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These App Store hidden gems prove there’s still room for great software in the AI era

2 August 2026 at 16:23
Despite predictions that AI agents could make traditional apps obsolete, developers are shipping new software faster than ever. From smarter bookmarking tools and neighborhood marketplaces to digital pen pals and nature journals, here are the latest App Store finds worth adding to your Home Screen.

Patreon stops asking AI bots not to scrape β€” and starts blocking them

17 July 2026 at 16:21
Patreon is strengthening its defenses against AI scraping by working with Cloudflare to block bots that train AI models on creators’ content without permission. The move marks a shift away from relying on websites using robots.txt alone to actively block unauthorized AI training.

Apple bans home services from its upcoming Maps ads

15 July 2026 at 19:21
Apple has published the policies governing its upcoming Maps advertising business, revealing a strategy that differs from Google’s. The new rules prohibit home services businesses like plumbers, electricians, locksmiths, and roofers from advertising on Apple Maps, along with several other sensitive categories, suggesting Apple is taking a more curated approach to these ads.

Spotify’s reserved ticket sales to music superfans are now going live

18 June 2026 at 15:00
Spotify is launching "Reserved," a new system that will hold two concert tickets for an artist's superfans before they're on sale to the public.

Google bets on Gemini to reinvent the smart home speaker

17 June 2026 at 17:30
Google is betting generative AI can breathe new life into the smart speaker. The company's new $99.99 Google Home Speaker replaces the rigid commands of the Google Assistant era with more conversational Gemini interactions.

Android 17 launches with new multitasking tools as Google expands Gemini features

16 June 2026 at 19:00
Google has released Android 17 and Wear OS 7, introducing new multitasking features, parental controls, security tools, and smartwatch upgrades. The launch is also accompanied by a Pixel Drop that brings Google’s latest AI models to its devices.

Zest launches a restaurant discovery app powered by where people actually eat

10 June 2026 at 16:53
Backed by Alexis Ohanian’s 776 and Kindred Ventures, Zest uses transaction data and AI to generate restaurant recommendations based on users’ real dining habits and the places they frequent.
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