Instagram has decided to stop using a privacy feature that scrambles your direct messages so only you and the person you're messaging can read them—a surprising reversal of plans Meta announced just months ago. This means your private messages will become readable by Instagram's systems again, which could matter if you value keeping your conversations truly private, especially from data collection or if you're discussing sensitive matters.
Worth knowing: Check your DM settings in the coming weeks to see what privacy options Instagram offers going forward, and consider whether you'd prefer to use other messaging apps for particularly private conversations.
OpenAI has added a new safety feature called "Trusted Contact" that lets ChatGPT alert someone you choose if the system detects you might be considering harming yourself during a conversation. This matters because it creates a backup way for concerned friends or family members to step in and help during a crisis, rather than relying only on emergency services or the person reaching out themselves.
Perplexity has released a new app for Mac computers that uses AI to help you get things done — think of it as having a smart assistant that can search the web, organize information, and handle tasks on your behalf. You can now download it and try it yourself if you're curious about how artificial intelligence might make everyday computer work a bit easier.
Perplexity, an AI search tool that answers questions by reading through the internet for you, is now free for all Mac computer users instead of being available only to paid subscribers. This means older adults who use Apple computers can now get quick, plain-English answers to questions without paying a monthly fee. Worth knowing: if you use a Mac and want to try it out, you can download Perplexity from the App Store at no cost.
OpenAI is adding a safety feature to ChatGPT that lets you name a trusted person—a friend, family member, or caregiver—who will be alerted if the AI detects you've been discussing self-harm or suicide with the chatbot. The idea is that reaching out to someone you actually know and trust during a crisis can be more helpful than just getting a helpline number. You can set this up yourself if you think it would help, though it's completely optional and stays private unless a genuine concern is detected.
Google is launching an affordable AI health coach for $9.99 a month that can give you personalized advice on fitness, sleep, and overall wellness. For people in your age group, having a knowledgeable companion available anytime to answer health questions or suggest adjustments to your routine could be genuinely helpful, especially if you're managing multiple health interests or don't have easy access to trainers or specialists. Worth knowing: you might want to try it when it launches on May 19 to see if the AI suggestions actually feel practical for your specific situation, rather than assuming it'll work perfectly right away.
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Spotify's AI DJ feature, which creates personalized radio stations just for you based on your listening habits, is now available to premium subscribers in over 75 countries and in many different languages. This means music lovers around the world can enjoy a customized listening experience without having to manually build playlists or search for songs themselves. You can try this feature on Spotify if you're a premium member—just look for the DJ option in the app to hear what personalized recommendations sound like for your taste in music.
Google has created a new fitness tracker called the Fitbit Air that's small, simple, and does without a screen—instead sending your health information to your phone where an AI helper can explain what it all means. Unlike smartwatches that need charging every day or two and can feel bulky on your wrist, this tiny device lasts about a week and stays comfortable because it's just a small puck that hides under your watchband.
You can expect this to appeal if you've been curious about health tracking but found smartwatches too fussy or distracting, especially since Google offers plenty of color and style options to match your taste.
Google is combining all your health information—from Fitbit devices, smartwatches, and other fitness trackers—into one app so you can see everything in one place instead of juggling multiple apps. This makes it easier to track your exercise, sleep, and wellness progress as you age, without having to remember passwords for different platforms. Worth knowing: if you use a Fitbit or Google smartwatch, check your phone's app store around mid-May to see if the new Health app is available for you.
Google has released a new $99 Fitbit Air—a simple wristband without a screen that focuses on tracking your health basics like steps and heart rate, drawing inspiration from Fitbit's earliest designs before smartwatches became the norm. For people in their 50s and beyond who want to monitor their wellbeing without the complexity of a full smartwatch, this streamlined approach offers an affordable way to keep tabs on daily activity and vital signs. Worth knowing: if you're already happy with your current fitness tracker or smartwatch, there's no urgent reason to switch, but if you've found other devices too complicated or expensive, the Air might be worth trying.
Samsung has developed a new feature for its Galaxy Watch that can warn you a few seconds before you might faint, giving you time to sit down or call for help. This matters because fainting can lead to dangerous falls, and having that advance warning could prevent serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma. Worth knowing: if you own a Samsung Galaxy Watch, check your device settings in the coming months to see if this safety feature becomes available to you.
