Latest Software & Apps News
Meta Acquires AI Startup Manus for Over $2 Billion
Meta Platforms acquired Singaporean AI startup Manus, known for intelligent agents handling candidate screening, vacation planning, and stock analysis. The deal, one of the first by a major U.S. tech firm with Chinese roots, integrates Manus into Meta's app ecosystem with millions of users.
Databricks Secures $4 Billion Funding at $134 Billion Valuation
Databricks raised $4 billion in a Series L round on December 16, solidifying its status as a top private software company in data and AI. The funding highlights massive investor confidence in AI infrastructure.
OpenAI Releases GPT-5.2 with 'Thinking' and 'Instant' Models
OpenAI launched GPT-5.2 on December 11, featuring a 'Thinking' model for complex reasoning and an 'Instant' model for quick tasks, competing with Google's Gemini 3. It's integrated with Microsoft’s Work IQ for enterprise use.
AWS Unveils Nova 2 Model Family and Kiro Agent
Amazon Web Services released the Nova 2 family, including Nova 2 Lite, Pro, and Sonic speech-to-speech models at its Las Vegas conference. The new Kiro autonomous agent handles complex workflows, advancing agentic AI.
TechCrunch Disrupt Showcases Top Enterprise AI Startups
At TechCrunch Disrupt Startup Battlefield, enterprise startups unveiled AI fact-checkers, synthetic user agents, market research platforms, and digital co-workers. These innovations accelerate AI transformation in business operations.
Consumer and EdTech Startups Shine at Disrupt with AI Tools
Consumer and educational tech firms at Disrupt introduced inclusive mobility apps, women's health AI, video tools, brain-computer interfaces, language tutors, and personalized math platforms. They demonstrate evolving global instructional experiences.
Octopus Energy Spins Off AI Arm Kraken at $8.65 Billion
British renewable-energy startup Octopus Energy raised $1 billion for its AI platform Kraken in its first standalone round, valuing it at $8.65 billion. The spin-off targets AI-driven energy management.
Salesforce Positions Agentforce as Whole-System AI at TDX 25
At its TDX developer conference, Salesforce presented Agentforce as a 'holy trinity' of data, apps, and agents, beyond just LLMs. Executives criticized 'DIY' AI approaches.
ServiceNow Hails Agentic AI as Revolutionary at K25 Conference
ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott called AI an 'absolute requirement' for survival at Knowledge 25, targeting CRM growth with its agentic AI platform. It orchestrates AI for the Now platform.
Lovable AI Platform Raises $330M at $6.6B Valuation
Swedish AI startup Lovable evolved from open-source to a commercial platform for building apps via plain-language prompts, no coding needed. It secured Series B funding, democratizing software development.
BASF Migrates to SAP S/4Hana for Business Modernization
Global chemical giant BASF is moving its SAP IT to S/4Hana private cloud, announced at SAP Sapphire 2025. This supports evolution in uncertain times via ERP upgrades.
2025 Sees Major Tech Layoffs at Meta, Amazon, Microsoft
Tech giants including Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft cut tens of thousands of roles throughout 2025 amid adjustments in staffing. The layoffs reflect industry shifts toward AI efficiency.