IT news — 2026-10-21
Original English summaries of the day's IT stories, with links back to the sources. ← All days
General Tech
Facebook Introduces Subscription for Enhanced Posting on Pages
Facebook has implemented a new policy requiring page administrators to subscribe to a paid service if they wish to post more than two links per month. This change is aimed at monetizing page activity and potentially improving content quality.
SimCity, but with Permits
A new web-based game called Permit combines city-building mechanics with the challenge of navigating bureaucratic processes, offering a unique twist on classic simulation games. The game allows players to manage and process permits for various city projects, adding a layer of administrative complexity.
Blackwall Secures $100M at $2.2B Valuation for Web Security Tools
Blackwall has secured a $100 million funding round, valuing the company at $2.2 billion. The investment will support the development of its security and filtering solutions designed to manage the increasing volume of bot and AI traffic on websites.
Yelp Introduces AI Features to Automate Restaurant Wait Time Inquiries
Yelp has integrated new AI capabilities into its app, allowing it to make calls on users' behalf to check restaurant wait times. The platform also offers personalized recommendations based on user preferences.
Oura Enhances Smart Ring with Advanced Fitness Metrics
Oura has introduced new fitness metrics to its smart ring to stay ahead of emerging competitors in the market. These metrics aim to provide deeper insights into how workouts affect users' bodies, helping the company maintain its market lead.
Spotify Introduces Paid Podcast Memberships with Enhanced Benefits
Spotify has introduced a new paid membership program for podcasts, allowing creators to offer listeners exclusive benefits such as ad-free listening and early access, with podcasters retaining 90% of the revenue.
Inspired Capital Secures $450M for Fourth Fund Amidst NYC's Tech Expansion
Inspired Capital has raised $450 million for its fourth fund, reflecting New York City's growing competitiveness in the tech investment landscape. Despite the concentration of venture capital on the West Coast, NYC continues to attract significant funding.
Reliable Robotics Secures $115M in Funding, Surpasses $1B Valuation
Reliable Robotics, an aviation startup founded by former SpaceX employees, has raised an additional $115 million in equity and $25 million in debt, bringing its valuation above $1 billion.
Figma Co-Founder Questions MCP Protocol's Perfection
Dylan Field, co-founder of Figma, has expressed doubts about the MCP protocol's perfection. Figma aims to support multiple standards while maintaining control over its data exposure.
TikTok Employees Alarmed by Child Safety Issues, but Executives Didn't Respond Adequately
Internal court documents reveal that TikTok's staff expressed significant concerns over child safety risks on the platform, but their warnings were reportedly ignored by the company's leadership.
JustWatch Enters Streaming Market with Ad-Supported Service
JustWatch, a streaming search platform with 50 million users, is now offering its own streaming service with free ad-supported content and a paid ad-free option for $3.99 per month.
Meta's AI Companion Muse Surpasses 10M Downloads in 40 Days
Meta's AI app Muse has achieved over 10 million downloads in the U.S. within its first 40 days, placing it among the top 12 fastest-growing apps. The app also demonstrates strong user retention compared to other AI applications.
Artificial Intelligence
Voxtral 3 Launches with Enhanced AI Capabilities
Voxtral 3, the latest version of the AI speech synthesis tool, introduces significant improvements in natural language processing and voice modulation. The update is expected to enhance user experiences in various applications, from virtual assistants to gaming.
Google Releases TorchTPU, Enabling PyTorch Support on TPUs
Google has made TorchTPU available as open-source software, allowing developers to use PyTorch on Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). This move is expected to enhance the flexibility and performance of machine learning models running on Google's specialized hardware.
Eka Robotics Valued at $1.45B with Advanced AI-Powered Robotic Arm
Eka Robotics has garnered significant industry acclaim for its sophisticated robotic arm, which effectively handles a diverse array of objects with human-like precision, boosting its valuation to $1.45 billion.
US Mandates Removal of Chinese AI Tool DeepSeek from Federal Agencies
Federal civilian agencies in the US have been instructed to remove DeepSeek AI products and related third-party services due to national security risks.
Startup Develops AI to Interpret Plant Communication Through Electrical Signals
Electric Plant has created an AI translator designed to interpret the electrical signals plants use to communicate. This technology could provide new insights into plant behavior and needs.
Former Nvidia Executive Now in VC: Physical AI is in Its Early Stages
Amulya Vishwanath, a former Nvidia executive now working in venture capital, believes that physical AI is in its nascent phase, similar to the early stages of LEGO building. She suggests that a transformative moment for robotics, akin to the impact of ChatGPT on AI, is anticipated.
Eric Schmidt Holds a 1% Stake in Anthropic, Report Says
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt reportedly owns about 1% of Anthropic, an artificial intelligence research lab. This stake is approximately half of what the company's CEO, Dario Amodei, holds.
ChatGPT Introduces Chat Locking Feature
ChatGPT has introduced a new locking feature that allows users to secure their conversations, ensuring privacy when sharing devices. This feature is particularly useful for maintaining confidentiality during personal or sensitive discussions.
Google and Amazon Offer New Tools to Compete with Nvidia for AI Developers
Google has introduced a new developer tool aimed at simplifying the transition of PyTorch applications away from Nvidia GPUs, following Amazon's similar move. This development signals a growing competition in the AI developer tools market.
Google's Gemini AI Assistant to Offer Personalized Services in Vehicles
Google is integrating its Gemini AI assistant with vehicle systems, enabling it to provide personalized services by accessing data from Gmail, Calendar, Maps, and YouTube. This enhancement aims to make driving experiences more tailored and convenient.
Enterprise & Networking
Ofcom Admits Defeat in 4chan Legal Battle
Ofcom has conceded defeat in a legal case involving the online forum 4chan. The details of the case and its implications for online content regulation remain under discussion.
Otter.ai Secures $320M Investment for Growth and Innovation
Otter.ai, a meeting note-taking tool, has secured a $320 million investment from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund to fuel its enterprise growth, marketing strategy, international expansion, and product development.
GM Plans to Close Battery Plant, Unrelated to Electrification Goals
General Motors is set to close its Brownstown Battery Assembly Plant, a move that is not connected to the company's electric vehicle initiatives. The closure reflects strategic adjustments within the company's operations.