SSPAI

Tag: GitHub Copilot

  • SSPAI Morning Brief: Google Brings AI Scam Call Detection and Expanded AirDrop Compatibility to Android

    SSPAI Morning Brief: Google Brings AI Scam Call Detection and Expanded AirDrop Compatibility to Android

    Morning Brief

    1. Apple Announces Winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards
    2. Microsoft Build 2026 Roundup
    3. Sony State of Play June 2026 Roundup
    4. Trump Signs Executive Order on AI Regulation
    5. Dashlane Admits to 2FA Brute-Force Attack Incident
    6. Google Introduces Android Anti-Scam Calling Features and Expanded AirDrop Support
    7. News Worth a Quick Look

    Apple Announces Winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards

    On June 2, Apple announced the winners of the 2026 Apple Design Awards, recognizing 12 outstanding apps and games selected from 36 finalists. This year’s awards featured six categories, with one app and one game winning in each category. The winners are as follows:

    Developers of the winning entries will be honored during WWDC26. Source

    Microsoft Build 2026 Roundup

    On June 2, Microsoft unveiled a range of new AI models and developer tools at Build 2026, including its in-house reasoning model MAI-Thinking-1, featuring 35 billion active parameters and a 256K context window; the MAI-Image-2.5 family with text-to-image and image-to-image generation capabilities, including a flash variant; the MAI Transcribe 1.5 audio model supporting 43 languages; MAI-Voice-2 and its flash variant; and MAI-Code-1, designed for GitHub. Microsoft also introduced Web IQ, an AI-powered web search technology, the Microsoft Scout personal work agent, and the open-source security evaluation project ASSERT alongside the Agent Control Specification.

    On the hardware and systems side, Microsoft announced the Surface RTX Spark Dev Box, designed specifically for local AI model fine-tuning. Powered by NVIDIA’s RTX Spark chip, it delivers 1 petaflop of AI performance and 128GB of unified memory, enabling local execution of models with up to 120 billion active parameters. The system also incorporates a new sandboxing environment called Microsoft Execution Containers (MXC) for secure isolation. The device will launch later in 2026 through Microsoft’s online store in the United States. For cloud and developer services, Microsoft introduced a preview version of the GitHub Copilot desktop application, the managed backend service Rayfin, and Azure HorizonDB, a fully managed PostgreSQL database service. Source

    Sony State of Play June 2026 Roundup

    On June 2, 2026, Sony Interactive Entertainment hosted a new State of Play livestream presentation, showcasing more than 60 minutes of game announcements and updates.

    On the hardware and first-party exclusive front, Santa Monica Studio revealed a new entry in the God of War franchise titled God of War Laufey. Insomniac Games confirmed that Marvel’s Wolverine will launch on September 15 and showcased new gameplay footage, while Firesprite Games announced that Until Dawn 2 is scheduled for release in 2027. Among third-party and multiplatform titles, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Sif was dated for October 2; Bancho The Chef, an independent prequel to Mintrocket’s Dave the Diver, was announced with extensive support for PS5 DualSense controller features; Remedy’s Control: Resonance and Konami’s Silent Hill: Townfall are both scheduled to launch on September 24; Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis, a remake developed by Flying Wild Hog and published by Amazon Game Studios, is set for release on February 12, 2027; meanwhile, No Rest for the Wicked is scheduled to launch in October, and Onimusha: Way of the Sword will release on September 25, with a demo featuring the first 30 minutes of gameplay available immediately. Source

    During the same event, S-Game founder and producer Liang Qiwei announced that the action title Phantom Blade Zero has been delayed from its previously planned September 9, 2026 release date to October 29, 2026. He also confirmed that pre-orders will begin this summer. The delay is intended to provide an additional 50 days for upgrading a number of character models and rebuilding selected environments, allowing the game to present more visually expansive and distinctive levels while maintaining a unified “Wuxia-Punk” aesthetic. The team also aims to preserve most of the visual fidelity of these upgrades without relying on ray tracing technology. In addition, two new videos will be released this summer, including a new gameplay trailer launching alongside pre-orders and a subsequent 15-to-20-minute deep dive presented during a dedicated Sony State of Play event, covering the game’s world-building, combat, exploration, and progression systems. Source

    Trump Signs Executive Order on AI Regulation

    On June 2, U.S. President Donald Trump formally signed an executive order aimed at introducing pre-release review procedures for powerful AI models. The order requests that certain AI companies voluntarily submit new models to the government for testing or evaluation 30 days before public release. Earlier drafts had proposed a review period of up to 90 days, but this was shortened following objections from industry executives, including David Sacks. The order explicitly states that it must not be interpreted as authorizing any mandatory government licensing, pre-approval, or market-entry system for AI models. It also directs the Department of Justice to prioritize AI-assisted hacking and unauthorized system access as key enforcement areas.

    Due to strong opposition from within the technology industry, the order was ultimately signed privately by Trump and did not include the originally planned closed-door signing ceremony attended by leading Silicon Valley CEOs. Source

    Dashlane Admits to 2FA Brute-Force Attack Incident

    On June 2, password manager provider Dashlane announced that its two-factor authentication (2FA) system had been targeted by a brute-force attack, resulting in approximately 20 users’ password vaults being downloaded by attackers. Dashlane stated that the attackers used automated software to rapidly submit all possible numeric combinations in an attempt to bypass SMS or email verification codes while also trying to register new devices on existing user accounts. Due to the unusually high volume of login attempts generated by the attack, Dashlane’s security systems automatically locked affected accounts, blocked malicious traffic, and notified impacted users. Dashlane emphasized that the downloaded vaults remain encrypted unless attackers also possess the users’ master passwords. Source

    Google Introduces Android Anti-Scam Calling Features and Expanded AirDrop Support

    On June 3, Google announced new anti-deepfake call fraud and impersonation scam detection features for devices running Android 12 and later. The verification system requires both the user and the caller (Editor’s note: ?) to have Phone by Google installed, while the user must also use Google’s Contacts and Messages apps. When the system detects a call that may be spoofing a caller ID through network relays, it sends an authenticated RCS ping through Google Messages to the contact believed to be impersonated. If the recipient confirms that they did not place the call, the system displays a warning notification to the user.

    At the same time, Google announced that the previously Pixel 10- and Galaxy S26-exclusive “Circle to Search” and Find the Look features will be expanded to all devices running Android 14 and later. Google Photos will also gain an AI-powered outfit image generation feature. In addition, Quick Share’s compatibility with Apple’s AirDrop ecosystem will be extended to more devices. Supported models include the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z series, and Galaxy S24 series, as well as the OnePlus 15, Xiaomi 17T Pro, vivo X300 series, and Honor Magic V6, all of which will be able to transfer files directly with AirDrop-enabled devices through Quick Share. Source

    News Worth a Quick Look

    • Nintendo Music is now available on the web, allowing users to browse all available songs and playlists on computers and large-screen devices without installing an app. In addition, recent updates to the Nintendo Music app have added support for tablets and in-car infotainment systems. Source
    • On June 2, Anthropic announced that it has expanded access to its Claude Mythos Preview model to more than 150 new organizations across over 15 countries. Claude Mythos is capable of identifying zero-day vulnerabilities within a short period of time. The newly added partners span sectors including energy, water utilities, healthcare, telecommunications, and hardware, and include organizations such as Okta, Samsung, SK hynix, SK Telecom, NATO, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Source
    • On June 2, Withings introduced the BodyFit smart scale, designed specifically for users of GLP-1 medications. The device inherits the design of the company’s Body Scan product, supports body composition analysis and single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, and is priced at $280. Source
    • Prominent Chinese tech leaker @冰宇宙 (Ice Universe) shared key specifications and real-device mockup images of Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 series foldable smartphones on overseas social media platforms. According to the leak, a new model codenamed “Wide” adopts a wider chassis design, reduces weight to 201g, and features a new 50MP primary camera sensor capable of native 24MP output. Meanwhile, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra retains the same 215g weight as its predecessor while featuring a 5,000mAh battery with 45W charging support, alongside a thinner unfolded profile. Source
  • SSPAI Morning Brief: GitHub Copilot Shifts to Usage-Based Pricing as Alibaba Launches HappyHorse AI Video Model

    SSPAI Morning Brief: GitHub Copilot Shifts to Usage-Based Pricing as Alibaba Launches HappyHorse AI Video Model

    Morning Brief

    1. Alibaba launches HappyHorse 1.0 video generation model
    2. WeChat warns of “755” spoofed scam calls
    3. JBL releases two new audio products
    4. CHERRY unveils MX 8.3 Pro mechanical keyboard
    5. Microsoft internally launches the Windows K2 project to optimize the Windows 11 experience
    6. LincPlus introduces new NAS product LincStation E1
    7. Apple launches a 12-month installment annual subscription plan
    8. GitHub Copilot will fully shift to a usage-based pricing model
    9. News Worth a Quick Look

    Alibaba launches HappyHorse 1.0 video generation model

    On April 27, Alibaba announced that its video generation model HappyHorse 1.0 has entered limited rollout testing. According to Alibaba, HappyHorse 1.0 is open for testing to professional creators, enterprise clients, and general users. Professional creators and enterprise users can register via the official HappyHorse website and the Alibaba Cloud Bailian platform, while general users can access it through the “HappyHorse” entry at the bottom of the homepage in the latest version of the Qwen App.

    In terms of features, HappyHorse 1.0 supports text-to-video, image-to-video, multi-shot storytelling, multi-aspect-ratio adaptation, and video super-resolution output. Alibaba states that the model can generate videos up to 15 seconds in length and supports multilingual content creation, including Cantonese, English, French, and Korean. In terms of pricing, the official HappyHorse website lists 720P video generation at 0.9 RMB per second, while the same capability in the Qwen App is priced as low as 0.44 RMB per second. Source

    WeChat warns of “755” spoofed scam calls

    On April 27, WeChat issued an official notice warning that scammers have recently used number spoofing tools to impersonate “Tencent Customer Service” or “WeChat Security Center” when calling overseas users.

    According to the notice, scammers may accurately state users’ names and overseas phone numbers during calls to gain trust, then threaten users by claiming that their WeChat accounts will be suspended, inducing them to report to the police. The scammers may then offer to “assist” by transferring the call to a fake “police hotline,” where they further request bank account details and verification codes to complete the fraud. In other cases, scammers may use claims such as “linked违规 public accounts” or “suspected illegal fundraising” to deceive users.

    WeChat emphasized that such spoofed calls usually begin with “755,” which differs from the official customer service number “0755.” The company clarified that its hotline has never proactively made international outbound calls and will not notify users of account violations via phone. All such information is communicated only through in-app system notifications or penalty alerts. WeChat also stated that it will never request sensitive personal information or assist in transferring calls to law enforcement agencies.

    WeChat advises users to hang up immediately upon receiving such calls and avoid providing any information to prevent falling victim to fraud. Source

    JBL releases two new audio products

    On April 27, JBL announced two new audio products: the LIVE 780NC over-ear headphones and the BandBox Solo speaker.

    The LIVE 780NC headphones come in five color options and feature an ergonomic silicone headband and metal hinge structure. They are equipped with 40mm dynamic drivers, support spatial audio and Adaptive Noise Cancelling 2.0, include a six-microphone array, and support Bluetooth 6.0. In terms of battery life, they can last up to 80 hours with noise cancellation turned off. The headphones will go on sale on April 28 at a price of 1,399 RMB.

    The BandBox Solo speaker is designed for practice and creative scenarios. It features JBL sound tuning, a built-in tuner and metronome, and integrated effects, allowing one-touch sound adjustments without the need for pedals. It also supports wired headphone connections for practice and USB-C direct recording, along with AI-powered track separation and app-based smart controls. The battery life is approximately 6 hours, and the product is priced at 2,199 RMB. Source

    CHERRY unveils MX 8.3 Pro mechanical keyboard

    On April 27, CHERRY launched the MX 8.3 Pro mechanical keyboard, positioned as a high-end product focusing on build quality and performance, priced at 2,299 RMB.

    The keyboard adopts an orange-and-black color scheme and continues with an 80% TKL layout. It is equipped with the new-generation MX Lumina Brown switches and supports tri-mode connectivity, including Bluetooth, wired, and 2.4GHz. In USB-C wired mode, it supports up to an 8kHz polling rate, while the 2.4GHz mode supports up to 4kHz polling.

    In terms of battery life, the MX 8.3 Pro features a built-in 5000mAh battery, with an official claim of up to 1400 hours of usage, and supports advanced SOCD key functionality.

    Regarding structure and materials, the MX 8.3 Pro uses a CNC-machined aluminum chassis. The front features a full-color LCD control screen and an X-shaped multifunction knob. Internally, it adopts a gasket structure, consisting of an FR4 gold-plated positioning plate, Poron foam, IXPE switch pads, PET acoustic pads, a hot-swappable PCB, switch socket foam, and bottom sound-dampening foam. It also comes with double-shot PBT keycaps with a fine matte finish. Source

    Microsoft internally launches the Windows K2 project to optimize the Windows 11 experience

    Microsoft Windows chief Pavan Davuluri stated at an internal briefing in March this year that Microsoft will optimize the system based on user feedback, aiming to make Windows 11 “the most stable operating system in the world.”

    According to reports, Microsoft has internally launched an initiative called the “Windows K2” plan. The project was initiated in the second half of 2025 and focuses on addressing user concerns about bloated AI features and declining system reliability. The K2 plan revolves around three core pillars: Performance, Craft (code quality), and Reliability, continuously improving system performance through Windows Insider feedback, telemetry data, and user research.

    In addition, the plan introduces “Community” as a fourth pillar. Microsoft stated it will rebuild the Windows enthusiast ecosystem, including bringing back offline Windows Insider events and encouraging development teams to respond more actively to user feedback on social media.

    In terms of performance optimization, Microsoft is benchmarking against SteamOS for gaming performance1, aiming to adjust the system’s underlying architecture over the next one to two years to achieve similar results. Meanwhile, internal teams will gradually migrate to the WinUI 3 framework to improve native UI performance, and rebuild components such as the Start menu, Run dialog, and Control Panel, adding more customization options like UI scaling and menu hiding. Source

    LincPlus introduces new NAS product LincStation E1

    On April 27, LincPlus, a sub-brand of Techvision, announced the launch of its new ARM-based NAS product, LincStation E1.

    The device adopts a 2+2 hybrid storage design, offering two 3.5”/2.5” SATA drive bays and two M.2 2280 NVMe SSD slots. In terms of hardware, the LincStation E1 is powered by a processor featuring 4× Cortex-A55 cores (2.0GHz) and a Mali-G52 GPU, supporting 4K video decoding, and comes with a memory configuration of 4GB DDR4 + 64GB eMMC.

    On the software side, the device runs the self-developed LincOS operating system and supports interoperability with Android, iOS, and Windows devices.

    For external I/O, the LincStation E1 includes one USB-A 5Gbps port, two USB-A 480Mbps ports, one 1GbE RJ45 port, and one HDMI 2.1 TMDS port, along with a wireless card supporting both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. Source

    Apple launches a 12-month installment annual subscription plan

    Today, Apple announced a new subscription model for the App Store, allowing developers to offer monthly payments with a 12-month commitment.

    According to Apple, this subscription format allows users to pay monthly while committing to a full 12-month period, enabling developers to break down annual subscriptions into lower-barrier monthly payments. The feature is currently available for configuration in App Store Connect and can be tested via Xcode, but has not yet been officially rolled out to users in the App Store.

    Regarding payment mechanics, Apple stated that users can cancel subscriptions at any time, but cancellation only prevents auto-renewal after the current cycle; payments within the committed period must still be completed. Users can view completed and remaining payments in their Apple Account, and the system will send reminders via email and push notifications for upcoming charges.

    Apple noted that this feature is expected to launch alongside iOS 26.5 and corresponding system updates next month, and will be available for devices running iOS 26.4 and above. However, the subscription model will not initially be available in the United States and Singapore, with reasons and future rollout timelines yet to be announced. Source

    GitHub Copilot will fully shift to a usage-based pricing model

    GitHub announced that all Copilot plans will no longer use the “Premium Request” (PRU) counting model, and will instead allocate a certain number of GitHub AI Credits per subscription each month, with paid users able to purchase additional credits. Usage will be calculated based on token consumption, including input, output, and cached tokens, with specific rates aligned to the public API pricing of each model.

    GitHub stated that Copilot has evolved from an in-editor assistant into an agentic platform capable of executing long-running, multi-step autonomous coding sessions and traversing entire repositories using the latest models. The existing PRU-based pricing is no longer sustainable, and shifting to usage-based billing will help maintain long-term service reliability while reducing restrictions for heavy users.

    Following this change, base subscription prices for GitHub Copilot will remain unchanged, and Copilot Pro plans will include equivalent monthly AI Credits. Code completion and Next Edit Suggestions will continue to be included in all plans without consuming AI Credits. Copilot code review features, however, will consume both AI Credits and GitHub Actions runtime.

    For existing annual subscribers, GitHub will provide transition arrangements. Users with annual Pro or Pro+ plans will continue under the original request-based pricing terms until their subscription expires. However, starting June 1, model multipliers will increase significantly. After expiration, users will be automatically moved to Copilot Free, with the option to upgrade to a monthly paid plan or convert the remaining value of their annual plan into credits on a prorated basis. Source

    News Worth a Quick Look

    • Recently, data miner Billbil-kun revealed that Microsoft plans to introduce a new subscription tier called “Starter Edition” for Xbox Game Pass. This plan will offer 10 hours of Xbox cloud gaming per month, along with in-game perks and access to a library of over 50 games, playable across consoles, PC, and other devices. However, the Starter Edition will not support online multiplayer, making it the only tier in the current Xbox Game Pass lineup without multiplayer functionality. The report suggests it may launch in mid-May this year, though pricing and full benefits have yet to be officially announced. Source
    • On April 27, Sony announced price increases for the PlayStation 5 series and related accessories across Southeast Asian markets including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam, effective May 1. Indonesia will see the largest increase, with the PS Portal priced at 5,199,000 IDR, up 44.5% from 3,599,000 IDR. The PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition will be priced at 11,399,000 IDR and 9,999,000 IDR respectively. In Singapore, the PS5 will be priced at 849 SGD, with the Digital Edition and PS5 Pro at 764 SGD and 1,167 SGD respectively, and the PS Portal at 347 SGD. Sony stated that the price adjustments are due to global economic pressures. Source
    • According to a report by 9to5Google on April 26, citing informed sources, the upcoming update will cover all Google Workspace apps. The new icon design will align with Google’s gradient “G” logo and products such as Gemini, Google Photos, and Google Maps, reinforcing AI-related visual identity. The updated icons will no longer be restricted to Google’s four standard colors, instead adopting more distinctive color schemes and shapes to address user concerns about the lack of recognizability in previous designs. Source
    1. Editor’s note: Compared to Windows 11, which runs games natively, games on SteamOS generally rely on the Proton compatibility layer. After optimization, performance loss in complex scenarios is typically around 10% to 20% at most. ↩︎
  • SSPAI Morning Brief: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Advanced AI Image Generation

    SSPAI Morning Brief: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Images 2.0 With Advanced AI Image Generation

    Morning Brief

    1. OPPO Find X9 Ultra officially unveiled
    2. Beats releases Solo 4 JENNIE Special Edition and a 3-meter USB-C cable
    3. ChatGPT Images 2.0 launched by OpenAI
    4. CATL introduces Shenxing fast-charging and multiple new power batteries
    5. GitHub Copilot adjusts individual subscription plans
    6. Amazon invests an additional $5 billion in Anthropic and secures computing capacity supply
    7. Microsoft lowers pricing for some Xbox Game Pass plans
    8. News Worth a Quick Look

    OPPO Find X9 Ultra officially unveiled

    On April 21, OPPO unveiled the OPPO Find X9 Ultra, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 Elite mobile platform, paired with LPDDR5X memory and UFS 4.1 storage. It features a 6.82-inch QHD+ flat display with a resolution of 3168×1440, supporting up to a 144Hz refresh rate, with 800 nits typical brightness and 1800 nits peak brightness. The camera system includes a 200MP wide-angle lens, 50MP ultra-wide lens, 200MP telephoto lens, and 50MP periscope telephoto lens, along with a 50MP front-facing camera. It is equipped with a 7050mAh battery, supporting 100W wired fast charging and 50W wireless charging. The device comes in three color options—Velvet Canyon, Polar Glacier, and Earth Tundra—with pricing starting at RMB 7,499 (12+256GB). Source

    Beats releases Solo 4 JENNIE Special Edition and a 3-meter USB-C cable

    On April 21, Beats introduced the Onyx Black JENNIE Special Edition Beats Solo 4. The product features a minimalist monochrome design, includes two detachable black bow accessories, and has a custom music note engraving on one UltraPlush ear cushion, along with a matching carrying case. It will go on sale at 9 AM on April 24, priced at RMB 1,799, available via Apple.com and the Beats official store on JD.com. Source

    At the same time, Beats also announced a new addition to its accessories lineup: a 3-meter USB-C to USB-C cable. It features a tangle-free braided design with reinforced internals, supports up to 240W charging, and can handle data transfer, audio output, and CarPlay connectivity. The cable is compatible with USB-C devices across both Apple and Android ecosystems, and comes in four colors: Bolt Black, Surge Gray, Speed Blue, and Rush Red. It is now available in over 50 countries and regions worldwide, with orders open via apple.com.cn at a price of RMB 229. Source

    ChatGPT Images 2.0 launched by OpenAI

    On April 21, OpenAI released the ChatGPT Images 2.0 model along with the gpt-image-2 API. The model brings significant improvements in instruction following, visual composition, and text rendering. It supports multilingual text generation, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and Bengali. Supported aspect ratios range from 3:1 to 1:3, with up to 2K resolution available via the API. The model’s knowledge cutoff is December 2025. When “thinking” mode is enabled, it can perform web searches and includes self-verification capabilities, and can generate up to 8 coherent images in a single request.

    Yes, these are official sample images.

    The model is now available to all ChatGPT and Codex users, while advanced outputs with “thinking” capabilities are limited to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Business subscribers. The gpt-image-2 API is also live, with pricing depending on selected image quality and resolution. Source

    CATL introduces Shenxing fast-charging and multiple new power batteries

    On April 21, CATL announced its third-generation Shenxing supercharging battery, third-generation Qilin battery, and an integrated charging-and-swapping energy solution. The new Shenxing battery supports up to 10C equivalent and peak 15C ultra-fast charging, reaching full charge in just 6 minutes under standard conditions. The third-generation Qilin battery achieves an energy density of 280Wh/kg and supports up to 1,000 km range, featuring thermal-electric separation safety technology. The lineup also includes the Qilin condensed-state battery, second-generation Xiaoyao hybrid battery, and sodium-ion batteries, with the latter scheduled for mass production in Q4 2026. By the end of 2026, CATL plans to build 4,000 integrated charging and swapping stations for passenger vehicles and heavy trucks, enabling flexible charging, battery swapping, and on-demand power distribution. Source

    GitHub Copilot adjusts individual subscription plans

    On April 20, GitHub Copilot announced adjustments to its individual subscription plans. Effective immediately, new user sign-ups for Pro, Pro+, and Student plans are suspended. The usage limits for the Pro+ plan have been increased to more than five times that of the Pro plan, with specific limits viewable in real time via VS Code and Copilot CLI. In terms of model access, the Pro plan will no longer support the Opus series models, while the Pro+ plan will retain only Opus 4.7, removing Opus 4.5 and Opus 4.6. Affected users may cancel their subscriptions via the billing settings page before May 20 and request a refund corresponding to the remaining subscription period. Source

    Amazon invests an additional $5 billion in Anthropic and secures computing capacity supply

    On April 21, Amazon announced an additional $5 billion investment in Anthropic and signed a long-term compute supply agreement. This round brings Amazon’s total direct investment in Anthropic to $13 billion. Under the agreement, Amazon may invest an additional $20 billion if certain business milestones are achieved. Anthropic plans to spend over $100 billion on Amazon Web Services over the next decade to procure custom AI chips, including Graviton, Trainium2, and Trainium4, addressing infrastructure demands driven by the growth of Claude users. The two companies aim to deliver 1 gigawatt of compute capacity by the end of 2026, with a long-term supply cap of 5 gigawatts. Source

    Microsoft lowers pricing for some Xbox Game Pass plans

    On April 22, Microsoft announced price reductions for certain Xbox Game Pass plans. The monthly fee for Game Pass Ultimate will drop from $29.99 to $22.99, while the PC Game Pass subscription will decrease from $16.49 to $13.99. At the same time, starting in 2026, future installments of the Call of Duty series will no longer be included in Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass at launch. Instead, they will be added during the following holiday season (approximately one year later). Existing Call of Duty titles already in the library will remain unaffected. Source

    News Worth a Quick Look

    • OpenAI has rolled out a Chronicle research preview feature for the macOS version of Codex, available to Pro subscribers. This feature uses background agents to periodically capture screen content and generate a local memory base, enhancing the model’s contextual understanding of the current task environment—such as on-screen error messages, open documents, and past workflows. The stored memory can be reviewed and edited by users. Due to its background operation, enabling the feature may increase rate limit consumption. It is now available to Pro subscribers. Source
    • Google Labs has open-sourced the DESIGN.md specification from its Stitch platform. This format provides AI agents with a unified, machine-readable design guideline—including brand colors, typography rules, component styles, layout logic, and interaction patterns—allowing AI to generate UI across projects while maintaining consistency with brand design standards. Source