Tech News Highlights: TikTok, Kindle, and Android Updates
This past week was bustling with significant developments from the tech world, marking an exciting time for enthusiasts and casual users alike. From TikTok’s controversial return to U.S. app stores to the latest enhancements in Android’s operating system, the landscape of technology is ever-evolving. Notably, the introduction of new features across various platforms, such as WhatsApp’s customizable chat themes and Google’s memory upgrades for AI chatbots, highlights a trend toward greater user personalization and functionality. Let’s dive into the biggest stories you may have missed, providing a clearer picture of where technology is headed.
| Story Title | Key Details |
|---|---|
| TikTok Is Back on U.S. App Stores | TikTok returns to mobile app stores in the U.S., but remains banned until it divests from China or the ban is lifted. |
| Kindle Is Making It Harder to Switch to Rival eReader Brands | Starting February 26, Kindle users can no longer download eBooks to PCs directly; consider using USB transfer before it’s discontinued. |
| Asahi Linux Gets a Reboot | Asahi Linux faces challenges in developing for Apple Silicon Macs; the founder is retiring. |
| This Rock Has an SSD in It | ASUS introduces a new SSD enclosure that utilizes NVMe technology for enhanced performance. |
| NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 Power Cables Are Melting | Despite downsizing, the RTX 5090 draws 575W, causing power cables to melt again. |
| Google Gemini Just Got a Memory Upgrade | Gemini chatbot is now able to remember context across chats, improving user experience. |
| WhatsApp Finally Has Chat Themes | Users can now customize chat appearances with different backgrounds and bubble colors. |
| Apple Might Release a New iPhone SE Next Week | A new iPhone SE model is expected to be announced, updating the last iPhone with Touch ID. |
| Android 16 Beta 2 is Here With Loads of Camera Updates | The second beta of Android 16 includes significant camera enhancements and performance improvements. |
| A Final Fantasy iPhone Game Is Shutting Down | Square Enix ends support for iOS version of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles due to an unfixable bug. |
| Amazon Prime Video Just Overhauled Its Apple TV App | A new app interface for Prime Video on Apple TV aims to improve user experience. |
| You May Have Downloaded A Malware Game on Steam | A harmful game named PirateFi was available on Steam, potentially infecting users with malware. |
| Microsoft’s Clipchamp Video Editor is Getting Better | Clipchamp video editor is receiving updates with new features, enhancing its functionality. |
| Nissan and Honda Won’t Merge After All | Plans for a merger between Nissan and Honda, worth $60 billion, have been officially canceled. |
| Microsoft Outlook on Mobile Just Got a Font Upgrade | Outlook mobile now allows more control over email formatting, including font changes. |
| Apple TV+ Has Finally Landed on Android Phones | Apple TV+ app is now available on Android phones after years of exclusivity to other platforms. |
| ChatGPT’s GPT-4.5 and GPT-5 Upgrades Are on the Way | OpenAI is simplifying its AI models to improve user experience with ChatGPT and similar tools. |
| Apple Now Sells Refurbished M4 Macs at a Discount | Apple offers refurbished M4 Macs, providing significant savings for buyers. |
| Samsung Messages Just Got an Update, Even Though It’s Dead | Samsung adds new features to the discontinued Messages app, surprising many users. |
| Outlook Just Fixed My Biggest Issue With Mobile Email Apps | Outlook mobile now allows users to minimize drafts, improving multitasking capabilities. |
| The ASUS NUC 15 Pro Is Built for Upgrades | ASUS launches the NUC 15 Pro mini PC, designed for easy upgrades and repairs. |
| The Galaxy S25 Ultra Is “Boring,” but at Least It’s Easier to Repair | Galaxy S25 Ultra features improved battery removal system, enhancing repairability. |
| Apple Finally Lets You Transfer Purchases Between Accounts | New feature allows users to transfer digital purchases between Apple accounts. |
| Google Family Link’s New Features Help Kids Focus on School | Google Family Link updates include new features aimed at enhancing school-related tools. |
| Daggerfall Unity Recreation Leaves GOG, but It’s Still Available | The GOG version of Daggerfall Unity has been removed but remains accessible elsewhere. |
| AI Chatbots Are Still Bad at Facts, Says BBC Study | A BBC study reveals inaccuracies in responses from popular AI assistants, including ChatGPT. |
| Jeep Cars Are Getting Pop-up Warranty Ads | Jeep vehicles will prompt drivers about extending car warranties, similar to cold calls. |
| No, Google Is Not Scanning All the Images on Your Android Phone | The Android System SafetyCore app is not a cause for concern despite its alarming name. |
| Google’s I/O 2025 Event Finally Has Dates | Google I/O 2025 will be held on May 20-21 in Mountain View, California. |
| Tumblr Still Plans to Connect to Mastodon and the Fediverse | Tumblr aims to integrate with Mastodon and other Fediverse platforms despite losing momentum. |
| The New Powerbeats Pro 2 Finally Adds Noise Cancellation | Beats by Apple launches Powerbeats Pro 2 with noise cancellation features. |
| KDE Plasma 6.3 Arrives With New Settings and Digital Art Focus | KDE Plasma 6.3.0 enhances Linux for artists with new settings and features. |
| Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Run On Older Graphics Cards | Older graphics cards will support Assassin’s Creed Shadows, ensuring wider accessibility. |
| Word on Mobile Just Made Tables Less Painful | Microsoft Word mobile update simplifies table creation, addressing long-standing issues. |
| YouTube TV Teases Live Sports Commentary and a Better Multiview | YouTube plans new features for sports fans, including improved multiview options. |
| uTag App Brings Galaxy Trackers Non-Samsung Phones | The uTag app lets non-Samsung devices use Samsung SmartTags for precise location tracking. |
| Almost Half of Steam Players Still Use Windows 10 | Over 40% of Steam users still run Windows 10 as the end of support approaches. |
| PlayStation Is Booting Shovelware From the PS Store | PlayStation is removing low-quality games from its store for both PS4 and PS5. |
| Rivian’s Electric Van Is One Step Closer to Arrival | Rivian’s electric van is nearing release and may be used by others besides Amazon soon. |
| Nintendo Kicks off 6 Weeks of Goodies for Switch Online Subscribers | Nintendo’s ‘Play On’ campaign offers activities and rewards for Switch Online users until March 23, 2025. |
| Google One AI Premium Subscription Now Unlocks More NotebookLM Features | NotebookLM’s premium version offers new features, enhancing its utility for users. |
| Spotify’s New Valentine’s Day Playlist Covers Help Set the Mood | Spotify introduces stickers for Valentine’s Day playlists, enhancing playlist creativity. |
| Apple’s New iPhone Update Fixes a Critical USB Security Flaw | iOS 18.3.1 addresses a serious USB security flaw, improving device protection. |
| Resident Evil Re:Verse Is Shutting Down | Capcom announces the shutdown of Resident Evil Re:Verse after three years of operation. |
| The New OnePlus Watch 3 Lasts Weeks Without a Charge | OnePlus reveals the Watch 3, offering an impressive battery life for users. |
| Discord Has a New Way to Block People | Discord introduces an ‘Ignore’ feature, allowing users to block unwanted contacts. |
| Ubuntu 20.04 LTS Support is Coming To An End | Support for Ubuntu 20.04 LTS is ending; users are encouraged to upgrade. |
| Apple Just Broke the App Store for Some Old Macs | The Mac App Store is not functional for some older macOS versions after support ends. |
TikTok’s Uncertain Future in the U.S.
TikTok has made a comeback in U.S. app stores, but its future remains uncertain. While users can download the app again, it is still technically banned due to concerns about its ties to China. This means that unless TikTok separates from its Chinese ownership or the ban is lifted, its presence in the U.S. is hanging by a thread. Users are excited about its return, but many are left wondering how long it will last.
The situation is complicated by ongoing discussions in Washington about data privacy and national security. TikTok’s return sparked mixed reactions, with some celebrating the app’s availability while others express concerns about safety. As the debate continues, TikTok users must stay informed about any changes that could affect their favorite app, making it a hot topic in tech news this week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent changes have occurred with TikTok in the U.S. app stores?
TikTok has returned to U.S. app stores, but it is still technically banned until it separates from China or the ban is lifted.
How is Kindle limiting eBook downloads for users?
Starting February 26th, Kindle users will lose the option to download eBooks directly to their PCs, making it harder to switch to other eReader brands.
What updates were made to Android 16 Beta 2?
Android 16 Beta 2 includes many camera updates and performance improvements, showcasing the future features of the upcoming Android version.
What security issue did Apple recently fix?
Apple released iOS 18.3.1 to address a critical USB security flaw that could allow unauthorized access to locked devices.
What new feature did WhatsApp introduce?
WhatsApp now allows users to customize chat themes with different backgrounds and bubble colors for a more personalized experience.
What is the significance of the Asahi Linux project?
Asahi Linux aims to bring Linux to Apple Silicon Macs, but it has faced challenges and the founder is stepping back from development.
What is the purpose of the new Google Family Link features?
Google Family Link’s new updates help kids focus on school with improved tools and a redesigned interface.
Summary
This week in technology was filled with exciting updates! TikTok returned to U.S. app stores, even though it’s still technically banned. Kindle users will soon lose the ability to download eBooks to PCs, making it harder to switch to other eReaders. Asahi Linux is working on supporting Apple Macs but faces challenges. New features were introduced in apps like WhatsApp and Outlook, while Apple announced a potential iPhone SE launch. Meanwhile, NVIDIA’s RTX 5090 has power issues, and Spotify is enhancing Valentine’s playlists, showing a mix of innovations and challenges in the tech world!
