From TechCrunch · 40 stories
SpaceX finalizes acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor
SpaceX has officially completed its acquisition of AI coding startup Cursor, following an initial deal announced in April. This acquisition provides Cursor with access to SpaceX's computing infrastructure, including a large fleet of GPUs, to further develop AI capabilities.
Boston Scientific reports cyberattack disrupting global operations and order processing
Medical technology company Boston Scientific experienced a cyberattack on August 25 that disrupted its IT systems, causing a network outage and affecting its ability to process and ship customer orders globally. The incident impacts a major medical device manufacturer, potentially affecting the supply chain for critical medical equipment worldwide.
ATF confirms "major incident" after Qilin ransomware group claims breach
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confirmed a "major incident" involving a breach of one of its standalone systems, following claims by the Qilin ransomware group. The agency stated that its main enterprise network, eForms system, and other ATF systems were not affected, and operations remain uninterrupted.
Google Play to mandate reduced memory usage and seamless device migration by 2027
Google Play will enforce new requirements for Android apps by 2027, including reduced memory usage and automatic sign-in during device transfers. These changes aim to improve app performance and user experience on Android devices, particularly in response to hardware supply constraints affecting memory availability.
GTA VI Gameplay and Map Leaked by Hacker Protesting Digital-Only Releases
A hacker named Cyberleek leaked GTA VI gameplay footage and the full map of Leonida, stating the action is a protest against Rockstar's decision to release the game digitally only and to highlight issues with digital pre-orders. The hacker demands a public apology from Rockstar and a commitment to better practices regarding game distribution and ownership. This incident underscores ongoing gamer dissatisfaction with the industry's shift towards digital-only content and the perceived loss of game ownership.
Stripe Reportedly Acquires AI Gateway Startup OpenRouter for Over $7 Billion
Stripe has reportedly finalized a deal to acquire OpenRouter for more than $7 billion, according to Bloomberg. OpenRouter provides a single access point for customers to select and use various AI models, preventing vendor lock-in.
Apple Reverses Hide My Email Domain Change, Keeps Addresses on icloud.com
Apple announced it will not move iCloud+ Hide My Email addresses to a new domain, reversing a previous decision. This change means Hide My Email aliases will continue to use the icloud.com domain, making them harder for websites to block and preserving user privacy.
Situational Awareness Hedge Fund Sells Public Portfolio After Significant Losses
Situational Awareness, an AI-focused hedge fund founded by former OpenAI researcher Leopold Aschenbrenner, sold most of its public stock portfolio to Ken Griffin's Citadel following substantial losses in AI stocks. The fund's assets under management reportedly dropped from $45 billion to $10 billion in July, highlighting the volatility of highly leveraged investments in the AI infrastructure sector.
Amazon increases prices for Echo, Fire TV, and Kindle products by up to 60%
Amazon has raised prices on its Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, and Eero devices by up to 60%, citing increased memory and storage component costs. This change affects several popular Amazon hardware products, making them more expensive for consumers.
Apple Proposes 5-15% Commission for Off-App Store Purchases Amidst Legal Battles
Apple has proposed a commission structure of 5% to 15% for purchases made through external payment systems in the US, following a court order in its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games. This proposal came after the Supreme Court denied Apple's request to pause lower-court proceedings, which are determining the fees Apple can charge for off-App Store transactions.
Apple reportedly lays off 60 Vision employees, signaling shift in VR development
Apple has reportedly laid off at least 60 employees from its VR development team, the Apple Vision Group, according to AppleInsider. This move suggests a potential reprioritization within Apple's spatial computing initiatives, despite previous assurances of continued investment in visionOS and the Vision Pro.
Tesla Recalls 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Hidden Emergency Door Releases
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China to address hidden emergency door releases, a safety concern that can trap occupants during emergencies. This recall is part of a broader effort by 11 automakers in China to install warning labels and push software updates related to electronic door latch systems. The issue highlights a safety challenge with electronic door latches, which can fail in collisions, making manual releases critical but often hard to locate.
YouTube Changes View Counting to Register a View as Soon as Video Starts Playing
YouTube will update its view counting method on August 24th, registering a view as soon as a video begins playing or a live broadcast is entered. This change aligns YouTube's system with those used by Instagram, TikTok, and its own Shorts videos, and is expected to increase view counts for creators.
New 'ShieldBreak' Zero-Day Exploit Bypasses Microsoft Defender Patch, Grants SYSTEM Privileges
Security researcher Nightmare Eclipse released "ShieldBreak," a new zero-day exploit for Microsoft Defender that bypasses a previous patch for the RoguePlanet vulnerability (CVE-2026-50656). This exploit allows SYSTEM privileges on fully updated Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems, highlighting an incomplete patch for a privilege escalation flaw.
Ford Names Affordable Electric Truck 'Fathom,' Production Slated for 2027
Ford has named its upcoming affordable electric midsize truck the "Fathom," with a starting price of $28,350. This vehicle is the first to be built on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, designed to reduce costs through innovative assembly and electronics architecture. Deliveries are expected to begin in fall 2027, with production starting in Q1 2027 at Ford's overhauled Louisville Assembly Plant.
Microsoft to Launch Unified Copilot "Super App" This Year, Consolidating AI Features
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the company will release an AI "super app" this year, integrating Copilot's chat, coding, and agentic capabilities for both consumer and commercial use. This move consolidates Microsoft's AI offerings into a single application, aiming to simplify access and user experience by merging existing Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps.
FBI Warns of Cybercriminals Hacking Accounts to Steal Explicit Images for Extortion
The FBI has issued a public warning about cybercriminals hacking into social media and online accounts of adults and children to steal explicit images and videos. These stolen materials are then used for blackmail, sold on criminal marketplaces, or shared with other criminals to facilitate further sextortion, with student-athletes and young boys frequently targeted.
Suno to Implement Audio Watermarking and Download Limits for AI-Generated Music
AI music generation service Suno announced new tools including audio watermarking and fingerprinting technology, revised download policies, and updated community guidelines. These changes aim to identify AI-generated content, prevent misuse on streaming platforms, and address ongoing legal challenges from music labels and artist organizations.
Spotify to Label AI-Generated Artists and Exclude Them from Recommendations
Spotify will introduce "AI Persona" labels for artists whose identities are AI-generated, starting in mid-September. These labeled artists will be excluded from Spotify's editorial and algorithmic recommendations by default, aiming to differentiate human artists from AI creations and address the influx of AI-generated content on the platform.
YouTube Doubles Monetization Requirements for New Creators, Expands Premium Lite
YouTube is increasing the eligibility criteria for its Partner Program (YPP) starting February 1, 2027, requiring new creators to have 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views. This change doubles the previous watch hour requirement and significantly raises the Shorts view threshold, impacting how new creators can monetize content. Additionally, YouTube's Premium Lite subscription will expand to all countries where Premium is available.
Google Wallet Introduces Supervised Balances for Minors in the US
Google Wallet has launched a new feature allowing parents in the US to set up secure digital balances for children under 18. This enables minors to make tap-to-pay purchases using Android or Wear OS devices where Google Pay is accepted, without needing a bank account, while parents can monitor spending and set limits.
SpaceX stock drops below IPO price amid Nasdaq-100 inclusion and market volatility
SpaceX shares have fallen below their IPO price of $135, despite the company's recent inclusion in the Nasdaq-100. This decline highlights volatility and challenges in investor sentiment, impacting market perceptions of the aerospace company as it prepares for another Starship test flight.
Zoox to Launch Paid Robotaxi Service in Las Vegas Following Federal Exemption
Amazon-owned Zoox will begin charging for robotaxi rides in Las Vegas starting August 10, 2024. This follows a temporary exemption granted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that allows Zoox to commercially operate its custom-built, steering wheel-free vehicles, deploying up to 2,500 vehicles annually for two years.
Google Maps Adds Food Ordering, Hotel Booking, and Event Ticket Capabilities
Google Maps has expanded its "Ask Maps" feature with new agentic capabilities, allowing users to order food, book hotels, and find event tickets directly within the application. This update integrates "Personal Intelligence," which uses data from Gmail and Google Calendar to personalize responses, transforming Google Maps into a more comprehensive assistant for real-world tasks. The new features are rolling out in English to over 150 countries.
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps Using Residential Proxies
LG Electronics USA will ban apps on its smart TVs that use residential proxy technology after research revealed over 42% of apps on its webOS store included such features. This decision aims to enhance user security and ensure that smart TVs are not misused as proxy nodes.
Reddit shares drop 9% amid potential end of Google AI content deal
Reddit's shares fell 9% after reports indicated it may not renew its $60 million AI content deal with Google. The deal, struck in 2024, has been reconsidered due to declining traffic from Google's AI summaries, reflecting broader trends affecting various news sites.
Google Earth AI Image Generator Removed One Day After Launch Due to Misinformation Concerns
Google launched an AI feature in Google Earth that allowed users to generate and superimpose images onto satellite views using text prompts, but removed it one day later. The feature, powered by Nano Banana 2, was retracted after users created and shared images violating Google's policies, raising concerns about its potential for misinformation.
Apple anticipates significant supply constraints and increased memory costs in September quarter
Apple expects significant supply constraints for iPhone, Mac, and iPad products in the September quarter, alongside increased memory pricing and foreign exchange headwinds. This follows strong Q3 2026 results, but the company's stock fell by approximately 6.5% after the earnings call due to the outlook.
Google expands Play Age Signals API globally for age-appropriate app experiences
Google is expanding its Play Age Signals API globally to Android developers by the end of 2026, starting with Australia and Canada by mid-August. This API allows developers to identify users' age ranges for age-appropriate app experiences without accessing personal data, addressing increasing regulatory pressure for minor protections.
WhatsApp Web Adds Audio and Video Calling with Call Transfer and Waiting Room Features
WhatsApp has rolled out one-on-one and group audio and video calling capabilities to its web platform. This update allows users to transfer ongoing calls between devices and the web, introduces a waiting room option for hosts, and includes features like screen sharing, reactions, and background noise suppression. The expansion makes WhatsApp's full calling functionality available directly through web browsers, removing the need for dedicated desktop applications for calls.
SpaceX Starship Test Launch Aborted Due to Engine Ignition Failure
SpaceX aborted its Starship rocket launch due to engine ignition failure on Thursday. Two engines will be replaced, with a new attempt planned for next week, critical for deploying new Starlink satellites. SpaceX's stock fell following the aborted launch, continuing volatility post-IPO.
Amazon Seeks FCC Approval for 5,105-Satellite Direct-to-Device Network by 2028
Amazon has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch a new constellation of 5,105 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, with deployment planned to begin in 2028. This initiative aims to provide direct-to-device services for voice, messaging, data, and emergency services, leveraging Globalstar's spectrum and integrating with Amazon's existing satellite infrastructure. The network will target users in areas unserved or underserved by traditional wireless providers.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis Proposes U.S.-Led Global AI Regulation Body
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, has suggested the formation of a U.S.-led global AI watchdog to regulate advanced AI models. This proposed body would assess the safety of AI systems before their release and manage risks associated with emerging technologies like artificial general intelligence. Hassabis emphasizes the need for urgent regulation as AI developments pose increasing cybersecurity and biosecurity threats.
Microsoft to Deploy AMD's Helios AI Accelerator on Azure
Microsoft will integrate AMD's Helios, a rack-scale AI accelerator, into its Azure cloud infrastructure. This partnership aims to enhance AI computational power for Azure users, directly competing with Nvidia's offerings. The deployment underscores the growing demand for AI compute capabilities.
Patreon Lays Off 20 Percent of Workforce, Citing Organizational Restructuring
Patreon laid off 93 employees, representing 20 percent of its workforce, as part of an organizational restructuring to flatten the company and refocus teams. This decision impacts the company's operational structure, though CEO Jack Conte stated the core business and value of human creativity remain unchanged.
Ford Integrates Apple Maps into Universal EV Platform for 2027 Vehicles
Ford will embed Apple Maps directly into its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform, starting with a midsize pickup truck in 2027. This integration, utilizing Apple's new MapKit for Automotive SDK, will provide navigation, real-time traffic, EV-specific routing, and support Ford's hands-free driving systems like BlueCruise.
AWS Billing Bug Leads to Erroneous Billion-Dollar Estimates for Customers
AWS users experienced incorrect billing estimates due to a bug causing charges to show as billions of dollars instead of reflecting actual usage. The fault in the AWS billing computation system involved incorrect unit pricing. Amazon is addressing the issue by halting billing updates and reverting to accurate data.
Google Develops 'Frozen v2' AI Chip to Enhance Gemini Model Efficiency by 2028
Google is developing a new AI chip, called 'Frozen v2', designed to improve the efficiency of its Gemini models. Projected to be 6-10 times more efficient than current chips, it aims to address AI compute shortages and reduce dependency on external hardware. This development reflects a shift towards in-house chip production for AI workloads.
San Francisco Orders Apple and Google to Remove Nudify Apps for Legal Violations
San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu ordered Apple and Google to remove 13 nudification apps from their app stores, citing violations of California laws against deepfake pornography. The apps are accused of creating non-consensual explicit images, which impact women and minors. The city claims the companies have profited from these apps and warns of potential civil penalties if they do not comply within 28 days.
Roblox Unveils AI-Powered Game Creation Tool for Mobile Devices
Roblox has launched 'Build', an AI-powered tool allowing users to create games via text prompts on mobile devices. Starting July 28, the feature expands game development accessibility to smartphones, with alpha testing initially in New Zealand. Concerns persist over potential low-quality content influx.