ethereum Ethereum Merge Approaches as Crypto Markets Surge and SEC Oversight Grows The highly anticipated Ethereum Merge is nearly here, bringing a major shift in the network's consensus model. Meanwhile, crypto markets rise sharply and the SEC increases its regulatory scrutiny of the digital asset space.
apple Apple's New Lock Screen Widgets and Dynamic Island Reshape App Development Apple's latest iPhone event introduces innovative ways for app developers to engage users directly from the Lock Screen and the new Dynamic Island. Meanwhile, the global app economy continues to grow steadily despite a post-pandemic slowdown in hypergrowth.
android 13 Android 13 Launches as Global App Spending Growth Stalls Google releases Android 13 with deep personalization features while global app spending sees only marginal growth compared to last year.
youtube YouTube Plans Streaming Channel Store to Rival Amazon, Apple, and Roku YouTube is developing a channel store within its main app to let users subscribe to third-party streaming services directly. The move positions the video giant as a premium marketplace competitor alongside established platforms.
android 13 Google Releases Android 13 With Enhanced Material You and Tablet Features Google officially rolls out Android 13 to Pixel smartphones today, bringing deeper theme customization and improved multitasking. Owners of non-Google handsets must wait until later this year to receive the update.
employee benefits Employee-Benefits Startups May Survive Cost Cuts Amid Ongoing Labor Shortage As companies look to cut costs in a slowing economy, employee-benefits startups fear their services will end up on the chopping block. However, experts note that a tight labor market forces employers to preserve these perks to avoid damaging employee morale.
meta Meta Hands Over Teen's Messages in Landmark Nebraska Abortion Prosecution Meta provides a Nebraska teenager's private Facebook messages to police, leading to felony charges for allegedly using abortion pills. The tech giant hands over the data without challenging the legal order despite the questionable grounds of the investigation.
snapchat Snapchat Launches Family Center Parental Controls Amid Regulatory Pressure Snapchat introduces its first parental control feature, Family Center, allowing parents to monitor their teens' contacts without reading message content. The launch aligns with similar moves by other social media platforms facing increased pressure to protect minor users.
amazon Amazon Acquires iRobot as Bolt Mobility Abruptly Vanishes TechCrunch's top stories this week include Amazon's $1.7 billion purchase of iRobot and the sudden disappearance of Bolt Mobility's scooter fleets. Meanwhile, Y Combinator scales back its massive startup batches and Robinhood cuts another 23% of its staff.
opendoor Opendoor Pays $62 Million to Settle FTC False Advertising Charges The Federal Trade Commission fines Opendoor $62 million over deceptive claims that its iBuying platform helps sellers make more money than the traditional market. The settlement delivers a significant blow to the broader iBuying industry.
techcrunch Four Innovative Robotics Startups to Pitch at TechCrunch Event TechCrunch reveals four standout robotics startups that are set to pitch their cutting-edge solutions at TC Sessions: Robotics 2022. The competing companies showcase advancements ranging from robotic pills to sensor-equipped mobility aids.
backstage capital Backstage Capital Lays Off Most Staff Amid Ongoing Investment Freeze Backstage Capital reduces its team from 12 to just three employees as founder Arlan Hamilton cites systemic challenges and limited partner struggles following a pause on new investments.
app economy App Economy Booms as Instagram Tests New Age Verification Methods The global app industry reaches record highs in spending and downloads, while Instagram rolls out new age verification tools. Consumers now spend more time on mobile apps than watching TV.
techcrunch TechCrunch Announces Robotics 2022 Event Focused on Industry Innovation TechCrunch hosts its dedicated Robotics 2022 event to showcase the latest advancements in automation and robotics technology. The gathering features expert speakers, live demonstrations, and networking opportunities for industry professionals.
tech layoffs Tech Layoffs Surge Past 16,000 in May as Reporters Seek Deeper Stories The tech startup layoff wave continues into June after over 16,000 workers lose jobs in May. Journalists and investors now question where these displaced talents end up next.