The TechCrunch+ section provides in-depth commentary and analysis on various topics. This week, it covers the recent surge in tech startup layoffs, HPE's $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, and the current state of fintech amidst staff cuts at companies like Brex. A bonus report reveals that Lamborghini has licensed a new battery tech from MIT that could potentially overcome the limitations of current lithium-ion batteries.
Key takeaways:
- Disney has developed a VR treadmill-like system composed of hundreds of small, round "tiles" that serve as mini, omnidirectional treadmills.
- OpenAI has dropped prices on a number of AI models and rolled out a fix for its "lazy" GPT-4 models that refused to work.
- Apple has introduced a new stolen device protection feature that requires Face ID or Touch ID biometric authentication for some actions.
- AI startup Rabbit is developing a device called r1 that can purportedly do what a typical smartphone can do, but using generative AI and natural language.