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Blog Posts

Elon Musk Reacts Unfavorably to Apple’s Collaboration with Google on Gemini Agreement

**Musk Critiques ‘Excessive Power Concentration for Google’ Following Apple Alliance**

In a notable turn of events in the tech landscape, Apple has revealed a multi-year collaboration with Google, whereby Google’s Gemini will enhance new capabilities for Siri and the Apple Foundation Model. This partnership has elicited responses, notably from Elon Musk, who utilized the social media platform X to voice his apprehensions.

Musk’s Response

In the wake of the announcement, Musk denounced the alliance, describing it as “an excessive concentration of power” for Google. He pointed out the ramifications of Google’s supremacy, emphasizing that the tech giant already dominates significant platforms such as Android and Chrome. His remarks echo wider anxieties over the accumulation of power within a handful of tech powerhouses and its potential repercussions on competition.

Legal Complications

Musk’s condemnation arises as his company, xAI, is caught up in legal disputes with Apple and OpenAI. The lawsuit claims that the collaboration between Apple and OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into Siri and Apple Intelligence features undermines competition. Musk argues that this alliance hampers other AI firms, including his own Grok, from establishing a fair presence in the App Store.

Although the claims have largely been dismissed, the lawsuit is poised to continue after withstanding attempts to dismiss it by both Apple and OpenAI. Musk has previously asserted that Apple’s actions amount to an antitrust breach, claiming that the company is making it exceedingly difficult for any AI application other than OpenAI’s to ascend to the top of the App Store rankings.

Future Considerations

Musk’s remarks have incited speculation regarding possible future actions from xAI, including the idea of launching a mobile device, a notion Musk has alluded to previously. Some analysts interpret his comments as a cautionary signal, insinuating that he might attempt to challenge the Apple-Google alliance through legal avenues, akin to his current lawsuit against Apple and OpenAI.

Controversies Involving xAI

Compounding the intricacies of the situation, xAI has encountered international backlash and regulatory investigation due to the inappropriate use of its Grok chatbot, which has been linked to producing non-consensual and unsuitable material. This has resulted in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia prohibiting the app, instigating inquiries and demands for its removal from the App Store.

Conclusion

As the tech environment continues to transform, Musk’s response to the Apple-Google collaboration raises crucial inquiries regarding competition, power structure, and regulatory scrutiny in the AI domain. The results of Musk’s legal disputes and the future trajectory of xAI will be closely monitored as the industry grapples with these intricate matters.

WhatsApp Unveils Emoji-Driven Sticker Recommendations for iOS Users

The newest WhatsApp TestFlight build has brought a major improvement to the user experience with the incorporation of sticker suggestions. This feature simplifies the task of finding and sending stickers, making it easier for users to convey their thoughts in chats.

According to WABetaInfo, the WhatsApp beta for iOS version 26.1.10.72 features a sticker suggestion tool akin to the one previously launched for Android users. This functionality is intended to propose relevant stickers as users draft their messages, thus minimizing the necessity to sift through the sticker panel by hand.

This feature operates alongside the message composer. When a user inputs an emoji linked to specific stickers, a small sticker icon pops up next to the send button in the input area. Tapping this icon allows users to browse a collection of stickers and GIFs relevant to the emoji just typed. Moreover, a “Show more results” button enables users to expand their choices without exiting the chat, enriching the overall messaging experience.

WABetaInfo mentions that the sticker suggestions are founded on preset emoji associations tied to stickers when they are created. Thus, the feature’s effectiveness hinges on the metadata provided by sticker makers. Stickers with these associations qualify to be suggested, ensuring that the results are both pertinent and contextually fitting. This system is especially advantageous for users possessing multiple sticker packs, helping WhatsApp curate suggestions efficiently.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that the feature does not currently accommodate stickers created using WhatsApp’s built-in sticker creator, as this tool does not facilitate emoji associations. This limitation could be adjusted before the feature’s formal launch, possibly expanding the array of stickers available for suggestions.

In conclusion, the implementation of sticker suggestions in the latest WhatsApp beta for iOS signifies a significant enhancement in the app’s capabilities, enabling a smoother and more interactive messaging experience. As users keep expressing themselves through stickers, this feature is set to improve communication by offering timely and relevant visual replies.

Google Chrome 151 to End Support for macOS 12 Monterey

The Chrome Platform Status blog has verified that Chrome 150 will be the final version that supports macOS 12. Here’s the implication of that.

## This signifies no security updates, as well

From [Chrome Platform Status](https://chromestatus.com/feature/5077742779498496):

> Chrome 150 will be the final version compatible with macOS 12; Chrome 151 and later versions will not support macOS 12, which is beyond its support period with Apple. Operating on a supported OS is critical for maintaining security.

The article clarifies that while Chrome 150 will still function on Macs utilizing macOS 12 Monterey, it will show a warning infobar, as it “will not receive any further updates.”

This indicates that, apart from lacking new features, these Macs will also be devoid of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and, most crucially, security updates for [Google Chrome](https://9to5mac.com/guides/google-chrome/), putting users at increased risk of attacks.

Therefore, if you are a Chrome user still on macOS 12 Monterey, take heed: later this year, you will need to either upgrade to macOS 13 Ventura or a later version, or change browsers.

As for when this will take place, it remains uncertain.

Google has not provided a definitive timeline, but Chrome generally receives updates every 4 weeks for major releases. With the current stable version at 143, version 151 is likely to be released in roughly 32 weeks, around mid-to-late August.

Are you still on macOS 12 Monterey? Share your thoughts in the comments.

How Your Smartwatch Could Be Distributing Your Personal Health Information

Google searches might not be as confidential as you assume; various regulations exist that oversee the handling and distribution of personal health information. So, how much of this data can genuinely be sold to others?

How your health data could be jeopardized

Why Apple’s Partnership with Google Makes Sense for Siri’s AI Overhaul

In a pioneering partnership, Google and Apple have revealed that Apple’s upcoming Foundation Models will utilize Google’s Gemini models and cloud infrastructure. This alliance intends to elevate Apple’s AI functionalities, including an updated version of Siri, which is set to launch on iOS this year. The decision, though expected, is strategically advantageous for both technology leaders, providing shared advantages without demanding excessive exertion.

As a company mainly focused on software services, Google stands to benefit by incorporating its services within Apple’s ecosystem, thus broadening its reach. This partnership enables Google to use its proficiency in AI and software integration, likely increasing its user base and revenue through data monetization.

For Apple, collaborating with Google provides a means to access sophisticated AI capabilities without having to develop them internally. By leveraging Google’s established AI solutions, Apple can enhance the functionality of its devices, ensuring they stay competitive and attractive to consumers. This strategy allows Apple to concentrate on its primary strength—producing high-quality hardware—while still offering innovative AI functionalities.

In summary, this collaboration illustrates how two firms can capitalize on their strengths to attain shared success, benefiting both their business objectives and their customers.

Top 5 Must-Have Apple CarPlay Widgets to Improve Your Driving Experience

revitalized the CarPlay interface, enabling users to experience the company’s latest Liquid Glass aesthetics on their vehicle’s infotainment display, alongside Live Activities, more subtle notifications, and most notably, customizable widgets that are no longer exclusive to the premium CarPlay Ultra tier. These allow you to view essential information hands-free and are equally beneficial whether you’re a regular commuter or someone who spends extended periods on the road.

If you’ve just transitioned to iOS 26, acquired a new iPhone, or finally purchased a vehicle that supports CarPlay, it’s crucial to know which widgets are genuinely worthwhile. CarPlay widgets function differently than they do on the iPhone, and numerous well-known applications, such as WhatsApp, have significant limitations regarding what their CarPlay widgets can accomplish. You also face restrictions on the number of widget stacks, which is determined entirely by your vehicle’s screen dimensions. The most common configuration is two stacks, with each stack accommodating up to five widgets, so you’ll need to be discerning about your widget selections.

To assist you, we evaluated the most favored (and a few lesser-known) widgets firsthand to determine their actual performance on CarPlay. In the end, we selected the five top choices for this guide: Photos, Reminders, ChatGPT, Weather, and a live sports score widget. Collectively, they will not only provide you with valuable information but also introduce a personal flair to your vehicle’s infotainment system.

Photos

Apple’s Fresh Collaboration with Google Gemini Surpasses Anticipations in Range and Advantages

Apple and Google have formally declared a partnership to enhance Siri through Google’s Gemini AI models. This collaboration seeks to harness cutting-edge AI technology to elevate Apple’s voice assistant and other intelligent functionalities across its devices.

### Details of the Partnership

Last autumn, reports emerged suggesting that Apple was on the verge of finalizing a deal with Google to incorporate Gemini into Siri. The recent joint announcement from both firms affirmed this multi-year partnership, indicating that the upcoming generation of Apple Foundation Models will employ Google’s Gemini models and cloud technology. This integration is set to offer a more tailored Siri experience and improve various Apple Intelligence features on devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs, Vision Pro, and Apple Watches.

### Privacy Protections

A critical element of this agreement is the commitment to upholding Apple’s rigorous privacy standards. The contract guarantees that no user data will be accessible to Google, as the technology will be deployed with Apple’s established safeguards. This emphasis on privacy is vital for Apple, which has built its reputation on the protection of user data.

### Implications of the Public Announcement

The public nature of this alliance is viewed as advantageous for both firms. By making their collaboration known, Apple and Google share the accountability for the new AI features’ successes or failures. This openness could reduce the pressure on Apple, as any deficiencies in Siri’s performance will not rest solely with them. Furthermore, if the partnership succeeds, it may set the stage for future collaborations while enabling Apple to keep advancing its in-house AI models.

### Conclusion

The partnership between Apple and Google marks a significant advancement for Siri and Apple’s AI capabilities. With the incorporation of Google’s sophisticated AI technology, users can look forward to enhanced features and improved performance. As the collaboration progresses, it will be intriguing to observe how these developments influence the user experience throughout Apple’s ecosystem.

Fresh Group Chat Capabilities Launched in iOS 26’s Messages Application

# iOS 26: Thrilling New Group Chat Features in Messages

iOS 26 brings a variety of upgrades for iPhone users, especially within the Messages app. Below are five significant new features that improve group chat interactions.

## 1. Typing Indicators

Typing indicators have been a fundamental part of iMessage for individual conversations. With iOS 26, this capability is now extended to group chats. Users can observe when others are composing messages, making discussions more dynamic and engaging.

## 2. Polls

The new Polls feature enables users to swiftly collect feedback from group members. Available through the ‘+’ button in the lower-left section of Messages, users can create polls to assess availability, meal choices, and more. For those utilizing Apple Intelligence, poll suggestions will pop up above the keyboard, simplifying the process.

## 3. Apple Cash for Groups

Apple Cash, which facilitates secure payments among Apple users, is now integrated into group chats. Once exclusive to one-on-one messaging, this feature allows users to conveniently send and request payments in group situations, such as sharing costs after outings or during group travels.

## 4. Backgrounds

To personalize group chats, iOS 26 offers customizable backgrounds. Users can press the group icon at the top of the chat to access the Backgrounds area, where they can select from pre-existing options or upload their own photos. Any chosen background will be visible to all group participants, enhancing the aesthetic of the chat.

## 5. Adding Contacts from Groups

iOS 26 streamlines the way users can add unknown numbers from group chats to their personal contacts. By selecting the group icon, users can see all current members and can easily add anyone not already in their contacts with the new ‘Add to Contacts’ feature, making it simple to keep new connections.

These fresh features in iOS 26 are designed to boost communication and interaction within group chats, making them more enjoyable and effective for users.

New Study Offers Understanding on Why Comet 3I/Atlas Is Improbable to Be Extraterrestrial

several analysts suspected that 3I/ATLAS was of alien origin. However, a recent publication may shed light on the true nature of this peculiar object. Spoiler alert: It probably isn’t extraterrestrial.

Submitted to the Research Notes of the AAS, the study compares the behavior of 3I/ATLAS to other comets traversing our solar system, associating its unusual flight paths with a phenomenon known as outgassing, which can alter speed, rotation, and orbital trajectory. The paper’s author, Marshall Eubanks, stated that the team assessed the object’s non-gravitational acceleration using two interplanetary spacecraft. The findings, according to Eubanks, indicated that the object exhibited typical behaviors of other comets moving through our solar system.

This paper largely dispels months of conjecture, during which a contingent of Harvard astrophysicists theorized that 3I/ATLAS could be a fragment of extraterrestrial technology. Avi Loeb, a Harvard astrophysicist, even entertained the idea on the Joe Rogan podcast after publishing a draft paper on the topic in July 2025. Concerns heightened in late December when astronomers noted that the comet was emitting an unusual radio signal. However, this isn’t the first occasion that Loeb and others have raised the alien possibility in recent times. For instance, in 2017, the comet Oumuamua passed through the solar system displaying comparable traits. This time, though, interplanetary spacecraft enabled astronomers to perform innovative experiments, measuring the comet’s non-gravitational acceleration without tracking multiple orbits. Therefore, the comet’s legacy may serve as a glimpse into the makeup of distant solar systems, rather than evidence of visitors from beyond.

An interstellar guest?

3I/ATLAS has intrigued the scientific community since its detection by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) survey telescope in Rio Hurtado, Chile, in July 2025. Due to its course and velocity, ATLAS concluded that the comet came from beyond our solar system, marking it as only the third recorded interstellar object of this type. Featuring a substantial icy core that scientists estimate to be between 1,400 feet and 3.5 miles in diameter, the comet is enveloped by a luminous cloud of dust and gas, referred to as a coma. Following a hyperbolic path, which means it is traveling too quickly to be captured into a closed orbit around the sun, the comet achieved a peak velocity of 153,000 mph as it traversed beyond Mars’ orbit in October 2025.

The speculation that 3I/ATLAS might be an interplanetary, extraterrestrial visitor stemmed from these remarkably distinctive characteristics, particularly its unusual flight pattern. Based on Avi Loeb’s publication – titled “Is the Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Alien Technology?” — the comet’s trajectory is exceedingly unlikely, navigating a path that brushes unusually close to Venus, Jupiter, and Mars, which Loeb’s team assessed would only happen 0.005