Business & Technology
Startup Natural raises $30M to build payment infrastructure for AI agents
Natural has raised $30 million to develop a payment system that enables AI agents to conduct autonomous transactions, challenging incumbents like Stripe.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 05:37
US Space Force seeks up to $30 billion in rocket launch contracts
The US Space Force has tripled the maximum value of one of its National Security Space Launch contracts to $17 billion, citing rising demand for military satellite launches. The overall program could be worth up to $30 billion.
Ars Technica · 21 Jul, 05:37
World Cup 2026: mixed impact on New York souvenir shops
France 24 published a video about the mixed impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on souvenir shops in New York.
France 24 · 21 Jul, 05:36
New Hallmark PlayStation Ornament Pays Homage to a Fragile Yet Beloved Console
Hallmark's latest Keepsake ornament is a replica of the original PlayStation, complete with a green LED and the full boot chime, priced at $28.99.
The Verge · 21 Jul, 04:37
Judge halts Paramount's $111B purchase of Warner Bros. in win for US states
A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the $111 billion merger of Paramount and Warner Bros., siding with states that argue it would harm competition.
Ars Technica · 21 Jul, 04:37
Colossal Biosciences reportedly in talks to raise capital at $20B–$30B valuation
According to an Axios report, de-extinction startup Colossal Biosciences is discussing a new funding round at a valuation between $20-30 billion, a significant jump from its previous $10.2 billion valuation. The company has started generating revenue over the past year.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 04:36
First Production Electric Ferrari to Be Auctioned for at Least One Million Euros
Ferrari's first fully electric model, the Luce, will have its first production unit auctioned in August 2026, with a projected price exceeding one million euros.
iAuto.lv · 21 Jul, 04:36
Nolan's 'The Odyssey' in IMAX: A Critic's Conversion
After viewing Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' in both standard and IMAX formats, a critic finds the IMAX experience essential for fully appreciating the film's scale and detail, especially in mythological monster scenes, though the scarcity of 70mm IMAX theaters limits access.
The Verge · 21 Jul, 03:37
Firefighting drones tested in California and Alaska as US wildfires rage year-round
Drones capable of spraying water and fire retardants are being tested to snuff out wildfires early in California and Alaska, as climate change makes wildfire season a nearly year-long threat.
Ars Technica · 21 Jul, 03:37
Anthropic's $1.5 billion copyright settlement approved
A U.S. federal judge has approved Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement with authors and publishers over copyright infringement, while ruling that training AI on copyrighted works is fair use.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 03:36
Major Update to AI’s Key Protocol Simplifies Server Scaling
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is set to receive a significant update next week, changing how session IDs are handled to make server scaling easier and cheaper.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 02:37
AI’s most important protocol is getting a little bit easier to use
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is receiving an update that simplifies session management, making it easier to scale.
TechCrunch AI · 21 Jul, 02:37
Pennsylvania Deputy Charged for Covering Bodycam to Snap Nude Prisoners with iPhone
Bucks County Deputy Sheriff Ryan Gaffney has been charged with official oppression and other offenses after allegedly using his iPhone to photograph nude detainees and share the images with female coworkers, while covering his bodycam.
Ars Technica · 21 Jul, 02:36
FCC Plans to Retroactively Ban Disguised DJI Gadgets
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission is for the first time using new powers to retroactively ban products linked to Chinese company DJI, citing national security concerns.
The Verge · 21 Jul, 02:36
Amazon's Adaptive Display for Fire TVs officially rolls out today
Amazon has started rolling out the Adaptive Display feature to Fire TV Stick HD, improving text and UI readability for users.
Engadget · 21 Jul, 02:36
Trump signs order imposing new 50% tariffs on certain Canadian goods
U.S. President Donald Trump signed orders Monday imposing new 50% tariffs on many Canadian goods, citing discriminatory treatment against American alcohol, automobiles, and dairy products.
France 24 · 21 Jul, 01:37
First UL 3700-compliant plug-in solar microinverter now available in the US
Hoymiles has launched the HiFlow Pro microinverter, the first to meet the new US safety standard, allowing solar panels to be plugged into a standard wall outlet.
Engadget · 21 Jul, 01:37
Sony Files New Lawsuit Against Udio Over 30,000 Songs for Copyright Infringement
Sony Music Entertainment has sued Udio, alleging the AI music generator unlawfully used more than 30,000 of its recordings, including songs by Elvis Presley, Britney Spears, and Harry Styles.
The Verge · 21 Jul, 01:36
Trump's latest AI czar resigns after just three months
Chris Fall, who was appointed director of the Center for AI Standards and Innovation only three months ago, has resigned. No reason was given for his departure.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 01:36
Trump threatens 50 percent tariff hike on Canadian goods
US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff increase on Canadian goods, set to take effect in one month, escalating North American trade negotiations.
Politico Europe · 21 Jul, 01:36
US Space Force Triples Rocket Launch Contract Value to $17 Billion
The US Space Force announced it is tripling the maximum value of one of its National Security Space Launch contracts to $17 billion, reflecting increased demand for military satellite launches. Overall, the service seeks to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches.
Ars Technica · 21 Jul, 00:37
Samsung Launches Galaxy Card, Its Answer to the Apple Card
Samsung has announced the Galaxy Card, a credit card issued by Barclays on the Visa network, offering up to 5% cash back on Samsung purchases and 3% when using Samsung Wallet. The card has no annual fee and applications open July 22.
Wired · 21 Jul, 00:37
Samsung Unveils Galaxy Credit Card Ahead of Unpacked Event
Samsung has introduced a new Galaxy credit card with enhanced cashback rewards for purchases of its products, available from July 22.
Engadget · 21 Jul, 00:37
SpaceX in the Nasdaq-100: Does It Threaten Index Fund Stability?
SpaceX's rapid inclusion in the Nasdaq-100 has raised concerns about index fund risk, but experts argue that index funds remain safe despite overvalued individual stocks.
The Verge · 21 Jul, 00:37
Google is developing a new AI chip to boost Gemini efficiency
Alphabet, Google's parent company, is designing a new server chip internally named 'Frozen v2' to improve the efficiency of its Gemini models, potentially offering six to ten times better performance per watt than current chips.
TechCrunch · 21 Jul, 00:36
X relaunches a rebuilt Android app after year-long effort
Elon Musk-owned X has released a completely rebuilt Android app built from scratch, promising faster performance and new features, with updates still rolling out.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 23:37
Judge halts $110bn Paramount-Warner Bros merger
A US federal judge has temporarily blocked the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery after a lawsuit by 12 states raised competition concerns.
BBC World · 20 Jul, 23:37
Humble Bundle Offers 15 PC Games for $15, Including Borderlands 3 and Risk of Rain 2
Humble has launched the “2K Megahits 2026 Bundle”, featuring 15 Steam games for $15. The bundle is available until August 7th, with a portion of proceeds supporting Covenant House.
The Verge · 20 Jul, 23:36
US judge orders pause on Paramount–Warner Bros merger
A US judge has halted the proposed merger between Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery after a lawsuit by 12 states alleging anti-competitive effects. The court gave states 14 days to argue, with a hearing set for August 3.
Al Jazeera · 20 Jul, 22:37
Ford Pivots to Affordable $30,000 Electric Pickup Truck
After discontinuing the F-150 Lightning and incurring massive EV losses, Ford plans to launch a $30,000 electric pickup in 2027, smaller than the Maverick and built on a new universal platform.
The Verge · 20 Jul, 22:37
Open-Weight Models: Should the US Government Restrict Chinese AI?
Debate intensifies over potential US bans on Chinese open-weight AI models, with experts warning of unintended consequences for innovation and security.
TechCrunch AI · 20 Jul, 22:36
Open-Weight AI Models from China Spark Debate on US Regulation
Chinese open-weight models like Kimi K3 are stirring debate among US AI giants and the government about potential restrictions, with proponents of open-source arguing for innovation and critics citing security concerns.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 22:36
Hungary's OTP Group to Acquire Luminor Bank
Hungarian banking group OTP Group will acquire Luminor Bank, one of the largest banks in Latvia, marking its entry into the Baltic market.
LSM · 20 Jul, 22:36
Judge pauses $110B Paramount-Warner Bros merger for 14 days
A U.S. district judge has temporarily halted Paramount Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery after a lawsuit by 12 state attorneys general alleging the deal would harm competition.
TechCrunch · 20 Jul, 21:37
Everything to know before putting a car key on your iPhone
Apple's digital car key feature lets iPhone users lock, unlock, and even start their car using their smartphone. Since its launch in 2020, it has expanded to support multiple popular car brands.
Engadget · 20 Jul, 21:36
F1 Belgian GP: The 2026 cars look pathetic on all the best racetracks
Formula 1's 2026 cars, due to hybrid energy limitations, are forced to coast through high-speed corners, making them unsuited for iconic tracks like Spa-Francorchamps.
Ars Technica · 20 Jul, 19:37