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Coinbase says its data breach affects at least 69,000 customers
TechCrunch· 2025-05-21 13:03
Group 1 - Coinbase reported that at least 69,461 customers had their personal and financial information stolen during a data breach [1] - The breach occurred from December 26, 2024, until earlier this month, when Coinbase received a ransom note from the hacker [2] - The hacker demanded a ransom of $20 million, which Coinbase refused to pay, and managed to bribe customer support workers to access customer data [2] Group 2 - The stolen data included customer names, email and postal addresses, phone numbers, government-issued identity documents, account balances, and transaction histories [3] - There are concerns that wealthy customers could be specifically targeted due to the nature of the stolen information [3]
Google commits $150M to develop AI glasses with Warby Parker
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 21:37
In the press release, Warby Parker and Google said they intend to launch a series of products over time. Their first line of eyewear will launch "after 2025" and will incorporate multimodal AI with prescription and non- prescription glasses. Google says it will commit up to $150 million to the consumer eyewear company Warby Parker to jointly develop AI-powered smart glasses based on Android XR, the companies said on Tuesday during Google I/O 2025. Google has already committed $75 million to Warby Parker's p ...
Apple will hold WWDC from June 9
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 15:27
Apple sent invites for its developer-focused event, Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), which will be held from June 9 to June 13 with an “On the horizon” tagline.The company will likely announce new versions of its operating systems, namely iOS 19, iPadOS 19, WatchOS 12, macOS 16, and visionOS 3. The developer conference is both in person and online, with Apple introducing online group sessions for the first time, according to the announcement page. The company will also announce a slew of Apple Intel ...
Apple approves Spotify update so US users can buy audiobooks within the app
TechCrunch· 2025-05-19 21:09
Core Viewpoint - Spotify has received approval from Apple for a new app update that allows U.S. iPhone users to purchase audiobooks directly within the app, enhancing user experience and accessibility for publishers and authors [1][2]. Group 1: App Update Features - The new update enables users to buy individual audiobooks directly in the app, view prices, and purchase additional listening hours beyond the initial 15 hours [1]. - Previously, users had to purchase audiobooks via the web before accessing them in the app, which was a barrier to entry [2]. - The update allows users to purchase "top-ups" for additional listening hours directly within the app, with each top-up costing $13 for 10 additional hours [3]. Group 2: Context and Background - This update follows a U.S. court ruling that mandated Apple to stop charging fees on purchases made outside of the App Store, which has facilitated this change [2]. - Earlier in the month, Spotify also began allowing iPhone users to purchase subscriptions outside the App Store, indicating a shift in Apple's policies regarding pricing information and external payment links [3].
Google inks another massive solar power deal to electrify its data centers
TechCrunch· 2025-05-19 19:20
Core Insights - Google is acquiring an additional 600 megawatts of solar power to support its data centers, focusing on projects in South Carolina developed by EnergyRe [1] - The company has committed to significant investments in renewable energy, including a $20 billion pledge to build zero-carbon power plants and a contract for over 700 megawatts of solar in Oklahoma [2] - Google's goal is to eliminate its carbon footprint from energy by 2030, with the growth of AI increasing the demand for clean energy, leading to a contract for 4 gigawatts of clean power in 2023 [3] Investment Activities - Google is actively investing in renewable energy, with a recent focus on solar power projects [2][3] - The company has made substantial commitments, including a $20 billion investment and multiple contracts for solar energy [2][3] Industry Trends - Other tech companies are also increasing their renewable energy purchases, with Microsoft and Meta making significant solar acquisitions in 2023 [4]
AMD strikes a deal to sell ZT Systems' server-manufacturing business for $3B
TechCrunch· 2025-05-19 17:31
Semiconductor giant AMD followed through with its plan to spin out ZT Systems’ server-manufacturing business.AMD announced on Monday that it was selling ZT Systems’ server-manufacturing business to electronic manufacturing services company Sanmina. The $3 billion deal is a mix of cash and stock: $2.25 billion in cash, a $300 million premium including 50% cash and 50% equity, and a $450 million contingent payment based on financial performance over the next three years, according to Reuters. The deal is exp ...
U.S. lawmakers have concerns about Apple-Alibaba deal
TechCrunch· 2025-05-18 14:35
Core Viewpoint - The Trump administration and congressional officials are investigating a deal between Apple and Alibaba that would integrate Alibaba's AI features into iPhones sold in China, raising concerns about data sharing and regulatory commitments [1][2]. Group 1: Government Scrutiny - White House officials and members of the House Select Committee on China have directly questioned Apple executives regarding the deal, focusing on data sharing with Alibaba and commitments to Chinese regulators [2]. - Apple executives reportedly struggled to provide answers to most of the inquiries posed by government officials [2]. Group 2: Concerns Raised - Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi characterized Alibaba as a key player in the Chinese Communist Party's military-civil fusion strategy, expressing alarm over Apple's lack of transparency regarding the agreement [3]. - The deal has only been publicly confirmed by Alibaba, with Apple remaining silent on the matter, highlighting the challenges posed by U.S.-China tensions for Apple's business operations [3].
Epic Games asks judge to force Apple to approve Fortnite
TechCrunch· 2025-05-17 16:20
Core Points - Epic Games is intensifying its legal efforts against Apple to allow Fortnite back into the App Store, requesting a court order for Apple to accept any compliant version of the game [1] - A recent ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers found Apple in "willful violation" of an injunction regarding anti-competitive pricing, potentially allowing Fortnite's return and enabling developers to offer alternative payment options [2] - Apple plans to appeal the ruling, and Epic Games has stated that Fortnite will remain offline globally until Apple unblocks it, although Apple disputes this claim and suggests that Epic should resubmit the app update without the U.S. storefront [3] Company Actions - Epic Games has filed a new court request to compel Apple to accept Fortnite into the App Store [1] - The company argues that Apple is punishing it by blocking access to the market it has fought to open, which sends a negative message to other developers [3] Legal Context - The ongoing legal battle centers around Apple's App Store policies, particularly the commissions on in-app purchases [1] - The recent court ruling could have broader implications for developers seeking to implement alternative payment systems [2]
Mystery investor's attempt to stop Canoo asset sale shot down by judge
TechCrunch· 2025-05-16 14:49
Core Viewpoint - The judge in Canoo's bankruptcy case has blocked an attempt by financier Charles Garson to disrupt the sale of the EV startup's assets, ruling that he lacked standing to challenge the sale to Canoo's CEO, Anthony Aquila [1][2][8]. Group 1: Legal Proceedings - Judge Brendan Linehan Shannon ruled that Charles Garson, a UK-based financier, did not have standing to request the sale to Canoo's CEO be vacated, as he missed the deadline to submit a formal bid [2][8]. - Garson claimed he was willing to pay up to $20 million for Canoo's assets but failed to clarify the source of his funding, raising concerns from the bankruptcy trustee about potential issues with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States [2][4]. - The last challenge to the asset sale comes from Harbinger Motors, a startup formed by former Canoo employees, which has appealed the judge's denial of their objection to the sale [3]. Group 2: Arguments and Perspectives - Garson's lawyer framed the situation as a "David versus Goliath" matter, arguing that Garson believed he had until the end of April to formalize his bid based on conversations with the bankruptcy trustee [4]. - The bankruptcy trustee's lawyer, Mark Felger, countered that the sale process was fair and that the negotiations were conducted properly, emphasizing that the cost of maintaining Canoo's assets was too high [5][7]. - Judge Shannon expressed sympathy for Garson's frustration but noted that he did not fully understand the complex process and requirements to engage in the bidding [9]. Group 3: Outcome and Reactions - Judge Shannon ruled against Garson, stating he lacked standing as he was not owed any money by Canoo and did not submit a formal bid before the deadline [8][9]. - Garson acknowledged the court's decision and congratulated Aquila, expressing disappointment at not being able to participate in the bidding process [10].
Coinbase says customers' personal information stolen in data breach
TechCrunch· 2025-05-15 11:58
Core Insights - Coinbase has confirmed a data breach where customer information, including government-issued identity documents, was stolen [1][4] - The hacker obtained the information by paying contractors or employees in support roles to access internal systems [2] - Coinbase has detected malicious activity in previous months and has warned affected customers [3] Data Breach Details - Stolen customer data includes names, postal and email addresses, phone numbers, last four digits of Social Security numbers, masked bank account numbers, and government-issued identity documents [4] - The breach also involved corporate data, including internal documentation [5] Financial Impact - Coinbase expects to incur costs between $180 million to $400 million for incident remediation and customer reimbursements [5]