Meta to test premium subscriptions on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp

In the coming months, Meta is going to explore a premium experience on Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp that gives users access to special features and more control over how they share and connect, while keeping the core experiences free. 

Social network UpScrolled sees surge in downloads following TikTok’s US takeover

UpScrolled’s TikTok alternative is climbing up the App Store’s top charts.

TikTok alternative Skylight soars to 380K+ users after TikTok U.S. deal finalized

Skylight, a TikTok alternative built on open protocols, has had a busy weekend.

Anthropic launches interactive Claude apps, including Slack and other workplace tools

Claude users will now be able to call up interactive apps inside the chatbot interface, with Cowork integration coming soon.

TikTok attributes recent glitches to a power outage at a U.S. data center

The timing of these outages lines up with the long-awaited creation of a separate U.S. TikTok entity last week.

Only 5 days left: Over half of the first 500 TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 +1 passes at 50% off are already gone

Register now to save up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass and get a +1 ticket at 50% off. Offer ends this Friday, January 30.

Your WhatsApp voice notes could help screen for early signs of depression

Brazilian researchers developed an AI system that analyzes WhatsApp audio messages to identify depression, showing high accuracy and potential for low-cost, real-world mental health screening.
The post Your WhatsApp voice notes could help screen for ea…

Google says it’s fixed Gmail issues with spam and misclassification

If your Gmail account doesn’t seem to be working properly today, you’re not alone.

Get stuff done by yelling at your phone
Get stuff done by yelling at your phone

Hi, friends! Welcome to Installer No. 113, your guide to the best and Verge-iest stuff in the world. (If you’re new here, welcome, please send hot cocoa to my freezing-cold house, and also you can read all the old editions at the Installer homepage.) This week, I’ve been reading about private garbage collectors and vintage […]

TikTok users freak out over app’s ‘immigration status’ collection — here’s what it means

TikTok users are freaking out over a mention of “immigration status” data collection, but lawyers explain the disclosure is related to state privacy laws.