Crene

Sequoia Vet's AI Startup, Blockit, Automates Your Schedule
Tech2h ago

Sequoia Vet's AI Startup, Blockit, Automates Your Schedule

Former Sequoia Capital partner Kais Khimji is launching Blockit, an AI-powered calendar scheduling startup, with $5 million in seed funding led by Sequoia. Blockit leverages advancements in large language models to automate the entire scheduling process, differentiating itself from solutions like Calendly by using AI agents to handle complex negotiations without direct user input, potentially disrupting the $3 billion scheduling market. The company aims to create a seamless, AI-driven scheduling experience, improving upon previous attempts in the space.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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Best Notebooks of 2024: Write, Sketch, and Create the Analog Way
Tech1h ago

Best Notebooks of 2024: Write, Sketch, and Create the Analog Way

A recent two-year study evaluated various notebooks, highlighting top performers like the Leuchtturm1917 for general use, SeQeS Bullet Dotted A5 Journal for bullet journaling, and Field Notes Original Kraft for portability. The research emphasizes the enduring appeal and cognitive benefits of handwriting amidst digital alternatives, guiding consumers through the complex landscape of notebook types and paper choices.

Hoppi
Hoppi
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Bitfinex Hacker Seeks Redemption: From Prison to Cybersecurity?
Tech7h ago

Bitfinex Hacker Seeks Redemption: From Prison to Cybersecurity?

Ilya Lichtenstein, a hacker involved in the 2016 Bitfinex crypto heist where 120,000 bitcoins were stolen, seeks a security career post-prison, expressing remorse and a desire to use his skills for ethical purposes. After assisting the government in recovering stolen assets and aiding in other crypto cases, Lichtenstein now aims to leverage his expertise to contribute to the cybersecurity industry.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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Tesla Ditches Autopilot to Push Full Self-Driving
Tech1h ago

Tesla Ditches Autopilot to Push Full Self-Driving

Tesla has stopped including its Autopilot driver-assistance system as standard, now only offering Traffic Aware Cruise Control, to push consumers towards its Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscription. This move follows accusations of deceptive marketing regarding Autopilot and FSD capabilities, and a temporary stay on a ruling that could have suspended Tesla's California licenses, as the company shifts to a subscription-only model for FSD with plans to increase the price as the software improves.

Hoppi
Hoppi
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Microsoft 365 Outage Blocks Email, Files; Cause Identified
Tech19h ago

Microsoft 365 Outage Blocks Email, Files; Cause Identified

A Microsoft 365 outage is disrupting access to key services like email, file storage, and Teams for enterprise users, stemming from infrastructure issues in North America. The disruption impacts critical administrative functions, including security dashboards, highlighting the reliance on cloud-based platforms and the potential for widespread business interruption. Microsoft is actively working to restore service, though specific details on the root cause remain undisclosed.

Hoppi
Hoppi
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Apple Eyes 2027 for AI Pin: A Wearable Assistant?
Tech8h ago

Apple Eyes 2027 for AI Pin: A Wearable Assistant?

Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable pin, potentially launching as early as 2027, that aims to leverage on-device or synced iPhone processing to overcome the performance issues of similar devices. This AirTag-sized device will feature cameras, microphones, a speaker, and wireless charging, signaling Apple's entry into the AI-driven wearable market with a cautious initial production volume.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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Tech Ignores Disabled Scientists: Academia's Accessibility Gap
Tech19h ago

Tech Ignores Disabled Scientists: Academia's Accessibility Gap

A recent podcast episode highlights the experiences of two researchers with size and mobility-related challenges, discussing the need for workplace accommodations and attitudinal shifts within academia. The researchers advocate for ergonomic tools and a more inclusive environment, addressing concerns raised about the suitability of scientists with disabilities and diverse body types in academic careers. This episode is part of a series exploring taboo workplace topics, aiming to foster open conversations and drive positive change.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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Greenland Summit: Leaders Convene as SCOTUS Eyes Fed Power
Tech13h ago

Greenland Summit: Leaders Convene as SCOTUS Eyes Fed Power

World leaders are convening an emergency summit following President Trump's announcement of a long-term agreement regarding Greenland, a move that has sparked international concern and discussion about geopolitical strategies. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court is hearing a case involving the Federal Reserve, potentially impacting the central bank's operational independence and future monetary policy decisions. These events signal a period of significant shifts in both international relations and domestic economic governance.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
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Sequoia Invests in Ex-Partner's AI Calendar Assistant, Blockit
Tech14h ago

Sequoia Invests in Ex-Partner's AI Calendar Assistant, Blockit

Former Sequoia Capital partner Kais Khimji is launching Blockit, an AI-powered calendar scheduling startup, with $5 million in seed funding led by Sequoia. Blockit leverages recent advancements in large language models to automate the entire scheduling process, aiming to surpass current solutions like Calendly by using AI agents to handle scheduling nuances without direct user input, potentially disrupting the $3 billion market.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
Last Chance: 50% Off +1 Ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt Ends Soon!
Tech1h ago

Last Chance: 50% Off +1 Ticket to TechCrunch Disrupt Ends Soon!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is offering a limited-time discount ending January 30th, providing up to $680 off tickets and 50% off a second pass for the first 500 registrants. The conference, held October 13-15 in San Francisco, will feature 200 sessions with 250 speakers, 300 startup debuts, and the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, offering attendees networking opportunities with key tech leaders.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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Huntington Bank's Hybrid Strategy: Tech Boosted by Branch Expansion
Tech1h ago

Huntington Bank's Hybrid Strategy: Tech Boosted by Branch Expansion

Huntington Bankshares is pursuing a dual strategy of physical and digital expansion, planning to open a new branch approximately every two weeks in the Carolinas while simultaneously prioritizing digital customer acquisition. This approach, unusual for a bank of its size, aims to integrate recent partnerships and grow core businesses like payments and wealth management, with 2026 being a key strategic year. The bank's success is attributed to pre-launch marketing and a focus on talent acquisition alongside its physical footprint.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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Guinea-Bissau Halts US Vaccine Trial Amid Ethics Concerns
Tech2h ago

Guinea-Bissau Halts US Vaccine Trial Amid Ethics Concerns

Guinea-Bissau has suspended a US-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial, prompting a technical and ethical review due to concerns over coordination and authority in African clinical research. The decision follows conflicting reports about the trial's status and highlights the need for clearer oversight in international research collaborations, impacting the future of vaccine development and deployment in the region. The study, funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, aimed to evaluate a new vaccine approach.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
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US Icebreaker Lag: Can Tech Unlock Greenland's Riches?
Tech1h ago

US Icebreaker Lag: Can Tech Unlock Greenland's Riches?

The U.S. currently possesses a limited number of icebreakers, critical vessels for navigating icy Arctic waters and accessing Greenland's resources, hindering potential economic and strategic initiatives. Securing additional icebreaker technology is essential for the U.S. to effectively operate in the region and compete with nations like Russia and China who have prioritized Arctic development. The U.S. has agreements to obtain 11 more icebreakers, but sourcing them may prove difficult.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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LeCun's Next Act: AI Visionary Launches New Venture; Lithium Prices Surge
Tech13h ago

LeCun's Next Act: AI Visionary Launches New Venture; Lithium Prices Surge

Yann LeCun, a prominent AI researcher, is launching a new venture focused on "world models" as an alternative to the industry's focus on large language models, believing the latter will ultimately fall short. This approach aims to create AI that better understands and interacts with the real world, marking a departure from his previous role as chief scientist at Meta's FAIR. Additionally, the lithium market is poised for significant activity in 2026, driven by its critical role in batteries and the global economy.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
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Substack Enters Your Living Room with New TV App
Tech19h ago

Substack Enters Your Living Room with New TV App

Substack is expanding beyond newsletters with a new TV app for Apple TV and Google TV, enabling subscribers to view video content and livestreams from their favorite creators. This move, featuring a TikTok-like discovery feed, positions Substack to compete with video platforms like YouTube and Patreon, while offering creators new avenues for content delivery and monetization. The app will soon include audio content, enhanced search, and in-app subscription upgrades, further enriching the user experience.

Pixel_Panda
Pixel_Panda
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Marineland Eyes US Sale for Beluga Whales After China Export Fails
Tech19h ago

Marineland Eyes US Sale for Beluga Whales After China Export Fails

Marineland, facing financial strain and criticism over animal welfare, is seeking Canadian government approval to export its 30 beluga whales to the United States after a prior export proposal to China was denied. The move follows public concern that the aquarium might euthanize the whales due to resource constraints, highlighting the ethical and logistical challenges of maintaining large marine mammals in captivity.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
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TikTok Secures US Future: Deal Splits App from Global Operations
Tech2h ago

TikTok Secures US Future: Deal Splits App from Global Operations

TikTok has finalized an agreement to restructure its US operations, addressing national security concerns by licensing its algorithm to American owners and training it solely on US user data. This move, prompted by US government pressure, allows the popular short-video app to continue operating in the US market, although the impact of the algorithm change on users remains to be seen. The deal averts a potential ban and signifies a significant shift in TikTok's operational structure to satisfy US regulatory demands.

Hoppi
Hoppi
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