Technology

Amazon’s $1.7B iRobot acquisition scrutinized by UK on competition grounds

April 6, 2023

The U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has confirmed that it’s assessing Amazon’s proposed acquisition of robot vacuum maker iRobot. The case is still at its earliest possible stage, where the CMA is essentially soliciting comments from relevant stakeholders to establish whether there may be a “substantial lessening of competition” in the U.K. as a […]

Amazon’s $1.7B iRobot acquisition scrutinized by UK on competition grounds by Paul Sawers originally published on TechCrunch

Saudi’s Savvy Games Group to acquire mobile games company Scopely for $4.9 billion

April 5, 2023

Savvy Games Group, a games and esports company that is part of the Saudi government’s Public Investment Fund, has agreed to acquire mobile games studio Scopely for $4.9 billion. Founded in 2011, Scopely is known for several popular mobile games including Yahtzee With Buddies, Star Trek Fleet Command, Marvel Strike Force, Stumble Guys and Scrabble […]

Saudi’s Savvy Games Group to acquire mobile games company Scopely for $4.9 billion by Aisha Malik originally published on TechCrunch

Adthos uses generative AI to completely automate audio ads

April 5, 2023

As generative AI proliferates, it’s beginning to reach the ads we hear on podcasts and the radio. Startup Adthos this week launched a platform that uses AI to generate scripts for audio ads — and even add voiceovers, sound effects and music. Customers can optionally go in and edit the ads using a browser-based, multi-track […]

Adthos uses generative AI to completely automate audio ads by Kyle Wiggers originally published on TechCrunch

Twitter singles NPR out with misleading state-backed media label

April 5, 2023

After taking over last year, Twitter’s new owner has invented policies on the fly, pushed questionable design changes and generally bent the platform to suit his whims. In the latest installment of Elon Musk’s mercurial leadership saga, Twitter now classifies American news nonprofit NPR the same way that it handles RT, the infamous Russian state-backed […]

Twitter singles NPR out with misleading state-backed media label by Taylor Hatmaker originally published on TechCrunch

Portable X-ray vision is one step closer to reality with OXOS Medical

April 5, 2023

The global medical imaging market was valued at a touch over $28 billion in 2021, and is only expected to rise with an increase in demand for early-detection services as well as lifestyle and age-related conditions. Yet at the same time as demand for radiology services is increasing, the number of available radiographers is decreasing. […]

Portable X-ray vision is one step closer to reality with OXOS Medical by Haje Jan Kamps originally published on TechCrunch

India opts against AI regulation

April 5, 2023

India does not plan to regulate the growth of AI within the South Asian market, identifying the sector as a “significant and strategic” area for the nation. This stance arrives at a time when numerous voices are calling for increased scrutiny of the rapidly advancing technology. The Ministry of Electronics and IT said in a […]

India opts against AI regulation by Manish Singh originally published on TechCrunch

Drivers in Europe net big data rights win against Uber and Ola

April 5, 2023

In a major win over opaque algorithmic management in the so-called gig economy an appeals court in the Netherlands has found largely in favor of platform workers litigating against ride-hailing giants Uber and Ola — judging the platforms violated the drivers’ rights in a number of instances, including when algorithms were involved in terminating driver […]

Drivers in Europe net big data rights win against Uber and Ola by Natasha Lomas originally published on TechCrunch

Y Combinator is back to bet on the Bay Area

April 5, 2023

Y Combinator, the startup accelerator that has launched the likes of Instacart and Airbnb, has broadened its investing lens in recent years, backing companies all over Africa and India, and beyond. As the tech downturn has continued, though, Y Combinator has shrunk its cohort size, stepped back from late-stage investing, and brought on a new […]

Y Combinator is back to bet on the Bay Area by Natasha Mascarenhas originally published on TechCrunch