OpenAI’s Atlas is more about ChatGPT than the web
OpenAI’s new browser is a surface for the company to distribute ChatGPT and develop new AI features rather than improving core web experience.
Apps
Apple confirms it pulled controversial dating apps Tea & TeaOnHer from the App Store
Apple has pulled the controversial dating safety apps Tea and TeaOnHer from the App Store over violations of its content moderation and privacy rules, following a flood of user complaints and reports of minors’ data being exposed
Instagram rolls out custom icons…but only for teens
Instagram introduced custom app icons for its teen accounts, but not everyone is thrilled. In replies to the company’s post on X, users criticized the feature for being age-gated, arguing that adults like personalization, too.
Tinder will require new users in the US to verify their identity with a selfie
The facial verification feature, known as Face Check, requires new users to verify their identity by submitting a short video selfie.
UK designates Apple and Google as having ‘strategic market status,’ opening door for more regulation
The U.K.’s competition regulator has designated Apple and Google with “strategic market status” in their mobile platforms, giving the regulator new powers to enforce competition in areas like app stores, browsers, and operating systems.
Last-minute TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 deal: Save 60% on your plus-one’s pass before doors open on Oct 27
5 days left until TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 kicks off in San Francisco. Buy your pass to save up to $444, plus get 60% off a second ticket. Save now.
The last-minute pass savings are on! Only 5 days until TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 ignites the startup world
5 days until the startup conference in San Francisco kicks off. Save up to $444 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 pass, plus 60% on your guest’s. This is where 10,000 tech leaders and VCs converge on October 27-29.
YouTube adds at timer for you to stop scrolling Shorts
YouTube is adding an timer for the Shorts feed to curb doomscrolling
Sesame, the conversational AI startup from Oculus founders, raises $250M and launches beta
Former Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe’s new startup, Sesame, is building AI-powered smartglasses with natural, humanlike voice interaction. Backed by Sequoia and Spark, the company also launched an invite-only iOS beta to preview its conversational AI.