Google has launched the AI Futures Fund, a new initiative designed to support startups working with AI tools developed by Google DeepMind. This fund aims to assist companies at various stages, from seed to late-stage, by offering them access to DeepMind’s AI models, collaboration opportunities with experts from DeepMind and Google Labs, and Google Cloud credits. Some startups may also receive direct investment from Google. Unlike traditional funds, the AI Futures Fund operates on a rolling basis, meaning there are no fixed application deadlines. The fund will consider companies that align with its goals as opportunities arise, with investment amounts…
Author: Cooper
For many cyclists, weekend rides are more than a hobby — they’re therapy. But the growing pile of gadgets meant to enhance the ride can often backfire, turning a peaceful ride into a juggling act of devices, batteries, and notifications. Enter the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — a minimalist tech solution that’s quietly revolutionizing the cycling experience. One Device to Do It All Instead of managing a phone, wireless earbuds, action cam, and sunglasses, the Ray-Ban Meta combines the essentials into one slick package. With built-in audio, a camera, and voice-activated controls, these smart glasses allow you to: It’s like…
Once known primarily for its sun-soaked islands and ancient history, Greece is now quietly transforming into a European tech and AI powerhouse. While much of the world’s attention remains fixed on traditional tech hubs like Berlin, London, or Paris, Athens and beyond are writing a new script — one focused on innovation, resilience, and leapfrogging legacy systems through smart policy and strategic investment. A Conscious Shift Toward Tech In an exclusive conversation with TechCrunch, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis detailed the country’s decision to expand beyond tourism and shipping. “Tech could be 10% of our economy. This is perfectly doable,”…
SoundCloud has quietly updated its terms of use to permit the platform to train artificial intelligence (AI) models on the audio content users upload. As noted by tech ethicist Ed Newton-Rex, the new terms, last updated on February 7, include a provision stating that users explicitly agree that their content may be used to “inform, train, develop or serve as input to artificial intelligence or machine intelligence technologies.” This change has raised concerns, especially considering that the platform is already collaborating with AI vendors to bring AI-powered tools for remixing, generating vocals, and creating custom samples. However, these collaborations, according…
Google and nuclear site developer Elementl Power have announced a collaboration to develop three advanced nuclear reactors across multiple sites. This new venture aims to meet the growing power demands driven by Google’s expanding AI and data center operations. Google plans to invest $75 billion this year in building data center capacity, and with this deal, it intends to add at least 600 megawatts of generating capacity at each of the three sites. which had been operating under the radar until now, has experience in the nuclear industry but has not yet developed any power plants. Backed by Energy Impact…
Fidji Simo, the CEO of Instacart, is set to join OpenAI as the CEO of Applications, the AI firm announced Thursday. Simo, who already serves as a board member at OpenAI, will gradually step away from her role at Instacart and transition into her new full-time position later this year. According to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Simo will take charge of the Applications division, which encompasses business and operational teams focused on delivering AI-powered tools and experiences to users. She will report directly to Altman, who will continue to oversee core areas such as research, compute, and applications. “Applications brings…
In a move that marks a major turning point for global philanthropy, Bill Gates has announced that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will cease operations by 2045. The Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist revealed that he has instructed the foundation to spend all its resources within the next 20 years. Gates, whose net worth is currently estimated at $107 billion by, has pledged to donate 99% of his wealth to the foundation. Over the next two decades, he expects the organization to spend more than $200 billion, an unprecedented commitment in modern philanthropy. “This decision comes at a moment of…
OpenAI has reportedly engaged in discussions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to explore how artificial intelligence could be used to accelerate the drug approval process, according to a Wired report released Wednesday. The talks have centered around a project referred to as cderGPT — an AI system apparently designed to support the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), which oversees both over-the-counter and prescription medications in the U.S. The discussions reportedly also involved participants from Elon Musk’s DOGE initiative, although the nature of their involvement is not fully clear. While drug development often spans over…
Amazon has introduced Vulcan, its latest innovation in warehouse automation — a two-armed robot equipped with a sense of touch. Designed to maneuver and sort items within storage compartments, Vulcan uses force sensors to detect physical contact and adjust its movements accordingly. One of its arms handles object placement, while the other, fitted with a camera and suction cup, is tasked with picking up items. Trained using tactile and force feedback data, Vulcan can already handle about 75% of Amazon’s inventory and improves its performance over time. Currently active in Spokane, Washington and Hamburg, Germany, Vulcan has already processed over…
Nearly three years after unveiling the concept version of the flagship has finally delivered the production model: a “mid-$300,000” electric vehicle that oozes luxury and boasts a come-gawk-at-me exterior designed to turn heads wherever it goes. But is this bespoke EV enough for Cadillac to reclaim its title as the “Standard of the World”? I spent a full day navigating this behemoth around Los Angeles to find out. Sliding behind the wheel of the Celestiq feels like stepping into a private jet. I’m surrounded by buttery leather — my rear end comforted by a seat that adjusts in more directions…
Workforce management platform Employer.com has acquired MainStreet.com, a San Jose-based fintech startup, for an undisclosed amount. This move continues Employer.com’s trend of acquiring companies to strengthen its all-in-one business back office solutions. is a key driver behind the acquisition. Employer.com chairman and co-founder Jesse Tinsley announced the acquisition on X, stating that both companies are “merging forces to simplify business back office solutions into one powerhouse platform.” Tinsley confirmed the deal to TechCrunch in a follow-up interview. Founded in 2019, MainStreet.com specialized in helping startups uncover, earning revenue by taking a percentage of the savings it secured for clients. In…
Patreon has officially rolled out a new version of its iOS app that allows users to make payments via the web—a significant shift made possible by a recent court decision in the ongoing legal battle between Apple and Epic Games. Previously, Patreon’s iOS users were limited to Apple’s in-app purchase system, which meant Apple collected a percentage of each transaction. But thanks to a U.S. court ruling on April 30, Apple must now permit app developers to link to external payment options, bypassing the standard App Store commission. With the latest update (version 125.5.0), Patreon users can now choose to…
Amazon-owned autonomous vehicle company Zoox has issued a voluntary recall of its software and temporarily paused its driverless testing program after one of its robotaxis was involved in a crash in Las Vegas on April 8. According to the company and a filing with the , the crash involved a Zoox vehicle operating without a human inside and a passenger car. Zoox recalled around 270 vehicles running a particular version of its autonomous driving software, although this doesn’t reflect the full size of the fleet. The issue, according to Zoox, lies in how the software predicts the movements of other…
In a recent interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” former President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to delay the ban on TikTok once again if a deal to sell its U.S. operations isn’t finalized before the June 19 deadline. This marks the third time that Trump has indicated a delay for the app’s potential ban. Trump, who has already granted two extensions to TikTok in the past, shared his personal sentiment, saying, “Perhaps I shouldn’t say this, but I have a little warm spot in my heart for TikTok.” Despite the looming deadline, Trump hinted that he would be open…
The secondhand industry has been significantly impacted by the ongoing tariff situation, particularly following President Donald Trump’s policies. However, both eBay and Etsy remain relatively resilient despite the challenging economic environment. eBay’s Resilience eBay’s approach to dealing with tariffs is reflected in its minimal exposure to Chinese imports. The company’s CEO, Jamie Iannone, mentioned that China accounts for less than 10% of eBay’s total gross merchandise value (GMV), with greater China contributing around 5%. The majority of eBay’s sellers source products locally, which means they are less vulnerable to tariff hikes. In Q1 2025, eBay reported solid performance, with a…