Author: alex

WhatsApp opens interoperable chats with BirdyChat and Haiket in the EU WhatsApp will soon support interoperability with third‑party messaging apps in the European Union. Meta says BirdyChat and Haiket are the first services to be integrated, allowing users to send messages, images, voice notes, videos and files between the platforms once the feature rolls out across Europe. The move implements requirements from the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which mandates that large messaging platforms provide technical interfaces so users can reach contacts on other services. Meta has been testing small integrations since 2023 and will expand support to more partners over time. How it will work Users will be able to exchange texts, media and attachments between WhatsApp and participating third‑party apps on Android and iOS. Third‑party services must support…

Best tech toys for kids in 2025 — top picks under $100 The holiday season brings a fresh batch of affordable, tech‑forward toys that blend fun with learning. Engadget’s roundup highlights 13 standout picks under $100 for 2025 — from coding robots and smart building kits to AR games and interactive plush toys that keep kids entertained for months. These selections are ideal for parents and gift‑givers who want thoughtful presents that promote creativity and STEAM skills without breaking the bank. Below are quick highlights, what to look for, and buying tips to help you choose the right tech toy for different ages. Highlights and categories Coding toys: Beginner robots and programmable kits that teach sequencing, logic and problem‑solving. Interactive plush & companions: Toys that respond to touch or voice…

Get Peacock for cheap: Walmart+ 50% off brings Peacock Premium to $49 for a year Walmart is currently offering Walmart+ at half price for the first year — $49 — and one of the perks is a free streaming subscription. New Walmart+ subscribers can choose between Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential as part of the membership benefits, effectively giving you Peacock for far less than its usual annual cost. This is a handy workaround if you planned to subscribe to Peacock anyway: Peacock Premium can cost roughly $110/year on its own, so bundling it via a discounted Walmart+ subscription cuts the price substantially while adding Walmart+ perks. What you get Walmart+ discounted price: $49 for the first year (50% off — limited time). Streaming benefit: Choice of Peacock Premium or…

1Password adds optional auto‑unlock with your computer for faster access 1Password developers announced a new convenience feature that allows the desktop app to unlock automatically when a user unlocks their computer. The option is configurable, so you can choose whether the password manager opens together with your Mac or Windows session, intended to speed up access while keeping the core security model intact. The company says the feature uses the device’s unlock status (for example, OS login or biometric authentication) as the trigger and does not remove existing protections like vault passwords, two‑factor prompts or other security controls. It’s designed for users who want less friction when switching between apps but still expect strong password protection. Key points Optional: Auto‑unlock is configurable — you opt in per device if you…

Best power banks for 2025 — picks, buying tips and what to look for If you need reliable portable power, our 2025 power‑bank guide covers everything from pocket‑sized MagSafe packs to high‑capacity laptop bricks. We tested dozens of models for real‑world charge delivery, speed, ease of use and design to recommend the best options for different needs. Key considerations when choosing a power bank include capacity (mAh), real output (wattage), port types, wireless (Qi2) support, and airline rules for carry‑on batteries. Below are quick buying tips and our top categories. Top tips at a glance Capacity: Measured in mAh — small (5,000mAh) for a phone top‑up, 10,000–20,000mAh for multi‑charge days, and 25,000mAh+ for laptop support. Expect ~60% real‑world efficiency versus rated capacity. Ports & wattage: Prefer USB‑C PD ports for…

Headspace Black Friday: 1 year of Headspace for $35 (50% off) — offer ends Dec 4 Headspace is offering a Black Friday promotion: get 50% off the annual subscription, bringing the price of a full year to $35. The deal runs through December 4 and gives access to the app’s guided meditations, courses, Sleepcasts and stress‑management tools. The app is designed for both beginners and experienced meditators, with short daily sessions, longer courses, and themed collections for anxiety, sleep, focus and productivity. Headspace’s Sleepcasts and soundscapes are especially popular for building better bedtime routines. What you get with Headspace yearly Guided meditations: Hundreds of sessions covering basics, advanced practices and situational content (stress, work, relationships). Sleep tools: Sleepcasts, soundscapes and wind‑down exercises to aid restful sleep. Courses & programs: Multi‑week…

Use iOS 26 Fitness App Without an Apple Watch — AirPods Pro 3 and other heart-rate devices supported Apple released a new support video showing that the Fitness app in iOS 26 can now track workouts without requiring an Apple Watch. Instead, users can connect other heart-rate devices to measure vitals during exercise — Apple particularly highlights the AirPods Pro 3 as a compatible option. This means iPhone-only users can still access workout tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and activity summaries using supported external devices. It's a welcome change for people who prefer not to buy an Apple Watch but still want Apple’s Fitness features. Key points iOS 26 Fitness app: Can record workouts independently of the Apple Watch. External heart-rate devices: AirPods Pro 3 and other Bluetooth-enabled HR monitors can pair…

OpenAI pilots group chats in ChatGPT — collaborative conversations with GPT-5.1 Auto OpenAI has begun pilot testing group conversations inside ChatGPT in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and New Zealand. The feature lets you create group chats that include one to 20 people plus ChatGPT, so the assistant can participate in planning trips, brainstorming renovation projects, recommending restaurants, or helping collaborators draft reports. Group chats are started by tapping the people icon in any new or existing conversation. When created from an existing chat, the new group begins without prior chat history. Organizers can add participants directly or share an invite link; anyone with the link can invite others. Participants must create a profile (name, username and photo) and can mute or remove others — except the group creator. How ChatGPT…

Apple halves App Store fees for qualifying mini‑apps — 15% commission under new Mini Apps Partner Program Apple has launched the App Store Mini Apps Partner Program, reducing the commission on qualifying in‑app purchases for eligible mini‑apps to 15% — down from the standard 30%. The program targets "mini‑apps": self‑contained, often web‑based experiences that run inside a host app. Unlike prior guidance, Apple is requiring additional developer commitments to participate in the program. Notable requirements include full support for both iOS and iPadOS, implementation of Apple’s Advanced Commerce API, and adoption of the Declared Age Range API to help enforce parental controls and age‑appropriate access. Key details Reduced rate: 15% commission on qualifying in‑app purchases for mini‑apps in the partner program. Eligibility: Mini‑apps must meet Apple’s technical and platform requirements…

Daily AI News Roundup — Nov 13, 2025 Here’s a concise summary of major AI developments from the past 24 hours across markets, healthcare, entertainment and mobility. These items show both the growing real‑world impact of AI and the volatility it can create in markets and public debate. Top headlines Markets wobble: Global markets saw notable pressure tied to investor concerns about AI stocks and interest‑rate sensitivities — a selloff that highlighted how AI expectations are now a major market force. (See reporting from LA Times.) AI in healthcare expands: AI diagnostics and surgical tools continue to be deployed — with reports of FDA‑approved tools in surgical settings and new models being tested for neurological research. Policymakers and clinicians are weighing benefits against risks like overreliance and "cyberchondria." (Context and…