Welcome to TechCrunch’s Week in Review, where we cover the latest happenings in the world of technology. As NeurIPS, the world’s largest AI conference, began in New Orleans, Google shared more about its flagship AI model family, Gemini. Cruise is in the news for slashing 24% of its driverless workforce, and Tesla is recalling its autopilot feature. Twitch encountered a conundrum with its new nudity policy, Adobe released an updated app design language, and Instagram launched a generative AI-powered background editor. Meta’s Threads app is expanding, the FCC denied Starlink a subsidy, Apple is changing its policies around push notification data, and Amazon is now competing with its own Goodreads service. There is a lot to cover, so let’s get started.
Google’s Gemini GenAI models are being integrated into more Google products, including Duet AI, AI Studio, and Vertex AI. Cruise, GM’s self-driving car subsidiary, is laying off 900 mostly field staffers, and Tesla is limiting the use of its Autopilot driver-assistance software as part of a two-million-vehicle recall. Twitch underwent a policy change, prohibiting depictions of both real and fictional nudity. Adobe unveiled Spectrum 2, adding more splashes of color to the design system used as the basis for its app and web products over the last 10 years. Instagram introduced a new background editing tool to U.S.-based users, powered by generative AI.
Rumor has it that Meta’s Threads will launch in the EU next month, while the FCC has made a final denial of Starlink’s application for $885 million in public funds. Apple announced it will no longer give over records of users’ push notifications to law enforcement unless the company receives a valid judge’s order, and Amazon launched its Your Books service, a competitor to its Goodreads platform. TechCrunch also offers a variety of podcasts for weekend listening, featuring guests such as Matt Mullenweg and Kishan Bagaria.
TechCrunch+ subscribers get access to in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys, including articles on Temu vs. Shein lawsuit, a recap of COP28 and Google’s antitrust lawsuit concerning the Play Store. There have been significant developments in the tech-o-sphere, and it’s essential to stay informed about these major happenings. Whether you’re interested in AI, autonomous vehicles, social media policies, app design, or tech industry politics, Week in Review has got you covered. Don’t forget to sign up to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday to stay up to date with the latest news in the world of technology.
