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Perplexity adds OpenAI's gpt-live-1 voice model to Mac app voice mode

Perplexity has updated the voice mode in its Mac app and web version to run on OpenAI's gpt-live-1 model, which can listen while it speaks. The update, available now to Pro and Max subscribers, lets users manage multiple Computer sessions, start new tasks, and handle Projects within a single voice session.

Marissa Mayer's Dazzle app draws backlash over AI-generated child description

Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer discussed her new app Dazzle, an AI assistant that analyzes camera roll photos, saying it helped generate bullet points describing her daughter as 'empathetic, creative, and an animal lover' for a school presentation. The comment drew criticism online, including from activist Leah Greenberg, who called it evidence of Silicon Valley's cultural disconnect. Mayer later posted on X defending herself, saying she was testing the app's capabilities rather than relying on it to describe her child, citing examples like resurfaced photos of old kindergarten projects.

South Korea fines Google $32M, Apple $15.5M over app store payment rules

South Korea's Korea Media and Communications Commission fined Google 42.9 billion won and Apple 20.8 billion won, totaling about $47.6 million, for violating a 2021 law requiring app stores to allow alternative payment systems. The regulator said both companies effectively forced developers to use their own payment systems by charging a 26% commission and withholding features from third-party options, and also delayed app reviews without explanation. Apple was additionally accused of overcharging Korean developers compared with developers elsewhere between 2015 and January 2023.

Google launches certification program for third-party Android app stores

Google has begun certifying registered app stores that distribute Android applications outside its own Play Store. The certification process is intended to let alternative app marketplaces meet a set of standards defined by Google before being recognized as approved distributors.

Meta quietly launches Waddle World AI pet app in the Philippines

Meta has released Waddle World, a Tamagotchi-style mobile game where users hatch and raise a virtual pet that responds to journal entries with AI-generated text and illustrations. The app, available since late September on the App Store and Google Play, is currently limited to the Philippines and includes mini-games for earning points to buy food and toys for the pet.

Meta tests 'Waddle World,' an AI pet journal app, in the Philippines

Meta has quietly launched Waddle World, a 16-bit style app featuring a virtual pet that chats with users and draws doodles based on conversations, described in its store listing as a daily journal disguised as a pet game. The app is currently free but restricted to adults in the Philippines, according to its Apple and Play Store listings spotted by social media consultant Matt Navarra. Meta has also released a separate AI fashion app called Style Sketch, reportedly limited to Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

Apple's iOS 27.2 update adds Siri memory and redesigned Podcasts tab to CarPlay

Apple has released iOS 27.2, which changes CarPlay's Podcasts app by replacing the Up Next section with New Episodes and Continue Playing tabs. The update also extends Siri's AI upgrades to CarPlay, letting the assistant recall prior conversations and pull from voicemails, Safari history, Calendar attendees, and Messages photos to answer questions.

X tests animated arm nudging Premium users toward 'promote' button

X Premium subscribers are seeing a brief animation of an arm pointing at the 'promote' button inside the post composer. The feature hasn't rolled out to all accounts, and X has not publicly explained the change. Users have shared screenshots and videos reacting with confusion on the platform.

Google investigates reports of Pixel Clock app alarms silencing without sound

A Pixel owner on Reddit reported two consecutive morning alarms failing to sound, instead showing a notification that the alarm was 'automatically silenced' after its set duration. The user said they made no settings changes and missed important work obligations as a result. Several other Pixel users in the thread described similar experiences, and Google has said it is looking into the issue.

Duolingo suffers brief outage, resolved within 45 minutes

Duolingo experienced a service disruption on October 27, 2026, preventing some users from accessing the app. The company confirmed the outage was resolved roughly 45 minutes after it began, restoring normal service.

Google opens enrollment for Registered App Stores program ahead of December 1 launch

Google has begun accepting enrollment applications from third-party Android app stores for its Registered App Stores program, with a streamlined installation flow set to launch December 1. The program, available outside the US on Android 17 QPR2 and later, is optional for developers, and stores that don't enroll will see no change to their current installation process.

Google opens applications for Registered App Stores program outside the US

Google has begun accepting applications from third-party app stores for its Registered App Stores program, which excludes the United States. Approved stores will gain one-click app installation and silent background updates similar to Google Play, with the new install experience rolling out to Android devices later this year.