# Twtxt is an open, distributed microblogging platform that # uses human-readable text files, common transport protocols, # and free software. # # Learn more about twtxt at https://github.com/buckket/twtxt # # This is an automated Yarn.social feed running feeds v0.1.0@72e53a9 # Learn more about Yarn.social at https://yarn.social # # nick = techcrunch # url = https://feeds.twtxt.net/techcrunch/twtxt.txt # type = rss # source = https://techcrunch.com/rss # avatar = https://feeds.twtxt.net/techcrunch/avatar.png#54tnub2mtpejoh5v4tbq2tax46ccvmvks4h4446r23qcqosdueea # description = Startup and Technology News # updated_at = 2024-10-05T23:35:18Z # 2024-09-17T18:58:48Z **Ursa Major nabs $12.5M from U.S. Navy, DoD for 3D printed rocket motors**
Ursa Major, a startup that produces rocket motors through 3D printing, received a $12.5 million grant to develop new solid fuel rocket engines

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/ursa-major-nabs-12-5m-from-u-s-navy-dod-for-3d-printed-rocket-motors/) 2024-09-17T19:11:50Z **Mistral launches a free tier for developers to test its AI models**
Mistral AI launched a new free tier to let developers fine tune and build test apps with the startup’s AI models, the company announced in a blog post Tuesday. The startup also slashed prices for developers to access its AI models through API endpoints, and added image processing to its free consumer AI chatbot, Le […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/mistral-launches-a-free-tier-for-developers-to-test-its-ai-models/) 2024-09-17T19:17:57Z **Mozilla exits the fediverse and will shutter its Mastodon server in December**
Users will be able to download their data or migrate their account to another Mastodon instance, if they choose.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/mozilla-exits-the-fediverse-and-will-shutter-its-mastodon-server-in-december/) 2024-09-17T19:44:50Z **Discord launches end-to-end encrypted voice and video chats**
Discord will now offer audio and video calls that even the company won't be able to listen in on.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/discord-launches-end-to-end-encrypted-voice-and-video-chats/) 2024-09-17T21:15:53Z **BlackRock and Microsoft are reportedly planning a $30B AI-focused megafund**
Investment powerhouse BlackRock is set to launch a massive AI-focused investment fund, exceeding $30 billion, in collaboration with Microsoft and the Abu Dhabi-backed investment outfit MGX, the FT reported today. According to the outlet, the fund — among Wall Street’s largest — will focus on creating data centers and funding energy infrastructure to support AI. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/blackrock-and-microsoft-are-reportedly-planning-a-30b-ai-focused-megafund/) 2024-09-17T21:12:44Z **Neuralink’s ‘breakthrough device’ clearance from FDA does not mean they have cured blindness**
Neuralink, the Elon Musk-owned brain-computer interface company, has received “breakthrough device” clearance from the FDA. But this does not mean they have developed a cure for blindness, whatever Musk might say. The breakthrough devices program at the FDA is a voluntary program that developers can apply to that, if granted, “offers manufacturers an op ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/neuralinks-breakthrough-device-clearance-from-fda-does-not-mean-they-have-cured-blindness/) 2024-09-17T21:34:02Z **Patreon launches features to automate away creators’ administrative workload and help them make more money**
Every month, 400,000 free members upgrade to paid memberships, the company says. According to Patreon, Autopilot improved the rate of free-to-paid membership upgrades by an average of 19% in testing.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/patreon-launches-features-to-automate-away-creators-administrative-workload-and-help-them-make-more-money/) 2024-09-17T22:23:00Z **Why United chose SpaceX’s Starlink to power its free WiFi**
Late last week, United Airlines announced that it signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring its Starlink internet service to its entire fleet and — for the first time — offer free WiFi to all passengers. To dig a bit deeper into why United went with Starlink, what that rollout will look like […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/why-united-chose-spacexs-starlink-to-power-its-free-wifi/) 2024-09-17T22:39:35Z **Intuitive Machines lands $4.8B NASA contract to build Earth-Moon communications infrastructure**
NASA wants to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, but right now, astronauts have to be in direct line of sight with Earth to phone home.  The space agency is looking to change that with its developing Near Space Network, and it’s willing to pay potentially huge sums to private companies to help […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights rese ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/intuitive-machines-lands-4-8b-nasa-contract-to-build-earth-moon-communications-infrastructure/) 2024-09-17T22:37:26Z **JPMorgan could take over Goldman’s Apple Card business**
JPMorgan Chase is in talks to take over the Apple Card business from Goldman Sachs, the Wall Street Journal reports. Goldman has issued credit for the Apple Card since its launch in 2019, but the Wall Street and Silicon Valley giants have been trying to untie their partnership since last year. In 2023, Goldman decided […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/jpmorgan-could-take-over-goldmans-apple-card-business/) 2024-09-18T00:28:09Z **California’s 5 new AI laws crack down on election deepfakes and actor clones**
On Tuesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed some of America’s toughest laws yet regulating the artificial intelligence sector. Three of these laws crack down on AI deepfakes that could influence elections, while two others prohibit Hollywood studios from creating an AI clone of an actor’s body or voice without their consent. “Home to the majority […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/californias-5-new-ai-laws-crack-down-on-election-deepfakes-and-actor-clones/) 2024-09-18T01:08:43Z **Al Gore roasts corporations and politicians, comparing their climate crisis promises to ‘New Year’s resolutions’**
Al Gore has enjoyed a very successful career, including as a U.S. senator, U.S. Vice President, U.S. presidential nominee, and even Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2007 for “informing the world of the dangers posed by climate change.” This past May, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifetime of s ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/al-gore-roasts-corporations-and-politicians-comparing-their-climate-crisis-promises-to-new-years-resolutions/) 2024-09-18T04:15:42Z **Amazon taps veteran to lead India business as competition intensifies**
Amazon has named long-time executive Samir Kumar as the new head of its India consumer business, following an abrupt leadership change in one of its key markets last month. Kumar, who has been with the e-commerce giant for 25 years, will assume the role of Country Manager for India, the company said. This appointment comes […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/amazon-taps-veteran-to-lead-india-business-as-competition-intensifies/) 2024-09-18T04:31:55Z **Governor Newsom on California AI bill SB 1047: ‘I can’t solve for everything’**
California Governor Gavin Newsom said there are 38 bills on his desk that would create laws around artificial intelligence on Tuesday, but one looms larger than all of them: SB 1047, California’s bill that tries to prevent AI systems from causing catastrophes. For the first time, California’s Governor shared how he’s thinking about the controversial […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/governor-newsom-on-california-ai-bill-sb-1047-i-cant-solve-for-everything/) 2024-09-18T05:46:23Z **23andMe sees independent board directors quit en masse**
23andMe, the personal genomics company, went public in early 2021 via a merger with a blank check company that valued it at $3.5 billion. Then its fortunes began to sink. Fading interest in DNA kits – 23andMe’s main product –  was one driver. So was news last year that hackers stole ancestry data on 6.9 […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/17/23andme-sees-independent-board-directors-quit-en-masse/) 2024-09-18T10:00:00Z **Nurture wants to teach kids important life skills through interactive gameplay and entertainment**
Parents understand the challenge of keeping young kids engaged in online learning. Nurture is a new app designed for children aged 4 to 7 that features interactive content and games to capture their interest. The company’s mission is to equip children with critical life skills such as socializing, basic financial understanding, mindfulness, f ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/nurture-wants-to-teach-kids-important-life-skills-through-interactive-gameplay-and-entertainment/) 2024-09-18T09:55:02Z **Google nets court win against EU’s $1.7B AdSense antitrust decision**
Google has succeeded in overturning a $1.7 billion antitrust penalty handed down by the European Union back in March 2019.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/google-nets-court-win-against-eus-1-7b-adsense-antitrust-decision/) 2024-09-18T12:00:00Z **Here’s how Apple is making iPhone 16 more repairable**
The most interesting of the bunch is a new adhesive design that can be loosened by applying low voltage from a 9-volt battery.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/heres-how-apple-is-making-iphone-16-more-repairable/) 2024-09-18T12:00:00Z **iPhone 16 Pro Max review: A $1,200 glimpse at a more intelligent future**
The iPhone 16's headliner features are Apple Intelligence, which will be rolled out next month, and its camera system.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/iphone-16-pro-max-review/) 2024-09-18T12:00:00Z **Apple Intelligence will support German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese in 2025**
Apple Wednesday announced that its generative AI offering will be available in even more languages in 2025. New additions to Apple Intelligence include English (India), English (Singapore), German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and “others” yet to be announced. The feature will launch in American English, when it arrives as part of the iOS 18.1 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/apple-intelligence-will-support-german-italian-korean-portuguese-and-vietnamese-in-2025/) 2024-09-18T13:36:24Z **Generative AI startup Runway inks deal with a major Hollywood studio**
Runway, a startup developing AI video tools, including video-generating models, has partnered with Lionsgate — the studio behind the “John Wick” and “Twilight” franchises — to train a custom video model on Lionsgate’s movie catalog. Lionsgate vice chair Michael Burns said in a statement that the studio’s “filmmakers, directors and other creative talent” will get […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/generative-ai-startup-runway-inks-deal-with-a-major-hollywood-studio/) 2024-09-18T13:31:07Z **The 22-year-old building Roblox developer tools to make gaming more efficient**
Gamebeast is a live operations tooling platform that lets developers modify games without needing to release a new version or interrupt an ongoing game.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/the-22-year-old-building-roblox-developer-tools-to-make-gaming-more-efficient/) 2024-09-18T14:00:00Z **Era Ventures raises $88M first fund for transforming the “built” environment**
The real estate market and many real estate-focused startups were hit hard when mortgage rates skyrocketed in 2022, but that didn’t stop industry veteran Clelia Warburg Peters from leaving her role as a venture partner at Bain Capital Ventures to launch her own proptech venture firm. Peters, unlike many other specialist proptech funds, invests in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights res ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/era-ventures-raises-88m-first-fund-for-transforming-the-built-environment/) 2024-09-18T14:30:00Z **YouTube Studio now lets creators brainstorm video ideas with the help of AI**
At its Made on YouTube event on Wednesday, the company announced that creators can now brainstorm ideas for videos with the help of AI right within YouTube Studio. YouTube will also soon start letting creators create AI-generated thumbnails and quickly respond to users with new AI-assisted comments.  After beta testing the ability for creators to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights re ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/youtube-studio-now-lets-creators-brainstorm-video-ideas-with-the-help-of-ai/) 2024-09-18T14:30:00Z **YouTube Shorts to integrate Veo, Google’s AI video model**
The main attraction of YouTube’s Made On event on Wednesday morning was, you guessed it, artificial intelligence. The company announced that it is integrating Google DeepMind’s AI video generation model, Veo, into YouTube Shorts, letting creators generate high-quality backgrounds as well as 6-second clips. At Google’s I/O 2024 developer conference, Veo was unveiled as a […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For perso ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/youtube-shorts-to-integrate-veo-google-ai-video-model/) 2024-09-18T15:00:00Z **Last Week: Amplify your brand by hosting a Side Event at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Extend the buzz of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 beyond the main event by hosting an exclusive Side Event. Expose your brand to 10,000 Disrupt attendees and the surrounding Bay Area tech community during “Disrupt Week” — October 26 through November 1. Whether it’s a cocktail party, happy hour, meetup, workshop, silent disco, or comedy show, create […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All right ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/last-week-amplify-your-brand-by-hosting-a-side-event-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-18T15:14:21Z **YouTube unveils ‘Hype,” a new way for fans to help smaller creators grow their reach**
YouTube creators no longer have to rely solely on the recommendation algorithm, search results, or collabs to help them grow their audience. At the company’s Made on YouTube event on Wednesday, YouTube announced a new feature that will allow a creator’s existing viewers to help “hype” a video with a click of a button, allowing […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/youtube-unveils-hype-a-new-way-for-fans-to-help-smaller-creators-grow-their-reach/) 2024-09-18T15:27:25Z **Amazon adds PayPal as a payment option to Buy with Prime**
Amazon’s Buy with Prime program, which lets shoppers with a Prime membership purchase items from third-party stores and check out using their Amazon account, is getting a new payment option: PayPal. Today, Amazon announced that Prime customers can use PayPal to check out on websites that’ve integrated the Buy with Prime API. The company also […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/amazon-adds-paypal-as-a-payment-option-to-buy-with-prime/) 2024-09-18T15:24:17Z **Edera is building a better Kubernetes and AI security solution from the ground up**
Edera, a startup looking to simplify and improve how Kubernetes containers and AI workloads are secured by offering a new hypervisor, today announced that it has raised a $5 million seed funding round led by 645 Ventures and Eniac Ventures. Kubernetes is now 10 years old, but Edera founders Ariadne Conill (distinguished engineer), Emily Long […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/edera-is-building-a-better-kubernetes-and-ai-security-solution-from-the-ground-up/) 2024-09-18T16:01:00Z **Luminate’s hair-saving chemo helmet nears release, as new funding goes toward home cancer care**
The pitch sounds a bit sci-fi: a helmet called Lily that people undergoing chemotherapy wear to prevent the hair loss, which is a common side effect of the treatment.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/luminates-hair-saving-chemo-helmet-nears-release-as-new-funding-goes-toward-home-cancer-care/) 2024-09-18T16:00:00Z **TechCrunch Minute: Everything you need to know about iOS 18**
It’s time to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 18. We know – updating your phone is annoying, and sometimes those software downloads can take a weirdly long time. But if you like customization and fun perks like iMessage text effects, it’s worth the upgrade. And if you’re often texting friends and family who use Androids, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/video/techcrunch-minute-everything-you-need-to-know-about-ios-18/) 2024-09-18T16:27:24Z **U.S. government ‘took control’ of a botnet run by Chinese government hackers, says FBI director**
The FBI, NSA and other U.S. government agencies detailed a Chinese-government operation that used 260,000 of internet-connected devices to launch cyberattacks.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/u-s-government-took-control-of-a-botnet-run-by-chinese-government-hackers-says-fbi-director/) 2024-09-18T17:05:00Z **This Week in AI: Why OpenAI’s o1 changes the AI regulation game**
Hiya, folks, welcome to TechCrunch’s regular AI newsletter. If you want this in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here. It’s been just a few days since OpenAI revealed its latest flagship generative model, o1, to the world. Marketed as a “reasoning” model, o1 essentially takes longer to “think” about questions before answering them, breaking down […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/this-week-in-ai-why-openais-o1-changes-the-ai-regulation-game/) 2024-09-18T17:15:40Z **LinkedIn scraped user data for training before updating its terms of service**
LinkedIn may have trained AI models on user data without updating its terms. LinkedIn users in the US — but not the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, likely due to those regions’ data privacy rules — have an opt-out toggle in their settings screen disclosing that LinkedIn scrapes personal data to train “content creation AI models.” […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/linkedin-scraped-user-data-for-training-before-updating-its-terms-of-service/) 2024-09-18T17:52:14Z **Three new ways to personalize your iPhone’s Home Screen in iOS 18**
iOS 18 offers the most control over the look and feel of your iPhone's user interface than any other version of Apple's mobile operating system to date.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/three-new-ways-to-personalize-your-iphones-home-screen-in-ios-18/) 2024-09-18T18:27:00Z **Fisker reverses course on making Ocean owners pay for recall repairs**
Bankrupt EV startup Fisker is reversing course just a few days after telling owners that they would have to pay labor costs for recall repairs. The company edited the FAQ page on its website to say “Fisker will provide the necessary parts (including the labor) at no cost to you.” Fisker originally broke the bad […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/fisker-reverses-course-making-ocean-owners-pay-for-recall-repairs/) 2024-09-18T18:44:59Z **HTC takes on Apple’s Vision Pro and PC Gaming with $1,000 Vive Focus Vision**
The Vive Focus Vision has enough firepower under the hood to appeal to PC gamers tethered via the DisplayPort.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/htc-takes-on-apples-vision-pro-and-pc-gaming-with-1000-vive-focus-vision/) 2024-09-18T20:00:57Z **Bill requiring AM radio in new cars gets closer to law**
A House committee overwhelmingly voted to approve a bill that would require new cars to be built with AM radio at no additional cost to the owner. The AM for Every Vehicle Act will now head to the House floor for final approval. If successful, it’ll go to the president’s desk to be signed into […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/bill-requiring-am-radio-in-new-cars-gets-closer-to-law/) 2024-09-18T20:14:00Z **Fal.ai, which hosts media-generating AI models, raises $23M from a16z and others**
Fal.ai, a dev-focused platform for AI-generated audio, video, and images, today revealed that it’s raised $23 million in funding from investors including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), Black Forest Labs co-founder Robin Rombach, and Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas. It’s a two-round deal. $14 million of Fal’s total came from a Series A tranche led by Kindred Ventures. […]

© 2024 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/fal-ai-which-hosts-media-generating-ai-models-raises-23m-from-a16z-and-others/) 2024-09-18T20:29:43Z **Bluesky addresses trust and safety concerns around abuse, spam, and more**
The company is in various stages of developing and piloting a range of initiatives focused on dealing with bad actors, harassment, spam, fake accounts, video safety, and more.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/bluesky-addresses-trust-and-safety-concerns-around-abuse-spam-and-more/) 2024-09-19T01:02:17Z **Craig Newmark pledges $100M to fight hacking by foreign governments**
Craigslist founder Craig Newmark plans to donate $100 million to further strengthen U.S. cybersecurity, addressing what he sees as a growing threat from foreign governments, he tells the WSJ. Half the funds will focus on protecting power grids and other infrastructure from cyberattacks; half will be earmarked to educate people about so-called cybersecurity hygiene.  Newmark, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/craig-newmark-pledges-100m-to-fight-hacking-by-foreign-governments/) 2024-09-19T02:28:21Z **CEO of self-driving startup Motional is stepping down**
Motional, the autonomous vehicle startup backed by Hyundai, is shaking up its leadership ranks. Karl Iagnemma, an early pioneer in the autonomous vehicle industry and whose startup Nutonomy lies at the foundation of Motional, is stepping down as president and CEO. Iagnemma will move over to a senior strategy advisor role, while CTO Laura Major […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/ceo-of-self-driving-startup-motional-is-stepping-down/) 2024-09-19T04:47:57Z **Palmer Luckey back in the headset biz, as Anduril partners with Microsoft on U.S. military system**
Palmer Luckey, the Hawaiian-shirt wearing founder who sold Oculus VR for $2 billion before co-founding the military tech company Anduril, is back in the headset business.  Anduril has teamed up with Microsoft to embed its software into the Integrated Visual Augmentation System headset developed by Microsoft for the U.S. military in 2021.  Acc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/palmer-luckey-back-in-the-headset-biz-as-anduril-partners-with-microsoft-on-u-s-military-system/) 2024-09-19T06:54:29Z **India weighs easing market share limits for UPI payment operators**
The governing body overseeing India's popular UPI payments rail is considering increasing its proposed market share cap for operators like Google Pay, PhonePe and Paytm.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/18/india-weighs-easing-market-share-limits-for-upi-payment-operators/) 2024-09-19T10:00:00Z **Phlair’s carbon sucking technology could lower direct air capture’s costs**
The startup is taking a different approach to removing carbon dioxide from the air than most of its competitors.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/phlairs-carbon-sucking-technology-could-lower-direct-air-captures-costs/) 2024-09-19T11:21:25Z **AI governance can’t be left to the vested interests**
A final report by the UN’s high level advisory body on artificial intelligence makes for, at times, a surreal read. Named ‘Governing AI for Humanity’, the document underlines the contradictory challenges of making any kind of governance stick on such a fast developing, massively invested and heavily hyped technology. On the one hand, the report […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/ai-governance-cant-be-left-to-the-vested-interests/) 2024-09-19T11:31:00Z **Brightband sees a bright (and open-source) future for AI-powered weather forecasting**
With an explosion of weather and climate data that the last generation of tools can’t handle, is AI the future of forecasting? Research certainly suggests so, and a newly funded startup called Brightband is taking a shot at turning machine learning forecast models into both a business and open source standard. Today’s weather prediction and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/brightband-sees-a-bright-and-open-source-future-for-ai-powered-weather-forecasting/) 2024-09-19T12:02:42Z **Picus Security, founded by Turkish 3 mathematicians, raises $45M after simulating 1B cyberattacks**
For as long as coding has existed, we have had a plethora of methods — white-hat testers, software, and more — to validate that code works as it was intended. These days, all that has been kicked into high gear: the growing sophistication of security breaches has turned the process of software verification into a […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/picus-security-founded-by-turkish-3-mathematicians-raises-45m-after-simulating-1b-cyberattacks/) 2024-09-19T12:14:24Z **This founder grew up in wine country — nows he’s built a platform for wine makers**
Growing up in the Hunter Valley, a region of Australia renowned for its fine wine production, Mitchel Fowler never realized he might one day come up with an idea that may revolutionize the wine industry. But after a long career in finance, he’s returned to that heritage to launch a platform that could solve the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use on ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/this-founder-grew-up-in-wine-country-nows-hes-built-a-platform-for-wine-makers/) 2024-09-19T12:20:40Z **EU to tell Apple how to do interoperability, DMA style**
The European Union has opened two “specification proceedings” on Apple under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will see it instructing the iPhone maker on how to comply with certain interoperability provisions in the market fairness regulation. If Apple fails to meet the Commission’s requirements it could risk fines of up to 10% of […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/eu-to-tell-apple-how-to-do-interoperability-dma-style/) 2024-09-19T12:30:00Z **Karman Industries hopes its SpaceX-inspired heat pumps will replace industrial boilers**
The startup will use turbomachinery to develop a heat pump capable of generating industrial-grade heat.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/karman-industries-hopes-its-spacex-inspired-heat-pumps-will-replace-industrial-boilers/) 2024-09-19T13:00:00Z **Kiwibot acquires an ad startup to turn its delivery robots into mobile billboards**
There’s ample opportunity in the form of a mobile billboard. Kiwibot is so convinced of this fact that it plunked down $25 million to purchase Nickelytics.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/kiwibot-acquires-ad-startup-to-turn-its-delivery-robots-into-mobile-billboards/) 2024-09-19T13:00:00Z **Harbor is building a better baby monitor and an army of night nannies**
Like most good startup stories, Harbor began life as a product of disappointment. Kevin Lavelle, the co-founder and CEO of innovative clothing company Mizzen and Main, couldn’t find a baby monitor to suit his needs. He and his wife, Jen, had homed in on Nanit, a popular product renowned for its AI smarts and and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/harbor-is-building-a-better-baby-monitor-and-an-army-of-night-nannies/) 2024-09-19T13:00:00Z **AI notetaker Fathom raises $17M**
In many meetings today, it sometimes feels like there are more AI notetaking and transcription bots than people. There are seemingly dozens of options to choose from these days, but one I’ve seen with increasing regularity is Fathom. The company was one of the earlier players when it launched in 2020. Fathom then raised a […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/ai-notetaker-fathom-raises-17m/) 2024-09-19T13:30:00Z **Zeno emerges from stealth to crib Tesla’s master plan for Africa and beyond**
The startup has been methodically exploring how batteries might transform life in emerging markets

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/zeno-emerges-from-stealth-to-crib-teslas-master-plan-for-africa-and-beyond/) 2024-09-19T13:53:35Z **Amazon debuts an AI assistant for sellers, Project Amelia**
Amazon sellers now have access to an AI assistant designed to help them grow their business by answering questions about their metrics, and later, may be able to help them directly resolve issues that arise. The assistant, code-named Project Amelia and built on AWS’s Amazon Bedrock, will initially be available in beta to U.S. sellers, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/amazon-debuts-an-ai-assistant-for-sellers-project-amelia/) 2024-09-19T14:01:11Z **Amazon releases a video generator — but only for ads**
Like its rival, Google, Amazon has launched an AI-powered video generator — but it’s only for advertisers at the moment, and somewhat limited in what it can do. Today at its Accelerate conference, Amazon unveiled Video generator, which turns a single product image into a few-seconds-long video clip after a few minutes of processing. In […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/amazon-releases-a-video-generator-but-only-for-ads/) 2024-09-19T14:00:00Z **Tidal Metals sees seawater as the solution to a critical mineral shortage**
The startup, previously known as GreenBlu, was working on desalination when it realized there was more value in the minerals that were left behind.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/tidal-metals-sees-seawater-as-the-solution-to-a-critical-mineral-shortage/) 2024-09-19T14:30:00Z **Announcing our next wave of Startup Battlefield judges at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Startup Battlefield 200 is a major highlight at every Disrupt, and we’re thrilled to find out which of the thousands of startup applicants will get the chance to pitch to top-tier VCs at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. Join us at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28–30 to witness the epic showdown where every contender […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/announcing-startup-battlefield-judges-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-19T15:00:00Z **Dcode Capital, Albedo, and Biofire are coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
In a world where innovation knows no borders, a new trend is rising in the tech ecosystem: national-interest startups. From aerospace and defense to critical infrastructure, these firms are ensuring that innovation directly supports national growth, security, and prosperity. As we approach an inflection point in Silicon Valley’s evolution, the question arises: Can startups rebuild […]

© 202 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/dcode-capital-albedo-and-biofire-are-coming-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-19T15:00:00Z **Upchieve, an online tutor app for low-income students, launches a free tool for teachers**
Upchieve, the free, 24/7 online tutoring and college counseling app for low-income students, announced Thursday it’s giving teachers in Title 1 middle schools and high schools a new tool to ensure their students get the academic support they need. The new offering, called “Upchieve for Teachers,” allows teachers to offer 1:1 support to their students. […]

© 2024 TechCrunc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/upchieve-online-tutor-app-low-income-students-launches-free-tool-teachers/) 2024-09-19T15:17:55Z **Back Market lays out its plan to make refurbished phones go mainstream**
Back Market held a press conference on Thursday morning in Paris to talk about upcoming product launches and give an update on the company’s current situation. If you’re not familiar with the French startup it operates a marketplace of refurbished electronics devices — mostly smartphones. It’s attracted a lot of investor cash in recent years […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/back-market-lays-out-its-plan-to-make-refurbished-phones-mainstream/) 2024-09-19T15:30:00Z **Quilt, Furno Materials, and RA Capital Management share the stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Launching a new product is challenging, but doing it in a space dominated by tech giants requires bold innovation, sharp strategy, and the ability to scale quickly. TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 — taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30 — brings together three experts who are doing just that, while simultaneously addressing […]

© 20 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/quilt-furno-materials-and-ra-capital-management-share-the-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-19T16:00:00Z **TechCrunch Minute: United will use SpaceX’s Starlink to bring free Wi-Fi to flights**
United Airlines announced last week that it came to an agreement with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to bring the Starlink internet service to its entire fleet. That’s a huge partnership for both parties, and as this rollout takes place, anyone who flies United will be able to access free Wi-Fi on their flight.  Right now, United […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/video/techcrunch-minute-united-will-use-spacexs-starlink-to-bring-free-wi-fi-to-flights/) 2024-09-19T16:59:19Z **Google rolls out automatic passkey syncing via Password Manager**
Passkeys, the digital credentials that let you sign into apps and websites without entering a password, are getting easier to use for Chrome users. Starting today, you can save passkeys to Google’s password manager, Google Password Manager, built into Chrome on Windows, macOS, and Linux so that your passkeys automatically sync across all your signed-in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/google-rolls-out-automatic-passkey-syncing-via-password-manager/) 2024-09-19T17:14:08Z **For $5, Photon Library brings back the feel of the old iOS Photos app**
The company said it was inspired to create an alternative Photos app after seeing how frustrated iOS 18 early adopters were with Apple's new design.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/for-5-photon-library-brings-back-the-feel-of-the-old-ios-photos-app/) 2024-09-19T17:24:10Z **Cruise robotaxis return to the Bay Area nearly one year after pedestrian crash**
Cruise is returning to the streets of Sunnyvale and Mountain View for the first time since it paused operations in the Bay Area after a robotaxi struck a pedestrian in October 2023. The company said Thursday that it will put “several” vehicles driven by humans in the two cities that will initially perform mapping. The […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/cruise-avs-return-to-bay-area-year-after-pedestrian-crash/) 2024-09-19T17:30:00Z **A leadership shake-up at Motional, inside the fight over TuSimple’s cash, and Fisker waffles on recall repairs**
This week's Mobility newsletter looks at a leadership shakeup at Motional, and we go inside the fight over TuSimple's cash and much more.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/a-leadership-shakeup-at-motional-inside-the-fight-over-tusimples-cash-and-fisker-waffles-on-recall-repairs/) 2024-09-19T17:47:47Z **Apple Intelligence is now live in public beta. Here’s what it offers and how to enable it.**
Starting Thursday, those who are enrolled in Apple’s public beta program will be able to experience the generative AI-fueled platform the company has been talking up since June.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/apple-intelligence-is-now-live-in-public-beta-heres-what-it-offers-and-how-to-enable-it/) 2024-09-19T18:03:38Z **Virtuous, a fundraising CRM for nonprofits, raises $100M from Susquehanna Growth Equity**
I recently adopted a kitten from a local animal shelter. The modern, well-staffed three-story facility relies almost entirely on donations to operate. It’s just one of the 1.8 million nonprofits in the U.S. that need to continually solicit contributions from donors to maintain its services. But Virtuous founder and CEO Gabe Cooper says that many […]

© 2024 TechC ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/virtuous-a-fundraising-crm-for-nonprofits-raises-100m-from-susquehanna-growth-equity/) 2024-09-19T18:03:26Z **No, the FAA isn’t fining SpaceX because of Elon Musk’s politics, former FAA head says**
Elon Musk is suing the FAA over fines he claims are "politically-motivated." The former head of the FAA disagrees.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/no-the-faa-isnt-fining-spacex-because-of-elon-musks-politics-former-faa-head-says/) 2024-09-19T18:54:18Z **Apple, Google wallets now support California driver’s licenses**
California residents can now store their driver’s license or state ID in their Apple Wallet apps, the state’s government announced on Thursday. California started allowing digital IDs through Google Wallet just last month. Californians with an ID in the Apple Wallet or Google Wallet app can use their mobile devices to present their ID in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal us ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/apple-google-wallets-now-support-california-drivers-licenses-and-state-ids/) 2024-09-19T19:25:34Z **This robotic knee exoskeleton is made from consumer braces and drone motors**
Test subjects were required to move a 30-pound kettlebell up and down a flight of stairs.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/this-robotic-knee-exoskeleton-is-made-from-consumer-braces-and-drone-motors/) 2024-09-19T20:48:57Z **FTC report on predatory social media data hoarding hints at future regulations**
A new FTC report on how social media and streaming sites collect and monetize their hoards of user data doesn’t really feature a lot of surprises for anyone who’s followed the space. It’s more helpful to consider this part of a paper trail the agency is laying down in order to justify new regulations in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/ftc-report-on-predatory-social-media-data-hoarding-hints-at-future-regulations/) 2024-09-19T20:54:44Z **MIT develops recyclable 3D printed glass blocks for construction**
The team points to glass’ optical properties and its “infinite recyclability” as reasons for turning to the material.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/mit-develops-recyclable-3d-printed-glass-blocks-for-construction/) 2024-09-19T22:05:53Z **Elon Musk’s reposts of Kamala Harris deepfakes may not fly under new California law**
California’s newest law could land social media users who post, or repost, AI deepfakes that deceive voters about upcoming elections in legal trouble. Governor Gavin Newsom suggests that AB 2839, which went into effect immediately after he signed it on Tuesday, could be used to reel in Elon Musk’s retweets, among others who spread deceptive […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/elon-musks-reposts-of-kamala-harris-deepfakes-may-not-fly-under-new-california-law/) 2024-09-19T22:07:34Z **SpaceX disputes $633K FAA fine, citing “systematic challenges” with agency**
SpaceX sent a letter to top Congressional leaders on Wednesday denying allegations that it violated its launch licenses on two separate occasions last year, which has resulted in regulators seeking $633,009 in penalties from the company. Instead, the company asserts that the inability of the Federal Aviation Authority’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) to […]

© 2024 TechCru ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/spacex-disputes-633k-faa-fine-citing-systematic-challenges-with-agency/) 2024-09-19T22:10:58Z **Chipmaker Qualcomm lays off hundreds of workers in San Diego**
This is the chipmaker's second round of layoffs over the past year, while the company recorded billions in revenue.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/chipmaker-qualcomm-lays-off-hundreds-of-workers-in-san-diego/) 2024-09-19T22:29:54Z **Gaming Lyft’s Citi Bike algos was a lucrative side hustle for a while**
A New York Times article Thursday highlighted a lucrative side hustle that is emblematic of the times we live in: gaming algorithms to earn money. In this case, folks figured out they could maximize the payout from Lyft’s Citibike “bike angels” program by taking advantage of a company algorithm used to meet its supply-and-demand needs. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/gaming-lyfts-citi-bike-algos-was-a-lucrative-side-hustle-for-a-while/) 2024-09-19T23:41:57Z **Here is what’s illegal under California’s 8 (and counting) new AI laws**
California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently considering 38 AI-related bills, including the highly contentious SB 1047, which the state’s legislature sent to his desk for final approval. These bills try to address the most pressing issues in artificial intelligence: everything from futuristic AI systems creating existential risk, deepfake nudes from AI image generators, to Hollywood […]
 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/californias-5-new-ai-laws-crack-down-on-election-deepfakes-and-actor-clones/) 2024-09-20T04:59:34Z **Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma abandons human musicians for AI-generated music**
Indian filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma is ditching human musicians for artificial intelligence, saying he’ll use only AI-generated tunes in future projects, a move that underscores AI’s growing reach in creative industries. The filmmaker and screenwriter, known for popular Bollywood movies including Company, Rangeela, Sarkar, and Satya has launched a venture, called RGV Den Music ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/indian-filmmaker-ram-gopal-varma-abandons-human-musicians-for-ai-generated-music/) 2024-09-20T05:28:45Z **John Mulaney skewers San Francisco at Dreamforce**
Attendees of the Dreamforce conference in San Francisco love being the butt of the joke. Last year, Seth Myers entertained them during a 40-minute set that poked fun at the tech industry’s liberal use of self-affirmations. “You are achieving, you are amplifying, you are accelerating,” Myers said. “‘Architect?’ I saw ‘architect’ used as a verb. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/john-mulaney-skewers-san-francisco-at-dreamforce/) 2024-09-20T06:34:12Z **India’s Physics Wallah raises $210M at $2.8B valuation even as edtech funding remains scarce**
An Indian edtech startup has secured $210 million in fresh financing amid a tough funding environment for edtech companies in the country.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/19/indias-physics-wallah-raises-210m-at-2-8b-valuation-even-as-edtech-funding-remains-scarce/) 2024-09-20T10:31:53Z **Health insurance startup Alan reaches $4.5B valuation with new $193M funding round**
Belfius is leading Alan’s Series F funding round of €173 million (around $193 million at current exchange rates).

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/health-insurance-startup-alan-reaches-45-billion-valuation-with-new-funding-round/) 2024-09-20T14:07:04Z **Microsoft taps Three Mile Island nuclear plant to power AI**
The data centers that train all the large language models behind AI consume unimaginable amounts of energy, and the stakes are high for big tech companies to ensure they have enough power to run those plants. That’s why Microsoft is reportedly throwing its weight behind nuclear power. The tech giant on Friday signed a major […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/microsoft-taps-three-mile-island-nuclear-plant-to-power-ai/) 2024-09-20T14:13:30Z **She sat down in the COVID Lockdown and started coding — now she’s taking on Bolt**
Sitting in Athens during the first Covid-19 lockdown, entrepreneur Rania Lamprou watched as online e-commerce exploded because of social distancing. But merchants still struggled with low conversion rates because their checkout processes were complicated, and they had to integrate multiple providers for payments, shipping, and loyalty programs. “I knew there had to be a better ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/she-sat-down-in-the-covid-lockdown-and-started-coding-now-shes-taking-on-bolt/) 2024-09-20T14:30:00Z **Ticket Reboot Week: TechCrunch Disrupt 2024’s last sale has begun**
We’ve rebooted regular ticket prices for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, giving you one last chance to save big before the event. Enjoy up to $600 off individual tickets until September 27. Disrupt 2024 is the ultimate startup hub, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30. Join 10,000 startup, tech, and VC leaders; […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/ticket-reboot-week-techcrunch-disrupt-2024s-last-sale-has-begun/) 2024-09-20T15:00:00Z **SignalFire, CapitalG, and Comprehensive.io coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
As the startup landscape evolves, so do hiring strategies. With Big Tech downsizing and the labor market tightening, founders must navigate a conservative job market to attract and retain top talent.  The hiring landscape in 2025 will offer challenges and opportunities for those who can adapt. Founders now hold increased leverage, but respect for staff […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/signalfire-capital-g-and-comprehensive-io-coming-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-20T15:14:44Z **LinkedIn has stopped grabbing U.K. users’ data for AI**
The U.K.’s data protection watchdog has confirmed that Microsoft-owned LinkedIn has stopped processing user data for AI model training for now. Steven Almond, executive director of regulatory risk for the Information Commissioner’s Office, wrote in a statement on Friday: “We are pleased that LinkedIn has reflected on the concerns we raised about its approach to training […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/linkedin-has-stopped-grabbing-u-k-users-data-for-ai/) 2024-09-20T15:30:00Z **Last day to Apply: Boost your brand at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Keep the energy of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 alive and leverage your brand by hosting an after-hours Side Event.  Act fast — today is your last chance to apply! Showcase your brand to 10,000 Disrupt attendees and the vibrant Bay Area tech scene during “Disrupt Week” — taking place from October 26 to November 1. From […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/last-day-to-apply-boost-your-brand-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-20T15:50:37Z **Tumblr reports ~350% user growth following X’s ban in Brazil**
According to Tumblr, in the days since the X ban in Brazil, the site saw 222.99% growth in communities and 349.55% growth in users.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/tumblr-reports-350-user-growth-following-xs-ban-in-brazil/) 2024-09-20T16:00:00Z **TechCrunch Minute: Amazon announces AI-powered tools for creating video ads**
Businesses that sell on Amazon will have access to new generative AI tools allowing them to create video ads from a single product image. There are actually two related products that Amazon announced — live image and video generator. Both of them are being pitched as a way for sellers to easily create video ads […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/video/techcrunch-minute-amazon-announces-ai-powered-tools-for-creating-video-ads/) 2024-09-20T16:12:11Z **YouTube tests a new way for creators to avoid takedowns**
YouTube is now testing a new feature that will let creators edit their videos to remove age restrictions and restore videos that had been impacted due to certain Community Guidelines violations. Until now, if a video received an age restriction label or was removed for breaking YouTube’s Community Guidelines, creators had to go through an […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/youtube-tests-a-new-way-for-creators-to-avoid-takedowns/) 2024-09-20T16:36:25Z **Apple Intelligence: Its biggest features and when you can expect them**
If you're not using the beta version of Apple Intelligence, here's when you can expect to get the new features.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/apple-intelligence-its-biggest-features-and-when-you-can-expect-them/) 2024-09-20T16:41:00Z **Last day to apply: Boost your brand at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Keep the energy of TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 alive and leverage your brand by hosting an after-hours Side Event.  Act fast — today is your last chance to apply! Showcase your brand to 10,000 Disrupt attendees and the vibrant Bay Area tech scene during “Disrupt Week” — taking place from October 26 to November 1. From […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/last-day-to-apply-boost-your-brand-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-20T17:05:00Z **M&As and AI are in the spotlight, but there’s still capital left for quick commerce and more**
This week brought reassuring signs that dealmaking is still happening on both sides of the table. New unicorns are being minted, and more capital is flowing into AI.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/mas-and-ai-are-in-the-spotlight-but-theres-still-capital-left-for-quick-commerce-and-more/) 2024-09-20T17:23:51Z **Plaud’s $169 ChatGPT-powered NotePin has a permanent place in my travel bag**
The $169 Plaud NotePin is a tiny magnetic recording device. Recordings are transcribed and AI provide summaries of meetings.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/plauds-169-chatgpt-powered-notepin-has-a-permanent-place-in-my-travel-bag/) 2024-09-20T17:57:30Z **Internet surveillance firm Sandvine says it’s leaving 56 “non-democratic” countries**
Sandvine sold its internet surveillance products to authoritarian regimes, including Belarus, Egypt, Eritrea, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/internet-surveillance-firm-sandvine-says-its-leaving-56-non-democratic-countries/) 2024-09-20T18:30:00Z **The iPhone 16 launches today, without its most hyped feature: Apple Intelligence**
The iPhone 16 officially goes on sale Friday. But for its earliest adopters, it arrives with a fundamental compromise baked into the deal. Put simply, this is not the iPhone 16 that they were promised. Tim Cook said it would be “first iPhone built for Apple Intelligence.” But that “for” is key: the handsets actually […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal us ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/the-iphone-16-launches-today-without-its-most-hyped-feature-apple-intelligence/) 2024-09-20T19:16:43Z **The 25 battery tech startups that just got a piece of $3B in federal funds**
This tranche of funding went to startups across 14 states, but there were certain winners that will see the bulk of the expected 18,000 jobs to be created as a result of this funding.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/the-25-battery-tech-startups-that-just-got-a-piece-of-3b-in-federal-funds/) 2024-09-20T19:24:41Z **Apple breaks down iPhone 16 repair process**
Apple published step-by-step instructions for swapping out the new handset’s battery.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/apple-breaks-down-iphone-16-repair-process/) 2024-09-20T19:40:00Z **Here are the hottest product announcements from Apple, Google, Microsoft and others so far in 2024**
We’ve poked through the many product announcements made by the biggest tech companies and product trade shows of the year, so far, and compiled them into this list.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/hottest-apple-products-google-microsoft/) 2024-09-20T19:56:34Z **Black Forest Labs, the company that powers Grok’s image generation, is raising another $100M on a $1B valuation, say sources**
Black Forest Labs, an image GenAI startup that only came out of stealth two months ago, has closed a a monster new round, sources say.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/black-forest-labs-the-company-that-powers-groks-image-generation-is-raising-another-100m-on-a-1b-valuation-say-sources/) 2024-09-20T20:20:44Z **Cards Against Humanity sues Elon Musk’s SpaceX for trespassing**
Cards Against Humanity is suing Elon Musk’s space exploration company, SpaceX, for $15 million after it allegedly dumped construction equipment all over the game company’s private land in Texas.  An email, posted on Threads, went out to around 150,000 Cards Against Humanity Saves America donors. Those donors contributed $15 seven years ago to help the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/cards-against-humanity-sues-elon-musks-spacex-for-trespassing/) 2024-09-20T20:54:01Z **Musk dodged Brazil’s X ban by ‘coincidence,’ says Cloudflare CEO**
X went back online in Brazil earlier this week, three weeks after Elon Musk’s platform was blocked under orders from Brazil’s Supreme Court. That prompted Brazil’s top court to fine X Corp. nearly $1 million for every day the platform remained accessible in the country. However, Cloudflare’s CEO Matthew Prince tells TechCrunch that X going […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/musk-dodged-brazils-x-ban-by-coincidence-says-cloudflare-ceo/) 2024-09-20T21:53:15Z **Adam Neumann’s startup Flow opens co-living community in Saudi Arabia**
Flow, Adam Neumann’s co-living startup, opened a compound with 238 apartments in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, and Forbes has some details. The opening included an Aztec-themed hot chocolate ceremony and tote bags with the words “holy s— I’m alive” on them. The rent for the furnished units starts at $3,500 a month and includes hotel-style […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For persona ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/adam-neumanns-startup-flow-opens-co-living-community-in-saudi-arabia/) 2024-09-20T22:32:59Z **Elon Musk threatened with SEC sanctions for failing to appear in court**
Elon Musk, the CEO of X and various other companies with the letter “X” in their names, is in regulators’ crosshairs after skipping testimony this month in an investigation related to Musk’s takeover of Twitter. In a filing today, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said that it intended to seek sanctions against Musk […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/20/elon-musk-threatened-with-sec-sanctions-for-failing-to-appear-in-court/) 2024-09-21T12:00:00Z **The EU’s 10 biggest antitrust actions on tech**
While it's fair to say the EU's antitrust tech enforcement outcomes have varied, one lasting legacy is that some of these major cases served as inspiration for the bloc's Digital Markets Act.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/the-eus-10-biggest-antitrust-actions-on-tech/) 2024-09-21T13:00:00Z **Shelf is a social network based on the media you consume**
Shelf lets you show what you listen to, play, read and watch online through your dedicated digital storefront.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/shelf-is-a-social-network-based-on-the-media-you-consume/) 2024-09-21T14:00:00Z **Tesla Superchargers: All the EV brands that have access**
EV owners of GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq will now officially have access to Tesla’s Superchargers.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/tesla-superchargers-all-the-ev-brands-that-have-access/) 2024-09-21T15:00:00Z **Moksha, the gamified meditation device, makes breath work exercises more engaging**
Moksha’s meditation tool aims to kick traditional breath work exercises to the curb.  As most breathing tools on the market are designed to do, Moksha aims to help train you to breathe longer and deeper, which studies have shown naturally calm you down, relax your muscles, slow your heart rate, and stabilize your blood pressure. The […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/moksha-gamified-meditation-device/) 2024-09-21T15:47:00Z **Electric outboard startup Pure Watercraft is selling itself for parts**
A tough market seems to have put an end to Pure's ambitions.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/electric-outboard-startup-pure-watercraft-is-selling-itself-for-parts/) 2024-09-21T15:55:08Z **India’s Oyo acquires Motel 6 for $525M**
One of India’s largest startups, budget hotel company Oyo, has reached a deal to acquire G6 Hospitality, which operates Motel 6. Oyo says it will pay Blackstone Real Estate $525 million in an all-cash transaction. The acquisition also includes the Studio 6 extended stay brand and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/indias-oyo-acquires-motel-6-for-525m/) 2024-09-21T16:35:36Z **Qualcomm may be trying to buy Intel**
Chipmaker Qualcomm is trying to buy rival Intel, according to multiple reports. The Wall Street Journal first broke the news late Friday that Qualcomm had approached Intel about a takeover. The New York Times then corroborated the story, while also saying no official offer has been made. Even if there is an offer, it’s not […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/qualcomm-may-be-trying-to-buy-intel/) 2024-09-21T17:05:00Z **Amazon says no to remote work**
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy is calling for a full return to office at the start of 2025. For the last 15 months, employees have been expected to work in the office three days per week. Now employees will be expected to be in the office five days a week, with work from home being OK […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/amazon-says-no-to-remote-work/) 2024-09-21T18:41:19Z **X reverses course in Brazil**
It seems that Elon Musk-owned social network X (formerly Twitter) is backing down from a confrontation with Brazil’s Supreme Court. The New York Times reported on a new court filing in which the company’s lawyers said X had complied with the court’s orders — removing designated accounts, paying fines, and naming a new formal representative […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/x-reverses-course-in-brazil/) 2024-09-21T20:48:15Z **Google CEO Sundar Pichai announces $120M fund for global AI education**
Speaking Saturday at the UN Summit of the Future, Google CEO Sundar Pichai described AI as “the most transformative technology yet” and announced a new fund for AI education and training around the world. Pichai pointed to four broad opportunities he sees for AI and sustainable development, according to a transcript of his prepared remarks […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/21/google-ceo-sundar-pichai-announces-120m-fund-for-global-ai-education/) 2024-09-22T12:00:00Z **Some startups are going ‘fair source’ to avoid the pitfalls of open source licensing**
The fair source concept is designed to help companies align themselves with the "open" software development sphere, without encroaching into existing licensing landscapes.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/some-startups-are-going-fair-source-to-avoid-the-pitfalls-of-open-source-licensing/) 2024-09-22T13:00:00Z **Linus Torvalds explains why aging Linux developers are a good thing**
Linux's luminary linchpin, Linus Torvalds, says that despite longstanding reports of burnout in the open source software development realm, Linux is as strong as ever.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/linus-torvalds-explains-why-aging-linux-developers-are-a-good-thing/) 2024-09-22T12:30:00Z **The TechCrunch Cyber Glossary**
This glossary includes some of the most common terms and expressions we use in our articles, and explanations of how — and why — we use them.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/techcrunch-reference-guide-to-security-terminology/) 2024-09-22T14:00:00Z **A guide to iOS 18’s hidden features and smaller updates**
We put together a list of some of our favorite under-the-radar features that you might have missed.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/a-guide-to-ios-18s-hidden-features-and-smaller-updates/) 2024-09-22T15:00:00Z **Ibotta’s CEO explains why startups shouldn’t try to time the IPO market**
The IPO market has not roared back in 2024 as many investors hoped it would — not yet, at least. Elevated interest rates (this week’s 50 bps rate cut notwithstanding) and uncertainty related to the U.S. election have prompted many companies to stay private and wait for better market conditions. But a handful of companies […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/ibottas-ceo-explains-why-startups-shouldnt-try-to-time-the-ipo-market/) 2024-09-22T16:00:00Z **Pedego’s Cargo e-bike: Sporty, stylish and powerful for $4,000**
The Pedego’s Cargo e-bike is marketed as a powerful and sporty ride that’s geared towards parents toting kids around town and anyone who needs to schlep heavy gear.  I spent the summer testing out this cargo e-bike to find out if it met that mission. My take: It’s a stylish ride that can hold plenty […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/pedegos-cargo-e-bike-sporty-stylish-and-powerful-for-4000/) 2024-09-22T16:32:22Z **Yup, Jony Ive is working on an AI device startup with OpenAI**
Jony Ive, the legendary designer who left his full-time role at Apple five years ago, is working on a new startup with OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman. The collaboration was first reported last year, and Ive confirmed it in a New York Times profile about what he’s been up to since leaving Apple. If […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/yup-jony-ive-is-working-on-a-new-ai-device-company-with-openai/) 2024-09-22T17:00:00Z **Synex founder, once detained at the border with a 80-pound magnet, is building portable MRIs to test glucose**
Synex Medical just raised $28.1 million to build a portable MRI capable of testing glucose and other important molecules without the need to extract blood.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/synex-founder-once-detained-at-the-border-with-a-80-pound-magnet-is-building-portable-mris-to-test-glucose/) 2024-09-22T18:15:04Z **Matt Mullenweg calls WP Engine a ‘cancer to WordPress’ and urges community to switch providers**
Automattic CEO and WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg unleashed a scathing attack on a rival firm this week, calling WP Engine a “cancer to WordPress.” Mullenweg criticized the company — which has been commercializing the open source WordPress project since 2010 — for profiteering without giving much back, while also disabling key features that ma ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/matt-mullenweg-calls-wp-engine-a-cancer-to-wordpress-and-urges-community-to-switch-providers/) 2024-09-22T21:19:07Z **SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son has been planning his comeback**
A new Financial Times profile of Mayayoshi Son opens with SoftBank CEO seeming to hit bottom, staring at his “ugly” face on Zoom and telling himself, “I have done nothing I can be proud of.” The scene is presented as the prelude to a hoped-for a comeback, with Son largely disappearing from the public eye […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/22/softbanks-masayoshi-son-has-been-planning-his-comeback/) 2024-09-23T07:30:00Z **Jump raises $12M to help freelancers get benefits just like employees**
Jump offers full-time contracts to freelancers looking for some stability and the benefits involved with a full-time job.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/jump-raises-12-million-to-help-freelancers-get-benefits-just-like-employees/) 2024-09-23T12:00:00Z **Kestra raises another $8M for its open-source orchestration platform**
Data orchestration platform Kestra just raised an $8 million funding round led by Alven, with existing investors Isai and Axeleo participating once again.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/kestra-raises-another-8-million-for-its-open-source-orchestration-platform/) 2024-09-23T12:00:00Z **David Energy is going up against Goliath energy incumbents**
James McGinniss has been obsessed with decarbonization and the energy grid since he was a high schooler over a decade ago. Now, his startup David Energy has a lofty goal: getting the energy grid to run entirely on clean energy in the next 10 years. Brooklyn-based David Energy is a software-enabled retail energy provider. It […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/david-energy-is-going-up-against-goliath-energy-incumbents/) 2024-09-23T12:16:20Z **The new Reeder app is built for RSS, YouTube, Reddit, Mastodon and more**
For the longest time, RSS readers have followed an “Inbox Zero” design philosophy by showing an unread count against each source. If you have more than a dozen feeds plugged into your RSS reader, good luck getting that to zero. Silvio Rizzi, the developer who built the popular RSS app Reeder, wants to cater to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/the-new-reeder-app-is-built-for-rss-youtube-reddit-mastodon-and-more/) 2024-09-23T12:30:00Z **Thor and Harbinger Motors’ new hybrid RV will let you spend more time at the campsite**
Legacy automakers are experiencing a sort of existential crisis as they grapple with whether to stick to plans to go all-electric or hedge with hybrids. This sudden appetite for options across the industry is creating opportunity for EV startups like Los Angeles’ Harbinger Motors, which announced Monday that it has developed its first hybrid powertrain […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights rese ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/thor-industries-harbinger-motors-hybrid-rv-range-extender/) 2024-09-23T13:19:29Z **Cloudflare’s new marketplace lets websites charge AI bots for scraping**
Cloudflare announced plans on Monday to launch a marketplace in the next year where website owners can sell AI model providers access to scrape their site’s content. The marketplace is the final step of Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince’s larger plan to give publishers greater control over how and when AI bots scrape their websites. “If […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/cloudflares-new-marketplace-lets-websites-charge-ai-bots-for-scraping/) 2024-09-23T13:33:04Z **All Iron Ventures rebrands as Acurio Ventures with a new €150M ‘follow-on’ fund**
The new fund has already made around 20 investments, and it will operate with a generalist thesis, investing across the whole of Europe

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/all-iron-ventures-rebrands-as-acurio-ventures-with-a-new-e150m-follow-on-fund/) 2024-09-23T14:01:00Z **Pyka fields interest from defense as $40M round goes to scaling up its electric autonomous planes**
Though it briefly worked on a passenger plane, the company decided after raising some money in 2022 that a cargo variant of the Pelican was more practical in the short term.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/pyka-fields-interest-from-defense-as-40m-round-goes-to-scaling-up-its-electric-autonomous-planes/) 2024-09-23T14:13:35Z **TikTok launches expanded subscriptions feature for creators**
TikTok announced on Monday that its redesigned “Subscription” monetization offering is rolling out to eligible creators in select regions, including Brazil, France, Germany, Spain, the U.K., Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. The company says it plans to expand the feature to more markets in the coming weeks. The official rollout comes as […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/tiktok-launches-expanded-subscriptions-feature-for-creators/) 2024-09-23T14:30:00Z **5 days left to grab rebooted ticket prices for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
The countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is on, and so are rebooted ticket prices! Save up to $600 on individual ticket types before September 27. Take advantage of these huge last-minute discounts while you still can. Disrupt 2024 is where the startup ecosystem converges. Taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For persona ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/5-days-left-to-grab-rebooted-ticket-prices-for-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-23T15:01:00Z **Zin Boats’ bigger, faster electric leisure craft is built from the hull up with PNW pride**
After taking on water during the pandemic, Zin Boats is back with a bigger, better electric watercraft that it has built from the hull up — again.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/zin-boats-bigger-faster-electric-leisure-craft-is-built-from-the-hull-up-with-pnw-pride/) 2024-09-23T15:00:00Z **Consumer, culture, and creators with Erin and Sara Foster at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Two of the industry’s most famous sisters, Erin and Sara Foster, sit down alongside business partner Phil Schwarz at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 to talk about consumer investing, culture curation, and what it means to be a creator in the modern age.  Moderated on the Disrupt main stage, the conversation will surround the creator economy, consumer […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/consumer-culture-and-creators-with-erin-and-sara-foster-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-23T15:09:30Z **Google TV receives a major update ahead of the launch of its new streaming box**
Ahead of the launch of Google TV Streamer, the company’s new set-top streaming box, the tech giant is also bringing new updates to all Google TV devices. This includes a home panel that can control smart home devices, AI-powered screensavers, a new sports page, and more.  The company announced on Monday a host of new […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/google-tv-recieves-a-major-update-ahead-of-google-tv-streamer-launch/) 2024-09-23T15:30:00Z **TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 Side Events schedule: Women in Tech, SignalFire, Llama Lounge, and more to host**
With TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 right around the corner, we’re thrilled to introduce the companies hosting Side Events that will extend the buzz and excitement to the thousands of attendees and Silicon Valley locals alike. Whether it’s a fun happy hour, insightful panels, or energizing morning runs, Disrupt Week — happening from October ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/techcrunch-disrupt-2024-side-events-lineup-women-in-tech-signalfire-llama-lounge-and-more-to-host/) 2024-09-23T15:34:04Z **Meta Connect 2024: How to watch the metaverse and generative AI event**
Meta Connect starts Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT and is set to focus on Meta's XR platforms, the metaverse, and its generative AI platform, Llama.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/meta-connect-2024-how-to-watch-the-metaverse-and-generative-ai-event/) 2024-09-23T15:58:43Z **First TikTok, now smart cars: How Biden’s new proposed ban will affect U.S. automakers**
The White House issued a long-anticipated proposal Monday that would ban Chinese smart cars because internet-connected vehicles pose a national security risk. The proposal, made amid an escalating trade war, could affect U.S. automakers and suppliers that rely on certain hardware to enable connected vehicle systems.    “This is both strategic political theater desig ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/first-tiktok-now-smart-cars-how-bidens-new-proposed-ban-will-affect-u-s-automakers/) 2024-09-23T16:00:00Z **Letta, one of UC Berkeley’s most anticipated AI startups, has just come out of stealth**
AI memory management startup Letta just emerged from stealth with $10 million in seed led by Felicis and a bunch of big-name angels.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/letta-one-of-uc-berkeleys-most-anticipated-ai-startups-has-just-come-out-of-stealth/) 2024-09-23T17:29:10Z **Boston Dynamics’ Spot can now autonomously unlock doors**
The “embedded digital access credentials” work over Bluetooth.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/boston-dynamics-spot-can-now-autonomously-unlock-doors/) 2024-09-23T17:43:35Z **Rabbit’s web-based ‘large action model’ agent arrives on r1 as early as this week**
The Rabbit r1 was the must-have gadget of early 2024, but the blush fell off it pretty quick when the company’s expansive promises failed to materialize. CEO Jesse Lyu admits that “on day one, we set our expectations too high” — but that an update coming to its devices this month will finally set their […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/rabbits-web-based-large-action-model-agent-arrives-on-r1-as-early-as-this-week/) 2024-09-23T17:40:00Z **Consumer, culture, and creators with Erin and Sara Foster at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Two of the industry’s most famous sisters, Erin and Sara Foster, sit down alongside business partner Phil Schwarz at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 to talk about consumer investing, culture curation, and what it means to be a creator in the modern age.  Moderated on the Disrupt main stage, the conversation will surround the creator economy, consumer […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/consumer-culture-and-creators-with-erin-and-sara-foster-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-23T18:15:21Z **Rivian reveals first $10M in grants for long-promised Rivian Foundation**
Rivian has revealed the first $10 million worth of grants from the Rivian Foundation, just three years after promising to make the “natural world” a “stakeholder in our success.” The company launched a website for the foundation on Monday that details 41 grantees who will collectively receive just north of $10 million in funding. The […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/rivian-foundation-reveals-first-10-million-grantees/) 2024-09-23T18:12:14Z **Ephos wants to shatter the market for AI and quantum chips with a new design based on glass**
A theoretical physicist believes he has made a breakthrough in photonics research that will enable us to have faster and better processors — a major need in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other tech with heavy workloads. Now, his startup has received early backing from NATO, the European government, and other key investors to produce [ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/ephos-wants-to-shatter-the-market-for-ai-and-quantum-chips-with-a-new-design-based-on-glass/) 2024-09-23T19:10:04Z **Some Kaspersky customers receive surprise forced-update to new antivirus software**
After U.S. ban, Kaspersky's American customers were automatically migrated to UltraAV antivirus, in some cases without the customers' knowledge.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/some-kaspersky-customers-receive-surprise-forced-update-to-new-antivirus-software/) 2024-09-23T19:43:40Z **X will soon make your public posts visible to accounts you’ve blocked**
X will soon change the functionality behind its block button so that if you block an account, they will still be able to see your public posts, according to changes to X’s website spotted by independent app researcher, Nima Owji. Elon Musk confirmed these changes on Monday, noting that blocked accounts will still not be […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/x-will-soon-make-your-public-posts-visible-to-accounts-youve-blocked/) 2024-09-23T20:09:50Z **How Big Tech embraced nuclear power**
Companies are eyeing nuclear power as a way to reconcile their breakneck data center growth with their commitments to hit net zero carbon emissions.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/how-big-tech-embraced-nuclear-power/) 2024-09-23T20:34:03Z **Sam Altman catapults past founder mode into ‘god mode’ with latest AI post**
Founder mode? Pffft. Who needs that when you can be the father of creation, ushering in a new age of humanity? Welcome to “god mode.” Sam Altman, the CEO of the AI startup headed for a $150B valuation, OpenAI, has historically pitched AI as the solution to the world’s problems, despite its significant impact on […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/sam-altman-catapults-past-founder-mode-into-god-mode-with-latest-ai-post/) 2024-09-23T20:49:18Z **Here is what’s illegal under California’s 9 (and counting) new AI laws**
California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently considering 38 AI-related bills, including the highly contentious SB 1047, which the state’s legislature sent to his desk for final approval. These bills try to address the most pressing issues in artificial intelligence: everything from futuristic AI systems creating existential risk, deepfake nudes from AI image generators, to Hollywood […]

© 2024 T ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/here-is-whats-illegal-under-californias-9-and-counting-new-ai-laws/) 2024-09-23T22:00:00Z **TechCrunch Space: SpaceX calls out ‘systematic challenges’ with FAA**
Hello and welcome back to TechCrunch Space. I wanted to flag once again that the final agenda for the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt is now live. I’ll be pushing this event for the next few weeks, given that we’re just a bit over a month away! We’d love for you to join us. Want […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/techcrunch-space-spacex-calls-out-systematic-challenges-with-faa/) 2024-09-23T22:03:00Z **Venture capitalists continue to play musical chairs**
From Keith Rabois to Ethan Kurzweil, a lot of VCs have switched firms or spun out of storied VC institutions to launch their own funds this year. These employment changes are surprising because unlike in many other fields, venture capitalists don’t traditionally move around very much — especially those who reach the partner or general […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/from-lauri-moore-to-vic-singh-venture-capitalists-continue-to-play-musical-chairs/) 2024-09-23T22:39:05Z **Crypto scammers hack OpenAI’s press account on X**
OpenAI’s official press account on X was hacked by cryptocurrency scammers. Or, at least that’s what appears to have happened. Late Tuesday afternoon, OpenAI Newsroom, an account OpenAI recently launched to spotlight product- and policy-related announcements, tweeted about an “$OPENAI” cryptocurrency token that “[bridges] the gap between AI and blockchain technology.” “All OpenAI users are […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/crypto-scammers-hack-openais-press-account-on-x/) 2024-09-24T04:00:05Z **Fintech Jupiter in talks to buy a stake in SBM Bank India**
Neobank Jupiter is in talks to acquire a stake in SBM India, three sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch, the latest example of an Indian fintech startup pursuing strategic partnerships with traditional banking institutions. The Bengaluru-headquartered startup — backed by Tiger Global and NuBank — is engaging to buy a 5% to 9.9% stake […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/fintech-jupiter-in-talks-to-buy-a-stake-in-sbm-bank-india/) 2024-09-24T05:00:00Z **GitHub will allow enterprise cloud customers to store data in the EU**
Starting from October 29, GitHub says that all enterprise cloud customers will be able to select an EU region to store all their code.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/github-will-allow-enterprise-cloud-customers-to-store-data-in-the-eu/) 2024-09-24T06:54:55Z **WP Engine sends cease-and-desist letter to Automattic over Mullenweg’s comments**
Mullenweg, who co-created WordPress, last week criticized WP Engine for raking in profits without giving much back to the open source project.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/23/wp-engine-sends-cease-and-desist-letter-to-automattic-over-mullenwegs-comments/) 2024-09-24T11:00:00Z **Pinterest launches a feature to let users remix collages created by others**
Pinterest created an engaging format with collages last year, which allows users to combine images and cutouts to create new content. The company is now banking on people creating more of them by introducing a Remix feature. Just like the Remix feature on short video apps, such as Instagram and Snap, the idea behind Pinterest’s feature is […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/pinterest-launches-a-feature-to-let-users-remix-collages-created-by-others/) 2024-09-24T12:11:34Z **ByteDance is shutting down TikTok Music globally**
ByteDance is shuttering its music streaming service TikTok Music worldwide in November, according to its website. “We are sorry to inform you that TikTok Music will be closing on 28 November 2024,” the notice on the site read. The Spotify and Apple Music competitor was available in Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Singapore, and Mexico. ByteDance didn’t […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/bytedance-is-shutting-down-tiktok-music-globally/) 2024-09-24T12:30:32Z **Torq, which automates cybersecurity workflows, raises $70M in new capital**
As the volume of cyberattacks grows, there’s increasing interest from the corporate sector in tech to help automate responses to breaches. Per a 2023 survey from analytics firm Devo, 80% of security leaders expected expanded investments in security automation technology this year; most cited the tech’s potential to support cyber threat mitigation. Projections say that the market […]

© 2024 Te ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/torq-which-automates-cybersecurity-workflows-raises-70m-in-new-cash/) 2024-09-24T13:00:00Z **Insta360’s excellent Link webcam gets a pair of successors**
Insta360 is announcing two additions to its Link webcam line: the Link 2 and Link 2C.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/insta360s-excellent-link-webcam-gets-a-pair-of-successors/) 2024-09-24T13:00:00Z **Fintech Mesa promises 1% cash back on mortgages, up to 3x on other home needs**
Mortgage fintech Mesa has emerged from stealth on Tuesday with $9.2 million in seed capital and a novel idea for homeowners. It’s offering cash back and rewards on all spending done on the home, including the mortgage itself.  Mesa is offering mortgage loans, original or refinancing, that include a credit-card-style 1% cash back on the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. F ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/fintech-mesa-promises-1-cash-back-on-mortgages-up-to-3x-on-other-home-needs/) 2024-09-24T13:18:04Z **Vista Equity Partners and Blackstone offer to buy Smartsheet for $8.4B in cash**
Vista Equity Partners and Blackstone have agreed to acquire Smartsheet, the software-as-a-service (SaaS) workplace collaboration and management platform, for $8.4 billion in cash. The companies say that the deal values publicly-traded Smartsheet’s shares at a 41% premium over its 90-day average closing share price. Should regulators and shareholders approve it, shareholders woul ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/vista-equity-partners-and-blackstone-offer-to-buy-smartsheet-for-8-4b-in-cash/) 2024-09-24T13:35:56Z **MoneyGram blames ‘cybersecurity issue’ for ongoing days-long outage**
The world's second largest money transfer provider said it doesn't have a timeline for when its services will return following a cyberattack.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/moneygram-blames-cybersecurity-issue-for-ongoing-days-long-outage/) 2024-09-24T13:45:03Z **Spotify’s AI playlist feature rolls out to the U.S. and more markets**
Spotify has expanded the availability of its AI Playlist tool to the U.S., Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand after initially launching it for Premium subscribers in the U.K. and Australia.  This feature, currently in beta on Android and iOS devices, allows users to create personalized playlists based on written prompts. For instance, users can enter […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/spotify-ai-playlist-rolls-out-to-the-us-canada-new-zealand/) 2024-09-24T13:44:20Z **Snapchat taps Google’s Gemini to power its chatbot’s generative AI features**
Snap has entered into an expanded partnership with Google Cloud to power generative AI experiences within Snapchat’s My AI chatbot. The chatbot will leverage the multimodal capabilities of Gemini AI to enable the chatbot to understand different types of information like text, audio, images, and videos. Gemini is powering the Google Lens-like features that Snapchat […]

© 2024 TechCrunc ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/snapchat-taps-googles-gemini-to-power-its-chatbots-generative-ai-features/) 2024-09-24T14:02:00Z **A startup from ex-Revolut employees uses AI to automate accounts — but hopes to keep accountants in jobs**
Often successful startups can give rise to ‘startup mafias’ – groups of former founders who go on to create other startups. But at least as often, new startups can be founded by employees. In the case of LiveFlow, that’s exactly what happened — and it’s now raised $13.5 million. A few years ago, Anita Koimur […]

© 2024 TechCrun ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/a-startup-from-ex-revolut-employees-uses-ai-to-automate-accounts-but-hopes-to-keep-accountants-in-jobs/) 2024-09-24T14:00:23Z **Microsoft claims its new tool can correct AI hallucinations, but experts advise caution**
Microsoft today revealed Correction, a service that attempts to automatically revise AI-generated text that's factually wrong.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/microsoft-claims-its-new-tool-can-correct-ai-hallucinations-but-experts-caution-it-has-shortcomings/) 2024-09-24T14:00:00Z **Sequoia’s first space investment since SpaceX is in sunlight-seller Reflect Orbital**
Imagine a future where the diurnal cycle, at least in some parts of the world, is adjustable. Where humans are no longer beholden to the 24-hour pattern of daylight and darkness. Instead of being constrained by the physical reality which constrains the sun to its daily cycle, imagine a future where the sun can be […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/sequoias-first-space-investment-since-spacex-is-sunlight-seller-reflect-orbital/) 2024-09-24T14:00:00Z **TikTok comes for Google’s ad business as it starts letting advertisers target its search results page**
After building out its Search product over the past few years to take on Google, TikTok is now taking its Search ambitions even further by allowing advertisers to target its search results page. TikTok announced on Tuesday that it’s launching the “TikTok Search Ads Campaign,” a new keyword-based search solution that enables brands to ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/tiktok-comes-for-googles-ad-business-as-it-starts-letting-advertisers-target-its-search-results-page/) 2024-09-24T14:00:00Z **Workera’s CEO was mentored by Andrew Ng. Now he wants an AI agent to mentor you**
Kian Katanforoosh has one of the best mentors in the AI world: renowned researcher Andrew Ng, who also served as his graduate school advisor at Stanford. The two went on to create Stanford’s deep learning program, and now, Ng serves as Chairman of Katanforoosh’s startup, Workera. Ng has been a meaningful guide in Katanforoosh’s career, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/workeras-ceo-was-mentored-by-andrew-ng-now-he-wants-an-ai-agent-to-mentor-you/) 2024-09-24T15:00:00Z **Data platform Airbyte can now create API connectors by reading the docs**
If your startup is only remotely related to working with data pipelines, you’re probably trying to figure out how to capitalize on the current moment: Enterprises are trying to figure out how to best use data to power generative AI products, and to do that, they need robust data services. Airbyte, which launched in 2020, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/data-platform-airbyte-can-now-create-api-connectors-by-reading-the-docs/) 2024-09-24T15:00:00Z **Just 4 days left to save up to $600 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 passes**
Time is running out to grab savings of up to $600 on individual tickets for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024! This limited-time offer ends on September 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so now’s your last opportunity to score a great deal before the final countdown begins. Disrupt 2024 is the ultimate gathering for the startup world. From […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/just-4-days-left-to-save-up-to-600-on-techcrunch-disrupt-2024-passes/) 2024-09-24T14:50:05Z **Tech YouTuber MKBHD’s Panels app is a bit underwhelming**
Tech YouTuber Marques Brownlee, or MKBHD, is stepping out of the reviewer role and into the mindset of a builder. This week, he launched a wallpaper app called Panels on iOS and Android, where he’s personally curating high-quality digital wallpapers from artists — but of course, there’s a catch. In order to access high-resolution wallpapers […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/tech-youtuber-mkbhds-panels-app-is-a-bit-underwhelming/) 2024-09-24T14:34:30Z **As the open social web grows, a new nonprofit looks to expand the ‘fediverse’**
A new project launching today aims to capitalize on the momentum seen within the fediverse, also known as the open social web, which describes interconnected social networking services powered by the ActivityPub protocol. Co-founded by the co-author and current editor of ActivityPub, Evan Prodromou, a new nonprofit organization called the Social Web Foundation will focus ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/as-the-open-social-web-movement-grows-a-new-nonprofit-launches-to-expand-the-fediverse/) 2024-09-24T17:00:00Z **Moxie, which helps nurses launch medspas, raises a preemptive Series B from Lachy Groom, SignalFire**
Moxie helps nurses open medspas by providing them with most of the tools they need to run their businesses, from billing software and marketing services to discounted supplies. The startup has raised a $10 million Series B led by existing investor Lachy Groom, a solo VC, with participation from SignalFire. The round comes only a […]

© 202 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/moxie-which-helps-nurses-launch-medspas-raises-a-preemptive-series-b-from-lachy-groom-signalfire/) 2024-09-24T17:00:00Z **Moxie, which helps nurses launch medspas, raises a preemptive Series B from Lachy Groom**
Moxie helps nurses open medspas by providing them with most of the tools they need to run their businesses, from billing software and marketing services to discounted supplies. The startup has raised a $10 million Series B led by existing investor Lachy Groom, a solo VC, with participation from SignalFire. The round comes only a […]

© 2024 TechCrunch ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/moxie-which-helps-nurses-launch-medspas-raises-a-preemptive-series-b-from-lachy-groom-signalfire/) 2024-09-24T17:18:05Z **From dinners with Travis Kalanick to fired after maternity leave: One of CloudKitchens’ earliest employees is suing**
Isabella Vincenza, one of CloudKitchens’ earliest employees, never imagined she would be suing her now-former employer. Hired as a full-time salesperson in 2018, she became a mainstay at President’s Club dinners hosted by CEO Travis Kalanick at his Bel Air home throughout 2020 and 2021. These dinners were prized, invite-only events for top salespeople ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/travis-kalanick-cloudkitchens-lawsuit-wrongful-termination-pregnant/) 2024-09-24T17:16:00Z **Rivian reveals first $10M in grants for long-promised Rivian Foundation**
Rivian has revealed the first $10 million worth of grants from the Rivian Foundation, three years after the EV maker vowed the philanthropy would receive 1% of its equity to make the “natural world” a “stakeholder in our success.” The company launched Monday a website for the foundation that details 41 grantees who will collectively […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/rivian-foundation-reveals-first-10-million-grantees/) 2024-09-24T17:20:30Z **Nothing launches a slick pair of $149 open-ear headphones**
The Nothing Ear Open costs $149 and will ship starting October 1.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/nothing-launches-a-slick-pair-of-149-open-ear-headphones/) 2024-09-24T17:19:08Z **Toyota Ventures’s Jim Adler says climate tech startups need to secure future buyers**
Jim Adler, founder and general partner at Toyota Ventures, is concerned that climate technology gains could fall into the “valley of death” if companies fail to drum up enough demand to survive.  And he’s not wrong to be worried.  Climate tech investments in the first half of 2024 dipped for the second consecutive year, both […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/toyota-venturess-jim-adler-says-climate-tech-startups-need-to-secure-future-buyers/) 2024-09-24T18:15:00Z **OpenAI rolls out Advanced Voice Mode with more voices and a new look**
OpenAI announced it is rolling out Advanced Voice Mode (AVM) to an expanded set of ChatGPT’s paying customers on Tuesday. The audio feature, which makes ChatGPT more natural to speak with, will initially roll out to customers in ChatGPT’s Plus and Teams tiers. Enterprise and Edu customers will start receiving access next week. As part […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/openai-rolls-out-advanced-voice-mode-with-more-voices-and-a-new-look/) 2024-09-24T18:17:54Z **Northvolt lays off 1,600 workers, but it’s not the end for Europe’s battery champion**
Europe’s attempt at building a battery manufacturing powerhouse announced that it had halted work on a factory expansion and laid off about 20% of its employees.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/northvolt-lays-off-1600-workers-but-its-not-the-end-for-europes-battery-champion/) 2024-09-24T18:30:09Z **The beloved Rodecaster board get a video production counterpart**
The Rodecaster Video is up for preorder starting today. It ships October 10.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/the-beloved-rodecaster-board-get-a-video-production-counterpart/) 2024-09-24T18:29:24Z **How one female VC is teaching kids about startups and women in tech**
Lux Capital's Deena Shakir wrote a picture book to explain startups to children.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/how-one-female-vc-is-teaching-kids-about-startups-and-women-in-tech/) 2024-09-24T19:13:12Z **EGYM, a connected fitness startup conceived after the founder hit a wall at the gym, lands $200m at a $1.2B+ valuation**
Getting healthy is big business these days. Now a startup that’s come up with a unique approach leveraging tech to help people with their exercise regimes is announcing a big round of funding, putting some weight behind its own push for growth.  Munich-based EGYM — a maker of connected fitne ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/egym-a-connected-fitness-startup-conceived-after-the-founder-hit-a-wall-at-the-gym-is-ramping-up-with-200m-at-a-1-2b-valuation/) 2024-09-24T20:57:58Z **Commvault acquires data backup provider Clumio**
It must be acquisition season. Commvault, a publicly traded data protection and data management software company, today announced that it intends to acquire data backup and recovery provider Clumio for an undisclosed amount. The deal is expected to close in early October. Commvault says it’s not material to its earnings and that it’ll be funded […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/commvault-acquires-data-backup-provider-clumio/) 2024-09-24T20:53:14Z **The best Twitter alternatives worth checking out**
We’ll be straight with you. There’s no 1:1 Twitter replacement, but there are plenty of social apps that might be worth substituting into your obsessive timeline-checking routines if you’re done with Twitter for whatever reason (we can think of plenty). Twitter’s current situation — advertisers leaving, Nazis logging back on — presents an opportunity to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/best-twitter-alternatives-social-apps/) 2024-09-24T21:11:58Z **Caroline Ellison sentenced to two years in prison for FTX fraud**
Caroline Ellison, the former CEO of FTX affiliate Alameda Research, was sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday. Ellison had pled guilty to conspiring with FTX’s Sam Bankman-Fried to steal $8 billion worth of customers’ funds, but she was an exceedingly cooperative witness, helping law enforcement to investigate the massive fraud scheme. Her two-year […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/caroline-ellison-sentenced-to-two-years-in-prison-for-ftx-fraud/) 2024-09-24T22:35:56Z **Salesforce snatches up Zoomin, a tool for organizing company knowledge**
Salesforce is on a buying spree. After snatching up data management firm Own earlier in the month, Salesforce today announced its plans to buy Zoomin, an enterprise knowledge platform. Zoomin — which we’ve covered a handful of times before — unifies a company’s docs, like product user guides and tutorials, in one portal. The terms […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use on ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/salesforce-snatches-up-zoomin-a-tool-for-organizing-company-knowledge/) 2024-09-25T06:26:52Z **Hone Capital, a Silicon Valley firm, is being probed by the FBI**
According to the FT, the FBI is now poking around nine-year-old Hone Capital, a Palo Alto, Ca.-based venture firm funded by a Chinese private equity firm, to determine whether some of its capital came from the Chinese government, and whether it shared sensitive startup data with Beijing. Originally launched with $115 million from China’s CSC […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/hone-capital-a-silicon-valley-firm-is-being-probed-by-the-fbi/) 2024-09-25T06:51:32Z **Airtel taps AI to combat India’s rampant spam calls problem**
Bharti Airtel, India’s second-largest telecom operator, said on Wednesday it’s rolling out an AI-powered spam detection solution to all its customers as it vowed to curb the rising spam calls and messages in the world’s most populous nation.  The company, which counts Google among its backers, announced the launch of what it claims is India’s […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/24/airtel-taps-ai-to-combat-india-rampant-spam-calls-problem/) 2024-09-25T07:14:13Z **Vsim, founded by Nvidia alums, raises $21.5M for robotics simulation tech**
One of the most fundamental breakthroughs at Nvidia has been building processors that power and integrate with highly detailed, compute-intensive graphical simulations, which can be used in a wide range of applications, from games and industrial developments through to AI training. Now two of the engineers who helped build those physical simulations for Nvidia and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. Al ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/vsim-founded-by-nvidia-alums-raises-21-5m-for-robotics-simulation-tech/) 2024-09-25T07:55:47Z **Legal ping-pong in the WordPress world continues as Automattic sends WP Engine a cease-and-desist letter alleging trademark infringement**
The brouhaha in the WordPress community looks likely to escalate into a legal battle around trademarks.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/legal-ping-pong-in-the-wordpress-world-continues-automattic-now-sends-wp-engine-a-cease-and-desist-letter-alleging-trademark-infringement/) 2024-09-25T09:24:22Z **Reddit is bringing AI-powered, automatic translation to dozens of new countries**
Reddit is bringing machine learning-powered translations to more than 35 new languages, including Brazilian Portuguese and Spanish.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/reddit-is-bringing-ai-powered-automatic-translation-to-dozens-of-new-countries/) 2024-09-25T11:09:28Z **Google’s revised ad targeting plan triggers fresh competition concerns in UK**
What is going on with Google’s long-touted migration to an alternative adtech stack (aka its Privacy Sandbox proposal)? What indeed. The entire multi-year endeavour to reshape the commercial web looks dangerously close to being killed off after the latest intervention by the U.K.’s antitrust regulator, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). This comes on top […]

© 2024 TechCr ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/googles-revised-ad-targeting-plan-triggers-fresh-competition-concerns-in-uk/) 2024-09-25T11:30:55Z **WhatFix raises a whopping $125M for its in-app user guides**
Digital transformation — upgrading a company’s legacy apps and processes with new tech — has long been a buzzy and lucrative business. But the pandemic supercharged the market. Covid pandemic lockdowns and the widespread move to work-from-home spurred brands relying on old technology to modernize their organizations. According to Statista, worldwide spending on digital transformation […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights res ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/whatfix-raises-125m-to-provide-in-app-guides-to-users/) 2024-09-25T12:00:00Z **Radian Aerospace completes ground tests of prototype space plane**
Radian Aerospace has moved one step closer to achieving the “holy grail” of spaceflight: a reusable space plane that can take-off from an airfield and land on a runway like a conventional airplane. The startup just announced completion of a series of ground tests in Abu Dhabi earlier this summer.  The tests were completed with […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/radian-aerospace-completes-ground-taxi-tests-of-prototype-space-plane/) 2024-09-25T12:17:45Z **Mozilla hit with privacy complaint in EU over Firefox tracking tech**
Mozilla, the non-profit that develops the Firefox web browser, has been hit with a complaint by European Union privacy rights group noyb, which accuses it of violating the bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) by tracking Firefox users by default without their permission. It’s unusual to see a privacy complaint targeting Mozilla, an organization which […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights re ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/mozilla-hit-with-privacy-complaint-in-eu-over-firefox-tracking-tech/) 2024-09-25T12:52:55Z **Uber will soon offer WeRide robotaxis in Abu Dhabi**
The ride-hail and delivery giant announced a new deal to bring WeRide’s robotaxis to the Uber platform starting in Abu Dhabi.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/uber-will-soon-offer-weride-robotaxis-in-abu-dhabi/) 2024-09-25T13:00:00Z **Tomasz Tunguz’s Theory Ventures bets $12M on Initia, the ‘iOS for web3’**
The promise of blockchain to change the world hasn’t materialized. For the most part, the technology has instead enabled people to speculate on a new asset class. A big hurdle to realizing blockchain’s full potential, web3 proponents argue, is that decentralized services are incredibly hard to build. Tomasz Tunguz, best known for his popular startup […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/tomasz-tunguzs-theory-ventures-bets-12m-on-initia-the-ios-for-web3/) 2024-09-25T13:00:00Z **Raycast raises $30M to bring its Mac productivity app to Windows and iOS**
At its core, Raycast all about bringing a little order to the chaos with what it calls a "shortcut to everything."

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/raycast-raises-30m-to-bring-its-mac-productivity-app-to-windows-and-ios/) 2024-09-25T13:00:00Z **AI2’s Molmo shows open source can meet, and beat, closed multimodal models**
The common wisdom is that companies like Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic, with bottomless cash reserves and hundreds of top-tier researchers, are the only ones that can make state-of-the-art foundation model. But as one among them famously noted, they “have no moat” — and AI2 showed that today with the release of Molmo, a multimodal AI […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/ai2s-molmo-shows-open-source-can-meet-and-beat-closed-multimodal-models/) 2024-09-25T13:00:00Z **Supabase, a Postgres-centric developer platform, raises $80M Series C**
With this, Supabase has now raised a total of $196 million, including a Series B round in 2022, which was also an $80 million round.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/supabase-a-postgres-centric-developer-platform-raises-80m-series-c/) 2024-09-25T14:00:00Z **Backyard Baseball ’97 is back, with a re-release coming soon on Steam**
Backyard Baseball 1997 is being remastered and will be available October 10 for $10.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/backyard-baseball-97-is-back-with-a-re-release-coming-soon-on-steam/) 2024-09-25T14:27:30Z **Meta Connect 2024: How to watch the metaverse and generative AI event today**
Meta Connect starts Wednesday at 10 a.m. PT and is set to focus on Meta's XR platforms, the metaverse, and its generative AI platform, Llama.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-how-to-watch-the-metaverse-and-generative-ai-event-today/) 2024-09-25T14:26:09Z **Google files antitrust complaint against Microsoft in Europe over cloud licensing practices**
Google has filed a complaint with the European Commission (EC), alleging that Microsoft uses anti-competitive licensing practices to strongarm companies into staying on its Azure cloud infrastructure. The complaint relates to a 2019 licensing change which made it more expensive to run Windows Server software on rival clouds. That change prompted Europe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/google-files-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-in-europe-over-cloud-licensing-practices/) 2024-09-25T14:30:00Z **Final 3 days to score up to $600 in savings on TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 passes**
Ticktock! The countdown is on to lock in your ticket for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 at a huge discount. Save up to $600 on individual ticket types if you register before September 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Secure your spot before prices go up — this offer won’t last long Disrupt 2024 is your gateway to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/final-3-days-to-score-up-to-600-in-savings-on-techcrunch-disrupt-2024-passes/) 2024-09-25T14:46:51Z **Early sign-ups to EU’s AI Pact include Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI — but Apple and Meta are missing**
The European Commission has revealed a list of the first 100-plus signatories to the AI Pact — an initiative focused on getting companies to publish “voluntary pledges” on how they approach and deploy artificial intelligence. While the bloc’s legally binding risk-based AI rulebook (the AI Act) entered into force last month, ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/early-sign-ups-to-eus-ai-pact-include-amazon-google-microsoft-and-openai-but-apple-and-meta-are-missing/) 2024-09-25T14:57:45Z **Audible experiments with new AI features for tailored audiobook recommendations**
Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook service, continues to experiment with AI to improve audiobook discovery and offer customized recommendations. Recent tests involve AI-powered tags, which analyze customer feedback to offer tailored suggestions according to individual preferences, and topic pages that recommend tags to help you find closely related subjects. The experiments are ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/audible-experiments-with-new-ai-features-tailored-audiobook-recommendations/) 2024-09-25T14:55:27Z **Meta acquires the Threads.com domain name**
Meta has acquired the Threads.com domain name, according to Whois records of the URL that were updated on September 24. Users on domain-related forums pointed out this transfer, and TechCrunch confirmed the Whois records of Threads.com separately, which list Meta’s Instagram as the registrant. TechCrunch reached out to Meta to understand if it plans to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-acquires-the-threads-com-domain-name/) 2024-09-25T15:58:54Z **After losing a peering lawsuit in Germany, Meta says it’s never getting back together with Deutsche Telekom**
Consumer apps can generate a lot of traffic and revenue, but some carriers have complained that they’re not getting a fair cut of the pie for carrying all that traffic across their network infrastructure. But if you were looking for a test case that demonstrated how the two sides might be able to work together, […]

© 2024 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/after-losing-a-peering-lawsuit-in-germany-meta-says-its-never-getting-back-together-with-deutsche-telekom/) 2024-09-25T15:54:22Z **Ayrton Energy mimics margarine to store hydrogen safely**
As the universe’s lightest gas, hydrogen is tricky to contain. But there’s an alternative: attaching hydrogen atoms to a carrier molecule that’s easier to move.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/ayrton-energy-mimics-margarine-to-store-hydrogen-safely/) 2024-09-25T16:16:32Z **Longshot Space closes over $5M in new funding to build space gun in the desert**
Why use a rocket when you could use a giant, miles-long “gun” instead?  That’s the question posed by Longshot Space, a company that’s completely rethinking how to send mass to orbit. The company is developing a kinetic launch system that will gradually accelerate payloads to hypersonic speeds before launching them to orbit. While Longshot’s full-scale […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/longshot-space-closes-over-5m-in-new-funding-to-build-space-gun-in-the-desert/) 2024-09-25T16:20:00Z **Consumer, culture, and creators with Erin and Sara Foster at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Two of the industry’s most famous sisters, Erin and Sara Foster, sit down alongside business partner Phil Schwarz at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 to talk about consumer investing, culture curation, and what it means to be a creator in the modern age.  Moderated on the Disrupt main stage, the conversation will surround the creator economy, consumer […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/consumer-culture-and-creators-with-erin-and-sara-foster-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-25T16:32:05Z **Amazon employees beg management to reverse 5-day RTO mandate**
Amazon CEO Andy Jassy announced to employees last week that they will be expected to work from the office five days a week, starting in 2025. Employees who have grown accustomed to a hybrid work structure are “strongly dissatisfied,” according to an anonymous survey created by Amazon employees. As Fortune reports, hundreds of employees responded […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/amazon-employees-beg-management-to-reverse-5-day-rto-mandate/) 2024-09-25T16:36:29Z **Diagrid launches Catalyst to help enterprises build their microservices**
Back in 2019, Microsoft launched Dapr, a new open-source project that made building event-driven distributed applications easier for developers. Like so many popular open-source projects, Dapr spawned its own ecosystem, especially after Microsoft donated it to the Linux Foundation. And as is also so often the case, some of the creators of Dapr — and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/diagrid-launches-catalyst-to-help-enterprises-build-their-microservices/) 2024-09-25T16:58:04Z **Meta Connect 2024: Everything announced on AI, the metaverse, Quest headsets and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-everything-announced-on-ai-the-metaverse-quest-headsets-and-more/) 2024-09-25T17:19:39Z **Meta Connect 2024: Everything announced on AI, the metaverse, Quest headsets and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-everything-announced-on-ai-the-metaverse-quest-headsets-and-more/) 2024-09-25T17:18:15Z **Meta discontinues Quest 2 and Quest Pro**
With the budget Quest 3S now up for preorder, Meta will no longer sell the Quest 2 and Quest Pro once back stock is deleted.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-discontinues-quest-2-and-quest-pro/) 2024-09-25T17:18:01Z **Meta announces $300 Quest 3S, a cheaper take on mixed reality**
The Meta Quest S3 is up for preorder Wednesday. It starts shipping October 15.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-announces-300-quest-3s-a-cheaper-take-on-mixed-reality/) 2024-09-25T17:28:16Z **Meta AI can now understand and edit your photos**
Meta announced that Meta AI will now be able to help you edit photos using AI technology as well as answer questions about the photos you share.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-ai-can-now-understand-and-edit-your-photos/) 2024-09-25T17:28:15Z **Meta AI’s genAI ‘Imagine’ features expand across Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger**
With the update, users will be able to use prompts to generate AI photos directly in their feed, Stories, and for their Facebook profile pictures.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-ais-genai-imagine-features-expand-across-facebook-instagram-and-messenger/) 2024-09-25T17:28:13Z **Meta lets businesses create ad-embedded chatbots**
Meta is now allowing businesses to create ads that, when clicked, bring up a chatbot customers can speak with about common topics.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-lets-businesses-create-ad-embedded-chatbots/) 2024-09-25T17:28:11Z **Meta AI gets celebrity voices and lip-synced translations**
Meta is bringing a voice mode to its AI assistant, Meta AI, along with an Meta AI-powered translation feature for Instagram Reels.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-ai-gets-celebrity-voices-and-lip-synced-translations/) 2024-09-25T17:30:12Z **Meta Connect 2024: Everything announced on AI, the metaverse, Quest headsets and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-everything-announced-on-ai-the-metaverse-quest-headsets-and-more/) 2024-09-25T17:30:00Z **Canva adds new abilities for app developers and improves discoverability**
Canva just announced new enhancements to its developer platform, such as including premium apps with its Pro subscription, a translation feature for apps, better discovery mechanisms, and new API functionalities. The creative tool company started its developer program in June 2023 to let developers build add-ons that people can use in Canva. Think of them […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/canva-adds-new-abilities-for-app-developers-and-improves-discoverability/) 2024-09-25T17:39:00Z **Meta updates Ray-Ban smart glasses with real-time AI video, reminders, and QR code scanning**
The Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses got an update with new familiar smartphone features and AI capabilities coming later in 2024.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-updates-ray-ban-smart-glasses-with-real-time-ai-video-reminders-and-qr-code-scanning/) 2024-09-25T17:36:56Z **Meta’s Hyperspace lets you scan and explore real-life spaces in VR**
Onstage during its Connect 2024 developer conference, Meta showed Hyperspace, a feature that lets users scan real-life spaces and explore them in VR.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/metas-hyperspace-lets-you-scan-and-explore-real-life-spaces-in-vr/) 2024-09-25T17:36:44Z **Meta has rebuilt Instagram and Facebook for its Quest headsets**
At its annual Meta Connect event on Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the company has rebuilt its social apps for mixed reality. “We’ve got all new Instagram and Facebook experiences to bring your feeds and your Reels with you into mixed reality,” Zuckerberg said. “A really nice interface so you can lean back […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-has-rebuilt-instagram-and-facebook-for-its-quest-headsets/) 2024-09-25T17:36:26Z **Meta Connect 2024: Everything announced on AI, the metaverse, Quest headsets and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-everything-announced-on-ai-the-metaverse-quest-headsets-and-more/) 2024-09-25T17:41:11Z **Meta Connect 2024: Everything announced on AI, the metaverse, Quest headsets and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-everything-announced-on-ai-the-metaverse-quest-headsets-and-more/) 2024-09-25T17:44:49Z **Mark Zuckerberg says Meta AI has nearly 500 million users**
Mark Zuckerberg said today that Meta AI is one of the most used AI assistant across the world with “almost” 500 million monthly active users. Speaking at the company’s Meta Connect event, Zuckerberg said that Meta AI is on track to become the most used assistant across the world. “We’re almost at 500 million monthly […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/mark-zuckerberg-says-meta-ai-has-nearly-500-million-users/) 2024-09-25T17:45:04Z **Meta Ray-Bans are getting live translation**
During Wednesday’s Meta Connect event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a slew of new AI-fueled features for the company’s Ray-Ban collaboration. The most interesting of the bunch is the addition of real-time translation through the glasses’ speakers. Meta explains, Soon, your glasses will be able to translate speech in real time. When you’re talking to someone […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-ray-bans-are-getting-live-translation/) 2024-09-25T18:04:36Z **Meta developed a ‘neural interface’ for its next-gen Orion AR glasses**
At the Meta Connect 2024 conference, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that the company’s developing a “neural interface” that can be used to control its prototypical Orion AR glasses. The interface, which seems inspired by devices developed by CTRL-Labs, a brain-machine interface company Meta acquired in 2019, takes the form of a wrist-worn wearable. Wearers […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-developed-a-neural-interface-for-its-next-gen-ar-glasses/) 2024-09-25T18:00:29Z **Meta Connect 2024: Quest 3S headset, Meta AI upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta real-time video and more revealed**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the [… ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-quest-3s-headset-meta-ai-upgrades-ray-ban-meta-real-time-video-and-more-revealed/) 2024-09-25T17:54:06Z **Meta teases Orion, ‘the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen’**
At Wednesday’s Meta Connect event, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced what he described as Meta teases Orion, ‘the most advanced glasses the world has ever seen.’ The glasses, which are notably significantly smaller than Snap’s recently announced Spectacles 5, are true AR. Orion utilize tiny projects built into the glasses temples to create a heads-up display […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-teases-orion-the-most-advanced-glasses-the-world-has-ever-seen/) 2024-09-25T18:09:21Z **Meta Connect 2024: Orion glasses, Quest 3S headset, Meta AI upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta real-time video and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-orion-glasses-quest-3s-headset-meta-ai-upgrades-ray-ban-meta-real-time-video-and-more-revealed/) 2024-09-25T18:16:14Z **Y Combinator’s next Demo Day will include in-person seats for top VCs, Garry Tan says**
Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan wants to bring the famed accelerator’s Demo Day presentations back as in-person events by the end of the year. During Tan’s opening remarks during Wednesday’s YC summer cohort Demo Day, he said this week’s Demo Day presentations will “knock on wood” be the final ones held entirely online. Tan added […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserv ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/y-combinators-next-demo-day-will-include-in-person-seats-for-top-vcs-garry-tan-says/) 2024-09-25T18:15:49Z **Meta Connect 2024: Orion glasses, Quest 3S headset, Meta AI upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta real-time video and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is starting soon, and with it comes the expectation of reveals and updates to Meta’s latest AI model and metaverse ambitions. The developer-centric event will feature a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg, during which he will likely showcase new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambi ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-orion-glasses-quest-3s-headset-meta-ai-upgrades-ray-ban-meta-real-time-video-and-more-revealed/) 2024-09-25T18:28:47Z **Meta teases Orion, brain powered AR glasses in a tiny package**
The Orion glasses, which are notably significantly smaller than Snap's recently announced Spectacles 5, are true AR.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-teases-orion-brain-powered-ar-glasses-in-a-tiny-package/) 2024-09-25T18:54:46Z **Meta announces $300 Quest 3S, a cheaper take on mixed reality**
The Meta Quest S3 is up for preorder Wednesday. It starts shipping October 15.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-announces-300-quest-3s-a-cheaper-take-on-mixed-reality/) 2024-09-25T19:27:02Z **Meta pitches VR to mobile developers with new support for Android apps on Quest**
Meta says it's working to make it easier for mobile developers to make the shift to Meta's Horizon OS.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-pitches-vr-to-mobile-developers-with-new-support-for-android-apps-on-quest/) 2024-09-25T19:36:43Z **What does Mark Zuckerberg’s shirt say?**
Three years ago, Mark Zuckerberg’s big day was a flop. At his company’s annual developer conference – then called Facebook Connect – he unveiled his grand plans to turn his trillion dollar social network into “a metaverse company.” He changed the name of his company to Meta, and we braced for a world where we […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/what-does-mark-zuckerbergs-shirt-say/) 2024-09-25T19:42:03Z **OpenAI CTO Mira Murati says she’s leaving the company**
The decision comes just a few weeks before OpenAI's Dev Day, its annual developer conference.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/openai-cto-mira-murati-says-shes-leaving-the-company/) 2024-09-25T20:14:03Z **Zuckerberg chats with AI clone as human creator looks on in year’s weirdest demo**
The demo showcased AI Studio, a platform for designing custom chatbots.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/zuckerberg-chats-with-ai-clone-as-human-creator-looks-on-in-years-weirdest-demo/) 2024-09-25T21:12:55Z **Sam Altman reportedly poised to get equity in OpenAI for the first time**
Following the abrupt departure of OpenAI’s CTO, Mira Murati, CEO Sam Altman is reportedly poised to receive equity in the company for the first time as OpenAI moves away from its longstanding nonprofit structure. Reuters, citing people familiar with the matter, reports that OpenAI plans to restructure into a for-profit benefit corporation — similar to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reser ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/sam-altman-reportedly-poised-to-get-equity-in-openai-for-the-first-time/) 2024-09-25T21:00:00Z **Meta Connect 2024: Orion glasses, Quest 3S headset, Meta AI upgrades, Ray-Ban Meta real-time video, and more**
Meta Connect 2024 is a developer-centric event featuring a keynote from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. He showcased new hardware and software to support two of Meta’s big ambitions: AI and the metaverse. This included everything from new Quest headsets, updates to Meta’s Llama AI model, and even a new fully AR glasses protot ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/meta-connect-2024-orion-glasses-quest-3s-headset-meta-ai-upgrades-ray-ban-meta-real-time-video-and-more-revealed/) 2024-09-25T21:52:31Z **13 companies from YC Demo Day 1 that are worth paying attention to**
Unsurprisingly, AI companies dominated the day, with startups looking to apply the technology to problems like estate planning and automating clinical trial data.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/13-companies-from-yc-demo-day-1-that-are-worth-paying-attention-to/) 2024-09-25T23:46:16Z **Pear wants to empower up-and-coming VCs with its new emerging managers in residence program**
When seed-focused Pear VC raised a $432 million fund last year, the firm co-founder Pejman Nozad said that it meant his firm had reached its “own product-market-fit.” That fourth fund was nearly three times larger than its previous $160 million fund. The eleven-year-old firm wants to help emerging venture funds follow in Pear’s footsteps. On […]

© 202 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/pear-wants-to-empower-up-and-coming-vcs-with-its-new-emerging-managers-in-residence-program/) 2024-09-26T00:05:00Z **Dinii, a cloud-based restaurant management platform, raises $45M Series B**
Japan has always been a strong market for bringing technology into the experience of consuming food, and now one of the startups leading on this idea is attracting investors from across the ocean. Dinii, which lets diners order food from restaurants and shops through a mobile platform, has raised $48 million (7.46 billion JPY). Bessemer […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For perso ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/dinii-a-cloud-based-restaurant-management-platform-raises-45m-series-b/) 2024-09-26T00:11:04Z **OpenAI’s chief research officer has left**
OpenAI’s chief research officer, Bob McGrew, and a research VP, Barret Zoph, have left the company hours after OpenAI’s CTO, Mira Murati, announced she would be departing. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed the two latest resignations in a post on X Wednesday evening, along with transition plans. “Mira, Bob, and Barret made these decisions independently […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/openais-chief-research-officer-has-left/) 2024-09-26T05:00:00Z **Marvel Fusion lands $70M for laser-powered fusion bet**
Marvel Fusion is one of several companies pursuing what’s known as inertial confinement fusion.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/marvel-fusion-lands-70m-for-laser-powered-fusion-bet/) 2024-09-26T05:46:22Z **WordPress.org bans WP Engine, blocks it from accessing its resources**
WordPress drama went up another notch today after WordPress.org, the free-open source web content hosting software, banned web hosting provider WP Engine from accessing their resources. In a post on WordPress.org, WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg wrote that, pending their legal claims, WP Engine doesn’t have access to the platform’s resources, such as themes and plug-ins. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/wordpress-org-bans-wp-engine-blocks-it-from-accessing-its-resources/) 2024-09-26T06:39:40Z **Peak XV has reaped $1.2B in the year since it split from Sequoia**
Peak XV Partners, the largest India-focused venture fund, has realized about $1.2 billion in exits since it separated from Sequoia last year.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/25/peak-xv-has-reaped-1-2b-in-the-year-since-it-split-from-sequoia/) 2024-09-26T11:07:18Z **As war rages in Ukraine, investment in European defense and dual-use tech skyrockets**
A new Dealroom report shows that VC investment in defense-related tech is outpacing any other type of investment across NATO member states and allies.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/as-war-rages-in-ukraine-investment-in-european-defense-and-dual-use-tech-skyrockets/) 2024-09-26T12:00:03Z **Prepared, which wants to ‘revolutionize’ emergency 911 calls, raises $27M**
A company that claims its tech can “revolutionize” emergency calls has raised $27 million in a Series B round led by Andreessen Horowitz. The company, Prepared, enables 911 dispatchers to get a caller’s real-time GPS location if their phone supports it. Via Prepared, dispatchers can also receive and respond to texts and images, and — […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/prepared-which-lets-911-dispatchers-text-and-video-chat-with-callers-raises-27m/) 2024-09-26T12:19:57Z **The Tor Project merges with Tails, a Linux-based portable OS focused on privacy**
The Tor Project is merging operations with Tails, a portable Linux-based operating system focused on preserving user privacy and anonymity.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/the-tor-project-merges-with-tails-a-linux-based-portable-os-focused-on-privacy/) 2024-09-26T13:00:00Z **After is a new dating app that tries to tackle ghosting**
A new female-founded dating app called After is launching in Austin, Texas on Thursday with the mission of tackling ghosting and holding people accountable.  What sets the app apart from the rest of the dating app scene is that After requires users to share why they have unmatched a person before they are allowed to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/after-is-a-new-dating-app-that-tries-to-tackle-ghosting/) 2024-09-26T14:30:00Z **2 days left to save up to $600 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 tickets**
We’re in the final stretch of Ticket Reboot Week with just 48 hours remaining! You can still save up to $600 on individual ticket types to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. Don’t wait — this offer ends on September 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Don’t miss out on this last big sale before the countdown to Disrupt […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/2-days-left-to-save-up-to-600-on-techcrunch-disrupt-2024-tickets/) 2024-09-26T14:40:59Z **India’s Star Health says it’s investigating after hacker posts stolen medical data**
The health insurance giant is investigating an incident that allegedly leaked sensitive customer medical data.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/indias-star-health-says-its-investigating-after-hacker-posts-stolen-medical-data/) 2024-09-26T15:00:00Z **Announcing the final agenda for the AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
We’re thrilled to announce that the agenda for our dedicated AI Stage presented by Google Cloud to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is complete and ready to go! It joins fintech, SaaS, and space as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof. We couldn’t possibly host TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 without a huge deep dive […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/announcing-the-final-agenda-for-the-ai-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-26T16:02:09Z **BMW says we need both battery and hydrogen EVs for a zero-emissions future**
Despite hydrogen’s challenges, BMW thinks the only way to actually achieve a shift to zero emissions transportation is through a mix of BEVs and hydrogen vehicles.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/bmw-says-we-need-both-battery-and-hydrogen-evs-for-a-zero-emissions-future/) 2024-09-26T16:00:00Z **EVA, an entertainment booking platform for events, raises $2M as it expands to more cities**
EVA, the platform that connects event bookers with local performers, has secured $2 million in funding as the popularity of in-person events comes back in full force. The round, which the Nashville-based startup says was more than double the target amount, values EVA at $15 million. The recent round is timely as event organizers are […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/eva-entertainment-booking-platform-raises-2m-expands-to-more-cities/) 2024-09-26T16:00:00Z **Google’s NotebookLM enhances AI note-taking with YouTube, audio file sources, sharable audio discussions**
Google's NotebookLM has been updated with YouTube and audio files as new source types and sharable links for Audio Overviews.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/googles-notebooklm-enhances-ai-note-taking-with-youtube-audio-file-sources-sharable-audio-discussions/) 2024-09-26T15:54:58Z **Subscription management platform RevenueCat acquires a ‘spicy’ audiobooks app (??!!)**
The idea here is to bring a subscription-based app in-house to serve as a testing ground for RevenueCat's new features.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/subscription-management-platform-revenuecat-acquires-a-spicy-audiobooks-app/) 2024-09-26T16:13:00Z **Tesla Superchargers: GM, Ford, Rivian, and other EV brands with access**
EV owners of GM vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Cadillac Lyriq will now officially have access to Tesla’s Superchargers.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/tesla-superchargers-gm-ford-rivian-and-other-ev-brands-with-access/) 2024-09-26T16:45:53Z **The WordPress vs WP Engine drama, explained**
The world of WordPress, one of the most popular technologies for creating and hosting websites, is going through a very heated controversy. The core issue is the fight between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, which hosts web sites built on WordPress. WordPress technology is open-source and free, and it powers […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/wordpress-vs-wp-engine-drama-explained/) 2024-09-26T16:50:34Z **Kaspersky defends force-replacing its security software without users’ explicit consent**
That lack of user interaction — or request for consent — is what confused and concerned some former Kaspersky customers.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/kaspersky-defends-automatically-force-replacing-its-software-without-users-explicit-consent/) 2024-09-26T18:05:00Z **Uber snags another robotaxi deal, aviation startups land VC bucks, and where Rivian Foundation money is going**
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility! I’ve been thinking a bit about time — and specifically what trends, music, cultural practices, and even ways we move around that encapsulate a season or p ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/uber-snags-another-robotaxi-deal-aviation-startups-land-vc-bucks-and-where-rivian-foundation-money-is-going/) 2024-09-26T18:25:04Z **Zap Energy investors in recent $130M round included Soros Fund and Laurene Powell Jobs’ Emerson Collective**
The company recently closed a $130 million round, according to an SEC filing, bringing the total to $327 million.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/zap-energy-investors-in-recent-130m-round-included-soros-fund-and-laurene-powell-jobs-emerson-collective/) 2024-09-26T19:49:06Z **Nomi AI wants to make the most emotionally intelligent chatbots on the market**
As OpenAI boasts about its o1 model’s increased thoughtfulness, a small, self-funded startup Nomi AI is building the same kind of technology. Unlike the broad generalist ChatGPT, which slows down to think through anything from math problems or historical research, Nomi niches down on a specific use-case: AI companions. Now, Nomi’s already-sophisticated chatbots take additional [… ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/nomi-ai-wants-to-make-the-most-emotionally-intelligent-chatbots-on-the-market/) 2024-09-26T20:06:00Z **Security compliance unicorn Drata lays off 9% of its workforce**
Drata, a security compliance automation platform that helps companies adhere to frameworks such as SOC 2 and GDPR, has laid off 9% of its workforce, amounting to 40 people. Founded in 2020, Drata integrates with dozens of clouds, SaaS apps, developer tools, and security systems, and more, helping businesses collate the necessary evidence to prove that their data privacy and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights r ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/security-compliance-unicorn-drata-lays-off-9-of-its-workforce/) 2024-09-26T20:32:09Z **OpenAI’s VP of global affairs claims o1 is ‘virtually perfect’ at correcting bias, but the data doesn’t quite back that up**
Departures might be dominating the week’s OpenAI-related headlines. But comments on AI bias from Anna Makanju, the company’s VP of global affairs, also grabbed our attention. Makanju, speaking on a panel at the UN’s Summit of the Future event on Tuesday, suggested that emerging “reasoning” models ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/openais-vp-of-global-affairs-claims-o1-is-virtually-perfect-at-correcting-bias-but-the-data-doesnt-quite-back-that-up/) 2024-09-26T20:30:00Z **Former Brex COO who now heads unicorn fintech Figure says GPT is already upending the mortgage industry**
Lending startup Figure will be launching an AI tool powered by GPT-4 to help catch errors in lending documents.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/former-brex-coo-who-now-heads-unicorn-fintech-figure-says-gpt-is-already-upending-the-mortgage-industry/) 2024-09-26T22:27:15Z **Runway earmarks $5M to fund up to 100 films using AI-generated video**
AI video generators need to believe that filmmakers will use their models in the production process. Otherwise why exist? To jump start the new AI film ecosystem, Runway has set aside $5 million in cash and more in service credits to fund up to 100 original films. If you’re an AI-curious director, now’s your chance […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/runway-earmarks-5m-to-fund-up-to-100-films-using-ai-generated-video/) 2024-09-26T22:50:33Z **Starlink will hit 4 million subscribers this week, SpaceX President says**
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet network is expected to hit a new customer milestone this week, company President Gwynne Shotwell told Texas legislators on Tuesday.  “This week, by the way, we will pass 4 million customers for Starlink, which is quite exciting,” she said while testifying before a state House Appropriations Committee meeting.  The milestone would […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/starlink-will-hit-4-million-subscribers-this-week-spacex-president-says/) 2024-09-27T05:36:42Z **Indian game streaming startup Loco sells majority stake to Redwood**
UAE-based Redwood has acquired a majority stake in the game streaming platform Loco as the Indian firm looks to expand focus to international markets, TechCrunch has learned and confirmed. Redwood, a newly-formed investment firm, has signed a $65 million deal with Loco, an investment that also gives full exit to all existing Loco backers. This […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/indian-game-streaming-startup-loco-sells-majority-stake-to-redwood/) 2024-09-27T06:23:19Z **9 startups that stood out on YC Demo Day 2**
Here are the startups from YC Demo Day 2 that we thought stood out from the flock.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/26/9-startups-that-stood-out-on-yc-demo-day-2/) 2024-09-27T10:55:55Z **Napkin is a note-taking app that is not about making you more productive**
Note-taking apps typically aim to make you more efficient and productive. A lot of those apps concentrate on quickly jotting down your thoughts, organizing them better, or a mix of both. Napkin (not to be confused with the Accel-backed startup of same name) wants to stand out amid these apps by focusing on mindfulness. Think […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use onl ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/napkin-is-a-note-taking-app-that-is-not-about-making-you-more-productive/) 2024-09-27T12:05:13Z **UK data watchdog confirms it’s investigating MoneyGram data breach**
The world’s second-largest money transfer provider, which filed a data breach notice with U.K. authorities, serves over 50 million people.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/uk-data-watchdog-confirms-investigating-moneygram-data-breach/) 2024-09-27T12:32:06Z **Meta fined $101.5M for 2019 breach that exposed hundreds of millions of Facebook passwords**
Reset your clocks: Meta has been hit with yet another privacy penalty in Europe. On Friday Ireland’s Data Protection Commission (DPC) announced a reprimand and a €91 million fine — around $101.5M at current exchange rates — after concluding a multi-year investigation into a 2019 security breach by Facebook’s parent company. The DPC opened a […]

© 2024 Te ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/meta-fined-101-5m-for-2019-breach-that-exposed-hundreds-of-millions-of-facebook-passwords/) 2024-09-27T14:33:56Z **Amazon dodges antitrust scrutiny in UK over Anthropic investment**
The U.K.s' antitrust authority has concluded that Amazon's partnership and equity investment in AI startup Anthropic can't be investigated under current merger rules due to the size and scope of the deal.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/amazon-dodges-antitrust-scrutiny-in-uk-over-anthropic-investment/) 2024-09-27T14:30:00Z **Last hours to snag up to $600 off TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 passes**
We’re in the final hours to save up to $600 on TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 tickets! Grab your tickets now and seize this final opportunity for major savings before the countdown to Disrupt 2024 starts. This special discount offer ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT. Join a global community of over 10,000 tech, startup, and VC […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/last-hours-to-snag-up-to-600-off-techcrunch-disrupt-2024-passes/) 2024-09-27T15:00:00Z **Bret Taylor of Sierra joins TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
We’re thrilled to welcome Bret Taylor to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. As the former co-CEO of Salesforce, founder of Quip, former CTO of Facebook, the co-creator of Google Maps, and current chairman of the board at OpenAI, Taylor needs very little introduction.  Bret Taylor is one of the most influential players in the world of enterprise […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/bret-taylor-of-sierra-joins-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-27T15:40:42Z **OpenAI’s $6.5B funding round may close as soon as next week**
ChatGPT maker OpenAI’s next funding round, said to be around $6.5 billion, could close as soon as the end of next week. That’s according to a new report in The Wall Street Journal, which also reveals that OpenAI’s rumored conversion from a nonprofit org into a for-profit company is now a virtual certainty. Investors in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/openais-6-5b-funding-round-may-close-as-soon-as-next-week/) 2024-09-27T15:52:59Z **Wordy’s new app helps you learn vocabulary while watching movies and TV shows**
Wordy is a new iOS app that offers a unique way to learning English. The app automatically translates and defines unknown words while you watch your favorite movies or TV shows. Wordy has over 500,000 titles available, including popular series such as HBO’s “The Penguin” and the new Disney+ show, “Agatha All Along.” Created by […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use on ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/wordy-new-app-helps-you-learn-vocab-while-watching-movies-tv-shows/) 2024-09-27T17:55:32Z **U.S. government charges three Iranian hackers with Trump campaign hack**
Three Iranian hackers working for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted the Trump campaign in an attempted hack-and-leak operation, according to the Department of Justice.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/u-s-government-charges-three-iranian-hackers-with-trump-campaign-hack/) 2024-09-27T19:05:00Z **AI dominated both YC Demo Day and startup news**
Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here. This week was a busy one for the startup and VC world, with its fair share of funding news and, of course, the latest edition of YC’s […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/ai-dominated-both-yc-demo-day-and-startup-news/) 2024-09-27T19:57:53Z **Canoo hit with two supplier lawsuits as last remaining co-founder leaves**
EV startup Canoo has been hit with two new lawsuits from suppliers linked to the drivetrains that power its electric vehicles, just weeks after the company kicked off a major reorganization that included the departure of its chief technology officer. Canoo has also parted ways with senior director of advanced vehicle engineering Christoph Kuttner, who […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights res ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/canoo-hit-with-two-supplier-lawsuits-as-last-remaining-co-founder-leaves/) 2024-09-27T22:20:07Z **Binance founder ‘CZ’ released from custody after four-month sentence**
Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao was released from US custody on Friday after serving out his four-month sentence in a low-security correctional facility. CZ’s sentence was the product of a federal investigation that found Binance had failed to stop widespread criminal activity on the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. CZ pleaded guilty to the DOJ’s charges, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All righ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/binance-founder-cz-released-from-custody-after-four-month-sentence/) 2024-09-27T23:15:55Z **OpenAI might raise the price of ChatGPT to $22 by 2025, $44 by 2029**
ChatGPT could get more expensive to use in coming years. The New York Times, citing internal OpenAI docs, reports that OpenAI is planning to raise the price of individual ChatGPT subscriptions from $20 per month to $22 per month by the end of the year. A steeper increase will come over the next five years; […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/openai-might-raise-the-price-of-chatgpt-to-22-by-2025-44-by-2029/) 2024-09-28T03:49:14Z **WordPress.org temporarily lifts its ban on WP Engine**
WordPress.org has lifted its ban on hosting provider WP Engine until October 1, after putting a block on it earlier this week. The block prevented several sites from updating their plug-ins and themes and exposing them to potential security risk. WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, who has been in a tussle with WP Engine for over […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/wordpress-org-temporarily-lifts-its-ban-on-wp-engine/) 2024-09-28T05:30:12Z **A Russian warlord said he’s taking Cybertrucks into Ukraine; some experts think that’s unwise**
In August, a Russian warlord posted a video on Telegram, showing a pair of Cybertrucks patrolling a road in Chechnya, armed seemingly with heavy machine guns. Leaving aside unanswerable (for now) questions about how the vehicles were obtained, Wired thought it worth digging into whether a Cybertruck actually makes sense as a “technical,” the term […]
 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/27/a-russian-warlord-said-hes-taking-cybertrucks-into-ukraine-some-experts-think-thats-unwise/) 2024-09-28T12:00:00Z **Why Index Ventures is bulking up its investment team in NYC**
While online discourse would make it seem that venture has retreated to the Bay Area, with San Francisco being the most important place to build a startup, Index Ventures is looking to bulk up its New York-based investing team. The firm is currently looking to hire another New York-based investor with plans to add three […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/why-index-ventures-is-bulking-up-its-investment-team-in-nyc/) 2024-09-28T13:00:00Z **Best iPad apps to boost productivity and make your life easier**
There are many iPad apps to help you organize recipes; sync tasks across devices; be more productive; and manage your notes.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/best-ipad-apps-to-boost-productivity-and-make-your-life-easier/) 2024-09-28T14:00:00Z **Robot hand can detach from arm, crawl over to objects, and pick them up**
The video debuted along with a research paper of the same name at IEEE’s International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Rotterdam this week.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/robot-hand-can-detach-from-arm-crawl-over-to-objects-and-pick-them-up/) 2024-09-28T15:00:00Z **VCs expect a surge in startups offering lower rate mortgages, other loans now that the Feds cut rates**
When the U.S. Feds cut interest rates by half a percentage point last week, it was a dash of good news for venture capitalists backing one particularly beleaguered class of startups: fintechs, especially those that rely on loans for cash flow to operate their businesses.  These companies include corporate credit card providers like Ra ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/vcs-expect-a-surge-in-startups-offering-lower-rate-mortgages-other-loans-now-that-the-fed-cut-rates/) 2024-09-28T17:00:00Z **Meta offers a glimpse through its supposed iPhone killer: Orion**
For years, Silicon Valley and Wall Street have questioned Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to invest tens of billions of dollars into Reality Labs. This week, Meta’s wearables division unveiled a prototype of its Orion smart glasses, a form factor the company believes one day could replace the iPhone. That idea sounds crazy… but maybe a little […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/meta-offers-a-glimpse-through-its-supposed-iphone-killer-orion/) 2024-09-28T17:24:53Z **Judge is unimpressed by Apple’s deadline extension request in Epic Games dispute**
Apple faces a looming deadline to produce what it says are more than 1 million documents related to recent App Store changes. On Friday, Judge Thomas S. Hixson denied the company’s attempt to extend that deadline, describing the request as “bad behavior.” So Apple’s deadline is still Monday, September 30: “It’s up to Apple to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/judge-is-unimpressed-by-apples-deadline-extension-request-in-epic-games-dispute/) 2024-09-28T19:57:46Z **Brian Williams might host a live election night special for Amazon**
Amazon Prime Video could be getting into the live news business, if only for one night. Variety reports that the company is in talks with longtime NBC and MSNBC news anchor Brian Williams to host a live Election Night special, competing with more traditional TV news broadcasts to offer non-partisan coverage of the U.S. presidential […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/brian-williams-might-host-a-live-election-night-special-for-amazon/) 2024-09-28T20:15:00Z **Meta rethinks smart glasses with Orion**
Meta Connect 2024 was this week, showcasing new hardware and software to support two of the company’s big ambitions: AI and the metaverse. CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced new Quest headsets, updates to Meta’s Llama AI model, and real-time video capabilities of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The biggest reveal, though, was Orion, a true AR glasses […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/meta-rethinks-smart-glasses-with-orion/) 2024-09-28T21:10:41Z **X faces additional $1.9M fine to end ban in Brazil**
X (formerly Twitter) could soon resume service in Brazil — if it’s willing to pay an additional fine. Reuters and other publications have reported on an order from the country’s Supreme Court Judge Alexandre de Moraes stating that the Elon Musk-owned social network could “immediately return to its activities in national territory” if it pays […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/28/x-faces-additional-1-9m-fine-to-end-ban-in-brazil/) 2024-09-29T12:00:00Z **In war-torn Sudan, a displaced startup incubator returns to fuel innovation**
Businesses need stability to thrive. Unfortunately for anyone in Sudan, stability has been hard to come by for the past year and a half as the country quakes amidst a raging civil war. More than 20,000 people have been killed, and about 7.7 million people have been displaced just within the country; millions have had […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/savannah-returns-to-fuel-innovation/) 2024-09-29T13:00:00Z **Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: Bigger, mostly better**
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is back, bigger and better than before, with a thinner design and excellent tri-camera system.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/google-pixel-9-pro-fold-bigger-mostly-better/) 2024-09-29T14:00:00Z **How I Podcast: Hyperfixed’s Alex Goldman**
This week, Alex Goldman shares his setup. A former producer for WYNC's On the Media, Goldman co-founded Reply-All with Emmanuel Dzotsi in 2014.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/how-i-podcast-hyperfixeds-alex-goldman/) 2024-09-29T15:00:00Z **Elastic founder on why they returned to open source 4 years after going proprietary**
Licensing kerfuffles have long been a defining facet of the commercial open source space. Some of the biggest vendors have switched to a more restrictive “copyleft” license, as Grafana and Element have done, or gone full proprietary, as HashiCorp did last year with Terraform. But one $8 billion company has gone the other way. Elastic, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/elastic-founder-on-why-they-returned-to-open-source-four-years-after-going-proprietary/) 2024-09-29T15:49:43Z **New York tech investor and serial entrepreneur Kevin Ryan explains when to sell your company**
Kevin Ryan has had a long and storied career as a pivotal force of New York City tech. He’s the founder and CEO of investment firm AlleyCorp, which has invested in a wide variety of startups, and is a serial founder, participating in the early stages of companies such as Business Insider, Zola, Gilt, Pearl […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/new-york-tech-investor-and-serial-entrepreneur-kevin-ryan-explains-when-to-sell-your-company/) 2024-09-29T16:22:21Z **YouTube blocks videos from Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, others in dispute with SESAC**
A number of YouTube videos featuring music from artists such as Adele, Green Day, Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and R.E.M. have been unplayable in the United States since Saturday. For example, if you try to play Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” (whether it’s the classic album recording or a live performance), you are instead told: “This […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/youtube-blocks-videos-from-adele-green-day-bob-dylan-others-in-dispute-with-sesac/) 2024-09-29T21:07:50Z **Gov. Newsom vetoes California’s controversial AI bill, SB 1047**
California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a high-profile bill that would have was regulated the development of AI. The bill was authored by State Senator Scott Wiener and would have made companies that develop the largest AI models liable for implementing safety protocols to prevent “critical harms.” It was opposed by many in […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/gov-newsom-vetoes-californias-controversial-ai-bill-sb-1047/) 2024-09-29T22:57:08Z **Here is what’s illegal under California’s 18 (and counting) new AI laws**
In September, California Governor Gavin Newsom considered 38 AI-related bills, including the highly contentious SB 1047, which the state’s legislature sent to his desk for final approval. He vetoed SB 1047 on Sunday, but signed more than a dozen other AI bills into law over the course of the month. These bills try to address […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/here-is-whats-illegal-under-californias-18-and-counting-new-ai-laws/) 2024-09-30T04:34:29Z **Fidelity has cut X’s value by 79% since Musk purchase**
Elon Musk’s X is now valued at less than a quarter of its $44 billion purchase price, according to a new estimate from investor Fidelity.  The asset manager, which helped Musk acquire the social network formerly known as Twitter, has further reduced the value of its holding in X to a total markdown of 78.7% […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/fidelity-has-cut-xs-value-by-79-since-musk-purchase/) 2024-09-30T05:30:00Z **The WordPress vs. WP Engine drama, explained**
The world of WordPress, one of the most popular technologies for creating and hosting websites, is going through a very heated controversy. The core issue is the fight between WordPress founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine, which hosts websites built on WordPress. WordPress technology is open source and free, and it powers […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/29/wordpress-vs-wp-engine-drama-explained/) 2024-09-30T07:00:00Z **Raspberry Pi launches camera module for vision-based AI applications**
Raspberry Pi, the company that sells tiny, cheap, single-board computers, is releasing an add-on that is going to open up several use cases — and yes, because it’s 2024, there’s an AI angle. Called the Raspberry Pi AI Camera, this image sensor comes with on-board AI processing and is going to cost $70. In more technical […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/raspberry-pi-launches-camera-module-for-vision-based-ai-applications/) 2024-09-30T09:29:06Z **Pinnit Android app lets you search through your notification history**
The notification drawer on Android can be both useful and distracting because of the sheer number of notifications that come in. You have to manage per-app notifications better through settings or set up a system to avoid missing important updates. An app called Pinnit helps you look through notifications that you missed with its notifications […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For perso ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/pinnit-android-app-lets-you-search-through-your-notification-history/) 2024-09-30T11:15:19Z **HungryPanda, a food ordering app for the Asian diaspora, picks up $55M**
Apps catering to the Chinese and wider Asian diaspora, especially urban consumers focused on food, can be big business. Now, HungryPanda, one of the trailblazing startups in that market is announcing more funding. The food ordering and delivery app, founded in London and aimed squarely at Chinese and other Asian consumers living outside their home […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/hungrypanda-a-food-ordering-app-for-the-asian-diaspora-picks-up-55m/) 2024-09-30T11:30:00Z **Podcasting startup Podeo gets $5.4M to go beyond the Arab world**
Podcast listeners crossed half a billion people at the end of last year as listenership maintained steady growth. With countries in the Arab world having some of the most engaged listeners, a podcasting startup out of Dubai is doubling down on the opportunity. Podeo is a UAE-based podcast distribution platform that has made a name […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/podeo-5-4m-series-a/) 2024-09-30T13:00:00Z **Qodo raises $40M Series A to bring quality-first code generation and testing to the enterprise**
At first glance, Qodo, the startup previously known as CodiumAI, may appear to be yet another AI code generation tool. But the team, which is announcing a $40 million Series A round led by Susa Ventures and Square Peg today, is just as much focused on generating code as on generating the tests and code […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/qodo-raises-40m-series-a-to-bring-quality-first-code-generation-to-the-enterprise/) 2024-09-30T13:00:00Z **Airship wants to build better sales tools for HVAC contractors**
The HVAC industry is going through a transformation. The old guard of tradespeople are on the cusp of retiring while private equity firms are consolidating the industry. Airship is building a software solution for HVAC’s next chapter. Airship is building a point-of-sale software for HVAC contractors to give them the knowledge they need, on things […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use o ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/airship-wants-to-build-better-sales-tools-for-hvac-contractors/) 2024-09-30T12:00:00Z **Queer social app Lex acquired by the former Musical.ly CEO’s conglomerate**
Lex's users have high standards for the app, since it serves a community that has been historically overlooked and mistreated by mainstream social platforms.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/queer-social-app-lex-acquired-by-the-former-musical-ly-ceos-conglomerate/) 2024-09-30T13:57:00Z **Augmented Intelligence claims its symbolic AI can make chatbots more useful**
Augmented Intelligence claims that its 'symbolic AI' techniques can help lead to better chatbot experiences.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/augmented-intelligence-claims-its-symbolic-ai-can-make-chatbots-more-useful/) 2024-09-30T14:00:00Z **Beta Technologies unveils first passenger carrying electric aircraft**
Beta Technologies unveiled Monday the next electric aircraft in its lineup — a passenger-carrying version of its ALIA vertical takeoff and landing and fixed-wing vehicles. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles don’t rely on a runway, whereas fixed-wing aircraft do. The Vermont-based startup, which has raised over $860 million to date from heavy hitters […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/beta-technologies-unveils-first-passenger-carrying-electric-aircraft/) 2024-09-30T14:25:17Z **Microsoft to face higher competition scrutiny in Germany, including over its use of AI**
Germany's Federal Cartel Office (FCO) said the software giant could face restrictions if the competition authority deems an intervention is necessary.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/microsoft-to-face-higher-competition-scrutiny-in-germany-including-over-its-use-of-ai/) 2024-09-30T15:00:00Z **Last chance to become a volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
We are officially less than a month away from TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30. We’re currently seeking dedicated and highly motivated volunteers to support our events team and help bring this amazing experience to life. If you’re dreaming of becoming a startup founder, marketer, or event […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/last-chance-to-become-a-volunteer-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-09-30T15:00:00Z **AI reading coach startup Ello now lets kids create their own stories**
Ello, the AI reading companion that aims to support kids struggling to read, launched a new product on Monday that allows kids to participate in the story-creation process.  Called “Storytime,” the new AI-powered feature helps kids generate personalized stories by picking from a selection of settings, characters, and plots. For instance, a story about a […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/ai-reading-coach-startup-ello-launches-custom-story-creation-feature-for-kids/) 2024-09-30T15:41:02Z **Tesla’s Cybertruck gets Supervised Full Self-Driving**
Tesla’s end-of-September deadline for bringing Supervised Full Self-Driving (FSD) to Cybertruck owners has arrived. In typical Tesla fashion, the superfans are getting first access. Members of the Cybertruck Owners Club say they’ve been able to install the FSD update on their vehicles, according to Electrek. FSD is Tesla’s advanced driving assistance system that still requires […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/teslas-cybertruck-gets-supervised-full-self-driving/) 2024-09-30T16:02:00Z **Think you need a VPN? Start here.**
Not everyone actually needs to use a VPN. This simple guide will help you decide if you need a VPN for your situation.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/think-you-need-a-vpn-guide-start-here/) 2024-09-30T16:00:51Z **How to make your own encrypted VPN server in 15 minutes**
The best encrypted VPN is one that you have set up and secured yourself. Here's how to get started.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/how-to-make-your-own-encrypted-vpn-server-in-15-minutes/) 2024-09-30T16:00:42Z **VPN providers don’t protect your privacy online. Here’s what can.**
You probably don't need a VPN. Instead, these free and open-source tools, and other services, can help protect your privacy online.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/vpn-providers-do-not-protect-your-privacy-online-here-is-what-can/) 2024-09-30T16:00:00Z **Lapsi is rebooting the stethoscope as a health tracking data platform**
The consumerization of medtech marches on: Amsterdam-based startup Lapsi Health has just clinched FDA approval for its first clinical support tool, a digital stethoscope. The U.S. medical devices regulator, the Food & Drug Administration, has cleared it as a Class IIA (medium risk) medical device. The startup’s debut sensing gadget is called Keikku, which means […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/lapsi-is-rebooting-the-stethoscope-as-a-health-tracking-data-platform/) 2024-09-30T16:00:00Z **Reddit communities will require permission while going private or swithcing to NSFW**
Last year, while opposing Reddit’s API changes, a large number of subreddits turned from public to private or turned NSFW (Not Safe for Work) to impact ads on the platform. To prevent this kind of change, Reddit is bringing new rules where moderators will have to submit a request when updating community-type public or private […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserve ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/reddit-communities-will-require-permission-while-going-private-or-swithcing-to-nsfw/) 2024-09-30T15:59:00Z **Everything you need to know about VPNs**
We break down what virtual private networks, or VPNs, do and don’t do, because using a VPN can be as dangerous as not using one.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/everything-you-need-to-know-about-vpns/) 2024-09-30T15:59:00Z **We are skeptical of VPN providers, and you should be, too**
You cannot and and should not trust either free or paid-for VPN providers. Here's why.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/we-are-skeptical-of-vpn-providers-and-you-should-be-too/) 2024-09-30T15:58:49Z **Oasis opts out of Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing, calling it ‘an unacceptable experience for fans’**
When Oasis announced its reunion tour last month, fans of the British rock icons rejoiced — by some miracle, brothers and frontmen Noel and Liam Gallagher managed to resolve their fifteen-year-long feud and got the band back together. But for fans, getting tickets to see Oasis seemed even more unlikely than the band’s reunion. Thanks […]

© 2 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/oasis-opts-out-of-ticketmasters-dynamic-pricing-calling-it-an-unacceptable-experience-for-fans/) 2024-09-30T16:10:00Z **Series, a GenAI game development platform, has quietly raised $28M from Netflix, Dell, a16z, others**
It’s been quite the year for game industry exec Pany Haritatos.

Last month, he quietly closed an oversubscribed $28 million from Netflix, Dell a16z, and others.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/series-the-genai-startup-reinventing-game-development-has-quietly-raised-28m-from-netflix-dell-a16z-others/) 2024-09-30T16:38:19Z **A Waymo robotaxi stalled in front of VP Harris’ motorcade**
A Waymo robotaxi got stuck making a U-turn in front of Vice President Kamala Harris’ motorcade Friday evening in San Francisco.  ABC 7 reported that a San Francisco police officer had to manually drive the vehicle out of the way.  Waymo has not yet responded to TechCrunch’s questions, including what went wrong on the backend […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/a-waymo-robotaxi-stalled-in-front-of-vp-harris-motorcade/) 2024-09-30T17:55:21Z **iOS 18 Control Center: 18 apps that add useful actions to your iPhone**
We’ve compiled a list of iOS 18 apps that users can try in order to take advantage of the redesigned Control Center.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/18-apps-that-add-useful-actions-to-the-ios-18-control-center/) 2024-09-30T17:49:56Z **Cruise gets $1.5 million penalty for keeping pedestrian crash details from safety regulator**
General Motors’ self-driving subsidiary Cruise must pay a $1.5 million penalty to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, after its initial reports to the safety regulator about last year’s pedestrian crash omitted that the company’s robotaxi dragged the woman 20 feet. The penalty is part of a consent order announced by the regulator on Monday. […]

© 2024 Tech ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/cruise-1-5-million-penalty-omitting-pedestrian-crash-details-regulator/) 2024-09-30T18:05:41Z **After delivering astronauts to ISS, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 grounded after 3rd anomaly in 3 months**
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is grounded again after the vehicle’s second stage did not come down in the expected area of the ocean, following an otherwise successful mission that delivered a Dragon capsule and its crew to orbit. “We will resume launching once we better understand root cause,” the company said in a statement posted […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/after-delivering-astronauts-to-iss-spacexs-falcon-9-grounded-after-3rd-anomaly-in-3-months/) 2024-09-30T20:29:50Z **The VC buying up prized real estate in SF says not to “listen to agitators”**
VC Neil Mehta, the Greenoaks Capital co-founder tied to a growing number of building purchases across several blocks of San Francisco’s once-glittering Fillmore Street, defended himself on Monday via an op-ed in The San Francisco Standard, saying the moves are solely about revitalizing a “city that has given me more than I could ever give […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/the-vc-buying-up-prized-real-estate-in-sf-says-not-to-listen-to-agitators/) 2024-09-30T19:55:37Z **Snapchat’s new Footsteps feature tracks your location history**
Snapchat is quietly rolling out a new “Footsteps” feature to all iOS users this week, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday. The new feature, which was previously only available to Snapchat+ subscribers, uses Snap Map to let you see how much of the world you’ve explored and track where you’ve traveled to. The first […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/snapchats-new-footsteps-feature-tracks-your-location-history/) 2024-09-30T22:00:00Z **TechCrunch Space: The dawn of the space age**
Hello and welcome back to TechCrunch Space. Flagging again that the final agenda for the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt is now live. I’ll be pushing this event for the next few weeks, given that we’re just a bit over a month away! We’d love for you to join us. Want to reach out with […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/techcrunch-space-the-dawn-of-the-space-age/) 2024-09-30T23:21:52Z **11x.ai, a developer of AI sales reps, has raised $50M Series B led by A16Z, sources say**
11x.ai, a startup that develops AI-powered sales development bots, has secured roughly $50 million in Series B funding, TechCrunch has learned. The new round was led by Andreessen Horowitz, valuing the company at around $350 million, multiple sources told TechCrunch. The recent deal follows the company’s $24 million Series A, which was led by Benchmark […]

© 2024 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/11x-ai-a-developer-of-ai-sales-reps-has-raised-50m-series-b-led-by-a16z-sources-say/) 2024-10-01T00:13:50Z **Y Combinator is being criticized after it backed an AI startup that admits it basically cloned another AI startup**
A Y Combinator startup named PearAI launched with a tweet thread and YouTube video on Saturday and caused an immediate backlash.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/y-combinator-is-being-criticized-after-it-backed-an-ai-startup-that-admits-it-basically-cloned-another-ai-startup/) 2024-10-01T00:21:40Z **Meta won’t say whether it trains AI on smart glasses photos**
Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Bans have a discreet camera on the front, for taking photos not just when you ask them to, but also when their AI features trigger it with certain keywords such as “look.” That means the smart glasses collect a ton of photos, both deliberately taken and otherwise. But the company won’t commit to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/meta-wont-say-whether-it-trains-ai-on-ray-ban-meta-smart-glasses-photos/) 2024-10-01T04:01:00Z **Anduril speeds up launch of defense payloads by buying Apex satellite buses off the shelf**
Anduril is expanding even further into the “ultimate high ground.”  The company, which is best known for AI-powered defense products that span air, land and sea, is partnering with satellite bus manufacturing startup Apex Space to rapidly deploy payloads on orbit for the U.S. Department of Defense.  It is a rare instance of the growing […]

© 2024 TechCrun ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/anduril-will-buy-satellite-buses-from-apex-space-to-rapidly-put-defense-payloads-on-orbit/) 2024-10-01T04:00:00Z **Tier becomes Dott following the merger of the two micromobility companies**
With this merger, Dott and Tier didn’t want to build a conglomerate of micromobility services; the operation was all about scale.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/09/30/tier-becomes-dott-following-the-merger-of-the-two-micromobility-companies/) 2024-10-01T08:30:37Z **Invesco raises its valuation of Swiggy to $13.3B**
Invesco has raised the value of its stake in Swiggy, ascribing an implied valuation of about $13.3 billion to the Indian food delivery and quick-commerce startup.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/swiggy-valuation-ipo-invesco/) 2024-10-01T09:00:00Z **Sequoia backs Pydantic to expand beyond its open source data-validation framework**
Sequoia is investing $12.5M in UK startup Pydantic to help it expand beyond its open source data-validation framework.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/sequoia-backs-pydantic-to-expand-beyond-its-open-source-data-validation-framework/) 2024-10-01T11:29:05Z **Air Doctor raised $20M to plug a gap in how people find doctors when they’re travelling**
Travelling abroad comes with its unique set of stresses, and one of the biggest is what to do if you find yourself unwell. Can you find a doctor who speaks your language, will accept your insurance, and let you avoid the costs and stress of visiting an unfamiliar hospital emergency room?  A startup called Air […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/air-doctor-raised-20m-to-plug-a-gap-in-how-people-find-doctors-when-theyre-travelling/) 2024-10-01T12:35:00Z **Sonos outlines turnaround plan following app disaster**
The company laid out a plan it hopes will go a long way toward reversing fortunes and repairing relationships.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/sonos-outlines-turnaround-plan-following-app-disaster/) 2024-10-01T12:29:57Z **Eon emerges from stealth with $127M to bring a fresh approach to back up cloud infrastructure**
A team of founders who sold their last company to Amazon to build a new business within AWS is setting out to reinvent the tricky business of backing up an organization’s cloud infrastructure. Today, Eon — as their new startup is called — is coming out of stealth with a product, a set of customers, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/eon-emerges-from-stealth-with-127m-to-bring-a-fresh-approach-to-back-up-cloud-infrastructure/) 2024-10-01T13:00:00Z **Palmer Luckey tried to crush aeronautics startup Salient Motion. But Anduril backer a16z invested.**
Anduril sued defense tech startup Salient Motion. It still raised $12 million with participation from Anduril investor a16z.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/palmer-luckey-tried-to-crush-aeronautics-startup-salient-motion-but-anduril-backer-a16z-invested/) 2024-10-01T13:00:00Z **Google adds a multi-functional quick insert key and new AI features to Chromebook Plus**
Google is announcing new Chromebook models today with Samsung and Lenovo. With Samsung’s Galaxy Chromebook Plus model in particular, the company is also introducing a new multifunctional quick insert key. But Google doesn’t want to leave existing Chromebook users behind as it added new AI-powered features for existing devices. The quick insert key, which also [… ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/google-adds-a-multi-functional-quick-insert-key-and-new-ai-features-to-chromebook-plus/) 2024-10-01T13:36:30Z **eBay removes UK seller fees to counter new wave of marketplace startups**
E-commerce giant eBay, facing stiff competition from newer rivals, has removed final-value sales fees for all items excluding cars sold domestically in the U.K. This mirrors a similar move the company made in Germany last year and notably puts eBay in line with the likes of Vinted and Depop, two newer arrivals winning business among […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal u ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/ebay-removes-uk-seller-fees-to-counter-new-wave-of-marketplace-startups/) 2024-10-01T14:00:58Z **Microsoft Copilot can now read your screen, think deeply, and speak aloud to you**
Microsoft has given its Copilot assistant on Windows a makeover — and a voice. Copilot can now read your screen, speak aloud, and more.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/microsoft-copilot-can-now-read-your-screen-think-deeper-and-speak-aloud-to-you/) 2024-10-01T14:00:56Z **Microsoft brings AI-powered overviews to Bing**
Microsoft has broadly launched Bing Generative Search, its answer to Google's AI Overviews and other AI-powered search apps.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/microsoft-brings-ai-powered-overviews-to-bing/) 2024-10-01T14:00:06Z **Microsoft starts paying publishers for content surfaced by Copilot**
Microsoft is paying publishers for content as part of a new Copilot feature, Copilot Daily, that gives a spoken summary of current events.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/microsoft-starts-paying-publishers-for-content-in-copilot/) 2024-10-01T14:00:01Z **UK unmasks LockBit ransomware affiliate as high-ranking hacker in Russia state-backed cybercrime gang**
Evil Corp maintains a "privileged" relationship with the Kremlin, and was often tasked with launching cyberattacks on behalf of Russia.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/uk-unmasks-lockbit-ransomware-affiliate-evil-corp-cybercrime-gang/) 2024-10-01T14:11:52Z **Serve Robotics and Wing to trial robot-to-drone delivery in Dallas**
Drones and sidewalk delivery robots promise to make last-mile delivery cheaper and more efficient, but they both have their limitations. Drones have trouble touching down in dense urban areas, and sidewalk robots tap out after a couple of miles. Uber-backed Serve Robotics and Alphabet’s Wing are betting that combining forces might just create the ultimate […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. F ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/serve-robotics-and-wing-to-trial-robot-to-drone-delivery-in-dallas/) 2024-10-01T14:10:34Z **Croissant debuts a cross-posting app for Threads, Bluesky and Mastodon**
People participating on the open social web have a problem: it’s not yet possible to post on one of the social networking sites and have that post reach everyone across multiple sites, like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads. While third-party tools are available, most are designed for small businesses and creators, not individual consumers, often costing […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/croissant-debuts-a-cross-posting-app-for-threads-bluesky-and-mastodon/) 2024-10-01T14:23:15Z **Ford cuts price of BlueCruise hands-free driving feature**
Ford is slashing both the monthly and annual cost of its hands-free driver assistance feature, BlueCruise, for new and existing owners in response to “customer and dealer” feedback, the company tells TechCrunch. The automaker announced Tuesday that it will now charge $49.99 per month or $495 annually for BlueCruise, which allows drivers to take their […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/ford-cuts-price-bluecruise-hands-free-driving/) 2024-10-01T15:00:16Z **Numa raises $32M to bring AI and automation to car dealerships**
Numa, a startup developing AI-powered automation tech for car dealerships, has raised fresh capital in a Series B round.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/numa-is-bringing-ai-and-automation-to-car-dealerships/) 2024-10-01T15:00:01Z **How the FBI and Mandiant caught a ‘serial hacker’ who tried to fake his own death**
Jesse Kipf was a prolific hacker who sold access to systems he hacked, had contacts with a notorious cybercrime gang, and tried to use his hacking skills to get off the grid for good.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/how-the-fbi-and-mandiant-caught-a-serial-hacker-who-tried-to-fake-his-own-death/) 2024-10-01T15:30:00Z **The complete agenda for the Disrupt Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Get ready for TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, our signature event for startups of all stages, taking place at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 28-30. This year, we’re expecting a massive turnout of 10,000+ leaders from the startup, VC, and broader tech community. As part of the program, we’re thrilled to unveil the complete agenda […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/announcing-the-agenda-for-the-disrupt-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-01T15:39:38Z **Microsoft HoloLens 2 discontinued with no successor in sight**
Microsoft was ahead of the game in the world of enterprise AR.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/microsoft-hololens-2-discontinued-with-no-successor-in-site/) 2024-10-01T16:03:48Z **Acceleron Fusion has raised $15M to take another stab at cold fusion, filing reveals**
Where most startups aim to recreate the superheated, super-pressurized conditions inside of a star, Acceleron takes a different approach.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/acceleron-fusion-has-raised-15m-to-take-another-stab-at-cold-fusion-filing-reveals/) 2024-10-01T16:13:51Z **Aspect Build gets $3.85M to help developers create software with Bazel**
Monorepos are becoming an increasingly popular way to manage source code, but they require a slightly different toolset. Google developed its own internal build and test tool on top of its monorepo and then, in 2015, open sourced it as Bazel. Nine years on, there is a thriving ecosystem of Bazel-adjacent startups like NX and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/aspect-build-gets-3-85m-to-help-developers-create-software-with-bazel/) 2024-10-01T16:13:42Z **Runware uses custom hardware and advanced orchestration for fast AI inference**
Sometimes, a demo is all you need to understand a product. And that’s the case with Runware. If you head over to Runware’s website, enter a prompt and hit enter to generate an image, you’ll be surprised by how quickly Runware generates the image for you — it takes less than a second. Runware is […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/runware-uses-custom-hardware-and-advanced-orchestration-for-fast-ai-inference/) 2024-10-01T17:00:00Z **Pinterest rolls out genAI tools for product imagery to advertisers**
The new capability, rolling out Tuesday, will help advertisers who want to enhance their Pinterest Product Pins (ads) and attract more clicks, according to Pinterest.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/pinterest-rolls-out-genai-tools-for-product-imagery-to-advertisers/) 2024-10-01T17:15:00Z **OpenAI’s DevDay brings Realtime API and other treats for AI app developers**
It’s been a tumultuous week for OpenAI, full of executive departures and major fundraising developments, but the startup is back at it, trying to convince developers to build tools with its AI models at its 2024 DevDay. The company announced several new tools Tuesday, including a public beta of its “Realtime API”, for building apps […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/openais-devday-brings-realtime-api-and-other-treats-for-ai-app-developers/) 2024-10-01T17:24:22Z **Direct ocean capture may be the next frontier for carbon removal**
Amsterdam-based Brineworks, a company specializing in seawater electrolysis technology, says its innovative method is expected to cost under $100 per ton of CO2 at scale.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/direct-ocean-capture-may-be-the-next-frontier-for-carbon-removal/) 2024-10-01T17:55:32Z **Anthropic hires OpenAI co-founder Durk Kingma**
Durk Kingma, one of the lesser-known co-founders of OpenAI, today announced that he’ll be joining Anthropic. In a series of posts on X, Kingma revealed that he’ll be working mostly remotely, from the Netherlands (where he’s based), but didn’t say which Anthropic org he’ll be joining — or leading. We’ve reached out to the company […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/anthropic-hires-openai-co-founder-durk-kingma/) 2024-10-01T18:34:30Z **Threads users can now see who follows them from other fediverse servers**
Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced on Tuesday that users who have connected their accounts to the fediverse, also known as the open social web, can now see who follows them and likes their posts from other fediverse servers, such as Mastodon and Pixelfed.  The company said users will now have up to 15 minutes to make […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/threads-users-can-now-see-who-follows-them-from-other-fediverse-servers/) 2024-10-01T20:14:04Z **A hidden microphone on a San Francisco street pole is spotting ‘bops’ in the wild**
In San Francisco’s Mission district, good music is all around you. That’s why, high up on a street pole at an undisclosed location in the Mission, Riley Walz installed a solar-powered box containing an old Android phone running the song identifying service, Shazam, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The so called “Bop […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For persona ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/a-hidden-microphone-on-a-san-francisco-street-pole-is-spotting-bops-in-the-wild/) 2024-10-01T21:01:26Z **Impulse bets shuttling satellites between orbits is big business, and raises $150M to scale up**
Impulse Space has raised a massive new tranche of funding as big-name investors bet that moving satellites around in orbit will soon be a high demand service.  The startup, which was founded by Tom Mueller three years ago, announced the $150 million Series B round on Tuesday. Impulse is developing a line of orbital transfer […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/impulse-bets-shuttling-satellites-between-orbits-is-big-business-and-raises-150m-to-scale-up/) 2024-10-01T20:55:00Z **A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs**
A complete list of all the known layoffs in tech, from Big Tech to startups, broken down by month throughout 2024.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/tech-layoffs-2024-list/) 2024-10-01T21:43:13Z **Palmer Luckey: Every country needs a ‘warrior class’ excited to enact ‘violence on others in pursuit of good aims’**
Palmer Luckey raged against America’s adversaries, endorsed completely autonomous weapons, and hinted at an Anduril IPO.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/palmer-luckey-every-country-needs-a-warrior-class-excited-to-enact-violence-on-others-in-pursuit-of-good-aims/) 2024-10-02T00:32:02Z **Peak XV, top India-SEA venture firm, trims fund size and fees**
Peak XV, the largest India and Southeast Asia-focused venture firm, is reducing the size of some of its funds and lowering fees as it seeks to become “deeply aligned” with its limited partners. The firm, which raised $2.85 billion funds in mid-2022, informed its backers on Tuesday evening that it would cut $465 million from […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/01/peak-xv-top-india-sea-venture-firm-trims-fund-size-and-fees/) 2024-10-02T08:17:58Z **Motier Ventures unveils La Maison, a community space for the French tech ecosystem**
On Tuesday evening local time, Motier Ventures, an early stage tech investment firm based in Paris, unveiled a startup hub called La Maison. This relatively new investor in the French tech ecosystem is the family office of the Houzé family — the owners of upmarket fashion retailer the Galeries Lafayette Group. As the Galeries Lafayette […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/motier-ventures-unveils-la-maison-a-community-space-for-the-french-tech-ecosystem/) 2024-10-02T10:00:00Z **Femtech startup Perelel is acquiring Founders Fund-backed sexual health startup LOOM**
The past few years have seen the topic of women’s health thrown into the sociopolitical spotlight.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/femtech-startup-perelel-is-acquiring-founders-fund-backed-sexual-health-startup-loom/) 2024-10-02T10:12:19Z **Hedosophia leads $7M seed round into retail supply chain AI startup Ameba**
Ameba takes the unstructured data in a retailer’s supply chain systems, sprinkles in some generative AI, and makes the whole thing more efficient.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/hedosophia-leads-7m-seed-round-into-retail-supply-chain-ai-startup-ameba/) 2024-10-02T11:15:30Z **EU’s DSA enforcers send more questions to Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube about AI risks**
On Wednesday the European Union requested more information from Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube about their respective content recommendation algorithms under the bloc’s online governance rulebook, the Digital Services Act (DSA). In a press release the Commission said it’s sent requests for information (RFI) to the three social media platforms asking them for more deta ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/eus-dsa-enforcers-send-more-questions-to-snapchat-tiktok-and-youtube-about-ai-risks/) 2024-10-02T11:59:00Z **Meat replacement startup Heura has a new mission to slay junk food with healthier plant-based swaps**
The offices of plant-based protein startup Heura are tucked away down a narrow street a short distance from one of Barcelona’s main tourist draws. But the team of entrepreneurs and food scientists won’t be remixing their protein cocktails in close proximity to La Sagrada Família for much longer — they’re moving to new, larger digs […]

 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/meat-replacement-startup-heura-has-a-new-mission-to-slay-junk-food-with-healthier-plant-based-swaps/) 2024-10-02T12:48:46Z **Toyota pours another $500M into electric air taxi startup Joby Aviation**
Toyota is doubling down on Joby Aviation with a $500 million investment into the California-based company that’s developing electric air taxis. Toyota’s total investment in Joby, which includes a $394 million capital injection back in 2020, is now $894 million. The funds will be used to help Joby complete the lengthy Type 2 certification process […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/toyota-pours-another-500m-into-electric-air-taxi-startup-joby-aviation/) 2024-10-02T13:35:24Z **Spill, the Black-owned Twitter alternative, scores investment from Kerry Washington**
as the second anniversary of Spill rolls around, Spill has something else to celebrate: Emmy-winning actress Kerry Washington has made an investment in his app.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/spill-the-black-owned-twitter-alternative-scores-investment-from-kerry-washington/) 2024-10-02T13:35:17Z **Why is ChatGPT so bad at math?**
You might've noticed that ChatGPT — and AI in general — isn't good at math. There's a reason, and it has to do with how modern AI is built.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/why-is-chatgpt-so-bad-at-math/) 2024-10-02T13:35:10Z **This device charger has Apple’s Find My tech built in**
PlugBug starts at $70 and has earned the title of "first USB-C charger that includes Find My.”

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/this-device-charger-has-apples-find-my-tech-built-in/) 2024-10-02T13:34:36Z **The lawmaker behind California’s vetoed AI bill, SB 1047, has harsh words for Silicon Valley**
The lawmaker behind California’s recently vetoed AI bill, SB 1047, is going down swinging. For months, Silicon Valley debated whether SB 1047 would have a chilling effect on California’s AI boom or would protect against catastrophic harms from advanced AI systems. The answer never became clear, since California governor Gavin Newsom decided it was the [ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/the-lawmaker-behind-californias-vetoed-ai-bill-sb-1047-has-harsh-words-for-silicon-valley/) 2024-10-02T13:34:14Z **TuSimple founder Xiaodi Hou is back with a new autonomous truck startup**
Two years ago, Xiaodi Hou was ousted from his position as CEO of TuSimple, an autonomous trucking startup he co-founded that has since shut down U.S. operations and delisted from the stock exchange — and, in an odd twist, the company has pivoted to AI animation and gaming in China.  Now Hou is back with […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/tusimple-founder-xiaodi-hou-is-back-with-a-new-autonomous-truck-startup/) 2024-10-02T14:05:00Z **Whatnot’s annual GMV hits $2B, introduces new rewards program**
Whatnot, the livestream marketplace platform for trading card collectors and sneakerheads alike, announced on Wednesday that its annual gross merchandise volume (GMV) surpassed $2 billion this year.  The GMV milestone comes on the heels of its recent product launch: Rewards Club, a customizable loyalty program where sellers can create their own rewards for buyers to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/whatnots-annual-gmv-hits-2b-introduces-new-rewards-program/) 2024-10-02T14:00:00Z **Character.AI hires a YouTube exec as CPO, says it will raise money next year with new partners**
Erin Teague, who has been working at Google since 2016, will join the company next week.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/character-ai-hires-ex-youtube-exec-as-cpo-says-will-raise-money-next-year-with-new-partners/) 2024-10-02T14:00:00Z **Permanent wants to permanently change where commercial buyers get their food**
Permanent is building a marketplace that connects commercial buyers with farms that use regenerative growing practices.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/permanent-wants-to-permanently-change-where-enterprise-buyers-get-their-food/) 2024-10-02T14:41:16Z **TechCrunch reimagined: welcome to our new design**
Sometimes, you have to start from scratch to make something amazing. Sometimes, you already have most of the ingredients, but you have to do some improvising to make the thing sing. Until today, TechCrunch was in the latter camp. Top reporters who know how to get to the bottom of a story? Check. Must-read news […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/techcrunch-reimagined-welcome-to-our-new-design/) 2024-10-02T15:19:38Z **Starling Bank fined $39 million for ‘facilitating financial crime’**
Starling Bank, a popular challenger bank based in the U.K., has received a £29 million fine from the country’s financial regulator (around $39 million at current exchange rates). The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) found the startup didn’t have proper financial crime controls from 2021 to 2023. Starling has been around for more than a decade. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal us ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/starling-bank-fined-39-million-for-facilitating-financial-crime/) 2024-10-02T15:30:00Z **Pallet uses AI to bring logistics into the 21st century**
Transportation and warehousing are multi-trillion-dollar industries, but the technologies that power them are often outdated, inefficient and siloed. Pallet, which is announcing an $18 million Series A funding round led by Bain Capital Ventures today, has built an all-in-one transportation and warehouse management system that uses AI to help these businesses streamline their operations from […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All righ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/pallet-uses-ai-to-bring-logistics-into-the-21st-century/) 2024-10-02T15:41:50Z **News agency AFP notifies French authorities of potential data breach**
The Paris-based news giant said it notified French regulators of a potential data breach following a recent cyberattack.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/news-agency-afp-notifies-french-authorities-of-potential-data-breach/) 2024-10-02T16:00:00Z **Instant harkens back to a pre-Google Firebase**
Instant wants to recapture some of the magic of the pre-Google-acquisition Firebase by building a modern, Postgres-based open source version of it.   Like the original Firebase, San Francisco-based Instant focuses on giving front-end developers easy access to a real-time database with offline capabilities without the need to manage any of the back-end architecture. The service […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/instant-harkens-back-to-a-pre-google-firebase/) 2024-10-02T16:00:00Z **Gmail’s new ‘summary cards’ help you take action on your emails, like tracking packages and checking into flights**
Competition in the email market is heating up. After Apple’s iOS 18 introduced a slew of Gmail-like features to Apple’s Mail app, including categorization of transactions, updates, and promotions, as well as the addition of Smart Replies (in the coming iOS 18.1 update), Google on Wednesday announced a set of enhancements for Gmail, too. Google’s […]

© 2024 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/gmail-enhanced-summary-cards-help-you-take-action-on-your-emails/) 2024-10-02T16:14:33Z **Waymo begins offering robotaxi rides via Uber in Austin**
Waymo has gotten one step closer to a commercial launch in Austin by early 2025. This week, the company will open its fully autonomous ride-hailing service to certain members of the public in the city as part of an ongoing partnership with Uber.  The expansion in Austin marks the second city after Phoenix where Waymo […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/waymo-begins-offering-robotaxi-rides-via-uber-in-austin/) 2024-10-02T16:20:40Z **AI coding startup Poolside raises $500M from eBay, Nvidia and others**
Poolside, the AI-powered software dev platform, has raised half a billion dollars in new capital. The cash came in the form of a Series B led by Bain Capital Ventures, which also had participation from a who’s who of big tech firms including eBay (via eBay Ventures) and Nvidia. It brings Poolside’s total raised to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/ai-coding-startup-poolside-raises-500m-from-ebay-nvidia-and-others/) 2024-10-02T16:43:39Z **Facebook says it paid content creators $2B this year**
Are creators sleeping on Facebook? Though the social network has been more enticing for AI Shrimp Jesus than young people, Facebook is consolidating its monetization programs into a more streamlined Facebook Content Monetization hub, which will reward creators for their Reels, longer videos, photos and text posts. This change could incentivize more creators to work […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use onl ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/facebook-says-it-paid-content-creators-2b-this-year/) 2024-10-02T16:57:07Z **J.B. Hunt and UP.Labs launch venture lab to build logistics startups**
Transportation and freight network giant J.B. Hunt is on the hunt for software and digital products that will fuel its business and help it adapt to the modern world — and even dominate the industry. And it’s tapping startup incubator UP.Labs to help build them.  On Wednesday at the UP Summit event in Bentonville, Arkansas, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/j-b-hunt-and-up-labs-launch-venture-lab-to-build-logistics-startups/) 2024-10-02T17:08:29Z **OpenAI raises $6.6B and is now valued at $157B**
ChatGPT maker OpenAI has closed the largest VC round of all time. The startup today announced that it raised $6.6 billion in a funding round that values OpenAI at $157 billion pre-money. Led by previous investor Thrive Capital, the new cash brings OpenAI’s total raised to $17.8 billion or so, per Crunchbase. “The new funding […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/openai-raises-6-6b-and-is-now-valued-at-157b/) 2024-10-02T17:30:00Z **This Week in AI: OpenAI is stretched thin**
Hiya, folks, welcome to TechCrunch’s regular AI newsletter. If you want this in your inbox every Wednesday, sign up here. After a brief hiatus, we’re back with a few show notes on OpenAI’s DevDay. The keynote yesterday morning in San Francisco was remarkable for its subdued tone — a contrast to the rah-rah, hypebeast-y address from […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/this-week-in-ai-openai-is-stretched-thin/) 2024-10-02T18:04:02Z **Ray-Ban Meta + facial recognition = Terminator vision for doxxing**
Any piece of popular consumer electronics will eventually be hacked, often to prove a point.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/ray-ban-meta-facial-recognition-terminator-vision-for-doxxing/) 2024-10-02T19:00:00Z **OpenStack is ready for the VMware refugees**
Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware has left a lot of customers uneasy (and with rising bills). For the longest time, VMware was the de facto standard for enterprise virtualization. Now, a lot of businesses are looking for alternatives, and with that, the OpenStack project for managing cloud infrastructure (and one of the world’s largest open source […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/openstack-is-ready-for-the-vmware-refugees/) 2024-10-02T19:10:08Z **Former head of YC’s Continuity Fund Ali Rowghani launches new seed firm**
Ali Rowghani, a former Y Combinator managing director and former Twitter executive, is launching a venture firm called Maxq. Maxq is targeting $250 million for its debut fund, Maxq Fund I, according to an SEC filing. The firm will focus on seed-stage investments, Axios reported on Wednesday. Rowghani’s former YC colleagues Mia Mabanta, Simon Lu, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/former-head-of-ycs-continuity-fund-ali-rowghani-launches-new-seed-firm/) 2024-10-02T19:30:00Z **Cancer AI Alliance joins medical and tech expertise together with $40M to collaborate on next-gen care**
A group of major medical institutions specializing in cancer care have formed a partnership to better take advantage of AI’s potential to advance the space. With $40 million of cash and resources from big tech backers, the Cancer AI Alliance (CAIA) could be a huge step forward in precision medicine. The members of the alliance […]
 ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/cancer-ai-alliance-joins-medical-and-tech-expertise-together-with-40m-to-collaborate-on-next-gen-care/) 2024-10-02T20:58:07Z **Meta confirms it may train its AI on any image you ask Ray-Ban Meta AI to analyze**
We recently asked Meta if it trains AI on photos and videos that users take on the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The company originally didn’t have much to say. Since then, Meta has offered TechCrunch a bit more color. In short, any image you share with Meta AI can be used to train its AI. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/meta-confirms-it-may-train-its-ai-on-any-image-you-ask-ray-ban-meta-ai-to-analyze/) 2024-10-02T21:55:46Z **Four-legged robot learns to climb ladders**
The proliferation of robots like Boston Dynamics’ Spot has showcased the versatility of quadrupeds. These systems have thrived at walking up stairs, traversing small obstacles, and navigating uneven terrain. Ladders, however, still present a big issue — especially given how ever present they are in factories and other industrial environments where the systems are deployed. […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/four-legged-robot-learns-to-climb-ladders/) 2024-10-02T22:37:41Z **Venture firm CRV returns $275 million citing overvaluation of mature startups**
CRV, a more than 50-year-old venture firm, is returning to investors $275 million from its $500 million Select fund, which backs later-stage rounds of existing portfolio companies, the New York Times reported. The firm is one of the first established Silicon Valley outfits to return committed capital to investors. (We reported yesterday that India’s largest […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/venture-firm-crv-returns-275-million-citing-overvaluation-of-mature-startups/) 2024-10-02T23:32:22Z **Elon Musk’s xAI moves into OpenAI’s old HQ**
San Francisco’s Mission district isn’t known for corporate offices, but it’s now home to two of the world’s most well funded AI startups. Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup, xAI, recently moved into a new office in the Mission: the same building that served as OpenAI’s headquarters for several years, according to the San Francisco Business […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/elon-musks-xai-moves-into-openais-old-hq/) 2024-10-03T00:44:08Z **Judge blocks California’s new AI law in case over Kamala Harris deepfake Musk reposted**
A federal judge blocked one of California’s new AI laws on Wednesday, less than two weeks after it was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Shortly after signing AB 2839, Newsom suggested it could be used to force Elon Musk to take down an AI deepfake of Vice President Kamala Harris he had reposted (and sparking […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For person ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/judge-blocks-californias-new-ai-law-in-case-over-kamala-harris-deepfake-musk-reposted/) 2024-10-03T03:15:10Z **WP Engine sues Automattic and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg**
Hosting provider WP Engine has filed a lawsuit against Automattic and WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg, accusing them of extortion and abuse of power. The lawsuit comes after nearly two weeks of tussling between Mullenweg, who is also CEO of Automattic, and WP Engine over trademark infringement and contributing to the WordPress community. WP Engine accused Automattic and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All r ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/wp-engine-sues-automattic-and-wordpress-co-founder-matt-mullenweg/) 2024-10-03T03:30:00Z **As data center usage heats up, Submer raises $55.5M to cool things down**
The race is on for better chips and data center capacity to handle AI workloads, but all that activity comes with a catch. Heavy processing power means heat — a lot of it — and that has massive implications, both for how well servers operate and the environment.  With traditional cooling methods like air and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/as-data-center-usage-heats-up-submer-raises-55-5m-to-cool-things-down/) 2024-10-03T06:54:16Z **Google is testing Gemini-powered video search in India**
Google said it is now experimenting with Gemini-powered video search in India at its Google for India event. This feature enables users to shoot a small snippet and ask Gemini questions about it. Users, who would be part of this experiment, will be able to use this feature in Google Lens. The video search features […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/02/google-is-testing-gemini-powered-video-search-in-india/) 2024-10-03T07:01:00Z **Oura Ring 4 debuts slimmer design, additional sizes, and improved sensing starting at $349**
The Oura Ring 4 is up for preorder starting Thursday and starts shipping October 15. Users get one month of membership to its software offering for free.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/oura-ring-4-debuts-slimmer-design-additional-sizes-and-improved-sensing-starting-at-349/) 2024-10-03T07:05:10Z **Google flexes its edge in India in AI showdown**
Google is ramping up its artificial intelligence efforts in India to integrate AI across its products for Indians — a move that escalates the growing rivalry among U.S. tech firms in a market where competitors are lagging behind. At its 10th Google for India event on Thursday, the company said it was deploying its AI […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-flexes-its-edge-in-india-in-ai-showdown/) 2024-10-03T07:30:38Z **Google taps India’s love for gold to boost its credit play**
Google is leveraging India’s deep-rooted affinity for gold to expand its reach in the lending market of the world’s most populous nation. The company said on Thursday that Google Pay has partnered with Muthoot Finance, India’s largest gold-backed loans provider, to offer secured loans to users across the country.  Google said the move aims to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-taps-india-love-for-gold-to-boost-its-credit-play/) 2024-10-03T07:45:11Z **Google Maps will show AI-powered review summaries in India**
Google is adding new AI-powered features on Maps in India including AI-powered summaries, the ability to search for experiences, and weather alerts. The Maps app will analyze reviews and show summaries of places, it said. The company made the announcement at its annual Google for India event on Thursday. Additionally, users will be able to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-maps-will-show-ai-powered-review-summaries-in-india/) 2024-10-03T10:24:00Z **Google pilots blocking some sideloaded apps in India**
Google has announced that it is blocking the installation of certain apps automatically from getting sideloaded on Android devices in India.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-pilots-blocking-some-sideloaded-apps-in-india/) 2024-10-03T11:36:28Z **Scammed and exploited, she built an AI-driven app for immigrants like her**
Immigrants face an enormous number of challenges and difficulties. In particular, without a local base of family or friends to depend on, new immigrants often find themselves in the dark about reliable information on essential services like housing, healthcare and banking. After being scammed and exploited, one immigrant founder decided to try to help other […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rig ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/scammed-and-exploited-she-built-an-ai-driven-app-for-immigrants-like-her/) 2024-10-03T12:00:00Z **ETH Zurich spinoff Voliro’s flying robots save lives, but don’t tell its CEO**
We have only touched the surface of what drones can do and how ubiquitous they will become. This is also true in industry, where they have the potential to replace human labor in risky activities such as inspection at height. Swiss startup Voliro operates in this space, with flying robots that can inspect wind turbines, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use onl ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/eth-zurich-spinoff-voliros-flying-robots-save-lives-but-dont-tell-its-ceo/) 2024-10-03T12:00:00Z **Spotify adds a new, automatically updating playlist for offline listening**
Spotify introduced a new feature today called Offline Backup. This feature for premium users is essentially a list of songs you recently listened to and that you can consume offline. It updates automatically based on your listening history. Paid users can already download songs for offline consumption. But Spotify wants to give them more songs […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/spotify-adds-a-new-automatically-updating-playlist-for-offline-listening/) 2024-10-03T12:44:29Z **Hey, UK! Here’s how to ‘opt out’ of Meta using your Facebook and Instagram data to train its AI**
After Meta recently reignited controversial plans to use the public posts of U.K. Facebook and Instagram users’ as AI training fodder, the social networking giant has taken the next step and begun to notify local users it will soon start helping itself to their information again. The bad news is the process Meta has devised […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. A ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/hey-uk-heres-how-to-opt-out-of-meta-using-your-facebook-and-instagram-data-to-train-its-ai/) 2024-10-03T13:00:00Z **Voyage AI is building RAG tools to make AI hallucinate less**
AI tends to make things up. That’s unappealing to just about anyone who uses it on a regular basis, but especially to businesses, for which fallacious results could hurt the bottom line. Half of workers responding to a recent survey from Salesforce say they worry answers from their company’s generative AI-powered systems are inaccurate. While […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/voyage-ai-is-building-rag-tools-to-make-ai-hallucinate-less/) 2024-10-03T13:00:00Z **Uber taps Yandex spinout Avride for autonomous delivery and ride-hail partnership**
Uber is not done snatching up autonomous vehicle partnerships.  The ride-hail and delivery giant on Thursday announced a multi-year deal with Yandex spinout Avride to bring the company’s sidewalk delivery robots and autonomous vehicles to both Uber Eats and Uber.  It’s the latest in a series of deals from Uber over the last two months […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights re ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/uber-taps-yandex-spinout-avride-for-autonomous-delivery-and-ride-hail-partnership/) 2024-10-03T13:08:51Z **Quoroom acquires Investory to scale up its capital-raising platform for startups**
These days, private investors have a range of options for investing in startups without having to deal with them in real life. This ecosystem more or less started with AngelList, but there are now a plethora of options — such as Carta, Allocations, Vauban and Odin — that startups can use to raise funding and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/quoroom-acquires-investory-to-scale-up-its-capital-raising-platform-for-startups/) 2024-10-03T13:39:54Z **Tesla’s Cybertruck racks up fifth recall in under a year**
Tesla’s 2024 Cybertrucks have been on the road for less than a year and they’ve already been recalled five times, as of Thursday.  This time, it’s because the rearview camera image may be delayed by two seconds after shifting into reverse, and the display may appear blank for up to eight seconds when the vehicle […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/teslas-cybertruck-racks-up-fifth-recall-in-a-year/) 2024-10-03T14:00:00Z **Argo Space’s plan to power orbital tugs with Moon water pulls in $7.9M**
There are many hypotheses about what capabilities will need to come online for the growing space industry to flourish, but two of the biggest concern in-space mobility and in-space refueling. To have a fully independent space economy, proponents argue, we’ll need to be able to move satellites around in space and we’ll need a way […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/argo-spaces-plan-to-power-orbital-tugs-with-moon-water-pulls-in-7-9m/) 2024-10-03T14:00:00Z **Video editing app Captions launches an AI-powered social media manager for sites**
AI-powered video editing app Captions is rolling out a new tool for websites that manages their content publishing schedule for videos and even generates videos for those dates based on relevant topics to the site.  The tool first scans the site to pull content, keywords, service offerings, and key selling points of a site and […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/video-editing-app-captions-launches-an-ai-powered-social-media-manager-for-sites/) 2024-10-03T13:51:09Z **How Kapa uses LLMs to help companies answer users’ technical questions reliably**
Generative AI and large language models (LLMs) have been all the rage in recent years, upending traditional online search via the likes of ChatGPT while improving customer support, content generation, translation and more. Now, one fledgling startup is using LLMs to build AI assistants capable specifically of answering complex questions for developers, software end-users, and ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/how-kapa-uses-llms-to-help-companies-answer-users-technical-questions-reliably/) 2024-10-03T13:50:32Z **Black Forest Labs, the startup behind Grok’s image generator, releases an API**
Black Forest Labs, the Andreessen Horowitz-backed startup behind the image generation component of xAI’s Grok assistant, has launched an API in beta — and released a new model. The new API provides Black Forest Labs’ family of image generation models, Flux, in a managed package. Using it, developers can choose which Flux model to build […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. Fo ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/black-forest-labs-the-startup-behind-groks-image-generator-releases-an-api/) 2024-10-03T14:10:04Z **CISA issues warning about another Ivanti flaw under active attack**
The U.S. IT software giant confirmed this week that the vulnerability, fixed in May, is now being used to target a "limited number" of Ivanti customers.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/cisa-issues-warning-about-another-ivanti-flaw-under-active-attack/) 2024-10-03T15:00:00Z **StrictlyVC comes to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
StrictlyVC is hosting its first event inside TechCrunch, and if you’re an investor keen to mingle with your peers, you won’t want to miss this opportunity. The StrictlyVC series — which brings the people and stories dominating the headlines straight to an audience of largely VCs, LPs, founders, and operators — is coming to the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/strictlyvc-comes-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-03T15:00:00Z **Ollie scoops up health startup to launch a tool that analyzes dog poop**
The global pet food market has become fiercely competitive, with an estimated market share of $103.3 billion in 2023 and still growing. This growth has led many companies to target pet owners who are willing to invest in quality food to enhance their pets’ well-being and longevity. In a move to distinguish itself in the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/ollie-scoops-up-health-startup-to-launch-a-tool-that-analyzes-dog-poop/) 2024-10-03T15:10:00Z **Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport is coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
The tech world took a major double take this year when a security startup called Wiz founded out of Israel just four years earlier became the subject of a record-breaking, $23 billion acquisition attempt by Google — an offer the startup boldly proceeded … to refuse. Really? Yes, really. We will be talking to Assaf Rappaport, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/wiz-ceo-assaf-rappaport-is-coming-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-03T15:30:00Z **FPV Ventures, Mill, and Bullish rise above the hype at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
In a world where tech trends often create a frenzy of investments, the temptation to follow the crowd can be overwhelming. But the business of trends is a dangerous game. When everyone is diving headfirst into the latest “next big thing,” the risk of falling off a cliff without genuine understanding grows exponentially.  Join us […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pe ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/fpv-ventures-mill-and-bullish-rise-above-the-hype-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-03T16:00:27Z **Google brings ads to AI Overviews as it expands AI’s role in search**
Google is rolling out a redesigned AI Overviews experience — with ads — and expanding its test of AI-organized results pages.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-brings-ads-to-ai-overviews-and-rolls-out-ai-organized-pages/) 2024-10-03T16:00:24Z **Google Lens can now answer questions about videos**
Lens, Google's visual search app, can now analyze videos. Plus, it can identify products in photos — and, less excitingly, serve up related ads.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/google-lens-can-now-answer-questions-about-videos/) 2024-10-03T16:00:00Z **YouTube takes on TikTok with longer Shorts, templates, trends, and more**
YouTube on Thursday announced a series of updates for its short-form video product, YouTube Shorts. These include the ability for creators to upload videos up to three minutes in length. The company says it’s also updating the Shorts player, introducing templates, and adding a new Shorts trends page on mobile devices. Combined, the series of […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/youtube-takes-on-tiktok-with-longer-shorts-templates-trends-and-more/) 2024-10-03T16:26:25Z **OpenAI also secured a massive credit line**
In addition to OpenAI’s new $6.6 billion megaround of funding at a post-money valuation of $157 billion, the outfit has secured a $4 billion revolving line of credit, it disclosed in a post Thursday night. The arrangement gives it “access to over $10 billion in liquidity, which gives us the flexibility to invest in new […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/openai-also-secured-a-massive-credit-line/) 2024-10-03T17:20:00Z **The TechCrunch Cyber Glossary**
This glossary includes some of the most common terms and expressions we use in our articles, and explanations of how — and why — we use them.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/techcrunch-reference-guide-to-security-terminology/) 2024-10-03T17:08:25Z **OpenAI launches new ‘Canvas’ ChatGPT interface tailored to writing and coding projects**
OpenAI introduced a new way to interact with ChatGPT on Thursday: an interface it calls “canvas.” The product opens a separate window, beside the normal chat window, with a workspace for writing and coding projects. Users can generate writing or code directly in the canvas, then highlight sections of the work to have the model […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights re ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/openai-launches-new-canvas-chatgpt-interface-tailored-to-writing-and-coding-projects/) 2024-10-03T17:08:21Z **AirOps is an all-in-one platform for generating and managing AI-based marketing content**
To some degree, every business that has a presence on the web is in the content business — whether that’s for informing customers, finding new clients, or for SEO. That means managing the production of those texts and images, updating them, and potentially optimizing them for a search engine to index and rank. Since large […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights re ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/airops-wants-to-be-the-all-in-one-platform-for-generating-and-managing-ai-based-seo-slop/) 2024-10-03T17:50:51Z **DOJ sentences pair for Apple repair scheme involving 6,000 knockoff iPhones**
The U.S. Department of Justice Thursday announced that it has sentenced a pair of Chinese citizens residing in Maryland following a massive bid to defraud Apple. According to the officials, the scheme involved sending more than 6,000 knockoff iPhones from Hong Kong to the company for repair. With the help of spoofed IMEI and serial […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For pers ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/doj-sentences-pair-for-apple-repair-scheme-involving-6000-knockoff-iphones/) 2024-10-03T18:55:00Z **The 13 biggest take-private PE acquisitions so far this year in tech**
A roundup of the year's billion-dollar take-private deals in the technology sector.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/the-13-biggest-private-equity-acquisitions-of-public-tech-firms-in-2024-so-far/) 2024-10-03T19:35:38Z **Initialized Capital restructures, and lets multiple partners go**
Initialized Capital is restructuring its team to “meet the moment” in the venture market, according to a blog post from the firm’s managing partner Brett Gibson. The San Francisco-based venture capital firm, originally founded by Alexis Ohanian, Garry Tan, and Harjeet Taggar, announced yesterday that it let multiple people go and specifically named Jennifer Wolf, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/initialized-capital-restructures-and-lets-multiple-partners-go/) 2024-10-03T20:45:00Z **ChatGPT: Everything you need to know about the AI-powered chatbot**
ChatGPT, OpenAI’s text-generating AI chatbot, has taken the world by storm since its launch in November 2022. What started as a tool to hyper-charge productivity through writing essays and code with short text prompts has evolved into a behemoth used by more than 92% of Fortune 500 companies. That growth has propelled OpenAI itself into […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/chatgpt-everything-to-know-about-the-ai-chatbot/) 2024-10-03T21:22:00Z **Announcing the final agenda for the Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
We’re out-of-this-world excited to announce that we’ve finalized our dedicated Space Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Fintech, SaaS and AI as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof. To top it off, we’re thrilled to share we’ll be hosting a pitch competition this year called “The Space Challenge, powered by […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For p ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/announcing-the-final-agenda-for-the-space-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-03T21:32:00Z **Announcing the final agenda for the Fintech Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
We’re incredibly excited to announce the final agenda for our dedicated Fintech Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. It joins Space, SaaS, AI and Builders as the other industry-focused stages — all under one big roof. As the fintech industry evolves, new opportunities abound for founders, investors, and customers. Areas such as mobile banking, global payroll, digital […]

© 2024 TechC ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/announcing-the-final-agenda-for-the-fintech-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-03T23:06:58Z **Investors are scrambling to get into ElevenLabs, which may soon be valued at $3 billion**
ElevenLabs, a startup that makes AI tools for audio applications, is being approached by existing and new investors about a new round, which could value the company as highly as $3 billion, TechCrunch has learned.  The two-year-old company specializes in making AI tools to generate synthetic voices for audiobook narrations, and for real-time video dubbing […]

© ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/investors-are-scrambling-to-get-into-elevenlabs-which-may-soon-be-valued-at-3-billion/) 2024-10-03T23:32:01Z **A co-lead on Sora, OpenAI’s video generator, has left for Google**
One of the co-leads on OpenAI’s video generator, Sora, has left for Google. Tim Brooks, who was heading development on Sora with William Peebles, announced in a post on X this evening that he’ll be joining Google DeepMind, Google’s AI research division, to work on video generation and “world simulators.” “I had an amazing two […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/a-co-lead-on-sora-openais-video-generator-has-left-for-google/) 2024-10-04T03:48:36Z **Apple plans four new retail stores in India**
Apple is planning to open four new retail stores in India and has begun manufacturing the iPhone 16 Pro models domestically, the company said as it deepens its presence in the world’s second-largest smartphone market. The U.S. tech giant aims to launch stores in Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi-NCR and Mumbai, building on its first two Indian […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/apple-plans-four-new-retail-stores-in-india/) 2024-10-04T04:05:08Z **Even the ‘godmother of AI’ has no idea what AGI is**
Are you confused about artificial general intelligence, or AGI? It’s that thing OpenAI is obsessed with ultimately creating in a way that “benefits all of humanity.” You may want to take them seriously since they just raised $6.6 billion to get closer to that goal. But if you’re still wondering what the heck AGI even […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/03/even-the-godmother-of-ai-has-no-idea-what-agi-is/) 2024-10-04T07:51:57Z **159 employees are leaving Automattic as CEO’s fight with WP Engine escalates**
Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg said on Thursday that 159 employees (roughly 8.4% of staff) accepted a severance package that the company had offered to those who disagreed with his direction of WordPress and his handling of tussle with web hosting provider WP Engine. In a blog post, Mullenweg said the package offered $30,000 or six […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For per ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/159-employees-are-leaving-automattic-as-ceos-fight-with-wp-engine-escalates/) 2024-10-04T10:00:00Z **Waymo’s next robotaxi will be the Hyundai IONIQ 5**
Waymo has struck a deal with Hyundai to bring the IONIQ 5 EV to its robotaxi network, adding another autonomous vehicle option as it scales up its business. The autonomous vehicle company announced Friday that it expects to start on-road testing a Waymo-equipped IONIQ 5 by late 2025, with the AV becoming available to riders […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/waymos-next-robotaxi-will-be-the-hyundai-ioniq-5/) 2024-10-04T11:08:30Z **Meta faces data retention limits on its EU ad business after top court ruling**
The European Union’s top court has sided with a privacy challenge to Meta’s data retention policies. It ruled on Friday that social networks, such as Facebook, cannot keep using people’s information for ad targeting indefinitely. The judgement could have major implications on the way Meta and other ad-funded social networks operate in the region. Limits […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. Al ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/meta-faces-data-retention-limits-on-its-eu-ad-business-after-top-court-ruling/) 2024-10-04T11:35:37Z **Rivian deliveries fall as component shortage slows production**
Rivian says it will build fewer vehicles this year than it did in 2023, the result of a supply chain problem that popped up in the third quarter that has “become more acute in recent weeks.” The company did not specify what specific component is impacted. It only said that it is one shared by […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/rivian-deliveries-fall-component-shortage-slows-production/) 2024-10-04T12:23:56Z **Many companies won’t say if they’ll comply with California’s AI training transparency law**
California passed a law that'll require AI companies to say which data sets they used to train their models. But few are saying whether they'll comply.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/many-companies-wont-say-if-theyll-comply-with-californias-ai-training-transparency-law/) 2024-10-04T13:01:00Z **Meta’s Movie Gen model puts out realistic video with sound, so we can finally have infinite Moo Deng**
No one really knows what generative video models are useful for just yet, but that hasn’t stopped companies like Runway, OpenAI, and Meta from pouring millions into developing them. Meta’s latest is called Movie Gen, and true to its name turns text prompts into relatively realistic video with sound… but thankfully no voice just yet. […] ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/metas-movie-gen-model-puts-out-realistic-video-with-sound-so-we-can-finally-have-infinite-moo-deng/) 2024-10-04T13:45:00Z **The Browser Company launches Arc Search on Android**
The Browser Company, the startup behind the alternative web browser Arc, announced on Thursday it’s launching its Arc Search browser on Android in open beta in a move to become a cross-platform app. Arc, already had apps in the Apple ecosystem until last year, then launched a Windows client in April ahead of launching on Android. The […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/the-browser-company-launches-arc-search-on-android/) 2024-10-04T14:34:24Z **Gmail users on iOS can now ask Gemini questions about their emails**
Select Gmail users on iOS can now chat with Google’s Gemini chatbot about their inbox directly within the app, the company announced this week. The feature, which is called Gmail Q&A, was first rolled out to Android users back in August. Now, it’s available on iOS to Google One AI Premium subscribers or Google Workspace […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/gmail-users-on-ios-can-now-ask-gemini-questions-about-their-emails/) 2024-10-04T14:52:49Z **YouTube apologizes for falsely banning channels for spam, canceling subscriptions**
A misfire of YouTube’s systems led to the accidental banning of YouTube channels impacting numerous creators who were informed their channels were removed for “Spam & Deceptive Practices.” YouTube has now apologized for the problem and says it’s rectifying the situation, but did not comment on the cause of the bans, leading creators to wonder […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/youtube-apologizes-for-falsely-banning-channels-for-spam-canceling-subscriptions/) 2024-10-04T15:05:55Z **Kenya fines Baltic fintech Eleving’s local arm for misleading customers**
Kenya’s competition authority has fined Baltic lender Eleving‘s Kenyan subsidiary for misleading its customers, casting a spotlight on the continuing unethical operations of a section of digital lenders in the country despite a new law. The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) imposed a fine of $84,120 on Eleving subsidiary Mogo Kenya for violating competition law […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/baltic-fintech-eleving-fined-in-kenya/) 2024-10-04T15:00:00Z **Check, Remote, and Gusto discuss the future of work at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
The future of work is being redefined, and TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 is the place to explore it. As companies look to leverage talent from around the globe, the landscape of hiring is transforming — and there’s a new wave of global HR startups that are making this change possible.  Yet, the question remains: Can these […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use on ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/check-remote-and-gusto-discuss-the-future-of-work-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-04T15:30:00Z **Facebook launches a Gen Z-focused redesign**
Facebook wants to woo more younger users to join its social network, instead of spending all their time on TikTok, Instagram, and other social apps. To do so, parent company Meta on Friday announced a series of changes to the older social network which will put greater emphasis on local community information, videos, and Facebook […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/facebook-launches-a-gen-z-focused-redesign/) 2024-10-04T16:08:34Z **Swiggy escalates India quick commerce battle with 10-minute meals**
Swiggy, India’s leading food delivery startup, said Friday it has started to deliver meals in 10 minutes across parts of major cities, intensifying the quick commerce race in the world’s second-largest internet market.  The Bengaluru-headuartered startup, which is targeting to go public in about a month, said it has partnered with more than 2,700 restaurants, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/swiggy-escalates-india-quick-commerce-battle-with-10-minute-meals/) 2024-10-04T16:17:44Z **Mark Zuckerberg is leg pressing chicken nuggets**
Meta on Friday announced its Movie Gen model, which uses AI to turn prompts into realistic videos with sound. Though Movie Gen won’t be coming to Instagram or other Meta apps until next year, founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted a video showing how it works. In the Instagram post, we see the recent gym […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/mark-zuckerberg-is-leg-pressing-chicken-nuggets/) 2024-10-04T16:16:57Z **Impulse Space lands Space Force contract for “tactically responsive” orbital operations**
Fresh on the heels of a massive funding round, Impulse Space has landed a $34.5 million contract from the Space Force for two ultra-mobile spacecraft missions.  Under the Space Force’s Tactically Responsive Space (TacRS) program, the two missions will demonstrate how highly maneuverable spacecraft can help the military rapidly respond to threats in space.  For [ ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/impulse-space-lands-space-force-contract-for-tactically-responsive-orbital-operations/) 2024-10-04T16:20:55Z **Detroit startup Grounded has a Lego-like way of designing EV vans for small businesses**
When Also Capital managing partner Mike Annunziata walks around New York City these days, he sees lots of vans — and opportunity. It’s something he admits he never noticed until he met former SpaceX engineer Sam Shapiro, who is the founder of a new Detroit-based modular electric RV startup called Grounded. Sometimes, Annunziata told TechCrunch, […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reser ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/detroits-grounded-raises-3-5m-to-fuel-modular-electric-rv-plans/) 2024-10-04T17:05:43Z **Announcing the Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
TechCrunch Disrupt 2024, which takes place from October 28-30 at Moscone West in San Francisco, is rapidly approaching. Today we’re thrilled to announce the 200 startups selected to participate in this year’s Startup Battlefield 200 (SB 200) cohort. TechCrunch’s editorial staff read, vetted and debated over thousands of applications. Narrowing the group down to 200 […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights res ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/announcing-the-startup-battlefield-200-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-04T17:05:00Z **Waymo picks its next robotaxi, Joby lands more Toyota bucks, and Cybertruck notches its fifth recall**
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility! I kicked off my week at UP.Summit, an invite-only event that was held this year in Bentonville, Arkansas, to meet up with founders and investors focused on […]

© 2024 Tech ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/waymo-picks-its-next-robotaxi-joby-lands-more-toyota-bucks-and-cybertruck-notches-its-fifth-recall/) 2024-10-04T17:13:50Z **TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 Side Events schedule: Women in Tech, SignalFire, Llama Lounge, and more to host**
With TechCrunch Disrupt 2024 right around the corner, we’re thrilled to introduce the companies hosting Side Events that will extend the buzz and excitement to the thousands of attendees and Silicon Valley locals alike. Whether it’s a fun happy hour, insightful panels, or energizing morning runs, Disrupt Week — happening from October ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/techcrunch-disrupt-2024-side-events-lineup-women-in-tech-signalfire-llama-lounge-and-more-to-host/) 2024-10-04T17:17:42Z **Why EnergyX raised $75M from small investors, even after taking VC money from GM and others**
EnergyX’s offering took advantage of SEC Regulation A, which allows companies to raise money from retail investors in exchange for modest regulatory oversight.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/why-energyx-raised-75m-from-small-investors-even-after-taking-vc-money-from-gm-and-others/) 2024-10-04T17:51:27Z **Announcing the final agenda for the SaaS Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Software as a service (SaaS) is an ever-evolving industry. We’ll talk to some of the brightest minds and leaders in the industry — executives from early- and late-stage SaaS companies, leaders from the infrastructure companies that power the industry and the venture capitalists who fund them. Explore and enjoy by joining us at the SaaS […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For per ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/announcing-the-final-agenda-for-the-saas-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-04T17:41:56Z **Amazon closes more of its cashierless convenience stores**
Amazon continues to scale back efforts around its cashierless checkout technology, Just Walk Out. The e-commerce giant closed three of its Go convenience stores in New York last week, The Information confirmed on Friday, leaving just 17 across the nation. (Amazon notes it recently opened one in Washington.) These convenience stores use AI systems to […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/amazon-closes-more-of-its-cashierless-convenience-stores/) 2024-10-04T17:57:36Z **Announcing the final agenda for the SaaS Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Software as a service (SaaS) is an ever-evolving industry. We’ll talk to some of the brightest minds and leaders in the industry — executives from early- and late-stage SaaS companies, leaders from the infrastructure companies that power the industry and the venture capitalists who fund them. Explore and enjoy by joining us at the SaaS […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For per ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/announcing-the-final-agenda-for-the-saas-stage-at-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-04T18:33:12Z **GM is working on a eyes-off, hands-off driving system**
Seven years ago, GM became the first automaker to offer hands-free driving when it rolled out its Super Cruise advanced driver assistance system. Now, it’s looking to push that capability even further with a system that would allow drivers to keep their eyes off the road too, according to one of GM’s top software executives.  […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/gm-is-working-on-a-eyes-off-hands-off-driving-system/) 2024-10-04T18:30:55Z **Fisker faces SEC investigation as bankruptcy case drags on**
Bankrupt EV startup Fisker is under investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, according to a new filing from the financial regulator. The SEC says in the filing it has sent multiple subpoenas to Fisker as part of the investigation, and that it may send more. The agency does not say what the investigation […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/fisker-faces-sec-investigation-as-bankruptcy-case-drags-on/) 2024-10-04T18:47:51Z **Every fusion startup that has raised over $100M**
Fusion startups have raised $7.1 billion to date, with the majority of it going to a handful of companies.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/every-fusion-startup-that-has-raised-over-100m/) 2024-10-04T19:05:00Z **OpenAI secured more billions, but there’s still capital left for other startups**
Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here. This week once again brought us AI funding news, as well as some warnings: Some categories and stages are showing signs of overheating. Luckily, we also spotted […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use onl ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/openai-secured-more-billions-but-theres-still-capital-left-for-other-startups/) 2024-10-04T19:55:00Z **YouTube apologizes for falsely banning channels for spam, canceling subscriptions**
A misfire of YouTube’s systems led to the accidental banning of YouTube channels affecting numerous creators who were informed their channels were removed for “Spam & Deceptive Practices.” YouTube has now apologized for the problem and says it’s rectifying the situation, but did not comment on the cause of the bans, leading creators to wonder […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All ri ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/youtube-apologizes-for-falsely-banning-channels-for-spam-canceling-subscriptions/) 2024-10-04T22:22:56Z **Ashton Kutcher, Effie Epstein, and Guy Oseary are coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024**
Last year, Sound Ventures, the 9-year-old, Beverly Hills, California-based venture firm led by general partners Ashton Kutcher, Guy Oseary, and Effie Epstein, announced a new $265 million AI fund that was betting big on large language model companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Hugging Face. In fact, the plan was to invest in just six companies […]

© 2024 TechCru ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/ashton-kutcher-effie-epstein-and-guy-oseary-are-coming-to-techcrunch-disrupt-2024/) 2024-10-05T04:50:35Z **The ‘Mozart of Math’ isn’t worried about AI replacing math nerds — ever**
Terence Tao, a UCLA professor considered to be the “world’s greatest living mathematician,” last month compared ChapGPT’s o1 reasoning model to a “mediocre, but not completely incompetent” graduate student that could correctly answer a complex analysis problem with “a lot of hints and prodding.”  AI might never beat its human teachers, he now tells The […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/04/the-mozart-of-math-isnt-worried-about-ai-replacing-math-nerds-ever/) 2024-10-05T13:00:00Z **5 ‘dumbphones’ that can still run WhatsApp**
With the luddite revival in full-swing, here are five dumbphones that can still run WhatsApp — and a few others.

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/5-dumbphones-that-can-still-run-whatsapp/) 2024-10-05T14:00:00Z **SoCreate wants to transform screenwriting software with AI imagery and community sharing tools**
Many screenwriters have embraced modern tools over traditional PDFs to craft their film or TV show pilots. SoCreate, the latest entrant in the screenwriting software arena, is challenging established players like Final Draft and Celtx with its fresh approach to storytelling. And, notably, generative AI imagery is involved. SoCreate offers many of the same ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/socreate-wants-to-transform-screenwriting-software-with-ai-imagery-community-sharing/) 2024-10-05T14:07:49Z **Fisker’s HQ abandoned in “complete disarray” with apparent hazardous waste, clay models left behind**
The headquarters Fisker used in its waning days was recently abandoned and left in “complete disarray,” with drums of apparent hazardous waste, automotive equipment, and even vehicles and full-size clay models left behind, according to the landlord. The chaos was described in a new filing that was submitted to Fisker’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/fiskers-hq-abandoned-in-complete-disarray-with-apparent-hazardous-waste-clay-models-left-behind/) 2024-10-05T15:00:00Z **What’s in the rug? How TikTok got swept into a real-time true crime story**
A woman in Ohio is being haunted by ghosts. Or, maybe she’s not. There’s a dead body buried underneath her house, rolled up inside a rug. Or, there’s actually no body at all, despite signals from cadaver dogs. This week’s biggest drama on TikTok tells the story of a woman from Ohio who was building […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/whats-in-the-rug-how-tiktok-got-swept-into-a-real-time-true-crime-story/) 2024-10-05T16:50:14Z **New York tech investor and serial entrepreneur Kevin Ryan explains when to sell your company**
Kevin Ryan has had a long and storied career as a pivotal force of New York City tech. He’s the founder and CEO of investment firm AlleyCorp, which has invested in a wide variety of startups, and is a serial founder, participating in the early stages of companies such as Business Insider, Zola, Gilt, Pearl […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. ... ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/new-york-tech-investor-and-serial-entrepreneur-kevin-ryan-explains-when-to-sell-your-company/) 2024-10-05T20:15:00Z **OpenAI closes the largest VC round of all time**
Welcome back to Week in Review. This week, we’re diving into OpenAI’s $6.6 billion fundraising round, the fifth Cybertruck recall in less than a year, and a neat project that’s Shazam-ing songs heard on a San Francisco street. Let’s get into it. OpenAI closed the largest VC round of all time this week. The startup […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/openai-closes-the-largest-vc-round-of-all-time/) 2024-10-05T23:32:50Z **23andMe’s future prompts more worries, as genomic data analysis improves**
The roughly 15 million customers of genetic data outfit 23andMe may be at greater risk than they realize, suggests a new New York Times story that argues the company’s near-term woes could become problematic for others for a very long time if it can’t continue as a going concern. Certainly, with each passing day, the […]

© 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only. ⌘ [Read more](https://techcrunch.com/2024/10/05/23andmes-future-prompts-more-worries-as-genomic-data-analysis-improves/)