Tech Trends 📰

Google Search Live feature: What is it, where is it available, plus full details

Google has launched Search Live, a voice-activated feature for its iOS and Android app, allowing users to conduct searches and follow-up conversations hands-free.. The feature is part of Google’s AI Mode initiative and is currently available only in the United States through Google Labs.. Search Live enables users to speak directly with Google Search, get spoken answers, switch between voice and text with Transcript, and access past conversations through searchable history.. Though similar to Google’s Gemini Live tool, Search Live uses a custom version of the Gemini AI model optimized for voice interactions, with camera input integration planned for future updates.. The overlapping functions between Search Live and Gemini Live have caused user confusion, and Google has yet to announce a global release date..

Researchers Develop World’s First Non-Silicon 2D Computer | Sci.News

Penn State researchers have built the first computer entirely from 2D materials, using molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) for n-type transistors and tungsten diselenide (WSe₂) for p-type transistors—replacing traditional silicon.. The team created a functional CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) computer capable of performing basic logic operations using over 2,000 2D transistors.. Large sheets of 2D materials were fabricated using metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), and careful tuning allowed proper control over transistor threshold voltages.. This one instruction set computer operates at low voltages and minimal power, with logic functions running at up to 25 kilohertz suitable for basic processing tasks.. While performance lags behind current silicon chips, this marks a breakthrough in post-silicon computing, offering a potential path forward for future ultra-thin and energy-efficient electronics..

Remote MCP support in Claude Code

Claude Code now supports remote MCP (Model-Connected Plugin) servers, allowing integration with third-party tools and data sources without the need for local server setup.. With remote MCP integration, Claude Code can access and interact with external services like Sentry (for debugging) and Linear (for project management) directly within the coding interface.. The feature enhances developer workflow by providing structured, real-time context and enabling seamless transitions between coding and task management.. Remote MCP servers require minimal maintenance, just input the vendor’s URL, and updates, scaling, and uptime are managed by the vendor.. Claude Code supports secure OAuth authentication for connecting to MCP servers, eliminating the need to manage API keys or manually store credentials..

Here's your first look at the rebooted Digg | TechCrunch

Digg is being rebooted by original founder Kevin Rose and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian as a Reddit-style aggregator built for the AI era, now in alpha testing on iOS.. The app features feeds like “Most Dugg,” “Trending,” and “Heating up,” and allows voting, commenting, and saving posts — with only a few preset communities currently available.. AI is used to summarize linked news articles, though it lacks advanced summarization options like “explain both sides” or “explain like I’m 5.”. Gamification includes leaderboards and “Gems” for early engagement, though Digg has time-bound them to avoid past manipulation issues.. Future plans include user-created communities and LLM-powered customization, but the app still lacks a compelling reason to pull users away from Reddit..

Veracode unravels 12-layer npm attack to find RAT

Veracode discovered two malicious npm packages containing an extraordinarily complex 12-layer attack that used multiple obfuscation techniques, including Unicode characters (Japanese Katakana and Hiragana), binary strings, Base64 encoding, and others. The attack activated immediately when developers ran "npm install" through a postinstall script, making it nearly impossible to avoid once the malicious package was added to a project. The malware attempted to disable Windows Defender by adding its own files to exclusion lists and used memory-only execution to avoid leaving traces on the hard drive.

Adobe's Firefly comes to iOS and Android | TechCrunch

Adobe has launched a Firefly app for iOS and Android, allowing mobile users to generate images and videos using Adobe’s models and third-party models like OpenAI’s, Google’s, and Flux’s.. The app supports features like image-to-video conversion, generative fill, and image expansion, similar to its redesigned Firefly web app.. Creative Cloud subscribers can start projects on mobile and continue them via web or desktop, with all work saved in the cloud.. Firefly now supports more third-party models including Kontext by Black Forest Labs, Ideogram 3.0, and Gen-4 Image by Runway.. Adobe’s Firefly Boards, the collaborative canvas, has been updated to support video generation, and Firefly has helped boost first-time subscribers by 30% quarter-over-quarter..

Facebook announces that all videos on its platform will soon be shared as reels | TechCrunch

Facebook will soon share all uploaded videos as Reels, removing the distinction between traditional video posts and Reels.. The “Video” tab on Facebook will be renamed to the “Reels” tab, although this won’t affect video recommendations.. Reels will no longer have length or format restrictions, even horizontal or long-form videos will be treated as Reels.. Users will go through a simplified publishing process and be able to control who sees their Reels by selecting audience settings.. While the update aims to streamline video sharing, it may frustrate users who prefer traditional horizontal or long-form videos separated from short-form content..

Meta is reportedly building AI smart glasses with Prada, too | TechCrunch

Meta is developing a new pair of AI smart glasses in collaboration with high-end fashion brand Prada, according to a CNBC report.. This marks Meta's expansion beyond its usual eyewear partner, EssilorLuxottica, though Prada has historically worked with them for eyewear production.. A public announcement or release date for the Prada smart glasses has not yet been confirmed.. Meta has already sold millions of Ray-Ban Meta AI smart glasses and is expanding partnerships with other brands.. Meta may also unveil Oakley-branded smart glasses (another EssilorLuxottica brand) soon, possibly priced around $360..

Threads is testing spoiler text, Zuckerberg says | TechCrunch

Threads, Meta’s microblogging app, is testing a spoiler text feature, announced by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.. Spoiler text or images appear grayed out and can be manually revealed by users to avoid unwanted spoilers.. The feature supports discussions around movies, shows, or books without ruining key plot details for others.. It also allows users to blur content that may not violate guidelines but could be sensitive or off-putting.. The feature is currently in testing and not available to all users; it’s enabled by highlighting content and selecting “mark spoiler.”.

WhatsApp is adding ads to the Status screen | TechCrunch

WhatsApp will soon begin displaying ads on the Status screen, similar to Instagram Stories ads.. Ads will appear after users view a few Status updates, using targeting signals like location, language, and followed channels.. Meta says it will not use private data like phone numbers, messages, or calls for ad targeting.. WhatsApp will also allow promotion of Channels in the discovery section and introduce paid subscriptions for exclusive Channel content.. These monetization features will roll out globally in the coming months, expanding WhatsApp’s revenue beyond Business tools and click-to-WhatsApp ads..

Instagram tests a reposts feature | TechCrunch

Instagram is testing a repost feature that allows users to reshare their own or others' posts directly to the Feed, not just to Stories.. The repost function could reduce reliance on third-party apps and unofficial workarounds currently used to reshare content.. While some users may feel overwhelmed by another content format, others may welcome the easier way to amplify interesting posts.. For creators, the feature may help improve content reach and ensure proper credit when their content is widely shared.. The repost feature aligns Instagram with other platforms like TikTok, Threads, and X (formerly Twitter), which already support post resharing..

Google Enhances Gemini Code Assist with New Features and Integration

Google has upgraded Gemini Code Assist with the Gemini 2.5 Pro AI model, improving code suggestions and understanding of user context.. The platform’s code generation, transformation, and review features (including GitHub integration) have been significantly enhanced.. Two new personalization tools have been added: Custom Commands for task shortcuts and Rules to enforce project-specific coding standards.. The chat interface now allows users to include entire folders, manage multiple sessions, and resume past chats with saved history.. Gemini Code Assist remains free for individual users, while offering an enterprise version with advanced capabilities..