Author: nripn

The American electric vehicle market has split into two very different stories in 2026. On one side, new EV purchases are falling sharply. On the other, used electric vehicle sales are climbing at a pace that few analysts predicted just a year ago. That contrast raises an obvious question. What exactly is pushing used electric vehicle sales higher, and why is the trend accelerating right now? New Electric Vehicle Sales Decline Amid Policy Shifts First-quarter data from Cox Automotive tells a sobering story for the new-car side of the market. Americans purchased roughly 212,600 new battery-electric vehicles between January and…

Netflix has launched Netflix Playground, a standalone mobile application dedicated to children’s gaming. The Netflix Playground kids games app arrived on Monday across select markets, and it ships with no advertisements, no in-app purchases, and no additional fees beyond an existing Netflix subscription. That combination positions it as a direct competitor to Apple Arcade in the family entertainment space. The app targets children aged eight and under. At the same time, it serves a broader strategic purpose for the streaming giant. According to Reuters, analysts note that emphasising kids’ programming could make Netflix stickier for households with children, reducing churn…

Pre-Series A founders now have a limited window to secure one of the most competitive startup showcases in the world. Nominations for Startup Battlefield 200 are officially open, and the strongest applicants are already moving forward. If your startup has received a nomination, the next step is clear: submit your application today. This opportunity goes far beyond a standard pitch event. Instead, it places founders on the main stage at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in front of more than 10,000 attendees, premier venture capitalists, and a global audience. As a result, participants receive real-time feedback from top-tier investors while demonstrating why…

Expanding Camera Phone Options in Global Markets In the United States, conversations around premium camera phones often focus on iPhones, the Samsung Galaxy line, and, more recently, the Google Pixel. However, consumers in Asia and parts of Europe enjoy a broader selection, with brands like Xiaomi, Oppo, and Vivo enhancing their camera capabilities to cater to diverse user needs. Xiaomi Launches 17 Ultra with Advanced Camera Features The Xiaomi 17 Ultra recently debuted globally, showcasing a pronounced camera bump that encapsulates a versatile array of sensors. Notably, Xiaomi has partnered with the renowned German camera manufacturer Leica to integrate software-level…

Japan is rapidly evolving into a leader in physical AI, propelled by urgent labor shortages and a shrinking workforce. This shift is seeing increased deployment of AI-powered robots across various sectors, including factories and logistics facilities, making automation a crucial strategy for maintaining productivity. In March 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced ambitious plans to develop a domestic physical AI sector, targeting a 30% share of the global market by 2040. With Japanese manufacturers already commanding around 70% of the global industrial robotics market in 2022, the country is well-positioned to leverage its strengths in this emerging…

Welcome to TechCrunch Mobility, your go-to source for updates and insights on the future of transportation. Waymo Faces Congressional Scrutiny Over Remote Assistance Last month’s congressional hearing brought significant criticism towards Waymo regarding its employment of remote assistance workers based in the Philippines. We have provided in-depth coverage of the controversy surrounding the company’s remote assistance and road assistance teams. While Waymo attracts considerable attention with its robotaxi services, operational in ten U.S. cities and expanding, the issue of remote assistance extends beyond just one company—it’s a challenge faced across the autonomous vehicle (AV) sector. Supporting this viewpoint, a recent…

AI Companies Urge Caution in Trusting Model Outputs Amid a growing chorus of skepticism regarding AI outputs, even the companies behind these technologies are advising users to approach their models with caution. This message is particularly evident in the terms of service provided by these companies. Microsoft Focuses on Corporate Clients for Copilot Microsoft is currently concentrating on attracting corporate customers to its Copilot product. However, the company has faced criticism on social media regarding the terms of use for Copilot, which were last revised on October 24, 2025. Disclaimers Highlight Potential Risks The company explicitly states, “Copilot is for…

Congressman Criticizes Polymarket for Controversial Betting Market A Democratic congressman has expressed strong disapproval of Polymarket for facilitating bets on when the United States would announce the rescue of Air Force personnel shot down over Iran. Representative Seth Moulton took to social media to voice his concerns, labeling the practice as reprehensible. Outrage Over Betting on Personnel Safety In a post shared on Friday, Moulton highlighted the disturbing nature of such bets, stating, “They could be your neighbor, a friend, a family member. And people are betting on whether or not they’ll be saved. This is DISGUSTING.” His comments come…

Friendship apps have reshaped how millions of people form platonic connections in 2026. In turn, these friendship apps now address a growing loneliness crisis that the U.S. Surgeon General flagged as a public health emergency back in 2023. According to a 2024 Harvard study, roughly 21% of Americans live with serious loneliness, and 73% of respondents believe technology contributes to that isolation. Yet the same technology driving this disconnect also powers solutions designed to bring people together in meaningful ways. Friendship Apps Address a Mounting Social Crisis Remote workers, in particular, have lost the daily interactions that once came naturally…

Orbital data centers have moved from science fiction to serious business strategy in a matter of months. SpaceX now sees orbital data centers as central to its growth narrative ahead of what could become the largest IPO in history. The company has filed confidential paperwork with the SEC for a public offering that would target a $1.75 trillion valuation and raise as much as $75 billion, according to multiple reports. As a result, investors and analysts are paying close attention to what this means for the broader tech infrastructure landscape. In addition, Elon Musk has signaled that orbital data centers…