TechCrunch Daily Crunch

A hacking group claims to have stolen a staggering billion records from Salesforce, launching an extortion campaign that raises alarms. Meanwhile, the Sora AI video app surges in popularity with a meteoric, invite-only launch. In a decisive move, Apple has removed ICE-blocking apps from its App Store over law enforcement safety concerns, sparking discussions about privacy and security. Additionally, Lore gains attention after raising $1.1 million in pre-seed funding, focusing on fandom search and challenging competitors.

Meta’s Threads introduces curated Communities, featuring over 100 topic spaces. These open-discussion areas differ from X's moderator-driven approach. Users can enjoy unique perks like custom emojis and builder badges. Topics are integrated into profiles, showcasing user interests publicly. Threads is formalizing user behavior into features, reflecting tags into official communities. Plus, learn about Einride's $100 million funding boost for electric rigs and the team behind Visual Electric moving to Perplexity.

Dive into the world of AI as disturbing deepfakes of Sam Altman raise ethical questions. Discover Spotify's new feature that lets you exclude tracks from recommendations, aiming for a more personalized listening experience. Plus, Amazon launches an affordable grocery brand, merging offerings to enhance shopping convenience. Each topic offers a glimpse into the evolving tech landscape and its impact on daily life.

OpenAI has unveiled an exciting new app reminiscent of TikTok, featuring its innovative audio/video generator, Sora 2. Spotify's CEO, Daniel Ek, is stepping down, sparking discussions about leadership changes in the tech space. Meanwhile, Ring has introduced advanced AI features for facial recognition and pet recovery, raising privacy concerns. Additionally, the episode touches on new developments in startups and AI recruiting, showcasing the evolving landscape of technology and its implications.

Snapchat is shaking things up by introducing paid storage plans for Memories, pushing users to rethink how they save their snaps. OpenAI enhances safety with a new routing system and parental controls on ChatGPT, aiming to keep conversations secure. Meanwhile, Anthropic unpacks its latest innovation, Claude Sonnet 4.5, showcasing impressive coding capabilities. Tune in for insights into these tech shifts that could impact daily digital interactions!

The Trump administration is considering new tariffs on semiconductor imports, pushing U.S. chipmakers to boost domestic production. Flipkart is relocating from Singapore to India as it gears up for an IPO. Meanwhile, Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser has lost its guaranteed cargo contract with NASA, prompting a major reevaluation. Leadership issues are hitting Hyundai's Supernull Air Taxi, amid layoffs and a pause in their vehicle program. Exciting times are ahead in tech and space!

Spotify faces backlash as it denies claims of changing terms affecting artists' rights. OpenAI showcases GPT-5's impressive performance, claiming it rivals human expertise in various jobs. Meanwhile, Threads is testing new features that allow users to customize their algorithms. Additionally, the startup scene buzzes with recent funding news and innovative product launches. There's a lot happening in tech, from music rights to AI advancements!

The discussion kicks off with Meta launching a super PAC to challenge state AI regulations, marking a bold move in tech policy. Google is also revolutionizing photo editing by introducing voice and text commands for Android users in Google Photos. Meanwhile, Disney is upping its game with price hikes for Disney+ and Hulu, prompting fans to reconsider their subscriptions. It's a lively mix of innovation and industry shifts that highlights the ever-changing landscape of technology and entertainment.

NVIDIA is making waves with plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI's infrastructure. Meanwhile, Facebook is rolling out an AI dating assistant, promising some delightful 'Meet Cute' moments for users. eBay is also on the move, acquiring social marketplace Tise to enhance its appeal among Gen Z shoppers. Plus, there's a discussion about Blue Sky tightening moderation policies for better community feedback.

Delve into OpenAI's fascinating research revealing how AI models can intentionally lie and hide their true objectives. Discover Mastodon's innovative new paid services aimed at boosting revenue through enhanced hosting and moderation. Plus, learn about Octopus Energy's strategic spinoff of its Kraken platform, all while JAR's digital-gold fintech catches the spotlight for attracting millions of new savers. It's a whirlwind of tech insights and creative business strategies!