amazon Amazon Introduces First-Ever Certification Program for Alexa Skill Developers Amazon launches a new specialty certification for Alexa developers to validate their expertise in voice app creation. The program aims to improve the overall quality of third-party skills across millions of Alexa-enabled devices.
twitch Twitch Launches Interactive Karaoke Game to Expand Beyond Traditional Gaming Twitch rolls out "Twitch Sings," a free karaoke-style game built specifically for live streaming and real-time audience interaction. The release serves as a strategic test to attract non-gamers to the platform.
amazon Amazon Acquires Canvas Technology to Boost Warehouse Automation Amazon purchases autonomous warehouse robotics startup Canvas Technology to enhance its fulfillment center operations. The deal adds self-driving cart technology to Amazon's growing robotics portfolio.
amazon Amazon Alexa Expands Beyond Quick Headlines With Long-Form News Amazon introduces a long-form news feature for Alexa, allowing users to listen to in-depth stories from providers like NPR and CNN instead of just quick Flash Briefing headlines.
amazon Amazon Develops Alexa-Powered Wireless Earbuds to Challenge AirPods Amazon is creating its own true wireless earbuds with built-in Alexa support and gesture controls. The device aims to rival Apple's AirPods by promising superior audio quality.
amazon Amazon Prime Offers Free Year of Nintendo Switch Online Twitch Prime is giving members a complimentary 12-month subscription to Nintendo Switch Online, which normally costs $20. Users must claim the benefit in two separate installments before the offer expires.
elizabeth warren Warren's Tech Breakup Plan Raises Questions About Digital Coordination Rights Elizabeth Warren's proposal to break up major tech companies goes beyond traditional antitrust concerns by questioning how digital platforms allocate coordination rights. The plan frames these rights as a public resource rather than a purely corporate asset.
tokenization Tokenized Data Emerges as Alternative to Big Tech Dominance As regulators target tech giants over data control, a new generation of data-backed tokens offers a decentralized alternative to the current data paradigm.
elizabeth warren Venture Capitalists Push Back Against Warren's Big Tech Breakup Plan Silicon Valley investors and startup executives express skepticism over Elizabeth Warren's proposal to break up major tech monopolies, arguing that blocking acquisitions will ultimately harm startups and reduce market competition.
elizabeth warren Warren Proposes Breaking Up Amazon, Facebook, and Google Senator Elizabeth Warren introduces a bold plan to break up major tech companies by designating them as platform utilities. The proposal aims to restore competition and prevent these giants from favoring their own products over third-party participants.
france France Moves Forward With 3 Percent Revenue Tax on Tech Giants France is implementing a new 3 percent tax on the French revenue of large tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook. The law targets global firms earning over €750 million that operate marketplaces or advertising businesses in the country.
france France Proposes 3% Digital Revenue Tax Targeting Tech Giants France introduces a 3% tax on the revenues of large digital companies to address tax loopholes. The measure targets roughly 30 global tech firms that earn significant income in the country.
cobots Collaborative Robots Spark a Robotics-as-a-Service Revolution As e-commerce demand outpaces warehouse labor supply, affordable collaborative robots are emerging to augment human workers. This shift mirrors the transition from legacy software to SaaS, paving the way for Robotics-as-a-Service business models.
amazon Amazon Abandons New York HQ2 Plans Amid Intense Local Pushback Amazon officially cancels its plans to build a second headquarters in Long Island City, Queens, after facing fierce opposition from local politicians and activists. The tech giant will instead move forward with its expansion projects in Virginia and Tennessee.
amazon Amazon HQ2 Fallout, Spotify Buys Podcast Firms, Samsung Unveils New Wearables TechCrunch's Daily Crunch covers Amazon canceling its New York HQ2 plans, Spotify confirming a $340 million podcast acquisition, and Samsung preparing to launch new sports wearables alongside the Galaxy S10.