For Your Information Blog: 13/09/23

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

You just ordered a new Apple device, but which USB-C is right for thee?

Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Today's top story is a continuation of the popularity surrounding yesterday's Apple Fall Event, where it was confirmed that the hardware giant is moving to USB-C connectors. While sentiment seems generally positive on the change, iPhone users are concerned that not just any USB-C will do. Here's why Apple needs to label the cables.

Meanwhile, WhatsApp announced today that it is expanding its Channels feature globally, aimed at broadcasted messages. Find out what’s new.

And a year ago, Stability AI quietly released Dance Diffusion, a model that can generate songs and sound effects given a text description of the songs and sound effects in question. Today it is recommitting to audio in a big way. Learn about its AI-powered music generator.

Image Credits: STR / NurPhoto / Getty Images

More top reads

Open your wallet: Telegram adds a self-custodial crypto wallet worldwide, but not here.

Cooling down sales: A French watchdog group temporarily halts iPhone 12 sales over radiation levels. Find out what happens next.

Firefly up the AI: Adobe's Firefly generative AI models are now generally available. Also, Adobe will start paying bonuses to Stock contributors whose content is being used to train Firefly.

Missing no more: Ring's new Pet Tag accessory helps reunite lost pets with their owners. Reunited, and it feels so good.

A leg up: Tesla is making a $1.9 billion investment in India with plans to almost double component sourcing from the country. Find out what's driving the deal.

Captivated: Amazon debuts some generative AI tools that help sellers write product descriptions. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime video is coming to the Polestar 2 and Volvo cars.

Get my good side: iPhone 15 proves the key battleground in smartphone photography is character. Are you ready for your close-up?

Prized "Port"al: Developer portal startup Port is aging well as tool concept takes shape. Read more.

Across the border: Alza emerges from stealth to offer affordable and inclusive financial tools to immigrants. Get the scoop.

It's embedded in our minds: Swan secures $40 million to bring embedded banking to Europe. Read on.

More for your Wednesday:

This startup has 12 co-founders (TC+)

Sapphire Partners is now managing all of CalSTRs’ emerging manager portfolios

Kolors acquires Urbvan to transform corporate bus travel in Mexico

Slingshot's playful new app lets you 'sling' quick photos to friends

Olivia Rodrigo releases 'get him back!' video, filmed on iPhone 15 Pro

Image Credits: Carl Court / Getty Images

Can the quick grocery delivery model only work in emerging markets?

Closures and consolidations hit the quick grocery delivery sector in the U.S. last year, but in Latin America, positive unit economics make these companies more viable, reports Rebecca Szkutak.

Lower labor costs and direct relationships with food producers are just two factors giving these startups wider margins in emerging markets, she found.

“In Western Europe, and the U.S., it's all about average order value,” said Larry Aschebrook, a managing partner at G Squared. “It just doesn't work otherwise."

TechCrunch+ is our membership program that helps founders and startup teams get ahead of the pack. You can sign up here. Use code "DC" for a 15% discount on an annual subscription.

Can the quick grocery delivery model only work in emerging markets? image

Image Credits: Bet_Noire / Getty Images

On the pods

This week, Equity brought TechCrunch+ senior climate reporter Tim De Chant on the show to talk about all things climate tech, including hardware breakthroughs and why we have a whole stage this year at Disrupt focused on sustainability.