Anthropic’s AI-powered chatbot, Claude, can now search the web — a capability that had long eluded it. Web search is available now in preview for paid Claude users in the U.S., Anthropic said on its blog, with support for free users and additional countries coming soon. Users can toggle on web search in their profile…
Category: Apps
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, social network, Threads
Threads adds new features to highlight topics and limit replies
Meta’s social network Threads, an X competitor with more than 320 million monthly active users, is now rolling out new features related to topics, reply controls, and video playback in the app, among other things. It’s also making political content suggestions more personalized to the user, the company says. Combined, the features aim to make…
Apps, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, social media
Bluesky makes it easier for publishers to track referrals
Social network Bluesky, an open source X rival, has made a change that will allow publishers to better track the referral traffic originating from posts on its platform. According to a comment from Bluesky employee Emily Liu, the company is now sending referral traffic through Bluesky’s “go” subdomain to make it easier for publishers to…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, music streaming service, Spotify
Spotify debuts ‘Concerts Near You’ playlists for discovering nearby shows
On Wednesday, Spotify launched a new personalized playlist designed to help listeners discover upcoming concerts in their area. The playlist, titled “Concerts Near You,” is updated every Wednesday with 30 songs from artists performing nearby, along with full event details and ticket links. Spotify partners with ticketing platforms like AXS, DICE, Eventbrite, and Ticketmaster. Like…
app store, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, play store, TC
Adapty releases a web-based solution for app makers to earn money outside app stores
Over the last few years, developers have increasingly complained about paying fees to Apple or Google for App Store or Play Store distributions. App makers have often said that both companies make it difficult for them to earn money outside of their systems. New York-based app revenue management platform Adapty wants to change that with…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Enterprise, Fintech, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, robotics, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch All Stage 2025, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
Make waves in 2025: Exhibit at TechCrunch events
If you’re reading this, you already know: It’s time to amplify your brand. Get in front of thousands of TechCrunch event attendees, readers, and decision-makers who can take your business further this year by exhibiting at a TechCrunch event. The perks of exhibiting: What’s in it for you Exhibiting doesn’t just elevate your brand —…
Apps, for you feed, Global Security News, North America, Social, TikTok
TikTok to start pushing Amber Alerts to users’ For You feeds
TikTok is partnering with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) to bring real-time Amber Alerts directly to users’ For You feeds in the United States, the company announced on Thursday. With this new feature, if an Amber Alert is activated by law enforcement and you are in the designated search area, the…
Apps, ghost, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Substack
Substack rival Ghost is now connected to the fediverse
Newsletter platform Ghost, an open source competitor to Substack, is now connected to the fediverse, also known as the open social web. Federated apps run on the protocol ActivityPub, which powers apps like Mastodon, Pixelfed, Threads, Flipboard, and others, allowing posts published on one app to be seen and engaged with by those on other…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Pavel Durov, TC, Telegram
Telegram founder Pavel Durov says app now has 1B users, calls WhatsApp a ‘cheap, watered down imitation’
Telegram founder Pavel Durov said today that the service now has more than 1 billion active users. This number is up from last year’s reported 950 million monthly active users. Durov also noted that the company registered $547 million in profits last year. He had announced the company’s profitability in December but hadn’t provided any…
Apps, Elon Musk, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Twitter, X
Elon Musk’s X reportedly bounces back to $44B valuation
Social media site X’s valuation has bounced back to $44 billion, according to a new report from the Financial Times. Elon Musk purchased the platform, formerly known as Twitter, for $44 billion back in 2022. However, a report from Bloomberg states that X has raised close to $1 billion from investors in a deal that…
Apps, Commerce, Europe, Global Security News, google dma, google play dma, google search sma, Government & Policy
Google search, Play Store falling foul of Digital Markets Act rules, says EU
Google Search and its Play Store app marketplace are suspected of breaching the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), per preliminary findings announced Wednesday by EU Commission enforcers of the bloc’s flagship market contestability law, who have been investigating the company for months. The DMA applies to a handful of tech giants, Alphabet (Google’s parent)…
Apps, Europe, Gadgets, Global Security News, Government & Policy, privacy
EU sends Apple first DMA interoperability instructions for apps and connected devices
The European Union has sent Apple preliminary instructions on how it expects the iPhone maker to comply with interoperability provisions in the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), its flagship market contestability reform. According to the Commission, device manufacturers and app developers should be able to access nine iOS connectivity features that were restricted to Apple’s…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hugging Face, huggingsnap
Hugging Face’s new iOS app taps AI to describe what you’re looking at
AI startup Hugging Face has released a new app for iOS that only does one thing: uses offline, local AI to describe what’s in view of your iPhone’s camera. The app, called HuggingSnap, taps Hugging Face’s in-house vision model, smolvlm2, to analyze what your phone sees in real-time without sending data off to the cloud.…
Apps, encryption, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, mobile phones, privacy, Proton, Security, sim swap, SS7
Cape opens $99/month beta of its privacy-first mobile plan, inks Proton deal, raises $30M
Mobile networks continue to be a major target for cybersecurity breaches, and Chinese hacking group Salt Typhoon‘s persistent attacks on multiple carriers are only the latest known examples. The mobile carrier startup Cape is taking a novel approach to addressing the problem: it has built a service it says can provide a more secure, private…
Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Google, google wallet, North America
Google now lets kids use Google Wallet for in-store payments in select countries
Google announced on Wednesday that kids with Android phones can now tap to pay at stores using Google Wallet in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, and Poland. Parents and guardians in these countries can now allow their children to access digital payments on their Android devices with supervision. Kids can also use Google…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google
Google brings a ‘canvas’ feature to Gemini, plus Audio Overview
They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and Google seems to agree. On Tuesday, the company added a feature to its AI-powered Gemini chatbot that the company is calling Canvas. Similar in concept to OpenAI’s identically-named Canvas tool for ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Artifacts, Canvas provides Gemini users with an interactive space where they…
AI, Android, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Search, Healthcare
Google launches new healthcare-related features for Search, Android
Google on Tuesday announced new products and features aimed at healthcare use cases, including improved overviews in Google Search for health queries, medical records APIs, and new health-focused “open” AI models. In Search, Google says it’s using AI and ranking systems to expand “knowledge panel” answers on thousands of health-related topics, and adding support for…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, mental health apps, Startups
Exist is a new social wellness app that wants to help middle-age users find community
A new iOS social wellness app called Exist wants to help middle-aged consumers connect and build meaningful communities with one another as they navigate their lives and the stresses that come with it. The app describes itself as the edgier cousin of Calm or Headspace, and its main feature is social journaling. The idea behind…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Meta, WhatsApp, whatsapp business
WhatsApp will soon limit number of broadcast messages users and businesses can send
Chat platform WhatsApp said today that it will limit the number of broadcast messages individual users and businesses can send to curb spam on the app. In the coming weeks, the company will start testing limits on individual broadcast messages. Under these limits, WhatsApp will put a monthly limit on the number of broadcasts. While…
Apps, Europe, Global Security News, Government & Policy, In Brief
Apple loses appeal against Germany’s special abuse control for Big Tech
Being a staggeringly successful big tech company does have some downsides: Apple has lost an appeal against a special abuse control regime that Germany’s competition watchdog applied to it last year. The iPhone maker can expect to continue to face bespoke competition controls in a major European market, in addition to other similar laws (such…
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, phones, Social, social media
How to stop doomscrolling
The world is bad sometimes, but it feels even worse if you can’t stop staring into the all-consuming abyss that is the 6-inch screen of a smartphone, following you through space and time. It taunts you with its compact, light build that’s small enough to slip into your pocket and take anywhere, and its siren…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, iOS, screen time, touch grass
This app limits your screen time by making you literally touch grass
If you’ve ever spent way too long scrolling through endless feeds about nothing, you may have been advised to touch grass. It’s a tongue-in-cheek suggestion, basically telling you to log off and go outside. But one developer took the concept to the next level. Rhys Kentish launched an iOS app last week called Touch Grass,…
AI, Apps, ChatGPT, Enterprise, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai, Slack
OpenAI to start testing ChatGPT connectors for Google Drive and Slack
OpenAI will soon begin testing a way for business customers to connect apps like Slack and Google Drive to ChatGPT. OpenAI plans to start beta testing a new feature called ChatGPT Connectors, according to a document viewed by TechCrunch. ChatGPT Connectors will allow ChatGPT Team subscribers to link workspace Google Drive and Slack accounts to…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, TikTok
TikTok rolls out a ‘Security Checkup’ tool to help users secure their accounts
TikTok is introducing a new “Security Checkup” tool that allows users to quickly review and update their account’s security settings from a single screen, the company announced on Monday. The feature is similar to Security Checkup tools offered by TikTok rival Instagram and tech giant Google. Users can access the new tool from their profile…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
Bumble heightens safety measures with new ID verification feature
Bumble is finally catching up with competitor Tinder with a new ID verification feature as dating app users urge for more safety measures. In addition to ID verification, the company also released three more features, including a feature that flags inappropriate messages in chat before users hit send and the ability to share date details…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Global IT News, Global Security News
Travis Kalanick wants to do a lot more than develop more ghost kitchens
Last week, at the Abundance Summit in Los Angeles, billionaire entrepreneur Travis Kalanick gave attendees a rare glimpse into his vision for the future of his newest company, CloudKitchens. While today the eight-year-old L.A.-based outfit is known for a growing real estate portfolio that it uses to it host – and set up – restaurants…
Apps, discord, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social
Discord launches SDK to help developers enhance social experiences in their games
Discord on Monday announced the launch of its Discord Social SDK, a free toolkit that allows developers to leverage the platform’s social infrastructure to enhance their games’ social and multiplayer experiences. The toolkit allows developers to improve their in-game experiences, whether players have a Discord account or not. Social integrations include a unified friends list…
AI, Apps, DeepMind, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Media & Entertainment, voice AI
Google adds its HD voice model Chirp 3 to its Vertex AI platform
A lot of the focus in generative AI up to now has been on text-based interfaces used to generate text, images and more. The next wave appears to be voice, and it’s rolling in fast. In the latest development, Google today announced that it would be adding Chirp 3 — its HD voice interface —…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, teen
Photo calorie app Cal AI, downloaded over a million times, was built by two teenagers
Cal AI has generated over 5 million downloads in 8 months, it says. Founders Zach Yadegari and Henry Langmack are just 18. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, google meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, video calling, Zoom
Skype is shutting down in May — these are the best alternatives
After 23 years of connecting people around the world, Skype, the popular video-calling service, is shutting down. Microsoft, the parent company, confirmed that the official sunset date for the service is May 5, 2025. Skype users can either migrate all their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams, or they can choose to download their…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Assistant
Google is replacing Google Assistant with Gemini
Google will replace Google Assistant on Android phones with Gemini later this year, the company announced on Friday. Google said in a blog post that it’ll upgrade more users from Google Assistant to Gemini “over the coming months.” Later this year, Assistant will no longer be accessible on most mobile devices or available from app…
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, social media, TikTok, TikTok Ban
What to know about TikTok’s uncertain future in the US and the people who want to buy it
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been at the center of controversy in the U.S. for four years now due to concerns about user data potentially being accessed by the Chinese government. Just this past month, the app experienced a temporary outage in the U.S. that left millions of users in suspense before…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, oracle, TikTok, TikTok Ban
Oracle is reportedly a top choice for helping run TikTok
TikTok has until April to finalize a sale to a U.S.-based buyer, yet uncertainties about the future of the short-form video app remain. However, a new report has emerged, suggesting that Oracle is the leading candidate to serve as the cloud technology partner for managing TikTok in the U.S., according to The Information. Sources including…
Apps, Epic Games, epic games store, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News
Move over, Apple: Meet the alternative app stores coming to the EU
A list of some of the alternative app stores iPhone users in the EU can try today. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Facebook, Global Security News, Social, stories
Facebook now lets creators get paid for views on stories
Facebook is rolling out the ability for creators to earn money for views on public stories. The new monetization option is available globally to creators who are part of the Facebook Content Monetization program. With this new monetization option, creators can earn money from content that they are already producing and sharing if they post…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google gemini
Google wants Gemini to get to know you better
In the AI chatbot wars, Google thinks the key to retaining users is serving up content they can’t get elsewhere, like answers shaped by their internet habits. On Thursday, the company announced Gemini with personalization, a new “experimental capability” for its Gemini chatbot apps that lets Gemini draw on other Google apps and services to…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Play, Google Play Games
Google introduces new developer tools and titles for games on mobile and PC
Google announced new features around PC and mobile gaming today ahead of the Game Developers Conference (GDC), including new titles, control customization, and developer tools for making mobile games available on PC. The company first introduced Play Games for PC in 2022 in the beta phase. Over time, it has introduced the program to various…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
ClickUp is launching a revamped calendar tool for task and meeting management
Productivity platform ClickUp launched a revamped calendar tool that integrates tasks, docs, chats, and meetings in one place. The most interesting features of the calendar are an integrated AI meeting notetaker and AI-powered time blocking for tasks. ClickUp already had a calendar product, but it was focused more on team management and scheduling. Last year,…
Apps, Europe, Gaming, Global Security News, iOS, mobile games, Startups
Skich launches an alternative app store on iOS in the EU
Skich, a Tinder-like app for discovering mobile games, announced Thursday the launch of a new marketplace to put it in closer competition with alternative game stores like Aptoide and Epic Games. Skich Store, a new alternative mobile games store, will be available for iOS users in the European Union. The company plans to begin adding…
Apps, Facebook, Global Security News, Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, North America, Social
Meta is launching Community Notes in the US next week
Next week, Meta will begin one of the company’s most significant overhauls ever for how it fact-checks information on its platforms. On March 18, Meta will start releasing its version of Community Notes for Facebook, Instagram, and Threads users in the United States. The program copies a crowdsourced fact-checking system that Twitter unveiled in 2021…
Apps, Crypto, CryptoCurrency, Global IT News, Global Security News, Telegram, Wallet
Telegram introduces trading and yield features for its self-custodial crypto wallet
Telegram’s self-custodial crypto wallet, developed by a third-party company called The Open Platform (TOP), has introduced new features for people who don’t just use Telegram as a messaging app. The updates include multi-asset trading and yield functionalities. Based on the TON blockchain, TOP launched the wallet in 2023. The company reported that over 100 million…
Android, Apps, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Play Store, PhonePe, Xiaomi
Xiaomi to preinstall PhonePe’s app store on smartphones sold in India
Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi said on Thursday that its Android smartphones sold in India will come preinstalled with Indian fintech company PhonePe’s app store. Xiaomi’s Android smartphones usually come preinstalled with Google’s Play Store and the Chinese company’s own GetApps. Xiaomi said that it has signed a multi-year deal with PhonePe to replace GetApps with…
AI, Apps, Exclusive, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social
Snap introduces AI Video Lenses powered by its in-house generative model
Snapchat is introducing its first ever video generative AI Lenses, the company told TechCrunch exclusively. The Lenses are powered by Snap’s in-house built generative video model. The three new AI Video Lenses are available to users on the app’s premium subscription tier, Snapchat Platinum, which costs $15.99 per month. The launch comes as Snap unveiled an…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, music streaming, Spotify
Spotify says its payouts are getting better, but artists still disagree
Spotify on Tuesday released its annual Loud & Clear report, detailing information about the music streaming service’s royalty payments. While Spotify revealed earlier this year that it paid out $10 billion to the music industry in 2024, the new report offers more in-depth numbers about its payments in an effort to dispel reports that the company…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Pocket Casts, Podcasts
Podcast app Pocket Casts makes its web player free
Pocket Casts, the podcast app acquired by Automattic in 2021, is now making its web player free. The company says the move offers an alternative to the big platforms’ closed ecosystems, where algorithmic-driven content is prioritized and podcasts are kept behind paywalls. Podcasts were built on open technology — the open, decentralized standard RSS, which…
agents, AI, Apps, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, openai
OpenAI launches new tools to help businesses build AI agents
On Tuesday, OpenAI released new tools designed to help developers and enterprises build AI agents – automated systems that can independently accomplish tasks – using the company’s own AI models and frameworks. The tools are part of OpenAI’s new Responses API, which lets businesses develop custom AI agents that can perform web searches, scan through…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, teen safety, TikTok
TikTok now lets parents see their teen’s follower/following list, block access during certain hours
TikTok announced on Tuesday that it’s rolling out new features to protect teens on its app. The social network is giving parents the ability to block their teen from using TikTok during certain hours and see their teen’s following and followers lists through new Family Pairing features. TikTok is also going to encourage young users…
Apple, Apps, Cybersecurity, Global Security News, International, Mobility, Security, sideloading, Software, Technology, third-party apps
Global Pressure Mounts for Apple as Brazilian Court Demands iOS Sideloading Within 90 Days
Apple argues sideloading threatens security, while users demand more choice. With global market pressure rising, will iOS open up to third-party apps?
Apps, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, TikTok
Bluesky now lets users upload videos that are up to 3 minutes long
Bluesky now allows videos that are up to 3 minutes long, the decentralized social network announced on Monday. The platform launched support for video back in September with a 60-second time limit. With the new expanded time limit, Bluesky is bringing its user experience more in line with its competitors, X (formerly Twitter) and Meta’s…
Apps, Donald Trump, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, TikTok, TikTok Ban, Trump
Trump administration in talks with four groups about potential TikTok sale
President Donald Trump says his administration is in talks with four different groups about the sale of TikTok, Reuters reports. When asked if there was going to soon be a deal on TikTok, Trump told reporters on Sunday, “it could.” He added, “We’re dealing with four different groups, and a lot of people want it…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Fintech, Gadgets, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, robotics, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Venture
Supercharge your brand visibility with an exhibit table at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025
From October 27-29, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 will bring together over 10,000 startup pioneers, VC leaders, and tech enthusiasts at Moscone West in San Francisco—the epicenter of innovation set to reshape the future of technology. What’s in it for your startup? A golden opportunity to put your innovation in front of an eager audience for all…
AI, Apps, deepseek, Global IT News, Global Security News, manus
Manus probably isn’t China’s second ‘DeepSeek moment’
Manus, an “agentic” AI platform that launched in preview last week, is generating more hype than a Taylor Swift concert. The head of product at Hugging Face called Manus “the most impressive AI tool I’ve ever tried.” AI policy researcher Dean Ball described Manus as the “most sophisticated computer using AI.” The official Discord server…
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, phones, Social, social media
How to stop doomscrolling
The world is bad sometimes, but it feels even worse if you can’t stop staring into the all-consuming abyss that is the 6-inch screen of a smartphone, following you through space and time. It taunts you with its compact, light build that’s small enough to slip into your pocket and take anywhere — yet its…
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Instagram Threads, Meta, Social, Threads
What is Instagram’s Threads app? All your questions answered
Twitter alternatives — new and old — have found audiences willing to try out a newer social networks since Elon Musk took over the company in 2022. Mastodon, Bluesky, Spill and T2 are some of the social media platforms people are among them. So is Meta’s Threads platform. What is Threads? How do you create…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Meta, Social, social media, Threads
Threads tests adding ‘interests’ on profiles to connect users with topical discussions
Meta’s Threads has begun testing a new feature that would allow people to add their interests to their profile on the social network. Instead of only advertising to profile visitors the sort of topics you might post about, the new interests feature will also direct users to active conversations about the topic. The company thinks…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google calendar
Google adds a Gemini panel to Calendar to help you manage your schedule
Google is testing a new AI-powered Gemini side panel within Google Calendar that lets users quickly and conversationally check their schedule, create an event, and look up event details. The feature is available as part of the tech giant’s early access testing program, Google Workspace Labs. You can access Gemini by clicking the “Ask Gemini”…
Apps, Commerce, Global IT News, Global Security News, trading cards
CollX raises $10M to grow its card collection marketplace
CollX, a company offering an online trading card marketplace, has raised $10 million in Series A funding. The round was co-led by Austin-based Brand Foundry Ventures and Philadelphia-based 114 Ventures, both of which were previous investors in the company. Other investors such as Next Coast Ventures, FJ Labs, and Ben Franklin Technology Partners also participated…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, music, Spotify, streaming music
Spotify says it’s fixing the bug that caused Premium users to hear ads
Spotify has acknowledged an issue that’s causing some of its paid Premium subscribers to encounter ads when trying to play music. In an X post published on Thursday by Spotify’s customer service account, the company said it’s looking into the problem and linked to its Community website where the issue has been documented by users…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Reddit, Social, social media
Reddit adds new tools to help users contribute and connect across its platform
Reddit announced on Thursday it’s introducing a set of new tools to make it easier for users to participate on its platform. The features are designed to help users find communities, ensure their posts don’t break any rules, and understand how to contribute across the social network. Combined, the features are meant to enhance the…
AI, app store, Apple, Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News
Apple adds AI-powered app review summaries with iOS 18.4
As part of the iOS 18.4 software update, currently in public beta, Apple is introducing AI-powered summaries of App Store reviews. The new feature will leverage Apple Intelligence, the company’s built-in AI technology, to offer an overall summary based on the reviews others have left on the App Store. The review summaries will be generated…
AI, Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Search, openai, Perplexity AI
Google Search’s new ‘AI Mode’ lets users ask complex, multi-part questions
Google is launching a new “AI Mode” experimental feature in Search that looks to take on popular services like Perplexity AI and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search. The tech giant announced on Wednesday that the new mode is designed to allow users to ask complex, multi-part questions and follow-ups to dig deeper on a topic directly within…
Apps, Commerce, Europe, Global Security News, google dma, google dma duckduckgo, Government & Policy, In Brief
EU must ‘fully’ apply its market fairness rulebook on Google, search rivals urge
The European Union is once again being urged to expand its investigation of Google under the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA). The big aim of the EU’s flagship competition reform — which came into force last spring — was to level the digital playing field by forcing platform giants into fairer dealing with rivals and…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, pie, Social
Andy Dunn’s new app Pie uses AI to help you make friends
“We’re a long way from pants,” Andy Dunn, founder of online fashion retailer Bonobos, told TechCrunch. Now, the former CEO is taking on a completely different challenge: He wants to help people make friends. Dunn’s newest venture, Pie, is a social app focused on bringing people together in real life. With an $11.5 million Series…
Android, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google Pixel, Scam detection
Google’s March Pixel Drop has AI-powered scam detection and live location sharing with friends
Google announced new software updates for the Pixel phones as part of its so-called Pixel Drop program for March. Pixel Watches and all Android devices are also receiving some new features. The most notable parts of the update include using AI to detect scams in messages and calls, better categorization in the screenshot app, menstrual…
Apps, Commerce, ecommerce, Europe, Fundraising, Global Security News, splitwise, Venmo
Cino cracks bill-splitting at the moment of payment, raises seed round
While Venmo or Splitwise are effectively ‘debt collector’ tools, which require one person to pay a full bill and then request funds from others, neither have cracked bill-splitting at the moment of payment. European startup Cino, which has come up with just such a product, has now raised €3.5m in a Seed funding round led…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google gemini
You can now talk to Google Gemini from your iPhone’s lock screen
Google Gemini users can now access the AI chatbot directly from the iPhone’s lock screen, thanks to an update released on Monday first spotted by 9to5Google. Users can now call up Gemini Live, Google’s relatively real time voice feature for its AI chatbot, before they unlock their phone by adding a Gemini widget to their…
Android, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, TC
Google Play update makes it easier to find Android apps with widgets
Google announced Monday a series of changes to its widgets system on Android that will make it easier for app developers to reach their users. Widgets, which offer at-a-glance views of an app’s most important information — like the day’s weather or upcoming meetings on your calendar — are a key aspect of Android home…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Reddit, Social, TikTok
Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian joins Frank McCourt’s TikTok bid
Reddit co-founder and investor Alexis Ohanian has joined billionaire Frank McCourt’s bid to acquire TikTok as a strategic adviser specializing in social media, Reuters reports. “He has that broad portfolio of experience … of where social media was and, I think, a keen understanding of where it’s evolving,” McCourt told Reuters. “Where he can help…
Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, social media, TikTok, TikTok Ban
What to know about TikTok’s uncertain future in the US and the people who want to buy it
TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been at the center of controversy in the U.S. for four years now due to concerns about user data potentially being accessed by the Chinese government. Just this past month, the app experienced a temporary outage in the U.S. that left millions of users in suspense before…
AI, ai agent, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Opera, Opera Browser
Opera announces a new agentic feature for its browser
Norway-based browser company Opera announced a new agent feature called Browser Operator as a feature preview. The Browser Operator feature, when released, will complete tasks for you on different websites, the company claims. In a demo video, the company showed the agent finding a right pair of socks from Walmart, tickets for a football match…
Apps, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Transportation, Uber, uber for teens
Uber is piloting accounts for teenagers in India
Uber has started testing its teenagers-focused service, Uber for Teens, in India. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Netherlands, privacy, signal, Social
Signal is the number-one downloaded app in the Netherlands. But why?
Privacy-focused messaging app Signal has been flying high in the Dutch app stores this past month, sitting many days as the most downloaded free app on iOS and Android for all categories, per data from multiple app-tracking platforms such as Sensor Tower. The app has experienced surges in popularity through the years, often in response…
AI, Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, siri, TC
Apple might not release a truly ‘modernized’ Siri until 2027
Apple is struggling to rebuild Siri for the age of generative AI, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who says the company might not release “a true modernized, conversational version of Siri” until iOS 20 comes out in 2027. That doesn’t mean there won’t be big Siri updates before then. A new version Siri will reportedly…
Apple, Apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, ios 18, iPhone
How to get rid of the new Apple Mail redesign
There are three inevitabilities in life: death, taxes, and tech platforms making design changes that are universally disliked. The latest victim to this phenomenon is the Apple Mail app, which got a major redesign in iOS 18. This update is also rolling out on iPads and MacBooks. The new Apple Mail design separates emails into…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
‘Uber for guns’ app Protector lets you hire armed body guards like you would an Uber — but does anyone need this?
In a TikTok video with over 3 million views, a woman in a fluffy, maximalist coat sits in the back seat of a luxury SUV, parked in the middle of a New York City street. Atop the 6-second video, a line of text reads, “our bodyguards got us matcha.” The camera zooms in on two…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google sheets
Google Sheets gets a Gemini-powered upgrade to analyze data faster and create visuals
Google is giving Sheets a Gemini-powered upgrade that is designed to help users analyze data faster and turn spreadsheets into charts using AI. With this update, users can access Gemini’s capabilities to generate insights from their data, such as correlations, trends, outliers, and more. Users now can also generate advanced visualizations, like heatmaps, that they…
Apps, Bluesky, flashes, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Social
Bluesky-based Instagram alternative Flashes launches publicly
Instagram alternative Flashes publicly launched its Bluesky-based photo-sharing app on the App Store this week, gaining nearly 30,000 downloads in its first 24 hours. The app offers a classic Instagram-like experience, allowing users to upload up to four photos and videos of up to a minute in length. Built by Berlin-based developer Sebastian Vogelsang, Flashes…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Last week to apply to speak at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
AI Leaders, ready to make an impact? Do you have game-changing insights that could shape the future of AI? Share your vision with 1,200 AI founders, investors, and industry pioneers at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 at Zellerbach Hall in UC Berkeley. Take the stage, lead the conversation, and drive the next wave of…
AI, Apps, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
Only 3 more days to save up to $325 at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
The AI revolution won’t wait — will you? Secure your seat at TechCrunch Sessions: AI before time runs out! You’ve got only three days left to save up to $325. The clock stops on March 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Don’t miss out on the lowest rates of the year! AI is transforming everything, and…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Enterprise, Fintech, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Transportation, Venture
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Final 24 hours to save up to $1,130
The early bird gets the worm and time is running out! You have less than 24 hours left to save up to $1,130 when purchasing passes to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025. If you want massive savings on Disrupt 2025 individual passes and up to 30% on group tickets, secure your low ticket rate today. These offers…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Microsoft, Skype, Social, teams
Microsoft hangs up on Skype: service to shut down May 5, 2025
After kickstarting the market for making calls over the internet 23 years ago, Skype is closing down. Microsoft, which acquired the messaging and calling app 14 years ago, said it will be retiring it from active duty on May 5 to double down on Teams. Skype users have 10 weeks to decide what they want…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, Meta, meta ai
Meta is reportedly planning a standalone AI chatbot app
Meta reportedly plans to release a standalone app for its AI assistant, Meta AI, in a bid to better compete with AI-powered chatbots like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. According to CNBC, Meta could launch a standalone Meta AI app as soon as the company’s next fiscal quarter (April-June). Meta AI is currently only available…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social
Meta fires around 20 employees for leaking confidential information
Meta has fired “roughly” 20 employees for leaking confidential information, The Verge reports. “We tell employees when they join the company, and we offer periodic reminders, that it is against our policies to leak internal information, no matter the intent,” Meta told the publication. “We recently conducted an investigation that resulted in roughly 20 employees…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Twitch
Twitch is letting more streamers access its monetization tools
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy published an open letter on Thursday outlining the platform’s plans for 2025, which include upcoming features, updates to the mobile experience, as well as a significant change to its monetization policy. Of note, Clancy revealed that Twitch is opening up subscriptions and “Bits,” the virtual items that viewers buy to cheer…
app store, Apple, Apps, developers, family, Global IT News, Global Security News, kids, parents, privacy, TC
Apple introduces new child safety initiatives, including an age verification system for apps
Apple on Thursday announced a range of new initiatives designed to help parents and developers create a safer experience for kids and teens using Apple devices. In addition to easier setup of child accounts, parents will now be able to share information about their kids’ ages, which can then be accessed by app developers to…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Instagram Reels, Meta, Social
Meta fixes error that exposed Instagram users to graphic and violent content
Meta has fixed an error that caused some users to see a flood of graphic and violent videos in their Instagram Reels feed. The fix comes after some users saw horrific and violent content despite having Instagram’s “Sensitive Content Control” enabled. “We have fixed an error that caused some users to see content in their…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, TikTok, YouTube
In challenge to YouTube, TikTok revamps its desktop platform
In a bid to take on YouTube, TikTok is revamping its desktop platform with the addition of several new features. The company announced on Thursday that its web-based experience features a new modular layout, refreshed For You feed, a new Explore tab, immersive full-screen LIVE gaming streaming, and a floating player. The social network’s new…
AI, Apps, Climate, Crypto, Fintech, Fundraising, Gadgets, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, robotics, Space, Startups, StrictlyVC, StrictlyVC SF, TC, TechCrunch All Stage 2025, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
2025 TechCrunch Events Calendar
For two decades, TechCrunch has provided a front row view to the future of technology, shaping conversations that matter and spotlighting the next big things before they break — both on the page and in person at our world-renowned events. This year, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we’re launching our most ambitious events calendar…
Apps, Commerce, ecommerce, Global IT News, Global Security News
eBay makes it easier to find fast-shipping items and local listings
eBay announced on Thursday that it has updated its platform to help buyers find fast-shipping items and local listings, thanks to changes to Search item cards and additional usage of AI. The company is making it easier to identify items with fast delivery, as search item cards now display delivery range estimates for all fast…
AI, Apps, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Enterprise, Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Security, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Transportation, Venture
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Just 2 days left to save up to $1,130
Clock’s ticking! You’ve got just 48 hours left to lock in your spot at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 and save up to $1,130 on individual ticket types or 30% on group tickets. Don’t wait — secure your pass now before prices go up on February 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Disrupt 2025 takes place on October…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI
4 days left to save up to $325 at TechCrunch Sessions: AI
Don’t let the world of AI pass you by. You have just four days left to secure your spot at TechCrunch Sessions: AI and get savings of up to $325. But make sure to act fast — this offer ends on March 2 at 11:59 p.m. PT. There’s never been a better time to network…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Meta, reels, Social, TikTok
Instagram may spin off Reels into a separate app
Meta is mulling launching a standalone app for short-form videos, The Information reported, citing an anonymous source who heard Instagram head Adam Mosseri talking about the project to staff. The project is reportedly code-named Project Ray that aims to improve recommendations for new users and existing users in the U.S., and feature more three-minute videos,…
AI, Apps, Enterprise, evergreens, gemini, Gemini Pro, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google gemini
Google Gemini: Everything you need to know about the generative AI models
Gemini is Google’s long-promised, next-gen generative AI model family. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Cybersecurity, encrypted chat apps, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, open source, privacy, productivity, Security
These alternatives to popular apps can help reclaim your online life from billionaires and surveillance
Not every app or service wants to monetize your personal data. Here are some of our favorite alternatives to popular apps. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hinge
Hinge launches a new feature for daters to privately share details with matches
Dating app Hinge launched a new feature called “Match Note” on Wednesday, allowing users to privately share information with matches that they haven’t shared publicly on their profile. Users can add a Match Note by going to their profile, similar to how they can add a text prompt. The note is always visible to new…
AI, Alexa, Amazon, Apps, Artificial Intelligence, Global IT News, Global Security News
Amazon’s new Alexa+ brings AI-powered ‘Explore’ and ‘Stories’ features for kids
As part of the reveal of Amazon’s new AI-powered Alexa+ assistant, the tech giant announced that it’s launching two new features designed for kids called “Explore with Alexa” and “Stories with Alexa.” The features, which leverage Alexa’s new AI capabilities, will be available to Amazon Kids+ subscribers. The company demonstrated the new features at a…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, privacy, Search
Google makes it easier to delete personal info from Search results
Google announced on Wednesday that it’s updating its “Results about you” tool to make it easier for users to protect and remove their personal information from Search results. The company says it’s improved the sign-up process and simplified requesting removals directly from Google Search. The tool can be used to proactively monitor and delete things…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Startups, TC, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
5 days left — save over $300 to TechCrunch Sessions: AI
The hub of AI awaits — don’t miss out! You have 5 more days to secure your spot at TechCrunch Sessions: AI with savings of up to $325. This offer ends on March 3 at 11:59 p.m. PT. As AI continues to be the biggest topic of conversation in the tech world, TechCrunch has you…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Fintech, Global IT News, Global Security News, Security, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Transportation, Venture
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: 3 days left to save up to $1,130 on passes
Tick-tock! The last three days to save up to $1,130 to TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 are winding down! Get your tickets today for massive savings on Disrupt 2025 individual passes and up to 30% on group tickets. These offers end February 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so don’t miss out on major savings of the year.…
Apps, Fundraising, Glance, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Lockscreen
Lock screen platform Glance launches AI-powered shopping experience, gets fresh backing from Google
Lock screen platform Glance announced today that it is launching a new generative AI-based shopping experience. It will suggest different outfits on a user’s personalized avatar. The company is partnering with Google to use the company’s Gemini models and Vertex AI to deploy the experience. Separately, the company also got fresh backing from Google —…
