Keep up with the latest in the buzzy world of technology! From a Nintendo News App to Instacart Perks and more, we have you covered on the top news headlines. Read this week’s tech news blog and stay connected!
WhatsApp Can Now Be Set as Default Messaging and Calling App on iPhone
iPhone users can now set WhatsApp as their default app for calls and text messages after updating to version 25.8.74, according to WABetaInfo. This feature, initially announced for users in the European Union, is now available to all users with the rollout of iOS 18.2. To make the switch, go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps, then choose WhatsApp under the Messaging and Calling options. Once set, your iPhone will automatically use WhatsApp when initiating calls or texts from links or contact shortcuts.
Microsoft to Speed Up Word Startup with New Background Task
Starting in May, Microsoft will roll out a new Startup Boost feature to improve the launch speed of Office apps, beginning with Word. The update introduces a scheduled task that runs silently when you boot your PC, keeping Word in a paused state for quicker access. This performance boost will only be available on systems with at least 8GB of RAM and 5GB of free disk space, and it will be disabled during Energy Saver mode. Users can opt out via settings in Word, though the scheduled task will reappear with future Office updates unless managed through the app. Additional Office apps will gain Startup Boost support in later updates.
Amazon Tests Rebranding Echo Devices as “Alexa” in Limited Experiment
Amazon appears to be testing a possible rebrand of its Echo smart speakers and displays to simply “Alexa,” according to images and tips seen by The Verge. Some product pages briefly showed devices like the Echo Show 5 listed as the “Alexa Show 5,” suggesting a potential shift in branding. Amazon confirmed it’s experimenting with how customers search for products but cautioned that this doesn’t signal an official name change. Given Alexa’s brand strength and the upcoming launch of Alexa Plus, Amazon’s new AI-powered assistant, the test could hint at a future rebranding—though for now, Echo remains the official name.
Nintendo Launches “Nintendo Today” News App Ahead of Switch 2 Reveal
Nintendo wrapped up its latest Direct with the surprise announcement of Nintendo Today, a new mobile app designed to keep fans updated on all things Nintendo. Available now on iOS and Android, the app acts as a daily calendar, delivering news, videos, comics, and updates about popular games and characters. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, it was created to complement Nintendo’s popular livestreams and will offer regular updates following the April 2nd Switch 2 Direct. With major projects underway—including a new console, theme park expansions, films, and other apps—Nintendo Today centralizes the company’s growing slate of content in one place.
Instacart Unveils New Shopper Earnings and Smarter Stock Tracking with Store View
Instacart is rolling out a new feature called Store View, offering shoppers a chance to earn money by capturing video of store shelves, aisle by aisle. These videos will help Instacart track product availability and improve restocking predictions, especially for next-day orders. Initially launching with select retailers, Store View will expand across the U.S. and Canada in 2025. Instacart also plans to equip its smart Caper Carts with cameras to monitor inventory in real-time. Additionally, a Second Store Check feature will soon allow a second shopper to source out-of-stock items from nearby locations—delivered at no extra fee, though tipping details remain unclear.
Google Enhances Travel Planning with New AI-Powered Features in Maps, Search, and Hotels
Google is rolling out new AI-powered tools across Maps, Search, and Hotels to simplify travel planning. A standout addition to Google Maps lets users create a list from screenshots, using Gemini AI to identify and map locations mentioned in their saved images—making trip planning from screenshots much easier. This feature starts rolling out to iOS users in the U.S. this week, with Android support coming soon. Meanwhile, Google Search is adding AI itinerary tools that generate personalized trip plans, such as historical tours of Greece, complete with reviews, maps, and export options to Docs or Gmail. AI Overviews in Google Lens will also expand to six new languages. In hotel search, global price tracking alerts are now live, letting users monitor deals for specific dates and preferences like beach access or star ratings.