OpenAI tests SearchGPT, a new AI search experience designed to compete directly with Google. The feature aims to enrich search queries with “timely answers” from across the web and allows the user to ask follow-up questions. The temporary prototype is currently only available to a small group of users and its publisher partners for testing and feedback, but curious minds can get on the waitlist. Read more
CrowdStrike offered its partners $10 Uber Eats gift cards to apologize for the global IT outage caused by the botched update. A source told TechCrunch that they received an email from CrowdStrike offering them the gift card because the company “recognizes the extra effort caused by the July 19 incident.” However, some people claimed that when they went to redeem the offer, they found that the voucher had been canceled. Read more
Wiz rejected a $23 billion takeover offer from Alphabet. Google’s parent company. The offer was a significant premium over the last private valuation of $12 billion, but a source familiar with the discussions says Wiz’s management team has instead opted to remain independent. In a letter to employees, Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport said their goal is now “$1 billion in ARR and an IPO.” Read more
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News
Optimus gets a sale date: Elon Musk announced that Tesla will start selling its humanoid robot Optimus in 2026. If successful, it would be the first to market. We’ve put together a helpful directory showing where the rest of the industry currently stands. Read more
Good news for Apple Maps users: Apple Maps can now be accessed directly from your browser in a new public beta as the company looks to reach more users and compete with its biggest rival, Google Maps. Read more
Don’t let X Grok train from your posts: X automatically enabled a setting that allows the company to train its Grok AI on user input by default. Here’s how you can turn it off and delete your conversation history with the chatbot. Read more
Hello, Waymo Zeekr: Waymo has begun testing a new robotaxi from Chinese electric car maker Zeekr on public streets in San Francisco. Although it is not yet autonomous, it marks the next phase of the company’s journey. Read more
Colin Kaepernick founds an AI startup: The former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist is launching Lumi, an AI-based storytelling platform designed to help creators tell and own their stories. Currently, Lumi is starting small with creative tools for manga and comic artists. Read more
Alphabet provides Waymo with $5 billion: Alphabet will invest an additional $5 billion in its self-driving subsidiary Waymo in a new “multi-year investment.” The investment will enable Waymo to further expand its autonomous driving technology. Read more
Prop 22 is here to stay: The California Supreme Court has ruled that a ballot proposal to classify app-based gig workers as independent contractors rather than employees can stand, affecting workers at companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart. Read more
Meta’s new AI selfie feature: Want to transport yourself to a quiet beach vacation? Or are you curious what you would look like with bangs? Meta AI’s new Imagine Yourself feature lets you create AI-generated avatars in an instant. Read more
Cruise scraps the Origin: GM’s self-driving car subsidiary is abandoning plans to build the Origin, a purpose-built robotaxis without a steering wheel or pedals, and will instead accept a $583 million financial burden. Read more
Google improves its Gemini chatbot: Google is introducing performance updates for its AI-powered chatbot – and making it more widely available. Gemini 1.5 Flash will soon be available in 40 languages and around 230 countries. Read more
Make way, Steam Deck: Asus is launching an upgraded version of its handheld PC gaming device, the ROG Ally X. The device features a bright 7-inch display with 1080p resolution and is equipped with buttons and joysticks for easy gaming on the go. Read more
analysis
There’s more to the Kamala Harris memes: If you’re seeing a flood of coconut emojis and green “brat” videos of Vice President Kamala Harris on your timeline (or even on cable TV), you’re not alone. In the wake of Harris’s bid for the Democratic nomination, Amanda Silberling analyzes the flood of memes as both the subject of ironic Gen Z posts and a potentially prescient political strategy. Read more
Strava’s next chapter: There comes a time in the life of every startup when leaders and stakeholders need to start thinking about the bottom line. This is the dilemma faced by social fitness app Strava. Six months after taking over as CEO, Paul Sawers spoke to Michael Martin about what’s next – and why it took so long for the app to get dark mode. Read more