TechCrunch Daily Crunch

Reports cover Tesla retiring its Autopilot name to accelerate uptake of its Full Self-Driving system amid regulatory pressure. Google Photos introduces a generative AI MeMeme tool that turns your pictures into memes. Meta pauses teen access to AI characters while it reworks safety controls. Quick startup and spacesend updates round out the tech headlines.

Explore how Google's AI Mode is stepping up by integrating with Gmail and Photos for smarter, personalized responses. Substack unveils a new TV app, but there's a community outcry to maintain long-form writing. Meanwhile, Tesla takes a bold leap by launching robo-taxi rides in Austin without human drivers, igniting discussions about safety and future fare structures. Stay informed on the latest startup funding news and venture capital moves.

In a notable shift, consumers are investing more in mobile apps than games, highlighting the evolving market. Generative AI is driving this growth, as apps featuring AI features have seen a tripling in revenue. Meanwhile, Threads is rolling out advertisements globally, enhancing its integration with Meta's advertising tools. Additionally, there’s exciting news from startups like Praxis Pro, which raised $6M for life-science tech, and Preply, which secured a whopping $150M in funding.

Netflix is making waves with its new live voting feature for Star Search, letting viewers cast real-time votes. The service is also simplifying its bid to acquire Warner Bros. after facing stiff competition from Paramount. Meanwhile, ICE has found itself among the most-blocked accounts on Bluesky, as users express their discontent with government presence on social platforms. The podcast also covers startup news, including Grubhub's latest acquisition and Another's successful seed funding.

Threads has officially surpassed X in daily mobile users, sparking discussions about its rapid growth and increasing user habits. Meanwhile, Meta is pulling back on its VR ambitions, laying off staff from Reality Labs and shifting focus to AI. TikTok enters the scene with PineDrama, a new microdrama app featuring one-minute episodic content. On another front, controversy brews around X's Grok with deepfake image issues leading to investigations. It’s a whirlwind of tech news and shifts in user engagement!

A hacker has invaded U.S. court systems, publicly sharing sensitive data, raising serious privacy concerns. Meanwhile, Canada is slashing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, paving the way for increased competition. OpenAI is set to experiment with targeted ads for ChatGPT users, blurring lines for free and paid services. Additionally, a new deal between Symbolic.ai and News Corp aims to enhance newsroom efficiency using AI technology.

Netflix is taking a bold step into video podcasts with star-studded features from Pete Davidson and Michael Irvin. Spotify just announced a price increase, raising its subscription cost to $12.99, which could significantly boost revenue. Meanwhile, the Wikimedia Foundation is forging new AI partnerships to enhance its offerings. The conversation wraps up with exciting funding news in the startup world, showcasing significant investments in AI-driven security companies.

Interesting tech trends are dissected, highlighting how app downloads took a hit while consumer spending surged, especially in subscriptions. Google has fresh updates for its Trends Explorer with Gemini features for better insights. Meanwhile, Meta is making headlines with plans to cut 10% of its Reality Labs workforce. The discussion also emphasizes a shift from games to non-game app revenue, showcasing changes in user spending patterns and download trends since the pandemic.

Explore the fascinating intersection of AI and healthcare. Doctors raise concerns about misleading information from ChatGPT, while new AI tools promise to streamline patient care. The risks of data security and AI errors are discussed, alongside the potential for AI to alleviate long wait times for medical appointments. Innovative projects like ChatEHR aim to improve clinician efficiency. However, a tension exists between necessary medical caution and the push for technological advancement.

Amazon reveals that 97% of its devices will support Alexa+, enhancing user experience with new features and web access. Meanwhile, Apple is joining forces with Google to integrate Gemini for improved AI functionality in Siri. Anthropic rolls out a new tool called Cowork, simplifying access for non-coders to leverage AI capabilities. Exciting changes in app design and new partnerships are also on the horizon, promising a more connected tech landscape.