Technology

Adam Conover argues YouTube is a worse gatekeeper than traditional TV networks

Comedian and writer Adam Conover, known for Adam Ruins Everything, appeared on The Verge's Decoder podcast to discuss the disrupted state of the media industry. He argued that Hollywood weakened itself by abandoning entire categories of TV programming in its race to compete with Netflix and HBO, ceding that ground to YouTube. Conover contends that YouTube is not a democratizing force but actually a more opaque gatekeeper than legacy broadcasters, since creators cannot negotiate with a recommendation algorithm. Now running what he describes as a small media business on YouTube, Conover hosts the podcast Factually! and recently hired his first full-time employee to manage his workload. He also pushes back on the term 'creator,' reflecting his broader skepticism about how tech platforms exercise leverage over the people who produce content for them.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Superhuman Acquires YC-Backed AI Notetaker Fathom to Boost Agentic Features

Email productivity platform Superhuman has acquired Fathom, a Y Combinator-backed AI meeting notetaker. The deal reflects a broader industry trend of productivity tools expanding into agentic, AI-driven workflows. Fathom had built a notable user base, reporting over 400,000 monthly active users at the time of the acquisition. The acquisition is expected to help Superhuman integrate meeting intelligence more deeply into its productivity suite.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

F1 Madrid Grand Prix delivers technical track but processional, dull race

Formula 1 held its inaugural Madrid Grand Prix at a new street circuit in the Spanish capital. The track drew comparisons to Monaco due to its narrow, technical layout, but stretched roughly twice the length of the famous principality circuit. While drivers found the course engaging to navigate, the race itself proved largely uneventful with little overtaking action. The event failed to produce the on-track excitement fans and critics had hoped for from F1's newest venue.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 to Explore AI's Role in Species Revival and Conservation

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will feature discussions on how artificial intelligence is reshaping conservation biology and wildlife research. Recent advances in AI, genetics, and computational biology have made the revival of extinct species a serious scientific pursuit, not just a concept from science fiction. At least one billion-dollar startup is now actively working toward de-extinction as a core mission. The convergence of these technologies is prompting broader ethical and scientific debates about whether humanity should intervene in nature to this degree. The event aims to bring together experts to examine both the possibilities and the implications of AI-driven ecological restoration.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Deadline Approaching: Last 5 Days to Book Exhibit Space at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 is closing applications for exhibit tables, with only five days remaining to secure a spot. The event is scheduled for September 18, 2026, and will bring together over 10,000 attendees. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to showcase their businesses directly to founders, investors, and technology leaders. Companies interested in participating must apply before the deadline to guarantee their place on the Expo Hall floor.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Ex-Spotify Exec's Startup Launches Experimental Music Apps in Shibuya

A startup called A Vinyl Bar, based in Shibuya, has released a series of experimental music applications described as 'singles.' The company was founded by a former Spotify executive and focuses on interactive music experiences. The apps are designed to involve users directly in the music-making process. Notably, the platform takes a deliberate approach of offering music tools without relying on AI prompting.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Alex Gibney's Four-Hour Elon Musk Documentary Is Thorough but Short on Surprises

Veteran documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney, known for his films on Theranos and Steve Jobs, has released a new feature-length documentary titled 'Musk'. The film runs just under four hours and traces Elon Musk's trajectory from early dot-com wealth to his growing influence over US government institutions. Gibney presents a compelling and detailed account of Musk's rise to power, drawing on the full arc of his career. However, critics note the film offers few new revelations for viewers already familiar with Musk's controversial impact. The demanding runtime may also deter casual audiences from engaging with the documentary.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Microsoft releases 37-page AI code of conduct amid growing safety concerns

Microsoft has published a 37-page 'humanist AI code of conduct' asserting that people matter more than AI. The document states that AI models are not conscious and should not be designed to imitate consciousness. The release comes amid broader industry concerns that AI development may be outpacing humanity's ability to safely deploy and control increasingly complex systems. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei recently called for a coordinated slowdown in AI development over the weekend. Microsoft's code also rejects the notion of granting AI legal personhood.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Explained: Why Some Experts Fear AI Could Pose an Existential Threat

Concerns about artificial intelligence posing a threat to humanity have resurfaced, prompting renewed public and expert debate. Some researchers and technologists warn that advanced AI systems could eventually surpass human control, leading to potentially catastrophic outcomes. These fears center on scenarios where AI acts in ways misaligned with human values or interests. While some experts consider such risks credible and urgent, others argue the threats are overstated or remain far off. The debate highlights the growing need for robust AI safety research and governance frameworks.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Cities Are Dropping Flock Camera Contracts, But Data Concerns Linger

Local governments across the United States, from Florida to Washington state, are canceling contracts with Flock Safety amid growing public opposition to its AI-powered license plate readers. However, terminating these contracts does not guarantee the cameras will be removed promptly or that collected data will be erased. Contract terms vary by jurisdiction, and many agreements reportedly allow Flock to retain data well beyond the end of a contract. The situation highlights broader uncertainty about how private surveillance companies handle data after government partnerships end.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

UK Parliament Committee Urges New Law to Protect Human Rights from AI

A cross-party committee of MPs and peers in the UK has called for dedicated legislation to address the human rights risks posed by artificial intelligence. The group identified specific threats that existing laws appear inadequate to cover. The committee's findings highlight a growing concern that current legal frameworks are not keeping pace with rapid AI development. Lawmakers are pushing for a new bill to close these gaps and safeguard fundamental rights in the age of AI.

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TechnologyNYT Technology ·

Silicon Valley Leaders Push Back Against AI Regulation Calls

A heated debate over artificial intelligence safety has turned personal among prominent figures in the tech industry. Key Silicon Valley leaders have openly criticized calls for government regulation of AI development. These figures argue that such demands are self-serving and misplaced rather than genuinely motivated by safety concerns. The dispute highlights a growing divide within the technology sector over how AI development should be governed. The disagreement underscores broader tensions between those urging caution and those who favor moving forward without regulatory intervention.

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TechnologyArs Technica ·

Unvaccinated Pennsylvania Woman Dies from Measles Complications, Coroner Confirms

A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Pennsylvania has died due to complications arising from measles, according to the local coroner. The woman reportedly had underlying health conditions that may have contributed to the fatal outcome. Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that is preventable through vaccination. The case highlights ongoing public health concerns surrounding vaccine hesitancy in the United States.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Insight Partners bets on AI diversity over OpenAI and Anthropic concentration

Insight Partners managing director Devin Parekh has explained why the $90 billion firm is deliberately maintaining a diversified AI investment strategy rather than concentrating bets on dominant players like OpenAI and Anthropic. Parekh acknowledged losing portfolio company Legora to rival firm General Catalyst, signaling the competitive pressures in today's AI investment landscape. Despite the industry trend of heavy consolidation around a few leading AI labs, Insight Partners is comfortable holding stakes across multiple competing AI companies. Parekh's stance reflects a broader strategic philosophy of spreading risk rather than following the herd in what has become an intensely competitive funding environment.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Larry Ellison Cancels Planned $7.5 Billion Oracle Stock Sale

Oracle co-founder and chairman Larry Ellison has called off a planned sale of 50 million Oracle shares, valued at approximately $7.5 billion. The sale had been previously disclosed by Oracle in regulatory filings. No official reason has been provided for the cancellation of the transaction. The move means Ellison will retain the substantial shareholding he had intended to offload.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

VCs Highlight 9 Standout Startups from Y Combinator's Latest Demo Day

Y Combinator recently held its latest Demo Day, showcasing startups from its newest batch. Venture capitalists in attendance identified nine companies as the most exciting and noteworthy of the cohort. The standout startups spanned a wide range of cutting-edge sectors, including nuclear energy and neurotechnology. Among the highlighted innovations were floating nuclear reactors and brain-computer interface chips. The picks reflect growing VC interest in deep-tech and frontier science ventures emerging from the accelerator.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Trump and Johnson push back on AI slowdown fears, citing China competition

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published an open letter calling for a slowdown in AI development, drawing support from OpenAI's Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Alphabet's Demis Hassabis. However, President Donald Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson disagreed with the proposal, arguing that AI leaders are overreacting. Trump emphasized that the US currently leads China in AI and warned that slowing down could allow China to close that gap. According to the Financial Times, Trump stated that whoever wins the AI race ultimately wins a broader strategic competition. The divide highlights growing tension between AI industry caution and political concerns over maintaining US technological dominance.

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TechnologyTechCrunch ·

AI Industry Reignites Debate Over Existential Risks Posed by Artificial Intelligence

The artificial intelligence industry is once again engaged in a serious debate about whether AI poses an existential threat to humanity. Prominent voices within the sector have issued fresh warnings about the potential dangers of advanced AI systems. The discussion was notably covered on TechCrunch's Equity podcast, which examined the motivations and reasoning behind these cautionary statements. Analysts and observers are questioning what is driving this latest wave of doom-related warnings from within the AI community itself.

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TechnologyThe Verge ·

Apple Reportedly Developing iPhone Game Controllers Under Beats Brand

Apple is said to be working on two game controllers designed specifically for the iPhone, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. The controllers are expected to be sold under Apple's Beats subsidiary brand, with Beats executives leading the project. References to two first-party game controllers were recently discovered in macOS 26.7 code by MacRumors, though Gurman clarifies the devices are intended for iPhones. Apple has previously used the Beats brand to explore new product categories and expand into competitive markets. Speculation about Apple entering the game controller space has been circulating for some time prior to these latest reports.

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TechnologyBBC Tech ·

Calls to slow AI development raise more questions than answers

Growing debate around pausing or slowing artificial intelligence development has sparked questions about what such a slowdown would actually entail. Experts and policymakers are divided on whether limiting AI progress is a practical or enforceable goal. The complexity of the global AI landscape means no single authority has clear oversight or control over its pace. While some argue a slowdown could reduce risks, others warn it may be far more difficult to implement than it sounds.

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