Tech Trends 📰

Mistral releases a pair of AI reasoning models | TechCrunch

Mistral has launched its first reasoning AI model family called Magistral.. It includes two versions: Magistral Small (24B parameters, open-source) and Magistral Medium (available via Le Chat and API).. These models focus on step-by-step logic for tasks in math, physics, and decision-making.. Magistral Medium underperforms compared to competitors like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Claude Opus 4 in benchmarks.. Despite that, it delivers faster responses and supports multiple languages, and is built for enterprise use..

Threads is finally getting a DM inbox | TechCrunch

Threads is starting to test its own DM inbox, separate from Instagram.. The feature will first roll out in Hong Kong, Thailand, and Argentina.. Only one-on-one chats are supported for now, not group messages.. Meta made this move after users requested a built-in chat option.. Competitors like Bluesky and X have already launched DM features..

IBM aims for quantum computer in 2029, lays out road map for larger systems

IBM plans to have a practical quantum computer called "Starling" ready by 2029, with a larger system targeted for 2033, to be built at their Poughkeepsie, New York data center.. The Starling system will feature approximately 200 logical qubits, which IBM believes will be sufficient to demonstrate quantum advantage over classical computers for the first time.. IBM is competing with major tech giants including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, plus numerous well-funded startups in the race to develop practical quantum computers.. IBM changed its strategy in 2019, developing a new algorithm that significantly reduces qubits needed for error correction by designing methods around practically buildable chips.. IBM's quantum VP stated that major scientific challenges have been solved, and now it's primarily an engineering challenge rather than requiring scientific breakthroughs. RetryClaude can make mistakes. Please double-check responses..

Google fixes bug that could reveal users' private phone numbers | TechCrunch

A researcher found a bug that could reveal Google account recovery phone numbers.. The bug exploited Google’s account recovery system and bypassed rate limits.. The process could expose numbers in under 20 minutes using a script.. Google fixed the issue after being notified in April.. The researcher, brutecat, was awarded $5,000 by Google’s bug bounty program..

Anthropic's AI-generated blog dies an early death | TechCrunch

Anthropic shut down its AI-generated blog Claude Explains within a month.. The blog aimed to mix AI-generated tips with marketing goals.. Content was edited by humans but lacked clarity on how much was AI-written.. The blog received criticism for lack of transparency.. Over 24 websites linked to the blog before it was removed..

MongoDB close up 13% after company boosts guidance, cites confidence in cloud-based database service

MongoDB shares surged nearly 13% after the company beat earnings expectations and raised its annual forecast, reflecting strong confidence in its cloud-based services.. The company reported $549 million in revenue for the fiscal first quarter, up 22% year-over-year and exceeding analyst expectations of $528 million.. Adjusted earnings per share hit $1.00, far above the estimated 66 cents, driven by strong performance in the Atlas cloud database platform, which now makes up 72% of total revenue.. MongoDB raised its full-year outlook to between $2.25 billion and $2.29 billion in revenue, with adjusted earnings per share now expected between $2.94 and $3.12.. The company expanded its share repurchase program by $800 million, bringing the total buyback authorization to $1 billion..

This is how Microsoft is combining Windows and Xbox for handheld PCs

Microsoft introduced a new Xbox-focused full-screen experience that launches instead of the standard Windows desktop on ROG Xbox Ally devices, optimized specifically for gaming handhelds.. The handheld mode reduces background Windows processes, freeing up about 2GB of memory and cutting idle power draw by two-thirds, improving both speed and battery life.. The updated Xbox app now aggregates games from Steam, Epic, Xbox, and more, while the revamped Game Bar allows quick access to device settings, a new task switcher, and Microsoft's Gaming Copilot.. Players can navigate the entire interface using a controller, including the lockscreen and multitasking, with options like PIN login via controller.. The Xbox full-screen experience will first roll out to ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, and will later expand to other Windows handhelds starting in 2026, marking a broader push to rival SteamOS in handheld gaming..

WhatsApp introduces controls for media download quality

WhatsApp now allows users to choose between "standard quality" and "HD quality" for photo and video downloads.. The feature helps users manage data usage and device storage more efficiently.. It is currently available only to beta testers using WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.18.11.. Users can customize auto-download settings to match their data plans or network conditions.. The app sends both standard and HD versions of media, letting recipients download based on their chosen settings..

Meta found 'covertly tracking' Android users through Instagram and Facebook

Meta and Yandex have been found covertly tracking Android users through apps like Facebook, Instagram, and Yandex Maps. Researchers discovered the apps loaded hidden scripts to collect browser activity without user consent.. The tracking worked even in incognito mode and bypassed Android's security controls.. Google confirmed the behavior violated its privacy and security principles.. Meta paused the feature to work with Google, while Yandex denied collecting sensitive data..

Google Gemini can now handle scheduled tasks like an assistant

Google Gemini now supports scheduled tasks for AI Pro and Ultra subscribers. Users can ask Gemini to summarize their calendar daily or create content ideas on specific days. One-time tasks like event summaries can also be scheduled. Tasks can be managed in the “scheduled actions” page of the Gemini app. The feature brings Gemini closer to acting like a true digital assistant.

Amazon is reportedly training humanoid robots to deliver packages

Amazon is developing AI humanoid robots to deliver packages using Rivian electric vans. A training facility called a humanoid park has been built in San Francisco for testing. Robots will be trained to jump out of vans and drop packages at homes. Amazon has launched an agentic AI team to create robots that understand voice commands. Robots like Agility Robotics’ Digit and Unitree’s $16000 model will be part of the testing.

Reddit sues Anthropic, alleging its bots accessed Reddit more than 100,000 times since last July

Reddit sued Anthropic, claiming its bots accessed Reddit over 100,000 times since July 2024 despite Anthropic saying it had stopped.. Reddit accuses Anthropic of ignoring rules to exploit Reddit content for commercial gain worth potentially billions.. Reddit highlights its unique value as a platform of authentic human conversations important for training AI models like Claude.. Anthropic, backed by Amazon and creator of the Claude chatbot, faces multiple lawsuits for alleged copyright infringement from authors and music companies.. The case is part of a larger wave of lawsuits against AI companies over using copyrighted content without permission..