Top Stories

Google Gemini court reveal shows explosive user growth

April 23, 2025, 11:20 am

In a courtroom disclosure amid antitrust inquiries, internal data revealed that Google’s AI chatbot Gemini now boasts 350 million monthly active users. The revelation underscores the rapid adoption of Google’s AI offerings and intensifies the scrutiny over its market power.

Bluesky: @arstechnica.com

arstechnica.com / Google reveals sky-high Gemini usage numbers in antitrust case

techcrunch.com / Google Gemini has 350M monthly users, reveals court hearing

theinformation.com / Google’s Gemini User Numbers Revealed in Court - The Information

permalink / 4 stories from 4 sources in 15 hours ago #google #genai #ai #alphabet #antitrust +

OpenAI eyes purchase of Google Chrome business

April 23, 2025, 4:20 pm

In a move that might make industry insiders raise an eyebrow, OpenAI has expressed its willingness to acquire Google’s Chrome browser if the tech giant is forced to divest. This bold declaration underscores OpenAI’s ambition to expand its ecosystem while playfully challenging the status quo in the tech world.

gizmodo.com / OpenAI Would Totally Buy Chrome From Google, in Case Anyone Was Wondering

theregister.com / Hey Google, if Chrome is going to be single soon, OpenAI is interested

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 10 hours ago #ai #google #openai #browsers #ai +

Perplexity’s Bold Move Against Google’s Monopolistic Dealings

April 23, 2025, 5:20 pm

Perplexity’s chief business officer Dmitry Shevelenko has taken a defiant stance amid legal scrutiny over Google’s alleged restrictive deals. Subpoenaed to testify in a trial on Google’s search monopoly, he seized the chance to pitch the audacious idea of buying Chrome, criticizing tactics that stifle his company’s AI distribution.

Reddit: r/google

Bluesky: @reckless.bsky.social, @theverge.com, @verge-poster.bsky.social

exotext.com / Don't make it "like Google"

theverge.com / Perplexity wants to buy Chrome if Google has to sell it

bloomberg.com / Google blocked Motorola use of Perplexity AI, witness says

permalink / 8 stories from 5 sources in 9 hours ago #google #deals #antitrust #ai #motorola +

OpenAI broadens access to its upgraded image generator

April 23, 2025, 1:20 pm

OpenAI is extending its cutting-edge image generation technology to developers by releasing it via API. The upgrade, famous for its Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals, will now empower other platforms and apps to integrate this feature directly, marking another bold step in the AI creative revolution.

the-decoder.com / OpenAI adds ChatGPT image model "GPT-Image-1" to API for developers

techcrunch.com / OpenAI makes its upgraded image generator available to developers

theverge.com / Adobe and Figma tools are getting ChatGPT’s upgraded image generation model

permalink / 5 stories from 5 sources in 13 hours ago #openai #genai #ai #chatgpt #apis +

Discord leadership shakeup fuels executive transition

April 23, 2025, 1:20 pm

In a major internal shakeup, Discord’s co-founder Jason Citron is stepping down as CEO after 13 years, making way for former Activision Blizzard exec Humam Sakhnini. This leadership change marks a pivotal moment for the platform as it navigates the heightened expectations of its evolving digital landscape.

Reddit: r/technology

Bluesky: @tomwarren.co.uk

techinasia.com / Social platform Discord appoints new CEO as co-founder steps down

theinformation.com / Discord Co-Founder Jason Citron Steps Down as CEO - The Information

cnbc.com / Discord names new CEO ahead of potential IPO as co-founder steps down

permalink / 8 stories from 8 sources in 13 hours ago #gaming #leadership #social-media #ipo #startup +

Google Enforces Return-to-Office Demand for Remote Workforce

April 23, 2025, 6:20 pm

Recent reports reveal that Google is pressuring certain remote teams to resume office attendance, warning employees that continued remote work may jeopardize their roles. This move, which reinforces a return to a traditional hybrid model, underscores management’s persistent belief in in-person collaboration despite evolving work trends.

techinasia.com / Google tells remote workers to return or risk termination

androidheadlines.com / Google reportedly forcing some remote workers to return to offices

simonwillison.net / A swan won't prevent a hurricane

permalink / 3 stories from 3 sources in 8 hours ago #aiethics #genai #llms #ai #google +

Tesla launches employee-only robotaxi test

April 23, 2025, 4:20 pm

Tesla has begun piloting a supervised full self‐driving ride‐hail service using its own employees in key markets like Austin and the Bay Area. This early test marks a significant step toward the summer robotaxi launch, with Tesla determined to fine-tune its autonomous mobility despite the obvious challenges.

techcrunch.com / Tesla begins ‘FSD Supervised’ ride-hail tests with employees in Austin, Bay Area

theinformation.com / Tesla Starts Testing Robotaxi Service With Employees - The Information

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 10 hours ago #selfdriving #tesla #ridesharing #transportation #autonomousvehicles +

Chainguard Secures $3.5B Valuation with Massive Series D Funding

April 24, 2025, 12:07 am

Chainguard has successfully raised $356 million in its Series D round, catapulting its valuation to $3.5 billion. This infusion underscores investor confidence in the firm’s secure software development platform as it continues to build robust cybersecurity solutions amid a fiercely competitive market.

techinasia.com / Cybersecurity startup Chainguard hits $3.5b valuation

pulse2.com / Chainguard: $356 Million (Series D) Raised At $3.5 Billion Valuation For Building Secure Foundation For Software Development

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 2 hours ago #vc #software #innovation #funding #cybersecurity +

SK Hynix Earnings Surge Amid Record AI Chip Demand

April 23, 2025, 7:20 pm

South Korea’s SK Hynix delivered stunning quarterly earnings, smashing profit forecasts thanks to a roaring demand for AI chips. The semiconductor giant is riding the artificial intelligence wave—proving that, in today’s tech frenzy, even memory makers can have a moment of brilliance with an electrifying performance.

techinasia.com / SK Hynix Q1 profit doubles on AI chip demand surge

cnbc.com / SK Hynix quarterly profit soars 158% to top estimates as chip demand surges on AI boom

wsj.com / SK Hynix Posts Strong First Quarter Earnings on AI Chip Demand

permalink / 3 stories from 3 sources in 7 hours ago #ai #chips #tariffs #earnings #ai +

Intel boosts Arrow Lake CPU performance with free overclocking upgrade

April 23, 2025, 12:20 pm

Intel is offering users a free performance boost for its Arrow Lake CPUs through a BIOS update dubbed “Intel 200S Boost.” Compatible systems using unlocked processors and Z890 motherboards can expect roughly 7.5% extra gaming oomph, underscoring Intel’s commitment to squeezing extra juice from its silicon.

techspot.com / Intel's overclocking tool offers 7.5% performance gains without voiding warranty

theverge.com / Intel is boosting the performance of its Arrow Lake CPUs for free

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 14 hours ago #gaming #technology #pc #cpus #intel +

Amazon’s Kuiper satellite rollout hits production snarl

April 23, 2025, 12:20 pm

Amazon’s ambitious low-Earth orbit project, aimed at rivaling Starlink, faces significant production delays. The company’s struggle to scale up satellite manufacturing casts a shadow over its high-flying ambitions and intensifies competitive pressure in the burgeoning space connectivity race.

techcrunch.com / Amazon’s Starlink competitor runs into production delays

theinformation.com / Amazon Struggling to Scale Up Kuiper Satellite Production - The Information

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 14 hours ago #amazon #space #manufacturing #aerospace #satellite +

WhatsApp rolls out advanced chat privacy updates

April 23, 2025, 1:20 pm

WhatsApp has unveiled a new Advanced Chat Privacy update designed to block chat exporting and auto-download of media, giving users tighter control over their private conversations. The rollout aims to protect sensitive messages from unwanted misuse, with the company touting enhanced privacy features amid modern data concerns.

Bluesky: @theverge.com, @bleepingcomputer.com

theverge.com / WhatsApp now lets you block people from exporting your entire chat history

bleepingcomputer.com / WhatsApp's new Advanced Chat Privacy protects sensitive messages

bgr.com / WhatsApp’s new tool blocks others from exporting chats and training AI with your data

permalink / 6 stories from 5 sources in 13 hours ago #dataprivacy #meta #appsecurity #apps-software #privacy +

Threads ads rollout on Meta’s Threads platform

April 23, 2025, 11:20 am

Meta has expanded its advertising program on Threads, opening the platform to all eligible global advertisers. The rollout follows initial tests and promises to offer enhanced targeting and monetization options across the growing social network, ensuring brands have a broader reach to its millions of users.

Bluesky: @macrumors.bsky.social, @sarahp.bsky.social, @Sarahp.mastodon.social.ap.brid.gy

techinasia.com / Meta expands Threads ads globally during trade tensions

macrumors.com / Ads in Threads Expand to More Users

cnbc.com / Meta makes ads on Threads available to all eligible advertisers

permalink / 8 stories from 6 sources in 15 hours ago #meta #apps-software #instagram #social-media #advertising +

Meta smart glasses get AI and translation updates

April 23, 2025, 4:20 pm

Meta is enhancing its wearable smart glasses with fresh AI-driven features including live language translation, aiming to break down communication barriers. The upgrade signals the company’s continued push to blend style with smart functionality, giving users a tech-savvy edge with a side of innovation.

bgr.com / Meta’s smart glasses can now translate your conversations in real time

macrumors.com / All Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Users Get Live Translation, Live AI Coming Soon

techspot.com / Meta expands Ray-Ban smart glasses with live translation, visual AI, and new frames

permalink / 5 stories from 5 sources in 10 hours ago #wearables #meta #ai #accessories #realtimesearch +

Roku unveils its most compact streaming sticks and next-gen TVs

April 23, 2025, 12:20 pm

Roku is shaking up the streaming market with the launch of its tiniest streaming sticks yet, alongside new 2025 TV models. The company’s refreshed lineup promises to blend affordability with cutting-edge design, all while challenging competitors in the race for living room ubiquity.

Reddit: r/cordcutters

betanews.com / Roku reveals its own battery-powered smart home cameras with TV integration

theverge.com / Roku announces its smallest streaming sticks yet

cnet.com / Roku Unveils Two New Streaming Sticks, Starting at $30, and New TVs for 2025

permalink / 4 stories from 4 sources in 14 hours ago #streaming #technology #consumer-tech #gadgets #tv +

Tether, SoftBank, and Cantor launch $3.6B crypto investment vehicle

April 23, 2025, 4:20 pm

In a major crypto shakeup, Tether, SoftBank, and Cantor have joined forces to unveil a $3.6 billion crypto investing vehicle. The partnership is set to leverage deep pockets and market savvy to capitalize on emerging digital asset opportunities, signaling yet another high-stakes bet in the volatile world of crypto finance.

techinasia.com / Cantor, Tether, SoftBank launch $3.6b crypto venture

theinformation.com / Tether, Softbank, Cantor Launch Bitcoin Investing Vehicle - The Information

reuters.com/business / Cantor joins hand with SoftBank, Tether for $3.6 billion crypto venture - Reuters

permalink / 3 stories from 3 sources in 10 hours ago #blockchain #cryptocurrency #investment #bitcoin #softbank +

IBM Faces Federal Contract Setbacks Amid DOGE Policy Cuts

April 23, 2025, 6:20 pm

During its quarterly update, IBM disclosed that 15 federal contracts—amounting to nearly $100 million—were cancelled following DOGE-related government efficiency cuts. Although the tech giant reported sales topping estimates and maintained full-year guidance, the loss of these key contracts remains a significant setback, stirring concerns about future federal revenue streams.

techinasia.com / IBM reports 15 contracts canceled due to DOGE cuts

theregister.com / IBM dragged down by DOGE contract cancellation roulette

techcrunch.com / IBM affected by DOGE cuts, downplays impact during Q1 earnings call

permalink / 4 stories from 4 sources in 8 hours ago #doge #earnings #technology #business #ibm +

Blue Shield data breach exposes 4.7M member records to Google

April 23, 2025, 11:20 am

Blue Shield of California confirmed that sensitive health data for 4.7 million members was inadvertently shared with Google’s analytics platforms. The breach raises serious concerns over data privacy and security protocols, spotlighting the need for stricter controls to protect patient information.

Reddit: r/technology

Bluesky: @nsqe.bsky.social, @anneroth.bsky.social, @glynmoody.bsky.social, @stardustbluepr.com, @mitch.social

androidheadlines.com / Your private health data may have fueled Google's ads

theregister.com / Blue Shield says it shared health info on up to 4.7M patients with Google Ads

bleepingcomputer.com / Blue Shield of California leaked health data of 4.7 million members to Google

permalink / 10 stories from 6 sources in 15 hours ago #cybersecurity #dataprivacy #google #insurance #security +

Nintendo Switch 2 preorder frenzy fuels global sell-out

April 23, 2025, 12:20 pm

Enthusiasm for Nintendo’s next-generation console is reaching a fever pitch as U.S. gamers scramble for preorder slots while Japanese stocks already show a sold-out sign. Expert tips are circulating to help desperate buyers secure a unit amid surging global demand and runaway inventory depletion.

Bluesky: @macrumors.bsky.social

theverge.com / Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are off to a messy start

theverge.com / Where to preorder all of the new Nintendo Switch 2 accessories

bgr.com / Nintendo Switch 2 preorders are live: Where can you buy one?

gizmodo.com / Switch 2 Preorder: It’s Almost Sold Out Everywhere, Where Can I Still Buy One?

permalink / 12 stories from 6 sources in 14 hours ago #hardware #gaming #tariffs #retail #nintendo +

DOJ scrutinizes Disney’s FuboTV acquisition move

April 23, 2025, 1:20 pm

The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into Disney’s plan to acquire a controlling stake in FuboTV, examining whether the deal would dangerously concentrate power in the competitive sports streaming market. The probe raises serious antitrust questions as regulators keep a watchful eye.

techcrunch.com / DOJ reportedly probes Disney-FuboTV deal over competition concerns

bloomberg.com/technology / DOJ Probes Disney-FuboTV Deal Over Competition Concerns - Bloomberg.com

permalink / 2 stories from 2 sources in 13 hours ago #streaming #antitrust #government #media #competition +

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