TechCrunch Daily Crunch

Google launches an easy-to-use tool for developing apps and chatbots based on its Gemini model; Circuit City, angling for a comeback of sorts, hopes to raise $25M; Meta starts testing Threads integration with ActivityPub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instagram finstas may turn into a new product called ‘flipside,’ Google Maps gets new updates to give users more control over their information; The most-downloaded iPhone app in the US in 2023 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TikTok becomes first non-game app to reach $10B in consumer spending; Elon Musk says X is bringing video to Spaces soon; Apple’s new Journal app is now available with the release of iOS 17.2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Google's best Gemini demo was faked; OpenAI taps former Twitter India head to kickstart in the country; Snapchat+ keeps growing as net revenue tops $20M for first time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon is piloting a new $9.99 monthly grocery subscription for Prime members in three cities; YouTube now lets you pause comments on videos; Amazon will no longer accept Venmo as a payment option starting next month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

X now lets users broadcast community posts to all followers; Google’s AI chatbot Bard gets a big upgrade with Gemini, Google’s next-gen AI model; Meta AI adds Reels support and ‘reimagine' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

X is now licensed for payment processing in a dozen US states; Bing’s new ‘Deep Search’ feature offers more comprehensive answers to complex search queries; Meta set to discontinue cross-messaging between Instagram and Facebook Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mastercard launches Shopping Muse, an AI-powered shopping assistant; TikTok expands its in-app Ticketmaster ticketing feature to users in 20 countries; Spotify cuts 17% jobs amid rising capital costs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon signs 3-launch deal with SpaceX for Project Kuiper satellite internet constellation; X says it will chase SMB ad dollars after Musk's 'go f*** yourself' comments to fleeing advertisers; Microsoft is in talks with partners about launching an Xbox mobile store Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

YouTube Music Recap is no Spotify Wrapped, but it’s still pretty fun; Instagram Threads search now supports ‘all languages’ in latest update; TikTok launches dedicated account tags for artists and new promotional tools Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon finally releases its own AI-powered image generator; Pinterest begins testing a ‘body type ranges’ tool to make searches more inclusive; Spotify Wrapped 2023 adds an AI DJ and Blend to the annual personalized insights Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

YouTube launches more than 30 ‘Playables’ mini-games for Premium users; AWS brings Amazon One palm-scanning authentication to the enterprise Apple Music Replay is here, and it’s still no Spotify Wrapped Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Google’s new tools help discussion forums and social media platforms rank higher in search results; Black Friday online buying hits a record $9.8B in the US, $70.9B globally; Rivian launches leasing program for its all-electric R1T pickup in 14 states. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Altman to return as OpenAI CEO; Elon Musk says xAI's chatbot 'Grok' will launch to X Premium+ subscribers next week; North Korea-backed hackers target CyberLink users in supply-chain attack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ford downsizes EV battery factory plan; Spotify says its upcoming royalty model changes will generate $1B for artists over five years; Google admits Spotify pays no Play Store fees because of a secret deal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ukraine fires top cybersecurity officials; Advertiser exodus expected to deeply impact X ad revenue; Microsoft hires ex-OpenAI leaders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apple to pause advertising on X after Musk praises antisemitic conspiracy theory; Apple to finally bring RCS to iPhones; Sam Altman ousted as OpenAI's CEO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon to sell cars online, starting with Hyundai; Twitch launches Privacy Center to educate users about their personal data; Meta brings us a step closer to AI-generated movies Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon brings its home robot to businesses; Google Photos turns to AI to organize and categorize your photos for you; Google Maps gets more social with a new feature to help you plan outings with your friends Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amazon strikes deal with Snap to let users buy its products from ads on Snapchat; Instagram brings Close Friends feature to the main feed; TikTok’s newest feature lets you save favorite songs directly to Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WhatsApp launches a new Discord-like voice chat feature for large groups; Uber takes steps to combat unfair driver deactivations; Elon Musk says X is changing its algorithm to highlight smaller accounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

EU business crowdfunding is now bound by bloc-wide regulations; Cruise begins layoffs, starting with workers who supported driverless operations; Tumblr to run on skeleton crew as parent company Automattic absorbs staff Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Snap’s latest version of its AR development tool includes a ChatGPT API, boosted productivity and more; Meta and Amazon team up on new in-app shopping feature on Facebook & Instagram; Amazon makes online grocery available for non-Prime members, starting with Amazon Fresh; Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SiriusXM unveils new streaming app, set to launch next month; Creators have mixed feelings about TikTok’s new monetization program; Airbnb leans on reviews to make listings more reliable as it tests review summaries using generative AI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TikTok is shutting down its Creator Fund in favor of its newer Creativity Program; Waze gets a new safety feature that warns you if a road has a history of crashes; Google Search and Chrome are getting new tools to help users find discounts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices