Latest news with #TechCrunch
TechCrunch
7 hours ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Why Robinhood's co-founder is betting on solar power from space
As the co-founder of Robinhood, Baiju Bhatt helped redefine how millions of people interact with trading and investing. Now he's setting his sights even higher — literally — with Aetherflux, a new venture aiming to harness solar power in space. In this chat, Bhatt talks about what drew him to one of the most audacious bets in tech, how building in hard science compares to fintech, and why big risks still matter. Bhatt joined TechCrunch at our StrictlyVC Menlo Park event in June 2025, among several other speakers whose discussions you can find here.
The Verge
8 hours ago
- The Verge
Facebook is starting to feed its AI with private, unpublished photos
For years, Meta's trained its AI programs using the billions of public images uploaded by users onto Facebook and Instagram's servers. But apparently, Meta has decided to try training its AI on the billions of images that users haven't uploaded to those servers. On Friday, TechCrunch reported that Facebook users trying to post something on the Story feature have encountered pop-up messages asking if they'd like to opt into 'cloud processing', which would allow Facebook to 'select media from your camera roll and upload it to our cloud on a regular basis', to generate 'ideas like collages, recaps, AI restyling or themes like birthdays or graduations.' By allowing this feature, the message continues, users are agreeing to Meta AI terms, which allows their AI to analyze 'media and facial features' of those unpublished photos, as well as the date said photos were taken, and the presence of other people or objects in them. You further grant Meta the right to 'retain and use' that personal information. Meta recently acknowledged that it's scraped the data from all the content that's been published on Facebook and Instagram since 2007 to train its generative AI models. Though the company stated that it's only used public posts uploaded from adult users over the age of 18, it has long been vague about exactly what 'public' entails, as well as what counted as an 'adult user' in 2007. Unlike Google, which explicitly states that it does not train generative AI models with personal data gleaned from Google Photos, Meta's current AI usage terms, which have been in place since June 23, 2024, do not provide any clarity as to whether unpublished photos accessed through 'cloud processing' are exempt from being used as training data. Meta did not return TechCrunch's request for comment; The Verge has reached out for comment as well. Thankfully, Facebook users do have an option to turn off camera roll cloud processing in their settings, which, once activated, will also start removing unpublished photos from the cloud after 30 days. But the workaround, disguised as a feature, suggest a new incursion into our private data, one that bypasses the point of friction known as conscientiously deciding to post a photo for public consumption. And according to Reddit posts found by TechCrunch, Meta's already offering AI restyling suggestions on previously-uploaded photos, even if users hadn't been aware of the feature: one user reported that Facebook had Studio Ghiblified her wedding photos without her knowledge.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Only 2 exhibitor tables up for grabs at TechCrunch All Stage — claim by June 29
This is not a drill. If your startup exists to power the growth of other startups or is the kind of innovation tech leaders need to see firsthand, your moment is now. TechCrunch All Stage hits Boston's SoWa Power Station on July 15 — and just remain. Yes, only two, and only until June 29. Tables for TC All Stage have been flying, and this is truly your last chance to claim your place in front of founders and investors across all stages. All exhibiting startups receive the following perks — and more. For the complete breakdown, check out the TC All Stage exhibitor page. Reserve your table in minutes — no approvals, no wait. Just visit the exhibitor page, register, and it's yours. This isn't the time to hesitate. You clicked into this article because you know it's time to showcase your brand and make an impact. Book your table here.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Petlibro's new smart camera uses AI to describe your pet's movements, and it's adorable
Petlibro, the pet tech startup known for its automatic feeders and filtered water fountains, has just launched its latest product, the AI-powered Scout Smart Camera, designed to provide pet owners with real-time insights into their furbabies' activities and behaviors. Scout is similar to other pet cameras on the market; it monitors your pet in real-time and features two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with them if they're getting into mischief. The companion mobile app allows users to control the camera's movements, although the camera is also designed to detect and automatically follow their pet as they move past it. It can also make a chirping noise to grab their attention if you can't find them. What sets this device apart, however, is its AI capabilities. Scout uses pet recognition technology to track various activities, such as when your pet eats (which is helpful if they chew on things they shouldn't), drinks water, uses the litter box, or simply walks across the screen. It also captures surprise selfies of your pet when they are detected and provides daily highlights, storing clips in the cloud with up to a 30-day history. Additionally, Scout can recognize multiple pets, allowing it to track their activities separately. Users can currently set individual profiles for two pets in the app. 'Early on, our models struggled to tell similar-looking pets apart, which we knew was needed in many multi-pet pet households. Traditional facial recognition failed when pets moved quickly or shared features. This led us to develop a dynamic, first-of-its-kind (for an AI pet cam), feedback-driven system that improves through real-world use over time,' York Wu, founder and CEO, told TechCrunch. A standout feature I appreciated as a pet owner is that the device doesn't just notify you of your pet's activities; it also provides cute descriptions. One of my favorites during testing was, 'Zelda is calmly strolling across the shiny floor, her nose pointed forward as she explores her surroundings with gentle curiosity.' How adorable is that? Another way Petlibro's Scout camera stands out is its ability to share devices with up to five other family members and friends. If you're interested in trying the device, it's priced at $100. There are multiple subscription plans available; however, to access the AI features, you can opt for either the standard tier, which costs $12 per month, or the premium tier, priced at $17 per month. Another pet camera company, Furbo, offers a similar device that includes an AI 'Nanny' assistant for $7 per month. The camera itself is priced at $210. While Petlibro's Scout camera is priced lower than Furbo's, it currently lacks a key feature found in Furbo's offering: the ability to detect and alert owners to barking sounds. Petlibro is actively working on adding this, along with meowing detection, which may broaden its appeal, as Furbo is primarily marketed to dog owners. Additionally, the Scout device doesn't have a food dispenser, but Petlibro plans to integrate AI capabilities with select feeders and fountains, aiming to differentiate its growing product line from competitors. It should be noted that the company's privacy policy indicates that its system collects image and video data captured by the camera for use in improving the device, including its AI features. Other smart cameras, such as Google Nest and Amazon Ring, also state in their privacy policies that they collect user data to improve their services. According to Petlibro, the data is handled in accordance with cybersecurity standards. The device doesn't use audio for AI data collection. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
TechCrunch
11 hours ago
- Business
- TechCrunch
Only 2 exhibitor tables up for grabs at All Stage — Claim by June 29
This is not a drill. If your startup exists to power the growth of other startups or is the kind of innovation tech leaders need to see firsthand, your moment is now. TechCrunch All Stage hits Boston's SoWa Power Station on July 15 — and just 2 exhibitor tables remain. Yes, only 2, and only until June 29. Tables for TC All Stage have been flying, and this is truly your last chance to claim your place in front of founders and investors across all stages. Ways that exhibiting amplifies your brand All exhibiting startups receive the following perks — and more. For the complete breakdown, check out the TC All Stage exhibitor page. A full-day 6' x 3' exhibit table in a prime, high-traffic location Strategic brand visibility — featured on-site, online, and in the app A ticket bundle so your team can attend sessions and network Access to all of the attendees, including potential partners and clients Placement in TC All Stage official exhibitor guide An unmatched opportunity to generate leads and build buzz Claim your table before the last 2 are gone for good Reserve your table in minutes — no approvals, no wait. Just visit the exhibitor page, register, and it's yours. This isn't the time to hesitate. You clicked into article because you know it's time to showcase your brand and make an impact. Book your table here.
