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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Stripe x TechCrunch Battlefield Sydney: Applications Close Soon for 8 Finalist Spots

TechCrunch and Stripe are hosting a Startup Battlefield competition at Stripe Tour Sydney on August 19, giving eight selected Australian startups the chance to pitch in front of investors and global press. The competition is specifically open to Australian founders, with applications set to close imminently. The winning startup will receive automatic entry into TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco, bypassing the standard application process entirely. The event represents a significant opportunity for the Australian startup ecosystem to gain international visibility. Founders are urged to apply before the deadline to secure a chance at one of the eight coveted stage spots.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Vertu's $6,880 AI Agent Phone: Is the Luxury Foldable Worth the Price?

Luxury smartphone brand Vertu is targeting corporate executives with a high-end foldable phone priced at $6,880, marketed around its built-in AI agent capabilities. The device positions itself as a premium productivity tool, bundling AI-driven workflows alongside the hardware. Real-world testing examined how the phone performs across key areas including AI functionality, battery endurance, and security features. The results offer a practical look at whether the device's performance justifies its steep asking price for business users.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Databricks Reaches $188B Valuation Amid AI Repositioning Push

Databricks has achieved a valuation of $188 billion, cementing its status as one of the most valuable AI-focused companies. The firm has successfully rebranded itself from a data analytics platform into an artificial intelligence company. As part of its AI push, Databricks has published research highlighting the cost benefits of using open-weight AI models for coding tasks. The company's rising valuation reflects growing investor confidence in its AI strategy and market positioning.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Taylor Farms recalls iceberg lettuce from US market amid Cyclospora outbreak

Food producer Taylor Farms announced a voluntary recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico following a cyclosporiasis outbreak. The company notified major customers, including Taco Bell and food distributor Sysco, on Thursday to remove shredded lettuce from distribution. The affected product was initially packaged in 5-pound bags at a Taylor Farms facility in Guanajuato, Mexico. Taco Bell confirmed it is indefinitely removing the ingredient from its nationwide supply chain and expects a replacement within 24 hours.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

New Zoom Hack Lets Users Block Recording of Their Audio

A newly discovered technique allows Zoom users to prevent their audio from being recorded or transcribed during calls. The hack addresses growing concerns about the widespread use of AI-powered meeting transcription tools. As more workplaces and platforms adopt automatic summarization features, questions are emerging about privacy and consent. The method gives individuals a way to opt out of being captured in meeting records without disrupting the session for others. The development highlights a broader debate about who controls personal data in an era of pervasive digital documentation.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Agility Robotics Opens Digit Robot Training Center in Fremont, California

Agility Robotics is establishing a new training facility for its Digit humanoid robots in Fremont, California. The move places the company in close proximity to Tesla, which operates its main manufacturing plant in the same city. The new center is expected to support the development and operational training of Agility's Digit robot lineup. The facility signals Agility's ambitions to expand its footprint in a region that has become a hub for advanced robotics and electric vehicle manufacturing.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Shark ChillPill Personal Fan and Cooling System drops to $99.99 at Amazon

Shark's ChillPill Personal Fan and Cooling System is currently on sale for $99.99, a $30 discount, matching its all-time low price on Amazon. The device combines a rechargeable fan with a dry-touch evaporative mister and can be worn, clipped, or used as a tabletop fan. It features 10 fan speeds, continuous or interval misting modes, and up to 11 hours of battery life on its lowest setting. Costco members can get the same deal bundled with a clip, crossbody strap, and an InstaChill Cooling Plate for targeted relief. The device charges via USB-C, making it convenient for everyday carry alongside other personal electronics.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

AI Demand Drives Memory Shortage, Squeezing India's Smartphone Market

India's smartphone market is experiencing a slowdown linked to the global surge in artificial intelligence adoption. The AI boom is creating a crunch in memory chip supply, which is a critical component in smartphones. This shortage is pushing up component costs, affecting device pricing and consumer demand in India. The ripple effects are also influencing corporate strategies among smartphone manufacturers operating in the region.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

China's Moonshot AI Releases Kimi Model, Closing Gap With US Rivals

Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI has launched a new artificial intelligence model called Kimi, making it freely available to the public. The release is being seen as a significant step by a Chinese company in competing with leading AI systems developed in the United States. The Kimi model appears to perform at a level comparable to top-tier offerings from major American technology firms. The development signals a narrowing technological gap between Chinese and US players in the rapidly evolving AI industry.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Google-Backed FireSat Satellites Launch to Improve Wildfire Detection

A set of satellites backed by Google, known as the FireSat program, have been launched with the goal of improving wildfire detection. The launch comes at a time when smoke from wildfires is affecting large parts of the United States and Canada. FireSat is designed to identify wildfires that conventional satellites are unable to detect. The program aims to provide earlier and more accurate alerts to help authorities respond to blazes more effectively.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

SF City Attorney orders Apple and Google to remove 'nudify' apps from stores

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has formally ordered Apple and Google to remove so-called 'nudify' apps from their respective app stores. The directive was issued through official letters sent directly to both tech companies. Chiu alleged that Apple and Google have long been aware that these apps violate California state law. The city attorney's action signals growing legal pressure on major platforms to police harmful AI-generated content.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

TikTok Tests Opt-In Tool to Detect Unauthorized AI Likenesses of Creators

TikTok is piloting an opt-in tool that scans for AI-generated likenesses and allows creators to report them to the platform. The test is currently limited to select US creators, as confirmed by TikTok spokesperson Zachary Kizer. To participate, creators must verify their identity through third-party firm Jumio via a real-time selfie scan and ID check. TikTok says it does not retain ID documents or facial data after verification. The move follows a similar initiative by YouTube, which recently rolled out a comparable tool to all adult users.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Nuclear startup Valar Atomics in talks to raise funds at $6B valuation

Nuclear energy startup Valar Atomics is reportedly in discussions to secure a new round of funding that would value the company at $6 billion. The potential deal, reported by TechCrunch, underscores the rising investor interest in nuclear energy ventures. The fundraising structure is described as complex and multi-staged, a pattern increasingly common among high-profile startups. Such arrangements can obscure the true entry price for investors, raising questions about transparency in valuation. The talks signal continued momentum in private nuclear energy investment, though no deal has been formally confirmed.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Pebble founder defends 30-day warranty, says customer trust is the foundation

Pebble founder Eric Migicovsky has defended the company's 30-day warranty on its new e-paper smartwatches, saying buyers should trust Pebble to resolve any issues that arise. In an interview this week, Migicovsky emphasized that consumer trust in both the product and the people behind it is the company's top priority. Pebble was relaunched by Migicovsky in early 2024, nearly eight years after the original company ceased operations in 2016. The new smartwatch lineup retains the familiar Pebble design language while incorporating updated technology, including larger e-paper displays.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Taco Bell iceberg lettuce linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak across 5 states

Iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations has been identified as the source of a cyclosporiasis outbreak. The parasitic illness has affected customers across five states: Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the Cyclospora cayetanensis parasite and typically leads to intestinal illness. Health authorities are warning residents in the affected states to avoid consuming Taco Bell's lettuce until further notice.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple Music raises subscription prices across individual, family, and student plans

Apple Music has increased its subscription prices in the US, with the individual plan rising from $10.99 to $11.99 per month. The family plan saw a steeper jump, going from $16.99 to $19.99, while the student plan increased from $5.99 to $6.99 per month. Apple cited rising licensing costs as the reason for the hike in a statement to Music Business Worldwide. Price increases have also been confirmed in the UK and Europe, with reports suggesting other countries are affected as well.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 Reviewed: One Bladeless Device for Heating and Cooling

The Dyson Hot+Cool HF1 is a single appliance designed to function as both a heater and a cooling fan throughout the year. It features Dyson's well-known bladeless design, which contributes to quieter operation compared to traditional fans. The device is built around simplicity, offering straightforward controls for everyday use. Its year-round utility positions it as a potential replacement for separate heating and cooling appliances in the home.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Apple Sues OpenAI Over Trade Secrets as Company Eyes IPO

Apple filed a trade secrets lawsuit against OpenAI last Friday, accusing the AI company of a pattern of misconduct. The complaint names OpenAI's chief hardware officer and alleges that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at the firm. Apple claims these individuals may have brought proprietary knowledge with them. OpenAI has responded cautiously, offering only hedged statements in reply. The lawsuit comes at a particularly sensitive time, as OpenAI is reportedly preparing for an initial public offering.

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