WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion people using it every month, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg noted during the company’s Q1 results conference call on Wednesday. Founded in 2009 and acquired by Facebook for $19 billion in 2014, WhatsApp remains free to use and doesn’t serve any ads. The app reached the 2 billion monthly active user mark back in 2020, but with the latest milestone, it’s now one of the few apps to cross the 3 billion user mark, besides Facebook. That humongous user base makes WhatsApp a key business for Meta, especially now as the company has bet the farm on its AI strategy. The company has previously said that the app is one of its biggest distribution platforms for AI services. “We see people engage with Meta AI from several different entry points. WhatsApp continues to see the strongest Meta AI usage across our family of apps,” Meta’s CFO, Susan Li, said during the conference call. She also noted that most WhatsApp users engage with Meta AI in one-on-one chats. Zuckerberg said that while WhatsApp provides easy access to AI features, Meta has had to take a different approach to spur adoption of its AI products in markets like the U.S., where the majority of people still prefer to use their phones’ stock messaging apps to text each other. That’s where the company’s newly released Meta AI app comes in. “We hope to become the leader over time [in the U.S. messaging market], but we’re in a different position there than we are in most of the rest of the world on WhatsApp. So I think that the Meta AI app as a standalone is going to be particularly important in the United States to establish leadership in — as the main personal AI that people use. But we’re going to keep on advancing the experiences across the board in all of these different areas,” he said. The company said the chat app’s business platform, WhatsApp Business, is growing, and accounted for a large portion of the $510 million in revenue brought in by its family of apps. Techcrunch event Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 BOOK NOW Meta has been testing AI tools for WhatsApp Business, and Li said on Wednesday that the company is building a new AI agent management interface and dashboard that would let businesses train Meta’s AI on their information. That information could include a business’ website, WhatsApp profile, or their Instagram and Facebook page. It’s also testing letting businesses activate Meta’s AI chatbot in chats with customers.

An open international contest is being held for a major €27.5 million renewal of the Turin Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (Deadline: 5 June) The competition will select a team to revitalise and enhance the landmark gallery – known locally as GAM – which was founded in 1895 and relocated to its current Carlo Bassi and Goffredo Boschetti-designed complex in 1959. The project – backed by the City of Turin, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo and Fondazione per l’architettura / Torino – will redevelop, repurpose and enhance the venue which houses the city's permanent collections of 19th and 20th century art including more than 47,000 paintings, sculptures, installations and films. Competition site: Turin Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art Stefano Lo Russo, mayor of Turin said: ‘For the GAM, which plays a strategic role in Turin’s cultural landscape, a season of revival has begun, aimed at strengthening its international prestige. ‘This renewal focuses on the collections and the exhibition layout, thanks to the work done by the new director Chiara Bertola, and on the redevelopment of the architectural complex, which aims to restore the museum to its former glory, reviving the avant-garde spirit that characterised its inception. ‘As an administration, we have supported this project from the outset, seeing culture as a defining feature of Turin today and in the future. Investing in culture always has a positive impact on the quality of life of citizens and on the promotion of the city.’ GAM was founded in 1895 and relocated to its current site on Via Magenta after its original city centre home was destroyed by allied bombing in 1942. Competition site: Turin Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art The gallery’s current home opened in 1959 and closed in the 1980s for a lengthy refurbishment which saw the gallery eventually reopen in 1993. The latest project aims to embrace environmental sustainability and energy saving while also promoting the venue’s historic identity. Key aims include transforming the complex into an open and accessible ‘piazza’ which blends into its surrounding urban context. The contest’s initial round is open with applicants required to submit CVs and qualifications. Five shortlisted teams – due to be notified on 18 July – will be given until 16 October to draw up concepts for the renewal. The overall winner – due to be announced on 27 November – will receive a €100,000 prize, which will also serve as an advance payment towards the fees for project development. A second prize of €50,000, third prize of €30,000, and a fourth and fifth prize each worth €20,000 will also be awarded. How to apply Deadline: 5 June 2025 Competition funding source: Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo Project funding source: Fondazione Torino Musei, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo, Città di Torino, and pending national funding Owner of site(s): Città di TorinoVisit the competition website for more information

Published May 1, 2025 6:00am EDT close Google's AI unleashes new powerful scam-busting features for Android The CyberGuy explains steps you can take to protect yourself from scams. Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, leveraging advanced tools like generative AI to con unsuspecting victims. According to the Global Anti-Scam Alliance, mobile consumers worldwide lose over $1 trillion annually to scams. To combat this growing threat, Google is rolling out cutting-edge AI-powered scam detection features for Android users. However, while Google’s efforts are impressive, there are additional steps you can take to protect yourself from scams. Let’s dive into Google’s new features and explore how you can further safeguard your personal information.Join the FREE "CyberGuy Report": Get my expert tech tips, critical security alerts and exclusive deals, plus instant access to my  A man scrolling on his phone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Google’s new AI-powered scam detection featuresGoogle has introduced two innovative AI-powered scam detection features to protect Android users from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Scam Detection in Google MessagesThe first feature, Scam Detection in Google Messages, enhances the existing Spam Protection functionality. This new tool utilizes on-device AI to identify suspicious patterns in SMS, MMS and RCS messages. When a message appears suspicious, users receive a real-time warning with options to dismiss, report or block the sender.To ensure privacy, all message processing occurs directly on the user's device, keeping conversations confidential. The feature is enabled by default for non-contacts and can be verified or disabled via Google Messages → Settings → Spam Protection. It is currently available in English for users in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, with plans to expand to more countries soon. Scam detection in Google Messages (Google)Scam Detection for phone callsThe second feature addresses the growing issue of phone scams, with over half of Americans reporting daily scam calls in 2024. Google's Scam Detection for calls employs on-device AI models to analyze calls in real time. If a call is identified as a potential scam, users receive audio and visual warnings alerting them to the risk.Activation requirements:Pixel 9+ devices (U.S. English) leverage Gemini Nano for advanced detectionPixel 6+ models use smaller on-device AI (beta availability may vary)Manual enablement required via Phone app → Settings → Scam DetectionThis feature prioritizes user privacy by processing call audio ephemerally without storing or sharing any data. Pixel Watch integration allows Wear OS users to enable call alerts through the Phone app after updating both devices. At present, Scam Detection for calls is available to Pixel 9+ users in the United States, with plans for broader expansion in the future.Both of these AI-powered features are a big win for your mobile security, providing you with advanced protection against evolving scam tactics while keeping your privacy safe.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Scam Detection for phone calls (Google)How you can stay ahead of scammersWhile Google’s innovations provide robust protection, scammers are relentless in finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Here are some additional steps you can take.1. Have strong antivirus software: Google Play Protect, which is built-in malware protection for Android devices, automatically removes known malware. However, it is important to note that Google Play Protect may not be enough. Historically, it isn't 100% foolproof at removing all emerging malware from Android devices. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks of the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password. 2FA makes it significantly harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts, even if they obtain your password.3. Regularly update your software and devices: Keeping your systems up to date ensures you have the latest security patches and protections against newly discovered vulnerabilities.4. Use strong and unique passwords: Use long, complex passphrases that are unique for each account. Consider using a password manager to help create and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.5. Be cautious about sharing information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like financial information or passwords over text or phone calls unless you're absolutely certain of the recipient's identity. Be cautious of phishing attempts and verify the legitimacy of requests for personal information.6. Invest in personal data removal services: Use a personal data removal service to remove your personal information from people-search websites, making it harder for scammers to find and target you. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for data removal services here.Kurt’s key takeawaysScammers are constantly changing their tactics, but so is technology designed to protect us. Google’s AI-powered scam detection features are a significant step forward in safeguarding Android users from fraud. However, staying safe requires a combination of tools and personal vigilance. By using strong antivirus software, removing yourself from people-search sites and being cautious with your personal information, you can stay one step ahead of scammers.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think Google and other tech companies are doing enough to prevent scammers from attacking your Android? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

Karl Flinders News Progress made on government’s Post Office Capture redress, but concerns remain Latest meeting between campaigners and business department seen as positive, but frustration and concerns remain By Karl Flinders, Chief reporter and senior editor EMEA Published: 01 May 2025 11:30 Former subpostmasters who suffered after being blamed for errors in the Post Office’s pre-Horizon software have said progress is being made in redressing their grievances, but there are concerns claims will not be considered in the same way as former Horizon users. The department for business and trade (DBT) held its latest meeting with former users of the Post Office’s Capture software who suffered the life-changing impact of its faults as part of the Post Office scandal. Victims have been told they will receive a “recognition payment” in advance of full settlements, which could be worth £10,000. Capture software was used in Post Office branches in the 1990s to replace paper-based accounting. Like with the controversial Horizon system, subpostmasters were blamed for unexplained losses, with some prosecuted for financial crimes. The controversy over the Capture system emerged in January last year after the ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office told the stories of subpostmasters who had suffered at the hands of the Horizon system. It was the same month that Kevan Jones, an MP at the time who now sits in the House of Lords, highlighted evidence of injustices caused by the Capture computer system used in Post Office branches prior to the introduction of Horizon. This triggered a campaign and by December the government promised financial redress and justice for subpostmasters affected by Capture problems. This followed an independent investigation by forensic experts at Kroll, which found there was a “reasonable likelihood” the Post Office Capture software caused accounting losses. In February, the Post Office made its first official apology to a subpostmaster who used its faulty Capture system. The Criminal Cases Review Commission is reviewing 28 cases of potential wrongful conviction where Capture could be a factor. After the latest meeting in Whitehall this week (30 April), Steve Marston, a former Capture user and campaigner told Computer Weekly there has been a lot of progress in developing a financial redress scheme, but added that there were concerns among victims. “The department is trying to put together the scheme, which should make things a lot easier,” said Marston. “But the thing that slightly worries me is the fact that, as far as the payments are concerned, for the victims, are they going to match up with what Horizon victims got or is it going to be less?” Capture users who experience unexplained shortfalls were treated the same way as those who suffered at the hands of the Horizon system – blamed for unexplained account shortfalls and made to pay them back, with many losing their businesses and some even convicted of financial crimes. The slow progress is also a major concern, as the suffering of Capture system victims pre-dates that of Horizon victims and many are very elderly. Marston said: “To the government, I would say you’ve got to recognise that there’s two people seriously ill in hospital tonight. God willing, they’ll pull through, but at least try to do the best you can as quickly as you can to help these people. None of us know how long. You know, we just want people to see recognition as soon as possible.” The CCRC is currently reviewing Marston’s conviction for theft in 1996. He had a branch in Bury, Lancashire, and was prosecuted after an unexplained shortfall of nearly £80,000. Marston said he never had any problems using the paper-based accounting system until his branch, which he ran from 1973, began using Capture in the early 1990s. The Post Office scandal was first exposed by Computer Weekly in 2009, revealing the stories of seven subpostmasters and the problems they suffered due to accounting software. It is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history (see below for timeline of Computer Weekly articles about the scandal, since 2009). Timeline of how Capture controversy has unravelled since Horizon scandal dramatisation In The Current Issue: Interview: Sarah Hawkins, CEO, National Family Mediation Government faces claims of serious security and data protection problems in One Login digital ID Download Current Issue Brunel versus Putin: next steps for UK tech sector need to be transformational – Data Matters What to expect from Nutanix .NEXT 2025 – CW Developer Network View All Blogs

The Asus RT-BE86U comes loaded with strong security features and support for next-gen high-speed internet - but is it a worthwhile upgrade?

Compassion as a cultural strategy is perennially beneficial. Companies that invest in this idea will stand the test of time.

In brief: Tesla has vehemently denied a report by the Wall Street Journal that alleges the EV giant's board contacted recruitment firms to search for a replacement for Elon Musk as CEO. Musk called the article "deliberately false" and an "extremely bad breach of ethics." According to the WSJ report, which cites comments from sources familiar with the discussions, Tesla's board reached out to several executive search firms to work on a formal process for finding Tesla's next CEO. The publication added that the board had narrowed its focus to a major search firm. It's also claimed that the board members told Musk he needed to spend more time on Tesla and to say so publicly. The WSJ adds that Musk did not push back against the suggestion. Tesla has eight people on its board, including Musk himself, his brother, Kimbal Musk, and James Murdoch, son of media mogul Rupert Murdoch. Robyn Denholm, chair of Tesla, refuted the report earlier today. She called the article "absolutely false" on X, adding that this had been communicated to the media before the report was published. "The CEO of Tesla is Elon Musk and the Board is highly confident in his ability to continue executing on the exciting growth plan ahead," Denholm wrote on the official Tesla account. // Related Stories Musk was apoplectic over the article. He posted that the WSJ is a "discredit to journalism" and that it failed to "include an unequivocal denial beforehand by the Tesla board of directors!" Musk admitted during Tesla's earnings call last week that there had been "some blowback" on the EV company over his ties with the Trump administration. Tesla's total revenue was down 9% year-on-year to $19.34 billion in the January-March quarter, while revenue from its automotive segment fell 20% year-on-year to $14 billion. Profits were down in the first quarter by 71% to $409 million. Tesla's share price is down 25% since the start of the year, and some attribute the fall to Musk's attention being elsewhere. The CEO said he would take a step back from helping the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slash federal spending starting in May, devoting only a day or two each week on government matters. "I'll be allocating far more of my time to Tesla," Musk said. Trump himself suggested on Monday that "He's got a big company to run [...] At some point he's going to be going back." According to a 130-day limit on his service as a special government employee, Musk is supposed to leave DOGE on May 30.

Perhaps your Oura Ring 4 just isn’t flashy enough when you’re walking the red carpet or circulating at a star-studded event, otherwise adorned in diamonds. If this is a dilemma you have faced, jewelry designer Suzanne Kalan has the solution. She has created a range of Tech Ring Jackets, which are two beautiful bands specially made to hug the Oura Ring, and the end result is as startling as it is expensive.  Suzanne Kalan Classic Diamond Milli Icon Eternity Tech Ring Jackets Suzanne Kalan “So many women would show me their rings, then quickly hide their hands and say, ‘Don’t look at my tech ring!’ That’s when I knew—there had to be a way to make these rings something you want to show off.” Kalan wrote in an Instagram post introducing the collection, along with a picture showing a stunning Tech Ring Jacket next to a plain old black Oura Ring. There’s no question, Kalan’s solution to jazz up the smart ring really works. Recommended Videos The made-to-order rings come as a pair, and have been specifically designed to be worn either side of the Oura Ring. There are various styles to choose between and all include diamonds, with designs ranging from subtle to really eye-catching. Several use Kalan’s signature “fireworks” design, where custom-cut diamonds are arranged in a dramatic fashion.  Related Wearing two more rings with a smart ring sounds like a odd thing to do, but in the photos of Kalan’s Tech Ring Jackets, they look fantastic, especially when a gold Oura Ring is used at the center. It’s the versions that use the firework design which look best, with the gems exploding out either side of the Oura Ring. It’s a bold look, but the Oura Ring on its own is fairly bold, and Kalan’s Jackets bring texture and excitement to the otherwise flat shape.  Suzanne Kalan Classic Pave Diamond Mini Eternity Tech Ring Jackets Suzanne Kalan We’ve already mentioned diamonds and hinted at a high price for the Tech Ring Jackets, but you may want to take a deep breath at this point. A Suzanne Kalan Tech Ring Jacket in the Classic Pave Diamond Mini Eternity design is $5,600, which is the entry point into the collection. At the opposite end, and if you want a very bold look, is the Classic Diamond Milli Baguette Eternity Ring Jackets, which comes in 18K white gold for $28,000. There are multiple different options at all prices in-between. The Oura Ring 4 is the best smart ring we’ve tested and prices start at $349, while a gold version costs $499, plus it requires a $6 per month subscription to access all the data in the app. But if you’re looking at one of Suzanne Kalan’s Tech Ring Jackets to go with your new smart ring, the cost of the Oura Ring itself is probably inconsequential. Editors’ Recommendations Please enable Javascript to view this content

Sam Altman’s project that aims to scan the irises of every single person on Earth in exchange for cryptocurrency has made its debut in the U.S., even as concerns around biometric data collection and processing remain.

Plus “Big Bad Wool” by Leonie Swann and “The Butcher’s Daughter” by David Demchuk and Corinne Leigh Clark.