Hugging Face, the startup best known for the AI developer platform of the same name, is selling a programmable, 3D-printable robotic arm that can pick up and place objects and perform a few other basic chores. Called the SO-101, the arm is the follow-up to Hugging Face’s previous robotic arm, the SO-100, released last year.…
Category: Hardware
AI, AI chips, Enterprise, Global Security News, Hardware, Huawei, nvidia, semiconductor
Huawei aims to take on Nvidia’s H100 with new AI chip
Chinese tech conglomerate Huawei is looking to take on semiconductor behemoth Nvidia with a new advanced AI chip. Huawei is making progress developing its latest Ascend AI GPU, the Ascend 910D, according to the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar. The company has been reaching out to other Chinese firms to find test partners, the…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Google I/O, Hardware, Mobile
Google shifts Android news to a virtual event ahead of its I/O developer conference
News about Android is being relegated to a side show at Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O, next month. On Monday, the company announced it would share information about the latest updates coming to the Android ecosystem at an upcoming virtual event called “The Android Show: I/O Edition,” airing on May 13. The decision to…
chips, evergreens, Global Security News, Hardware, quantum computing
Meet the companies racing to build quantum chips
Quantum computing has long been announced as “just around the corner,” but several companies are now determined to make this a commercial reality, with the promise of solving complex problems beyond classical computers’ reach. The problems in question are wide-ranging, from medicine and cybersecurity to materials science and chemistry. But first, there are very practical…
Europe, Gadgets, Global Security News, Google, Hardware, Nest
Google will stop supporting early Nest thermostats on October 25
Google announced this week that beginning on October 25, it will no longer support or release software updates for the first and second generation Nest Learning Thermostats. And it will completely stop launching new Nest products in Europe. That means owners of the Nest thermostats released in 2011 and 2012 (as well as the version…
doge, Enterprise, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, IBM, USAID
IBM affected by DOGE cuts, downplays impact during Q1 earnings call
Tech and consulting giant IBM was not immune to the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) cuts. IBM had 15 of its federal contracts cancelled due to DOGE-related cuts during the first quarter of 2025, according to reporting from Reuters and Bloomberg. These cuts amount to $100 million in future payments, per Bloomberg. Federal contracts represent…
Global Security News, Hardware, Security
ASUS releases fix for AMI bug that lets hackers brick servers
ASUS has released security updates to address CVE-2024-54085, a maximum severity flaw that could allow attackers to hijack and potentially brick servers. […]
Enterprise, Global Security News, Hardware, Intel, Layoffs, Lip-bu Tan
Intel reportedly plans to lay off over 21,000 employees
Intel is set to cut over 21,000 people, or roughly 20% of its workforce, with an announcement due this week, according to a Bloomberg report. The news comes ahead of Intel’s Q1 earnings call helmed by recently appointed CEO Lip-Bu Tan, who replaced longtime chief Pat Gelsinger last year. With the layoffs, Tan aims to…
Cloud, Global Security News, Hardware, Security
ASUS warns of critical auth bypass flaw in routers using AiCloud
ASUS is warning about an authentication bypass vulnerability in routers with AiCloud enabled that could allow remote attackers to perform unauthorized execution of functions on the device. […]
Apple, carbon emissions, carbon footprint, Climate, Gadgets, Global Security News, Hardware, sustainability, sustainability reporting
Apple races to surpass rivals in quest to eliminate carbon pollution
Apple reported on Wednesday that is more than halfway to its 2030 goal.
Biotech & Health, Exclusive, Global Security News, Hardware, neuroscience, Phantom Neuro, Prosthetics
Phantom Neuro grabs $19M to help amputees put their phantom limbs to use
The science fiction trope of humans superpowered by computer and bionic implants is fast becoming a reality, and today, a startup hoping for a role in how that plays out is announcing some funding. Phantom Neuro, which is developing a wristband-like device that gets implanted under the skin to let a person control prosthetic limbs,…
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Global Security News, Hardware
Apple details how it plans to improve its AI models by privately analyzing user data
In the wake of criticism over the underwhelming performance of its AI products, especially in areas like notification summaries, Apple on Monday detailed how it is trying to improve its AI models by analyzing user data privately with the aid of synthetic data. Using an approach called “differential privacy,” the company said it would first…
Apple, Gadgets, Global Security News, Hardware, Tim Cook, vision pro
Apple reportedly working on a Vision Pro that plugs into your Mac
Apple isn’t giving up on its mixed reality headset the Vision Pro, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The company has been debating the best direction forward for the product after disappointing sales, Gurman says, but is now moving forward with two different models. One would address probably the two biggest complaints about the initial product…
Donald Trump, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Tariffs
Tech tariff exemptions are only temporary, according to Trump’s commerce secretary
The tech industry may not be safe from new tariffs, according to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. The Trump administration announced Friday evening that consumer electronics such as laptops and smartphones would be exempt from the tariffs it unveiled earlier this month. (While Trump delayed many of those tariffs this week, he left a 10%…
Apple, Donald Trump, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Tariffs
Trump exempts smartphones, laptops, and semiconductors from new tariffs
The Trump administration is carving out big tariff exemptions for the tech industry. While President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he would delay many of the market-shaking tariffs that he’d announced the previous week, he kept a universal baseline 10% tariff in place, while also increasing tariffs on Chinese goods to 125% (on top of…
Collaborative Fund, Fundraising, Global Security News, Hardware, North America, SpaceX, Startups, supply chain, Transportation
Parallel Systems is building autonomous electric rail for short-distance freight
The business of moving goods in the United States is dominated by trucks, which handles about two-thirds of the 20.2 billion tons of freight that’s transported annually. Parallel Systems founder and CEO Matt Soule wants to change that by putting a modern autonomous and electric twist on the centuries-old railroad system. The Los Angeles-based company…
Global Security News, Hardware, Technology
Flipper Zero maker unveils ‘Busy Bar,’ a new ADHD productivity tool
Flipper Devices, the company behind the popular Flipper Zero, has launched an open-source productivity tool called Busy Bar, designed to help reduce distractions for people with ADHD. […]
AI, AI chips, AI hardware, Artificial Intelligence, Asia Pacific, Enterprise, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia, semiconductors
Nvidia’s H20 AI chips may be spared from export controls — for now
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang appears to have struck a deal with the Trump administration to avoid export restrictions on the company’s H20 AI chips. The H20, the most advanced Nvidia-produced AI chip that can still be exported from the U.S. to China, was reportedly spared thanks to a promise from Huang to invest in new…
AI, Cloud Next, gemini, Global Security News, Google, Hardware, home robot, Samsung
Samsung adds Google’s Gemini to its home robot Ballie
Samsung said on Wednesday that it’s adding Google’s Gemini AI to its home robot Ballie through a partnership with Google Cloud. Users will be able to ask the robot different queries to get answers from Gemini, said the companies. Samsung aims to tap into Gemini’s multimodal capabilities for its robot. The Korean tech giant said…
AI, Cloud Next, Global Security News, Google, Hardware
Ironwood is Google’s newest AI accelerator chip
During its Cloud Next conference this week, Google unveiled the latest generation of its TPU AI accelerator chip. The new chip, called Ironwood, is Google’s seventh-generation TPU and is the first optimized for inference — that is, running AI models. Scheduled to launch sometime later this year for Google Cloud customers, Ironwood will come in…
Apple, Asia Pacific, china, Global Security News, Hardware, India, Tariffs
Apple might import more iPhones from India to side-step China tariffs
Apple is considering importing more iPhones from India to side-step the 54% additional tariffs on goods imported from China that U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The company sees this as a short-term measure while it seeks to negotiate with the Trump administration to get an…
Apple, Asia Pacific, china, Global Security News, Hardware, India, Tariffs
Apple might import more iPhones from India to side-step China tariffs
Apple is considering importing more iPhones from India to side-step the 54% additional tariffs on goods imported from China that U.S. President Donald Trump announced last week, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The company sees this as a short-term measure while it seeks to negotiate with the Trump administration to get an…
AI, AI hardware, ai infrastructure, Enterprise, Global Security News, Hardware, IBM, mainframe
IBM releases a new mainframe built for the age of AI
IBM is releasing the latest version of its mainframe hardware that includes new updates meant to accelerate AI adoption. The hardware and consulting company on Monday announced IBM z17, the latest version of its mainframe computer hardware. This fully encrypted mainframe is powered by an IBM Telum II processor and is designed for more than…
Apple, Asia Pacific, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Tariffs, Tesla, Transportation
Analyst says Apple, Tesla have biggest exposure to Trump’s tariffs
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives slashed his price targets for Apple and Tesla over the weekend as President Trump’s tariffs threaten to disrupt both businesses. “The tariff economic Armageddon unleashed by Trump is a complete disaster for Apple given its massive China production exposure,” Ives said in a warning note over the weekend. “In our…
AI, Amazon, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Kindle, Media & Entertainment
Amazon Kindle’s new feature uses AI to generate recaps for books in a series
Amazon is introducing a new “Recaps” feature for Kindle users to help them recall plot points and character arcs before picking up the latest book in a series. While the company’s press release for the new feature doesn’t mention AI, Amazon confirmed to TechCrunch that recaps are AI-generated. “We use technology, including GenAI and Amazon…
Apple, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, trump's tariffs
Apple loses $250B market value as tariffs tank tech stocks
Apple lost more than $250 billion in market value Thursday, with shares down as much as 8.5% as a result of President Donald Trump’s tariff spree. The iPhone maker took one of the biggest hits on Wall Street, where tech stocks dropped as investors shifted money away from volatile assets. Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta were…
Gaming, Global Security News, Hardware, Nintendo, nintendo switch 2
The Nintendo Switch 2, hands-on: It’s pretty good!
At a presentation unveiling the Nintendo Switch 2, longtime Nintendo producer Kouichi Kawamoto revealed that at one point, he considered calling the Switch’s successor the “Super Nintendo Switch.” It would have been a nice nod to Nintendo’s second console, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which followed the original NES about 35 years ago. But Kawamoto,…
Global Security News, Hardware, robotics
The Beagle is a new long-range drone with more than one application
When there are damages to energy infrastructure, such as electricity pylons or gas pipelines, expensive helicopters are frequently used to inspect them. Drones have begun to replace some of those inspections, but the flight-time for these can be limited. Now a new company has produced a drone with a very long range to fill this…
Biotech & Health, breast pumps, Elvie, femtech, Gadgets, Global Security News, Hardware, willow, women
Breast pump startup Willow acquires assets of Elvie as UK women’s health pioneer moves into administration
Women’s health and its startups building connected breast pumps, period trackers, and other apps and hardware designed for women have collectively pulled in more than $5 billion in funding in the last five years, but the market is tight, and now, two of the trailblazers in the space are coming together as consolidation beckons. Willow,…
Apple, Apple tv+, Global Security News, Hardware
The Lumon Terminal Pro computer pops up on Apple’s website
The Lumon Terminal Pro — the computer used in Apple TV’s hit series “Severance” — has appeared on Apple’s retail website. When shopping Apple.com, you’ll see the new device, adorned with a red “New” label, when you click to view the available Mac computers Apple has for sale from the top-level navigation. But sorry, “Severance”…
Apple, Apps, Global Security News, Hardware, wwdc
Apple announces WWDC 2025 returns June 9-13
Apple has announced that its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) will kick off on June 9 and run through June 13. The tech giant’s event is where it offers a look at its upcoming versions of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS, as well as new tools for its developers. As in past years, the…
AirPods Max, Apple, Global Security News, Hardware
Apple is bringing lossless audio and low-latency audio to AirPods Max
Apple announced on Monday that it’s bringing lossless audio and ultra-low latency audio to AirPods Max headphones when using the included USB-C cable. With this upcoming update, AirPods Max headphones will unlock 24-bit, 48 kHz lossless audio to maintain the quality of original recordings. Lossless audio also extends to Personalized Spatial Audio “to deliver a…
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Apple faces lawsuit over Apple Intelligence delays
Apple has been sued in federal court over what plaintiffs allege is false advertising of several Apple Intelligence features. Filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in San Jose, the suit seeks class-action status and damages on behalf of those who purchased Apple Intelligence-capable iPhones and other devices. Plaintiffs claim that device owners haven’t received the…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Pixel, Hardware, phones, pixel 9a
Google unveils redesigned $499 Pixel 9a
Google has officially unveiled the Pixel 9a smartphone, its new midrange phone that will retail for $499. The A-series smartphone’s biggest change is its appearance, as the latest model ditches the camera bar on the back of the phone. The smartphone is getting a chip upgrade, as the new model features Google’s Tensor G4 processor,…
AI, dgx, Global IT News, Global Security News, gtc 2025, Hardware, nvidia
Nvidia announces two ‘personal AI supercomputers’
Nvidia at GTC 2025 announced a new lineup of “AI personal supercomputers” powered by the company’s Grace Blackwell chip platform. Jensen Huang, the semiconductor company’s founder and CEO, unveiled the two new machines, DGX Spark (previously called Project Digits) and DGX Station, during his keynote on Tuesday. The computers will allow users to prototype, fine-tune,…
Core Devices, eric migicovsky, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Pebble, rePebble
Pebble creator unveils the first new Pebble-inspired smartwatches
It looks like a Pebble, it works like a Pebble, but don’t call it a Pebble. Eric Migicovsky, the original creator of the Pebble smartwatch, just unveiled two new smartwatches — the Core 2 Duo and the Core Time 2. Those spiritual successors to the Pebble smartwatches are available for pre-orders for $149 and $225…
ar glasses, augmented reality, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Snap
Snap expands Spectacles’ capabilities with GPS and hand-tracking features
It’s only been around six months since Snap released the fifth generation of Spectacles, its AR glasses for developers, and the company is already enhancing its latest pair with new Lenses and platform features. Snap announced on Monday that it’s launching the ability to create Spectacles-focused Lenses that tap GPS, new hand-tracking capabilities, and more. Now,…
Apple, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone, iphone air, TC
Apple reportedly considered building the iPhone 17 Air without ports
After reporting in January that Apple is adding an “Air” option to its iPhone lineup, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is offering more details about the upcoming slimmer iPhone. The iPhone 17 Air will launch this fall, Gurman says — and like the MacBook Air, it will be thinner than standard models, while combining high-end and low-end…
AI, Alexa, Amazon, Amazon Echo, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Amazon’s Echo will send all voice recordings to the cloud, starting March 28
Amazon Echo users will no longer have the option to process their Alexa requests locally, which means all of their voice recordings will be sent to the company’s cloud. Ars Technica reports that on Friday, Amazon sent an email to customers who have “Do Not Send Voice Recordings” enabled on their Echo smart speakers and…
accessibility, Android, Android 16, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Hardware
Android is adding Auracast support, which allows hearing aids to connect to public audio broadcasts
Google announced on Thursday that Android phones will soon support Auracast, a new Bluetooth technology that uses a phone to enable a direct connection from hearing aids to audio broadcasts in noisy environments. With Auracast, compatible hearing aids and earbuds can receive direct audio streams, such as a PA system at a train station or…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Light Phone, Phone, Startups
Minimalist Light Phone III launches March 27
Light, the maker of a minimalist phone designed to help consumers disconnect from smartphone distractions and social media, will launch its newest model, the Light Phone III, on March 27. This version of the device, like its older counterpart, offers a simple black-and-white display and necessary features like support for calls, texts, navigation, alarms, hotspots,…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Intel
Intel appoints Lip-Bu Tan as its next CEO
Intel has appointed Lip-Bu Tan, a major figure in the semiconductor industry, as CEO, the company announced late Wednesday. Tan succeeds interim co-CEOs David Zinsner and Michelle Johnston Holthaus. He’ll also rejoin the Intel board of directors after stepping down from the board in August 2024, Intel said. Zinsner will remain Intel’s CFO, while Johnston…
AI, gemini robotics, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google deepmind, Hardware, robotics
Google DeepMind unveils new AI models for controlling robots
Google DeepMind, Google’s AI research lab, on Wednesday announced new AI models called Gemini Robotics designed to enable real-world machines to interact with objects, navigate environments, and more. DeepMind published a series of demo videos showing robots equipped with Gemini Robotics folding paper, putting a pair of glasses into a case, and other tasks in…
api, Biotech & Health, devices, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Health, Healthcare
Junction, an API to link health wearables with labs, raises $18M
Medical devices, wearables — we are all familiar with them. But are they linked in any way to the healthcare system and the databases that are supposed to keep us healthy? The answer in most cases is no, they are not. Vital, which is rebranding to “Junction”, provides a single API to integrate wearables and…
bluetooth, chip, cyber security, esp32, Exploits, Global Security News, Hardware, internet of things, IoT Security, microcontroller, Mobile Security, Mobility, Research, Security, supply chain, tarlogic, vulnerability, wifi
Billions of Devices at Risk of Hacking & Impersonation Due to Hidden Commands
Researchers warn these commands could be exploited to manipulate memory, impersonate devices, and bypass security controls.
AI, Apple, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, siri
Apple’s smart home hub reportedly delayed by Siri challenges
Apple announced this week that the “more personalized” version of Siri that it promised last year has been delayed — and according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, that’s also postponed the launch of the company’s planned smart home hub. In a statement, Apple said the upgraded Siri features, which are part of its broader Apple Intelligence…
Global Security News, Hardware, Security
Undocumented backdoor found in Bluetooth chip used by a billion devices
The ubiquitous ESP32 microchip made by Chinese manufacturer Espressif and used by over 1 billion units as of 2023 contains an undocumented backdoor that could be leveraged for attacks. […]
boox, Digital Detox, evergreens, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Social, Unpluq
5 devices to help ease your smartphone addiction
The downsides of doomscrolling and screen addiction are well documented, but while many of us would like to spend less time glued to a smartphone, it’s easier said than done. Much has been written about the so-called dumbphone revival, where individuals regain some respite from pings and push notifications by downgrading to a basic feature…
battery storage, CDIL, CDIL Semiconductors, Emerging Tech, EV, Global Security News, Hardware, India, Infineon Technologies, Transportation
Infineon teams up with India’s CDIL to explore business in light EVs, energy storage solutions
Infineon Technologies has partnered with CDIL Semiconductors to tap into emerging business cases including light EVs and battery storage solutions in India. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apple, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, mac, Mac Studio
Apple updates the Mac Studio with M4 Max and M3 Ultra options
In addition to a new M4-powered MacBook Air, Apple on Wednesday also launched a new Mac Studio, its desktop computer for professionals who need top-of-the-line performance. The company is trying something new with the Mac Studio as it lets you choose between the M4 Max or the M3 Ultra. The Mac Studio starts at $1,999.…
AI, colocation, data centers, ecodatacenter, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
CoreWeave partner EcoDataCenter racks up half a billion dollars to build more sustainable buildings for AI
EcoDataCenter, a Swedish company that builds eco-friendly data centers used by major compute providers to handle their AI traffic, has raised nearly half a billion dollars — $478 million (€450 million) to be exact — in anticipation of more demand. The equity funding, which is coming from a group of unnamed institutional investors, will be…
Apple, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, ipad air, ipad air m3
Apple launches a new iPad Air with M3 chip
Apple has introduced new 11-inch and 13-inch iPad Air models with the M3 chip. The new iPad Air can be pre-ordered starting Tuesday, and will launch on March 12. The device starts at $599 for the 11-inch model and $799 for the 13-inch model. It comes in four colors: blue, purple, starlight, and space gray,…
Climate, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, moonwatt, sodium-ion, solar storage, Startups
Moonwatt secures $8.3M to dial up solar’s staying power with sodium-ion storage
The drive to decarbonize our economies through electrification and clean energy continues to generate momentum around battery technologies, as storage has a key role to play in enabling the green transition. While renewables are clean sources of energy compared to burning fossil fuels, their power output isn’t always consistent. In the case of solar —…
AI, Asia Pacific, china, chips, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia
Singapore arrests alleged Nvidia chip smugglers
Singapore just arrested 3 men for allegedly smuggling Nvidia chips. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Chips Act, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, TSMC
TSMC pledges to spend $100B on US chip facilities
Chipmaker TSMC said that it aims to invest “at least” $100 billion in chip manufacturing plants in the U.S. over the next four years as part of an effort to expand the company’s network of semiconductor factories. President Donald Trump announced the news during a press conference Monday. TSMC’s cash infusion will fund the construction…
AI, data centers, Enterprise, export controls, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, nvidia, semiconductors
Chinese buyers are getting Nvidia Blackwell chips despite U.S. export controls
Upholding export controls on semiconductor chips made in the U.S. may be harder than Washington D.C. thinks. Chinese buyers are getting their hands on computing systems with Nvidia’s Blackwell chips through third-party traders located in other regions, the Wall Street Journal reported. Buyers in Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam are buying these resources for their own…
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, jolla ai assistant, mindy, mwc, privacy
Jolla founders take the wraps off an AI assistant to power up their push for privacy-friendly GenAI
Jolla, the erstwhile mobile maker turned privacy-centric AI business — via sister startup, Venho.ai — has taken the wraps off an AI assistant it says is a “fully private” alternative to data-mining cloud giants crawling all over your personal information. The AI assistant is designed to integrate with apps like email, calendar and social…
aviron, connected fitness, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Treadmill
Aviron’s $2,499 gamified treadmill will keep you on your toes
Aviron’s home fitness equipment operates on a simple principle: People hate working out. But many of those same people love playing video games. Perhaps the only thing standing between them and a more active lifestyle is some health competition and well-timed distraction. It’s the same gamification concept that made Nintendo’s Wii and VR games like…
chips, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, In Brief, Intel
Intel delays its Ohio chip factory to 2030
Intel’s first chip fabrication plant in Ohio may not open until 2030 at the earliest. According to a report in The Columbus Dispatch, Intel has slowed the building of its promised $28 billion semiconductor project in central Ohio for the second time this year. Construction won’t be completed until 2030, the chipmaker told the publication,…
Global Security News, Hardware, Security
New Vo1d botnet variant infects 1.6 million Android TVs worldwide
A new variant of the Vo1d malware botnet has infected 1,590,299 Android TV devices across 226 countries, recruiting devices as part of anonymous proxy server networks. […]
Global Security News, Hardware, Security
Vo1d malware botnet grows to 1.6 million Android TVs worldwide
A new variant of the Vo1d malware botnet has grown to 1,590,299 infected Android TV devices across 226 countries, recruiting devices as part of anonymous proxy server networks. […]
AI, aria gen 2, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, In Brief, Meta, project aria
Meta’s new AR glasses for research can measure heart rate
Meta has unveiled the next generation of its Project Aria augmented reality glasses for research: Aria Gen 2. Aria Gen 2, which arrives roughly five years after the first-generation Aria device, adds new capabilities to the platform, including an upgraded sensor suite and Meta’s custom silicon. Aria Gen 2 has a PPG sensor for measuring…
AI, Apple, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone, iPhone 16e, review
Apple iPhone 16e review: An A18 chip and Apple Intelligence for $599
Apple delivered its latest budget handset, the $599 iPhone 16e, without pomp. There was no big event in person, nor was there one online. No journalists scrambled through hoards of colleagues to snap photos of the phone. Instead, CEO Tim Cook tweeted out that new hardware was on the way, days before Apple announced the…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, data center, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Space, SpaceX
Lonestar and Phison’s data center infrastructure is headed to the moon
Data storage and resilience company Lonestar and semiconductor and storage company Phison launched a data center infrastructure on a SpaceX rocket on Wednesday that’s headed to the moon. The companies are sending Phison’s Pascari storage — solid state drives (SSDs) built for data centers —packed with Lonestar’s clients’ data on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket…
Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Hardware, pixel watch, pixel watch 3
Pixel Watch 3 is getting ‘Loss of Pulse Detection’ in the US in March
Google announced on Wednesday that it has received FDA clearance for the Pixel Watch 3’s “Loss of Pulse Detection” feature and will be launching it in the U.S. at the end of March. The feature can detect when a user’s heart stops beating due to an event like primary cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure,…
AI, Alexa, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
Amazon unveils a new and improved Alexa, Alexa+
At an event in NYC on Wednesday, Amazon announced an upgraded Alexa experience — Alexa+ — powered by generative AI technologies. Onstage, Amazon’s devices and services chief Panos Panay called it a “complete re-architecture” of the AI assistant. “[W]hile the vision of Alexa has been ambitious and remains incredibly compelling, until right this moment —…
Climate, Fusion, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
German startup wins accolade for its fusion reactor design
Proxima Fusion, a two-year-old, German nuclear fusion startup, has published plans for a working fusion power plant in a peer-reviewed journal, in what is being touted as a step-change in the race to generate limitless energy. Today’s nuclear fission reactors create radioactive waste, whereas nuclear fusion releases vast amounts of energy, with zero carbon emissions and…
AI, Alexa, alexa event 2025, Amazon, amazon alexa, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware
What to expect from Amazon’s Alexa event on Wednesday
Amazon is hosting an Alexa-focused press event in NYC on Wednesday. Considering the company hasn’t held a major device presser in nearly two years — the last one was September 2023 — we’re expecting some splashy announcements. The event will not be live streamed. However, TechCrunch will be reporting on the ground. The festivities, emceed…
Apple, Apple Watch, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, India
Apple Watch shipments surge in India
Apple Watch shipments in India grew 141% in 2024, while the country’s overall smartwatch market dipped 30% year-on-year. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, AI servers, Apple, chipmaking, Enterprise, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Houston, manufacturing
Apple commits $500B to US manufacturing, including a new AI server facility in Houston
The U.S. government is leaning hard on tech companies to make more commitments to building their businesses in the country, and Big Tech is falling in line. On Monday, Apple laid out its own plans in that area: it will spend $500 billion over the next four years in areas like high-end manufacturing, engineering, and…
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, vision pro
The Vision Pro is getting Apple Intelligence in April
Apple Intelligence is heading to the Vision Pro, as part of an upcoming operating system update. Apple confirmed on Friday that its generative AI platform will arrive on the extended reality headset as part of VisionOS 2.4. A beta version of the software is currently available for developers. The public version is set for an…
AI, Apple, Emerging Tech, Gadgets, Global Security News, Hardware, India, iPhone 16e, iPhone SE
In India, Apple’s iPhone 16e faces stiff competition from older models
Apple has brought the iPhone 16e to offer a more affordable option within the iPhone 16 lineup, targeting emerging markets including India. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Ai Pin, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, HP, Humane
Inside the Humane acquisition: HP offers big raises to some, others immediately laid off
Hours after the acquisition was announced, several Humane employees received job offers. Others were not so lucky. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone, iPhone SE
Apple’s $599 iPhone 16e adds AI, ditches the fingerprint scanner
As anticipated, Apple revealed the long-awaited iPhone SE refresh Tuesday. The fourth generation device arrives three years after the last major update to the budget-minded smartphone. This one arrives with a twist, however. The SE branding has been dropped to keep the device more inline with the company’s flagships. The new iPhone 6e starts at…
AI, Artificial Intelligence, chips, data centers, Enterprise, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, semiconductor
Hyperlume wants to make chip-to-chip communication faster and more efficient
Data centers consumed 4.4% of U.S. electricity in 2023 and are estimated to use up to 12% by 2028. The majority of the energy data centers suck up is used to help transfer data from chip to chip. A company called Hyperlume is looking to make that process more energy-efficient while also speeding it up.…
degoogled tablet, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Murena, murena pixel tablet, privacy
Murena now sells a ‘deGoogled’ Pixel Tablet
Murena, the French privacy firm that’s forked Android to deliver so-called deGoogled smartphones, has repeated the trick with a tablet. So if you’re keen to get your hands on a shiny Pixel Tablet — but without the usual bundle of Google apps and services — Murena has you covered. The Murena Pixel Tablet runs the…
AI, Ai Pin, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Humane
Humane’s AI Pin is dead
Humane announced on Tuesday that it has been acquired by HP for $116 million. The hardware startup is immediately discontinuing sales of its $499 AI Pins. Humane told customers who had already purchased an AI Pin that their devices will stop functioning before the end of the month, at 12 PM PST on February 28,…
AI, Ai Pin, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Humane
Humane’s AI Pin is dead, as HP buys startup for $116M
Humane announced on Tuesday that it has been acquired by HP for $116 million. The hardware startup is immediately discontinuing sales of its $499 AI Pins. Humane alerted customers who have already purchased the Pin that their devices will stop functioning before the end of the month — at 12 PM PST on February 28,…
AI, Ai Pin, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, Humane
Humane’s AI Pin is dead, as HP buys startup’s assets for $116M
Humane announced on Tuesday that most of its assets have been acquired by HP for $116 million. The hardware startup is immediately discontinuing sales of its $499 AI Pins. Humane alerted customers who have already purchased the Pin that their devices will stop functioning before the end of the month — at 12 PM PST…
Biotech & Health, continuous hormone monitoring, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, hormone testing, Level Zero Health, Startups
Level Zero Health banks $6.9M to prove wearable medtech can take the strain out of hormone testing
Level Zero Health, a female-founded medical device startup that’s aiming to break new ground by developing a device for continuous hormone monitoring, has closed an oversubscribed $6.9 million pre-seed funding round despite being only a little over a year old. The startup wants to do away with the need for invasive blood draws and support…
Broadcom, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Intel, TSMC
Broadcom, TSMC reportedly exploring deals that would split up Intel
Broadcom and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) are separately exploring deals to take over parts of Intel, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. Broadcom is reportedly considering an acquisition of Intel’s chip-design and marketing business, and would want a partner for the company’s manufacturing business, while TSMC is reportedly looking at controlling…
AI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, In Brief, Meta, report, robotics, rumor
Meta’s next big bet may be humanoid robotics
Meta is forming a new team within its Reality Labs hardware division to build robots that can assist with physical tasks, Bloomberg reported. The team will be responsible for developing humanoid robotics hardware, potentially including hardware that can perform household chores. Meta’s new robotics group, which will be led by Marc Whitten, driverless car startup…
AI, ARM, Artificial Intelligence, chips, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, In Brief, Meta, semiconductors, Softbank
Arm is launching its own chip this year with Meta as a customer
Public semiconductor company Arm will start making its own chips this year after landing a high-profile enterprise customer. Arm, which is majorly owned by SoftBank, will start making its own chips now that Meta has signed on as a customer, according to the Financial Times. The chip is expected to be a CPU for servers…
AI, Apple, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone, Tim Cook
Tim Cook teases Apple product news for February 19 — likely the iPhone SE
Apple CEO Tim Cook took to X Thursday to tease “the newest member of the family,” set to arrive February 19. The safe money is on a fourth generation iPhone SE. The budget-minded handset had previously been tipped for a potential release a week prior, but we got new Beats headphones instead. It’s been three…
acquisition, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, hamr, hard drive disk, Hardware, HDD, Intevac, Merger, Seagate
Seagate acquires Intevac, which makes equipment for hard disk drives, for $119M
Seagate, the data storage company, has announced its intent to acquire Intevac, a hard drive equipment producer, in an all-cash deal worth $119 million. Seagate said on Thursday that it’ll pay $4 per share in a tender offer for Intevac, which is publicly traded. Seagate will initially purchase a minimum of “at least one share…
AI, alibaba, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Asia Pacific, china, Gadgets, Global Security News, Hardware
Alibaba confirms Apple deal bringing AI features to iPhones in China
Alibaba on Thursday confirmed recent reports of a partnership with Apple that’s set to bring AI features to iPhones sold in China. The deal is an important one for Apple, as iPhone sales have dropped precipitously in the world’s largest smartphone market. The handset experienced an 11% year-over-year drop in China, according to Apple’s most…
defense tech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, helsing, Startups
Germany’s Helsing doubles down on drones for Ukraine, scales up manufacturing
Helsing, the German defense tech startup backed by Spotify’s Daniel Ek and others, is producing 6,000 HX-2 strike drones in addition to the 4,000 HF-1 strike drones financed by Germany that are currently being delivered to Ukraine. “We are scaling up production of HX-2 in response to additional orders from Ukraine,” Helsing co-founder Gundbert Scherf…
AI, Apple, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, home robot, robot, robotics
Apple is reportedly exploring humanoid robots
Apple is exploring both humanoid and non-humanoid robotics form factors, according to a new scoop from longtime Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The intel comes on the heels of a research paper from the iPhone-maker that explores human interactions with “non-anthropomorphic” robots – specifically a Pixar-style lamp. While Apple’s research paper highlights elements that could inform…
acquisition, AI, ai accelerator chip, AI chip, Funding, FuriosaAI, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, In Brief, Meta, report, rumor
Report: Meta in talks to acquire AI chip firm FuriosaAI
Meta is reportedly in talks to acquire a South Korean chip firm as the social media giant looks to bolster its AI hardware infrastructure. Meta may announce its intent to purchase FuriosaAI, a chip startup founded by former Samsung and AMD employees, as soon as this month, per Forbes. FuriosaAI develops chips that speed up…
Apple, Beats, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, heart rate, powerbeats, powerbeats pro 2
Apple brings heart rate monitoring to Powerbeats Pro 2
Apple Tuesday announced the long-awaited debut of Powerbeats Pro 2. The new headphones arrive nearly six years after the original Powerbeats hit the market. The new model maintains the familiar ear hook for workouts, while delivering upgraded sound, better battery life, and a wireless charging case. The earbuds also mark a major next step in…
AI, alibaba, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Asia Pacific, deepseek, Global Security News, Hardware
Apple reportedly partners with Alibaba after rejecting DeepSeek for China AI launch
According to a report published Tuesday by The Information, Apple is partnering Alibaba to bring its Apple Intelligence platform to China. The deal is said to arrive after the iPhone maker reportedly explored – but ultimately rejected – a potential partnership with uber-buzzy AI startup, DeepSeek, as well as with Bytedance. Apple initially selected Baidu…
ankle, Apple, Apple Watch, Biotech & Health, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, heart rate monitoring
TikTok influencers are wearing Apple Watches on their ankles
A report from The New York Times over the weekend highlights the small – but apparently growing – trend of users wearing their Apple Watches on their ankles. What’s becoming something of a viral sensation on social platforms like TikTok is the result of a pragmatic decision. Some Apple Watch owners’ wrists are simply too…
AI, Apple, Beats, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, iPhone, iPhone SE, powerbeats pro, powerbeats pro 2
Apple could launch a new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro 2 on February 11
Apple could launch a new iPhone SE and PowerBeats Pro headphones as early as February 11, according to reporting from Bloomberg. The announcement is likely to be on the smaller side, given that the company has not yet issued invites for either an in-person or virtual event. A new iPhone SE would mark the fourth…
AI, Apple, apple robotics, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, home robot, Lamp, Pixar, robotics
Apple’s new research robot takes a page from Pixar’s playbook
Last month, Apple offered up more insight into its consumer robotics work via a research paper that argues that traits like expressive movements are key to optimizing human-robot interaction. “Like most animals,” starts the report, “humans are highly sensitive to motion and subtle changes in movement.” To illustrate its point, Apple pays homage to Pixar,…
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, lawsuits, leaks
Ex-Apple engineer issues apology after lawsuit over Journal app, Vision Pro leaks is dismissed
A former iOS engineer, who was sued by Apple for leaking confidential information to journalists, has issued an apology after the lawsuit against him was dismissed. The lawsuit, which was filed last year, alleged that Andrew Aude sent thousands of messages to journalists at The Wall Street Journal and The Information about more than a…
AI, boston dynamics, Facebook, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, home robots, Meta, robotics
Meta is studying how humans and robots can collaborate on housework
Meta Friday announced PARTNR, a new program designed to study human-robot interaction (HRI). The research is specifically focused on how humans and robots might collaborate in the home environment. That includes mundane tasks like cleaning, cooking, and picking up food deliveries. Automated housework is a decades-old dream, most prominently captured by The Jetsons’ Rosie. The…
AI, digital watermarking, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Photos, Hardware, Magic editor, synthid, watermarking
Google is adding digital watermarks to images edited with Magic Editor AI
Google on Thursday announced that effective this week, it will begin adding a digital watermark to images in Photos that are edited with generative AI. The watermark applies specifically to images that are altered using the Reimagine feature found in Magic Editor on Pixel 9 devices. Announced in 2024, Reimagine utilizes generative AI to alter…
Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Hardware, Keyboard, mechanical keyboard, qwertykeys, Tariffs
Keyboard maker suspends U.S. shipments over Trump tariffs on Chinese goods
The mechanical keyboard maker Qwertykeys announced Wednesday that it has suspended all U.S. product shipments owing to new tariffs levied by the Trump administration. The Guangdong-based outfit cites a February 1 announcement of 10% tariffs on imported Chinese goods as the motivating factor. “This new policy replaces all previous tariff exemptions, including the exemption for…
Apple, Global Security News, Hardware, iOS, iPad, iPadOS, iPhone, locking apps, mobile apps, mobile operating systems, Mobility, Security, Software
How to Lock Apps on iPad
Set your iPad into kiosk mode and pass it around without worrying about someone opening other apps or accessing unwanted content through an accessibility feature called Guided Access. Learning how to apps on iPad using the Guided Access ensures better security and control over device usage.
AI, boston dynamics, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, humanoid robots, humanoids, hyundai, rai institute, reinforcement learning, robotics
Boston Dynamics joins forces with its former CEO to speed the learning of its Atlas humanoid robot
Boston Dynamics Wednesday announced a partnership designed to bring improved reinforcement learning to its electric Atlas humanoid robot. The tie-up is with the Robotics & AI Institute (RAI Institute), earlier known as The Boston Dynamics AI Institute. Both organizations were founded by Marc Raibert, a former MIT professor who served as Boston Dynamics’ CEO for…