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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
TechCrunch Mobility: Uber bets on its former CEO
Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility, your hub for the future of transportation and now, more than ever, the role AI is playing in it.
Technology
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Mike Flanagan's 'Carrie' Remake Hits Amazon Prime on October 7
Director Mike Flanagan's adaptation of Stephen King's 'Carrie' is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video on October 7th. The trailer was unveiled at Comic-Con 2026, offering fans a fresh take on the classic horror story. Flanagan's version updates the narrative for contemporary audiences by incorporating modern teen issues such as social media bullying and active shooter drills. To ground the script in authenticity, Flanagan invited real high schoolers into the writers' room to share their personal experiences. This marks Flanagan's fourth Stephen King adaptation.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-Month Subscription Available for $39 at Eneba
A three-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, normally priced at $69, is currently available as a digital code on Eneba for approximately $39. The deal represents nearly a 44% discount on Microsoft's gaming subscription service, which costs $22.99 per month on a recurring basis. Game Pass Ultimate provides access to the full Game Pass library on Xbox consoles and PC, including first-party titles and online multiplayer. The subscription is particularly relevant for players planning to play Halo: Campaign Evolved, a re-release launching on July 28th for Xbox and PC, which would otherwise cost $49.99 to purchase outright.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Ryan Gosling joins MCU as Ghost Rider; Black Panther III gets release date
Marvel made several major announcements at Comic-Con, with Ryan Gosling confirmed to play Ghost Rider in a standalone film directed by Shawn Levy, due in 2028. Director Ryan Coogler officially revealed that Black Panther III is scheduled for release on December 15th, 2028. Actor David Jonsson was introduced as T'Challa's son and the next Black Panther in the franchise. Marvel also unveiled a new trailer for Avengers: Doomsday during the event.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Vertical Video Format Has Taken Over Social and Streaming Platforms
A new analysis from The Verge examines how vertical video has become the dominant format across major digital platforms. Historically, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter each had distinct identities and content formats. Over time, the rise of short-form vertical video — popularized by mobile-first consumption — has reshaped how content is created and distributed. The shift reflects a broader convergence among social media and streaming services, all now competing in the same vertical video space. The trend marks a significant departure from the era when each platform had a clearly defined and separate purpose.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
TikTok's Algorithm Criticized for Trapping Users in Breakup Content Loops
Mental health experts are raising concerns about TikTok's recommendation algorithm and its tendency to continuously serve users breakup-related content. This pattern is being highlighted as a key example of how social media platforms may fail to protect user wellbeing. The issue emerges amid growing regulatory and public scrutiny over addictive design features built into social media products. Experts argue that such algorithmic loops can negatively impact the emotional health of users, particularly those already in vulnerable states.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
Wealthy Heir Sammy Nussdorf Opens Upscale Grocery Store in Lower Manhattan
Sammy Nussdorf, the scion of a wealthy family, has found his professional purpose in the food retail industry. He opened Meadow Lane, a high-end grocery store located in Lower Manhattan. The market is known for its carefully curated product selection and chic aesthetic. Nussdorf's venture represents an unconventional path for someone of his privileged background.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Warner Bros. Sues Amazon Over Alleged Illegal Poaching of Top Executives
Warner Bros. has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of unlawfully recruiting its senior executives. The legal action centers on claims that Amazon induced these executives to break their existing employment contracts with Warner Bros. The case is expected to reignite debate over whether fixed-term employment agreements are legally enforceable under California law. California has historically favored employee mobility, making such contract disputes particularly complex in the state.
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TechnologyArs Technica ·
Blade Runner 2099 Gets First Proper Look in SDCC Teaser
San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) served as the venue for the debut of the first substantial teaser for the upcoming series Blade Runner 2099. The footage gave audiences their clearest glimpse yet at the highly anticipated sci-fi production set in the iconic Blade Runner universe. Alongside it, a teaser for Rings of Power Season 3 offered a behind-the-scenes look at the forging of the One Ring. Additional highlights from the event included a new trailer for the DC series Lanterns and a panel dedicated to the comedy sequel Spaceballs: The New One.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Phineas Fisher: The Elusive Hacktivist Who Breached Two Spyware Firms
Phineas Fisher is a pseudonymous hacktivist known for successfully breaching two controversial government spyware companies. The hacker gained notoriety by targeting firms that sold surveillance tools to governments, exposing their operations publicly. Despite the high-profile nature of the attacks, Fisher has never been identified or apprehended by authorities. The case raises significant questions about accountability in the government spyware industry and the limits of law enforcement in tracking sophisticated hackers.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Boring Company in talks to raise funds at $20 billion valuation
Elon Musk's tunneling venture, The Boring Company, is reportedly in discussions to secure a significant new round of funding. The fundraising talks value the startup at approximately $20 billion. The report was published by TechCrunch, citing sources familiar with the matter. If completed, the round would mark a major financial milestone for the infrastructure-focused company. No further details about potential investors or the total amount being raised have been confirmed publicly.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Google VP signals Pixel 11 will cost more as RAM prices surge
Google's VP of Devices and Services, Shakil Barkat, has strongly hinted in an interview with 9to5 Google that the upcoming Pixel 11 will carry a higher price tag than the Pixel 10. He acknowledged that Google had tried to protect consumers from supply chain pressures for as long as possible, but said the economic landscape has fundamentally changed. The expected price increase is largely tied to rising RAM costs driven by surging demand from AI data centers. Google joins a growing list of tech companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Roku, that have recently raised prices in response to soaring memory costs.
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TechnologyArs Technica ·
SpaceX Plans Booster Catch Attempt on Next Starship Mission
SpaceX is planning to attempt a tower catch of the Starship rocket on its upcoming 14th test flight. The decision follows the successful conclusion of the vehicle's 13th flight, which ended on a positive note. The mechazilla catch mechanism at the launch pad would be used to recover the Super Heavy booster. This approach, if successful, would continue SpaceX's push toward rapid reusability of the massive launch system.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Kalshi Demands Netflix Remove Trailer for 'Prediction Games' Doc Over Defamation Claims
Prediction markets platform Kalshi has formally demanded that Netflix take down the trailer for an upcoming documentary titled 'Prediction Games'. The company alleges the trailer is defamatory and contains fabricated documents along with false and misleading statements. Kalshi has not specified which particular claims or documents it considers inaccurate. The dispute highlights growing tensions between prediction market firms and media scrutiny of the industry.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
US Libraries See Surge in Demand for 'Avoiding AI' Workshops
Public libraries across the United States are hosting workshops focused on helping people reduce their reliance on artificial intelligence tools. The sessions, branded as 'Avoiding AI' workshops, have attracted unusually high attendance and interest from the public. The demand signals a growing frustration among everyday users toward large technology companies and their AI-driven products. Libraries have emerged as a community hub for those seeking practical guidance on navigating tech on their own terms.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Synth Historian Oli Freke Releases Visual History of Drum Machines
Musician and journalist Oli Freke, known for his writing in Sound on Sound, The Quietus, and Mixmag, has launched a new book called Beat Gems. The coffee-table publication is a visual history of drum machines, released by publisher Bjooks. Like other titles from the same publisher, the book features high-quality photography, historical details, and practical guidance for using the featured gear. Freke previously authored a book tracing the evolution of synthesizers from 1963 to 1995, covering the shift from analog to digital technology and back.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Teenage Engineering grooveboxes discounted 30% at Guitar Center, Amazon, B&H Photo
Swedish music hardware brand Teenage Engineering is offering 30 percent off a range of its synthesizer and sampler devices at Guitar Center, Amazon, and B&H Photo. The discount applies via code TE30 at Guitar Center, an on-page coupon at Amazon, and automatically at checkout on B&H Photo. Among the highlighted products is the flagship OP-XY sequencer-synthesizer, reduced from $2,299 to around $1,609, though it is currently out of stock on Amazon. The more beginner-friendly EP-40 Riddim compact sampler, normally $329, is available for approximately $230 across all three retailers. The Amazon coupon is listed as valid through August 8th, 2026, while the Guitar Center promotion is described as limited time.
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TechnologyThe Verge ·
Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Amazon Over Alleged Illegal Employee Poaching
Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the tech giant of illegally recruiting its employees away from the company. The suit centers on Pia Barlow, former senior VP for originals marketing at Warner, who is set to join Amazon as head of original series marketing on August 3rd. Warner claims Barlow was still under contract until October 31st, making her departure a breach of that agreement. The complaint also alleges Amazon engaged in a broader pattern of targeting Warner talent, with HBO drama head Francesca Orsi reportedly among other recruitment targets. Warner accused Amazon of conducting a 'lawless employee shopping spree' rather than developing its own Hollywood talent pipeline.
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TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Northern Virginia Outage Exposes AI Data Centers' Grid Vulnerability
A single downed power line in Northern Virginia triggered a significant disruption that exposed critical weaknesses in how AI data centers handle grid failures. The incident highlighted the growing vulnerability of data center infrastructure as demand for AI computing power continues to surge. Experts warn that current resilience measures are insufficient to keep pace with the rapid expansion of AI-driven facilities. Industry stakeholders are now calling for improved grid management practices and infrastructure upgrades to prevent future disruptions.
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TechnologyNYT Technology ·
US AI Giants Split Over Restricting Open-Source Chinese AI Models
A sharp divide has emerged in Silicon Valley over whether open-source artificial intelligence models from China should be freely accessible in the United States. Anthropic and OpenAI are pushing for restrictions on these Chinese-developed models, putting them at odds with much of the broader tech industry. The debate centers on open-source AI, which allows anyone to freely download, use, and modify the underlying software. Supporters of open access argue that restrictions would stifle innovation, while proponents of limits cite national security and competitive concerns.
