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Tag: TechCrunch

  • Archer Alleges Joby Concealed Chinese Ties in Countersuit

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Archer Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, has filed counterclaims against Joby Aviation’s lawsuit, accusing Joby of deceiving the U.S. government and competitors by hiding its Chinese connections. According to Archer, Joby utilized a Chinese subsidiary for sourcing critical components and received support from the Chinese government, while mislabeling Chinese-origin materials as everyday items to avoid tariffs and foreign oversight.

    Founded in Santa Cruz, California, Joby has faced accusations of trade secret theft from Archer, further intensifying the legal battle between the two air taxi makers. Both companies went public in 2021 and are competing in the electric air taxi and defense technology sectors.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • U.S. Military Contractor’s iPhone-Hacking Tools Exploited by Russian Spies and Chinese Cybercriminals

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Recent revelations by Google have unveiled the utilization of a sophisticated iPhone-hacking toolkit, named ‘Coruna,’ in cyberattacks targeting individuals in Ukraine and China. This toolkit, comprising 23 distinct components, was reportedly developed by U.S. military contractor L3Harris. Originally intended for Western intelligence operations, these tools were later obtained by Russian government operatives and Chinese cybercriminal factions.

    Google’s findings indicate that ‘Coruna’ was initially deployed in precise, covert operations by an undisclosed government client of a surveillance vendor, before falling into the possession of Russian spies who targeted Ukrainian individuals. Subsequently, Chinese hackers employed the toolkit in widespread campaigns aimed at financial theft and cryptocurrency acquisition.

    According to anonymous sources, former employees of L3Harris have confirmed that ‘Coruna’ was developed within the company’s hacking and surveillance technology division, Trenchant. These insiders, speaking under conditions of confidentiality, recognized ‘Coruna’ as an internal component name closely aligned with the company’s iPhone exploitation tools.

    Researchers at mobile cybersecurity firm iVerify, upon scrutinizing ‘Coruna,’ suggested its origin could be traced back to a vendor that supplied such technology to the U.S. government. The intricate technical facets of ‘Coruna’ resonated with these experts, strengthening the hypothesis of its ties to L3Harris.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Zoox Expands Autonomous Vehicle Mapping to Dallas and Phoenix

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Zoox, the autonomous vehicle company owned by Amazon, has initiated mapping operations in Dallas, Texas, and Phoenix, Arizona, to facilitate the testing of their self-driving technology in these cities. The deployment of Toyota Highlander SUVs equipped with Zoox’s autonomous software aims to gather essential data and adapt the technology to varying urban environments. This strategic move precedes the anticipated launch of Zoox’s robotaxi service in Dallas and Phoenix, pending federal approval for commercial operations.

    By expanding to these Sun Belt cities, Zoox seeks to enhance its autonomous driving capabilities by navigating through different landscapes compared to its current operating cities. The company’s goal to provide autonomous rides extends beyond these new locations, with ongoing services in major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Austin, and Los Angeles, among others. Zoox has reached the milestone of driving over a million autonomous miles and serving more than 300,000 passengers in cities like Las Vegas and San Francisco.

    As Zoox awaits federal approval for its purpose-built autonomous vehicle, which lacks traditional driving controls like a steering wheel and pedals, the company remains focused on compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements. Securing exemptions from national safety regulations, Zoox aims to demonstrate the safety and efficiency of its autonomous vehicles for commercial deployment.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tech Employees Unite to Support Anthropic in Defense Department Lawsuit

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Employees from leading tech companies, including OpenAI and Google DeepMind, have joined forces to support Anthropic in its legal battle against the Defense Department. The dispute arose after the DOD categorized Anthropic as a supply-chain risk, a move that triggered strong opposition from the tech community.

    The amicus brief, signed by over 30 employees, including Jeff Dean from Google DeepMind, highlighted the industry’s concerns about the government’s actions. The Pentagon’s decision to label Anthropic as a supply-chain risk stemmed from the AI firm’s refusal to permit the use of its technology for mass surveillance or autonomous weapon deployment by the DOD.

    The employees argued that the government’s actions were unjust and could have far-reaching consequences for the U.S. AI sector’s competitiveness. They emphasized that punitive measures against Anthropic could stifle innovation and open discussion on the ethical implications of AI technologies.

    Notably, the support for Anthropic comes in the wake of the DOD signing a contract with OpenAI shortly after the supply-chain risk designation, a move that was met with discontent among Anthropic’s employees, who viewed it as a retaliatory action by the government.

    The tech community’s united front in this legal dispute underscores the significance of ethical considerations and contractual obligations in the AI industry. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future interactions between tech companies and government entities.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nvidia-Backed Nscale Secures $2B Funding, Reaches $14.6B Valuation Amid AI Infrastructure Demand

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nscale, a British AI infrastructure startup backed by Nvidia, has secured a $2 billion funding round, propelling its valuation to $14.6 billion. The company’s focus on providing scalable AI compute has positioned it as one of Europe’s prominent decacorns.

    Nscale’s recent Series C round included investments from Blue Owl, Dell, Nvidia, and Nokia, among others. CEO Josh Payne has hinted at a potential IPO, aiming to leverage public markets for additional capital.

    The company has also attracted high-profile board members, such as former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg, former Yahoo president Susan Decker, and former U.K. deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, signaling its commitment to strong governance and strategic guidance.

    One of Nscale’s significant projects, ‘Stargate Norway,’ a collaboration with Aker, aims to deploy 100,000 Nvidia GPUs by the end of 2026. This endeavor, with OpenAI as an initial customer, underscores Nscale’s position in the AI infrastructure landscape.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Periwinkle Empowers Self-Hosted Social Media with AT Protocol Integration

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Periwinkle, a Berlin-based startup, is streamlining the process for users looking to migrate from centralized social media platforms to self-hosted solutions. By leveraging the AT Protocol, Periwinkle offers managed hosting services that enable users to create social media accounts on their own domains with added features such as backups, storage, and migration tools.

    Unlike traditional decentralized social networking platforms, Periwinkle empowers users to establish social media accounts under their control, providing a level of autonomy and customization. Utilizing the open-source technology of the AT Protocol, Periwinkle facilitates the setup and management of personalized social media environments.

    Through Periwinkle, users can establish accounts on their chosen domains, whether on existing platforms like Bluesky or on tailored social sites designed for specific organizations or communities. The startup also offers domain registration services and enables users to store their data securely on Personal Data Servers (PDS) within the AT Protocol ecosystem, encompassing posts, connections, and user profiles.

    By offering a fully managed PDS service, Periwinkle caters to both technical and non-technical users, ensuring hassle-free server maintenance and updates. This approach allows users to concentrate on engaging with social media content without the burden of server administration.

    Transitioning to self-hosted social media with Periwinkle mirrors the flexibility seen in the blogging sphere, where users can opt for hosted solutions, self-hosted installations, or managed setups provided by third-party hosting services. Periwinkle’s approach aligns with the growing demand for personalized and secure social media experiences in an era dominated by Big Tech platforms.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Bluesky Announces Leadership Transition: CEO Jay Graber Becomes Chief Innovation Officer

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Bluesky, a prominent tech company, announced a significant leadership change as CEO Jay Graber steps down from his current position to take on the role of chief innovation officer. The company, known for its X and Threads products with 43 million users, is set to have Toni Schneider, former CEO of Automattic, serve as the interim CEO.

    Graber, credited with driving Bluesky’s growth and the development of its AT Protocol, highlighted the need for a seasoned operator to focus on scaling and execution as the company matures. In a blog post, Graber expressed enthusiasm for focusing on technology development, stating, “Transitioning to a more focused role where I can do what brings me energy is my way of putting that belief into practice.”

    With Bluesky’s board actively seeking a permanent CEO, Schneider’s experience with WordPress.com through Automattic positions him well to navigate the challenges of balancing open-source technology with profitability. The company’s growth trajectory, influenced by Elon Musk’s involvement with Twitter (now X), has brought both product enhancements and community moderation challenges.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Anthropic Unveils Code Review Tool to Manage AI-Generated Code Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Anthropic, a leading tech company, has introduced a new tool to address the challenges posed by the surge in AI-generated code. The tool, named Code Review, is part of Claude Code, a cutting-edge multi-agent system designed to automatically scrutinize AI-generated code, identify logic errors, and assist developers in managing the escalating volume of such code.

    The advent of ‘vibe coding,’ a method utilizing AI tools to rapidly produce substantial amounts of code from plain language instructions, has revolutionized the coding landscape. While accelerating development processes, it has also introduced complexities such as bugs, security vulnerabilities, and incomprehensible code segments.

    Code Review acts as an AI-powered reviewer, intercepting bugs before they infiltrate the software’s codebase. Anthropic’s team highlighted the significance of this tool, especially in streamlining the review process for the surging pull requests generated by Claude Code.

    Anthropic’s launch of Code Review, initially available to Claude for Teams and Claude for Enterprise users in a research preview, marks a significant step in addressing the evolving needs of the tech industry.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Slate Auto Appoints Former Amazon Executive as New CEO Ahead of Affordable EV Launch

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Slate Auto, the electric vehicle startup supported by Jeff Bezos, has appointed former Amazon Marketplace vice president Peter Faricy as its new CEO. This transition comes just months before the anticipated launch of Slate’s affordable electric truck.

    Faricy, who previously served as an advisor at McKinsey and Bessemer Venture Partners, officially assumed his role on Monday, according to Slate spokesperson Jeff Jablansky as reported by TechCrunch. The outgoing CEO, Christine Barman, a long-time Chrysler veteran, will now serve as the President of Vehicles within the company.

    Barman, one of the few women CEOs in the U.S. automotive industry, had been prominently featured in Slate Auto’s public appearances since the company emerged from stealth mode in April 2025. Under her new role, Barman will focus on ensuring the timely and cost-effective delivery of Slate’s electric truck, which is set to be customizable in various ways, including an SUV conversion option.

    Slate Auto, which has garnered substantial funding from Bezos and other investors, previously aimed for an electric truck priced below $20,000 but had to adjust its target to the mid-$20,000 range due to changes in federal EV tax credits. With a substantial pre-order list of around 160,000 individuals, Faricy steps in at a crucial juncture as the company begins converting these preorders into actual vehicle orders.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • OpenAI Acquires Promptfoo to Enhance AI Security for Enterprise

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, a leading player in the AI industry, has acquired Promptfoo, an AI security startup focused on safeguarding large language models (LLMs) from potential online threats. This acquisition aims to strengthen OpenAI’s enterprise platform, OpenAI Frontier, with advanced security measures.

    The rise of independent AI agents designed for various digital tasks has sparked enthusiasm for enhanced productivity. However, it has also opened doors for malicious entities to exploit vulnerabilities and compromise automated systems. By integrating Promptfoo’s security technology, OpenAI seeks to demonstrate the safe and secure viability of AI in critical business functions.

    Founded by Ian Webster and Michael D’Angelo, Promptfoo has developed tools for evaluating security risks in LLMs, offering both an open-source interface and library. With a clientele that includes over 25% of Fortune 500 companies, Promptfoo has proven its value in the cybersecurity domain.

    While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the technology from Promptfoo will enable OpenAI’s platform to conduct automated red-teaming, analyze agentic workflows for security vulnerabilities, and oversee operations for compliance and risk management.

    OpenAI’s commitment to further developing Promptfoo’s open-source tools highlights a strategic focus on enhancing AI security measures and fortifying the resilience of AI-powered systems in real-world applications.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Anthropic Challenges Department of Defense Over Supply Chain Risk Designation

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Anthropic, a prominent AI company, has taken legal action against the Department of Defense (DOD) following the agency’s classification of the company as a supply chain risk. The dispute arose from the DOD’s desire for unrestricted access to Anthropic’s AI systems, which the company opposed on grounds of privacy and ethical concerns.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the Pentagon’s position, advocating for access to AI systems for ‘any lawful purpose.’ Typically applied to foreign adversaries, the supply chain risk designation mandated that any entity collaborating with the Pentagon certify that they do not utilize Anthropic’s models.

    Anthropic responded by filing a complaint in a San Francisco federal court, denouncing the DOD’s actions as ‘unprecedented and unlawful.’ The company argued that the government should not penalize a firm for its constitutionally protected speech.

    This legal confrontation underscores the growing importance of ethics and data privacy in the AI landscape, as companies navigate the intersection of technological advancement and governmental regulations.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Widespread Telecom Hacking Exposes Critical Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    A prominent hacking group linked to China, known as Salt Typhoon, has orchestrated a widespread hacking campaign targeting major phone and internet companies worldwide, including top American telecom giants like AT&T and Verizon. The group’s activities have led to the theft of millions of phone records, particularly those of senior government officials, raising concerns about cybersecurity vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.

    The hackers have primarily focused on breaching telecom infrastructure by exploiting weaknesses in Cisco routers and commandeering surveillance devices mandated by U.S. law for monitoring communications. These cyber intrusions have enabled China to access sensitive information such as call records, text messages, and voice data from high-profile U.S. targets, prompting cybersecurity experts to recommend the use of end-to-end encryption for secure communications.

    While Salt Typhoon concentrates on telecom espionage, other Chinese-affiliated hacker groups like Volt Typhoon and Flax Typhoon are preparing for potentially disruptive cyberattacks and leveraging botnets of compromised IoT devices for concealing malicious online activities.

    The extensive reach of Salt Typhoon’s hacks extends beyond the U.S., affecting over 200 companies globally and highlighting the persistent threat posed by cyber adversaries to international telecommunications networks.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Russian Government Hackers Targeting Encrypted Messaging Apps, Dutch Intelligence Warns

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Dutch intelligence agencies have raised alarms over a significant hacking campaign conducted by Russian government hackers targeting users of Signal and WhatsApp. The campaign is said to particularly focus on government officials, military personnel, and journalists worldwide.

    The Netherlands’ Defence Intelligence and Security Service (MIVD) and the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD) disclosed that ‘Russian state actors’ are employing phishing and social engineering tactics, rather than malware, to compromise accounts on the two messaging platforms.

    For Signal users, the hackers are posing as the app’s support team, engaging targets directly with messages about suspicious activities or potential data breaches. Once a target is deceived, the hackers request a verification code sent via SMS, ultimately allowing them to register a new device with a new number, impersonate the target, and potentially access their contacts. Despite victims being locked out of their accounts, they can regain access to chat history by re-registering, potentially overlooking the breach.

    This revelation underscores the persistent security challenges faced by users of encrypted messaging apps and the evolving tactics employed by state-sponsored threat actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive user data.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Qualcomm and Neura Robotics Collaborate to Advance Physical AI with New Robots

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    German robotics startup Neura Robotics has announced a partnership with semiconductor giant Qualcomm to develop the next generation of robots and physical AI. This collaboration aims to enhance the integration of humanoid and general-purpose robots in various real-world scenarios, from household to industrial environments.

    Neura Robotics plans to leverage Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Robotics IQ10 processors as reference designs in their robots. The IQ10 series, unveiled at CES earlier this year, is tailored to support autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) and humanoids, showcasing the latest advancements in processing power for robotic applications.

    In addition, Neura Robotics will utilize its Neuraverse robotic simulation and training platform, introduced in June 2025, to fine-tune the performance of robots operating on the IQ10 processors.

    David Reger, CEO of Neura Robotics, stated, ‘This collaboration represents a significant step towards realizing the potential of physical AI: an ecosystem that is open, scalable, and reliable. By combining our cognitive robotics platforms and the Neuraverse ecosystem with Qualcomm Technologies’ expertise in edge AI and connectivity, we are striving to accelerate a future where cognitive robots can safely coexist with humans across various industries and daily life.’

    This partnership exemplifies a synergistic approach to advancing physical AI and reshaping the landscape of robotics technology.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Flipkart Relocates Headquarters to India Ahead of Anticipated IPO

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Flipkart, the leading Indian e-commerce company, has moved its headquarters back to India from Singapore as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO) in the near future. This strategic relocation aligns with a broader trend among Indian startups, such as Zepto and Groww, who have also shifted their overseas holding structures back to their home country to facilitate public offerings.

    The decision to relocate Flipkart’s headquarters reflects the company’s growth trajectory, with its gross merchandise value expected to reach around $30 billion by 2025, up from approximately $23 billion in 2021. This move underscores India’s efforts to encourage more technology companies to list on local exchanges, fostering a conducive environment for growth and innovation in the sector.

    Established in Bengaluru in 2007, Flipkart initially ventured overseas to attract foreign investment and leverage tax benefits. However, following Walmart’s acquisition of a majority stake in 2018, Flipkart’s impending IPO signals a significant milestone in its journey.

    By relocating its headquarters to India, Flipkart joins other tech firms seeking regulatory clarity and simplified tax frameworks domestically. This shift underscores the company’s strategic positioning within India’s expanding e-commerce market, fueled by a burgeoning internet user base exceeding a billion subscribers.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Tech Firms Leverage Temporary Housing for Data Center Construction

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Tech companies are increasingly turning to temporary housing villages, known as “man camps,” to accommodate the large workforce required for building modern data centers. Originally used to house workers in remote oil fields, these camps are now being repurposed to support the tech industry’s growing infrastructure needs.

    For example, in Dickens County, Texas, a Bitcoin mining facility is being transformed into a 1.6 gigawatt data center. Workers at this site reside in gray housing units equipped with amenities such as a gym, a laundromat, game rooms, and a cafeteria offering on-demand steak grilling, according to Bloomberg.

    Target Hospitality, a company specializing in such accommodations, has secured contracts valued at $132 million to establish and manage the Dickens County camp. This facility has the potential to house over 1,000 workers, reflecting the significant scale of manpower required for modern data center construction.

    As the U.S. experiences a surge in data center development, Target Hospitality sees this sector as a prime growth opportunity. The company’s chief commercial officer, Troy Schrenk, emphasizes the vast potential for revenue and expansion in this market.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Affordable Smartphone Initiative Gains Traction, Faces Cost Challenges

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    An initiative led by a coalition of telecom operators, device manufacturers, and industry groups aims to introduce $40 smartphones into the market, gaining momentum. The objective is to make affordable smartphones more accessible, potentially bringing an additional 20 million people online, particularly in developing markets where internet-enabled devices remain prohibitively expensive.

    At the recent Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the GSMA, in partnership with major African mobile operators like Airtel, Ethio Telecom, and Orange, along with smartphone makers, announced plans to pilot ultra-low-cost 4G devices in six African markets: the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda.

    Alix Jagueneau, the head of external affairs at GSMA, stated that the $30–$40 price range is a target based on affordability research. However, the initiative faces challenges due to rising component costs, particularly in memory, which are critical factors influencing the final pricing of the devices.

    While the initiative is in its early stages, with ongoing commercial discussions between mobile operators and manufacturers, the focus remains on bridging the digital divide by making smartphones more affordable. The success of this endeavor could significantly impact connectivity and access to digital services for millions of individuals.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Nintendo Challenges U.S. Tariffs: A Tech Legal Battle

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Nintendo, the renowned gaming company, has taken legal action against the U.S. government, aiming to reclaim tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, follows a Supreme Court ruling that nullified certain tariffs enforced by President Donald Trump’s executive orders.

    The tariffs, described in Nintendo’s complaint as having amassed over $200 billion in import duties, have prompted the company’s pursuit of a refund for the amounts paid. In response to the Supreme Court’s decision, President Trump escalated tariffs from 10% to 15%, triggering legal pushback from 24 states questioning the extent of his authority in making such changes.

    Nintendo’s legal maneuvering underscores the intersection of technology and trade policies, shedding light on the significant financial implications for tech companies operating in a global market influenced by governmental regulations.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • Google Grants Sundar Pichai $692M Performance-Based Pay Package

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    Alphabet has structured a three-year pay deal for Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, potentially valuing at $692 million. The majority of this compensation is tied to performance metrics, including new stock incentives associated with Waymo and Wing, Google’s drone delivery project.

    Pichai’s compensation package, while significant in the tech industry, contrasts with the recent public attention garnered by Google’s founders, Larry Page and Sergey Brin. The founders have made headlines for their real estate acquisitions, speculated to be influenced by California’s proposed Billionaire Tax Act, targeting the state’s wealthiest individuals.

    In contrast, Pichai maintains a lower profile, residing in Los Altos, California. His successful tenure at Google since 2015 has seen significant growth in the company’s market cap, making his accumulated stock holdings immensely valuable. Alongside his wife, Pichai holds shares worth nearly $500 million, with an additional $650 million estimated to have been sold as of last summer.

    Source: TechCrunch

  • OpenAI Robotics Lead Resigns Over Pentagon Deal Concerns

    This article was generated by AI and cites original sources.

    OpenAI, a prominent AI company, faced a setback as Caitlin Kalinowski, the lead of their robotics team, resigned in response to the organization’s recent agreement with the Department of Defense.

    Kalinowski, a hardware executive with a notable background, expressed concerns over the implications of OpenAI’s collaboration with the Pentagon. She highlighted issues such as potential surveillance without proper oversight and the development of autonomous weapons lacking human control as the key reasons behind her departure.

    After a successful stint at Meta, where she worked on augmented reality glasses, Kalinowski joined OpenAI. She stressed that her decision was rooted in principles rather than personal conflicts, emphasizing the need for thorough deliberation on matters of national security and ethical AI governance.

    In response, OpenAI acknowledged Kalinowski’s departure and defended its agreement with the Pentagon. The company asserted its commitment to responsible AI deployment in national security contexts, outlining clear boundaries against domestic surveillance and autonomous weaponry.

    The fallout from this controversy underscores the ongoing debates surrounding AI ethics, governance, and the delicate balance between technological advancement and societal well-being.

    Source: TechCrunch