Google Photos adding generative feature “Me Meme”, Amazon brings Alexa+ early access to Mexico, Tesla puts Autosteer behind paywall for new Model 3 & Y owners.
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Show Notes
TikTok expands data collection under new U.S. ownership
TikTok’s revamped privacy policy collects more user data, including precise location if device permissions are granted, and explicitly logs interactions with AI tools, like prompts and outputs. The company is also expanding its ad network, allowing data to be used for targeted ads beyond the app, with publishers now listed as partners.
Source: Wired
Google Photos launches “Me Meme” feature
Google Photos is adding an experimental, U.S.-only feature called “Me Meme” that lets users create memes using their own photos. Powered by Google’s Gemini image tech, users select a template, upload a selfie, and generate a meme. More templates are planned, and the rollout will hit iOS and Android in the coming weeks.
Source: TechCrunch
Alexa+ assistant comes to Mexico
Amazon has launched early access to its upgraded Alexa+ assistant in Mexico, localized in Spanish with support for slang and new voices. Adoption has been strong following U.S. and Canada launches. Alexa+ will remain free during early access and free for Prime members afterward, supporting over 600 million Alexa-enabled devices and expanding to mobile, web, Samsung TVs, BMW cars, and smart home appliances.
Source: Thurrott
Tesla rolls out fully driverless robotaxis in Austin
Tesla has launched fully driverless robotaxi rides in Austin, Texas, with no human safety monitor onboard. This builds on a smaller supervised rollout from last summer. Rides are now paid, with Tesla apparently using chase cars for oversight, and fully driverless vehicles will gradually integrate into Austin’s broader fleet, which still includes cars with safety monitors.
Source: TechCrunch
Tesla moves Autosteer behind subscription paywall
Tesla is removing lane-centering (Autosteer) as a standard feature on new Model 3 and Model Y purchases in the U.S. and Canada, putting it behind the $99-per-month Full Self-Driving Supervised subscription. Traffic-Aware Cruise Control remains standard. The change only affects new buyers and aligns with FSD switching to a subscription-only model after February 14th.
Source: Engadget
Meta pauses teen access to AI characters
Meta is pausing teen access to AI characters across all apps while developing an updated version with tighter parental controls and age-appropriate responses. The move comes amid growing regulatory scrutiny over teen safety and mental health. The new AI characters will launch for all users, with parents able to monitor or restrict topics and fully disable chats.
Source: TechCrunch
Snap settles social media addiction lawsuit
Snap has reached a settlement with a 19-year-old plaintiff in a social media addiction lawsuit just days before the trial in Los Angeles. The suit claims algorithmic design on major platforms drives addiction and harms mental health. Other defendants, including Meta, TikTok, and YouTube, haven’t announced settlements, and jury selection is still set for January 27th.
Source: BBC
Apple iPhone posts record year in India
Apple shipped roughly 14 million iPhones in India in 2025, giving it a record 9% market share, up from 7% the year prior. Counterpoint Research attributes gains to rising aspirational demand and wider retail availability. India’s overall smartphone market was flat at about 152–153 million units, while premium phones above ₹30,000 grew 15%, reaching a record 23% of shipments.
Source: TechCrunch
Apple reportedly overhauling Siri with “Campos”
Apple is planning a major update to Siri, internally called “Campos,” turning it into a ChatGPT-style assistant capable of voice and text interactions. Expected at WWDC in June, the update responds to the rise of competing AI chatbots and potential OpenAI hardware moves. Apple confirmed it will use Google’s Gemini as its AI partner after exploring other options.
Source: TechCrunch
Netflix revises Warner Bros. and HBO bid
Netflix switched its offer for Warner Bros. and HBO to an all-cash $27.75 per share, replacing a previous cash-and-stock bid. The move simplifies the deal and counters Paramount’s hostile $30-per-share bid. Under Netflix’s plan, remaining WBD assets, including CNN, would spin out into a new company called Discovery Global, a strategy WBD’s board supports despite Paramount’s objections.
Source: CNN
Oh, and Apple has new Air Tags. But SMALL ROBOT!
Bandcamp announced on Reddit Tuesday that AI-generated music would not be allowed on their platform. Will other platforms like Spotify or Apple Music follow suit? And Apple has officially teamed up with Google to use Gemini to power Apple Intelligence. Plus Substack introduced a beta app for Apple TV and Google TV, letting subscribers watch creator videos and livestreams on a television. Is this a sign that Substack feels the future is video?