TechCrunch Daily Crunch

Rivian is in the spotlight for a $250 million settlement regarding alleged misleading practices tied to their R1 price hikes. A trademark dispute is heating up as Automattic files counterclaims against WP Engine, accusing them of deceptive marketing. Meanwhile, the Enhanced Games are shaking things up by exploring the use of performance-enhancing drugs in sports, complete with million-dollar bounties and a vision for a telehealth business. It's a whirlwind of legal battles and bold innovations in the tech and sports arenas!

Microsoft is shaking things up with its new AI browser, boasting features like reasoning over tabs and customizable avatars. The fresh AI avatar, Myco, pays homage to Clippy while offering personalized interactions. Meanwhile, YouTube is making waves in the music industry, revealing it dished out over $8 billion to labels, publishers, and songwriters in just one year. That's a major boost for artists everywhere!

Tinder is stepping up security with a FaceCheck selfie verification to combat impersonation. Instagram is making things cooler for teens by offering custom app icons exclusively for them. Meanwhile, Amazon is trialing innovative AI smart glasses for delivery drivers, featuring hands-free navigation and real-time alerts. Plus, hear about significant funding rounds for startups like LangChain and Sesame, which are pushing the boundaries of AI and smart eyewear.

YouTube has launched a groundbreaking likeness detection technology, allowing creators to verify their identity and combat unauthorized AI imitations. X is exploring a new pay-per-use pricing model for its API, aiming to enhance developer accessibility. OpenAI introduces the ChatGPT Atlas, an innovative AI-powered browser that comes with advanced sidecar chatbot features—transforming how users interact online. These developments signal exciting shifts in content creation and tech usage.

A recent surge in Meta AI app downloads is attributed to the launch of its new Vibes video feed. The tool features captivating AI-generated short videos that have drawn in a wave of daily users. Meanwhile, a significant $3 billion deal between the U.S. and Australia aims to bolster critical mineral supplies for defense. Additionally, Spotify's latest feature allows users to follow their favorite venues, keeping them updated on upcoming concerts and events. It's an exciting time in the tech world with these innovative developments!

Meta is introducing new parental controls for its AI chats, allowing parents to block characters and monitor discussions, ensuring a safer environment for teens. Meanwhile, OpenAI has paused the Sora video generation of Martin Luther King Jr. due to concerns over disrespectful portrayals. In sports tech news, Apple has secured exclusive streaming rights for Formula One, committing $140-150 million annually. Tune in to learn about the latest in these fascinating tech developments!

Spotify is shaking up the music industry with new partnerships aimed at artist-first AI music products. Amazon introduces an innovative pay-per-visit virtual healthcare service specifically for kids, marking a significant step in its healthcare offerings. Pinterest takes a stand against AI overload by adding tools for users to control the amount of AI-generated content in their feeds. Plus, there's exciting news on startup funding and AI advancements in gaming videos.

OpenAI is on a bold mission to transform $13 billion into $1 trillion in five years, focusing on revenue and subscriber growth. Meanwhile, Facebook makes a comeback with job listings aimed at entry-level positions, emphasizing local hiring in trade and service jobs. In an exciting development, Meta partners with Arm to enhance AI efficiency, aiming for performance per watt improvements. Lastly, Meta's ambitious data center projects, Prometheus and Hyperion, target monumental power goals and faster construction timelines.

Discover Spotify's groundbreaking partnership with Netflix to distribute video podcasts, bringing fresh content from popular creators. Learn about Spotify's strategy to enhance monetization and compete with platforms like YouTube. With a lineup featuring hits like The Bill Simmons Podcast, the project is set to redefine video consumption. Explore growth metrics and Spotify's vision for the future, along with a glimpse into OpenAI's collaboration with Broadcom for AI tech. Plus, hear about Fleetworks' innovative AI solutions for the trucking industry.

Grindr's owners are eyeing a private buyout after a financial downturn leaves their stock in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Apple bids farewell to the Clips app, urging users to save their videos before it vanishes. On an exciting note, Salesforce introduces AgentForce 360, unveiling innovative tools like AgentScript and the AgentForce Builder, promising to enhance customer interactions in remarkable ways.