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Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports the release of iOS 27 will include a revamp of the AirPods settings menu to improve functionality in response to user feedback, though specific details are not clear at this time. Gurman also shares Apple will improve Apple Watch heart-rate tracking with the watchOS 27 update and other stability and performance improvements, though other refinements will be minor to start. Project Mulberry, the future AI health agent, appears to be pushed back even further with new delays; possibly to be released later in the iOS 27 update cycle.

Source: Bloomberg, Gizmodo, 9to5Mac

Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter also includes how Apple will upgrade the Camera app with more customization options in iOS 27, including the ability to choose which features appear in the app “and where they’re placed”. Sources say this will include movable flash, exposure, timer, and resolution controls. The changes are aimed at making the standard Camera app more appealing and suited to professional use.

Source: Bloomberg and 9to5Mac

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek announced a permanent price cut for the V4-Pro AI model by 75%. Usage costs now range from 0.025 to 6 yuan per million tokens, compared to the previous pricing range of 0.1 to 24 yuan per million tokens. 24 yuan is approximately $3.54 USD and 6 yuan is approximately and $0.88 USD. No specific reason for the price cut was revealed at this time.

Source: Digital Trends

A BIOS update pushed through Windows Update affected HP customers by making certain laptops unbootable. As the BIOS update was designated critical, the update was applied automatically without any user agreement required. Affected laptops include the ZBook Ultra G1a and the EliteBook X G1a. Some users have been able to revert the update, but only by using a specific HP USB-C to ethernet dongle. An HP spokesperson told The Register, “HP is aware of purported BIOS issues and is looking into the matter.”

Source: The Next Web

On Monday, Huawei announced a method to improve the company’s chip designs to rival TSMC and Intel’s offerings, without violating US sanctions, claiming the new approach will become an industry standard in the future. Huawei’s Kirin chipset line will be the first to implement the new process, which reduces data travel time by folding and stacking chips instead of fitting more transistors. No independent performance data has been shared at this time.

Source: Nikkei Asia and NBC News

Gaming On Linux reports the upcoming California and Colorado age verification bills, as currently written, will exempt open source operating systems. The current form of each state’s bills specifically exempt operating systems distributed “under license terms that permit a recipient to copy, redistribute, and modify the software.” Gaming On Linux notes SteamOS will likely not be exempt as the OS includes proprietary data from Valve.

Source: Gaming On Linux

Star Citizen, the space combat and trading simulation game which went into early access back in 2017, announced over the weekend it crossed $1 billion of funding raised. In the past 14 years Cloud Imperium Games released many in-game ships at a cost of thousands of dollars, with some ships still not able to fly in game. CIG reiterates that expensive ships are “not required to start or succeed at the game.” Star Citizen is currently expected to actually launch in 2027 or 2028.

Source: IGN

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US intelligence agencies quietly getting a massive AI upgrade

The New York Times reports the US administration approved a classified $9 billion request to help intelligence agencies buy advanced Nvidia chips and build the infrastructure needed to run frontier AI systems on secure networks. Sources say the CIA and NSA have struggled to deploy newer AI models because their classified cloud systems lack the computing power, cooling, and modern data centers needed for Nvidia’s Grace Blackwell hardware. The administration is also reportedly shifting another $800 million toward faster AI infrastructure upgrades while allowing the NSA to continue using Anthropic models under a classified contract that bars use on Americans’ data.

Source: The New York Times

Activision shareholders settle Microsoft acquisition lawsuit

Activision Blizzard shareholders agreed to a $250 million settlement tied to claims that Microsoft and former Activision executives underpaid shareholders during Microsoft’s $75.4 billion acquisition of the company in 2023. The lawsuit, filed in Delaware state court, centered on allegations that executives pushed the deal through at an unfair valuation.

Source: Reuters

Quantum stocks jump after US announces $2 billion funding push

Quantum computing stocks rallied after the US government unveiled plans to provide $2 billion in grants and take minority stakes in nine quantum-related companies through CHIPS Act funding. IBM is set to receive the largest award, with $1 billion earmarked for a US-based quantum wafer foundry through a new company called Anderon, while D-Wave, Rigetti, and PsiQuantum are also expected to receive funding. The Commerce Department says quantum computing is both an economic and national security priority, and IBM estimates the industry could generate as much as $850 billion by 2040.

Source: CNBC

Microsoft marketing chief Yusuf Mehdi plans exit after 35 years

Microsoft consumer chief marketing officer Yusuf Mehdi plans to leave the company next June after a 35-year run that included launches spanning Windows 3.1, Internet Explorer, Bing, Xbox, Surface, and Microsoft Copilot. Mehdi says he’ll help guide succession planning, prepare Windows for the “agentic” AI era, and continue efforts to grow Microsoft 365 consumer subscriptions toward 100 million users before departing.

Source: GeekWire

Google appeals search monopoly ruling

Google has appealed the federal ruling that found the company illegally monopolized online search, arguing it won distribution deals and users “fair and square” rather than through anticompetitive behavior. The company is also challenging the remedies order that would require it to share certain search data with rivals, including AI companies, saying the court overstepped and that many generative AI firms didn’t even exist during the conduct at issue.

Source: The Verge

Google Search bug briefly treated simple words like AI prompts

Google’s redesigned AI-heavy Search experience briefly broke results for simple searches like “disregard,” “pause,” and “ignore,” with AI Overviews seemingly interpreting the words as prompt instructions instead of search queries. The issue pushed standard links and dictionary definitions far down the page. Google told MacRumors the bug was unrelated to its I/O announcements and tied specifically to AI Overviews. The issue now appears fixed.

Source: TechCrunch

Meta’s new Forum app rattles Reddit investors

A new Meta test app called Forum has some Reddit investors worried after analysts at Truist described it as a direct attempt to compete with Reddit-style online discussions. The iOS-only test app currently exists within Facebook Groups, reviving an idea Meta previously explored with a standalone Groups app that shut down in 2017.

Source: CNBC

Apple asks Supreme Court to narrow Epic Games ruling

Apple is asking the US Supreme Court to limit the broader impact of its long-running App Store fight with Epic Games, arguing the case should not reshape App Store payment rules for all developers. Apple is also challenging a contempt ruling tied to its 27% commission on purchases made through external payment links, while Epic says Apple is continuing to delay broader payment competition on iOS.

Source: TechCrunch

Bungie ending active Destiny 2 development next month

Bungie says it will end active development of Destiny 2 on June 9 after nearly nine years, releasing a final update called “Monument of Triumph” designed to improve the experience for returning players. The studio says Destiny 2 servers will remain online indefinitely, with the final update restoring older UI elements, adding a permanent Pantheon mode, and refreshing raid and dungeon gear systems.

Source: Engadget

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Show Notes

AI Executive Order Delayed Over Innovation Concerns

The US president recently delayed the signing of a major executive order on artificial intelligence, citing concerns that it could hinder American competitiveness. Despite leading global rivals like China, the president expressed apprehension that the proposed order, which aimed to establish voluntary cybersecurity and testing frameworks for advanced AI models, might act as a “blocker” to innovation. This decision comes amidst heightened security concerns following the debut of Anthropic’s Mythos Preview, a model capable of identifying critical vulnerabilities, and as the administration seeks to balance public safety with maintaining a technological lead through collaborative, voluntary agreements with tech companies.

Read More: NBC News

Apple to Broadcast MLS Match Entirely on iPhone

Apple is advancing its professional filming initiatives by using the iPhone 17 Pro to exclusively broadcast a live MLS match between the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo FC on May 23, 2026. This landmark event, featuring 15 devices equipped with advanced 48-megapixel Fusion cameras and Apple Log 2 technology, marks the first time a major professional sporting event will be shot entirely on iPhone, building on Apple’s previous successful integrations of the device into MLB and MLS workflows since 2025.

Read More: Variety

Waymo Pauses Robotaxi Service During Flooding

Waymo has paused its robotaxi service in several cities, including Atlanta, San Antonio, Dallas, and Houston, as its vehicles struggle with heavy rain and flooding. Despite a recent software recall intended to restrict operations in high-risk areas, a Waymo vehicle still became stuck in floodwaters in Atlanta, prompting further scrutiny. This incident adds to a growing list of safety concerns for the company, as the NHTSA and NTSB are currently investigating Waymo’s robotaxis for illegal maneuvers around school buses and a January collision with a child in California.

Read More: TechCrunch

Google Launches Gemini Spark AI Agent

Google launched Gemini Spark, an autonomous AI agent rivaling OpenClaw that performs tasks like emailing and grocery ordering. Deeply integrated with Google apps, it acts as a context-aware personal assistant. While privacy concerns exist due to high data access, Google mandates explicit permission for sensitive actions. Experts advise starting with low-level tasks during its current testing phase before it rolls out to Google AI Ultra subscribers.

Read More: CBS News

Spotify Introduces AI Podcast Creation App

Spotify has launched “Studio by Spotify Labs,” a standalone desktop app using an AI agent to create personalized podcasts and audio briefs. The agent connects to services like email and calendar to fetch personal context for complex requests, such as generating itineraries. These private podcasts are saved in the user’s library. Currently a research preview in over 20 markets for users 18+, the app competes with tools like Google’s NotebookLM as Spotify expands further into the AI audio space.

Read More: TechCrunch

Meta Launches Forum App for Facebook Groups

Meta has quietly launched Forum, a dedicated standalone app designed specifically for Facebook Groups to facilitate deeper conversations similar to Reddit. While users must log in with their Facebook accounts, maintaining their existing profiles and activities, they have the option to use anonymized usernames, though administrators can still see their real identities. The app streamlines the group experience by featuring a unified feed of conversations and introducing AI-driven features like “Ask,” which synthesizes information across groups, and an AI assistant for moderators. Currently in a public testing phase, Forum ensures seamless integration by syncing all posts and interactions with the main Facebook app.

Read More: Engadget

Google Expands Gemini-Powered Search Ads

Google announced a search advertising overhaul featuring Gemini-powered formats in AI Mode, which now has over one billion monthly users. New formats like “Conversational Discovery ads” and “Highlighted Answers” include “Sponsored” labels and an “independent AI explainer” to evaluate products transparently. Google will also add AI-generated relevance text to Shopping ads and a Gemini-powered Business Agent for Leads to traditional search. These updates, along with the global expansion of Personal Intelligence, mark a transition from the “10 blue links” toward a conversational, AI-driven experience.

Read More: Thurrott

Starbucks Drops AI Inventory System

Starbucks has decided to discontinue its “Automated Counting” AI inventory program, developed with NomadGo, after only nine months of operation in North American stores. Initially intended to streamline inventory tracking by allowing employees to scan items with mobile devices, the system suffered from frequent inaccuracies, such as mislabeling milk types and failing to count items like peppermint syrup. Following reports of these technical failures and mixed employee feedback, the company is returning to manual inventory counting, acknowledging that while the concept was promising, the execution proved difficult.

Read More: Engadget

Bungie Plans Layoffs After Destiny 2 Ends

Sony Group Corp.’s Bungie unit is planning significant layoffs as it concludes development on Destiny 2 following its final content update on June 9. While the studio is shifting resources to the extraction shooter Marathon to expand its player base, no new projects, including potential future entries in the Destiny franchise, have yet been greenlit amidst a challenging market and high operating costs. Despite millions of dedicated players and a decade of success, the studio currently has no immediate plans for Destiny 3 as it focuses on maintaining existing servers and its other investments.

Read More: Bloomberg

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Show Notes

SpaceX’s $1.75T IPO Dreams Face Reality Check

SpaceX has publicly filed for a massive IPO with a valuation reportedly at $1.75 trillion, despite reporting only $18 billion revenue alongside a $4.9 billion loss in 2025 and over $37 billion in total losses since its inception. While the business is currently dominated by its Starlink satellite internet segment, the company has heavily invested in its xAI division and is fundamentally reliant on the success of the Starship rocket to achieve ambitious future goals like Mars exploration, orbital AI data centers, and space tourism. Elon Musk maintains absolute control over the conglomerate, serving as CEO, CTO, and Chairman while holding over 85% of the voting power.

Read More: TechCrunch

Nvidia Concedes China AI Market to Huawei Amid Record Quarter

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stated that the company has largely conceded the Chinese AI chip market to Huawei due to tightening U.S. export restrictions, even as Nvidia reported a blockbuster quarter with revenue surging 85% to $81.62 billion and announced an $80 billion share buyback program. Despite striking a cautious tone regarding the near-term reopening of the Chinese market, Huang highlighted Nvidia’s aggressive expansion and heavy investment across the AI industry’s “five-layer cake,” which includes energy, chips, infrastructure, models, and applications.

Read More: CNBC

Study Finds Data Centers Raising Nearby Temperatures by 4 Degrees

A study from Arizona State University reveals that waste heat from data centers can raise temperatures in downwind neighborhoods by up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit, impacting areas up to a third of a mile away. Lead researcher David Sailor notes that as data center capacity is projected to double by 2030, this overlooked heat hazard significantly increases local air conditioning use and public health risks. To mitigate these effects, researchers suggest implementing urban design solutions like microclimate modeling, greenbelts, and stricter city permitting requirements to reduce the thermal footprint of these essential facilities.

Read More: TechXplore

Anthropic Nears First Profitable Quarter as Revenue Surges

Anthropic is poised for its first profitable quarter with a projected $10.9 billion in revenue and $559 million in operating profit for Q2, driven by strong demand for its AI agent tools. Now a formidable rival to OpenAI, the company is seeking new funding at a valuation exceeding $900 billion, though it cautions that future profitability remains uncertain due to rising infrastructure costs.

Read More: Bloomberg

Anthropic Exploring Microsoft AI Chips to Reduce Nvidia Dependence

In other Anthropic news, The Information reports the company is negotiating with Microsoft Corp. to utilize its custom AI server chips to enhance computing capacity for Claude models. As major tech firms like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon develop internal hardware to decrease their dependence on Nvidia, Microsoft’s Maia chips could provide Anthropic with a vital alternative for scaling its services. While these discussions are currently in the early stages, they reflect a strategic effort by the startup to meet rising infrastructure demands.

Read More: Bloomberg

Flipper One Revealed as Open ARM Linux Pocket Computer

The Flipper One, announced by the creators of the Flipper Zero, is a new pocketable multi-tool designed as a fully open ARM Linux device emphasizing compute, modularity, and expandability. It uses a powerful coprocessor architecture featuring a Rockchip RK3576 SoC and an RP2350 MCU along with M.2 expansion, a full-size HDMI port, and USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode for video output. The device is not yet ready, and the Flipper Devices team is currently requesting community contribution through the Flipper One Developer Portal to complete foundational development tasks, such as integrating full Rockchip SoC support into the mainline Linux kernel.

Read More: Tom’s Hardware

Kansas City Schools Go All-Apple With 30,000 Device Upgrade

Kansas City Public Schools is transitioning to an “all-Apple district” by replacing more than 30,000 Windows PCs and Chromebooks with Apple hardware, including the acquisition of 4,500 MacBook Neos for students in 8th grade and above. The MacBook Neo, which is available to education users at a discounted price of $499, represents a significant move by Apple to aggressively court the education market. This large-scale deal suggests a shift in the competitive landscape, potentially challenging Microsoft’s standing in schools under the leadership of Apple’s new CEO, John Ternus.

Read More: Engadget

Grok’s Weak Adoption Raises Questions About SpaceX AI Valuation

SpaceX’s $1.75 trillion IPO valuation, supported by its xAI subsidiary, faces scrutiny due to the Grok chatbot’s minimal adoption. Federal AI inventory records list only three Grok instances out of over 400, while OpenAI had 234, Gemini 33, and Claude 26. A Pentagon source noted Grok is “just not the best model,” with agencies preferring Gemini for analysis and Claude for coding. Corporate interest is also fading; enterprise usage dropped to 2 per 1,000 users, who spend less than half the time on Grok compared to ChatGPT. Analysts suggest this lack of traction, especially in the government sector, undermines the company’s valuation.

Read More: Reuters

Truecaller Launches eSIM Service for International Travelers

Truecaller has launched an eSIM service for international travelers across 29 countries, partnering with Telna and Telness Tech to offer plans ranging from 1 GB to 20 GB. While major markets like India are excluded due to regulatory hurdles, Truecaller aims to leverage its massive existing base of 500 million active users as a primary competitive advantage over specialized rivals like Airalo and Holafly. This strategic expansion into the growing eSIM market represents a shift toward subscription-based utility features designed to bolster the company’s financial stability.

Read More: TechCrunch

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On Tuesday, at the annual developer conference Google I/O, the company demonstrated a large number upcoming features and products, so here’s a quick summary of select reveals. Google is transitioning from simpler AI assistants & chatbots to employing AI agents to constantly handle tasks for users, including shopping and making purchases. Search will feature a persistent “information agent” working in the background able to provide ongoing updates on topics, as well as search results being presented more as a conversation rather than straight links. Deeper integration of Gemini into Google Apps will roll out this summer, including the ability to talk to apps and have the AI agent create docs or handle inbox tasks, for example. And users will also be able to ask questions in YouTube and Maps in natural language.

Source: 9to5Google

On Wednesday the Samsung labour union announced it is suspending a planned general strike “until further notice” after reaching a preliminary pay deal with the company. The union’s website announced a member ​vote ⁠will take place from May ​23rd to May ​28th. Elements of the potential deal are not yet public. The union previously called for 15% of operating profit to allocated to bonuses and the removal of a cap on bonus amounts.

Source: Reuters

The Wall Street Journal reports sources say OpenAI is planning to file for an initial public offering (IPO) in the coming days or weeks, potentially as early as Friday. Reuters previously reported OpenAI was considering filing with regulators in the second half of 2026, working with Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley on the draft IPO prospectus. OpenAI has yet to comment.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Media streaming service Plex announced another price hike for lifetime plans. In March 2025 the lifetime subscription rose from $199.99 to $249.99 and now will jump to $749.99 on July 1st. The Verge calculated it would require a subscription, at current annual prices, for 11 years to make the lifetime sub a worthwhile investment. In a post on Plex’s website, the company states it chose to make a lifetime sub a less attractive option in order to encourage more ongoing subscriptions to sustain long-term development. Existing lifetime purchasers will continue to receive all ‘benefits and perks’; no changes there. No price increases for monthly and annual subscribers were announced at this time.

Source: The Verge

Satellite internet service Starlink is raising prices for approximately 3 million US subscribers by $5-10/month, beginning June 18th. The Roam 300GB plan is exempt from the hike at this time and remains $80/month. In an email to customers, Starlink said the adjustment “supports ongoing improvements and investments” amid rising global operating costs.

Source: CNET

Mozilla’s Firefox 151 release adds AI controls to iOS and Android with a binary toggle to disable all generative AI features with a single click, matching the option already enabled on desktop. Users can enable any AI features individually, as needed or wanted.

Source: Engadget

Discord announced end-to-end encryption is now automatically enabled for all standard voice and video calls, no opt-in required. However, voice and video calls through a server’s stage channel are not included in the rollout. The encryption, now enabled by default, covers direct messages, group calls, server voice channels, and Go Live streams on desktop, mobile, web, and console clients. Discord shared there are no plans to end-to-end encrypt any text messaging on the platform.

Source: PC Gamer and The Next Web

On Tuesday Epic Games made Fortnite available again on the Apple App Store worldwide, with the notable exception of Australia. A post on Epic’s website states that despite winning a case against Apple, with an Australian court finding some of Apple’s developer terms unlawful, “Apple continues to enforce those terms.” Epic will not return to the Australian App Store until Apple’s payment terms change in the country.

Source: IGN

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Show Notes

Musk Loses OpenAI Lawsuit

A California jury ruled against Elon Musk in his lawsuit against OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Microsoft. Musk alleged they were “stealing a charity” via a for-profit affiliate, but the case was dismissed because the jury found the claims were filed after the statute of limitations. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers noted substantial evidence supported this finding. The verdict secures OpenAI against restructuring risks before its reported IPO. While OpenAI’s attorney, Bill Savitt, dismissed the suit as an attempt to sabotage a competitor, Musk maintained his accusations on social media and plans to appeal to the Ninth Circuit.

Read More: TechCrunch

Meta Cuts Staff for AI Push

Meta announced a major restructuring and layoff plan, cutting 10% of staff this week with an eventual 20% total reduction via job cuts and transfers. Driven by aggressive AI investment, the overhaul eliminates managerial roles to create a flatter structure and moves 7,000 employees into AI initiatives like Applied AI Engineering (AAI) and Agent Transformation Accelerator (ATA) XFN to build autonomous AI agents. These AI-linked cuts have sparked employee protests over executive silence and the use of mouse-tracking software for AI training.

Read More: Reuters

Apple Expands AI Accessibility

Apple has unveiled new accessibility features powered by Apple Intelligence, timed before Google’s developer conference, expected to launch later this year with iOS 27. Key updates include enhanced VoiceOver image recognition for documents, natural language voice control for apps, and AI-powered summaries for complex papers in the Reader feature. Additionally, the update introduces AI-generated subtitles across platforms, eye-tracking wheelchair control for Vision Pro, and expanded language support for hearing accessibility features.

Read More: TechCrunch

X Limits Free Accounts

X has implemented a new restriction on unverified accounts, drastically reducing their daily posting capacity from 2,400 updates to just 50 original posts and 200 replies. While the platform likely intended this change to mitigate spam and bot activity, it has faced backlash from long-term users who argue the limits are too restrictive. Consequently, this policy may drive more users toward the X Premium subscription tiers or lead them to leave the platform entirely in favor of competitors.

Read More: Engadget

Blackstone and Google Build AI Venture

Blackstone, the world’s top private data center owner, is partnering with Google on a new U.S. AI infrastructure firm with a $5 billion equity investment. Led by Benjamin Treynor Sloss, the venture aims to provide 500 megawatts of capacity by 2027 using Google’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). This majority-Blackstone deal highlights the competition between Google’s custom TPUs and Nvidia’s GPUs. Google and other tech leaders are leveraging such partnerships to promote specialized AI hardware and decrease dependence on Nvidia.

Read More: CNBC

Fortnite Returns to iPhone

Fortnite has returned to the iOS App Store after a five-year legal battle, though Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney continues to challenge Apple’s “Apple Tax” and regulatory tactics worldwide. While the game is back on Google Play globally following a settlement, it remains absent from the Australian App Store as Epic awaits further court decisions regarding unlawful payment terms. Sweeney maintains that this is just the beginning of a global effort to restore competition and transparency to digital marketplaces.

Read More: Thurrott

Anthropic Buys Stainless

Anthropic has acquired Stainless, a New York-based startup specializing in automated SDK maintenance, for an estimated price exceeding $300 million. This strategic move effectively removes a critical infrastructure supplier from competitors like OpenAI and Google, as Anthropic plans to wind down all hosted Stainless products to make the technology exclusive for its own API and AI agent development. While the acquisition consolidates these tools for Anthropic’s internal use, existing Stainless customers will retain ownership and modification rights for the SDKs they have already generated.

Read More: TechCrunch

LinkedIn Cracks Down on AI Slop

LinkedIn has launched a new initiative to curb the prevalence of “AI slop” by reducing the reach of generic, recycled, or engagement-baiting content that lacks original expertise. By collaborating with its editorial team, the platform’s engineers have developed patterns to identify AI-generated drivel such as repetitive phrasing and recycled “thought leadership”and will demote such posts in its recommendation algorithms. Despite this crackdown, LinkedIn maintains a distinction for “AI-assisted” content, continuing to welcome posts that use generative tools as long as they contribute original ideas or foster meaningful conversation among members.

Read More: Engadget

Microsoft Confirms New Surface PCs

Microsoft has confirmed its two-stage launch for the next-generation Surface PCs, including the Surface Pro 12, Surface Laptop 8, and Surface Laptop 13-inch. The first models, featuring Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, upgraded displays, and haptics, are currently available for business customers. Consumer models featuring Snapdragon X2 processors (marketed as “AI PCs”) are expected to arrive later this year, likely over the summer, with sources citing high demand and component availability as reasons for the delay. These consumer models are anticipated to include OLED displays on the Laptop 8.

Read More: Windows Central

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Show Notes

The Financial Times’ sources report Anthropic is briefing the Financial Stability Board (FSB) regarding cybersecurity vulnerabilities discovered by the company’s Mythos model. The FSB is an international association, based in Switzerland, that monitors the global financial system and makes policy recommendations, but does not have formal powers. Mythos has not been released to the public, instead being made available to select companies and institutions as part of ‘Project Glasswing’.

Source: The Next Web

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple has yet to disclose where data will be stored when using the new Siri update, launching soon. Apple previously stated new Siri will use Apple’s Private Cloud Compute, but it’s possible some features and security protections will be handled by Google, sparking privacy concerns. Gurman says users will be able to choose how long Siri stores conversations, from 30 days up to forever. The expected release date and further details regarding the Siri update will likely be announced during Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference on June 8th.

Source: Bloomberg and Gizmodo

Microsoft is retiring the Together Mode in Teams in order to simplify the Teams experience. Together Mode, which put attendees in the same virtual room as if everyone was sitting at a conference keynote, launched in 2020 to help remote teams feel more ‘together’. The Microsoft Insider Blog states the feature removal reduces the program’s complexity for users, eliminates some visual distractions, and aids Teams performance on mobile and lower-end machines.

Source: The Verge

Over the weekend the Delhi High Court ordered Apple to ‘fully cooperate’ with the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) ongoing antitrust investigation of App Store practices. The court denied Apple’s request to put the case on hold while the company’s challenge of CCI’s implementation of rules and fines continues. The CCI previously found Apple abused its dominant position, including, at the time, not allowing third-party payment processors for in-app purchases. Apple contests the CCI should not be able to fine 10% of global turnover instead of restricting penalties to turnover within the country. The court also asked the CCI to hold any final orders against Apple until on or after July 15th.

Source: Reuters and The Next Web

Mozilla submitted a response to the UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology’s “Growing up in the online world” consultation. The response argues that VPNs are recognized as “essential privacy and security tools that protect all users, including children.” The response stresses “Age-restricting them would undermine the very protections the Government seeks to strengthen.” The Online Safety Act implemented age-checks, using ID verification or facial scanning, in order to access sites featuring adult content. VPN usage spiked once the OSA came into effect in 2025. Mozilla argues a safety-first approach should instead focus on engagement algorithms and other platform designs instead of jeopardizing online privacy for everyone on the internet by limiting or eliminating VPN access.

Source: The Register

OpenAI announced a partnership with Malta to provide one year of ChatGPT Plus access to all Maltese citizens after completing a free course in AI literacy. The University of Malta developed the class as part of the “AI for All” initiative. Enrollment begins this month and will be available to Maltese citizens living outside the country.

Source: Digital Trends

Spotify confirmed the recent 20th anniversary icon change to a sparkly disco ball is only temporary and the regular icon will return sometime next week. Spotify as a company was formed back in April 2006.

Source: 9to5Mac

In other icon-based news, Google is gradually rolling out updated icons for Workspace apps ahead of Google I/O 2026, which begins later this week. The new icons for Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, and more, feature more gradients and colours as part of a visual refresh. The updated icons can be viewed in the quick launcher on web, but the apps still show the older versions.

Source: Android Central

The United States Library of Congress added the soundtrack for the original Doom to the National Recording Registry. Tracks chosen for the registry must have “cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.” The OG Doom OST is not the first game to enter the National Recording Registry as the Super Mario Bros. theme was added in 2023. And in 2025 the Minecraft OST was inducted alongside the classic Brian Eno Windows 95 startup tune.

Source: PC Gamer

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Show Notes

YouTube and Snap Settle School Addiction Lawsuit

YouTube and Snap have reached settlements ahead of what would have been the first trial over claims that social media addiction harms students and disrupts learning in public schools. The lawsuit, brought by a rural Kentucky school district in federal court in Oakland, California, accused major platforms of contributing to a youth mental health crisis that forced schools to spend heavily on intervention efforts. TikTok and Meta remain defendants in the case, which is still scheduled for trial in June.

Source: Bloomberg

Replit Ships First iPhone Update After Apple Dispute

Replit released its first iPhone app update four months after resolving an App Store dispute with Apple tied to how AI-generated apps were previewed on iOS. The update adds Replit’s new Agent 4 AI coding system, support for parallel AI agents, team collaboration tools, and workspace project viewing. The company did not say what specifically changed with Apple.

Source: 9to5Mac

ArXiv Cracks Down on AI-Generated Research Papers

ArXiv says it will ban researchers for one year if they submit papers containing clear signs of unchecked AI-generated content, part of a broader push to reduce low-quality AI-written research. Computer science section chair Thomas Dietterich said violations include hallucinated citations, fake data placeholders, and leftover chatbot prompts embedded in papers. After a ban, authors will also need future submissions accepted by a reputable peer-reviewed venue before posting to ArXiv again.

Source: 404 Media

X Agrees to New UK Moderation Commitments

X agreed to new commitments with UK regulator Ofcom to crack down on illegal hate speech and terrorist content, including reviewing at least 85% of user reports within 48 hours and blocking UK access to accounts linked to terrorist groups. The agreement follows an Ofcom investigation into whether major platforms are enforcing the UK’s Online Safety Act. A separate investigation into X’s Grok chatbot and illegal content handling is still ongoing.

Source: The Verge

OpenAI Adds Personal Finance Features to ChatGPT

OpenAI launched a new personal finance feature in ChatGPT that lets U.S. Pro subscribers connect bank, brokerage, and credit card accounts through Plaid and ask questions about spending, investments, subscriptions, and long-term planning. The tool supports more than 12,000 financial institutions including Chase, Fidelity, Schwab, and Robinhood, and follows OpenAI’s acquisition of the team behind finance startup Hiro. OpenAI says more than 200 million users already ask ChatGPT finance-related questions each month.

Source: TechCrunch

Mayo Clinic Using AI “Ambient Listening” in ER Visits

Mayo Clinic is said to be using an “Ambient Listening” system that records patient interactions with nurses, including in emergency rooms, and processes the conversations with AI to generate notes. Recordings are enabled by default, though patients can opt out, raising concerns that some patients may not realize they have that option. The report references a recent University of Washington-led study published in Annals of Internal Medicine that found AI-generated clinical notes were often lower quality than notes written by human clinicians.

Source: 404 Media

FTC Opens Antitrust Probe Into Arm

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission has reportedly opened an antitrust investigation into Arm over concerns the chip designer could abuse its dominance in semiconductor licensing. Regulators are examining whether Arm may restrict or degrade access to CPU blueprint licenses for customers while expanding its own chip development efforts.

Source: Bloomberg

SpaceX Said to Accelerate IPO Timeline

Reuters reports that SpaceX is accelerating its IPO timeline and now plans to debut on the Nasdaq as early as June 12 under the ticker SPCX following a faster-than-expected SEC review process. The company could reportedly begin its investor roadshow on June 4 and price shares on June 11 in what may become the largest IPO ever. SpaceX is said to be targeting a valuation of about $1.75 trillion and could raise roughly $75 billion in the offering.

Source: Reuters

AI-Exposed Jobs Continue to Decline Across the US

New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests AI-exposed jobs are continuing to shrink across the workforce. Employment in 18 occupations flagged as vulnerable to AI fell 0.2% between May 2024 and May 2025, even as overall U.S. employment grew 0.8%, with customer service, secretarial, and sales roles seeing the largest declines. Separate Goldman Sachs research also found occupations highly exposed to AI substitution are now seeing job openings fall below pre-pandemic levels, adding to signs that AI tools may already be reshaping hiring patterns.

Source: Bloomberg

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Show Notes

Google Tests 5GB Storage Cap Without Phone Verification

Google is testing a new policy for select new accounts in certain regions that limits free cloud storage to 5GB unless users link a phone number to their account. The company says the measure is designed to maintain a “high-quality storage service,” improve account recovery and security, and prevent individuals from repeatedly claiming multiple free storage allocations. Reports indicate the test is currently appearing in parts of Africa and India.

The move builds on Google’s 2021 decision to end unlimited Google Photos storage, with Photos, Docs, and Sheets now counting toward the standard 15GB free storage tier.

Read more: BBC News

OpenAI and Apple Relationship Reportedly Deteriorating

OpenAI is reportedly considering legal action against Apple over dissatisfaction with ChatGPT’s integration into Apple’s ecosystem, particularly around subscriber conversions and product visibility. At the same time, Apple has reportedly raised concerns about OpenAI’s privacy standards and expanding hardware ambitions.

The tensions reflect Apple’s long-standing reputation for difficult platform relationships, echoing past conflicts involving Google Maps, Adobe Flash, and Spotify. Despite the friction, Apple still maintains a major multiyear AI infrastructure partnership with Google.

Read more: TechCrunch

Microsoft Will Automatically Roll Back Faulty Windows Drivers

Microsoft is launching a new Cloud-Initiated Driver Recovery feature designed to automatically reverse problematic Windows drivers distributed through Windows Update. The initiative removes the need for users and hardware vendors to manually intervene when faulty drivers cause system instability.

The feature is scheduled for a full rollout in September 2026 and is part of Microsoft’s broader Driver Quality Initiative (DQI), announced during WinHEC 2026. The company says the goal is to improve reliability and security across the Windows ecosystem by preventing devices from remaining stuck on unstable software.

Read more: BleepingComputer

Meta Opens Ray-Ban Display Glasses to Third-Party Developers

Meta is opening its Ray-Ban Display glasses platform to third-party developers, allowing them to build mobile and web apps that interact with the monocular display and Neural Band controller.

The company is encouraging developers to create “glanceable” experiences, including lightweight overlays and micro-apps, expanding functionality beyond Meta’s own first-party software. Existing users are also receiving new features immediately, including neural handwriting for message replies, display recording, and live captioning during calls across Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

Read more: Engadget

SpaceXAI Reportedly Losing Talent After xAI Merger

Elon Musk’s SpaceXAI organization, formed following the acquisition of xAI, is reportedly experiencing a significant talent exodus. More than 50 researchers and engineers — including several leaders and co-founders — have reportedly departed since February for competitors such as Meta and Thinking Machines Lab.

Reports suggest the departures stem from Musk’s intense work culture, aggressive timelines, and concerns that development speed was prioritized over model quality. Some employees may also be leaving to cash out equity ahead of a potential IPO.

Read more: TechCrunch

Apple Partners With Intel Foundry for Legacy and Low-End Chips

Apple has reportedly entered a strategic multiyear partnership with Intel Foundry to manufacture low-end and legacy processors for iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices using Intel’s 18A-P process and Foveros packaging technologies.

The partnership reportedly begins with limited testing in 2026, ramps production through 2027 and 2028, and gradually winds down by 2029. For Apple, the arrangement acts as a hedge against relying too heavily on TSMC as advanced-node demand increasingly shifts toward AI and high-performance computing customers. For Intel, the deal represents a major opportunity to validate manufacturing yields and rebuild confidence in its foundry business.

Read more: MacDailyNews

OpenAI Brings Codex to the ChatGPT Mobile App

OpenAI has integrated its Codex coding assistant directly into the ChatGPT mobile app for both iOS and Android. The update allows users to remotely monitor coding workflows, approve commands, and switch AI models from their phones.

The rollout follows recent Codex upgrades including background execution and a Chrome extension, intensifying competition with Anthropic’s Claude Code platform, which introduced a similar remote management feature earlier this year.

Read more: TechCrunch

Microsoft Edge Will Stop Loading Passwords Into Memory at Startup

Microsoft is updating the Edge browser to prevent saved passwords from being decrypted and loaded into process memory at startup.

The change comes after security researcher Tom Jøran Sønstebyseter Rønning demonstrated that credentials stored in Edge remained accessible in memory after launch, potentially exposing them to attackers with Administrator-level access. Microsoft initially described the behavior as “by design” before later prioritizing a defense-in-depth fix across all supported versions of Edge, beginning with the Canary channel as part of its Secure Future Initiative.

Read more: BleepingComputer

YouTube Shorts Are Booming on TVs

YouTube says viewers are now watching more than 2 billion hours of Shorts on televisions every month, highlighting the surprising rise of vertical video consumption on large screens.

To capitalize on the trend, YouTube has updated its TV interface and integrated Shorts into search results and Google TV feeds. The company also noted strong growth in living-room podcast viewing, with video podcasts surpassing 700 million monthly watch hours during 2025.

Read more: TechCrunch

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Show Notes

Nvidia Caught in U.S.-China AI Chip Standoff

The U.S.-China tech rivalry has stalled Nvidia’s H200 chip sales to approximately 10 approved Chinese firms, including Alibaba and Tencent, despite U.S. export clearance. This deadlock is driven by Beijing’s strategic push for domestic AI chip development and concerns over a 25% revenue-sharing fee negotiated by the White House administration that requires chips to transit through U.S. territory. Consequently, while distributors like Lenovo are authorized to sell up to 75,000 units per customer, zero deliveries have been made as both nations impose complex security requirements and vetting procedures that leave the world’s dominant chipmaker caught between competing national priorities.

Read More: Reuters

Microsoft Integrates Copilot Features Directly Into Edge

Microsoft is retiring the dedicated “Copilot Mode” on Edge because its features, which allow users to search across and analyze multiple open tabs, are now fully integrated into the browser experience on both desktop and mobile. The enhanced Copilot suite includes several new functionalities such as “Journeys” for saving and revisiting projects, “Vision and Voice” for hands-free accessibility, and long-term memory for recalling past chats and browsing history. Additional new tools like the “Study and Learn” mode for turning references into quizzes and a “Writing Assistant” for drafting and rewriting content have been added, alongside the ability to convert open tabs into a podcast. Users can manage these features via their Edge browser settings.

Read More: Engadget

Cisco Cuts 4,000 Jobs While Expanding AI and Cybersecurity Investments

Cisco is cutting nearly 4,000 jobs (approximately 5% of its workforce) as part of a trend among tech companies to reorganize their cost structures to prioritize investment in AI and cybersecurity. The networking equipment maker plans to increase its focus on cybersecurity to address recent security vulnerabilities and a data breach, even as CEO Chuck Robbins celebrated “record revenue” and “double-digit growth.” These cuts are the latest in a series of layoffs over the past few years.

Read More: TechCrunch

BYD Eyes European Factory Expansion Through Acquisitions

BYD, the world’s largest electric-vehicle seller, is in negotiations with Stellantis and other European automakers to acquire and independently operate underutilized factories in the region, particularly in countries like Italy. Executive Vice President Stella Li emphasized that BYD prefers full operational control over manufacturing rather than joint ventures, even as competitors like Leapmotor partner with Stellantis. Driven by high fuel prices and a competitive domestic market, BYD is aggressively expanding its European presence, though Stellantis has declined to comment on specific deal speculations.

Read More: Reuters

U.S. Wireless Carriers Team Up to Eliminate Dead Zones

AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon have reached an agreement in principle to form a joint venture aimed at eliminating wireless dead zones across the U.S. By pooling their ground-based spectrum and investing in satellite-based direct-to-device technologies, the carriers plan to create a unified technical standard to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas. While existing satellite partnerships will remain, this collaboration seeks to accelerate the development of a diverse ecosystem for always-on coverage, pending final negotiations and closing conditions.

Read More: The Verge

Apple and Spotify Expand Cross-Platform Video Podcasting

Apple and Spotify are significantly upgrading the video podcast experience, headlined by Spotify’s upcoming adoption of Apple’s HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) technology. This move enables creators to distribute platform-agnostic video content across both Apple Podcasts and Spotify seamlessly, while also supporting cross-platform monetization. Additionally, Spotify has expanded its video support through its Distribution API, making video hosting and monetization live for creators on major platforms, including Libsyn, Audioboom, and Podigee.

Read More: 9to5Mac

Apple Exploring Agentic AI Without Sacrificing App Store Security

Apple is working to integrate agentic AI into its ecosystem without compromising its strict App Store controls or security standards. While the demand for AI agents that control device functions poses a challenge to Apple’s traditional policies, the company is reportedly developing a system that balances these capabilities with robust privacy safeguards to prevent unpredictable behavior.

Read More: Engadget

Meta and Google Face Criticism Over Kids’ Digital Well-Being Partnerships

Meta and Google are partnering with children’s brands like Sesame Street to develop digital well-being curricula, a move they claim empowers families with online safety tools. However, critics argue these partnerships are reputation-management tactics designed to deflect from lawsuits regarding youth mental health and addictive product design. Advocates also worry these initiatives normalize early smartphone use by leveraging the credibility of trusted institutions.

Read More: Reuters

Instagram Launches “Instants” for Casual, Disappearing Photos

Instagram is launching “Instants,” a new ephemeral photo feature available via a dedicated app or within the main platform’s DM inbox, designed to encourage spontaneous sharing without filters or uploads. These unedited photos disappear after being viewed by mutuals or close friends, though they are stored in a private archive for potential future use in recap stories. The experience includes an “undo” button for sent images and options to snooze friends’ posts, all while maintaining Instagram’s existing safety and parental controls. This move marks another attempt by the company to capture the casual, non-influencer-driven engagement popularized by apps like Snapchat and BeReal.

Read More: Engadget

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Show Notes

Googlebook: New premium laptop category

Google unveiled Googlebook, a new premium laptop category combining Android and ChromeOS to better compete with Apple’s MacBook ecosystem. The devices support tighter Android integration through features like “Cast My Apps,” Gemini-powered AI tools, and broader AirDrop-style file sharing compatibility. Google says Chromebooks will continue alongside the new lineup with support through at least 2034, while Acer, Asus, HP, Dell, and Lenovo are expected to launch Googlebook hardware later this year.

Source: ZDNET

Lenovo ThinkPads and ThinkStation P4 workstation

Lenovo announced new ThinkPad X13 Gen 7 and ThinkPad L-series Copilot+ PCs powered by AMD Ryzen AI PRO 400 and Intel Core Ultra Series 3 chips, alongside a new ThinkStation P4 workstation. The laptops support up to 64GB RAM and optional 5G, while the ThinkStation P4 pairs AMD Ryzen PRO 9000 processors with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs and up to 256GB RAM for AI workloads. The laptops ship this month starting around $1,500, with the workstation launching globally in June and North America in August.

Source: Thurrott

WhatsApp “Incognito Chat” for Meta AI

WhatsApp announced “Incognito Chat,” a new feature that lets users interact with Meta AI without Meta being able to access the conversations. The system uses WhatsApp’s Private Processing infrastructure and Trusted Execution Environments to keep chats ephemeral and encrypted while still running AI models in the cloud. Meta is also launching “Side Chat with Meta AI,” which lets users privately ask AI questions about ongoing conversations without exposing the chats themselves.

Source: WIRED

Amazon launches Alexa for Shopping

Amazon is integrating its Alexa Plus assistant directly into Amazon.com and its app, replacing the Rufus shopping chatbot with “Alexa for Shopping.” The AI assistant can answer conversational shopping queries, compare products, set price alerts, automatically reorder items, and purchase products across Amazon and third-party sites using agentic AI features. Amazon says the experience will work across mobile, desktop, and Echo devices with personalized recommendations based on customer history and interactions.

Source: The Verge

Google’s orbital data center plans with SpaceX

The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is in talks with SpaceX on orbital data centers as part of “Project Suncatcher,” an effort to explore space-based AI computing infrastructure. Google is also reportedly working with Planet Labs on satellite development, though skeptics question whether AI infrastructure in orbit is practical due to GPU radiation exposure, cooling limitations, and environmental concerns tied to large satellite deployments.

Source: Engadget

Waymo recalls 3,800 robotaxis

Waymo issued a voluntary recall for around 3,800 robotaxis after software issues allowed some vehicles to drive into flooded roads or stall during heavy rain. The recall affects vehicles using Waymo’s fifth- and sixth-generation autonomous driving systems and follows an incident in San Antonio where a robotaxi was swept into a creek with no passengers onboard. Waymo says it has already deployed software fixes and added new operational limits during extreme weather.

Source: CNBC

ZTE and MediaTek push Wi-Fi 7 in Brazil

ZTE and MediaTek announced a joint strategy to expand premium tri-band Wi-Fi 7 products in Brazil, targeting high-end residential users and small businesses. The companies say Brazil’s crowded broadband market has created demand for faster, lower-latency connectivity using 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz bands alongside technologies like XGSPON and Multi-Link Operation. ZTE says upcoming hardware can deliver Wi-Fi speeds up to 4.6 Gbps.

Source: The Register

TikTok challenges EU “gatekeeper” designation

ByteDance asked Europe’s highest court to overturn TikTok’s designation as a “gatekeeper” under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, arguing the platform is still a challenger rather than a dominant incumbent. The appeal is the first DMA gatekeeper challenge to reach the Court of Justice of the European Union after a lower court ruled in 2024 that TikTok met the law’s thresholds for market influence and durability. If the appeal fails, TikTok will remain subject to strict EU interoperability, data usage, and self-preferencing rules.

Source: The Next Web

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Show Notes

eBay Rejects GameStop’s $56 Billion Takeover Bid

eBay Chairman Paul Pressler has rejected an unsolicited $56 billion takeover bid from GameStop, describing the $125-per-share offer as lacking credibility and attractiveness. Despite offering a 20% premium, the bid faced scrutiny because GameStop’s $11 billion market cap is significantly smaller than eBay’s $45 billion, and CEO Ryan Cohen did not specify how the company would secure funding beyond a planned $20 billion loan. While GameStop has recently pivoted toward retro gaming and store closures, eBay cited concerns over debt and its own competitive strength against Amazon as reasons for the rejection. This development may lead to a proxy fight as Cohen continues his effort to scale GameStop’s valuation.

Read more: Engadget

End-to-End Encryption Finally Arrives for iPhone-to-Android Texts

End-to-end encrypted (E2EE) messaging is beginning to roll out in beta for conversations between iPhone and Android users, resolving a key privacy issue in cross-platform communication. This was made possible by Apple’s 2023 adoption of the RCS messaging protocol after years of regulatory pressure, which also brings features like read receipts and typing indicators, helping to eliminate the “green bubble stigma.” Protected chats between the devices will display a lock icon.

Read more: TechCrunch

EU Browser Rules Deliver Millions of New Firefox Users

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) has significantly boosted mobile browser adoption for alternatives like Mozilla’s Firefox, which gained approximately 6 million new users via mandated choice screens, with growth much higher on iOS (113%) than Android (12%) due to different implementation methods. Mozilla also saw a fivefold improvement in user retention, while DuckDuckGo’s Android selection rates rose by 40%. Building on these successes, both companies are now advocating for similar DMA-style mandates in the UK, proposing measures like annual choice prompts and extending enforcement to desktop browsers by 2026.

Read more: The Register

Spotify Launches “Party of the Year(s)” for Its 20th Anniversary

Spotify is marking its 20th anniversary with a feature called “Party of the Year(s),” a comprehensive look back at a user’s entire history on the app, similar to Spotify Wrapped. This in-app experience displays key personal statistics like the first day used, total unique songs listened to, the first song streamed, most-streamed artists, and a top 120-song playlist that can be shared via a custom card on social media. The feature is accessible only on the mobile app by searching for “Spotify 20” or “Party of the Year(s),” and the commemoration comes amidst ongoing criticism of the company’s dominant market position and notoriously low artist payouts.

Read more: Engadget

Amazon Expands 30-Minute Delivery Across the U.S.

Amazon has officially launched “Amazon Now,” an ultra-fast 30-minute delivery service available in dozens of U.S. cities, including major hubs like Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Philadelphia, and Seattle. This new option allows customers to shop thousands of essentials — ranging from fresh groceries and household items to electronics — accessible 24/7 in most areas through a network of smaller, localized fulfillment centers. Amazon Now positions itself as a strong competitor to services like DoorDash and Instacart by offering a more transparent and often more affordable fee structure, with Prime members paying just $3.99 per order.

Read more: TechCrunch

GitLab Cuts Jobs to Double Down on AI Agents

GitLab, the company behind GitHub, announced job cuts to reinvest in AI agents, causing shares to drop more than 8%. CEO Bill Staples clarified the move is a strategic shift toward an “agentic era” rather than a cost-cutting measure, involving R&D restructuring and internal process automation. The exact number of eliminated roles will be disclosed on June 2, as the company optimizes for speed while maintaining its fiscal year 2027 guidance.

Read more: Bloomberg

Sega Cancels Its Ambitious “Super Game” Initiative

Sega has officially cancelled its ambitious “Super Game” project following weak performance in its free-to-play and service-based titles. After five years of development and a planned $880 million investment, the company is now shifting its focus toward revitalizing mainstay IPs like Virtua Fighter and Crazy Taxi, alongside an expanded push into feature films including Sonic the Hedgehog 4 and various other classic game adaptations.

Read more: Engadget

Meta Expands AI Features Across Threads, WhatsApp, and Smart Glasses

Meta is expanding its AI presence by testing a new Muse Spark-powered chatbot on Threads, enabling users to interact with a dedicated @meta.ai account for real-time context and public replies to posts. This integration extends to other platforms like WhatsApp through private “side chats” for group conversation analysis and a mobile version of “Live AI” for visual queries. As part of a broader “superintelligence” push, the Muse Spark model is also rolling out to Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses and Oakley Meta Smart Glasses, laying the groundwork for future advanced AI agents.

Read more: Engadget

Microdramas Go Mainstream as Streamers Chase Viral Short-Form Hits

The profitable microdrama trend — characterized by addictive, short-form vertical video series — is moving mainstream after apps like ReelShort and DramaBox demonstrated massive consumer spending, reaching billions. Peacock and Bravo are launching the first microdramas by a major U.S. streamer, including “Salon Confessionals with Madison LeCroy” and “Campus Confidential: Miami,” using 60- to 90-second episodes to appeal to their built-in fan base. This move by legacy media follows the rapid growth and entry of competitors like TikTok’s PineDrama, capitalizing on high subscriber engagement with cliffhanger-driven storytelling.

Read more: TechCrunch