TechCapsules

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 [...]

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.

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.

Meta has announced the launch of paid subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, dubbed "Plus" plans, with prices ranging from $2.99 to $3.99 per month. The subscriptions offer special features such as story rewatch and stealth mode. Meta's decision to charge for its services is driven by the need to invest in AI technology and infrastructure, with a budget of $125-145 billion this year. The company aims to diversify its revenue streams, currently reliant on ads, and [...]

Apple has announced that developers in Brazil can now distribute iOS apps through alternative app stores and process payments outside the App Store. This change is part of Apple's agreement with Brazil's competition regulator, Conselho Administrativo de Defesa Econômica. The move loosens Apple's rules in another market, following similar revisions in the EU and Japan. New protections will be introduced, including a notarization process for iOS apps and authorization requirements for alternative app marketplaces. Developers in Brazil [...]

Microsoft is struggling to make Windows 11's new Outlook work offline due to its web-based approach. The new Outlook is a web app that loads Outlook.com in a WebView2 container, similar to opening Outlook in an Edge tab. A recent update has added the ability to attach files while offline, a feature that has been available in the classic Outlook desktop app. The update also allows users to access more emails offline, with options to save up [...]

A Google Docs user encountered an AI pop-up inviting them to "write with Gemini" and struggled to remove it, prompting them to write an article on how to disable the feature. The AI assistant, Gemini, is part of Google's smart features, which can be disabled through Gmail settings. To turn off Gemini, users can access their Gmail settings and disable smart features, preventing AI pop-ups from appearing in Google Docs. This solution allows users to avoid individually [...]

The Gemini overlay on Android has introduced Bubbles to enable multitasking and continuous conversations. Users can access this feature by starting a conversation from the Gemini overlay, which then minimizes into a Bubble featuring the spark logo when the screen is tapped elsewhere. Tapping the Bubble expands it back into the full Gemini overlay, allowing users to resume their conversation. This update aims to let users keep talking to Gemini while performing other tasks. The feature is [...]