Pixi wants to replace your boring text messages with AR characters that react to you

digitaltrends.com Jun 19, 2026

Pixi wants to replace your boring text messages with AR characters that react to you

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 19, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Pixi Platform has launched a new app called Pixi Garden, which allows users to send interactive augmented reality characters through iMessage. These characters, called "pixis," come alive through the recipient's phone camera and react to their surroundings using onboard AI and machine learning sensors. The app offers 3D characters, such as a robot and a cat, as well as simple games like tic-tac-toe and whack-a-mole. The processing happens directly on the iPhone, ensuring no data leaves the device. The app is currently available for iPhone 11 and newer, with plans for Android and other messaging platforms. The goal is to replace traditional greeting cards with interactive AR characters. The app is free and available through the App Store.

💡 Why It Matters

· By bringing interactive AR characters to messaging, Pixi Garden has the potential to redefine the way people communicate and express themselves.
· Interactive characters that respond to their environment could create a new level of emotional connection in digital communication.

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YouTube TV’s quiet update restricts ‘less powerful devices,’ including Roku

Google has released an update for YouTube TV that restricts background playback and shortens the future program list for users on older and less powerful devices, including Roku. The update aims to prevent crashing and create a seamless experience for these devices. Users on devices with less than 512MB of memory may experience a different experience, with some features not available. The update has been reported to affect several Roku devices, with users advised to upgrade to newer hardware to enjoy the full YouTube TV experience.

💡 The YouTube TV update highlights the trade-off between performance and functionality on lower-end devices, forcing users to choose between a degraded experience or upgrading their hardware.

theregister.com · Jun 19

Canonical reveals Myna, its local speech-to-text app

Canonical has announced Myna, a local speech-to-text app for Ubuntu Desktop, to be included in the upcoming version 26.10, also known as "Stonking Stingray". The app will allow users to dictate text, which will appear in the application they are using, with clear visual feedback. Myna is designed to provide reliable desktop dictation, a basic but important step in improving desktop Linux functionality. The app will be open source, with a GitHub repository already available, although it is still in the planning stages. This development brings Ubuntu closer to commercial competitors like Apple's macOS and Microsoft's Voice Access.

💡 By offering a local speech-to-text engine, Canonical enhances Ubuntu's accessibility features, bridging the gap with commercial operating systems. Myna's open-source nature also fosters community involvement and potential innovation.

techcrunch.com · Jun 19

Telegram ban in India sparks a rush to VPNs, rival apps

India's temporary ban on Telegram has led to a surge in VPN downloads and alternative messaging app usage. The ban, which will last until June 22, was imposed due to concerns about exam-related fraud on the platform. As a result, VPN app downloads rose 49% to 208,000 on the day of the announcement, with Proton VPN and Turbo VPN seeing significant increases. Users are also turning to alternative messaging apps, such as Signal and Viber, with downloads rising 72% and 216% respectively. Telegram has challenged the ban in the Delhi High Court, arguing that authorities should target specific content rather than the entire platform, with the court hearings ongoing.

💡 The Indian government's decision to ban Telegram highlights the cat-and-mouse game between authorities and tech companies over online content regulation. By driving users to VPNs and alternative apps, the ban may ultimately undermine its intended purpose of preventing exam-related fraud.

windowscentral.com · Jun 18

Why Microsoft Authenticator ditched multiple-choice logins

Microsoft is rolling out a change to its Authenticator app, requiring users to manually enter a two-digit number for login verification instead of tapping one of three options. This update aims to improve security by reducing the risk of accidental approvals and spam attacks. The change first appeared for enterprise and education users, but has since started rolling out to personal Microsoft accounts. The update is part of Microsoft's efforts to phase out insecure SMS codes as an authentication option.

💡 The manual number entry requirement adds a crucial layer of security, making it significantly harder for malicious actors to exploit multi-factor authentication vulnerabilities. By reducing the risk of accidental approvals, Microsoft is taking a targeted approach to mitigate a common attack vector, ultimately strengthening user protection.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live

Spotify has launched "Reserved by Spotify," a system that identifies top fans of an artist and holds two tour tickets for them before the general ticket sale opens. The feature, available for Live Nation concerts, uses signals like streams, shares, and activity to determine eligible fans. Ticket sales are through Ticketmaster, and the system aims to reward music fans and encourage paid subscriptions. Spotify plans to add more partners and smaller venues over time, including international users.

💡 Spotify's Reserved system directly targets scalpers, who use automated tools to buy tickets and resell them at higher prices. By rewarding superfans, Spotify aims to increase engagement with its app and encourage paid subscriptions, ultimately reducing the incentive for scalpers to exploit the ticket market.

9to5google.com · Jun 18

Android Auto has suddenly lost its Facebook Messenger app

Facebook Messenger has suddenly disappeared from Android Auto, leaving users frustrated and without access to their messages while driving. The app's removal comes without warning and no official explanation from Meta. The change affects users with the latest version of Facebook Messenger, with the icon and app no longer appearing on car displays or in the launcher customization screen. Android Auto's notification UI still supports Messenger notifications, but without a direct filter.

💡 The removal of Facebook Messenger from Android Auto highlights the growing tension between tech giants and the need for seamless integration in connected ecosystems. As more users rely on messaging apps for daily communication, the sudden loss of a key feature underscores the importance of stable partnerships between companies.