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WhatsApp Creating Anti-Spoiler Function for Text Messages

### WhatsApp to Introduce ‘Spoiler’ as a Formatting Feature

Soon, users will have the capability to designate messages as spoilers, making their content not immediately accessible to recipients. Here are the specifics.

According to WABetaInfo, the newest TestFlight build of WhatsApp contains indications of a function that allows users to label messages as spoilers. WABetaInfo reports that this feature is currently in development and not available for beta testing yet, but it provides insights into its probable operation once released.

The report indicates that the spoiler formatting option will be located alongside other tools like Bold, Italic, and Strikethrough. When chosen, it will obscure the text with a gray bar that recipients will need to tap to view.

In terms of syntax, the Spoiler formatting option requires users to add two pipes to the chosen message or words, allowing them to simply input ||double pipes before and after|| the content they wish to conceal, instead of always needing to bring up the formatting pop-up.

Additionally, WABetaInfo notes that while the feature is still being developed for text content, there’s no indication if it will be compatible with other types of messages, such as images.

As is often the case with features found in beta versions of WhatsApp, it is challenging to pinpoint when this feature will be officially launched. Nonetheless, considering it is also being tested on WhatsApp’s Android beta, users are likely to see this feature implemented sooner rather than later.

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9to5Mac Daily: February 20, 2026 – Summary of iPhone’s Satellite Capabilities and Other Enhancements

**9to5Mac Daily: Your Daily Source for Apple News and Insights**

In the rapidly evolving realm of technology, being informed about the latest news is vital, particularly for Apple fans. 9to5Mac Daily acts as a key resource, offering listeners a summary of the day’s major stories. This podcast is accessible on multiple platforms such as iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, and via a dedicated RSS feed for those who choose alternative podcast applications.

### What is 9to5Mac Daily?

9to5Mac Daily is a daily podcast that focuses on the most important happenings within the Apple ecosystem. Each episode is recorded on weekdays, ensuring subscribers get prompt updates on news, product launches, software releases, and industry developments. The podcast is hosted by Chance, who brings valuable insights and analysis to the table, making it essential listening for anyone passionate about Apple products and services.

### How to Listen

Listeners can conveniently subscribe to 9to5Mac Daily through their chosen podcast platform. By subscribing, you ensure that the latest episodes are sent automatically as soon as they become available. The podcast also provides an ad-free experience and additional content for subscribers who choose the 9to5Mac Daily Plus option.

### Featured Content

Every episode includes conversations on a range of topics pertinent to Apple users. Recent episodes have discussed:

– Examination of new product launches
– Insights on software updates and features
– Conversations about industry trends and competitor actions

Listeners are encouraged to interact with the content by sharing their opinions via email or rating the podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Overcast. This interaction not only contributes to enhancing the show but also helps increase its audience reach.

### Special Offers

9to5Mac Daily is supported by Stuff, a productivity tool aimed at helping users manage their tasks and alleviate mental strain. New users can benefit from a special promotion by applying the code 9TO5 at checkout for a 50% discount on their first year.

### Conclusion

For individuals looking to remain updated on Apple and its ecosystem, 9to5Mac Daily is an indispensable resource. With its succinct format, engaging discussions, and ease of access, it is the ideal companion for your daily travels or while juggling tasks at home. Subscribe today to ensure you never miss an episode and stay ahead in the constantly changing world of technology.

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9to5Mac Daily: February 20, 2026 – Summary of iPhone's Satellite Capabilities and Other Enhancements
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Apple Researchers Develop On-Device AI Assistant for Application Engagement

**Ferret-UI Lite: A Milestone in On-Device GUI Engagement**

With only 3 billion parameters, Ferret-UI Lite either matches or exceeds the benchmark performance of models that are up to 24 times larger. Here are the specifics.

### A Brief Background on Ferret

In December 2023, a group of 9 researchers released a paper titled “FERRET: Refer and Ground Anything Anywhere at Any Granularity.” Within it, they introduced a multimodal large language model (MLLM) capable of comprehending natural language references to specific components of an image. Since then, Apple has published subsequent papers that broaden the Ferret model family, including Ferretv2, Ferret-UI, and Ferret-UI 2.

Ferret-UI variants particularly built upon the original FERRET functionalities, remedying the limitations of general-domain MLLMs. The foundational Ferret-UI paper underscored that despite significant progress in MLLMs, they frequently have difficulty effectively understanding and interacting with user interface (UI) displays. Ferret-UI was created to better interpret mobile UI screens, including “any resolution” to enhance details and utilize advanced visual features.

### Ferret-UI Lite

Recently, Apple enriched the Ferret-UI lineup with a paper titled “Ferret-UI Lite: Insights from Developing Compact On-Device GUI Agents.” Ferret-UI was founded on a 13B-parameter model aimed at mobile UI comprehension and fixed-resolution screenshots. In contrast, Ferret-UI Lite is a streamlined model crafted to operate on-device while competing with much larger GUI agents.

The researchers observed that traditional GUI agent methodologies often depend on extensive foundation models because of their robust reasoning and planning abilities. However, these models are usually too substantial and resource-intensive for effective on-device functionality. Consequently, they created Ferret-UI Lite, a variant with 3 billion parameters, comprising crucial elements driven by insights on training compact language models.

Ferret-UI Lite harnesses:

– Authentic and synthetic training datasets from various GUI sectors.
– On-the-fly cropping and zooming techniques to enhance understanding of specific GUI segments.
– Supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning strategies.

The outcome is a model that either closely resembles or even surpasses rival GUI agent models that possess up to 24 times its parameter count.

### Innovative Techniques

The infrastructure of Ferret-UI Lite encompasses real-time cropping and zooming methods. The model makes an initial prediction, crops around that prediction, and subsequently re-predicts within the cropped area, compensating for its restricted capacity to process extensive numbers of image tokens.

Another significant advancement is the capability to generate its own training data. The researchers established a multi-agent system that directly interacts with live GUI platforms to create synthetic training examples on a large scale. This system captures the nuances of real-world interaction, including mistakes and unforeseen states, which are hard to replicate with pristine, human-annotated data.

Notably, while Ferret-UI and Ferret-UI 2 evaluated themselves with iPhone screenshots and other Apple interfaces, Ferret-UI Lite was trained and assessed in Android, web, and desktop GUI settings, employing benchmarks such as AndroidWorld and OSWorld. This decision likely mirrors the accessibility of reproducible, large-scale GUI-agent test scenarios.

### Performance and Applications

The researchers discovered that although Ferret-UI Lite excelled in short-horizon, low-complexity tasks, it did not perform as robustly in more intricate, multi-step interactions, a trade-off anticipated due to the limitations of a compact, on-device model. However, Ferret-UI Lite provides a local and private agent capable of autonomously interacting with app interfaces based on user demand, thereby enhancing user experience without relying on cloud processing.

To explore further about the study, including detailed benchmark analyses and outcomes, follow this link.

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Four Obstacles NASA’s Artemis II Needs to Overcome Prior to Launch

returning to the moon after more than five decades has many thrilled about the possibility of Artemis II finally launching and heading towards the stars. Yet, as the date approaches for the upcoming lunar mission, numerous individuals are becoming increasingly worried about several aspects related to Artemis II and its primary vehicle, the Orion capsule.

There is no doubt that the launch of Artemis II is significant for NASA and all of humanity. While it’s exciting to think about what the mission will achieve, it is equally vital that every issue is addressed in a cautious and secure manner to ensure the astronauts’ safe return home. Although some of these concerns also affected the Artemis I mission, others have emerged more recently, further casting a shadow on the potential safety of Artemis II.

Indeed, NASA has already experienced several challenges delaying the launch of Artemis II. The agency still aims to launch the rocket around March. However, it must resolve these challenges to proceed with a successful launch and guarantee the safety of the four astronauts on board. These complications, alongside the overall expenses of the Artemis program, have led some to speculate that humanity’s return to the moon might already be jeopardized.

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Four Obstacles NASA's Artemis II Needs to Overcome Prior to Launch
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Survey Uncovers Surprising Preferred AI Chatbot Among Users

In a recent survey carried out by Android Central, Microsoft’s Copilot stood out as the leading preference for AI chatbots, outpacing well-known alternatives such as Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The survey, which collected over 1,600 responses, indicated that 61% of respondents preferred Copilot, mainly due to its integration with Microsoft Office and its dependability in providing consistent answers without “hallucinating” or “gaslighting” users. Gemini took the second position with 17% of the votes, whereas ChatGPT received a mere 8%.

The survey points to a preference among users for AI chatbots that blend effortlessly into their current workflows, with Copilot being lauded for its human-like engagement and research skills. Despite its popularity, some individuals still depend on ChatGPT for routine tasks, while others appreciate Gemini’s image generation features, although they find them somewhat limited in practical application.

Feedback from users such as Agonist87 and James Lawson highlights Copilot’s stability and efficiency, especially in professional environments. Conversely, users like Vince Lupe and Randall Uyeno reflect a rising tendency to use multiple AI chatbots for various tasks, signaling a move towards a more varied strategy in utilizing AI technologies.

In summary, the survey findings imply that while Copilot currently excels in user preference, the realm of AI chatbots continues to evolve, with users investigating diverse options to cater to their distinct requirements.

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Tesla Model Y’s Juniper Function Could Result in Traffic Stops

In 2025, Tesla introduced its latest Model Y, known as “Juniper,” in the United States. In comparison to the 2024 Model Y, this updated version of Tesla’s top-selling electric vehicle features a more contemporary, Cybertruck-inspired aesthetic, a quieter cabin, new tires, enhanced connectivity, and improved touchscreen functionalities. Nevertheless, it is the redesigned rear section of the Juniper that could lead to a traffic stop.

In January 2026, TeslaOracle reported that a Juniper owner was stopped by an officer in Indiana, who suspected that the EV’s taillights were not illuminated. The latest Model Y’s reimagined taillights are undeniably unconventional, showcasing an elongated light bar that reflects light instead of the more traditional taillights seen on the 2024 Model Y, or the outward-facing LED strip available with the modified Cyberstream taillight upgrade. Below, we analyze the differences between the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillights and its predecessor, and, crucially, how Tesla has assured that its EV complies with U.S. regulatory standards.

What distinguishes the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillight design?

In a segment of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla designer Franz von Holzhausen explained that the Model Y Juniper includes “an indirect running light” at the rear. This implies that there is no direct emission from this light bar. Instead, the illuminated bar is situated higher, with the red light it produces being reflected downward onto a more visible, custom-textured strip at the back. What is visible from behind the vehicle is this soft, reflected light. Von Holzhausen characterized this design as a “first in the industry.”

This represents a notable departure from the earlier Model Y, which featured more traditional taillights: Clear LED lights installed on either side of the vehicle’s rear, along with the brake and turn signals. The Model Y Juniper retains separate turn signals and C-shaped brake lights, along with an additional brake light in its backscreen window. However, these additional rear lights lack the distinctiveness present in the 2024 Model Y, as the reflective width-length bar integrates with them on either side — potentially causing confusion for the officer in Indiana.

How the Tesla Model Y Juniper’s taillight design adheres to regulations

Ultimately, Tesla would be unable to offer the Model Y Juniper in the U.S. unless its design complies with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 108. This regulation addresses the photometric and visibility standards (including color, intensity, and placement) for lamps, reflective devices, and related equipment.

According to Tesla engineer Lars Moravy, although there are federal standards for rear lights, the manufacturer’s innovative design fulfills this requirement because “the regulation specifies how many lumens are emitted from the surface, but it does not specify what type of surface is necessary.”

FMVSS No. 108’s stipulations are quite comprehensive, but the Standard mandates that a passenger vehicle’s taillights must be “steady burning” red and should activate concurrently with the vehicle’s headlamps or parking lights. The minimum and maximum candela (not lumen) requirements for light intensity of taillights are a bit more intricate, varying by angle. For instance, at an 80-degree outboard corner point, a vehicle’s taillight should achieve a minimum luminous intensity of 0.5.

Tesla would have needed to conduct goniophotometer tests (used to assess light intensity) to confirm that the electric SUV’s design is in accordance with the luminous intensity requirements for these angles to sell the vehicle in the U.S. — although requirements and regulations may differ in other countries.

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Strava Unveils Five Fresh Activity Styles, Including Dancing

The activity-tracking platform Strava is introducing a fresh set of activity categories, encompassing several that have been highly requested by its user community. Here’s what’s updated.

Strava is incorporating five new activity types into its platform, which include:

– Basketball
– Cricket
– Dance
– Padel
– Volleyball

This enhancement is designed to offer its “180M+ global users more precise methods to document the activities they already enjoy.” Until now, users engaged in any of these five activities had to categorize them under the all-encompassing “Workout” option, but they will now be able to monitor their performance with greater accuracy, in addition to the more than 50 sports types that are already available.

Strava emphasizes that padel is a particularly significant inclusion due to its swift worldwide expansion, boasting around 30 million amateur players. The company also mentioned that it intends to introduce more sports and activities in the future, though specific information regarding which or the timeline for their release has not been disclosed.

Are you a Strava user? Did you notice any of the new categories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Strava Unveils Five Fresh Activity Styles, Including Dancing
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Web Scraper Sued by Google Alleges Google Scrapes the Web

SerpApi, a company that offers tools to scrape content on the web, is fighting back against Google’s copyright lawsuit that accuses it of vacuuming up search results “at an astonishing scale.” In a motion to dismiss filed on Friday, SerpApi argues that Google doesn’t hold a copyright on its search results, alleging that the engine […]

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AI Demands More Energy, Trump Makes Coal Plants Dirtier

The Trump administration just tossed out Biden-era restrictions on mercury and other toxic pollutants from power plants. It’s repealing Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) just as electricity demand in the US ticks up with the buildout of new AI data centers. Those standards are particularly impactful when it comes to pollution from coal plants […]

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