X subscribers can hide check marks, but company admits they 'may still appear in some places’

Wednesday, August 02, 2023

Today, we are taking you back to the time when the blue check mark used to be so coveted on Twitter that people would wait a whole decade to get one (was it just me?). But now even those who paid to have one don’t want to be associated with what the blue check mark represents. Fair enough, X now lets paid users hide their check marks. Also, TweetDeck has a new name and Community Notes gets an update.

Hopin was poppin’ when virtual events were the norm during the pandemic. Now not so much, to the point where Hopin made a tough decision. Get the scoop.

Well, well, well, how the turntables have turned for Worldcoin. Kenya was one of the first countries where the company launched its eye-scanning and cryptocurrency — basically its “safety market” — and today it might be where Worldcoin is first banned. Find out more.

Meanwhile, investors pumped $5 million into Reflex, an open source tool that helps turn Python code into web apps. Read more to find out how.

And in some cities, those without an Amazon Prime membership can now shop where members do . . . but there’s a fee. Check it out.

Image Credits: TechCrunch

More top reads

So close: Flipkart-backed Shadowfax nears a $60 million funding round led by TPG NewQuest.

Don’t get to the theater much?: “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” makes its debut on Disney+.

All the Google you can muster: We have a trio of Google stories for you today. First, find out why Google pulled its AI Test Kitchen app from the Play Store and App Store. Then, Google wants you to do more searching, so there are some updates to Chrome on mobile. And finally, Google’s generative search feature now shows related videos and images.

A chip off the old semiconductor block: Foxconn plans to invest $600 million in Karnataka for iPhone components and chipmaking tools projects.

Never Meta story we didn’t like: Now on to some Meta news. The company is singing a new tune after releasing AudioCraft, which consists of open source models for generating sounds and music. Meanwhile, the U.K.’s privacy watchdog warns Meta over a plan to keep denying Brits a choice over its ad tracking.

This robot has a cheery face amid chaos: Inworld, a generative AI platform for creating NPCs, lands some fresh investment.

It’s another round of “those crazy hackers”: Both the U.S. and Norway say hackers have been exploiting Ivanti’s zero-day since April, while a security lapse over at travel giant Mondee ended with leaked personal traveler information.

Be art smart: Cohart’s art marketplace makes buying and selling accessible for any kind of art lover.

It’s the quality that counts: Lightup wants to shine a light on data quality with $9 million Series A.

If you need a hand: Orangewood wants to build a cheap, programmable robotic arm for manufacturing.

First impressions matter: Tinder recognizes that and is now testing an AI photo selection feature to help users build profiles.

The help desk will see you now: Okay, so you’re making a pitch deck. Find out where founders go wrong. (TC+)

Don’t forget these:

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 review

Apple Card’s Savings account reaches over $10B in deposits

Subaru doubles its plans for new EVs, targeting 8 models by 2028

Voyager and Airbus will operate Starlab private space station via “transatlantic joint venture”

Discord will now let you stream Xbox gameplay directly to servers and DMs

Image Credits: skodonnell / Getty Images

From the “pod” files

This week, the Equity crew had Sara Mauskopf, the CEO and co-founder of childcare startup Winnie, on the show. The trio took a look at the state of care as a venture-backable category, where startups can find the most impact and business results, and the pressures of fundraising-driven growth in care-oriented markets.

Image Credits: Bryce Durbin

5 questions investors should be asking inception-stage generative AI founders

One week after unveiling his firm’s $250 million Mayfield AI Start fund, managing partner Navin Chaddha shared “the top five pieces of company-building advice” they’re giving to AI-first founders.

According to Mayfield’s thesis, these startups can be sorted into five layers:

Applications and co-pilots
Models
Data
Infrastructure
Semiconductors and systems

“Paradigm shifts propel the rebuilding of the technology stack, creating new enduring companies in every era,” writes Chaddha.

TechCrunch+ is our membership program that helps founders and startup teams get ahead of the pack. You can sign up here. Use code “DC” for a 15% discount on an annual subscription.