f5 F5 Networks Buys Shape Security for $1 Billion to Block Automated Fraud F5 acquires Shape Security for roughly $1 billion to combine application delivery with advanced bot and credential-stuffing protection. The deal unites two companies that frequently serve the same enterprise customers.
boeing Boeing Starliner Misses Space Station Orbit Due to Timer Glitch Boeing's uncrewed Starliner capsule fails to reach the International Space Station after a clock malfunction causes an incorrect engine burn. NASA officials confirm that astronauts would have been safe and able to correct the issue if they were on board.
ripple Ripple Secures $200 Million Series C, Reaches $10 Billion Valuation Blockchain startup Ripple raises $200 million in a Series C round led by Tetragon to expand its cross-border payment network. The funding brings the company's valuation to $10 billion as it continues to onboard financial institutions to RippleNet.
snopes Snopes Builds Independent Crowdfunding to Fight 2020 Election Disinformation Fact-checking site Snopes launches its own crowdfunding platform to reduce reliance on major tech companies ahead of the 2020 election. The move follows a frustrating partnership with Facebook that highlighted a fundamental mismatch in priorities.
augmented reality Augmented Reality Startups Struggle and Shut Down Amid High Costs The augmented reality startup space faces a harsh reality in 2019 as several high-profile companies collapse due to high burn rates and lack of focus.
boeing Boeing Starliner Misses Orbit in Critical Uncrewed NASA Test Flight Boeing's Starliner spacecraft fails to reach the International Space Station after a timer error puts it in the wrong orbit. NASA and Boeing officials confirm the capsule is stable and will return to Earth in the coming days.
ripple Cryptocurrency Firm Ripple Reaches $10 Billion Valuation After $200 Million Raise San Francisco-based Ripple secures a $200 million Series C funding round led by Tetragon, pushing its valuation to $10 billion. The new capital aims to validate XRP as a legitimate bridge currency for global financial institutions.
apple Apple Opens HomeKit Development to Boost Smart Home Adoption Apple releases an open-source version of its HomeKit Accessory Development Kit on GitHub to encourage more smart home device integration. The move aligns with a broader industry effort to create a unified standard for connected devices.
robocalls Congress Passes Landmark TRACED Act to Combat Robocalls The Senate approves the TRACED Act, giving the government new powers to prosecute robocallers and requiring carriers to offer free call-blocking tools. President Trump is expected to sign the first major anti-robocall legislation in decades.
haptx HaptX Raises $12 Million for Advanced Haptic VR and Robotics Gloves HaptX secures $12 million in funding to develop its next-generation sensor-packed gloves that simulate touch and resistance for enterprise VR and robotics applications.
india India Escalates Internet Shutdowns to Quell Widespread Citizenship Law Protests The Indian government extends mobile internet blackouts to major cities including New Delhi and Mangalore, affecting tens of millions of people. These shutdowns aim to suppress growing demonstrations against a new citizenship law that critics say discriminates against Muslims.
ring Thousands of Ring Doorbell Passwords Surface on Dark Web A security researcher discovers over 1,500 unique Ring doorbell credentials leaked on a dark web site, granting potential access to customer cameras and personal data. Despite Ring denying a breach and claiming affected users are notified, contacted individuals report receiving no such warning.
robocalls Senate Passes Bipartisan TRACED Act to Combat Illegal Robocalls The Senate passes the TRACED Act, a bipartisan bill requiring carriers to block robocalls using new authentication technology. The legislation now heads to the President's desk for a final signature.
tesla Tesla Adds Stardew Valley to In-Dash Display in Holiday Update Tesla's upcoming holiday software update brings the popular farming RPG Stardew Valley to the car's in-dash display. The game joins a growing list of parking-only entertainment options designed to occupy drivers while charging.
amazon Amazon Opens Massive Headquarters for Kuiper Satellite Internet Project Amazon builds a new 219,000-square-foot headquarters in Redmond, Washington to advance its Kuiper satellite broadband initiative. The facility will support research, development, and prototype manufacturing as Amazon competes with SpaceX and OneWeb.