Elon Musk Sues Apple & OpenAI for Antitrust Violations!
xAI and X Corp. have filed a lawsuit accusing Apple and OpenAI's partnership of killing competition in AI. Claims include forcing ChatGPT as the default on iPhones via Apple Intelligence, deprioritizing rivals like Grok and X in the App Store, and giving OpenAI unfair access to billions of user data prompts.
This could shake up AI and smartphone antitrust battles!
xAI and X Corp. have filed a lawsuit accusing Apple and OpenAI's partnership of killing competition in AI. Claims include forcing ChatGPT as the default on iPhones via Apple Intelligence, deprioritizing rivals like Grok and X in the App Store, and giving OpenAI unfair access to billions of user data prompts.
This could shake up AI and smartphone antitrust battles!
YouTube's AI Auto-Editing Sparks Creator Backlash Over Artistic Control
YouTube is testing AI to auto-enhance videos, improving clarity and color without creator consent, sparking backlash. Musicians and videographers, like Rick Beato, noticed unauthorized changes, raising concerns about artistic control. YouTube claims it’s a limited test, but creators fear AI could erode authenticity. New guidelines also target low-effort AI content for demonetization.
YouTube is testing AI to auto-enhance videos, improving clarity and color without creator consent, sparking backlash. Musicians and videographers, like Rick Beato, noticed unauthorized changes, raising concerns about artistic control. YouTube claims it’s a limited test, but creators fear AI could erode authenticity. New guidelines also target low-effort AI content for demonetization.
Spotify’s New DMs: Share Tunes & Chats with Friends!
Spotify introduces Messages, a new in-app DM feature for users 16+ in select markets. Share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly with friends. Offers encrypted 1:1 chats, emoji reactions, and content tracking. Available on mobile for Free and Premium users, aiming to boost engagement without replacing external sharing.
Spotify introduces Messages, a new in-app DM feature for users 16+ in select markets. Share music, podcasts, and audiobooks directly with friends. Offers encrypted 1:1 chats, emoji reactions, and content tracking. Available on mobile for Free and Premium users, aiming to boost engagement without replacing external sharing.
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Google's Nano-Banana AI Image Generator Is Officially Available In The Gemini App
Google has officially launched Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, aka "Nano-Banana," a powerful AI image generator now available in the Gemini app. This viral model from Google DeepMind excels at creating and editing realistic images, topping LMArena benchmarks. Users can edit photos with simple prompts, combine images, or redesign scenes while maintaining consistency. Available to free and paid Gemini users, it includes visible "AI" watermarks to prevent misuse. A game-changer for photo editing!
Google has officially launched Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, aka "Nano-Banana," a powerful AI image generator now available in the Gemini app. This viral model from Google DeepMind excels at creating and editing realistic images, topping LMArena benchmarks. Users can edit photos with simple prompts, combine images, or redesign scenes while maintaining consistency. Available to free and paid Gemini users, it includes visible "AI" watermarks to prevent misuse. A game-changer for photo editing!
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Google to require dev verification for all Android apps by 2027
Google will require all Android app developers, including those distributing apps outside the Play Store, to verify their identity starting in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout planned for 2027. This involves creating an Android Developer Console account with a $25 fee, submitting government-issued ID, and verified contact details. Organizations must provide business registration and a verified website. Apps must be registered with Google using a public key certificate. The move aims to curb malware, as Google reports 50 times more malware from sideloaded apps than Play Store apps. A less burdensome process for students and hobbyists is planned but not detailed. Developers already verified on the Play Store are unaffected. Critics argue this restricts Android’s openness, comparing it to a walled garden, while Google insists it preserves user choice while enhancing security.
Google will require all Android app developers, including those distributing apps outside the Play Store, to verify their identity starting in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global rollout planned for 2027. This involves creating an Android Developer Console account with a $25 fee, submitting government-issued ID, and verified contact details. Organizations must provide business registration and a verified website. Apps must be registered with Google using a public key certificate. The move aims to curb malware, as Google reports 50 times more malware from sideloaded apps than Play Store apps. A less burdensome process for students and hobbyists is planned but not detailed. Developers already verified on the Play Store are unaffected. Critics argue this restricts Android’s openness, comparing it to a walled garden, while Google insists it preserves user choice while enhancing security.
Carburetor: Your One-Click Shield for Anonymous Browsing on Linux!
Discover anonymous browsing with Carburetor on your phones and computers. Tailored for GNOME, it's your hidden superhero for online adventures, powered by TOR. Carburetor provides a local TOR proxy that hides your IP, ensuring your Internet activities remain encrypted, anonymized, and untraceable. Don't get your hands dirty with system files anymore – just tap into the app, keeping your online world safe and private. Customize settings if you want, but you don't have to. Carburetor is Free Software and puts you in control. No worries, just enjoy your anonymous browsing!
Discover anonymous browsing with Carburetor on your phones and computers. Tailored for GNOME, it's your hidden superhero for online adventures, powered by TOR. Carburetor provides a local TOR proxy that hides your IP, ensuring your Internet activities remain encrypted, anonymized, and untraceable. Don't get your hands dirty with system files anymore – just tap into the app, keeping your online world safe and private. Customize settings if you want, but you don't have to. Carburetor is Free Software and puts you in control. No worries, just enjoy your anonymous browsing!
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OpenAI Faces Lawsuit Over Teen's Suicide, Plans ChatGPT Updates
Parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine from California have sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, claiming ChatGPT validated their son's suicidal thoughts after months of conversations, leading to his death in April.
In response, OpenAI expresses deep sympathy and announces plans to train the AI to better detect mental distress in extended chats, plus new parental controls for monitoring kids' usage.
Parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine from California have sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, claiming ChatGPT validated their son's suicidal thoughts after months of conversations, leading to his death in April.
In response, OpenAI expresses deep sympathy and announces plans to train the AI to better detect mental distress in extended chats, plus new parental controls for monitoring kids' usage.
Nothing Busted: Stock Photos Passed Off as Phone 3 Camera Samples!
Tech brand Nothing caught misrepresenting stock photos as Phone 3 camera samples. Five images claimed to be taken by the device were licensed photos shot with other cameras. A photographer confirmed to The Verge that one image, licensed via Stills, wasn’t captured by Phone 3, with EXIF data showing it was taken in 2023, before the phone’s release.
Tech brand Nothing caught misrepresenting stock photos as Phone 3 camera samples. Five images claimed to be taken by the device were licensed photos shot with other cameras. A photographer confirmed to The Verge that one image, licensed via Stills, wasn’t captured by Phone 3, with EXIF data showing it was taken in 2023, before the phone’s release.
New Proton Security Feature Lets Your Friends And Family Access Your Account In Emergencies
Proton introduced a new Emergency Access feature on August 28, 2025. This feature allows paid Proton account holders to designate up to five trusted contacts (family or friends) who can access their encrypted account data in emergencies, such as incapacitation or death. Users can set immediate access with approval or a custom wait time (e.g., seven days) for automatic access if a request goes unanswered. The feature, secured with Proton’s strong encryption, is available only to paid subscribers, with plans like Proton Unlimited starting at $12.99/month. It ensures sensitive data remains accessible without compromising privacy.
Proton introduced a new Emergency Access feature on August 28, 2025. This feature allows paid Proton account holders to designate up to five trusted contacts (family or friends) who can access their encrypted account data in emergencies, such as incapacitation or death. Users can set immediate access with approval or a custom wait time (e.g., seven days) for automatic access if a request goes unanswered. The feature, secured with Proton’s strong encryption, is available only to paid subscribers, with plans like Proton Unlimited starting at $12.99/month. It ensures sensitive data remains accessible without compromising privacy.
Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” Is Now Available for Download
The wait is finally over as the Linux Mint team has published the final ISO images of the Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” release, which are available for download from the official mirrors.
Based on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) operating system series and powered by Linux kernel 6.14, which should boost hardware support, Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” ships with the usual editions featuring the Cinnamon 6.4, Xfce 4.18, and MATE 1.26 desktop environments.
What's New:
- Fingerprint Enrollment Feature
- Accent colour support for Xapps
- improved Wayland session
- Sticky notes update
so you can download Linux Mint 22.2 right now from the download links below. The Linux Mint 22 series will be supported until 2029.
The wait is finally over as the Linux Mint team has published the final ISO images of the Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” release, which are available for download from the official mirrors.
Based on the Ubuntu 24.04 LTS (Noble Numbat) operating system series and powered by Linux kernel 6.14, which should boost hardware support, Linux Mint 22.2 “Zara” ships with the usual editions featuring the Cinnamon 6.4, Xfce 4.18, and MATE 1.26 desktop environments.
What's New:
- Fingerprint Enrollment Feature
- Accent colour support for Xapps
- improved Wayland session
- Sticky notes update
so you can download Linux Mint 22.2 right now from the download links below. The Linux Mint 22 series will be supported until 2029.
Mozilla’s Lifeline is Safe After Judge’s Google Antitrust Ruling
Mozilla, the organization behind Firefox, can continue receiving payments from Google following a U.S. antitrust ruling against Google for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act due to its monopolistic control over search markets. Over 85% of Mozilla’s revenue comes from Google’s search deal, and losing it could have threatened Firefox’s existence. District Judge Amit P. Mehta’s September 2025 ruling preserved this financial lifeline while imposing restrictions on Google, such as banning exclusive contracts and requiring data sharing with competitors. This outcome ensures Firefox’s survival but highlights Mozilla’s need to find alternative revenue sources.
Mozilla, the organization behind Firefox, can continue receiving payments from Google following a U.S. antitrust ruling against Google for violating the Sherman Antitrust Act due to its monopolistic control over search markets. Over 85% of Mozilla’s revenue comes from Google’s search deal, and losing it could have threatened Firefox’s existence. District Judge Amit P. Mehta’s September 2025 ruling preserved this financial lifeline while imposing restrictions on Google, such as banning exclusive contracts and requiring data sharing with competitors. This outcome ensures Firefox’s survival but highlights Mozilla’s need to find alternative revenue sources.
DuckDuckGo Revamps Subnoscription With Upgraded AI Chat, VPN Perks, And More
DuckDuckGo is enhancing its Privacy Pro subnoscription, priced at $9.99/month or $99/year, as part of its Duck.ai focus. The updated subnoscription includes a VPN for secure browsing across up to five devices, Personal Information Removal to combat identity theft and spam (U.S.-only), and Identity Theft Restoration support. It also offers access to advanced AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and GPT-5, Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4, and Meta’s Llama Maverick, with free LLM use still available. The service emphasizes privacy by preventing data collection and is accessible in the U.S., Canada, EU, and UK via duck.ai.
DuckDuckGo is enhancing its Privacy Pro subnoscription, priced at $9.99/month or $99/year, as part of its Duck.ai focus. The updated subnoscription includes a VPN for secure browsing across up to five devices, Personal Information Removal to combat identity theft and spam (U.S.-only), and Identity Theft Restoration support. It also offers access to advanced AI models like OpenAI’s GPT-4o and GPT-5, Anthropic’s Claude Sonnet 4, and Meta’s Llama Maverick, with free LLM use still available. The service emphasizes privacy by preventing data collection and is accessible in the U.S., Canada, EU, and UK via duck.ai.
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The Browser Company, maker of Arc and Dia, is being acquired
Atlassian, known for tools like Jira and Confluence, has agreed to acquire The Browser Company, creators of the Arc and Dia web browsers, for $610 million in cash. The acquisition aims to integrate The Browser Company’s AI-powered browser technology with Atlassian’s expertise in enterprise software to develop a browser tailored for knowledge workers. The deal follows reports that OpenAI and Perplexity also considered acquiring The Browser Company. The acquisition is expected to close in Atlassian’s fiscal second quarter, ending December 2025.
Atlassian, known for tools like Jira and Confluence, has agreed to acquire The Browser Company, creators of the Arc and Dia web browsers, for $610 million in cash. The acquisition aims to integrate The Browser Company’s AI-powered browser technology with Atlassian’s expertise in enterprise software to develop a browser tailored for knowledge workers. The deal follows reports that OpenAI and Perplexity also considered acquiring The Browser Company. The acquisition is expected to close in Atlassian’s fiscal second quarter, ending December 2025.
Google NotebookLM's AI podcast hosts can now get into an argument over your notes
Google's NotebookLM has updated its Audio Overviews feature, adding three new AI podcast formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—to the existing Deep Dive option. The Brief format delivers a short summary in 1-2 minutes, Critique provides constructive feedback on your notes, and Debate has AI hosts argue opposing viewpoints on key topics. Users can customize aspects like tone, language, and length for more tailored audio experiences. This enhances the tool's interactivity for learning, boosts accessibility (e.g., for visual impairments), and promotes critical thinking, though it risks over-reliance on AI. The rollout starts in the US, with global expansion expected.
Google's NotebookLM has updated its Audio Overviews feature, adding three new AI podcast formats—Brief, Critique, and Debate—to the existing Deep Dive option. The Brief format delivers a short summary in 1-2 minutes, Critique provides constructive feedback on your notes, and Debate has AI hosts argue opposing viewpoints on key topics. Users can customize aspects like tone, language, and length for more tailored audio experiences. This enhances the tool's interactivity for learning, boosts accessibility (e.g., for visual impairments), and promotes critical thinking, though it risks over-reliance on AI. The rollout starts in the US, with global expansion expected.
Warp Code: Revolutionizing Prompt-Based Coding with Agent Steering
Warp, a Rust-powered, cross-platform coding tool, launched Warp Code, a feature set for agent-generated code from prompt to production. Initially a modern terminal, Warp pivoted to an Agentic Development Environment with Warp 2.0, boosting signups and revenue 30x. Warp Code refines prompt-based coding with "agent steering" for better control, integrating top coding agents, code review tools, and a lightweight editor with tabs and syntax highlighting. Available free on Windows, macOS, and Linux (AppImage/DEB), it’s closed-source, requires signup, and has paid plans for full use.
Warp, a Rust-powered, cross-platform coding tool, launched Warp Code, a feature set for agent-generated code from prompt to production. Initially a modern terminal, Warp pivoted to an Agentic Development Environment with Warp 2.0, boosting signups and revenue 30x. Warp Code refines prompt-based coding with "agent steering" for better control, integrating top coding agents, code review tools, and a lightweight editor with tabs and syntax highlighting. Available free on Windows, macOS, and Linux (AppImage/DEB), it’s closed-source, requires signup, and has paid plans for full use.
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