Tag: mobile

  • New climate-resistant initiatives underway in Qatar to conserve water in the desert

    New climate-resistant initiatives underway in Qatar to conserve water in the desert

    With Qatar’s arid and dry climate in mind, two Qatar-based eco-friendly tech companies are using innovative climate-resistant solutions to capture moisture from the sky to produce water – one quenches the thirst of humans and the other produces water for crops.

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    Qatar 365 examines sustainability efforts in Qatar. Aadel Haleem spoke with the Interim Leader of Bangladesh and Nobel Laureate, HE Professor Muhammad Yunus, to discuss why the global efforts to protect the planet are failing. The team also stopped by ConocoPhillips’ Global Water Sustainability Center. Johanna Hoes visits two eco-friendly tech companies, Skydrops and agri-tech startup VFarms, who use smart water and food solutions on the ground. 

  • Nvidia reportedly halts production on its H20 AI chips

    Nvidia reportedly halts production on its H20 AI chips

    Beijing may have thrown a wrench into Nvidia’s plans on making a comeback in China’s AI market.

    Nvidia has instructed its component suppliers to stop production related to its H20 AI chip, according to The Information.

    The production halt comes after Beijing reportedly warned Chinese companies against using these chips because of potential security issues and fears of backdoors that would give the U.S. access to sensitive data. China’s government is urging companies to use domestic chips instead, The Information reported.

    This comes a month after companies including Nvidia were given the green light to start selling its AI chips designed for China’s market.

    An Nvidia spokesperson sent TechCrunch the following statement, “We constantly manage our supply chain to address market conditions. Cybersecurity is critically important to us. NVIDIA does not have ‘backdoors’ in our chips that would give anyone a remote way to access or control them. The market can use the H20 with confidence.”

    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!

  • Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple and OpenAI, alleging anticompetitive collusion

    Elon Musk's xAI sues Apple and OpenAI, alleging anticompetitive collusion

    Elon Musk’s X and xAI filed a lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI on Monday, alleging that the two companies are colluding to stifle competition.

    “In a desperate bid to protect its smartphone monopoly, Apple has joined forces with the company that most benefits from inhibiting competition and innovation in AI: OpenAI, a monopolist in the market for generative AI chatbots,” the lawsuit reads, referring to Apple’s partnership with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its systems.

    This lawsuit is part of a long series of disputes between Musk and Altman, who continue to throw public jabs at one another. Once a co-founder and co-chair of OpenAI, Musk has sued to block OpenAI’s transition into a for-profit company. He also submitted an unsolicited bid to take over OpenAI for $97.4 billion, which the company rejected.

    Musk posted anticompetitive allegations against OpenAI and Apple on X earlier this month, claiming that it’s “impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store.”

    The partnership between Apple and OpenAI was announced last June, with collaborative features expected to ship in December.

    OpenAI and Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

  • Embracing the incredible power of AI for unprecedented innovation and excellence

    AI’s All‑Star Impact: A Quick Look

    Why the Buzz Is Real

    Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a fancy buzzword—it’s rewriting how we work, play, and even sleep. Experts are digging into the transformative waves that are sweeping across every industry. From automating tedious chores to generating mind‑blowing art, AI’s footprint is expanding fast.

    Where Innovation Meets Reality

    • Healthcare: From quick diagnostics to personalized medicine, AI is trimming wait times and boosting accuracy.
    • Finance: Smart algorithms now flag fraud faster than a detective on a caffeine rush.
    • Creative Arts: Think of AI as your backstage hype team—crafting beats, painting strokes, and writing plot twists.

    Getting the Job Done—Smash‑The-Obstacles

    Despite the perks, the road to AI adoption is riddled with hurdles:

    1. Data shortages: Good data is the lifeblood; poor data is the villain.
    2. Privacy concerns: We’re all about safeguarding secrets, even if it means AI gets a stricter set of rules.
    3. Skill gaps: More than just coding, teams need a blend of tech savvy and ethical insight.

    Heroic Initiatives Taking the Lead

    These projects are turning AI from a concept into a concrete win for society:

    • OpenAI’s “ChatGPT”: Making conversations with computers feel like talking to a friend.
    • Google’s DeepMind: Tackling complex problems—yes, like predicting climate patterns.
    • EU AI Act: A global playbook to keep the power balanced and safe.

    Bottom Line

    With AI evolving at a pace that feels almost comic book‑fast, the future is shaping up to be a mix of wonder, challenge, and a little bit of genius. Stay tuned—the next chapter is just around the corner.

    AI: The Game-Changer of 2025

    Hosts a fresh episode of The Exchange

    Take a seat, because in today’s chat, Laila Humairah breaks down the AI wave sweeping across the globe. She’s talking to three key voices who’re actually using AI daily, and the conversation is packed with aha‑moments.

    1. Tanuja Randery – Managing Director, AWS

    • EU AI Landscape: “Europe’s playing a cautious yet forward‑thinking hand. Regulators are getting stricter, but enterprises are still jumping on the bandwagon, especially in finance and smart manufacturing.”
    • Why it matters: “The right mix of cloud flexibility and compliance gives businesses a superpower to reduce costs and innovate faster.”
    • Future Outlook: “Expect more localized data centers and a push toward open‑source AI tools.”

    2. Greg Fallon – Founder, Geminus.AI

    • Generative AI Spotlight: “We’re not just talking about chatbots—think entire content pipelines that auto‑generate visuals, scripts, and more.”
    • Ethics Corner: “Every creative AI needs a moral compass. We champion transparency, bias‑tracking, and user‑control features.”
    • Real‑World Use: “From crafting personalized ad copy to designing next‑gen product prototypes, the buzz is everywhere.”

    3. Mohamed Elashi – Analyst, Qatar AI Initiative

    • Qatar’s AI Investment: “The Gulf leader is funneling billions into AI research hubs, startup incubators, and national smart‑city projects.”
    • Strategic Goals: “Diversify beyond oil, create a knowledge economy, and attract tech talent.”
    • Impact: “AI will be the backbone of Qatar’s healthcare, energy, and public‑service sectors.”
    Take‑away: AI isn’t just tech—it’s a global strategy.

    So, whether it’s Europe’s regulatory dance, Geminus’s daring generative tools, or Qatar’s ambitious roadmap, the message is clear: AI is now the playbook for businesses ready to leap into the future. And as Laila wraps up, you’ll feel that the future isn’t just coming—it’s already here, and it’s ready to be owned.

  • Nvidia, AMD May Offer High‑End AI Chips to China if They Pay a US Share

    Lights, Cameras, AI: Nvidia & AMD’s China Chip Choreography

    What’s the scoop?

    Forget the old “national security” drama—now the story is all about tariffs and tech deals. Nvidia and AMD have sweetened the pot with the U.S. government: they’ll hand over 15 % of the cash they rack up selling top‑tier AI chips to China, and in return they’ll get the green light to ship those same chips into the country.

    Breaking it down

    • Nvidia: 15 % of H20 sales in China. H20? Think of it as a fancy, purpose‑built AI chip that makes sense only for Chinese data centers.
    • AMD: 15 % of MI308 sales in the same territory. Another heavyweight in the AI inference ring.
    • Both companies now hold official licenses to operate in China—a clear nod from Washington.

    Why the pivot?

    Back in April, the Trump team slapped a ban on certain high‑performance AI chips aimed at China. A few months later, they sighed, “Okay, we’re backing off,” after Nvidia promised up to $500 billion in U.S. data‑center investments. Fast‑forward to July, Nvidia says it’s ready to ship H20 again—even after the Biden team’s own restrictions.

    In a slick, almost diplomatic statement, an Nvidia spokesperson wrote:

    “We follow the rules the U.S. government sets for our participation in worldwide markets. While we haven’t shipped H20 to China for months, we hope export control rules will let America compete in China and worldwide.”

    Trade talks and rare earths

    Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick blamed the shift on ongoing trade talks about rare‑earth elements—those precious minerals that power everything from EV batteries to high‑tech CPUs.

    However, this move isn’t going unnoticed. Former officials and national‑security gurus have penned letters urging the administration to “rewind” the decision—pointing out the potential risks of easing U.S. tech exports to an adversarial market.

    The big picture, for a moment

    • From stealthy tech to open tariffs: the narrative has switched from “protect the homeland” to “level up the trade game.”
    • Licenses traded for revenue cuts—an elegant, if not controversial, financial compromise.
    • The future? It’s a careful dance between keeping cool and keeping chips hot.

    Extra note: A fresh Nvidia comment was added to this story—a quick reminder that big companies are not shy about updating their playbooks.

  • Explore Instagram Maps Wisely: Stay Private While Navigating Social Trends

    Following Wednesday’s launch of Instagram’s new Snap Map-like opt-in “Instagram Map” feature — which lets U.S. users share their most recent active location with others and discover location-based content — Instagram head Adam Mosseri is having to reassure people that their location is only visible to others if they decide to share it. Although Meta has made it clear that location sharing is off by default, there have been numerous posts on social media urging users to turn off location sharing, incorrectly claiming that it’s automatically turned on.

    “We’re double checking everything, but so far it looks mostly like people are confused and assume that, because they can see themselves on the map when they open, other people can see them too,” Mosseri said in a Threads post. “We’re still checking everything though to make sure nobody shares location without explicitly deciding to do so, which, by the way, requires a double consent by design (we ask you to confirm after you say you want to share).”

    Mosseri also said that some people are “confused” about how the feature works. For instance, people are accessing the feature and then seeing the map populated with the location information of some users. This is because the feature automatically pulls in location tags from recently posted Stories or Reels that include a tagged location. 

    It’s worth noting that this isn’t new, as Instagram already had location tags visible to users in its map view. However, the new Instagram Map feature makes this information a lot easier to access. The new feature might make you rethink whether you want to post your Stories and Reels with location tags (especially if you’re still at the location).

    If you turn on your location on Instagram Map, your location only updates when you open the app or have it running in the background, meaning it doesn’t provide continuous, real-time location updates. This is different from Snap Map, which lets users choose whether their location is updated only when they open the app or in real time. 

    For those who want to ensure their location is turned off on Instagram Map, we’ll walk you through the steps below. 

    How to access Instagram Map

    The Instagram mapImage Credits:Instagram

    To access the new feature, you need to navigate to your DMs page (direct messages) and tap the new “Map” option at the top. If it’s your first time accessing the feature, you’ll likely see a pop-up message notifying you about the new Map.

    The pop-up will tell you that no one can see your location until you share it with them, and that you can change your settings at any time. 

    How to set your location-sharing preferences

    Image Credits:Instagram

    The first time you open Map, you will see a page that reads “Who can see your location.” From there, you can choose to share it with your Friends (followers you follow back), your Close Friends list, select users, or no one. 

    To change your preferences, you need to click on your profile, tap the settings option in the top-right corner, select the “Story, live and location” option, and then tap the “Location sharing” button. Here, you will be able to change your settings. 

    Note that if you have location sharing turned off, others can still share their location with you, which means you’ll be able to see them on the Map. 

    How to use Instagram Map

    When you open the app, you will see the locations of friends who have shared their location with you. You will also see location-based Stories and Reels from people you follow. 

    For example, if your friend attended a nearby music festival and posted a story while there, it will appear on the map. Similarly, if a creator you follow posts a reel about a new restaurant in your city, you’ll be able to discover it on Instagram Map. 

    You will still see location-based content on the Map even if you have your location turned off. 

    You also can leave short, ephemeral messages, or “Notes,” on the map for others to see. Instagram Notes are the short messages that currently appear at the top of your direct messaging feed, but with the launch of Instagram Map, you will now see these posts on the map if they’re shared with a location.

    This story was updated with new information.

  • France says Apple notified victims of new spyware attacks

    France says Apple notified victims of new spyware attacks

    Apple has notified a number of individuals that their devices were targeted in a spyware campaign, according to the French government.

    France’s national cybersecurity response unit said on Thursday that it was aware that Apple on September 3 sent a new notification to affected customers whose Apple devices may have been hacked.

    The cybersecurity unit said receiving a threat notification means that at least one of the devices linked to a customer’s iCloud account “has been targeted and would be potentially compromised.”

    It’s unclear how many individuals, including in France, received the September 3 threat notification, which spyware was used, or when the intrusions began. 

    An Apple spokesperson did not immediately respond to TechCrunch’s inquiries. 

    Apple periodically notifies victims that their devices were targeted and advises them to seek help from Access Now’s digital security lab. Most recently, Apple has notified victims in Iran, across Europe, India, and dozens of other countries of mercenary spyware attacks.

    France’s president Emmanuel Macron reportedly switched phones in 2021 after his phone was targeted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware.

  • Elon Musk says xAI has open sourced Grok 2.5

    Elon Musk says xAI has open sourced Grok 2.5

    Elon Musk’s xAI has made an older version of its AI model Grok — specifically, the model weights used to shape Grok 2.5 —  available on the open source platform Hugging Face.

    “The @xAI Grok 2.5 model, which was our best model last year, is now open source,” Musk wrote on X. He added that Grok 3 “will be made open source in about 6 months.”

    AI engineer Tim Kellogg described the Grok license as “custom with some anti-competitive terms.”

    Grok, which is prominently featured on X (which in turn recently merged with xAI), has created considerable controversy this year, particularly after the chatbot seemed to become obsessed with “white genocide” conspiracy theories, expressed skepticism about the Holocaust’s death toll, and described itself as “MechaHitler,” leading xAI to publish its system prompts on GitHub.

    And while Musk described the latest version, Grok 4, as a “maximally truth-seeking AI,” the model appears to consult Musk’s social media account before answering controversial questions.

  • Tesla proposes new pay package for Elon Musk worth up to T

    Tesla proposes new pay package for Elon Musk worth up to $1T

    Tesla has proposed a new 10-year compensation plan for CEO Elon Musk that could be worth as much as $1 trillion even as the EV maker’s car business stumbles and it sets its sights on humanoid robotics and AI.

    The company has tied the compensation to a number of benchmarks, one of which involves increasing Tesla’s overall valuation from around $1 trillion to more than $8 trillion. The plan would grant Musk more than 423 million additional shares in the company, boosting his level of control to around 25%. Musk has previously threatened to leave Tesla if he didn’t receive more voting power.

    The proposal will be voted on by shareholders at Tesla’s annual meeting, which is scheduled for later this year. The details of the plan come just one month after the company announced a $29 billion compensation package meant to make up for a plan that was struck down by a judge in Delaware.

    Tesla wrote to shareholders in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that the company believes the world is at a “critical inflection point” in society and claims it can usher in an era of “sustainable abundance” by “introducing innovative and affordable technologies at scale.”

    “Tesla can help bring about a society that democratizes autonomous goods and services,” the company wrote.

    Tesla wrote that Musk’s “singular vision” is “vital” to “navigating this critical inflection point.” It cited the company’s recently published “Master Plan Part IV,” which it says Musk “unveiled,” even though the CEO barely acknowledged it, except for agreeing that it lacked specifics.

  • The alpine wonders of Uzbekistan: A sustainable tourism gateway

    In this episode we head to the north-eastern tip of Uzbekistan to uncover the alpine wonders surrounding of the country, where soaring peaks, emerald slopes, and deep-blue reservoirs form a natural escape just two hours from Tashkent.

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    Charvak Reservoir, an artificial lake built in the 1970s, now forms the heart of this alpine playground. 
    Further up the slopes lies Amirsoy. It is considered the largest ski resort in the country, but it offers year-round experiences for visitors. 

    Nearby, the Green Hills resort provides a vibrant mix of sports and family activities. Its blooming lavender fields are a growing symbol of Uzbekistan’s eco-tourism efforts. 
    For a slower rhythm, we’ll travel to Birchmulla, a peaceful village where generations of highland farmers have lived in harmony with nature.  

  • Former Navy SEAL Unleashes Crusade Against Child Sex Trafficking

    Former Navy SEAL Unleashes Crusade Against Child Sex Trafficking

    From the Front Lines to the Front Desk: A Navy SEAL’s New Mission

    Once fighting hostile nations, now fighting a silent horror that hides in plain sight. Meet the ex‑Navy SEAL who traded flank scars for a new battle—child sex trafficking.

    Why the Shift?

    It’s not a career move. It’s a moral pivot. The battlefield changed from foreign deserts to suburban streets, and the enemy was no longer a distant gunman but a predator in the shadows.

    The Unseen War

    • Every day is a revelation—the statistics are staggering, the victims are often unseen.
    • New skillsets—though combat training is still handy, investigative tactics and courtroom savvy are now the front line.
    • Teaming up with law enforcement—the former SEAL works with NGOs, police, and tech experts to trace online abuse.

    How the Game Leans on Tech

    Digital footprints become footprints of evidence. The SEAL’s meticulous eye for detail helps pull together data that agencies may overlook. From tracing payment cells to tracking online whispers, every byte is a clue.

    Humor Meets Humanity

    They say a little laugh goes a long way. Even in this serious field, the SEAL cracks a joke as they walk the line between grave duty and a lighter humanity. “If you can’t fight, fight the right way,” they chuckle, implying that the only weapon left is knowledge.

    What If You’re in This Position?

    Ask yourself:

    1. What skills can you repurpose from your past life?
    2. How can you collaborate with existing agencies?
    3. And most importantly, why does this matter to you personally?

    It’s a call to step forward, even if your background wasn’t filled with guns and gadgets. Bringing those strengths to the fight against child exploitation—now that’s a service worth investing in.

    Craig Sawyer: From SEAL to Child Trafficking Crusader

    Who knew that a former Navy SEAL could turn his combat boots into a mission to rescue kids at risk? Meet Craig Sawyer, the man who traded the battlefield for a camera lens and is now on a relentless quest to expose child trafficking in plain sight.

    Early Life & Military

    Craig grew up in Houston, Texas, and when he hit 19, he signed up for the Marines. From there, he played the role of the “counterterror smart kid,” learning how to spot and stop threats before they could spread into the U.S. He said:

    • “I was learning about what terrorists were doing, hijacking planes, and I thought that was the worst evil I could identify.”
    • “I felt compelled to stop that from coming here,” and that drive pushed him to the top of special ops.

    Law Enforcement & Filmmaking

    After leaving active duty, Craig spent a decade in high‑risk mobile security for the Department of State and other intelligence agencies. He then decided to channel his skills into storytelling, producing a mini‑series about saving rhinos – an endangered species that needed a voice.

    He realized that filming is a powerful way to expose injustice and rally support.

    The Hidden Crisis

    In 2015, a buddy from the intelligence community tipped him off: Houston had become a hotspot for child sex trafficking. The revelation blew his mind – “It seemed like the last place on Earth that should allow it,” he said. He understood this wasn’t a random crime; it was a well‑organized, industrial‑scale operation that generated more revenue in the U.S. than all the major sports had combined.

    Turning the Lens: Contraland

    Craig tried to get help from big tech and mainstream film studios but hit a dead‑end. Undeterred, he created a nonprofit, raised funds, and produced his own documentary, “Contraland”. Released in 2019 at no cost to viewers, the film – about an hour and a half long – uses real footage, not reenactments, to showcase the harsh reality of child trafficking.

    • Clips captured in stealthy, concealed cameras.
    • Direct exposure of the hidden networks.
    • Empowerment through public awareness.

    Craig’s story reminds us that the hero in everyone isn’t just a hero in uniform. He’s a storyteller, a fighter, and an advocate – all wrapped up in one badass package.

    5,000 Predators Respond to Ad

    When a Fake Ad Became a Safeguard for Kids

    How a Craigslist Gimmick Unveiled a Hidden Threat

    Picture this: an operation that started with a completely bogus Craigslist ad for a 12‑year‑old girl. It was set up in Guilford, Connecticut, and its purpose was crystal clear—bait predators to expose just how many of them are lurking around.

    • 5,000 “hits” arrived from a network of predators who thought they could do something inside the ad.
    • The scale was scary: they’re in upscale neighborhoods, gritty alleys, and everywhere in between.
    • Instead of being scared, the investigators used the data to turn the tables on the predators.

    From Sneaky Apps to Real‑World Arrests

    The same team laced their operation with tech. They used a crime‑tracking app to pull in a Mormon elder targeting kids, an illegal immigrant, a high‑level cartel member, and a trafficker. That app? It vanished after its job was done.

    Inside the new world of digital predation, hunters are hiding in plain sight:

    • “Real‑world kids” sniff out these predators online. They’re so clever they can capture a kid’s video without the app giving any heads up.
    • They hop across platforms—video games, smartphones, laptops, chat apps—creating a fake “friendship” to build trust.
    • Once they’ve got the footage, they threaten to share it with the kid’s parents or school, a tactic that can trigger devastating self‑harm.
    Prevention Tip for Parents

    “Your kid’s mind is still developing, and a betrayal can be heartbreakingly hard to process,” said Captain Sawyer. To hedge against these rays of darkness, he recommends:

    1. Be a smashingly active part of their digital life.
    2. Keep tabs on what they see and who they’re chatting with.
    3. Let them know your back is strong, no matter what’s going on behind the screen.
    Arrest Stats that Talk the Talk

    And it’s no small matter; the partnership is on fire:

    • 29 child‑predator arrests with a clean 100% conviction rate.
    • 87 warrants still in the pipeline.
    • All thanks to the joint effort of nine agencies working together—you can’t beat that.

    In short, a fake ad turned into a real‑life shield that spurred arrest, cooperation, and safer rooms for kids. And the teamwork behind all of it? Absolutely unstoppable.

    Daughter Was a Victim

    Reclaiming Power: Aspen’s Journey from Victim to Vigilante

    The Night That Turned Into a Fight

    Picture this: The night is dark, the air thick with tension, and someone’s phone crackles with her scream. That’s the scene
    Steven Sawyer recounts—his heart racing, the world feeling like a battle zone.

    The Call to Action

    His wife whispers, “Your daughter’s on the road.”
    Steven grabs his phone, dials the sheriff’s office, and begs, “Can you pull her safely?”

    Fast and Safe—A Twist of Fate

    Aspen’s drive is a blur; she arrives before the deputies can even turn green. The result—a hospital, a decision to fight back.

    From Trauma to Tactical Ally

    Fast forward: Aspen is now a junior “decoy agent.” She chats with predators online—like a whispering guardian—calling out their bad intentions.

    Witnessing the Turnaround

    When the officers lock them up, Aspen’s small frame flattens into power. She tells Steven, “I’m reclaiming my strength. Watching them drop from predator to prisoner heals me.”

    Why It Matters
    • Gang members used to sell guns and drugs.
    • Now, they ship kids across borders, roping them into a life of crime.
    • They’re sold off like objects in seedy vacation spots.

    Changing the Game: Sawyer’s Vision

    Steven pushes:

    • Law enforcement needs an upgrade.
    • Legislation must cut through corruption.
    • Kids deserve a curriculum that makes them stay safe.

    The Power of Visibility

    He says the topic is “censored,” but more exposure turns denial into denial—make it a cultural sin and fists will rally.

    Outreach in Every Corner

    From documentaries to NASCAR billboards: We’re pulling at every nuisance, helping the public see the truth. Public speaking becomes a calling card for change.

    The Final Punch

    We’re supplying the knowledge, letting everyone link arms and shout “no” to the dark force stealing children’s futures.