Facebook wants you to Watch, Uber adds in-app messaging and Tesla turns to truck testing. All that and more in The Daily Crunch for August 10, 2017.

1. Facebook launches its original video effort

Facebook has launched Watch, the destination for its original video content and its attempt to go toe-to-toe with YouTube and Twitter's video efforts.

The Watch tab includes user-generated content, as well as shows paid for in part by Facebook ranging from scripted programming, to reality TV and YouTuber-style blogs. I guess it could work.

2. Uber adds messaging to its app

Uber is the next entrant into the messaging fray – but it's not building a WhatsApp clone or anything. Instead, it's adding messaging within the Uber app, making it possible for riders and drivers to connect without SMS or voice phone calls. Convenient, especially in markets where SMS is prohibitively expensive or impossible to integrate.

3. Tesla's electric semi-truck likely to have autonomous capabilities

Tesla's future all-electric semi-truck, which is being revealed in September, could have self-driving powers, too. A new report found that Tesla has talked to both the Nevada and California DMV about potentially testing autonomous semi-trucks on state roads.

4. Virus encoded in DNA infects a computer

A computer might be able to catch your next cold. Not exactly, but kind of? Science is crazy.

5. Blue Apron's bad times roll on

Blue Apron reported its first ever earnings as a public company, and its stock is down 14 percent in subsequent trading. At some point, it's likely Amazon will make an overture on the flailing company, which could be its best hope.

6. 500 Startups Australia is over before it starts

Fallout from the Dave McClure harassment scandal continues: 500 Startups' Australian program is no longer happening, only two weeks after the Canadian arm of the accelerator announced its closure. Partners helping provide the local presence for 500 don't seem to want to be associated with its mess.

7. SoftBAnk's Vision Fund puts record sum behind Flipkart

SoftBank has made an investment worth around $2.5 billion in India's Flipkart, in the biggest investment deal ever for the country. SoftBank's Vision Fund is single-handedly changing the game and building unicorns in VC, and it's unlikely to stop soon.