verizon Verizon Media Group Cuts 800 Jobs in Strategic Restructuring Verizon Media Group lays off about 800 employees as it shifts focus to three core business priorities. The cuts follow a massive writedown and the retirement of the Oath brand name.
marie kondo TechCrunch Podcast Explores Emotional Impact of Marie Kondo's New Netflix Show The TechCrunch Original Content podcast dives into Marie Kondo's new Netflix series, discussing how the KonMari method sparks deeper conversations about domestic labor and personal belongings. The episode also touches on the surprising dueling Fyre Festival documentaries from Netflix and Hulu.
data breach Unprotected Server Exposes 24 Million Sensitive Banking Documents A major security lapse leaves tens of thousands of US banking and mortgage documents openly accessible on the internet. The leak traces back to a contractor working for financial data firm Ascension.
aws AWS Introduces Unified Backup Tool for Cloud and On-Premises Data AWS launches a new centralized service called AWS Backup that automates data protection across multiple cloud services and on-premises applications. The tool allows users to manage backup policies and retention periods from a single location.
sensetime Valued AI Startup SenseTime Opens Self-Driving Test Center in Japan Chinese artificial intelligence firm SenseTime launches an autonomous driving research and testing facility in Joso, Japan. The move aligns with Japan's goal to deploy driverless vehicles ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
unity Unity Terminates Game Engine License for Cloud Startup Improbable Unity pulls the license of cloud gaming startup Improbable, sparking a major public dispute over terms of service violations. The move leaves developers uncertain about the future of their multiplayer projects.
google Simple Google Bug Allows Hackers to Spoof Search Results A newly documented bug in Google Search allows anyone to easily manipulate Knowledge Graph cards to spread misinformation through deceptive links.
aws AWS Launches MongoDB-Compatible DocumentDB, Sparking Open Source Backlash AWS introduces DocumentDB, a proprietary database that mimics the MongoDB API without using its code, directly challenging MongoDB's new licensing restrictions.
ai Startups Utilize AI and Engagement Software to Reshape Hiring Early-stage startups are leveraging artificial intelligence to streamline the hiring process and using digital engagement tools to boost workplace happiness, signaling a major shift in how people find and keep jobs.
mit MIT Researchers Develop New System to Reverse-Engineer 3D Models MIT engineers create a system using constructive solid geometry to break down 3D scans into basic, editable shapes. This technique allows users to easily modify and understand the structure of complex 3D models.
netflix TechCrunch Podcast Tackles Netflix's 'Bandersnatch' and Record-Breaking 'Bird Box' The TechCrunch Original Content podcast reviews Netflix's interactive 'Black Mirror: Bandersnatch' special and the hit thriller 'Bird Box'. The hosts find the interactive format frustrating, even as they discuss the massive viewership success of Sandra Bullock's new film.
tech books Top Tech Books of 2018 Highlight Industry Scandals and Science The year 2018 delivers an impressive lineup of technology books that explore major industry failures and final scientific thoughts. Readers find deep reporting on Silicon Valley's biggest crashes alongside memorable works from legendary figures.
facebook Facebook Enters Smart Home Market With Video Chat Devices Portal and Portal+ Facebook introduces Portal and Portal+, two smart screens designed for video calling that face an uphill battle against consumer privacy concerns. The devices feature AI-powered cameras and rely heavily on the Facebook ecosystem.
google Google Pulls Back the Curtain on Controversial Duplex AI Google reveals new details about Duplex, the AI system that makes human-sounding phone calls to book appointments. The company takes a slow approach to address ethical concerns and gather public feedback.
google Google Faces Backlash Over Deceptive AI Voice Assistant Duplex Google demos a highly realistic AI called Duplex that books appointments via phone, sparking serious ethical concerns about the tech giant's approach to artificial intelligence design and deception.