The Feed August 19th

Merge 104.8  |  19 August 2026

WhatsApp is testing a new AI-powered feature that could alert users if a conversation appears to involve a scam. The optional ‘Scam Alert’ warning appears when the app detects suspicious activity in an ongoing chat. Users can then block the contact, report the account or choose to continue the conversation.

 

Apple appears to have accidentally revealed unreleased AirPods featuring tiny cameras built into the stems. Rumours have circulated for years that future AirPods could use cameras to power AI features. A leaked video reportedly shows how the earbuds could use Visual Intelligence to recognise your surroundings, allowing you to capture and save information they see so they can remember it later.

 

YouTube is changing the way it measures video views, with a view now being recorded almost immediately after a video begins playing. They say the update is designed to give creators a clearer picture of how many people are actually starting their videos. YouTube says the change will not affect advertising revenue, creator earnings or eligibility for monetisation.