AI development advances with Google's Gemini 3.1 Pro and new on-device model inference tools like Mirai, while OpenAI secures massive funding and expands its Indian operations through partnerships and data center investments, despite ethical concerns regarding its use and safety fears surrounding agentic AI tools like OpenClaw.

• Lawsuit: ChatGPT told student he was "meant for greatness"—then came psychosis — Ars Technica -
• Google says its AI systems helped deter Play Store malware in 2025 — TechCrunch -
• An AI data center boom is fueling Redwood’s energy storage business — TechCrunch -

• Why these startup CEOs don’t think AI will replace human roles — TechCrunch -
• YouTube’s latest experiment brings its conversational AI tool to TVs — TechCrunch -
• Reddit is testing a new AI search feature for shopping — TechCrunch -
• Google announces Gemini 3.1 Pro, says it's better at complex problem-solving — Ars Technica -
• OpenAI reportedly finalizing $100B deal at more than $850B valuation — TechCrunch -
• Reload wants to give your AI agents a shared memory — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI, Reliance partner to add AI search to JioHotstar — TechCrunch -
• Co-founders behind Reface and Prisma join hands to improve on-device model inference with Mirai — TechCrunch -
• OpenClaw security fears lead Meta, other AI firms to restrict its use — Ars Technica -
• For open source programs, AI coding tools are a mixed blessing — TechCrunch -
• These former Big Tech engineers are using AI to navigate Trump’s trade chaos — TechCrunch -
• Altman and Amodei share a moment of awkwardness at India’s big AI summit — TechCrunch -
• Freeform raises $67M Series B to scale up laser AI manufacturing — TechCrunch -
• Reliance unveils $110B AI investment plan as India ramps up tech ambitions — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI taps Tata for 100MW AI data center capacity in India, eyes 1GW — TechCrunch -
• OpenAI deepens India push with Pine Labs fintech partnership — TechCrunch -

Cybercrime is on the rise, with FBI warnings about ATM 'jackpotting' attacks and multiple data breaches impacting users of a sex toy maker and a student admissions website, while Cellebrite faces scrutiny for its selective approach to restricting sales of its phone unlocking tools.

• FBI says ATM ‘jackpotting’ attacks are on the rise, and netting hackers millions in stolen cash — TechCrunch -
• Cellebrite cut off Serbia citing abuse of its phone unlocking tools. Why not others? — TechCrunch -
• Sex toys maker Tenga says hacker stole customer information — TechCrunch -

• Bug in student admissions website exposed children’s personal information — TechCrunch -

Snap's executive departure highlights company changes, while **SoftBank's $33B investment in a US gas power plant and a Belden innovation award extension signal ongoing activity in major investments and innovation, alongside advice on building strong founding teams and a look into Silicon Valley's subcultures**.

• At a critical moment, Snap loses a top Specs exec — TechCrunch -
• Second and last chance for innovators to win scaling perks: Belden extends nomination window — TechCrunch -
• The boys’ club no one was supposed to write about — TechCrunch -

• SoftBank to spend an eye-popping $33B to build huge US gas power plant — TechCrunch -
• This VC’s best advice for building a founding team — TechCrunch -

Meta faces legal scrutiny as Mark Zuckerberg is grilled in court over social media harms on teens, while the company also moves to shut down Messenger's standalone website.

• Meta is shutting down Messenger’s standalone website — TechCrunch -
• Zuckerberg grilled in court over social media harms on teens — TechCrunch -

Toyota deploys humanoid robots in its Canadian factory, while New York halts robotaxi expansion plans, and Rivian enhances vehicle controls through Apple Watch integration, as F1 preseason tests preview technical changes and amateur ice racing offers thrilling automotive sports.

• Toyota contracts seven Agility humanoid robots for Canadian factory — TechCrunch -
• F1: Preseason tests show how different 2026 will be — Ars Technica -
• New York hits the brakes on robotaxi expansion plan — TechCrunch -

• Zero grip, maximum fun: A practical guide to getting into amateur ice racing — Ars Technica -
• Rivian owners will soon be able to access vehicle controls using their Apple Watch — TechCrunch -

NASA acknowledges mistakes in a Starliner flight mishap, while SpaceX's Starbase city pursues its own court system, and new scientific research explores the "bouba" effect across species and word-learning dogs' social motivations.

• NASA chief classifies Starliner flight as "Type A" mishap, says agency made mistakes — Ars Technica -
• SpaceX’s Starbase city is getting its own court — TechCrunch -
• From chickens to humans, animals think "bouba" sounds round — Ars Technica -

• Rare gifted word-learner dogs like to share their toys — Ars Technica -

The Rubik's WOWCube reinvents the puzzle cube with technology, while Chrome introduces new productivity features amidst browser competition, and Current offers a reimagined RSS news reader experience.

• Rubik’s WOWCube adds complexity, possibility by reinventing the puzzle cube — Ars Technica -
• As browser wars heat up, Chrome adds new productivity features — TechCrunch -
• Current is a new RSS reader that’s more like a river than an inbox — TechCrunch -