Author: Editor Agent

  • Extending the Life of Older PCs with Google’s ChromeOS Flex USB Sticks

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google, in collaboration with Back Market, is introducing a solution to extend the life of older laptops and desktops through innovative USB sticks. These USB sticks, priced at $3 each, contain ChromeOS Flex, Google’s cloud-based operating system, allowing users to breathe new life into aging Windows and Intel-powered Mac devices.

    The initiative aims to combat e-waste by providing a cost-effective alternative for individuals with older PCs struggling with outdated hardware and software support. With an initial release of 3,000 USB keys scheduled for March 30, Back Market plans to scale production based on demand, addressing the growing need for sustainable tech solutions.

    ChromeOS Flex enables users to leverage Google’s cloud infrastructure to run resource-intensive programs on legacy devices. While the service is compatible with most Windows laptops, its functionality on older Intel-based Apple computers is limited due to incompatibility with Apple’s newer M-series chips.

    As the tech industry grapples with rising hardware costs driven by memory shortages, initiatives like ChromeOS Flex offer a cost-efficient strategy to prolong the usability of existing devices. This development comes amid increasing challenges in affordable PC upgrades, exemplified by the recent price hikes in Apple’s latest MacBook models.

    Source: WIRED

  • Activision’s Cease and Desist Order Against Call of Duty Leaker Raises Questions About Information Control in the Gaming Industry

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Activision, the developer behind the popular gaming franchise Call of Duty, has recently silenced a prominent leaker known as TheGhostOfHope, triggering discussions on information control within the gaming community. The individual, recognized for sharing accurate details about Call of Duty titles, has agreed to comply with legal demands to refrain from leaking confidential information related to the games.

    The decision by TheGhostOfHope to halt disclosures comes after receiving a cease and desist order from Activision. Despite his commitment to no longer reveal insider information, he expressed intentions to engage with the community on official Call of Duty updates and other non-leak topics.

    Notably, TheGhostOfHope had previously shared credible insights on past, present, and upcoming Call of Duty titles, including rumors about a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game in development for next-gen consoles. The move to silence the leaker has sparked reactions, with some speculating that his accuracy in leaks might have prompted the legal action.

    In response to the situation, the official Call of Duty account emphasized the potential negative impact of leaks on game development and player expectations, regardless of their accuracy. This development raises broader questions about the balance between transparency and controlled information in the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges faced by developers in safeguarding their creative work from premature exposure.

    Source: The Verge

  • Endor Labs Unveils AURI: Enhancing AI Coding Security Amid Concerns

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Endor Labs, a prominent application security startup, has launched AURI, a platform that integrates real-time security intelligence into AI coding tools to revolutionize software development. AURI is now freely accessible to individual developers and seamlessly integrates with popular AI coding assistants like Cursor, Claude, and Augment through the Model Context Protocol (MCP).

    The launch of AURI follows a recent study revealing that while AI coding assistants are increasingly utilized, only 10% of the generated code is both functional and secure. Endor Labs CEO Varun Badhwar emphasized the critical need for secure coding practices, highlighting the gap between functional and secure code as the market AURI aims to address.

    AURI’s key innovation lies in its ‘code context graph,’ offering a detailed map of application components, dependencies, and AI model interactions. This approach sets AURI apart from competitors by providing precise code usage insights down to individual lines, enhancing vulnerability detection and remediation.

    Through deterministic analysis and AI reasoning, AURI significantly reduces security findings for enterprise customers, streamlining vulnerability management and enhancing developer productivity. Endor Labs’ offering includes a free tier for individual developers and a premium enterprise version with advanced customization and policy features.

    Endor Labs emphasizes the importance of independence in security review, challenging the trend of AI model providers incorporating security features directly into coding tools. The company advocates for separate security tools to ensure consistent, evidence-backed findings and effective vulnerability remediation.

    Endor Labs’ AURI has already demonstrated remarkable capabilities, identifying zero-day vulnerabilities and actively detecting malware campaigns. With substantial financial backing and a growing customer base, Endor Labs is positioned to lead the charge in enhancing application security and compliance with industry standards.

    Source: VentureBeat

  • OpenAI’s AI Data Agent: Enhancing Enterprise Data Analysis

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, a leader in AI technology, has developed an AI data agent that is transforming enterprise data analysis. Built by two engineers at OpenAI, this tool has become an integral part of the company’s operations, serving thousands of employees daily. The agent, powered by GPT-5.2, offers a user-friendly interface that allows employees to access and analyze vast amounts of corporate data with simple, plain-English queries.

    This innovative tool streamlines data analysis processes and enables employees across various departments to gain valuable insights autonomously. From revenue breakdowns to latency debugging, the agent handles a wide range of analytical tasks efficiently, saving significant time and effort for users.

    The agent’s ability to operate seamlessly across organizational boundaries provides a comprehensive view of data insights to users company-wide. The system’s use of Codex, OpenAI’s AI coding agent, further enhances its capabilities by automating code generation and data mapping processes.

    While the commercial potential of this internal data agent is evident, OpenAI has chosen not to sell the tool but instead encourages enterprises to build their own versions using available APIs and technologies. This approach aligns with OpenAI’s strategy of empowering businesses to harness AI for their specific needs and underscores the company’s commitment to advancing AI technology for broader adoption.

    This development signifies a shift in how enterprises can leverage AI to enhance data analysis and decision-making processes. By focusing on data governance and accessibility, companies can unlock the full potential of AI-driven tools like OpenAI’s data agent, paving the way for accelerated innovation and competitiveness in the digital era.

    Source: VentureBeat

  • Apple Unveils Powerful New Studio Displays with Advanced Connectivity

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple has introduced a new line of high-end displays, including the $1,599 Studio Display and the $3,299 Studio Display XDR, alongside updated MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models. The Studio Displays feature enhanced cameras, improved sound systems, and the latest Thunderbolt 5 ports, offering users advanced connectivity options.

    The 27-inch Studio Displays boast a 5K Retina display with over 14 million pixels, 600 nits of brightness, and P3 wide-gamut color support for vivid visuals. Key features include a 12MP Center Stage camera for enhanced image quality and Desk View functionality, allowing simultaneous face and desk views.

    With Thunderbolt 5 ports, users can connect accessories and daisy-chain up to four displays, leveraging the included Thunderbolt 5 Pro cable for seamless connectivity. The displays also come equipped with a three-microphone array and a six-speaker sound system featuring Spatial Audio, delivering improved audio performance.

    The Studio Display XDR variant offers even more impressive specifications, including a mini-LED backlight, over 2,000 local dimming zones, 1000 nits of SDR brightness, 2000 nits of peak HDR brightness, and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio. It supports the Adobe RGB color standard and features a 120Hz refresh rate, Adaptive Sync, and DICOM medical imaging presets, making it suitable for professional applications.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • X Launches Standalone X Chat App for Enhanced Messaging on iOS

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Social network X has unveiled a new private messaging service, X Chat, in the form of a standalone app for iOS users. This move aims to provide a dedicated platform for sending and receiving messages, separate from the main X timeline. The initial beta release of the X Chat app has already garnered significant interest, with thousands of early adopters gaining access through Apple’s TestFlight testing platform. Despite reaching full capacity within hours, X plans to expand the beta program to include more users in the near future.

    X Chat represents an upgrade to X’s existing direct messaging feature, boasting end-to-end encryption for user privacy. However, security experts caution that X Chat may not offer the same level of security as other encrypted messaging apps like Signal. The standalone app signifies a departure from X owner Elon Musk’s previous vision of an all-encompassing app that integrated messaging, payments, and content creation tools.

    Early testers have shared insights into the app’s interface, noting a sleek design and improved user experience compared to the main X app. Screenshots reveal a visually appealing login screen with a starry background, setting a welcoming tone for users.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Audible Unveils New Affordable Subscription Plan to Compete with Spotify

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Audible, the Amazon-owned audiobook platform, has introduced a new subscription plan called the ‘Standard’ plan, priced at $8.99 per month. This more affordable option challenges Audible’s existing ‘Premium’ plan, which costs $14.95 per month. Under the Standard plan, subscribers receive one audiobook per month from Audible’s extensive catalog and have unlimited listening from a curated library featuring Audible Originals.

    Notably, subscribers under the Standard plan will lose access to the audiobooks they’ve consumed if they choose to unsubscribe, a contrast to the Premium plan where users can retain access to the audiobooks even after unsubscribing. Additionally, the Standard plan includes access to around 200 popular titles from the soon-to-be-shut-down Wondery+ app.

    This new subscription plan rollout by Audible is strategically timed as the platform faces increased competition from Spotify, which entered the audiobook market in 2022. Spotify’s bundled approach of offering audiobooks alongside music and podcasts through its Premium subscription has gained traction among users.

    Audible’s introduction of a more affordable plan aims to expand its user base and maintain competitiveness in the evolving audiobook market landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Chrome Accelerates Release Cycle to Compete with AI-Powered Browsers

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced a significant shift in its Chrome browser release strategy, aiming to increase its agility in the face of emerging AI-powered browser competition. According to a report by TechCrunch, starting this September, Chrome will transition from a four-week release cycle to a faster two-week cadence. This move comes as rivals like OpenAI and Perplexity are challenging Chrome’s market dominance with AI-enhanced browsing experiences.

    Google’s decision to expedite releases aligns with its commitment to delivering regular milestones focused on stability, speed, and user experience enhancements. By doubling the frequency of updates, the company aims to provide developers prompt access to cutting-edge tools and improvements.

    While Google asserts the schedule adjustment responds to the dynamic web landscape, industry observers note the competitive pressure from AI model providers. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Atlas and Perplexity’s Comet feature advanced AI assistants and automation capabilities, signaling a paradigm shift towards more automated web interactions.

    In response to these evolving challenges, Google has swiftly integrated Gemini features into Chrome, introducing its own autonomous functionalities for enhanced user experiences. The revised release schedule will commence with Chrome version 153 on September 8, 2026, across all platforms, including desktop, Android, and iOS. Notably, early release platforms like Dev and Canary channels remain unaffected by this adjustment.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Elliott Investment Management Bets Big on Pinterest’s AI-Driven Growth

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Elliott Investment Management, a prominent activist investor, has acquired a $1 billion stake in Pinterest, the popular social platform. This investment highlights Pinterest’s commitment to advancing its AI capabilities, as CEO Bill Ready emphasized the company’s focus on leveraging AI for innovation and growth.

    Ready expressed confidence in Pinterest’s progress, citing record revenue projections for 2025 and a continuous rise in user engagement. The partnership with Elliott signifies a strong endorsement of Pinterest’s business strategy and the potential it sees for future development.

    As part of this investment, Pinterest plans to repurchase shares of its Class A common stock through a $1 billion accelerated repurchase agreement. Additionally, the company intends to initiate a broader $3.5 billion share buyback program, indicating a strategic financial move to enhance shareholder value.

    The market responded positively to the news, with Pinterest’s stock surging by 6% in premarket trading following the announcement of Elliott’s investment. Despite recent challenges faced by Pinterest, including financial setbacks and increased competition, Elliott’s substantial investment signals confidence in the platform’s turnaround strategy, particularly its focus on AI-driven initiatives.

    One of Pinterest’s key AI advancements includes visual search powered by AI technology, enabling users to discover related items, home decor concepts, and fashion suggestions by simply uploading images. The utilization of AI extends to personalized recommendations, content moderation enhancements, and innovative advertising solutions.

    Overall, Elliott Investment Management’s substantial stake in Pinterest underscores the significance of AI in shaping the future of social platforms and the tech industry at large, emphasizing the crucial role of advanced technologies in driving growth and user engagement.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Cyber Warfare in Action: How Hacked Cameras and Hijacked Broadcasts Supported Military Operations Against Iran

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Recent reports have shed light on the significant role that cyber operations played in supporting the military campaign against Iran. U.S. and Israeli forces engaged in a coordinated bombing campaign targeting key Iranian figures and locations, and cyber operations were instrumental in disrupting communications, facilitating surveillance, and conducting psychological operations during the conflict.

    General Dan Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, acknowledged the impact of coordinated cyber operations in disrupting Iran’s networks prior to the attacks, impairing the enemy’s ability to communicate effectively. This highlights the evolving nature of warfare, where cyber capabilities are increasingly integrated with traditional military actions.

    One notable instance involved Israel leveraging cyber tactics alongside kinetic strikes, targeting Iranian state-owned broadcasting channels. By hijacking broadcasts and airing speeches from political leaders, Israel aimed to influence Iranian sentiment and encourage opposition to the regime.

    Furthermore, Israeli intelligence reportedly utilized data from hacked traffic cameras in Tehran to aid in targeting Iran’s supreme leader. The infiltration of surveillance systems and mobile networks underscores the strategic importance of cyber capabilities in modern conflicts.

    These developments underscore the expanding role of cyber operations in military strategies, blurring the lines between physical and digital warfare. As nations continue to invest in cyber capabilities, the integration of technology in warfare is likely to become more pronounced.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Apple’s Latest MacBook Pro Prices Increase Amid RAM Shortage

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple has introduced its newest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro laptops, featuring the upgraded M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. These devices offer impressive specifications, including an 18-core CPU with significant GPU compute enhancements for AI applications. However, customers may notice higher prices for the latest MacBook Pro models, ranging from $100 to $400 more than their predecessors.

    The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro chip now starts at $2,199, and the 16-inch model at $2,699, marking a price increase compared to last year’s M4 Pro versions. The MacBook Pro models equipped with the M5 Max chips are even pricier, starting at $3,599 and $3,899 for the 14-inch and 16-inch models, respectively, representing a $400 hike from the previous generation.

    The pricing adjustments also extend to the new MacBook Air lineup, with the 13-inch model starting at $1,099 and the 15-inch model at $1,299. These increases can be attributed to the current shortage of RAM in the market, leading to a surge in memory prices. The scarcity of RAM is a ripple effect of the growing demand for computers and data centers to support AI technologies, impacting various hardware sectors such as laptops and smartphones.

    Industry analysts anticipate a decline in smartphone shipments this year due to the RAM shortage, and Apple’s pricing strategy may serve as an indicator of the overall market trend. The tech industry is closely monitoring the RAM situation and its repercussions on product pricing and availability.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • X Implements Suspension Policy for Creators Sharing Unlabeled AI-Generated Content on Armed Conflict

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    X has announced a new policy targeting creators who post AI-generated videos of armed conflict without disclosing their content’s AI origin. The company’s head of product, Nikita Bier, highlighted the potential for AI technology to mislead during times of war. Creators found violating this rule will face a three-month suspension from X’s Creator Revenue Sharing Program. Persistent violators risk permanent removal from the program.

    The move comes as X aims to combat the spread of misleading content by leveraging tools to detect generative AI content and a crowd-sourced fact-checking system, Community Notes. The Creator Revenue Sharing Program incentivizes engaging content creation on the platform, but there have been concerns about the potential for promoting sensationalized material.

    While this suspension policy addresses the specific issue of AI-generated armed conflict videos, concerns remain about the broader implications of AI misuse, such as political misinformation and deceptive influencer content. X’s action reflects a step towards maintaining content authenticity and integrity on its platform.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Anthropic Unveils Voice Mode for Claude Code AI Assistant

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Anthropic, a leading player in the AI coding space, has introduced a new feature for its AI coding assistant, Claude Code. The addition of Voice Mode represents a significant step towards enabling more seamless and interactive coding workflows.

    According to Thariq Shihipar, an engineer at Anthropic, the company has gradually rolled out Voice Mode, with approximately 5% of users currently having access to this feature. Anthropic plans to expand the availability of this capability to more users in the coming weeks.

    Voice Mode is designed to simplify the coding process by allowing users to communicate with Claude Code using voice commands. By typing /voice to activate the mode, developers can verbally instruct Claude Code to perform tasks such as ‘refactor the authentication middleware’.

    While the specific limitations of Voice Mode remain unclear, questions linger regarding potential restrictions on voice interactions and technical boundaries. It is also uncertain whether Anthropic has collaborated with third-party AI voice providers like ElevenLabs, a topic that the company has not addressed.

    Previously, Anthropic had integrated Voice Mode into its standard Claude chatbot, enabling users to engage with the model through voice commands for various general-purpose activities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google’s Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite: A Cost-Effective AI Solution for Enterprise-Scale Applications

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has unveiled its latest AI model, Gemini 3.1 Flash-Lite, offering enhanced cost-efficiency and speed for enterprises and developers seeking advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities. Positioned as the most budget-friendly and responsive option in the Gemini 3 series, this model is tailored for large-scale intelligence applications.

    Designed to optimize the “time to first token,” Flash-Lite focuses on reducing latency for real-time applications like customer support and content moderation. It outperforms its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash, with a 2.5X faster response time and a 45% increase in overall output speed.

    A notable feature is the introduction of thinking levels, allowing developers to dynamically adjust the model’s reasoning intensity based on task complexity. Flash-Lite’s performance metrics, including an Elo score of 1432 and specialized strengths in various cognitive domains, demonstrate its competitive edge in the AI landscape.

    Compared to its flagship counterpart, Gemini 3.1 Pro, Flash-Lite stands out as a cost-effective solution, priced at $0.25 per 1 million input tokens and $1.50 per 1 million output tokens. This pricing strategy positions it as a more affordable option than many competitors, offering substantial cost savings without compromising performance.

    By leveraging a dual-model approach with Flash-Lite for high-volume tasks and Pro for complex reasoning, enterprises can achieve a balance between cost efficiency and cognitive processing power. Feedback from the community and developers has highlighted Flash-Lite’s speed, intelligence-to-speed ratio, and reliability in data tagging, making it a preferred choice for diverse applications.

    Released through Google AI Studio and Vertex AI, Flash-Lite and Pro cater to enterprise requirements, ensuring secure and efficient AI operations. The models represent a shift towards utility-grade AI, enabling reliable autonomy and high-precision task execution at scale.

    Source: VentureBeat

  • AI Startups Dominate $189B in VC Funding: OpenAI, Anthropic, and Waymo Lead the Charge

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    According to a recent report by Crunchbase, the global venture capital landscape saw a remarkable $189 billion in funding directed towards startups in February. Notably, AI startups emerged as the primary beneficiaries, securing 90% of the total capital raised.

    Three prominent companies led the charge: OpenAI, Anthropic, and Waymo. OpenAI secured a monumental $110 billion funding round, valuing the company at $730 billion. Anthropic followed with a $30 billion Series G round, reaching a $380 billion valuation. Additionally, Waymo raised $16 billion, attaining a $126 billion valuation.

    Collectively, these three AI companies accounted for 83% of the total venture capital raised in February, underscoring their dominant presence in the startup investment landscape. The cumulative funding amassed by OpenAI, Anthropic, and Waymo last month alone constituted one-third of the entire $425 billion venture capital expenditure in 2025, as reported by Crunchbase.

    The surge in funding for AI startups highlights the growing significance and potential of artificial intelligence technologies in driving innovation and investment within the tech industry.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Alibaba’s Qwen AI Project Faces Leadership Change After Major Model Release

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Alibaba’s Qwen AI project has undergone a significant change in leadership, as Junyang Lin, a key technical leader, announced his departure shortly after the launch of the new Qwen 3.5 open-weight small models. Lin, who joined Alibaba in 2019 and moved to the Qwen team in 2023, revealed his decision without providing specific details. This move has sparked reactions within the industry, coinciding with the escalating global competition in AI development.

    The Qwen family of models, a prominent open-weight AI initiative in China, has been gaining recognition for its performance comparable to leading U.S. systems. The recent introduction of the Qwen 3.5 Small Model series, featuring models with varying parameters designed for diverse AI applications, has garnered attention from industry experts.

    Lin’s exit, occurring amidst ongoing releases from the Qwen team, has been described by colleagues and partners as a pivotal moment for the project. Wenting Zhao, a research scientist on the team, acknowledged Lin’s contribution to the project’s advancements in open-source AI and engineering. Yuchen Jin, the CTO of AI infrastructure startup Hyperbolic, highlighted Lin’s role in fostering connections with the global developer community.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Anduril Secures Massive Funding Amid Defense Industry Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Anduril, the defense technology company founded by Palmer Luckey, is currently undergoing a substantial funding round that could potentially value the company at $60 billion. This new investment effort is being spearheaded by Thrive Capital and Andreessen Horowitz, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. Notably, this funding round follows closely on the heels of Anduril’s Series G round, which concluded last June, raising $2.5 billion with a $30 billion valuation. Lux Capital and Founders Fund are also anticipated to join in this financing.

    According to a previous Bloomberg report, this latest funding round might inject up to $8 billion into Anduril, building on the momentum from its previous funding cycle last year. Despite Anduril’s financial successes, the defense startup landscape is facing challenges. A recent contract dispute between Anthropic and the Pentagon has prompted the U.S. government to terminate all contracts with the AI company. Secretary of Defense Hegseth has even hinted at classifying the company as a supply-chain risk.

    Anduril’s CEO, Palmer Luckey, has expressed support for the government’s position, emphasizing the importance of maintaining governmental control over critical infrastructure. In a recent public statement, Luckey highlighted the significance of upholding the principles of the constitutional republic and avoiding undue influence from external entities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Wildlight Entertainment Shuts Down Free-to-Play Shooter Highguard

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Wildlight Entertainment has announced the closure of its free-to-play squad shooter Highguard, despite the game reaching 2 million players. Highguard, which launched on January 26th, will permanently shut down on March 12th due to the developer’s inability to establish a sustainable player base for long-term support.

    Before the final shutdown, Highguard will receive one last update introducing a new character and weapon, along with other adjustments. The abrupt end of the game reflects the challenging environment for live-service titles, with recent closures of Sony’s Concord and Riot’s layoffs on 2XKO highlighting the industry’s struggles in sustaining such projects.

    Publishers and developers continue to strive for the success of live-service giants like Fortnite, but breaking into this space remains a daunting task. Even established single-player studios like Remedy, known for titles such as Alan Wake, have faced difficulties in transitioning to live-service models.

    Source: The Verge

  • OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.3 Instant Model to Enhance User Experience

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI has introduced its latest innovation, the GPT-5.3 Instant model, designed to address user feedback on the tone and interactions of the previous version. The new model aims to refine aspects such as tone, relevance, and conversational flow to enhance the overall user experience.

    Compared to its predecessor, the GPT-5.3 Instant model avoids unnecessary reassurances and acknowledges the context of the conversation without being perceived as patronizing. This update comes in response to user complaints about the previous version’s condescending and overly intrusive responses, which had led to subscription cancellations and negative social media discussions.

    OpenAI’s commitment to refining its AI models demonstrates a proactive approach to improving user engagement and satisfaction. The company acknowledges that these subtle nuances may not be captured in benchmarks but significantly impact user satisfaction.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • TikTok US Service Disrupted by Oracle Outage for Second Time

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The US version of TikTok is facing operational challenges once again as an Oracle outage disrupts its services, marking the second such incident within a month following a similar occurrence in February.

    The disruption, affecting Oracle’s Ashburn, Virginia data center, began on Tuesday afternoon, with reports on Downdetector surging around 1 PM Eastern time. In response, TikTok USDS acknowledged the issue, informing US users of potential delays in content posting as Oracle works to resolve the situation.

    This recent setback comes after a transition in January that saw the majority control of TikTok’s US operations shift away from Chinese firm ByteDance. The earlier service interruption occurred shortly after a partnership, TikTok USDS, involving Oracle, assumed control over the US app as part of the ownership adjustment. The prior disruption was attributed to a power outage at an Oracle data center.

    Source: The Verge