Netflix’s evolution, data centers as roaring engines, and the rise of a circular AI economy

Autonomous Vehicles and Major Moves in Entertainment

This week, a baby was delivered in a Waymo self-driving car—remarkably, not for the first time. What might have seemed like a quirky headline is actually a sign of how seamlessly autonomous vehicles are weaving into our daily routines, complete with all their unpredictable moments.

Yet, the most significant transformation wasn’t on the streets of San Francisco, but in the heart of Hollywood. Netflix, once known for mailing DVDs, has made a staggering $82 billion offer to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and studio operations, signaling a bold new chapter for the company.

On the latest episode of TechCrunch’s Equity podcast, hosts Kirsten Korosec and Anthony Ha explore what it means for a former startup to attempt the takeover of a storied entertainment giant, along with other major developments in the tech world.

Highlights from This Episode

• Boom Supersonic’s strategy of selling jet engines to data centers to help finance its ambitions for supersonic travel
• The departure of Hinge’s CEO to launch an AI-powered dating platform, and a discussion on whether artificial intelligence can truly revolutionize the dating experience
• An examination of the growing trend of AI companies investing in their own clients, featuring insights from CoreWeave’s CEO
• A look at a fertility tech startup leveraging AI-designed antibodies to move beyond traditional ovulation tracking