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Apple could launch AI-powered smart glasses in 2026
TechCrunch· 2025-05-23 13:37
Core Insights - Apple is planning to release smart glasses by the end of next year to compete with Meta's AI-powered Ray-Ban Meta glasses [1][2] - The upcoming smart glasses will include features such as a camera, microphone, and the ability to analyze surroundings, along with Siri integration for voice commands [1] - Apple is also developing new chips for smart glasses and other hardware, indicating a broader strategy to enhance its product lineup in the AI and wearable technology space [2] Group 1 - Apple aims to enter the smart glasses market to rival Meta, which has seen significant success with its Ray-Ban Meta glasses [2] - The smart glasses will be equipped with essential components expected in such devices, enhancing user interaction and functionality [1] - CEO Tim Cook is focused on outperforming Meta in the competitive landscape of smart glasses as the AI sector evolves [2]
Trump threatens 25% tariffs on iPhones made outside the US
TechCrunch· 2025-05-23 13:21
President Trump lashed out at Apple on Friday, threatening the company with a 25% tariff on iPhones unless it moves production to the U.S.“I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s [sic] that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank you for your attention to this matter!” T ...
Meta adds another 650 MW of solar power to its AI push
TechCrunch· 2025-05-22 16:49
Core Insights - Meta has signed a significant solar deal, securing 650 megawatts across projects in Kansas and Texas, developed by AES [1][2] - The deal aims to power Meta's expanding data centers, which are growing to support its AI operations, adding to its existing renewable power portfolio of over 12 gigawatts [2] - This marks the fourth solar deal Meta has announced in 2023, all located in Texas, highlighting the state's leadership in new solar capacity installations [3] Company Developments - The new solar projects include 400 megawatts in Texas and 250 megawatts in Kansas, with AES typically signing power purchase agreements 2 to 3 years before commercial operations begin [1][2] - The average term for these power purchase agreements is between 15 to 20 years, indicating a long-term commitment to renewable energy [2] - Texas has become a prime location for solar development due to its favorable conditions, including ample sunshine, quick permitting, and efficient grid connections [3][4] Industry Trends - The rapid deployment of solar capacity is facilitated by the ability to build solar farms in months rather than years, thanks to streamlined permitting and grid connections [4] - New solar energy is recognized as one of the most cost-effective forms of generating capacity, even before considering subsidies [4] - The fast time-to-power and low-cost electricity of solar energy are key factors attracting large tech companies like Meta to invest in renewable energy [6]
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
Investment Commitment - Google will commit up to $150 million to Warby Parker to develop AI-powered smart glasses based on Android XR [1] - Google has already invested $75 million in Warby Parker's product development and will invest an additional $75 million contingent on meeting certain milestones [1] Partnerships and Collaborations - At Google I/O 2025, Google announced partnerships with several companies, including Samsung and Gentle Monster, to develop smart glasses with Gemini AI and AR capabilities [2] Strategic Approach - Google appears to be adopting a strategy similar to Meta's by partnering with Warby Parker, leveraging the eyewear company's popular frame designs and retail presence [3] - The first line of eyewear from the collaboration is expected to launch "after 2025" and will feature multimodal AI with both prescription and non-prescription options [4]
Musk says Tesla's self-driving tests will be geofenced to ‘the safest' parts of Austin
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 21:14
Core Insights - Tesla is set to begin its robotaxi service trials in Austin, Texas, next month, focusing on specific areas deemed "the safest" by the company [1] - The company will implement a geofence strategy, limiting the robotaxi operations to certain locations, marking a shift from Musk's previous claims of a general-purpose self-driving solution [2][3] - Initial operations will involve around 10 Model Y SUVs equipped with "unsupervised" Full Self-Driving software, monitored remotely by Tesla employees [4] Group 1 - The robotaxi service will initially be restricted to specific safe areas in Austin, Texas [1] - Tesla's approach includes a geofence, indicating a significant change in strategy from earlier claims of universal self-driving capabilities [2] - The company plans to monitor the initial fleet remotely, starting with a small number of vehicles to ensure safety before scaling up [4] Group 2 - Musk emphasized a cautious approach, stating that the vehicles will avoid intersections unless there is high confidence in their performance [2] - The use of remote monitoring aligns with practices seen in other autonomous vehicle companies, such as Waymo, which also employs operational centers for oversight [5]
Apple reportedly plans to let developers build on top of its AI
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 16:49
Group 1 - Apple plans to release a new set of AI products and frameworks at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this June, allowing third-party developers to create software using Apple AI models [1] - The expansion of AI technology aims to attract more attention and users, helping Apple to catch up with competitors in the AI space [2] - The new framework will enable developers to integrate Apple Intelligence across their applications, starting with smaller models [2] Group 2 - WWDC will also feature an overhaul of Apple's operating systems for iPhone, iPad, and Mac [3] - New device-specific capabilities will be introduced, including a feature to manage battery life and a new Health app powered by AI, although the Health app is expected to be released next year [3]
Apple will hold WWDC from June 9
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 15:27
Core Insights - Apple is set to hold its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) from June 9 to June 13, with a focus on new operating systems and features [1] - The company will introduce new versions of iOS, iPadOS, WatchOS, macOS, and visionOS, along with Apple Intelligence-related features [1][2] - Apple is expected to implement significant visual changes in its operating systems, aligning with the VisionOS user interface [4] Operating Systems - New versions to be announced include iOS 19, iPadOS 19, WatchOS 12, macOS 16, and visionOS 3 [1] - The design language will feature revamped icons, menus, apps, windows, and system buttons, simplifying navigation and control [4] Apple Intelligence Features - Upcoming features may include intelligent battery management and a virtual health assistant, building on the Apple Intelligence initiative introduced last year [2] - The rollout of AI-generated features has been gradual, with some features like news summaries facing issues [3] AI Tools - Apple is reportedly testing an AI-powered coding tool in collaboration with Anthropic, which may be made available to developers at WWDC if successful [5]
Amazon's Zoox to start testing AVs in Atlanta, following Waymo
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 14:21
Core Insights - Amazon's autonomous vehicle unit Zoox is set to begin mapping and data collection in Atlanta, Georgia, as a precursor to testing self-driving vehicles and eventually offering public rides in the city [1] Group 1: Testing Expansion - Atlanta will be the seventh city in the U.S. where Zoox is testing its vehicles, following the announcement of testing plans just after Waymo and Uber's announcement of their own robotaxi services in the same city [2] - Zoox is adopting a methodical approach to its robotaxi service rollout, initially using modified Toyota Highlanders to gather data on road geometry and traffic light locations before testing autonomous vehicle technology [3] Group 2: Current Testing Status - The company has progressed to testing its purpose-built robotaxi without a safety operator in California cities such as Foster City and San Francisco, as well as in Las Vegas, Nevada, with plans to offer public rides in San Francisco and Las Vegas by the end of this year [4] - Zoox has been addressing issues in its autonomous vehicle technology, having issued recalls in March and May related to software updates aimed at resolving problems encountered during testing [5]
Waymo gets OK to expand robotaxi service into more of Silicon Valley
TechCrunch· 2025-05-20 00:49
Core Points - The California Public Utilities Commission has approved Waymo's request to expand its commercial robotaxi service area, allowing the company to introduce its driverless ride-hailing vehicles to more communities south of San Francisco [1] - Waymo currently operates a commercial robotaxi service in all of San Francisco and parts of the Peninsula, covering approximately 85 square miles in total, including several Silicon Valley cities [2] - The company is planning to eventually provide service to the San Francisco International Airport, with a phased approach beginning with mapping roadways [3] - Waymo provides 250,000 paid trips each week across its operations, which also include Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin [4]