Google has offered up its own proposal in a recent antitrust case that saw the US Department of Justice argue that Google must sell its Chrome browser. US District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August that Google had acted illegally to maintain a monopoly in online search, with the DOJ then proposing a number…
Category: Global IT News
Climate, climate tech, Commentary, Global IT News, Global Security News, vc trends
If climate tech is dead, what comes next?
Climate tech is about a decade old, and people are itching for a rebrand. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Celebs, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hollywood, Paris Hilton, roc nation, Sara Erin Foster, Snoop Dog, Venture
Hollywood angels: Here are the celebrities who are also star VCs
Becoming a venture capitalist has become the latest status symbol In Hollywood. Everyone from Olivia Wilde to Emma Watson is investing in startups. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
anaconda, AT Protocol, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Peter Wang, Skyseed fund, Social, Startups, Venture
Meet Skyseed, a VC fund and incubator backing the Bluesky and AT Protocol ecosystem
On November 15, Peter Wang posted a message requesting ideas for a new incubator and fund to support experimental projects built on the burgeoning Bluesky/AT Protocol ecosystem. Four weeks later, Skyseed emerged with an initial commitment of $1 million. This turnaround, a speed underscored by the fact that the fund doesn’t even have a website…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Marc Andreessen, Venture
Sam Altman disputes Marc Andreessen’s description of AI meetings with Biden administration
Sam Altman dismissed what he called a “conspiracy theory” from a16z co-founder Marc Andreessen. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Canoo, electric vehicles, EVs, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
EV startup Canoo places remaining employees on a ‘mandatory unpaid break’
Struggling electric van startup Canoo has placed its remaining employees on what it’s calling a “mandatory unpaid break” through at least the end of the year, according to an email obtained by TechCrunch. The company told employees they are being locked out of Canoo’s systems at the end of the day Friday, according to the…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Domo releases 12th Annual “Data Never Sleeps” report
AI and Collaboration Take Center Stage as Digital Activity Reaches Record Highs COMPANY NEWS: Cloud-based data and AI platform and NASDAQ listed Domo has unveiled its annually anticipated 12th edition of Data Never Sleeps, offering a “unique snapshot of how digital habits manifest themselves minute by minute”.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Disruptions and price rises ‘persist in the container freight supply chain’, report finds
Global and domestic disruptions continue to destabilise the container freight supply chain, leading to congestion, delays and higher costs, which resulted in some importers having to pay four to 11 times as much for ocean freight as a year earlier, according to the 2023-24 ACCC Container stevedoring monitoring report.
AI coding tools, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Y Combinator
After causing outrage on the first day of Y Combinator, AI code editor PearAI lands $1M seed
On the first day of Y Combinator the founders of PearAI got “cancelled.” They used the hate to launch a new product, raise $1 million. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Nokia donates AI enabled water reuse system to Aoyama Gakuin University
Nokia will donate WOSH and accessories to Aoyama Gakuin University to promote CSR initiatives. Initiative will raise CSR awareness among the student body and provide them with a hands-on opportunity to learn the mechanics of AI enabled water reuse technology. COMPANY NEWS: Nokia today announced it will donate WOSH, an AI enabled portable hand washing…
Department of Justice, Global IT News, Global Security News, indictment, LockBit, Security
Third member of LockBit ransomware gang has been arrested
LockBit is believed tobe responsible for at least $500 million in ransom payments alone. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
avs, Global IT News, Global Security News, nhtsa, robotaxi, Transportation
Feds clear the way for robotaxis without steering wheel and pedals
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday proposed a new national framework that could make it easier for companies to deploy at scale autonomous vehicles without traditional manual driving controls – like steering wheels, pedals, and sideview mirrors. The guidelines also require AV companies to share a whole lot more safety data with the…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Nokia and Turkcell demonstrate ‘industry leading’ Quantum-safe protection for mobile subscribers
Collaborative testing validates secure and trusted quantum-safe IPsec protection against future network security threats First deployment of its kind marking critical step in securing mobile networks against future threats posed by quantum computing. COMPANY NEWS: Nokia and Turkcell have successfully demonstrated a world-first ability to implement quantum-safe IPsec network cryptography for its mobile subscribers. This…
Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, newsletters, Startups, Startups Weekly, venture capital
The year is coming to a close, but startup news keeps rolling in
Welcome to Startups Weekly — your weekly recap of everything you can’t miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here. This week was full of news, likely because it is also the last “real” week of 2024. Which is another way for us to say goodbye for…
AI, Gemini AI, Global IT News, Global Security News, google gemini, Languages of India
Google is expanding Gemini’s in-depth research mode to 40 languages
Google said Friday that the company is expanding Gemini’s latest in-depth research mode to 40 more languages. The company launched the in-depth research mode earlier this month, allowing Google One AI premium plan users to unlock an AI-powered research assistant of sorts. The in-depth function works in a multi-step method, from creating a research plan…
AI, ChatGPT, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai, TC
OpenAI announces new o3 model
OpenAI announced a new o3 model on Friday. In a tweet ahead of its final livestream for its “12 Days of OpenAI” event, the company confirmed previous reports that it is skipping o2 due to copyright concerns, and is releasing early evals for the o3 model. It appears to be a successor to its o1…
AI, ChatGPT, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai, sam altman
OpenAI 2024 event: How to watch new ChatGPT product reveals and demos
OpenAI is in the holiday spirit, it seems. The ChatGPT series of reveals, called “12 Days of OpenAI,” will be streamed live at 10 a.m. PT each weekday through December 20. So far, we’ve seen the launch of ChatGPT Pro, OpenAI’s $200 per month subscription plan; the full version of its “reasoning” o1 model; the…
Exclusive, femtech, Global IT News, Global Security News, SEC, Swizzle Fund, Venture, Women's Finance
Swizzle Fund raises $5M for inaugural fund addressing women’s health and wealth
There is a new venture fund in town. Swizzle Fund, founded by Jessica Kamada, former COO of the marketing agency Bamboo, has raised just a little more than $5 million for its Fund I, according to an SEC filing. There was no target raise amount. The firm, which quietly opened in 2023, is an early-stage…
Exclusive, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Lerer Hippeau, SEC
Lerer Hippeau files to a raise Fund IX
Lerer Hippeau, one of New York’s most prolific and A-list VC firms, has filed to raise its ninth fund, according to an SEC filing made Wednesday. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News
Arizona’s getting an online charter school taught entirely by AI
The newest online-only school greenlighted by the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools comes with a twist: the academic curriculum will be taught entirely by AI. Charter schools — independently operated but publicly-funded — typically get greater autonomy compared to traditional public schools when it comes to how subjects are taught. But Unbound Academy’s application,…
Cybersecurity, data breach, Global IT News, Global Security News, Healthcare, Ransomware, Security
Ransomware attack on health giant Ascension hits 5.6 million patients
The cyberattack on Ascension ranks as the third-largest healthcare-related breach of 2024. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
EVs, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, lawsuit, Rivian, Transportation
Rivian executives accused of harassment in previously unreported lawsuits
Four employees have sued Rivian in separate lawsuits this year over allegations they were harassed, in some cases by top executives, and that the company’s leadership did little to address their concerns, according to a TechCrunch review of court records. Rivian has also reached settlements in three other harassment and discrimination cases, TechCrunch has learned. …
Access Now, Apple, Citizen Lab, Cybersecurity, Global IT News, Global Security News, infosec, iOS, iPhone, lockdown mode, NSO Group, privacy, Security, Spyware, surveillance
Why Apple sends spyware victims to this nonprofit security lab
Before the elections, the cybersecurity team of U.S. vice president and then-presidential candidate Kamala Harris reached out to Apple asking for help, according to Forbes, after a tool that’s designed to detect spyware on iPhones flagged anomalies on two devices belonging to campaign staffers. Apple declined to forensically analyze the phones, per Forbes. The company’s…
chemistry, electricity, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hydrogen, power, storage, Venture
Energy Revolution Ventures’ $18M fund lays a bet on ‘new chemistry’ startups in energy and hydrogen
What happens when a chemical engineer, who’s previously built a hydrogen-powered drone, becomes a venture capitalist? Energy Revolution Ventures, that’s what. The VC has now closed an $18 million Seed and Series A fund to invest in deeptech, such as energy storage, carbon capture, and, yes, hydrogen technologies. Marcus Clover, Co-Founder and Partner at ERV…
agi house, AI, early stage, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai, South Korea, TC, Venture
‘Genius Girl’ goes from inspiring a Korean TV show character to raising a $100 million AI fund
Principle Venture Partners will write early-stage checks anywhere from $100,000 to “single digit millions.” © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, social media startups, Social networks
Bluesky adds mentions tab in the notifications screen and username squatting protection
Social network Bluesky has released a new update to its app that includes a separate mentions tab in notifications, protections against username squatting, and new controls for replies sorting. The company announced that it is adding a new mentions tab with the v1.96 rollout to let you see those posts separately. Until now, all notifications…
Exclusive, Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, TBC Group, Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s mobile bank TBC bags $37M to expand with new AI and insurance products
Uzbekistan’s mobile-exclusive bank, TBC Bank Uzbekistan, has raised $37 million to bolster its footprint in the Central Asian nation. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Enterprise, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mindgard, Security, spinouts, Startups
British university spinoff Mindgard protects companies from AI threats
AI creates a dilemma for companies: Don’t implement it yet, and you might miss out on productivity gains and other potential benefits; but do it wrong, and you might expose your business and clients to unmitigated risks. This is where a new wave of “security for AI” startups come in, with the premise that these…
Global IT News, Global Security News, India, Rapido, Security
India’s Rapido exposed user and driver data through leaky website feedback form
Rapido restricted access to the exposed portal soon after TechCrunch contacted the company. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai, sam altman, Sequoia, TC, Venture
Sam Altman once owned some equity in OpenAI through Sequoia
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sat before Congress in 2023 to testify about the dangers of AI. He told American lawmakers at the time that he owns no equity in OpenAI, something he’s said many times, claiming he just runs the company because he loves it. However, Altman recently said he actually did have some equity…
AI, ai-powered search, Funding, Fundraising, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Perplexity, report, rumor, Search, startup, Startups
Perplexity has reportedly closed a $500M funding round
AI-powered search engine Perplexity has reportedly closed a $500 million funding round, valuing the startup at $9 billion. Bloomberg, citing sources familiar, reports that the round was led by Institutional Venture Partners, and that it closed earlier in December. In an email to TechCrunch, a Perplexity spokesperson declined to comment. The mammoth tranche comes as…
agentic ai, AI, boon ai, Enterprise, fleets, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, logistics
Boon raises $20.5M to build agentic AI tools for fleets
Logistics is the name of the game during the holiday season: Companies that can seal the deal and get people and things to the places they need to be, on time, rake it in this time of year. But behind that demand lies a huge amount of inefficiency and fragmentation. Are logistics businesses ready for…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Studying as a Mom: Everything you need to consider before enrolling
GUEST OPINION: Balancing motherhood with pursuing higher education can be a very overwhelming, challenging task. However, for many moms, going back to school can open new doors for different career opportunities; this can lead to personal development and a better future for your family. It is no easy feat, but the payoff from education as…
accounting, accounting software, Aiwyn, CPA, cpa software, Enterprise, Funding, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, revenue cycle, revenue cycle management, Software, startup, Startups
A bad experience with an accounting firm spurred this founder to start Aiwyn
Accounting firms are struggling to adopt high-tech solutions. That’s according to a survey earlier this year from Rightsworks, which found that, while 88% of firms believe tech has had a positive impact on their efficiency, 60% are suffering from disconnected systems, inconsistent processes, and a lack of standardized workflows. Startups like Aiwyn are trying to…
Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, Toyota
Meet the robot with two Guinness World Records for basketball
A team of engineers at Toyota have spent years iterating on CUE6, the basketball shooting robot. CUE6 uses machine learning to adjust his posture and arm movement in order to take the perfect shot nearly every time. The robot holds the Guinness World Record for most consecutive basketball free throw by a humanoid robot after…
Global IT News, Global Security News
How Tesla’s focus on renewable energy affects its stock price
GUEST OPINION: Tesla’s focus on renewable energy significantly impacts its stock price, providing both opportunities and challenges that influence investor sentiment.
AI, ai alignment, ai safety, Emmett Shear, Exclusive, Funding, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, scoop, startup, Startups
Ex-Twitch CEO Emmett Shear is founding an AI startup backed by a16z
Emmett Shear, the former CEO of Twitch, is launching a new AI startup, TechCrunch has learned. The startup, called Stem AI, is currently in stealth. But public documents show it was incorporated in June 2023, and filed for a trademark in August 2023. Shear is listed as CEO on an incorporation document filed with the…
business, channel, Global IT News, Global Security News, News and Trends, services, US Channel News
Vectra AI, Lumifi Partner to Enhance XDR Security and SOC Operations
Vectra AI, a vendor of AI-driven extended detection and response (XDR) has partnered with managed detection and response (MDR) provider Lumifi to bring Vectra AI’s platform to Lumifi customers. Randy Schirman, channel chief of Vectra AI, and David Norlin, CTO at Lumifi spoke with Channel Insider to share more about why and how their partnership…
Fifth Wall Ventures, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, interest rates, PropTech, Real estate, real estate investing, Venture
Real estate VC Fifth Wall is raising $500M for a new fund
Real estate venture firm Fifth Wall is raising a new $500 million fund called Fifth Wall React, according to a regulatory filing. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
a16z, AI, AI coding tools, Anysphere, cursor, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Thrive Capital
In just 4 months AI coding assistant Cursor raised another $100M at a $2.5B valuation led by Thrive, sources say
Anysphere, the developer of AI-powered coding assistant Cursor, raised $100 million Series B at a post-money valuation of $2.6 billion, according to sources with knowledge of the deal. The round is being led by returning investor Thrive Capital, the person said. This new funding comes just four months after Anysphere raised its $60 million Series…
3d printing, a16z, AI, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, markforged, Startups
Backed by a16z and NEA, Backflip raises $30M Series A to turn text into AI-generated designs
Led by Markforged veterans and backed by a16z, Backlip has raised $30M to democratize product design thanks to AI. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, iconfactory, mobile apps, Open Web, Social, social media, tapestry
Tapestry, a new app for tracking social media, news, blogs, and more, will launch in ‘early 2025’
A new app called Tapestry promising to unify social media, news, and RSS in one place, is nearing completion. Designed by Iconfactory, the same team that created the third-party Twitter client Twitterific back in the day, Tapestry was unveiled at the beginning of the year as a tool that could better organize today’s fragmented online…
Canoo, Global IT News, Global Security News, lucid, RAM, robotaxis, techcrunch mobility, Tesla, Transportation, Waymo, zoox
Waymo fills the Cruise void overseas and a salute to icon Jean Jennings
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. This will be the last newsletter of 2024! But don’t worry, we’ll be back in 2025 — sign up here to get it in your inbox every week. Thank you for reading and your emails. I love…
AI, Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Meta, Social
Instagram teases AI tools for editing appearances, backgrounds in videos using prompts
Instagram head Adam Mosseri is teasing upcoming generative AI features for the social app that will allow creators to “change nearly any aspect” of their videos using text prompts. The editing tools will be powered by Meta’s Movie Gen AI model, and are expected to launch on the social network sometime next year, Mosseri said…
business development, Business Management, collaboration, data, Global IT News, Global Security News, PM, PPM, productivity, project management, project portfolio management, scrum
Top 5 No-Code and Low-Code Tools of 2025
No-code and low-code tools have revolutionized software development by enabling all kinds of users to create powerful applications without requiring extensive coding expertise. These tools empower developers and non-developers alike to automate workflows, build websites, and create mobile apps using intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-built templates, and seamless integrations. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a small…
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News
Google releases its own ‘reasoning’ AI model
Google has released what it’s calling a new “reasoning” AI model — but it’s in the experimental stages, and from our brief testing, there’s certainly room for improvement. The new model, called Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental (a mouthful, to be sure), is available in AI Studio, Google’s AI prototyping platform. A model card describes…
Chime, digital banking, Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, IPOs, IPOs 2025, Startups
$25 billion valuation Chime takes another step towards an IPO
Digital bank Chime has reportedly filed its confidential IPO paperwork with the SEC, with an eye toward a 2025 debut. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Crypto, Global IT News, Global Security News, privacy, world gdpr, world gdpr data deletion, worldcoin gdpr
World(coin) must let Europeans comprehensively delete their data, under privacy order
It took a lot more than the initially slated few weeks to arrive, but a pivotal privacy decision that’s been hanging over Sam Altman’s World (aka Worldcoin) for months has finally landed, via a late December decision from the Bavarian data protection authority enforcing the bloc’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a comprehensive privacy framework…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Blackstone acquisition of clinical trial service provider not opposed, subject to ‘divestiture of Australian subsidiary’
The ACCC will not oppose the proposed acquisition of I’rom Group Co Limited by Blackstone Group (HK) Limited after accepting a court-enforceable undertaking requiring the divestment of CMAX Clinical Research Pty Ltd.
Global IT News, Global Security News
How to generate passive income blogging
GUEST OPINION: Blogging is one of the best ways to generate money online if you build up traffic. While it might take some time, earning over $50,000 a year with enough hard work is possible. So, if you’re aspiring to become a blogger or exploring online income streams, you’ve come to the right place.
autonomous vehicles, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Tesla is courting Texas cities to test its promised robotaxi service
Tesla is evaluating multiple Texas cities where it wants to test a long-promised robotaxi service, including Austin, according to emails obtained by Bloomberg News. An employee has apparently been in touch with Austin officials since May, and recently held an event in December to “train first responders on how to best work with Tesla’s autonomous…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Space, TC
K2 Space will fly its extra-large satellite for the first time in 2026
K2 Space is betting that the future of the space hardware will be big — really big. The startup is building massive spacecraft under the assumption that launch costs will continue to drop as SpaceX’s Starship and other heavy-lift vehicles come online. It looks like the Space Force is taking up their side of that…
Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, travel, Venture
Hotel booking platform Safara raises $14M, acquires rival Skipper
Doug Schuessler has always been a founder. This passion, which has been with him since childhood, saw him launch two startups, move to San Francisco, and take a job at Square to see what a “real rocket shop looked like.” He later became chief revenue officer at restaurant booking platform Resy, before becoming a founder once…
Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Healthcare, medtech
Culina Health nabs $7.9M to provide virtual access to registered dietitians
As a dietitian, Vanessa Rissetto’s main goal is to help people stay healthy. She also knew that there were some roadblocks to achieving that. For example, the Black community deals with pressing health concerns, in addition to a disproportionate lack of access to care. More than 80% of registered dietitians in the U.S. are white,…
AI, Benchmark, decart, Fundraising, Gaming, GenAI, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, LLM, oasis, Startups
Decart adds another $32M at a $500M+ valuation
A young startup that emerged from stealth less than two months ago with big-name backers and bigger ambitions to make a splash in the world of AI is returning to the spotlight. Decart is building what its CEO and co-founder Dean Leitersdorf describes as “a fully vertically integrated AI research lab,” alongside enterprise and consumer…
Funding, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, oura
Oura closes $200M round, bringing its valuation to $5.2B
Smart ring maker Oura announced on Thursday that it has closed a $200 million Series D funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to $5.2 billion. The round included participation from Fidelity Management and glucose device maker Dexcom. Oura says the new capital will allow it to expand its product offerings and further invest in product, science,…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Equinix Collaborates with Dell Technologies to Help Enterprises Deploy Flexible and Scalable AI Infrastructure
New Effort Supports Partners to Deploy AI Strategies with Tailored and Integrated Solution Built for the Rapidly Evolving Market
Crypto, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, meme coin, Neverless, Revolut, Startups
With Neverless, former Revolut execs want to make meme coins easy to buy
There’s an ocean of meme coins beyond Dogecoin, and a new startup called Neverless wants to make it easier to get started with trading crypto, with a particular focus on providing access to small-cap tokens. This is an interesting new crypto startup, founded by three former executives at Revolut, the London-based fintech juggernaut. Phuc To…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Commvault and Cybermindz.Org Join Forces to Tackle Mental Health Crisis in ANZ’s Cybersecurity Sector
New research reveals alarming burnout and poor sleep quality among cybersecurity professionals in ANZ, surpassing challenges faced by frontline healthcare workers.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Privacy has entered the chat
GUEST OPINION: Every click and swipe might feel like fleeting moments online, however, our digital footprints are enduring records that can be analysed, monetised, and sometimes weaponised.
Chainalysis, Crypto, crypto hacks, Global IT News, Global Security News, North Korea, Security
North Korea-linked hackers accounted for 61% of all crypto stolen in 2024
With the rising adoption and value of crypto assets, the potential for theft is also on the rise. This year, the total value of cryptocurrency stolen surged 21%, reaching a substantial $2.2 billion. And according to a Chainalysis report released on Thursday, more than half of this amount was stolen by North Korea-affiliated hacking groups.…
AI, Crypto, Global IT News, Global Security News, goatse gospels, Marc Andreessen, truth terminal, upward spiral
The promise and warning of Truth Terminal, the AI bot that secured $50,000 in Bitcoin from Marc Andreessen
“I think the most ironic way the world could end would be if someone makes a memecoin about a man’s stretched anus and it brings about the singularity.” That’s Andy Ayrey, the founder of decentralized AI alignment research lab Upward Spiral, who is also behind the viral AI bot Truth Terminal. You might have heard…
Global IT News, Global Security News
AI-powered networks and Wi-Fi 7
GUEST OPINION: “Data growth is driving network infrastructure modernisation in Australia, fuelled by AI-powered applications and IoT devices. With increasing demands from businesses and consumers, the network is more crucial than ever. By 2025, Australian networks are expected to be more scalable, agile, AI-ready, flexible, intelligent and secure, with Wi-Fi 7 leading the charge.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Macquarie Health Selects Newgen to Transform Patient Experience
Implements intelligent patient document processing system, leveraging Newgen workflow, document extraction and AI/ML capabilities.
Global IT News, Global Security News, India, mcdonalds, McDonalds India, Security
Bugs in a major McDonald’s India delivery system exposed sensitive customer data
McDonald’s India exposed the personal information of customers and drivers due to security flaws impacting its APIs. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Check Point Software Recognised as a Leader in Email Security in the Inaugural Gartner Magic Quadrant for Email Security Platforms
COMPANY NEWS: Proven Protection at Scale: Check Point Harmony Email Collaboration Secures Businesses Globally, Exceeding US$100M in ARR
Global IT News, Global Security News
New Contract Extends Norway’s Nødnett TETRA Radio Network into 2030s
Motorola Solutions will continue to operate and service the country’s nationwide TETRA network that provides first responders with trusted, reliable and secure voice communications
Global IT News, Global Security News
Balancing security and customer experience: 4 tips for fraud prevention during peak seasons
GUEST OPINION: Consumers spend billions during the end-of-year shopping season, with businesses on Stripe processing over AUD 47 billion globally over the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend. Pre-Christmas sales in Australia are expected to grow by 2.7% from last year. With increased activity meaning the potential for more fraud, one important way retailers can make the most…
Climate, energy, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, hyme, hyme energy, Thermal
After raising $26M, Hyme Energy signs global deal to scale thermal storage
With lithium battery storage too weak for many industries, companies are desperately looking elsewhere for energy storage. Molten-salt batteries offer high energy and power density, and can work for long periods. Now, Denmark’s Hyme Energy — which has raised $26 million to date — has signed a deal which could see its technology scale to…
AI, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Quantum, Software
BlueQubit raises $10M to take Quantum software into real-world applications
Integrating quantum computing into real-world computer applications is an ongoing problem, as the platforms are architected fundamentally differently. BlueQubit, a San Francisco-based quantum software startup founded by Stanford alumni, thinks it might have the answer. Its Quantum Software as a Service (QSaaS) platform attempts to tackle the above problem by providing end-users with access to…
2024 venture trends, Global IT News, Global Security News, India, Startups, venture funding
Indian startups raised 32% fewer rounds in 2024 as VCs got selective
Indian startups raised 32% fewer funding rounds in 2024 compared to last year, per new numbers from data intelligence platform Tracxn, signaling that investors are being more selective when striking deals. The number of startup funding rounds fell to 1,448 compared to 2,114 last year, but overall funding rose 6% to $11.3 billion — the…
Fintech, funding societies, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Southeast Asia
‘We want to pay it forward’: Funding Societies raises $25M to boost capital for SMEs in Southeast Asia
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for nearly 50% of Southeast Asia’s GDP, contributing to job creation, innovation, and overall economic expansion. Nevertheless, as in other parts of the world, SMEs in Southeast Asia face challenges when it comes to sufficient working capital. In a nutshell, SMEs are typically deemed too risky for traditional banks…
AI, AI training, Exclusive, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News
Exclusive: Google’s Gemini is forcing contractors to rate AI responses outside their expertise
Internal guidelines passed down from Google led to concerns that the AI model could be prone to inaccurate outputs on topics like healthcare. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
5k Technical Services, Channel Insider, Corey Kirkendoll, Cybersecurity, Global IT News, Global Security News, IT, IT Channel, Managed Services, MSP, MSP Unplugged, Paco Lebron, Partner POV, Partners, Podcast, ProdigyTeks, Renactus Technology, Rick Smith, Video
Video: How To Run Your IT Business With MSP Unplugged
In Part 1 of this two part episode of Channel Insider: Partner POV, host Katie Bavoso is joined by two of the three hosts of what some say is the longest running MSP podcast, MSP Unplugged. Paco Lebron and Corey Kirkendoll are both CEOs of their managed services businesses. Lebron runs ProdigyTeks out of Chicago,…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Humanforce acquires LiveHire to ‘realise total talent management’ for frontline and flexible workforces
COMPANY NEWS: Australian-born global provider of human capital management (HCM) solutions, Humanforce today announced the acquisition of LiveHire, a best-of-breed Applicant Tracking System (ATS), Recruit CRM, and AI-powered talent pooling platform. The acquisition is Humanforce’s fourth in a two-year period.
Canoo, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Layoffs, layoffs and furloughs, Transportation
Canoo furloughs workers and idles factory as it scrapes for cash
Struggling EV startup Canoo says it has furloughed 82 employees and is idling its factory in Oklahoma while it grasps for the capital needed to survive. The company claims it is in “advanced discussions with various capital sources” to raise emergency funding. The announcement comes just a few days after board member James Chen resigned,…
Global IT News, Global Security News
IT sector records ‘positive’ result amidst fallng executive job market trend
Executive job demand in Australia loses its recent gains as the economy crashes. Government demand backs off, exposing the weakness in the business sector Business has lost confidence as investment hits recession levels,
AI, alignment, Anthropic, deception, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Research, study
New Anthropic study shows AI really doesn’t want to be forced to change its views
AI models can deceive, new research from Anthropic shows — pretending to have different views during training when in reality maintaining their original preferences. There’s no reason for panic now, the team behind the study said. Yet they said their work could be critical in understanding potential threats from future, more capable AI systems. “Our…
AI startups, Anthropic, Global IT News, Global Security News, menlo ventures, Venture
Menlo Ventures and Anthropic have picked the first 18 startups for their $100M fund
Just five months after launching a $100 million fund, Menlo Ventures and Anthropic have backed their first 18 startups. And are looking for more. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
accessibility, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Media & Entertainment
Amazon Fire TV introduces ‘Dual Audio’ feature for simultaneous listening via hearing aids and TV speakers
Amazon announced on Wednesday new accessibility features for Fire TV, including a notable “Dual Audio” capability for the newly launched Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series, which was unveiled in November. The new feature allows one user to listen through a hearing aid while others in the same room can enjoy audio through the TV’s built-in…
electric vehicles, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Rivian, Transportation
Rivian EVs finally get YouTube, Google Cast, and SiriusXM
Rivian has released a new software update to its vehicles that brings some long-awaited apps to its in-vehicle experience. Owners who update their R1S SUV or R1T pickup truck can now use YouTube (while parked) or SiriusXM (with a subscription). The company is also adding Google Cast functionality. That also can only be used while…
california, california air resources board, clean air act, Climate, epa, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, zero emissions
California can ban new gas cars starting in 2035, EPA says
California’s phase out would begin in 2026, when the state will require 35% of automakers’ sales to be zero emissions vehicles. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Bluesky, Data Privacy, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, social media startups, Venture
With 25M users, Bluesky gets a $1M fund to take on social media and AI
The fund will offer grants to those building on BlueSky’s open source AT Protocol. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Cybersecurity, data breach, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, location tracking, Security
Tracker firm Hapn spilling names of thousands of GPS tracking customers
A security researcher found customer names and workplace affiliations spilling directly from Hapn’s servers. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, photos, Social, social media, Threads
Instagram Threads adds ‘Use Media’ feature for resharing photos and videos
Threads is introducing a new way to reshare photos and videos on its social network. Instead of quote posting the original post and then adding commentary, Threads users will instead be able to click a new option, “Use Media,” allowing them to just reshare the photo or video directly to a new post where they…
AI, Enterprise, Enterprise Search, Glean, Global IT News, Global Security News, Perplexity
Perplexity acquires Carbon to connect AI search to your work files
Perplexity acquired a small Seattle-based startup called Carbon which specializes in connecting AI systems to external data sources, the companies announced on Wednesday. CEO Aravind Srinivasan says this will allow Perplexity to search through your files and work messages in Notion, Google Docs, Slack, and other enterprise applications sometime in early 2025. Carbon specializes in…
Apps, DoorDash, drone delivery, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, wing
Wing and DoorDash launch drone deliveries in Dallas-Fort Worth
Alphabet’s Wing announced on Wednesday that it’s expanding its partnership with DoorDash to bring drone delivery to customers in the the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Customers in the area will now be able to order food from 50 merchants located in Stonebriar Centre in Frisco and Hulen Mall in Fort Worth. Wing says its drones can…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, chips, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, Meta, Microsoft, nvidia
Microsoft bought nearly 500,000 Nvidia Hopper chips this year
Microsoft bought more than twice as many Nvidia Hopper chips this year than any of its biggest rivals. The tech giant bought 485,000 Nvidia Hopper chips across 2024 according to reporting from the Financial Times, which cited data from tech consultancy Omdia. To compare, Meta bought 224,000 of the same, flagship Nvidia chip this year.…
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News
OpenAI brings ChatGPT to your landline
ChatGPT is coming to phones. No, not smartphones — landlines. Call 1-800-242-8478 (1-800-CHATGPT), and OpenAI’s AI-powered assistant will respond as of Wednesday afternoon. “[Our mission at] OpenAI is to make artificial general intelligence beneficial to all of humanity, and part of that is making it as accessible as possible to as many people as we…
AI, ChatGPT, Global IT News, Global Security News, newsletter, openai, TC, this week in AI, this week in ai newsletter
Who wants ‘Her’-like AI that gets stuff wrong?
Hiya, folks, welcome to TechCrunch’s regular AI newsletter. If you want this in your inbox every Wednesday, smash the link and sign up here. Last week, OpenAI launched Advanced Voice Mode with Vision, which feeds real-time video to ChatGPT, allowing the chatbot to “see” beyond the confines of its app layer. The premise is that…
AI, Copilot, Enterprise, free, GitHub, GitHub Copilot, Global IT News, Global Security News, TC
GitHub launches a free version of its Copilot
Microsoft-owned GitHub today announced a free version of its popular Copilot code completion/AI pair programming tool, which will also now ship by default with Microsoft’s popular VS Code editor. Until now, most developers had to pay a monthly fee, starting at $10 per month, with only verified students, teachers, and open source maintainers getting free…
AI, animation, Creative, Explorer, film, Funding, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, odyssey, Pixar, TC, tool, world models
AI startup Oddysee’s new tool can generate photorealistic 3D worlds
Odyssey, a startup founded by self-driving pioneers Oliver Cameron and Jeff Hawke, is developing an AI-powered tool that can transform text or an image into a 3D rendering. The tool, dubbed Explorer, is similar in some ways to the so-called world models recently demoed by DeepMind, World Labs, and Israeli upstart Decart. Given a caption like “A…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Space, SpaceX, Starship
SpaceX gets green light for seventh Starship mission
Regulators have given SpaceX the go-ahead to launch Starship for the seventh time, although the company has not yet announced when that mission may take place. While the exact launch date is unclear, SpaceX engineers have been as busy as ever at the company’s massive launch site near Boca Chica, Texas. In recent days, the…
AI, Exclusive, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Gusto, Hauler Hero, SaaS, servicetitan, Startups, TC, waste management
Hauler Hero wants to bring waste management software into the 21st century
After nearly four years of working in sales at tradesperson software company ServiceTitan, Mark Hoadley (pictured above) was looking for a change and to potentially start something of his own in a similar industry. Hoadley’s brother-in-law, and now co-founder, Ben Sikma, was working on M&A in the waste management space at the time. Sikma discovered…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, supreme court, TikTok, TikTok Ban
Supreme Court to hear arguments over TikTok sell-or-ban law
The Supreme Court said on Wednesday that it will hear ByteDance and TikTok’s challenge to a law would ban the social network in the U.S. unless the social network divests from Chinese ownership by January 19. On January 10, the Supreme Court justices will hear argue about whether the sell-or-ban law violates the First Amendment.…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Japan telcos agree to share resources for disaster response
Japan’s largest telecommunications companies – NTT, KDDI, SoftBank and Rakuten – have launched a new cooperative framework which started on 1 December aimed at ensuring the rapid restoration of communication networks after large-scale disasters.
Change Healthcare, cyberattack, Cybersecurity, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Healthcare, Ransomware, Security
How the ransomware attack at Change Healthcare went down: A timeline
A hack on UnitedHealth-owned tech giant Change Healthcare likely stands as one of the biggest data breaches of U.S. medical data in history. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
activitypub, Apps, at proto, Bluesky, fediverse, flipboard, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mastodon, open social web, Social, social media, surf, TC
Flipboard lauches Surf, a new app for browing the open social web
Social magazine app maker Flipboard is reinventing itself for the new era of the open social web. While the company’s original app allowed users to collect content from blogs, news websites, and traditional social media services like Facebook and Twitter in order to create curated magazines, its new app called Surf, launching into invite-only beta…
Change Healthcare, Cybersecurity, data breach, Global IT News, Global Security News, Ransomware, Security, UnitedHealth
Nebraska sues Change Healthcare over security failings that led to medical data breach of over 100 million Americans
New details emerged about the Change Healthcare ransomware attack in Nebraska’s complaint. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Stellantis, Transportation
Ram delays electric truck launch to 2026, bets on extended range Ramcharger
Stellantis is tapping the brakes on the all-electric Ram 1500 REV truck and will push its launch into 2026, the company said Wednesday, citing slowing industry demand for half-ton battery electric pickups. The automaker had originally planned to begin selling the electric truck to customers in the first half of 2025. The automaker will instead…