Author: TechBrunch
Internet Watchdog OFCOM said on Monday it launched a new enforcement program focusing on online storage and file sharing services as a duties under the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA) related to its efforts to tackle illegal content. The regulator said the evidence indicates that file sharing and file storage services are “particularly susceptible” to being used to share image-based child sex abuse material (CSAM). The enforcement program evaluates the safety measures they have implemented, aimed at preventing offenders from spreading CSAM to their services. Ofcom added that they wrote it in the “numbers” of these services without naming the…
Most of the focus of the Generating AI is in a text-based interface used to generate text, images, etc. The next wave looks like a voice, rolling fast. With the latest developments, Google today announced that it will be adding Chirp 3 (speaking model from speech two text and HD text) to its vertex AI development platform starting next week. Last week, Google quietly announced that Chirp 3 will be rolling out eight new voices in 31 languages. Platform use cases include building voice assistants, creating audio books, developing support agents, and over-vide video audio. The news was announced at…
A broad coalition drawn from across the ranks of Europe’s tech industry is calling for “radical action” from European Union lawmakers to shrink reliance on foreign-owned digital infrastructure and services to bolster the bloc’s economic prospects, resilience, and security in increasingly fraught geopolitical times. In an open letter to European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, which TechCrunch reviewed ahead of publication, more than 80 signatories (representing around 100 organizations) said they want regional lawmakers to rethink current support efforts so that they are centered on fostering uptake of homegrown alternatives with the…
No company has taken advantage of the AI revolution more dramatically than Nvidia. Revenue, profitability and cash reserves have skyrocketed since the introduction of ChatGPT over two years ago, and are many competitive generation AI services launched since. And the stock price rose sharply. During that period, the world's leading high-performance GPU manufacturers have used balloon fate to significantly increase their investments in all kinds of startups, particularly AI startups. The chip giant increased its venture capital activities in 2024, taking part in 49 funding rounds for AI companies, a sharp increase from 34 in 2023. This is a dramatic…
In a world filled with “vibe coding,” Cal AI teen founder Zach Yadegari stands in a sarcasm, old-fashioned contrast. Ironically, Yadegari and his co-founder Henry Langmack are both only 18 years old and have recently graduated from high school. But their stories are, so far, classics. Released in May, Cal AI generated over 5 million downloads in eight months, Yadegari said. Better yet, he tells TechCrunch that its customer retention rate is above 30% and the app generated more than $2 million in revenue last month. TechCrunch was unable to verify his downloads and revenue claims, but Cal AI has…
In this week's episode of StrictlyVC Download Podcast, veteran VC Aileen Lee was direct about the recent boom and key consequences of the bust cycle. They also lost the champion who once supported them. Lee is debating how limited partners are reluctant to criticise strong fund managers and fears they will be locked out of their investments in those companies once again. But she imagined they would say whether they could speak freely: “Everyone wants to join the X-brand name fund, so they never criticize [for fear of repercussions] . . They probably talk about us behind our backs [laughs]..…
After bringing together people from around the world for 23 years, Skype, a popular video calling service, is closed. Parent company Microsoft has confirmed that the official sunset for the service is May 5, 2025. Skype users can choose to migrate all their contacts and chat with their Microsoft teams, or download Skype data and migrate to another video call service. To help Switch users, we have created a guide on how to migrate to a team and how to download Skype data. Additionally, we have curated a list of apps calling alternative videos that can replace Skype. How to…
After Employer.com acquired the accounting startup bench that went bankrupt with firefighting sales late last year, CEO Jesse Tinsley has pledged to honor past customer payments on LinkedIn and others. “We respect all prepaid bench services despite not being able to earn directly from it,” Tinsley said in an interview with founder and investor Julian Weiser. However, some bench customers say they are being charged to get books and tax returns they paid previously. The lawsuit filed Tuesday by bench customer Qorum alleges that the bench will have to pay to obtain its 2023 tax return, despite already paying for…
Swedish Fintech Klarna took the next step with the highly anticipated US IPO when it published its F-1 prospectus on Friday. We are now sifting through the documents. Klarna hopes to raise at least $1 billion at the IPO last week at a $15 billion valuation. The public documents have yet to disclose the number of shares or price ranges to be sold, so it is not clear whether the IPO meets funding aspirations. It usually takes a month, sometimes longer, after the prospectus document is published to bite. However, this IPO has been anticipated for years, so perhaps the…
Google will replace its Android phone Google Assistant with Gemini later this year, the company announced Friday. In a blog post, Google said it will upgrade more users from Google Assistant to Gemini “over the next few months.” Later this year, assistants will be available to most mobile devices and app stores. “In addition, we will upgrade tablets, cars and devices that connect to mobile phones such as headphones and watches to Gemini,” the company added. “We bring new experiences with Gemini to our home devices, such as speakers, displays, and televisions.” Google said it will share details with users…