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.
Weather apps on iPhones and Androids are predicting significant snowfall due to reliance on single, raw forecast models, differing from the comprehensive approach used by meteorologists who analyze multiple models and apply expertise. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding the data sources behind weather apps and considering broader meteorological insights for accurate forecasting, as the industry explores AI-powered models for improved predictions.
Multiple news sources report that Kylian Mbappe scored twice in Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Villarreal, propelling them to the top of La Liga, two points ahead of Barcelona. This win, part of a three-match winning streak, marks a significant step in Real Madrid's season revival following a recent Copa del Rey defeat, with Mbappe now leading La Liga with 21 goals.
Gladys Mae West, a pioneering African American mathematician, passed away at 95, leaving behind a legacy of foundational contributions to GPS technology. Overcoming significant barriers, West's work in programming powerful computers during the Cold War era was crucial for advancing computation and communication systems, impacting navigation and positioning technologies we use today.
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.
Netflix is set to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, including its film and television studios, HBO, and other assets, 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 and impacting the future of content creation and distribution.
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.
Davos 2024 heavily featured discussions on AI, eclipsing traditional topics and sparking debates on trade policy and potential AI bubbles. TechCrunch's Equity podcast analyzes the key conversations, startup funding trends, and the future direction of the tech industry emerging from the World Economic Forum.
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.
Anduril is expanding to Long Beach, California, with a 1.18 million square foot campus to support 5,500 new jobs in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics. Founder Palmer Luckey highlights the potential to manufacture autonomous fighter jets directly at the facility, leveraging Long Beach's aerospace infrastructure to deliver cutting-edge defense technology globally.
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.
Drawing from multiple sources, recent developments include the rise of AI-driven health advice with ChatGPT Health and debates over AI regulation in the US, alongside streaming platform Paramount+'s popularity and ad-supported TV startup Telly's struggles to meet shipment goals. Additionally, TikTok users are expressing privacy concerns over data collection policies, despite these updates primarily reflecting standard legal compliance.
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.
The NTSB is investigating Waymo's autonomous vehicles after multiple reports of them illegally passing stopped school buses in Texas and other states, despite a prior software recall intended to address the issue. This probe, separate from an existing NHTSA investigation, will examine over 20 incidents in Austin and could impact Waymo's ongoing expansion of its robotaxi services across the US. The NTSB aims to determine why Waymo's object detection and decision-making algorithms failed to recognize and respond appropriately to school bus signals, potentially leading to future safety improvements for autonomous driving systems.
Legal AI leader Harvey has acquired Hexus, a startup specializing in AI-powered demo and training tools, to bolster its offerings for in-house legal departments. This strategic move, incorporating Hexus's AI expertise and engineering talent, accelerates Harvey's product development amid increasing competition in the rapidly evolving legal tech landscape.
Weather apps on iPhones and Androids are predicting significant snowfall due to reliance on single, high-impact weather models, differing from the more balanced approach used by meteorologists who consider multiple models and expert analysis. This discrepancy can lead to overblown forecasts, highlighting the importance of understanding the data sources and limitations of weather apps compared to professional meteorological forecasts.
Weather apps on iPhones and Androids are predicting significant winter storm impacts based on single model forecasts, differing from the more nuanced, multi-model approach used by meteorologists. This discrepancy highlights the importance of understanding that apps often lack the contextual analysis and expert oversight that can refine predictions, potentially leading to overblown or inaccurate forecasts.
The World Economic Forum in Davos shifted its focus to AI, overshadowing traditional topics and sparking discussions on trade policy, potential AI bubbles, and the industry's future. TechCrunch's Equity podcast analyzes these key conversations, recent startup funding, and the overall impact of this technological pivot.
Multiple news sources report that Kylian Mbappe's two goals led Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Villarreal, putting them atop La Liga, while Matheus Cunha's late goal secured a 3-2 win for Manchester United against Arsenal in the Premier League, tightening the title race as Arsenal's lead shrinks. Real Madrid's win marks a revival after a recent defeat, and Manchester United's victory was a blow to Arsenal's title aspirations.
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.
