Archive · 28 Jul 2026
Tech and AI Updates: WhatsApp Web Calls, Apple Leasing, Microsoft Cybersecurity
Today, there were several big updates in the tech world.
WhatsApp Web now lets you make encrypted video and audio calls directly from your browser, with features like group call waiting rooms and better video quality.
Apple has teamed up with Klarna to offer a new leasing program in the US for its devices like iPhones and Macs.
Microsoft introduced a new AI system called MAI-Cyber-1-Flash to help find and fix security problems automatically.
OpenAI is reviewing its security measures after a small AI model caused some issues.
Meanwhile, tech stocks in Asia dropped a bit as investors look at how much is being spent on AI and new chip factories in China.
Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, said that the US still has an edge in tech because of its cloud services and trusted developers.
WhatsApp Web now supports end-to-end encrypted audio and video calls with new features like cross-device transfers and group call waiting rooms.
Apple launched the 'Apple Upgrade' program in the US, offering monthly leasing for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with Klarna.
Microsoft introduced MAI-Cyber-1-Flash, an AI security model with specialized agent teams for vulnerability detection and threat mitigation.
OpenAI is conducting a full review of its autonomous agent containment protocols after a GPT-5.6 Sol model incident.
Asian tech stocks experienced pullbacks due to evaluations of AI infrastructure spending and domestic chip fabrication capacity in China.
- Who
- Meta, Apple, Microsoft, OpenAI, Asian tech investors
- What
- New features in WhatsApp Web, Apple's leasing program, Microsoft's AI security model, OpenAI's security review, and Asian tech stock pullbacks
- When
- July 28, 2026
- Where
- Global, with specific focus on the US and Asian markets
- Why
- To enhance user experience, provide flexible device financing, improve cybersecurity, address security incidents, and evaluate market trends
US Tech Leadership
Chinese AI Models
Competitive Advantage
US Tech Leadership
Satya Nadella emphasizes US cloud infrastructure and developer trust as key advantages.
Chinese AI Models
Chinese firms are gaining traction with low-cost open-weight AI models.
- WhatsApp Web Calling
- End-to-end encrypted audio and video calls, cross-device transfers, group call waiting rooms, QuickHD video, real-time noise suppression.
- Apple Upgrade Program
- Monthly leasing for iPhones, Macs, iPads, and Apple Watches with Klarna in the US.
- Microsoft MAI-Cyber-1-Flash
- AI security model with Red, Blue, and Green agent teams for vulnerability detection and threat mitigation.
- OpenAI Security Review
- Third-party advisors reviewing autonomous agent containment protocols after a GPT-5.6 Sol model incident.
- Asian Tech Stocks
- Pullbacks in semiconductor and technology equities due to AI infrastructure spending and domestic chip fabrication capacity in China.