Alex Gibney has directed a new documentary about Elon Musk. The film runs for approximately four hours in length. A review by Ars Technica notes it is compelling but feels overly long. It also concludes that the documentary offers little new information for the site's regular readers.
Reports indicate the next Apple TV may feature a built-in microphone. This would allow users to issue Siri voice commands directly to the set-top box. The updated remote is also rumored to include a small speaker. The speaker would enable audio alerts to help locate a misplaced remote, and the microphone could facilitate smart home control.
TechCrunch's Equity podcast debated challenges facing the AI industry regarding data center construction. Panelists discussed the impact of local moratoriums that halt new data center projects. A key question was whether the industry has a communication problem with concerned communities. The discussion explored if abandoning non-disclosure agreements could help build public trust.
TechCrunch reports that a significant regulatory roadblock has been cleared for self-driving trucks. The development is part of a broader trend of AI's growing role in the future of transportation. The news was featured in the outlet's regular Mobility newsletter. The removal of this obstacle could accelerate the deployment of autonomous freight vehicles.
Richualist, a company founded by Dawn Myers, has been selected for the TechCrunch Battlefield 200. The company offers a digital platform focused on curly hair care. Its services aim to simplify styling, detangling, and maintenance routines. The selection highlights the platform's presence in a prominent startup competition.
NASA has published a large data archive from the Artemis II mission. The release includes over 11,000 photos and videos, plus more than 8.5 hours of audio. Among the materials are crew-annotated images documenting observations like impact flashes on the Moon's dark side. This data provides an extensive public record of the historic mission. The release was made this week on a dedicated NASA website.
Director George A. Romero, famed for zombie classics, also made the 1973 film Season of the Witch. Originally titled Hungry Wives, it was marketed as an exploitation and softcore porn movie. The film failed commercially upon release, partly due to its minimal nudity and dialogue-heavy nature. It has since been re-evaluated as a feminist occult drama distinct from Romero's typical horror work.
Startup Efferon has created a new blood-purification technology designed to treat pediatric sepsis. The company aims to reduce the severe and often fatal impact of the condition on children. TechCrunch reports that Efferon was founded in 2020. The technology works by filtering harmful substances from a patient's bloodstream.
Amazon's Prime Video debuted the first full trailer for its upcoming series 'Blade Runner 2099' at New York Comic Con. The series is a continuation of the Blade Runner science fiction franchise. Separately, a new trailer was also shown for 'Godzilla Minus Zero', the sequel to the film 'Godzilla Minus One'. Both trailers were presented at the New York event.
Industry executives believe voice-activated artificial intelligence has not yet had its defining breakthrough moment. They compare its current state to the period before ChatGPT's launch revolutionized text-based AI. A key challenge is that voice AI systems frequently miss critical contextual information. This failure in the context layer can cause the entire AI response pipeline to malfunction.
Major streaming services like Disney Plus and HBO Max are experimenting with vertical content to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. A new startup named Vurt is taking a different approach by focusing on televisions instead of mobile devices. The company believes the next evolution of vertical series will happen on wide-screen TVs. This contrasts with current platforms that primarily target mobile viewing experiences.
Apple will host its 'Welcome Home' launch event in New York on October 13th. The event is expected to center on announcements related to smart home products. Anticipated reveals include refreshed Apple TV and HomePod Mini devices, a new smart home hub, and a potential homeOS platform. However, reports indicate a rumored touchscreen MacBook will not debut at this event.
The Resident Evil survival horror video game series is experiencing unprecedented popularity after 30 years. The latest title, Resident Evil Requiem, has sold eight million copies since its February launch. This makes it the 14th best-selling game in publisher Capcom's history. Concurrently, the franchise is being rebooted for film under director Zach Cre. The sustained success highlights horror's significant commercial appeal in entertainment.
The LeapPad was a popular interactive educational toy in the United States for several years. It functioned as a smart book that played sounds and responded to touch to help children learn. Despite its appeal to both kids and parents, the device was expensive and raised questions. The product's maker ultimately failed to sustain its success, particularly following the release of the iPad.
A journalist is beginning a series to test the regular use of AI models run locally on a personal computer. The experiment is motivated by privacy concerns over sending data to cloud-based AI services. The project will explore whether the utility of local AI justifies the high hardware costs, particularly for memory. The reporter will document their non-expert journey to help readers assess the technology's value.
Three distinct portrayals of Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg exist in media and reality. The real Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly altered his personal approach over time. This contrasts with the fictional depictions by actors in films about his life. The comparison highlights the difference between public perception and the individual's actual evolution.
The U.S. Justice Department notified several major television networks of an investigation on Friday. It is examining whether their actions violated antitrust laws. The probe focuses on their collective decision to suspend pool coverage of former President Donald Trump. The networks reportedly coordinated to stop sharing this live video feed.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella outlined his concerns about advanced AI in a post on X. He warned against treating AI as opaque 'black boxes' that users must simply accept or reject. Nadella advocated for a more transparent system where models are contained, observable, and leave clear, tamper-proof records. His recommendations align with broader industry calls for incident disclosure, independent audits, and verifiable data.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella called for an 'emergency brake' mechanism for advanced AI models. He made the statement in a post published on Saturday. Nadella argued it is time to assess the 'trust architecture' of artificial intelligence. The comment reflects growing industry concern about managing the risks of powerful AI systems.
Apple has reached a deal to hire the team and license technology from personalized podcast startup Huxe. The agreement was disclosed by Apple, though the financial terms were not revealed. The move suggests Apple is exploring advancements in the podcasting sector. This could potentially involve AI-generated or personalized content, as Huxe's technology specializes in tailored podcast experiences.