💻 Tech

Blaze at X Data Center Near Portland Sparks Global Outage
May 23 @ 12:45pm ET  
A fire at a data center leased by X in Hillsboro, Oregon, on May 22 led to a global outage affecting thousands. The blaze, linked to a battery room, has raised concerns about data center safety.
Fortnite's Epic Comeback to Apple App Store After Legal Win
May 23 @ 12:15pm ET  
Fortnite returns to Apple's App Store after a nearly five-year absence, following a legal victory for Epic Games. A federal judge's ruling on May 21 forced Apple to allow external payment links.
Trump's 25% Tariff Threat on Apple Could Spike iPhone Prices
May 23 @ 12:01pm ET  
President Trump threatens a 25% tariff on Apple if iPhones aren't made in the US. This could spike prices, potentially impacting consumers and markets.
Chicago Sun-Times Faces Backlash Over AI-Generated Fake Book List
May 23 @ 10:29am ET  
The Chicago Sun-Times published a summer reading list with 10 fake books out of 15, generated by AI. Both the Sun-Times and The Philadelphia Inquirer apologized for the error.
AI's Insatiable Appetite for Power in Data Centers Grows
May 23 @ 8:49am ET  
AI's rapid growth is driving a massive surge in data center power demand, with consumption doubling every two years. This trend raises concerns over costs and environmental impact as infrastructure struggles to keep up.
Vercel's New AI Model Revolutionizes Web Development
May 23 @ 6:15am ET  
Vercel has launched 'v0-1.0-md,' an AI model tailored for web development, enhancing efficiency in creating websites. Available via API, it's currently in beta, promising significant advancements for developers.
RevenueCat Secures $50M to Fuel Expansion Beyond Mobile Apps
May 23 @ 5:15am ET  
RevenueCat has raised $50 million in Series C funding to expand beyond mobile app monetization. The company plans to develop new products for various platforms, aiming to redefine digital subscription management.
Throne's $4M Funding: How an AI Toilet Startup Made Waves
May 22 @ 8:15pm ET  
Throne, an Austin-based startup, raised $4 million led by Moxxie Ventures for its AI-powered toilet that analyzes gut health. This innovative device uses computer vision to offer real-time wellness insights at home.
Signal Enhances Privacy with New Windows Update Blocking Screenshots
May 22 @ 5:15pm ET  
Signal's new Windows update introduces a 'screen security' setting to block screenshots, enhancing user privacy. Enabled by default on Windows 11, this feature aims to protect sensitive chat content from unauthorized capture.
Anthropic's Claude 4 Opus Shines in Reasoning and Pokémon Mastery
May 22 @ 4:45pm ET  
Anthropic's Claude 4 Opus excels in reasoning and planning, mastering Pokémon Red with improved memory. This leap from its predecessor signals exciting potential for AI in complex real-world tasks.
Spotify's External Payment Option on iOS Drives Subscription Growth
May 22 @ 2:16pm ET  
Spotify's use of external payment links on iOS has boosted subscriptions, as per internal data. This move supports Epic Games' legal fight against Apple's App Store policies.
Jony Ive Joins OpenAI to Spearhead Design After $6.5B Acquisition
May 22 @ 1:15pm ET  
OpenAI has acquired io, Jony Ive's startup, for $6.5 billion, bringing the famed Apple designer to lead its design efforts. This all-equity deal signals a major push into hardware with a focus on innovative, user-centric technology.
Politico Staff Clash with Management Over AI Policy Violations
May 22 @ 12:45pm ET  
Politico staff are clashing with management over alleged violations of AI usage rules in the newsroom. This dispute may lead to legal action, highlighting broader ethical concerns in journalism.
Meta Unveils Llama for Startups to Boost AI Innovation
May 22 @ 12:15pm ET  
Meta's new Llama for Startups program offers U.S.-based startups access to its Llama AI models with direct support and funding. This initiative aims to foster innovation and help small firms compete in the tech landscape.
Amazon Unveils AI-Powered Audio Summaries for Product Pages
May 22 @ 9:15am ET  
Amazon has launched AI-powered audio product summaries on select pages as of May 21. These short clips, voiced by 'AI shopping experts,' highlight key features and reviews for easier shopping.
TED Enters Short-Form Video Arena with New App Feature Amid TikTok Ban Threat
May 22 @ 8:43am ET  
TED has launched a short-form video feature on its app amid the potential U.S. ban on TikTok. This move aims to capture the growing demand for quick, engaging content with TED's signature educational depth.
Siro Secures $50M in Funding to Boost AI Sales Coaching Tech
May 22 @ 8:24am ET  
Siro has raised $50 million in Series B funding led by SignalFire to enhance its AI-powered coaching for on-the-ground sales reps. This investment will help scale their innovative platform to transform face-to-face sales interactions.
Elizabeth Weil's Scribble Ventures Thrives in Tight VC Market with $80M Fund
May 22 @ 8:15am ET  
Elizabeth Weil's Scribble Ventures has raised $80 million for its third fund, standing out in a tough VC market. Her success highlights the vital role of deep networks in securing capital and supporting early-stage startups.
US Student Admits Guilt in Massive Hack Impacting 60 Million Students
May 22 @ 7:36am ET  
A US student, Alexander Nathan, has pleaded guilty to hacking PowerSchool, exposing data of 60 million students. The breach raises major concerns about security in education technology platforms.
Tech Layoffs in 2025: A Growing Crisis for the Industry
May 22 @ 7:08am ET  
The tech industry faces a crisis in 2025 with over 50,000 layoffs globally, impacting giants like Microsoft and startups alike. Economic uncertainty and over-hiring during the pandemic are key drivers of these widespread job cuts.
Einride Shifts Leadership to Boost Electric Truck Expansion
May 22 @ 6:54am ET  
Einride's founder Robert Falck steps down as CEO to focus on scaling electric and autonomous trucking technology. The Swedish startup eyes funding and a potential IPO to expand its sustainable transport solutions globally.
Mistral Unveils Devstral: A New AI Model Tailored for Coding
May 22 @ 6:24am ET  
AI startup Mistral has launched Devstral, a new AI model focused on coding, developed with All Hands AI. Released under an Apache 2.0 license for unrestricted commercial use, Devstral reportedly outperforms open models like Google’s Gemma in coding tasks.
Tanka CEO Kisson Lin to Discuss AI-Native Startups at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
May 21 @ 4:24pm ET  
Kisson Lin, CEO of Tanka, will speak at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 at UC Berkeley, discussing AI-native startups. Her interview, 'Your Next Co-Founder Will Be AI,' will explore how AI can transform entrepreneurship.
Microsoft Warns of Massive Malware Attack on 394,000 Windows PCs Globally
May 21 @ 4:20pm ET  
Microsoft has warned that 394,000 Windows computers worldwide are infected with malware that steals bank details, passwords, and cryptocurrency wallets. The company urges users to update systems and stay vigilant against phishing attacks.
Shopify Unveils AI-Powered Store Builder in Latest Platform Update
May 21 @ 3:15pm ET  
Shopify has launched an AI-powered store builder in its latest update, enabling merchants to create storefronts with a single prompt. This tool, along with other AI features, aims to enhance the online shopping experience and empower businesses.
Luminar Faces New Layoffs as CEO Austin Russell Steps Down Abruptly
May 21 @ 1:15pm ET  
Luminar, a key player in lidar technology, faces turmoil with CEO Austin Russell's sudden resignation and a new round of layoffs. The company, which cut 30% of its workforce in 2024, is restructuring again amid competitive pressures in the autonomous vehicle industry.
Block's AI Agent Revolutionizes Productivity Under Jack Dorsey's Vision
May 21 @ 12:46pm ET  
Block, under Jack Dorsey's leadership, has deployed an AI agent to boost productivity by automating software development and tasks. This innovative step could redefine fintech operations, setting a new standard for efficiency.
Tesla's Robotaxi Tests to Launch in Austin's Safest Zones, Musk Confirms
May 21 @ 11:15am ET  
Tesla will launch its robotaxi service tests in Austin's safest zones next month, as confirmed by CEO Elon Musk in a CNBC interview. The geofenced approach prioritizes safety, limiting navigation to areas where the system is highly confident.
Southwest Airlines Enacts Strict Charger Rules Over Battery Fire Risks
May 21 @ 10:23am ET  
Southwest Airlines has rolled out a new policy requiring passengers to keep portable chargers visible during flights. This move addresses rising concerns over lithium-ion battery fires, aligning with FAA safety guidelines.
Rob Biederman to Share Scaling Strategies at TechCrunch All Stage 2025
May 21 @ 9:15am ET  
TechCrunch All Stage 2025, set for July 15 in Boston, will feature Rob Biederman of Asymmetric Capital Partners sharing key strategies for scaling startups. Founders can expect actionable insights on talent, growth, and execution at this pivotal event.
Sam Altman's Countersurveillance Request Shocks OpenAI Insiders
May 21 @ 8:45am ET  
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, requested a countersurveillance audit in the company's early days, fearing espionage. Journalist Karen Hao's 'Empire of AI' reveals the paranoia and high stakes shaping OpenAI's culture.
Intel Considers Divesting Networking and Edge Unit in Strategic Overhaul
May 21 @ 8:15am ET  
Intel is reportedly considering selling its networking and edge unit as part of a strategic refocus under CEO Lip-Bu Tan. This move aims to streamline operations and prioritize core business areas amid growing competition.