From ZDNET · 40 stories
Walmart to Roll Out Apple Pay and Google Pay Support Starting August 24
Walmart will begin accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other contactless payment methods at select Walmart and Sam's Club locations on August 24, with a full U.S. rollout expected by the end of the year. This move marks a significant shift from Walmart's previous reliance on its proprietary payment solutions, responding to customer demand for tap-to-pay options.
Google Play Store now hosts rival app stores in the US, starting with Aptoide Games
Google has begun listing third-party app stores directly within the Google Play Store in the United States, a change resulting from a 2024 legal ruling in its antitrust case with Epic Games. Aptoide Games is the first such store available, allowing users to install alternative app distribution channels without sideloading. A US District Judge has since ordered Google to improve the discoverability of these stores within the Play Store.
OpenAI Launches $230 Codex Micro Keyboard for AI Coding Assistants
OpenAI has introduced the Codex Micro, a $230 RGB-lit mini-keyboard designed in collaboration with Work Louder to enhance user interaction with Codex AI agents. The device features color-coded keys for live feedback, a joystick, and rotary controls to streamline coding tasks. The Codex Micro represents OpenAI's first foray into branded hardware as the company faces a separate legal battle with Apple.
PamStealer Malware Targets macOS for Credential Theft Using Apple's PAM
Researchers have discovered PamStealer, a macOS malware that uses Apple's PAM interface to steal user credentials. This sophisticated malware employs a two-stage delivery system, disguising as the clipboard manager Maccy and utilising stealthy JavaScript for Automation. It highlights emerging threats in macOS security exploiting native Apple frameworks for credential theft.
Waze Adds AI-Powered Features Including Motorcycle and Personalized Navigation Modes
Waze has launched several new AI-driven features, integrating Google's Gemini to enhance user experience. These updates include a Motorcycle mode for two-wheeled navigation, more conversational voice features for reporting and destination searches, personalized navigation, and a 'less chatty' mode to reduce audio interruptions. The improvements aim to better tailor navigation to individual user preferences and enhance functionality, appealing to both motorcyclists and drivers.
OpenAI Launches New 'GPT-Live' Voice Models for ChatGPT
OpenAI has introduced GPT-Live-1 and GPT-Live-1 mini, two new full-duplex voice models for ChatGPT. These models enable simultaneous listening and speaking, leading to more natural conversations. The upgrade aims to improve user experience by reducing interruptions and enabling features like real-time translation and visual aids.
CERT/CC Reports Hidden Backdoor in Tenda Router Firmware Allowing Admin Access
A vulnerability in various Tenda router firmware versions, CVE-2026-11405, allows unauthorized administrative access via an undocumented backdoor. This flaw poses significant security risks for users as attackers can bypass authentication to control devices remotely. Despite warnings, Tenda has not addressed the issue, leaving affected devices unpatched.
Apple Increases Prices of Older iPhone Models by $100 Following New Device Launch
Apple has raised the prices of its previously released iPhone models, including the iPhone 16, the full iPhone 17 lineup, and the iPhone Air, by $100. This price adjustment occurred after the announcement of the new iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro models. For example, the iPhone 16 now sells for $799, up from $699, and the iPhone Air is priced at $1,099, up from $999.
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.
Android 17 Integrates Encrypted Client Hello for Enhanced Web Privacy
Android 17 introduces platform-wide support for Encrypted Client Hello (ECH), a new internet standard that encrypts website destination information. This prevents internet service providers (ISPs) and Wi-Fi operators from seeing specific domain names, thereby limiting user profiling and targeted advertising. This makes Android the first major mobile operating system to implement ECH at a platform level.
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.
Microsoft Issues Record 570 Security Patches, Including Three Zero-Days
Microsoft's July 2026 Patch Tuesday included a record 570 security patches, with three zero-day vulnerabilities addressed. The increase is partly due to AI-assisted discovery, highlighting a trend in vulnerability identification and remediation.
Opera Rolls Out 'Paste Protect' to Counter ClickFix Cyber Attacks
Opera has introduced 'Paste Protect', a new feature to block malicious clipboard commands copied from websites, aimed at mitigating ClickFix-style attacks. These attacks leverage social engineering tactics to mislead users into pasting harmful code into terminals. The new feature marks the first native defense against this rising cyber threat in a major web browser.
Apple Releases iOS 27 Public Beta with New Features
The public beta of Apple's iOS 27 is now available for installation, offering new functionalities such as improved Siri AI and app enhancements. This beta follows a developer release cycle and prepares users for the official iOS 27 launch in September. The initiative reflects Apple's iterative approach to software development and its impact on user experiences.
OpenAI's Astra AI model faces safety concerns over opaque internal processing
OpenAI's upcoming Astra AI model is raising concerns among researchers due to its use of a recurrent depth or looped transformer technique, which makes its internal reasoning less transparent than other frontier AI models. This opacity could make it harder to monitor for undesirable behaviors, despite OpenAI's stated efforts to implement additional safety protocols.
Amazon increases prices for Echo, Fire TV, and Kindle products by up to 60%
Amazon has raised prices on its Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, and Eero devices by up to 60%, citing increased memory and storage component costs. This change affects several popular Amazon hardware products, making them more expensive for consumers.
Microsoft to Launch Unified Copilot "Super App" This Year, Consolidating AI Features
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the company will release an AI "super app" this year, integrating Copilot's chat, coding, and agentic capabilities for both consumer and commercial use. This move consolidates Microsoft's AI offerings into a single application, aiming to simplify access and user experience by merging existing Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot apps.
FBI Warns of Cybercriminals Hacking Accounts to Steal Explicit Images for Extortion
The FBI has issued a public warning about cybercriminals hacking into social media and online accounts of adults and children to steal explicit images and videos. These stolen materials are then used for blackmail, sold on criminal marketplaces, or shared with other criminals to facilitate further sextortion, with student-athletes and young boys frequently targeted.
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.
Google Maps Adds Food Ordering, Hotel Booking, and Event Ticket Capabilities
Google Maps has expanded its "Ask Maps" feature with new agentic capabilities, allowing users to order food, book hotels, and find event tickets directly within the application. This update integrates "Personal Intelligence," which uses data from Gmail and Google Calendar to personalize responses, transforming Google Maps into a more comprehensive assistant for real-world tasks. The new features are rolling out in English to over 150 countries.
LG to Suspend Smart TV Apps Using Residential Proxies
LG Electronics USA will ban apps on its smart TVs that use residential proxy technology after research revealed over 42% of apps on its webOS store included such features. This decision aims to enhance user security and ensure that smart TVs are not misused as proxy nodes.
Google Enhances Gemini AI and Pre-installs Gemini Notebook on New Samsung Foldables
Google has announced updates to its Gemini Intelligence platform at Galaxy Unpacked 2026, which includes expanded AI task automation now supporting over 40 apps, and the introduction of Gemini Notebook pre-installed on Samsung's latest foldable devices. The task automation upgrades enable users to manage tasks through advanced AI capabilities, increasing productivity on the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Flip 8.
Linus Torvalds Backs AI Tools in Linux Development Amid Community Debate
Linus Torvalds has confirmed his support for using AI tools in Linux development, amid controversy over AI-generated code. He emphasized Linux will not take an anti-AI stance and suggested dissenters fork the project or leave. This stance reflects AI's growing role in open-source projects.
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.
Apple Introduces Impersonation Risk Detection in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27
Apple has released Impersonation Risk Detection in iOS 27 and iPadOS 27, a new security feature designed to identify social engineering scams in real-time. This on-device tool analyzes user behavior and interaction patterns to flag suspicious activity, providing an additional layer of protection against scams that bypass traditional security measures.
Oura faces class action lawsuit over alleged misleading sleep-tracking accuracy
A proposed class action lawsuit accuses Oura of deceiving consumers about the accuracy of its smart ring's sleep tracking features. The lawsuit alleges Oura rings rely on AI-generated estimates rather than physiological signals to determine sleep stages, despite marketing claims of high accuracy. This matters because consumers make health decisions based on the device's data, which the lawsuit claims is inaccurate.
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.
Apple Releases Emergency Fix for macOS Screen Sharing Vulnerability
Apple has issued an urgent software update for macOS to patch a critical vulnerability in the Screen Sharing feature. This flaw could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over a Mac without needing valid credentials, posing a significant security risk.
Google Updates Android Backup Policy to Include All Data Types in Storage Limit
Starting July 7, Google will include all Android backup data types, such as SMS and device settings, in its Google Account storage calculations, impacting new and existing users. This change, which may increase backup sizes by 40MB on average, gives users more control over backup data and aligns with broader storage policy adjustments.
Ernst & Young Discloses Data Breach: Client Tax Information Compromised
Ernst & Young experienced a data breach via a third-party support system, compromising clients' personal and financial data. The breach, spanning March 28 to April 12, included sensitive tax information, with notifications sent to affected clients and state regulators. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities associated with third-party IT services.
Ransomware Payment Dilemma Intensifies Amid Sophisticated Threat Landscape
Ransomware attacks have surged, with nearly half of victims opting to pay attackers. Many jurisdictions, including the UK, are proposing bans on public sector ransom payments due to the inefficacy of negotiations and the risk of repeated attacks. Advanced AI tools and strategic targeting increase the threat level, complicating response strategies.
Google Uses User-Uploaded Search Media for AI Training, Opt-Out Available
Google has updated its privacy settings to include user-uploaded media, such as images and audio, in AI training. Users are automatically opted in unless they choose to opt out via new settings affecting various Google search services. This move reflects broader tech industry trends in utilizing personal data for AI development, raising privacy concerns.
Microsoft Utilizes AI to Enhance Windows Security Updates Frequency and Efficiency
Microsoft announced the integration of AI to improve the frequency and effectiveness of Windows security updates. Using advanced AI models, Microsoft seeks to accelerate the detection of vulnerabilities in its codebase. This change aims to improve protections against increasingly AI-driven cyber threats.
DuckDuckGo Browser Now Blocks YouTube Video Ads Using Community Filters
DuckDuckGo has released a feature that blocks video ads, including those on YouTube, on its browser. This feature, based on community-maintained filter lists and additional rules for compatibility, is enabled by default on iOS, Windows, and Mac, with Android support to follow. Users can enjoy ad-free video playback while maintaining privacy, but may experience longer buffering times.
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.
73% of Tech Job Listings Now Require AI Skills Amid Job Market Shift
A report indicates that 73% of tech job listings in the U.S. currently require AI skills, a significant increase from 15% in January 2024. This shift reflects the growing expectation among employers for job seekers to demonstrate practical AI fluency alongside their domain expertise.
Linux kernel will increasingly adopt Rust programming language
The Linux kernel is moving towards integrating Rust for some subsystems, as stated by maintainer Greg Kroah-Hartman. Rust's ownership and type system could significantly reduce the number of common vulnerabilities, estimated to eliminate around 80% of current issues caused by C programming errors.
AI chatbots produce predictable passwords, research reveals security risks
Research indicates that passwords generated by AI chatbots like Claude and ChatGPT display predictable patterns, undermining their security. The findings suggest that using trusted password generators is a safer alternative for creating secure passwords.
IBM and Red Hat launch Lightwell to protect open-source from AI attacks
IBM and Red Hat launched Lightwell, a service aimed at defending open-source software from AI-driven attacks. The initiative includes two offerings: Lightwell Network and Lightwell Clearinghouse Premier, both designed to secure open-source components at scale, addressing vulnerabilities identified by AI.