iOS 26.1 beta prepares support for third‑party smartwatches Apple's iOS 26.1 beta contains references to a hidden option called "Notification Forwarding" that appears to enable forwarding iPhone notifications to non‑Apple smartwatches such as the Amazfit Active. The feature is still in beta and may change before release. What we know Notification Forwarding surfaced in iOS 26.1 beta code and seems designed to let users forward app alerts from the iPhone to a single third‑party wearable at the system level. The implementation appears to use an AccessoryExtension framework to communicate with non‑Apple devices. When enabled, notifications may be routed to the chosen third‑party device, and notifications on an Apple Watch can be disabled while forwarding is active. Apple could roll this out selectively; regulatory environments (for example the EU) might influence…

iOS 26.1 beta prepares support for third‑party smartwatches Apple's iOS 26.1 beta contains references to a hidden option called "Notification Forwarding" that appears to enable forwarding iPhone notifications to non‑Apple smartwatches such as the Amazfit Active. The feature is still in beta and may change before release. What we know Notification Forwarding surfaced in iOS 26.1 beta code and seems designed to let users forward app alerts from the iPhone to a single third‑party wearable at the system level. The implementation appears to use an AccessoryExtension framework to talk to non‑Apple devices. When enabled, notifications may be routed to the chosen third‑party device, and notifications on an Apple Watch can be disabled while forwarding is active. Apple could roll this out selectively; regulatory environments (for example the EU) might influence…

Eco-Friendly Phone Cases: Protect Your Phone and the Planet We all want to protect our phones from drops and scratches — but what if your case could protect more than just your device? Eco-friendly phone cases offer durability while reducing plastic waste. Made from biodegradable plastics, recycled ocean waste, or sustainable materials like bamboo, these cases combine protection with sustainability. Why choose an eco-friendly case? Made from plant-based or recycled materials (bioplastics, flax, bamboo) Biodegradable or compostable options that break down without harmful residue Recycled ocean-plastic options that help remove plastic from waterways Brands often use lower-carbon production or recycling take-back programs Popular option (example) Pela Phone Case — made from flax straw and plant-based biopolymers, fully compostable and non-toxic. Amazon search link: Pela biodegradable phone case FAQs What makes…

Spotify removes 75M+ AI-generated tracks in crackdown on AI music spam Summary: Spotify has removed over 75 million AI-generated “spammy” tracks from its platform as part of a broader effort to combat AI-generated music spam and unauthorized impersonation. The company has implemented new spam filters, tightened enforcement against impersonations and introduced AI disclosure measures to increase transparency and protect artists. Key details More than 75 million AI-generated or spammy tracks removed in the past 12 months. New three-pronged approach: stricter impersonation enforcement, upgraded spam filters, and industry-style AI credit/disclosure requirements. Collaboration with music distributors to prevent fraudulent uploads and speed content review. Goal: protect authentic artists, ensure fair revenue allocation and give listeners clarity about AI use in music. Context & sources This reporting aggregates coverage from multiple outlets: Music…

IXI autofocus glasses: what we know Finnish startup IXI is developing autofocus prescription glasses that use eye-tracking and liquid-crystal (LCD) lenses to automatically change focus based on where you look. The goal is to replace bifocals and progressive lenses with a single, normal-looking pair of spectacles that work at all distances. Key features Eye-tracking + LCD optics that adjust focus in real time. Design aims to look like regular eyewear (thinner frames than many smart glasses). Low-power electronics and tiny batteries claiming roughly a day of use on a single charge. If batteries die, lenses function as standard distance spectacles. Production & partnerships Engadget reported IXI acquired lens-maker Finnsusp and entered a long-term partnership with OptiSwiss. Independent searches (TechCrunch, IXI official site, The Next Web, MAFO, Cookie Magazine) confirm IXI…

EU rejects Apple's request to scrap the Digital Markets Act The European Commission has firmly rejected Apple’s call to abolish or replace the Digital Markets Act (DMA). In a recent consultation Apple argued the DMA forces changes like alternative app stores, sideloading and external payments that it says would delay features, harm user experience and increase security risks. The Commission has made clear it will continue to apply and enforce the DMA. Key points Apple: DMA could make iPhones less secure and degrade the user experience by requiring sideloading and third‑party payment options. European Commission: Keeps the DMA in force and signals it will enforce the rules to open up digital markets. Further reading: TechCrunch report Official Apple statement: Apple Newsroom What’s your view — is the DMA protecting consumers…

Lidl expands Scan & Go and Self‑Checkout areas in German stores Lidl is redesigning checkout zones across its German supermarkets, creating dedicated Self‑Checkout areas and expanding its Scan & Go offering. The move aims to make customer flow more flexible and enable staff to be deployed more effectively across stores. Key details New Self‑Checkout zones replace scattered self‑service tills; central service stations will assist customers with scanning and special cases. Scan & Go will be available at special lanes where payments are initially limited to Lidl Pay. Lidl plans a wider rollout: pilot in roughly 200 stores by February 2026 (currently in about 10 markets). Security measures under consideration include exit gates that open after successful scanning of the receipt; cash at self‑scan is being tested as well. The redesign…

Mist 0.30 adds macOS 26 (Tahoe) support Mist (open-source) has been updated to version 0.30 and now supports macOS 26 "Tahoe". The app, maintained by developer Nindi Gill (ninxsoft), can download full macOS installer packages and firmware from Apple's servers so you can create bootable USB installers or update Macs that are offline. What’s new in 0.30 Support for macOS 26 (Tahoe) installers and related firmware files. Bug fixes and some visual/icon updates for Tahoe. Key features Download full macOS installers and IPSW/firmware directly from Apple servers. Filter by Mac model compatibility and beta/dev releases (requires appropriate Apple ID). Create bootable installer media (requires running helper with admin privileges). Available as a DMG and via Homebrew cask. Where to get it Official releases are hosted on GitHub: https://github.com/ninxsoft/Mist/releases Additional coverage…

Doug Bowser to Step Down as Nintendo of America President & COO Nintendo has announced that Doug Bowser, President and Chief Operating Officer of Nintendo of America (NoA), will step down effective December 31, 2025. Leadership responsibilities will be split: Devon Pritchard, NoA's Executive Vice President of Revenue, Marketing and Consumer Experience, will take over as President, while Satoru Shibata will serve as the company's CEO. “Leading Nintendo of America has been the honor of a lifetime, and I am proud of what our team has accomplished in both business results and the experiences we’ve created for consumers... Now, it’s time for the next generation of leadership and Devon’s track record speaks for itself,” Doug Bowser said in a statement. Key points Departure effective date: December 31, 2025. Successors: Devon…

Meta Launches 'Vibes' — AI Short-Video Feed in Meta AI App Meta has added a new feature called Vibes to the Meta AI app and website: a short-form, TikTok-style feed for AI-generated videos. Users can scroll other people’s AI-created clips, remix or adapt existing videos, build new ones from scratch, and share via direct message or cross-post to Instagram and Facebook. Key features Personalized feed of AI-generated short videos. Remix tools to adapt existing clips (add music, change style, layer edits). Options to DM videos or cross-post to Instagram and Facebook. Planned future additions of more AI creation features. According to a Threads post by Mark Zuckerberg, Vibes is “an early look at some of the new product directions we’re exploring.” Meta also said its Meta Superintelligence Labs will work…