Stay connected with the biggest headlines in the world of tech. From Google Magic Editor to Spotify Podcast tools and more, there is plenty of buzz from across the web. Check out our weekly recap of the tech news you want to hear in this week’s blog!
WhatsApp Beta Tests Logout Button That Lets You Keep or Erase Local Data
A new “Logout” option spotted in Android beta 2.25.17.37 lets users sign out of WhatsApp on their primary device. Likewise, this update lets users sign out without deleting the app or wiping it in system settings. Users can access the feature after tapping the button (found under Settings > Account, just below Delete Account), and from there choose “Keep all Data & preferences” for a temporary break or “Erase all Data & preferences” to start fresh. Of course, this update offers relief for single-SIM users who swap accounts and anyone who wants a pause without losing chats. Public rollout timing and iOS availability remain unclear.
Google Drive Adds Gemini AI Video Summaries and View Counts for Workspace Users
Google is rolling out Gemini in Drive for video files. The update lets Workspace and Google One AI Premium users (English only) ask a chatbot for instant summaries, action items, or key updates from caption-enabled videos without watching them. Likewise, the overlay previewer or a new tab hosts the feature. In addition, this complements a new analytics panel that now shows how many times each Drive video has been opened. Of course, this feature gives creators quick insight into engagement.
Spotify Rolls Out Following Feed and Smarter Podcast Discovery Tools
Spotify’s latest mobile app update adds a dedicated “Following” feed inside the main Podcasts tab. Likewise, this change gives Spotify listeners one-stop access to the newest episodes from shows they already follow. The Home screen now surfaces personalized podcast and video-podcast recommendations just below shortcuts. This will sometimes include a brief note explaining why each title was suggested. For Spotify creators, episode pages will soon feature an “In This Episode” section that links directly to music or other content discussed. Additionally, threaded replies and emoji reactions bring richer interaction to podcast comments on Spotify.
Google Photos Revamp Brings Magic Editor AI to All Android Phones and Adds QR Album Sharing
Google Photos’ redesigned editor puts Pixel-exclusive AI tools in users’ hands. The Magic Editor’s Auto Frame for AI-cropping and fill, and text-to-image Reimagine come front-and-center alongside a new AI Enhance button. This feature auto-combines effects like object removal, sharpening, and lighting tweaks. In addition, users can also brush specific areas to get context-aware suggestions, such as background blur or subject relocation. The former two-tier menu collapses into a single row of three thumbnails (Enhance, Dynamic, AI Enhance) for faster access. In addition, a pop-up tool palette surfaces the best edits without digging through tabs. Rolling out globally to Android next month (iOS later this year), the update also introduces QR album sharing. Of course, this update lets anyone scan a code to view or contribute photos—ideal for events and group trips.
Apple Brings Self-Service Repair to Latest iPad Line, Adds Canadian Support and New Parts Distributor
Starting tomorrow, Apple’s Self-Service Repair program will let do-it-yourselfers order official replacement products for current iPad models. The available models include the A16 iPad, A17 Pro iPad mini, M4 iPad Pro, and both M2 and M3 iPad Air. This rollout joins the iPhones, Macs, and Studio Display already covered since the program’s 2022 debut. Pricing (iPhone spares run $69–$379) hasn’t been revealed, but iPad parts are expected to cost more. Apple also plans to roll the repair initiative into Canada this summer. MobileSentrix has been tapped as a U.S. parts seller through its Genuine Parts Distributor program, giving independent shops easier access to official components.