LinkedIn News

Health Insurance

Media & Entertainment

Customer Success

Biotech & Health

Education Technology

Human Resources

Telecommunications

Music Streaming

Entrepreneurship

Cloud Computing

Web Development

Renewable Energy

Renewable Power

Consumer Technology

Agriculture Tech

Machine Learning

Software Development

Environmental Health

Mergers and Acquisitions

Business Development

Government & Policy

Electric Vehicles

Moniepoint Secures Visa Investment to Enhance Contactless Payment Solutions

Moniepoint Secures Visa Investment to Enhance Contactless Payment Solutions

African fintech Moniepoint has received a strategic investment from Visa, aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and supporting SMEs across Africa. The fintech, which recently raised over $110 million, has now surpassed $120 million in its Series C funding. Moniepoint processes over 1 billion transactions monthly, with a total payment volume of $22 billion. The partnership will focus on launching contactless payment solutions, responding to Nigeria's push for cashless transactions. Visa aims to increase its presence in Nigeria’s SME market, leveraging Moniepoint's infrastructure for growth.

Created at: January 23, 2025 12:30pm

OpenAI's Operator Tool Set for Pro Users' Preview Soon

OpenAI's Operator Tool Set for Pro Users' Preview Soon

OpenAI is preparing to unveil its new agent tool, Operator, for users subscribed to its $200 monthly Pro plan. Recent code changes in ChatGPT indicate that this tool will be accessible as an early research preview. Users will receive prompts encouraging them to upgrade for access, and the benefits of using Operator will be highlighted on the Pro plan webpage. While Operator will function via ChatGPT's website, it signifies OpenAI's advancements in enabling AI to perform multi-step tasks across web applications. A public launch could occur imminently, suggesting a significant step in AI capabilities.

Created at: January 23, 2025 11:00am

UK Launches Major Investigations into Apple and Google’s Mobile Market Dominance

UK Launches Major Investigations into Apple and Google’s Mobile Market Dominance

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated strategic market status investigations into Apple and Google as part of the new Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act. The CMA aims to assess the companies' dominance in mobile ecosystems, including browsers and app stores. This follows a previous probe into Google Search, which holds a significant market share. Stakeholders have three weeks to provide feedback, with results expected by October 22, 2025. The move signals a robust regulatory approach to enhance competition in digital markets.

Created at: January 23, 2025 10:30am

Neko Health Secures $260M Funding, Aims for U.S. Expansion

Neko Health Secures $260M Funding, Aims for U.S. Expansion

Neko Health, the body-scanning startup co-founded by Spotify's Daniel Ek, has raised $260 million in a Series B funding round, valuing the company at $1.8 billion. The funds will facilitate Neko's entry into the U.S. market, expand its clinic network, and enhance its diagnostic technology. With a growing waitlist exceeding 100,000, the startup has already served 10,000 patients across its clinics in Stockholm and London. CEO Hjalmar Nilsonne emphasizes the rising demand for preventative healthcare solutions, indicating a shift in healthcare paradigms. Lightspeed Venture Partners leads the investment, with other notable firms participating.

Created at: January 23, 2025 6:30am

WhatsApp Secures Legal Win in India Over Data Sharing Restrictions

WhatsApp Secures Legal Win in India Over Data Sharing Restrictions

An Indian tribunal has suspended restrictions preventing WhatsApp from sharing user data with parent company Meta, marking a crucial win for the tech giant in its largest market. This ruling temporarily lifts a five-year ban imposed by the Competition Commission of India, which had accused WhatsApp of market dominance abuse through its privacy policy. Meta must deposit $12.35 million as part of the ruling, with the next hearing set for March 17. The court expressed concerns that the ban could disrupt WhatsApp's free service to users, highlighting the complex regulatory landscape in India.

Created at: January 23, 2025 6:30am

Domain Purchase Redirects to Chinese AI Lab, Sparking Industry Buzz

Domain Purchase Redirects to Chinese AI Lab, Sparking Industry Buzz

A software engineer has acquired the domain 'OGOpenAI.com' and redirected it to DeepSeek, a Chinese AI lab known for its open-source AI models. Ananay Arora revealed he purchased the domain for less than the cost of a meal and aims to resell it. This move highlights DeepSeek's commitment to providing high-performance AI models akin to OpenAI's early offerings. Recently, DeepSeek released its DeepSeek-R1 model, claimed to outperform OpenAI's models on certain benchmarks. The action underscores the growing competition in the AI landscape, particularly between U.S. and Chinese firms.

Created at: January 23, 2025 5:00am

Google Acquires Part of HTC's XR Business for $250 Million

Google Acquires Part of HTC's XR Business for $250 Million

Google has agreed to acquire a portion of HTC's extended reality (XR) business for $250 million, enhancing its virtual and augmented reality hardware capabilities. This deal includes the transfer of HTC VIVE engineering staff to Google and non-exclusive intellectual property rights, while HTC retains development rights. This acquisition follows Google's previous $1.1 billion purchase of HTC's smartphone unit in 2017, and aims to accelerate the development of the Android XR platform. Both companies will also explore further collaboration opportunities in XR technology.

Created at: January 23, 2025 4:30am

Divvy Homes' $1B Sale Leaves Some Shareholders Empty-Handed

Divvy Homes' $1B Sale Leaves Some Shareholders Empty-Handed

The recent $1 billion acquisition of rent-to-own startup Divvy Homes has sparked concerns among shareholders, as reports indicate that some may not receive any payout. Founded in 2016 and backed by notable investors, Divvy reached a peak valuation of $2.3 billion but is now selling for half that amount. CEO Adena Hefets informed stakeholders that after settling debts and costs, common shareholders are unlikely to see returns. The decision to sell was difficult, driven by challenging market conditions and rising interest rates, which forced the company to make significant layoffs.

Created at: January 23, 2025 2:30am

Caffeinated Capital Targets $400M for New Fund

Caffeinated Capital Targets $400M for New Fund

Caffeinated Capital, a San Francisco-based venture firm led by Raymond Tonsing, is aiming to raise $400 million for its fifth fund, as revealed in a recent regulatory filing. So far, the firm has secured $160 million towards this goal. If successful, this would mark the largest capital raise in the firm’s 15-year history. Caffeinated has notable past investments, including Airtable and Saronic. Varun Gupta, who joined Tonsing as a general partner in 2020, adds experience from his role at Affirm, a platform Tonsing also backed early on.

Created at: January 23, 2025 2:00am

Microsoft's Venture Chief Chris Young Resigns Amid Company Restructuring

Microsoft's Venture Chief Chris Young Resigns Amid Company Restructuring

Chris Young, head of Microsoft's business development and M12 venture fund, has officially resigned, as reported in an SEC filing. Young, who joined Microsoft in 2020, was instrumental in driving strategic partnerships and fostering innovation within the company. His tenure saw increased engagement in AI and sustainability efforts. Although the reasons for his departure remain unclear, he will assist in the transition until March. Microsoft expressed gratitude for his contributions, highlighting his role in enhancing diversity and inclusion in the organization.

Created at: January 23, 2025 12:30am

Ati Motors Secures $20M Funding to Propel Robotics Expansion

Ati Motors Secures $20M Funding to Propel Robotics Expansion

Ati Motors has raised $20 million in a Series B funding round as it aims for global expansion in the autonomous mobile robotics sector. The Indian startup plans to capitalize on the rising demand for domestic manufacturing across the U.S., India, and Southeast Asia. With a focus on displacing manual operations, Ati Motors has developed seven distinct robots, enhancing manufacturing capabilities. The funding was co-led by Walden Catalyst Ventures and NGP Capital, joining existing investors. The company also offers a robots-as-a-service model, with notable clients including Airbus and Hyundai.

Created at: January 23, 2025 12:30am

Scale AI Faces Third Lawsuit Over Worker Conditions

Scale AI Faces Third Lawsuit Over Worker Conditions

Scale AI is now confronting its third lawsuit in just over a month, with workers alleging psychological trauma from reviewing disturbing content without proper safeguards. The latest class action, filed on January 17, claims six individuals suffered mental health issues, including PTSD, after being misled about job responsibilities. Previous lawsuits have addressed claims of misclassification and below-minimum wage payments. Scale AI maintains compliance with laws and emphasizes existing support systems. A spokesperson criticized the law firm representing the plaintiffs for past unsuccessful claims against tech companies.

Created at: January 22, 2025 10:30pm

Tumblr TV Launches as a TikTok Alternative Amid U.S. Ban Uncertainty

Tumblr TV Launches as a TikTok Alternative Amid U.S. Ban Uncertainty

Tumblr has officially launched Tumblr TV, a video feature that originated nearly a decade ago as a GIF discovery tool. The move comes in response to the uncertain future of TikTok in the U.S. due to recent legislative actions. New users will find the video tab prominently positioned, while existing users can toggle it within their settings. Following the TikTok ban announcement, Tumblr experienced a significant surge in user engagement, with a 35% rise in iOS app installs. Although Tumblr TV aims to attract TikTok users, it currently lacks the original creator content that defines its rival.

Created at: January 22, 2025 10:30pm

Microsoft's Ties with OpenAI Fray Amid New Leadership Moves

Microsoft's Ties with OpenAI Fray Amid New Leadership Moves

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff highlighted a growing rift between Microsoft and OpenAI during a recent CNBC interview. With OpenAI partnering with SoftBank and Oracle on a $500 billion data center project, Microsoft has lost its status as OpenAI’s exclusive cloud provider. Benioff speculated that Microsoft, now developing its own AI, may not rely on OpenAI moving forward. Tensions have reportedly escalated since OpenAI launched a competing enterprise product, further complicating their relationship. This shift could benefit Salesforce, which utilizes OpenAI’s models and is invested in rival Anthropic.

Created at: January 22, 2025 10:00pm

Divvy Homes Acquired by Brookfield for $1 Billion Amid Market Challenges

Divvy Homes Acquired by Brookfield for $1 Billion Amid Market Challenges

Divvy Homes, a rent-to-own startup, has been acquired by a Brookfield Properties division for approximately $1 billion. This acquisition comes after Divvy's valuation peaked at $2.3 billion in 2021. The deal is expected to finalize by mid-February. Divvy, founded in 2016, has faced difficulties in the real estate market, particularly due to rising mortgage interest rates, leading to multiple layoffs. The company has helped create around 2,000 homeowners through its innovative model. Notable investors include Tiger Global Management and Andreessen Horowitz.

Created at: January 22, 2025 10:00pm

Samsung Teases Extra-Thin Galaxy S25 Edge at Unpacked Event

Samsung Teases Extra-Thin Galaxy S25 Edge at Unpacked Event

At the recent Samsung Unpacked event, the company unveiled a teaser for the Galaxy S25 Edge, an extra-thin variant of its flagship series. This model is expected to be 6.4 mm thick, significantly slimmer than the standard S25's 7.2 mm profile. While details on pricing and availability remain undisclosed, the teaser confirmed earlier rumors of the device's development. The reveal was strategically timed to generate buzz without overshadowing the Galaxy S25's forthcoming release on February 7. Early adopters are likely to be intrigued by the slim design enhancements showcased.

Created at: January 22, 2025 9:30pm

AngelList and CoinList Team Up to Boost Crypto Startups' Fundraising

AngelList and CoinList Team Up to Boost Crypto Startups' Fundraising

In a significant move for the crypto industry, AngelList and CoinList have partnered to introduce specialized vehicles aimed at assisting crypto startups in raising and managing funds. This collaboration will enable users to fund Crypto Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) using stablecoins like USDC, eliminating traditional bank hurdles. The new Crypto Roll-Up Vehicles (RUVs) will streamline the investment process for founders by simplifying compliance management for multiple stakeholders. As crypto gains mainstream traction again, this initiative positions both companies at the forefront of the evolving landscape.

Created at: January 22, 2025 9:30pm

Revolutionary Tech Uses Human Skin to Power Wearables

Revolutionary Tech Uses Human Skin to Power Wearables

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have unveiled an innovative technology called Power-Over-Skin, enabling electrical currents to traverse human skin to power devices like blood sugar monitors and smartglasses. This breakthrough aims to eliminate the need for batteries in wearables, although the research is still in its early stages. The technology has been successfully demonstrated with low-power electronics, including LED earrings. CMU researcher Andy Kong likened this method to radio transmission, using body tissue as a medium for energy transfer.

Created at: January 22, 2025 9:00pm

Samsung Galaxy S25 to Feature AI-Generated Content Credentials

Samsung Galaxy S25 to Feature AI-Generated Content Credentials

During the Samsung Unpacked event, it was announced that the Galaxy S25 will be the first smartphone to support Content Credentials, a standard developed to identify AI-generated images. Adobe revealed this feature, which acts like a 'nutrition label' for digital content, providing details on how content was created and edited. The initiative, backed by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), aims to combat misinformation tied to AI technologies. The Galaxy S25 is now available for preorder and will begin shipping on February 7.

Created at: January 22, 2025 8:00pm

OpenAI Partners with SoftBank and Oracle on $500B AI Data Center Initiative

OpenAI Partners with SoftBank and Oracle on $500B AI Data Center Initiative

OpenAI has announced the Stargate Project, a collaboration with SoftBank and Oracle to establish AI infrastructure in the U.S., potentially attracting up to $500 billion in funding over the next four years. This venture aims to solidify OpenAI's lead in the AI sector, boasting 300 million weekly users and over 1 million paying businesses. The first data center is already under construction in Abilene, Texas. Competitors like Anthropic and xAI are unlikely to match this level of investment, raising the stakes in the AI arms race. Notably, Microsoft is no longer OpenAI's exclusive cloud provider.

Created at: January 22, 2025 7:30pm

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 with Enhanced Google Gemini Features

Samsung Unveils Galaxy S25 with Enhanced Google Gemini Features

At the Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung launched the Galaxy S25 series, highlighting significant updates to Google's AI assistant, Gemini. Users can now utilize Gemini for coordinated tasks across various apps, such as finding restaurants and sharing options seamlessly. New extensions for Samsung apps enhance user experience, while Gemini Live introduces interactive voice feedback for presentations. Upcoming features include real-time screen sharing and live streaming capabilities, set to debut on the Galaxy S25. Preorders start today, with shipping scheduled for February 7.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:30pm

Google Enhances Accessibility Features at Samsung Unpacked 2025

Google Enhances Accessibility Features at Samsung Unpacked 2025

During Samsung Unpacked 2025, Google unveiled significant enhancements to Android's accessibility features, including upgraded screen reader capabilities and new hearing aid functionalities. These updates, part of the Android 15 rollout, introduce LE Bluetooth compatibility for hands-free calling and lower latency. Additionally, TalkBack will now support improved image descriptions and braille display accessibility. This announcement follows last year's FDA approval for over-the-counter hearing aids and similar innovations from Apple. The new features are set to be available on the Galaxy S25 and other Android devices in the coming months.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:30pm

AI Drives Revival of Troubled Nuclear Project in South Carolina

AI Drives Revival of Troubled Nuclear Project in South Carolina

Santee Cooper, a South Carolina utility, seeks to restart the construction of two nuclear reactors at the Virgil C. Summer Nuclear Power Station, halted in 2017 due to massive budget overruns. The utility aims to capitalize on the rising demand for power from AI data centers. The original project saw costs soar from $9.8 billion to $25 billion, contributing to Westinghouse's bankruptcy. Santee Cooper hopes to find partners, potentially including tech companies, to finance the completion of the reactors amidst a renewed interest in nuclear power.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:30pm

Plex Enhances Social Experience with New Public Profiles and Reviews

Plex Enhances Social Experience with New Public Profiles and Reviews

Plex is expanding its social networking features with new public profiles and review functionalities. Users can now share a public URL to their profiles, showcasing their viewing history and Watchlist. The update allows for customizable privacy settings regarding who can see ratings and reviews. Initially launched in November 2023, the 'Discover Together' feature faced some backlash but has evolved to improve user experience. Additionally, a new user interface is being rolled out, starting on Apple TV, enhancing navigation and accessibility. Plex Pass subscribers will also benefit from improved video quality through HEVC hardware encoding.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:30pm

Google Enhances Circle to Search for Seamless User Experience

Google Enhances Circle to Search for Seamless User Experience

At Samsung Unpacked 2025, Google unveiled updates to its Circle to Search feature, enhancing its utility for users. The update enables users to access AI Overviews for various visual results, including trending images and unique objects, without needing to input text. Users can now circle items, such as artwork in museums, to quickly obtain information. Additionally, the feature recognizes phone numbers, emails, and URLs, allowing users to interact with this information directly. This functionality is being rolled out across all Android devices, aiming to streamline the search process.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:00pm

Samsung Galaxy S25 Introduces Google Gemini Activation via Side Button

Samsung Galaxy S25 Introduces Google Gemini Activation via Side Button

At the Samsung Unpacked 2025 event, Samsung unveiled a significant update for the Galaxy S25 line, allowing users to access Google Gemini directly through the side button. This change comes as Samsung shifts focus from its Bixby assistant, which struggled to gain popularity. Gemini is set to replace Google Home on Android devices, enhancing cross-app functionality with Google services. The Galaxy S25, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, is available for preorder and will start shipping on February 7, 2025. Samsung reaffirmed its commitment to Bixby for smart home products.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:00pm

Samsung Unveils AI-Driven Galaxy S25 Ultra, Priced at $1,300

Samsung Unveils AI-Driven Galaxy S25 Ultra, Priced at $1,300

Samsung has officially announced the Galaxy S25 Ultra, a flagship smartphone set to ship on February 7, 2025, priced at $1,300. The device features a 6.9-inch display and a powerful camera system, including a 200-megapixel wide lens. It is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, boasting significant performance boosts, especially in AI capabilities. The Ultra also includes advanced gaming graphics enhancements and a 5,000mAh battery. Preorders for all S25 models are now open, showcasing Samsung's commitment to integrating AI into mobile technology.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:00pm

Samsung’s SmartThings Unveils AI Features for Enhanced Daily Living

Samsung’s SmartThings Unveils AI Features for Enhanced Daily Living

Samsung has announced new AI features for its SmartThings platform at the Unpacked 2025 event, aimed at simplifying users' daily routines. Utilizing ambient sensing technology, the 'Home AI' features will adapt to users' activities, such as exercising or cooking, to optimize their environments. For instance, SmartThings will detect exercise types to provide form guidance and initiate cleaning tasks based on detected activities. The platform will also enable personalized experiences by mapping users' homes and adjusting settings accordingly. Data will remain private, stored locally without third-party access.

Created at: January 22, 2025 6:00pm

Favorited Secures $1.3M in Pre-Seed Funding, Aims to Compete with TikTok Live

Favorited Secures $1.3M in Pre-Seed Funding, Aims to Compete with TikTok Live

Favorited, a new livestream app, has raised $1.3 million in pre-seed funding from investors including a16z. The app aims to provide an interactive platform for creators to engage with followers, featuring gifting and competitive revenue splits of 70/30 for creators. Founded by David Tesler and Zach Ferraro, Favorited currently has over 750,000 users and plans to scale globally. The platform has generated over $4 million in monthly revenue, with creators receiving more than $2.5 million in gifts last week alone. Favorited is available on both the App Store and Google Play.

Created at: January 22, 2025 5:30pm

Elon Musk and Sam Altman Clash on X Over $500 Billion Stargate Project

Elon Musk and Sam Altman Clash on X Over $500 Billion Stargate Project

Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are engaged in a heated exchange on X regarding Stargate, a $500 billion initiative to establish data centers for OpenAI across the U.S. Announced at the White House, the project has drawn initial pledges of $100 billion from investors, including SoftBank. Musk disputed the project's financial backing, claiming that SoftBank has less than $10 billion secured. Altman refuted Musk's allegations, emphasizing the project's benefits for the country. Musk, now leading the Department of Government Efficiency, is also in a legal battle with OpenAI through his company, xAI.

Created at: January 22, 2025 5:30pm

Google’s ChromeOS Now Lets You Control Your Chromebook with Facial Expressions

Google’s ChromeOS Now Lets You Control Your Chromebook with Facial Expressions

Google has announced a groundbreaking feature for ChromeOS that allows users to control their Chromebooks using facial expressions and head movements. This innovative tool is specifically designed for individuals with motor impairments, utilizing advanced AI to translate gestures into device actions. Alongside this, Google is set to launch over 20 new Chromebook models in 2025, enhancing options for students and educators. Additional classroom tools, including screen sharing and remote viewing, aim to improve digital learning. The integration with Figma's FigJam further promotes collaboration in educational settings.

Created at: January 22, 2025 5:00pm

Dewey Unveils TikTok Backup Solution Amid Uncertain Future

Dewey Unveils TikTok Backup Solution Amid Uncertain Future

Dewey has launched a new service that allows users to save their favorite TikTok videos, ensuring access even if the app faces future shutdowns. This move comes as TikTok's status in the U.S. remains uncertain following a recent extension of its shutdown deadline. Dewey, which previously focused on bookmarking for Twitter and other platforms, has now expanded to support TikTok, offering features like organizing saved videos into dedicated folders. The service is free for one account, with paid plans available for additional features. Dewey currently serves over 40,000 users, including 1,500 paying customers.

Created at: January 22, 2025 5:00pm

Trump Administration's Abrupt Dismissal of Cybersecurity Board Sparks Outrage

Trump Administration's Abrupt Dismissal of Cybersecurity Board Sparks Outrage

In a controversial move, the Trump administration has terminated members of the Cyber Security Review Board (CSRB) just a day after the inauguration. The decision, described as 'horribly shortsighted' by an anonymous source, raises concerns over national security amidst ongoing cyber threats, particularly from China. Critics argue that dismantling the CSRB, which provided crucial insights into cybersecurity breaches, undermines U.S. defenses. Former CSRB member Katie Moussouris emphasized the need for qualified advisors, irrespective of political affiliations. The action also affects other advisory committees within the Department of Homeland Security.

Created at: January 22, 2025 5:00pm

Apple's iOS 18.4 Beta Set for Possible Release Next Week

Apple's iOS 18.4 Beta Set for Possible Release Next Week

Apple is expected to unveil iOS 18.4 Beta 1 as early as January 28, following its pattern of timely software releases. The upcoming update is rumored to enhance AI capabilities and improve Siri's performance. Although a late January launch seems likely, previous gaps between public releases raise questions about timing. Apple aims for comprehensive user feedback during the beta phase to refine features. While details remain sparse, significant improvements in battery life and system stability are anticipated, paving the way for future announcements.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:30pm

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Tickets Now Available at Unbeatable Rates!

TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 Tickets Now Available at Unbeatable Rates!

TechCrunch has officially launched ticket sales for Disrupt 2025, offering the lowest rates of the year. Scheduled for October 27–29 at Moscone West, San Francisco, the event promises over 250 sessions and 10,000 tech leaders. Attendees can enjoy super early bird rates and a unique 2-for-1 pass option until January 31. The event will focus heavily on AI innovations and provide networking opportunities with industry experts. This is a must-attend event for entrepreneurs and startups looking to gain insights from leading figures in technology and venture capital.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:30pm

YouTube Unveils New Features for Premium Users: High-Quality Audio and Speed Controls

YouTube Unveils New Features for Premium Users: High-Quality Audio and Speed Controls

YouTube has announced new experimental features for its Premium users, including high-quality audio streaming at up to 256kbps and mobile playback speeds of up to 4x. Users can now enjoy the 'Jump Ahead' feature on the web, allowing them to skip to key video moments identified by AI. Additionally, iOS users will soon be able to access picture-in-picture for Shorts and smart downloads for offline viewing. YouTube Music is also expanding its 'Ask Music' feature to the U.K. and Ireland, allowing for personalized music recommendations.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:30pm

WhatsApp Integrates with Meta's Accounts Center for Enhanced User Experience

WhatsApp Integrates with Meta's Accounts Center for Enhanced User Experience

Meta is set to enhance its Accounts Center by adding WhatsApp, allowing users to share status updates seamlessly across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. This optional feature, designed for global rollout, aims to streamline login processes and content sharing. Users can reshare WhatsApp Status updates directly to Instagram and Facebook Stories, saving time. Importantly, WhatsApp's end-to-end encryption will remain intact. Other upcoming features include unified avatars and AI-generated stickers. This update targets improved connectivity across Meta's platforms while prioritizing user privacy.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:00pm

AI Apps Surge Past $1 Billion in Consumer Spending in 2024

AI Apps Surge Past $1 Billion in Consumer Spending in 2024

Consumer spending on AI apps skyrocketed to nearly $1.1 billion globally in 2024, according to Sensor Tower's annual report. This marks a remarkable 200% increase year-over-year, driven by the popularity of apps like ChatGPT and Gemini. Overall app spending reached $150 billion, up 13% from 2023. Users engaged with AI apps for approximately 7.7 billion hours, with downloads totaling 17 billion. ChatGPT alone achieved 50 million monthly active users, surpassing platforms like Disney+ and YouTube Music. Other app categories also saw notable trends in 2024.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:00pm

Conduent Confirms Cybersecurity Incident Caused Service Disruption

Conduent Confirms Cybersecurity Incident Caused Service Disruption

Conduent, a U.S. government contractor, has acknowledged that a recent outage affecting support services was due to a cybersecurity incident. The disruption left many residents without access to crucial support payments. While the company confirmed the incident, details regarding any potential data breaches remain unclear. Conduent's spokesperson stated that the situation has been contained and all systems are now operational. The company emphasizes its commitment to maintaining system integrity and functionality for its clients. Further information about the incident has not been disclosed.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:00pm

Anthropic Secures $1B Investment from Google for AI Expansion

Anthropic Secures $1B Investment from Google for AI Expansion

Anthropic has successfully raised approximately $1 billion from Google, increasing the tech giant's total investment in the AI company to around $3 billion. This new funding follows a $2 billion investment made last year. Anthropic aims to launch innovative AI models and features in 2025, including two-way voice chat and an AI system named the 'Virtual Collaborator,' which will enhance productivity across platforms like Slack and Google Docs. The company is also seeking an additional $2 billion from other investors at a $60 billion valuation, bringing its total funding to $14.7 billion.

Created at: January 22, 2025 4:00pm