Jesse Pollak will tell us why Coinbase is launching its own Base blockchain at TechCrunch Disrupt 2024

Last year, Coinbase launched Base, its own layer-2 blockchain. It’s an ambitious project that could profoundly change not only Coinbase, but also the entire cryptocurrency industry. That’s why we’re excited to invite Jesse Pollak to TechCrunch Disrupt 2024. He’s head of protocols at Coinbase. And more importantly, he’s also the creator of Base. When Coinbase […]

A comprehensive list of 2024 tech layoffs

The tech layoff wave is still going strong in 2024. Following significant workforce reductions in 2022 and 2023, this year has already seen 60,000 job cuts across 254 companies, according to independent layoffs tracker Layoffs.fyi. Companies like Tesla, Amazon, Google, TikTok, Snap and Microsoft have conducted sizable layoffs in the first months of 2024. Smaller-sized […]

Humane execs leave company to found AI fact-checking startup

As Humane struggles to find its footing in the nascent world of AI hardware, two top employees have exited the company to found their own startup. It’s a story that, in some ways, echoes Humane’s own origin story, as founders Bethany Bongiorno and Imran Chaudhri left longtime roles at Apple to launch their own company. […]

FTC bans NGL from offering its anonymous social app to minors

In a first, the Federal Trade Commission is banning an app from serving users under the age of 18. The agency announced on Tuesday that it’s banning NGL, an anonymous social app, from marketing or offering its app to minors. NGL will pay $5 million to settle the lawsuit. Launched in 2021, NGL rose to […]

Google Maps is rolling out speedometer, speed limits on iPhone and CarPlay globally

Google Maps has introduced speedometer and speed limits on iOS and CarPlay — more than five years after their debut on Android — to help iPhone users avoid speed ticketing while driving. TechCrunch has exclusively learned that Google has begun rolling out speedometers and speed limits for iPhone users globally. When people start navigation on […]

Duolingo acquires Detroit-based design studio Hobbes

Language-learning app Duolingo has made its second acquisition in the design space following its 2021 IPO. On Tuesday, the company announced that it’s completed a deal to buy the Detroit-based animation and motion design studio Hobbes. The studio had already been working with Duolingo on several features, including its newer product, Duolingo Music, and other […]

Facebook keeps asking me to say ‘happy birthday’ to dead people

Two of my friends died within the last three years. By some coincidence, both of their birthdays fall in the beginning of July. So, twice this week, Facebook has reminded me to write “happy birthday” to two people who will never respond. Facebook’s algorithms can’t comprehend death. All it knows is there was a time […]

With $6M in seed funding, Enso plans to bring AI agents to SMBs

Running a small business means doing more with less. AI agents can help, but building custom agents for specific workflows remains challenging, even with today’s low-code/no-code tools. The idea behind Enso — which is came out of stealth by announcing a $6 million seed funding round Tuesday — is to give small and medium-sized businesses […]

Chasing YouTube, Spotify adds comments to podcasts

Spotify is expanding the way podcast listeners can engage with hosts with Tuesday’s launch of a new interactive feature: podcast comments. The addition will allow listeners to leave comments on any episode page that supports it, with the hopes of making them feel more like members of a community. Plus, creators will be able to […]