7 – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Richard Lawler

Richard Lawler

Senior News Editor

Senior News Editor

    More From Richard Lawler

    Trump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic’s AITrump orders federal agencies to drop Anthropic’s AI
    Hayden Field and Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    The second Android 17 beta is out now for Google Pixel.

    Google is testing the second Android 17 beta on compatible Pixel devices in line with its accelerated release timeline. The release notes say it adds desktop window-like app bubbles so users “can organize, move between, and move bubbles to and from anchored points on the screen,” although testers report they haven’t seen them working yet.

    There are also cross-device app handoffs, which can work with a web app even if it isn’t installed on the second device.

    Screenshot showing Google Calendar opened in a small window over Gmail on an Android device.
    Google Calendar opened in an “app bubble” window on Android 17.
    Image: Google
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Warner Bros. says Paramount’s latest offer is superior to its current deal with Netflix.

    A four-day clock for Netflix to respond just started, but here are the details of the offer that include a starting price of $31 per share and other assurances, like:

    “…a $7 billion regulatory termination fee payable by PSKY in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters, payment by PSKY of the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would be required to pay to Netflix to terminate the existing Netflix merger agreement, an obligation of Larry J. Ellison and an associated trust to contribute additional equity funding”

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Tim Cook teases new Apple launches starting Monday morning.

    Rumors of an Apple product launch event next week look confirmed, now that Tim Cook is posting about a “big week ahead,” with a short video clip of someone swiping around Apple’s logo. So, new MacBook Pros, probably some new iPads, and maybe the rumored iPhone 17e?

    We’ll find out soon.

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Overwatch Rush is a top-down spinoff made for iOS and Android.

    Blizzard apparently isn’t busy enough with Overwatch, announcing a mobile version of the game that “will begin select region testing soon.” Unlike mobile versions of games like Call of Duty, PUBG, or Fortnite, it’s not an attempt at an FPS and is being made by a separate team.

    A gameplay preview trailer shows a similar feeling but slower-paced game capable of running on devices like an iPhone XS or Pixel 4a.

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Warner Bros. says Paramount Skydance’s new bid might become better than Netflix’s.

    Warner Bros. Discovery is telling shareholders it’s “continuing to engage” with Paramount after receiving its latest offer yesterday.

    The new bid offers $31 per share, “a daily ticking fee equal to $0.25 per quarter beginning after September 30, 2026,” plus $7 billion from Paramount if regulators block the deal, and $2.8 billion to pay Netflix’s termination fee, among other details. If the board likes this bid better, it says Netflix will have four days to respond.

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Uber is buying SpotHero and says its app will add support for parking reservations.

    On Monday afternoon, Uber announced it’s buying the parking spot reservation app for an undisclosed amount, saying it plans to add parking benefits to Uber One and build in-app reservation into its main app, bringing car owners into Uber’s ecosystem.

    The two also note the potential for fleet services (like parking robotaxis?), and vehicle charging.

    Image of a parking garage with the logos for SpotHero and Uber featured prominently
    Image: Uber
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Ted Sarandos: “This is a business deal, it’s not a political deal.”

    The Netflix boss is apparently not too worried about Trump’s meddling in his company’s attempt to purchase Warner Bros. He told BBC Today that Netflix’s offer left Hollywood with five major studios instead of four, and Trump, “likes to do a lot of things on social media.”

    However, on Monday afternoon, Bloomberg reported Paramount Skydance has submitted another competing offer, improving on its previous $30 per share bid.

    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    “STOP OPENCLAW.”

    That’s the WhatsApp message Meta safety and alignment researcher Summer Yue sent her AI agent while “watching it speedrun deleting [her] inbox.” Despite the various reasons not to connect OpenClaw to your actual data, apparently, she felt confident based on its results with her toy inbox and moved it to her actual Gmail.

    Unfortunately, the AI bot “lost” her instruction not to take action without checking first.

    Screenshot of WhatsApp conversation with AI bot reporting it will nuke all old stuff as user messages “STOP OPENCLAW”
    Image: Summer Yue (X)
    Richard Lawler
    Richard Lawler
    Read Xbox president Sarah Bond’s memo about leaving Microsoft.

    Like Phil Spencer, Bond had a note for the employees at Xbox as she announced her departure, which she shared on LinkedIn Friday evening.

    Bond:

    I’ve decided this is the right time for me to take my next step, both personally and professionally. We’re living through a transformative technological era that will shape the next generation of our industry, and I’m energized by what’s ahead. This moment also presents a unique opportunity for fresh eyes and new leadership to guide the team into its next chapter.