ICYMI: the week’s 8 biggest tech stories from the Oura Ring 4 to the Verzion network outage

When Baiju Bhatt left his position as Chief Creative Officer at Robinhood, few anticipated his foray into the aerospace sector, launching a company focused on technology largely overlooked by the industry. His new venture could potentially revolutionize space exploration and technology, garnering attention as it develops further. Need More Context? 🔎

An extensive data breach has exposed approximately 16 billion login credentials, likely stemming from various infostealers, with datasets spanning major platforms like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Researchers warn that these fresh, weaponizable datasets present severe risks for identity theft and phishing, highlighting the need for strong cybersecurity practices as new massive datasets continue to emerge. Need More Context? 🔎

The upcoming Fairphone 6, set to launch soon, will feature two easily removable back covers, allowing access to a non-glued battery and other components like cameras and the display. Priced at around €550, it includes a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, a 6.31-inch 120Hz display, and an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, appealing to eco-conscious consumers seeking a mid-range smartphone. Need More Context? 🔎

Growth-stage fundraising is gaining momentum once more, but the dynamics have shifted significantly. At TechCrunch All Stage 2025 on July 15 in Boston, Cathy Gao, partner at Sapphire Ventures, will discuss the evolving landscape and share insights on how to succeed in today’s market, drawing from her experience backing breakout companies. Need More Context? 🔎

SpaceX's Starship rocket exploded during a ground test at its South Texas facility late Wednesday, marking another setback for a program that has faced three recent failures. The explosion, which occurred shortly after 11:00 PM local time, destroyed the upper stage intended for the next test flight and was felt by residents up to 30 miles away. Need More Context? 🔎

Threat actors with suspected Russian ties are exploiting Google’s application specific passwords feature in a social engineering campaign to access victims' emails, according to the Google Threat Intelligence Group and Citizen Lab. This targeted activity highlights the evolving tactics used in cyber threats against individuals and organizations. Need More Context? 🔎