TechCrunch Industry News

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Google DeepMind CEO ‘surprised’ OpenAI is rushing forward with ads in ChatGPT; plus Substack launched a TV app Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis says the tech giant isn't pressuring him to insert ads into the AI chatbot experience.

Also, Substack's move comes as the company has been investing more heavily in video and livestreaming, as it looks to compete with platforms like YouTube and Patreon for both creators and viewers.

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An interactive AI-powered learning app for kids; plus, Apple is reportedly developing an AI wearable Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

Big tech companies and upcoming startups want to use generative AI to build software and hardware for kids. A lot of those experiences are limited to text or voice, and kids might not find that captivating.

Also, if Apple's wearable materializes, it could be released as early as 2027, according to a report on the device.

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Zanskar thinks 1 TW of geothermal power is being overlooked; plus, consumers spent more on mobile apps than games in 2025 Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Zanskar has raised $115 million to find about a dozen geothermal resources that could help power the grid throughout the U.S. West.

Also, consumers spent more money in mobile apps than games in 2025, driven by AI app adoption.

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Well, there goes the metaverse! Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

The metaverse is on its last legs as VR is eclipsed by AI. But that's not the only thing that went wrong for Meta's VR ambitions.

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Netflix is rolling out a live voting feature; SpaceX didn’t properly inspect crane before collapse Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Netflix said it the feature will be available globally and it will tally votes in real-time

Also, OSHA hit SpaceX with a $115,850 fine after finding seven "serious" violations during its investigation.

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BioticsAI gains FDA approval for its AI-powered fetal ultrasound product; plus, Sequoia to invest in Anthropic Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

TechCrunch Disrupt Battlefield 2023 winner, Biotics AI, announced on Monday that it has received FDA clearance for its AI software that helps detect fetal abnormalities in ultrasound images.

Also, Sequoia Capital is reportedly joining a blockbuster funding round for Anthropic, the AI startup behind Claude, according to the Financial Times. It’s a move sure to turn heads in Silicon Valley. Why? Because venture capital firms have historically avoided backing competing companies in the same sector.

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A privacy-conscious alternative to ChatGPT; plus Oshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Cat 5 hurricane Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

Confer is designed to look and feel like ChatGPT or Claude, but your conversations can't be used for training or advertising.

Also, Oshen has signed contracts with multiple government agencies for its C-Star robots to collect ocean data autonomously.

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Why Silicon Valley is really talking about fleeing California (it’s not the 5%) Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve been following the billionaire exodus from California with some confusion, here’s what’s actually driving the nervousness: it’s not the 5% rate. As highlighted Friday in the New York Post, the proposed wealth tax would hit founders on their voting shares rather than the actual equity they own.

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Taiwan to invest $250B in US semiconductor manufacturing; plus, Silicon Valley’s messiest breakup is definitely headed to court Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

The U.S. struck a trade deal with Taiwan as the country looks to help boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.

Also, OpenAI and Microsoft tried to dodge a courtroom showdown with Elon Musk, but a federal judge on Thursday rejected their requests to dismiss the case.

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Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

Iran’s government-imposed internet shutdown enters its second week as authorities continue their violent crackdown on protesters.

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