TikTok-like microdramas are going to make billions this year, even though they kind of suck
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/tiktok-like-microdramas-are-going-to-make-billions-this-year-even-though-they-kind-of-suck/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/tiktok-like-microdramas-are-going-to-make-billions-this-year-even-though-they-kind-of-suck/
TechCrunch
TikTok-like microdramas are going to make billions this year, even though they kind of suck | TechCrunch
The business model behind these apps replicates the same dark patterns as mobile games.
Microsoft gave FBI a set of BitLocker encryption keys to unlock suspects’ laptops: reports
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/microsoft-gave-fbi-a-set-of-bitlocker-encryption-keys-to-unlock-suspects-laptops-reports/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/microsoft-gave-fbi-a-set-of-bitlocker-encryption-keys-to-unlock-suspects-laptops-reports/
TechCrunch
Microsoft gave FBI a set of BitLocker encryption keys to unlock suspects' laptops: Reports | TechCrunch
The FBI served Microsoft a warrant requesting encryption recovery keys to decrypt the hard drives of people involved in an alleged fraud case in Guam.
This startup will send 1,000 people’s ashes to space — affordably — in 2027
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/this-startup-will-send-1000-peoples-ashes-to-space-affordably-in-2027/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/this-startup-will-send-1000-peoples-ashes-to-space-affordably-in-2027/
TechCrunch
This startup will send 1,000 people's ashes to space -- affordably -- in 2027 | TechCrunch
Started by an engineer who worked on the space shuttle program, and at Blue Origin, Space Beyond has a spot on a 2027 Falcon 9 flight.
Here’s what you should know about the US TikTok deal
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/heres-whats-you-should-know-about-the-us-tiktok-deal/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/heres-whats-you-should-know-about-the-us-tiktok-deal/
TechCrunch
Here’s what you should know about the US TikTok deal | TechCrunch
A number of investors are competing for the opportunity to purchase the app, and if a deal were to go through, the platform's U.S. business could have its valuation soar to upward of $60 billion. As TikTok's future remains uncertain, a number of prominent…
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters as it develops a specially tailored version
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/meta-pauses-teen-access-to-ai-characters-as-it-develops-a-specially-tailored-version/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/meta-pauses-teen-access-to-ai-characters-as-it-develops-a-specially-tailored-version/
TechCrunch
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters ahead of new version | TechCrunch
Meta will developed new versions of AI characters that will give age-appropriate responses
Google Photos’ latest feature lets you meme yourself
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/google-photos-latest-feature-lets-you-meme-yourself/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/google-photos-latest-feature-lets-you-meme-yourself/
TechCrunch
Google Photos' latest feature lets you meme yourself | TechCrunch
The new feature lets you insert yourself into a meme in Google Photos.
How did Davos turn into a tech conference?
https://techcrunch.com/video/how-did-davos-turn-into-a-tech-conference/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/video/how-did-davos-turn-into-a-tech-conference/
TechCrunch
How did Davos turn into a tech conference? | TechCrunch
Watch as TechCrunch’s Equity podcast discusses which conversations took over Davos this week, the latest startup raises that caught our eye, and more.
Researchers say Russian government hackers were behind attempted Poland power outage
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/researchers-say-russian-government-hackers-were-behind-attempted-poland-power-outage/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/researchers-say-russian-government-hackers-were-behind-attempted-poland-power-outage/
TechCrunch
Researchers say Russian government hackers were behind attempted Poland power outage | TechCrunch
Security researchers have attributed the attempted use of destructive "wiper" malware across Poland's energy infrastructure in late December to a Russian-backed hacking group known for causing power outages in neighboring Ukraine.
What to know about Netflix’s landmark acquisition of Warner Bros
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/what-to-know-about-netflixs-landmark-acquisition-of-warner-bros/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/what-to-know-about-netflixs-landmark-acquisition-of-warner-bros/
TechCrunch
What to know about Netflix’s landmark acquisition of Warner Bros. | TechCrunch
Learn more about Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros., considered the most historic megadeal in Hollywood, as it continues to develop.
The Rippling/Deel corporate spying scandal may have taken another wild turn
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/the-rippling-deel-corporate-spying-scandal-may-have-taken-another-wild-turn/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/the-rippling-deel-corporate-spying-scandal-may-have-taken-another-wild-turn/
TechCrunch
The Rippling/Deel corporate spying scandal may have taken another wild turn | TechCrunch
The Department of Justice may be conducting a criminal investigation. This is arguably the biggest drama between two HR startups ever.
Who’s behind AMI Labs, Yann LeCun’s ‘world model’ startup
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/whos-behind-ami-labs-yann-lecuns-world-model-startup/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/whos-behind-ami-labs-yann-lecuns-world-model-startup/
TechCrunch
Who's behind AMI Labs, Yann LeCun's ‘world model’ startup | TechCrunch
Yann LeCun's new venture, AMI Labs, has drawn intense attention since the AI scientist left Meta to found it.
Who’s behind AMI Labs, Yann LeCun’s ‘world model’ startup
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/whos-behind-ami-labs-yann-lecuns-world-model-startup/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/whos-behind-ami-labs-yann-lecuns-world-model-startup/
TechCrunch
Who's behind AMI Labs, Yann LeCun's ‘world model’ startup | TechCrunch
Yann LeCun's new venture, AMI Labs, has drawn intense attention since the AI scientist left Meta to found it.
TikTok users freak out over app’s ‘immigration status’ collection — here’s what it means
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/tiktok-users-freak-out-over-apps-immigration-status-collection-heres-what-it-means/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/tiktok-users-freak-out-over-apps-immigration-status-collection-heres-what-it-means/
TechCrunch
TikTok users freak out over app's 'immigration status' collection -- here's what it means | TechCrunch
TikTok users are freaking out over a mention of "immigration status" data collection, but lawyers explain the disclosure is related to state privacy laws.
Apple iPhone just had its best year in India as the smartphone market stays broadly flat
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/apple-iphone-just-had-its-best-year-in-india-as-the-smartphone-market-stays-broadly-flat/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/apple-iphone-just-had-its-best-year-in-india-as-the-smartphone-market-stays-broadly-flat/
TechCrunch
Apple iPhone just had its best year in India as the smartphone market stays broadly flat | TechCrunch
Apple shipped a record 14 million iPhones in India in 2025 and gained market share.
Legal AI giant Harvey acquires Hexus as competition heats up in legal tech
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/legal-ai-giant-harvey-acquires-hexus-as-competition-heats-up-in-legal-tech/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/23/legal-ai-giant-harvey-acquires-hexus-as-competition-heats-up-in-legal-tech/
TechCrunch
Legal AI giant Harvey acquires Hexus as competition heats up in legal tech | TechCrunch
Hexus founder and CEO Sakshi Pratap, who previously held engineering roles at Walmart, Oracle, and Google, tells TechCrunch that her San Francisco-based team has already joined Harvey, while the startup's India-based engineers will come onboard once Harvey…
How PopWheels helped a food cart ditch generators for e-bike batteries
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/how-popwheels-helped-a-food-cart-ditch-generators-for-e-bike-batteries/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/how-popwheels-helped-a-food-cart-ditch-generators-for-e-bike-batteries/
TechCrunch
How PopWheels helped a food cart ditch generators for e-bike batteries | TechCrunch
PopWheels realized its battery swapping network could be used for more than food delivery workers who need to charge their e-bikes. Now, its planning for an "aggressive rollout" this summer.
A new test for AI labs: Are you even trying to make money?
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/a-new-test-for-ai-labs-are-you-even-trying-to-make-money/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/a-new-test-for-ai-labs-are-you-even-trying-to-make-money/
TechCrunch
A new test for AI labs: Are you even trying to make money? | TechCrunch
It’s getting hard to tell which AI labs. are actually trying to make money. We created a rating system to help sort it out.
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SEC drops lawsuit against Winklevoss twins’ Gemini crypto exchange
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/sec-drops-lawsuit-against-winklevoss-twins-gemini-crypto-exchange/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/sec-drops-lawsuit-against-winklevoss-twins-gemini-crypto-exchange/
TechCrunch
SEC drops lawsuit against Winklevoss twins’ Gemini crypto exchange | TechCrunch
The Securities and Exchange Commission has dropped its lawsuit against Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Trump backers Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.
Tech CEOs boast and bicker about AI at Davos
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/tech-ceos-boast-and-bicker-about-ai-at-davos/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/tech-ceos-boast-and-bicker-about-ai-at-davos/
TechCrunch
Tech CEOs boast and bicker about AI at Davos | TechCrunch
There were times at this week’s meeting of the World Economic Forum when Davos seemed transformed into a high-powered tech conference.
Gmail is having issues with spam and misclassification
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/gmail-is-having-issues-with-spam-and-misclassification/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/24/gmail-is-having-issues-with-spam-and-misclassification/
TechCrunch
Gmail is having issues with spam and misclassification | TechCrunch
If your Gmail account doesn’t seem to be working properly today, you’re not alone.
Apple will reportedly unveil its Gemini-powered Siri assistant in February
https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/25/apple-will-reportedly-unveil-its-gemini-powered-siri-assistant-in-february/
Source:https://techcrunch.com/2026/01/25/apple-will-reportedly-unveil-its-gemini-powered-siri-assistant-in-february/
TechCrunch
Apple will reportedly unveil its Gemini-powered Siri assistant in February | TechCrunch
We’re about to get our first real look at the results of the recently announced AI partnership between Apple and Google.