AI
Google Makes Its Visible AI Watermark Optional - SynthID Stays On Either Way
Google's Gemini watermark toggle went live August 14, letting users hide the visible mark on AI images, videos, and songs without affecting SynthID.
Tech
The biggest stories in technology - software, hardware, and the platforms shaping how we live and work.
Apps
WhatsApp Adds Pinned Message Notifications on iPhone
WhatsApp is rolling out pinned message notifications on iPhone, making it easier to notice important messages without opening a conversation first.
AI
ChatGPT Can Now Open and Edit Google Drive Files Inside the Chat
ChatGPT Google Drive integration rolled out, letting paid subscribers edit Docs and Sheets inside the chat, with edits saving to the real file.
AI
OpenAI Launches Ultrafast Mode - GPT-5.6 Sol at 14x Speed via Cerebras in Limited Preview
OpenAI Ultrafast launched August 13 as a new API tier for GPT-5.6 Sol - 14x faster than standard, 750 tokens per second, powered by Cerebras.
Apps
How to Enable RCS on iPhone to Text Android Users
Learn how to enable RCS on iPhone to text Android users with high-resolution photos, read receipts, typing indicators, and better group messaging.
AI
xAI Launches Grok 4.6 at $2 per Million Tokens - Half the Price of Rival Frontier Models
Grok 4.6 launched August 12 for long-running agents at $2 per million tokens, with a 1753 ELO on knowledge work and double usage promo in Cursor at launch.
AI
xAI Launches Grok Bot - AI Teammates With Their Own Cloud Computer That Work 24/7
Grok Bot is xAI's early beta - AI agents with their own cloud computer that sign into tools, finish jobs overnight, and coordinate in group chats.
Apps
Bluesky Lets You Hide Reposts From Specific Users
Bluesky has added a new option that lets users hide reposts from specific accounts in their feeds while continuing to follow those users.
Apps
YouTube Partner Program Raises Shorts Bar to 10 Million Views and Doubles YPP Entry in 2027
YouTube Partner Program changes take effect February 1, 2027 - Shorts revenue needs 10 million views per 90 days, and YPP entry rises to 8,000 watch hours.
Apps
Venmo Is Now a Payment Option on Google Play for Apps, Games, and Subscriptions
Venmo Google Play support launched August 10. Link a Venmo account in Play Store payment settings to use it for apps, games, subscriptions, and tips.
AI
Claude Code Auto Mode Becomes the Default for Pro, Max, and Team Plans on August 14
Starting August 14, Claude Code auto mode runs by default for Pro, Max, and Team. Auto mode blocked 89% of dangerous commands vs 13.6% by humans in testing.
AI
OpenAI Pauses Astra Work Over Critical Cybersecurity Concerns
OpenAI is pausing some Astra activities while it strengthens security controls after evaluations raised concerns about the model's cybersecurity capabilities.