Top stories (2026-04-17)
- Perplexity brought its Personal Computer AI assistant to Mac — the new Mac release builds on the multi-model orchestration debuted earlier this year. (Perplexity release)
- Google Chrome is rolling out an update in the US that makes it easier to manage different tabs in AI Mode. (Chrome update)
- OpenAI pushed a Codex update that the company says lays groundwork for its upcoming desktop “super app.” (OpenAI / Codex)
- The European Commission proposed measures that would require Google to share search engine data with competitors under the Digital Markets Act. (EU proposal)
- Netflix co-founder and chairman Reed Hastings will leave the company’s board in June after 29 years. (Netflix board change)
- Blackmagic Camera for iOS version 3.3 adds a companion Apple Watch app to help solo creators control phone-based shoots. (Blackmagic iOS)
- Bluesky reported a service outage and blamed a DDoS attack while investigating problems in one of its regions. (Bluesky outage)
Deals to watch
- Try Perplexity’s new Personal Computer on Mac if you use AI assistants and are evaluating alternatives to your current tools (availability announced today).
- Update Blackmagic Camera for iOS to v3.3 if you use an Apple Watch for remote control during solo shoots.
- If you do a lot of browser-based price comparisons, test Chrome’s AI Mode tab features (US rollout) to see if they speed up multi-tab shopping workflows.
- Keep an eye on regulatory moves in the EU: broader access to Google search data could enable new comparison-shopping and search alternatives over time, but outcomes are uncertain.
Key takeaways
- New Mac and browser AI tools may change how people research and compare purchases.
- Platform and leadership shifts (Bluesky outages, Reed Hastings leaving Netflix) are developments to monitor for subscription and service reliability implications.
- Regulatory pressure on Google and upgrades from AI vendors (OpenAI, Perplexity) could affect the competitive landscape for search and shopping tools — timing and direct savings effects remain uncertain.
Sources
- Bluesky blames DDoS attack for server outages — https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-blames-ddos-attack-for-server-outages-150515882.html?src=rss
- Reed Hastings is leaving Netflix after 29 years — https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/reed-hastings-is-leaving-netflix-after-29-years-213136444.html?src=rss
- Perplexity brings its Personal Computer AI assistant to Mac — https://www.engadget.com/ai/perplexity-brings-its-personal-computer-ai-assistant-to-mac-202045969.html?src=rss
- Call of Duty movie arrives on June 30, 2028 — https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/call-of-duty-movie-arrives-on-june-30-2028-200033481.html?src=rss
- Blackmagic Camera for iOS now has a companion Watch app — https://www.engadget.com/apps/blackmagic-camera-for-ios-now-has-a-companion-watch-app-194529980.html?src=rss
- Meta is giving Threads on web a redesign that finally adds direct messages — https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-is-giving-threads-on-web-a-redesign-that-finally-adds-direct-messages-192903284.html?src=rss
- The European Commission wants Google to share search engine data with competitors — https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/the-european-commission-wants-google-to-share-search-engine-data-with-competitors-192709530.html?src=rss
- OpenAI’s latest Codex update builds the groundwork for its upcoming super app — https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-latest-codex-update-builds-the-groundwork-for-its-upcoming-super-app-170000019.html?src=rss
- Google Chrome makes it easier to wrangle different tabs in AI Mode — https://www.engadget.com/ai/google-chrome-makes-it-easier-to-wrangle-different-tabs-in-ai-mode-170000914.html?src=rss
Disclaimer: Not financial/professional advice