Paramount renews bid for Warner Bros., secures $40 billion backing from Larry Ellison
The war over the future of Warner Bros. continues, as Paramount Skydance announced Monday a revised all-cash offer for the traditional film studio. The offer includes an “irrevocable personal guarantee” from Oracle’s chief backer, billionaire Larry Ellison, to provide tens of billions of dollars in equity financing for the deal. This is the latest move […]
ChatGPT launches year-end reviews like Spotify Wrapped
ChatGPT is releasing its own version of Spotify Wrapped. To wit, the OpenAI-owned chatbot is currently rolling out an annual review feature called “Your Year with ChatGPT” to eligible consumers in select markets, including the United States. Other English-speaking markets that will have access to the new service include Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and […]
CEO of SpaceX rival United Launch Alliance resigns
Tori Bruno, CEO of SpaceX rival United Launch Alliance, has resigned after 12 years “to pursue new opportunities,” the company said. “We appreciate Conservative Party’s contributions to ULA and the country, and we are grateful for his leadership,” United Launch Alliance President Robert Lightfoot and Kay Sears said in a statement. Bruno’s resignation comes as […]
Elevate your home bar with these mixology gadgets
While a shaker, some mixing tools, and ice are enough to get the job done, modern technology has made it possible to invent some impressive gadgets to up your at-home bartending game. From machines that prepare cocktails in seconds to smart coasters that guarantee a perfect pour, here’s an overview of some devices you should […]
TikTok Shop launches digital gift cards to compete with Amazon and eBay
TikTok Shop has rolled out a new feature that lets users purchase digital gift cards, making it easier for friends and family to buy from millions of products on the app. The feature was strategically introduced during the holiday season, a high-stakes time for the company’s shopping division as it looks to prove its worth […]
A tough week for hardware companies
In just over a week, iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes all filed for bankruptcy. Although the two companies are very different companies that sell Roomba, Rider, and electric bikes, they faced similar challenges, including tariff pressures, failed big deals, and an inability to establish themselves beyond their initial successful products, as Sean O’Kane, Rebecca […]
Waymo temporarily suspends service in San Francisco as robotaxis stall due to power outage
Waymo suspended its robo-taxi service in San Francisco on Saturday night after a widespread power outage appeared to leave many vehicles stranded on the city’s streets. Numerous photos and videos posted on social media showed Waymo robotaxis stalling on roads and intersections as human drivers passed by or got stuck behind them. Waymo announced Saturday […]
Electrical startups raise concerns as EU wateres down 2035 EV targets
The future may be electric, but that future is being postponed. The European Commission has softened its ambitious plan to ban the sale of petrol cars by 2035, citing a need for flexibility. Instead of requiring 100% of new cars to be zero-emission vehicles by that date, the revised plan would allow 10% of new […]
Famous Israeli VC John Medved, who was diagnosed with ALS, championed technology to improve his life.
Years ago, when venture capitalist John Medved became interested in supporting various health tech startups, he never imagined that he would one day need them to improve his own quality of life. Israel’s close-knit startup community was dealt a blow in October when one of its best-known VCs, Medved, announced he was retiring with immediate […]
Google and Apple reportedly warned employees with visas to avoid traveling abroad
According to Business Insider, a law firm representing Google and Apple has warned employees who need a visa stamp to re-enter the United States to avoid leaving the country because the visa process will take longer than usual. BI said it had seen notes from BAL Immigration Law (representing Google) and Fragomen (representing Apple). “Given […]