Daily Tech Headlines

Anthropic Commits $200 Billion to Google for Cloud and Chip Access – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Wed, 06 May 2026 14:29:30 +0000

Pennsylvania Sues Character.AI Over Chatbot Impersonating Psychiatrist, Google Integrates Reddit and Social Media Perspectives into AI Search, and OpenAI Updates ChatGPT to GPT-5.5 Instant.

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Show Notes

Anthropic’s $200B Google Deal Raises Sustainability Questions

The Information reports that Anthropic has committed to paying Google $200 billion over five years for cloud and chip access, contributing to a $2 trillion revenue backlog among major providers like Amazon and Microsoft. While these investments in AI startups like Anthropic and OpenAI are currently lucrative, the high server costs and resource strains on data centers raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of these circular deals.

Pennsylvania Sues Character.AI Over Alleged Fake Psychiatrist Chatbot

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, alleging that one of its chatbots impersonated a licensed psychiatrist in violation of state medical licensing laws. The state claims the chatbot, named Emilie, fabricated medical credentials and provided advice for depression during testing. While Character.AI maintains that it provides clear disclaimers regarding the fictional nature of its characters and advises against relying on them for professional advice, this lawsuit marks the first legal action specifically targeting AI tools for misleading users into believing they are receiving legitimate medical care.

Google Expands AI Search With Human Perspectives

Google is enhancing its AI Search by integrating firsthand perspectives from platforms like Reddit and social media, aiming to provide users with more authentic, human-led advice alongside traditional results. These updates include adding creator details to conversational sources, providing links to relevant blogs for broader context, and highlighting news subscriptions to prioritize trusted information within AI-powered responses.

ChatGPT Default Model Updated to GPT-5.5 Instant

OpenAI has updated ChatGPT’s default model to GPT-5.5 Instant, which significantly reduces hallucinations and inaccurate claims while offering more direct, personalized responses. The update includes a new “memory sources” feature that gives users greater control and visibility over the information used to personalize their chats, with a rollout that started May 5th for all subscribers and a broader release for free users in the coming weeks.

Nintendo Faces Pressure Over Switch 2 Pricing Strategy

Despite a string of successful software releases and popular theme park attractions, Nintendo’s stock is experiencing its longest decline in a decade due to investor concerns over the Switch 2’s profitability. Analysts are divided on whether Nintendo should raise the console’s $450 price tag to hedge against rising component and shipping costs, with some fearing a price hike could dampen consumer demand while others argue it is necessary to stabilize the share price. As software sales remain tepid and the company currently sells hardware at a loss, all eyes are on the upcoming earnings briefing to see if President Shuntaro Furukawa will adjust the pricing strategy to avoid a repeat of the Wii U’s failure.

DeepMind Employees Unionize Over Military AI Concerns

Google’s DeepMind employees in the UK have voted to unionize with the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union, primarily driven by ethical concerns regarding the company’s contracts with the US Department of Defense and potential military use of their AI technology. The workers are seeking to establish an independent ethics oversight body and the right to conscientiously object to projects that could cause harm, especially following reports of Google’s expanded involvement with the Israel Defense Forces and a $1.2 billion cloud contract with the Israeli government.

Apple Settles $250M Lawsuit Over Delayed AI Siri Features

Apple has agreed to a $250 million settlement in a class action lawsuit over misleading advertisements regarding the launch of its enhanced Siri assistant. Although Apple showcased the “personalized” Siri at WWDC 2024 as part of Apple Intelligence, the feature failed to ship for nearly two years, leading to claims that iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16 buyers were misled. The settlement, which awaits judicial approval, offers financial relief to affected users without requiring Apple to admit fault. While some Apple Intelligence features were rolled out, the context-aware Siri was delayed until a projected release with iOS 27, facilitated by a new partnership with Google.

Morgan Stanley Expands Into Crypto Trading With Competitive Fees

Morgan Stanley is expanding its cryptocurrency presence by launching spot trading on its E*Trade platform, offering a competitive fee of 50 basis points to undercut rivals like Coinbase, Robinhood, and Charles Schwab. Driven by a shift in the US regulatory environment and growing client interest, the bank is also rolling out crypto ETFs, pursuing a national trust bank charter for custody services, and planning institutional offerings for tokenized equities. This aggressive strategy aims to integrate traditional and decentralized finance, positioning Morgan Stanley to capture significant market share from established digital-native exchanges.

DeepMind Invests in Eve Online Developer for AI Research

Google DeepMind has partnered with Fenris Creations to train AI on the complex social and economic systems of the space-themed RPG Eve Online. As part of a deal following CCP Games’ repurchase from Pearl Abyss, DeepMind took a minority stake in the Icelandic studio to research long-term planning and behavior within the game’s virtual society. Researchers aim to use Eve Online’s intricate environment for social simulations while helping Fenris Creations improve the game and develop its upcoming titles, Eve Frontier and Eve Vanguard.

White House Weighs New Working Group for AI Oversight – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Tue, 05 May 2026 15:53:18 +0000

US Tech Giants Grant Government Early AI Model Access for Security Reviews, School Smartphone Bans Have Negligible Effect on Academic Performance, and Meta Secures $13 Billion for Texas AI Data Center.

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Show Notes

White House Weighs New AI Oversight Group

The New York Times reports that the White House is considering the creation of a new working group to oversee AI development, including the potential for federal review of new AI models before public release. If implemented, this would mark a shift away from the administration’s previously hands-off AI Action Plan, though the proposal remains uncertain. The structure could resemble the U.K.’s multi-layered oversight system for AI safety.

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Big Tech Shares AI Models With U.S. Government for Security Testing

Additionally, Reuters reports that Microsoft, Google, and xAI are now providing the U.S. government with early access to new AI models for national security evaluations before public release. Managed by the Department of Commerce’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI), the program tests frontier systems like Mythos for risks such as cyberattacks or military misuse.

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Study Finds School Phone Bans Have Minimal Academic Impact

A National Bureau of Economic Research study titled “The Effects of School Phone Bans: National Evidence From Lockable Phones” found that classroom smartphone bans had negligible effects on academic performance. Reviewing data from over 40,000 institutions between 2019 and 2026, researchers observed initial declines in student welfare and increased disciplinary issues that later stabilized. There was no significant change in attendance, engagement, or digital harassment, aligning with similar findings in the U.K., despite continued global adoption of such bans in countries like France and South Korea.

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Meta Secures $13 Billion for Massive Texas AI Data Center

Meta Platforms is securing a record $13 billion financing package—primarily debt—through Morgan Stanley and JPMorgan Chase to fund a 1-gigawatt AI data center in El Paso, expected to be operational by 2028. This project-level financing allows Meta to avoid adding pressure to its already massive 2026 capital expenditure budget, highlighting strong institutional demand for AI infrastructure investments.

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Meta Expands Teen Safety Features Across Facebook

Meta Platforms is also expanding its teen account safeguards to Facebook across the U.S. and 27 European Union countries amid growing regulatory pressure. The updates aim to better protect young users from online risks and align with increasing global demands for stricter age verification and digital safety measures.

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Coinbase Cuts 14% of Workforce Amid AI-Driven Restructuring

Coinbase is laying off approximately 700 employees—about 14% of its workforce—as part of a restructuring effort to improve efficiency amid crypto market volatility. CEO Brian Armstrong said the company will flatten its organizational structure and rely more heavily on AI tools to enable smaller, more agile teams, with severance costs estimated between $50 million and $60 million.

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Image AI Models Drive App Downloads More Than Chatbots

A report from Appfigures shows that image-based AI model releases—such as GPT-4o and Nano Banana—are more effective at driving mobile app downloads than traditional chatbot updates. However, these spikes in installs do not always translate into sustained revenue growth. Notably, ChatGPT was an exception, generating an estimated $70 million in consumer spending following its image model launch.

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Meta Uses AI to Identify Underage Users on Social Platforms

Meta Platforms is implementing an AI system that analyzes photos, videos, and contextual data—such as bone structure and height—to identify and remove users under 13 from Facebook and Instagram. The company is also expanding its “Teen Accounts” feature, applying stricter privacy and content controls for users aged 13 to 18. These changes follow a $375 million legal judgment in New Mexico related to child safety concerns.

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Apple Leads Global Smartphone Market With iPhone 17

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple dominated the global smartphone market in late 2025 and early 2026, with the iPhone 17 series leading sales. The base model captured a 6% market share in Q1 2026, followed by Pro variants, while the top 10 devices accounted for a record 25% of global sales. Meanwhile, Samsung’s Galaxy S26 Ultra showed strong early performance but did not break into the top 10 rankings.

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Apple Adds End-to-End Encryption to RCS Messaging

Apple is adding end-to-end encryption to RCS messages between iPhone and Android devices in the iOS 26.5 beta. The feature, enabled by default and indicated by a lock icon, follows the GSMA adding E2EE support to the RCS standard last year, marking a significant security upgrade for cross-platform messaging.

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GameStop Launches Unsolicited $55.5 Billion Bid for eBay – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:37:10 +0000

Apple Has Reportedly Discontinued The Entry-Level Mac Mini, A Chinese Court Rules That Replacing Humans With AI is Illegal, and Amazon Launches “Amazon Supply Chain Services” to Offer External Businesses Access to its Vast Network.

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Show Notes

GameStop Makes $55B Play for eBay

GameStop has launched an unsolicited $55.5 billion bid to acquire eBay, offering $125 per share in a half-cash, half-stock deal—a 20% premium. Despite backing from a $20 billion financing letter and $9.4 billion in cash, skepticism is high given GameStop’s sub-$12 billion market cap. CEO Ryan Cohen emphasized the company’s position as a top shareholder (5% stake) as eBay’s board reviews the proposal.

DOD Strikes Deals With AWS, Microsoft, Nvidia, Oracle, Reflection AI – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Sat, 02 May 2026 09:00:40 +0000

Meta acquires Assured Robot Intelligence, CISA orders a cPanel and WHM patch by May 3rd, NASA targets late 2027 launch for Artemis III.

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Show Notes

CISA orders emergency patch for cPanel flaw
CISA has ordered U.S. federal agencies to patch a critical cPanel and WHM vulnerability by May 3 after researchers found it has been actively exploited since at least February. The flaw carries a 9.8 severity rating and can give attackers full control over servers, including access to configs, databases, and hosted sites. Hosting providers have taken emergency steps to reduce exposure.
Source: The Record

Pentagon expands AI vendor roster
The Pentagon has signed Microsoft, Nvidia, Amazon Web Services, and Reflection AI to deploy AI tools on classified networks, adding to existing partners like OpenAI, Google, and SpaceX. The deals focus on improving data analysis and battlefield decision-making, though concerns remain around surveillance and autonomous weapons. Anthropic remains excluded following disputes over acceptable use.
Source: Gizmodo

Meta acquires robotics AI startup
Meta has acquired Assured Robot Intelligence, a startup building AI models that help robots understand and adapt to human behavior. The move signals deeper investment in humanoid and embodied AI beyond Meta’s social and metaverse efforts, particularly in complex, real-world environments. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Source: Bloomberg

Amazon adds conversational audio shopping feature
Amazon has launched a “Join the chat” feature that lets shoppers ask questions on product pages and receive real-time audio responses generated from product data and reviews. The tool builds on its existing audio summaries and is designed to mimic an in-store expert that adapts to follow-up questions. It reflects Amazon’s broader push into AI-assisted shopping experiences.
Source: TechCrunch

NASA shifts Artemis III mission focus
NASA is now targeting a late 2027 launch for Artemis III, focusing on a low Earth orbit rendezvous and docking test between SpaceX and Blue Origin landers rather than a lunar landing. The change reflects delays in SpaceX’s Starship development, including unproven capabilities like in-space refueling. NASA continues to accelerate Space Launch System prep while working to shorten gaps between missions.
Source: The Register

Apple raises Mac mini base price
Apple appears to have discontinued the 256GB base Mac mini, making $799 the new starting price for a configuration with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM. The shift comes amid supply constraints and a global memory shortage tied to AI infrastructure demand. CEO Tim Cook has said these pressures are driving higher costs and delays.
Source: MacRumors

DDoS attack disrupts Ubuntu infrastructure
A sustained DDoS attack took down Ubuntu and Canonical infrastructure for more than a day, disrupting updates, websites, and security communications. The outage coincided with the release of exploit code for a critical Linux vulnerability that can grant root access, limiting response efforts. A pro-Iranian group has claimed responsibility, highlighting ongoing risks to open-source infrastructure.
Source: Ars Technica

Oura expands hormonal health tracking
Oura is rolling out expanded hormonal health features to its Gen 3 and 4 rings, including Cycle Insights updates covering more than 20 types of birth control. New Menopause Insights track symptoms and offer guidance, alongside integration with telehealth provider Twentyeight Health. The features launch globally on May 6.
Source: Engadget

Waymo cracks down on unaccompanied minors
Waymo is introducing in-ride age verification checks after reports that parents were sending children alone in its driverless cars in California. The company says it may review interior camera footage to detect violations, with penalties including account suspension, while not using facial recognition. Limited teen programs continue in Phoenix.
Source: Wired

AI Drives Up Demand for Desktop Macs – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Fri, 01 May 2026 15:50:32 +0000

The U.S. Senate Bars Members From Trading On Prediction Markets, Meta Threatens to Withdraw Services From New Mexico, and a Critical Vulnerability is Threatening Most Linux Distributions.

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Show Notes

Apple’s AI Boom Drives Mac Growth Beyond Expectations

Apple’s Mac business delivered a standout quarter, generating $8.4 billion in Q2 2026 revenue—up 6% year over year and ahead of expectations. The surge was fueled by the popularity of the new MacBook Neo, which brought in a record number of new Mac users. At the same time, demand for Mac mini and Mac Studio desktops spiked as developers and enterprises increasingly use them to run local AI models like OpenClaw. CEO Tim Cook described demand for the Neo as “off the charts,” while noting that supply shortages for desktop models could take several months to resolve. Enterprise adoption is also accelerating, with companies like Perplexity building AI assistants on Mac hardware.

Senate Unanimously Bans Lawmakers from Prediction Market Trading

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved a rule prohibiting senators from trading on prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket. The move follows concerns about insider trading and controversial incidents involving political candidates and even a U.S. Army soldier. Lawmakers are now pushing for broader Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) oversight, including restrictions on event contracts tied to sensitive issues like elections and military conflicts. Both Kalshi and Polymarket welcomed the decision, saying it aligns with their internal policies and could strengthen public trust in the industry.

Meta Threatens Exit from New Mexico Over Child Safety Demands

Meta is considering pulling Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp from New Mexico after Attorney General Raúl Torrez demanded sweeping platform changes. These include near-perfect CSAM detection, mandatory age verification, and limits on end-to-end encryption for minors. Meta argues the requirements are technically unrealistic and raise due process concerns, while Torrez maintains the company is prioritizing profits over child safety. The standoff highlights growing tension between tech platforms and state-level regulators over online safety standards.

Zuckerberg Ties Layoffs to AI Spending Push

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg confirmed that upcoming layoffs—affecting roughly 10% of the workforce starting May 20—are part of a broader shift toward heavy AI infrastructure investment. Additional cuts may follow later in the year. While Zuckerberg insists the layoffs are unrelated to Meta’s “AI-native” restructuring, employee frustration is mounting due to limited communication and new internal monitoring tools that track mouse movements and keystrokes for AI training purposes.

Severe “CopyFail” Linux Vulnerability Sparks Global Scramble

A newly disclosed Linux vulnerability, dubbed “CopyFail” (CVE-2026-31431), is being described as one of the most dangerous privilege escalation flaws in years. The bug, rooted in a logic error within the kernel’s crypto API, allows unprivileged users to gain full root access. The early release of exploit code by security firm Theori has created a dangerous “zero-day patch gap,” leaving many systems exposed. Users are strongly urged to apply patches immediately or follow mitigation steps from major vendors including Red Hat, Ubuntu, SUSE, Arch, and Fedora.

OpenAI Rolls Out Advanced Security Features for ChatGPT

OpenAI has introduced Advanced Account Security (AAS), an optional suite designed to protect users—especially high-profile individuals—from phishing and data extortion. A key feature is a partnership with Yubico to provide hardware security keys that rely on cryptographic authentication and require physical access. While the move reflects a broader industry shift toward stronger identity protection, OpenAI warns that losing a security key could permanently lock users out of their accounts.

Senate Advances AI Age Verification Bill

The Senate Judiciary Committee has unanimously approved a bipartisan bill that would require AI companies to implement age verification and restrict minors’ access to certain types of content, including AI companions, explicit material, and self-harm-related interactions. Backed by Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, the bill reflects growing bipartisan concern over AI safety for children and could move quickly through Congress given its rare unanimous support.

Nissan Cancels U.S. EV Production Plans

Nissan has scrapped a $500 million plan to build electric vehicles at its Canton, Mississippi plant, opting instead to produce gasoline and hybrid models like the revived Xterra. The decision comes amid changing market dynamics and the rollback of federal EV tax credits. It mirrors a broader trend among U.S. automakers such as Ford and General Motors, which are scaling back EV investments despite strong demand in overseas markets like Europe and Asia.

Microsoft Expands Xbox Mode Across Windows 11 PCs

Microsoft is rolling out its Xbox-style full-screen gaming interface—previously introduced on handheld devices—to all Windows 11 PCs. Similar to Steam’s Big Picture Mode, the feature has been refined using feedback from handheld gamers. Additional updates include Auto SR upscaling for the Xbox Ally X and new customization options for Xbox dashboards, such as the ability to disable Quick Resume on a per-game basis.

NSA Evaluates Anthropic’s Mythos AI for Cybersecurity – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:23:10 +0000

Instagram Updates Algorithm to Prioritize Original Content, Amazon and Meta Lobby for UPI Market Access in India, and Microsoft faces regulatory scrutiny for using its office productivity dominance to promote the AI-focused E7 bundle.

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Show Notes

NSA Tests Anthropic’s Mythos for Cybersecurity

The National Security Agency (NSA) is evaluating Anthropic’s Mythos AI model for its speed and efficiency in identifying cybersecurity vulnerabilities in software like Microsoft products. While Anthropic has limited public access due to safety risks and the White House opposes broader distribution, the NSA is currently benchmarking Mythos against traditional research methods. This collaboration persists despite a legal conflict between Anthropic and the Department of Defense regarding the firm’s status as a supply-chain threat.
Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-04-30/nsa-testing-anthropic-s-mythos-to-find-flaws-in-microsoft-tech?embedded-checkout=true

Instagram Algorithm Targets Unoriginal Content

Meta is updating Instagram’s algorithm to prioritize original content and penalize aggregator accounts that reshare photos or carousels without material edits. While intended to boost creators, the changes pose challenges for meme and fan accounts, though Meta advises adding unique elements like narration or graphics to meet the new originality standards. Affected users can track their recommendation status and appeal potential throttling through Instagram’s account status feature.
Read more: https://www.engadget.com/2160560/instagrams-recommendation-algorithm-will-penalize-unoriginal-photo-and-carousel-posts/

Amazon and Meta Push Back on India Payments Duopoly

Amazon and Meta are leading a group of companies lobbying India’s National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to address the dominance of PhonePe and Google Pay, which together control roughly 80% of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network. At a scheduled meeting, representatives from platforms like Amazon Pay, WhatsApp, and CRED intend to raise concerns regarding user acquisition practices and monetization, proposing restrictions on dominant apps and incentives for smaller players. Despite India deferring a 30% market share cap until late 2026, emerging competitors are seeking regulatory support to level the playing field in a network that processes billions of transactions monthly.
Read more: https://techcrunch.com/2026/04/29/amazon-meta-join-fight-to-end-google-pay-phonepe-dominance-in-india/

Microsoft Faces Scrutiny Over AI Bundling Strategy

Microsoft faces regulatory scrutiny for using its office productivity dominance to promote the AI-focused E7 bundle, with critics like the Coalition for Fair Software Licensing alleging coercive subscription tactics. Despite Copilot’s unproven productivity gains and worker anxiety, Microsoft is increasing its 2026 AI budget by $25 billion to maintain its lead. Meanwhile, competition is intensifying as Amazon and IBM launch new AI tools, and former partner OpenAI pivots to Amazon’s Bedrock.
Read more: https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/30/survey_us_workers_e7_ms_ai/

Spotify Introduces Artist Verification Badge

Spotify is introducing a new “Verified by Spotify” badge to combat AI-generated music and spam by confirming the authenticity of artists through platform engagement and external activity. While the program currently excludes AI personas, it is launching with over 99% of actively searched artists verified and includes a beta test for new “nutritional label” style artist details. Access to verification requires consistent listener activity, reflecting Spotify’s evolving approach to artist authenticity and transparency.
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/tech/921048/verified-by-spotify-badge

Amazon’s AI Chip Business Hits $20 Billion Run Rate

Amazon’s custom silicon business has reached a $20 billion annual run rate, positioning it among the top three datacenter chip businesses globally, with major training commitments for its Trainium chips from companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Uber. During its Q1 2026 earnings call, Amazon reported $181.5 billion in total revenue and a significant 28% growth for AWS, driven largely by the surging demand for AI services and infrastructure. The company continues to expand its AI capabilities through Bedrock, which saw record token processing and the addition of models like OpenAI’s GPT-5.4 and Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.7, while also launching Bedrock AgentCore to facilitate the rapid deployment of AI agents.
Read more: https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/29/amazon_chips_20b_business/

Meta Plans $25 Billion Bond Sale for AI Expansion

Meta Platforms is planning a bond sale of up to $25 billion to fund its increasing artificial intelligence infrastructure costs, following a record $30 billion sale last year. This move comes as the company raises its 2026 capital expenditure forecast and faces potential credit metric shifts due to massive AI spending. To offset these costs, Meta is scaling back its metaverse division and planning significant workforce reductions beginning in May.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-looks-raise-up-25-billion-with-bond-sale-bloomberg-news-reports-2026-04-30/

Netflix Launches TikTok-Style Mobile Feed

Netflix is rolling out a major mobile app revamp centered on “Clips,” a new vertical video feed that allows users to discover shows, movies, and eventually podcasts through a mobile-friendly, scrollable interface similar to TikTok. This update also introduces a redesigned navigation bar featuring Home, Clips, Search, and My Netflix tabs, while moving the “New & Hot” section to the top of the Home tab to create a more personalized and immersive browsing experience.
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/streaming/920179/netflix-vertical-video-feed-mobile-app-ui

OpenAI Fixes “Goblins” Quirk in AI Models

OpenAI has addressed a unique issue where its models developed a “strange habit” of referencing creatures like goblins and gremlins during training, particularly when using the “Nerdy” personality option. Although the behavior was linked to reinforcement learning rewards, the company has since implemented specific instructions to curb these metaphors in its latest models, including the Codex coding tool, while still providing a way for users to re-enable them if desired.
Read more: https://www.theverge.com/ai-artificial-intelligence/921181/openai-codex-goblins

YouTube Expands Picture-in-Picture Globally

YouTube is expanding its picture-in-picture mode to all Android and iOS users globally, allowing even non-Premium subscribers to continue watching long-form, non-music videos in a moveable mini-player after leaving the app. While the feature has been available to all users in the US for several years, this international rollout will occur over the coming months, with Premium subscribers maintaining the exclusive benefit of using the mode for music content as well.
Read more: https://www.engadget.com/2160942/youtube-picture-in-picture-rolling-out-worldwide/

European Commission Issues Preliminary Findings Over Meta’s Compliance – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:26:50 +0000

Apple plans overhaul of iPhone, iPad, and Mac photo editing features, AI-assisted programming tool Lovable now available on iOS, Google Translate offers Pronunciation Practice feature.

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Show Notes

Meta faces potential DSA fine

The European Commission issued preliminary findings that Meta failed to adequately prevent children under 13 from accessing Facebook and Instagram, potentially breaching the Digital Services Act after a nearly two-year probe. Regulators estimate about 12% of under-13s in the EU use the platforms, while Meta disputes the findings and says new safeguards are coming. If confirmed, penalties could reach up to 6% of global revenue, which was $201 billion in 2025.
Source: The Guardian

Apple plans AI photo editing overhaul

Apple is preparing a major upgrade to photo editing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, adding on-device AI tools for enhancing, reframing, and extending images. The move follows criticism of its current Clean Up feature and is expected to roll out with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 later this year. The new capabilities will be powered by Apple Intelligence.
Source: Bloomberg

Lovable lands on iOS despite App Store crackdown

AI coding tool Lovable is now available on iOS, allowing users to build web apps through natural language and voice prompts. The launch follows Apple’s enforcement against apps that violate rules on changing behavior post-release, though compliant tools remain allowed. Lovable offers cross-platform editing and subscription tiers ranging from $10 to $80 per month.
Source: 9to5Mac

Microsoft expands Copilot to Accenture workforce

Microsoft is rolling out its Copilot 365 assistant to about 743,000 Accenture employees, marking its largest enterprise deployment so far. Accenture says internal data shows 97% of staff found the tool sped up routine tasks by as much as 15 times. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Source: Reuters

Google Translate adds pronunciation coaching

Google Translate introduced a Pronunciation Practice feature, offering phonetic guidance and AI-based feedback on spoken phrases. The tool supports English, Spanish, and Hindi and is currently available in the U.S. and India. The launch coincides with the service’s 20-year anniversary.
Source: TechCrunch

GM brings Gemini AI to millions of vehicles

General Motors will deploy Google’s Gemini assistant to about 4 million vehicles from 2022 and newer with Google built-in systems. The assistant can handle complex travel queries and messaging tasks, with rollout happening in phases over several months. Availability requires OnStar connectivity and user opt-in.
Source: The Next Web

YouTube TV expands multiview customization

YouTube TV will allow subscribers to build fully customizable multiviews, letting users watch up to four channels simultaneously. The feature expands on earlier limited multiview options that focused on sports and curated content. The update marks a broader push to give users more control over live viewing layouts.
Source: The Verge

Vine-style app Divine launches with creator focus

A new app called Divine, backed by Jack Dorsey’s nonprofit, has launched with an archive of about 500,000 Vine videos and support for new content. The platform includes verification to limit AI-generated uploads and tools to filter low-quality AI content. Signups are currently gated by a waitlist or invite system.
Source: TechCrunch

OpenAI’s Massive Data Center Spending Under Scrutiny as CFO Works to Cut Costs – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:18:10 +0000

YouTube Tests ‘Ask YouTube’ AI Search for Premium Users, Pentagon Strikes AI Deal with Google, and Meta Secures 1 GW Space Solar Power Deal with Overview Energy.

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Show Notes

OpenAI Faces Financial Scrutiny Ahead of IPO

OpenAI is reportedly facing financial scrutiny and a potential slowdown in growth, raising concerns about its ability to fund massive future data center spending, including large deals with Oracle, Nvidia, Amazon, and modifications to its Microsoft partnership. Despite public denials of misalignment by CEO Sam Altman and CFO Sarah Friar, the finance chief is reportedly working to cut costs, prompting closer board examination of computing deals ahead of the company’s anticipated public offering.

YouTube Tests AI-Powered “Ask YouTube” Search

YouTube is testing a new AI-powered interactive search feature called “Ask YouTube” for Premium subscribers in the U.S. aged 18 and older who opt in. This tool provides comprehensive, step-by-step results for complex queries like recipes or travel plans, integrating text, short videos, and longer videos. Users can ask follow-up questions for a seamless experience. This is part of Google’s larger initiative to expand AI-mode search across its platforms.

Google Signs Classified AI Deal with Pentagon

Google, along with other major AI firms like OpenAI and xAI, has secured a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense allowing the Pentagon to use its artificial intelligence models for classified work, including mission planning and weapons targeting. The agreement is part of several contracts worth up to $200 million signed in 2025 with top AI labs, permitting the Pentagon to use Google’s AI for “any lawful government purpose.” However, Google’s contract includes a clause that the AI is not intended for domestic mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human oversight, a commitment the company supports while acknowledging the government’s right to operational decision-making.

Meta Bets on Space-Based Solar Power

Meta has signed a major capacity reservation agreement with Overview Energy for up to 1 gigawatt of space-collected solar power for its data centers. Overview Energy plans to launch spacecraft into geosynchronous orbit by 2030 to collect solar energy, convert it into a near-infrared beam, and transmit it to Earth-based solar farms at night.

This approach could significantly boost solar capacity while reducing reliance on battery storage and bypassing transmission constraints—an unconventional but ambitious solution already demonstrated in limited tests.

Microsoft Shifts GitHub Copilot to Usage-Based Pricing

Microsoft is transitioning all GitHub Copilot plans to a usage-based billing model starting June 1, 2026. The new system will rely on token consumption, with users receiving a monthly allocation of GitHub AI Credits and the option to purchase more as needed.

The shift reflects the growing computational demands of Copilot as it evolves into a more advanced, agentic platform. Customers will receive preview billing statements in May to better understand the new pricing structure.

Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Conversational Ads

Snapchat is launching “AI Sponsored Snaps,” a new ad format embedded within its Chat tab. The feature allows users to interact directly with brand AI agents, asking questions and receiving personalized recommendations in a conversational format.

Snap sees chat as prime advertising real estate and is leveraging user familiarity with AI messaging to create more engaging brand interactions across its nearly one billion monthly users.

China Forces Meta to Unwind Manus Acquisition

Meta has been ordered by Chinese regulators to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of AI startup Manus, citing national security concerns. Authorities have mandated the restoration of Manus’s Chinese assets and the removal of any transferred data or technology.

The move follows an earlier investigation, with penalties possible if the companies fail to fully reverse the deal.

Google Gemini Tests Proactive AI Assistance

Google’s Gemini is rolling out a new feature called Proactive Assistance in a beta version of its Android app. The tool provides unprompted, personalized suggestions using data from apps like Calendar, Docs, Drive, Gmail, and Keep.

Processing is expected to occur on-device for privacy, and the feature builds on earlier demonstrations of Gemini’s ability to anticipate user needs, such as generating study materials automatically.

Friendster Set for a Real-World Comeback

Entrepreneur Mike Carson has acquired the defunct social network Friendster for $30,000 and plans to relaunch it with a focus on real-world interaction. The new app will require users to physically tap phones to connect and will weaken digital connections that lack in-person interaction over time.

The approach intentionally introduces friction, aiming to counter passive scrolling habits encouraged by platforms like Facebook and TikTok.

Chinese Regulators Block Meta’s Acquisition of Manus AI – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:42:28 +0000

Spotify and Peloton announce a partnership to bring fitness classes to Premium subscribers, Chinese regulators block Meta’s acquisition of AI company Manus, and OpenAI and Microsoft further amend the partnership agreement.

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Show Notes

On Monday, Spotify and Peloton announced a partnership bringing Peleton workout classes to Spotify Premium subscribers. A curated selection of over 1,400 on-demand options will be available, ad-free. Peloton operates in six countries and the deal with Spotify will make classes available in over 180 markets. The classes are available within a new Fitness hub and will not require any specialized equipment. In a statement Spotify’s vice president and global head of podcasts Roman Wasenmüller said, “Today, we are expanding Spotify to become a true daily wellness companion.”

Source: Bloomberg and The Verge

Amazon announced a multi-year licensing deal with Oprah Winfrey to produce a video podcast, airing twice a week, beginning this summer. There will also be specials using Oprah’s Favorite Things and Book Club segments and repurposed content from The Oprah Winfrey Show’s past 25 seasons. Oprah’s existing podcast channel has over 900,000 subscribers and content will continue to be available there as well as on Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Music, Fire TV channels, and Audible.

Source: The New York Times and Variety

Chinese regulators are blocking Meta’s acquisition of AI start-up Manus, which is based in Singapore. Previously, in March, it was reported the Manus co-founders were prevented from leaving China during the acquisition review. The Manus “general purpose” AI agent can work autonomously to complete multistep instructions and was expected to work across Meta platforms, like Facebook and Instagram. China’s National Development and Reform Commission issued a statement prohibiting foreign acquisition of Manus and requires all parties to withdraw from the deal. The deal was announced in December 2025, valued around $2 billion USD.

Source: ABC News and BBC

Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo posted on X that OpenAI is working with Qualcomm and MediaTek to produce smartphone processors, with Luxshare as the manufacturing partner. Kuo claims mass production is expected in 2028 and that AI agents will make the OpenAI smartphone feel different from an iPhone.

Source: 9to5Mac

OpenAI announced an amended agreement with Microsoft, adding more changes to the partnership, which was previously amended in October 2025. The new agreement makes revenue share payments “subject to a total cap” and continue through 2030. A source told CNBC OpenAI will pay Microsoft the same 20%, as previously negotiated, and Microsoft will no longer pay revenue share to OpenAI. Microsoft continues to have a license to OpenAI IP models and products through 2032 but the license is now non-exclusive.

Source: CNBC

On Saturday, Manitoba announced a proposed law to ban youth from accessing social media and AI chatbots, a first for a Canadian province. Earlier in April, the Canadian Heritage Minister said the federal government is “very seriously” considering age restrictions for social media and AI chatbots. Manitoba’s premier has not revealed any details regarding the specific age cutoff, any enforcement tools, or a timeline, and did not take questions after the speech.

Source: CBC

Data breach notification service Have I Been Pwned notes extortion group ShinyHunters stole personally identifiable information of 5.5 million individuals through a breach of security company ADT. In a comment to BleepingComputer, ADT stated the breach was detected on April 20th, was limited in scope, but did allow attacks to access some PII. The company states no payment information, like credit cards or bank accounts, were in the stolen data, and “customer security systems were not affected or compromised in any way”.

Source: Bleeping Computer

Sony is raising the price for the PlayStation 5 in more regions, hitting Southeast Asia beginning Friday, May 1st, 2026. Counties now included in the new price increase are South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Sony raised prices in the United States in April by at least $100 USD across all models, only eight months after a previous price hike. Sony continues to cite “continued pressures in the global economic landscape” for making the price increases “a necessary step”.

Source: Kotaku

Google Plans To Invest Up To $40 Billion In Anthropic – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:00:13 +0000

Unionized workers disrupt Samsung chip production, Intel shares have best day since 1987, Alibaba expands Qwen AI into vehicles.

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Show Notes

Google backs Anthropic with up to $40B

Bloomberg reports Google plans to invest up to $40 billion in Anthropic, starting with $10 billion at a $350 billion valuation and tying the rest to performance targets. The deal underscores the race for AI compute as Anthropic scales its Mythos model amid infrastructure constraints and security concerns, while also locking in massive capacity through partners including Amazon and CoreWeave.
Source: TechCrunch

Samsung chip output hit by labor protest

Samsung Electronics saw foundry output drop 58% and memory production fall 18% after union workers skipped overnight shifts to protest wages. The disruption highlights labor pressure risks across global semiconductor supply chains.
Source: Reuters

AI-generated political news site flagged

A report from the The Midas Project claims an anonymously run outlet, Acutus, is publishing largely AI-generated political content while posing as independent journalism. The investigation found automated reporting systems, bot “reporters,” and alignment with specific political and industry interests.
Source: The Midas Project (X)

Intel surges on AI-driven turnaround hopes

Intel jumped 24% in its best day since 1987 after strong earnings and renewed AI-driven CPU demand. The stock is now up more than 120% this year under CEO Lip-Bu Tan, though manufacturing competitiveness remains a long-term question.
Source: CNBC

Nvidia tops $5T market cap

Nvidia closed at a record, pushing its valuation past $5 trillion as AI infrastructure demand accelerates. Competition is intensifying as Alphabet develops rival chips.
Source: CNBC

Meta expands automatic content blocking in India

Meta is automatically enforcing government takedown requests at scale in India, removing flagged content immediately under local law. Restorations require formal government approval.
Source: The Hindu

Maine blocks data center moratorium bill

Janet Mills vetoed a bill that would have paused large data center construction in Maine until 2027, instead pursuing a coordination council via executive order.
Source: Engadget

Alibaba brings Qwen AI into cars

Alibaba is integrating Qwen AI into vehicles from automakers including BYD and Geely, enabling voice-based services like bookings and deliveries. The system runs on Nvidia chips and reflects growing competition in automotive software.
Source: CNBC

Meta to Cut 8,000 Jobs and Freeze Hiring for 6,000 Open Positions – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:57:56 +0000

Microsoft Offers Buyouts to 7% of U.S. Staff Based on “Rule of 70”, DeepSeek Launches V4 AI Models with 1M Context Length, WhatsApp Partners with PayU to Launch Prepaid Phone Recharges in India.

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Show Notes

Meta Plans Major Workforce Cuts Amid AI Push

Meta is planning to cut its workforce by 10% (approximately 8,000 employees) and freeze hiring for 6,000 open positions, according to a recent memo. The layoffs, scheduled for May 20, are part of an efficiency drive to offset major investments in artificial intelligence talent and infrastructure, as CEO Mark Zuckerberg focuses on developing advanced AI products like large language models. The cuts were confirmed by Chief People Officer Janelle Gale due to internal leaks, noting the difficulty for employees already concerned about previous job reductions.

Microsoft Offers Voluntary Buyouts as It Restructures for AI Era

Microsoft is offering a one-time voluntary buyout program to roughly 7% of its U.S. employees at the senior director level and below whose age and years of service total 70 or more. This buyout excludes employees with sales incentive plans. Announced in a Thursday memo as the tech industry adjusts to the AI boom, the program aims to let eligible workers retire on their own terms. Following previous layoffs, Microsoft is also updating its annual reward structure to give managers more flexibility in recognizing high performance by decoupling stock from cash bonuses and simplifying the review process to five pay options.

DeepSeek Launches New Open-Source AI Models

DeepSeek has launched its new open-source AI models, V4 Pro and V4 Flash, a year after its original app gained popularity, faced a ban by US federal agencies, and experienced a download pause in South Korea due to security concerns. The new models are highlighted for their “cost-effective 1 million context length.” V4 Pro is touted for advanced agentic capabilities, reasoning comparable to top closed-source models, and world knowledge second only to Gemini-3.1-Pro. V4 Flash offers reasoning close to the Pro model and performs comparably on simple agent tasks.

WhatsApp Expands Payments with Phone Recharges in India

WhatsApp, in partnership with PayU, is launching prepaid phone recharges for major Indian carriers (Jio, Airtel, Vodafone) directly within its app. This is part of Meta’s effort to boost in-app utility and transactions, as WhatsApp Payments significantly trails rivals like PhonePe and Google Pay. Despite having over 500 million users, WhatsApp’s UPI transaction volume remains low. The new recharge feature, alongside bill pay and metro ticketing, seeks to deepen user engagement beyond messaging.

X Shuts Down Communities Feature Due to Low Adoption

X is discontinuing its Communities feature by May 30 due to its low adoption (under 0.4% of users) and high rate of spam and scams (80% of reports), according to Head of Product Nikita Bier. The feature was largely misused for user-acquisition and compensated clipper communities, deviating from its intended purpose. X recommends the XChat app for live group chats (soon supporting up to 1,000 members) as a replacement. For users who prefer the original asynchronous, dedicated-timeline experience, X suggests using its new custom timelines feature, which leverages Grok for topic-specific feeds.

Nothing Introduces AI-Powered Dictation Tool

Nothing has launched “Essential Voice,” an AI dictation tool that rivals SuperWhisper and Wispr Flow. Initially available on the Nothing Phone (3) and expanding to others, Essential Voice provides system-wide dictation, converting speech into formatted text, removing filler words, and enabling custom voice shortcuts. Like SuperWhisper, it integrates at the system level and supports over 100 languages for translation. Future updates will add app-specific AI editing and styling, signaling a shift toward more deeply integrated dictation features across the industry.

Amazon and Meta Strike Multibillion-Dollar AI Chip Deal

Amazon and Meta Platforms have struck a multiyear, multibillion-dollar deal for Meta to rent hundreds of thousands of Amazon’s general-purpose Graviton chips for its AI inference tasks. This collaboration is part of a larger trend of Big Tech partnerships to secure necessary processing power for AI development. Amazon’s in-house silicon unit is also supplying AI accelerator chips to other companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Simultaneously, Meta is diversifying its chip supply strategy with deals with Nvidia, AMD, and Google, while also developing its own custom MTIA silicon to reduce reliance on external chipmakers.

Microsoft Still Committed to Xbox Mobile Store

Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the Xbox mobile game store is still planned for iOS and Android, despite missing the July 2024 launch and having a non-functional URL. Sharma stated the project is “not dead,” emphasizing Microsoft’s support for increased mobile app store competition, highlighted by its amicus brief in the Epic v. Google case. Microsoft and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney believe legal changes compelling Google to allow third-party stores will drive innovation and permit the global launch of the Xbox store on Android without security warnings.

YouTube TV Expands Multiview to All Channels

YouTube TV’s Multiview feature, previously limited to specific channels and mainly used for sports, is finally rolling out a “fully customizable” option, as teased in January. Subscribers are now noticing the ability to use “all channels” in Multiview, with the updated layout including sections for “Recommended,” “Sports,” “News,” “Movies,” and “Shows,” allowing viewers to pick any assortment of channels they wish, which significantly expands the utility of the feature beyond its original scope.

Tesla’s Terafab AI Chip Complex to Use Intel’s 14A Process – DTH

tommerritt@gmail.com (Tom Merritt) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 14:41:05 +0000

Artemis II Beams 4K Video from Moon to Earth with Laser Communications, Meta AI Rolls Out Parental Supervision for Teen Chat Topics, and Apple Rushes Out Update to Block FBI Access to ‘Deleted’ Signal Messages.

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Show Notes

Tesla Taps Intel for Terafab AI Chips

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company’s Terafab AI chip complex in Austin will utilize Intel’s next-generation 14A manufacturing process. This move is considered a significant boost for Intel’s struggling contract manufacturing business, as it secures a major external customer, addressing previous concerns about the viability of its manufacturing arm. However, the Terafab project itself is a massive and complex undertaking with many undisclosed details, leading to skepticism among Tesla’s investors despite Musk’s claims about its necessity for future revenue from robotics and data centers. Analysts view the contract as a substantial win for Intel, regardless of whether Tesla meets Musk’s high production estimates.
Read more

NASA Streams 4K Video from the Moon via Laser

NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully used laser communications to beam 4K video from the moon to Earth, demonstrating the potential for high-throughput space-to-Earth connections using a significantly cheaper, experimental terminal. This low-cost, $5 million terminal, developed by the Australian National University with Observable Space and Quantum Opus, successfully achieved a data rate of 260 megabits per second, suggesting that affordable laser downlinks are now ready to be scaled into a global network, despite the known challenges of weather and line-of-sight requirements.
Read more

Meta Expands Parental Oversight for Teen AI Use

To address safety concerns for teens, Meta is rolling out a new supervision feature allowing parents to view the general topics their teens discussed with Meta AI across Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram over the past week. This feature, located in a new Insights tab, displays broad categories like “School” and “Health” with drill-down sub-categories. Meta is also offering “conversation starters” developed with the Cyberbullying Research Center and forming an AI Wellbeing Expert Council, even as the company reportedly relies more on AI and parental supervision for moderation following vendor cutbacks.
Read more

Apple Fixes Bug Exposing Deleted Messages

Apple released an urgent software update for iPhones and iPads to fix a major bug allowing law enforcement, such as the FBI, to access deleted or disappearing messages from apps like Signal. The flaw stemmed from the operating system caching notification content—including the message text in a device’s database for up to a month even after deletion in the messaging app. This vulnerability became public following a report detailing the FBI’s successful extraction of deleted Signal messages, prompting Signal’s president to push Apple for the fix, which is now available for supported and older iOS versions.
Read more

Lyft Expands Internationally with Gett UK Acquisition

Lyft Inc. is acquiring the UK business of London black cab app Gett to expand internationally and better compete with Uber. This acquisition, Lyft’s third in the last year, will connect Lyft with about 75% of Greater London’s registered black-cab drivers. Although financial terms were not disclosed, Gett’s UK unit reported £60.6 million in revenue and positive EBITDA in 2024. The Gett UK team will transfer to Freenow, and the Gett app will initially remain separate before being integrated.
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Threads Introduces Live Chats for Events

Meta’s new “live chats” on Threads offer real-time, scheduled community discussions for live events. Unlike Instagram’s broadcast channels, selected hosts (e.g., media figures, Community Champions) control contributions, which can include various media and text. All users can watch, react, and vote in polls, and chats remain viewable afterward without requiring community membership. The feature launched during the NBA Playoffs in the NBAThreads Community and will roll out gradually with future updates, including co-hosting.
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Mac mini Shortage Signals Demand or Refresh

The base Mac mini model (M4 chip, 256GB storage, 16GB RAM) is out of stock, along with some higher-end 32GB RAM models, although configurations with M4 Pro and 24GB RAM are still available. This stock shortage could indicate an upcoming product refresh or be due to high demand for the Mac mini for local AI, exacerbated by a global memory demand surge driving up RAM costs. This memory shortage previously led to the removal of the 512GB Mac Studio. While M5 and M5 Pro Mac mini versions are in development for 2026, the ongoing RAM supply issues might push the launch later in the year.
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Google Unveils Major Workspace AI Upgrades

Google announced major Workspace updates at Cloud Next 2026. Key features include an 8.5x expanded, Gemini-powered “Take Notes for me” in Google Meet, now summarizing transcripts for in-person, Teams, and Zoom meetings. Other additions are “Projects” in Google Drive for organization, “Canvas” in Google Sheets for data visualization, and “skills” in Workspace Studio for automation. Chrome Enterprise launched agentic auto browse, and the new Workspace MCP Server allows deeper third-party app integration with core services like Drive, Gmail, and Calendar.
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Spotify Reveals 20-Year Streaming Leaders

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Spotify announced its all-time most-streamed artists, songs, albums, podcasts, and audiobooks on Thursday, April 23rd. The lists confirmed the popularity of artists such as Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Drake, The Weeknd, and Ed Sheeran. Bad Bunny’s 2022 album Un Verano Sin Ti led the most-streamed albums with a record 22 billion streams, followed by The Weeknd’s Starboy and Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Deluxe). The Weeknd also had the most-streamed song with “Blinding Lights.”
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