Daily Tech Digest
24 trending stories · 20 topic overviews
Google Unveils Major Android Updates and New Devices
Google has announced significant enhancements to its Android operating system, including the introduction of Android 17, which features improved video quality for Instagram and redesigned 3D emojis. Alongside these updates, Google also unveiled the Googlebook, a new line of high-end laptops designed for its Gemini AI capabilities, set to launch later this year.
Show moreSpotify Launches 'Party of the Year(s)' Feature
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Spotify has introduced a new feature called 'Party of the Year(s)' that recaps users' entire music streaming history. This feature allows users to explore unique stats, including their first song streamed and their all-time most-listened-to artist, along with a playlist of their top 120 tracks. Available for a limited time, users can access it by searching for 'Spotify 20' in the app or on the website.
Show moreEBay Rejects GameStop's $56 Billion Offer
EBay has officially rejected GameStop's unsolicited takeover bid of $56 billion, labeling it as 'neither credible nor attractive.' The proposal, initiated by GameStop's CEO Ryan Cohen, aimed to acquire eBay at $125 per share, despite eBay's market cap being significantly larger at $48 billion compared to GameStop's $10.3 billion.
Show moreAmazon Expands 30-Minute Delivery Service Nationwide
Amazon has launched its ultrafast 30-minute delivery service, Amazon Now, in several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Seattle. The service offers a wide selection of items, such as groceries and electronics, available for delivery at any time, significantly enhancing Amazon's competitive edge in the delivery market.
Show moreAnthropic enhances AI offerings for legal sector
Anthropic has launched a suite of new AI tools designed specifically for legal professionals, expanding the capabilities of its Claude chatbot. Key features include a 'commercial counsel' tool for reviewing vendor agreements and integration with popular legal software like DocuSign and Thomson Reuters.
Show moreGooglebooks: A New Era of AI Laptops
Google has announced the launch of Googlebooks, a new line of AI-native laptops powered by the Gemini AI model, set to debut this fall. These laptops will feature an innovative Magic Pointer cursor designed to enhance user interaction with contextual suggestions and will allow seamless integration with Android devices for direct app access.
Show moreAltman Takes the Stand in Musk Trial
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, began his testimony in a high-profile jury trial against Elon Musk. The trial centers on Musk's legal actions against OpenAI, including a request for the removal of Altman and Brockman from the company, stemming from a deteriorating relationship following Musk's $38 million investment in OpenAI.
Show moreAmazon Employees Engage in 'Tokenmaxxing' to Boost AI Metrics
Amazon employees are increasingly using the internal tool MeshClaw to inflate their token consumption and improve their standings on internal AI leaderboards. This trend, dubbed 'tokenmaxxing,' has emerged as the company pushes for over 80% of developers to utilize AI tools weekly, raising concerns about security and the potential for unintended consequences in automated tasks.
Show moreTrump's China Trip Excludes Nvidia CEO Huang
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was notably absent from President Donald Trump's delegation for an upcoming summit in China, which aims to address U.S.-China trade relations and technology partnerships. Huang expressed that it would have been an honor to join the trip, but he was not invited, highlighting ongoing challenges for Nvidia in the Chinese market due to strict U.S. chip sales restrictions.
Show morePolitical Scrutiny Surrounds Sam Altman Ahead of OpenAI IPO
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is facing increasing political scrutiny as the House Oversight Committee investigates potential conflicts of interest related to his personal investments before the company's planned IPO. Six Republican attorneys general are urging the SEC to look into allegations that Altman pressured OpenAI to invest in his holdings, raising concerns about self-dealing that could impact state pension funds and retail investors.
Show moreMicrosoft Aims for $92 Billion Return on OpenAI Investment
Microsoft has set a target of $92 billion in returns from its early investments in OpenAI, with CEO Satya Nadella highlighting the strategic risks taken in these ventures. During the ongoing trial involving Elon Musk, Nadella also stated that Musk never expressed concerns about Microsoft's financial involvement with OpenAI, despite Musk's lawsuit alleging a breach of charitable trust.
Show moreSanta Clara County Sues Meta Over Scam Advertisements
Santa Clara County has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc., alleging that the company profits from scam advertisements on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The lawsuit claims that Meta knowingly facilitates fraud, particularly targeting vulnerable users such as seniors and families, and seeks restitution for affected California residents.
Show moreDay One Streamlines Transition for Apple Journal Users
Day One has launched a dedicated import tool to assist Apple Journal users in migrating their entries to its platform. This new feature simplifies the upgrade process by allowing users to export their journal entries from Apple Journal before importing them into Day One. The import tool is accessible on iPhone, iPad, and Mac devices.
Show moreGoogle Unveils Major Updates at The Android Show
At The Android Show, Google introduced Gemini Intelligence, a new suite of AI features designed for advanced Android devices, set to launch this summer on Google Pixel and Samsung Galaxy models. Additionally, the company announced the upcoming release of Googlebooks, which will integrate AI capabilities and is expected to hit the market this fall in collaboration with major manufacturers like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
Show moreApple Introduces New Subscription Model for App Store Apps
Apple has launched a new subscription model for App Store apps that allows users to make monthly payments with a 12-month commitment. This model aims to combine the affordability of monthly payments with the discounts typically associated with annual plans, making it appealing to users. However, this option is not yet available in the US or Singapore.
Show moreAnthropic Warns Investors to Avoid Certain Secondary Market Sellers
Anthropic PBC has alerted investors to several unauthorized secondary marketplaces selling its shares, emphasizing that purchases from these sellers will not be honored. This warning follows a previous alert about fraudulent share certificates, and the company has now specified eight firms involved in these unauthorized transactions, which violate its transfer restrictions.
Show moreSamsung Launches One UI 9 Beta for Galaxy S26
Samsung is set to launch the One UI 9 beta, based on Android 17, for its Galaxy S26 devices this week. The beta program will initially be available in select countries, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, and introduces enhanced security features and new creative tools in Samsung Notes.
Show moreThreads tests a Meta AI integration that works similarly to Grok
Threads is currently testing a Meta AI integration that functions similarly to X's Grok, allowing users with public accounts to mention Meta AI in posts or replies for real-time context on trending topics. This beta feature, being tested in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Argentina, and Singapore, aims to enhance user conversations by providing information and recommendations directly within the app, responding in the language of the original post.
Show moreMicrosoft ousts its Israel chief following reports that Azure quietly powered military AI targeting in Gaza
Microsoft has removed its Israel chief, Alon Haimovich, following an internal investigation into the Israeli subsidiary's collaboration with the defense ministry, particularly regarding the use of Azure for military AI targeting in Gaza. Reports indicate that Azure was utilized for mass surveillance and target identification, raising significant legal and ethical concerns for the company.
Show moreTikTok now wants to be the place you book the trip you just saw on TikTok
TikTok has unveiled TikTok GO, a new feature that allows users to discover and book hotels, attractions, and experiences directly within the app. Launching in the U.S. for users aged 18 and older, TikTok GO integrates with platforms like Booking.com and Expedia, enabling seamless bookings from viral travel content. This initiative marks a significant step in TikTok's strategy to transform its platform into a comprehensive transaction layer, enhancing user retention and opening new revenue streams.
Show moreAnthropic Expands Push Into Legal Industry With New AI Tools
Anthropic PBC is expanding its AI capabilities for the legal industry with the introduction of a dozen new tools designed for attorneys and law students. These enhancements to the Claude chatbot include features for reviewing vendor agreements and studying for the bar exam, as well as integrations with popular legal software like DocuSign and Thomson Reuters. This move aims to attract more business customers and solidify Anthropic's position in the competitive AI landscape.
Show moreGoogle Unveils New Android AI Features Ahead of Apple’s Siri Revamp
Google has unveiled a range of features for its upcoming Android 17 operating system, highlighting advancements in artificial intelligence just weeks before Apple is set to announce its own iOS updates. Key improvements include enhanced video quality for Instagram, new designs for emojis, and upgraded functionalities for the Gemini AI assistant, positioning Google to compete effectively in the evolving tech landscape.
Show moreAnthropic Warns Investors to Avoid Certain Secondary Market Sellers
Anthropic PBC has alerted investors to several unauthorized secondary marketplaces selling its shares, emphasizing that purchases from these sellers will not be honored. This warning follows a previous alert about fraudulent share certificates, and the company has now specified eight firms involved in these unauthorized transactions, which violate its transfer restrictions.
Show moreThe AI legal services industry is heating up. Anthropic is getting in on the action.
Anthropic has announced the launch of new chatbot features aimed at law firms, expanding its Claude for Legal offering with specialized legal plugins and MCP connectors. This move comes as competition intensifies in the legal AI sector, highlighted by significant funding rounds for rivals like Harvey and Legora, which are also focused on automating legal processes. The new tools will assist firms in automating clerical tasks such as document review and case law research, integrating seamlessly with existing legal software applications.
Show moreGoogle brings agentic AI and vibe-coded widgets to Android
At the 'Android Show: I/O Edition' event, Google announced significant updates to its Gemini Intelligence AI, enabling it to perform complex tasks across apps, such as managing grocery lists and filling out forms. Additionally, users can create custom widgets using natural language descriptions, enhancing personalization on Android devices. These features are set to roll out to the latest Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices this summer, with broader availability later in the year.
Show moreGoogle unveils Googlebooks, a new line of AI-native laptops
Google has introduced Googlebooks, a new line of laptops that leverage its Gemini AI models, set to launch this fall. Developed in collaboration with major hardware partners like Acer and HP, these laptops are designed to provide proactive assistance through features like the AI-powered Magic Pointer, which offers contextual suggestions based on user interactions. Additionally, Googlebooks will seamlessly integrate with Android phones, allowing users to access apps and files directly from their laptops.
Show moreKorea Roils Market by Floating ‘Citizen Dividend’ From AI
A South Korean policymaker's suggestion to pay citizens a 'dividend' from taxes on AI profits has caused significant market volatility, with the Kospi index dropping sharply before recovering. Kim Yong-beom's comments highlight concerns about wealth inequality stemming from the AI boom, particularly as major companies like Samsung and SK Hynix report record profits. Investors reacted nervously, reflecting the sensitivity of the market after a substantial rally this year.
Show moreSam Altman takes the stand in trial against Elon Musk
In a high-profile trial in California, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has begun his testimony against Elon Musk, who is seeking to strip Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman of their roles. The trial stems from a deteriorating relationship between Musk and the OpenAI founders, following Musk's significant early investment and his later departure to establish his own AI company, xAI.
Show moreGeorge Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep back new ‘Human Consent Standard’ for AI licensing
A coalition of Hollywood actors and producers, including George Clooney, Tom Hanks, and Meryl Streep, is backing a new AI licensing initiative called the Human Consent Standard. This standard empowers individuals to dictate how AI systems can utilize their likenesses and creative works, offering options for full permission, conditional access, or complete restriction. Managed by RSL Media, the standard aims to provide a structured approach to consent in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Show moreSenate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed governor, clears way for chair vote
The Senate has confirmed Kevin Warsh as a Federal Reserve governor, setting the stage for a vote on his appointment as chair, expected on Wednesday. Warsh, who previously served on the board from 2006 to 2011, was approved by a narrow 51-45 vote, with only one Democrat crossing party lines to support him. His confirmation also marks the end of Stephen Miran's short tenure on the board, as Warsh prepares to take over from Jerome Powell, whose term concludes this week.
Show moreRivian’s AI-powered voice assistant is ready to roll
Rivian has launched its AI-powered voice assistant, now available to all compatible Gen 1 and Gen 2 vehicle owners through a software update. The Rivian Assistant, which integrates with personal apps like Google Calendar, allows users to control vehicle functions and access information using voice commands, enhancing the driving experience with its multi-modal AI capabilities.
Show moreUnited Airlines flight attendants ratify new contract with 31% raises this summer
United Airlines flight attendants have ratified a new five-year labor contract that will provide an average pay raise of 31% by August, marking their first increase in nearly six years. The contract, which received 82% approval from nearly 90% of the voting flight attendants, also includes improvements such as boarding pay and compensation during airline disruptions.
Show moreMicrosoft ousts its Israel chief following reports that Azure quietly powered military AI targeting in Gaza
Microsoft has removed its Israel chief, Alon Haimovich, following an internal investigation into the Israeli subsidiary's collaboration with the defense ministry, particularly regarding the use of Azure for military AI targeting in Gaza. Reports indicate that Azure was utilized for mass surveillance and target identification, raising significant legal and ethical concerns for the company.
Show moreGoldman Sachs says the S&P 500's run past 7,100 is 'froth' — a previous time Wall Street said that, a crash followed
Goldman Sachs has raised alarms about the S&P 500's recent surge past 7,400, labeling it as 'froth' rather than a sign of genuine economic recovery. This surge comes amid global instability and rising inflation, which reached 3.8% in April, leading analysts to predict a possible market correction as investor sentiment shifts.
Show moreJBS Dev: On imperfect data and the AI last mile – from model capability to cost sustainability
Joe Rose, president of JBS Dev, asserts that the notion of needing perfect data before utilizing AI systems is a myth. He highlights that current tools are capable of managing poor quality data effectively, as demonstrated by a medical client who successfully used generative AI to reconcile billing records despite various data formats. Rose anticipates a shift in focus towards cost sustainability and portability for future AI models.
Show more"Tokenmaxxing" spreads at Amazon as employees game internal AI leaderboards
Amazon employees are increasingly using the internal tool MeshClaw to automate tasks like code deployments and email triage, primarily to boost their standings on AI leaderboards. Although the company officially states that token consumption does not impact performance reviews, employees report that management's attention to these metrics fosters a competitive environment, leading some to artificially inflate their usage. This phenomenon, termed 'tokenmaxxing,' mirrors similar behaviors observed at Meta.
Show moreGoogle is bringing AirDrop support to most Android phones later this year
Google is set to enhance cross-platform sharing by introducing AirDrop support to a wide range of Android phones later this year, building on its Quick Share feature. This rollout will include devices from several major manufacturers, allowing users to easily share files between Android and iOS. Additionally, users can now generate QR codes for sharing with iOS devices, further simplifying the process.
Show moreAndroid is getting a big AI overhaul in 2026
In 2026, Google will implement a significant AI overhaul for Android, introducing features under the Gemini Intelligence banner. This includes enhanced app automation, allowing users to perform complex tasks across select applications, and the launch of Auto Browse for Android devices. Additionally, AI-generated widgets will enable personalized data displays, transforming user interaction with the platform.
Show moreThinking Machines Lab ships its first model and argues interactivity is what OpenAI gets wrong about voice
Thinking Machines Lab has unveiled its first AI model, TML-Interaction-Small, which aims to revolutionize voice interaction by processing audio, video, and text in 200-millisecond chunks. This innovative approach allows for real-time conversation without the rigid turn-taking seen in existing systems, outperforming OpenAI's GPT-Realtime-2 and Google's Gemini Live on key interaction quality metrics. However, the company faces internal challenges, including the recent departure of several key employees.
Show moreHow a 64-Year-Old Couple Added $200,000 to Social Security by Delaying One Claim
A couple in their mid-60s can significantly enhance their Social Security benefits by strategically timing their claims. By having the lower earner claim early and the higher earner delay until age 70, they can increase their monthly income during retirement and ensure a higher survivor benefit, potentially adding up to $200,000 over their lifetimes.
Show moreApple launches monthly subscriptions with 12-month commitment on App Store, here’s how they work
Apple has officially launched a new subscription option for App Store apps, allowing users to pay monthly with a 12-month commitment. This hybrid model offers the benefits of an annual plan's discount while spreading the cost over a year. However, it is currently unavailable in the US and Singapore, and users must complete all payments even if they cancel early.
Show moreiOS 26.5 now available: Here are all the new iPhone features
Apple has officially released iOS 26.5 after a six-week beta period, bringing several new features to iPhone users. Highlights include customizable Pride Luminance wallpapers, the rollout of RCS end-to-end encryption, and a new App Store subscription option that allows developers to offer monthly billing with a 12-month commitment.
Show moreGitHub Expands Secret Scanning with General Availability of MCP Server Integration
GitHub has announced the general availability of secret scanning support through its MCP Server, enhancing automated credential detection and remediation in AI-assisted development workflows. This integration aims to help organizations identify exposed secrets earlier in the software lifecycle, allowing for more structured interaction with security findings. As AI tools increasingly generate and modify code, this update positions secret scanning as a crucial component of DevSecOps practices, enabling automated responses to security risks in real-time.
Show moreSamsung launching One UI 9 beta, based on Android 17, for Galaxy S26 this week
Samsung is set to launch the One UI 9 beta, its latest software based on Android 17, for Galaxy S26 devices later this week. This update will initially be available in select regions, including Germany, India, Korea, Poland, the UK, and the US, and promises new creative tools, enhanced accessibility features, and stronger security measures against high-risk apps.
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