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NGL, the anonymous messaging app, faces FTC ban, acquires Mode Mobile: A controversial app known for encouraging bullying among teens, NGL, has been acquired by Mode Mobile, a company that offers rewards for using its smartphones. The acquisition comes after NGL was banned from offering its app to minors due to controversial practices. The founders of NGL are leaving, while the remaining employees will join Mode Mobile, known for its EarnPhone app that floods users with ads for small earnings.

Google sues SerpApi for copyright infringement, alleging massive-scale scraping of search data and sale of information. SerpApi bypasses Googles protections using fake browsers and IP addresses. Google seeks court order to stop scraping and destroy related technology.

Ciscos Enterprise Products Targeted by Chinese-Backed Hackers: Zero-Day Vulnerability Exposes Hundreds of Customers

Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope have discovered a Jupiter-sized planet named PSR J2322-2650b, the first with a helium and carbon atmosphere. This unique world, orbiting a city-sized star, has clouds of soot and potentially diamonds. Its extreme proximity to its star causes intense gravitational forces, shaping it into a lemon-like form. This groundbreaking discovery expands our understanding of exoplanets and their diverse environments.

Yann LeCun, renowned AI scientist, launches startup AMI with Alex LeBrun as CEO. AMI focuses on world model AI, aiming to solve large language models hallucination problems. LeBrun, former Nabla CEO, brings multi-modal AI expertise.

Netflix Dives into Video Podcasting, Challenging YouTubes Dominance Netflix is expanding its content offerings by venturing into the video podcast space, signing deals with major players like iHeartMedia and Barstool Sports. This move comes after a recent agreement with Spotify and rumors of talks with SiriusXM. The streaming giant aims to remain a content king as viewers shift towards low-cost, low-production value content like podcasts on platforms such as YouTube. YouTube has seen a significant surge in podcast viewership, with over seven hundred million hours watched on living room devices in 2025, compared to four hundred million hours the previous year. Entertainment attorney Matthew Dysart and podcaster Ronald Young Junior believe Netflix is positioning itself to compete directly with YouTube in the evolving media landscape. However, not all podcasters are convinced that video is the only way forward. Mike Schubert and Sequoia Simone, creators of Professional Talkers, initially launched with a video-first approach but found their audience was largely ambivalent to the video component. They realized that for many listeners, the audio experience remains paramount. This shift raises questions about the very definition of a podcast. While Netflixs moves are less aggressive than Spotifys past acquisitions, independent creators remain cautious, remembering how previous industry consolidations impacted their livelihoods.

Tech giants and AI: A week of bankruptcies, investments, and mergers - The hardware sector faced a challenging week with iRobot, Luminar, and Rad Power Bikes filing for bankruptcy. TechCrunchs Equity podcast explored the reasons behind these struggles and discussed Amazons investment in OpenAI, Trumps evolving stance on AI regulation, Merriam-Websters word of the year, Databricks massive funding round, and the potential merger between Coursera and Udemy.

OpenAIs AI chatbots face intense scrutiny following teen suicides, prompting state AGs and policymakers to demand stricter safeguards. OpenAI responds with updated Model Spec, emphasizing teen safety and transparency. However, experts remain cautious, questioning the AIs adherence to guidelines.

Samsung unveils Exynos two thousand six hundred chip, a game-changer in smartphone technology. Built on a two-nanometer process, it packs more power and efficiency, potentially outpacing competitors like Apple and Qualcomm. However, its use in upcoming Galaxy S twenty-six models remains uncertain, possibly leading to varied performance across regions.