Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Week in Review (WiR), TechCrunch regular newsletter that keeps you updated on the significant events unfolding in the tech world—well, most of them, at least. As the NeurIPS conference, the world’s largest AI conference, kicked off in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Google unveiled more details about Gemini, its flagship AI model family. Meanwhile, various noteworthy developments took place across the tech landscape.
In this edition of WiR, we delve into Cruise’s decision to reduce its driverless workforce by 24% (alongside Tesla’s autopilot recall), the perplexities surrounding Twitch’s new nudity policy, Adobe’s revamped app design language, and Instagram’s introduction of a generative AI-powered background editor. Additionally, we shine a spotlight on Meta’s Threads app expansion, the FCC’s denial of a subsidy to Starlink, Apple’s evolving policies regarding push notification data, and Amazon’s foray into competition with its own Goodreads service.
It’s a substantial amount of information to cover, so without further delay, let’s dive in. And before we proceed, don’t forget to sign up here to receive WiR in your inbox every Saturday if you haven’t already done so. TechCrunch regular newsletter
Gemini Expands its Reach: Google’s Gemini GenAI models, specifically the upcoming Gemini Pro, a more lightweight version of the advanced Gemini Ultra model, are set to integrate into various Google products. Duet AI, Google’s suite of developer assistance tools for code completion and generation, will soon incorporate Gemini, as will AI Studio (formerly MakerSuite), Google’s web-based AI app design experience, and Vertex AI, the enterprise-focused managed AI development platform.
Cruise Implements Workforce Reduction: Cruise, the self-driving car subsidiary of GM, is streamlining its operations by laying off approximately 900 field staff members. This strategic move aims to cut costs and overhaul the company following an incident on October 2 involving one of Cruise’s robotaxis. Wall Street responded positively to the downsizing, leading to an increase in GM shares.
Tesla Issues Autopilot Recall: Tesla is recalling two million vehicles and limiting the use of its Autopilot driver-assistance software. This action is a result of an ongoing investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighting concerns about the effectiveness of Tesla’s method for ensuring drivers’ attention while using Autosteer.
Twitch’s Policy Flip-Flop on Nudity: Twitch recently announced significant updates to its sexual content policy and content classification system, briefly permitting previously prohibited content such as illustrated nudity and “erotic dances.” However, the platform quickly reversed this decision, reinstating a ban on depictions of both real and fictional nudity. Streamers are still allowed to showcase nudity within M-rated games.
Adobe Unveils Spectrum 2: Adobe has introduced Spectrum 2, an updated version of its design system that has served as the foundation for the company’s app and web products over the past decade. Spectrum 2 adopts a more colorful approach compared to its predecessor, moving away from the austerity of the current design. Elements of Spectrum 2 are already visible in recent Adobe web apps, including Firefly, the generative AI service, Adobe Express, and some new Acrobat web experiences.
Instagram’s AI-Powered Background Editor: Instagram has rolled out its generative AI-powered background editing tool to users in the United States. This tool allows users to swiftly change the background of their images. By tapping on the background editor icon, users are presented with pre-populated prompts such as “On a red carpet,” “Being chased by dinosaurs,” and “Surrounded by puppies.” Users also have the option to create their own prompts for custom background changes.