South Korea opens the door to let Google Maps operate fully

After years of appeals, Google has finally won approval to export high-precision geographic information out of South Korea and provide proper Google Maps services in the country, including walking and real-time driving directions.

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Threads is testing a shortcut to quickly start DM conversations

Users who are part of the test can type “DM me” or “Message me” in a post or reply to automatically generate a hyperlink that invites others to start a private conversation with them.

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Bumble adds AI-powered photo feedback and profile guidance tools

Bumble and other popular dating apps, like Match Group’s Tinder and Hinge, have all embraced AI-powered features.

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Google launches Nano Banana 2 model with faster image generation

Google is making Nano Banana 2 a default model in Gemini app and in AI mode.

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X tries wooing advertisers by letting them reuse creative assets from other platforms

X has launched an expanded set of aspect ratio support for both image and video ads, so advertisers can now reuse assets they’ve created for other platforms.

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2 days left: Lock in the best discounts for TechCrunch Disrupt 2026

Register now to secure discounts of up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass. Offer ends tomorrow, February 27, at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Figma partners with OpenAI to bake in support for Codex

Figma is integrating OpenAI’s coding assistant Codex a week after it announced a similar integration with Anthropic’s Claude Code.

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Instagram now alerts parents if their teen searches for suicide or self-harm content

Parents will be informed if their teen searches for suicide or self-harm content and offered resources.

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Snapchat announces ‘The Snappys,’ its first-ever creator awards show

Snapchat is the latest social media platform to launch awards for creators, joining TikTok and Instagram.

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Kalshi fined a MrBeast editor for insider trading on markets related to the YouTube star

Kalshi fined the MrBeast editor, Artem Kaptur, for over $20,000.

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