TechCrunch Daily Crunch

Coverage of Bluesky’s first transparency report, growth metrics, and moderation challenges. A breakdown of Apple’s record iPhone quarter and excitement around the iPhone 17. Anthropic’s Cowork launch and its new agentic plugins for automating enterprise workflows. A report on Upwind Security’s big funding round and rapid cloud-security growth.

A major lawsuit claims an AI company illegally downloaded over 20,000 musical works and faces a $3 billion demand. The legal fallout is traced back to prior rulings and expanded discovery that widened the allegations. Tech industry moves include Spotify adding group chats and a steep Reality Labs loss that raises questions about its 2026 outlook.

News about LinkedIn issuing AI skill certificates and the surge in AI-related job listings across industries. Amazon's large round of layoffs and hints of more restructuring. Google integrates Gemini into Chrome with a persistent sidebar, tab context groups, Personal Intelligence, and an auto-browse agent that can act on users' behalf.

Coverage of Google rolling out a cheaper AI Plus plan in the U.S., its features, storage and family-sharing details. A deep dive into Anthropic’s reported $20B fundraising move and valuation chatter. Introduction of OpenAI’s Prism, an AI workspace tied to GPT-5.2 for scientists and how it manages full project context. Quick startup funding highlights in space and AI chip design.

Coverage of Grokipedia content surfacing in AI answers and the controversy around its citations. A look at Upscrolled’s sudden download surge after TikTok shifts. Rapid growth of Skylight on the AT protocol and what open-source social apps are doing. A plain explanation of TikTok’s U.S. ownership changes and investor limits. A quick roundup of startup funding and headlines.

Reports cover Tesla retiring its Autopilot name to accelerate uptake of its Full Self-Driving system amid regulatory pressure. Google Photos introduces a generative AI MeMeme tool that turns your pictures into memes. Meta pauses teen access to AI characters while it reworks safety controls. Quick startup and spacesend updates round out the tech headlines.

Explore how Google's AI Mode is stepping up by integrating with Gmail and Photos for smarter, personalized responses. Substack unveils a new TV app, but there's a community outcry to maintain long-form writing. Meanwhile, Tesla takes a bold leap by launching robo-taxi rides in Austin without human drivers, igniting discussions about safety and future fare structures. Stay informed on the latest startup funding news and venture capital moves.

In a notable shift, consumers are investing more in mobile apps than games, highlighting the evolving market. Generative AI is driving this growth, as apps featuring AI features have seen a tripling in revenue. Meanwhile, Threads is rolling out advertisements globally, enhancing its integration with Meta's advertising tools. Additionally, there’s exciting news from startups like Praxis Pro, which raised $6M for life-science tech, and Preply, which secured a whopping $150M in funding.

Netflix is making waves with its new live voting feature for Star Search, letting viewers cast real-time votes. The service is also simplifying its bid to acquire Warner Bros. after facing stiff competition from Paramount. Meanwhile, ICE has found itself among the most-blocked accounts on Bluesky, as users express their discontent with government presence on social platforms. The podcast also covers startup news, including Grubhub's latest acquisition and Another's successful seed funding.

Threads has officially surpassed X in daily mobile users, sparking discussions about its rapid growth and increasing user habits. Meanwhile, Meta is pulling back on its VR ambitions, laying off staff from Reality Labs and shifting focus to AI. TikTok enters the scene with PineDrama, a new microdrama app featuring one-minute episodic content. On another front, controversy brews around X's Grok with deepfake image issues leading to investigations. It’s a whirlwind of tech news and shifts in user engagement!