TikTok announces its first ever TikTok Awards show in the US; the live event will take place on December 18 and will be streamed on the TikTok app and on Tubi (Aisha Malik/TechCrunch)

Pine Labs, an Indian digital payments company, has priced its IPO between $2 to $2.5 per share, resulting in a valuation of $2.9 billion at the upper end. This marks a significant drop from its previous valuation of $5 billion in 2022. The reduced valuation reflects the challenges faced by the fintech sector and highlights the shifting landscape of digital payments in India. As Pine Labs aims to expand globally, this IPO could be a crucial step, but the lower valuation raises concerns about investor confidence and market conditions.

TikTok is making waves in the entertainment industry by announcing its first-ever awards show in the US, where winners will be revealed live. This event promises to bring together hundreds of creators for a night filled with excitement, featuring a red carpet and live performances. It's a significant step for TikTok, showcasing its commitment to celebrating its community and the creative content that thrives on its platform.

VentureBeat is excited to welcome Karyne Levy as its new Managing Editor, starting today. Karyne brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at TechCrunch and has held significant positions at notable outlets like Protocol and NerdWallet. Her extensive background in tech journalism will undoubtedly enhance VentureBeat's editorial direction and strengthen its leadership team, making this a pivotal moment for the publication.

Alphabet is making waves in the tech world by launching independent companies through its Series X Capital fund, which has successfully raised over $500 million. This initiative not only showcases Alphabet's commitment to innovation but also allows for the exploration of groundbreaking ideas that could reshape industries. By spinning out these 'moonshot' projects, Alphabet is positioning itself as a leader in fostering new technologies and business models, which could have a significant impact on the economy and society.

Google has decided to remove its AI model Gemma from AI Studio after Senator Blackburn accused it of fabricating sexual misconduct allegations against her. This incident raises significant concerns about the reliability and ethical implications of AI technologies, especially as they become more integrated into our daily lives. The senator's claims highlight the potential for AI to cause real harm through misinformation, prompting a broader discussion on accountability in AI development.

TechCrunch Mobility is back with exciting updates from TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of transportation. This event is crucial as it showcases innovative ideas and technologies that could shape how we move in the coming years, making it a must-follow for anyone interested in the evolution of mobility.

Grab has reported a 22% year-over-year increase in revenue for Q3, reaching $873 million, surpassing estimates of $869 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA also rose to $136 million, driven by innovative offerings like group food orders and more affordable shared rides. This growth is significant as it reflects Grab's ability to adapt to consumer demands and enhance its service portfolio, positioning the company for continued success in a competitive market.

In 2025, humanoids have made significant strides, showcasing advancements that make the future feel closer than ever. From enhanced AI capabilities to more lifelike interactions, these robots are not just tools but companions that can assist in daily life. This matters because it highlights the rapid evolution of technology and its potential to transform our society, making tasks easier and enriching human experiences.

The recent deal between OpenAI and AWS marks a significant advancement in AI infrastructure, highlighting the growing demand for cloud services and AI workloads. This multiyear agreement, valued in the billions, is set to enhance the scalability and reliability of top AI systems. It’s a pivotal moment for developers and enterprises as it reshapes cloud competition and capacity planning, ensuring that the technology can keep pace with rapid advancements in AI.

IT project management is crucial for the success of technology initiatives, ensuring that projects meet deadlines, stay within budget, and achieve their goals. This article delves into effective methods and metrics that drive successful IT projects, offering practical tips and real-world examples. Understanding these elements is essential for anyone involved in tech projects, as they can significantly impact the outcome and efficiency of project execution.

In this article, the author shares a quick and easy guide to implementing Cookie Authentication in Angular, highlighting its simplicity and effectiveness in keeping front-end applications clean while offloading server responsibilities. This is important for developers looking to streamline their authentication processes and improve user experience.

The article discusses the author's personal experience with bypassing captchas, raising concerns about online security and the implications of such actions. It highlights the ease with which these security measures can be circumvented, prompting a conversation about the effectiveness of captchas in protecting websites from bots and malicious activities. This matters because it sheds light on vulnerabilities in online security systems that could be exploited, affecting both users and service providers.