The app lets users share disappearing photos with their friends that can be viewed only once and remain available for 24 hours.
Sierra, owned by Bret Taylor, acquires YC-backed AI startup Fragment
Sierra, the AI customer service agent startup founded by technologist Bret Taylor, announced today that it has acquired the YC-backed French startup Fragment.
Meta Announces 10% Staff Reductions
Meta is planning to layoff around 10 percent of employees in May, according to a memo from the company’s chief people officer, Janelle Gale, published by Bloomberg. That means approximately 8,000 people will see their jobs cut. Meta will also be closing around 6,000 open roles, according to Gale. The cuts follow Meta’s significant investments […]
TikTok Trials AI Remix Feature: Explanation and Opt-Out Guide
TikTok is quietly testing a new meme-making AI feature â and opting users in without asking.
Apple Unveils 7 New Features for iPhone, Featuring an iMessage Application
**Apple Invites Now Features an iMessage App: A Detailed Look at Version 1.8**
Apple has launched the second new iteration of its digital invitation service, Apple Invites, within a span of just two months, bringing in a total of seven new functionalities designed to improve user engagement. This recent update, version 1.8, is especially important for iCloud+ subscribers, as it introduces a new iMessage app that enables users to share invitations directly through the Messages app.
### Highlighted Features of Apple Invites Version 1.8
1. **iMessage App Integration**: A key highlight of this update is the addition of an iMessage app. Users can now share current invitations without having to exit the Messages app, simplifying the invitation process.
2. **Image Playground Themes**: The update presents new themes in the Image Playground, enabling hosts to craft unique images that mirror the theme of their occasion. This feature boosts the aesthetic appeal of invitations.
3. **Manual Guest List Editing**: Hosts are now empowered to manually modify their guest list. This feature includes the ability to update guest responses and change the number of additional attendees, allowing for more flexibility in invitation management.
4. **All Events Dashboard View**: A new consolidated All Events view in the dashboard allows users to effortlessly browse through both upcoming and previous events in one place, enhancing overall user experience.
5. **Invite Card Sharing**: Hosts can now share or download their invitation card image, making it simpler to promote events across social media channels.
6. **Apple Music Shared Playlist Tile**: The Apple Music integration has been improved with customized playlist recommendations based on users’ listening habits. This feature also encompasses more searchable playlists, aiding hosts in curating the perfect event soundtrack.
7. **Timezone Specification**: To prevent any miscommunication regarding event schedules, hosts can now specify the timezone for their events, assuring that all guests know when to join.
### Additional Enhancements
In addition to these new features, Apple has implemented several bug fixes and performance updates to guarantee a more seamless user experience.
### Background on Apple Invites
Apple Invites was introduced as an iCloud+ feature in February 2025, and although it is exclusive to iPhone, it has undergone continuous improvements and updates throughout the year. The previous update in March added a countdown function for upcoming events, further boosting the app’s capabilities.
### Availability
Apple Invites for iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store. While creating a digital invitation necessitates an iCloud+ subscription, anyone can respond to invitations sent via the app.
In summary, the latest version of Apple Invites not only enriches the user experience with its new features but also highlights Apple’s dedication to enhancing its digital services for planning and managing events.
Concluding Compensation through Rewards and Linked Account Assistance in Apple Pay: Essential Updates
Discover is informing its cardholders about forthcoming adjustments to the functionality of its cards with Apple Pay, which will be implemented on June 4. The company will phase out two features: the Connected Account integration and the Pay with Rewards option within Apple Pay.
Even with these modifications, Discover guarantees users that the fundamental Apple Pay experience will stay unchanged. Cardholders will continue to utilize their Discover cards for in-store and online transactions through Apple Pay as they typically would. However, the option to use rewards points to offset purchases at checkout via Apple Pay will be discontinued, and users will no longer have access to view account details and rewards information within the Wallet app through the Connected Account feature.
Discover highlights that cardholders can still oversee their account details, rewards, balances, transactions, and payment information via Discover.com, the Discover mobile app, or their monthly statements.
The choice to eliminate the Connected Account feature is made less than three years after its launch in the U.S. with iOS 17.1, where Discover was the first partner to introduce the feature. This feature initially experienced a soft launch in the UK with several prominent banks.
In the message sent to cardholders, Discover indicated that the termination of enrollment in both the Connected Account and Pay with Rewards features will take place automatically and will not influence other terms of the cardholders’ Discover accounts and agreements.
Introducing Noscroll: An AI Bot That Doomscrolls on Your Behalf
Noscroll wants to cure doomscrolling with an AI bot that reads the internet for you.
Google’s Forthcoming Android Showcase Debuts Soon With High Expectations
Google is preparing for what it calls the “largest year for Android to date,” laying the groundwork with a series of events and updates aimed at transforming the Android ecosystem. The tech powerhouse is reportedly hinting at its forthcoming Android Show, which will take place before the highly awaited I/O 2026 conference. This show is slated to begin on May 12, 2026, at 10 am PT, providing a first look at the future of Android.
The Android Show is anticipated to disclose consumer-focused updates and insights, positioning itself as a precursor to the main I/O event. The teaser, which was available on YouTube for a short time, hinted at major announcements, claiming, “This is set to be one of the biggest years for Android yet.” This aligns with Google’s plan to generate buzz and enthusiasm around its latest innovations.
As we anticipate I/O 2026, scheduled for May 19-20, Google is ready to unveil critical information about Android 17, its AI advancements, and significant updates to Chrome. The Android Show acts as a platform for Google to showcase its software advancements, providing a preview of the improvements and features that will be available to users shortly.
Last year’s Android Show offered insights into Material 3 Expressive and the growth of Gemini’s capabilities, such as scam detection. This year, expectations are elevated for similar groundbreaking announcements, possibly including UI redesigns and new features for Gemini.
Google’s strategy of conducting the Android Show one week prior to I/O enables it to concentrate on software innovations, paving the way for more comprehensive hardware and ecosystem announcements at the primary event. As the tech community eagerly anticipates these updates, Google’s strategic teasers and announcements are effectively heightening excitement for what is expected to be a revolutionary year for Android.
Microsoft’s New Xbox Chief Is ‘Reevaluating’ Exclusive Games
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma held an all-hands meeting this morning and laid out her strategy for a “return of Xbox” with employees. While rebranding Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox was part of the agenda, Sharma also revealed that Xbox is looking into “reevaluating” Xbox exclusive games and windowed releases of titles. It’s a hot topic […]
‘We Are Xbox’: Read the Memo Defining Microsoft’s Gaming Future
Microsoft’s new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has laid out a new strategy for what she describes as a “return of Xbox.” In a joint memo with Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty, Sharma and Booty lay out their vision for the future of Xbox that will be judged on daily active players and the priorities […]
