Introducing Build Mode: TechCrunch’s new podcast for founders
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is just days away, and tickets are still available here. And there’s no better time to announce that we’re launching an all-new TechCrunch franchise, Build Mode, in parallel with our flagship event and annual Startup Battlefield 200 competition. Hosted by Startup Battlefield editor Isabelle Johannessen, Build Mode is a survival guide for […]
Two days after OpenAI’s Atlas, Microsoft reboots nearly identical AI browser
Microsoft on Thursday released a new set of features for its AI assistant, including an ambitious project that will incorporate artificial intelligence directly into one of its most core products. Copilot mode in Microsoft’s Edge browser isn’t just an extension, it’s Microsoft’s take on the long-touted AI browser category. It is an intelligent and flexible […]
Microsoft’s Mico is the “Clippy” of the AI era
Microsoft has a new Clippy, an AI friend called Mico. At the company’s Copilot fall release press event on Thursday, the company introduced a variety of new features and updates for its AI chatbot, but it was the official introduction of the AI chatbot’s “face,” an expressive avatar blob named Mico, that gave an impression […]
Trump pardons Binance founder Chang Peng
As first reported by CNBC, President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng “CZ” Chao. Mr. Zhao previously pleaded guilty to enabling money laundering while operating a virtual currency exchange and was sentenced to four months in prison last year. “President Trump exercised his constitutional authority by pardoning Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the […]
Google’s bet on carbon capture power plants is controversial
Google announced today that it will invest in a natural gas power plant in Illinois that aims to capture a large portion of its carbon emissions. The 400-megawatt power plant will be built outside Decatur next to an ethanol plant operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), which already captures CO2 from its operations. Google will […]
US government charges former L3Harris cyber chief with trade secret theft
The U.S. government has accused a former executive of defense contractor L3Harris of stealing trade secrets and selling them to Russian buyers, according to court documents seen by TechCrunch. On October 14, the Department of Justice charged Peter Williams with stealing eight trade secrets from two unnamed companies. The Justice Department made this argument in […]
Sora update brings AI pet videos, new social features, and Android version coming soon
OpenAI has teased a series of updates coming to its viral AI-generated video app Sora. The app recently shot to the top of the App Store after its release in late September. The app, which remains number one in the US and Canada, introduces video editing tools, gives users the ability to create character “cameos” […]
Wonder Studios, backed by OpenAI and DeepMind executives, raises $12 million to bring AI content to Hollywood
London-based AI creative studio Wonder Studios has raised $12 million in seed funding to scale production as it seeks to bring AI-generated content to the entertainment industry. The round was led by Aomico, along with existing investors LocalGlobe and Blackbird, and builds on Wonder’s pre-seed investment, which includes executives from Eleven Labs, Google DeepMind, and […]
4 days left until Disrupt 2025 opens in San Francisco and ticket prices increase | Tech Crunch
The year-long wait is almost over! In just four days, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will take over San Francisco’s Moscone West and take over the future of technology. This is your last chance to join the founders, investors, and innovators shaping the future before ticket prices go up. From October 27th to 29th, connect with more […]
Redwood Materials raises another $350 million to strengthen energy storage business
Battery recycling and cathode manufacturing company Redwood Materials has raised $350 million to grow its new energy storage business to fuel the AI data center boom. The Series E round, led by venture firm Eclipse, also includes a new strategic investment from Nvidia’s venture capital arm NVentures. The company’s valuation was not disclosed, but a […]