Tech Trends 📰

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..

Elon Musk's X sees partial recovery after outage hits US users, Downdetector shows

Social media platform X experienced a major outage in the U.S., with over 10,000 user reports at its peak.. The issue began to recover by Saturday evening, with reports dropping to around 1,041, according to Downdetector.. Elon Musk acknowledged the need for major operational improvements following recent uptime issues.. Musk is focusing on X, xAI, Tesla, and Starship, working around the clock and sleeping at work sites.. X did not respond to Reuters’ request for comment, and a similar outage in March was blamed on a cyberattack..

Microsoft accidentally swapped Windows 11’s startup sound with Vista’s

Microsoft accidentally replaced the Windows 11 startup sound with the Windows Vista chime in a test build.. The issue appeared in Windows 11 Dev Channel preview build 26200.5651.. The incorrect sound came from the imageres.dll file.. Microsoft acknowledged the bug and said a fix is coming soon.. A team member joked about it online, calling it a “blast from the past.”.

Google is shutting down Android Instant Apps over ‘low’ usage

Google is shutting down Android Instant Apps in December 2025 due to low usage.. Instant Apps, launched in 2017, allowed users to try apps without installing them.. Developers could use this feature to give users instant access via a link, offering a demo-like experience.. The shutdown was first spotted in Android Studio, showing that Google Play Instant APIs will stop working.. Google confirmed the removal is because developers are now using other tools like AI-powered app highlights..

Snapchat adds new features for creators, including an easier way to edit videos | TechCrunch

Snapchat launched a new Timeline Editor to help creators easily trim, move, and rearrange video clips.. Creators can now turn saved Memories into videos using music and templates with a “Create a Video” feature.. Public Stories can be auto-saved to profiles, allowing followers to rewatch them anytime.. Snapchat added better analytics, showing views, viewer return rates, and traffic sources.. These updates make it easier for creators to make and manage content directly on Snapchat..

Your iPad is your new computer | TechCrunch

Apple’s iPadOS 26 brings major updates that make the iPad feel more like a true computer.. A new windowing system lets you view and tile multiple open windows, replacing Split View and Slide Over.. The Preview app now lets you edit PDFs with AutoFill and Apple Pencil support.. New features like local video call recording and high-performance background tasks help creators and professionals work better on iPad.. iPad apps now have menu bars, making it easier to access commands..

Meta's V-JEPA 2 model teaches AI to understand its surroundings | TechCrunch

Meta introduced V-JEPA 2, an upgraded AI “world model” that helps machines understand and predict physical actions.. It builds on last year’s V-JEPA, which was trained on over 1 million hours of video.. V-JEPA 2 enables AI to make common-sense predictions about physical tasks, like moving eggs with a spatula.. Meta claims it’s 30x faster than Nvidia’s Cosmos model in processing predictions.. The model aims to improve robotics by reducing the need for huge amounts of real-world training data..

The Browser Company launches its AI-first browser, Dia, in beta | TechCrunch

The Browser Company launched Dia, an AI-first browser now in beta (invite only).. Dia replaces the Arc browser, aiming for wider adoption with a simpler, AI-powered interface.. Its AI chatbot is built into the address bar and can search, summarize files, and write drafts from open tabs.. Features include tone customization, opt-in browsing history context, and “Skills” — AI-powered mini-code snippets.. Dia is Chromium-based and enters a space where other browsers like Opera and Chrome also embed AI tools..

A big list of the small and hidden features in iOS 26 | TechCrunch

Apple launched iOS 26 with a new “Liquid Glass” design and unified OS version numbering.. Small but useful upgrades include custom alarm snoozes, new Safari gestures, and AI in Shortcuts.. The Phone app adds call filters, SIM-based focus modes, and a better call interface.. The battery menu now offers smarter insights, adaptive power mode, and per-app usage data.. Reminders, Apple Music, Camera, and language features get convenient updates to enhance usability..

Google’s AI search features are killing traffic to publishers | TechCrunch

Google’s AI Overviews and chatbots are reducing traffic to news websites.. Users get answers directly from AI, so they click fewer links to publishers.. The New York Times' search traffic dropped from 44% to 36.5% in three years.. Some publishers are now making deals with AI firms to earn revenue.. Publishers say the industry must quickly adapt its business model to survive..