August 14, 2025

TechCrunch Top 3

Google pushes AI into flight deals as antitrust scrutiny, competition heat up: Google has launched Flight Deals as its AI tool within Google Flights to help travelers find cheaper fares. Read More

Cohere hires long-time Meta research head Joelle Pineau as its chief AI officer: Cohere has hired Joelle Pineau, Meta's former VP of AI research who previously oversaw the tech giant's fundamental AI research (FAIR) lab. In her newly created Chief AI Officer role, Pineau will oversee AI strategy across Cohere's research, product and policy teams. Read More

Apple's blood oxygen monitoring returns to its latest Apple Watches: The change doesn't affect previously sold models with the original version of the feature or units bought outside the U.S. Read More

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Morning Must-Reads

Google CEO adds a new calendar feature at Stripe co-founder's request: While users often tag companies and CEOs with online feedback and complaints, you know you've made it when the CEO not only replies to you, but also implements the change you've asked for. Read More

Co-founder of Elon Musk's xAI departs the company: Igor Babuschkin is leaving xAI less than three years after he co-founded the startup with Elon Musk, following a series of scandals at company. Read More

Airbnb will allow US users book stays without paying upfront: Airbnb has launched a new feature called "Reserve Now, Pay Later" that lets users in the U.S. reserve a property without paying upfront, potentially allowing people to cancel their bookings with less hassle if their plans change. Read More

AI translation tech Palabra gets backing from Reddit co-founder's venture firm: Alexis Ohanian and his firm Seven Seven Six are backing Palabra, which is working on a translation engine. Read More

India's Rapido begins testing food delivery to take on Swiggy, Zomato: Rapido's beta food delivery service has popped up in three key localities in Bengaluru before a broader rollout. Read More

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Last but Not Least

Buzzy AI startup Multiverse creates two of the smallest high-performing models ever: It humorously calls this family the Model Zoo because one is like the size of a fly's brain and the other the size of a chicken's. Read More