Threads is prototyping in-message games
Meta is internally prototyping in-message games for Threads, though it is unknown when or if the feature will officially launch to the public.
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Apps & Consumer
1163 storiesHacktivist wipes white supremacist sites live at hacker conference
A hacktivist remotely wiped three white supremacist websites live onstage at a German conference, exposing user data and highlighting severe security vulnerabilities.
Amazon brings Alexa+ to the web with new Alexa.com site
Amazon has launched Alexa.com, a new web interface for its Alexa+ AI assistant, aiming to expand its reach beyond Echo devices to compete with other AI chatbots.
Google expands Gemini AI to TV interface at CES 2026
Google is bringing Gemini AI features to Google TV devices, starting with select TCL televisions, though availability will be limited at launch.
Twitter and Pinterest founders launch social startup West Co.
West Co., founded by Twitter and Pinterest veterans, reportedly raised $29 million in a seed round led by Spark Capital to develop its new social app, Tangle.
DoorDash bans driver over AI-generated delivery photo
DoorDash has permanently banned a driver following reports that they allegedly used AI-generated imagery to falsely claim a delivery was completed in Austin.
How Mastodon operates as a nonprofit alternative to X
Mastodon is a nonprofit, decentralized microblogging platform founded in 2016 that offers a federated alternative to centralized social networks like X.
Campus and Fizz founders share strategies for scaling consumer tech
Campus and Fizz founders discussed scaling strategies at TechCrunch Disrupt, highlighting their respective approaches to online education and college social networking.
Why algorithmic feeds are killing the value of follower counts
LTK CEO Amber Venz Box says follower counts have stopped mattering as algorithmic feeds and AI-driven content force creators to prioritize niche trust and clipping strategies.
Samsung to bring Google Photos to its TVs in 2026
Samsung plans to launch a native Google Photos app on its TVs in 2026, offering direct access to the Memories feature with a six-month exclusivity period.
What to do if you receive a government spyware alert
Tech companies are increasingly alerting users to potential government spyware attacks, but they do not provide direct assistance, leaving victims to navigate forensic remediation on their own.
Google prepares to allow Gmail address updates
Google is reportedly gradually rolling out a feature allowing users to change their Gmail addresses, subject to a 12-month restriction on creating new addresses.
WeTransfer co-founder launches Boomerang file-sharing tool
WeTransfer co-founder Nalden has launched Boomerang, a simplified file-sharing service, citing dissatisfaction with the company's direction following its acquisition by Bending Spoons.
How to turn your Apple Watch into a productivity hub
The Apple Watch can be a powerful productivity tool, with third-party apps helping users manage tasks, habits, and focus without needing to check their phones.
Six influencers exit FaZe Clan after failed contract talks
Six influencers are leaving FaZe Clan following unsuccessful contract negotiations, casting doubt on the future of the esports group.
Freedom and other top tools to block digital distractions
From Freedom to Forest, these distraction-blocking tools help users manage focus and productivity across devices with various pricing models and features.
NORAD and Google update Santa tracking platforms with AI
NORAD and Google have updated their respective Santa tracking platforms with new AI-powered features to enhance the holiday experience for families this Christmas Eve.
Amazon adds four new integrations to Alexa+
Amazon is adding four new integrations to its Alexa+ assistant, including Expedia and Yelp, as it continues to test AI assistants as functional app platforms.
Anna’s Archive claims to have scraped 86 million Spotify songs
Pirate group Anna’s Archive claims to have scraped 86 million songs from Spotify, prompting the streaming service to disable accounts and implement new anti-copyright safeguards.
Tooth Fairy Tracker brings interactive video to lost teeth
Tooth Fairy Tracker offers interactive video updates for children losing teeth and plans to launch a subscription-based, personalized experience in 2026.