If you’re a Substack publisher who prefers not to turn on your camera while livestreaming, you’re in luck. Substack announced on Tuesday that it’s launching an audio-only livestream feature for publishers who want a lower-pressure way to connect with their followers. This is also ideal for those who wish to remain anonymous. To use the…
Category: Apps
AI, ai bots, Apps, Global Security News, Reddit, Social, social media
Reddit will tighten verification to keep out human-like AI bots
Redditors around the world were scandalized last week after learning that a team of researchers released a swarm of AI-powered, human-impersonating bots on the “Change My View” subreddit. The large-scale experiment was designed to explore just how persuasive AI can be. The bots posted over 1,700 comments, adopting personas like abuse survivors or controversial identities…
app store, Apple, Apps, Creators, Global Security News, Patreon, payments
Patreon’s app can now accept web payments after U.S. App Store changes
Creator platform Patreon has rolled out an updated version of its app that now allows users to make purchases via the web, in the wake of the Apple-Epic court ruling that forced Apple to allow app developers to include links to alternative forms of payment without being subject to Apple’s commission. Previously, on version 125.4.1…
Apps, Global Security News
Amazon Kindle’s iOS app adds new ‘Get Book’ button following Apple payments ruling
Thanks to a recent ruling that ordered Apple to stop charging a 27% commission on purchases through iPhone apps, Amazon’s Kindle iOS app now has a “Get book” button that makes it easier to buy titles. “We regularly make improvements to our apps to help ensure we are providing customers the most convenient experience possible,” Amazon…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, google app
Google’s new ‘Simplify’ feature for iOS uses AI to make dense text easier to understand
Google’s iOS app is getting a new “Simplify” feature that uses AI to make complex or technical text on the web easier to understand, all without leaving a web page. Simplify features a prompt refinement approach developed by Google Research, and uses Gemini to make complicated text more digestible, without losing key details. Google says…
Apps, Global Security News, Transportation, trendyol go, Uber, Uber Eats
Uber Eats comes to Turkey via $700M Trendyol Go acquisition
Uber is expanding its presence in Turkey with its latest acquisition. The ride-hail and delivery giant has acquired an 85% controlling stake in Trendyol Go, the online meal and grocery delivery business based in Istanbul, for about $700 million in cash. The deal gives Uber instant market share for Uber Eats in the country, where…
Apps, Global Security News, music streaming, Podcasts, Spotify
Spotify now shows how many times people listened to podcast episodes
YouTube continues to dominate the podcasting space, but Spotify is actively working to close the gap. The latest development: a new feature that lets users see how many times an audio-only or video podcast episode has been actively listened to or watched. The streaming giant revealed its new podcast metric called “plays” on Tuesday, making…
Apps, fizz, Global Security News, Instacart
Instacart launches Fizz, a new app for ordering drinks and snacks for parties
Instacart has launched a new drinks and snack delivery app called Fizz, the company announced on Tuesday. The 21+ app is built for friends and family and is designed to make it easier to stock up for a party or get-together. The host of a party can invite guests into their Fizz cart to allow…
Apps, BLiNQ, digital business card, Fundraising, Global Security News, paper business card
Blinq lands $25M to further its mission to make business cards passé
It’s 2025, but business cards are still in vogue — just visit any conference or industry expo and you’ll end up with a pile that’s likely to be discarded sooner than later. But as smartphones have become our repositories of information and contacts, people are understandably keen to try out digital alternatives to business cards.…
AI, Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Material Design
Google accidentally reveals details about its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive
Google will unveil a new version of its Android design language at its upcoming Google I/O developer conference, according to an event schedule posted to its website as well as an accidentally published Google blog post. The I/O session title hints at significant changes in store for Android’s design system, which will evolve from “Material…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, YouTube, YouTube Premium
YouTube is testing a discounted two-person Premium subscription tier
YouTube is testing a new two-person Premium subscription plan in select countries, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday. The tier is being piloted in India, France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The news was first reported by Money Control. “We’re experimenting with new ways to provide greater flexibility and value to our YouTube Premium subscribers,…
app store, Apple, Apps, Epic Games, fortnite, Global Security News
Apple appeals decision that forced it to allow links to external payments in apps
As promised, Apple has now filed its appeal to the recent court ruling that required it to open up its App Store to external payment mechanisms. Last week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers took the tech giant to task for defying the court’s orders in its battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games by not freely allowing…
Apps, Global Security News, Microsoft, Skype
Skype shuts down after 23 years
After more than two decades, Skype is shutting down. The once-monolithic video calling platform wasn’t able to keep pace with competitors like Zoom and FaceTime, so its parent company, Microsoft, is rolling the product into Microsoft Teams. In this video, we’re sending off the iconic platform and some other legendary apps.
Apps, donations, Funding, Fundraising, Global Security News, nonprofit, Startups
A new startup called Bono aims to modernize the way people donate to charities
Every year, donors contribute billions of dollars to charities, yet the donation process still feels outdated and cumbersome. Founders Dan Eblagon and Ron Levy believe there is an easier way to donate, leading to the creation of Bono, a platform designed to facilitate a more modern and streamlined approach to giving. The platform (named after…
AI, Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Pinterest, Search, Social, visual search
Pinterest updates visual search with more AI-powered features
Pinterest is upgrading its visual search feature with a handful of new capabilities. On Monday, the company announced it’s rolling out new functionality to improve its feature that allows users to search using an image instead of text. This includes new tools to more precisely narrow and refine searches, as well as those that make…
Apps, evergreens, Global Security News, google meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, video calling, Zoom
Skype shutting down today — these are the best alternatives
After 23 years of connecting people around the world, Skype, the popular video-calling service, is shutting down on Monday. Microsoft, the parent company, confirmed that the official sunset date for the service is today, May 5, 2025. Skype users can either migrate all their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams, or they can choose…
Apps, Donald Trump, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, TikTok
Trump says he’s willing to delay TikTok ban again
President Donald Trump has already delayed a TikTok ban twice, and he said Sunday that he’s willing to do it again. Axios reports that during an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said that if a deal isn’t made to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to American owners before the current June 19 deadline, he…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global Security News, Google
Google will soon start letting kids under 13 use its Gemini chatbot
Next week, Google will begin allowing kids under 13 who have parent-managed Google accounts to use its Gemini chatbot, according to The New York Times. The Times reports that Gemini will be available to kids whose parents use Family Link, a Google service that enables families to opt into various Google services for their child. A Google…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, notebooklm
Google’s NotebookLM Android and iOS apps are available for pre-order
Google’s NotebookLM Android and iOS apps are expected to launch on May 20, according to app store listings. The apps are currently available for pre-order. Since its launch in 2023, the AI-based note-taking and research assistant has only been accessible via desktop. Google is now gearing up to make the service available on the go.…
Apple, Apps, Global Security News, Spotify
Apple approves Spotify app update that allows U.S. users to access pricing info, external payment links
Spotify said on Friday that Apple has approved its U.S. app update that will allow users to access pricing information and external payment links. The approval comes days after a U.S. judge ordered Apple to stop charging commissions on purchases through iPhone apps. “In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s…
AI, ai agent, Airbnb, Apps, Customer Service, Global Security News, travel
Airbnb is quietly rolling out an AI customer service bot in the US
Airbnb started rolling out an AI-powered customer service bot in the U.S. last month, CEO Brian Chesky said during the firm’s first-quarter conference call on Thursday. Chesky said 50% of Airbnb’s U.S. users are already using the AI bot for customer service, adding that the company plans to roll out the feature to all its…
app store, Apple, Apps, Epic Games, Global Security News, Spotify, TC
Apple changes US App Store rules to let apps redirect users to their own websites for payments
Apple has changed its App Store rules in the U.S. to let apps link users to their own websites so they can buy subscriptions or other digital goods. This change comes after a U.S. court ruled in favor of Epic Games in a case against the iPhone maker, ordering the latter not to prohibit apps…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Reddit
Reddit’s AI play is for the Google crowd, not just the community scrollers
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says there are two kinds of people who come to the social media platform: Scrollers and seekers. Scrollers are the ones who come to Reddit’s core product, which is community conversation and engaging about topics they’re passionate about, from r/sourdough to r/popculturechat. Then there are the Seekers; the people who might…
Apple, Apps, developers, Global Security News, iOS apps, payments, stripe
Stripe shows iOS developers how to avoid Apple’s App Store commission
Payments processing software provider Stripe is ready to help iOS app developers bypass Apple’s cut of App Store transactions. Following yesterday’s ruling in the Apple-Epic antitrust trial, where Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers outright shamed Apple for not permitting external payment links in apps as she had previously ruled, Stripe shared documentation that shows iOS developers…
AI, Anthropic, Apps, Claude, Global Security News
Anthropic lets you connect apps to Claude
Anthropic on Thursday launched a new way to connect apps and tools to its AI chatbot Claude, as well as an expanded “deep research” capability that allows Claude to search the web, enterprise accounts, and more. The new app connection feature, called Integrations, and expanded deep research tool, dubbed Advanced Research, are available in beta…
antitrust, app store, Apple, Apps, fortnite, Global Security News, lawsuit
Read the juiciest bits from the court ruling against Apple over its anticompetitive App Store practices
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is pissed off at Apple. Really, really pissed off. In Rogers’ newly released 80-page decision, she took Apple and its executives to task for defying the court’s orders in its original case with Fortnite maker Epic Games. Though Apple largely won that round, as it was determined the tech giant was…
Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Instacart, Mergers and Acquisitions
Instacart acquires Wynshop to provide tools for grocers and retailers
Grocery-delivery giant Instacart announced Thursday the acquisition of Wynshop, a provider of cloud-based e-commerce solutions for grocers. The deal will help Instacart improve its enterprise solutions, enabling retailers to enhance their online experiences. The company didn’t disclose deal terms. Wynshop launched its platform in 2020 and provides online storefronts for grocers, working with clients such…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News
Fortnite plans return to the US iOS App Store next week
Epic Games’ mega-popular Fortnite is returning to the US iOS App Store next week after a surprising ruling in a years-long legal battle with Apple. The dispute between Epic and Apple began in 2020, when Apple removed Epic Games from the iOS store. Because Apple takes 30% of all in-app purchases, Epic had introduced support…
Apps, Crypto, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
MoviePass explores a daily fantasy platform for film buffs
MoviePass, the startup that made its mark with its movie theater subscription service, has always been known for shaking things up, and its latest venture is no exception. The company announced on Thursday the beta launch of Mogul, a new daily fantasy entertainment platform designed specifically for the Hollywood industry. To understand what Mogul is,…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social, WhatsApp
WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion users a month
WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion people using it every month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted during the company’s Q1 results conference call on Wednesday. Founded in 2009 and acquired by Facebook for $19 billion in 2014, WhatsApp remains free to use and doesn’t serve any ads. The app reached the 2 billion monthly…
AI, Apps, Fintech, Global Security News, World
World partners with Tinder, Visa to bring its ID-verifying tech to more places
World, the biometric ID company best known for its eyeball-scanning Orb devices, at an event late on Wednesday announced several partnerships aimed at driving sign-ups and demonstrating the applications of its tech. World is partnering with Match Group, the dating app conglomerate, to verify the IDs of Tinder users in Japan. Via collaborations with Kalshi…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, TC
Epic Games just scored a win against Apple
Epic Games notched a win in an ongoing legal dispute with Apple. The result could be Fortnite returning to the U.S. iOS app store as early as next week. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said in a ruling Wednesday that Apple was in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction that prohibited the company from anticompetitive pricing.…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global Security News
Google’s Gemini chatbot gets upgraded image creation tools
Google’s Gemini chatbot app now lets you modify both AI-generated images and images uploaded from your phone or computer, Google announced in a blog post Wednesday. Native image editing in Gemini will start rolling out gradually today, expanding to more people in over 45 languages and most countries in the coming weeks. The launch follows…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, Threads
Threads tops 350M monthly users after adding 30M in the quarter
Instagram Threads, Meta’s X competitor, has now grown to over 350 million monthly active users, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call on Wednesday. That’s an increase of 30 million users since the prior quarter, where Meta reported that Threads had 320 million users. The new figure represents increased growth, as…
Apps, Global Security News, internet connectivity, internet speed, ookla, Orb, speed test
Orb, a new app by Ookla’s ex-CEO, offers a broader picture of your internet connection
Since it launched nearly 20 years ago, Speedtest.net has been one of the most popular tools used to measure internet speeds. However, Doug Suttles, the founder and former CEO of Ookla, the network testing company behind Speedtest, felt that just measuring speed was not enough to tell people all they wanted to know about their…
Apps, content creator, gig economy, Global Security News, Photography, Startups
Social Agent’s new app lets you book a photographer within 30 minutes
There’s an unspoken pressure nowadays to share all your special moments online, whether it be birthdays, graduations, or engagements. However, not everyone has the skills to take high-quality pictures, and often, people find themselves too distracted to snap the perfect shot. While hiring a professional photographer is an option, it may not always be feasible…
AI, Apps, duolingo, Global Security News
Duolingo launches 148 courses created with AI after sharing plans to replace contractors with AI
Duolingo is introducing 148 new language courses that were created with generative AI, the company announced on Wednesday. The launch comes as Duolingo has been facing backlash this week after sharing that it was going to replace contractors with AI and become an “AI-first” company. The company says the launch of the new courses doubles…
Apps, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social
Snapchat abandons plans for a simplified version of its app
As part of its Q1 2025 earnings release, Snap said it’s scrapping plans for a simplified version of its app. The news comes seven months after Snapchat began testing a redesigned version of the app without the Snap Map or Stories tabs. The new version consolidated the app’s navigation bar around three icons: chat, camera,…
Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google Play
Google Play sees 47% decline in apps since start of last year
Google Play’s app marketplace is losing apps. From the start of 2024 to present, the Android app marketplace went from hosting about 3.4 million apps worldwide to just around 1.8 million, according to a new analysis by app intelligence provider Appfigures. That’s a decline of about 47%, representing a significant purge of the apps that…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, notebooklm
Google’s NotebookLM expands its AI podcast feature to more languages
Google’s AI-based note-taking and research assistant NotebookLM is making its Audio Overviews feature available in 76 new languages, the company announced on Tuesday. Audio Overviews launched last year to give users the ability to generate a podcast with AI virtual hosts based on documents they have shared with NotebookLM, such as course readings or legal…
Apps, Global Security News, Google, google wallet
Google Wallet to add support for digital IDs in more states
Google announced on Tuesday that digital IDs are coming to more states and services in Google Wallet. The company also shared that Wallet is getting a way to privately verify age, and that the app is expanding to 50 more countries. Residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon be able to…
Apps, earnings, Global Security News, music streaming service, Spotify
Spotify adds 5M premium users and hits record operating income
Spotify reported on Tuesday that its premium subscriber base grew by 5 million in the first quarter, representing a 12% increase year-over-year. This brings the total to 268 million, marking the second-highest total ever and the highest net addition of paid subs for a first quarter since 2020. Spotify also reported a record-high quarterly operating…
AI, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, Memes, WhatsApp
Grouphug is a stealth-mode startup that plans use AI inside WhatsApp groups
Veterans of the European startup scene, who’ve launched multiple consumer apps in the past, are partly coming out of stealth Tuesday with a new app. On the face of it, Grouphug will simply generate memes from the archive of a group WhatsApp chat. However, that masks a wider play. Grouphug is led by Felix Petersen,…
Apps, Asia Pacific, Commerce, Global Security News, Shein, Tariffs, temu
Temu adds ‘import charges’ after Trump tariffs
Temu is adding “import charges” of around 145% in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on goods shipped from China, CNBC reports. The fees cost more than the products that U.S. consumers are buying, and in some cases are more than doubling the price of a standard order. For example, CNBC found that a summer…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Google I/O, Hardware, Mobile
Google shifts Android news to a virtual event ahead of its I/O developer conference
News about Android is being relegated to a side show at Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O, next month. On Monday, the company announced it would share information about the latest updates coming to the Android ecosystem at an upcoming virtual event called “The Android Show: I/O Edition,” airing on May 13. The decision to…
animation, Apple, Apps, Global Security News, greycroft
AI animation startup Cheehoo lands $10M funding from Greycroft
Creating animation is a time-consuming process, requiring multiple steps including storyboarding, rendering, composition, and lighting to craft a single scene. If a director wants to experiment with a different take for a scene, an animation team has to go back and tweak things before the scene can be finalized. Cheehoo, a startup founded by a…
Apps, Evergreen, Global Security News, goodlinks, matter, mymind, pocket, raindrop
Best bookmarking apps to help organize and declutter your digital life
If you’re someone who likes to bookmark a bunch of things that you find interesting or want to come back to later, it can be hard to manage everything you have saved. There are a number of great bookmark apps on the market that can help you organize all these sorts of links, articles, and…
Apps, Global Security News, iOS app, Startups, time management
Lately’s new gamified app helps people arrive on time
A new app called Lately launched on the App Store a few weeks ago, targeting people with ADHD to help them arrive on time and rewarding them for doing so. The service is designed to help users manage their travel plans by notifying them when it’s time to leave for a trip, sending reminders 30…
Apps, Creators, edits, Global Security News, Instagram, Social, videos
Instagram Edits topped 7M downloads in first week, a bigger launch than CapCut’s
Instagram Edits, Meta’s newly released video creation app, had a bigger debut than its direct competitor, ByteDance’s CapCut, once did. The new app, which today helps users craft videos for Instagram reels, stories, and other social posts, was downloaded an estimated 702,900 times on iOS devices during its first two days on the market. That’s…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, Social, social media
Wait, how did a decentralized service like Bluesky go down?
Apparently, decentralized social networks can go down, too. On Thursday evening, the decentralized social network Bluesky experienced a significant outage, leaving users unable to load the app on both the web and mobile devices for roughly an hour. According to a message on Bluesky’s status page, the company was aware of the outage, which it…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, social media, Threads
Threads officially moves to Threads.com and updates its web app
Instagram Threads, Meta’s newest social network and X competitor, is officially relocating from the website Threads.net to Threads.com. The transition will coincide with a handful of quality-of-life improvements for the Threads web app, including features to more easily access custom feeds, saved posts, and likes, as well as other tools for creating new columns, copying…
Apps, FTC, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta
Mark Zuckerberg really wants to make Facebook cool again
In an ongoing antitrust case, the Federal Trade Commission says that Meta has a monopoly on “personal social networking services” and should have to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp. Throughout the proceedings, there have been several internal messages and plans that have come to light. In one, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered wiping all Facebook…
Apps, chess, chess.com, COVID-19, Exclusive, Gaming, Global Security News, Social
Chess.com reaches 200 million members
Chess.com reaches a new membership milestone as it nears its 20th birthday. Chess.com, the online chess platform that was founded in 2005 and launched in 2007, has surpassed 200 million members. Of those 200 million members, 1.5 million are paying users. More than 6 million games of chess are played every day on the platform.…
Apps, Facebook, Global Security News, Meta, Social
Facebook cracks down on spammy content by cutting reach and monetization
Facebook will begin lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content and making them ineligible for monetization, Meta announced on Thursday. The company is also increasing efforts to remove Facebook accounts that coordinate fake engagement and impersonate others, it says. The move comes as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has promised a return to “OG Facebook.”…
accessibility, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, TikTok
TikTok adds support for ALT text for photos
TikTok is rolling out support for ALT text for photo posts to make content more accessible for users with visual and cognitive impairments. The company says creators can now provide descriptive text for photos to help users with screen readers understand the visual content through spoken descriptions. TikTok told TechCrunch in an email that creators…
AI, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, music streaming service, Spotify
Spotify’s AI playlist rolls out to Asia and more markets
Spotify announced on Thursday that it expanded the availability of its AI Playlist feature to over 40 additional markets, including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The AI-powered tool, currently in beta on Android and iOS devices, lets listeners create personalized playlists based on written prompts, such as “workout music to make my…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Fintech, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Security, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Venture
Speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Applications now open
TechCrunch Disrupt returns October 27–29 to Moscone West in San Francisco — and we’re inviting thought leaders, founders, VCs, and tech experts to apply for a chance to take the stage at one of the most anticipated tech events of the year. Applications are now open to speak at Disrupt 2025, where over 10,000+ tech…
AI, AI search, Apps, Dash, dropbox, Global Security News
Dropbox adds new features to Dash, its AI-powered search tool
Companies like Google and Microsoft have equipped their productivity suites with AI features and assistants, while startups such as ClickUp and ReadAI have focused heavily on building AI integrations and search capabilities. In alignment with this growing trend of infusing digital work suites with AI, Dropbox on Thursday upgraded its AI search tool, Dash, first…
Adobe, AI, AI image, Apps, c2pa, content credentials, Global Security News
Adobe wants to create a robots.txt styled indicator for images used in AI training
For years, websites included information about what kind of crawlers were not allowed on their site with a robots.txt file. Adobe, which wants to create a similar standard for images, has added a tool to content credentials with an intention to give them a bit more control over what is used to train AI models.…
Apps, Bluesky, censorship, Global Security News, Social
Government censorship comes to Bluesky, but not its third-party apps … yet
Government censorship has found its way to Bluesky, but there’s currently a loophole thanks to how the social network is structured. Earlier this month, Bluesky restricted access to 72 accounts in Turkey at the request of Turkish governmental authorities, according to a recent report by the Freedom of Expression Association. As a result, people in Turkey can…
ad tech, Ads, Apps, Global Security News, Instagram, Meta, Social, Threads
Meta’s Threads opens up ads to global advertisers
Months after first testing ads in select markets, including the U.S., Meta on Wednesday announced that its Instagram Threads app would now expand ads to all advertisers worldwide. The expansion will allow eligible advertisers to reach Threads’ over 320 million monthly active users, and it will include access to an inventory filter to control the sensitivity level…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s latest feature makes your messages even more private
WhatsApp announced on Wednesday it’s launching a new feature that will allow users to add an extra layer of privacy to chats. The new “Advanced Chat Privacy” setting prevents you and the people you’re chatting with from exporting chats and auto-downloading media to their phone. The setting also prevents users from mentioning Meta AI in…
AI, AI note-taking, Apps, Fireflies, Global Security News, Khosla Ventures, meetings
AI note-taking app Fireflies adds new ways to extract insights from meeting notes
Khosla Ventures-backed Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered note-taking app, on Wednesday released a set of domain-specific “mini apps” to extract insights from meeting transcripts automatically. With the widespread availability of automatic speech recognition models and generative AI, meeting intelligence startups like Otter, Read AI, Circleback, Krisp, and Granola have registered impressive growth. Fireflies, similarly, has seen 8x…
Apple, Apps, Digital Markets Act, Europe, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Meta
EU fines Apple, Meta millions for breaching tech competition rules
The European Union has fined Apple €500 million (about $568 million) and Meta €200 million (about $227 million) for allegedly breaching the bloc’s Digital Markets Act, according to The Wall Street Journal. The EU has accused Apple of failing to comply with an obligation to allow app developers to inform customers of alternative ways to…
Apps, Global Security News, multi view, playback speed, YouTube, YouTube TV
YouTube’s TV app is getting a redesign this summer
YouTube said on Wednesday that it will launch a redesign of its TV app this summer. On the books are easier navigation, playback and quality tweaks, as well as better access to comments, channel info, and subscribing. The company didn’t provide any further details about the redesign, but we’ve asked for a peek at the…
Apps, Commerce, creator economy, Global Security News, Linktree
Linktree rolls out a suite of monetization features for creators
Linktree is launching a set of new features aimed at helping creators earn more money directly from its platform. The new tools include the ability to sell courses, earn from brand-sponsored links, and build shoppable storefronts. The launch of the new monetization features will help Linktree stand out among other similar platforms like Beacons and…
Apps, content moderation, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Meta, oversight board, Social
Meta’s Oversight Board seeks details on the company’s new hate speech policies
Meta’s Oversight Board, the independent group created to help Meta with content moderation decisions, on Tuesday issued its response to the social media company’s new hate speech policies announced in January. The Board says that Meta’s new policies were “announced hastily, in a departure from regular procedure,” and called on the company to provide more…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google Chrome, openai
OpenAI exec says the company would buy Google’s Chrome browser if offered the chance
An OpenAI exec said during Google’s antitrust trial this week that OpenAI would be interested in buying Google’s Chrome browser, were it made available for sale. The executive, ChatGPT chief Nick Turley, said in a court hearing Tuesday that acquiring Chrome would allow OpenAI to “offer a really incredible experience” and “introduce users into what…
AI, Apps, character.ai, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
Character.AI unveils AvatarFX, an AI video model to create lifelike chatbots
Character.AI, a leading platform for chatting and roleplaying with AI-generated characters, unveiled its forthcoming video generation model, AvatarFX, on Tuesday. Available in closed beta, the model animates the platform’s characters in a variety of styles and voices, from human-like characters to 2D animal cartoons. AvatarFX distinguishes itself from competitors like OpenAI’s Sora because it isn’t…
Apps, Global Security News, Social
Meta releases its CapCut rival Edits globally
Meta announced on Tuesday that it’s officially launching Edits, its CapCut-like video creation app. Releasing globally, Edits will allow creators to do things like keep track of video ideas, get inspiration for new content, and create videos with effects and AI tools. The app is available on iOS and Android. All of the app’s features…
AI, Apps, chatbot, Global Security News, ManyChat, Marketing, Messaging, Social, summit partners
Manychat taps $140M to boost its business messaging platform with AI
Chatbots and other kinds of AI agents may feel like a dime a dozen these days. But the truth is that, for both businesses and consumers, some may be infinitely more useful (and perhaps less dystopian) than others. Today, a startup that’s built a successful business around that concept is announcing a major growth round…
Apps, blue check, Bluesky, Global Security News, Social, verification
Bluesky launches blue check verification
Bluesky announced on Monday that it is rolling out blue check verification, confirming previous rumors that this feature was on its way to the platform. Like Twitter’s original blue check (RIP), Bluesky’s blue check will verify that notable accounts are legitimate, making it easy for users to trust that an account’s posts are real. In…
Apps, Global Security News, Reddit, Social
Reddit briefly down for users worldwide
Popular social network and forum site Reddit reported significant outages on Monday morning. The connection errors started at around 11:20 a.m. ET, according to the website Downdetector, which collects anecdotal reports from impacted users globally. At its peak, more than 90,000 users logged an outage report with the downtime tracking website. At 11:52 a.m. ET,…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Instagram, parents, Social, Teens
Instagram is using AI to find teens lying about their age and restricting their accounts
Meta is using AI technology to search for kids who are lying about their age on Instagram in order to bypass safeguards, the company announced on Monday. When Meta finds an account that it suspects belongs to a teen, the platform will enroll them into a restricted Teen Account, even if the account lists an…
Airbnb, Apps, Global Security News, travel, travel tech
Airbnb will now show users the total cost of their stay right away
One of the chief complaints of Airbnb users over the years has been not being able to tell right away how much they would pay for their stay, including charges such as cleaning fees. Airbnb is now fixing that by showing the total cost for a given property, including all charges, automatically. Users across the…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, Social, verification
Bluesky may soon add blue check verification
Bluesky may soon get a new blue checkmark verification system, according to changes to the app’s public GitHub repository spotted Friday by reverse engineer alice.mosphere.at. The blue checks may have a similar look to the system pioneered by Twitter, now X, but Bluesky’s version seems like it will work quite differently. Bluesky’s blue check system…
Apps, Asia Pacific, china, Commerce, Global Security News, Shopping, Tariffs
Chinese shopping app Taobao joins DHgate in Top 5 on US App Store
The Chinese e-commerce marketplace app DHgate, which is now the No. 2 free iPhone app in the U.S., isn’t the only one that’s oddly benefiting from President Trump’s tariffs on U.S. imports from China. Another Chinese shopping app, Taobao, has now also entered the Top 5 as of Thursday. U.S. consumers began flocking to these…
Apps, Global Security News, Instagram, Instagram Reels, Social, TikTok
Instagram’s new Blend feature creates a custom reels feed for you and your friends
Instagram on Thursday announced that it’s rolling out Blend, a new feature that lets you create a custom, personalized reels feed for you and your friends. Blends are invite-only and can be created with a singular friend or with a group chat. The custom feeds are refreshed with new content each day. The launch doesn’t…
Apps, Facebook, FTC, Global Security News, Instagram, Social, TikTok
Mark Zuckerberg says TikTok slowed Meta’s growth
In Meta’s antitrust trial on Wednesday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified that TikTok’s success was a risk to Meta’s business, saying the short-form video app was a “top priority” and a “highly urgent” competitive threat when it arrived in 2018, according to Bloomberg and other outlets. The reports come from a packed first week of…
Apps, Global Security News, goodreads, News, smashing, True Ventures
Smashing, the reading curation app by Goodreads’ founder, shuts down
Smashing, an AI-powered app that lets users build a curated list of news and posts, is shutting down, because of its inability to scale rapidly enough.
Apps, Global Security News, Social
Zuckerberg: Snapchat would have grown faster if it accepted $6B buyout offer
During Meta’s antitrust trial this week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said that Snapchat would have grown faster if it accepted his company’s offer to buy the social network back in 2013, Business Insider reports. Court documents revealed that Meta, then called Facebook, offered to buy Snapchat for $6 billion (reports at the time said that…
Apps, aura, digital frames, Gadgets, Global Security News, Startups
Digital frame maker Aura introduces the Aspen, a $299 frame with more intelligent features
Aura, a digital photo frames company founded by early Twitter employees, is introducing its latest model, Aspen, which adds new technology to the device and its accompanying mobile app. In addition to hosting your digital photos in its 12-inch HD display, the device now also allows you to add captions to your photos when they…
Apps, Deezer, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, music streaming service
As Deezer approaches profitability, it rolls out a custom algorithm and other new features
Last month, Deezer reported its first positive cash flow in 2024, marking a significant milestone in its history. As the music streaming platform nears profitability, it’s launching new features to differentiate itself in the highly competitive market. On Wednesday, Deezer announced several features aimed at providing listeners with a more personalized experience. These include a…
Apps, community notes, Global Security News, North America, Social, TikTok
TikTok begins testing Footnotes, a new Community Notes-like feature
TikTok is testing a new “Footnotes” feature that works similarly to Community Notes on X. The social network announced on Wednesday that Footnotes will allow users to add additional context and relevant information to videos to help others better understand certain content, starting in the United States. The company says Footnotes will complement its current…
Apps, Bolt, Exclusive, Fintech, Global Security News, Ryan Breslow, Startups
Bolt’s Ryan Breslow pins his hopes on a new app that takes on Coinbase, Zelle, and PayPal
Ryan Breslow is officially back. While the founder of one-click checkout company Bolt re-assumed its helm as CEO in March, Breslow is unveiling Wednesday a new “superapp” that he hopes will formally mark his return as the fintech’s leader. He describes the new product as “one-click crypto and everyday payments” in a single platform, in…
Apps, content creators, creator economy, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Patreon, Social
Patreon tests a native live video feature where creators can stream 24/7
Patreon is finally experimenting with a native livestreaming, a new feature that could attract more creators and help them earn more money. The capability is rolling out to select testers this week and will become more widely available this summer. Similar to other platforms, Patreon’s new livestream feature comes with a live chat where fans…
AI, AI assistant, Apps, Browsers, Global Security News, Opera
Opera adds its Aria AI assistant to Opera Mini browser
Norway-based browser company Opera said today that it is making its AI assistant Aria available to Opera Mini users on Android. This move will help users with low-end devices and data constraints access better AI features. Aria AI can help users get the latest news and information on different topics, learn more about various subjects, and…
Apps, Global Security News, Social
TikTok takes on Google Maps by surfacing reviews in the comments tab
As TikTok continues to build out its search experience, the social network is now surfacing reviews for select places right within the comments tab of a video. The new feature, which appears to be a test, eliminates the need to conduct a new search or open up Google when you come across a place on…
Apps, china, Commerce, ecommerce, Global Security News, taiffs, Tariffs, TikTok
Chinese marketplace DHgate becomes a top US app as trade war intensifies
The Trump trade war has gone viral on TikTok, pushing a Chinese e-commerce app, DHgate, to the top of the Apple App Store in the U.S. After Trump increased U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports by 145%, numerous Chinese suppliers and manufacturers began making TikTok videos explaining to consumers how the global luxury goods market actually…
Apps, Global Security News, Startups
Meet Neptune, a TikTok alternative where creators can hide likes and follower counts
Neptune is one of the newest short-form video apps on the block seeking to compete with major players like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. The app, currently in beta, has attracted attention from hundreds of thousands of users, with 970 testers participating and 400,000 people on the waitlist, per the company. Neptune announced Monday…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Meta, meta ai
Meta to start training its AI models on public content in the EU
Meta announced on Monday that it’s going to train its AI models on public content, such as posts and comments on Facebook and Instagram, in the EU after previously pausing its plans to do so in response to regulatory pressure due to to data privacy concerns. The company will start training its AI on users’…
AI, Apps, ChatGPT, Global Security News
ChatGPT became the most downloaded app globally in March
ChatGPT became the world’s most downloaded app in March, excluding games, topping the usual contenders for the No. 1 spot, Instagram and TikTok. This is the first time the app has topped the monthly download charts and ChatGPT’s biggest month ever. According to new data, ChatGPT’s installs jumped 28% from February to March to reach…
Apps, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, YouTube, YouTube Shorts
YouTube considers a daily timer for users looking to cut back on Shorts
YouTube is looking into potentially offering a feature that would allow users to set a daily timer to limit how long they spend on Shorts. Recent findings from the beta version of the YouTube app, first reported by Android Authority, suggest that the platform is developing a feature to help users stop the endless scrolling…
Apps, audiobooks, Global Security News, Spotify
Spotify invests over $1M to grow its catalog of non-English audiobooks
Spotify announced on Friday that it plans to invest €1 million–or approximately $1.1 million — to boost audiobook production in languages other than English, beginning with French and Dutch. The investment indicates that Spotify is eager for more non-English titles in its limited library as it tries to compete with major players like Audible in…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Startups, TC, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
Less than a month to get your exhibit table for TechCrunch Sessions: AI
TechCrunch Sessions: AI is fast approaching. So, what does that mean for you? It means exhibit tables are nearly gone — and now’s your chance to grab one before they’re all sold out. If you’ve got a game-changing product to showcase to the AI world, don’t keep it quiet. Exhibit your brand in front of…
Apps, Bluesky, evergreens, fediverse, Global Security News, Social, social media
What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the X competitor
Is the grass greener on the other side? We’re not sure, but the sky is most certainly bluer. It’s been over two years since Elon Musk purchased Twitter, now X, leading people to set up shop on alternative platforms. Mastodon, Post, Pebble (two of which have already shuttered operations) and Spill have been presented as…
Apps, Bluesky, evergreens, fediverse, Global Security News, Social, social media
What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the X competitor
Is the grass greener on the other side? We’re not sure, but the sky is most certainly bluer. It’s been over two years since Elon Musk purchased Twitter, now X, leading people to set up shop on alternative platforms. Mastodon, Post, Pebble (two of which have already shuttered operations) and Spill have been presented as…
Apps, Bluesky, evergreens, fediverse, Global Security News, Social, social media
What is Bluesky? Everything to know about the X competitor
Is the grass greener on the other side? We’re not sure, but the sky is most certainly bluer. It’s been over two years since Elon Musk purchased Twitter, now X, leading people to set up shop on alternative platforms. Mastodon, Post, Pebble (two of which have already shuttered operations) and Spill have been presented as…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, open social, Social, social media, Social networks, TC, X
Bluesky’s latest update adds chat reactions and an Explore page, similar to X
Social network Bluesky is rolling out a new version of its software, which adopts some of the features former X users have missed. Nope, it’s not an edit button! Instead, the open social network is adding support for chat reactions in its direct messages feature and is revamping its search page as “Explore,” directing users…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, open social, Social, social media, Social networks, TC, X
Bluesky’s latest update adds chat reactions and an Explore page, similar to X
Social network Bluesky is rolling out a new version of its software, which adopts some of the features former X users have missed. Nope, it’s not an edit button! Instead, the open social network is adding support for chat reactions in its direct messages feature and is revamping its search page as “Explore,” directing users…