August 1 tech news roundup: Firefox on iOS gets an ad blocker, OpenAI to launch ChatGPT devices soon, Apple Upgrade device leasing program announced

Mozilla is testing an ad blocker for Firefox on iOS

Mozilla has begun testing a built-in ad blocker for its iOS browser. The non-profit organization had recently revealed it would be working on the feature in its roadmap.

The ad blocker is currently available in Firefox Beta on iOS, but it is not enabled by default. In our tests, it blocked ads on some websites, but not all were caught. Firefox’s built-in ad blocker also failed to block ads in YouTube videos, which could be a major issue that Mozilla would need to address. Users who wish to test the feature will need to install the Firefox Beta Testflight version on their iPhone. To enable the ad blocker, tap on the three-dot menu, select Settings, and tap on Browsing. Toggle the switch next to the ad blocker.

Now, when you visit websites, Firefox will block ads on the pages. It is worth noting that the feature is in an experimental phase, and there are no settings or filter lists that users can configure to manage the ad blocking experience. Alternatively, you can use Firefox Focus, which is a browser that is designed to block ads and trackers by default.

OpenAI to release a family of ChatGPT devices soon

OpenAI has been said to be prepping a ChatGPT-powered smart speaker. YouTuber, Joanna Stern interviewed OpenAI’s president, Greg Brockman recently, and asked him about the company’s plans to launch devices. While Brockman did not confirm the rumored AI smart speaker, he did have something interesting to say. Brockman says OpenAI’s first-party chip is not for just one device, but a family of devices that are being worked upon. These products will reportedly “deliver value over time” for personal and work use.

When Stern asked him about when the devices could be launched, Brockman said that the devices will be unveiled soon. He also dodged queries about whether the device would have a screen, which could potentially mean a ChatGPT smartphone or tablet cannot be ruled out.

It is unclear how Apple’s lawsuit against OpenAI could impact the latter’s plans, but OpenAI’s president seemed unconcerned about it. For those unaware, Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing it of stealing trade secrets, which includes details about future Apple hardware. ChatGPT and Roblox may soon be classified as very large online platforms under the EU’s Digital Services Act.

Apple Upgrade program lets you lease unlocked products

Apple announced a device leasing program, called Apple Upgrade. The Cupertino company has partnered with Klarna for providing the service. The list of products eligible under the Apple Upgrade program include iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. People who are interested in getting a device can opt for the subscription, and pay a monthly fee to keep using the product. Alternatively, customers can choose to pay off the full amount early to get ownership of the phone.

Apple will also allow customers to upgrade to a new model early. This could be an affordable way to get iPhones, providing the user does not damage the phone. If any damage is detected during the assessment that happens when returning the device, the customer would need to pay for it.

As for the lease prices, they start at $18 per month for the iPhone 17e, $12 for the iPad Air, $12 for Apple Watch series 11, $25 for the MacBook Air. The Apple Upgrade program is currently only available in the US. While the subscription itself is not tied to a carrier, customers will need to choose one during checkout. The available options are AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, and a post paid plan is mandatory.

Microsoft confirms that Copilot Superapp will launch this year

A few months ago, a report revealed that Microsoft was prepping a “super app” version of Copilot that combines all of its features into a single app. The app is said to be called One Copilot, referring to its various capabilities.

This week, during an earnings call, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella confirmed that the app is real. He said that the upcoming AI super app will offer Copilot chatbot, GitHub Copilot coding and Copilot Cowork’s agentic capabilities. The app will be launched this year, and cater to both consumer and commercial experiences. While Microsoft has not revealed when the app would be launched, it is possible that the app could arrive with a Windows 11 update. OpenAI had launched its own super app earlier this year.

WhatsApp Web calls are live for users

Meta has finally added a feature that WhatsApp users have been requesting for a long time. You can now make and receive calls directly on WhatsApp Web, in your favorite browser. The server-side update supports both audio and video calls, and it works for one-on-one and group calls. WhatsApp Web calls are also end-to-end encrypted, free, and have no time limits, just like the experience on mobile devices.

The Waiting Room feature gives group admins to decide who joins group calls, and will require approval to join, to only allow specific participants to join the call.

To make a call, switch to the Calls tab. You can also access your call history on this tab. Calls on WhatsApp Web also support features such as screen sharing and reactions. You can quickly jump between devices using Call Transfer. For instance, you can switch from a mobile device to your desktop, or the other way around. Meta says that it has introduced noise suppression to remove unwanted noise from the background in WhatsApp Web calls.

YouTube Premium to bundle Peacock from 2027

YouTube has partnered with NBCUniversal to allow Premium subscribers to access Peacock’s content directly from the YouTube app, starting next year. While Premium subscribers can watch videos without being interrupted by ads, it won’t be the same for videos from Peacock’s library. They will only be able to watch TV shows and movies from Peacock’s ad-supported tier. Still, it may be an attractive option for users who wish to watch content from both streaming services.

YouTube Premium costs $15.99 per month, while the ad-supported Peacock plan costs $10.99 per month. So, paying $15.99/month for both services works out to be a good deal. It’s worth noting that Peacock is only available in the U.S., so this bundle will not be available to subscribers from other regions.