The NTSB is investigating Waymo's autonomous vehicles after multiple reports of them illegally passing stopped school buses, focusing on over 20 incidents in Austin, Texas. This probe, separate from an existing NHTSA investigation and a prior software recall, raises concerns about the effectiveness of Waymo's safety measures as the company rapidly expands its robotaxi services across the US.
The S&P 500 is on track for its first two-week losing streak since June amidst volatile trading, while silver prices have surged, exceeding $100. Industry experts discuss factors influencing market performance, including Apple's AI initiatives, the future of retail with companies like Zellerfeld, and potential shifts in the media landscape with insights from Candle Media's Kevin Mayer.
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.
Apple is reportedly developing an AI-powered wearable pin, potentially launching as early as 2027, that aims to leverage AI models in a compact design. This device, comparable in size to an AirTag, will feature cameras, microphones, and a speaker, potentially offloading processing to an iPhone to overcome performance limitations seen in similar products, signaling Apple's entry into the AI-driven wearable market.
A recent two-year study tested various notebooks to identify top options for writers, journalers, and artists. The evaluation considered factors like binding, cover type, and paper quality (including Tomoe River and Clairefontaine), providing recommendations for hardcover, bullet journaling, travel, and pocket notebooks, impacting choices for analog enthusiasts.
A new deal allows TikTok to continue operating in the US under a majority-American owned entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, with Oracle overseeing user data and the recommendation algorithm; however, this agreement, drawn from multiple news sources, faces scrutiny from lawmakers concerned about transparency and potential influence from previous administrations and foreign funding, though users are unlikely to experience significant disruptions like needing to download a new app.
Gladys Mae West, the pioneering mathematician whose work was foundational to GPS technology, has passed away at 95; her contributions involved programming powerful computers and pushing the boundaries of computation for the US Navy. Overcoming racial and gender barriers, West's work significantly impacted navigation and communication systems, underscoring the vital role of women in the Cold War-era tech boom.
Thousands of protestors in Minneapolis braved sub-zero temperatures to demonstrate against the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement. The "ICE OUT!" protest, framed as a general strike, saw participation from numerous businesses and workers, highlighting growing opposition to ICE's activities and sparking debate about immigration policy.
Intel's Q4 2025 earnings reveal strong demand for its data center and AI products, offsetting declines in its client computing group. However, supply chain constraints are limiting Intel's ability to meet overall demand, potentially leading to shortages or price increases for consumer processors like the upcoming Core Ultra Series 3, as Intel prioritizes chip allocation to more profitable divisions. This situation highlights the ongoing industry challenges in balancing production capacity with evolving market demands.
Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including its film and television studios, HBO, and HBO Max, in a landmark deal poised to reshape the streaming landscape. This acquisition, driven by WBD's debt and streaming competition, will consolidate major franchises under Netflix, potentially disrupting Hollywood's established order and offering Netflix subscribers an unparalleled content library.
Microsoft has reportedly provided the FBI with BitLocker recovery keys, enabling decryption of suspects' laptops in a fraud investigation. This highlights the industry impact of default cloud-based key storage in Windows, which allows Microsoft, and potentially law enforcement, access to encrypted data, raising privacy concerns despite the intended security benefits of BitLocker full-disk encryption.
Multiple news sources report that TikTok has established a new US-controlled entity, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, to continue operating in the US, addressing previous security concerns. While users are unlikely to need a new app, Oracle will now manage the app's algorithm and US user data within a secure US cloud environment, with ByteDance retaining a minority stake in the business.
The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Deel, an HR and payroll startup, for allegedly hiring a corporate spy to steal confidential information from its competitor, Rippling, though Deel denies knowledge of the investigation. This development follows Rippling's lawsuit against Deel, accusing them of corporate espionage and violations of federal racketeering laws, highlighting intense competition and potentially unethical practices within the HR tech industry. The outcome of the investigation and lawsuit could significantly impact the reputations and market positions of both companies.
A 2021 Al Jazeera report highlights Greenland's vast rare earth mineral reserves, estimated to potentially supply global demand for over a century, prompting both economic interest and environmental concerns among residents regarding potential mining operations. The report, filmed in southern Greenland, underscores the tension between resource exploitation and the preservation of traditional livelihoods in the region.
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 expert-led sessions, 300 startup debuts, and the Startup Battlefield 200 competition, connecting 10,000 founders, VCs, and tech leaders.
Intel's Q4 2025 earnings reveal strong demand for data center and AI products, offsetting declines in consumer computing. However, supply chain constraints are forcing Intel to prioritize chip allocation towards profitable sectors, potentially leading to shortages or price increases for upcoming Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake" processors. This strategic shift reflects Intel's focus on high-growth areas amidst ongoing manufacturing challenges.
The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Deel for allegedly hiring a corporate spy to steal confidential information from its competitor, Rippling, escalating the already intense legal battle between the two HR startups. Deel denies knowledge of the investigation while accusing Rippling of a smear campaign, highlighting the high stakes and aggressive competition within the rapidly growing HR and payroll software market. The original lawsuit filed by Rippling includes a sworn statement from the alleged spy detailing the transfer of sensitive data, including sales leads and product roadmaps, to Deel executives.
TopResume offers services, including a free resume review, designed to optimize resumes for AI-driven Application Tracking Systems (ATS), increasing the chances of human review in a competitive job market. Their packages provide professionally written resumes and access to a Career Services Platform with interview training and recruiter connections, while the free review offers keyword analysis and identifies areas for improvement to bypass ATS filters. These services aim to equip job seekers with the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven hiring processes.
Apple achieved record iPhone shipments in India during 2025, reaching approximately 14 million units and a 9% market share, while the overall Indian smartphone market remained relatively stagnant. This growth stems from increased demand, a diverse product range, and expanded availability, as Apple strategically invests in local manufacturing and retail presence to further penetrate this key market.
TikTok has finalized agreements with investors like Oracle and Silver Lake to form TikTok U.S., a new American entity designed to address national security concerns through enhanced data protection and content moderation. This restructuring allows U.S. users to continue using the platform under redefined safeguards, with Adam Presser appointed as CEO and oversight from a majority-American board.
