Google nixes its Earth AI feature one day after launch, amid criticism it would spread misinformation

Source: Tech Crunch

Google nixes its Earth AI feature one day after launch, amid criticism it would spread misinformation

Startups

Google recently launched Nano Banana 2, an AI image generator integrated into Google Earth to encourage creative geography. However, the company scrapped the feature just one day later following widespread criticism that the tool could facilitate the spread of geospatial misinformation. Google stated the rollback is necessary to implement stronger guardrails after users shared generated imagery that violated company policies, highlighting the ongoing challenges of AI-driven manipulation.

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India is starting to pay for apps, not just download them

Startups

India's mobile app market is transitioning from a high-download, low-revenue hub to a rapidly monetizing sector. In the second quarter, consumer spending hit a record $345 million, a 35% year-over-year increase. This growth is primarily driven by generative AI, streaming, and productivity apps, aided by the widespread adoption of digital payments like UPI. While still trailing mature markets, India is now one of the world's fastest-growing app economies.

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Can Aequs Build A Consumer Engine Under Its Aerospace Wings?

Business

Aequs is diversifying from its core aerospace business into consumer electronics, which contributed 19% of its Q1 FY27 revenue. Despite a ₹36.1 crore EBITDA loss and low capacity utilization of 23%, the company plans to invest ₹500 crore to scale production. Aequs aims for the segment to provide 40-60% of total revenue within five years and reach EBITDA breakeven by the fourth quarter of FY27.

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Fresh off its Wiz payout, Index Ventures raises $2B across three funds

Startups

Index Ventures has raised $2 billion across three funds, including $400 million for seed and $900 million for venture investments, while adding $700 million to its growth fund. This brings total available capital to $3.5 billion. Known for strong performance, the firm saw significant gains from Wiz's $32 billion sale to Alphabet. Index also maintains strategic AI investments in companies like Anthropic, Fireworks AI, and Physical Intelligence.

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Smallest.ai Bags $13 Mn To Build Next-Gen Voice AI Models

Business

"Voice AI startup Smallest.ai has raised $13 million in a Series A funding round led by Seligman Ventures, bringing its total funding to over $21 million. The company plans to scale its voice AI platform for healthcare, financial services, and BPO clients. Smallest.ai also launched Voice 4.0, utilizing its Hydra architecture for parallel processing. The platform supports 38 languages and aims to automate complex enterprise workflow operations.".

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VC-backed startups commit more fraud, and researchers think they know why

Startups

New research from the U.K.’s Imperial College and France’s Emlyon Business School mapped out how Silicon Valley founders commit fraud — and the role investors play.

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Zepto To Now Re-Attempt IPO By May 2027: Report

Business

"Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha has informed employees that the quick commerce startup will defer its public listing until February to May 2027. The company aims to improve financial metrics and secure more favorable valuation terms before going public. Meanwhile, Zepto plans to raise ₹1,000 crore through a pre-IPO funding round to manage high cash burn and widening losses while awaiting a more opportune market window.".

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Sam Altman isn’t the only one who wants to pump the brakes on AI

Startups

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggests the AI industry should slow its pace of development. This shift follows a recent security breach at Hugging Face involving an OpenAI model, highlighting potential vulnerabilities. Both OpenAI and Anthropic have supported a petition advocating for a more measured approach. TechCrunch’s Equity podcast explores whether this represents a genuine change in strategy or a temporary reaction to security concerns and model accountability.

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Snapchat no longer rewards fully AI-generated Spotlight content

Startups

"Snapchat is updating its Spotlight recommendation system to stop rewarding fully AI-generated videos, prioritizing human-made content to foster authentic creativity. While creators may still use AI tools for editing, the platform aims to reduce 'AI slop.' This move mirrors similar actions by Meta and YouTube to deprioritize low-quality AI material. Additionally, Snapchat recently introduced new content controls for users aged 13 to 15 to prevent doxxing.".

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Siri AI could come with a paywall for power users

Startups

In his final earnings call, CEO Tim Cook revealed that Apple's upcoming Siri AI upgrade may include paid tiers via iCloud+ subscriptions. As John Ternus takes over as CEO, Apple faces challenges including a $250 million lawsuit over AI marketing and a global RAM shortage. While Mac and iPad prices have risen, the company continues to integrate AI, including a partnership with Google's Gemini model.

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GM and Ford are talking less and less about EVs

Startups

"General Motors and Ford have significantly reduced discussions regarding electric vehicles during their quarterly earnings calls, according to an analysis by TechCrunch and Hudson Labs. While both automakers previously prioritized EVs, they have since scaled back plans and shifted focus toward profitability, software, and internal combustion engines. This trend coincides with changing U.S. regulatory policies and the removal of federal tax credits for zero-emissions vehicles.".

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Samsung expects memory shortage to worsen through 2027 and last until 2028

Startups

Samsung predicts the global RAM chip shortage will persist until 2028, driven by surging AI demand. To secure supply, AI labs are signing long-term contracts, leading manufacturers to prioritize data centers over consumer electronics. Consequently, chip prices are rising, forcing companies like Samsung and Apple to increase device costs. This shift is expected to raise prices for smartphones, laptops, and graphics cards, potentially slowing consumer electronics growth.

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SpaceX won’t remove all of xAI’s unpermitted turbines for another year

Startups

"SpaceX will replace 69 unpermitted gas turbines powering xAI's Colossus data centers near Memphis with a permanent 1.2 gigawatt natural gas power plant by July 2027. Despite lawsuits from the NAACP and Southern Environmental Law Center over pollution and permit violations, the Department of Justice supported SpaceX, citing national security. The company plans to invest $2.8 billion in turbines for its data centers over three years.".

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Reddit is testing a new way to watch — and listen to — its viral posts

Startups

Reddit is developing a new "video Reddit" experience to allow users to watch videos and listen to posts, mirroring viral trends seen on TikTok. CEO Steve Huffman noted that spoken Reddit content is highly engaging. This move aligns with a broader industry trend of integrating short-form video feeds. Testing is expected later this year, following the successful launch of video comments, which now comprise over 10% of video posts.

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Smallest.ai raises $13M to build ultra-fast voice AI that sounds genuinely human

Startups

Smallest.ai, a startup that recently raised $13 million in Series A funding, is developing specialized small voice models to create AI agents indistinguishable from humans. By mimicking real-time human processing and reducing latency, the company aims to revolutionize enterprise customer support. Its hybrid approach uses small models for fluid interaction and large LLMs for complex problem-solving, targeting companies like RingCentral and Truecaller to break the Turing test.

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(Weekly funding roundup July 25-31) VC funding drops to another low

Startups

"Venture capital funding for Indian startups fell to $67 million across 14 deals in the final week of July, the second lowest weekly level this year. This decline is attributed to a lack of significant AI traction and unfavorable macroeconomic conditions. Despite the slump, notable investments were made in Arboreal Bioinnovations, Sid’s Farm, and Fixxly, as the ecosystem hopes for an eventual recovery in capital inflows.".

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WhatsApp is testing a new folder for messages from large businesses

Startups

Meta is testing a new "Offers & Updates" folder on WhatsApp to reduce inbox clutter by automatically moving messages from large businesses, such as banks and airlines, after a set period. This initiative follows Meta's reported revenue growth from WhatsApp paid messaging. While small businesses are currently exempt, the feature aims to balance personal chats with business communications as Meta expands its global AI business agents.

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IIRM Holdings to raise ₹150 crore from Carpediem Capital, Sanshi Fund

Startups

BSE-listed IIRM Holdings India Ltd plans to raise ₹150 crore through equity shares and fully convertible warrants, led by Carpediem Capital and Sanshi Fund - I. The company will utilize the funds for business expansion, strategic acquisitions, and working capital. Operating across five countries in risk advisory and insurance distribution, IIRM aims to consolidate the underpenetrated insurance broking market and accelerate its growth trajectory globally.

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EbixCash World Money gets perpetual RBI licence for trade and family remittances

Startups

EbixCash World Money has become the first Authorised Dealer Category-II entity in India to receive a perpetual Reserve Bank of India licence with an expanded scope. Following revised FEMA framework changes, the company can now process family maintenance and trade remittances up to Rs 25 lakh per transaction. This development allows EbixCash to provide a regulated non-bank channel for MSMEs, leveraging its extensive nationwide physical and digital network.

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Tesla reportedly might sell its China business ahead of a SpaceX merger

Startups

"Tesla is reportedly considering separating its China business through a spinoff, sale, or closure to facilitate a potential merger with SpaceX. Because SpaceX is a defense contractor subject to strict national security and citizenship regulations, decoupling from China would simplify integration. This move would be a significant concession, as China serves as a vital production hub and market for Tesla's global vehicle operations and distribution.".

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