Amazon rolls out redesigned Fire TV app, new TV interface: Check details

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

Amazon has reportedly rolled out a redesigned version of the Amazon Fire TV mobile app, introducing a refreshed interface aimed at making it easier for users to discover and control streaming content from their smartphones. According to a report by TechCrunch, the update has begun reaching users and brings features such as watchlist management and expanded browsing across streaming catalogues.

The mobile app redesign is part of a broader overhaul of the Fire TV ecosystem that also includes a redesigned interface for Fire TV devices. Amazon said the updated experience focuses on faster navigation and improved organisation. While the television interface will roll out as a free software update to supported devices, the updated mobile app is being released to users gradually.

Fire TV mobile app redesigned: What’s new

Amazon said the updated Fire TV mobile app is designed to extend the viewing experience beyond the television and provide easier ways to browse and manage content.

The company noted that users can explore streaming catalogues across installed apps, manage their watchlists and start playback on their television directly from their smartphones. The app’s visual design has also been updated to align more closely with the new Fire TV interface, offering a more consistent experience across devices.

According to Amazon, the app can also function as a second screen, allowing users to discover shows, save recommendations from friends or add titles to their watchlists even when they are away from home.

The company said that the redesigned mobile app will reach users in India, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Japan first, before gradually rolling out to more users in other countries over the coming weeks.

New Fire TV interface: Details

Alongside the mobile app update, Amazon has also announced a redesign of the Fire TV interface on televisions. The company said the interface has been rebuilt with a cleaner layout and updated design elements, including revised typography, colour gradients and spacing. Amazon added that the underlying software has also been reworked, resulting in performance improvements.

As per the company, the redesign aims to reduce the time users spend searching for content across multiple streaming platforms. The updated interface introduces dedicated browsing sections for different content types such as movies, television shows, sports, news and live programming. According to Amazon, these categories display titles aggregated from the various streaming apps installed on the device, allowing users to browse content from multiple services in one place.

The home screen has also been expanded to allow users to pin up to 20 apps, compared with six previously. Additional quick-access features have been added through the remote control, including a shortcut panel activated by long-pressing the Home button. This panel provides direct access to frequently used controls such as audio and display settings, connected cameras and smart home devices.

Users can also access sections including Games, Art and Photos, and the Ambient Experience through the Menu button on the remote. Amazon said integration with Amazon Photos allows personal photo libraries to be displayed on televisions when the device is idle.

Alexa+ integration expands voice-based discovery

The redesigned experience also includes support for Amazon’s generative AI assistant, Alexa+. According to Amazon, usage of Alexa+ on Fire TV has increased significantly, with customers interacting with the assistant more than 2.5 times as often compared with the earlier version of Amazon Alexa.

The assistant can be used to request personalised viewing recommendations through natural language prompts. Amazon said users can ask Alexa to suggest content based on factors such as mood, actors or genres, as well as perform actions including adding titles to watchlists, retrieving sports statistics during live games, generating AI-created background screensavers or controlling smart home devices such as lights.

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Apple releases second version of iOS 26.4 dev beta 3 for iPhones: Report

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

4 min read Last Updated : Mar 06 2026 | 4:02 PM IST

Apple has reportedly released a second build of iOS 26.4 beta 3 for developers, three days after rolling out the first version. According to a report by 9To5Mac, it is not yet clear what changes the new build addresses, but the update is currently available as an over-the-air download. The report noted that the new release carries the build number 23E5223k, replacing the earlier 23E5223f build. It is likely that Apple may have included fixes for issues or bugs reported by users in the earlier version.

Ahead of the public release, Apple has already introduced several changes across iOS 26.4 beta builds, offering a glimpse of what users can expect from the upcoming update. These include:

iOS 26.4: What’s coming

Apple Podcasts update: Apple Podcasts will add support for native video podcasts, allowing creators to produce, share and monetise video content directly within the app. Video episodes will also work with existing features such as personalised recommendations and editorial picks.

Playlist Playground: iOS 26.4 introduces a new Apple Music feature called Playlist Playground. It lets users create playlists using text prompts. Users can enter a mood, idea or theme and receive automatic song suggestions for a 25-song playlist with a custom title.

RCS encryption: Apple is testing end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for RCS messages — a security layer not yet available for cross-platform chats. Encrypted RCS conversations will display a lock icon in the chat interface. The feature is currently being tested for both iPhone-to-iPhone and iPhone-to-Android conversations.

New emojis: Apple has not announced new emojis yet, but a report from MacRumors suggested that the update could add a few. Possible additions include a trombone, treasure chest, orca, landslide and Bigfoot.

Stolen Device Protection: Stolen Device Protection is now turned on by default for all iPhone users instead of being an optional setting. The feature adds an extra layer of security by requiring Face ID or Touch ID authentication to access sensitive functions such as the Passwords app, enabling Lost Mode in Find My, making purchases in Safari and more.

Messages app: The Messages app introduces new animations for actions such as starting a new conversation

Ambient Music widget: A new Ambient Music widget will be added to the Home Screen and Lock Screen. It will let users play built-in ambient tracks designed for sleep, focus, relaxation and other moods.

Wallpaper and Watch Face Gallery: The Wallpaper Gallery is getting a refreshed design, making it easier to browse and download wallpapers from categories such as Weather, Astronomy, Emoji and Colours directly to the iPhone. The Watch Face Gallery in the Apple Watch app also features the same design change.

UI tweaks: Apple has included several minor tweaks in iOS 26.4. In Dark Mode, menu pop-ups in the Control Center now appear with a dark background. There are also slight changes to the Account Hub interface in the App Store.

Games app: Apple moved the Search bar back to the top of the Search tab in the App Store and integrated the Search tab into the bottom bar. With iOS 26.4 beta 2, the same Search bar and tab layout changes have now been applied to the Games app.

App Store and Apple Music: The “Apple Account” label in the App Store and Apple Music Account Hub is now left-aligned with a rainbow logo, matching Settings.

Freeform Creator Studio: Freeform Creator Studio, to arrive with iOS 26.4, will give Creator Studio subscribers access to expanded Freeform tools. The update will introduce a dedicated Content Hub that brings together Freeform’s shapes and design options in one place. Subscribers will be able to access premium assets such as graphics, photos and illustrations. It will also include AI-powered tools for image creation and editing.

First Published: Mar 06 2026 | 4:02 PM IST

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Karnataka social media ban: Meta says it should cover all apps teens use

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

The Karnataka government on Friday announced plans to ban social media use for children below the age of 16 as part of the state budget for 2026–27.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the measure aims to address the adverse effects of rising mobile phone usage among children.

“Social media will be banned for children under the age of 16 to prevent the adverse effects of increasing mobile usage. The ban is aimed at preventing the negative impact on children caused by increasing mobile phone usage,” Siddaramaiah said in his budget speech.

Responding to the proposal, Instagram and Facebook parent Meta said it would comply with social media bans where they are enforced, but argued that targeting a limited number of platforms may not effectively address online safety concerns.

“We’ll comply with social media bans where they are enforced, but with teens using around 40 apps weekly, targeting a handful of companies won’t keep them safe. Bans should apply equally across the many apps teens use,” the company said in a statement.

Meta also cautioned that restrictions could unintentionally push teenagers towards less safe or unregulated online spaces, or logged-out experiences that bypass safety protections such as safeguards built into Instagram’s Teen Accounts.

The company added that it shares the objective of ensuring safer digital environments for young users and believes parents should play a central role in deciding which apps their teenagers use.

“We support laws that empower parents to approve teen app downloads on the app store,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh is also considering similar restrictions. Speaking in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said the state government was exploring steps to restrict social media access for children below 13 years of age.

Referring to a proposal suggested by IT Minister Nara Lokesh, Naidu said the government plans to introduce a programme within the next 90 days to prevent children under 13 from accessing social media.

He added that the government is also examining possible regulations for the 13–16 age group and will take a decision after wider consultations.

Naidu said the government remains committed to ensuring that children are protected from the negative effects of excessive social media use.

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OpenAI releases GPT-5.4 Thinking and Pro in ChatGPT: How is it different

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

OpenAI has announced the rollout of GPT-5.4, its latest artificial intelligence model, across ChatGPT, its developer API and Codex. According to the company, the model combines improvements in reasoning, coding and agent-driven workflows to handle complex professional tasks more effectively.

Within ChatGPT, the model will appear as GPT-5.4 Thinking, replacing GPT-5.2 Thinking for paid users. The company said the update aims to help the model complete real-world tasks more efficiently, including work involving spreadsheets, presentations and documents.

OpenAI also introduced GPT-5.4 Pro, a higher-performance version of the model designed for more demanding workloads and complex tasks.

GPT-5.4: What’s new

According to OpenAI, GPT-5.4 integrates the coding capabilities previously introduced with GPT-5.3 Codex while improving performance across reasoning, knowledge work and software environments. The company said the model is designed to reduce back-and-forth interactions by producing more accurate outputs in a single attempt.

On internal and third-party benchmarks cited by OpenAI, GPT-5.4 showed improvements over GPT-5.2 across several areas. On GDPval, a benchmark measuring the ability of AI systems to perform professional knowledge work, the model matched or exceeded industry professionals in 83 per cent of comparisons, compared with 70.9 per cent for GPT-5.2.

OpenAI also said the model performs better on tasks involving spreadsheets and presentations. In internal tests simulating work done by junior investment banking analysts, GPT-5.4 achieved an average score of 87.3 per cent in spreadsheet modelling tasks, compared with 68.4 per cent for GPT-5.2.

The company also claims the model is more reliable than previous versions. In tests involving prompts where users had previously flagged factual errors, GPT-5.4 generated responses that were 18 per cent less likely to contain mistakes compared with GPT-5.2.

GPT-5.4 Thinking: What’s new in ChatGPT

In ChatGPT, OpenAI introduces GPT-5.4 Thinking, which brings features aimed at making long or complex responses easier to guide.

The company said GPT-5.4 Thinking improves deep web research, particularly for highly specific queries that require information from multiple sources. OpenAI claims the model can maintain context over longer reasoning chains, helping it produce more coherent responses for complex questions.

Agent capabilities, tool search and computer use

OpenAI said GPT-5.4 introduces stronger support for agent-style workflows, where AI systems can complete tasks across multiple tools and software environments.

The model is the company’s first general-purpose system with native computer-use capabilities, allowing AI agents to interact with applications through screenshots, mouse movements and keyboard inputs. OpenAI said this enables agents to navigate websites, manage files and perform multi-step workflows across software systems.

Developers can access these capabilities through updated computer-use tools in the API.

OpenAI also introduced tool search, which allows the model to dynamically retrieve tool definitions when needed instead of loading all available tools into a prompt at once. According to the company, this approach can reduce token usage and improve efficiency when AI agents operate across large tool ecosystems.

In addition, agentic tool calling has been improved. OpenAI said GPT-5.4 can more accurately decide when to use external tools during reasoning tasks, which helps agents complete multi-step workflows with fewer interactions and lower latency.

GPT-5.4 Pro: Higher-performance version

Alongside the base model, OpenAI introduced GPT-5.4 Pro, which the company describes as a higher-performance version intended for complex tasks requiring maximum capability.

On the BrowseComp benchmark, which evaluates how well AI agents search and synthesise information from the web, GPT-5.4 Pro achieved an accuracy score of 89.3 per cent, compared with 82.7 per cent for the standard GPT-5.4 model.

The company said GPT-5.4 Pro is available to ChatGPT Pro and Enterprise users, as well as developers through the API.

Availability

GPT-5.4 has been rolled out across ChatGPT, the API and Codex. In ChatGPT, the model is available to Plus, Team and Pro users as GPT-5.4 Thinking, replacing GPT-5.2 Thinking.

Developers can access the model through the API under the name gpt-5.4, while gpt-5.4-pro is available for higher-performance workloads.

OpenAI said GPT-5.2 Thinking will remain accessible in ChatGPT under the Legacy Models section for three months before being retired.

GPT-5.3 Instant

In related news, OpenAI recently introduced GPT-5.3 Instant, an update to the default model powering ChatGPT, aimed at improving everyday conversations. The company said the update focuses on making responses more fluid, direct and relevant, while reducing overly cautious language and unnecessary refusals. According to OpenAI, earlier models sometimes declined questions that could have been answered safely or used long disclaimers before responding. With GPT-5.3 Instant, the model is designed to provide clearer answers with fewer defensive preambles and a more natural conversational tone.

OpenAI also claims improvements in factual reliability and writing quality. The company said GPT-5.3 Instant reduces hallucinations across domains such as medicine, law and finance, with internal tests showing up to a 26.8 per cent drop in hallucination rates when web access is used. The model also aims to produce more coherent writing and maintain a consistent conversational style. GPT-5.3 Instant is now available to all ChatGPT users and developers through the API as gpt-5.3-chat-latest, while GPT-5.2 Instant will remain accessible for paid users in the Legacy Models section until June 3, 2026.

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Following macOS release, OpenAI launches Codex app for Windows: What's new

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

OpenAI has released the Codex app for Windows, bringing a desktop interface designed to help Windows users and developers manage multiple AI agents at once. The app is designed to help developers build, review and ship software using AI agents powered by OpenAI’s coding models. According to the company, the Codex app acts as a command centre where developers can manage AI agents and coding tasks. The release builds on Codex’s existing availability through the Command Line Interface (CLI), IDE extensions and cloud-based tools. Last month, OpenAI also launched the Codex desktop app for macOS.

What Codex Windows app does

According to OpenAI, the Codex Windows app is designed for real development environments and includes native sandboxing and integrated workflows. This allows developers to run coding agents without affecting their main system environment.

Previously, OpenAI mentioned that the app is designed to support complex, long-running tasks that may span hours, days or weeks. Users can switch between agent threads without losing context, review changes made by agents, comment on diffs or open files in their editor to make manual edits.

The app also carries over session history and configuration from the Codex CLI and IDE extensions, allowing users to continue working with existing projects without reconfiguration.

Codex app for Windows: How it works

With Codex, developers can run multiple AI agents across different projects at the same time. The tool can also automate repetitive tasks that developers usually handle manually. Another feature allows agents to connect with other development tools and workflows through something OpenAI calls Skills.

The company said that developers can also review and guide the work done by the AI agents without losing the context of the project. This helps developers stay in control of their code while still using automation to handle certain tasks. According to the company, the tool is already being used by startups such as Ramp and Harvey, as well as companies including NVIDIA, Rakuten and Cisco.

By default, the Codex agent runs commands in PowerShell using the Windows-native environment. However, developers can also connect projects stored in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) if they prefer working with Linux-based workflows.

OpenAI said the Codex app works best when some common developer tools are already installed on the system. These include:

Git: Used for the review panel in the Codex app and helps developers inspect or revert code changes.

Node.js: Helps the AI agent perform certain development tasks more efficiently.

Python: Another commonly used tool that allows the agent to run tasks more effectively.

.NET SDK: Useful for developers who want to build native Windows applications.

GitHub CLI: Enables GitHub-related features and workflows inside the Codex app.

Availability

The Codex app is available starting today through the Microsoft Store. Codex works across ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu plans, and developers can use the same account across the desktop app, command line interface, IDE extensions and cloud services. OpenAI said that developers can download it directly from the store and follow a quick setup process to begin using the tool.

How to download and update the Codex app on Windows

Open the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer.

Search for Codex and click Download/Install to install the app.

Once installed, open the app and follow the Quickstart guide to begin using it.

To update the app, open the Microsoft Store and go to Downloads.

Click Check for updates and the store will install the latest version automatically.

Command-line install option

You can also install the app using the command line with this command:

winget install Codex -s msstore

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Next-gen Xbox will run Xbox and PC games, Microsoft Gaming CEO confirms

by Hansraj Agrawal | Mar 6, 2026 | Technology

Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has confirmed that the next-generation Xbox console will be able to run both Xbox and PC games. In a post on X, Sharma wrote that Project Helix, the official codename for the next-gen Xbox, will lead in performance and will play both Xbox and PC games. Microsoft had earlier indicated that the next Xbox would be some kind of hybrid of a console and PC, and this confirmation from Sharma falls in line with it.

In her first memo after assuming charge as Microsoft’s gaming chief, Sharma outlined three key priorities, one of which focused on what she described as the “return of Xbox.” It was stated that the company intends to revisit its foundations with a renewed focus on the Xbox console, acknowledging the role the platform has played in shaping the brand’s identity.

The memo also noted that gaming today extends across multiple devices rather than being confined to a single piece of hardware, a reference to Xbox’s recent strategy of expanding its titles to competing platforms. At the same time, it was indicated that concerns raised by fans regarding the limited number of Xbox-exclusive titles have been taken into account.

Next-gen Xbox: What to expect

Microsoft has been indicating that its upcoming generation of Xbox hardware will increasingly narrow the gap between a conventional console and a PC, with Sharma’s recent X post solidifying those indications further. Devices such as the Xbox Ally handhelds are seen as an initial move in that direction. In November, the company rolled out the Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) for Windows 11 PCs and handheld gaming systems.

On PCs, the FSE Xbox interface introduces a controller-focused layout that resembles a traditional console environment. According to the company, the interface prioritises controller-based navigation and provides a full-screen, gaming-oriented space designed for discovering and launching titles.

Regarding its core console lineup, former Xbox president Sarah Bond said in October 2025 that the next-generation Xbox currently under development is intended to be a premium platform centred on a high-end, curated gaming experience.

The announcement followed Microsoft entering a multi-year strategic partnership with AMD to jointly design custom silicon for a range of devices. These include upcoming Xbox systems meant for both home consoles and handheld formats. The collaboration also covers the development of the next generation of server infrastructure supporting Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Regarding the release timeline, while Sharma did not provide a clear timeline for the launch of Project Helix, earlier in February, AMD indicated that it could be prepared to support a release around 2027. It remains uncertain whether the console itself will arrive in that timeframe.

Meanwhile, The Verge reported that Sony may delay the introduction of its next PlayStation console until as late as 2029, largely due to ongoing concerns surrounding the global RAM supply crunch.

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