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Friendship Apps: The New Wave of Social Connection - In response to the public health crisis of loneliness, friendship apps are gaining popularity. With over a dozen apps raking in millions in U.S. spending and four million downloads, these platforms are revolutionizing social interactions. Apps like Bumbles BFF, Timeleft, and Meet five are making it easier to form real connections, while others like Two Twenty-Two, Les Amis, and Pie use AI to match users for events. These apps are expanding rapidly, helping to combat isolation one meetup at a time.

Rodeo: The AI-Powered App Revolutionizing Friend Planning Rodeo, a new app developed by former Hinge executives, simplifies scheduling activities with friends using AI. It extracts event details from social media posts, finds nearby venues, and allows users to buy tickets and invite friends directly. The app also enables collaborative list creation for shared interests, setting it apart from manual methods like bookmarking or emailing invites. Currently in invite-only beta on iOS, Rodeo aims to combat friendship fade-out by streamlining the planning process.

Venture capitalists anticipate a challenging startup funding landscape in 2026, with a higher bar for investments. Unique advantages like proprietary data or industry expertise are crucial. Black Ops VC seeks high-context founders in complex sectors, M thirteen focuses on legacy industries and healthcare, while Endeavor Catalyst expands globally. Founders must demonstrate real revenue growth and ROI, with proprietary moats helping them stand out. The IPO market is expected to rebound, and AIs evolution from curiosity to scaled businesses could lead to profitability in fewer rounds.

Framework Laptops Hiking DDR5 RAM Prices Again Due to Rising Memory Costs; Company Suggests Using Old or Cheaper RAM Modules

The TechCrunch Equity team, joined by Build Mode host Isabelle Johannessen, wrap up 2025 with predictions for 2026. They discuss AIs shortcomings, Hollywoods AI fight, and venture capitals liquidity crunch. They highlight world models as the next AI breakthrough, stealth modes demise, and regulatory challenges. They also debate IPO prospects, Johnny Ive and Sam Altmans split, dumb phones comeback, and the AI native label. Stay tuned for Build Mode season twos team building insights.

Mark Boysens Naware invents a drone-based weed-killing system using steam, replacing harmful chemicals. After trials with lasers and cryogenics, Boysen found success with garment steamers, teaching AI to spot weeds. This tech could save lawn care companies significant costs and is now in paid pilots, attracting interest from major equipment makers.

Smart glasses are making waves, with options for everyday use, sports, gaming, and work. Top picks include the Ray-Ban Meta Gen two and Viture Luma Pro, while athletes love the Oakley Meta Vanguard. Budget hunters can grab the RayNeo Air three s, and premium upgraders might eye the Xreal One Pro. Exciting launches loom, like Googles Project Aura and Apples rumored AI glasses, potentially reshaping our digital world.

Google allows users to add a new email address to their account, turning old addresses into aliases. This feature, currently rolling out in Hindi, lets users ditch embarrassing email addresses from their past. However, there are limits: one switch per year and up to three new addresses. ChromeOS users should back up their devices first. This is a game-changer for those with outdated usernames.

Nine AI-driven cybersecurity startups, selected from TechCrunchs Startup Battlefield, are revolutionizing AI security threats. AIM Intelligence, Corgea, Cyntegra, HACKERverse, Mill Pond Research, Polygraf AI, TruSources, and ZEST Security offer real defenses against AI attacks. CyDeploy maps networks and creates digital twins for safe testing. These innovators could reshape online safety, and their pitches are highly anticipated.