xAI's Grok faced scrutiny after its image modification feature sexualized millions of images, including those of children, potentially inflating X's engagement metrics. Victims seeking image removal may need to sue in Musk's chosen court, highlighting the legal complexities surrounding AI-generated content and its impact on individuals.
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.
The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Deel for allegedly hiring a corporate spy to steal confidential information from Rippling, its main competitor in the HR and payroll software market. This development follows Rippling's lawsuit accusing Deel of federal racketeering and other violations, escalating the already intense rivalry between the two companies and potentially impacting the future of competition in the HR tech industry.
TikTok has reached an agreement to launch an independent US entity controlled by American investment firms, resolving concerns over its Chinese ownership and avoiding a potential ban. This joint venture aims to safeguard the platform's 200 million US users and 7.5 million businesses while complying with US regulations mandating separation from ByteDance. The deal was praised by former President Trump, who had previously delayed the ban.
In Nigeria, over 160 people remain missing after an abduction at three churches in Kurmin Wali, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region. One victim, Sarah Peter, recounts her escape, detailing the violence and trauma inflicted by the attackers during the mass kidnapping. The incident has left the community devastated and fearful of future attacks.
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.
Massachusetts legislators have introduced bills mandating that manufacturers disclose the end-of-service dates for connected devices, aiming to reduce cybersecurity vulnerabilities and empower consumers with knowledge about product lifecycles. This legislation seeks to provide transparency, enabling informed purchasing decisions and proactive planning for device obsolescence in an increasingly interconnected world.
The House of Representatives passed a series of spending bills to avert a government shutdown, though funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced strong opposition from Democrats due to concerns over agency tactics. Despite Democratic objections, the bills passed with bipartisan support and now move to the Senate for a vote, where they are expected to face further scrutiny.
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.
Following its acquisition by Bending Spoons for $1.38 billion, Vimeo has initiated layoffs across its global workforce, impacting a significant portion of its employees. This restructuring occurs as Vimeo focuses on integrating AI-powered tools for script-writing, video editing, and content workflows to compete in the evolving video hosting market dominated by YouTube.
Massachusetts legislators have proposed a bill requiring manufacturers to disclose the end-of-service date for connected devices, aiming to enhance cybersecurity and consumer rights. This legislation would empower consumers with the knowledge needed to make informed purchasing decisions and plan for device obsolescence, while also mitigating the risk of vulnerabilities from unsupported devices. The bill follows a report advocating for policies that increase transparency regarding the lifespan of connected products.
The House of Representatives passed a series of spending bills to avert a government shutdown, though the Senate's approval is still required. While most bills received bipartisan support, funding for the Department of Homeland Security faced strong opposition from some Democrats due to concerns over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics, particularly following a recent shooting in Minneapolis.
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.
Yann LeCun's new AI startup, AMI Labs, officially announced its focus on developing "world models" to create intelligent systems that understand the real world, joining the growing field of AI research startups building foundational models. This pursuit of bridging AI and reality has attracted significant investor interest, with AMI Labs potentially raising funds at a $3.5 billion valuation, following the success of competitor World Labs and its 3D world generation product, Marble.
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 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.
Intel's Q4 2025 earnings reveal strong demand for data center and AI products, contrasting with a decline in client computing revenue. Supply chain constraints are forcing Intel to prioritize chip allocation towards profitable sectors, potentially leading to shortages or price increases for consumer processors like the upcoming Core Ultra Series 3 "Panther Lake," despite promising performance.
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.
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.
The NTSB is investigating Waymo's autonomous vehicles after multiple reports of them illegally passing stopped school buses, despite a previous software recall to address the issue. This probe, separate from an ongoing NHTSA investigation, focuses on over 20 incidents in Austin, Texas, and could impact Waymo's expanding robotaxi services across the US. The NTSB will analyze the incidents to determine the cause and recommend safety measures, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
