From the Annals of People Having Knowledge of the Matter, Siri AI Extensions Edition
[Sponsor] WorkOS Launches auth.md — an Open Protocol for Agent Registration
'Severe' Stress On Oceans As Rate of Sea Level Rise Doubles In 10 Years, UN Warns
An anonymous reader quotes a report from The Guardian: The world's oceans are under "severe and accelerating" pressure from human activities, with the rate of sea-level rise double that of a decade ago, according to a damning assessment from the United Nations. The "intensifying" stressors, which include pollution and large-scale industrial fishing, are cumulative, said the report, resulting in widespread biodiversity loss and putting ocean systems under "severe strain."
The UN's third World Ocean Assessment, which reflects the work of nearly 600 scientists from 86 countries, looked at the oceans' health from 2021-25. The previous report, that covered up to 2018, found persistent degradation of the marine environment. Five years on, scientists know more about the cumulative impacts of anthropogenic pressures on the ocean, and the latest report shows just how much of the damage has been done in the past few years. The scientists' key findings include:
- Sea levels continue to rise at an increasing rate, from 2mm a year prior to 2015 to 4.3mm a year in 2023.
- 16% of the increase in global ocean heat since 1955 occurred after 2018.
- The greatest relative warming has been observed in the Atlantic Ocean and the southern parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
- Large gaps in knowledge persist -- with only 27% of the ocean floor mapped by 2025, deep-sea ecosystems remain poorly understood. Lukas Meus, Greenpeace's global ocean campaigner, said: "We are calling on governments to create fully protected ocean sanctuaries that will close vast areas of the ocean off from extractive human activities. Governments have promised to protect 30% of the world's ocean by 2030 -- the minimum scientists say we need for the ocean to be able to recover."
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
★ SwiftUI Only Makes It Easy to Develop Bad Apps
Apple’s developer message used to be that it was not just easy to develop apps for their platforms, but that it was easy to develop good idiomatically native apps. That’s still true for AppKit and UIKit, but it’s never been true for SwiftUI, and SwiftUI is now seven years old.
SD Card Performance in CircuitPython #CircuitPython #AdafruitLearningSystem @Adafruit
This guide benchmarks SD card performance in CircuitPython across a range of boards, card tiers, and filesystems. The findings are straightforward: SDIO for bulk transfers, SPI for fast small writes. For max performance, pair a card over 32 GB (A2/U3 rated) with an exFAT filesystem. Read more at SD Card Performance in CircuitPython
OpenAI Files For IPO
OpenAI has confidentially filed for an IPO, "setting it up for what may be the most highly anticipated market debut in recent history and a massive payday for early investors," reports CNN. The decision follows recent IPO announcements from Anthropic and SpaceX. From the report: OpenAI said it has not decided on timing yet. And because the filing is confidential, it's not yet clear how many shares the company plans to sell or at what price. "It may be a while because there are things we want to do that are likely easier as a private company," it said in a post on its newsroom page. But the company said the filing "gives us the option to go public sooner if that ends up being best."
The transition to a public company will give Wall Street a window into OpenAI's finances as the company pours billions into AI infrastructure and computing resources. Investors dumped tech stocks last week as they questioned whether a recent run-up in those shares had gone too far. OpenAI was last valued at $852 billion after raising $122 billion in March, but it's faced pressure to demonstrate it can generate the cash to match that valuation.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Meta Deletes Face-Recognition System From Its Smart Glasses App
Last Thursday, Wired reported that Meta had quietly embedded an unreleased facial recognition system called NameTag into software installed on millions of phones. In a follow-up report, Wired says the tech giant has now removed the face-recognition-related code, while saying "no final decision" has been made about whether the feature will launch. From the report: On Thursday, WIRED reported that Meta had quietly integrated substantial portions of the NameTag system into the Meta AI app. Though never publicly enabled, the feature was designed to convert faces captured by the glasses into unique biometric signatures, commonly known as faceprints, and compare them against a database of faceprints stored on the user's device. WIRED also found that faces the system failed to recognize were cropped, indexed, and stored locally for future processing.
NameTag first surfaced in February, when The New York Times, citing internal Meta documents, reported that the company was developing face recognition for its smart glasses and weighing a launch as soon as this year. One memo reportedly described releasing it during a "dynamic political environment," when privacy and civil liberties advocates would be distracted. Last week, WIRED reported that much of NameTag's machinery was already built into the Meta AI app, downloaded by millions of users, as early as January, even as Meta publicly said it had made no final decision about face recognition. After WIRED's report, Stone dismissed the findings, writing that the company couldn't answer questions about how the system would work because "the feature does not exist." Andrew Bosworth, Meta's chief technology officer, called the reporting "incredibly misleading" and "absolutely dishonest."
[...] The newly released version of Meta AI removes nearly all traces of the feature Meta said did not yet exist. Gone is the face-recognition software itself, along with the code that ran the NameTag recognition process and the "Person recognized" alert the app would have shown if someone were identified. The update also strips out a folder where the app would have stored the cropped images and biometric signatures of faces it captured but could not identify. [...] A few fragments of the NameTag system remain in the version of latest Meta AI, including an internal debug menu label and a dormant link meant to open a recognized person's profile. The leftover code points to parts of the system that are no longer there.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Xbox Game Exclusivity Will Be Decided on a 'Case-by-Case' Basis, Microsoft Says
Microsoft executive Matt Booty says future Xbox exclusivity will be decided "case-by-case," with Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution remaining Xbox console exclusives while major multiplayer, live-service, and previously promised PlayStation releases stay multiplatform. But IGN's Tom Phillips says Microsoft's announcement still leaves numerous questions unanswered, like "why just Gears and Clockwork Revolution?" and "how will this policy be enforced in future?" From the report: Last night's Xbox Showcase featured the return of games specifically earmarked as exclusives for Xbox consoles (though, of course, they'll still also be coming to PC). But why just Gears and Clockwork Revolution? And how will this policy be enforced in future? Microsoft's announcement left numerous questions unanswered. "We want a reason for people to get on board with Xbox, we want them to have a reason to buy an Xbox, we want them to have a reason to be an Xbox fan," Booty said. "At the same time, we want to reward all our players that have been with us for a long time -- we know that exclusives are important, and that's why we've got Gears coming in 2026 and Clockwork [Revolution] coming in 2027."
"We also want to be clear that our big multiplayer games and live-service games are going to continue to be multiplatform," he continued. "If we've promised something to players already, we're going to honor that promise. And then -- I think Asha said it -- we're going to make the right decision and not the fast decision. "We're going to keep thinking about this going forward," Booty continued, "and, I think you guys know already, our principle is when we announce the date, we announce the platforms. So, it's going to be case-by-case, but we're going to be clear, that when it's got a date, it's got a platform and you'll know what the choice is going to be."
Beyond those games already confirmed for PlayStation (such as the upcoming Halo: Campaign Evolved, and the PS5 version of Forza Horizon 6 due later this year), last night saw Microsoft make the call that other upcoming titles would still be coming to PS5 as well. While it had been assumed that State of Decay 3 would get a PS5 version, yesterday saw it made official. Hellblade threequel Senua was unveiled, and is getting a PS5 version. And, unsurprisingly, Spyro: A Realm Beyond is coming to Xbox, PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Apple Announces macOS 27 'Golden Gate', Drops Support For Intel Macs
An anonymous reader quotes a report from AppleInsider: Apple has unveiled its next Mac operating system, macOS Golden Gate, with Apple promising better performance, the improved Siri, and more. [...] On the surface, macOS Golden Gate is not as significant an upgrade as macOS Big Sur, or even macOS Tahoe with its Liquid Glass redesign. But under the surface, it is much more significant than it seems. Apple has chosen this release to draw a line in the sand. For the first time, the new macOS Golden Gate will not support Macs that have Intel processors. [...] Nonetheless, as of when this is released to the public in September or October, no Intel Macs will ever be supported again. One of the most notable design tweaks in this new release is a refinement of macOS toolbars and sidebars: toolbars are now more distinct, sidebars can stretch all the way to the window edge, and sidebar icons have regained color. Apple is also tightening window corner radii to address complaints about resizing behavior.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Apple Announces Siri AI, Next Generation of Apple Intelligence
At WWDC 2026, Apple announced a new "Siri AI," describing it as a more conversational, personalized, and systemwide assistant that can understand on-screen context and interact with apps while relying on on-device processing or Private Cloud Compute. The relaunch comes two years after Apple's original Apple Intelligence promises stumbled and "never fully materialized," reports The Verge. MacRumors reports: Siri is now embedded directly in the Dynamic Island, accessible by swiping down from it, pressing the side button, or saying "Hey Siri." A revamped voice engine makes the assistant sound more expressive, with micro-adjustable voice settings available during initial setup.
During Apple's keynote demo, presenters showed Siri handling chained, multi-step requests with apparent ease. In one sequence, a presenter asked about a Suki Waterhouse concert, was told tickets require a lottery entry, and asked Siri to set a reminder when the lottery opens, which it did. In another, the assistant identified a photo's landmark, pulled up navigation to that location, and surfaced photos from a recent family trip, adding a specific image to a shared family album on request.
Another demo showcased Siri's ability to synthesize information across apps. A presenter asked about a dessert he had heard about at an event, and Siri located the relevant details from his Messages history. It then compiled the information into a watch-party menu, drafted a message to his contacts with the menu included, and presented send and edit options. In a further demo, a presenter asked about something his son had shared in a message and followed it up by asking Siri to compose an email on the subject.
A new dedicated Siri app lets users scroll back through prior conversations and kick off new ones, with conversation history synced via iCloud so sessions carry seamlessly between devices. The app is also coming to watchOS. On the Mac, Siri is now also integrated into Spotlight and available via right-click context menus on any file or window. On visionOS, Siri AI gains a 3D visualization that users can place anywhere in their space.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Replacing Spotify with a homemade FM radio station
More and more people are yearning for simpler devices. While some see older tech as less convenient, others see the singular function as focused. This radio project from trwmato on GitHub will give you old-fashioned radio listening with some modern updates; without the existential threat of an endless doomscroll: Raspberry Pi Zero project that […]
Find out what's new for Apple developers
Discover the latest advancements on all Apple platforms and create even more unique, intelligent experiences in your apps and games with major enhancements across languages, frameworks, tools, and services. The latest SDKs bring incredible new features, including platform design refinements, powerful Apple Intelligence capabilities, and new AI development frameworks.
Introducing Time Allowances
New Time Allowances in iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, or later, give parents more flexible ways to manage the time their kids spend in apps across categories, including Entertainment, Games, and Social Media. Time Allowances are developed based on expert research and tailored to a child’s age to give parents a helpful starting point. Parents can adjust these settings based on what they determine is best for their child. Time Allowance categories are different from categories for user discovery on the App Store.
Entertainment and GamesYour app or game will appear in a Time Allowance category based on the information you provide in App Store Connect. Apps and games with Entertainment or Games selected as a primary or secondary category in App Store Connect will be sorted into the corresponding Time Allowance categories.
Social MediaThe Time Allowance category for Social Media will be based on whether your app or game offers social media capabilities, regardless of the category selected in App Store Connect. This includes the ability to redistribute, amplify, or interact with user-generated content through a social feed or similar discovery method that visibly spreads content to many users. Starting July 2026, the age rating questionnaire will be updated to let you indicate whether your app or game includes social media capabilities.
- If you indicate that your app or game includes social media capabilities, it will be placed in the Time Allowance category for Social Media and receive a minimum age rating of 13+.
- If you indicate that your app or game includes social media capabilities but they are disabled for anyone under 13, it won’t be included in the Time Allowance category for Social Media for users under 13. You'll also need to use the Declared Age Range API (at a minimum) to check users’ age ranges. If you select this option, your overall responses in the age rating questionnaire determine your age rating and may result in a rating lower than 13+. Your app or game may still be grouped in the Time Allowance category for Games or Entertainment based on the primary or secondary category selected in App Store Connect, and will remain in the Social Media category for users 13 and above.
Starting September 2026, you’ll be required to indicate whether your app or game includes social media capabilities in order to submit new versions or updates to the App Store, or for notarization for distribution on alternative app marketplaces.
Design safe and age‑appropriate experiences for your apps and games
Updated Apple Developer Program License Agreement and App Review Guidelines now available
The Apple Developer Program License Agreement and App Review Guidelines have been revised to support new features, updated policies, and to provide clarification. Please review the changes below and sign in to your account to accept the updated terms.
Apple Developer Program License Agreement- Sections 3.1, 14.8: Specified requirements for providing information and responding to questions about developer identity, including in the context of export compliance.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.3(N): Clarified requirements for use of the Sensitive Content Analysis framework.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.3(Q): Specified requirements for use of the Suggested Actions API.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.3(R): Specified requirements for use of the Trust Insights framework.
- Section 3.3.4(A): Specified terms regarding end users’ ability to modify content for personal accessibility purposes.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.7(L): Specified requirements for use of the Media Device Extension framework.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.7(M): Specified requirements for use of the Spatial Audio Extension APIs.
- Definitions, Section 3.3.9(E): Specified requirements for use of the Customer Engagement APIs.
- Section 3.2(h): Updated terms for use of and access to Apple models.
- Section 3.3.11: Grouped AI and machine learning technologies under new subsection.
- Section 3.3.11(A): Updated requirements for use of Foundation Models framework.
- Section 6.7: Specified that analytics may additionally be provided via Xcode and/or App Store Connect API.
- Section 7.9: Specified requirements on providing information regarding apps in App Store Connect, and protection of end users who are minors.
- Section 10: Clarified terms regarding indemnification.
- Attachment 2, Section 1.1: Clarified requirements for use of the In-App Purchase API.
- Attachment 5, Section 3.3: Updated privacy requirements for use of Passes.
- Attachment 11, Section 4: Updated the name of identity guidelines for EnergyKit.
- Introduction: revised kid and teen safety guidance.
- 1.2: new paragraph clarifies developer responsibilities for content that violates this guideline.
- 4.3(a): clarifies the basis for the guideline and adds an example.
- 4.3(b): clarifies the basis for the guideline and adds examples.
- 4.5.3: clarifies that Live Activities may not be used to spam, phish, or send unsolicited messages to customers.
Translations of the updated agreement will be available on the Apple Developer website within one month.
WhatsApp Catches Spyware Firm NSO Defying No-Hacking Court Order
wiredmikey shares a report from SecurityWeek: Meta-owned communications app WhatsApp says it recently detected and disrupted a spear-phishing attempt linked to spyware company NSO Group. The attack is allegedly in defiance of a court order that bars the spyware maker from targeting WhatsApp. WhatsApp filed a lawsuit against NSO in 2019, after it came to light that a zero-day vulnerability had been exploited to deliver spyware to users. [...] NSO has been seeking to overturn the order blocking it from targeting WhatsApp users, arguing that the company will "suffer irreparable harm."
According to WhatsApp, the spyware maker has violated the permanent injunction. The messaging app reported on Monday that it had recently learned of a social engineering attack that attempted to trick users into clicking on malicious links. WhatsApp has only shared a few domains as an indicator of compromise (IoC), but says it was able to link the attack to NSO, pointing to similarities to previously reported one-click phishing campaigns tied to the spyware company. WhatsApp says it also caught the attackers creating test accounts and groups. Those accounts and groups have been disabled, but further action is also being taken. WhatsApp says it is asking a federal court to hold NSO in contempt for allegedly violating a permanent injunction barring it from targeting WhatsApp and its users. The company also said it is making a "significant contribution" to the Spyware Accountability Initiative, a fund aimed at exposing and stopping spyware abuse.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Firefox Merges Support For Vulkan Video Decoding
Firefox has merged initial support for Vulkan Video decoding, giving the browser a more cross-platform path for GPU-accelerated video playback beyond Linux's long-running reliance on VA-API. Phoronix reports: Firefox on Linux has long been focused on the Video Acceleration API (VA-API) that isn't universally supported by Linux graphics drivers. This has left to efforts like NVIDIA-VAAPI-Driver to layer VA-API atop NVIDIA NVDEC interfaces to enjoy GPU-accelerated video playback in Firefox. Smaller Arm/embedded graphics drivers also have been largely left out of the game in the VA-API space. But with Vulkan Video we are beginning to see more adoption and in a cross-platform manner.
[...] The Firefox 153 release due out in July will have Vulkan Video decoding support available. The Vulkan Video activity in Firefox Git culminated this week with the work of NVIDIA engineer Tymur Boiko and Red Hat's Martin Stransky. Firefox 153.0 is expected for release on 21 July with this Vulkan Video support assuming no last minute issues.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Italy's Bending Spoons, Owner of AOL and Vimeo, Files For Nasdaq IPO
Bending Spoons, the Italian app studio behind acquisitions like Eventbrite, Vimeo, WeTransfer, Evernote, and AOL, has filed to go public in the U.S. after growing into a subscription-heavy app conglomerate with more than 500 million monthly active users. TechCrunch reports: In its filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Bending Spoons said it ended the year with $1.31 billion in revenue and has generated $601 million in Q1, a 132% year-on-year jump. The company gets the majority of its revenue from subscriptions, which account for 84% of its business. It generated $27.4 million in profit in Q1 2026. The company raised funding at an $11 billion valuation last year, up from $2.8 billion in 2024. In April, Reuters reported that the company could seek a $20 billion valuation with the IPO.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
An illustrated celebration of the engineering around us
Are you curious why a clicky Pen… clicks? How a Zippo Lighter flips open? Or what lives inside a Pez Dispenser? The Mechanical Pencil website by Bryan may be for you. I’ve illustrated tear-downs and break-downs of everyday products that you may have taken for granted. Let’s take a look inside and understand how they […]
AkiraOS: A WebAssembly runtime for microcontrollers
AkiraOS is Artur Founder’s Zephyr-based embedded OS that runs sandboxed WebAssembly applications on microcontrollers. The core idea: separate the OS from the application. The firmware stays stable. Apps are .wasm binaries — isolated, portable, and deployable over-the-air without touching the OS. Your App (C/C++/Python) → compile → app.wasm → SecureDeploy → runs on device OS unchanged Why this […]