Tech Trends 📰

Cursor launches a web app to manage AI coding agents | TechCrunch

Cursor has launched a web app that lets users manage AI coding agents directly from their browser on desktop or mobile.. Users can assign coding tasks (like writing features or fixing bugs) using natural language and monitor progress or merge completed changes.. This follows earlier launches of Cursor’s background agents and a Slack integration, making it easier to delegate tasks via @Cursor.. Cursor is used by over half of the Fortune 500, has reached $500M in annual recurring revenue, and now offers a $200/month Pro tier.. The web app is available to all paying customers with agent access (excluding free tier users) and is part of Cursor’s plan to expand its usefulness beyond just an IDE..

AI breakthrough helps detect hidden apps on smartphones | The Express Tribune

Australian researchers have developed a new AI method that can detect hidden "vault" apps on Android phones with up to 98% accuracy.. Vault apps hide files, messages, or even other apps using encryption and often look like normal apps, making them hard to spot.. The new technique uses machine learning and doesn't need a list of known apps to find them, unlike current tools.. This could help police and investigators uncover illegal or suspicious content hidden on smartphones.. Researchers plan to test more AI models, expand their data, and apply the method to non-Android devices in the future..

Apple updates the rules for its EU App Store by adding more complicated fees | TechCrunch

Apple has updated its EU App Store rules to comply with the Digital Markets Act to avoid more fines after already being penalized €500 million.. Developers in the EU can now include external payment links in apps, websites, or web views without needing to follow Apple's previous restrictions.. Apple replaced its Core Technology Fee with a more layered fee system that includes an initial acquisition fee of 2% and a store services fee of either 13% or 5%, depending on the selected tier.. A new 5% Core Technology Commission will apply to developers using external payment links, and this will fully replace the previous install-based fee by January 2026.. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney criticized the move, calling it an unlawful attempt to undermine fair competition and avoid meaningful compliance..

Google launches Doppl, a new app that lets you visualize how an outfit might look on you

Google has launched a new experimental app called Doppl that allows users to visualize how different outfits would look on them using AI.. Users upload a full-body photo of themselves and can then try on outfits virtually by using images or screenshots of clothing they find online or in-person.. The app creates an AI-generated image of the user wearing the selected outfit and can even generate short videos to show how the clothing might look in motion.. Doppl builds on Google Shopping’s virtual try-on tools but focuses on animating the clothes onto the user’s own body instead of generic models.. Currently available in the U.S. on iOS and Android, Doppl is a Google Labs experiment and may have limitations in accurately showing fit and clothing details..

Microsoft brings OpenTelemetry support to Azure Logic Apps & Functions

Microsoft has added OpenTelemetry support to Azure Logic Apps (Standard and Hybrid) and Azure Functions, now available in public preview.. OpenTelemetry standardizes collection of logs, traces, and metrics, enabling seamless observability across tools like Azure Monitor, Grafana Tempo, and Jaeger.. Developers can enable OpenTelemetry by updating the host.json file and setting environment variables like OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_ENDPOINT and OTEL_EXPORTER_OTLP_HEADERS.. This update aligns with Microsoft’s broader strategy to build OpenTelemetry into Azure Monitor, Azure SDKs, and tools like .NET Aspire for unified observability.. Current support includes HTTP, Service Bus, and Event Hub triggers in Logic Apps; Azure Functions support is limited and lacks portal-based log streaming in preview..

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..

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 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..