OpenAI paused a model over cyber risk on Friday. On Monday it shipped one trained to refuse less.
OpenAI paused a model over cyber risk on Friday. On Monday it shipped one trained to refuse less.

OpenAI released GPT-5.6-Cyber on Monday. It is a model built on GPT-5.6 Sol and trained for zero-day discovery and exploit-chain development, and the company says it was also trained to refuse fewer higher-risk dual-use cyber requests. Access runs only…

YouTube just doubled the price of admission to its Partner Program
YouTube just doubled the price of admission to its Partner Program

From 1 February 2027, a channel applying to the YouTube Partner Program will need 1,000 subscribers and 8,000 valid public watch hours over the previous 365 days. The current bar is 4,000 hours over 12 months. The Shorts route doubles as well. Twenty m…

What to expect from Google’s 2026 Pixel hardware launch event
What to expect from Google’s 2026 Pixel hardware launch event

It’s that time of year: On Wednesday, Google is set to host its annual Made by Google hardware launch event for Pixel gadgets. Google itself has already teased new slab-style and foldable Pixel smartphones, but leaks also indicate that the company could announce updated watches, a new color for familiar earbuds, and perhaps a brand […]

The Ninth Circuit let 2,400 addiction lawsuits proceed without touching Section 230
The Ninth Circuit let 2,400 addiction lawsuits proceed without touching Section 230

The Ninth Circuit handed the social media companies a defeat on Monday. It did not hand them a ruling. The San Francisco appeals court rejected their bid to overturn a lower court and shut down some 2,400 federal lawsuits over claims they built their p…

Google Play adds Venmo as a payment option

The ability to add Venmo to Google Play comes as people are spending more money on apps and games.

The first rival Android app store just arrived in the US Play Store
The first rival Android app store just arrived in the US Play Store

Following the latest twist in Google’s legal battles with Epic, US Android users are now able to open Google’s Play Store and download a third-party digital store with its own selection of apps. Aptoide, a store specializing in mobile games, is the first to become available. Third-party app stores have always been available on Android, […]

Ford’s new AI assistant can check your fuel levels and tire pressure
Ford’s new AI assistant can check your fuel levels and tire pressure

Ford is rolling out a new AI-powered assistant that can answer questions about your Ford or Lincoln vehicle, such as how much fuel you’ll need for your next road trip or whether your truck can tow that new motor boat. The app is rolling out first to the Ford and Lincoln mobile apps, where it […]

Google’s top hacker hunter explains why hacking groups get codenames

Google recently changed how it refers and assigns names to hacking groups. TechCrunch spoke with one of the world’s foremost experts on tracking hackers to understand why companies give hackers codenames.

What’s behind the Google AI shake-up
What’s behind the Google AI shake-up

Some of the biggest names on Google’s AI team got new jobs this week. In some cases, including for legendary Googler Jeff Dean, those jobs are no longer at Google. Given that Google’s models seem to be behind the best of what’s coming out of anthropic and OpenAI, is this a sign of Google in […]

Trevor Noah is hosting Google’s Pixel 11 launch event
Trevor Noah is hosting Google’s Pixel 11 launch event

Google is set to host its next live Made by Google hardware launch event on August 12th, and the company says in a new video that comedian Trevor Noah will be hosting the show. The video indicates that the event will feature other celebrities and influencers as well, including Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper […]