News

WhatsApp is introducing new creative tools for Status, expanding customization options for users. The May 29, 2025 update adds four new features designed to enhance self-expression and interaction.

Users can now create collages with up to six images using the Layout tool, allowing for customized arrangements. Music sharing is also improved, enabling users to post a song as their Status or convert it into a music sticker for other posts.

Additionally, the Photo Stickers feature lets users transform images into stickers, adjusting their size and shape for Status updates. The Add Yours sticker, inspired by Instagram, encourages engagement by allowing users to post a picture and invite friends to respond with their own Status updates.

These features will be rolled out gradually and will be available to all WhatsApp users in the coming months.

Apple is preparing to introduce a unified gaming application at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) on June 9, 2025. The new app is expected to replace Game Center, providing a centralized hub for launching games, tracking achievements, viewing leaderboards, and potentially integrating with iMessage and FaceTime for multiplayer gaming.

The application will be pre-installed on future iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple TV devices, aiming to streamline the gaming experience across Apple’s ecosystem. Reports indicate that Apple has acquired RAC7 Games, the studio behind Sneaky Sasquatch, reinforcing its commitment to gaming.

Additionally, the Mac version of the app may allow users to launch games downloaded from outside the App Store, marking a significant shift in Apple’s traditionally closed ecosystem and potentially making macOS a more competitive gaming platform.

Stellantis is adjusting its in-car technology strategy by discontinuing its collaboration with Amazon on the “Stellantis SmartCockpit” software project and transitioning to a Google Android-based infotainment system for future models. This shift, reported around May 29, 2025, highlights the challenges automakers face in developing a unified software experience across multiple brands.

The Stellantis SmartCockpit project, introduced three years ago as part of a broader effort to generate revenue from software, aimed to enhance vehicle personalization and driver-specific settings. However, implementing these features consistently across Stellantis’ diverse portfolio of 14 brands proved difficult. Reports suggest that Amazon personnel previously assigned to the project have been reassigned or are no longer involved.

Despite discontinuing the SmartCockpit interface, Stellantis will maintain its relationship with Amazon in other areas, continuing to use Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its cloud provider and retaining Amazon Alexa as an in-vehicle voice assistant. This suggests Stellantis is adopting a selective approach, integrating different technologies where they offer the most advantages.

The shift towards a Google Android-based system reflects the growing preference for established automotive platforms rather than proprietary infotainment solutions, which require significant development resources. Many automakers are opting to leverage existing ecosystems from companies like Google and Apple to streamline software integration.

For consumers, this change could result in a more uniform infotainment experience across Stellantis brands, improving app compatibility and usability. However, it also highlights the increasing influence of major tech companies in shaping in-car digital experiences, which may reduce differentiation between vehicle brands at the software level. Stellantis continues to invest in automotive software development, including its STLA Autodrive automated driving system and an AI-powered in-car assistant developed in collaboration with Mistral AI.

Samsung Electronics marks the first anniversary of its Bespoke AI Laundry Combo, a smart washer-dryer that has gained significant market traction since its launch in February 2024. With over 100,000 units sold in Korea and 21 major industry awards, the appliance has not only achieved commercial success but also appears to be influencing consumer laundry habits, showcasing AI’s growing role in home appliances.

The Bespoke AI Laundry Combo streamlines the washing and drying process within a single, intelligent system, contributing to shifts in user behavior. Samsung reports that owners of all-in-one models tend to wash their clothes more frequently, with dual-income households increasingly opting for evening laundry sessions rather than reserving the task for weekends.

This trend highlights how AI and smart home technology are evolving from convenience-based features into tools that actively shape everyday routines. By optimizing household management and reducing the burden of chores, these appliances enhance efficiency for users. The strong sales and recognition of the Bespoke AI Laundry Combo reflect a growing consumer preference for smart technology that delivers tangible benefits in convenience and time management.

As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into a broader range of home appliances, the focus for manufacturers will be on demonstrating real-world advantages beyond simple automation. Moving toward an adaptive smart home ecosystem, AI-driven solutions like Samsung’s Bespoke AI Laundry Combo illustrate the potential for connected appliances to improve daily living.

Grammarly, the AI-powered writing assistance company, has secured $1 billion in non-dilutive funding from General Catalyst, allowing it to expand without giving up equity. The investment comes from General Catalyst’s Customer Value Fund (CVF), a financing pool designed to help late-stage startups grow by leveraging predictable revenue streams.

Grammarly plans to use the funds to scale its sales and marketing operations, further develop its AI productivity platform, and pursue strategic acquisitions. This expansion follows its January 2025 acquisition of Coda, a workspace platform that enhances AI-driven productivity tools.

Currently, Grammarly serves over 40 million users and 50,000 organizations, generating $700 million in annual revenue. CEO Shishir Mehrotra, formerly of Coda, highlighted the potential unlocked by integrating the two platforms, aiming to accelerate growth and reach more users.

This funding reflects strong investor confidence in AI-driven productivity solutions and positions Grammarly for continued innovation in the evolving market.