OpenAI tests SearchGPT, A new AI-powered search experience that directly competes with Google. The feature aims to improve search queries with “quick answers” from across the internet and allows the user to ask follow-up questions. The temporary prototype is currently only available to a small group of users and its publishing partners for testing and feedback, but curious minds can join the waiting list. Learn more
CrowdStrike Offered $10 Uber Eats Gift Cards to Partners The company has apologized for the global IT outage caused by its botched update. A source told TechCrunch that they received an email from CrowdStrike offering them the gift card because the company recognizes “the extra work that the July 19 incident caused.” However, some people have claimed that when they went to take advantage of the offer, they found that the voucher had been canceled. Learn more
Wiz has turned down a $23 billion acquisition offer from Alphabet, Google’s parent company. The offer represented a substantial premium to its last private valuation of $12 billion, but a source familiar with the discussions says Wiz’s management team has instead opted to remain independent. In a letter to staff, Wiz CEO Assaf Rappaport said their target is now set at “$1 billion in ARR and an IPO.” Learn more
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Optimus Gets a Sale Date: Elon Musk has announced that Tesla will begin selling its Optimus humanoid robot in 2026, making it the first to go commercially available if successful. We’ve compiled a helpful guide to where the rest of the industry stands right now. Learn more
Good news for Apple Maps users: Apple Maps is now accessible directly from your browser in a new public beta, as the company looks to reach more users and take on its biggest competitor, Google Maps. Learn more
Don’t let X drag Grok from your posts: X automatically enabled a setting that allows the company to train its Grok AI on users’ posts by default. Here’s how you can turn it off and delete your conversation history with the chatbot. Learn more
Hello, Waymo-Zeekr:Waymo has begun testing a new robotaxi built by Chinese electric carmaker Zeekr on public roads in San Francisco. While it’s not yet autonomous, it marks the next step in the company’s journey. Learn more
Colin Kaepernick launches AI startup: Former NFL quarterback and civil rights activist launches Lumi, an AI-powered storytelling platform that aims to help creators tell and own their stories. Currently, Lumi is starting small with creation tools for manga and comic book artists. Learn more
Alphabet invests $5 billion in Waymo:Alphabet will invest an additional $5 billion in its self-driving subsidiary, Waymo, in a new “multi-year investment.” The investment will allow Waymo to continue developing its self-driving technology. Learn more
Proposition 22 is here to stay:The California Supreme Court has ruled that a ballot measure that classified app workers as independent contractors instead of employees can remain in place, affecting workers at companies like Uber, Lyft, DoorDash and Instacart. Learn more
Meta’s New AI Selfie Feature:Want to treat yourself to a relaxing beach vacation? Or maybe you’re curious about what you’d look like with bangs? Meta AI’s new “Imagine Yourself” feature lets you create AI-generated avatars in a snap. Learn more
Cruise abandons Origin:GM’s self-driving car subsidiary is abandoning plans to build the Origin, a specially designed robotaxi without a steering wheel or pedals, and will instead take on a $583 million financial burden. Learn more
Google brings improvements to its Gemini chatbot: Google is rolling out performance updates to its AI-powered chatbot and making it more widely available. Gemini 1.5 Flash will soon be available in 40 languages and around 230 countries. Learn more
Make way for the Steam Deck: Asus is launching an upgraded version of its gaming laptop, the ROG Ally X. The device features a bright seven-inch display with 1080p resolution and is flanked by buttons and joysticks for easy gaming on the go. Learn more
Analysis
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There’s a lot more to Kamala Harris memes:If you’re seeing a deluge of coconut emojis and green videos of Vice President Kamala Harris on your News Feed (or even on 24-hour news channels), you’re not alone. In the wake of Harris’s Democratic presidential bid, Amanda Silberling dissects the influx of memes, both as ironic Gen Z posts and as potentially prescient political strategy. Learn more
The Next Chapter of Strava:There comes a time in every startup’s life when leaders and stakeholders need to start thinking about the end goal. That’s the predicament social fitness app Strava finds itself in. Paul Sawers caught up with Michael Martin, six months into his role as CEO, to talk about what happened next and why it took so long for the app to get dark mode. Learn more
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