News features Google's new AI app, Doppl, insights into AI startups as a new blueprint for venture capitalists, and how AI can supercharge MVPs for founders; it also covers Meta's AI copyright win but also acknowledges how pirate libraries may have profited from Meta torrenting books and that book authors made the wrong arguments in the Meta AI training case. Further, Anthropic is leveraging AI for flash-game-like experiences, Travis Kalanick is attempting to acquire AI-focused Pony AI, CoreWeave's CEO became a deca-billionaire due to AI demand, Google Photos is merging search with AI for faster results, Gemini is set to replace Google Assistant on Android, Google is rolling out AI search in YouTube, YouTube search is getting its own AI Overviews, and Gemini AI is ready to fill spreadsheet cells. On the business front, Meta is actively hiring top OpenAI researchers, and Google is launching Offerwall as AI impacts search traffic. Lastly, Suno is acquiring WavTool for AI music editing, while the social impact of AI is less used for companionship than believed, YouTube is adding an AI-powered search carousel, Reddit's CEO pledges to maintain human-generated content, and AI is unfortunately ruining houseplant communities online.
This topic includes Apple's overhaul of EU App Store rules and updates to its App Store rules with more complicated fees following penalties, Broadcom's audit letter to a VMware license holder, the significant change that Windows killed the Blue Screen of Death, and Microsoft's move to shift antivirus providers out of the Windows kernel. Business news features Uber's dominance in Atlanta's autonomous ride-hailing and delivery market, Rivian's manufacturing team cuts before its R2 launch, Elon Musk reportedly firing Tesla's top sales executive, and Intel's decision to close its automotive chipmaking business. Also, a notable development is Jeff Bezos reportedly courting Trump after a public spat with Elon Musk.
This section highlights Microsoft's Xbox PC launcher integrating with Steam, Epic, and other games, an unexpected Xbox 360 dashboard update to advertise newer Xboxes, and the creation of a Game Boy Camera-style app for iPhones by the Delta emulator developer. Additionally, the Nintendo Switch 2 webcam compatibility mystery is solved, and there's a fundamental look at what an Xbox is.
Coverage includes NASA's test of a new SLS booster where the end blew off, the potential for tissue regeneration in mice by changing one gene, and a 45-hour voyage in a replica canoe testing a Paleolithic migration theory. Other scientific advances detail researchers developing an all-encompassing battery cathode material, and an Ars Live discussion on the surge in temperatures addressing climate science, along with a critical analysis of NASA officials looking like hostages during a town hall.
This topic features RFK Jr.'s CDC panel ditching flu shots based on anti-vaccine data, and crucial security news such as US and French authorities confirming the arrest of BreachForums hackers, and Homeland Security's warning of Iran-backed cyberattacks targeting US networks.
News in this area includes Ember's temperature-controlled smart mug reaching its best price, a review of the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop which is considered a slightly worse version of an older PC, and Hisense's smart air conditioner going on sale. Other product developments include Insta360's new Flow 2 gimbal sacrificing pro features, the release of HDMI 2.2 supporting 16K video at 60Hz, a review of the Bose SoundLink Plus speaker as a new beach speaker, and Dell's new Premium laptops replacing the XPS brand, along with a list of early deals from Amazon's Prime Day sale.
This section focuses on events and funding, with Jahanvi Sardana sharing insights on how top startups reshape markets at TechCrunch All Stage, Jon McNeill bringing an operator's playbook to TechCrunch All Stage, and **Indian drone startup Raphe mPhibr raising $100M** amid soaring military UAV demand.
This topic covers Comcast simplifying its Xfinity internet plans and dropping data caps, Threads allowing separate management of Hidden Words from Instagram, and the BBC launching a paywall in the US for its content.