TECHNOLOGY
iOS 26.2 brings search engine choice screen to iPhone users in Japan, here's why
In most countries, Google remains the default choice and users are not prompted to select an alternative during setup. Instead, they must manually change it in the Safari section of the Settings app.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple budget MacBook launch in 2026: What to expect
Apple is planning a new budget MacBook for 2026 that will cost less than the MacBook Air. Expected to feature a 13-inch LCD, A18 Pro chip, Apple Intelligence support, and strong battery life, it could mark Apple’s biggest push yet into the affordable computing market.
TECHNOLOGY
OpenAI urged Trump administration to widen Chips Act tax credit for AI data centres
OpenAI’s letter to the Trump administration sought to expand Chips Act tax credits to include AI data centres and grid components. The company also asked for streamlined permits and material reserves to speed up infrastructure growth.
TECHNOLOGY
Perplexity AI starts rolling out Comet browser for Android; early invites go to top users
Perplexity AI has started sending early invites for its Comet browser on Android, prioritising active and paid users. The AI-driven browser aims to rival Google Chrome by automating tasks and offering intelligent search features, though security concerns around agentic AI remain unresolved.
TECHNOLOGY
Elon Musk’s Grok video on ‘love’ sparks mockery and a literary takedown
Elon Musk’s AI-generated “love” video using Grok Imagine drew ridicule online, with critics mocking its tone and questioning Musk’s personality. Author Joyce Carol Oates delivered the harshest critique, calling him “uncultured,” to which Musk shot back with a curt insult.
TECHNOLOGY
Nebius launches Token Factory to challenge Microsoft, AWS, and Google in the AI cloud race
Positioned as a direct alternative to Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Token Factory aims to give enterprises more flexibility, performance, and control when deploying open or custom large language models.
TECHNOLOGY
Nintendo Store app launches on iPhone with play activity tracking and more
By signing in with a Nintendo Account, users can review their gaming history across multiple generations — including the Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, and even legacy systems such as the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U, with data logged up to February 2020
TECHNOLOGY
Google adds new ‘AI Mode’ button to Chrome on iPhone and iPad
TECHNOLOGY
Fitbit Labs trials ‘unusual trend detection’ and hypertension study for Pixel Watch 3
Fitbit clarifies that this feature is experimental and intended for research exploration, not as a medical tool or diagnostic system.
TECHNOLOGY
Perplexity’s revamped Comet Assistant can now multitask across tabs and handle complex web actions
The assistant can now actively perform web-based tasks, reducing manual effort and saving time for users who rely on it for both simple and multi-layered workflows.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple highlights third-party apps embracing Liquid Glass in iOS 26
According to Apple, the new gallery highlights how “teams of all sizes are taking advantage of the new design and Liquid Glass to create natural, responsive experiences across Apple platforms.”
TECHNOLOGY
Sam Altman wants an AI to replace him as OpenAI’s CEO: “Shame on me…”
Sam Altman’s remarks come amid growing global anxiety about AI replacing jobs. But unlike most executives, he appears unfazed — even eager — to see the technology eventually replace him.
TECHNOLOGY
Spotify’s new ‘Listening Stats’ feature lets users track their top artists and songs every week
Spotify’s new feature mirrors similar efforts from its rivals. Apple Music’s “Replay” offers monthly insights into top songs, artists, albums, and genres, while YouTube Music’s “Recap” delivers personalised summaries four times a year.
TECHNOLOGY
SAS exits China after 25 years, cuts 400 jobs via video call amid rising tensions
SAS’s exit follows a growing list of American technology firms scaling back operations in China amid rising competition and geopolitical strain.
TECHNOLOGY
Elon Musk says AI will eventually rule the world but only under one condition
His latest comments also come amid rising anxiety over automation and job displacement. Just days ago, Musk responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) claiming that Amazon plans to replace over 160,000 jobs with robots by 2027. Musk wrote, “AI and robots will replace all jobs. Working will be optional — like growing your own vegetables instead of buying them from the store.”
TECHNOLOGY
Apple revises trade-in values across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch lineups
Apple has revised U.S. trade-in values across its product lines, with most devices seeing reductions. The iPad Air was the only major model to receive a small increase.
TECHNOLOGY
Microsoft’s ‘Magentic Marketplace’ reveals surprising weaknesses in AI agents
The Magentic Marketplace is available publicly for researchers and developers looking to study agentic AI behaviour, a field that is rapidly becoming central to the next phase of artificial intelligence development.
TECHNOLOGY
Pinterest CEO praises open-source AI for delivering ‘tremendous performance’ at lower cost
Speaking during the company’s latest earnings call, Bill Ready said open-source AI has proven to deliver “tremendous performance” at a fraction of the cost of proprietary systems.
TECHNOLOGY
Google to overhaul Play Store to settle antitrust case with Epic Games
Google’s settlement comes as regulators worldwide tighten scrutiny on digital marketplaces and platform fees. The court will review the proposed agreement on November 6, and if approved, the changes could reshape how Android apps are distributed and monetised.
TECHNOLOGY
iOS 26 introduces new setting to fix a long-standing Bluetooth problem
If you’ve ever had your AirPods suddenly disconnect and your music start blasting through a car or Bluetooth speaker without warning, this new option is for you.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple demands $540,000 in legal fees after winning iPhone price-fixing case
The case, originally filed by law firm Hagens Berman on behalf of plaintiff Steven Floyd, alleged that Apple and Amazon conspired to limit third-party sellers to keep iPhone and iPad prices artificially high.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple reportedly developing M5 Ultra chip for next-gen Mac Studio and Mac Pro launch in 2026
Apple is reportedly developing an M5 Ultra chip for the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, with a launch expected in 2026, following the release of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips earlier that year.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple testing new Enhanced Safety Alerts in iOS 26.2 with regional earthquake and threat warnings
Apple’s upcoming iOS 26.2 update introduces Enhanced Safety Alerts with earthquake and imminent threat warnings, along with a new alert tone and regional location-based precision.
TECHNOLOGY
Apple testing 30-day AirDrop pairing feature in iOS 26.2 for smoother, more private file sharing
Apple is testing a 30-day AirDrop pairing option in iOS 26.2 that would let users keep trusted devices discoverable longer through a secure PIN-based link.
