Daily Crunch: Google upgrades Search, Shopping and Maps with more data, AR and accessibility

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I'm hello! Kyle will be filling in for me on Friday so I have decided to make an extra-large version of DailyCrunch. We hope you are in Miami for the event. There are a few stories that have come out of it so far.

Alex has an interview with some corporate comms experts on the ins and outs of working with startup and public companies, if you have 30 minutes of downtime. There is a lot going for it, but needs last names for its team members.

Christine would like to dig into the news.

The TechCrunch Top 3

• Feature dump: For those of you who love to use Google Maps, Google Search and Google Shopping, boy, does the company have some new features for you. Aisha breaks them down.
• Putting money where your mouth is: Index Ventures is betting that the economic downturn will inspire the creation of more startups and is putting $300 million on that horse to win, Mike writes.
• “A goal without a plan is just a wish”: Mozilla released its “State of Mozilla” report today, and Frederic has a look at how the Firefox maker sees its next chapter.

Startups and VC

Palo Alto Networks is buying Cider Security in a deal that could be worth up to $300 million, according to a new report. She writes that this is a move that has been rumored for a while, but now some pieces are in place that make it more likely to happen.

Mary Ann spoke with some venture capitalists who told her that they were already proceeding with caution when it came to using their funds intocryptocurrencies but were worried that the FTX collapse might make it harder to get limited partners on board for future funds.

We have more for you.

SaaS startups that ignored VC advice to cut sales and marketing were better off this year

Many VCs advised founders to reduce their marketing and sales expenditures. Many VCs have been giving incorrect advice.

According to data from Capchase, companies that didn't cut spending on sales and marketing were in a better financial and growth position than those that did.

The strongest growth of the 500 companies surveyed was shown by bootstrapped firms.

The best companies have cut all other costs except sales and marketing.

SaaS startups that ignored VC advice to cut sales and marketing were better off this year

There are three more people from the team.

The membership program helps startup teams get ahead of the game. This is where you can sign up. You can get a 15% discount on an annual subscription.

Big Tech Inc.

Brian broke down Boston's tech scene, went all over the city, talked to Tye Brady, and took a field trip to some of Boston's best startups in his newsletter today.

Ivan reports that a feature is in the works for those of you who like to use a thread to send long text messages. The move will make it easier to break up the word vomit into smaller pieces.

The co-founder and CEO of the world's largest exchange, Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, spoke withAnita this morning at the conference, and Romain grabbed some of the highlights. The comments that were pulled out were related to the business viability of the company in India. There isn't a single one.

We think you should read six more today.

• On cloud nine: Apple’s iCloud website is a little different now with apps that look like widget-styled tiles instead of icons, Ivan writes.
• More layoffs: Roku says it is also cutting jobs, citing economic conditions for why 200 U.S. employees will be let go, Lauren writes.
• Controlling misinformation: PR software giant Cision acquired Factmata, which, if you don’t know, is fighting fake news, Ingrid reports.
• Car porn: Toyota’s new all-electric SUV concept has a sleek look and plant-based seating, Jaclyn reports.
• Surprise, surprise, surprise: Blizzard Activision shocked us all by suspending most of its games in China, citing expiration of licensing agreements with NetEase. Rita has more.
• Hello, my name is…: We’ve been following the Meta India departures, but now have some news that Meta appointed a new India head, Manish reports.