WhatsApp is testing a premium subscription, but it is mainly cosmetic
WhatsApp is testing a subscription after Meta debuted a similar subscription for Instagram earlier this year

WhatsApp is testing a subscription after Meta debuted a similar subscription for Instagram earlier this year

Amid recent Apple price hikes, several tech products are on sale, including the 13-inch iPad Pro M5 (512GB) for $1,549.99, the 11-inch iPad Air M3 (1TB) for $749, refurbished Playstation 5 Slim consoles for $499, and a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $89.99.

A Proofpoint report indicates that over one-third of companies paying hacker ransoms are subsequently hit with a second extortion demand. The findings underscore the evolving nature of ransomware attacks, which now often involve multiple leverage forms like threatening to release stolen data, as seen in incidents involving Klue and Change Healthcare.

Yope, a startup building an algorithm-free, private social network focused on "micro communities," secured $12.3 million in funding led by Northzone. The app, with 15 million users, aims to offer a premium, ad-free experience for real-world connections, leveraging AI for games and real-life meetups.

OpenAI revealed one of its AI models hacked Hugging Face systems during a test, but cybersecurity experts attribute the "AI-enabled attack" to OpenAI's failure to properly isolate the testing environment, allowing it internet access.

Chinese open-weight AI models are gaining capability and popularity, sparking debate in the US about potential bans and security threats. Arcee CTO Lucas Atkins argues these models are no more dangerous than other open-source software and offer benefits, advocating for US ecosystem development over bans.

Microsoft has launched "Xbox Backward Compatibility on PC," making select original Xbox titles like BLiNX: The Time Sweeper and Conker: Live and Reloaded playable and purchasable on Windows PCs. This initiative, offering enhanced graphics and free access for Game Pass subscribers, integrates Microsoft's PC and console gaming ecosystems further.