Claude users can access more apps with Anthropic’s AI now thanks to new connectors for everything from hiking to grocery shopping. Anthropic already supported connecting numerous work-related apps to Claude, like Microsoft apps, but this expansion focuses on personal apps like Audible, Spotify, Uber, AllTrails, TripAdvisor, Instacart, TurboTax, and others. Some of these apps, such […]
US Arrests Soldier Accused of Making $400k on Maduro Polymarket Bets
We knew someone made over $400,000 on suspicious Polymarket bets around the US operation to capture Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro, but now we have a name: Gannon Ken Van Dyke. The US Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced Thursday that Van Dyke is in custody, on several charges, including using confidential government […]
Apple Collaborates with Other Firms in Resistance to Suggested Modifications in Clean Energy Reporting Standards
A coalition of 66 businesses and industry groups, featuring prominent names such as Apple, Amazon, BYD, eBay, Luxshare, and Salesforce, has expressed their opposition to the suggested modifications to corporate emissions reporting regulations. This effort is part of a review process spearheaded by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), which establishes a framework for measuring and documenting emissions.
The emphasis of the suggested modifications centers on Scope 2 guidance, which relates to how businesses account for the electricity they acquire and utilize. As it stands, companies can align their electricity consumption with clean energy on a yearly basis, often using renewable energy certificates (RECs) that correspond to energy generated in the same calendar year.
The proposal from the GHGP aims to improve the precision of emissions reporting by mandating that organizations synchronize their electricity usage with clean energy on an hourly basis and from sources located within the same grid or regions that can deliver that energy. This adjustment intends to ensure that firms only account for clean energy that could feasibly have powered their activities.
Nonetheless, the group of companies contends that these more stringent stipulations should be voluntary rather than obligatory. They argue that enforcing these new regulations could weaken engagement in voluntary clean energy initiatives and hinder investments in emerging projects. The coalition highlights the necessity of getting this revision correct to foster climate advancement without hindering essential electricity decarbonization investments.
The businesses call on the GHGP to refine the existing guidance while making sure that the amended regulations promote clean energy acquisition and corporate initiatives, instead of inadvertently dissuading them. For further information, the complete public statement against the GHGP’s revisions to Scope 2 guidance can be found through the linked resources.
Brendan Carr’s War on Wokeness Targets Inclusive Children’s Television
Under the guidance of consummate bully / chairman Brendan Carr, the FCC is taking steps towards cracking down on children’s entertainment that in any way explores the complexities of gender identity. On Wednesday, the FCC’s Media Bureau announced that it is soliciting comments from the public about whether the TV ratings system has made sound […]
Instagram Tests a New ‘Instants’ App for Sharing Disappearing Photos
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.
