Zoom brings its AI assistant to the web with access to free users
Zoom today launched its AI Companion 3.0 update, making its AI assistant available to all users, including those on free plans, via a new web interface. The rollout extends the…
Lidar-maker Luminar files for bankruptcy
Lidar company Luminar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking a significant downturn for a firm once considered a leader in the self-driving technology space. The filing, made Monday…
Threads adds new communities, tests badges for highly engaged members
Meta’s social networking app Threads is bolstering its community features with an expansion to over 200 topic-based groups and the introduction of new engagement tools like flairs and champion badges.…
Gift guide: TechCrunch’s favorite things
Tech journalists are constantly evaluating new products, and some stand out as genuinely useful and enjoyable. This year, a collection of gadgets and apps has proven particularly valuable, ranging from…
Google’s ‘dark web report’ feature will no longer be available starting in February
Google is discontinuing its dark web report feature, which alerted users if their personal information appeared on compromised data dumps, effective February 16, 2026. The tool, launched in 2024, aimed…
Merriam-Webster names ‘slop’ the word of the year
Merriam-Webster has declared “slop” as its 2024 word of the year, reflecting the growing concern and commentary surrounding the proliferation of low-quality, artificially generated content online. The dictionary defines slop…
Lightspeed raises record $9B in fresh capital
The venture capital landscape is undergoing a significant shift as investors consolidate funding into established firms. Lightspeed Venture Partners announced Monday a $9 billion fundraise, the largest in its 25-year…
Thousands of dinosaur footprints found on Italian mountain
ROME — A remarkable discovery in the Italian Alps has revealed thousands of dinosaur footprints dating back approximately 210 million years. The tracks, found in Stelvio National Park near Bormio,…
Warner Bros to reject $108bn Paramount bid, reports say
Los Angeles – Warner Bros Discovery is poised to formally recommend that its shareholders reject the $108.4 billion takeover bid from Paramount Skydance, according to multiple reports surfacing Wednesday. This…
Creative Commons announces tentative support for AI ‘pay-to-crawl’ systems
The debate over how artificial intelligence companies utilize online content took a significant turn as Creative Commons (CC) announced its cautious support for pay-to-crawl technology. This system aims to compensate…