TechCrunch Industry News
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Luminar sale approved despite last-minute mystery bid
An unidentified bidder submitted a Hail Mary offer that was "substantially higher" than the winning bid at auction. Founder Austin Russell has been circling a bid, but it's not clear he was behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SFPD investigating Zoox collision with a parked car; plus, Allbirds is closing its last brick-and-mortar store in SF
The investigation is looking into a January 17 crash where a Zoox robotaxi hit the driver's side door of a parked car, which Zoox said was "suddenly opened." Also, once symbolic of a mid-2010s San Francisco tech bro, Allbirds is cutting costs to "support the long-term health of the business." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amid Trump weaponized sanctions, Europeans look to rely less on US tech; plus R.I.P. Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh
European governments are looking to move away from U.S. tech and reclaim their digital sovereignty at a time of unpredictability and volatility in the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Uber launches an ‘AV Labs’ division to gather driving data for robotaxi partners; plus, Luminar receives a larger $33 million bid for its lidar business
Uber is not developing its own robotaxis again; instead it plans to collect and offer data. It's a bet that more volume will help autonomous vehicle partners solve the weirdest edge cases. Also, a new leading bidder has appeared in the Luminar bankruptcy case: Redmond, Washington-based MicroVision, which beat out Quantum Computing Inc.'s bid by $5 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Science fiction writers, Comic-Con say goodbye to AI; plus, ChatGPT is pulling answers from Elon Musk’s Grokipedia
Some of the major players in science fiction and pop culture are taking firmer stances against generative AI. Also, information from the conservative-leaning, AI-generated encyclopedia developed by Elon Musk’s xAI is beginning to appear in answers from ChatGPT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What to know about Netflix’s landmark acquisition of Warner Bros.
Learn more about Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros., considered the most historic megadeal in Hollywood, as it continues to develop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
TikTok users freak out over app’s ‘immigration status’ collection — here’s what it means
TikTok users are freaking out over a mention of "immigration status" data collection, but lawyers explain the disclosure is related to state privacy laws. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tesla discontinues Autopilot in bid to boost adoption of its FSD software; plus, GM will end Chevy Bolt EV production next year
The company is also currently facing a 30-day suspension of its manufacturing and dealer licenses in California for deceptive marketing about Autopilot's capabilities. Also, the factory musical chairs reflect an economic and political environment, shaped by the Trump administration's tariff policy and its decision to end the federal EV tax credit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Are AI agents ready for the workplace? A new benchmark raises doubts.; plus, Ring is adding a new content verification feature
New research looks at how leading AI models hold up doing actual white-collar work tasks, drawn from consulting, investment banking, and law. Most models failed. Also, Ring says the new feature will identify if video edits have been made, even if they're minor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Google DeepMind CEO ‘surprised’ OpenAI is rushing forward with ads in ChatGPT; plus Substack launched a TV app
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says the tech giant isn't pressuring him to insert ads into the AI chatbot experience. Also, Substack's move comes as the company has been investing more heavily in video and livestreaming, as it looks to compete with platforms like YouTube and Patreon for both creators and viewers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An interactive AI-powered learning app for kids; plus, Apple is reportedly developing an AI wearable
Big tech companies and upcoming startups want to use generative AI to build software and hardware for kids. A lot of those experiences are limited to text or voice, and kids might not find that captivating. Also, if Apple's wearable materializes, it could be released as early as 2027, according to a report on the device. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Zanskar thinks 1 TW of geothermal power is being overlooked; plus, consumers spent more on mobile apps than games in 2025
Zanskar has raised $115 million to find about a dozen geothermal resources that could help power the grid throughout the U.S. West. Also, consumers spent more money in mobile apps than games in 2025, driven by AI app adoption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, there goes the metaverse!
The metaverse is on its last legs as VR is eclipsed by AI. But that's not the only thing that went wrong for Meta's VR ambitions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Netflix is rolling out a live voting feature; SpaceX didn’t properly inspect crane before collapse
Netflix said it the feature will be available globally and it will tally votes in real-time Also, OSHA hit SpaceX with a $115,850 fine after finding seven "serious" violations during its investigation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
BioticsAI gains FDA approval for its AI-powered fetal ultrasound product; plus, Sequoia to invest in Anthropic
TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield 2023 winner, Biotics AI, announced on Monday that it has received FDA clearance for its AI software that helps detect fetal abnormalities in ultrasound images. Also, Sequoia Capital is reportedly joining a blockbuster funding round for Anthropic, the AI startup behind Claude, according to the Financial Times. It’s a move sure to turn heads in Silicon Valley. Why? Because venture capital firms have historically avoided backing competing companies in the same sector. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A privacy-conscious alternative to ChatGPT; plus Oshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Cat 5 hurricane
Confer is designed to look and feel like ChatGPT or Claude, but your conversations can't be used for training or advertising. Also, Oshen has signed contracts with multiple government agencies for its C-Star robots to collect ocean data autonomously. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Silicon Valley is really talking about fleeing California (it’s not the 5%)
If you’ve been following the billionaire exodus from California with some confusion, here’s what’s actually driving the nervousness: it’s not the 5% rate. As highlighted Friday in the New York Post, the proposed wealth tax would hit founders on their voting shares rather than the actual equity they own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Taiwan to invest $250B in US semiconductor manufacturing; plus, Silicon Valley’s messiest breakup is definitely headed to court
The U.S. struck a trade deal with Taiwan as the country looks to help boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing. Also, OpenAI and Microsoft tried to dodge a courtroom showdown with Elon Musk, but a federal judge on Thursday rejected their requests to dismiss the case. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue
Iran’s government-imposed internet shutdown enters its second week as authorities continue their violent crackdown on protesters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The US imposes 25% tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips headed to China; plus, OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs
The Trump administration formalized its 25% cut of H200 chip sales in China with a tariff that applies to certain semiconductors. Also, OpenAI is participating in a $250 million seed round into Merge Labs, Sam Altman's brain computer interface startup. The startup is valued at $850 million. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
AI models are starting to crack high-level math problems
Since the release of GPT 5.2, AI tools have become inescapable in high-level mathematics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tesla will only offer subscriptions for FSD (Supervised) going forward; plus, parents can block kids from watching Shorts
It's a huge change to Tesla's approach with FSD, and it could impact Musk's $1T pay package and the company's myriad legal troubles. Also, parents will be able toggle the Shorts time limit on connected children's accounts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
New York governor clears path for robotaxis except in NYC; plus, Microsoft announces glut of new data centers
New York City will be a notable exclusion from proposed legislation to legalize commercial robotaxis across the state. The tech giant has pledged to be a "good neighbor" as it continues to invest in AI infrastructure throughout the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Amazon says 97% of its devices can support Alexa+
Announced early last year, Alexa+ is Amazon’s future in the generative AI market, offering more expressive voices, access to world knowledge similar to other AI assistants, and AI agents that perform tasks on behalf of the customer — like calling an Uber or ordering food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mark Zuckerberg says Meta is launching its own AI infrastructure initiative
“Meta is planning to build tens of gigawatts this decade, and hundreds of gigawatts or more over time. How we engineer, invest, and partner to build this infrastructure will become a strategic advantage,” Zuckerberg said, in a post on Threads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Google announces a new protocol to facilitate commerce using AI agents
The standard, developed with companies like Shopify, Etsy, Wayfair, Target, and Walmart, lets agents work across different parts of customer buying processes, including discovery and post-purchase support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Indonesia and Malaysia block Grok over non-consensual, sexualized deepfakes
These are the most aggressive moves so far from government officials responding to a flood of sexualized, AI-generated imagery — often depicting real women and minors, and sometimes depicting violence — posted by Grok in response to requests from users on the social network X. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The venture firm that ate Silicon Valley just raised another $15 billion; plus, X restricts Grok’s image generation to paying subscribers only
In a blog post published Friday morning, Ben Horowitz writes that "as the American leader in Venture Capital, the fate of new technology in the United States rests partly on our shoulders." It's the kind of statement certain to cause agita at rival firms. Also, Elon Musk's AI company has restricted Grok's controversial AI image-generation feature to only paying subscribers on X, after the tool invited heated criticism from across the world for letting users generate sexualized images of women and children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Critics pan spyware maker NSO’s transparency claims amid its push to enter US market
The infamous spyware maker released a new transparency report claiming to be a responsible spyware maker, without providing insight into how the company dealt with problematic customers in the past. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ford has an AI assistant and new hands-free tech on the way; plus, OpenAI unveiled ChatGPT Health
Ford says the new generation of BlueCruise will be 30% cheaper to build than the current technology. Also, the new ChatGPT Health feature is expected to roll out in the coming weeks and will offer a dedicated space for conversations with ChatGPT about health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Caterpillar taps Nvidia to bring AI to its construction equipment; plus, General Catalyst execs say the era of ‘learn once, work forever’ is over
Caterpillar is piloting Cat AI, a system of AI agents in one of its excavators built on Nvidia's physical AI platform. Also, Calacanis, General Catalyst's Taneja, and McKinsey's Sternfels discussed how AI is reshaping technology and the labor force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Warner Bros. Discovery rejects Paramount’s bid again, calls it a ‘leveraged buyout’; plus, Wearable health devices could generate a million tons of e-waste by 2050
The studio's board unanimously rejected Paramount Skydance's revised $108.4 billion bid, calling the proposal a "leveraged buyout" that would saddle the company with $87 billion in debt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Narwal adds AI to its vacuum cleaners; plus, AMD unveils new AI PC processors for gaming
Narwal's new robo vacuum cleaner switches to quiet mode near a baby's crib. Also, AMD announced the latest version of its AI-powered PC chips designed for a variety of tasks from gaming to content creation and multitasking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Commonwealth Fusion Systems installs reactor magnet, lands deal with Nvidia; plus, Meta paused expansion of its Ray-Ban Display glasses
The fusion power frontrunner said that construction on its Sparc reactor was proceeding as planned. Meanwhile, it's building a digital twin to help dial it in. Also, Meta had originally planned to launch the glasses in France, Italy, Canada, and the U.K. in early 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hacktivist deletes white supremacist websites live onstage during hacker conference; plus, Offshore wind developers sue Trump administration
A hacker known as Martha Root broke in and deleted three white supremacists websites at the end of a talk during the annual hacker conference Chaos Communication Congress in Germany. Also, developers of off shore wind projects seek to reverse the Department of the Interior's stop-work order which affected five offshore wind projects off the Eastern Seaboard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Luminar claims founder Austin Russell is dodging a subpoena in the bankruptcy case; plus, Can a social app fix the ‘terrible devastation’ of social media?
Lidar-maker Luminar says its founder and former CEO Austin Russell has been evading requests for information — including a subpoena — that the company needs in order to decide whether it should take legal action against him. Twitter co-founder Biz Stone and Pinterest co-founder Evan Sharp have raised new funding for their social media startup West Co. The startup launched an invite-only version of its first app, Tangle, in November. Now the Financial Times has pieced together more details from comments made by Stone and Sharp, as well as from regulatory filings and job listings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
India orders Musk’s X to fix Grok over ‘obscene’ AI content; plus, Tech billionaires cashed out $16 billion in 2025
India's IT ministry has given X 72 hours to submit an action-taken report. Also, Jeff Bezos led the way. The Amazon founder sold 25 million shares for $5.7 billion in June and July, right around the time he was getting hitched to Lauren Sanchez in Venice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In 2026, AI will move from hype to pragmatism
In 2026, here's what you can expect from the AI industry: new architectures, smaller models, world models, reliable agents, physical AI, and products designed for real-world use. This audio was produced using AI. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
OpenAI bets big on audio as Silicon Valley declares war on screens, plus, European banks plan to cut 200,000 jobs as AI takes hold
The form factors may differ, but the thesis is the same: audio is the interface of the future. Every space -- your home, your car, even your face -- is becoming an interface. Also, the bloodletting in the European banking industry will hit hardest in back-office operations, risk management, and compliance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Investors predict AI is coming for labor in 2026
The exact impact AI will have on the enterprise labor market is unclear but investors predict trends will start to emerge in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The phone is dead. Long live . . . what exactly?
"We're not going to be using iPhones in 10 years," Callaghan says flatly. "I kind of don't think we'll be using them in five years." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
VCs predict enterprises will spend more on AI in 2026 — through fewer vendors
Enterprises have been experimenting with AI tools for a few years. Investors predict they will start to pick winners in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about
Meta Platforms is acquiring Manus, a Singapore-based AI startup that’s become the talk of Silicon Valley since it debuted last spring with a demo video that showed an AI agent doing things like screening job candidates, planning vacations, and analyzing stock portfolios. Manus claimed at the time that it outperformed OpenAI’s Deep Research. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why the electrical grid needs more software
The electrical grid is facing unprecedented stress from the addition of new data centers. Software could offer a cost-effective way to boost reliability and capacity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
You’ve been targeted by government spyware. Now what?
Tech companies are increasingly warning their customers that they have been targeted by governments with advanced government spyware, such as NSO's Pegasus or Paragon's Graphite. What happens after receiving a threat notification? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Meet the team that investigates when journalists and activists get hacked with government spyware
For years, Access Now’s Digital Security Helpline has been aiding journalists and dissidents who have been targeted with government spyware. This is how they operate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ is expanding fast, and that should worry everyone
As Nigel Morris watches his BNPL investments from the other side of the table, he seems to understand the warning signs better than most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How would the Netflix-Warner Bros. deal reshape Hollywood?
The $82.7 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros., and the acquisition has already been described as sending Hollywood into “full-blown panic mode,” “possibly a death blow to theatrical filmmaking,” and maybe even “the end of Hollywood” itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
OK, what’s going on with LinkedIn’s algo?
TechCrunch's Dominic-Madori Davis writes about women who ran an experiment to see if LinkedIn's new algo was being sexist and thought they proved it. But experts say there's more complexity involved. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pirate group Anna’s Archive says it has scraped 86 million songs from Spotify; plus, OpenAI says AI browsers may always be vulnerable to prompt injection attacks
Pirate group Anna’s Archive says it has scraped 86 million songs from Spotify. Also, OpenAI says prompt injections will always be a risk for AI browsers with agentic capabilities, like Atlas. But the firm is beefing up its cybersecurity with an 'LLM-based automated attacker.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices