During the Android Show leading up to Google I/O, Google on Tuesday offered a brief update on the adoption of the RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol, an upgrade to SMS that offers high-resolution photos and videos, typing indicators, read receipts, improved group chat, and more. The company shared that the messaging standard now supports over…
Category: Apps
Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google, material 3 expressive
Google unveils its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive
Google on Tuesday unveiled its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive, at the Android Show ahead of Google I/O. The update is designed to make your phone more customizable and fluid, the tech giant says. Material 3 Expressive brings new springy animations that Google says will make your phone feel more fluid. For example,…
Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Security
Google is adding new device-level features for its Advanded Protection program
At the Android Show, ahead of Google I/O 2025, Google announced that it is adding new device-specific features to its Advanced Protection program, which is designed to protect public figures such as politicians or journalists from different digital threats, with the Android 16 release. The new features include a new way of storing device logs…
Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Scam, Security
Google announces new security features for Android for protection against scam and theft
At the Android Show on Tuesday, ahead of Google I/O, Google announced new security and privacy features for Android. These new features include new protections for calls, screen sharing, messages, device access, and system-level permissions. With these features, Google aims to protect users from falling for a scam, keep their details secure in case a…
AI, Android, android security, Apps, Global Security News, Network Security, privacy, Risk Management
Advanced Protection: Google’s Strongest Security for Mobile Devices
Posted by Il-Sung Lee, Group Product Manager, Android Security Protecting users who need heightened security has been a long-standing commitment at Google, which is why we have our Advanced Protection Program that provides Google’s strongest protections against targeted attacks. To enhance these existing device defenses, Android 16 extends Advanced Protection with a device-level security setting…
AI, Android, android security, Apps, Global Security News, Government & Policy, malware, privacy, Risk Management
What’s New in Android Security and Privacy in 2025
Posted by Dave Kleidermacher, VP Engineering, Android Security and Privacy Android’s intelligent protections keep you safe from everyday dangers. Our dedication to your security is validated by security experts, who consistently rank top Android devices highest in security, and score Android smartphones, led by the Pixel 9 Pro, as leaders in anti-fraud efficacy. Android is…
AI, Android, android security, Apps, Global Security News, Network Security, privacy, Risk Management
Advanced Protection: Google’s Strongest Security for Mobile Devices
Posted by Il-Sung Lee, Group Product Manager, Android Security Protecting users who need heightened security has been a long-standing commitment at Google, which is why we have our Advanced Protection Program that provides Google’s strongest protections against targeted attacks. To enhance these existing device defenses, Android 16 extends Advanced Protection with a device-level security setting…
AI, Android, android security, Apps, Global Security News, Government & Policy, malware, privacy, Risk Management
What’s New in Android Security and Privacy in 2025
Posted by Dave Kleidermacher, VP Engineering, Android Security and Privacy Android’s intelligent protections keep you safe from everyday dangers. Our dedication to your security is validated by security experts, who consistently rank top Android devices highest in security, and score Android smartphones, led by the Pixel 9 Pro, as leaders in anti-fraud efficacy. Android is…
AI, Apps, generative ai, Global Security News
Audible is expanding its AI-narrated audiobook library
Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service, announced on Tuesday that it’s partnering with select publishers to convert print and e-books into AI-narrated audiobooks. This initiative aims to quickly expand its catalog as it competes with Apple, Spotify, and others in the rapidly growing audiobook market. Audible is leveraging Amazon’s AI capabilities to assist publishers in producing audiobooks.…
Apps, Global Security News, Notion
Notion takes on AI-notetakers like Granola with its own transcription feature
Meeting transcription space is a hot commodity for all productivity suites. Companies like ClickUp and Zoom have added transcription with an AI summary to take on another upstart in this vertical, including Read AI, Zoom’s assistant, Circleback, Granola, or Otter. The latest entrant in the race to build meeting transcription tools is Notion. The company is rolling out an…
Apple, Apps, Global Security News, In Brief
Apple announces new accessibility features, including future support for brain implants
Apple on Tuesday announced a range of accessibility features coming to its devices later this year. New Accessibility Nutrition Labels will provide more detailed information for apps and games on the App Store, while a new Braille Access tool will turn the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Vision Pro into a braille note taker. Additional…
Apps, Global Security News, music streaming, Spotify
Spotify updates its AI DJ to let you use voice commands
In a bid to make its AI DJ feel more interactive, Spotify is updating the feature to let users request music or change the mood of a playlist using voice commands. The company is rolling out this feature, supported only in English, in over 60 markets for its premium subscribers. Until now, you could only…
Apps, Global Security News, hiking, Startups
AllTrails debuts $80/year membership that includes AI-powered smart routes
AllTrails, the hiking and biking companion that was named 2023’s iPhone App of the Year, is launching a new premium membership called “Peak” that includes an upgraded feature set. This $80-per-year subscription will introduce AI tools to build custom routes, real-time trail condition forecasts, trail traffic heatmaps, and a feature that lets you identify trees…
Apps, Global Security News, ios 18.5, satellite
Apple brings emergency satellite features to iPhone 13 with iOS 18.5
Apple on Monday released iOS 18.5, which expands emergency satellite capabilities to iPhone 13 owners for the first time. Previously, the satellite features were available to those running an iPhone 14 or later. The emergency satellite system for iPhone is designed to be used at critical times when a cellular signal or Wi-Fi is not…
Apps, Global Security News, Whitney Wolfe Herd
Whitney Wolfe Herd on burning out — and bouncing back
Whitney Wolfe Herd returned in March to lead Bumble, the dating app she founded and took public, following the unexpected departure of CEO Lidiane Jones. Now, in a New York Times interview, Wolfe Herd opens up about what happened. “I had no intentions of coming back,” Wolfe Herd says. Her post-Bumble life initially brought existential…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Google I/O, Hardware
Google I/O 2025: What to expect, including updates to Gemini and Android 16
Google I/O, Google’s biggest developer conference of the year, is nearly upon us. Scheduled for May 20 to 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, I/O will showcase product announcements from across Google’s portfolio. Expect plenty of news relating to Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and — of course — Google’s AI-powered chatbot, Gemini. Here’s…
Apps, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, moviefone
Remember Moviefone? Well, it’s back.
For millions of movie enthusiasts in the ’90s, Moviefone’s 777-FILM number was the go-to source for obtaining showtimes. Now, under new ownership, Moviefone is trying to make a comeback. On Friday, as part of its 35th anniversary celebration, Moviefone announced the relaunch of its mobile app and a new nationally syndicated broadcast TV series. Set…
Apple, Apps, Epic Games, Global Security News, Spotify
Epic Games and Spotify test Apple’s new App Store rules
Fortnite maker Epic Games and Spotify are testing Apple’s new App Store policies by submitting apps for review that would have previously never been allowed. On Friday, both companies submitted new versions of their respective apps to Apple’s App Review. For Epic Games, it would mean the return of Fortnite to the App Store. Apple…
Apps, Global Security News, Social, X
X timelines aren’t updating for many users
Sometime Thursday night, timelines stopped updating for a number of users on X, the social network owned by billionaire Elon Musk. Many users report that their notifications stopped working yesterday, meaning they aren’t being alerted to new posts by the people they follow on X. This reporter is experiencing the issue, as well. My X…
app store, Apple, Apps, developers, Global Security News
Appfigures: Apple made over $10B from US App Store comissions last year
Over $10 billion — that’s how much revenue Apple’s U.S. App Store raked in last year, according to a new analysis by app intelligence provider Appfigures. The firm’s estimates indicate that U.S. App Store revenue from commissions more than doubled between 2020 and 2024. In 2020, Apple’s share of App Store commissions was approximately $4.76…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, Threads
Instagram Threads is getting video ads
Instagram Threads will begin testing video ads, Meta announced on Thursday. The test, which will make Threads look more like its competitor X, is an expansion of Threads’ advertising initiatives, which began last month with the opening up of ads to global advertisers. The news was announced at Meta’s presentation at the IAB NewFronts, where…
AI, Apps, Chrome, Global Security News, Google
Google rolls out AI tools to protect Chrome users against scams
Google announced on Thursday that it’s rolling out new AI-powered defenses to help combat scams on Chrome. The tech giant is going to start using Gemini Nano, its on-device large language model (LLM), on desktop to protect users against online scams. It’s also launching new AI-powered warnings for Chrome on Android to help users be…
Apps, Global Security News, Layoffs, Match Group
Match to lay off 13% of staff
Dating app giant Match Group is laying off 13% of its staff as part of a reorganization that aims to reduce costs and simplify its organizational structure.
app store, Apple, Apps, Commerce, Epic Games, Global Security News
Apple tries to delay ruling that bars it from taking a cut on external app payments
Apple is trying to delay a court ruling that forces the company to let iOS app developers accept payments via non-Apple systems and avoid paying a cut.
AI, APAC, Apps, cyber security, Cybersecurity, Data Breaches, Exploits, Global Security News, helm, Information Security, Network Security, Risk Management, Tutorials
You Trust Your Helm Charts — Here’s Why That’s a Huge Mistake That Could Lead to a Cloud Breach
Helm has revolutionized how Kubernetes applications are deployed. A single helm install can launch a fully functioning stack in seconds. But a new report by Microsoft Defender for Cloud reveals a disturbing truth: many Helm charts are insecure by default, and their convenience often comes at the cost of exposure. The report, The Risk of…
app store, Apple, Apps, Global Security News
Delta debuts its Patreon-supported gaming app update after US App Store policy change
A game emulator called Delta is taking advantage of the recent court decision around Apple’s App Store to support its business by linking to its Patreon membership page. The update, approved Wednesday for release on the U.S. App Store, allows Delta users to join the Delta team’s Patreon directly from the mobile app, without giving…
Apps, Global Security News, Snap, Snap Map, Snapchat
Snap Map reaches new milestone of 400M monthly active users
Snapchat announced on Wednesday that Snap Map now has more than 400 million monthly active users, a new milestone for one of the app’s core features. Launched in 2017, Snap Map was originally a way for users to see their friends’ locations and browse public snaps from around the world. Over time, the feature has…
antitrust, Apps, Facebook, FTC, Global Security News, lawsuit, Meta, Social, TikTok
New court filing shows that Meta execs agreed that Facebook was losing to TikTok
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Instagram head Adam Mosseri, and other Meta execs thought that TikTok was beating Meta at its own game. That’s according to a new filing in the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s antitrust lawsuit against the tech giant, published on Monday. The document, dated February 2022, includes conversations among a number of Meta…
AI, Apple, Apps, Global Security News, In Brief, Perplexity
Apple is looking to add AI search engines to Safari
Apple is looking to add AI search engines from OpenAI, Perplexity, and Anthropic to Safari, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday. Eddy Cue, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Services, made the statement during his testimony in the U.S. Justice Department’s lawsuit against Alphabet. Cue’s disclosure was part of his testimony regarding Apple and Google’s estimated $20 billion-a-year…
Adobe, AI, Apps, developers, Figma, Global Security News
Figma releases new AI-powered tools for creating sites, app prototypes, and marketing assets
Design company Figma today announced multiple features, including AI-powered site and web app creation, a way for marketers to create assets in bulk, and a new drawing tool. With this launch, the company is taking on other creative solutions such as Canva and Adobe, along with AI-powered website and prototype creators such as WordPress, Wix,…
Apps, Global Security News, livestream, Substack
Substack launches audio-only livestream feature
If you’re a Substack publisher who prefers not to turn on your camera while livestreaming, you’re in luck. Substack announced on Tuesday that it’s launching an audio-only livestream feature for publishers who want a lower-pressure way to connect with their followers. This is also ideal for those who wish to remain anonymous. To use the…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Reddit, Social, social media
Reddit will tighten verification to keep out human-like AI bots
Redditors around the world were scandalized last week after learning that a team of researchers released a swarm of AI-powered, human-impersonating bots on the “Change My View” subreddit. The large-scale experiment was designed to explore just how persuasive AI can be. The bots posted over 1,700 comments, adopting personas like abuse survivors or controversial identities…
app store, Apple, Apps, Creators, Global Security News, Patreon, payments
Patreon’s app can now accept web payments after U.S. App Store changes
Creator platform Patreon has rolled out an updated version of its app that now allows users to make purchases via the web, in the wake of the Apple-Epic court ruling that forced Apple to allow app developers to include links to alternative forms of payment without being subject to Apple’s commission. Previously, on version 125.4.1…
Apps, Global Security News
Amazon Kindle’s iOS app adds new ‘Get Book’ button following Apple payments ruling
Thanks to a recent ruling that ordered Apple to stop charging a 27% commission on purchases through iPhone apps, Amazon’s Kindle iOS app now has a “Get book” button that makes it easier to buy titles. “We regularly make improvements to our apps to help ensure we are providing customers the most convenient experience possible,” Amazon…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, google app
Google’s new ‘Simplify’ feature for iOS uses AI to make dense text easier to understand
Google’s iOS app is getting a new “Simplify” feature that uses AI to make complex or technical text on the web easier to understand, all without leaving a web page. Simplify features a prompt refinement approach developed by Google Research, and uses Gemini to make complicated text more digestible, without losing key details. Google says…
Apps, Global Security News, Transportation, trendyol go, Uber, Uber Eats
Uber Eats comes to Turkey via $700M Trendyol Go acquisition
Uber is expanding its presence in Turkey with its latest acquisition. The ride-hail and delivery giant has acquired an 85% controlling stake in Trendyol Go, the online meal and grocery delivery business based in Istanbul, for about $700 million in cash. The deal gives Uber instant market share for Uber Eats in the country, where…
Apps, Global Security News, music streaming, Podcasts, Spotify
Spotify now shows how many times people listened to podcast episodes
YouTube continues to dominate the podcasting space, but Spotify is actively working to close the gap. The latest development: a new feature that lets users see how many times an audio-only or video podcast episode has been actively listened to or watched. The streaming giant revealed its new podcast metric called “plays” on Tuesday, making…
Apps, fizz, Global Security News, Instacart
Instacart launches Fizz, a new app for ordering drinks and snacks for parties
Instacart has launched a new drinks and snack delivery app called Fizz, the company announced on Tuesday. The 21+ app is built for friends and family and is designed to make it easier to stock up for a party or get-together. The host of a party can invite guests into their Fizz cart to allow…
Apps, Fundraising, Global Security News, paper business card
Blinq lands $25M to further its mission to make business cards passé
It’s 2025, but business cards are still in vogue — just visit any conference or industry expo and you’ll end up with a pile that’s likely to be discarded sooner than later. But as smartphones have become our repositories of information and contacts, people are understandably keen to try out digital alternatives to business cards.…
AI, Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Material Design
Google accidentally reveals details about its new Android design language, Material 3 Expressive
Google will unveil a new version of its Android design language at its upcoming Google I/O developer conference, according to an event schedule posted to its website as well as an accidentally published Google blog post. The I/O session title hints at significant changes in store for Android’s design system, which will evolve from “Material…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, YouTube, YouTube Premium
YouTube is testing a discounted two-person Premium subscription tier
YouTube is testing a new two-person Premium subscription plan in select countries, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Monday. The tier is being piloted in India, France, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The news was first reported by Money Control. “We’re experimenting with new ways to provide greater flexibility and value to our YouTube Premium subscribers,…
app store, Apple, Apps, Epic Games, fortnite, Global Security News
Apple appeals decision that forced it to allow links to external payments in apps
As promised, Apple has now filed its appeal to the recent court ruling that required it to open up its App Store to external payment mechanisms. Last week, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers took the tech giant to task for defying the court’s orders in its battle with Fortnite maker Epic Games by not freely allowing…
Apps, Global Security News, Microsoft, Skype
Skype shuts down after 23 years
After more than two decades, Skype is shutting down. The once-monolithic video calling platform wasn’t able to keep pace with competitors like Zoom and FaceTime, so its parent company, Microsoft, is rolling the product into Microsoft Teams. In this video, we’re sending off the iconic platform and some other legendary apps.
Apps, Funding, Fundraising, Global Security News, Startups
A new startup called Bono aims to modernize the way people donate to charities
Every year, donors contribute billions of dollars to charities, yet the donation process still feels outdated and cumbersome. Founders Dan Eblagon and Ron Levy believe there is an easier way to donate, leading to the creation of Bono, a platform designed to facilitate a more modern and streamlined approach to giving. The platform (named after…
AI, Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Pinterest, Search, Social, visual search
Pinterest updates visual search with more AI-powered features
Pinterest is upgrading its visual search feature with a handful of new capabilities. On Monday, the company announced it’s rolling out new functionality to improve its feature that allows users to search using an image instead of text. This includes new tools to more precisely narrow and refine searches, as well as those that make…
Apps, evergreens, Global Security News, google meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, video calling, Zoom
Skype shutting down today — these are the best alternatives
After 23 years of connecting people around the world, Skype, the popular video-calling service, is shutting down on Monday. Microsoft, the parent company, confirmed that the official sunset date for the service is today, May 5, 2025. Skype users can either migrate all their contacts and chat data to Microsoft Teams, or they can choose…
Apps, Donald Trump, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Social, TikTok
Trump says he’s willing to delay TikTok ban again
President Donald Trump has already delayed a TikTok ban twice, and he said Sunday that he’s willing to do it again. Axios reports that during an interview with NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump said that if a deal isn’t made to sell TikTok’s U.S. operations to American owners before the current June 19 deadline, he…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global Security News, Google
Google will soon start letting kids under 13 use its Gemini chatbot
Next week, Google will begin allowing kids under 13 who have parent-managed Google accounts to use its Gemini chatbot, according to The New York Times. The Times reports that Gemini will be available to kids whose parents use Family Link, a Google service that enables families to opt into various Google services for their child. A Google…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, notebooklm
Google’s NotebookLM Android and iOS apps are available for pre-order
Google’s NotebookLM Android and iOS apps are expected to launch on May 20, according to app store listings. The apps are currently available for pre-order. Since its launch in 2023, the AI-based note-taking and research assistant has only been accessible via desktop. Google is now gearing up to make the service available on the go.…
Apple, Apps, Global Security News, Spotify
Apple approves Spotify app update that allows U.S. users to access pricing info, external payment links
Spotify said on Friday that Apple has approved its U.S. app update that will allow users to access pricing information and external payment links. The approval comes days after a U.S. judge ordered Apple to stop charging commissions on purchases through iPhone apps. “In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s…
AI, ai agent, Apps, Global Security News, travel
Airbnb is quietly rolling out an AI customer service bot in the US
Airbnb started rolling out an AI-powered customer service bot in the U.S. last month, CEO Brian Chesky said during the firm’s first-quarter conference call on Thursday. Chesky said 50% of Airbnb’s U.S. users are already using the AI bot for customer service, adding that the company plans to roll out the feature to all its…
app store, Apple, Apps, Epic Games, Global Security News, Spotify, TC
Apple changes US App Store rules to let apps redirect users to their own websites for payments
Apple has changed its App Store rules in the U.S. to let apps link users to their own websites so they can buy subscriptions or other digital goods. This change comes after a U.S. court ruled in favor of Epic Games in a case against the iPhone maker, ordering the latter not to prohibit apps…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Reddit
Reddit’s AI play is for the Google crowd, not just the community scrollers
Reddit CEO Steve Huffman says there are two kinds of people who come to the social media platform: Scrollers and seekers. Scrollers are the ones who come to Reddit’s core product, which is community conversation and engaging about topics they’re passionate about, from r/sourdough to r/popculturechat. Then there are the Seekers; the people who might…
Apple, Apps, developers, Global Security News, iOS apps, payments, stripe
Stripe shows iOS developers how to avoid Apple’s App Store commission
Payments processing software provider Stripe is ready to help iOS app developers bypass Apple’s cut of App Store transactions. Following yesterday’s ruling in the Apple-Epic antitrust trial, where Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers outright shamed Apple for not permitting external payment links in apps as she had previously ruled, Stripe shared documentation that shows iOS developers…
AI, Anthropic, Apps, Claude, Global Security News
Anthropic lets you connect apps to Claude
Anthropic on Thursday launched a new way to connect apps and tools to its AI chatbot Claude, as well as an expanded “deep research” capability that allows Claude to search the web, enterprise accounts, and more. The new app connection feature, called Integrations, and expanded deep research tool, dubbed Advanced Research, are available in beta…
antitrust, app store, Apple, Apps, fortnite, Global Security News, lawsuit
Read the juiciest bits from the court ruling against Apple over its anticompetitive App Store practices
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is pissed off at Apple. Really, really pissed off. In Rogers’ newly released 80-page decision, she took Apple and its executives to task for defying the court’s orders in its original case with Fortnite maker Epic Games. Though Apple largely won that round, as it was determined the tech giant was…
Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Instacart, Mergers and Acquisitions
Instacart acquires Wynshop to provide tools for grocers and retailers
Grocery-delivery giant Instacart announced Thursday the acquisition of Wynshop, a provider of cloud-based e-commerce solutions for grocers. The deal will help Instacart improve its enterprise solutions, enabling retailers to enhance their online experiences. The company didn’t disclose deal terms. Wynshop launched its platform in 2020 and provides online storefronts for grocers, working with clients such…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News
Fortnite plans return to the US iOS App Store next week
Epic Games’ mega-popular Fortnite is returning to the US iOS App Store next week after a surprising ruling in a years-long legal battle with Apple. The dispute between Epic and Apple began in 2020, when Apple removed Epic Games from the iOS store. Because Apple takes 30% of all in-app purchases, Epic had introduced support…
Apps, Crypto, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment
MoviePass explores a daily fantasy platform for film buffs
MoviePass, the startup that made its mark with its movie theater subscription service, has always been known for shaking things up, and its latest venture is no exception. The company announced on Thursday the beta launch of Mogul, a new daily fantasy entertainment platform designed specifically for the Hollywood industry. To understand what Mogul is,…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta, Social, WhatsApp
WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion users a month
WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion people using it every month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted during the company’s Q1 results conference call on Wednesday. Founded in 2009 and acquired by Facebook for $19 billion in 2014, WhatsApp remains free to use and doesn’t serve any ads. The app reached the 2 billion monthly…
AI, Apps, Fintech, Global Security News, World
World partners with Tinder, Visa to bring its ID-verifying tech to more places
World, the biometric ID company best known for its eyeball-scanning Orb devices, at an event late on Wednesday announced several partnerships aimed at driving sign-ups and demonstrating the applications of its tech. World is partnering with Match Group, the dating app conglomerate, to verify the IDs of Tinder users in Japan. Via collaborations with Kalshi…
Apps, Gaming, Global Security News, TC
Epic Games just scored a win against Apple
Epic Games notched a win in an ongoing legal dispute with Apple. The result could be Fortnite returning to the U.S. iOS app store as early as next week. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said in a ruling Wednesday that Apple was in “willful violation” of a 2021 injunction that prohibited the company from anticompetitive pricing.…
AI, Apps, gemini, Global Security News
Google’s Gemini chatbot gets upgraded image creation tools
Google’s Gemini chatbot app now lets you modify both AI-generated images and images uploaded from your phone or computer, Google announced in a blog post Wednesday. Native image editing in Gemini will start rolling out gradually today, expanding to more people in over 45 languages and most countries in the coming weeks. The launch follows…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, Threads
Threads tops 350M monthly users after adding 30M in the quarter
Instagram Threads, Meta’s X competitor, has now grown to over 350 million monthly active users, CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call on Wednesday. That’s an increase of 30 million users since the prior quarter, where Meta reported that Threads had 320 million users. The new figure represents increased growth, as…
AI, Apps, Cybersecurity, Data Breaches, Global Security News, malware, Password, password protection, Risk Management, Threat Lab
Strengthen your digital defenses on World Password Day
In today’s digital world, passwords have become a necessary part of life. But even though you use them for almost everything you do online, you probably don’t give them the thought they truly deserve. May 1, 2025, is World Password Day, a reminder that passwords are the unsung heroes of cybersecurity, the first line of…
AI, Apps, Cybersecurity, Data Breaches, Global Security News, malware, Password, password protection, Risk Management, Threat Lab
Strengthen your digital defenses on World Password Day
In today’s digital world, passwords have become a necessary part of life. But even though you use them for almost everything you do online, you probably don’t give them the thought they truly deserve. May 1, 2025, is World Password Day, a reminder that passwords are the unsung heroes of cybersecurity, the first line of…
AI, Apps, Cybersecurity, Data Breaches, Global Security News, malware, Password, password protection, Risk Management, Threat Lab
Strengthen your digital defenses on World Password Day
In today’s digital world, passwords have become a necessary part of life. But even though you use them for almost everything you do online, you probably don’t give them the thought they truly deserve. May 1, 2025, is World Password Day, a reminder that passwords are the unsung heroes of cybersecurity, the first line of…
Apps, Global Security News, internet connectivity, internet speed, ookla, Orb, speed test
Orb, a new app by Ookla’s ex-CEO, offers a broader picture of your internet connection
Since it launched nearly 20 years ago, Speedtest.net has been one of the most popular tools used to measure internet speeds. However, Doug Suttles, the founder and former CEO of Ookla, the network testing company behind Speedtest, felt that just measuring speed was not enough to tell people all they wanted to know about their…
Apps, gig economy, Global Security News, Photography, Startups
Social Agent’s new app lets you book a photographer within 30 minutes
There’s an unspoken pressure nowadays to share all your special moments online, whether it be birthdays, graduations, or engagements. However, not everyone has the skills to take high-quality pictures, and often, people find themselves too distracted to snap the perfect shot. While hiring a professional photographer is an option, it may not always be feasible…
AI, Apps, Global Security News
Duolingo launches 148 courses created with AI after sharing plans to replace contractors with AI
Duolingo is introducing 148 new language courses that were created with generative AI, the company announced on Wednesday. The launch comes as Duolingo has been facing backlash this week after sharing that it was going to replace contractors with AI and become an “AI-first” company. The company says the launch of the new courses doubles…
Apps, Global Security News, Snap, Snapchat, Social
Snapchat abandons plans for a simplified version of its app
As part of its Q1 2025 earnings release, Snap said it’s scrapping plans for a simplified version of its app. The news comes seven months after Snapchat began testing a redesigned version of the app without the Snap Map or Stories tabs. The new version consolidated the app’s navigation bar around three icons: chat, camera,…
Android, Apps, Global Security News, Google Play
Google Play sees 47% decline in apps since start of last year
Google Play’s app marketplace is losing apps. From the start of 2024 to present, the Android app marketplace went from hosting about 3.4 million apps worldwide to just around 1.8 million, according to a new analysis by app intelligence provider Appfigures. That’s a decline of about 47%, representing a significant purge of the apps that…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, notebooklm
Google’s NotebookLM expands its AI podcast feature to more languages
Google’s AI-based note-taking and research assistant NotebookLM is making its Audio Overviews feature available in 76 new languages, the company announced on Tuesday. Audio Overviews launched last year to give users the ability to generate a podcast with AI virtual hosts based on documents they have shared with NotebookLM, such as course readings or legal…
Apps, Global Security News, Google, google wallet
Google Wallet to add support for digital IDs in more states
Google announced on Tuesday that digital IDs are coming to more states and services in Google Wallet. The company also shared that Wallet is getting a way to privately verify age, and that the app is expanding to 50 more countries. Residents in Arkansas, Montana, Puerto Rico, and West Virginia will soon be able to…
Apps, earnings, Global Security News, music streaming service, Spotify
Spotify adds 5M premium users and hits record operating income
Spotify reported on Tuesday that its premium subscriber base grew by 5 million in the first quarter, representing a 12% increase year-over-year. This brings the total to 268 million, marking the second-highest total ever and the highest net addition of paid subs for a first quarter since 2020. Spotify also reported a record-high quarterly operating…
AI, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, Memes, WhatsApp
Grouphug is a stealth-mode startup that plans use AI inside WhatsApp groups
Veterans of the European startup scene, who’ve launched multiple consumer apps in the past, are partly coming out of stealth Tuesday with a new app. On the face of it, Grouphug will simply generate memes from the archive of a group WhatsApp chat. However, that masks a wider play. Grouphug is led by Felix Petersen,…
Apps, Asia Pacific, Commerce, Global Security News, Shein, Tariffs, temu
Temu adds ‘import charges’ after Trump tariffs
Temu is adding “import charges” of around 145% in response to President Donald Trump’s tariffs on goods shipped from China, CNBC reports. The fees cost more than the products that U.S. consumers are buying, and in some cases are more than doubling the price of a standard order. For example, CNBC found that a summer…
AI, Apps, Global Security News, Google, Google I/O, Hardware, Mobile
Google shifts Android news to a virtual event ahead of its I/O developer conference
News about Android is being relegated to a side show at Google’s annual developer conference, Google I/O, next month. On Monday, the company announced it would share information about the latest updates coming to the Android ecosystem at an upcoming virtual event called “The Android Show: I/O Edition,” airing on May 13. The decision to…
Apple, Apps, Global Security News, greycroft
AI animation startup Cheehoo lands $10M funding from Greycroft
Creating animation is a time-consuming process, requiring multiple steps including storyboarding, rendering, composition, and lighting to craft a single scene. If a director wants to experiment with a different take for a scene, an animation team has to go back and tweak things before the scene can be finalized. Cheehoo, a startup founded by a…
Apps, Evergreen, Global Security News, goodlinks, matter, mymind, pocket, raindrop
Best bookmarking apps to help organize and declutter your digital life
If you’re someone who likes to bookmark a bunch of things that you find interesting or want to come back to later, it can be hard to manage everything you have saved. There are a number of great bookmark apps on the market that can help you organize all these sorts of links, articles, and…
Apps, Global Security News, iOS app, Startups, time management
Lately’s new gamified app helps people arrive on time
A new app called Lately launched on the App Store a few weeks ago, targeting people with ADHD to help them arrive on time and rewarding them for doing so. The service is designed to help users manage their travel plans by notifying them when it’s time to leave for a trip, sending reminders 30…
Apps, Creators, edits, Global Security News, Instagram, Social, videos
Instagram Edits topped 7M downloads in first week, a bigger launch than CapCut’s
Instagram Edits, Meta’s newly released video creation app, had a bigger debut than its direct competitor, ByteDance’s CapCut, once did. The new app, which today helps users craft videos for Instagram reels, stories, and other social posts, was downloaded an estimated 702,900 times on iOS devices during its first two days on the market. That’s…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, Social, social media
Wait, how did a decentralized service like Bluesky go down?
Apparently, decentralized social networks can go down, too. On Thursday evening, the decentralized social network Bluesky experienced a significant outage, leaving users unable to load the app on both the web and mobile devices for roughly an hour. According to a message on Bluesky’s status page, the company was aware of the outage, which it…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, social media, Threads
Threads officially moves to Threads.com and updates its web app
Instagram Threads, Meta’s newest social network and X competitor, is officially relocating from the website Threads.net to Threads.com. The transition will coincide with a handful of quality-of-life improvements for the Threads web app, including features to more easily access custom feeds, saved posts, and likes, as well as other tools for creating new columns, copying…
Apps, FTC, Global Security News, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta
Mark Zuckerberg really wants to make Facebook cool again
In an ongoing antitrust case, the Federal Trade Commission says that Meta has a monopoly on “personal social networking services” and should have to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp. Throughout the proceedings, there have been several internal messages and plans that have come to light. In one, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg considered wiping all Facebook…
Apps, COVID-19, Exclusive, Gaming, Global Security News, Social
Chess.com reaches 200 million members
Chess.com reaches a new membership milestone as it nears its 20th birthday. Chess.com, the online chess platform that was founded in 2005 and launched in 2007, has surpassed 200 million members. Of those 200 million members, 1.5 million are paying users. More than 6 million games of chess are played every day on the platform.…
Apps, Facebook, Global Security News, Meta, Social
Facebook cracks down on spammy content by cutting reach and monetization
Facebook will begin lowering the reach of accounts sharing spammy content and making them ineligible for monetization, Meta announced on Thursday. The company is also increasing efforts to remove Facebook accounts that coordinate fake engagement and impersonate others, it says. The move comes as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has promised a return to “OG Facebook.”…
Apps, Global IT News, Global Security News, Social, TikTok
TikTok adds support for ALT text for photos
TikTok is rolling out support for ALT text for photo posts to make content more accessible for users with visual and cognitive impairments. The company says creators can now provide descriptive text for photos to help users with screen readers understand the visual content through spoken descriptions. TikTok told TechCrunch in an email that creators…
AI, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, music streaming service, Spotify
Spotify’s AI playlist rolls out to Asia and more markets
Spotify announced on Thursday that it expanded the availability of its AI Playlist feature to over 40 additional markets, including countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. The AI-powered tool, currently in beta on Android and iOS devices, lets listeners create personalized playlists based on written prompts, such as “workout music to make my…
AI, Apps, Biotech & Health, Climate, Crypto, Disrupt 2025, Fintech, Fundraising, Global IT News, Global Security News, Media & Entertainment, Security, Space, Startups, TC, TechCrunch Disrupt 2025, Venture
Speak at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025: Applications now open
TechCrunch Disrupt returns October 27–29 to Moscone West in San Francisco — and we’re inviting thought leaders, founders, VCs, and tech experts to apply for a chance to take the stage at one of the most anticipated tech events of the year. Applications are now open to speak at Disrupt 2025, where over 10,000+ tech…
AI, Apps, Global Security News
Dropbox adds new features to Dash, its AI-powered search tool
Companies like Google and Microsoft have equipped their productivity suites with AI features and assistants, while startups such as ClickUp and ReadAI have focused heavily on building AI integrations and search capabilities. In alignment with this growing trend of infusing digital work suites with AI, Dropbox on Thursday upgraded its AI search tool, Dash, first…
Adobe, AI, Apps, Global Security News
Adobe wants to create a robots.txt styled indicator for images used in AI training
For years, websites included information about what kind of crawlers were not allowed on their site with a robots.txt file. Adobe, which wants to create a similar standard for images, has added a tool to content credentials with an intention to give them a bit more control over what is used to train AI models.…
Apps, Bluesky, Global Security News, Social
Government censorship comes to Bluesky, but not its third-party apps … yet
Government censorship has found its way to Bluesky, but there’s currently a loophole thanks to how the social network is structured. Earlier this month, Bluesky restricted access to 72 accounts in Turkey at the request of Turkish governmental authorities, according to a recent report by the Freedom of Expression Association. As a result, people in Turkey can…
Apps, Global Security News, Instagram, Meta, Social, Threads
Meta’s Threads opens up ads to global advertisers
Months after first testing ads in select markets, including the U.S., Meta on Wednesday announced that its Instagram Threads app would now expand ads to all advertisers worldwide. The expansion will allow eligible advertisers to reach Threads’ over 320 million monthly active users, and it will include access to an inventory filter to control the sensitivity level…
Apps, Global Security News, Meta, Social, WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s latest feature makes your messages even more private
WhatsApp announced on Wednesday it’s launching a new feature that will allow users to add an extra layer of privacy to chats. The new “Advanced Chat Privacy” setting prevents you and the people you’re chatting with from exporting chats and auto-downloading media to their phone. The setting also prevents users from mentioning Meta AI in…
AI, Apps, Fireflies, Global Security News, Khosla Ventures, meetings
AI note-taking app Fireflies adds new ways to extract insights from meeting notes
Khosla Ventures-backed Fireflies.ai, an AI-powered note-taking app, on Wednesday released a set of domain-specific “mini apps” to extract insights from meeting transcripts automatically. With the widespread availability of automatic speech recognition models and generative AI, meeting intelligence startups like Otter, Read AI, Circleback, Krisp, and Granola have registered impressive growth. Fireflies, similarly, has seen 8x…
Apple, Apps, Europe, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Meta
EU fines Apple, Meta millions for breaching tech competition rules
The European Union has fined Apple €500 million (about $568 million) and Meta €200 million (about $227 million) for allegedly breaching the bloc’s Digital Markets Act, according to The Wall Street Journal. The EU has accused Apple of failing to comply with an obligation to allow app developers to inform customers of alternative ways to…
Apps, Global Security News, multi view, playback speed, YouTube, YouTube TV
YouTube’s TV app is getting a redesign this summer
YouTube said on Wednesday that it will launch a redesign of its TV app this summer. On the books are easier navigation, playback and quality tweaks, as well as better access to comments, channel info, and subscribing. The company didn’t provide any further details about the redesign, but we’ve asked for a peek at the…
Apps, Commerce, Global Security News, Linktree
Linktree rolls out a suite of monetization features for creators
Linktree is launching a set of new features aimed at helping creators earn more money directly from its platform. The new tools include the ability to sell courses, earn from brand-sponsored links, and build shoppable storefronts. The launch of the new monetization features will help Linktree stand out among other similar platforms like Beacons and…
Apps, Global Security News, Government & Policy, Meta, oversight board, Social
Meta’s Oversight Board seeks details on the company’s new hate speech policies
Meta’s Oversight Board, the independent group created to help Meta with content moderation decisions, on Tuesday issued its response to the social media company’s new hate speech policies announced in January. The Board says that Meta’s new policies were “announced hastily, in a departure from regular procedure,” and called on the company to provide more…