Google is expanding access to Opal, its AI-powered vibe-coding app, to 15 additional countries, including Canada, India, Japan, South Korea, and Brazil. The app enables users to create mini web apps using text prompts.

Early adopters in the U.S. surprised Google with sophisticated and practical apps, prompting the global expansion.

Opal allows users to describe their desired app, and Google's models generate it. Users can customize the app's visual workflow, edit prompts, and add new steps. Apps can be published and shared for others to test.

Google has improved Opal's debugging program, keeping it no-code. Users can run workflows step-by-step, tweak steps in the console, and see errors in context.

Performance improvements have significantly reduced app creation time. Steps can now run in parallel for complex workflows.

Tesla has introduced more affordable 'Standard' versions of its Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV, priced at $36,990 and $39,990, respectively. These models offer an estimated 321 miles of range but come with fewer features, including the omission of Autopilot and a more minimalist interior. The release aims to boost Tesla's sales after a decline in 2024, though the pricing is higher than initial expectations, particularly the unrealized $25,000 Tesla.

The new 'Standard' models have differences inside and outside, such as manually adjusted steering wheels and side mirrors, fewer speakers, and no second-row touchscreen. External changes include removing the light bar and glass roof found on pricier Model Y variants. This move is part of Tesla's effort to cut costs, but it also strategically positions Tesla against competitors, including Ford, General Motors, Rivian, Lucid Motors, and Slate Auto, amid changing market dynamics and EV tax credit expiration.

Otter.ai is expanding beyond meeting transcription with a new suite of enterprise tools designed to integrate meeting data into company workflows, creating a centralized knowledge base.

The new product suite includes an API for custom integrations with platforms like Jira and HubSpot, an MCP server for connecting Otter data to external AI models, and an AI agent that can search meeting notes and presentations.

CEO Sam Liang aims to transform Otter.ai into a comprehensive system of record for conversations, facilitating information sharing and driving business value.

Despite privacy concerns and a class-action lawsuit regarding unauthorized recording of conversations, Otter.ai believes increased access to information through AI-powered meeting tools is beneficial for companies.

Mastodon is planning to introduce a new feature called 'Packs,' inspired by Bluesky's Starter Packs, to help new users discover curated collections of accounts to follow.

The feature aims to address the 'cold start' problem of joining new social networks by suggesting relevant accounts to follow.

Mastodon emphasizes user control, allowing users to opt out of appearing in Packs and providing notifications when they are included.

The development is a collaboration with fediverse developers on a Fediverse Enhancement Proposal (FEP), with the initial version expected in the Mastodon 4.6 release.

AltStore, an alternative app store, has raised $6 million in Series A funding from Pace Capital, giving the firm a 15% equity stake. This funding will enable AltStore to expand its team and capitalize on opportunities in the EU and other markets like Australia, Brazil, and Japan.

The company is also launching a Mastodon server to connect with the fediverse, allowing users to receive app updates on platforms like Mastodon and Threads. Developers can opt-in to publish updates to the server, creating a social layer for app discovery and interaction.

AltStore is also donating $500,000 to various fediverse projects, including Mastodon gGmbH and others, to support the ecosystem that will enable its social network.