The everyday tech stories our desk judged worth your time, written so anyone can follow them.
Scammers are copying the CAPTCHA puzzles you see every day to steal personal data, so a routine click on a familiar test is no longer automatically safe.
Read more: Fake CAPTCHA tests are being used to steal your dataParents are handing school emails, calendars and chats to AI agents to save time, but one mom balked when her agent asked for her kids' passports.
Read more: AI helpers for parents save time, but ask for kids' passportsOpenAI is reportedly building a tool that shows businesses how often ChatGPT mentions them and how many people click through to their websites.
Read more: OpenAI is building a dashboard for businesses to track ChatGPT mentionsSamsung has upgraded the document scanner built into its Galaxy phones, and one reviewer says it saved real hassle with paperwork.
Read more: Samsung Galaxy phones now scan documents better and fasterCheck Point researchers found a flaw that got around ChatGPT's Lockdown Mode, and in the desktop app a malicious custom GPT could leak chats without a click. It is now fixed.
Read more: Researchers Found a Way Around ChatGPT's Strictest Privacy SettingA report says TikTok lets OnlyFans performers market adult content through everyday lifestyle videos that teenage girls follow, and parents may want to check in.
Read more: Report says TikTok helps adult-site stars reach teenage girlsChatAndBuild has launched Living Brain, a tool that gives ChatGPT, Claude and Codex one shared memory. Here is what is known, and what is not.
Read more: New tool gives ChatGPT, Claude and Codex one shared memoryPhishing comes in six main forms, from bulk email to phone calls. A one-minute check on each can keep your money and accounts safe.
Read more: Six kinds of phishing scams and how to spot each oneTom's Guide found five built-in iPhone settings that can warn of scams, clear up calls, protect your alarm and ease eye strain. Each takes under a minute.
Read more: Five hidden iPhone settings that fix everyday annoyancesShenzhen is closing markets that sold smuggled chips and stolen iPhones before it hosts world leaders for APEC. Here is why used-gear buyers should care.
Read more: Shenzhen shuts down black markets for smuggled chips and stolen iPhonesTom's Guide picked seven ChatGPT plugins for beating boredom, from hiking trails to trivia nights, and a few work best if you share your budget.
Read more: Seven ChatGPT add-ons that help you find something fun to doStarting in early 2027, Wealthsimple clients can link ChatGPT or Claude to their accounts, while big banks block outside AI tools over data security fears.
Read more: Wealthsimple lets clients link ChatGPT and Claude to their accountsAARP has put fraud and scam alerts for Indiana residents on one page, a useful stop for anyone with an older relative who handles money or takes calls.
Read more: AARP shares fraud and scam alerts for Indiana residentsOpenAI's new Images 2.6 can animate a drawing or photo into a GIF from a plain text request, and it is live for every ChatGPT subscription tier.
Read more: ChatGPT can now turn a drawing or photo into an animated GIFA leaker says Samsung's Galaxy S27 Ultra and Pro will use Qualcomm chips, and the Ultra may get a much bigger battery. None of it is confirmed.
Read more: Samsung's next top phones may use Qualcomm chips despite heat rumorsAppy Pie's new AI builder turns a plain description into an iPhone and Android app, with hosting and user accounts included, but store fees are extra.
Read more: Appy Pie lets business owners describe an app and get AI to build itGoogle's Gboard keyboard has hidden gestures that let you fix typos faster, move your cursor with precision and type symbols with a flick.
Read more: Hidden Android keyboard gestures that save you time typingApple says over 100,000 apps are now built for the foldable iPhone Duo, but some still look rough, so a new buyer may hit a few odd screens.
Read more: Apple says 100,000 apps now fit its new foldable iPhone DuoConstant 'prove you're human' puzzles on a VPN have three fixes: a quieter server, an Apple setting, or a paid dedicated IP address for a few dollars a month.
Read more: Three Ways to Stop Endless Puzzle Checks While Using a VPNWhatsApp has added an Events hub and shareable invite links, so you can invite people to a party or business event even if they do not use the app.
Read more: WhatsApp Now Lets You Send Party Invites to People Without the AppLook-alike websites are charging Americans for a European travel permit that the EU says is not running and cannot be applied for yet.
Read more: Fake Europe travel permit sites are charging Americans for something that doesn't exist yetA Gizmodo piece argues AI may hurt workers most by holding pay down, even when jobs stay. Here is what that claim means for your next raise.
Read more: The bigger AI risk for workers may be flat pay, not lost jobsWhatsApp is testing a new feature, an Albanian outlet reports, but what it does and who can try it is not yet known.
Read more: WhatsApp is testing a new feature, but details are still thinAndroid has a built-in feature that keeps a borrowed phone stuck on one app, so a friend can see your photo without seeing your messages or email.
Read more: Lock your Android phone to one app before you hand it over
