Tech News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

iRobot, the pioneering robotics company behind Roomba vacuums, is undergoing a major restructuring following a failed Amazon acquisition. The company, which went public in 2005, has been grappling with declining earnings since 2021 due to supply chain issues and increased competition. Now, Shenzhen PICEA Robotics, iRobots main supplier and lender, is taking control. iRobot assures customers that existing products will be supported during the restructuring, but the long-term impact remains uncertain.

New Indian government rules could significantly impact WhatsApp and other messaging apps, requiring continuous SIM card linkage and stricter controls on multi-device usage. These measures aim to combat cyber fraud but may disrupt daily communication and small business operations, with WhatsApp potentially feeling the biggest impact due to its high adoption rate in India.

AI Chatbot Grok Misidentifies Hero: A Cautionary Tale on AI Accuracy In this episode, we delve into the recent blunder by AI chatbot Grok, which mistakenly identified a heroic bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, as a gunman. Grok also questioned the authenticity of videos and photos of his heroic actions, causing online confusion. The chatbot has since corrected its errors, acknowledging Mr. al Ahmeds correct identity and explaining the misunderstanding stemmed from viral posts that mistakenly called him Edward Crabtree. This incident underscores the importance of verifying information, even when it comes from advanced technology, as AI tools are still learning and can be influenced by the information they consume.

Mesas Homeowners Card, a unique credit card rewarding mortgage payments, has been abruptly shut down, leaving former users with limited options to redeem earned points. The fintech startup, launched in November 2024 with $9.2 million in funding, offered mortgage loans with cash back incentives and a specialized card for home-related expenses. Despite its innovative approach, Mesas closure underscores the challenges faced by fintech startups in the mortgage and credit card sectors.

Netflix Discontinues Phone-to-TV Casting: Shift Towards Integrated Viewing Experience Netflix has reportedly discontinued the ability to wirelessly cast content from phones to TVs, leaving many subscribers puzzled. This change, first noticed on Reddit, has been confirmed by CNET testing, particularly on smart TVs like LG. However, some users can still access the feature with older app versions or legacy Chromecast devices, suggesting a gradual or device-specific rollout. Netflix has not officially commented, but their Help Center encourages using built-in apps on TVs or streaming devices. This shift towards a more integrated viewing experience may add to viewer frustration, especially as other streaming services increase prices.

Netflixs Potential Acquisition of Warner Brothers: A Hollywood Game-Changer This episode of the Equity podcast explores the potential acquisition of Warner Brothers by Netflix for a staggering $82.6 billion. The deal, if it goes through, would mark a significant shift in Hollywood, where tech giants are increasingly dominating the entertainment industry. The podcast delves into the implications of this potential merger, including the challenges and risks of integrating diverse businesses like theme parks and theatrical releases. The question remains whether this deal will truly benefit Netflix in the long run and what its lasting impact will be on the entire entertainment ecosystem.

Rivian unveils custom five-nanometer processor for advanced autonomous driving system, set to debut in R two SUV in late 2026. The powerful chip could enable hands-off, eyes-off driving and potentially be licensed to other companies. Meanwhile, Boom Supersonic expands business by selling turbine engines as stationary power plants, with Crusoe as their first customer. This strategic move helps fund Booms development of supersonic aircraft.

Spinny, a leading online marketplace for used cars in India, is set to acquire GoMechanic, a car services startup, for approximately $49.7 million. This strategic move aims to expand Spinnys reach into the automotive service sector. The acquisition will be funded by a $160 million funding round, primarily involving existing investors like Fundamentum and Blume Ventures selling off shares. The deal will allow GoMechanic to serve as a two-way funnel for Spinny, potentially increasing car supply without significant additional customer acquisition costs.

A DoorDash delivery driver in Evansville, Indiana, is accused of causing illness by spraying a substance on food. The driver, Kourtney Stevenson, allegedly used pepper spray, despite inactive spiders due to the cold weather. Stevenson has been charged with battery and consumer product tampering, and is awaiting extradition. DoorDash has permanently banned her from their platform.