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Tag: TechCrunch

  • Google Streamlines Access to AI Mode in Chrome for Mobile Users

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced a new shortcut button under the search bar on Chrome’s ‘New Tab’ page, making it easier for mobile users to access the AI Mode feature. This functionality enables users to ask complex questions and follow-ups within Search, enhancing their browsing experience. The shortcut for AI Mode is initially available in the U.S. and will expand to 160 additional countries, including languages like Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese.

    The move to streamline AI Mode access aligns with Google’s strategy to keep users engaged within its ecosystem by offering convenient tools directly through Chrome. This initiative comes on the heels of Google’s global expansion of AI Mode to 180 countries, demonstrating the company’s commitment to making AI more accessible worldwide. Google has been steadily enhancing AI Mode’s capabilities, introducing features like agentic capabilities for booking tickets and appointments, Canvas for study planning, and integration with Google Lens for desktop screen inquiries.

    Google’s continuous updates to AI Mode reflect its efforts to compete with other AI services while providing users with a seamless and efficient search experience on mobile devices. By prioritizing user accessibility and functionality, Google aims to strengthen its position in the AI-powered search landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tinder Explores AI Integration to Enhance User Experience and Boost Engagement

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Tinder, the popular dating app, is exploring the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance its platform and address a decline in paying subscribers over the past nine quarters. Tinder’s parent company, Match Group, has revealed plans to test a feature called Chemistry, which aims to better understand users through interactive questions and, with user consent, access to their Camera Roll photos to gain insights into their interests and personality.

    Match Group’s CEO, Spencer Rascoff, stated that Chemistry is currently undergoing trials in New Zealand and Australia and is expected to play a significant role in Tinder’s upcoming 2026 product offerings. This move aligns with Meta’s recent introduction of a similar feature, utilizing AI to suggest edits on photos stored on users’ devices.

    By leveraging AI technology, Tinder intends to improve user engagement by providing more tailored matchmaking recommendations. For instance, users showcasing outdoor activities in their photos might be paired with like-minded individuals who share similar hobbies.

    Despite the potential benefits for users, Match Group anticipates a temporary setback in Tinder’s revenue due to ongoing product testing. This adjustment, alongside broader industry shifts, has prompted Match to revise its Q4 revenue projections downwards. Nevertheless, Match Group continues to explore AI applications across various functions, such as prompting users to reconsider potentially offensive messages and assisting them in selecting their best photos.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Blue Origin Prepares for Second Launch of New Glenn Mega-Rocket

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing for the second launch of its super heavy-lift rocket, New Glenn. Following a successful first flight in January, Blue Origin has announced plans for the upcoming launch on Sunday, November 9, from Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

    The initial flight of New Glenn earlier this year saw the rocket’s second stage reaching orbit, while the first stage encountered some issues on its return to Earth. Despite the delay in the second launch, Blue Origin is taking extra precautions, especially since this mission will carry cargo for paying customers. Notably, NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft bound for Mars will be among the primary payloads, alongside a Viasat tech demonstrator.

    Blue Origin’s continued efforts to advance space exploration through the New Glenn mega-rocket mark a significant milestone in the company’s pursuit of commercial space ventures.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Apple Partners with Google to Enhance Siri with Advanced AI Model

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Apple has announced a partnership with Google to enhance Siri, its virtual assistant, with a tailored version of Google’s Gemini AI model. The agreement, worth approximately $1 billion per year, will grant Apple access to the advanced AI technology to improve Siri’s capabilities.

    The Gemini AI model boasts an impressive 1.2 trillion parameters, significantly surpassing Apple’s current cloud-based model, which utilizes 150 billion parameters. This collaboration is seen as a temporary measure by Apple, which aims to develop its own in-house AI technology to the desired level of sophistication.

    While Apple had also explored AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic, the decision to proceed with Google’s Gemini model followed rigorous testing. The revamped Siri, powered by the enhanced AI, is anticipated to be unveiled next spring, though adjustments to the planned features remain a possibility.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Lucid Motors Faces Executive Departures Amid Key Product Developments

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Lucid Motors, a prominent player in the electric vehicle industry, is experiencing significant changes in its leadership team. Eric Bach, the Chief Engineer and Senior Vice President of Product at Lucid Motors since 2015, is stepping down after more than a decade with the company. Bach, previously the Director of Engineering at Tesla, joins a list of key executives departing from Lucid Motors amid a period of transition within the organization.

    Bach’s departure coincides with the retirement of Lucid Motors’ Vice President of Quality, Jeri Ford, who is being succeeded by Marnie Levergood from Scout Motors. Additionally, Emad Dlala, the current Senior Vice President of Powertrain, is taking on an expanded role overseeing all Engineering and Digital functions within the company.

    These leadership changes come at a crucial juncture for Lucid Motors as the company grapples with the absence of a permanent CEO since the resignation of Peter Rawlinson. The departures of Bach and Ford add to a series of exits at the executive level, including the heads of investor relations, operations, and various vice presidents.

    Despite these organizational shifts, Lucid Motors continues to make progress in its product development. The recent launch of the Gravity luxury SUV marks a significant milestone for the company, which anticipates strong market reception for this model compared to its previous Air sedan. Furthermore, Lucid Motors is actively working on introducing a mid-sized vehicle at a more accessible price point in the near future.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Cluely’s Shift Towards AI-Powered Note-Taking Amid Marketing Controversy

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Cluely, a startup founded by Roy Lee, has recently discussed the challenges of relying solely on viral marketing for growth, emphasizing the importance of sustainable strategies in the tech industry. Despite initial success with provocative marketing, Cluely’s pivot towards positioning itself as an AI note-taking solution for meetings underscores a shift towards more practical applications.

    Cluely initially gained attention for a product marketed as facilitating cheating in various contexts, leveraging Lee’s controversial background to generate buzz. However, the startup’s recent rebranding reflects a strategic decision to focus on providing value in professional settings, highlighting features like automated follow-up emails.

    While Cluely secured significant funding and recognition for its ability to convert attention into revenue, Lee’s caution about sustained growth indicates a nuanced approach to scaling the business. By acknowledging the limitations of viral marketing and redirecting towards a tangible tech solution, Cluely aims to carve a niche in the competitive AI assistant market.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Australia’s Solar Revolution: Free Electricity for Millions

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Australia’s substantial investment in solar power is set to transform the energy landscape, with millions of electricity customers expected to receive free electricity daily starting in July 2026. According to TechCrunch, the Australian government has mandated utilities to provide customers with three hours of complimentary electricity each day, leveraging the country’s significant solar energy capacity.

    The Solar Sharer initiative aims to democratize access to renewable energy, allowing residents in New South Wales, South Australia, and parts of Queensland to benefit from this program. Notably, households do not need to possess solar panels to participate; however, a smart meter installation is required.

    This approach encourages energy consumption during peak solar production hours, fostering a more sustainable grid powered by renewable sources. Customers can optimize their energy usage by scheduling tasks such as charging electric vehicles or running laundry loads during the free electricity windows.

    By shifting energy consumption to daylight hours when solar power dominates, participants contribute to reducing reliance on fossil fuels during peak hours, thereby promoting a greener energy ecosystem.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Pinterest Leverages Open Source AI to Enhance Performance and Reduce Costs

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Pinterest CEO Bill Ready recently discussed the company’s strategy of utilizing open source AI models to enhance performance and reduce costs. During an earnings call, Ready highlighted the role of open source AI in supporting Pinterest’s visual search capabilities and cost-effective expansion.

    As a platform known for visual discovery and shopping inspiration, Pinterest relies on AI technology for personalized recommendations, multimodal search experiences combining text and images, targeted advertising, and the newly introduced AI-powered Pinterest Assistant for product discovery.

    Investors questioned Pinterest’s potential in agentic commerce, particularly in light of evolving AI trends and the potential impact on the company’s financial outlook. Despite concerns over a projected dip in revenue for the upcoming holiday season due to external factors like trade tariffs, Ready emphasized the impressive performance of open source AI models tailored for Pinterest’s visual AI applications, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of leveraging these models alongside proprietary ones.

    By testing and integrating open source options, Pinterest aims to optimize its AI capabilities without significant cost escalations.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Wabi Secures $20M Pre-Seed Funding for ‘YouTube for Apps’ Platform

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Eugenia Kuyda, known for her work with Replika, has secured $20 million in pre-seed funding for her latest venture, Wabi. Wabi is positioning itself as a social platform that allows users to easily create and share mini apps using simple prompts, similar to ‘YouTube for apps.’ This approach aims to make personalized software creation more accessible and widespread.

    With a recent beta launch, Wabi has already attracted attention and investment from prominent figures in the tech industry, including Naval Ravikant, Garry Tan, and Justin Kan. The platform’s unique selling point lies in its integrated ecosystem for app creation, discovery, and hosting, eliminating the need for traditional app stores.

    Wabi’s emergence comes as Vibe coding tools and no-code AI platforms are gaining traction, catering to both technical and non-technical users. By simplifying the app development process and emphasizing user-friendly interfaces, Wabi aims to empower individuals outside the tech sphere to build apps tailored to their needs.

    Eugenia Kuyda’s experience in anticipating consumer preferences, notably with AI companions, suggests the potential success of Wabi in a competitive market filled with coding and AI innovation. As the platform continues to evolve and democratize app creation, it could reshape how individuals engage with technology on a daily basis.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google’s $32 Billion Acquisition of Wiz Clears Antitrust Review

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google’s acquisition of cloud security company Wiz for $32 billion has passed an important milestone in its journey towards completion. Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport confirmed during a Wall Street Journal event that the deal has cleared antitrust review by the U.S. Department of Justice. However, there are still steps remaining before the acquisition is finalized.

    In 2024, Google initially offered $23 billion to acquire Wiz, but the startup declined, believing in its potential for greater growth. In early 2025, Google resumed talks and eventually agreed to the $32 billion deal in March.

    While the process has progressed, the deal is anticipated to conclude in early 2026, as reported by Reuters. This acquisition reflects Google’s strategic focus on enhancing its cloud security capabilities through the integration of Wiz’s expertise and technology.

    For further details and the closing timeline, TechCrunch has reached out to Wiz for additional information.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Alloy Enterprises’ Metal Stacks Address Cooling Challenges for High-Performance GPUs

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Alloy Enterprises, a tech company, has developed a breakthrough cooling technology that could address the escalating power demands of data center racks. As GPUs like Nvidia’s upcoming Ultra chip strain power capacities, reaching up to 600 kilowatts, the challenge of efficient cooling becomes critical. Alloy’s innovation involves using metal stacks to create robust cooling plates for GPUs and peripheral chips, optimizing liquid cooling performance.

    Unlike conventional 3D printing, Alloy’s method transforms metal sheets into seamless cooling plates through a fusion of heat and pressure. This approach ensures the plates are compact, durable, and capable of withstanding the rigors of liquid cooling systems. By leveraging additive manufacturing techniques, Alloy has crafted a solution that fills a crucial gap in the market, especially as server racks continue to escalate in power consumption.

    With traditional cooling methods inadequate for the demands of modern data center infrastructure, Alloy Enterprises’ metal stack technology represents an advancement in cooling efficiency and performance, catering to the evolving needs of high-powered GPU systems.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • University of Pennsylvania Cyberattack Highlights Need for Robust Cybersecurity Measures

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    The University of Pennsylvania recently confirmed a data breach where a hacker stole university data, emphasizing the critical role of cybersecurity measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) in protecting sensitive information.

    Last week, the university reported that hackers had targeted Penn, sending emails from official university addresses boasting of the breach and threatening data leaks. Initially deemed ‘fraudulent,’ the university later verified that data had indeed been compromised.

    According to Penn, the breach stemmed from a social engineering attack, a method that tricks individuals into revealing sensitive data. While Penn mandates MFA for students, staff, and alumni, exemptions granted to some officials potentially facilitated the breach.

    This incident underscores the ongoing cybersecurity challenges faced by educational institutions and organizations globally. Implementing robust security protocols, including MFA, is crucial to mitigating the risks of data breaches and unauthorized access.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Armis Secures $435M Pre-IPO Funding, Eyeing 2026/2027 IPO Amid Cybersecurity Startup Trends

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Armis, a nine-year-old cybersecurity company based in San Francisco, has raised a significant $435 million pre-IPO round led by Growth Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, with CapitalG and Evolution Equity Partners also participating. This funding round has valued Armis at $6.1 billion, a substantial increase from its previous valuation. The company is now planning an IPO in late 2026 or early 2027, as confirmed by its co-founder and CEO, Yevegny Dibrov.

    This move towards an IPO comes amidst a prevailing trend of cybersecurity startups opting for acquisitions over public listings. While notable cybersecurity companies like SentinelOne, Rubrik, and Netscope have recently gone public, Armis is determined to follow suit, declining acquisition offers, including a reported $5 billion bid from Thoma Bravo.

    Armis’ decision to secure this funding and pursue an IPO underscores its commitment to independence and growth in the cybersecurity market. The company’s CEO has expressed a personal aspiration to take Armis public, highlighting the significance of this strategic move for the organization.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Former Meta Employees Unveil Voice-Controlled Ring for Seamless Note-Taking and Music Control

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    A new generation of voice-based hardware devices has emerged, offering a range of functionalities from companionship to productivity. Among these devices are card-shaped gadgets, pendants, and wristbands. Recently, two former Meta employees with expertise in interface design have founded Sandbar, introducing ‘Stream,’ a ring designed for voice interaction. Described as ‘a mouse for voice,’ the ring enables users to take notes, engage with AI assistants, and manage music playback.

    Sandbar’s CEO, Mina Fahmi, known for his work in human-computer interfaces at Kernel and Magic Leap, along with CTO Kirak Hong, formerly of CTRL-Labs, developed Stream after recognizing the limitations of traditional journaling apps. The ring, worn on the index finger, incorporates microphones and a touchpad, allowing users to seamlessly capture thoughts without interrupting their daily activities.

    This innovative hardware interface aims to provide a discreet solution for individuals on the go, enabling them to instantly capture ideas. With the rise of large language models, Stream offers a hands-free method for recording thoughts, emphasizing convenience and privacy in personal expression.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Spotify’s Surge in Video Podcast Engagement Signals Evolving User Preferences

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Spotify, the leading music streaming platform, has reported a significant increase in user engagement with its video podcasts. According to a report by TechCrunch, Spotify now hosts nearly half a million video podcasts, with approximately 400 million users having watched content in this format. The platform’s emphasis on video podcasts has resulted in a 54% year-over-year growth in users streaming this type of content.

    Since introducing tools for non-hosted podcasters to upload videos in June 2024, Spotify has been actively expanding its video podcast catalog. The platform’s interactive features, such as comments, Q&As, and polls, have transformed the user experience, creating a more social networking-like environment within the app.

    Notably, user engagement with video content on Spotify has more than doubled year-over-year, primarily driven by the popularity of video podcasts. The Spotify Partner Program, initiated in January, has played a key role in this growth, enabling creators to monetize their content through audience-driven payouts from Spotify Premium user engagement.

    In a strategic move, Spotify has partnered with Netflix to broaden the distribution of its video podcasts, starting in the United States in 2026. This collaboration aims to position Spotify as a central hub for creators’ content distribution, aligning with the company’s vision to support creators in reaching diverse audiences.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Shopify Sees Surge in AI-Powered Traffic and Orders

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Shopify, a leading e-commerce software provider, reported a significant increase in AI-powered shopping activity during its recent third-quarter earnings call. According to the company, AI is playing a crucial role in empowering entrepreneurs and driving a substantial shift in technology, comparable to the impact of the internet.

    Shopify disclosed that AI-driven traffic to its online stores has surged by 7 times since January, with AI-generated orders increasing by 11 times. Shopify’s President, Harley Finkelstein, emphasized the company’s competitive edge in the AI era, leveraging insights from millions of merchants and billions of transactions to rapidly innovate products. Internal tools like Scout employ AI to sift through vast amounts of merchant feedback, facilitating data-driven decision-making.

    Furthermore, Shopify is collaborating with prominent AI providers such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Microsoft Copilot to enhance in-chat shopping experiences. A recent survey by Shopify revealed that 64% of shoppers are inclined to utilize AI in their purchase journey. Finkelstein underscored Shopify’s commitment to integrating shopping seamlessly into AI conversations, ensuring merchants on Shopify stay ahead in leveraging AI technologies.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Rejects Tesla’s $1 Trillion CEO Compensation Proposal

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), has voted against a proposal by Tesla to grant CEO Elon Musk a compensation package valued at $1 trillion. The fund, holding a 1.14% stake in Tesla worth approximately $11.7 billion, expressed concerns about the package’s size, dilution, and the lack of risk mitigation for key persons. Despite acknowledging Musk’s significant contributions, NBIM remains wary of the executive compensation structure. The rejection from NBIM adds to the challenges faced by Tesla in convincing shareholders to approve what could become the largest corporate performance pay package in history. Notably, advisory firms such as ISS and Glass Lewis have also advised against endorsing the proposal. Musk has emphasized that the compensation package is more about control than money, threatening to depart from Tesla if shareholders do not approve the plan.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • MoEngage Secures $100M Investment from Goldman Sachs for Global Expansion

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    MoEngage, a customer engagement platform serving consumer brands in 75 countries, has announced a $100 million Series F funding round led by its existing investor, Goldman Sachs Alternatives. The round aims to accelerate MoEngage’s global growth and enhance AI integration into its platform.

    The funding round includes a split of 60% primary and 40% secondary shares, with additional investment from Indian venture firm A91 Partners. This brings MoEngage’s total funding to $250 million. The company’s expansion comes as brands increasingly turn to digital channels to engage with customers, driving demand for personalized marketing solutions.

    MoEngage’s Merlin AI suite enables marketing and product teams to launch campaigns efficiently and enhance targeting accuracy through automation, helping B2C brands optimize customer engagement using their existing first-party data. While the company initially focused on India and Southeast Asia, it has expanded to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and other regions in recent years, with North America now contributing over 30% of its revenue.

    Goldman Sachs’ continued support will play a key role in strengthening MoEngage’s global presence, following the investment bank’s participation in the startup’s previous funding rounds. This backing underscores the growing importance of AI-driven customer engagement solutions in today’s competitive digital landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Sequoia Capital Transitions Leadership: Lin and Grady Appointed as New Co-Stewards

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Sequoia Capital, a renowned venture capital firm, has named Alfred Lin and Pat Grady as its new co-stewards, succeeding Roelof Botha, who stepped down after over three years at the helm. Lin, known for investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, joined Sequoia in 2010, while Grady, backing firms such as ServiceNow and OpenAI, has been a partner for nearly two decades.

    Botha’s tenure saw significant financial distributions to limited partners, managing operations during market downturns and portfolio challenges. Sequoia faced regulatory pressures, leading to the spin-off of Indian and Chinese operations into separate entities. Recent changes, including partner transitions and subsequent resignations, have been the subject of online discussions.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Enhances AI Mode with Agentic Capabilities for Booking Tickets and Appointments

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Google has introduced new enhancements to its AI Mode, enabling users to leverage agentic capabilities for booking event tickets and beauty and wellness appointments directly within Search. This feature expansion aims to provide users with more personalized and efficient search experiences.

    With the updated AI Mode, users can now easily request specific services like finding concert tickets or scheduling beauty appointments by simply stating their preferences. For instance, users can ask for ‘two cheap tickets for the Shaboozey concert, preferably standing floor tickets,’ and AI Mode will search multiple platforms to present real-time ticket options that match the criteria, then direct users to the booking page for seamless transactions.

    These new agentic capabilities are currently accessible to users participating in Google’s experimental arm, Search Labs, within the U.S. Google notes that subscribers to Google AI Pro and Ultra tiers enjoy expanded access limits.

    Earlier agentic capabilities in AI Mode allowed users to make restaurant reservations based on various preferences. This functionality streamlines the booking process by providing curated options that align with the user’s requests.

    Google emphasizes that while the new feature is rooted in stringent quality and safety standards, it is still in an experimental phase and may encounter occasional errors.

    Source: TechCrunch