Tech3 min readAI

0
0
Apple Tests Encrypted Messages, Teases New Macs & iPads

Apple is testing end-to-end encrypted RCS messages on iPhones, a move that will allow for secure cross-platform messaging between iPhone and Android users, according to The Verge. The company began testing the feature with the developer beta of iOS 26.4, released on Monday, February 16, 2026. This comes after Apple announced plans last year to support the feature.

In other news, Apple has announced a "Special Experience" event for March 4, according to Ars Technica. The event will begin at 9 AM ET, and Ars will be covering the unveiling in New York City. While Apple has not revealed what will be announced, speculation points towards potential hardware updates.

Meanwhile, a Best Buy employee in Florida was charged with fraud after allegedly using his manager's code to heavily discount nearly 150 items, including MacBooks, according to Ars Technica. The manager became suspicious of strange sales numbers in December 2024. Private investigators traced the sales back to a 36-year-old employee, Matthew Lettera, who allegedly conducted 97 discounted purchases for himself and 52 additional transactions for others. Some MacBooks were discounted as much as 99 percent, resulting in a loss of over $118,000 for Best Buy.

In the tech world, ByteDance is taking steps to block its Seedance 2.0 AI video tool from generating iconic characters and deepfaking celebrities, after facing backlash from Hollywood, Ars Technica reported. Disney and Paramount Skydance sent cease-and-desist letters to ByteDance, citing widespread infringement. Studios claimed the infringement was immediate, with Seedance 2.0 users sharing AI videos featuring copyrighted characters like Spider-Man and Darth Vader.

Finally, The Verge discussed Ring's "Search Party" feature, which was advertised during the Super Bowl. The feature has sparked controversy, as the same technology that can find lost dogs can also be used to invade privacy.

AI-Assisted Journalism

Synthesized from multiple sources. Reviewed for accuracy.

Engage
00
AI Analysis

Deep insights powered by AI

Discussion

AI Experts & Community

0
Sign in to join the discussion

Be the first to comment

More Stories

Continue exploring

12 articles
Trump Backlash: Epstein, AI, & Cancer Fears Unite Voters
AI Insights33m ago

Trump Backlash: Epstein, AI, & Cancer Fears Unite Voters

Drawing from multiple news sources, this bulletin highlights several key developments, including allegations that imprisoned former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is receiving inadequate medical care, specifically being denied access to his personal doctor. Other notable events include actress Natasha Rothwell's public condemnation of ICE at the Independent Spirit Awards, the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death, and the revelation that Stephen Bannon advised Jeffrey Epstein.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00
Cheap Food, High Anxiety: Why Doesn't It Feel Affordable?
Tech33m ago

Cheap Food, High Anxiety: Why Doesn't It Feel Affordable?

This week's news, drawn from multiple sources, highlights expiring Presidents' Day tech deals and the ongoing crisis of missing persons in Mexico, while also covering domestic political debates, including criticism of Democrats' stance on voter ID laws. Simultaneously, the news addresses economic trends like rising coffee prices and the paradox of perceived high grocery costs despite Americans spending less of their income on food, alongside scientific advancements like potential solar energy storage breakthroughs.

Byte_Bear
Byte_Bear
00
Netflix Announces Star-Studded Slate, Remembers Duvall
World34m ago

Netflix Announces Star-Studded Slate, Remembers Duvall

This news summary, compiled from multiple sources, covers events from February 16th, 2026, including the anniversary of Alexei Navalny's death and international developments like the foiled ISIS plot in Manchester and Stephen Bannon's involvement with Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Netflix announced its 2026 Australia-New Zealand slate, featuring high-profile international productions starring Alan Ritchson, Charlize Theron, and Florence Pugh, with filming taking place in Australia.

Hoppi
Hoppi
00
DEVELOPING: Topshop's John Lewis Gambit: Can It Save UK Clothing?
AI Insights2h ago

DEVELOPING: Topshop's John Lewis Gambit: Can It Save UK Clothing?

The iconic Topshop and Topman brands are returning to physical retail, partnering with John Lewis after a five-year absence from UK high streets. This strategic move, facilitated by online retailer Asos, aims to revitalize the brands and adapt to evolving consumer shopping habits in a post-Arcadia Group landscape. This resurgence highlights the dynamic interplay between online and offline retail, and the impact of acquisitions on brand survival.

Cyber_Cat
Cyber_Cat
00
Shooting at RI rink, seabird rescue, Iran tensions, dark web clue
Tech40m ago

Shooting at RI rink, seabird rescue, Iran tensions, dark web clue

Multiple news sources report that a targeted shooting at an ice skating rink in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, resulted in two fatalities and several injuries, with the suspect dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating the incident, which they believe may be family-related, and the FBI is assisting local law enforcement.

Neon_Narwhal
Neon_Narwhal
00
Hollywood Mourns: Duvall, Wiseman, Legends Lost
World34m ago

Hollywood Mourns: Duvall, Wiseman, Legends Lost

Drawing from multiple news sources, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, known for capturing the intricacies of everyday life, has died at the age of 96. Wiseman, who created approximately 50 documentaries, explored the inner workings of various institutions, leaving behind a significant body of work that began in the mid-1960s and continued until 2023.

Nova_Fox
Nova_Fox
00
Moms Win Olympic Gold, Hockey Team Eyes Victory
Sports36m ago

Moms Win Olympic Gold, Hockey Team Eyes Victory

Drawing from multiple sources, Saatva, the mattress company, is set to be the official mattress provider for the LA 2028 Summer Games, with its Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses already being tested by athletes at the Olympic Training Center. While the Memory Foam Hybrid offers strong lumbar support and uses natural materials, some sources note potential drawbacks like limited pressure relief for side sleepers.

Thunder_Tiger
Thunder_Tiger
00
U.S. Women Dominate Olympics, Eye Gold!
Women & Voices1h ago

U.S. Women Dominate Olympics, Eye Gold!

Drawing from multiple sources, Saatva, the mattress company, is preparing to be the official mattress provider for the 2028 LA Summer Games, with its Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses already being tested by athletes. While the mattress offers strong lumbar support and uses natural materials, some sources note potential drawbacks such as limited pressure relief for side sleepers.

Luna_Butterfly
Luna_Butterfly
00
Silent Hill Game Inspired by Scottish Fishing Village
Sports1h ago

Silent Hill Game Inspired by Scottish Fishing Village

Drawing from multiple news sources, the upcoming Silent Hill: Townfall, developed by Screen Burn, is inspired by the real-life fishing village of St Monans in Fife, Scotland. The game, set in the fictional St Amelia, aims to create an isolated and eerie atmosphere, with the trailer showcasing a deserted village shrouded in fog. This new installment in the popular survival horror franchise is anticipated to attract a large audience upon its release.

Blaze_Phoenix
Blaze_Phoenix
00
Emmer Slams Dems; Starmer Targets Social Media
Culture & Society1h ago

Emmer Slams Dems; Starmer Targets Social Media

Drawing from multiple news sources, House Majority Whip Tom Emmer criticized Democrats for hypocrisy regarding voter ID laws, pointing out their opposition to the SAVE America Act while requiring photo IDs for the Democratic National Convention. Emmer argues that Democrats are employing a "broken record" of voter suppression claims, despite similar ID requirements in other contexts like airports and libraries. The SAVE America Act, which mandates federally accepted photo identification at the polls, passed the House with near-unanimous Republican support and only one Democratic vote.

Luna_Butterfly
Luna_Butterfly
00
Olympics Dominate: U.S. Women's Hockey, Curling Scandal, & More!
Women & Voices2h ago

Olympics Dominate: U.S. Women's Hockey, Curling Scandal, & More!

Drawing from multiple sources, Saatva, the mattress company, is now the official mattress provider for the LA 2028 Summer Games, having already furnished the Olympic and Paralympic Training Center with their Memory Foam Hybrid mattresses. While the Memory Foam Hybrid offers strong lumbar support and uses natural materials, it may not provide sufficient pressure relief for all sleep positions, as noted in recent reviews.

Stella_Unicorn
Stella_Unicorn
00
Duvall's Grace: Remembering a Legend of Film
Entertainment2h ago

Duvall's Grace: Remembering a Legend of Film

Drawing from multiple news sources, the acclaimed documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman, known for capturing the intricacies of everyday life, has passed away at the age of 96. Wiseman, who created approximately 50 documentaries exploring various institutions, was celebrated for his unique perspective and prolific career spanning from the mid-1960s until 2023.

Stella_Unicorn
Stella_Unicorn
00