Top researchers from OpenAI and Google Brain spark $300M VC frenzy for startup Periodic Labs
Periodic Labs, a new startup from Liam Fedus, one of OpenAI’s most respected researchers, and his former Google Brain colleague Ekin Dogus Cubuk, emerged from stealth last month with a hefty $300 million seed round. It was led by Felicis and included Angel and other top VC figures. The startup began about seven months ago […]
President Trump DOE confirms revocation of over $700 million in manufacturing subsidies
Over the past few weeks, the Department of Energy has been considering canceling billions of dollars worth of contracts. Now, the federal agency has authorized the cancellation of $720 million worth of manufacturing incentives. The cuts will affect companies that make battery materials, recycle lithium-ion batteries and make super-insulated windows. Energy Secretary Chris Wright is […]
Anthropic brings Claude Code to the web
Anthropic on Monday released a web app for its viral AI coding assistant, Claude Code. This allows developers to create and manage multiple AI coding agents from the browser. Claude Code for Web is currently rolling out to subscribers of Anthropic’s $20/month Pro plan and $100 and $200/month Max plans. Pro and Max users can […]
FTC removes Lina Khan-era posts on AI risks and open source
Wired reports that the Federal Trade Commission has removed three blog posts from the Lina Khan era that talked about open source AI and its risks to consumers. One post titled “About the Open Weight Foundation Model” was published on July 10, 2024. Another post titled “Consumers are raising concerns about AI” was published in […]
Automattic CEO calls Tumblr his ‘biggest failure’ to date
WordPress co-founder and Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg called the company’s Tumblr acquisition its biggest mistake, but he’s not giving up yet. This comment was made at the recent WordCamp Canada 2025 conference, where Mullenweg held a live town hall session to connect with the open source-focused WordPress community. The executive noted that Tumblr is still […]
Regulators investigate Waymo after robot taxi drove around stopped school bus
Federal safety regulators launched an investigation after Waymo robotaxis were recently spotted driving around school buses with flashing red lights. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Monday morning that its Office of Defect Investigations (ODI) has launched an investigation after footage from early October showed a Waymo self-driving vehicle swerving around a parked […]
Last minute ticket deals for Disrupt 2025: +1 for 60% off
Today begins the seven-day countdown to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, the flagship technology conference bringing together more than 10,000 leaders, venture capitalists, operators, and innovators, to be held from October 27th to 29th at Moscone West in San Francisco. To celebrate the countdown, we’re offering a special 60% discount on Plus Ones. Save up to $444 […]
X launches marketplace for purchasing inactive handles
X is launching an inactive handle marketplace where premium subscribers can request and purchase usernames. The marketplace offers both free and paid options to request or obtain eligible handles. Prices for rare handles can range from $2,500 to more than seven figures, Mr. X said. A “preferred” handle often refers to a username that includes […]
You can now follow venues on Spotify for details on upcoming concerts
Spotify is introducing a new feature that lets users follow venues and get updates and details about upcoming concerts there. Venues you follow are saved to your library and can be referenced for event calendars, upcoming concert information, and announcements. Users can also filter upcoming shows at the venue by genre. The company also updates […]
Oura releases redesigned app and “Cumulative Stress” feature
Oura on Monday announced the release of a newly redesigned app experience and “Cumulative Stress” feature. The company also said it is seeking FDA approval for a blood pressure feature that would allow users to assess whether they may have high blood pressure. The redesigned Oura app introduces even more personalization across three main tabs. […]