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

techcrunch.com Jun 18, 2026

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

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jun 18, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

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.

💡 Why It Matters

· 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.

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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.

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.

pingara.com · Jun 18

Meta to launch paid subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp

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 address investor concerns about its AI investments. Existing apps will remain free, with the "Plus" plans being optional.

💡 Meta's shift to a subscription model underscores its efforts to monetize its vast user base and reduce dependence on advertising revenue. By offering premium features, Meta can attract high-value users willing to pay for enhanced experiences.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

Apple opens up App Store to new competition in Brazil

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 must agree to the updated license agreement by July 6, 2026. The change marks another crack in Apple's control over the iOS app ecosystem.

💡 Regulators are successfully forcing Apple to open up its tightly controlled ecosystem, setting a precedent for other markets to follow. Alternative app stores and external payment options will give developers more flexibility and autonomy.

windowslatest.com · Jun 18

Microsoft still can’t make Windows 11’s New Outlook work offline because it…

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 to 1 or 2 years of email on their device. Microsoft's refusal to create a native app is hindering the development of full-fledged offline support. The new features are rolling out widely, but the app still consumes more disk space compared to Outlook Classic.

💡 Microsoft's inability to deliver seamless offline support undermines the reliability of its enterprise email product. Limited offline capabilities can hinder productivity in areas with poor internet connectivity.

techcrunch.com · Jun 18

How to turn off AI in your Google Docs

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 disabling each AI feature. The process is straightforward, providing relief to users who find the AI pop-ups disruptive. Google Docs users can now disable Gemini and other smart features easily.

💡 Disabling smart features gives users control over their writing experience, allowing them to work without AI interruptions. By doing so, users can maintain focus and productivity in Google Docs.