Welcome back to TechCrunch PM. This afternoon, we have a look at Anthropic’s latest AI model, YouTube canceling Premium subscriptions accessed from VPNs, more delays for Boeing’s Starliner capsule, and more. Let’s get into it.
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Anthropic releases Claude 3.5 Sonnet: The OpenAI rival is releasing what it claims to be a best-in-class model. Across several AI benchmarks for reading, coding, math and vision, Claude 3.5 Sonnet outperforms its previous model and beats Anthropic’s previous flagship model, Claude 3 Opus. But is it more of an incremental step than a monumental leap forward? Read more
CDK cyberattacks lead to outages: Auto retailers and car dealerships across the U.S. are facing another day of outages after a second cyberattack hit tech company CDK Global, which develops software used for managing auto customers and their vehicles. CDK spokesperson Lisa Finney confirmed to TechCrunch the second incident and another shutdown of “most of our systems.” Read more
YouTube cracks down on VPNs: YouTube is taking a firm stance against Premium subscribers who attempt to use a VPN to access cheaper subscription prices in other countries. The company confirmed to TechCrunch that it can detect when a subscriber is lying about their signup country and the system will prompt the user to update their billing information. Read more
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Applications now open for the AWS Generative AI Accelerator
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The AWS Generative AI Accelerator supports the most promising generative AI startups with up to $1 million in AWS credits, personalized mentorship, and access to a global network of experts. Over 10 weeks, startups will accelerate their growth, innovate with AWS technology, and redefine the future of generative AI.
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Stream to just your close friends: Instagram is introducing the ability for users to broadcast live to only their Close Friends list as the social network continues its push toward more private and curated connections on its platform. Read more
More delays for Boeing’s Starliner capsule: The aerospace giant finally launched the spacecraft earlier this month, but the two-person crew is currently looking to spend more than double the planned amount of time in space due to continuing technical issues on orbit. Read more
An app for tracking “digital dopamine”: Roots is a new screen-time app that tracks the quality of that time spent across your apps. Users can lock themselves out of the most addictive apps and add reminders to stop scrolling through algorithmic social feeds. Read more
EU member states are divided on CSAM proposal: EU lawmakers remain stalled over a controversial legislative proposal that could see millions of users of messaging apps forced to agree to their photo and video uploads being scanned by AI to detect child sexual abuse material. Read more
When labor shortages turn to growth: The biggest push behind venture funding in robotics is an ongoing labor shortage. Analyst firm Garner forecasts that by 2028, half of large enterprise companies will employ robots in their warehouse and manufacturing processes. Read more
Pocket FM partners with ElevenLabs: Audio platform Pocket FM has partnered with voice-cloning company ElevenLabs to quickly convert text into audio using AI, but voice-over artists are expressing concerns about AI taking over their industry. Read more
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Image Credits: Viaframe / Getty Images
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Poolside is raising $400 million+: Sources tell TechCrunch that generative AI company Poolside.ai is in the process of raising at least $400 million, on a post-money valuation of $2 billion, to build a supercharged coding co-pilot. Read more
Semperis is now worth over $1 billion: The New Jersey startup focused on AD protection said it had raised $125 million from J.P. Morgan and Hercules Capital and will be using it for R&D and business development. Read more
More money for “buy more, pay later”: Gynger, a platform that lends capital to companies for technology purchases, has raised $20 million in a Series A round led by PayPal Ventures, it told TechCrunch exclusively. Read more
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Image Credits: Getty Images / MirageC
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The Light Phone III is light on features but heavy on price tag: The Light Phone III could be the key to breaking your phone addiction. The minimalist phones have a black and white OLED display and can only do the essentials: call, text, use GPS, set timers, and take pictures. But the phone’s steep price tag may be too big of a cost for some. Hit play and let’s chat!
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Snap settles gender discrimination suit: Snap has agreed to pay $15 million to settle a gender discrimination lawsuit in California. The suit alleged that between 2015 and 2022, Snap paid women less than its male employees — and offered women fewer promotions in comparison. Read more
Pornhub exits more states: Pornhub will cease operating in five more states in response to legislation that requires age verification on adult entertainment websites. The site said in a blog post that it will exit Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky and Nebraska in July 2024. Read more
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