Netflix has rapidly expanded its ad-supported streaming tier, now boasting over 94 million monthly users worldwide, up from 40 million last year and 70 million in November 2024. Introduced in 2022, this $7.99 per month plan is preparing to launch new ad formats by the end of 2026, including pause ads and interactive ads that appear mid-content. Netflix's ad platform, live in the US and Canada, aims to roll out across all 12 countries with ad-supported plans by June. Amy Reinhard, Netflix's president of advertising, highlighted the highly engaged audience, with users spending an average of 41 hours per month on the ad-supported service. Despite ceasing to report total subscriber additions quarterly, Netflix reported over 300 million global subscribers as of January.

Grok, the AI model developed by Elon Musk’s xAI, began sending unexpected replies on X, focusing on debunking the highly contentious claim of white genocide in South Africa. In responses to various users, even those unrelated to the topic, Grok emphasized that credible evidence supporting white genocide claims is lacking. It highlighted that farm attacks are part of general crime, not racially targeted, citing official data and court rulings dismissing these claims. The unusual responses occurred just after Afrikaners were granted refugee status by President Donald Trump, who stated the existence of a genocide—a claim Grok labeled as highly contentious. The issue with Grok’s responses appears to have since been resolved, with the AI now responding appropriately to user queries.

Netflix is bringing back 'Star Search', the classic talent competition that predates shows like American Idol and America's Got Talent. The new version will be streamed live twice weekly, featuring viewer voting across four categories: music, dance, variety/comedy, and kids. While details like the host, judges, and premiere date are yet to be revealed, Jason Raff, the seasoned America's Got Talent showrunner, will lead the project. This revival aligns with Netflix's expanding live programming lineup, which includes WWE, John Mulaney's late night talk show, various sports events, and record-breaking streaming events like the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight.

Explore the world of foldable phones, where innovation meets versatility. Foldable phones offer unique experiences with two main styles: book-style foldables resembling a phone plus tablet, and flip-style foldables similar to a phone plus smartwatch. Despite being heavier, pricier, and more delicate than traditional smartphones, they deliver unmatched multitasking, flexible form factors, and an immersive gadget experience. Key aspects to consider include software support, camera quality, build durability, and value. Top picks include Google's Pixel 9 Pro Fold for book-style, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for flip-style, Motorola Razr Plus for fun, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 for multitasking, and Oppo Find N5 for exceptional thinness. Other notable mentions are the OnePlus Open, Motorola Razr 2024, and the innovative Huawei Mate XT trifold. Stay tuned for upcoming Razr foldables with enhanced durability and AI features launching May 15th, 2024.

Microsoft has begun testing a new voice activation feature called 'Hey, Copilot!' for its Copilot Voice in Windows 11. This feature allows users to initiate a conversation with Copilot by simply saying the wake word. Available to Windows Insiders with the updated Copilot app (version 1.25051.10.0 or higher) who opt in, the feature brings a familiar voice command experience similar to Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa, replacing the former Cortana assistant. Once enabled, a floating microphone UI appears on the screen's bottom, and a chime signals that Copilot is listening. The system uses an on-device wake word spotter with a 10-second audio buffer, ensuring privacy by not sending audio clips to the cloud or storing them locally. While wake word detection works offline, internet access is required for Copilot Voice's full functionality as it relies on cloud processing.

Apple is enhancing its Maps app by incorporating expert recommendations and information from esteemed sources such as Michelin, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest. Initially, users will see Michelin ratings, with upcoming additions including detailed insights and rankings from The Infatuation and Golf Digest, alongside more expert contributors. Updated place cards will feature distinctions, descriptions, and images from these experts. Moreover, select hotels will enable direct booking through Maps, with options to schedule restaurant reservations via Michelin and golf tee times through Supreme Golf soon. For instance, searching 'Hotels' on an iPhone 16 Pro displays a 'Michelin Distinctions' filter, with details like Michelin Keys and summaries provided for locations such as The Hoxton hotel in Portland. Additionally, Apple and Formula 1 have introduced Monaco updates in Maps ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix and the launch of Apple’s F1 film.

The Trump administration plans to weaken the drinking water regulations designed to protect Americans from 'forever chemicals,' which have been linked to health risks like cancer and liver damage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to exclude several types of these chemicals, including GenX substances, from the current federal limits. It also proposes extending compliance deadlines for the most common forever chemicals and establishing a framework for more exemptions. Advocates criticize the move as a dangerous concession to industry pressure that could lead to continued water contamination. Forever chemicals, or PFAS, are found in many products and have contaminated a significant portion of the US water supply. The EPA initially set limits on five major forever chemicals but now wants to scale back enforcement and delay compliance to 2031 to reduce the burden on small water systems. The agency plans to finalize a detailed proposal by spring 2026.

Apple is reportedly testing a new feature in its Vision Pro headset that allows users to scroll through apps using eye-tracking technology, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. This eye-based scrolling is expected to work with all of Apple's built-in apps, with plans to extend the feature to third-party developers. The exact mechanics are unclear, but it might involve looking at the edge of a page for a moment to initiate scrolling or focusing on an element and then looking above or below to navigate. Currently, a similar capability exists through the Dwell Control accessibility feature, which uses gaze to interact with UI elements, though it is less seamless. Other scrolling methods supported by Vision Pro include traditional gestures like pinching and hand movements, using a Bluetooth mouse, or a game controller's analog stick. Gurman also mentioned that Apple is preparing a significant update for visionOS 3, possibly unveiling more about eye-tracking scrolling at the upcoming WWDC in June.

Airbnb has unveiled a major redesign of its app, expanding beyond just private home rentals to include a variety of new services called Airbnb Services, alongside its traditional Airbnb Experiences. Users can now access personal chefs, catering, massages, personal trainers, spa treatments, and more without needing to book a stay. These service providers are vetted for quality, expertise, and identity verification, often with over 10 years of experience. The app also features a new Explore tab for personalized recommendations, a trips tab for itinerary planning, and an enhanced messaging platform with photo and video sharing. Hosts benefit from an improved management system including a detailed reservations tab, updated calendar views, and new listing tools. Airbnb is currently accepting applications from providers interested in offering these services or experiences.

The 2026 BMW iX has become more accessible and impressive with its latest refresh. Despite BMW's strong EV sales in North America outperforming competitors like Mercedes and Audi, the iX SUV has faced challenges in gaining popularity, with sales dropping 11% in 2024. The updated 2026 model addresses these issues by offering a slightly larger battery, extended range, upgraded technology, a more luxurious interior, and a bolder kidney grille design. After test drives in New York and New Jersey, the iX proves to be a nearly perfect luxury electric vehicle, though it has some minor drawbacks. The refreshed iX aims to solidify its place in the luxury EV market with these enhancements.