TechCrunch Top 3

YouTube will soon let creators make Shorts with their own AI likeness: YouTube Shorts viewers might soon see AI versions of their favorite creators when scrolling through their feeds. Read More

OpenAI aims to ship its first device in 2026, and it could be earbuds: The AI startup is on track to announce its first hardware device in the second half of this year, OpenAI Chief Global Affairs Officer Chris Lehane said during an interview Davos. Read More

NYT Games' Scrabble-like game Crossplay is a dream come true: This new Scrabble inspired game is a distraction-free alternative to ad-loaded competitors like Words With Friends. Read More

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Morning Must-Reads

Lemonade launches an insurance product for Tesla Full Self-Driving customers: Lemonade says it worked with Tesla to gain access to previously-restricted vehicle telemetry data, but declined to offer specifics. Read More

Language learning marketplace Preply's unicorn status embodies Ukrainian resilience: Language learning marketplace Preply is now valued at $1.2 billion after raising a $150 million that marks a new chapter for the 14-year-old company. Read More

Zanskar thinks 1 TW of geothermal power is being overlooked: Zanskar has raised $115 million to find about a dozen geothermal resources that could help power the grid throughout the U.S. West. Read More

Consumers spent more on mobile apps than games in 2025, driven by AI app adoption: Consumers spent more money in mobile apps than games in 2025, driven by AI app adoption. Read More

Adobe Acrobat now lets you edit files using prompts, generate podcast summaries: Adobe is adding AI tools to Acrobat, including the ability to generate podcast summaries of files, create presentations, and a way for users to edit files using prompts. Read More

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Disrupt tickets are officially on sale at the lowest rates of the year. Lock in Super Early Bird pricing plus 50% off a second ticket of the same type, available to the first 500 registrants or until Jan 31. Join 10,000+ founders, investors, and operators for curated networking, hear from 250+ speakers across 200+ sessions, and demo innovations for 300+ startups Oct 13–15 in San Francisco.

You missed these chats from Disrupt:

Kindred talks home-swapping platform for travelers, Chef Robotics introduces AI into commercial kitchens, and Character.AI addresses chatbot safety with teens.

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Last but Not Least

Eternal CEO Deepinder Goyal hands over reins to Blinkit chief as quick commerce takes off: Deepinder Goyal will remain on Eternal's board as its vice chairman. Read More