Travel app Hopper to pay $35M in FTC settlement over ‘unfairly’ charging hidden fees

techcrunch.com Jul 3, 2026

Travel app Hopper to pay $35M in FTC settlement over ‘unfairly’ charging hidden fees

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 3, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Hopper, a travel app known for its AI-driven price predictions, has agreed to a $35 million settlement with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of misleading users with hidden fees and misrepresenting total costs. The FTC accused Hopper of using "dark patterns" to manipulate users into making choices, including pre-selecting optional add-ons and hiding charges. The company is now prohibited from misrepresenting pricing structures and must clearly disclose all fees to users.

💡 Why It Matters

· The FTC's crackdown on Hopper highlights the growing scrutiny of "junk fees" in the travel industry, where companies often hide charges until the checkout process.
· This settlement serves as a warning to other companies to clearly disclose fees and avoid using manipulative interface designs.

Apps Capsules

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Meta quietly launches vibe-coded gaming app Pocket

Meta has launched a new app called Pocket, which allows users to create and share small, interactive apps and games using AI prompts. The app, a result of Meta's acquisition of the team behind the vibe-coded gaming platform Gizmo, is described as a "creative platform for making and sharing gizmos." Pocket features a scrollable feed where users can play with gizmos created by others, and is available on both the App Store and Google Play. The app's launch was first spotted by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who shared a screenshot on X.

💡 Meta's push into AI creation tools with Pocket and other apps like Meta AI and Vibes underscores the company's efforts to make AI-driven content more accessible to mainstream users. By providing a platform for users to create and share interactive experiences, Meta is further blurring the lines between creator and consumer, potentially changing the way people engage with technology.

windowscentral.com · Jul 3

These Microsoft 365 deals laugh at a decade of inflation and save…

Microsoft has launched a series of deals for its Microsoft 365 subscription, offering discounts of up to 40% off the standard price. The promotions, which have been announced to coincide with a decade of inflation, aim to make the software more affordable for consumers and businesses. The deals include discounts on individual plans, family plans, and business plans, with savings available for both new and existing subscribers. The promotions are available for a limited time and can be redeemed through the Microsoft website.

💡 The Microsoft 365 deals are a rare instance of a major tech company offering significant discounts to consumers, highlighting the competitive pressure on the software giant to maintain market share. By offering deep discounts, Microsoft is signaling a willingness to sacrifice short-term revenue for the sake of long-term customer loyalty and retention.

9to5google.com · Jul 3

Google Wallet on Android phones now shows Wear OS payment history

The Google Wallet app on Android phones now displays payment history made by Wear OS watches, in addition to phone transactions. Previously, the app only showed purchases made by the phone, but now it includes NFC payments made by Wear OS devices. The transaction history notes "Purchase made on watch" for clarity. This change makes the transaction history more comprehensive, but the 10-item limitation remains. The update is retroactive, and Google first previewed this functionality in January, aiming to provide a more unified experience.

💡 This update streamlines users' financial tracking by consolidating payment history across devices. It eliminates the need to check multiple apps, making transaction management more efficient.

9to5google.com · Jul 3

Android Auto more widely rolling out updates for Spotify and YouTube Music…

Android Auto users are receiving updates for media apps, including Spotify and YouTube Music. A redesigned Spotify music player, previously in beta, is now rolling out more widely, featuring blurred album art and a reorganized button layout. This design will also appear in other apps like YouTube Music and Pocket Casts. However, some YouTube Music users are experiencing issues with the "Library" tab disappearing, which can be resolved by resetting the app. The updates aim to enhance the user experience for Android Auto users, providing a more streamlined and intuitive interface for music streaming.

💡 The updates address user frustrations with the existing app designs, enhancing overall usability. Improved app functionality also reflects Google's efforts to refine the Android Auto platform.

firstpost.com · Jul 3

What’s the Chinese app that Indian govt is probing for dangerous e-rickshaw…

The Indian government is investigating a Chinese app called Battery Management System (BAT)-BMS, which is being used by teenagers to shut down e-rickshaws in the middle of the road. The app, developed by Shenzhen Grenergy Technology, allows users to connect to Bluetooth-enabled lithium batteries and control their performance remotely. Users are exploiting this feature to disable e-rickshaws, leaving drivers in a state of shock and danger. The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is examining the security implications of the app. The app is a legitimate tool for battery management, but its misuse has raised concerns.

💡 The app's ability to remotely shut down vehicles poses a significant risk to public safety, particularly for e-rickshaw drivers and passengers. Its misuse highlights vulnerabilities in the security of connected devices.

9to5toys.com · Jul 2

Mid-week Android app deals and freebies: Clank!, Dune, Raiders of the North…

Android users can enjoy a mid-week lineup of discounted games and apps, including titles like Clank!, Dune: Imperium Digital, and Raiders of the North Sea. Additionally, there are deals on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra models, Galaxy Watch Ultra, and Google TV Streamer 4K. The discounts also include a range of free apps, such as Space Shooter: Galaxy Attack and Defense legend 4 HD: Sci-fi TD. Users can find these deals and more on the 9to5Toys website.

💡 The mid-week deals offer a significant opportunity for Android users to upgrade their devices and expand their gaming libraries at discounted prices. With savings of up to $350 on Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra models and over 50% off Galaxy Watch Ultra, users can experience premium features without the full price tag.