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This year, Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch SE 3, and Apple Watch Ultra 3. If you received an Apple gift card over the holidays and are exploring the different models, we can help point you in the right direction. With its $799 price tag, the Apple Watch Ultra 3 is clearly aimed at a niche, high-end market and athletes. For most consumers, the purchasing decision likely lies between the Apple Watch SE 3 and the Apple Watch Series 11, starting at $249 and $399, respectively. Despite its lower price tag, the…
The U.S. State Department was busy this past year assessing various threats to American travelers around the world.Officials also revamped the travel advisory website to include a new interactive color-coded map for travelers to quickly access the latest guidance for their next destination. Here are the most important travel advisory updates from 2025.New Zealand and Australia – Level 1Travelers can venture Down Under with peace of mind in 2026, as both Australia and New Zealand received updated Level 1 travel advisories this year. That means visitors can exercise normal precautions. Turks and Caicos and the Bahamas – Level 2In March, the State…
OpenAI is looking to hire a new executive responsible for studying emerging AI-related risks in areas ranging from computer security to mental health. In a post on X, CEO Sam Altman acknowledged that AI models are “starting to present some real challenges,” including the “potential impact of models on mental health,” as well as models that are “so good at computer security they are beginning to find critical vulnerabilities.” “If you want to help the world figure out how to enable cybersecurity defenders with cutting edge capabilities while ensuring attackers can’t use them for harm, ideally by making all systems…
For the last few years, I wore either an analog watch or Xiaomi Band 6 for basic step tracking and time. I didn’t opt for an Apple Watch because I wasn’t constantly active, I didn’t feel the need to check my notifications, and I didn’t want to think about charging the watch every day. This year, I got a chance to test the new Google Pixel Watch 4, which made me feel like I might start wearing smartwatches again. I have always had a soft spot for circular watches. One of the first smartwatches I owned was the Moto 360,…
Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We whittle those applications down to the top 200 contenders, and of them, the top 20 compete on the big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. But the remaining 180 startups all blew us away as well in their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the health and wellness Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. Akara What it does: Uses AI…
The mania around data centers has a lot of companies looking to become “picks and shovels” providers, by building profitable businesses that are ancillary to the gold rush gigs of selling server access or training leading AI models. MayimFlow, the Built World stage winner at this year’s TechCrunch Disrupt, is a good example. The startup is focused on essentially one task: preventing damaging water leaks. Data centers use a lot of water, and that water can present a big risk, even if a leak is small. Founder John Khazraee told TechCrunch that many data centers only have reactive solutions for…
In May, Hawaii became the first state in the U.S. to adopt a green fee tax on hotel rooms stays and short term visits, including cruise visitors. Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake denied a request that sought to stop Hawaii from enforcing the new law on cruise line passengers. Funds generated by the fee were planned to help protect Hawaii’s local environment and deal with the increasingly challenging impact of global climate change. Specifically for cruises, the tax amounts to 11% on gross fares paid by cruise passengers, beginning in 2026. The tax would be prorated for…
NEW YORK (AP) — When the MetroCard replaced the New York City subway token in 1994, the swipeable plastic card infused much-needed modernity into one of the world’s oldest and largest transit systems.Now, more than three decades later, the gold-hued fare card and its notoriously finicky magnetic strip are following the token into retirement.The last day to buy or refill a MetroCard is Dec. 31, 2025, as the transit system fully transitions to OMNY, a contactless payment system that allows riders to tap their credit card, phone or other smart device to pay fares, much like they do for other…
Every year, TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield pitch contest draws thousands of applicants. We whittle those applications down to the top 200 contenders, and of them, the top 20 compete on the big stage to become the winner, taking home the Startup Battlefield Cup and a cash prize of $100,000. But the remaining 180 startups all blew us away as well in their respective categories and compete in their own pitch competition. Here is the full list of the fintech, real estate, and proptech Startup Battlefield 200 selectees, along with a note on why they landed in the competition. Fintech Clox AI …
PARIS (AP) — Brigitte Bardot, the French 1960s sex symbol who became one of the greatest screen sirens of the 20th century and later a militant animal rights activist and far-right supporter, has died. She was 91.Bardot died Sunday at her home in southern France, according to Bruno Jacquelin, of the Brigitte Bardot Foundation for the protection of animals. Speaking to The Associated Press, he gave no cause of death, and said that no arrangements had been made for funeral or memorial services. She had been hospitalized last month.Bardot became an international celebrity as a sexualized teen bride in the…