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Gemini’s Music Creator Debuts, Signifying a Landmark in Daily AI Advancement

The app’s latest Lyria 3 model creates high-quality, 30-second tracks featuring vocals and lyrics from straightforward text prompts or uploaded images.

What you need to know
– Gemini now produces 30-second songs with lyrics derived from text prompts or images.
– This feature is powered by Google’s Lyria 3 model, which manages lyrics, style adjustments, and delivers more realistic audio.
– Enter a prompt or upload an image/video, and Gemini transforms it into a song ready for sharing, complete with custom cover art.

The Gemini app has expanded past just text and images. As of today, it aims to compose your next song.

Gemini has introduced music generation in beta, utilizing Lyria 3, Google DeepMind’s latest generative music model. This allows you to quickly create a 30-second track with lyrics by simply providing a prompt or even a photograph.

Google states Lyria 3 enhances previous versions in three significant ways: it can automatically generate lyrics, allows for more precise control over style, vocals, and tempo, and creates tracks that sound more authentic and layered. In simple terms, you don’t need to be a songwriter. Just convey a vibe, like “a nostalgic afrobeat homage to my mom’s cooking” or “a quirky R&B tune about a lonely sock,” and you’ll receive a refined mini-track in return.

Photo or video to track
You may also upload a photo or video, and Gemini will convert that moment into a soundtrack with complementary lyrics. For instance, a hiking picture of your dog could evolve into a woodland anthem complete with lyrics. The system even generates custom cover art using Nano Banana, ensuring your track is ready to be shared directly from the app.

Since its debut, Gemini has incorporated additional creative tools, transitioning from images to video. Music is the next phase. Nonetheless, Google isn’t attempting to turn this into a Spotify alternative or a hit-making apparatus. The goal is to create an enjoyable method for integrating music into your everyday life without requiring complex software or needing to hire a producer.

There’s also something available for creators. Lyria 3 is on its way to Dream Track on YouTube Shorts, beginning in the U.S. and expanding globally. This means you can obtain improved, customizable backing tracks and lyrics for short videos, which is crucial since audio plays a significant role in engagement.

Naturally, AI music raises copyright issues. Google asserts Lyria 3 is developed with careful consideration of copyright and partner agreements, aimed at original expression rather than replication. If you refer to a specific artist, Gemini utilizes it as inspiration rather than a direct reference. There are filters in place to identify existing content, and users have the option to report potential infringements.

Each generated track incorporates SynthID, Google’s invisible watermark for recognizing AI-generated content. Gemini’s verification tools now extend to audio as well, allowing you to upload a file and inquire whether it was produced with Google AI. The system checks for SynthID and conducts its own analysis before providing a response.

Lyria 3 is now accessible in the Gemini app for users aged 18 and older, in various languages such as English, German, Spanish, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, and Portuguese. It is launching on desktop first, with mobile support coming soon. Google AI Plus, Pro, and Ultra subscribers enjoy higher usage limits.

Android Central’s Take
Personally, I find this to be one of the more practical AI enhancements we’ve encountered. Not because it will substitute musicians — it won’t — but due to its capability to reduce the barriers to creative expression in a way that feels fun rather than daunting. If you’ve ever desired a custom birthday song, a theme for your group chat, or a quirky track to share on Shorts, you can now obtain one in seconds. For users, this translates to creativity on demand, which is quite an enticing direction for AI to pursue.

“Novel Note-Taking Application Debuting on Android in April 2026”

Android users can now sign up for the Notability beta waitlist.

(Image credit: Brady Snyder / Android Central)

It’s well known that app makers tend to focus more on Apple platforms compared to Android or Windows. The number of iPhone-exclusive applications I wish were available on Android is limited, yet significant. If I had to choose just two iOS applications that I’m eager to have on my Android devices, the note-taking application Notability and the travel app Flighty would top my list. This gap will close in April, as Notability is set to release an Android version.

Recently, Notability underwent a substantial upgrade, bringing it closer to being a genuine cross-platform notes application. It now includes a web client, allowing users to access Notability notes from any web-enabled device, including Android smartphones. The web client encompasses all essential Notability features, like live recordings and transcripts, file uploads and edits, and markup tools. Thanks to the Notability Cloud sync functionality, notes produced in the iOS, iPadOS, or macOS applications will sync with the web client, and vice versa.

This represents the closest Notability has come to genuine Android support, but a dedicated version for the Google Play Store is on its way. The company announced last week in a press release that Notability will be available to Android beta testers in April 2026, offering an initial glimpse of the app’s user interface and features. Importantly, the forthcoming app is not simply an iOS

Apple Improves Subtitle Personalization Features on iPhone

### Improvements in Subtitles and Captions with iOS 26.4

The rising popularity of subtitles and captions in television series and films showcases an increasing need for accessibility and inclusiveness, particularly with the expansion of foreign language material and the difficulties of audio clarity in certain productions. Acknowledging this shift, Apple has rolled out notable enhancements to the subtitle experience in its built-in video player with the launch of iOS 26.4 for iPhone and iPad, alongside a comparable update for Apple TV via tvOS 26.4.

#### Revamped Subtitles Menu Design

A key highlight of the iOS 26.4 upgrade is the reimagined Subtitles menu within the built-in video player. In the past, users were restricted to turning subtitles on or off and choosing their desired language. The latest update presents a specific section for styling subtitles, enabling users to personalize their viewing experience in real-time while consuming content.

#### Personalization Options

This update brings various preset style choices for subtitles, including:
– **Classic**
– **Large Text**
– **Outline Text**
– **Transparent Background**

Besides these options, users now have the ability to craft custom styles by selecting their favorite font, size, and color. This adaptability not only boosts the visual charm of subtitles but also accommodates personal preferences and requirements, facilitating greater viewer engagement with the content.

#### Accessibility and Ease of Use

Prior to this update, these styling options were hidden within the Accessibility Settings, making them harder to access during typical viewing. With the new changes, users can conveniently modify subtitle styles on demand, raising awareness of the feature and offering a more user-friendly method to customize the viewing experience without disrupting the narrative flow of the show or film.

#### Cross-Platform Compatibility

The advancements made in iOS 26.4 are not confined to the native video player; they also apply to applications like Apple TV and Safari. Any third-party app that uses the native player will automatically receive these enhancements, ensuring a uniform experience across multiple platforms.

#### Launch Timeline

Currently, iOS 26.4 is in developer beta, with a public rollout expected in March or April. While Apple has yet to confirm a definitive schedule, the forthcoming update is set to greatly improve how users engage with subtitles and captions, making content more accessible and pleasurable for all.

To summarize, the upgrades in subtitle and caption capabilities in iOS 26.4 signify a meaningful advancement in enriching the viewing experience. By emphasizing personalization and accessibility, Apple is serving a varied audience and responding to the escalating demand for inclusive media consumption.

Federal Moratorium on TP-Link Routers Halted as Texas Prolongs Legal Dispute

**The TP-Link Router Security Warning: An Increasing Issue in the US**

Branded versions of TP-Link routers are provided to US consumers by more than 300 Internet Service Providers (ISPs), establishing them as the most commonly used Wi-Fi routers nationwide, present in millions of residences. This widespread use raises considerable security issues, especially after security experts at Microsoft uncovered that a hacking collective from China was taking advantage of vulnerabilities in these devices to carry out cyber offenses within the US.

### The TP-Link Router Security Warning

TP-Link routers account for roughly 65% of the US market. Numerous users may not even be aware they possess one in their household, as these routers frequently feature ISP branding. The concerning discoveries by security researchers suggested that a Chinese hacking organization was employing these routers as part of a broader network of compromised devices, believed to be functioning on behalf of the Chinese government.

A study released by Microsoft indicated that this hacking organization operated an extensive network primarily made up of TP-Link routers. This network has been utilized by various Chinese groups to target Western entities, including think tanks, government bodies, NGOs, and defense contractors. There were worries that these devices might have been sold at a loss to more effectively infiltrate the US market.

In light of these revelations, investigations were initiated by the Departments of Commerce, Defense, and Justice, leading to expectations that the devices would be prohibited from sale within the US. However, political factors reportedly caused the White House to delay these plans before a summit between former President Trump and China’s Xi Jinping.

### Texas Continues the Battle

In spite of the federal government’s lack of action, Texas has taken a position against TP-Link. The state’s Attorney General, Ken Paxton, declared a lawsuit against the router manufacturer for allegedly deceiving consumers regarding the security of its offerings and permitting access to American devices by Chinese hacking collectives. The inquiry into TP-Link commenced in October 2025, and in January of the following year, Texas Governor Greg Abbott forbade state employees from using TP-Link products.

TP-Link has refuted these accusations, emphasizing that the company is now US-owned and its products are assembled in Vietnam. Nevertheless, Texas officials contend that since many components are sourced from China, suppliers might be compelled to adhere to requests from Chinese intelligence agencies, potentially jeopardizing the security of the devices.

### Conclusion

The scenario revolving around TP-Link routers underscores significant apprehensions about cybersecurity and national security in the US. While some users might persist in depending on these devices because of their extensive availability, the potential dangers linked with their use cannot be ignored. For those seeking alternatives, substituting a TP-Link router with another model may offer a more secure solution.

New Launch Date Revealed for Postponed Apple TV Thriller Series

Apple TV has revealed the inclusion of a new show in its March release lineup: the postponed thriller “The Hunt,” which will debut following a plagiarism inquiry.

### The Hunt is Arriving on Apple TV After a Three-Month Delay

Last November, merely two weeks ahead of the French-language thriller series “The Hunt” set to launch on Apple TV, it was unexpectedly taken off the release schedule. Unlike the also-delayed series “The Savant,” which is still listed as part of Apple’s upcoming offerings, “The Hunt” was completely removed from Apple’s press site and YouTube.

The motive behind this abrupt removal was soon disclosed. Apple and its production associate Gaumont reportedly became aware of a plagiarism allegation related to the series. Fortunately, this matter has since been resolved. According to Deadline, Gaumont issued a statement clarifying that “The Hunt’s” launch was put on hold after it was found that the project, originally presented as an original piece, was rooted in an existing work, Douglas Fairbairn’s “Shoot.” Upon this discovery, Gaumont promptly took steps to identify the rights holders and secure the necessary permissions.

“The Hunt” is now scheduled to premiere on Apple TV on **Wednesday, March 4**, three months following its initial release date.

### Plot Summary

Apple has released an official summary for the series:

Franck (Benoît Magimel) and his close friends relish their weekends spent hunting together, but one Sunday, they encounter another group of hunters who inexplicably start targeting them. When one of Franck’s friends gets shot, they strike back but narrowly escape. As they attempt to return to their everyday lives, Franck begins to sense that he and his friends are being monitored, or worse, pursued by those seeking revenge.

### Availability

Are you eager to watch “The Hunt” when it debuts on Apple TV? Apple TV is available for **$12.99 per month**, or you can subscribe at a reduced rate through the Apple One bundle.

Complex Workload Deployment with Will Stewart – Daily Software Engineering

Deploying and managing cloud workloads is a complex task that requires developers to handle infrastructure, scaling, CI/CD pipelines, and database hosting. Configuring and maintaining Kubernetes, ensuring smooth deployments, and integrating various services efficiently is a common challenge. Will Stewart is the co-founder and CEO of Northflank, which is a platform focused on streamlining application deployment

The post Complex Workload Deployment with Will Stewart appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Redis and AI Agent Memory with Andrew Brookins | Software Engineering Daily

A key challenge with designing AI agents is that large language models are stateless and have limited context windows. This requires careful engineering to maintain continuity and reliability across sequential LLM interactions. To perform well, agents need fast systems for storing and retrieving short-term conversations, summaries, and long-term facts. Redis is an open‑source, in‑memory data

The post Redis and AI Agent Memory with Andrew Brookins appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Robert Kosara on Modern Data Visualization – Software Engineering Daily

Data visualization is increasingly important as organizations prioritize data-driven decision-making. Tools that transform complex datasets into intuitive, interpretable visualizations are arguably just as critical as the data itself. Robert Kosara is a Data Visualization Developer at Observable which is a platform for creating interactive data visualizations, and which makes extensive use of the popular D3

The post Modern Data Visualization with Robert Kosara appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.

Shinji Kim on Context-Aware SQL and Metadata – Software Engineering Daily

A common challenge in data-rich organizations is that critical context about the data is often hard to capture and even harder to keep up to date. As more people across the organization use data and data models get more complex, simply finding the right dataset can be slow and create bottlenecks. Select Star is a

The post Context-Aware SQL and Metadata with Shinji Kim appeared first on Software Engineering Daily.