0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Disney+ and Hulu add to the growing trend of streaming inflation
At the same time, Disney appears to be exploring new ways to expand its streaming business beyond simply raising subscription prices.
Technology
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Anthropic says Claude AI autonomously discovered a new Crispr-like enzyme system
Anthropic has announced that its AI model Claude independently identified a novel enzyme system resembling the mechanism behind the gene-editing tool Crispr. The discovery emerged from Claude's analysis of a vast DNA sequence database, with human scientists contributing only an initial prompt and subsequent lab work. Nearly 950 Claude agents collectively processed 210 million tokens over 21 hours before one detected an unusual repeating pattern in the data. This marks the first published result from Anthropic's newly established wet laboratory. The finding comes as the company prepares for a public offering and looks to demonstrate Claude's practical value in scientific research.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
AI Security Startups Draw Massive Investment as Cybersecurity Model Evolves
Growing concerns about AI safety and autonomous agents are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, pushing investors to fund a new generation of security solutions. Cybersecurity stocks have been rising as the industry grapples with threats unique to AI-native environments. Startups such as Instinct and Simile have secured nine-figure funding rounds, reflecting valuations that would have seemed unlikely in earlier market conditions. The surge in capital signals a broader belief that traditional cybersecurity frameworks are no longer sufficient to address emerging AI-driven risks.
0
TechnologyArs Technica ·
Owners mourn spoiled food after firmware update bricks Samsung smart fridges
"So absurd and embarrassing ..."
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Zoox halts Atlanta robotaxi tests after workers report toxic gas exposure
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has grounded its test fleet in Atlanta following reports of workers experiencing symptoms linked to toxic gas exposure. The incident prompted an internal investigation by the company. A worker had filed a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which appears to have triggered the response. The affected vehicles were taken off the road as a precautionary measure while the investigation is ongoing.
0
TechnologyArs Technica ·
Ex-NASA Chief Warns China Aims to Dominate the Moon This Century
A former NASA administrator has raised concerns about China's long-term intentions on the Moon, suggesting they go beyond scientific exploration. The official warned that Beijing's lunar program is strategically aimed at controlling key resources and positioning on the Moon. He described China's approach as an effort to dominate what he called the 'high ground' of the 21st century. The remarks highlight growing geopolitical tensions between the US and China in the arena of space exploration. These concerns come amid an accelerating global space race, with multiple nations and private entities pursuing lunar ambitions.
0
TechnologyNYT Technology ·
Metals Company CEO Argues Seafloor Mining Is Greener Than Land Mining
Gerard Barron, chief executive of The Metals Company, is making a public case for commercial deep-sea mining. He argues that land-based mines cause significantly greater environmental damage than seafloor extraction would. His company is positioning itself to become the first to conduct commercial deep-sea mining operations. The push comes amid ongoing global debate over the environmental risks of mining the ocean floor for critical minerals.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
ChatGPT Mobile App Gains Voice-Powered Agentic Tools for Pro and Plus Users
OpenAI is rolling out new voice-based agentic features to its ChatGPT mobile app. The update is available exclusively to Pro and Plus subscribers. Users can access these capabilities through a dedicated Work tab on their phones. The new features allow users to complete agentic tasks using voice commands on mobile devices.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Daily AI Users Still Harbor Concerns About the Technology, Survey Finds
A new report reveals that frequent use of artificial intelligence does not reduce Americans' anxiety about the technology. Even people who engage with AI tools on a daily basis continue to express significant concerns about its risks and implications. The findings challenge the assumption that greater familiarity with AI naturally leads to greater comfort or acceptance. Notably, the report also found that regular AI users maintain strong support for government regulation of the technology. This suggests that public unease about AI is unlikely to fade simply as adoption increases.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Sanders and Casar introduce bill to ban superintelligence development, with prison time
Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar have jointly introduced the Ban Artificial Superintelligence Act, targeting AI systems deemed capable of threatening or overthrowing humanity. The legislation would prohibit the development of artificial superintelligence and impose penalties of up to 20 years in prison for violators. Beyond superintelligence, the bill also seeks to pause progress on advanced AI systems more broadly. The move comes as President Trump has separately directed that 'superintelligence' replace 'AI' in official U.S. government documents.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
YouTube Adds GIF Replies, Voice Comments, and Paid Fan Communities
YouTube is introducing a range of new features aimed at boosting creator engagement and monetization on the platform. The updates include GIF replies in comments, voice-powered commenting for TV users, and personalized moderation tools. YouTube is also launching paid members-only communities, giving creators an additional revenue stream. These changes are designed to deepen fan interaction while making it more financially rewarding for content creators.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Logitech G Launches Blue Yeti 2 USB Mic With AI De-Noising for $159.99
Logitech G has released the Blue Yeti 2, the long-awaited successor to the original Blue Yeti microphone that debuted in 2009. The new model introduces several modern features, including an interactive LED display, AI-powered de-noising, and a proximity-based voice sensor that addresses a key limitation of the original design. The microphone is available in black and white and is priced at $159.99. This positions it as a more affordable alternative to Shure's MV7 USB microphone series, which starts at $299 and is widely used by podcasters.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Logitech G Pro X3 Superstrike launches October 6 at $199.99 with minor upgrades
Logitech has announced the G Pro X3 Superstrike gaming mouse, set to release on October 6th for $199.99, priced $20 higher than its predecessor. The mouse retains the brand's signature haptic actuator technology, which replaces traditional mechanical switches under the main buttons to reduce latency and allow customizable click feel. The X3 is available in pink or black, offering a refreshed look compared to the X2. The previous model, the G Pro X2 Superstrike, which launched in February, will continue to be sold at $179.99. The X3 is considered more of an incremental update than a full generational successor.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
YouTube Launches AI Chat Tool to Let Creators Edit Videos Using Natural Language
YouTube is introducing a new AI-powered conversational tool designed to simplify video editing for creators. The feature allows users to make edits by typing instructions in natural language through a chat interface. Rather than navigating complex editing controls, creators can describe the changes they want and the AI will execute them. The tool reflects YouTube's broader push to integrate artificial intelligence into its creator ecosystem.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Xbox Introduces 'Mythic' Achievements Awarded for 100% Game Completion
Microsoft appears to be developing a new Xbox feature called Mythic achievements, which are awarded when a player completes all achievements in a game. The feature was uncovered through data found in a recent update to the Xbox PC app. Mythic achievements will reportedly include a unique unlock animation and sound, and players will be able to track and display their Mythic count on their profiles. The concept closely mirrors PlayStation's long-standing Platinum trophy system. Some Xbox Insider testers have already spotted references to the feature in early versions of the Xbox dashboard.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
YouTube Music Adds AI Chat Tool and Personalized Podcast Feature
YouTube has announced new AI-powered features for YouTube Music at its annual Made On YouTube event. The updates introduce 'Ask Music,' a conversational AI tool designed to help users discover songs, explore artists, and find podcasts. A second feature called 'Your Podcast Lineup' offers personalized podcast recommendations tailored to individual listeners. The additions aim to make content discovery on the platform more intuitive and accessible. Both features reflect YouTube's broader push to integrate generative AI into its music and podcast experience.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Metroid Prime Remastered drops to $27.99 in Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale
Nintendo's Customer Appreciation Sale, running through September 26th, includes a 30 percent discount on Metroid Prime Remastered for Switch and Switch 2. The digital version is now available for $27.99 at Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, down from its regular price of $39.99. Originally a 2002 GameCube title, the remaster features updated textures, improved lighting, and a smooth frame rate without requiring motion controls. The sale also covers other Switch games and accessories across major retailers.
0
TechnologyThe Verge ·
Una Watch: A $199 open-source, modular GPS sports watch launches at half its Kickstarter price
The Una Watch is a GPS sports watch now priced at $199, reduced from its original Kickstarter price of $350. It features a 1.2-inch MIP LCD display, up to 10 days of battery life, and a modular, repairable design. Like Pebble's recently revived watches, the Una Watch is fully open-source, with its SDK, housing, and circuit boards all publicly available. It distinguishes itself by offering more built-in fitness features than Pebble's current lineup. Una is also encouraging users to develop their own apps for the device.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
Eight Sleep launches Pod 6 sleep system in new sizes, priced from $1,999
Eight Sleep has unveiled its latest smart bed product, the Pod 6, which is now available in smaller and solo size options. The new model starts at $1,999, making it accessible to a broader range of sleepers including those who sleep alone. Eight Sleep claims the Pod 6 is 20% faster than its predecessor in terms of performance. The updated pod continues the company's focus on temperature-regulating sleep technology.
0
TechnologyTechCrunch ·
YouTube Adds AI-Powered Idea Generation and Thumbnail Analytics to Studio
YouTube has announced new artificial intelligence features for its Studio app aimed at supporting content creators. The update includes a tool to help creators generate video ideas using AI. Additionally, the platform is introducing functionality to monitor and analyze the performance of video thumbnails. These features are designed to help creators optimize their content strategy directly within the Studio environment.