Tech

The best third-party apps ready for Apple Vision Pro launch

Published

2 years ago

January 22, 2024

Ahron Young

As the highly-anticipated Apple Vision Pro is set to make its debut on February 2, developers are diligently getting their apps ready for the mixed-reality headset.

According to a reliable source, approximately 250 apps with native support for visionOS have already been submitted to Apple.

Native Support Enhances Immersion

Apps that natively support visionOS can harness the full potential of “spatial” design elements, providing users with a more immersive experience. In addition to Apple’s own applications, several well-known third-party apps are poised to offer native support for visionOS right from the launch date.

Notable Third-Party Apps Supporting visionOS at Launch

Among the prominent third-party apps ready to embrace visionOS at launch are Airmail, Box, CARROT Weather, Fantastical, Facades, JigSpace, MUBI, Night Sky, OmniPlan 4, Parcel, PCalc, Red Bull TV, Sky Guide, Tides, Webex, Zoom, and many others, as indicated by data compiled by app analytics firm Appfigures.

Microsoft’s Contribution

Microsoft is also making a significant contribution to the visionOS ecosystem with a variety of native visionOS apps, including Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Teams. Developer Steve Troughton-Smith shared images from the App Store that suggest native apps for Crunchyroll, J.Crew, LEGO Builder’s Journey, Lowe’s, and more are in the works.

Expanded App Selection

In addition to native apps, Vision Pro users will automatically have access to iPhone and iPad apps, unless a developer chooses to opt out using the App Store Connect tool.

This means that more than one million apps will be readily available for the headset upon its launch.

Entertainment Options

Last week, Apple unveiled a selection of entertainment apps that will be accessible on the Vision Pro at launch. These apps include Disney+, ESPN, NBA, MLB, PGA Tour, Max, Discovery+, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Peacock, Pluto TV, Tubi, Fubo, IMAX, and TikTok. Some of these apps will be natively supported, while others will function as compatible iPad apps.

Disney+, for instance, will natively support the Vision Pro and offer users an array of 3D movies to enjoy on the headset, including titles like Avatar: The Way of Water, Avengers: Endgame, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Elemental, and Encanto.

Disney’s press release stated, “At launch, viewers can transform their space into one of four Disney+ environments, bringing them even closer to the story,” promising animations, sounds, and delightful surprises for fans.

Notable Absences and Uncertainties

However, some popular apps, such as Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube, will not offer Vision Pro-compatible apps at launch, according to Bloomberg. Users can still access these services via Safari.

It remains unclear whether Meta-owned apps, including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp, will be accessible on the headset at launch.

With roughly two weeks remaining until the Vision Pro’s official launch, developers still have time to prepare their apps, so more additions to the lineup are expected in the near future.

Tech

OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Atlas: The Future of Browsing?

Published

1 week ago

October 22, 2025

ticker NEWS

OpenAI has taken another giant leap forward with the launch of ChatGPT Atlas — an AI-powered web browser that could redefine how people search, explore, and interact online. Investors and competitors are watching closely as this new technology challenges the dominance of traditional browsers like Google Chrome.

With ChatGPT Atlas, users may soon experience a web that feels less like typing into a search box and more like conversing with an intelligent assistant. The integration of AI could make browsing faster, more intuitive, and more personalised than ever before — but it also raises serious questions about privacy and data use.

As AI becomes more deeply embedded in the digital world, ChatGPT Atlas could represent the next major step toward a fully AI-driven online experience. What does this mean for users — and for the tech giants trying to keep up?

Tech

OpenAI limits deepfakes after Bryan Cranston’s concerns

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorized AI-generated content

Published

1 week ago

October 21, 2025

Ahron Young

OpenAI protects against deepfakes on Sora 2 after Bryan Cranston and SAG-AFTRA raise concerns over unauthorised AI-generated content

In Short:
– OpenAI partners with Bryan Cranston and unions to combat deepfakes on its Sora app.
– The app now includes options for people to control their likenesses and voices.

OpenAI announced it will work with Bryan Cranston, SAG-AFTRA, and actor unions to combat deepfakes on its AI video app, Sora.Cranston voiced concerns after unauthorized AI-generated clips featuring his likeness emerged after Sora 2’s launch in late September. He showed gratitude to OpenAI for taking steps to safeguard actors’ rights to control their likenesses.

The partnership aims to enhance protections against unauthorized AI content. The Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency had previously criticized OpenAI, citing risks to their clients’ intellectual property.

Last week, OpenAI blocked disrespectful videos of Martin Luther King Jr. at the request of his estate, following similar pressures. Zelda Williams also requested the public refrain from sending her AI-generated clips of her late father, Robin Williams.

Policy Changes

Following tensions post-launch, CEO Sam Altman revised Sora’s policy to give rights holders greater control of their likenesses.

The app now allows individuals to opt-out, reflecting OpenAI’s commitment to respond quickly to concerns from performers.

OpenAI backs the NO FAKES Act, supporting legislation that aims to protect individuals from unauthorized AI-generated representations.

OpenAI is focused on ensuring performers’ rights are respected regarding the misuse of their voices and likenesses. Altman reiterated the company’s dedication to these protections.

Tech

Major apps down as AWS experiences global outage

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

Published

1 week ago

October 20, 2025

Ahron Young

AWS outage disrupts Fortnite, Snapchat and multiple services globally

In Short:
– AWS outage on Monday disrupted major apps like Fortnite, Snapchat, and affected several global companies.
– UK companies including Lloyds Bank and Vodafone reported issues due to the AWS outage.

Amazon’s AWS experienced a significant outage on Monday, impacting major apps including Fortnite and Snapchat. The disruption affected connectivity for numerous companies globally.AWS reported increased error rates and latencies across multiple services and is attempting to recover quickly.

The outage marks the first significant internet disruption since a previous incident last year that impacted essential technology systems globally. AWS offers on-demand computing and storage services and is vital for many websites and platforms.

Multiple companies reported disruptions, including AI startup Perplexity, cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, and trading app Robinhood. Perplexity’s CEO confirmed on X that the outages were linked to AWS issues.

Amazon’s shopping site, Prime Video, and Alexa services also faced difficulties, according to Downdetector. Other affected platforms included popular gaming applications like Clash Royale and financial services such as Venmo and Chime.

Uber competitor Lyft’s app was reported down for numerous users in the U.S. Messaging platform Signal also acknowledged connection problems stemming from the AWS outage.

British Companies

In the UK, Lloyds Bank, Bank of Scotland, and telecom services provider Vodafone were notably affected. The HMRC’s website also encountered issues during this outage.

Elon Musk stated that his platform, X, remained operational despite the widespread disruptions.