WAYR TODAY

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  • Eat App Expands Presence in India’s Restaurant Reservation Market Through Acquisition and Swiggy Partnership

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Eat App, a Dubai-based restaurant reservation startup, is intensifying its efforts in India by securing $10 million in a Series B extension round and acquiring a competitor named ReserveGo. Additionally, the company has partnered with Swiggy, a prominent food and grocery platform, to offer a comprehensive solution to restaurants, enabling them to consolidate reservation data and enhance their business strategies.

    Eat App has already operated in more than 92 countries and served over 5,000 restaurants. The company is now targeting the rapidly growing Indian market, where it has expanded its services to include over 2,000 restaurants in the past year alone. India’s thriving food service industry, projected to exceed $85 billion by 2028, presents a significant opportunity for Eat App to capitalize on the dine-in sector, which accounts for more than half of the industry’s revenue.

    The acquisition of ReserveGo, which catered to more than 1,000 restaurants at the time of purchase, further strengthens Eat App’s position in the competitive Indian market. Notably, ReserveGo’s platform successfully managed an average of 5 million reservations per month over the last year without any downtime. This strategic move, coupled with the partnership with Swiggy, showcases Eat App’s commitment to enhancing its restaurant-focused product offerings and expanding its market reach.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Humans& Secures $480M Seed Funding to Develop Human-Centric AI Solutions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Humans&, a startup founded by former Anthropic, xAI, and Google experts, has secured a $480 million seed funding round, valuing the company at $4.48 billion, as reported by The New York Times. The company’s mission is to develop AI solutions that enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.

    Key investors in this round include chipmaker Nvidia, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, and prominent VC firms such as SV Angel, Google Ventures, and Emerson Collective led by Laurene Powell Jobs. The Humans& team comprises industry veterans like Andi Peng, Georges Harik, Eric Zelikman, Yuchen He, and Noah Goodman, each bringing unique expertise from their previous roles.

    The three-month-old company aims to revolutionize collaboration through AI-powered solutions, akin to an advanced instant messaging platform. By leveraging existing AI methodologies in novel ways, Humans& seeks to enhance user interactions with AI, particularly in information retrieval and storage within chatbots.

    Humans& emphasizes the importance of reimagining model training processes and user engagement strategies to create AI as a fundamental enabler of stronger connections within organizations and communities. Their focus on long-horizon reinforcement learning, memory optimization, and user-centric design underscores a commitment to both scientific advancement and practical product development.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Grubhub’s Parent Company Acquires Restaurant Rewards Startup Claim

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Wonder, the parent company of Grubhub, has acquired Claim, a restaurant rewards app. Claim, founded in 2021, offers cash-back rewards for local restaurants, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. Through partnerships with Claim, restaurants can create promotions, increase foot traffic, and gain valuable performance insights using the Claim dashboard.

    While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, Claim had previously raised $20 million, with an estimated valuation of $62 million. Grubhub plans to leverage Claim’s capabilities to empower restaurants on its platform with enhanced customer acquisition and retention tools. Additionally, Grubhub diners will benefit from increased savings and rewards for their dining experiences.

    Claim’s CEO and co-founder, Sam Obletz, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting the potential to improve the restaurant industry through personalized rewards and machine learning models. By integrating Claim into its ecosystem, Grubhub aims to facilitate more meaningful connections between restaurants and consumers, ultimately driving repeat visits and reducing customer-acquisition costs.

    Under Wonder’s ownership, Claim is poised to play a role in reshaping how restaurants engage with their patrons, emphasizing the importance of tailored incentives and seamless user experiences in the competitive food service landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Setapp Mobile, an Alternative App Store in the EU, to Shut Down Due to Apple’s Evolving Terms

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Setapp Mobile, an alternative app store in the European Union (EU), is set to shut down next month due to Apple’s evolving business terms. Launched in September 2024 by MacPaw, a Ukrainian developer, Setapp Mobile offered a variety of apps covering productivity, finance, video, photo, creativity, and more.

    Operating on a $9.99 monthly subscription model, Setapp Mobile will remove all applications by February 16, 2026, affecting users whose Apple IDs were linked to EU member states. However, applications on the Setapp Desktop platform will remain unaffected.

    The decision to close Setapp Mobile was driven by Apple’s complex fee structure under the new EU business terms, including the controversial Core Technology Fee charging developers €0.50 for each first annual install exceeding 1 million in the past 12 months. Apple’s fee adjustments aimed to comply with the Digital Markets Act but resulted in increased complexity rather than simplification.

    This development highlights the challenges faced by alternative app stores within the EU ecosystem and the impact of tech giants’ regulatory compliance on smaller developers and platforms.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Former Nintendo President Doug Bowser Joins Hasbro’s Board, Signaling Gaming Expansion

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser is joining Hasbro’s board of directors shortly after his retirement from Nintendo. This move comes as Hasbro aims to expand its presence in the video game industry, leveraging its popular intellectual properties like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.

    While the specifics of Bowser’s responsibilities at Hasbro remain undisclosed, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jason Bunge, expressed Hasbro’s intention to launch its first video game this year, marking a significant milestone in its gaming strategy.

    Bowser’s departure from Nintendo was announced in September 2025, with Devon Pritchard assuming his former position as the new head of Nintendo of America. Bowser’s transition to Hasbro signals a strategic alignment between his expertise in the gaming sector and Hasbro’s ambitions to capitalize on the growing opportunities in video game development.

    Source: The Verge

  • Netflix’s All-Cash Offer for Warner Bros. Intensifies Streaming Industry Rivalry

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix has made a strategic move in its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) by revising its offer to an all-cash deal, aiming to entice shareholders and fend off competitor Paramount Skydance. The revised $27.75 per share offer, valuing WBD at $82.7 billion, simplifies the deal structure and accelerates the shareholder voting process.

    The decision to shift to an all-cash offer comes as Paramount Skydance intensifies its efforts with a $30 per share all-cash bid, backed by a substantial guarantee from Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison. Paramount’s aggressive stance includes legal action against WBD, seeking more information on Netflix’s offer and attempting to nominate new board members.

    Warner Bros. has expressed support for Netflix’s bid, citing the streaming giant’s financial capacity and concerns about Paramount’s high debt burden post-acquisition. Paramount’s financial health post-deal, including debt levels and cash flow challenges, has raised doubts about the sustainability of the acquisition.

    This shift in Netflix’s offer and the ensuing competition underscores the intense battle for dominance in the streaming industry. The outcome of this bidding war will not only impact the fate of Warner Bros. but also shape the competitive landscape of the streaming market, potentially reshaping viewer experiences and content offerings.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Netflix Introduces Live Voting for Interactive Content Experiences

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix is introducing a new feature that allows users to engage with live content through voting, as reported by TechCrunch. The streaming giant will debut this feature with the premiere of its live talent show ‘Star Search’ on January 20.

    Subscribers will have the option to choose from a menu or rate performances on a five-star scale using their TV remote or the Netflix app. This interactive voting feature will be available globally, with real-time vote counting on the backend. Viewers will have a limited time to vote, ensuring timely engagement.

    Netflix had previously tested this feature during ‘Dinner Time Live with David Chang’ in August 2025. The company aims to make content more interactive and immersive for subscribers. By enabling viewers to influence storylines and feel part of the narrative, Netflix hopes to enhance user engagement across devices.

    Netflix’s venture into live content includes shows like ‘Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney’ and ‘Dinner Time Live with David Chang,’ as well as sports broadcasts and interactive games. The integration of live voting adds a new dimension to user participation and engagement.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Amazon CEO Addresses Impact of Tariffs on Pricing and Supply Chain Management

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Amazon CEO Andy Jassy recently discussed the impact of tariffs on pricing, revealing how the tech giant navigates challenges in the supply chain. Jassy noted that less than a year after tariffs were imposed on imported goods, consumers are now experiencing the effects. In an interview with CNBC, Jassy mentioned that inventory purchased earlier to maintain competitive pricing has depleted, leading to the gradual inclusion of tariff costs in product prices.

    Jassy’s comments followed a study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, indicating that most tariff costs are passed on to American consumers rather than absorbed by foreign exporters. This shift has prompted sellers to make strategic decisions on adjusting prices to reflect the increased costs or absorbing them to stimulate demand.

    Additionally, a recent executive order closing the duty-free loophole for low-cost goods further complicates the pricing landscape. Jassy emphasized the limited options available to mitigate price hikes, stating that efforts are focused on collaborating with sellers to optimize consumer pricing.

    As technology plays a crucial role in Amazon’s supply chain management, the company faces the challenge of balancing cost pressures with consumer affordability. Jassy’s insights shed light on the intricate dynamics between policy changes, global trade, and tech-driven business operations.

    Source: The Verge

  • SpaceX Fined for Safety Violations Following Crane Collapse at Starbase

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined SpaceX $115,850 for seven ‘serious’ violations related to a hydraulic crane collapse at its Starbase, Texas facility. OSHA found that SpaceX did not properly inspect the crane, which had recently been repaired, prior to the incident in June. While it remains uncertain if any workers were injured in the collapse, SpaceX has the opportunity to contest the penalties issued.

    The fine and violations come as SpaceX plans to increase operations at the Starbase facility, aiming to support the initiative of sending astronauts back to the Moon. SpaceX has been granted approval by the Federal Aviation Administration for up to 25 Starship launches in Texas this year as it expands the launch complex.

    SpaceX’s Starbase site has a history of workplace injuries, with a higher injury rate compared to other company facilities and industry peers. Recent incidents include an employee suing SpaceX after being crushed by a dropped metal support and ongoing investigations by OSHA into accidents at the site.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Netflix Revises Warner Bros. Discovery Acquisition Offer to All-Cash Deal

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Netflix has updated its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), shifting the acquisition terms to an all-cash offer. This change replaces the initial cash and stock agreement, aiming to streamline the sale of WBD’s studios and streaming businesses amidst pressure from rival bidder Paramount.

    In a statement, Ted Sarandos, co-CEO of Netflix, expressed confidence in the revised agreement, stating, “Our revised all-cash deal at $27.75 per share in cash, along with the planned separation of Discovery Global, offers an expedited timeline to a stockholder vote and financial certainty.”

    The amended transaction, approved by both Netflix’s and WBD’s boards, will be financed through a mix of cash, credit, and financing. However, the completion of the overall acquisition deal remains contingent upon regulatory and WBD shareholder approvals.

    Initially, the transaction involved WBD shareholders receiving a combination of cash and Netflix stock. However, with Netflix’s share price falling below a set threshold, Paramount made a competitive all-cash offer, criticizing the reliance on equity and cash in the Netflix agreement.

    Rumors of these changes surfaced following Paramount’s takeover attempts, with WBD rejecting their advances and now facing legal action. The tech industry continues to closely monitor Netflix’s navigation of this acquisition landscape.

    Source: The Verge

  • Indian AI Startup Emergent Secures $70M Funding for Vibe-Coding Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Emergent, an Indian startup specializing in AI-powered ‘vibe-coding’ technology, has secured $70 million in funding, boosting its valuation to $300 million. This funding round, led by SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2 and Khosla Ventures, highlights the growing interest in AI startups. Emergent’s platform utilizes AI agents to assist users in developing full-stack web and mobile applications. With the aim of simplifying product development for entrepreneurs and small businesses, Emergent has already achieved an impressive $50 million in annual recurring revenue and attracted over 5 million users globally.

    The company’s founder, Mukund Jha, expressed Emergent’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand in key markets such as the U.S., Europe, and India. The recent launch of a mobile app-building service has received positive reception, driving further growth for the startup. While headquartered in San Francisco, Emergent operates mainly from Bengaluru, where the majority of its workforce is based. The company’s expansion plans include aggressive hiring efforts in both the U.S. and India to support its continued growth.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Sony and TCL Collaborate to Enhance TV Offerings

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Sony has announced plans to transfer its TV hardware business to a new joint venture with TCL. This strategic partnership will see TCL holding a majority stake of 51 percent, while Sony retains 49 percent.

    Through this collaboration, TCL aims to expand its presence in the premium television market, leveraging its recent technological advancements. The potential partnership could lead to the development of more affordable Bravia TVs that integrate Sony’s renowned image processing technology with TCL’s innovative solutions.

    Sony and TCL are working towards finalizing binding agreements by the end of March, with the goal of commencing operations of the joint company in April 2027, pending regulatory approvals and meeting other partnership requirements.

    The newly formed entity plans to maintain the iconic “Sony” and “Bravia” branding for upcoming products, overseeing a wide range of operations from product design and manufacturing to global sales and logistics of TVs and home audio devices. Sony anticipates that the partnership will capitalize on its expertise in picture and audio technologies, brand reputation, and supply chain management, complemented by TCL’s display innovations, global market reach, and cost-effective supply chain.

    In a joint statement, Sony CEO Kimio Maki highlighted the potential to deliver enhanced audio-visual experiences globally through this collaboration. TCL chairperson DU Juan expressed optimism in enhancing brand value, achieving operational scale, and optimizing the supply chain to offer superior products and services to customers under the new venture.

    Source: The Verge

  • Microsoft Trials Ad-Supported Xbox Cloud Gaming for Free Streaming

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Microsoft has been conducting trials of its ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service for several months, leading up to potential testing of the free streaming option with Xbox Insiders. The company recently updated its Xbox app with loading screens indicating ‘1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session.’ This aligns with internal tests where users can enjoy one-hour sessions, totaling up to five hours of free play each month.

    Insiders revealed that the upcoming ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming will feature about two minutes of preroll ads before streaming games for free. This version will allow players to stream owned titles and sample eligible Free Play Days games over weekends. Additionally, users can access Xbox Retro Classics games with preroll ads.

    Microsoft is preparing for an official announcement and public testing of the ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service in the near future.

    Source: The Verge

  • Meta’s Oversight Board Examines Permanent Account Bans and Policy Recommendations

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta’s Oversight Board, known for its role in advising on policy matters, is now examining the implications of permanent account bans on Meta’s platforms. The Board is scrutinizing a case involving a high-profile Instagram user who breached Meta’s Community Standards with offensive content directed at public figures and minorities.

    This marks a significant shift in focus for the Oversight Board, which typically advises on broader policy issues. By examining the use of permanent bans, the Board aims to provide recommendations on fair processing, enhancing tools for protecting public figures and journalists, addressing off-platform content, shaping online behavior through enforcement actions, and ensuring transparent reporting on account enforcement decisions.

    Meta’s decision to refer this case underscores the growing concern over content moderation and the need for clear guidelines in handling severe violations. As users express frustration over opaque enforcement actions, the Board’s intervention signals a step towards addressing accountability and transparency in content governance.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Spotify Explores Audiobook Synchronization with Physical Books

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Spotify is exploring a new feature that could enhance the audiobook experience for users. According to The Verge, the music streaming platform is reportedly testing a functionality known as Page Match, which aims to synchronize audiobooks with their physical or digital counterparts.

    The Page Match feature allows users to seamlessly transition between listening to an audiobook on Spotify and reading the corresponding physical or ebook version. By using the device’s camera and optical character recognition (OCR) technology, the feature can identify the current page being read and match it to the corresponding timestamp in the audiobook. This eliminates the need for manual fast-forwarding or rewinding, and also enables users to track their reading progress.

    While the OCR-based approach presents some challenges, such as potential failures in recognizing text passages, the feature offers enhanced convenience for users. Compared to Amazon’s Whispersync for Voice, which syncs Audible audiobooks with Kindle ebooks, Page Match has the advantage of supporting synchronization with physical books and ebooks from various platforms.

    Spotify has not officially announced the rollout of Page Match, but the feature’s potential to streamline the audiobook experience is evident. As technology continues to bridge the gap between different media consumption formats, innovations like Page Match offer a glimpse into the future of integrated content consumption.

    Source: The Verge

  • Everstone Merges Wingify and AB Tasty to Create $100M+ Digital Experience Optimization Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Private equity firm Everstone Capital has orchestrated the merger of India’s Wingify, known for assisting businesses in enhancing sales and customer engagement through website optimization, with France’s AB Tasty. This union aims to establish a digital experience optimization company exceeding $100 million in annual revenue, following Everstone’s acquisition of a controlling stake in Wingify for $200 million the previous year.

    The consolidated entity is set to cater to over 4,000 customers globally, with a revenue surpassing $100 million annually, predominantly from the U.S. and Europe. Sparsh Gupta, the co-founder of Wingify, is slated to lead the combined company as CEO, with Everstone retaining its position as the largest institutional shareholder.

    This strategic move comes amidst a trend of convergence in digital experience tools, including A/B testing and personalization, as companies seek AI-driven solutions across marketing, product, and growth functions. Gupta highlighted the forthcoming emphasis on AI-led capabilities while ensuring continuity in customer experience and gradual platform expansion.

    Everstone’s substantial capital infusion in the merger is geared towards streamlining AB Tasty’s structure and facilitating a seamless integration of the two firms. While financial specifics were undisclosed, Gupta mentioned a cash component alongside equity rollover for existing leadership, enabling them to retain ownership stakes in the new entity.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Realme Unveils P4 Power with Impressive 10,001mAh Battery: A Portable Powerhouse

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Realme, a leading smartphone brand, has unveiled the P4 Power, a device that promises to revolutionize mobile power efficiency. Scheduled for launch in India on January 29th, the P4 Power boasts an impressive 10,001mAh battery capacity, which Realme claims can provide up to three and a half days of battery life under light use conditions.

    Unlike traditional smartphones, the P4 Power not only powers itself but also doubles as a portable charger, thanks to its 27W reverse charging support. This feature allows users to utilize the device as a power bank to charge other gadgets, adding a new dimension to mobile power management.

    Despite its massive battery capacity, the P4 Power remains remarkably lightweight at 218g, a testament to Realme’s engineering prowess. This feat is achieved through the use of a silicon-carbon battery, showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovation and user convenience.

    While other phones with larger batteries exist, the P4 Power stands out for its compact size and sleek design, making it an attractive option for users seeking extended battery life without compromising on aesthetics. Realme’s introduction of the “TransView Design” further enhances the device’s visual appeal, setting it apart in the competitive smartphone market.

    Source: The Verge

  • OpenAI Shifts Focus to Practical AI Adoption by 2026

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, a prominent player in the AI field, is gearing up for a significant shift in its focus for 2026. The company’s CFO, Sarah Friar, recently outlined in a blog post that OpenAI is honing in on the ‘practical adoption’ of AI technologies, moving beyond theoretical advancements to real-world applications.

    Friar emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between AI’s potential and its actual utilization by people. With substantial investments in infrastructure, OpenAI aims to align the capabilities of AI with practical user needs.

    Looking ahead, OpenAI foresees AI making inroads into diverse sectors such as scientific research, drug discovery, energy systems, and financial modeling. This expansion is expected to give rise to novel economic models, including licensing agreements, IP-based arrangements, and outcome-based pricing structures.

    Reflecting on the evolution of the internet, Friar drew parallels to how intelligence, like other transformative technologies, follows a trajectory of growth and adaptation. Managing the interplay between computational capacity and usage dynamics is crucial. OpenAI’s strategy involves maintaining flexibility in partnerships, infrastructure investments, and contractual agreements to align with market demand signals.

    By adopting a disciplined approach to resource allocation and market responsiveness, OpenAI aims to position itself at the forefront of the AI adoption curve, leveraging its expertise to drive meaningful advancements in the AI landscape.

    Source: The Verge

  • US AI Startups Secure Substantial Funding in 2025 and 2026

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    In 2025, the AI industry in the U.S. experienced significant growth and investment, with 49 startups raising over $100 million in funding rounds. This trend continued into 2026, with notable funding rounds announced by key players in the AI sector.

    Last year, several AI startups made headlines with their substantial funding achievements. Mythic, based in Austin, Texas, secured a $125 million venture round to support its development of power-efficient AI computing solutions. Chai Discovery, specializing in AI models for biotech and drug discovery, raised $130 million in a Series B round, valuing the company at $1.2 billion. Fal, a generative media platform, closed a $140 million Series D round led by Sequoia, reaching a valuation exceeding $4.5 billion. Unconventional AI attracted attention with a $475 million seed round, positioning the startup at nearly $4.5 billion in value. 7AI, a cybersecurity AI agent developer from Boston, raised $130 million in a Series A round.

    Looking ahead to 2026, early indicators suggest continued growth in the AI startup ecosystem. Elon Musk’s xAI announced a $20 billion Series E round, while Merge Labs, led by Sam Altman and backed by OpenAI, secured a $250 million seed round. These developments signal a promising year ahead for AI innovation and investment.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Sphere Entertainment Expands with Second US Venue in Maryland

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Sphere Entertainment, known for its interactive venue in Las Vegas, has announced plans to develop a second location in Maryland, just 15 minutes south of Washington, DC. While the exact details are still being finalized, the Maryland Sphere will be the company’s second US venue, following the upcoming location in Abu Dhabi.

    The new Sphere in National Harbor, Maryland, will seat around 6,000 people and feature a high-resolution 16,000 by 16,000 pixel wrap-around screen, immersive sound technology, haptic seating, and 4D environmental effects. The venue will offer a unique experience, similar to the one in Las Vegas, with an exterior LED exosphere for displaying artistic and branded content.

    Despite being smaller in size and capacity compared to the original, the Maryland Sphere aims to provide an innovative and immersive entertainment experience, with AI-enhanced productions like The Wizard of Oz offering sensory effects such as wind, fog, smells, and falling objects.

    Source: The Verge