5 days only: Bring a partner or colleague and get 50% off a second TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass

The BOGO offer is live. For a limited time, buy one pass to TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and get 50% off a second of the same ticket type. Offer ends this Friday, May 8. Save here.

Dot is the Mac calendar app I wish I had found sooner in 2026

I have always loved menu bar calendar apps. They let me check upcoming events, add them quickly, and access my calendar from anywhere. Dot is the best one I have found.

How the internet’s favorite squirrel dad made the hottest camera app of 2026
How the internet’s favorite squirrel dad made the hottest camera app of 2026

It’s not hyperbole to call DualShot Recorder an overnight sensation. It took only 12 hours from the time it was released to hit number one on the App Store’s list of top paid apps. It was a surprise success – but what’s even more surprising is the app’s origin story: it all started with a […]

The things we’re building
The things we’re building

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 126, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, I need 10 or 15 skirts from Calvin Klein, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) Happy Ruthless Self-Promotion Week! We’re dedicating almost all of this […]

China built the AI content factory that Silicon Valley imagined but never shipped
China built the AI content factory that Silicon Valley imagined but never shipped

In January 2026, a new AI-generated micro-drama went live on a Chinese streaming platform every 90 seconds. By March, approximately 50,000 AI-native titles had been added to Douyin in a single month. The production cost was roughly one-tenth of a live-…

ChatGPT Images 2.0 is a hit in India, but not a big winner elsewhere, yet

Users in India are embracing ChatGPT Images 2.0 for creative, personal visuals — from avatars to cinematic portraits.

TikTok’s new ‘Campus Hub’ features college group chats and feeds

The new hub features dedicated college group chats and personalized feeds designed to help students stay connected with their campus communities, even while they’re away for the summer.

X announces a rebuilt ad platform powered by AI

X is rolling out a rebuilt ads platform powered by AI as it works to grow revenue again.

Spotify introduces verified artist badges to help distinguish humans from AI

As AI-generated artists and tracks flood music streaming platforms, Spotify is rolling out a new “Verified by Spotify” badge to help listeners more easily identify authentic human artists. To receive the badge, artists must meet certain criteria. Spoti…

Meta says its business AI now facilitates 10 million conversations a week

Meta said over 8 billion advertisers have used at least one of its gen AI tools