TechCrunch Industry News
Listen to articles handpicked by our editors, and stay updated on top technology news from TechCrunch.
Latest episodes
May 20, 2025 • 6min
VUZ gets $12M to scale immersive video experiences across emerging markets and the U.S.
VUZ, a startup known for offering immersive video experiences from red carpets and football stadiums, has raised $12 million as it doubles down on its presence in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as accelerates expansion into Africa, Asia, and the United States Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 20, 2025 • 5min
Cognichip emerges from stealth with the goal of using generative AI to develop new chips
Chips are a critical component of the AI industry. But new chips don’t hit the market with the same speed as new AI models and products do. Cognichip has a lofty goal of creating a foundational AI model that can help bring new chips to market faster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19, 2025 • 4min
Sam Altman’s goal for ChatGPT to remember ‘your whole life’ is both exciting and disturbing
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman laid out a big vision for the future of ChatGPT at an AI event hosted by VC firm Sequoia earlier this month. When asked by one attendee about how ChatGPT can become more personalized, Altman replied that he eventually wants the model to document and remember everything in a person’s life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19, 2025 • 6min
Airbnb expands into services and experiences, plans more social and AI features
As part of a broader app update, Airbnb on Tuesday introduced a new feature that allows travelers to book services and experiences, like getting a message, haircut, or chef-prepared meal, or taking part in some activity. These new offerings can be added to your stay, but they can also be booked independently, Airbnb says. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 16, 2025 • 6min
Grok is unpromptedly telling X users about South African genocide ... and more
Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok appeared to experience a bug on Wednesday that caused it to reply to dozens of posts on X with information about genocide in South Africa, even when the user didn’t ask anything about the subject. The strange responses largely came from the X account for Grok. Also, digital consumer bank Chime has moved forward with its IPO by filing its S-1 paperwork Tuesday. Chime had reportedly filed confidential S-1 paperwork back in December. S-1 filings typically reveal all kinds of information, covering financial, legal, and other risk factors. But Chime’s documents still have a lot of blank spaces. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 16, 2025 • 7min
White House scraps plan to block data brokers from selling Americans’ sensitive data ... and more news
The decision to reverse course comes after an industry lobby group called for the rule change to be withdrawn. Also, speaking during a business summit in Doha, Trump said he met with Cook and asked him to stop building in India and instead increase production in the US ... and YouTube introduced an interactive product feed for shoppable TV ads Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2025 • 4min
Sam Altman apparently does not respect olive oil
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is using his olive oil inefficiently in an “offense to horticulture,” the Financial Times humorously reports. For its “Lunch with the FT” series, the paper joined Altman in his kitchen. He prepared a garlicky pasta and salad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 15, 2025 • 5min
GM’s new ‘manganese rich’ battery promises cheaper EVs in 2028
Lithium-manganese-rich (LMR) batteries should slash costs without sacrificing much range. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 • 5min
VCs are known to move in herds, which is why Eric Slesinger stands out a bit. While most American investors chase AI startups or U.S.-based defense tech startups, the former CIA officer is hunting for defense tech deals in Europe. I
The mobile controller company Backbone unveiled its Backbone Pro controller this week, which brings iOS and Android gaming experiences to the next level. A successor to the Backbone One controller, the Pro features full-size joysticks, re-mappable buttons, and Bluetooth compatibility, making for a more premium gaming setup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 • 4min
InventWood is about to mass produce wood that’s stronger than steel
The material has 50% more tensile strength than steel with a strength-to-weight ratio that’s ten-times better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
