TechCrunch Industry News

Explore how the Puppet Master from Ghost in the Shell foreshadowed modern government hacking and espionage, crafted long before the internet became commonplace. Discover parallels between the anime's anti-hacking techniques and today’s cybersecurity practices like heuristics and signatures. The discussion links fictional tactics to real-world stalking and tracking, revealing how compromised systems are utilized in attacks. Delve into the reflections on AI and consciousness, all while contextualizing the anime within the early history of cybersecurity.

Larry Summers steps down from OpenAI's board after controversial emails surface, linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. The drama unfolds with revelations about personal connections and advice-seeking. On a tech-forward note, OpenAI is set to revolutionize retail with Target's new ChatGPT-powered shopping app. This move is part of a broader strategy to integrate AI in commerce, including instant purchases through various retail partners. It’s a fascinating blend of scandal and innovation in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

The Department of Energy is lending $1 billion to Constellation Energy to refurbish the Three Mile Island reactor, with Microsoft set to purchase power once it reopens in 2028. Meanwhile, Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, warns that we're in an LLM bubble, predicting a shift towards smaller, specialized models that could prove more practical and cost-effective than one-size-fits-all solutions. Delangue also emphasizes Hugging Face's financial strategy, showcasing a more sustainable approach amid the AI hype.

Zap Energy's Fuze-3 device is making waves by achieving record plasma pressures and extreme temperatures, aiming to redefine future fusion plants. Meanwhile, Stack Overflow is transforming its platform into an AI-friendly data resource, focusing on translating human expertise into accessible formats. Discover how it's harnessing metadata and reliability scores to boost AI accuracy, along with exciting content partnerships shaping the future of problem-solving in tech.

One year ago, e-commerce giant Amazon kicked off its new online car sales business with Hyundai. Now, Ford is joining in with a certified used car twist. Also, Facebook's new content protection tool extends to Instagram too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nigel Morris raises alarms about the rapid growth of 'Buy Now, Pay Later' (BNPL), particularly its use for everyday essentials like groceries. With 91 million Americans using BNPL and rising defaults, many are missing payments, creating what he calls 'phantom debt.' The podcast explores troubling statistics showing that borrowers often hold multiple BNPL loans, mostly skewing towards subprime credit. It highlights regulatory challenges and warns that without careful oversight, the lightly regulated BNPL could lead to widespread financial distress.

Amazon's satellite project has been rebranded to LEO, shifting focus from affordability to targeting commercial and home internet markets. The new promotional strategy emphasizes speed and reliability over previous commitments to low prices. Meanwhile, a federal jury ruled that Apple owes Masimo $634 million for patent infringement related to blood oxygen monitoring technology, impacting popular features like workout mode on the Apple Watch. This legal battle appears far from over, as Apple plans to appeal the decision.

OpenAI has launched a pilot for group chats in select countries, encouraging users to explore collaborative conversations. Meanwhile, beehiiv is making waves by introducing an AI website builder and enhancements that help creators maintain ownership over their audience and revenue. It highlights the importance of control amidst ever-evolving algorithms. Both developments are reshaping how we engage and create online, making the landscape more interactive and empowering for users.

Discover the mind-bending concept of Chad: the Brainrot IDE, where coding meets gambling and dating apps. The hosts dive into how this quirky tool aims to keep developers focused by incorporating distractions. They also discuss the delayed shipping saga of the stylish Besties All-In tequila, which faced hiccups due to its unique design. With frustrated customers and staggered deliveries, it's a rollercoaster ride from production to fulfillment. It's a wild blend of tech and spirits that keeps you guessing!

Jack Dorsey invests in diVine, a reboot that revives Vine's legacy with over 100,000 archived six-second videos. diVine emphasizes human-created content by blocking suspected AI uploads and utilizes advanced verification tech. It operates on the decentralized Noster protocol, promoting creative freedom without corporate control. The hosts also explore Microsoft's strategic moves in semiconductor innovations with OpenAI. The episode highlights the demand for authentic social experiences in a tech landscape increasingly dominated by AI.