Merriam-Webster names ‘slop’ the word of the year

The influence of artificial intelligence on our social media feeds has now been officially recognized by a leading American dictionary. Amid the flood of content that has defined the web over the past year, Merriam-Webster announced that its 2025 word…

Gift guide: TechCrunch’s favorite things

As tech journalists, we have a lot of opinions. Throughout the year, we are constantly trying out new products, and we are a hard crowd to please. So if we really like something, it is probably good. That is why…

Lidar-maker Luminar files for bankruptcy

Lidar company Luminar has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move follows months of layoffs, executive departures, and a legal fight with its largest customer, Volvo. The company aims to sell off its lidar business during the bankruptcy proceeding…

Threads adds new communities, tests badges for highly engaged members

Meta’s social network Threads is expanding the number of topics available through its newer communities feature. The company announced the expansion on Monday. This move may encourage people to use communities less on platforms like Reddit and X. Threads initially…

Facebook Messenger’s desktop app is no more

Facebook Messenger’s desktop app has reached its end. As of December 15, 2025, the native applications for Mac and Windows are no longer available. Existing users are now being directed to use the messaging service through the Facebook website. The…

Netflix responds to concerns about WBD deal

In a move that has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, Netflix recently announced its plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion. Responses from the industry have been generally negative, sparking concern about the acquisition’s implications for jobs, the future…

Zoom brings its AI assistant to the web with access to free users

Zoom has released its AI assistant to the web as part of its AI Companion 3.0 update. The company is now allowing free users to access the assistant’s features, such as summarizing meetings, listing action items, and gathering insights, though…