A fledgling French AI startup has raised $41 million to develop a foundational AI model for biology. Just as OpenAI’s ChatGPT has taken the world by storm for a super-smart generative AI tool capable of natural language conversation in text form, Bioptimus is taking that concept but training its model specifically for downstream biological applications…
Category: Global IT News
Barcelona, Cybersecurity, Defense Prime, Epsilon, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hackers, Head and Tail, Palm Beach Networks, Security, Spyware, Startups, variston, zero days
How Barcelona became an unlikely hub for spyware startups
Barcelona’s mix of affordable cost of living and quality of life has helped create a vibrant startup community — and become a hotbed for the creation of surveillance technologies. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Global IT News, Global Security News
How to scale AI in Australia’s financial services industry
The Australian financial services (FSI) industry has been at the forefront of innovation, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). While several industries have also been on this journey, FSIs have shown the strongest appetite for AI-led solutions. This is further fuelled by the industry’s highly proactive regulatory environment and dynamic financial market.
Apps, evergreens, fanbase, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Instagram Reels, lemon8, rednote, Snapchat, Social, TikTok, TikTok Ban, YouTube Shorts, zigazoo
As TikTok faces a US shutdown, here are some alternative apps to check out
TikTok has warned of a looming shutdown in just six days, as the Supreme Court is currently weighing the law that would ban the app. So we thought it’s time to take a look at other platforms that may be able to fill the TikTok-shaped hole in our lives. The law gives TikTok parent company…
Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Robinhood, SEC, TC
Robinhood agrees to pay $45M in SEC settlement
Robinhood has agreed to fork out $45 million to settle an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission over several alleged violations, reported the Wall Street Journal on Monday. The settlement is being made via two of Robinhood’s brokerage units. One of the violations relates to Robinhood’s November 2021 confirmation that it was hacked “with…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy
The CIA’s first CTO, Nand Mulchandani, prepares for the Trump administration
In April 2022, the CIA decided to swipe right on Nand Mulchandani, appointing him as its first-ever Chief Technology Officer. It was a good look for the CIA. Mulchandani, who previously served as the CTO and acting director of the Defense Department’s Joint Artificial Intelligence Center, is something of a rare breed in Washington. Before…
Global IT News, Global Security News
SK Telecom launches new on-demand AI cloud service SKT GPUaaS
South Korean telecoms provider SK Telecom (SKT) has launched an on-demand AI cloud service called SKT GPUaaS at its AI Data Center (AIDC) in Seoul.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Govt and NBN Co to upgrade remaining network to full fibre for A$3.8B
Australian government owned fibre network wholesaler NBN Co will upgrade the remaining FTTN (fibre to the node) network across Australia, using A$800 million of its own funds plus a commitment of up to A$3 billion from the government.
Celebs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Meghan Markle, Meta, Social
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are slamming Meta over its fact-checking policy
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have joined the ranks of those displeased with Meta’s changes to fact-checking and have released a statement saying that the changes “directly underminds free speech.” “Meta’s changes to its ‘Hateful Content Policies’ do not protect free expression but instead foster an environment where abuse and hate speech silence and threaten…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Venture
Top New York VC Ben Lerer says more mid-sized VC firms are heading for failure
Ben Lerer, managing partner of one of New York’s most prestigious seed-stage venture firms, Lerer Hippeau, shared some predictions with Fortune’s Leo Schwartz. He believes venture firms will continue to see a bifurcation as money pours mostly into top funds like Thrive and a16z, as well as into smaller more bespoke funds. “Where you go…
AI, AI chips, Blaize, Global IT News, Global Security News, IPO 2025, Startups
The first AI chip startup to go public in 2025 will be Blaize
Blaize, an AI chip manufacturer founded by former Intel engineers, is set to IPO on the NASDAQ on January 14. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, AT Protocol, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Twitter
A new campaign aims to safeguard social media from billionaires using Bluesky’s underlying tech
As Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg continue to reshape the social media space, a group of international tech entrepreneurs and advocates has launched a campaign to protect social media from the control and influence of billionaires. The initiative, Free Our Feeds, aims to protect Bluesky’s underlying technology, the AT Protocol, and leverage it to create…
Apps, AT Protocol, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Twitter
‘Free Our Feeds’ campaign aims to billionaire-proof Bluesky’s tech
As Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg continue to reshape the social media space, a group of international tech entrepreneurs and advocates has launched a campaign to protect social media from the control and influence of billionaires. The initiative, Free Our Feeds, aims to protect Bluesky’s underlying technology, the AT Protocol, and leverage it to create…
a16z, AI, design, Exclusive, Fashion, Global IT News, Global Security News, greycroft, Startups
Raspberry AI raises $24M from a16z to accelerate fashion design
The world of fashion is moving at a faster pace each year. Most retailers introduce new styles each season, and fast-fashion companies like Shein, H&M and Zara update their collections continuously. To keep pace with the rapid demand for new styles, brands and manufacturers have been turning to tech to accelerate their design process. Raspberry…
accounting, AI, Fundraising, gen z, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Venture
A 24-year-old who exited his first company to Coinbase, raises $3M for his next venture
At 24 years old, Pryce Yebesi already has one exit: selling his crypto invoicing company Utopia Labs to Coinbase for an undisclosed amount. Some founders don’t just have one company in them. On Monday, Yebesi announced the launch of his new company, OpenLedger, which embeds automated accounting software into products enterprises and small businesses already…
acquisition, clearwater, clearwater analytics, enfusion, Enterprise, finance, Fintech, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, investment management, portfolio management
Clearwater agrees to buy investment management platform Enfusion for $1.5B
Clearwater Analytics, a company developing accounting, compliance, and risk reporting tools for asset managers, said on Monday it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire investment management platform Enfusion for $1.5 billion. Clearwater, which says it has obtained an $800 million loan to fund the transaction, along with a $200 million revolving line of…
AI, chips, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, nvidia
Biden administration proposes sweeping new restrictions on exporting AI chips
With a week left in office, President Joe Biden introduced a new set of guidelines and restrictions for exporting U.S.-made AI chips. On Monday the administration announced its Interim Final Rule on AI diffusion. This ruling is meant to “provide clarity to allied and partner nations about how they can benefit from AI” and streamline…
electric trucks, electric vehicles, EVs, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Biden admin snubs Tesla’s $100 million big-rig charging funding request — again
The Department of Transportation announced Friday another $636 million in funding that will be awarded to 49 applicants for electric vehicle charging infrastructure — and Tesla’s application for nearly $100 million to fund a big rig charging corridor was once again passed over. Tesla’s name was not among the list of recipients released, and its partner…
Global IT News, Global Security News
New scams prevention framework puts the onus on enterprises to protect their customers
GUEST OPINION: Australia recently became one of the first countries in the world to mandate that large enterprises make a sustained effort to prevent scams in the digital realm and take steps to protect consumers from such crimes.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, short form video, social media, TikTok Ban
Xiaohongshu, China’s answer to Instagram, hits no. 1 on the App Store as TikTok faces US shutdown
On the heels of TikTok’s looming shut down on January 19 over its ownership in the U.S. (unless the Supreme Court intervenes), it looks like another Chinese app is catching some attention. American users are flocking Chinese short-form video app Xiaohongshu (known as RedNote in English). The app today surged to the number-one spot for…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Logicalis Australia achieves Elite MSP Partner status with Commvault MSP Partner Program
COMPANY NEWS: Logicalis Australia, a leading provider of global IT solutions and managed services, has announced that it has attained Elite MSP Partner status within the Commvault Managed Service Provider (MSP) Partner Program.
Blue Origin, Global IT News, Global Security News, jeff bezos, new glenn, Space
Blue Origin delays launch of New Glenn mega-rocket
Jeff Bezos’ space company Blue Origin postponed the inaugural launch of its first orbital rocket, New Glenn, early Monday morning after experiencing an unspecified issue with one of the vehicle’s subsystems. While delays like this happen all the time in spaceflight, this one once again puts the timing of the much-anticipated launch in question. According…
acquisition, AI, cape analytics, Fintech, Fundraising, geospatial, Global IT News, Global Security News, insurance, Moody’s, Startups
Moody’s agrees to acquire Cape Analytics, which develops geospatial AI for insurance providers
Financial services firm Moody’s announced on Monday that it has agreed to acquire Cape Analytics, a geospatial AI startup, for an undisclosed sum. The deal, which is expected to close in Q1, subject to customary closing conditions, will give Moody’s access to Cape’s geospatial AI analytics technology for insurance underwriting. With the tech, Moody’s plans…
Caramel, Commerce, eBay, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, Transportation
eBay acquires Caramel to reduce risk and complexity of online car sales
E-commerce giant eBay has announced plans to acquire Caramel, a startup that helps car sellers and buyers complete the final steps of the transaction — including verification, financing, paperwork, ownership transfer, insurance, and more. Founded out of Los Angeles in 2021, Caramel formally launched last year with some $19 million in funding behind it, from…
Global IT News, Global Security News
T-Mobile to acquire Vistar Media
US mobile network operator T‑Mobile has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Vistar Media, a provider of technology solutions for digital-out-of-home (DOOH) advertisements.
Global IT News, Global Security News
FirstWave extends and expands Telmex agreement
Australian-listed global network management and cybersecurity software group FirstWave Cloud Technology has announced that it has secured an extension and uplift to its technology support agreement with Latin America’s leading telecommunications group, Telmex.
Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Patrick spence, Sonos, tom conrad
Sonos CEO Patrick Spence is leaving following app update disaster
Some changes at Sonos. Patrick Spence, the company’s chief executive officer (pictured above), is leaving the company after eight years in the job. Tom Conrad, the co-founder of Pandora and a Sonos board member, is stepping in as interim CEO starting today. 2024 has been a complicated year for the speaker manufacturer. The company released…
business, channel, Global IT News, Global Security News, News and Trends, services, US Channel News
Cohesity Expands Cyber Events Response Service with Key Partners
AI-powered data security company Cohesity is expanding its Cyber Events Response Team (CERT) service which will include partnerships with leading incident response (IR) vendors such as Palo Alto Networks Unit 42, Arctic Wolf, Sophos, Fenix24, and Semperis Speed. CERT aims to augment existing processes and capabilities Cohesity’s CERT team, formed in 2021, has specialized IR…
Canada, corporate cards, expense management, Fintech, float financial, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Goldman Sachs, Startups
Float Financial, which aims to be the Brex of Canada, lands US$48.5M Series B
Float Financial, an expense management and corporate card startup focused on the Canadian market, has raised $48.5 million in a Series B funding round. The Toronto-based fintech likens itself to U.S.-based fintech giants Brex and Ramp but says it is different in that its sole focus is on Canadian SMBs, which CEO and co-founder Rob…
cyberattack, Cybersecurity, data broker, Data Privacy, Global IT News, Global Security News, mobile location data, privacy, Security, us government
A breach of a data broker’s trove of location data threatens the privacy of millions
The company confirmed the breach after a hacker posted millions of location data records online. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Cybersecurity, Global IT News, Global Security News, hacking, ivanti, nominet, Security, zero day
UK domain giant Nominet confirms cybersecurity incident linked to Ivanti VPN hacks
Nominet, the U.K. domain registry that maintains .co.uk domains, has experienced a cybersecurity incident that it confirmed is linked to the recent exploitation of a new Ivanti VPN vulnerability. In an email to customers, seen by TechCrunch, Nominet warned of an “ongoing security incident” under investigation. Nominet said hackers accessed its systems via “third-party VPN…
AI, ai scribe, Biotech & Health, clinical research, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Healthcare, machine learning, qventus
More money comes to AI healthcare: Qventus nabs $105M at a $400M+ valuation
Healthcare is proving to be one of the more lucrative industries when it comes to building AI solutions to speed up how work is carried out across clinical, research and administrative operations. Today comes one of the latest examples of how that is playing out in terms of venture funding. Qventus, a startup that builds…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Snowflake Launches One Million Minds + One Platform Program, Investing $20 Million Toward AI Upskilling
Global program aims to train and certify one million students and business professionals in high-growth and emerging markets by 2029 on Snowflake AI Data Cloud, arming them with the knowledge and resources to pursue and expand careers in the tech industry
Global IT News, Global Security News
Why Software Developers Need a Security ‘Rewards Program’
GUEST OPINION: Frequent flyer and other points-based programs reward people who remain loyal to particular brands or organisations.
AI, AI policy, ai safety, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, matt clifford, starmer
UK throws its hat into the AI fire
In 2023, the U.K. made a big song and dance about the need to consider the harms of AI, giving itself a leading role in the wider conversation around AI safety. Now, it’s whistling a very different tune: today, the government announced a sweeping plan and a big bet on AI investments to develop what…
Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, groww, India, IPO, TC
Groww, India’s biggest trading app, prepares for IPO
Groww, India’s largest retail stockbroker, is positioning itself to file for an IPO in 10-12 months and is seeking a valuation between $6 billion to $8 billion, sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch, in what would be a landmark listing for the country’s fintech sector. The Bengaluru-headquartered’s listing would be the first IPO by…
Global IT News, Global Security News
What’s topping CX Leaders’ 2025 New Year’s Resolutions?
COMPANY NEWS by Verint: As the new year begins, CX leaders are setting resolutions to ensure their organisations thrive in 2025.And at a time when customer expectations are both high and uncompromising, some previously nice-to-haves are now business imperatives, most notably technologies that offer agility, intelligence, and the ability to deliver standout customer experiences.
Global IT News, Global Security News
What’s topping CX Leaders’ 2025 New Year’s Resolutions?
By Martyn Riddle, VP Marketing, Asia Pacific at Verint: As the new year begins, CX leaders are setting resolutions to ensure their organisations thrive in 2025. And at a time when customer expectations are both high and uncompromising, some previously nice-to-haves are now business imperatives, most notably technologies that offer agility, intelligence, and the ability…
Biotech & Health, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Health, Healthcare
UK in-home healthcare provider Cera raises $150M to expand its AI platform
Around the world, public healthcare systems have struggled to reset post-pandemic, and in particular, the increasingly aged populations in Western countries are putting pressure on services, not least in the UK where ‘NHS in crisis’ is a regular headline in the media. As a result, private companies, many powered with technology, see a gap in…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC, watch duty
Watch Duty was downloaded 2 million times during this week’s LA fires
Fire-tracking app Watch Duty has become a crucial source of information for Los Angeles residents threatened by the ongoing wildfires. As TechCrunch’s Maxwell Zeff explained, the app relies on a network of active and retired firefighters, first responders, official government reports, and volunteer reporters who monitor radio scanners to offer real-time updates on active wildfires.…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Live Awareness AI leader, SenSen, appoints Leah Quintana to ‘drive channel push’
Global smart cities specialist sees significant potential in partnerships and joint go-to-market alliances COMPANY NEWS: SenSen is pleased to announce the appointment of Leah Quintana as its new Head of Strategic Alliances and Channel Partnerships. With a proven track record of success at leading organizations, Leah brings extensive experience in driving strategic initiatives across industries.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Nexfibre wholesale network passes 2 million premises in UK
UK fibre network operator Nexfibre has announced that its network has reached a total of two million premises passed and ready for service, and the operator claims it has done so in record time.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Sony Honda Mobility and Qualcomm partner to deliver GenAI for vehicles
Japanese technology JV Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) and smartphone chipmaker Qualcomm have expanded their technology collaboration to integrate the latest generation of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions into SMH’s future AFEELA brand vehicles.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials have had their social media passwords hacked
State of Global Authentic(age)ion: A look at cybersecurity habits by generationsNo generations were left untouched when it came to the threat of hackers in 2024: from the impact of political shakeups, to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks targeting consumers, critical industries and infrastructures, the world was on high alert. Fueled by a dramatic increase in phishing…
entrepreneurs, Found, founder advice, founders, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC, VCs
Here are the five best pieces of founder advice I learned as a host of Found
After more than two years — and nearly 100 episodes — as a host of TechCrunch’s recently ended Found podcast, I have learned a lot about how founders approach building their startups. I’ve heard stories about how founders know when it is the right time to expand from their core product, to how startups approach…
Apple, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone
Apple may add an iPhone Air to its lineup
Apple’s next major iPhone upgrade will include a new model called the iPhone 17 Air, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This seems like an obvious way to expand the lineup, given Apple’s success with the Air moniker for thinner MacBooks and iPads (I’m currently typing these words on my MacBook Air), and could be more…
Apple Intelligence, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, iOS, mac
How to turn off Apple Intelligence-powered notification summaries
With iOS 18, Apple rolled out Apple Intelligence, which includes an AI-powered feature for summarizing notifications. When you get a bunch of notifications from one app, the feature summarizes the content of all notifications in one card that appears on the lock screen. You can dismiss the stack after you have read the summary, or…
apache 2.0, Apps, Enterprise, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, MIT, open source, open source licensing
Open source licenses: Everything you need to know
Open source makes the technology world go ’round, forming as much as 90% of the modern software stack via frameworks; libraries; databases; operating systems; and countless standalone applications. The benefits of open source software are well understood, promising greater control and transparency. However, there’s a perennial struggle between the open source and proprietary realms, leading…
Global IT News, Global Security News
How to Safely Dispose of Business Computers and Other Electronics?
Old business computers and electronics shouldn’t end up in the trash—they deserve a responsible send-off. Whether you’re recycling, donating, or selling them to an old computer buyer, taking the right steps can protect your data and the environment. Here are five tips to handle e-waste the right way.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Raiz Invest launches Raiz Jars for ‘smarter savings and investments
Australian investment platform Raiz Invest has launched Raiz Jars, an “innovative new feature” designed to help users manage their savings and investments with even greater flexibility and ease.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Motorola Solutions to acquire Theatro, maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline worker
Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Theatro Labs, maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Can You Get a Prescription for Over-the-Counter Medications Online in Australia?
Australia is one of the countries that are providing its people with the best healthcare services. The trend of online healthcare services is also increasing there with time. This way, getting a prescription from the comfort of your home is more convenient. You can consult with your doctor through video or audio calls and even…
Global IT News, Global Security News
Motorola Solutions to Acquire Theatro, Maker of AI and Voice-powered Communication and Digital Workflow Software for Frontline Workers
Motorola Solutions (NYSE: MSI) has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Theatro Labs, Inc. (“Theatro”), maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers, based in Richardson, Texas.
Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Apple board opposes proposal to abolish DEI programs
Apple’s board of directors has come out in opposition to a proposal seeking to end the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. In a proxy filing, the company said the National Center for Public Policy Research (a conservative think tank) is submitting a proposal for Apple to “consider abolishing its Inclusion & Diversity program,…
Global IT News, Global Security News
KT partners with Korean defence vendor to develop LEO satellites
South Korean telecoms provider KT has announced a partnership with local aerospace and defence firm LIG Nex1 to develop propriety technologies for homegrown low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
Global IT News, Global Security News
Nokia wins deal with Openreach to build open-access fibre network
Telecoms equipment vendor Nokia has won a deal with BT-owned network provider Openreach to build, an open-access fibre network called One Network to service millions of homes and businesses throughout the UK.
AI, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, open source, reasoning, Research, sky-t1
Researchers open source Sky-T1, a ‘reasoning’ AI model that can be trained for less than $450
So-called reasoning AI models are becoming easier — and cheaper — to develop. On Friday, NovaSky, a team of researchers based out of UC Berkeley’s Sky Computing Lab, released Sky-T1-32B-Preview, a reasoning model that’s competitive with an earlier version of OpenAI’s o1 on a number of key benchmarks. Sky-T1 appears to be the first truly…
Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
What’s behind ballooning video game budgets?
Why does it cost some companies hundreds of millions of dollars to develop a popular video game? A couple weeks ago, The New York Times blamed the never-ending quest to deliver more photo-realistic graphics— and it suggested the industry is beginning to see diminishing returns, leading to layoffs and studio closures. However, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier…
CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, nvidia, Samsung, Social, TechCrunch Week in Review
Everything you missed at CES 2025
Welcome back to Week in Review. I missed you! This week, we’re diving into all the gadgets and announcements out of this year’s CES, Meta’s decision to roll back its fact-checking program, TikTok’s response to employees affected by the California wildfires, and more! Let’s do this. CES 2025 came and went this week. The event…
Arc, CES, ces 2025, electric boats, EVs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation
I got soaked driving the Arc Sport electric boat
I did not go to CES 2025 with the goal of getting drenched by Lake Mead’s chilly January waters. But when I discovered Los Angeles-based boat startup Arc had brought its new sport boat to Las Vegas, I figured it was worth the risk. It was. The Arc Sport was a joy to drive, even…
Apps, Automattic, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, matt mullenweg, Media & Entertainment, wordpress
Matt Mullenweg deactivates WordPress accounts of contributors planning a fork
Automattic CEO and WordPress co-creator Matt Mullenweg has deactivated the accounts of several WordPress.org community members, some of whom have been spearheading a push to create a new fork of the open source WordPress project. While community criticism of WordPress’s governance isn’t new, the latest brouhaha kicked off back in September when Mullenweg publicly chastised WP…
AI, corporate venture arms, evergreens, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, nvidia, Startups
Nvidia’s AI empire: A look at its top startup investments
Over the last two years, Nvidia has used its ballooning fortunes to invest in over 80 AI startups. Here are the giant semiconductor’s largest investments. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Commerce, gifting, Global IT News, Global Security News
Snappy aquires swag-gifting startup Covver as it seks to roll-up players
It’s now broadly accepted that customers and employees who receive corporate gifts end up appreciating the brand much more, and for not a lot of outlay. The market for this has thus exploded. One market player, the New York-based Snappy, which has raised over $125 million to date, is now acquiring Covver, a corporate merchandise…
AI, Azure OpenAI Service, dall-e, Global IT News, Global Security News, lawsuit, Microsoft, Security
Microsoft accuses group of developing tool to abuse its AI service in new lawsuit
Microsoft has taken legal action against a group the company claims intentionally developed and used tools to bypass the safety guardrails of its cloud AI products. According to a complaint filed by the company in December in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, a group of unnamed 10 defendants allegedly used…
content moderation, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Instagram, Meta, Social, TC, Threads, Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg defends Meta’s latest pivot in three-hour Joe Rogan interview
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended his decision to scale back Meta’s content moderation policies in a Friday appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast. Zuckerberg faced widespread criticism for the decision, including from employees inside his own company. “Probably depends on who you ask,” said Zuckerberg when asked how Meta’s updates have been received. The key updates…
accessibility, Biotech & Health, blind, CES, glidance, Glide, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, visually impaired
These startups are making smarter canes for people with visual impairments
The white cane for the 21st century. While many tech companies have increasingly worked to make technology more accessible for the blind and visually impaired, canes haven’t benefitted much from these advances. London-born WeWalk takes a more traditional approach to the white cane. Beyond the bulkier handle, not much sets the company’s product apart visually…
drones, Global IT News, Global Security News, la, Security, Transportation, wildfires
A drone punched a hole into an LA firefighting plane
A drone collided with a ‘Super Scooper’ firefighting plane. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
bench, Employer.com, Exclusive, Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups
Bench customers are now being forced to hand over their data or risk losing it, they say
After accounting startup Bench abruptly shut down on December 27 and was bought in a fire-sale by Employer.com, Bench customers are now learning they can’t easily just take their financial data and leave. And some are very unhappy about it, three customers told TechCrunch. To recap: When Bench, a startup based in Canada that raised…
Amazon, DEI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, jeff bezos
Amazon curbs some DEI programs
Amazon is now the latest company to curb some of its DEI programs, Bloomberg reports, after Meta announced that it, too, is ending its diversity efforts earlier on Friday. An internal memo that was sent to staffers said that the company was looking to wind down outdated programs and materials as part of a review…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, social media, social networking, supreme court, TC, TikTok, TikTok Ban, TikTok Hearing, Trump
TikTok ban: How both sides made their case to the Supreme Court and what the justices asked
On Friday, the nation’s highest court heard arguments on whether to uphold or block a law that could effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. The bill, signed into law by President Biden in April 2024, gives TikTok’s parent company ByteDance until January 19 to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban in the country.…
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, job listings, openai, robotic system, robotics
New OpenAI job listings reveal its robotics plans
OpenAI disbanded its robotics department. Then, it brought it back. Now, through a social media post from its hardware director and newly published job descriptions, OpenAI is revealing more about its plans for the revived team. In a post on X on Friday, Caitlin Kalinowski, who joined OpenAI to lead hardware last November from Meta’s…
AI, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, GPTBot, openai, website crawler
How OpenAI’s bot crushed this seven-person company’s web site ‘like a DDoS attack’
OpenAI was sending “tens of thousands” of server requests trying to download Triplegangers’ entire site which hosts hundreds of thousands of photos. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Global IT News, Global Security News
5 Proven strategies to increase eCommerce revenue with heating supplies
GUEST OPINION: The digital market for heating supplies has changed a lot in recent years. Entrepreneurs and online stores are finding ways to increase their sales. They use strategies made just for the heating products industry.
AI, AI startups, Artificial Intelligence, Enterprise, enterprise startups, Global IT News, Global Security News, VC, Venture, venture capital
VCs say AI companies need proprietary data to stand out from the pack
AI companies across the globe raised more than $100 billion in venture capital dollars in 2024, according to Crunchbase data, an increase of more than 80% compared to 2023. It encompasses nearly a third of the total VC dollars invested in 2024. That’s a lot of money funneling into a lot of AI companies. The…
CES, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, lenovo
Lenovo’s latest form factors prove PCs can still be fun
Large corporations aren’t known for taking risks. This is as true in the world of consumer hardware as anywhere. Annual updates are largely incremental, with small changes to things like screen resolution or image quality. It’s a phenomenon that Lenovo is more than happy to buck when it showcases the latest updates to its PC…
Apps, Facebook, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social, Threads
How to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads
In the wake of Meta’s decision to remove its third-party fact-checking system and loosen content moderation policies, Google searches on how to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads have been on the rise. People who are angry with the decision accuse Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of cozying up to the incoming Trump administration at the expense…
Amazon, CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotaxi, Transportation, zoox
Riding in a Zoox robotaxi at CES 2025: Everything that went right and wrong
A construction zone. A car crash. A double parked truck. A motorcycle cop with its red-white-and blues deployed. My one-hour trip along the Las Vegas Strip in a custom-built Zoox robotaxi during CES 2025 wasn’t a dull one. A second, shorter ride the following evening, proved less eventful. And in both rides, the Zoox robotaxi…
AI, friendliai, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hugging Face, lawsuit, patent, settlement
Hugging Face settles suit with AI startup FriendliAI, which had accused it of patent infringement
Hugging Face, the AI developer platform, has settled a lawsuit against Korean AI startup FriendliAI, which had accused Hugging Face of infringing on one of its patents. Per a filing on Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Delaware, FriendliAI reached a “confidential agreement” with Hugging Face on January 8, and…
DEI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social
Meta eliminates DEI programs
Axios reports that Meta is eliminating its biggest DEI efforts, effective immediately, including ones that focused on hiring a diverse workforce, training, and sourcing supplies from diverse-owned companies. Its DEI department will also be eliminated. In a memo leaked to the outlet, Meta said it was making these changes because the “legal and policy landscape…
CES, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, newsletter, Startups, Startups Weekly, venture capital
January almost had its first pentacorn, and other startup news
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. The second week of the year is usually a busy one for startup news, and 2025 is no exception. From CES product launches to M&As and funding…
Enterprise, Funding, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Overhaul, startup, Startups, supply chain, supply chain security
Overhaul raises another $55M to help companies like Dyson and Microsoft fight supply chain theft
Businesses dependent on the physical supply chain — the network of facilities and transportation systems used to move materials from one location to another — chain face a number of challenges, from staff shortages to increasing customer expectations. The pressures aren’t easing up. According to a survey from Prologis, a real estate investment trust, two-thirds…
Atari, CES, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, my arcade
The new Atari handheld knows its market
CES isn’t much of a gaming show. Every year, however, a few notable products slip through the news deluge. Created in collaboration with My Arcade, Gamestation Go fits the bill. The handheld sports a 7-inch display and comes preloaded with north of 200 titles from various Atari generations. Of course, simply being portable game emulator…
Apps, bytedance, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, supreme court, TikTok, TikTok Ban, Trump
TikTok pleads its case against sell-or-ban law before Supreme Court
A lawyer for TikTok argued before the Supreme Court on Friday that a ban on the social network would violate TikTok’s and Americans’ First Amendment rights. The Supreme Court this morning heard arguments on whether to overturn or delay a law that could effectively ban TikTok in the U.S. The bill, officially titled the Protecting…
Crypto, CryptoCurrency, Department of Justice, fbi, Global IT News, Global Security News, money laundering, North Korea, Ransomware, sanctions, Security
US government charges operators of crypto mixing service used by North Korea and ransomware gangs
Three Russian citizens were charged with money laundering for their role in operating Blender.io and Sinbad.io crypto mixing services. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
CFIUS, china, cyberattack, Global IT News, Global Security News, Security, treasury, us government
China hacked US Treasury’s CFIUS, which reviews foreign investments for national security risks
The hackers targeting the Treasury are dubbed Silk Typhoon, and previously mass-hacked thousands of corporate email servers. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
business, channel, Global IT News, Global Security News, services, Tech Companies
Accenture and NVIDIA to Team with KION to Optimize Supply Chains with AI
KION, Accenture, and NVIDIA jointly showcased how clients can define ideal set-ups for new warehouses and continuously enhance existing facilities with Mega, an NVIDIA Omniverse blueprint for large-scale industrial digital twins at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025. Three companies will bring ‘digital twins’ to warehouses The companies are building physical AI-powered digital twins with…
business, channel, Global IT News, Global Security News, News and Trends, services, US Channel News
Coro CEO on SMB Security Needs & Corporate Tech Sprawl
Security vendor Coro focuses on bringing the power of an all-in-one platform solution to small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and the channel partners who serve them. As 2025 kicks off in full force, CEO Guy Moskowitz shared his thoughts on areas of concern and opportunity with Channel Insider. SMBs need the “same thing” as enterprises,…
cannabis, Cybersecurity, data breach, Global IT News, Global Security News, Ransomware, Security
Cannabis company Stiiizy says hackers accessed customers’ ID documents
A ransomware gang took credit for the breach, claiming to have stolen over 400,000 government-issued identity documents from customers. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Apps, Automation, Enterprise, Exclusive, Funding, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, gumloop, startup, Startups, workflow, workflow automation
Gumloop, founded in a bedroom in Vancouver, lets users automate tasks with drag-and-drop modules
Developers Max Brodeur-Urbas and Rahul Behal think that AI has the potential to automate lots of business-relevant tasks, but that many of the AI-powered automation tools on the market today are unreliable and costly. Part of the problem is that users expect too much of AI, Brodeur-Urbas told TechCrunch — for instance, they assume that…
Automattic, Commerce, Global IT News, Global Security News, wordpress, wp engine
Automattic says it will reduce its contribution to WordPress core project to match WP Engine
It’s a new year, but drama in the WordPress community keeps going. Automattic, the company that runs WordPress.com, said that it would reduce its contribution to WordPress core, the open-source project that acts as the backbone of most of Automattic’s products and ensures the longevity of WordPress as a technology and community. Automattic CEO and…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Real estate, renovation
Beams secures $9M Series A to digitize UK home renovation market
Home renovation projects can be unpredictable for both customers and builders. Meanwhile, small contractors barely use modern software and home renovation giants, like IKEA, tend to trundle on with dated legacy software. UK startup Beams thinks it can solve this conundrum and has now raised a $9 million Series A funding round to crack the…
Apps, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social networks, Twitter
X says it is rolling out labels for parody accounts
Elon Musk-owned social network X said today that it is rolling out labels for parody or satire accounts to differentiate them from other accounts. In the past, users, including news presenters, have mistaken posts from parody accounts as authentic statements made by real people or entities. The company’s safety account on the platform said that…
Climate, emergency alert, Global IT News, Global Security News, LA wildfire, privacy, push notifications
Every smartphone in LA accidentally received a wildfire evacuation alert
As wildfires rage for the third consecutive day through parts of Los Angeles, now including the Hollywood Hills, several neighborhoods have been forced to evacuate for safety purposes. But on Thursday afternoon, a wildfire evacuation alert was mistakenly sent to the smartphone of every resident in Los Angeles County, a region with more than 9…
CES, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, paintcam, paintcam eve, security system
This security system shoots paintballs at intruders
Doorbell cameras are standard fare these days. More and more people have invested in connected security systemss, as the technology has become both cheaper and more user friendly. There’s one important thing these system won’t do, however: shoot people and animals with paintballs. That is, however, pretty much the Eve PaintCam’s whole M.O. Carrying the…
electric vehicles, Global IT News, Global Security News, Tesla, Transportation
Tesla launches new-look Model Y in China
Tesla has revealed a new-look Model Y meant for the Chinese and other Asian-Pacific markets, marking the first major update to the SUV since its launch in 2020. The redesign comes as Tesla finished 2024 having delivered fewer vehicles than it did in 2023. It was the first year-over-year drop since the company started selling…
a16z, AI, Biotech & Health, General Catalyst, Global IT News, Global Security News, Kleiner Perkins, nvidia, patients, Startups
Hippocratic AI raises $141M for creating patient-facing AI agents
Hippocratic AI, a startup building AI solutions that can handle non-diagnostic patient-facing tasks, secured a massive $141 million Series B at a valuation of $1.64 billion led by Kleiner Perkins, the company announced Thursday. The funding comes nine months after Hippocratic AI raised a $53 million round from General Catalyst and Andreessen Horowitz and five…
AI, AI avatar, CES, ces 2025, Global IT News, Global Security News, nvidia, TC
Nvidia’s AI avatar sat on my computer screen and weirded me out
Nvidia unveiled a prototype AI avatar at CES 2025 that lives on your PC’s desktop. The AI assistant, R2X, looks like a video game character, and it can help you navigate apps on your computer. The R2X avatar is rendered and animated using Nvidia’s AI models, and users can run the avatar on popular LLMs…
3d printing, austin, Global IT News, Global Security News, icon, Layoffs, Startups, Tiger
ICON, a builder of 3D printed homes last valued around $2 billion, cuts about 25% of staff
ICON Technologies Inc., which builds homes using 3D printing, is laying off 114 people, according to a WARN letter filed with the Texas Workforce Commission. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the news to TechCrunch, providing a statement that ICON had “recently made a difficult decision to re-align” its team and team size “to focus…
8VC, anduril, defense tech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Joe Lonsdale, shield ai, Venture
Defense startup Epirus in talks to raise over $150M, potentially cutting valuation
The round could give the company a valuation of about $1 billion, a decrease from the company’s previous $1.35 billion valuation. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
apollo, apptronik, CES, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, robotics
Apptronik’s Apollo humanoid robot gets to work at CES 2025
CES 2025 has been a mixed bag for humanoid robots. The form factor had a watershed moment, as images of the top players flanked NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang during his Monday keynote. Of these, Agility’s Digit also showed up alongside a miniature conveyer belt at a closed access NVIDIA booth. It was a nice return…