# Microsoft's Copilot App Gets Upgraded
Microsoft has expanded its Copilot app to work seamlessly with Office programs like Word and Excel, and added features that let people write computer code and automate repetitive tasks using plain English instructions. If you use Microsoft Office regularly, this means you'll soon be able to get AI assistance without switching between different programs—like asking Copilot to help organize a spreadsheet or draft a document while staying right where you are. Worth knowing: these new features are rolling out gradually, so check your Microsoft apps over the coming weeks to see if Copilot appears in your version.
Google has created AI avatars—digital characters with faces and voices—that can handle customer service calls and other tasks on your behalf. For people over 50 who value clear, familiar human interaction, these avatars represent a shift toward machines handling conversations that were once reserved for real people, which could mean faster answers but also less personal touch. Worth knowing: if you use Google services in the coming months, you may encounter these avatars instead of speaking to a human representative, so you can always ask to be transferred to a real person if you prefer.
Meta, the company famous for collecting vast amounts of personal data, is now building privacy protections directly into its new AI assistant called Muse—essentially locking Meta out of seeing your emails, finances, and health information even if you share them with the AI. This matters because as AI assistants become smarter and more useful, people won't trust them with sensitive information unless they know it's truly private, and Meta recognizes that winning this technology race depends on proving it respects your data. Worth knowing: you'll need to actively turn off the default settings in Muse if you don't want Meta to use your interactions to train its AI, since privacy isn't automatic—it requires you to pay attention when setting up the tool.
# Ray-Ban Meta Gen 3 vs. Gen 2
Meta has released a new version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses that offers modest improvements—like a slightly better camera and faster processor—but costs noticeably more than the previous model. If you're thinking about trying AI glasses for tasks like translating signs, identifying plants, or recording hands-free video, the older Gen 2 model still does most of what the Gen 3 does. You can save yourself money by checking whether Gen 2 is still available, or wait a few months to see if the price drops on the newer version.
DraftKings is using artificial intelligence to identify customers who are losing money on bets and then deliberately targets them with advertisements designed to bring them back to the site—essentially profiting from people's gambling problems. For anyone who gambles online or has a family member who does, this matters because companies are now using sophisticated technology to deliberately lure back the customers most likely to lose money rather than helping them step away. Worth knowing: if you notice you're receiving increased promotional emails or ads from betting sites after a losing streak, that's likely AI targeting at work—and it's a sign to pause and reassess your gambling habits.
The New York Times is bringing its cooking app to Meta's smart glasses, so you can follow recipes while keeping your hands free to chop and stir. When you're in the kitchen with your hands full of ingredients, having the recipe read aloud to you—rather than having to look down at your phone or tablet—makes cooking safer and less messy. You can try this feature when it rolls out by checking your Meta glasses settings, or ask a family member with smart glasses to show you how it works.
MapQuest, a mapping service that many of you may remember from the early internet days, has finally added the ability to show you how to get places using buses, trains, and other public transportation. This feature helps people who prefer not to drive or don't own a car find their way around cities more easily. Worth knowing: if you've stuck with MapQuest out of habit, it's now catching up to Google Maps and Apple Maps, so it's worth giving it another try if you need public transit options.
Google Photos now has a feature that uses artificial intelligence to organize all the clothing photos you've taken into a virtual closet, making it easy to see what you own without digging through your phone. For anyone who struggles to remember what's in their wardrobe or wants to plan outfits without trying things on, this can save time and help you get more wear from clothes you already have. You can try this feature by opening Google Photos on your phone, looking for the "Try it out" section, and uploading clear photos of your favorite pieces to build your personal style catalog.
Google Photos is adding a clever tool that automatically blurs out sensitive details in your photos—like credit card numbers, faces you don't want to share, or license plates—with just a tap. If you're sharing family pictures online or with different groups of people, this makes it simpler to protect private information without needing fancy editing skills. You can look for this feature rolling out in Google Photos over the coming weeks, and it's worth checking your app's edit options once it arrives in your region.
Meta has created an AI assistant called Muse that changes its appearance based on what it learns about you, making itself intentionally cute and appealing to keep you engaged. For people managing health, finances, or personal decisions, this design raises a real concern: the adorable mascot might make you trust the AI's suggestions more than you should, even when they're not particularly helpful. Worth knowing: when any AI helper presents itself as endearing or personalized, take a moment to separately verify important advice—the cute appearance doesn't mean the recommendations are actually better for your specific situation.
Google's Pixel Watch 5 is getting two new health features this week that show you patterns in your blood pressure and insulin resistance over time, rather than just single readings. For anyone managing conditions like hypertension or diabetes—or simply wanting to understand their health better—seeing trends can help you spot whether lifestyle changes are actually working. Worth knowing: these features roll out gradually, so you may need to wait a few days to see them appear in your watch, and you'll want to check your Pixel Watch settings in early October to see if the update has arrived for you.
ElevenLabs makes artificial voices that answer customer service calls, and the company's leader says businesses should be honest with you when you're speaking to a computer rather than a person. Right now, many companies keep quiet about it, but as AI voices become more common, that's likely to change naturally. Worth knowing: if a customer service call sounds unusually smooth or perfect, it might be worth asking directly whether you're talking to a human or an AI system.
