From The Verge · 40 stories
DoorDash Introduces AI-Powered Text Ordering, Drone Delivery Pilot, and Expanded Retail Returns
DoorDash has launched new features including AI-powered text message ordering, a drone delivery pilot program, and expanded retail returns. The text ordering feature, available for iOS users in the US via a waitlist, allows users to place orders, get recommendations, and reorder past meals by texting an AI bot. These updates aim to provide more ways for users to interact with the platform.
YouTube Expands AI Tools for Creators, Including Dynamic Thumbnails and AI Feedback
YouTube introduced new AI-powered features within its Studio app, including an expanded Ask Studio, AI feedback on video drafts, and dynamic thumbnail generation. These updates aim to help creators analyze content, optimize video performance, and grow their audience by providing suggestions on pacing, structure, storytelling, and content optimization.
Google DeepMind Introduces Gemini 3.8 Live Models for Voice Agents
Google DeepMind launched Gemini 3.8 Live and Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking, two new AI models designed to improve near real-time reasoning for voice agents. These models aim to make AI conversations more intuitive and intelligent, with Gemini 3.8 Live for scalable applications and Gemini 3.8 Live Extended Thinking for high-complexity tasks requiring multi-step reasoning.
Rumored features of Apple Watch Series 12 include new chip and health upgrades
Apple Watch Series 12 is rumored to feature a new CPU, improved battery life, enhanced health features, and a new watch face design. These updates aim to improve performance and user experience as Apple expands its health monitoring capabilities.
Microsoft discontinues 'Copilot Plus PC' branding for new Surface devices
Microsoft is no longer using the 'Copilot Plus PC' brand for its new 12-inch Surface Pro and 13-inch Surface Laptop, despite these devices meeting the technical requirements. This change indicates a shift away from the branding, which was originally intended to highlight PCs with built-in AI capabilities.
Qualcomm Unveils Dual Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 Chips with Enhanced On-Device AI
Qualcomm announced two new flagship smartphone processors, Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 6 and Snapdragon 8 Elite Extreme Gen 6, both built on a 2nm process. These chips focus on improving on-device AI capabilities, enabling local execution of large AI models and enhanced personalization for AI agents. The Extreme version offers additional performance improvements in AI processing, video capture, and gaming, positioning them for premium Android smartphones.
iPhone 18 Pro Introduces Reference Image Feature to Authenticate Photos
Apple has announced a new "Reference Image" feature for the iPhone 18 Pro, designed to digitally authenticate photos and indicate if they have been altered by AI. This feature creates a cryptographic signature of the original image, allowing users and others to compare it with edited versions. The goal is to address concerns about synthetic AI-generated imagery and provide a verifiable original, though it will not be available in the EU or China.
Discord Implements New Age Assurance System Based on Account Signals
Discord is rolling out an updated age assurance system that automatically assigns users to an age group (13-17 or 18+) using account signals like account age and server participation. This change responds to expanding age assurance laws in regions such as Texas and Brazil, aiming to comply with regulations while addressing user privacy concerns regarding previous verification methods.
Google Launches Pixel Tag Item Tracker with UWB and Bluetooth Channel Sounding
Google has released the Pixel Tag, a new item tracker priced at $29, designed to compete with Apple's AirTag. It features Ultra Wideband (UWB) for precision finding and Bluetooth Channel Sounding, integrating with Google's Find Hub network to help Android users locate lost items.
Tesla Cybercab Public Launch Nears in Austin Amidst Safety Concerns
Tesla is preparing for the public launch of its two-seater Cybercab in Austin, Texas, potentially as early as this month. The driverless vehicle, which operates without a steering wheel or pedals, relies on Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised) software, raising questions about its readiness for public roads given ongoing regulatory scrutiny and safety concerns.
Sony Music and Warner Chappell Sue Anthropic for Copyright Infringement
Sony Music and Warner Chappell have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic, alleging the AI company used "tens of thousands" of copyrighted works without permission to train its Claude AI models. The suit seeks up to $150,000 per work, potentially totaling billions, and names Anthropic's co-founders as individual defendants, claiming they were involved in illegal downloading of content.
GoPro Merges with Starman Optical for $285M, Expands into AI Data Centers and Defense
GoPro announced a $285 million merger with optical-photonics company Starman Optical, with GoPro shareholders receiving $1.14 per share and retaining 10% ownership. This deal will clear GoPro's $92 million debt and enable the company to enter the AI data center market, defense, robotics, and aerospace sectors, diversifying its business beyond action cameras.
Google Pics AI Image Editor Rolls Out to Workspace and AI Pro/Ultra Subscribers
Google has launched Google Pics, an AI-powered image creation and editing tool, to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers, and most Workspace business customers. Built on the Nano Banana generative AI model, Google Pics integrates directly into Workspace applications like Docs, Slides, and Drive, allowing users to generate and edit images with granular control over prompt-based manipulation and object segmentation.
OpenAI's Jalapeño AI Chip Shows Faster Responses and Higher Throughput in Benchmarks
OpenAI has released benchmark results for its custom Jalapeño AI inference chip, developed in partnership with Broadcom. The chip demonstrated 1.5 to 1.9 times more AI work per watt and 1.7 to 3.6 times lower latency compared to Nvidia's GB200 or GB300 superchips in InferenceX tests. This development aims to improve the efficiency and responsiveness of AI systems, particularly for multi-step agent tasks.
Roblox commits to privacy changes after eSafety finds adult-child contact issues
Roblox has agreed to implement privacy changes on its platform following findings by Australia's eSafety commissioner that adults could still contact child accounts and view their profiles without parental consent. These changes aim to strengthen child account settings and prevent unsolicited contact, addressing concerns about compliance with online safety standards.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Optional On-Device Scam Alert Feature in Limited Beta
WhatsApp has launched a limited beta of "Scam Alert," an optional feature that uses an on-device machine learning model to identify suspicious messages from unknown contacts. This feature processes message content locally on the user's device to maintain end-to-end encryption while alerting users to potential scams. Users can block, report, or ignore flagged messages, and can opt to share message data to improve the model's accuracy.
Apple Seeks Approval to Source RAM from Blacklisted Chinese Supplier CXMT
Apple is testing and seeking approval to use RAM chips from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT), a blacklisted Chinese supplier, for its devices sold in China. This move is part of Apple's strategy to alleviate supply chain pressures amid rising RAM prices. The situation highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and security concerns regarding U.S.-China tech relations.
Bumble Changes Core Messaging Feature, Allowing Any User to Initiate Conversations
Dating app Bumble has updated its core messaging feature, allowing any matched user to send the first message, departing from its original "women-first" rule established in 2014. The company also extended the response window for matches from 24 hours to 72 hours, aiming to increase user engagement and flexibility.
Google Assistant to be Replaced by Gemini on Android and Wear OS Starting September 4
Google will begin phasing out Google Assistant on Android phones, tablets, Wear OS devices, headphones, and Android Auto starting September 4. Users will no longer be able to use or switch back to Google Assistant on these platforms, with Gemini becoming the sole AI assistant experience for compatible devices in supported regions. This transition marks a significant shift in Google's mobile AI strategy.
Google introduces tap-to-share for Quick Share on Android devices
Google has rolled out a new tap-to-share feature for Android's Quick Share, enabling users to exchange contact information, photos, and videos by tapping compatible devices together. This functionality is initially available on Pixel 6 series and newer devices, with plans to expand to select Samsung Galaxy models soon and more Android devices by the end of the year.
Google Schedules August 12 Event for Pixel 11 and Pixel Watch 5 Launch
Google will host its Made by Google event on August 12, 2023, in New York City to unveil the Pixel 11 series, including possible new features like slimmer bezels, a new camera design, and increased base storage. The event will also introduce the Pixel Watch 5 and possibly new Pixel Buds Pro. Rising component costs may result in higher prices for the new devices, which start at 256GB of storage.
Amazon's Texas Data Center to be Powered by 7.65 GW Gas Plant, Permitted for 33 Million Tons CO2
Amazon is developing an AI data center in Pecos County, Texas, which will be powered by a 7.65 gigawatt natural gas plant. This plant is permitted to emit 33 million tons of carbon dioxide annually, potentially making it the largest single source of CO2 pollution in the U.S. This development contrasts with Amazon's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040.
OpenAI Enters Hardware Market with Screenless AI Smart Speaker
OpenAI plans to launch its first hardware device, a screenless smart speaker integrated with ChatGPT, to be released by 2027. This AI-powered speaker will feature a camera, sensors, and mechanical elements for movement, aiming to create a humanlike interaction experience. The device faces challenges due to legal disputes with Apple and a competitive market landscape for smart speakers.
X Money Launches in US with Apple Wallet Support for Premium Subscribers
X has officially launched X Money in the United States, moving the financial service beyond its invite-only beta. The service, available to Premium and Premium+ subscribers, includes a deposit account, peer-to-peer payments, a Visa debit card, and Apple Wallet support. This launch integrates banking features directly within the social media platform, aligning with Elon Musk's goal to transform X into an "everything app."
Disney Partners with TikTok to Bring Fan-Made Videos to Disney+ Verts
Disney has partnered with TikTok to allow creators to use clips from Disney's franchises, including Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, in their short-form videos. These fan-created videos will be featured on both TikTok and the Disney+ "Verts" short-form video feed, starting with a pilot program in the U.S. before expanding to other markets. This collaboration aims to integrate fan-made content into Disney's platforms and engage with a wider audience.
Texas Halts New Data Center Grid Connections for Audit Amid Power Demand Concerns
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered a moratorium on new data center approvals and grid connections through the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) until an audit is completed. This action affects over 1,800 projects, primarily data centers, representing 474 gigawatts of potential demand, which is five times the state's record peak demand and raises concerns about grid stability.
Tesla Reports Increased Revenue and Deliveries, but Lower-Than-Expected Profits in Q2
Tesla reported second-quarter revenues of $28.2 billion, a 26% year-over-year increase, with vehicle deliveries up 25% to 480,126 units. Despite exceeding revenue expectations, net income rose only 5% to $1.11 billion, and earnings per share were 31 cents, below the 51 cents predicted by Wall Street, due to increased operating expenses and significant investments in AI and robotics.
PlayStation Network Experiences Global Outage Affecting Digital Games and Services
The PlayStation Network (PSN) experienced a global outage, preventing users from accessing digital games, online play, and other services for several hours. The disruption affected all PlayStation platforms, including PS3, PS4, and PS Vita, and coincided with an Amazon Web Services alert regarding server issues.
Spotify Introduces AI-Powered Running Mode for Premium iOS Users
Spotify has launched a new Running Mode feature for Premium subscribers on iOS in select markets, including the US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Sweden. This AI-powered mode curates music based on workout type, duration, beats per minute (BPM), and user preferences, and includes optional audio cues. The feature is available in the Fitness Hub and builds on Spotify's existing personalization capabilities, expanding its fitness offerings.
US Justice Department Prosecutes American for Using Duress Password to Wipe Phone at Border
The U.S. Justice Department is prosecuting an American citizen for allegedly using a "duress" password to wipe his phone's data during a border search, marking the first known case of its kind. This case raises questions about constitutional rights at the border and the legality of data destruction features in privacy-focused operating systems like GrapheneOS.
YouTube Premium to Include Peacock Premium for US Subscribers Starting Early 2027
YouTube Premium subscribers in the U.S. will gain access to Peacock Premium, the ad-supported streaming service, at no additional cost starting in early 2027. This multi-year agreement between NBCUniversal and YouTube integrates Peacock's content directly into the YouTube platform, expanding Peacock's distribution and adding a major entertainment service to YouTube Premium's offerings.
Ofcom Probes TikTok's Child Safety Due to Age Verification Concerns
UK regulator Ofcom is investigating TikTok's age verification methods under the Online Safety Act 2023. Concerns revolve around TikTok's use of 'age inference' technology, which might not adequately identify minors and expose them to harmful content. TikTok claims compliance with safety obligations, while Ofcom's findings could result in significant penalties if failures are confirmed.
Federal Court Halts $110 Billion Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger
A judge issued a temporary restraining order on Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery following a lawsuit from 12 state attorneys general. The lawsuit cites antitrust concerns, predicting reduced competition in film distribution and cable licensing. This delay could cost Paramount significantly, impacting the media industry landscape.
LG Monitors Trigger Unwanted McAfee Ads on Windows PCs
LG monitors, when connected to Windows PCs, can trigger automatic installation of software promoting McAfee, without user consent. This occurs through the LG Monitor App Installer, leading to privacy concerns and user complaints about unwarranted pop-up ads. Such behavior reflects broader issues of unsolicited software installs linked to hardware.
Amazon Integrates Luna Game Streaming into Prime Video App on Fire TV Devices
Amazon has integrated its Luna cloud gaming service directly into the Prime Video app, making games accessible to Prime subscribers on Fire TV devices in the US and UK. This move allows users to play games alongside video content, aiming to broaden gaming accessibility and position Prime Video as a comprehensive entertainment platform.
Hacker Reveals AI Music Generator Suno Breached, Exposing Data Practices
A hacker breached AI music generator Suno, revealing it had scraped millions of songs from platforms like YouTube and Deezer for its training datasets. Exposed user data from over 55 million accounts highlights serious privacy and copyright violation concerns. This incident raises questions about the legality of Suno's dataset usage amidst ongoing lawsuits.
Google Launches Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber for Efficient Vulnerability Management
Google DeepMind has launched Gemini 3.5 Flash Cyber, a cybersecurity AI model to detect and patch vulnerabilities efficiently. Initially available to governments and trusted partners via CodeMender, this model provides a cost-effective alternative to larger AI security models like Anthropic's Mythos. Its introduction is part of a broader release including Gemini 3.6 Flash and 3.5 Flash-Lite, demonstrating Google's continued commitment to cybersecurity innovation.
EU Mandates Google to Provide AI Rivals Access to Android and Search Data
The European Union requires Google to provide rival AI applications access to Android functionalities and to share anonymized search data under the Digital Markets Act. This aims to prevent Google from leveraging its OS dominance to limit competition. Google cited potential privacy and security concerns with these changes.
OnePlus to Cease Operations in US, Europe Amidst Oppo Restructuring
OnePlus will stop launching new products in North America and Europe, as part of a restructuring initiative by its parent company, Oppo. The company will transition existing devices to Oppo's ColorOS for updates while maintaining support agreements. This move, triggered by declining demand and operational challenges, marks a significant change for OnePlus's presence in Western markets.
Google Rebrands NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook with Enhanced Features
Google has rebranded its AI research tool NotebookLM to Gemini Notebook, integrating it into its AI ecosystem and enhancing it with new capabilities including secure code execution for data analysis. The tool, used by 30 million individuals and over 600,000 organizations, will now allow for deeper integration with Google Search and AI-related applications. This change marks Google's alignment of its AI tools under the Gemini brand, expanding the functionality and versatility of the tool.