Google experiments with AI-generated ‘App Highlights’ in Play Store

Google's quest for integrating AI across its products and services continues as the tech giant is now turning to using it for enhancing the Play Store experience. According to reports, Google is experimenting with using AI to generate information for the App Highlights section in the Play Store.

An update shared on social media by code sleuth @AssembleDebug has revealed that when users tap on an app in the Play Store, they may now see information about the app's features and...

20 February 2024 | Android

Google releases Android 15 developer preview

Google has unveiled the initial developer preview of Android 15, showcasing a range of new features aimed at enhancing user privacy, refining advertising experiences, and improving overall device performance.

Dave Burke, Google's Vice President of Engineering, says a core focus was on advancing user privacy while maintaining personalised advertising capabilities through the latest version of Privacy Sandbox on Android. This addition aims to strike a balance between protecting user...

19 February 2024 | Android

Apple is killing web apps in the EU

Apple is ending support for progressive web apps (PWAs) for iPhone users within the EU, stirring concern among developers and users alike. This decision comes as a definitive blow to the accessibility and functionality of web-based applications on Apple devices.

The move to discontinue web app support has been apparent in each iteration of the iOS 17.4 beta, with users experiencing persistent issues. However, Apple has now clarified that this is deliberate.

In an update...

16 February 2024 | iOS

Asahi Linux’s OpenGL support leapfrogs Apple’s on M-chip Macs

The team behind the Asahi Linux project, which aims to support Linux on Apple Silicon Macs, has achieved a major milestone: its open-source graphics driver now fully supports up to OpenGL 4.6 and OpenGL ES 3.2, surpassing the OpenGL 4.1 support currently offered in macOS.

Asahi developer Alyssa Rosenzweig announced the new driver in a blog post, noting it had to pass "over 100,000 tests" to be deemed officially conformant with the OpenGL standards. This was achieved despite...

15 February 2024 | Gaming

GitHub invites open-source AI developers to apply for Accelerator

GitHub has announced applications are now open for the next cohort of its Accelerator program, which provides funding, mentoring, and other benefits for early-stage open-source projects. There is a particular focus this year on developers building AI solutions.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 5 March 2024. Ten projects will be selected to participate in the 10-week program beginning 22 April 2024.

The 2024 GitHub Accelerator cohort focuses on the...

14 February 2024 | Artificial Intelligence

MongoDB launches Atlas Stream Processing preview

MongoDB has announced the public preview launch of Atlas Stream Processing, allowing any developer on Atlas to access the new stream processing capability. 

The introduction of Atlas Stream Processing aims to revolutionise the handling of high-velocity event data, providing developers with enhanced agility and efficiency in managing data streams.

Unveiled at .local NYC 2023, Atlas Stream Processing promises to redefine the landscape of stream data aggregation and...

13 February 2024 | Developer

European iOS developers can begin testing alternative app stores 

Apple this week began implementing its controversial plans to comply with the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), allowing developers to now submit alternative app stores and external apps via App Store Connect.

This development comes amid Apple's efforts to meet the DMA requirements by March 2024. With the deadline looming, Apple is taking proactive steps to enable developers to test their apps and marketplaces ahead of time.

In an update on its developer website, Apple...

9 February 2024 | API

Deazy acquires Geektastic to flaunt talented developers

Bristol-based Deazy – a tech startup connecting enterprises with global development talent – has acquired Geektastic, a provider of customisable, expert-reviewed technical skills assessments. The acquisition allows Deazy to demonstrate the quality of its developer community to potential clients.

Founded in 2019, Deazy partners with companies like the RAC and Popeyes to help accelerate their digital delivery by matching them with top developers from its network of 85 partners...

8 February 2024 | Developer

Evinced’s accessibility testing solutions triple in adoption 

Evinced, a provider of web and mobile accessibility solutions, saw its customer base triple in 2023 on the back of new prevention-focused tools like Unit Tester and Design Assistant. These innovations allow developers and designers to automatically catch accessibility issues long before release, marking a shift for the industry toward prevention versus post-hoc fixes.

The company’s impressive expansion has cemented its status as a top accessibility vendor, counting 6 of the 10...

7 February 2024 | Development Tools

OpenText unveils next-gen cybersecurity auditing technology

OpenText has unveiled the second generation of its advanced cybersecurity auditing technology called Fortify Audit Assistant—aiming to help developers build more secure software amid rising threats and complexity in multi-cloud environments.

The key upgrade is the use of predictive analytics and machine learning to emulate human security auditors. By learning from 10 years of human expert data, the new Fortify Audit Assistant significantly improves accuracy and reduces false...

6 February 2024 | Development Tools