A flurry of developments this week touches consumer AI, grid technology, and industry conferences. Here’s what you need to know about the biggest stories.
What to know
- Proton released Lumo 2.0, a major upgrade to its privacy-first AI chatbot, offering users a broader variety of capabilities.
- Google expanded Gemini’s personalized AI image generation to eligible free users in the U.S., allowing the chatbot to create images based on user interests and connected app data.
- Arcturus, a stealthy startup, uses lasers to embed carbon nanomaterials into copper, dramatically improving its electrical conductivity.
- The Waymo and Uber partnership in Phoenix ended after nearly three years, confirmed by the companies.
- TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will allow brands to host their own Side Events from October 10–16.
Proton Doubles Down on Privacy AI
Proton has long been known for its privacy-centric email and VPN services. Now it is pushing deeper into AI with the launch of Lumo 2.0. The upgrade gives users a broader set of capabilities, though specific new features were not detailed in the announcement. What is clear is that Proton wants to differentiate its AI assistant in an increasingly crowded market by emphasizing user privacy. With competition from OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, Proton is betting that trust and data protection can be a decisive advantage.
The timing is notable. As regulators worldwide scrutinize data handling by big tech, a privacy-first chatbot could attract users who are wary of sharing personal information with mainstream AI services. Lumo 2.0 arrives this week, and early adopters will likely test how well it balances functionality with privacy promises.
Google Opens Gemini’s Personalization to Free Users
Google is taking another step in its AI race by expanding Gemini’s personalized image generation to eligible free users in the U.S. Previously available only to paying subscribers, the feature now lets the chatbot create images that reflect a user’s interests and data from connected Google apps. This move is designed to make Gemini more engaging and to encourage deeper integration with the Google ecosystem.
For users, it means the ability to generate visuals that are tailored to their preferences—whether from calendar events, emails, or search history. However, privacy advocates may raise concerns about how much personal data is used to fuel these creations. Google has not disclosed specific safeguards, but the expansion signals a broader push to make generative AI more accessible and personalized.
Arcturus: Rewiring the Grid with Nanotech
Outside the consumer AI spotlight, a stealthy startup called Arcturus is making waves in energy technology. The company has developed a process that uses lasers to infuse carbon nanomaterials into copper. The result is a material with dramatically improved electrical conductivity. If scaled, this could reduce energy losses in power grids, transmission lines, and electronics.
Arcturus has not disclosed commercial partners or timelines, but the potential impact is significant. Electrical losses in the grid currently account for billions of dollars in wasted energy annually. A more conductive copper could improve efficiency without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul. The technology also has implications for electric vehicles, data centers, and renewable energy systems. Arcturus remains largely under the radar, but this breakthrough could position it as a key player in next-generation materials.
Waymo and Uber Quietly Part Ways in Phoenix
In a separate development, Waymo and Uber have ended their nearly three-year partnership in Phoenix. The companies confirmed the split to TechCrunch, though no detailed reasons were given. The collaboration had focused on autonomous ride-hailing, combining Waymo’s self-driving technology with Uber’s platform. The dissolution raises questions about the future of both companies’ strategies in the autonomous vehicle market.
Waymo continues to operate its own fleet in Phoenix and other cities, while Uber has been investing in its own autonomous efforts and partnerships. The split may signal a shift toward more independent approaches, or it could simply reflect evolving priorities in a fast-changing industry.
TechCrunch Disrupt 2026: Your Brand Takes the Stage
Finally, this fall’s TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 conference is adding a new opportunity for sponsors and attendees. From October 10–16, brands can host Side Events that allow them to “command the room” during the week of the event. This move provides a platform for companies to showcase their products, network, and generate buzz apart from the main stage. For startups and established players alike, it’s a chance to capture attention in a crowded tech calendar.
Looking Ahead
This week’s announcements highlight converging trends: AI becoming more personal and accessible, materials science advancing toward practical energy solutions, and the autonomous vehicle landscape reshuffling. Proton and Google are pushing privacy and personalization from different angles, while Arcturus reminds us that tangible hardware breakthroughs remain critical. The end of the Waymo-Uber partnership may be a prelude to new alliances or solo ventures. As TechCrunch Disrupt approaches, these stories will likely evolve, with more details surfacing at the October event. Keep an eye on how these technologies develop—they could reshape industries from power grids to personal assistants.
