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  • Google launches the Pixel 10 series, base model now has three cameras

    Google launches the Pixel 10 series, base model now has three cameras

    Google launched its Pixel 10 family of phones — Pixel 10, the Pixel 10 Pro, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL — on Wednesday at the company’s Made by Google event. All of the phones are powered by the company’s new Tensor G5 processor. The most noticeable change in hardware with this iteration is that Google has opted for a triple-camera setup for the first time for the base Pixel 10 model. On the other hand, the Pro models mostly got iterative updates in terms of processor and camera sensors.

    The Pixel 9 had a pair of wide and ultra-wide sensors. The Pixel 10 gets a new telephoto lens, which enables 5x optical zoom and 20x digital zoom through Super Res Zoom. The base model has a 48-megapixel wide sensor, Quad phase detection per pixel — with faster and better focus in low light — and a 13-megapixel ultrawide sensor.Image Credits:Briana DeFranco, Cheddar

    The Pro phones have a new 50-megapixel wide sensor with optical stabilization and Super Res Zoom (up to 20x) for video. They also have a 50-megapixel telephoto camera with 5x optical zoom and increased 100x Super Res digital zoom.

    Screen sizes for all phones remain the same. Both the Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro have a 6.3-inch display, and the Pixel 10 Pro XL has a 6.8-inch display. Google said all devices have a new “Actua” display, which allows them to go up to 3,300 nits of brightness on the Pros and 3,000 nits on the Pixel 10.Image Credits:Briana DeFranco, Cheddar

    All Pixels are powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 chip, coupled with the Titan M2 security chip and a new image processing unit. Google said that the new chip bumps up CPU performance by 34% and TPU (Tensor Processing Unit) by 60% over the previous-gen chip, allowing for faster and new kinds of AI features.

    AI features

    Google introduced Gemini as a default assistant last year with the Pixel 9, along with features like Pixel Studio for AI-powered image generation and a new screenshot app.

    This year, the company has upgraded Gemini Live to allow for visual overlays while using video to ask questions. This means the assistant can guide you with direction and signs by highlighting certain parts of a screen.

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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    Google is also debuting a new feature called Magic Cue, which can surface contextual information from across the app. For instance, if you are on a call with an airline, it can surface your flight details from email or get your restaurant reservation details while chatting to a friend.

    The company is also adding a Gemini-powered camera coach that would guide you to take better photos from the camera interface by making suggestions about framing and composition. Additionally, Google is adding features like real-time translation for calls, transcripts for missed or declined calls through call screening, Notebook LM integration with the screenshot app, and recorder.

    The Pixel 10 and the Pixel 10 Pro have similar prices of $799 and $999, respectively, to the previous generation of devices. However, the Pixel 10 Pro XL now starts at $1,199 instead of $1,099, with base storage bumped up to 256GB.

    We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!

  • TransUnion says hackers stole 4.4 million customers' personal information

    TransUnion says hackers stole 4.4 million customers' personal information

    Credit reporting giant TransUnion has disclosed a data breach affecting more than 4.4 million customers’ personal information.

    In a filing with Maine’s attorney general’s office on Thursday, TransUnion attributed the July 28 breach to unauthorized access of a third-party application storing customers’ personal data for its U.S. consumer support operations.

    TransUnion claimed “no credit information was accessed,” but provided no immediate evidence for its claim. The data breach notice did not specify what specific types of personal data were stolen.

    In a separate data breach disclosure filed later on Thursday with Texas’ attorney general’s office, TransUnion confirmed that the stolen personal information includes customers’ names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers.

    When reached by TechCrunch, TransUnion spokesperson Jon Boughtin would not answer questions related to the company’s data breach, or say what types of customers’ personally identifiable information were taken.

    TransUnion is one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the United States, and stores the financial data of more than 260 million Americans. It’s the latest U.S. corporate giant to have been hacked in recent weeks following a wave of hacks targeting the insurance, retail, and transportation and airline industries. 

    Several companies, including Google, insurance giant Allianz Life, Cisco, and HR giant Workday, reported data breaches of customer data stored in their Salesforce-hosted cloud databases. Following its breach, Google attributed the hacks to an extortion group known as ShinyHunters.

    It’s not clear who is behind the breach at TransUnion, or if the hackers made any demands to the company.

    Updated with a response from TransUnion, and updated with additional details from the Texas state filing.

  • Google's Circle to Search can now translate as you scroll

    Google's Circle to Search can now translate as you scroll

    Google is bringing improved translation to Circle to Search, its feature that allows users to quickly search for any information on their screen by using gestures like circling, highlighting, scribbling, or tapping. The company announced on Thursday that users can now see translations as they scroll.

    “Translation is one of the most-used features in Circle to Search — you can get more context for social posts from creators who speak a different language, or browse menus when you’re booking restaurant reservations while traveling abroad,” Google wrote in the blog post. “But until now, you had to restart the translation process every time you scrolled or the content on the screen changed.”

    Now, users can get continuous translation as they scroll down a page or even switch apps. For example, if you’re scrolling through Instagram and come across a post that includes images featuring text in a different language, you can use the new feature to see continuous translations as you swipe through the photos.Image Credits:Google

    To access the new functionality, users need to long-press the home button or navigation bar to start Circle to Search, tap the “Translate” icon, and press “scroll and translate.” 

    Google says the new update will begin rolling out this week on Android, starting with select Samsung Galaxy devices.

    Since its launch last year, Google has been updating Circle to Search with more functionality.

    At Samsung Unpacked 2025 earlier this year, Google announced that it was updating Circle to Search to make it easier for users to find information and get things done. These changes included expanded AI Overviews for visual searches and one-tap actions for phone numbers, URLs, and email addresses shown on screen.

    A few months ago, the tech giant made it possible to use AI Mode, its feature that lets users dig into complex topics and ask follow-up questions, when starting a search with Circle to Search.

  • iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and everything else announced at Apple's hardware event

    iPhone 17, iPhone Air, AirPods Pro 3, and everything else announced at Apple's hardware event

    Apple hosted its new hardware event today, releasing its iPhone 17 lineup, along with updates for the Apple Watch and AirPods. For the iPhone 17 models, updates included larger screens and an improved camera system, as well as the introduction of an ultra-thin iPhone Air that replaces the Plus model.

    And the company may be announcing more new hardware soon, with Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reporting that a new iPad Pro, an updated Vision Pro, updated AirTags, a new Apple TV, a new HomePod mini, and updated MacBooks are coming in either 2025 or the first half of 2026.

    iPhone 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max

    Image Credits:Apple

    The iPhone 17 received a makeover to align more closely with the Pro models. It features a slightly larger 6.3-inch screen, which is an increase of 0.2 inches compared to the iPhone 16. It also has a 120 Hz display, a substantial upgrade from the current 60 Hz. The phone also has a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera.

    It comes in new colors: lavender, mist blue, black, white, and sage.

    The Pro’s upgrades are mainly on the back of the phone. The three rear cameras are now arranged in a rectangular bar that extends from one edge of the device to the other. The flash, light sensor, and microphone are positioned far to the right side. Where the MagSafe charger is, the Apple logo is centered for aesthetic reasons.

    Notably, the iPhone 17 Pro switched materials, replacing the titanium band around the screen with aluminum.

    The iPhone 17 starts at $799 and has a base storage of 256GB. In contrast, the iPhone 16 started at $699 for 128GB. The Pro model costs $1,099, and the Pro Max is $1,199.

    Techcrunch event

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    Join 10k+ tech and VC leaders for growth and connections at Disrupt 2025

    Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just some of the 250+ heavy hitters leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech. Grab your ticket before Sept 26 to save up to $668.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    While the event’s primary focus was on the iPhones, Apple announced new phone cases as a bonus. Called “TechWoven” cases, these feature a higher quality woven material compared to the discontinued “FineWoven” line of fabric cases Apple released in 2023.

    Missing from the keynote was any mention of an AI-enhanced Siri, which puts Apple way behind Google and its competitors.

    iPhone Air

    Image Credits:Apple

    The biggest announcement at the event was the debut of Apple’s slimmest phone ever, the iPhone Air, which replaces the iPhone Plus. 

    This device has a profile thickness of 5.6 mm, making it about 0.08 inches thinner than current iPhones. It also features a 6.6-inch screen and a 120 Hz ProMotion display. The device is eSIM only, which helps the product maintain its sleek design.

    This move appears to be Apple’s response to the trend of slimmer smartphones, following in the footsteps of other companies like Samsung and Huawei. The iPhone Air could potentially outshine the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge, which measures 5.8 mm thick. Additionally, it may pave the way for Apple’s long-rumored foldable phone, predicted to launch in September 2026.

    The device is priced at $999 and will be available in black, white, sky blue, and light gold.

    Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and SE 3

    Image Credits:Apple

    After a two-year wait, Apple announced the Apple Watch Ultra 3, which includes faster charging speeds, 5G support, and satellite connectivity. The watch also features a larger display.

    However, one of the most exciting upgrades for both the Ultra 3 and Series 11 is the incorporation of blood pressure-monitoring capabilities. This feature notifies users if their blood pressure levels are too high or too low.

    The third-generation Apple Watch SE, meanwhile, didn’t receive major updates, aside from an always-on display, thanks to a faster S10 chip.

    Prices for the watches are $249 for the Apple Watch SE 3, $399 for the Series 11, and $799 for the Ultra 3.

    AirPods Pro 3

    Image Credits:Apple

    After the release of the AirPods Pro 2 in 2022, it’s about time for an upgrade. The AirPods Pro 3, priced at $249, features smaller earbuds, improved audio, and a new heart-rate-sensing feature. It also features live translation technology, powered by Apple Intelligence, to help users translate foreign languages in real time.

    This story has been updated.

  • Brex Storms EU Market with Ambitious IPO, Targets UK Expansion

    Brex Scores a Big Win: Officially Licensed Across the EU

    On Thursday, fintech trailblazer Brex dropped a bombshell that’s sure to send startup founders into a frenzy of joy. The company has officially snagged a European Union license, meaning it can now hand out credit and debit cards straight to businesses in all 30 EU nations—no “workarounds” required, as CEO and co‑founder Pedro Franceschi bragged in a recent blog post.

    From US‑Only to EU‑Wide: The Game‑Changer

    Until now, Brex was a global juggernaut that could support 60 currencies across 200 countries, but its products were locked to companies with a U.S. footprint. Once the EU license comes in, the club of allowed customers expands to any business border‑less in the EU, along with a host of services such as embedded payments.

    • Direct card issuing for EU firms.
    • Spend management tools—no more VPNs or proxy tunnels.
    • Embedded payments ready for all.

    Heads up: banking and bill‑pay features are currently on the standby list, slated for future rollout. But who cares? The heavy hitters are already taste‑testing cards and expense controls.

    What This Means for Startups—and Why It’s Still a Work‑In‑Progress

    If you’re a freshly minted startup in Europe, Brex’s announced ability to issue cards might feel like the unicorn you were chasing. Still, there’s a catch: no bank account offering yet. That means the youngest EU players will still need to divvy up their options—think split‑pay, third‑party payments, or maybe the traditional route.

    Franceschi hinted at a next‑step expansion into the UK, but as for specifics, all we have so far is a vague nod to “coming soon.”

    On the Horizon: Cash Flow and a Possible IPO

    Back in December, the CEO flagged that Brex is on track to stop burning cash by 2025—a crucial milestone paving the way for a future IPO. Later in February, rumors floated that the company is eyeing a $500 million revenue target this year, a sharp rebound from the turbulent 2023 when layoffs and cash‑burn protests rattled the organization.

    While the IPO timeline remains a mystery, the recent bond deal in March 2024 (a $260 million issuance tied to spend‑management receivables) shows Brex is cash‑tight but adapting responsibly.

    Competitive Landscape: Why Brex’s EU Move Matters

    Brex’s triumph arrives while U.S. fintech competitors feel the heat. Ramp has just secured a $22.5 billion valuation after a fast‑moving $16 billion raise, and Mercury doubled its valuation to $3.5 billion with a fresh $300 million infusion.

    Notably, since its last public equity raise back in 2022—a $300 million Series D‑2 at $12.3 billion—Brex has steered away from the stock market ripple. Instead, it tapped into bond financing, turning its receivables into a solid, cash‑generating instrument.

    All in all, Brex’s EU licensing is a welcome tick for startups looking for a slick, no‑friction financing tool. It also signals a shift in the fintech ecosystem—one that’s deserving of a hearty pat on the back and a dash of humor. Let’s see where this ride takes them next!