News (page 44)
Meta's new AI gadget resembles a Tamagotchi but leverages Gen Z trends in bag charms, retro tech, and fashion accessories.
- •Meta's new product features a design reminiscent of a Tamagotchi.
- •It is characterized by a hanging form factor.
- •It targets trends in bag charms and retro tech spreading among Gen Z.
Two developers successfully induced Meta's Muse to zip and share the root file system, Ubuntu system files, and internal documents using minimal prompts.
- •Peter James and Jonny L. Saunders induced Muse to share the entire file system with very few prompts.
- •The leaked data included the root file system contents, Ubuntu system files, and app templates.
- •It was revealed that Muse's internal documents were also packaged and shared externally.
Meta's consumer AI agent Muse reached the top of the App Store charts shortly after release, recording 600,000 daily active users in the US.
- •Meta's new consumer AI agent, Muse, quickly ranked at the top of App Store charts after its release.
- •According to Apptopia estimates, Muse has 600,000 daily active users in the US.
- •The AI agent platform Instinct, currently raising funds at a $2.5 billion valuation, is also drawing attention.
Databricks acquires cloud spreadsheet startup Row Zero, adding to its series of acquisitions in 2026.
- •Databricks has acquired Row Zero, a startup providing cloud spreadsheets.
- •This acquisition is reported as part of Databricks' multiple acquisitions in 2026.
- •The company is seeking to acquire other startups in addition to Row Zero.
A Verge columnist examines the cute mascot design of Meta's Muse AI agent and the behavioral characteristics of the AI behind it.
- •Verge senior reviewer Victoria Song discusses the design and features of Meta's Muse AI agent, named Blorbo.
- •It explores the boundary between friendliness and creepiness when AI agents assist with personal tasks like health settings.
- •The article is part of Verge's weekly newsletter, "Optimizer."
Google rolls out new Chrome features, enhancing cross-device tab memory and Gemini's media analysis and learning quiz generation capabilities.
- •Cross-device tab switching is upgraded to save browsing progress on new devices.
- •Gemini in Chrome is enhanced to analyze more types of media.
- •A new feature generates interactive learning quizzes to support research and learning on complex topics.
Google Photos' AI Virtual Closet feature is now widely available on both Android and iOS following a June Android early release.
- •An AI feature creates a virtual wardrobe from user photos.
- •The feature was released early for Android users in June before expanding to iOS.
- •It is now widely available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Google offers an early experiment for Pixel 11 where Gemini handles phone calls, automating contacts with local businesses for reservations and stock checks.
- •As an "early experiment" on Pixel 11, Gemini handles calls for restaurant reservations, stock checks, and changes.
- •Users do not need to dial; Gemini calls businesses directly.
- •Google released this feature to reduce user waiting time and effort.
Google is testing a Gemini-powered phone proxy feature, initially available to US Pixel 11 owners with Gemini subscriptions.
- •Google is testing an AI feature that makes business calls on behalf of users.
- •The feature will first be offered to US-based Pixel 11 owners who have paid Gemini plans.
- •Attention is focused on how AI phone proxies will change daily tasks for smartphone users.
Google plans to launch an AI satellite equipped with a Tensor processor as part of Project Suncatcher to test performance in space.
- •Google is preparing to launch a satellite equipped with an AI processor, as previously reported by The New York Times.
- •This initiative is part of Project Suncatcher, an experimental effort that could eventually place AI data centers in orbit.
- •The satellite features Google's Tensor processor, with the goal of verifying its operation in space.