As internet creators and influencers grow their followings, it’s not always intuitive what the best way to monetize might be. For some creators, they might find a path to monetization through subscriber-only content and branded posts, but for those with a great idea and an entrepreneurial streak, they might leverage their appeal to launch a […]
Stark, a hub for accessible software design, launches a Mac app in beta
Today, Stark launched a private beta for its Stark for Mac app, which streamlines accessibility compliance to make products more inclusive while allowing everyone involved in a project to easily collaborate. Companies can upload their design files into Stark’s tool, which then identifies accessibility issues and suggests changes. Stark started in 2017 when Cat Noone […]
New Amazon Echo devices will have local voice processing, giving users more privacy
When you speak to an Amazon Echo device, so far in its history, Alexa would connect to the internet to process requests and deliver a response. Of course, this has sparked concerns among some consumers, since it might feel worrisome to have a Wi-Fi-connected smart device listening for you to say a wake word at […]
TikTok reached 1 billion monthly active users
TikTok announced in a blog post today that 1 billion people use TikTok every month. That means that on this big rock in space that we call home, about one in seven-and-a-half people are regularly watching short-form videos of dancing, dangerous “milk crate challenges” and even actual educational content. For context, Facebook said that in […]
Nintendo announced that Chris Pratt will play Mario on the big screen
It’s a me, Burt Macklin! Chris Pratt is voice acting as Mario in a feature film that Nintendo is working on with Illumination, the studio that made “Despicable Me.” Also, they didn’t tell us at Nintendo Direct who the new “Smash” fighter is. But we can’t be too disappointed, because apparently Anya Taylor-Joy is Peach, Jack […]
NYC passes bills to improve conditions of app-based delivery workers
The New York City Council passed bills today that will set minimum pay and improve working conditions for gig workers making deliveries for apps like Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber Eats. More specifically, the bills allow delivery workers to use restaurant bathrooms, limit how far they can be asked to deliver, set minimum payments per trip […]
YouTube confirms it’s testing a feature that lets users download videos on their browser
If you’ve never struggled to click the correct one of three different download buttons on one of those “YouTube to mp4” websites, well, haven’t you led an honorable internet life! But now, YouTube is testing a feature for Premium subscribers that might render those bootleg websites somewhat obsolete. From now through October 19, Premium users […]
Adventr uses patented voice-control tech to allow anyone to create interactive videos
We’ve all been there — you’re watching a horror movie, and you know that the main character definitely shouldn’t go into that creepy house, but no matter how much you yell at your TV, you can’t change his fate. But what if you told the guy on screen to steer clear of the house, and […]
ViacomCBS unveils a Paramount+ and Showtime streaming bundle, starting at $9.99 per month
ViacomCBS announced a new streaming bundle today for U.S. subscribers, offering access to both Paramount+ and Showtime. If you subscribe to the ad-supported Paramount+ Essential plan, the bundle will cost $9.99 per month. But if you don’t want to watch ads when you’re laser-focused on the “iCarly” reboot (yes, that exists), you can pay $12.99 […]
Folio’s 24-year-old founder is bootstrapping a curated, online bookstore
In the midst of TechCrunch Disrupt, hundreds of founders will video call into Startup Alley, eager to share what makes their company stand out. But 24-year-old Clare Carroll’s video background speaks for itself as she calls in from her NYC apartment, which doubles as a stock room for hundreds of books she sells online. Just […]