From TechCrunch · 40 stories
Martha Stewart co-founds Hint, an AI app for home maintenance and management
Martha Stewart has co-founded Hint, an AI-powered application designed to assist homeowners with maintenance schedules, energy management, and property-related information. The app aims to provide a centralized platform for managing home upkeep and related data, leveraging AI to process public and user-uploaded information.
Fast Metals Raises $4.3M Pre-Seed to Extract Critical Minerals from Red Mud Waste
Fast Metals, a startup, secured $4.3 million in pre-seed funding to develop a chemical process that extracts critical minerals like titanium and rare earth elements from red mud, a waste product of aluminum refining. This technology aims to make mineral recovery from red mud economically viable by using another waste stream in its process.
Ozlo launches Sleepbuds 2 with improved battery life, connectivity, and sound quality
Ozlo, a startup founded by former Bose engineers, released Sleepbuds 2, an updated version of its sleep earbuds. The new model features extended battery life, enhanced Bluetooth connectivity, and improved sound quality, addressing key areas for improvement from the original device.
Saudi Prince Al Waleed bin Talal acquires 5% stake in Lucid Motors
Prince Al Waleed bin Talal Al Saud has purchased a 5% stake in Lucid Motors, increasing Saudi Arabia's overall ownership in the electric vehicle company. This investment follows a period of restructuring at Lucid and continued financial support from Saudi entities.
European Technology Network Raises $1.6M Seed Round, Expands to Five-Day Live Show
The European Technology Network (ETN) secured a $1.6 million seed funding round and will expand its live show schedule to five days a week starting June 27. This expansion aims to cover the rapid pace of the European tech scene, particularly in London, which has seen significant startup funding.
Encord and Zander Labs trial brain wave data for robot training
Encord, a company specializing in AI data tooling, is collaborating with Zander Labs to experiment with using brain wave data to train robotic AI models. This initiative aims to address the scarcity of real-world physical training data for humanoid and warehouse robotics by providing more useful datasets that include mental state information.
London Island Founder House Offers Alternative to San Francisco Hacker House Model
The London Island Founder House, or "Lift House," has launched in East London as a co-living and workspace for tech founders, aiming to provide a more holistic environment than traditional San Francisco hacker houses. This initiative is part of a trend called "Londonmaxxing," which focuses on optimizing the London tech scene without the intense hustle culture often associated with Silicon Valley.
Kalshi sends Netflix cease-and-desist over 'Prediction Games' documentary trailer
Prediction market platform Kalshi issued a cease-and-desist letter to Netflix, demanding the removal of the trailer for its upcoming documentary, "Instadocs: The Prediction Games." Kalshi claims the trailer contains fabricated documents and misleading statements regarding its operations in Nevada, where it is currently banned.
Librarians host 'Avoiding AI' workshops to help users disable unwanted AI features
Librarians in Philadelphia and Maine are conducting workshops titled 'Avoiding AI' to educate the public on how to understand and disable AI features on their devices and platforms. These workshops address user frustration with the automatic integration of AI tools and aim to promote digital literacy and user autonomy.
Two Volkswagen Engineers Charged with Insider Trading Related to Rivian Joint Venture
Two Volkswagen engineers, Michael Stamp and Marcus Plank, have been charged with securities fraud for allegedly using confidential information about the Volkswagen-Rivian joint venture to make over $300,000 through insider trading. This incident highlights the legal risks associated with misusing confidential corporate information for personal financial gain, impacting market integrity.
Sam Altman's World Raises $52.5M in Crypto Token Sale for Online Verification
World, an online verification startup co-founded by Sam Altman, raised $52.5 million through a crypto token sale to strategic investors, including Pantera Capital. The funding will support the World Foundation in expanding its network for human verification, which uses iris scans to create a World ID.
Rivian Sues US Government for Refund of Tariffs Ruled Unconstitutional by Supreme Court
Rivian has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and its commissioner Rodney Scott, seeking a full refund of tariffs paid under the Trump administration's "Liberation Day" taxes, which the Supreme Court later deemed unconstitutional. This action aims to secure tens of millions of dollars for the automaker, which is currently working towards profitability by 2028 and rolling out its R2 SUV.
Bluesky's AI assistant Attie expands into an open social research tool with new Quests feature
Bluesky has updated its AI assistant, Attie, with a new feature called Quests, allowing users to research information and news across the Bluesky social network and other AT Protocol-integrated apps. This expansion aims to provide users with tools to customize their social experience and make sense of information on the open social web, potentially supporting Bluesky's user growth and monetization efforts.
Lunar Outpost to use Nvidia Jetson chips for LiDAR control on moon rover
Lunar Outpost announced its next moon rover will use Nvidia Jetson chips to control its LiDAR system, marking a potential first for GPUs on the lunar surface. This deployment is part of NASA's initiative to fund private companies for lunar exploration, aiming to map terrain and locate resources.
Edtech platform Imagi raises $4.5M seed round to expand K-12 coding and AI literacy tools
Imagi, an edtech company providing K-12 students and teachers with coding and AI literacy tools, announced a $4.5 million seed funding round. This funding will support the expansion of its platform, which includes a partnership with Lovable for "vibe coding" and integrates AI tools with safety features for classroom use.
MeBeMe App Launches to Counter Doomscrolling with Identity-Based Missions
MeBeMe, a new iOS app, has launched to help users reduce doomscrolling by providing small, identity-aligned tasks. The app aims to encourage real-world habits by nudging users towards meaningful actions rather than blocking access to other apps.
Google integrates enhanced iPhone to Android data transfer into Android 17
Google introduced a new migration experience built into Android 17, enabling wireless transfer of more data types from iPhones without needing a separate app. This feature simplifies the process for users switching from iOS to Android, aiming to lower ecosystem barriers.
OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Basketball and $230 Mini Keyboard
OpenAI introduced a $70 ChatGPT basketball as part of its campaign promoting creativity away from screens, along with a $230 mini keyboard intended for productivity. The basketball's unusual market appeal raises questions about its target customers as it reflects on the tech industry's relationship with mental health and outdoor activities.
Ninja launches the Slushi Twist slushie machine with dual-vessel design
Ninja has released the Slushi Twist slushie machine, featuring dual mixing chambers for creating two different frozen drinks simultaneously. This upgrade allows for a variety of beverages, including slushies, frappés, and cocktails, catering to larger gatherings.
Google's commercial imagines AI-assisted Declaration of Independence drafting
Google has released a commercial depicting a fictional scenario where Founding Fathers use Google Workspace. The ad humorously suggests how AI tools might assist in drafting the Declaration of Independence, but receives mixed reactions online, with significant criticism regarding its tone.
OpenClaw AI agent app launches on Android and iOS
OpenClaw, an open source AI agent, launched on iOS and Android, enabling users to run agents on mobile devices. This allows for increased accessibility and potential use in tasks like coding and meal planning, despite mixed user experiences.
Clicks Technology unveils BlackBerry-inspired smartphone in new video
Clicks Technology has showcased its Clicks Communicator, a BlackBerry-inspired smartphone, in a new video. Priced at $499, it features a tactile keyboard, innovative Signal Light notifications, and customizable back covers, appealing to users seeking a functional alternative to traditional smartphones.
Acti launches AI-powered keyboard for iOS and Android smartphones
Acti has launched an AI keyboard for iOS and Android that integrates actions across apps. This aims to enhance user experience by allowing AI interaction without switching between applications.
Riverside adds newsletter feature for podcast and video creators
Riverside has introduced a newsletter feature aimed at its podcast and video users, allowing them to convert existing content into newsletters. This development seeks to streamline content creation for users already utilizing Riverside's recording tools and differentiates it from traditional newsletter platforms.
Govee launches Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro for luxury ice enthusiasts
Govee has introduced the Smart Nugget Ice Maker Pro, priced at $500, designed for those who prefer nugget ice. The appliance produces 60 pounds of ice daily and can be controlled via the GoveeHome app or voice commands.
Xprize founder advocates for global surveillance, claiming it improves behavior
Peter Diamandis, founder of the Xprize Foundation, argues that global surveillance would lead to better human behavior. He envisions a pervasive 'Sensor Ecosystem' that utilizes various technologies for constant monitoring, raising concerns about privacy and accountability.
Sennheiser Momentum 5 Headphones Offer Balanced Sound, Long Battery Life, and Replaceable Battery
The Sennheiser Momentum 5 headphones are positioned as a premium option with balanced sound, effective noise cancellation, and a 57-hour battery life. A key feature is the user-replaceable battery, which distinguishes them from competitors.
Index Ventures Partner Discusses Shift to AI-Native Cybersecurity
Shardul Shah, a partner at Index Ventures, discussed the limitations of traditional cybersecurity models and the increasing investment in AI-native security companies. He believes periodic, human-in-the-loop security is no longer sufficient for the current threat landscape.
World Model Companies Maintain Secrecy Regarding Product Development
Companies developing world models, such as AMI Labs and World Labs, are not publicly disclosing their product plans or commercialization strategies. This secrecy extends to their data suppliers, who report limited insight into how their data is being utilized.
Vocci introduces a smart ring for meeting note-taking with AI features
Vocci released a new smart ring designed for recording and transcribing meetings, offering a portable form factor for note-taking. While the hardware effectively captures audio in various environments, the accompanying software is described as confusing and less effective for short notes or AI interaction, limiting its overall utility.
Founders Brynn Putnam and Tristan Walker Launch New Ventures Focused on Offline Connection
Brynn Putnam (Mirror founder) and Tristan Walker (Walker & Company Brands founder) have launched new companies, Board and Heirloom, respectively. Both ventures focus on creating offline, in-person experiences, moving away from purely digital interactions.
Podcast discusses risks of superintelligent AI and calls for development halt
A podcast episode features AI researcher Connor Leahy discussing the potential dangers of superintelligent AI, advocating for a halt in its development. Leahy argues that current safety measures like alignment and containment are insufficient given recent incidents and legislative interest.
Grindr aims to become an 'everything app' for gay men, with revenue projected to triple
Grindr, under CEO George Arison, is expanding beyond dating into healthcare and travel services, aiming to become a comprehensive platform for gay men. The company projects revenue to triple from $195 million in 2022 to over $540 million this year, driven by increased paying users and a new premium subscription tier. This strategy reflects a broader trend in consumer tech towards 'everything apps' and seeks to address investor skepticism regarding its valuation.
TechBBQ Conference Highlights European Concerns Over AI Sovereignty and Control
The TechBBQ conference in Copenhagen focused on Europe's desire for greater control over AI technology, particularly after Anthropic's AI models became unavailable outside Europe. Discussions centered on the implications of relying on non-European entities for AI infrastructure and model ownership.
Podcast Discusses Factors Driving Sweden's Startup Growth, Featuring Lovable and Legora
A recent podcast episode explored the reasons behind Sweden's startup boom, highlighting companies like Lovable, Legora, and Neko Health. The discussion focused on contributing factors such as Sweden's social safety net and the influx of U.S. capital into the Nordic ecosystem.
Offshore Sportsbooks Offer Betting on Little League World Series, Citing High Demand
Offshore sports betting providers are offering wagers on the Little League World Series, a tournament for children aged 10-12, despite regulatory restrictions in the U.S. These platforms report significant demand, with one claiming higher betting volumes than on professional sports leagues. This practice raises ethical concerns about exploiting children's games for financial gain.
Fusion Startups Attract Significant Investment, Commonwealth Fusion Systems Leads Funding
Private investors have committed over $100 million to several fusion power startups, driven by advances in computing, AI, and high-temperature superconducting magnets, and a recent scientific breakeven achievement. Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has raised $3.94 billion, including a recent $1 billion round, and is building its Sparc power plant to achieve scientific breakeven by 2027.
Kindle Scribe Colorsoft Reviewed: A Niche Device for Specific Note-Takers and Readers
The Kindle Scribe Colorsoft, priced at $630, is a color e-reader designed for note-taking and reading, featuring an 11-inch display and a digital pen. Its size and cost make it suitable for specific users who prioritize a larger screen for writing and document viewing over portability.
Vogue World to Host Event in San Francisco, Signaling Tech's Growing Influence in Fashion
Vogue World announced San Francisco as the location for its next event, which indicates the increasing cultural recognition of the tech industry and its leaders within the fashion world. This move follows recent collaborations between Vogue and prominent tech figures, including sponsorships and features.
Young Founders Face High Pressure and Public Scrutiny in AI Startup Landscape
Young founders, some under 20, are launching AI startups with significant investor capital but face intense pressure to achieve major milestones and public scrutiny for any missteps. The rise of AI tools has lowered barriers to entry, allowing more young individuals to build companies without prior Big Tech experience, shifting investor focus to open-source contributions and familiarity with AI tools.