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iOS 26 & iPadOS 26 arrive Sept 15 — compatibility, features & what’s dropped Apple confirmed at its iPhone 17 event that iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 will be released to eligible devices on Monday, September 15, 2025. The update brings a major visual overhaul called "Liquid Glass," new Apple Intelligence features and refinements across Phone, Messages, Camera and more. Key new features Liquid Glass UI: refreshed app icons, floating buttons, darker modes and cohesive cross-platform visuals. Phone app redesign: scroll contacts, recents, voicemail on one screen + Hold Assist. Live Translate: real-time translation for calls and messages. Polls in group Messages. New lock screen options, adjustable alarm snooze times, simplified Camera UI, screenshot search/ChatGPT integration. Compatibility — who’s left out Apple has dropped support for three 2018 iPhones. The…

Stop Killing Games campaign nears 1.45M signatures — what's next? The Stop Killing Games European Citizens' Initiative has reportedly gathered around 1.45 million signatures, with organizers stating that approximately 97% of those signatures appear valid. The campaign aims to force EU consideration of legislation that would preserve players' access to video games when developers or publishers remove support or delist titles—an issue highlighted by cases such as Ubisoft delisting The Crew and revoking access for purchasers. Timeline & next steps Organizers submitted the initiative after the July 31 deadline. The European Commission has three months to verify submitted signatures. If the verification threshold (1 million valid signatures across member states) is met, organizers will deliver the petition in person and seek meetings with the European Commission and the European Parliament.…

The Witcher Season 4 — Release Date, New Geralt & Cast Netflix has announced that The Witcher Season 4 will premiere on October 30. The official teaser, released on Netflix's channel, gives us our first extended look at Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia — a casting change that has stirred strong reactions from fans after Henry Cavill’s run as the character across the first three seasons. Official Teaser Cast Highlights Liam Hemsworth — Geralt of Rivia (new) Laurence Fishburne — Regis Sharlto Copley — Leo Bonhart James Purefoy — Skellen Season 4 is the second-to-last season of Netflix’s adaptation. The final two seasons are intended to cover the last three books in Andrzej Sapkowski’s Witcher saga: Baptism of Fire, The Tower of the Swallow, and Lady of the Lake.…

Powerbeats Pro 2: iOS 26 adds heart-rate tracking and Fitness+ live metrics Apple’s iOS 26 brings several meaningful updates to the Powerbeats Pro 2, turning the earbuds into a more complete fitness device. The upgrade enhances heart-rate monitoring, Fitness+ integration and on-device workout features that make tracking workouts easier without an Apple Watch. What’s new Built-in heart-rate tracking with faster readings and improved algorithms. Fitness+ live metrics support: heart rate, calories burned and Burn Bar display on-screen during workouts. Option to monitor heart rate using a single earbud. Improved step counting even when your iPhone isn’t on you. Fit notifications to prompt a better seal for accurate HR measurement. Gestural detection (nod/shake) for Siri call/text responses. Compatibility & limits These features arrive with iOS 26 (releasing Sept 15). Many Apple-branded…

Summary Penske Media Corporation (PMC), owner of Rolling Stone, Variety, Billboard and others, has filed a federal lawsuit against Google alleging the company illegally uses PMC content to power its "AI Overviews" in Search. PMC says the feature is "siphoning and discouraging user traffic" to publisher sites and that roughly 20% of Google searches linking to PMC content now include AI Overviews. Key claims PMC alleges Google repurposes publisher content to generate AI summaries without permission or compensation, harming referral traffic and affiliate revenue. PMC says affiliate revenue through 2024 has fallen more than a third from its peak and expects the problem to worsen as AI Overviews expand. Jay Penske (PMC CEO) said the company must "protect PMC’s best-in-class journalists and award-winning journalism... threatened by Google’s current actions." Google's…

AI Search — Top AI Highlights This WeekWelcome to the AI Search newsletter. Each week we bring you the most important AI updates: breakthroughs in research, new product and tool launches, industry moves, and useful resources for builders and curious readers.What we coverResearch & breakthroughs — notable papers, new models, and major technical advances.Products & tools — launches, updates, and practical tools you can try.Industry & policy — funding, acquisitions, and regulation that shape the AI landscape.Resources — guides, datasets, and tutorials to help you experiment and learn.How to participateHave an AI story, product, or paper we should spotlight? Reply to our latest tweet or send suggestions and we may feature them in the next issue.Stay in touchThanks for reading — stay curious and keep exploring what AI can do.…

Paramount+ — Annual Plans 50% Off Through Sept 18, 2025 Paramount+ is offering a limited-time 50% discount on annual subscriptions through September 18, 2025. The deal applies to both the Essential (ad-supported) and Premium plans: Essential (with ads): $30 per year (normally $60) Premium: $60 per year (normally $120) — includes access to Showtime titles Key details: Available to new and returning subscribers. You must pay for the full year up front to get the discounted price; month-to-month subscriptions remain at the regular rate. After the discounted year ends, subscriptions renew at the standard price unless canceled before renewal. Why consider it? Paramount+ offers a strong catalog including Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Star Trek: Lower Decks, RuPaul-related content, live sports, and — with the Premium tier — Showtime series…

Apple Music: 3 Free Months on the Family Plan for New Subscribers Apple Music is currently offering new subscribers three free months of its Family Plan. That’s up to six people on one subscription — a potential savings of about $51. After the trial ends the plan auto‑renews at $16.99/month (US price) until cancelled. What the Family Plan includes Up to 6 individual users, each tied to their own Apple ID (so recommendations stay personal) Cross‑device support — works on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Android All music available in CD quality or higher, plus personalized playlists and live radio stations Notes & limitations Offer is for new subscribers and must be redeemed on eligible Apple devices. Availability and offer length can vary by country — check local Apple Music offers.…

California Advances AB 1043 (Digital Age Assurance Act) The California State Assembly passed AB 1043, the Digital Age Assurance Act, in a unanimous 58-0 vote. The bill would require operating system and app store providers to verify users' ages before allowing app downloads. It does not mandate photo ID; instead, platforms must provide tools during device setup for parents or users to indicate age brackets and then transmit a non-identifying age signal to app developers. Key provisions Age verification by OS and app stores (no photo ID required). Secure, non-identifying age-bracket signal sent to apps to guide content and features. Parental controls and consent mechanisms for users under certain ages. Developers must use age signals to provide age-appropriate content and screen-time options. Reactions Major tech companies such as Google and…

Roblox and Discord Face Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Teen’s Suicide Becca Dallas filed a wrongful death suit against Roblox and Discord after her son, Ethan Dallas, died by suicide. The complaint alleges Ethan was groomed and manipulated by a player known as “Nate,” who is reported to be 37-year-old Timothy O’Connor. According to reporting, the alleged groomer helped Ethan disable parental controls on Roblox and moved communications to Discord, where inappropriate messages were exchanged. Key points The lawsuit claims platform failures contributed to Ethan’s death and seeks to hold Roblox and Discord accountable for inadequate child-safety protections. The case may test legal protections enjoyed by online platforms, including arguments related to Section 230. Separate state-level actions are underway: Louisiana’s attorney general has filed a suit alleging Roblox fails to implement…