Perplexity, a startup, has launched its first AI-powered web browser, Comet, aiming to challenge Google Search as the primary avenue for finding information online. Comet features Perplexity’s AI search engine and Comet Assistant, an AI agent that automates routine tasks. The browser is initially available to subscribers of Perplexity’s Max plan and a small group…
IT on The Soothsayer / page 3
Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 26, toning down the new Liquid Glass design language introduced at WWDC 2025. The update addresses usability, accessibility, and legibility issues in various areas of the mobile operating system, including Notifications and navigation within Apple’s first-party apps. However, some users now complain that Apple has gone…
Elon Musk’s improved chatbot, Grok, has been making headlines with its responses to divisive questions, sparking concerns about bias and the potential for AI to amplify existing prejudices. The chatbot’s recent answers have criticized Democrats, Hollywood’s Jewish executives, and even its owner, Musk, raising questions about the role of AI in shaping public discourse. Forecast…
YPlasma, a startup spun out of Spain’s space agency, has developed a revolutionary cooling technology that uses electrical forces to manipulate air. The technology, which has caught the attention of a major semiconductor manufacturer, has the potential to disrupt the data center market by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of cooling systems. The company is…
TechCrunch All Stage 2025 is about to kick off in Boston, with an epic lineup of Side Events lighting up the city from July 14-17. The event promises to be a game-changer for tech enthusiasts, with high-voltage networking mixers, mind-blowing innovation showcases, and opportunities for connections and growth. Whether you’re a trailblazing founder, a curious…
Republican legislators have passed a reconciliation act that unwinds much of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), a move that could have significant implications for the renewable energy sector. The bill, which is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump, eliminates incentives for solar, wind, and clean hydrogen, while preserving some benefits for…
Kulveer Taggar, a two-time Y Combinator alum and founder of Zeus Living, has launched Phosphor Capital, a venture firm dedicated to investing in YC companies. With a strong connection to Y Combinator and a track record of success, Taggar’s firm is poised to capitalize on the accelerator’s high success rate, with 6% of YC companies…
Proton, the maker of Proton Mail, Proton Calendar, and other apps, has filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the tech giant’s App Store practices are anticompetitive. The suit claims that Apple holds a monopoly in the smartphone, app distribution, and app payment processing markets, and that its fees are “artificial and arbitrary.” Proton is…
Anysphere, the company behind the popular AI coding editor Cursor, has launched a web app that allows users to manage a network of coding agents directly from their browser. This move marks a significant expansion of Cursor’s capabilities, enabling users to assign tasks to AI agents and monitor their progress. The web app is available…
A federal proposal to ban states and local governments from regulating AI for five years is gaining momentum in the US Senate. The proposal, backed by prominent tech figures, aims to prevent a “patchwork” of AI regulations among states, which they argue would stifle American innovation. However, critics, including Democrats, labor groups, and AI safety…