TechCrunch Daily Crunch

Firefighters at Elon Musk's Boring Company faced chemical burns due to hazardous materials used in tunnel excavation. Meanwhile, concerns grow as Tesla recalls over 10,000 Powerwall 2 units linked to overheating incidents. The European Union has launched an antitrust investigation into Google's anti-spam policy and its impact on search rankings for publishers. Additionally, Harbinger raises $160 million while FedEx makes significant investments in electric vehicle infrastructure.

Airbnb is testing a new grocery stocking service powered by Instacart, making it easier for guests to have stocked kitchens during their stay. TuneIn has been acquired for $175 million, sparking discussions on its future strategy and revenue. Anthropic shares bold plans for a $50 billion data center to enhance its capabilities. Additionally, Wisdom AI secured $50 million in funding, while Enride is gearing up for a SPAC merger and NYSE listing.

Explore the latest Google Pixel features, including a battery-saving maps mode and enhanced AI photo editing tools. Discover how Google is ramping up scam detection with new safeguards. Learn about Threads' ambitious move to cater specifically to podcasters, featuring new profile links and feed styling. This episode is packed with tech updates that promise smarter tools for everyday users.

Google is rolling out AI tools to enhance Google Maps, enabling developers to create interactive projects with features like Builder Agent and Contextual View. Venmo announces new cashback rewards for its debit card, targeting younger users. The integration of Gemini on Google TV allows for natural voice queries, replacing Google Assistant. Plus, insights into Gamma's impressive $68M Series B funding round and growth metrics reveal its rapid expansion in the AI space. Exciting tech developments driven by AI are definitely on the rise!

Amazon has rolled out a new low-cost shopping app, focusing on products priced under $10. In a surprising turn, the Texas Attorney General has sued Roblox, citing serious concerns over child safety and the platform's priorities. Meanwhile, cybersecurity worries grow as the Congressional Budget Office faces a breach that could expose sensitive data. Plus, Inception secures $50 million in funding for innovative software development, and Evotrex introduces a game-changing hybrid RV trailer that combines battery power with gas.

In a lively discussion, the CFO of OpenAI suggests a potential government loan guarantee to ease financing for infrastructure upgrades, but backs off after backlash. Sam Altman firmly states that OpenAI doesn't want taxpayer bailouts if they fail, emphasizing responsibility. Alongside this, trends show a surge in funding for AI startups, highlighted by a $50M seed round for new diffusion models. The podcast also showcases innovative RV solutions that blend traditional power with cutting-edge hybrid technology.

Apple is reportedly close to a $1 billion deal with Google to power a revamped Siri using a new advanced Gemini model. Google Maps is enhancing navigation with Gemini, allowing for more conversational and landmark-based queries while driving. In an interesting twist, Tinder is experimenting with AI to improve user matchmaking by utilizing information from camera roll photos. Plus, the podcast highlights a new platform called Wabi, designed to simplify social app creation.

The podcast dives into Spotify's impressive growth, boasting nearly 500,000 video podcasts and increased user engagement through new social features. Anthropic reveals a bold revenue forecast, projecting $70 billion by 2028 fueled by B2B partnerships. Plus, Netflix is reportedly in discussions to license exclusive video podcasts from iHeartMedia, hinting at a shake-up for YouTube. Quick updates on startups also keep listeners informed about the latest in tech business.

TikTok is setting the stage for its first-ever awards show in the U.S., featuring a voting timeline and categories that celebrate its vibrant community. Meanwhile, OpenAI has secured a jaw-dropping $38 billion cloud computing deal with Amazon, signifying major strides in AI infrastructure. In another update, Facebook now allows group admins to publicly convert private groups without compromising members’ privacy. Tune in to hear these tech headlines unfold!

A government-backed hacking incident has raised alarms as Ribbon reveals a year-long breach affecting several clients. Meanwhile, AWS reports impressive growth, largely fueled by soaring AI infrastructure demand. Perplexity secures a multi-year licensing deal with Getty Images to enhance its AI search tools, addressing plagiarism concerns. Finally, startup Adam receives $4.1 million in seed funding after a viral launch, showcasing the ever-evolving tech landscape.