OpenAI tests SearchGPT, a new AI search experience to compete directly with Google. The feature aims to enhance search queries with “timely answers” from around the internet 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 join the waiting list. Read more
CrowdStrike offered its partners Uber Eats gift cards for $10 to apologize for the global IT disruption caused by its failed update. A source told TechCrunch that they received an email from CrowdStrike offering them the gift card as the company acknowledged “the additional work 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 cancelled. Read more
Wiz rejected a $23 billion acquisition offer from Alphabet, The parent company of Google. The offer represented a significant premium over the last private valuation of $12 billion, but a source familiar with the discussions says the Wiz management team has instead opted to remain independent. In a letter to staff, Wiz CEO Assaf Rapaport said their goals are now aimed at “$1 billion in ARR and IPO.” Read more
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News
Optimus gets an on-sale date: Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will start selling its Optimus humanoid robot in 2026, making it the first to market if successful. We’ve put together a handy directory of where the rest of the industry is right now. Read more
Good news, 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 take on its biggest competitor, Google Maps. Read more
Don’t let X train Grok from your posts: X has automatically enabled a setting that allows the company to train its Grok AI on user posts by default. Here’s how you can turn it off and delete your conversation history with the chatbot. Read more
Hi Waymo-Zeekr: Waymo has begun testing new robotics created by Chinese electric car maker Zeekr on public roads in San Francisco. Although not yet autonomous, it signals the next phase of the company’s journey. Read more
Colin Kaepernick launched an AI startup: The former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist launched Lumi, an AI storytelling platform that aims to help creators tell and own their stories. Lumi currently starts with small tools for creating manga and comics. Read more
Alphabet commits $5 billion to Waymo: Alphabet will spend an additional $5 billion on its autonomous driving subsidiary, Waymo, in a new “multi-year investment.” The investment will allow Waymo to continue to build on its autonomous driving technology. Read more
Option 22 is here to stay: The California Supreme Court ruled on a ballot measure that classified app-based gig workers as independent contractors instead of employees can stay in place, affecting workers at companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart. Read more
Meta’s new AI selfie feature: Want to indulge in a relaxing beach vacation? Or maybe you’re curious about how you’d look with bangs? Meta AI’s new Imagine Yourself feature lets you create AI-generated avatars in an instant. Read more
Cruise scraps Origin: GM’s self-driving car subsidiary is abandoning plans to build Origin, a purpose-built robotics car without a steering wheel or pedals, and will instead take a $583 million finance charge. Read more
Google is rolling out improvements to its Gemini chatbot: Google is rolling out performance updates to its AI-based chatbot — and making it more widely available. Gemini 1.5 Flash will soon be available in 40 languages and around 230 countries. Read more
Move over, Steam Deck: Asus is launching an upgraded version of its handheld PC gaming device, the ROG Ally X. The device features a bright seven-inch display with 1080p resolution and is surrounded by buttons and joysticks for easy gaming on the go. Read more
Analysis
There’s more to Kamala Harris memes: If you’re seeing a barrage of coconut emojis and “Brat” green videos of Vice President Kamala Harris on your timeline (or even on cable news), you’re not alone. Following Harris’ bid for the Democratic nomination, Amanda Silberling reveals the influx of memes both as objects of Gen Z ironic posting and as a potentially forward-thinking political strategy. Read more
The next chapter of Strava: There comes a time in the life of every startup when leaders and stakeholders need to start thinking about the bottom line. That’s the predicament in which the social fitness app Strava finds itself. Paul Sawyers caught up with Michael Martin six months into his new role as CEO about what’s next – and why it took so long for the app to get dark mode. Read more
