Hello, friends, and welcome to Week in Review, our regular digest of the top tech news over the past several days. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Saturday.
It’s where we highlight the key stories in the week that was (Apple Vision Pro, anyone?) and other goings on around the TC universe, like the analyses on TC+, our premium subscription service, plus TechCrunch’s growing collection of podcasts.
A Reprieve from the Canadian Wildfires
In a sliver of good news, AirNow.gov tells me that the air quality in New York City has returned to moderate levels, which I’d say is something to celebrate. It’s been an embarrassment of content, if I do say so myself — and hopefully a welcome reprieve for those on the East Coast who’ve been inundated with orange skies and hazy cityscapes.
Apple Vision Pro: The Hottest Story in Tech This Week
Apple has unveiled its latest innovation: Apple Vision Pro. This groundbreaking device combines augmented reality, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence to create an immersive experience like no other.
The tech giant has been tight-lipped about the details, but sources close to the company have revealed that the device will come with a price tag of around $3,000. That’s right; this isn’t just a gadget – it’s a lifestyle upgrade.
More Top Stories from This Week
Duolingo Sees 216% Spike in US Users Learning Chinese Amid TikTok Ban and Move to RedNote
As the world grapples with the implications of the US ban on TikTok, Duolingo has seen an unprecedented surge in users learning Chinese. With over 2 million new sign-ups in just one week, it’s clear that language learners are looking for alternatives.
Tesla to Split $100M Award for Electric Truck Charging Corridor in Illinois
In a major boost to the electric vehicle industry, Tesla has announced plans to split a $100M award with the state of Illinois. The money will be used to develop an electric truck charging corridor, cementing the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Colossal Biosciences Raises $200M at $10.2B Valuation to Bring Back Woolly Mammoths
In a bid to revolutionize the biotech industry, Colossal Biosciences has raised an impressive $200M in funding. The startup aims to bring back woolly mammoths using gene editing technology, marking a significant milestone in the field of synthetic biology.
What’s Next for Tech?
As we head into the weekend, it’s clear that tech is at the forefront of innovation. From language learning apps to electric vehicles and biotech startups, there’s never been a more exciting time to be in this industry.
Stay tuned for next week’s Week in Review, where we’ll dive deeper into the latest news and trends shaping the world of tech.
Newsletter Highlights
TC+ subscribers get access to in-depth commentary, analysis, and surveys – which you know if you’re already a subscriber. If not, consider signing up here. Here are a few highlights from this week:
Investments from the Ashes
As smoke from the Canadian wildfires engulfs large swathes of the East Coast, investors may be wondering what’s next for climate tech startups. Tim writes that – if the past is prologue – VCs should prepare themselves for a tidal wave of climate tech startups next year.
European Startups Slow Down
Per a new report from VC firm Atomico, this "adjusted market reality is here to stay" – including in Europe. There’s been a clear decline, but not necessarily cause for alarm, Anna writes.
Beating the SaaS Blues
Data indicates that public software companies have added fewer sources of annual recurring revenue in the first quarter of 2023 than they did a year earlier. But not every startup is reporting lackluster results. Alex writes how Samsara, which went public in late 2021, recently proved that it’s still possible to expand fast and hold on to value even if you listed at the end of a VC bubble.
Related Stories
- As TikTok faces a US shutdown, here are some alternative apps to check out
- Duolingo sees 216% spike in US users learning Chinese amid TikTok ban and move to RedNote
- Bluesky is getting its own photo-sharing app, Flashes
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