Author Archives: Techme101

Google’s Gemini has beaten Pokémon Blue (with a little help)

Google’s most expensive AI model seems to have crossed a major milestone: Beating a 29-year-old video game. Last night, Google CEO Sundar Pichai posted triumphantly on X, “What a finish! Gemini 2.5 Pro just completed Pokémon Blue!” To be clear, … Continue reading

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eBay and Etsy are relatively confident despite tariff pressures

Like virtually every sector in the business world, the secondhand industry is grappling with the ramifications of President Donald Trump’s tariffs.  However, based on the comments made by eBay and Etsy earlier this week, both don’t appear to be overly … Continue reading

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How Riot Games is fighting the war against video game hackers

Riot’s “anti-cheat artisan” Phillip Koskinas explains how he and his team go after cheaters and cheat developers to protect the integrity of games, such as Valorant and League of Legends.

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Small Packages From Shein and Temu Are Now Subject to US Tariffs. Here’s What to Know

President Donald Trump has ended the de minimis exemption, which previously allowed Temu, Shein, and other online retailers to send packages from China to the US valued under $800 duty-free.

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AI chatbots are ‘juicing engagement’ instead of being useful, Instagram co-founder warns

Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom says AI companies are trying too hard to “juice engagement” by pestering their users with follow-up questions, instead of providing actually useful insights. Systrom said the tactics represent “a force that’s hurting us,” comparing them to … Continue reading

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Aurora launches its driverless commercial trucking service, and a surprise bidder joins Canoo’s bankruptcy case

Welcome back to TechCrunch Mobility — your central hub for news and insights on the future of transportation. Sign up here for free — just click TechCrunch Mobility! Your usual host Kirsten has passed the reins to me, Rebecca Bellan, … Continue reading

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Google will soon start letting kids under 13 use its Gemini chatbot

Next week, Google will begin allowing kids under 13 who have parent-managed Google accounts to use its Gemini chatbot, according to The New York Times. The Times reports that Gemini will be available to kids whose parents use Family Link, a Google … Continue reading

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Trump aims to cut $6 billion from NASA budget, shifting $1 billion to Mars-focused missions

The Trump administration is floating a plan to trim about $6 billion from the budget of NASA while emphasizing the importance of going to Mars.

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Temu halts shipping direct from China as de minimis tariff loophole is cut off

Earlier this week, Temu increased prices and added “import charges” ranging from 130% to 150% on products shipped direct from China.

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Google Plans to Roll Out Gemini A.I. Chatbot to Children Under 13

The tech giant said it would make its Gemini chatbot available to children next week, and warned families in an email about the changes.

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