Author: Richard

**Musk Critiques ‘Excessive Power Concentration for Google’ Following Apple Alliance**

In a notable turn of events in the tech landscape, Apple has revealed a multi-year collaboration with Google, whereby Google’s Gemini will enhance new capabilities for Siri and the Apple Foundation Model. This partnership has elicited responses, notably from Elon Musk, who utilized the social media platform X to voice his apprehensions.

Musk’s Response

In the wake of the announcement, Musk denounced the alliance, describing it as “an excessive concentration of power” for Google. He pointed out the ramifications of Google’s supremacy, emphasizing that the tech giant already dominates significant platforms such as Android and Chrome. His remarks echo wider anxieties over the accumulation of power within a handful of tech powerhouses and its potential repercussions on competition.

Legal Complications

Musk’s condemnation arises as his company, xAI, is caught up in legal disputes with Apple and OpenAI. The lawsuit claims that the collaboration between Apple and OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence features undermines competition. Musk argues that this alliance hampers other AI firms, including his own Grok, from establishing a fair presence in the App Store.

Although the claims have largely been dismissed, the lawsuit is poised to continue after withstanding attempts to dismiss it by both Apple and OpenAI. Musk has previously asserted that Apple’s actions amount to an antitrust breach, claiming that the company is making it exceedingly difficult for any AI application other than OpenAI’s to ascend to the top of the App Store rankings.

Future Considerations

Musk’s remarks have incited speculation regarding possible future actions from xAI, including the idea of launching a mobile device, a notion Musk has alluded to previously. Some analysts interpret his comments as a cautionary signal, insinuating that he might attempt to challenge the Apple-Google alliance through legal avenues, akin to his current lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI.

Controversies Involving xAI

Compounding the intricacies of the situation, xAI has encountered international backlash and regulatory investigation due to the inappropriate use of its Grok chatbot, which has been linked to producing non-consensual and unsuitable material. This has resulted in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia prohibiting the app, instigating inquiries and demands for its removal from the App Store.

Conclusion

As the tech environment continues to transform, Musk’s response to the Apple-Google collaboration raises crucial inquiries regarding competition, power structure, and regulatory scrutiny in the AI domain. The results of Musk’s legal disputes and the future trajectory of xAI will be closely monitored as the industry grapples with these intricate matters.

The newest WhatsApp TestFlight build has brought a major improvement to the user experience with the incorporation of sticker suggestions. This feature simplifies the task of finding and sending stickers, making it easier for users to convey their thoughts in chats.

According to WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.1.10.72 features a sticker suggestion tool akin to the one previously launched for Android users. This functionality is intended to propose relevant stickers as users draft their messages, thus minimizing the necessity to sift through the sticker panel by hand.

This feature operates alongside the message composer. When a user inputs an emoji linked to specific stickers, a small sticker icon pops up next to the send button in the input area. Tapping this icon allows users to browse a collection of stickers and GIFs relevant to the emoji just typed. Moreover, a “Show more results” button enables users to expand their choices without exiting the chat, enriching the overall messaging experience.

WABetaInfo mentions that the sticker suggestions are founded on preset emoji associations tied to stickers when they are created. Thus, the feature’s effectiveness hinges on the metadata provided by sticker makers. Stickers with these associations qualify to be suggested, ensuring that the results are both pertinent and contextually fitting. This system is especially advantageous for users possessing multiple sticker packs, helping WhatsApp curate suggestions efficiently.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that the feature does not currently accommodate stickers created using WhatsApp’s built-in sticker creator, as this tool does not facilitate emoji associations. This limitation could be adjusted before the feature’s formal launch, possibly expanding the array of stickers available for suggestions.

In conclusion, the implementation of sticker suggestions in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS signifies a significant enhancement in the app’s capabilities, enabling a smoother and more interactive messaging experience. As users keep expressing themselves through stickers, this feature is set to improve communication by offering timely and relevant visual replies.

The Chrome Platform Status blog has verified that Chrome 150 will be the final version that supports macOS 12. Here’s the implication of that.

## This signifies no security updates, as well

From [Chrome Platform Status](https://chromestatus.com/feature/5077742779498496):

> Chrome 150 will be the final version compatible with macOS 12; Chrome 151 and later versions will not support macOS 12, which is beyond its support period with Apple. Operating on a supported OS is critical for maintaining security.

The article clarifies that while Chrome 150 will still function on Macs utilizing macOS 12 Monterey, it will show a warning infobar, as it “will not receive any further updates.”

This indicates that, apart from lacking new features, these Macs will also be devoid of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and, most crucially, security updates for [Google Chrome](https://9to5mac.com/guides/google-chrome/), putting users at increased risk of attacks.

Therefore, if you are a Chrome user still on macOS 12 Monterey, take heed: later this year, you will need to either upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura or a later version, or change browsers.

As for when this will take place, it remains uncertain.

Google has not provided a definitive timeline, but Chrome generally receives updates every 4 weeks for major releases. With the current stable version at 143, version 151 is likely to be released in roughly 32 weeks, around mid-to-late August.

Are you still on macOS 12 Monterey? Share your thoughts in the comments.

# iOS 26: Thrilling New Group Chat Features in Messages

iOS 26 brings a variety of upgrades for iPhone users, especially within the Messages app. Below are five significant new features that improve group chat interactions.

## 1. Typing Indicators

Typing indicators have been a fundamental part of iMessage for individual conversations. With iOS 26, this capability is now extended to group chats. Users can observe when others are composing messages, making discussions more dynamic and engaging.

## 2. Polls

The new Polls feature enables users to swiftly collect feedback from group members. Available through the ‘+’ button in the lower-left section of Messages, users can create polls to assess availability, meal choices, and more. For those utilizing Apple Intelligence, poll suggestions will pop up above the keyboard, simplifying the process.

## 3. Apple Cash for Groups

Apple Cash, which facilitates secure payments among Apple users, is now integrated into group chats. Once exclusive to one-on-one messaging, this feature allows users to conveniently send and request payments in group situations, such as sharing costs after outings or during group travels.

## 4. Backgrounds

To personalize group chats, iOS 26 offers customizable backgrounds. Users can press the group icon at the top of the chat to access the Backgrounds area, where they can select from pre-existing options or upload their own photos. Any chosen background will be visible to all group participants, enhancing the aesthetic of the chat.

## 5. Adding Contacts from Groups

iOS 26 streamlines the way users can add unknown numbers from group chats to their personal contacts. By selecting the group icon, users can see all current members and can easily add anyone not already in their contacts with the new ‘Add to Contacts’ feature, making it simple to keep new connections.

These fresh features in iOS 26 are designed to boost communication and interaction within group chats, making them more enjoyable and effective for users.