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News
Microsoft CEO says up to 30% of the company’s code was written by AI
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella revealed that AI now writes up to 30% of the company’s code, with better results in languages like Python compared to C++. This shift highlights AI’s growing role in software development, though human oversight remains essential. Nadella compared AI’s impact to that of electricity, noting that significant productivity gains will take time and require changes in how people work. He also mentioned that some projects are entirely written by AI, indicating a move toward more automated coding processes.
Epic Games is launching webshops to allow developers to circumvent app store fees after new ruling
Epic Games is launching “webshops” to help developers avoid high fees from Apple and Google. These online stores let players buy digital items directly, often at better prices. Starting in June, Epic won’t take any cut from a game’s first $1 million in yearly earnings, and only 12% after that. This move follows a court ruling that found Apple broke rules by blocking outside payment options.
Stripe shows iOS developers how to avoid Apple’s App Store commission
Stripe has introduced a new guide to help iOS developers bypass Apple’s App Store commission fees. Following a recent court ruling, developers can now direct users to external payment pages using Stripe Checkout, avoiding Apple’s standard 30% cut. While setting up Stripe requires additional effort, its fees are significantly lower at 2.9% plus $0.30 per transaction.
WhatsApp now has more than 3 billion users a month
WhatsApp now has over 3 billion monthly users, joining Facebook as one of the few apps to reach this milestone. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg shared the news during the company’s Q1 2025 earnings call. WhatsApp remains free and ad-free, and it’s becoming a key platform for Meta’s AI tools. The app’s business version, WhatsApp Business, is also growing fast, helping Meta earn more revenue.
Jeff Bezos discloses plan to sell up to $4.8 billion in Amazon stock
Jeff Bezos plans to sell up to 25 million Amazon shares, worth about $4.75 billion, by May 2026 under a prearranged trading plan. This move follows his previous sales totaling over $13 billion in 2024. The funds will help support his space company, Blue Origin, which costs more than $2 billion a year. Despite these sales, Bezos still owns nearly 9% of Amazon, keeping him as one of its largest shareholders.
Australian radio station secretly used an AI host for six months
For six months, Australia’s CADA radio station aired a daily show hosted by “Thy,” an AI-generated voice created using ElevenLabs technology, without informing listeners. The deception came to light when a writer noticed the lack of personal details about Thy, prompting audio analyses that confirmed her artificial nature. The station faced backlash for not disclosing the use of AI, raising ethical concerns about transparency and authenticity in broadcasting. While CADA defended the move as an experiment in new technology, critics argue that audiences deserve honesty about who—or what—is behind the microphone.
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Reads
From booking to boarding: how fintech is reshaping travel payments in 2025
In 2025, fintech is transforming travel payments to be faster, safer, and more flexible. Travelers now expect options like digital wallets, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL), and contactless payments. Fintech firms are teaming up with travel companies to offer smoother booking experiences, including features like split payments for group trips. With mobile bookings surging and younger generations leading the way, the travel industry is embracing these innovations to meet modern expectations.
An Interview with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg About AI and the Evolution of Social Media
In a recent interview, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussed the company’s AI-driven transformation, highlighting the launch of LlamaCon, Meta’s new developer conference focused on open-source AI. He emphasized Meta’s commitment to building AI models tailored for its platforms, such as the Llama series, to enhance user experiences and maintain control over their ecosystem.