you’ll receive a complimentary pass to Disrupt 2025, happening on October 27-29 in…
President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order on Tuesday aimed at boosting coal’s flagging fortunes, reports Bloomberg. The order will direct the federal government to list coal as a critical mineral and force some coal-fired power plants that had faced closure to keep generating electricity. The Trump administration is expected to couch the directive as part of an effort to ramp up electricity production as demand from data centers surges. While the executive order might forestall some closures, it’s unlikely to reverse coal’s persistent decline in the power sector. Coal’s share has declined steadily since 2001, when it generated 51% of…
Founders, the battlefield is calling! Startup Battlefield 200 applications are now live — and the race has begun. If you’ve got a groundbreaking idea and the guts to pitch it to the world, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is your arena. You’ll face elite VC judges. You’ll compete against 199 of the world’s most promising startups. And you’ll fight for $100,000 equity-free — plus a level of global exposure that can change everything. Enter the arena: Submit your application Thousands will apply; 200 will be chosen; 20 will pitch onstage. Only one will claim the crown. You want to rise above the noise? Move fast. Apply early. Startup Battlefield benefits include:…
Rain, a startup offering an employer-integrated earned wage access (EWA) app coupled with financial-wellness features like overdraft alerts and spending trends, has raised $75 million in an all-equity Series B round. The round was led by Prosus at a post-money valuation of $340 million. Rain plans to use the new funds to help it add credit card and saving products to its roster, co-founder CEO Alex Bradford, exclusively tells TechCrunch. Around 35% of households in the U.S. with an annual income below $50,000 are living paycheck to paycheck, up from 32% in 2019, per a report (PDF) by Bank of America published…
Zoox, Amazon’s autonomous vehicle unit, is deploying a small fleet of retrofitted test vehicles on the streets of Los Angeles starting Tuesday — a modest, yet meaningful step as the company inches toward offering public rides in Las Vegas and San Francisco later this year. The data-collection effort marks Zoox’s entrance into its sixth city and lays the groundwork for a future robotaxi service. Unlike rival Waymo, which is already providing paid robotaxi rides in LA, Zoox is still in the early stages. This deployment will send out manually driven Toyota Highlanders equipped with Zoox’s self-driving tech to gather mapping data…
If you’re reading this, consider it your signal: The opportunity to influence the future of tech is here. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is now accepting speaker applications. Join us onstage this October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco and share your ideas with 10,000+ tech leaders, VCs, and innovators shaping what’s next. Apply to speak at Disrupt 2025 We’re on the hunt for sharp minds to guide interactive breakout sessions and real-talk roundtables on the topics that keep founders and tech leaders up at night. If that sounds like you, don’t wait — apply to speak at Disrupt 2025 before May 16. Pick…
On Monday, Google released an update for Android that fixes two zero-day flaws that “may be under limited, targeted exploitation,” as the company put it. That means Google is aware that hackers have been and may still be using the bugs to compromise Android devices in real-world scenarios. One of the two now-fixed zero-days, tracked as CVE-2024-53197, was identified by Amnesty International in collaboration with Benoît Sevens of Google’s Threat Analysis Group, the tech giant’s security team that tracks government-backed cyberattacks. In February, Amnesty said it had found that Cellebrite, a company that sells devices to law enforcement for unlocking and forensically analyzing…
Tapestry, a new app designed to organize the open social web, is adding a valuable feature to help people who are keeping up with multiple social networks: It will now remove duplicate posts from your feed. That means if you follow the same person across social networking services like Bluesky and Mastodon, you won’t have to see their post appear twice in your feed if they’ve shared it in multiple places. The new feature, called Crosstalk, is rolling out with the Tapestry 1.1 iOS update on Tuesday — a sizable update that follows its February 2025 release. Tapestry was built by the same team that developed the award-winning…
Vietnam Seeks Delay on US Tariffs Amid Economic Growth Challenges As Vietnam navigates a complex economic landscape, the nation has requested a temporary reprieve from significant tariffs imposed by the United States. This development comes amidst reports showing a slight deceleration in economic growth during the first quarter of the year. Understanding Vietnam’s Economic Position In the initial months of the year, the United States maintained its position as Vietnam’s primary export destination. However, new tariffs introduced at a substantial 46 percent rate have created considerable challenges for the Southeast Asian nation. These tariffs represent part of a broader international…
Sir Keir Starmer Takes a Stand to Protect UK Businesses Amid Donald Trump’s Tariffs In response to the recent imposition of tariffs by the United States, Sir Keir Starmer has vowed to take all necessary measures to safeguard the UK’s national interests. British businesses are now facing challenges as they navigate these new trading conditions. With a 10% levy on British imports into America taking effect, alongside a 25% tariff on foreign car imports, the economic landscape is shifting rapidly. Jaguar Land Rover Halts Shipments Amid Uncertainty One significant development in this unfolding situation is Jaguar Land Rover’s decision to…
Exploring Microsoft’s AI-Powered Quake II Demo Microsoft has unveiled a browser-based playable level of the iconic video game Quake II, serving as a tech demo for the gaming capabilities of its Copilot AI platform. While it showcases impressive technological advancements, the experience doesn’t quite replicate the polished feel of a traditionally developed game. Users can immerse themselves in a single level of Quake II using their keyboard controls, though gameplay is limited to just a couple of minutes. Understanding Microsoft’s Muse AI Models for Gaming In a detailed blog post, Microsoft researchers explained that their Muse family of AI models…
The BBC’s Call for Fair Credit in News Aggregation News aggregators like Apple News and Google News have become go-to platforms for millions of users seeking quick access to the latest headlines. However, these platforms are now at the center of a growing debate over how they credit original content creators. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has taken a significant step by filing a complaint with the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). The broadcaster argues that major tech companies need to do more to acknowledge the sources of the stories they feature. The Role of News Aggregators in Modern…
Understanding OpenAI’s Growth Trajectory in India The rapid expansion of internet users in India has long been a magnet for U.S.-based tech giants seeking growth. Among them is OpenAI, the renowned artificial intelligence lab behind ChatGPT. While OpenAI claims that India is one of its fastest-growing markets for ChatGPT, third-party data indicates challenges in converting this user base into substantial revenue streams. Revenue Disparities Between Markets According to analytics firm SensorTower, Indian users have spent approximately $8 million on ChatGPT subscriptions via in-app purchases since 2023. This figure excludes payments made through the web app, meaning the actual revenue might…
Understanding Connections: The New York Times’ Latest Word Game Sensation Connections has quickly risen to become one of the most talked-about word games online, captivating players across social media platforms. This innovative game, brought to life by associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu, has earned its place in The New York Times’ popular Games section. Accessible on both web browsers and mobile devices, Connections challenges players to identify groups of four words that share a common thread. With its clever design and increasing difficulty, the game has drawn comparisons to the widely loved Wordle. How Connections Works At its core, Connections…
DeepSeek’s Rapid Ascent in the AI Landscape DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab, has captured global attention after its chatbot app soared to the top of the Apple App Store and Google Play charts. The company’s innovative approach to developing AI models using compute-efficient techniques has sparked discussions among Wall Street analysts and tech experts alike. Questions are now being raised about whether the U.S. can maintain its dominance in the AI race and if the demand for AI chips will remain robust. Understanding DeepSeek’s Origins DeepSeek’s journey began under the wing of High-Flyer Capital Management, a Chinese quantitative hedge fund…
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, the go-to destination for insights and updates on the future of transportation. For free access to this content, sign up here by clicking on TechCrunch Mobility. Tesla’s journey over the past decade has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Under the leadership of Elon Musk, the company has experienced near bankruptcy before emerging as a symbol of innovation. Musk’s reputation as a risk-taker is well-known, but recent shifts in his political alignment with President Trump have altered public perception. This shift, coupled with global protests and declining sales figures, has placed Tesla in a precarious…
Generative AI and the Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape The rapid advancements in generative AI have significantly expanded the arsenal available to malicious actors. From creating convincing deepfakes of corporate executives to generating counterfeit receipts, the potential for misuse has grown exponentially. OpenAI, a leading name in the generative AI space, is acutely aware of these risks. In response, the company has made its first investment in a cybersecurity startup aimed at combating these emerging threats. Adaptive Security: A New Player in Cyber Defense Adaptive Security, based in New York, has secured a $43 million Series A funding round co-led by OpenAI’s…
Amazon Kindle’s New Recaps Feature: A Game-Changer for Book Series Enthusiasts Amazon has unveiled a new feature called “Recaps” designed to assist Kindle users in revisiting the key elements of a book series before diving into the next installment. This functionality is aimed at helping readers recall important plot points and character developments, ensuring they remain engaged and informed as they continue their literary journey. While Amazon’s press release refrains from explicitly mentioning artificial intelligence, it was later confirmed to TechCrunch that the recaps are AI-generated, blending generative AI technology with human moderation to ensure accuracy. Understanding the Role of…
Amazon Expands E-Commerce Reach with AI-Powered Shopping Agent The e-commerce giant Amazon has introduced an innovative feature called “Buy for Me,” signaling a new era in online shopping. This AI-driven shopping assistant represents Amazon’s latest effort to maintain its dominance in the digital marketplace while expanding its capabilities beyond its own platform. Understanding Buy for Me: A New Shopping Paradigm The Buy for Me feature operates as a bridge between Amazon’s ecosystem and external retailers. When users search for products unavailable on Amazon, the AI agent presents alternative options from other websites. What sets this feature apart is its seamless…
Nintendo Delays Switch 2 Preorders Amid Tariff Concerns The much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 is facing a delay in preorder availability within the U.S. market due to uncertainties surrounding President Donald Trump’s newly announced tariffs. Initially scheduled to begin on April 9, preorders for the console have been postponed as the company evaluates the potential impact of these trade policies. Despite this setback, the official launch date for the Switch 2 remains unchanged, with plans to release the console on June 5, 2025, at a price point of $450. Understanding the Delay and Its Implications A spokesperson for Nintendo clarified the…
Trump Extends TikTok Ban Deadline by 75 Days President Donald Trump extends the TikTok ban deadline by 75 days, signing an executive order to allow more time for finalizing a deal. The announcement comes just one day before the ban was set to take effect. Trump emphasizes that his administration has made significant progress in securing a deal to save TikTok. However, additional time is needed to ensure all necessary approvals are completed. This marks the second extension of the TikTok ban deadline. ByteDance originally faced a January 19 deadline to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations under legislation signed by former…
