Tag Archives: TechCrunch

Iran’s internet shutdown is now one of its longest ever, as protests continue

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

Iran’s government-imposed internet shutdown enters its second week as authorities continue their violent crackdown on protesters.

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The US imposes 25% tariff on Nvidia’s H200 AI chips headed to China

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

The Trump administration formalized its 25% cut of H200 chip sales in China with a tariff that applies to certain semiconductors.

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OpenAI invests in Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup Merge Labs

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

OpenAI is participating in a $250 million seed round into Merge Labs, Sam Altman’s brain computer interface startup. The startup is valued at $850 million.

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Wikimedia Foundation announces new AI partnerships with Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Perplexity and others

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

The AI partnerships allow companies to access the org’s content, like Wikipedia, at scale.

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How one startup is using probiotics to try and ease the copper shortage

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

Transition Metal Solutions is applying a special cocktail to coax microbes into unlocking more copper from ore.

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Spotify raises its subscription prices in the U.S. again

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

Spotify’s new price for its individual plan is $12.99 per month

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Parloa triples its valuation in 8 months to $3B with $350M raise

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

The massive round was led by existing investor General Catalyst, with participation from other returning backers.

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After Italy, WhatsApp excludes Brazil from rival chatbot ban

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

WhatsApp is allowing AI providers to continue offering their chatbots to users in Brazil, days after the country’s competition agency ordered the company to suspend its new policy that bars third-party, general-purpose chatbots from the app.

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Indian SpaceX rival EtherealX hits 5x valuation as it readies engine tests

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

EtherealX is ramping engine tests and building a 150-acre rocket campus in India as it targets a 2027 launch mission.

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Microsoft taps India’s Varaha for durable carbon removal offtake

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Techme101

Microsoft is buying over 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide removal credits from India’s Varaha over the next three years.

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