ARTICLES

Discord expanded strict age-verification plans globally. Users reacted immediately. Many left. Communities shifted to alternative platforms in large numbers. Some back-up servers buckled under the surge. That strain highlights a simple truth: when friction rises, loyalty faces a test. Executives framed the move around safety and compliance. Regulators across multiple markets continue to demand stronger safeguards for minors online. Discord chose to act decisively. Users weigh

The latest beta release of iOS 26.4 appears to contain references to a potential new video streaming capability within Apple CarPlay, raising speculation that Apple may soon expand in car entertainment features. Developers analysing the beta software have identified code indicating support for video playback applications within CarPlay. While the feature has not been officially announced, early findings suggest it may allow video content to be streamed to a vehicle’s display

Google has officially unveiled the Google Pixel 10a, expanding its mid range smartphone line with a device designed to balance performance, artificial intelligence features and competitive pricing. The Pixel 10a builds on the success of previous A series models, offering many of the same software capabilities found in Google’s flagship phones at a lower cost. Powered by Google’s latest in house Tensor chipset, the device is expected to deliver improved efficiency, enhanced ph

Ring’s AI-powered Search Party feature sparked backlash after a Super Bowl advert showed neighbourhood cameras scanning for lost dogs. Critics questioned whether the tool could normalise community-wide surveillance under the banner of pet recovery. Ring, owned by Amazon, insisted the system has limits. In response to questions from The Verge, the company said Search Party is designed specifically for pets and “is not currently capable of searching for people.” It added that s

Nvidia has taken a $5 billion stake in Intel, marking a major shift in the global semiconductor industry and signalling a new phase in competition over advanced AI chips. The move is designed to support Intel’s efforts to rebuild its chip manufacturing and foundry business, while strengthening Nvidia’s access to cutting-edge production capacity. The partnership aims to accelerate the development and manufacture of AI-focused processors, an area where demand is soaring due to

Moto 360 with Facebook tick (Image credit: Future / Shutterstock) Meta plans to re-enter the smartwatch market this year, four years after abandoning its previous device in 2022 over technical hurdles and cost pressures. The new wearable, reportedly code-named Malibu 2, signals a renewed push into hardware at a time when control of the wrist increasingly shapes digital ecosystems. The earlier cancellation exposed a hard truth: building consumer hardware demands operational di

Apple is set to expand the capabilities of CarPlay by allowing leading AI assistants, including ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, to operate directly within vehicle dashboards. The update will roll out with iOS 26.4 in March, marking a significant step in bringing advanced artificial intelligence into everyday driving. The move will enable drivers to interact with multiple AI platforms for tasks such as navigation, messaging, information searches and hands-free assistance. By offer

Toyota has announced a significant shift in strategy, confirming it will launch four new battery electric vehicles by 2027 as it moves more decisively into the fully electric market. The Japanese manufacturer, long recognised for its leadership in hybrid technology with models such as the Prius, has historically taken a cautious approach to battery electric vehicles. Instead, it prioritised hybrid and hydrogen fuel cell development. However, growing global demand for electric

The UK government has moved decisively to extend strict online safety rules to AI chatbots, following public outcry over tools like Grok generating harmful material. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced on 16 February that providers including ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini, and Copilot must now comply with illegal content duties under the Online Safety Act or face fines, service blocks, or other penalties. The change closes a longstanding loophole that exempted one-to-one chatbot int

The UK has announced a £58 million commitment to support artificial intelligence initiatives for developing countries at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, underlining efforts to ensure the benefits of the technology are shared more broadly around the world. The funding is part of the UK’s AI for Development (AI4D) programme and will support projects aimed at boosting responsible innovation, improving access to computing infrastructure, and expanding AI systems to opera

Apple has unveiled a major upgrade to Apple Podcasts, rolling out advanced video capabilities designed to capture a larger share of the exploding video podcast market. Announced on 16 February, the update introduces HLS-powered video playback, allowing seamless switches between audio and video modes, full horizontal viewing, picture-in-picture, and offline downloads. The features launch in beta on iOS 26.4, iPadOS 26.4, and visionOS 26.4, with wider availability across iPhon

Leaked images circulating online appear to show the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Buds 4, suggesting that Samsung may be returning to a more streamlined and minimalist design ahead of the product’s official launch. The images, which have not been formally verified by Samsung, indicate a simplified exterior with smoother contours and a more understated charging case. Compared with previous Galaxy Buds models that featured more intricate detailing, the new design appears cleaner and

Gaming hardware company Valve has indicated that the Steam Deck OLED may face intermittent stock shortages in certain regions due to ongoing global supply issues affecting memory and storage components. According to company statements, constraints in the availability of RAM and solid state storage have impacted production volumes. While Valve has not suggested a complete halt in shipments, it has warned customers that availability may fluctuate depending on regional demand an

Google Cloud has signed a five-year agreement with Liberty Global to roll out AI-driven automation and cybersecurity upgrades across telecom networks serving more than 80 million users in Europe. The partnership reflects growing urgency among network operators to modernise infrastructure as data traffic surges and digital threats become more sophisticated. The deal focuses on embedding AI into the core of telecom operations. Automation tools will streamline network management

French President Emmanuel Macron has travelled to India for a high-profile AI summit aimed at strengthening technological ties between the European Union and India. The visit centres on cooperation in AI regulation, joint research and long-term innovation, as both regions seek greater influence over how artificial intelligence develops and is governed. The timing reflects a strategic recalibration. Europe is pressing ahead with its AI Act, setting some of the world’s strictes

People "familiar with the company's thinking" told Bloomberg that Sony could delay its next console, triggering "major upset to a carefully orchestrated strategy to sustain user engagement between hardware generations." Such a shift would mark a significant departure from Sony’s historical cadence. The company has long relied on predictable hardware cycles to anchor its ecosystem, drive software sales and maintain momentum with third-party developers. A delay of up to two yea

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman signalled the shift in his Power On newsletter. He pointed to an announcement landing as early as the week commencing Monday, March 2. Apple confirmed the timing on 16 February. The company will host what it calls a special Apple experience on Wednesday, March 4. Apple will run the experience simultaneously in three cities: New York at 9 a.m. Eastern London at 2 p.m. GMT Shanghai at 10 p.m. The wording matters. Apple describes it as an experience, not

Apple has confirmed a product event on 4 March. Anticipation builds around refreshed, more affordable iPhone and iPad models. Yet expectations for a breakthrough in voice AI have cooled, with reports suggesting “its long-awaited AI-powered Siri upgrade won’t appear yet”. Apple chooses restraint. While rivals trumpet generative AI features, the company appears willing to delay until integration meets its standards. That restraint echoes how it approached wearables and custom s

Samsung has previewed a “privacy display” for its forthcoming Galaxy S26 series, and the message is clear: screen security now sells as much as camera upgrades. The company describes the feature as a “zero-peeking” layer designed to shield on-screen content from wandering eyes. Anyone who has opened confidential emails on a crowded train will grasp the appeal. Professionals juggle sensitive documents in cafés, airports and shared offices. One glance from the wrong angle can e

Peter Steinberger, the developer behind the viral AI personal assistant OpenClaw, has joined OpenAI as the company accelerates its push into more advanced personal AI agents. OpenClaw gained rapid attention in recent weeks after branding itself as “the AI that actually does things”. Unlike traditional chatbots, it was designed to carry out practical tasks such as managing calendars, booking flights and interacting across digital platforms. The tool even experimented with conn