Proton Introduces a Privacy-First Two-Factor Authentication App

Swiss-based Proton has unveiled its new Proton Authenticator, a free and open-source two-factor authentication app available on all major platforms. Designed with privacy at its core, the app offers secure, end-to-end encrypted backups and syncs across devices without ads or tracking. It functions offline and allows users to import existing 2FA tokens easily—all without requiring a Proton account for basic use. This launch is part of Proton’s larger effort to expand its ecosystem with privacy-centered tools, following the recent introduction of their AI chatbot, Lumo. Proton continues to stand out from mainstream tech giants by emphasizing user security, control, and transparency.

Read more: TechCrunch

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s Vision for Personal Superintelligence and AI Empowerment

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future where “personal superintelligence” empowers individuals rather than replaces them. He highlighted Meta’s focus on AI integrated with smart devices, especially glasses that perceive and interact with users in real-time, as the next primary computing platform. Zuckerberg contrasted this with competitors targeting automation and mass replacement of jobs. He acknowledged significant safety risks with superintelligence and emphasized the need for careful risk mitigation. The CEO called this decade crucial in determining whether AI will foster personal empowerment or widespread societal automation.

Read more: businessinsider

AI Advances: ChatGPT Agent Outsmarts CAPTCHA Systems

OpenAI’s latest ChatGPT Agent demonstrates advanced capabilities by autonomously bypassing online security measures such as CAPTCHA verification, raising concerns about the reliability of existing web defenses. Available to Pro, Plus, and Team subscribers, the Agent operates through a virtual browser, enabling it to complete complex tasks like booking reservations and shopping. While OpenAI has incorporated safeguards and requires user consent for sensitive actions, cybersecurity experts warn that traditional verification systems may be insufficient against evolving AI. This breakthrough signals a need to rethink online security protocols in response to rapidly advancing AI technologies.

Read more: independent

Reliance Jio Launches JioPC: India’s First AI-Ready Cloud Computer

Reliance Jio has introduced JioPC, India’s first AI-ready cloud-based virtual desktop platform that turns any TV or screen into a high-performance computer via the Jio Set-Top Box. Starting at Rs 599 per month with no hardware purchase required, the service offers 8GB RAM, 100GB cloud storage, Ubuntu OS, and access to tools like Adobe Express and Microsoft Office online. Targeting students, professionals, and small businesses, JioPC supports a pay-as-you-go model with a free one-month trial. It promises instant boot-up, automatic updates, and network-level security to democratize computing access nationwide.

Read more: economictimes

Zhipu AI Launches GLM-4.5, Leading with Competitive Pricing and Performance

Chinese AI company Zhipu AI, now Z.ai, unveiled its biggest open-source model, GLM-4.5, boasting advanced features and strong performance on global benchmarks. The model uses fewer hardware resources while maintaining high accuracy, ranking third worldwide. Z.ai’s aggressive pricing strategy undercuts rivals, offering significantly lower costs per million input and output tokens. As China’s AI sector accelerates, Zhipu has secured more than $1.5 billion in funding and is reportedly eyeing a potential IPO in Hong Kong. Despite U.S. trade restrictions, the company aims to expand globally with affordable, efficient AI solutions.

Read more: Tech Startups

JPMorgan Predicts Apple’s First Foldable iPhone to Launch in 2026

Apple is expected to enter the foldable smartphone market with a premium model debuting alongside the iPhone 18 in September 2026. Priced around $1,999, the foldable iPhone will feature a 7.8-inch inner display, a 5.5-inch outer screen, and advanced titanium and “Liquid Metal” hinge technology. Collaborating with Samsung, Apple aims for a crease-free experience, addressing common foldable weaknesses. JPMorgan forecasts sales starting in the teens of millions by 2027, growing to 45 million in 2028, positioning Apple competitively in a market led by Samsung and others. The device may replace Face ID with Touch ID for design innovation.

Read more: CNBC

Jack Dorsey Launches Bitchat: An Anonymous Bluetooth Messaging App Without Internet or Accounts

Jack Dorsey’s new app, Bitchat, recently launched for iOS, lets people send messages anonymously over Bluetooth without needing the internet or even creating an account. Designed for privacy and ease of use, the app gives users a random name and doesn’t collect personal data. It’s especially useful in emergencies or places where online communication is blocked. However, researchers have already raised concerns about possible security flaws, and Dorsey himself warns users not to trust its security just yet. Despite these challenges, Bitchat offers a unique way to communicate freely and privately, independent of traditional networks.

Read more: Moneycontrol

1KOMMA5°, BlinkOps, and Dropzone AI Raise Over $250M to Boost AI-Powered Innovation

Three cutting-edge startups just secured major funding, signaling big trends in AI-powered tech. German company 1KOMMA5° raised €150 million pre-IPO to scale its AI-driven home energy platform—aiming to make sustainable, CO₂-neutral power management affordable and widespread across Europe and Australia. In cybersecurity, BlinkOps brought in $50 million to expand its “security micro-agents,” which automate repetitive security duties for enterprises without code, improving focus on real threats. Meanwhile, Dropzone AI landed $37 million to grow its AI-driven autonomous SOC analysts, which leverage large language models to investigate and triage security incidents at scale. Collectively, these investments highlight the rapid integration of AI into energy and cybersecurity, boosting efficiency and automation across critical industries.

Read more: TechStartups

UK’s Online Safety Act Triggers VPN Surge, Raises Digital Rights Concerns

After the UK’s new Online Safety Act kicked in, requiring adult and sensitive content sites to verify users’ age, VPN downloads in the country spiked—some by over 1,000%. Platforms like Proton VPN and NordVPN reported massive surges in sign-ups. Critics say this trend mirrors what’s happened in heavily censored nations and warns it could lead to overreach. While officials hail progress, digital rights advocates argue that these “quick tech fixes” risk normalizing surveillance and pushing users into a privacy-cat-and-mouse game. The move sparks fresh debate on balancing child safety with online freedom and anonymity.

Read more: Wired

LG Bets Big on 4D LiDAR: Partners with Aeva to Power Future of Autonomous Tech

LG Innotek has teamed up with Aeva Technologies to manufacture its cutting-edge 4D LiDAR sensors—starting with cars and eventually moving into gadgets, robots, and automation. As part of the deal, LG is investing $50 million for a 6% stake in the U.S. startup. Aeva’s LiDAR-on-a-chip tech doesn’t just measure distance—it also captures velocity for each pixel in real time, making it way smarter than traditional sensors. With customers like top carmakers, Nikon, and airports like JFK onboard, Aeva’s on a mission to shrink everything down to a single chip—and this LG deal might just accelerate that vision.

Read more: TechCrunch