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Xbox Introduces Disc-to-Digital Feature for Physical Games, Starting August 31
Microsoft is launching a new disc-to-digital feature for Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles, allowing users to convert physical game discs into digital entitlements. This initiative, which begins testing with Xbox Insiders on August 31st, aims to provide digital benefits like Xbox Play Anywhere and Xbox Cloud Gaming for disc-based titles, supporting game preservation and future console generations.
Apple Reverses Hide My Email Domain Change, Keeps Addresses on icloud.com
Apple announced it will not move iCloud+ Hide My Email addresses to a new domain, reversing a previous decision. This change means Hide My Email aliases will continue to use the icloud.com domain, making them harder for websites to block and preserving user privacy.
Tesla Recalls 3 Million Vehicles in China Over Hidden Emergency Door Releases
Tesla is recalling nearly 3 million vehicles in China to address hidden emergency door releases, a safety concern that can trap occupants during emergencies. This recall is part of a broader effort by 11 automakers in China to install warning labels and push software updates related to electronic door latch systems. The issue highlights a safety challenge with electronic door latches, which can fail in collisions, making manual releases critical but often hard to locate.
Apple to Revise App Tracking Transparency Rules in EU Following German Antitrust Scrutiny
Apple will change its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) rules in the European Union after the German Bundeskartellamt found its implementation favored Apple's own applications. The changes will require Apple to make third-party app tracking consent prompts neutral and allow developers to combine their own data protection prompts with Apple's, addressing concerns about fair competition and user consent.
YouTube Changes View Counting to Register a View as Soon as Video Starts Playing
YouTube will update its view counting method on August 24th, registering a view as soon as a video begins playing or a live broadcast is entered. This change aligns YouTube's system with those used by Instagram, TikTok, and its own Shorts videos, and is expected to increase view counts for creators.
Nintendo Exceeds Q1 Profit and Revenue Estimates Despite Switch 2 Sales Decline
Nintendo reported fiscal first-quarter earnings exceeding revenue and profit estimates, with net profit reaching 147.4 billion yen and revenue at 517.8 billion yen. This occurred despite a 34.4% decline in Switch 2 console sales to 3.82 million units. The company's financial performance was bolstered by strong game sales and a $300 million refund from US tariffs.
Ford Names Affordable Electric Truck 'Fathom,' Production Slated for 2027
Ford has named its upcoming affordable electric midsize truck the "Fathom," with a starting price of $28,350. This vehicle is the first to be built on Ford's new Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) platform, designed to reduce costs through innovative assembly and electronics architecture. Deliveries are expected to begin in fall 2027, with production starting in Q1 2027 at Ford's overhauled Louisville Assembly Plant.
YouTube Doubles Monetization Requirements for New Creators, Expands Premium Lite
YouTube is increasing the eligibility criteria for its Partner Program (YPP) starting February 1, 2027, requiring new creators to have 1,000 subscribers and either 8,000 watch hours or 20 million Shorts views. This change doubles the previous watch hour requirement and significantly raises the Shorts view threshold, impacting how new creators can monetize content. Additionally, YouTube's Premium Lite subscription will expand to all countries where Premium is available.
Google Wallet Introduces Supervised Balances for Minors in the US
Google Wallet has launched a new feature allowing parents in the US to set up secure digital balances for children under 18. This enables minors to make tap-to-pay purchases using Android or Wear OS devices where Google Pay is accepted, without needing a bank account, while parents can monitor spending and set limits.
Microsoft expands backward compatibility to original Xbox games on PC
Microsoft introduces four classic Xbox games to PC as part of its backward compatibility initiative. This allows PC gamers to access original Xbox titles, enhancing the gaming ecosystem and preserving classic games for future generations.
WhatsApp Web Adds Audio and Video Calling with Call Transfer and Waiting Room Features
WhatsApp has rolled out one-on-one and group audio and video calling capabilities to its web platform. This update allows users to transfer ongoing calls between devices and the web, introduces a waiting room option for hosts, and includes features like screen sharing, reactions, and background noise suppression. The expansion makes WhatsApp's full calling functionality available directly through web browsers, removing the need for dedicated desktop applications for calls.
Ford Integrates Apple Maps into Universal EV Platform for 2027 Vehicles
Ford will embed Apple Maps directly into its Universal Electric Vehicle (UEV) Platform, starting with a midsize pickup truck in 2027. This integration, utilizing Apple's new MapKit for Automotive SDK, will provide navigation, real-time traffic, EV-specific routing, and support Ford's hands-free driving systems like BlueCruise.
Trump Media to Launch Truth Social API for Instant Access to Influential Posts
Trump Media & Technology Group will launch a Truth Social API offering real-time access to posts from influential accounts, starting August 1. This paid service targets financial firms, allowing them to receive posts from key accounts, including Donald Trump, in milliseconds. The service aims to generate consistent revenue for the loss-making company.
Roblox Unveils AI-Powered Game Creation Tool for Mobile Devices
Roblox has launched 'Build', an AI-powered tool allowing users to create games via text prompts on mobile devices. Starting July 28, the feature expands game development accessibility to smartphones, with alpha testing initially in New Zealand. Concerns persist over potential low-quality content influx.
Microsoft Removes Ads from Windows 11 Search Box for Cleaner Experience
Microsoft is testing a refined Windows 11 Search Box through the Windows Insider program, featuring a decluttered interface and the removal of advertisements in web searches. These changes aim to enhance user experience by prioritizing recent searches and presenting relevant local content without promotional clutter, addressing user feedback.
Research Primates' Diarrhea Outbreak Provides Data for Shigella Vaccine Development
A two-year diarrhea outbreak among over 150 research primates provided immunological data for Shigella vaccine development. Scientists identified specific bacterial targets and immune responses, advancing the rational design of vaccine candidates. This research addresses the need for a broad-spectrum Shigella vaccine, as current immunity is narrow and antibiotic resistance is increasing.
iRobot unveils Roomba Max 875 Combo with SealForce carpet sealing technology
iRobot, now under Picea Robotics ownership, announced the Roomba Max 875 Combo, a new robot vacuum and mop featuring SealForce technology for enhanced carpet cleaning. This release marks iRobot's first major trade show appearance in years and introduces new features like ThermaMist for mopping and increased suction power.
iOS 27 introduces new features to the Messages app
Apple released iOS 27, enhancing the Messages app with new features including customizable voice message buttons and a drawing tool. These updates aim to improve user experience and expand functionality for communication.
Kubernetes v1.37 Releases Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA) Updates
Kubernetes v1.37 introduces several updates to Dynamic Resource Allocation (DRA), including the graduation of DRA Extended Resource support to General Availability. These changes allow for more flexible and gradual adoption of DRA by cluster operators and provide enhanced device management capabilities.
Android 17 introduces Motion Assist to reduce motion sickness in vehicles
Google is rolling out Motion Assist, a new feature in Android 17, designed to mitigate motion sickness when using a phone in a moving vehicle. This feature uses the device's sensors to display moving dots on the screen, synchronizing with vehicle motion to counteract sensory discrepancies that cause nausea.
FDA Authorizes First Wearable Device for Continuous Ketone and Glucose Monitoring
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Libre Duo 10 Day Continuous Dual Glucose Ketone Monitoring System, the first wearable device in the U.S. to continuously monitor ketone levels and the first globally to continuously monitor both ketones and blood sugar in a single device. This authorization provides a new tool for individuals with diabetes to manage their condition and prevent serious complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
Samsung Unpacked 2026 Introduces Galaxy Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and Galaxy Watch 9 Series
Samsung unveiled its latest foldable smartphones, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Z Flip 8, alongside the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, at its Unpacked 2026 event in London. The new devices feature enhancements in design, battery life, and processing power, with preorders now available and sales beginning August 7.
Russian Rassvet Satellites Fail to Reach Operational Orbit, Hindering Internet Project
The second batch of 16 Russian Rassvet internet satellites failed to reach their intended operational altitude of 870 kilometers, with many remaining between 300 and 400 kilometers and two already re-entering Earth's atmosphere. This follows a similar issue with the first batch, where none of the 32 launched satellites have reached their target 800-kilometer orbit, impacting Russia's state-funded satellite internet project.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered Launches September 29 with Free Upgrade
CD Projekt Red will release "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt — Remastered" on September 29, offering visual and combat improvements, a redesigned skill tree, and both expansions. This update is a free upgrade for existing owners across multiple platforms and marks the game's debut on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Microsoft Investigates August Windows Updates Causing Gaming Issues on Windows 11
Microsoft is investigating reports that the August 2026 Windows updates (KB5121003) are preventing some games from launching or causing crashes on Windows 11, versions 25H2 and 24H2. This issue affects titles like ARC Raiders and MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls, leading to freezes, unexpected closures, and errors for affected users.
Waymo to Launch Robotaxi Service in Munich, Germany by End of 2027
Waymo, Alphabet's autonomous driving subsidiary, announced plans to launch its robotaxi service in Munich, Germany, by the end of 2027. This marks Waymo's first commercial operation in the European Union and its third international market. The company will begin phased testing in Munich in the coming weeks, including mapping streets and testing with safety drivers, to adapt its technology to local conditions and secure necessary regulatory approvals.
Uber Introduces Live Video Streaming for Teen Accounts Using Driver's Selfie Camera
Uber is rolling out a new live video streaming feature for teen accounts across the U.S. in the coming weeks, allowing parents to monitor their children's rides using the driver's selfie camera. This feature provides parents with real-time visibility during trips and expands on the teen account service launched in 2023.
HoverAir Unveils Versa, a Hybrid Gimbal Camera and Self-Flying Drone
HoverAir introduced Versa, a new device that combines a three-axis gimbal camera with a drone. The Versa functions as a stabilized pocket camera and can magnetically attach to a foldable drone body for autonomous aerial footage, aiming to simplify content creation for vloggers and filmmakers.
Google introduces natural language customization for Discover feed and News audio briefings
Google is rolling out updates that allow users to customize their Discover feed using natural language prompts and tailor their Google News daily audio briefings by selecting specific topics. These changes provide users with more control over the content they receive and are rolling out in the coming days.
Sony to Re-release WH-1000XM4 Headphones as Cheaper WH-1000XM4C; WH-1000XM6 Gets New Color
Sony is reportedly preparing to re-release its 2020 WH-1000XM4 over-ear headphones as the WH-1000XM4C, priced around $250, offering a more affordable option with slightly reduced battery life. Concurrently, the current flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones are now available in a new "Olive Gray" color variant for $459, with no hardware changes.
Uber Eats Partners with Zipline for Drone Deliveries, Targets One Million Daily by 2029
Uber is partnering with and investing in Zipline to integrate drone deliveries into the Uber Eats platform, with initial deliveries starting by the end of 2024. The collaboration aims for one million drone deliveries per day by the end of 2029, expanding Uber's delivery capabilities.
Heart Aerospace X1 Completes First Flight, Largest Battery-Electric Aircraft to Fly
Heart Aerospace's X1 demonstrator aircraft, the largest battery-electric aircraft ever flown, completed its first flight on August 12, 2026. The piloted mission lasted 27 minutes, reached 1,100 feet AGL, and consumed approximately $5 worth of electricity, demonstrating the feasibility of electric propulsion for commercial airline operations.
X Replaces Revenue Sharing with New Original Content Rewards Program
X has launched a new Original Content Rewards Program, replacing its previous revenue-sharing model, which ceased accepting applications and will fully shut down after September 7. The new program, effective September 8, will compensate creators for original content based on qualified impressions, shifting focus to unique contributions rather than general engagement.
Disney+ Explores Free Ad-Supported Tier to Expand Reach and Ad Revenue
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro confirmed the company is exploring a free, ad-supported streaming option for Disney+. This initiative aims to expand the service's reach to price-sensitive consumers, increase advertising revenue, and drive awareness for paid subscriptions amidst competition from free platforms like YouTube.
Spotify Reaches 300 Million Premium Subscribers, Reports €4.8 Billion in Q2 Revenue
Spotify announced it has surpassed 300 million Premium subscribers, a 9% increase year-over-year, and reached 777 million monthly active users in the second quarter. The company reported €4.8 billion ($5.5 billion) in revenue and a 33.4% gross margin, driven by subscriber growth and diversification of content offerings.
Apple to Enable iPhone-to-Windows Clipboard Sharing by Fall 2027 in EU
Apple plans to introduce a solution allowing users to copy and paste content between iPhones and Windows PCs, with a target completion date of Fall 2027. This development responds to a March 2026 interoperability request from Microsoft under the European Union's Digital Markets Act, aiming to bridge a gap in cross-device content transfer.
Google Health 5.05 Adds Two-Way Apple Health Syncing for Fitbit Data
Google Health version 5.05 for iOS now supports two-way synchronization with Apple Health, allowing Fitbit data such as exercise records, sleep, vitals, and steps to be written to HealthKit. This update addresses a long-standing limitation where Google Health could only read data from Apple Health, making Fitbit data accessible to other HealthKit-compatible applications.
DoorDash Launches In-House Drone Delivery Service, DoorDash Air, After FAA Approval
DoorDash has established DoorDash Air, its own drone delivery business, after receiving Part 135 air carrier certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. This certification allows DoorDash to operate commercial drone delivery services in the United States using its internally developed aircraft and infrastructure. The company previously partnered with other drone delivery providers but will now deploy its own drones, designed specifically for food delivery.
Apple TV+ Announces 'Neuromancer' Premiere Date and New Trailers at Comic-Con
Apple TV+ announced that its adaptation of William Gibson's novel "Neuromancer" will premiere on January 22, 2027, with the first two episodes, followed by weekly releases for a total of ten episodes. The announcement was made at San Diego Comic-Con, where a teaser trailer was also released. Additionally, trailers for "Dark Matter" season two and the movie "Matchbox" were debuted.
Geekbench 7 Released with New Media Workloads and Redesigned Multi-Core Testing
Primate Labs has released Geekbench 7, an update to its cross-platform benchmarking tool, featuring new video and audio encoding/decoding tests, larger datasets, and a redesigned multi-core test that mirrors real-world application behavior. This update aims to provide more accurate performance measurements for modern CPUs and GPUs across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.