June 6, 2025

The Download: China’s AI agent boom, and GPS alternatives

This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. Manus has kick-started an AI agent boom in China Last year, China saw a boom in foundation models, the do-everything large language models that underpin the AI revolution. This year, the focus has…

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Startup Battlefield 200: Final week to submit your application

June 2, 2025
Startup Battlefield 200 at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is still accepting applications — but the clock is ticking. In just one week, the chance to compete in the arena for the ultimate global pitch-off will close. Over 10,000 tech and VC leaders will be watching. This is your startup’s shot to be seen, backed, and remembered. […]

5 days left to claim your exhibitor table for TechCrunch All Stage 

June 2, 2025
Time is running out. Exhibitor tables for TechCrunch All Stage, happening July 15 in Boston, are nearly gone — and the final deadline to secure your spot is this Friday, June 6.  TC All Stage is the go-to summit for founders at all stages. Designed to deliver actionable insights and practical guidance, it also connects […]

3 days until the doors open at TechCrunch Sessions: AI at UC Berkeley

June 2, 2025
3  days from now, the future of AI walks through the doors of TechCrunch Sessions: AI at UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall. This Thursday, June 5, TC Sessions: AI brings together the minds shaping what’s next. Builders, dreamers, and disciplined thinkers tackling what AI can—and should—become. Whether you’re fine-tuning LLMs or figuring out what AI shouldn’t […]

Major record labels are reportedly in licensing talks with AI firms Udio and Suno

June 2, 2025
Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony Music Entertainment are in talks to license their work to AI startups Udio and Suno, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The deals would set forth a framework for how AI companies compensate artists for their work. The record labels are pushing to receive a small […]

The Download: US climate studies are being shut down, and building cities from lava

June 2, 2025
This is today’s edition of The Download, our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what’s going on in the world of technology. The Trump administration has shut down more than 100 climate studies The Trump administration has terminated National Science Foundation grants for more than 100 research projects related to climate change, according to an…