TechCapsules

Google has confirmed the full rollout of Google Meet for Android Auto, a feature that allows users to make conference calls from their vehicles. The feature is enabled by default and works automatically when a phone is connected to a supported Android Auto head unit. The rollout is expected to be complete by June 2026, with users seeing the feature on their car's in-car entertainment OS. A notification will inform users that "Meet is available" and allow [...]

Apple has agreed to introduce EU-style App Store rules in Brazil, allowing developers to distribute iPhone apps through marketplaces outside the App Store. Under the agreement with Brazil's antitrust regulator, CADE, developers can begin integrating the new capabilities immediately. The changes will be part of iOS 26.5, requiring alternative marketplaces to receive authorization from Apple and comply with ongoing requirements, including a notarization process to identify malware and security threats.

Google has published an update on its Android developer verification process, which is set to launch in September. Millions of apps have been verified since the registration process began in March. The service, called 'Verifier', will automatically install on Android 8+ devices starting in June, validating that an app is registered to a verified developer. The initial launch will cover Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, with a global launch planned for 2027. Google is also launching a [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]