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Nvidia invests $2B to help debt-ridden CoreWeave add 5GW of AI compute
TechCrunch· 2026-01-26 15:52
Core Investment and Capacity Expansion - Nvidia has invested $2 billion in CoreWeave to enhance the data center company's AI computing capacity, aiming to add over 5 gigawatts by 2030 [1] - Nvidia purchased CoreWeave's Class A shares at $87.20 per share as part of the investment [1] Product Integration and Technological Advancements - CoreWeave will integrate Nvidia's products, including the new Rubin chip architecture, Bluefield storage systems, and the Vera CPU line [2] - Nvidia will assist CoreWeave in acquiring land and power for data centers and will collaborate on integrating AI software and architecture into Nvidia's reference architecture for cloud businesses [7] Financial Position and Business Model - CoreWeave has raised significant debt, with $18.81 billion in obligations as of September 2025, while reporting $1.36 billion in revenue for Q3 [3] - The CEO has defended the company's debt-funded business model, emphasizing collaboration in the AI industry to address supply and demand changes [4] Strategic Acquisitions and Partnerships - Since its IPO in March last year, CoreWeave has made several acquisitions, including Weights & Biases, OpenPipe, Marimo, and Monolith, to enhance its technology stack [4] - CoreWeave has expanded its cloud partnership with OpenAI and counts major hyperscalers like OpenAI, Meta, and Microsoft as customers [5][4] Market Reaction and Industry Impact - Following the announcement of the deal, CoreWeave's shares increased by over 15% [7] - Nvidia continues to be a significant player in the AI boom, making numerous investments to support the rapid development of AI technology [8]
Apple will reportedly unveil its Gemini-powered Siri assistant in February
TechCrunch· 2026-01-25 16:56
Core Insights - The article discusses the upcoming AI partnership results between Apple and Google, specifically focusing on a new version of Siri set to be announced in February 2024 [1] - This update will utilize Google's Gemini AI models and aims to fulfill Apple's promises made in June 2024 regarding task completion using personal data and on-screen content [1] - A more significant upgrade is expected to be revealed in June 2024 during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, featuring a more conversational Siri akin to chatbots like ChatGPT, potentially running on Google's cloud infrastructure [2] Company Developments - Apple has faced challenges in aligning its AI strategy, with reports indicating internal disagreements, including a dismissal of earlier reports by Mike Rockwell [3] - The partnership with Google and the recent departure of Apple's AI chief John Giannandrea suggest a potential new direction for the company's AI initiatives [3]
Waymo probed by National Transportation Safety Board over illegal school bus behavior
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 21:50
Core Viewpoint - The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has initiated an investigation into Waymo due to multiple incidents of its robotaxis illegally passing stopped school buses in at least two states, with a significant focus on over 20 occurrences in Austin, Texas [1][2]. Investigation Details - This marks the first investigation by the NTSB into Waymo, although it is the second inquiry regarding the company's school bus issues, following a similar probe by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that began in October [2]. - Waymo had previously issued a software recall in December to address the school bus problem, but earlier updates have not resolved the issue, leading the Austin school district to request a suspension of operations during school pickup and drop-off times [3]. Company Operations - The investigation coincides with Waymo's rapid expansion across the United States, including the recent launch of a robotaxi service in Miami, adding to its existing operations in cities like Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and the San Francisco Bay Area [4]. Safety Performance - Waymo's chief safety officer stated that the company safely navigates thousands of school bus encounters weekly and believes its safety performance around school buses is superior to that of human drivers, emphasizing a commitment to transparency with the NTSB [5]. - The NTSB's role differs from the NHTSA as it does not impose fines but conducts in-depth investigations to identify root causes of transportation issues, often leading to hearings and non-binding recommendations [5]. Incident Examples - The first notable incident involving a Waymo vehicle passing a stopped school bus occurred in September in Atlanta, where the vehicle failed to recognize the stop sign and flashing lights, prompting a software update to address this scenario [8][9]. - Despite addressing the Atlanta incident, Waymo vehicles were subsequently recorded making illegal maneuvers around stopped school buses in Austin, as evidenced by videos from school bus cameras [10].
What to know about Netflix's landmark acquisition of Warner Bros
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 20:31
Core Insights - Netflix has acquired Warner Bros.' film and television studios, including HBO and HBO Max, in a deal valued at approximately $82.7 billion, which is expected to significantly disrupt the streaming and entertainment industry [2][3][8] Company Developments - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) was under financial pressure due to billions in debt and declining cable viewership, prompting the exploration of a sale [4] - Netflix's all-cash offer was amended to $27.75 per WBD share, which was deemed more attractive than Paramount's bid of approximately $108 billion aimed at acquiring the entire company [7][8] - Paramount's attempts to acquire WBD were rejected multiple times due to concerns over its heavy debt load, which would have left the combined entity with $87 billion in debt [10] Regulatory Environment - The deal faces intense regulatory scrutiny, with Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos scheduled to testify before a U.S. Senate committee [13] - Prominent lawmakers have expressed concerns that the merger could lead to excessive market power, potentially harming consumers and stifling competition [14] - If regulators block the acquisition, Netflix would incur a $5.8 billion breakup fee [15] Industry Reactions - The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has criticized the merger on antitrust grounds, fearing it may limit diverse storytelling and lead to job losses [16][18] - Concerns exist regarding the impact on independent creators and the potential shortening of theatrical release windows for films [18][19] Subscriber Implications - Netflix has assured subscribers that HBO's operations will remain largely unchanged in the near term, with no immediate pricing changes expected during the regulatory approval period [20][21] - Historical trends suggest that Netflix may raise subscription prices after the acquisition is finalized [21] Timeline for Closure - The deal is not yet finalized, with a WBD stockholder vote expected around April, and the transaction anticipated to close 12 to 18 months after that, pending regulatory approvals [22]
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters as it develops a specially tailored version
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 17:00
Core Viewpoint - Meta is pausing teens' access to its AI characters globally across all its apps to develop a special version tailored for teens [1][5] Group 1: Company Actions - Meta is not abandoning its AI character efforts but is focusing on creating a safer experience for teens [1] - The company has rolled out new parental control features aimed at restricting teen access to sensitive topics, inspired by PG-13 movie ratings [2] - Meta has received feedback from parents requesting more insights and control over their teens' interactions with AI characters, leading to the decision to pause access [4] Group 2: Upcoming Changes - Teens will lose access to AI characters until the new teen-specific versions are ready, affecting users who have provided a teen birthday or are suspected to be teens based on age prediction technology [5] - The new AI characters will include built-in parental controls and will focus on age-appropriate topics such as education, sports, and hobbies [6] Group 3: Industry Context - Social media companies, including Meta, are under scrutiny from regulators, with ongoing legal challenges related to the protection of minors and social media addiction [7] - Other AI companies have also modified their offerings for teens in response to lawsuits, implementing age restrictions and safety rules [8]
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters ahead of new version
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 17:00
Core Viewpoint - Meta is pausing teens' access to its AI characters globally across all its apps to develop an updated version that includes enhanced parental controls and age-appropriate content [1][5][6] Group 1: Company Actions - Meta is not abandoning its AI character efforts but is instead focusing on creating a new version tailored for teens [1][2] - The company has been implementing parental control features on its platforms, allowing parents to monitor and restrict their teens' interactions with AI characters [4][6] - The new AI characters will provide age-appropriate responses and focus on safe topics such as education, sports, and hobbies [6] Group 2: Regulatory Context - The decision to pause access to AI characters comes just before a trial in New Mexico, where Meta faces accusations of failing to protect children from exploitation on its apps [2][7] - Meta is under scrutiny from regulators regarding its impact on teen mental health and social media addiction, with CEO Mark Zuckerberg expected to testify in an upcoming trial [7] Group 3: Industry Trends - Other AI companies are also modifying their offerings for teens in response to lawsuits related to self-harm, indicating a broader industry trend towards increased safety measures for younger users [8]
Microsoft gave FBI a set of BitLocker encryption keys to unlock suspects' laptops: reports
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 15:54
Core Insights - Microsoft provided the FBI with recovery keys to unlock encrypted data on three laptops as part of a federal investigation into fraud related to the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program in Guam [1][3] - BitLocker, the full-disk encryption technology used by modern Windows computers, allows Microsoft to access recovery keys stored in its cloud, enabling law enforcement to decrypt drives [2][4] - Microsoft receives an average of 20 requests per year from authorities for BitLocker recovery keys [4] Privacy and Security Concerns - The practice of handing recovery keys to Microsoft raises privacy risks, as highlighted by cryptography expert Matthew Green, who pointed out the potential for hackers to compromise Microsoft's cloud infrastructure and access these keys [5] - Green emphasized that Microsoft's inability to secure critical customer keys is becoming a significant concern, distinguishing it from other companies in the industry [5]
TikTok finalizes deal to create new US entity and avoid ban
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 15:44
Core Insights - ByteDance has signed a deal with non-Chinese investors to create a majority American-owned joint venture for TikTok in the U.S., concluding a six-year political saga initiated by former President Trump in 2020 regarding national security concerns [1] Group 1: Joint Venture Structure - Adam Presser, previously TikTok's head of operations and trust and safety, will become the CEO of TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, with TikTok CEO Shou Chew serving as a director [2] - The three managing investors—Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX—will each hold a 15% stake in the joint venture, alongside other investors including Michael Dell's family investment firm and several smaller investors [2] Group 2: National Security Measures - The joint venture will implement defined safeguards to protect national security, including comprehensive data protections, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurances for U.S. users [3] Group 3: Governance Structure - The joint venture will operate as an independent entity governed by a seven-member board, which includes notable figures from various firms such as TPG Global, Susquehanna International Group, and DXC Technology [4] Group 4: Political Reaction - Former President Trump expressed support for the deal, highlighting that the app will now be owned by a group of American investors, emphasizing its significance as a voice in the market [5]
Tesla discontinues Autopilot in bid to boost adoption of its Full Self-Driving software
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 12:56
Core Viewpoint - Tesla has discontinued its basic driver-assistance system, Autopilot, to promote the adoption of its more advanced Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology [1][2]. Group 1: Discontinuation of Autopilot - The discontinuation of Autopilot is part of Tesla's strategy to enhance the adoption of FSD, which is marketed as a more advanced driver-assistance system [1]. - A judge ruled that Tesla had engaged in deceptive marketing by overstating the capabilities of Autopilot and FSD, leading to a 30-day suspension of its manufacturing and dealer licenses in California [2]. - The California DMV has allowed Tesla 60 days to comply with the ruling by dropping the Autopilot name [2]. Group 2: Features and Customer Impact - Autopilot included features like Traffic Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer, but new cars will now only come with Traffic Aware Cruise Control as standard [3]. - It remains unclear if existing customers will be affected by this change [3]. Group 3: Pricing and Subscription Model - Starting February 14, Tesla will eliminate the one-time $8,000 fee for FSD, transitioning to a monthly subscription model priced at $99, with potential future increases as software capabilities improve [4]. - This shift aims to make FSD more accessible while aligning with Tesla's long-term goals [4]. Group 4: Future Developments and Goals - Elon Musk envisions that Tesla's newer cars will achieve "unsupervised" driving capabilities, allowing drivers to engage in other activities during the ride [5]. - Tesla has begun rolling out robotaxi versions of its Model Y SUVs in Austin, Texas, which operate without human safety monitoring personnel [6]. - As of October 2025, only 12% of Tesla customers had subscribed to FSD, highlighting a gap between expectations and actual adoption [8].
Vimeo starts layoffs after acquisition by Bending Spoons
TechCrunch· 2026-01-23 00:27
Core Insights - Vimeo is laying off a significant portion of its global staff following its acquisition by Bending Spoons for $1.38 billion [1][2] - Bending Spoons confirmed the layoffs but did not disclose the exact number of job losses, indicating that a "large portion" of Vimeo's workforce will be affected [2] - Vimeo has been struggling to compete in the video-hosting market, primarily dominated by YouTube, and has been focusing on AI technologies to enhance its offerings [3] Company Overview - Vimeo was founded in 2004 and has faced challenges in establishing a strong market position against competitors like YouTube [3] - The company has recently announced plans to introduce AI-powered tools for script-writing and video editing, as well as additional AI tools aimed at connecting filmmakers' content to AI workflows [3] Acquisition Context - Bending Spoons, the Italian tech conglomerate, acquired Vimeo in an all-cash deal last year, which is part of its strategy to expand its portfolio by acquiring other tech platforms like Meetup, Evernote, and WeTransfer [1][3]