Voice AI company ElevenLabs is now letting authors publish AI-generated audiobooks on its own Reader app, TechCrunch has learned and the company confirmed. The announcement comes days after the company partnered with Spotify for AI-narrated audiobooks. ElevenLabs, which raised a $180 million mega-round last month, started inviting authors to try out their publishing program through…
Category: Apps
AI, Anthropic, Apps, Claude, Enterprise, evergreens, Explainer, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News
Claude: Everything you need to know about Anthropic’s AI
Anthropic, one of the world’s largest AI vendors, has a powerful family of generative AI models called Claude. These models can perform a range of tasks, from captioning images and writing emails to solving math and coding challenges. With Anthropic’s model ecosystem growing so quickly, it can be tough to keep track of which Claude…
AI, Apps, chatbot, ChatGPT, Enterprise, evergreens, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, gpt store, gtps, openai
How much does ChatGPT cost? Everything you need to know about OpenAI’s pricing plans
OpenAI offers an array of plans for ChatGPT, both paid and free. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, macOS
Framous is a new Mac app for adding device frames to screenshots
A new Mac app called Framous launched on Tuesday, giving you the ability to add device frames around screenshots to make them look more professional. The helpful new tool can aid app developers, graphic designers, and even journalists who need to add an iPhone or Mac frame—also known as a mockup or template—to photos. This…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Poe, poe apps, quora
Quora’s Poe now lets users create and share custom AI-powered apps
Poe, Quora’s platform that brings together a number of AI models under one roof, has launched a new capability that lets users build visual interfaces — apps, essentially — on top of any combination of models. Called Poe Apps, the feature allows Poe users to describe the app they want to create in the new…
Apps, Bluesky, Browser, discord, Global IT News, Global Security News, Opera, Social
Opera integrates Bluesky, Slack, and Discord into its browser
Bluesky is getting added to the Opera web browser. On Tuesday, the Norway-based software maker announced the addition of the new social network alongside Slack and Discord, which will all be integrated into the browser’s sidebar alongside other messaging and communication services. Opera users have been able to customize their browsers with shortcuts to messaging…
AI, Apps, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News
Sweden’s Lovable, an app-building AI platform, rakes in $15M after spectacular growth
Using generative AI to create software has been possibly the largest use case since it first appeared a couple years ago. But platforms like Cursor and Copilot are mostly confined to a world inhabited by trained engineers. Lovable, a Swedish AI startup, reached the front page of both Product Hunt and Hacker News last year…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, YouTube
YouTube is working to make ad slots less interruptive
YouTube announced it’s making changes to mid-roll ads to improve the viewing experience for users while also helping creators potentially earn more revenue. Starting May 12, the Google-owned platform is going to show fewer ads during moments that feel interruptive or may cause viewers to abandon the video — like in the middle of a…
Apple, Apps, Asia Pacific, china, Global Security News
Apple’s Developer service comes to China’s WeChat
As part of its efforts to further invest in the Chinese market, Apple announced this week that it’s bringing its Apple Developer service to China’s WeChat app. The service includes news, announcements, and other upcoming activities for members of the developer community, which have typically been offered via Apple’s website and its own Developer app.…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, lawsuits
DoorDash to pay delivery workers nearly $17M for using tips to cover wages
DoorDash has agreed to pay $16.75 million to settle a lawsuit by New York’s attorney general that accused the delivery platform of pocketing workers’ tips to cover wages. The lawsuit alleged that between May 2017 and September 2019, DoorDash used customer tips to offset the base pay it had already guaranteed to workers, instead of…
Adobe, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, photoshop, Social
Adobe launches a Photoshop iPhone app
Adobe announced on Tuesday it’s bringing its popular design and editing software Photoshop to mobile, starting with iOS. The company plans to launch a Photoshop for Android app later this year. With the new Photoshop for iPhone app, users can access both free and paid features through a mobile-friendly design that’s accessible on the go.…
Apps, Europe, Global Security News, italy android auto antitrust, Transportation
EU’s top court ruling on Android Auto antitrust referral could put interoperability requests in the fast lane
Europe’s top court has weighed in to clarify the rules around interoperability requirements on Big Tech in a referral on a case related to Google’s Android Auto platform. Back in 2021, the tech giant was hit with an €100 million antitrust fine by Italy’s competition authority for refusing to let a third-party electric car charging…
Apps, Automattic, Global IT News, Global Security News, messaging platforms, TC, texts.com
Automattic-owned Beeper is releasing redesigned desktop and iOS apps
WordPress.com owner Automattic last year acquired the multi-service messaging app Beeper for $125 million and said it would merge it with Texts.com, an earlier acquisition in the same category. Now, Beeper is releasing the first set of redesigned apps for iOS and desktop in beta after the merger. In a blog post, Beeper said that…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, In Brief, TC, twitter/x
Even Elon Musk forgets that X isn’t Twitter sometimes
Do you sometimes refer to X by its old name, Twitter? That’s okay. Even Elon Musk, the man who changed Twitter’s name to X, still occasionally refers to the social media platform he runs as Twitter. “Twitter added far more features with fewer people,” said Musk in a post on X Monday. The owner of…
Apple, Apps, developers, Epic Games, Global IT News, Global Security News, phil schiller, TC
Apple exec Phil Schiller testifies that he raised concerns over App Store commissions on web-based sales
Apple Fellow Phil Schiller, the executive in charge of leading the App Store, testified in court on Monday that he had originally raised concerns about the 27% commission the iPhone maker planned to charge app developers on any purchases made outside the App Store. In addition to being a potential compliance risk, he suggested that…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, soundcloud, Spotify, TicketMaster
SoundCloud partners with TicketMaster to let artists list events
Music streamer SoundCloud announced a partnership with entertainment company Live Nation today, allowing artists on its platform to list Ticketmaster and Universe events on their profile in a customized way. The company said it would create more promotion opportunities for artists in the future in partnership with Ticketmaster through a new promotion program but didn’t…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google drive
Google Drive users can now access and search transcripts for videos
After launching automatically generated captions for videos last year, Google Drive is now launching searchable video transcripts. Google announced that starting Monday, Drive users can now view and search transcripts for their videos. The new feature gets rid of the need to upload a video’s audio to a transcription service like Otter. Transcripts will appear…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Grok, grok 3, xAI
Grok 3 appears to be driving Grok usage to new heights
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, released Grok 3, its long-awaited flagship AI model, last week. Grok 3 powers the Grok chatbot apps for mobile and the web, as well as the Grok experience on the Musk-owned social network X. Given that there’s so much competition in the AI chatbot space these days, it wasn’t a…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Perplexity, web browser
Perplexity teases a web browser called Comet
AI-powered search engine Perplexity says it’s building its own web browser. In a post on X on Monday, the company launched a signup list for the browser, which isn’t yet available. It’s unclear when it might be — or what the browser look like, even. But we do have a name: Comet. “Just like Perplexity…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, social media, TikTok
TikTok (with Douyin) becomes first app to reach $6B in annual consumer spending
TikTok, including its Chinese counterpart Douyin, in 2024 became the first non-game app to reach $6 billion in in-app purchase revenue in a year. According to a new report from app intelligence provider Sensor Tower, TikTok also generated a record high of $1.9 billion in gross in-app purchase (IAP) revenue in the fourth quarter of…
Apps, Fundraising, gen z, Global IT News, Global Security News, Goodwater Capital, photo sharing, Social
Yope is sparking GenZ (and VC) interest with an Instagram-like app for private groups
Photo and video apps targeting young adults with social hooks are a dime a dozen these days, so those that show traction with 18-twentysomethings tend to catch the attention of investors looking for the next Instagram or TikTok. In the latest example, photo-sharing app Yope, which lets you share still images to private groups, says…
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, ios 18
iOS 18.4 will bring Apple Intelligence-powered ‘Priority Notifications’
Apple on Friday released its first developer beta for iOS 18.4, which adds a new “Priority Notifications” feature, powered by Apple Intelligence. The addition aims to help users manage their notifications by prioritizing important alerts and minimizing distractions from less important ones. These priority notifications are displayed in a separate section on the phone’s Lock…
Apple, Apps, food, Global IT News, Global Security News, recipes
Apple takes on recipe apps with Apple News+ Food
Recipe app developers just got new competition. On Friday, Apple introduced a soon-to-launch feature for Apple News+ subscribers called Apple News+ Food, a new section that will allow users to search, discover, save, and easily cook recipes from dozens of existing News+ publishing partners. It’s set to roll out as part of iOS 18.4 and…
AI, Apple, Apple Intelligence, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, vision pro
The Vision Pro is getting Apple Intelligence in April
Apple Intelligence is heading to the Vision Pro, as part of an upcoming operating system update. Apple confirmed on Friday that its generative AI platform will arrive on the extended reality headset as part of VisionOS 2.4. A beta version of the software is currently available for developers. The public version is set for an…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, Startups, TC, TC Sessions: AI, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Venture
Apply to Speak at TechCrunch Sessions: AI before the deadline
AI Innovators, seize your moment! Have insights that could inspire 1,200 AI founders, investors, and enthusiasts eager to advance the future of AI? Take center stage, influence the AI conversation, and exchange ideas at TechCrunch Sessions: AI on June 5 at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. We’re gathering top AI visionaries from the startup world to…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Crypto, Fintech, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Transportation, Venture
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Lowest prices of the year end in 7 days
You read that headline correctly! The best deals for TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 tickets are about to end in just 7 days. Save up to $1,130 on individual passes and up to 30% on group tickets. Don’t wait — these offers end on February 28 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Join us in celebrating 20 years of…
Apps, Global Security News, North America, YouTube
YouTube reportedly launching new ‘premium lite’ tier soon
YouTube is close to announcing a new lower-priced “premium lite” version of its subscription service, Bloomberg reports. The new tier is expected to launch in the United States, Australia, Germany, and Thailand “soon.” The tier will give users access to YouTube’s library of podcasts and how-to clips without ads, Bloomberg notes. Premium lite will be…
Apps, Facebook, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Meta, Social, Threads
Meta starts accepting sign-ups for Community Notes on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads
Meta announced on Thursday that it’s now accepting sign-ups for its Community Notes program on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. The announcement follows Meta news last month that it’s going to end its third-party fact-checking program and is instead moving to a Community Notes model similar to the one at X. In a blog post, Meta…
Amazon, Apps, Enterprise, Global IT News, Global Security News, Zoom
Amazon shuts down Chime, its Zoom alternative
Amazon Chime, the tech giant’s underwhelming alternative to Zoom and Google Meet, is shutting down for good. The company on Wednesday confirmed it will end support for Chime, including its Business Calling features, on Feb. 20, 2026. As part of this transition, Amazon stopped accepting new Chime accounts as of Feb. 19, 2025. From now…
Apps, Creators, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, social media
Instagram’s new ad format lets creators get paid for testimonials in comments
Instagram is introducing a new way for creators to work with brands to make money by recommending products. On Thursday, Meta introduced an addition to its Partnership Ads called Testimonials, which allows creators to get paid via written endorsements, shared as comments on the brand’s social media posts and advertisements. The new ad format is…
AI, Apps, ElevenLabs, Global IT News, Global Security News, Spotify
Spotify partners with ElevenLabs to expand its library of AI-narrated audiobooks
On Thursday, Spotify announced that it now accepts audiobooks narrated using ElevenLabs’ AI voice technology. Given that ElevenLabs is currently among the most recognized AI audio providers, this new partnership is expected to boost the quantity of AI-narrated audiobooks on the platform. To upload an audiobook narrated by AI, authors need to download the file…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Substack, TikTok, TikTok Ban
Substack now lets creators monetize videos and post them directly from its app
As TikTok’s future in the U.S. remains uncertain, Substack tries to lure creators to its platform by doubling down on video. The company announced on Wednesday that it’s now allowing creators to monetize their videos on the platform, and letting them publish video posts directly from the Substack app. Previously, creators have been able to…
Apps, Gaming, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Twitch
Twitch caps streamers’ storage at 100 hours of highlights and uploads
Twitch on Wednesday announced it will begin limiting streamers to 100 hours of highlights and uploads, and will delete content if a channel exceeds the limit. The company said it’s introducing the change because highlights haven’t been effective in driving discovery or engagement, and because storage is costly. The storage cap goes into effect on…
Amazon, Android, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
Amazon is shutting down its app store on Android
Amazon will discontinue its app store for Android on August 20 this year. The company sent a notice to developers indicating that they will no longer be able to submit new apps to the store. The company said on a support page that it will also discontinue its Coins digital currency, which could be used…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, India, Transportation, Uber
Uber ditches commissions in favor of daily fees for rickshaw drivers in India
Uber has introduced daily fees for auto rickshaw drivers in India to move away from its typical commission-based model. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Apps, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google
Google pulls Gemini from main search app on iOS
Google is pulling its AI assistant Gemini from the main Google app for iOS devices. The move is meant to encourage users to download the standalone Gemini app instead, which would allow Google to more directly compete with other consumer-facing AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity. However, the change could also risk reducing Gemini’s…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, google lens
Google brings a ‘Circle to Search’-like feature to iPhone users
Google on Wednesday is rolling out a new update that lets users search what’s on their screen via a simple gesture when browsing within the Google Chrome or Google Search app on iOS. The feature is similar to Android’s built-in “Circle to Search” feature which also lets users search what’s on their screen using a…
Apps, Global Security News, Instagram, Messaging, messaging apps, Social, TC
Instagram upgrades DMs with music-sharing, message scheduling, translation and more
Instagram is upgrading its direct messages, also known as DMs, with a handful of new features that make its messaging system more competitive with alternatives, like Apple’s iMessage and other third-party apps. On Wednesday, Instagram users globally will gain access to tools to translate messages across 99 languages, tools to schedule and pin messages to…
Apps, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Twitter
X in talks to raise money at a $44B valuation
Elon Musk’s X is in talks to raise money from investors at a $44 billion valuation, Bloomberg News reports. Musk purchased X, formerly known as Twitter, for the same price back in 2022. The news comes as Fidelity Investments marked down its Twitter stake back in December by around 70% from the 2022 sale price…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
Bumble sunsets acquired apps, Fruitz and Official, to cut costs
Bumble is discontinuing its two acquired apps, the dating and relationship apps Fruitz and Official. The move was shared during the company’s fourth-quarter earnings call. As explained by CEO Lidiane Jones during the call, the choice to discontinue Fruitz, a French dating app, and Official, an app designed to help couples strengthen their relationships, allows…
AI, Apps, email, email spam, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Inbox, superhuman
Superhuman introduces AI-powered categorization to reduce spammy emails in your inbox
It has been more than two years since ChatGPT burst on the scene. Shortly after that, it seemed like almost every email app integrated AI-powered email writing and summaries. Some also introduced AI-powered search for you to sift through your inbox quickly. Superhuman is now using AI to try and tackle one of the primary…
AI, Apps, Enterprise, Funding, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Guidde, Software, startup, Startups, training videos
Guidde taps AI to help create software training videos
Creating corporate training videos for software is a time-consuming ordeal, especially if you’re an organization with a lot of software licenses. Training videos can help get employees up to speed, but they’re a big lift. They often take entire teams to produce. Tel Aviv-based entrepreneur Yoav Einav thought there might be an alternative, cheaper way…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
A former Etsy product manager built an AI-powered app for new parents
Career product manager Amanda DeLuca has launched a parenting management app, Riley, born out of her own experience with parental anxiety and feedback from other families. DeLuca, who previously at Google, Nerdwallet, and Eventbrite, in addition to Etsy, became pregnant three years ago. At the time, she and her husband, who is also a product…
app store, Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Play, Google Play Books, Media & Entertainment
Google Play Books purchases on iOS now skirt the App Store’s commission
Google has gained permission to sell its e-books and audiobooks directly to customers through its iOS app, Google Play Books. While iOS apps today can offer access to content previously purchased elsewhere, like e-books bought via a website, developers have to request a specific exception to link their iOS app’s users to the company’s own…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, TC
Duolingo ‘killed’ its mascot with a Cybertruck, and it’s going weirdly well
Duolingo’s mascot, Duo the owl, is dead. Okay, Duo isn’t really dead (we think), but the language learning app committed so hard to this bit that its CEO, Luis von Ahn, read a eulogy for this beloved green bird on TikTok. As any fiction author could probably tell you, killing everyone’s favorite character is not…
Apple, Apps, EU, Europe, Global Security News, Government & Policy, regulation
Apple purges apps without contact info from EU app store, as DSA deadline hits
A change requiring app developers to disclose their address, phone number, and email information to consumers has gone live on the App Store within the European Union. Apple on Tuesday announced it has removed any EU apps that haven’t yet complied with the Digital Services Act (DSA), a regulation that had added a requirement in…
Apps, Facebook, Facebook Live, Global IT News, Global Security News, livestreams, Social, Twitch, YouTube
Facebook now only stores live videos for 30 days, will delete old broadcasts
Facebook announced on Tuesday that live videos will now only be stored on the social network for 30 days, after which they will be deleted. Previously, these videos were stored indefinitely. The change goes into effect on Wednesday. All live videos that are currently older than 30 days will be removed from the platform as…
Amazon, Apps, Commerce, Global IT News, Global Security News
Amazon kills ‘Inspire,’ its TikTok-style feed for discovering products
Amazon is shutting down “Inspire,” its TikTok-like, short-form video and photo feed that was previously available in its mobile app. The feed allowed users to discover products and shop from content created by influencers, brands, and other customers. A company spokesperson confirmed the move to TechCrunch, saying “We regularly evaluate various features to better align…
AI, Apps, Enterprise, Global Security News, Lingo.dev, Y Combinator, yc
Lingo.dev is an app localization engine for developers
Monolinguists wanting to communicate with the global masses have never had it so easy. Trusty old Google Translate can convert the content of images, audio, and entire websites across hundreds of languages, while newer tools such as ChatGPT also serve as handy pocket translators. On the back end, DeepL and ElevenLabs have have reached lofty…
AI, Apps, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, grok 3, xAI
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, releases its latest flagship model, Grok 3
Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI, released its latest flagship AI model, Grok 3, late Monday night, along with new capabilities in the Grok apps for iOS and the web. Grok, xAI’s answer to models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Gemini, can analyze images and respond to questions, and powers a number of features on Musk’s social network, X.…
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, evergreens, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Photos, photo storage, privacy
These Google Photos alternatives offer tons of storage options at a reasonable price
Google Photos is a great service for storing images across devices. But Google Drive and Gmail only offer 15GB of storage for free. Google Photos used to offer free unlimited storage of images, but that is not the case anymore. If you are looking for a better photo storage plan, different features, or just want…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, TC, Transportation, Uber
Uber sues DoorDash, alleging anti-competitive tactics
Ride-share giant Uber filed a lawsuit Friday against DoorDash, accusing the delivery outfit of stifling competition by intimidating restaurant owners into exclusive deals. Uber alleges in the lawsuit, filed in Superior Court of California, that its chief rival bullied restaurants into only working with DoorDash. Uber claims that DoorDash, which holds the largest share of…
Apps, fediverse, Global IT News, Global Security News, Mastodon, Social, social media, social networking
Mastodon is working to add the controversial ‘quote posts’ feature
Mastodon, the decentralized alternative to X, is going to adopt a controversial feature from the platform formerly known as Twitter: quote posts. The company on Friday shared the progress it’s making on the implementation of the feature, which has divided users over its potential to be used for online abuse and bullying. Critics have long…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram
Instagram tests a ‘dislike’ button for comments
After users noticed a new button on Instagram to downvote or dislike comments, the company confirmed that it is testing a way for users to signal that they either didn’t like the comment or don’t think it’s relevant. The feature will appear across both Feed posts and Reels. Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a…
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, TikTok, TikTok Ban, u.s.
TikTok is back on the App Store and the Play Store in the U.S.
After more than 25 days, Apple and Google restored TikTok in the U.S Thrusday evening. Both companies removed the app from the App Store and the Play Store on January 18 in response to a national security law. Other ByteDance apps such as video editor CapCut and social app Lemon8 were also restored on these…
AI, Apps, chatbot, ChatGPT, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, openai
OpenAI removes certain content warnings from ChatGPT
OpenAI says it has removed the “warning” messages in its AI-powered chatbot platform, ChatGPT, that indicated when content might violate its terms of service. Laurentia Romaniuk, a member of OpenAI’s AI model behavior team, said in a post on X that the change was intended to cut down on “gratuitous/unexplainable denials.” Nick Turley, head of…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy
Apple’s app tracking privacy framework could fall foul of German antitrust rules
Germany’s antitrust watchdog has been investigating Apple’s app privacy framework since 2022. On Thursday, releasing preliminary findings from this probe, the Bundeskartellamt (FCO) said it suspects the iPhone maker may not be treating third-party app developers as equally as the law requires. The antitrust watchdog said it believes Apple’s behavior could amount to self-preferencing. Apple…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, stickers, Telegram, Video
Telegram releases improved sticker search and video consumption features
Chat app Telegram, which became profitable last year, released new updates to its apps, including improved sticker search, choosing video covers, and the ability to copy videos at the current time. The company first released its AI-powered sticker search in December, which allowed you to look for stickers using natural language. However, it was limited…
Apps, Elon Musk Buys Twitter, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, Trump
Elon Musk’s X will pay Trump $10M to settle lawsuit over 2021 ban
Elon Musk’s X has agreed to pay President Donald Trump $10 million to settle a lawsuit from the days when the company was still called Twitter and owned by Jack Dorsey, the Wall Street Journal reported citing unnamed sources. The lawsuit took issue with Twitter’s decision to ban Trump after January 6, when Trump’s supporters…
AI, Apps, earnings, Global IT News, Global Security News, q4 2024, Reddit, Search, Social
Reddit hints at expanded AI-powered search
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman said that, over this year, Reddit plans to launch an upgraded search experience that’ll help users navigate the social network, but also answer “subjective, hard, [and] interesting questions.” The company plans to achieve this by integrating Reddit Answers, its feature that allows visitors to ask questions and receive curated summaries of…
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, streaming service
Apple’s TV app, TV+ streaming service, and MLS Season Pass launches on Android
Apple on Wednesday announced that its Apple TV app, including its Apple TV+ streaming service and MLS Season Pass, is arriving on Android devices. While the company previously offered a version of its app for Google TV, the newly released app will support a broader range of Android-based devices, including phones, tablets, and even foldables.…
Apps, family link, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, kids, parental control apps, parents
Google expands Family Link parental controls with screen time tools, approved contacts, and more
Google on Wednesday announced a series of updates for its parental control software Google Family Link and a plan to test new machine-learning techniques to estimate users’ ages so it could apply more age-appropriate experiences to kids’ devices. The company earlier said that it would soon use machine learning to determine the age of YouTube…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Netflix, netflix bites
Las Vegas just got a Netflix restaurant
You can now dine out on dishes inspired by Netflix movies and shows at Las Vegas’s newest restaurant. Netflix Bites is open as of this week in the MGM Grand Hotel & Casio, where it will operate for a year. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner options like a Bridgerton-inspired tea service, Stranger Wings,…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, google whisk, image generation, imagen 3
Google Whisk, an image remixing tool, is now available in 100+ countries
Notably, the image tools are not available in countries and regions like India, Indonesia, the EU, and the U.K. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, gulf of america, Gulf of Mexico, Trump
Apple Maps plans to show ‘Gulf of America,’ following Google
Apple Maps will soon rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, following similar changes made by Google this week, in order to comply with U.S. President Donald Trump’s executive order that officially changed the name. U.S.-based Apple users may see the “Gulf of America” as soon as Tuesday, according to Bloomberg, and…
Amazon, Apps, Commerce, E-Commerce, Global IT News, Global Security News, Shopping
Amazon tests sending customers directly to brands’ websites when it doesn’t stock their products
Remember that Christmas movie “Miracle on 34th Street,” where Macy’s in-store Santa, Kris Kringle, sends a frazzled shopper to a competitor’s store to find the Christmas present her son wanted because Macy’s was out of stock? Now, Amazon is doing the same thing online. The retailer announced on Tuesday the test of a new Amazon…
Apps, evergreens, Facebook, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social, Threads
How to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads
In the wake of Meta’s decision to remove its third-party fact-checking system and loosen content moderation policies, Google searches on how to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads have been on the rise. People who are angry with the decision accuse Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of cozying up to the Trump administration at the expense of…
AI, Apps, Developer, gemini, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Google I/O
Google’s I/O developer conference set for May 20-21
Google Tuesday confirmed that its annual developer conference is set for May 20-21, 2025. The event will be held at the usual spot, Mountain View’s Shoreline Amphitheater, a few minutes — depending on traffic — from Google HQ. The two-day event is a mix of both public- and developer-facing content. CEO Sundar Pichai will kick…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, India, Instagram, teen safety
Instagram is introducing teen accounts with new safety features in India
Instagram said Tuesday that the platform is introducing its teen accounts feature, which has extra protective measures for safety for users in India, one of its biggest markets with over 350 million users. The company introduced Teen Accounts last year in The U.S., U.K, Canada, and Australia. Meta migrated accounts of Instagram users who are…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Maps, Government & Policy, Gulf of Mexico
Google changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Maps
Google Maps officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Monday. Among many other executive orders, President Donald Trump decreed on the day of his inauguration that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America. This executive order also reverses an Obama-era move to rename…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Maps, Government & Policy, Gulf of Mexico
Google changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Maps
Google Maps officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Monday. Among many other executive orders, President Donald Trump decreed on the day of his inauguration that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America. This executive order also reverses an Obama-era move to rename…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Maps, Government & Policy, Gulf of Mexico
Google changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Maps
Google Maps officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Monday. Among many other executive orders, President Donald Trump decreed on the day of his inauguration that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America. This executive order also reverses an Obama-era move to rename…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google Maps, Government & Policy, Gulf of Mexico
Google changed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Maps
Google Maps officially updated the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on Monday. Among many other executive orders, President Donald Trump decreed on the day of his inauguration that the Gulf of Mexico would be renamed the Gulf of America. This executive order also reverses an Obama-era move to rename…
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Google, Kaspersky, malware, Security
Apple and Google take down malicious mobile apps from their app stores
Apple and Google have pulled as many as 20 apps from their respective apps for carrying a data-stealing malware. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, TikTok, TikTok Ban
TikTok wants Android users to sideload its app
With TikTok’s fate in the U.S. uncertain — its ban in the country has been paused, but only temporarily, thanks to an executive order from President Donald Trump — the ByteDance-owned company is now encouraging Android device owners to sideload its video app onto their phones and tablets. The company announced in a Friday X…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Perplexity
Perplexity’s Super Bowl ‘tweet’ increased app installs by 50%
Perplexity’s Super Bowl contest managed to move the needle on its app’s downloads. Unlike OpenAI and Google, the AI search engine chose to forgo an expensive Super Bowl ad in favor of a tweet — sorry, an X post — encouraging users to download its app and enter a contest that could result in a…
Apps, Bluesky, evergreens, flashes, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, open social web, photo sharing, pixelfed, Social
These apps are building Instagram alternatives on open protocols
Consumer demand for alternatives to Big Tech’s social apps is heating up. Alternative social networks like Bluesky and Mastodon are gaining traction with people looking to leave X, while others are building ban-proof TikTok alternatives on open protocols. Similarly, many independent developers are also working on open, decentralized alternatives to Instagram, Meta’s flagship photo-sharing app…
Apple, Apps, evergeens, Global IT News, Global Security News, invites
How to use Apple’s new event planning ‘Invites’ app
Apple has released a new app called Invites that is designed to make it easy to create custom invitations for events using an iPhone or on the web. Invites is Apple’s version of Partiful, a popular invitation app that was crowned Google Play’s Best App of 2024. Invites lets you create and share invitations, RSVP…
Apps, Elon Musk, Global IT News, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, TikTok
Elon Musk said he’s not interested in acquiring TikTok
Elon Musk recently said he is “not chomping at the bit to acquire TikTok.” Musk made those remarks during an interview at the WELT Economic Summit on January 28. A video of the interview was published today. The interview came after President Donald Trump delayed a law requiring parent company ByteDance to sell TikTok or…
Apps, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, social media
Bluesky will soon let you limit replies to ‘followers only’
Social network Bluesky will soon give its users more control over who can reply to their posts. Confirmed by Bluesky developer Paul Frazee, Bluesky will add a new “followers only” setting that users can configure to limit replies. In addition, he says, Bluesky will create a way for users to set their default reply settings.…
Apple, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hardware, lawsuits, leaks
Ex-Apple engineer issues apology after lawsuit over Journal app, Vision Pro leaks is dismissed
A former iOS engineer, who was sued by Apple for leaking confidential information to journalists, has issued an apology after the lawsuit against him was dismissed. The lawsuit, which was filed last year, alleged that Andrew Aude sent thousands of messages to journalists at The Wall Street Journal and The Information about more than a…
AI, Apps, Copilot, Enterprise, evergreens, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, Microsoft, microsoft copilot
Microsoft Copilot: Everything you need to know about Microsoft’s AI
In this post, we explain the many Microsoft Copilots available and what they do, and highlight the key differences between each. © 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.
AI, Apps, ChatGPT, Global IT News, Global Security News, o3-mini, openai, reasoning models
OpenAI now reveals more of its o3-mini model’s thought process
In response to pressure from rivals including Chinese AI company DeepSeek, OpenAI is changing the way its newest AI model, o3-mini, communicates its step-by-step “thought” process. On Thursday, OpenAI announced that free and paid users of ChatGPT, the company’s AI-powered chatbot platform, will see an updated “chain of thought” that shows more of the model’s…
AI, Apps, Artificial Intelligence, earnings, Global IT News, Global Security News, Match Group, Tinder
Tinder will try AI-powered matching as dating app continues to lose users
Tinder hopes to reverse its ongoing decline in active users by turning to AI. In the coming quarter, the Match-owned dating app will roll out new AI-powered features for discovery and matching. The addition aims to offer fatigued singles an alternative to the “swipe” that defined the dating app in its earlier days and influenced…
Apps, Evan Spiegel, Global IT News, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social
Snap CEO helps launch LA wildfire recovery program
Snap CEO Evan Spiegel and Miguel Santana, the chief executive of the California Community Foundation, are launching a program focused on helping residents in Altadena and Pacific Palisades rebuild on their own terms after last month’s wildfires. The California Community Foundation, Snap, Spiegel, and Snap CTO Bobby Murphy are committing $10 million in funding to staff…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social
Snapchat+ subscribers can now create custom AI-generated stickers
In a bid to boost its subscription service and attract more paying users, Snapchat is rolling out additional features for Snapchat+ subscribers, including allowing Snapchat+ subscribers to create AI-generated stickers in chats. The social media company and is also adding the option to send self-destructing Snaps. Snapchat+ subscribers in the U.S. can now create and…
AI, Apps, generative ai, Global IT News, Global Security News, mac app store
RPLY is a new AI assistant that responds to missed texts
A new Mac app called RPLY launches today, designed to help texters achieve “inbox zero” on iMessage. Targeting those who often forget to reply and leave their friends on delivered for days, RPLY utilizes AI to identify missed texts and suggests responses to prevent users from unintentionally ghosting. The AI assistant can automatically respond to…
Apps, Bluesky, Global IT News, Global Security News, Instagram, photo sharing, photos, Social, social network
Flashes, a photo-sharing app for Bluesky, opens beta
Flashes, an Instagram alternative built on top of the Bluesky social network, is now opening its doors to beta testers. Announced just weeks ago, the app offers people a means of exiting Meta’s social networking empire for a more open alternative, while also attracting new users who may not have been interested in using Bluesky’s…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Match Group, online dating, Social, Tinder
Tinder revamps ‘Explore’ page to connect people with similar dating intentions
Dating app giant Tinder updated its Explore page to give users access to new categories, “Non-Monogamy,” “Serious Dater,” “Short-Term Fun,” “Long-Term Partner,” and “New Friends,” the company announced on Thursday. These new categories are designed to help users find compatible matches by grouping profiles according to dating intentions. The “Serious Dater” option focuses on users…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, music streaming, Spotify
Spotify, Warner Music Group sign new deal to help deliver ‘further paid subscription tiers’
Spotify and Warner Music Group (WMG) have unveiled a new multi-year agreement that covers both recorded music and music publishing, the companies announced on Thursday. WMG owns labels behind popular artists like Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. The companies said in a press release that “the new deal will help deliver new fan experiences,…
AI, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, Le Chat, mistral
Mistral releases its AI assistant on iOS and Android
Mistral, the company sometimes considered Europe’s great hope for AI, is releasing several updates to its AI assistant, Le Chat. In addition to a major upgrade to the web interface, the company is releasing a mobile app on iOS and Android. As a reminder, Mistral develops its own large language models. The company’s flagship models,…
Apps, fizz, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, Startups
Fizz brings on TikTok alum to help build out its marketplace and recommendation engine
Fizz, the college social app, is looking for ways to enhance and expand its platform, and a recent new hire is poised to help drive these ambitions. The company has brought on David Vasquez, who previously served as TikTok’s head of creator monetization and a product lead for TikTok Shop, as Fizz’s new head of…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, robotics, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Sessions: AI, Transportation, Venture
AI’s biggest stage awaits – TechCrunch Sessions: AI tickets available
AI is heating up, and we’re diving in! TechCrunch Sessions: AI is officially open for registration. Secure your spot now and save up to $300 on select tickets before prices rise From startup founders to AI investors to aspiring innovators — TC Sessions: AI is where the entire AI ecosystem comes together. Whether you’re building,…
Anthropic, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, menlo ventures, nutrition, whoop
Former Whoop exec’s new app Alma uses AI for all things nutrition
Generative AI models have demonstrated to app developers that combining a robust knowledge base with the right model can enable them to offer users services — once reliant on costly professionals like therapists or executive assistants — at a fraction of the price. Former VP of product at fitness company Whoop, Rami Alhamad, has a…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social, social media, TikTok Ban
Snap says TikTok uncertainty benefited its business
During Snap’s fourth-quarter earnings call on Tuesday, CEO Evan Spiegel said that the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future has positively affected its business. “We’re not trying to draw too many conclusions from some of the engagement lift we saw when [TikTok] went dark for that brief period of time. I would say that the overall environment…
AI, Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Hugging Face, Open AI, open deep research, open source, openai, openai deep research
Hugging Face researchers aim to build an ‘open’ version of OpenAI’s deep research tool
A group of developers at AI dev platform Hugging Face, including Thomas Wolf, the company’s co-founder and chief scientist, say they’ve built an “open” version of OpenAI’s deep research tool. Deep research, which OpenAI unveiled during an event Sunday, crawls the web to compile research reports on any subject. While impressive, deep research is currently…
Apps, Bluesky, fediverse, feeds, Global IT News, Global Security News, iOS apps, Mastodon, open social, Open Web, RSS, social web, tapestry
A review of Tapestry, an app powered by the growing open web
A new app called Tapestry, which launched Tuesday, aggregates and organizes information from across the web and social networks in a single place. It is, in some ways, like this generation’s FriendFeed, for those old enough to remember the earlier attempt from the Web 2.0 era to aggregate feeds and social media updates in a…
Apps, Exclusive, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
DSTLRY, the comic books marketplace, launches new customization features for artists
DSTLRY, a venture-backed digital comic books marketplace, on Tuesday added a pair of features designed to bring customization to the platform. The first feature, dubbed Commissioned Digital Remarques, allows creators to add personalized sketches and signatures to digital comics. The second, Unlimited Digital Covers, expands platform-wide access to alternative comic book covers. Commissioned Digital Remarques…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News
Apple launches Invites, a new app for creating custom invitations
Apple on Tuesday launched a new app called “Invites” that allows users to create custom invitations for any occasion. With Invites, users can create and share invitations on their iPhone, RSVP, contribute to Shared Albums, and curate event soundtracks. To create an invitation, you need an iCloud+ subscription. However, anyone can RSVP, regardless of whether…