WAYR TODAY

Tag: TechCrunch

  • Last Energy Secures $100M Funding for Innovative Micro Reactor Project

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Last Energy, a nuclear startup, has secured $100 million in funding to support the development of its steel-encased micro reactor. The company plans to use the funds to construct a 5-megawatt pilot reactor in Texas, with the goal of activating it within the upcoming year.

    CEO Bret Kugelmass highlighted the growing acceptance of nuclear power as a crucial component in the energy landscape. Last Energy’s focus is on manufacturing small modular reactors, which are designed to generate 20 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 15,000 homes.

    Last Energy is revitalizing an old reactor design initially created by the government decades ago. By modernizing this design, the company aims to enhance electricity production efficiency while maintaining reliability.

    The recent $100 million Series C funding round, led by the Astera Institute and supported by investors including AE Ventures and Galaxy Fund, signifies a significant milestone for Last Energy. This financial boost will facilitate the completion of the pilot project and accelerate the delivery of commercial products.

    The nuclear energy sector is experiencing a resurgence, with multiple startups securing substantial investments to address the escalating power requirements of data centers. Last Energy’s approach positions it well within this competitive landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nordic Venture Capitalist Neil Murray Raises $6M Fund to Back Tech Startups

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Neil Murray, founder and general partner at The Nordic Web Ventures, has closed a $6 million Fund III to support early-stage tech founders in the Nordic region. The fund will target companies specializing in robotics, AI, and deep tech innovations. Murray, acting as a solo general partner, emphasized his focus on identifying top talent in the region, with a portfolio that includes successful startups like Lovable and SafetyWing. The Nordic startup ecosystem, comprising Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, has surged in value, attracting over $8 billion in venture funding in 2024 alone. Murray’s decision to cap the fund at $6 million reflects his commitment to maintaining alignment with investors and prioritizing performance incentives over management fees. With check sizes around $200,000, Murray aims to back 30-35 founders, emphasizing quality over ownership optimization.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tesla Pushes Boundaries with Driverless Robotaxi Testing in Austin

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Tesla has reached a significant milestone in its quest for fully autonomous vehicles by initiating robotaxi testing in Austin without safety drivers on board. The removal of human monitors marks a crucial step towards operating a commercial Robotaxi service, positioning Tesla to compete with Waymo, the Alphabet-owned autonomous driving company.

    CEO Elon Musk’s plans for driverless Tesla vehicles are materializing as the company edges closer to launching the service. While Tesla’s testing in Austin has faced scrutiny due to previous crashes involving its test fleet, the company continues to explore the boundaries of autonomous driving technology.

    Recently, a video surfaced showing an unmanned Tesla Model Y SUV, confirming Tesla’s ongoing tests with no occupants. The transition to offering customer rides without safety monitors remains undisclosed, with Tesla’s AI head, Ashok Elluswamy, signaling the beginning of a new era.

    Tesla’s strategic testing approach, initially involving hand-picked influencers and customers with safety personnel onboard, demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring a safe transition to driverless operations. As Tesla paves the way for autonomous driving innovation, the tech industry eagerly anticipates the implications of this development.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Facebook Messenger Discontinues Desktop App, Shifts Focus to Web and Mobile

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Facebook Messenger has discontinued its desktop app for Mac and Windows users, officially ending support on December 15, 2025. Existing users are now advised to utilize the web version, Facebook app, or mobile app for iOS and Android to access the messaging service.

    The desktop app, introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced limitations compared to business-oriented competitors like Zoom. It struggled with accommodating multiple video call participants and lacked features such as screen sharing and easy URL sharing.

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook, had been signaling the diminishing significance of Messenger’s desktop app even before the formal shutdown announcement in October 2025. In 2023, Facebook commenced the process of integrating Messenger back into the main Facebook app.

    Recent technological transitions saw Messenger for Mac developed using Catalyst, a platform enabling iPad apps on Mac. However, this approach faced criticism from developers due to additional work demands and from users who found the apps lacking a native feel. The app’s previous versions included an Electron app for Mac and a React Native Desktop app.

    On Windows, the app evolved into a progressive web app last year. Meta’s strategic move to consolidate Messenger back into Facebook reflects efforts to rejuvenate usage of its core social network, which had been experiencing a decline.

    Users were forewarned about the impending desktop app deprecation and were encouraged to safeguard their chat history by setting up a PIN before transitioning to the web version. Non-Facebook account holders utilizing Messenger are redirected to Messenger.com post-shutdown.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Chai Discovery Secures $130M Series B Funding for AI-Driven Drug Discovery

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Chai Discovery, a biotech startup supported by OpenAI, has secured $130 million in a Series B funding round, reaching a valuation of $1.3 billion. This funding, led by General Catalyst and Oak HC/FT, with participation from various investors including Menlo Ventures and OpenAI, brings the total funding for Chai to over $225 million.

    The company focuses on leveraging AI to accelerate drug discovery processes. Chai is known for developing foundation models tailored for drug discovery, particularly in predicting interactions between biochemical molecules to enable potential cures.

    Chai aims to create a comprehensive ‘computer-aided design suite’ for molecules. Their latest AI model, Chai 2, has demonstrated significant advancements in designing custom antibodies from scratch, improving success rates compared to traditional methods.

    CEO and co-founder Josh Meier, with a background in machine learning and experience at Facebook and OpenAI, highlighted the capabilities of Chai’s latest models in designing molecules with desired drug properties and addressing complex targets previously deemed unattainable.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Lightspeed Venture Partners Secures $9 Billion to Fuel AI Startup Investments

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Lightspeed Venture Partners, a prominent Silicon Valley firm, has raised $9 billion in fresh funds, marking its largest fundraising achievement to date. The influx of capital will enable the firm to further invest in AI startups seeking financial support.

    Amid a landscape where IPOs are scarce, Lightspeed’s strategic investments in companies like Rubrik, Netskope, and Navan have resulted in successful public market debuts. Specializing in AI-centric ventures, Lightspeed has supported 165 AI-native companies, including Anthropic, xAI, Databricks, Mistral, Glean, Abridge, and Skild AI.

    The substantial new funding will allow Lightspeed to make significant contributions to capital-intensive AI enterprises. For example, the firm reportedly invested $1 billion into Anthropic during its $13 billion funding round in September, demonstrating its commitment to fostering AI innovation.

    With the new capital dispersed across six funds, including a $3.3 billion opportunity fund earmarked for follow-on investments in rapidly expanding portfolio entities, Lightspeed is poised to continue backing cutting-edge AI initiatives.

    Other notable VC firms securing significant capital include Founders Fund, General Catalyst, and Andreessen Horowitz, underscoring the current trend of substantial financial backing in the tech investment landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nvidia Expands Open Source AI Offerings with Acquisition and New Model Release

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nvidia, a leading semiconductor company, has made significant strides in expanding its open source AI portfolio. The company has acquired SchedMD, the developer behind the widely used Slurm workload management system, in a move aimed at bolstering its commitment to open source technologies, particularly in the high-performance computing and AI domains. Slurm, which has been pivotal for generative AI, will continue to be maintained as open source and vendor-neutral software.

    Founded in 2010 by Morris Jette and Danny Auble, SchedMD has been a key partner for Nvidia for over a decade. The financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed, and Nvidia refrained from providing further comments beyond its official blog post.

    Additionally, Nvidia unveiled the Nemotron 3 family of open AI models, which the company claims to be the most efficient suite for constructing precise AI agents. This model lineup includes the compact Nemotron 3 Nano for specific tasks, the versatile Nemotron 3 Super for multi-agent applications, and the intricate Nemotron 3 Ultra for more complex assignments.

    By expanding its open source AI offerings through strategic acquisitions and innovative model releases, Nvidia is positioning itself at the forefront of AI development and fostering a more inclusive and collaborative AI ecosystem.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Disney’s Exclusive OpenAI Partnership: Unlocking AI-Driven Content Creation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Disney has entered a three-year licensing partnership with OpenAI, marking a significant step in integrating AI technology with entertainment content creation. The deal, as reported by TechCrunch, grants Disney exclusive rights for just one year to utilize OpenAI’s Sora video generator in bringing its beloved characters to life through artificial intelligence.

    Once the exclusivity period expires, Disney will have the freedom to explore similar collaborations with other AI companies, opening up new avenues for AI-driven content creation within the entertainment industry.

    OpenAI’s partnership with Disney not only provides the AI firm with a prominent content partner but also enables users to leverage over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars for content creation on the Sora platform. This collaboration positions Sora as the sole AI platform authorized to utilize Disney’s extensive character library.

    For Disney, this venture serves as a testing ground for generative AI and its intellectual property, offering valuable insights into the potential of AI-powered content creation before embarking on further agreements in the future.

    Disney’s strategic move with OpenAI coincided with a legal action against Google, underscoring the company’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property rights in the digital realm.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Creative Commons Explores ‘Pay-to-Crawl’ Systems to Support Web Content Sharing

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nonprofit organization Creative Commons, known for its work in content licensing, has announced tentative support for ‘pay-to-crawl’ technology, a system designed to automate compensation for website content accessed by AI webcrawlers. This move follows CC’s earlier initiative to establish an open AI ecosystem framework, aiming to facilitate dataset sharing between data controllers and AI developers.

    The pay-to-crawl concept involves charging AI bots each time they scrape a website for data collection and model training. Traditionally, websites allowed webcrawlers to index their content for search engine inclusion. However, with the rise of AI chatbots providing direct answers, user click-through rates to source websites have declined, adversely impacting publishers’ search traffic.

    By endorsing pay-to-crawl systems, Creative Commons sees a potential solution for websites to sustain content creation, manage substitutive uses, and maintain public accessibility. This approach could especially benefit smaller publishers without the leverage to negotiate individual content agreements with AI providers, offering a lifeline in an evolving digital landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ford Shifts Gears: Hybrid F-150 Lightning Unveiled as Part of Evolving EV Strategy

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford has announced a significant shift in its electric vehicle (EV) strategy, discontinuing the all-electric F-150 Lightning in favor of an ‘extended range electric vehicle’ version that incorporates a gas generator for increased driving range. This decision is part of a broader restructuring of Ford’s EV plans, which includes abandoning the development of a next-generation all-electric truck codenamed ‘T3’.

    The move to introduce a hybrid model of the F-150 Lightning reflects Ford’s focus on addressing consumer demand for extended range options while also considering profitability concerns in the EV segment. By opting for an extended range electric vehicle variant, Ford aims to offer over 700 miles of driving range, providing a practical solution for customers seeking increased mileage without compromising on efficiency.

    Furthermore, Ford’s decision to reallocate resources from large electric vehicles to more lucrative ventures such as truck and van hybrids, affordable EVs, and energy storage reflects a strategic pivot towards sustainable growth and profitability in the evolving automotive landscape.

    Despite discontinuing certain electric vehicle projects, Ford remains committed to introducing a mid-sized all-electric pickup truck in 2027, leveraging innovative technology developed by former Tesla executives to drive future electrification efforts within the company.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Ford Expands into Battery Storage for Data Centers and Grid Optimization

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Ford, known for its legacy in the automotive industry, is now venturing into a new territory – battery storage systems. In a strategic move, the company announced plans to invest approximately $2 billion over the next two years to establish a battery storage business that will repurpose the capacity initially intended for electric vehicle batteries. These storage systems, utilizing cost-effective LFP batteries, are set to be employed in powering data centers and assisting in managing electricity demand on the grid.

    The upcoming battery storage systems are scheduled to commence shipping in 2027, with Ford aiming to construct an annual capacity of 20GWh. By leveraging technology licensed from China’s CATL, Ford intends to produce lithium iron phosphate batteries, along with battery energy storage system modules and 20-foot DC container systems at its Kentucky factory.

    Joining the ranks of automakers exploring the battery storage sector, Ford’s move parallels Tesla’s decade-long presence in the market, deploying substantial battery storage products each quarter. The company’s Vice President of Technology Platform Programs and EV Systems, Lisa Drake, highlighted the commercial grid customers as the primary target for this new business endeavor, with data centers and home storage products following suit.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Threads Expands Communities and Introduces Engagement Badges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Meta’s social network Threads is enhancing user engagement by introducing new communities and experimenting with badges to recognize highly active members. The platform, with over 150 million daily active users, has expanded its community offerings to include team-specific spaces like Lakers Threads, Knicks Threads, and Spurs Threads, among others. This move aims to increase user interaction within the platform and potentially reduce reliance on other social networks for community engagement.

    In addition to adding new communities, Threads is testing the implementation of flairs, a familiar feature on platforms like Reddit. Users can customize labels under their usernames to showcase their interests, such as favorite sports teams or literary preferences. Furthermore, the platform is piloting a ‘Champion’ badge to acknowledge and incentivize active community participants who contribute significantly to discussions.

    Competing with other social networks like X and emerging startups such as Bluesky, Threads reached a milestone of 400 million users in August, highlighting its growing popularity since its launch two years prior. The platform continues to introduce features like direct messaging, group chats, and ephemeral posts to cater to evolving user preferences.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Discontinues Dark Web Monitoring Tool: Implications for Online Security

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has announced the discontinuation of its ‘dark web report’ feature, set to take effect on February 16, 2026. Launched approximately 18 months ago, this tool was designed to help users monitor their personal information on the dark web.

    The dark web report feature scanned data breach dumps and alerted users if their personal information, such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and Social Security numbers, was discovered in compromised databases. However, based on user feedback indicating that the feature ‘didn’t provide helpful next steps’ for individuals facing potential identity risks, Google has opted to shut down the service.

    Reddit discussions mirrored this sentiment, with many users expressing frustration over the lack of actionable advice provided by the tool. Individuals often felt limited to changing passwords without clear guidance on which accounts or websites were affected.

    In response to this change, Google stated, ‘We’re making this change to instead focus on tools that give you more clear, actionable steps to protect your information online.’ The tech giant reassured users that they will continue to monitor and protect against online threats, including those from the dark web, while developing tools to safeguard personal information.

    Google recommended alternative protective measures in place of the dark web report feature, such as ‘Security Checkup’ for reviewing Google account security, the built-in ‘Password Manager’ for generating unique passwords, and ‘Password Checkup’ for alerting users when compromised passwords are detected.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Merriam-Webster’s ‘Slop’ as Word of the Year Reflects AI’s Impact on Language

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Merriam-Webster, a prominent American dictionary, has announced ‘slop’ as the word of the year for 2025, highlighting the influence of AI-generated content on language and communication. ‘Slop’ is defined as ‘digital content of low quality produced in quantity by artificial intelligence,’ capturing the essence of AI’s role in shaping online discourse.

    According to Merriam-Webster’s president, Greg Barlow, the term ‘slop’ is a fitting descriptor in the era of AI, symbolizing a blend of fascination, annoyance, and ridicule towards AI technologies. The word’s association with negativity and abundance mirrors concerns over the proliferation of AI-generated media across various platforms.

    From AI-generated books to podcasts and movies, the rise of content created by algorithms has given birth to what some call a ‘slop economy.’ This trend raises questions about information quality, access, and the potential for further digital division based on content affordability.

    While ‘slop’ initially referred to low-quality digital content, its usage has expanded to encompass AI’s broader impact beyond media creation. The term now extends to fields like cybersecurity, reflecting the pervasive influence of AI technologies in diverse sectors.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Zoom Expands AI Assistant to Free Users on Web Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Zoom has introduced its AI assistant on the web, making it available to free users with certain limitations. The AI Companion 3.0 offers features like meeting summarization, action item lists, and meeting insights, enhancing the overall meeting experience for users.

    Free users on the basic plan can utilize the AI Companion in up to three meetings per month. Each meeting includes a summary, in-meeting questions, and AI note-taking abilities. Additionally, users can ask up to 20 questions through the side panel and the new web interface. For extended access to AI Companion features, users have the option to purchase a $10 add-on plan.

    Zoom’s latest web update also includes conversation starter prompts to acquaint users with the assistant’s capabilities. Moreover, the AI Companion now integrates with third-party services such as Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive, alongside Zoom’s internal data storage. Support for Gmail and Microsoft Outlook connectors is expected to be added soon.

    The AI Companion goes beyond meeting assistance by generating daily reflection reports summarizing tasks, meetings, and updates. Users can create follow-up tasks and draft email messages directly through the assistant. Zoom is enhancing document creation and management capabilities as well, enabling users to draft and edit documents based on meeting details within the Companion interface, with seamless transition to Zoom Docs for collaboration.

    Zoom is positioning itself as an independent operator with access to contextual meeting data, giving it a competitive edge in the productivity sector. The company blends its proprietary models with those from OpenAI and Anthropic to power its AI capabilities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Luminar, a Prominent Lidar Company, Files for Bankruptcy Amid Financial Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Luminar, a key player in the lidar industry, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection due to a challenging period marked by layoffs, management changes, and financial struggles. The company, known for its lidar technology, is in the process of selling off its lidar business and has already made arrangements to divest its semiconductor subsidiary to address its financial obligations.

    The CEO of Luminar, Paul Ricci, emphasized the company’s commitment to maintaining operational continuity during the bankruptcy proceedings to uphold its service standards for customers and suppliers. The bankruptcy filing, made in the Southern District of Texas, signals the end of a turbulent year for Luminar, which faced internal controversies, workforce reductions, loan defaults, and regulatory scrutiny.

    Founder Austin Russell’s departure from the CEO position earlier in the year added to the company’s challenges, leading to further instability. Despite these setbacks, Luminar is striving to navigate through this period of uncertainty while focusing on fulfilling its existing obligations.

    For industry observers, Luminar’s bankruptcy filing raises questions about the future of lidar technology and the competitive landscape within the industry. Monitoring how this development impacts the lidar market and influences technological advancements will be crucial for industry stakeholders moving forward.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nvidia Explores Expanding H200 Chip Production to Meet Rising Demand in China

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nvidia is considering expanding the production of its H200 chips following the approval to sell them in China. The company, after obtaining permission from the Trump administration, is now evaluating the need to scale up production to meet the growing demand from Chinese companies. The H200 chips, part of Nvidia’s previous Hopper GPU generation, are powerful units used for training large language models. Formerly restricted from sales in China, the Department of Commerce’s recent approval for Nvidia to sell the H200 GPUs in China has sparked significant interest, prompting the company to assess the potential for increased capacity.

    Chinese companies, including tech giants like Alibaba and ByteDance, are eager to acquire the H200 chips as they work on developing their own AI models. While Nvidia is prepared to meet the demand surge, Chinese officials are still deliberating on allowing the import of these advanced chips, which are notably more powerful than the H20 GPUs Nvidia had initially tailored for the Chinese market. The potential expansion in production would enable Nvidia to capitalize on the burgeoning AI chip market in China, where domestic companies are striving to create competitive offerings amid global supply constraints and security concerns.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • First Voyage Raises $2.5M to Develop AI Companion App for Habit Building

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    First Voyage, a startup, has successfully raised $2.5 million in seed funding from prominent investors like a16z, SignalFire, and True Global. The company is developing an AI companion app, Momo Self Care, designed to assist users in establishing positive habits. Momo, the digital pet within the app, encourages users to complete habit-building tasks by offering reminders and rewards.

    Users can personalize their experience by setting task reminders and earning coins through task completion, which can be used to enhance Momo’s appearance. Momo also provides recommendations for self-care habits based on user preferences, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth. According to Besart Çopa, co-founder and CEO of First Voyage, Momo aims to empower users to reach their full potential while fostering a nurturing relationship between humans and AI.

    With over 2 million tasks created on the platform, users are gravitating towards habits related to productivity, spirituality, and mindfulness. The rise of AI applications focused on wellness signifies a shift towards more meaningful interactions with technology, distinguishing them from apps catering to instant gratification.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Snapchat Unveils Personalized Year-End Recaps for Users

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Snapchat users can now access personalized recaps of their 2025 on the platform. These short videos showcase highlights from Snaps, Stories, and Chats, illustrating how users connected and expressed themselves throughout the year.

    To access their Recap, users need to navigate to the “Memories” section within the app, where they will find a card titled “Your 2025 Snap Recap.” This feature aligns with the trend of other platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Duolingo offering similar year-end summaries.

    Alongside the Recaps, Snapchat has shared some statistics on user behavior this past year. For instance, despite the rise of text-based communication, the platform witnessed a significant increase in phone calls, with users spending nearly 1.7 billion minutes per day on calls, marking a 30% surge from the previous year. Moreover, voice notes and group chats continue to be popular features, with users sending over five billion voice notes and engaging in group chats more frequently.

    Chat Reactions saw a 44% growth, with the heart emoji emerging as the most popular choice among users. Additionally, the use of stickers for communication witnessed an uptick, with three million more users embracing them this year.

    The launch of Snapchat’s 2025 Recap comes amid some user discontent over the platform’s plans to introduce storage charges in the future. Despite this, the Recap feature offers users a nostalgic look into their year on the platform, showcasing the connections and expressions that defined their Snapchat experience in 2025.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Thea Energy Unveils Helios: A Novel Fusion Power Plant Design

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Thea Energy, a fusion startup, has introduced a novel approach to fusion power with the preview of Helios, its pixel-inspired fusion power plant. The company believes that its planar-coil fusion power plant, coupled with AI-powered control software, could offer a more cost-effective and easier-to-build solution for the energy sector.

    Traditional fusion power designs often face challenges related to the precise installation of massive magnets and lasers. Thea Energy’s pixel-inspired reactor, as described by the company’s co-founder and CEO Brian Berzin, is designed to be more forgiving of imperfections during construction, potentially streamlining the building process and reducing costs.

    By leveraging a unique take on the stellarator design, which uses magnets to shape plasma fuel for fusion reactions, Thea Energy aims to address the material and construction cost barriers that have hindered the widespread adoption of fusion power plants. The company’s innovative approach, showcased in the disassembly animation of Helios for maintenance, demonstrates its commitment to practical solutions for the fusion energy industry.

    As Thea Energy progresses towards building a working prototype, the release of its design details and physics principles marks a significant step towards realizing the potential of fusion power on a commercial scale.

    Source: TechCrunch