Meta rolls out new AI tools to detect ads that secretly lead to child sexual abuse material
Meta launches new AI tools after discovering ads on its platforms that may look normal but direct users to harmful content elsewhere online.
The Download: failed social media bans, and extending pets’ lives
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. Kids are outsmarting social media bans. That’s not a problem we need to solve. —Michal Luria, Aliya Bhatia, and Danah Boyd Social media bans are stacking up. In July, France joined…
High Earners Are Betting They Can Do Better Than Maxing Out Their 401(k)s
Some well-paid savers are looking elsewhere to grow their money.
Healthleap raises $38M for its AI that flags hospital patients who may need a closer look
The financing includes an $8M seed round co-led by Sequoia Capital and First Round Capital, and a $30 million Series A led by Hummingbird Ventures.
Bloom raises $3.6M to become the Alibaba of American manufacturing
The Detroit startup has widened its scope beyond mobility to help drone and robotics companies find U.S. based manufacturers, shippers, and more.
SpaceX alumni nab $100M to rethink shipping with autonomous freight trains
Parallel Systems raised $100M to scale production of its autonomous electric rail vehicle, which can shuttle thousands of pounds of freight up to 500 miles.
Tony Fadell on why the first wave of AI gadgets failed — and what comes next
The “father of the iPod” says the first generation of AI gadgets failed to solve real problems — and the next wave will need to earn consumers’ trust.
Google experiments with an AI-powered gaming platform
Google Labs is working on a new AI-powered game-creation platform called Playground for users to build browser-based games using simple text prompts.
OpenAI’s Alexander Embiricos is coming to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — days after the launch of Dots
OpenAI’s Alexander Embiricos is coming to the AI Stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026, just days after the launch of Dots. Join this conversation by registering for your pass. Get you pass now to save up to $100 and get a second at 50% off.
These Founders Are Betting Your Bed Will Diagnose You Before Your Doctor Does
How Alexandra Zatarain and Matteo Franceschetti, a husband-and-wife team, built a profitable $1.5 billion company on “sleep fitness.”
Self-Checkout Was Supposed to Save Stores Time and Money. Turns Out It Does Neither.
Retailers are finally learning what shoppers have known all along. Self-checkout is the worst.