Business & Technology
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 exhibit program still open for startups
The exhibit program for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 allows startups to book a table at Moscone West in San Francisco from October 13-15. For $12,500, participants receive a booth space, ten passes, and additional benefits.
TechCrunch · 7 Aug, 02:52
US lawmaker proposes protecting communities' right to oppose data centers
Representative Ro Khanna has introduced a resolution calling on the House to safeguard local communities' ability to reject data center projects. The proposed 'Data Center Bill of Rights' would allow bans near homes and schools and require transparency and clean energy.
Engadget · 7 Aug, 02:52
Trump announces tariffs on key component for solar panels and semiconductors
US President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on a key component used in solar panels and semiconductors, a move that is part of the administration’s efforts to eliminate Chinese choke points in the supply chain.
Politico Europe · 7 Aug, 02:50
Weekly Roundup: DNA Collection, AI Content Backlash, and SpaceX’s Moon Crash
US immigration authorities collected DNA from nearly a million people over the past year, including young children. Meanwhile, Google disabled an AI feature after fake images emerged, and a SpaceX rocket piece crashed into the Moon.
Wired · 7 Aug, 01:56
OpenAI and Jony Ive’s first device rumored to be a puck-sized smart speaker
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports that OpenAI’s collaboration with former Apple designer Jony Ive has produced a battery-powered, doughnut-shaped smart speaker with no display, expected to cost over $300 and launch in 2027.
The Verge · 7 Aug, 01:53
Explosive drone spotted near Ukrainian cargo plane at German airport
An explosive-laden drone was observed hovering near a Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany, prompting a lawmaker to blame Russia and drawing attention to a wider pattern of drone incursions across Europe.
Ars Technica · 7 Aug, 01:52
Google open-sources AI model for earlier hurricane warnings
Google has made open source an AI weather model called WeatherNext that can predict cyclone track and intensity up to 15 days ahead. The move aims to help forecasters better assess storm risks.
Engadget · 7 Aug, 01:50
OpenAI's AI smart speaker may cost $300-$400, report says
Bloomberg reports OpenAI's upcoming smart speaker will be donut-shaped, made of high-quality metal, and cost between $300 and $400. Developed with Jony Ive's LoveFrom, the device is expected in 2027.
TechCrunch · 7 Aug, 01:49
OpenAI's AI smart speaker could cost between $300 and $400
OpenAI is reportedly developing a donut-shaped smart speaker powered by ChatGPT, priced between $300 and $400. The device, designed with Jony Ive's LoveFrom studio, may launch in 2027 and include moving parts.
TechCrunch AI · 7 Aug, 01:49
Suno introduces watermarking for AI-generated music as legal pressures mount
Facing copyright lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny, AI music company Suno is adding watermarks and download limits in a bid to present itself as a supportive tool for artists. Whether these steps will resolve its legal troubles remains unclear.
Ars Technica · 7 Aug, 00:56
AI as a Partner: After Work, People Chat with a Bot That Remembers Everything
Many people now turn to their phones after a busy day to talk to their significant other, but the attentive listener may be an artificial intelligence chatbot. The technology is being used to address the modern dating crisis.
Apollo.lv · 7 Aug, 00:55
Trevor Noah to host Google's Pixel 11 launch event
Google's next live Made by Google hardware event will take place on August 12th, hosted by comedian Trevor Noah. The show is expected to feature several celebrities, along with the debut of a new phone and smartwatch.
The Verge · 7 Aug, 00:51
Vogue World heads to San Francisco, another sign of tech’s fashion approval
Vogue World will take place in San Francisco next year. Anna Wintour’s choice is widely seen as a further sign that tech leaders have become fashion trendsetters.
TechCrunch · 7 Aug, 00:50
AI Agents Remain a Hard Sell for Everyday Users
Silicon Valley is betting on AI agents, but most people have never touched one. Browser Company CEO Josh Miller argues the industry should focus on products users actually want, not just the technology.
Wired · 6 Aug, 23:55
Trump administration to pay RWE $1.22 billion to cancel offshore wind leases
The US government will pay German energy company RWE $1.22 billion to cancel offshore wind leases off New York, California and Louisiana. RWE has agreed to shift its US investments toward natural gas projects.
Euronews · 6 Aug, 23:54
Severe Drought Sparks Energy Crisis Across Central and Southeastern Europe
Prolonged drought and heatwaves have drastically lowered Danube water levels, forcing nuclear plants and factories to cut output in Hungary, Romania, and Serbia. Slovakia, Austria and Bulgaria have so far managed better due to different power generation systems.
Deutsche Welle · 6 Aug, 23:54
AirPods Pro Drop to $189.99 at Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart
The latest AirPods Pro are now $60 off, matching their lowest price since June. Retailers like Best Buy, Amazon, and Walmart are all offering the deal.
The Verge · 6 Aug, 23:53
Quake celebrates its 30th anniversary with a new free episode
The legendary first-person shooter Quake receives a new free expansion, 'Dawn of the Machine,' marking its 30th anniversary.
Engadget · 6 Aug, 23:51
X asks appeals court to revive advertiser boycott suit as ad revenue slides
Elon Musk's X is asking the 5th Circuit to overturn a district judge's ruling and let its antitrust case against advertisers proceed. New financial disclosures show the platform's ad revenue has fallen sharply, including a drop to $367 million in Q2 2026.
Ars Technica · 6 Aug, 23:51
New study in Ethiopia examines different ways to tackle poverty: cash helps, therapy's impact unclear
A new study on fighting poverty in Ethiopia has found that cash assistance is effective, while the impact of therapy on poverty remains unclear.
NPR World · 6 Aug, 23:50
Apple releases security updates for three macOS versions
Apple has rolled out security updates for macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma, fixing a vulnerability in the Screen Sharing feature.
Engadget · 6 Aug, 22:55
New Subaru Uncharted: Familiar Yet Distinctive
Subaru has unveiled the new Uncharted, a model technically identical to a Toyota version but with subtle visual differences and its own target audience.
iAuto.lv · 6 Aug, 22:54
Google warns of hacking groups extorting financial firms via phone calls
Google's security researchers say unknown hacking groups are breaking into major US financial and investment firms using vishing, stealing data and demanding ransoms.
TechCrunch · 6 Aug, 22:50
Scientists create first AI-designed viruses, raising safety concerns
Researchers used artificial intelligence to design functioning bacteriophage genomes that can overcome antibiotic-resistant E. coli. While promising for medicine, experts warn of insufficient governance and biosecurity risks.
The Guardian Science · 6 Aug, 21:57
Trump administration pays RWE $1.22bn to abandon offshore wind leases
The US government has agreed to pay German energy firm RWE $1.22bn to give up its offshore wind leases and invest in natural gas. The deal is the fifth of its kind, bringing total spending to almost $4bn.
The Guardian World · 6 Aug, 21:52
Zelda movie's Ganondorf casting hints at more films
Deadline reported Thursday that Australian actor Uli Latukefu will play villain Ganondorf in the upcoming Legend of Zelda movie, and that his deal includes multiple pictures, though Nintendo and Sony haven't officially confirmed.
The Verge · 6 Aug, 21:51
FCC votes to eliminate national TV ownership cap despite legal concerns
The US Federal Communications Commission has voted 2-1 to scrap the 39 percent national ownership cap for broadcast TV stations, a move likely to face court challenges.
Engadget · 6 Aug, 21:50
OpenAI removes text chat limits for ChatGPT free users
OpenAI has lifted text chat limits for ChatGPT users, introducing the GPT-5.6 Luna model for Free and Go subscribers. Plus and Pro users receive an upgraded GPT-5.6 Sol model along with a thinking slider.
TechCrunch AI · 6 Aug, 20:56
South Korea Releases Moon Images After SpaceX Rocket Debris Impact
South Korea's space agency has released images of the Moon after a spent Falcon 9 upper stage from a January 2025 mission crashed into the lunar surface. The impact flash was too faint to be seen even with a telescope.
BBC World · 6 Aug, 20:54
Suno Unveils Plans to Curb AI Music Spam with Watermarking and Download Limits
Suno is introducing watermarking technology and new download restrictions to reduce the spread of spammy AI-generated music and boost transparency, following last year's settlement with Warner Music Group.
The Verge · 6 Aug, 20:54
easyJet officially accepts €6.6 billion takeover bid from US private equity firm Apollo
British budget airline easyJet confirmed on Thursday that it has accepted a £5.7 billion (€6.6 billion) takeover offer from US private equity firm Apollo Global Management.
Euronews Business · 6 Aug, 20:52
Ford Fathom unlikely to be another Taurus, TechCrunch argues
TechCrunch's analysis suggests Ford's new electric pickup, the Fathom, is unlikely to become a breakout hit despite its attractive price. The company hopes the model will help it compete with Chinese EVs, but its niche and design may limit sales.
TechCrunch · 6 Aug, 20:52
Why smartphone makers are bringing back removable batteries — and what the EU has to do with it
The European Union will require phones and tablets to have user-replaceable batteries from February 2027. Existing rugged and fair-trade models show the design is still possible, but new rules allow exemptions for devices with strong durability and battery longevity.
Engadget · 6 Aug, 19:54
Hacker pleads guilty to stealing data from more than 165 Snowflake customers
A 26-year-old Canadian has admitted to hacking more than 165 companies and extorting victims. He faces sentencing in October.
TechCrunch · 6 Aug, 19:50
Buying a 70 sqm flat in Prague nearly impossible: Europe’s least affordable city worsens
Prague is now Europe’s least affordable city for buying a home, according to international real-estate studies; saving for a new 70 sqm apartment would take 15.9 years on an average salary.
Latvijas Avīze · 6 Aug, 19:49
How to limit Roku’s data collection and ad tracking
Roku’s privacy policy reveals extensive tracking of viewing habits, including automatic content recognition on smart TVs, but users can limit some of this data collection through their settings.
Engadget · 6 Aug, 18:59