Apple refreshes devices with M5 chip

☕ Good morning,

The AI makeup filter for Google Meet is fascinatingly revealing about where we are culturally. We've normalized being on camera so much that tech companies are now building digital cosmetics directly into video conferencing tools.

It's practical, sure, but it also says something about the performance anxiety of constant video presence. We're solving "looking presentable on camera" with AI instead of questioning why we need to look camera-ready all the time.

_{—Here’s to the first sip.}

TODAY IN AI
Google adds AI scheduling Gmail

Google has introduced two small but handy AI upgrades for Gmail and Meet.

First up, Gmail’s getting a new “Help me schedule” feature powered by Gemini. Basically, when you’re trying to plan a meeting, it looks at your calendar, reads the context of your email, and suggests the best time slots for both sides. You can just click to add them into the email, and once the other person picks a time, it automatically sends out a Calendar invite. No more endless back-and-forth trying to find a free 30 minutes. For now, it only works between two people, but it’s already rolling out to Workspace and Google AI Pro users.

Then there’s Google Meet’s new AI makeup filter. Yeah, you heard that right, virtual makeup that actually looks natural and stays on your face even if you move around. It’s got 12 styles to choose from, and you can turn it on before or during a meeting. Think of it as a “get ready in zero minutes” button for your calls.

TECH BARISTA
Meta brings group chats to Threads

Meta just added group chats to Threads, and it’s about time. You can now message up to 50 people in one chat instead of sending a bunch of separate DMs. Just start a new message, pick who you want, give the chat a name, and you’re set. It’s simple, kind of like Messenger, but cleaner and built right into Threads.

Right now, it’s rolling out globally, except for the UK and Australia. Meta says those regions will get it soon. They’re also planning updates like better inbox tools and invite links so you can just share a link instead of manually adding people.

Threads is slowly turning into more than just a Twitter alternative. With DMs and group chats expanding in the EU, Meta’s clearly building it into a proper messaging space something that keeps people inside the app, talking instead of just scrolling.

GADGETS BARISTA
Apple updates devices with new M5 chip

Apple just dropped updates for the iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and 14-inch MacBook Pro all powered by the new M5 chip. No wild redesigns this time, but under the hood, things are way faster and more AI-focused.

The new iPad Pro is basically Apple’s “finally” moment. The M5 chip brings 3.5x better AI performance, and with iPadOS 26, multitasking finally feels like a proper desktop. You can resize windows, drop folders into the dock, and actually use that power for something real. The OLED display looks brighter, Wi-Fi 7 speeds are faster, and prices stay the same $999 for 11-inch, $1,299 for 13-inch.

The Vision Pro also gets the M5 upgrade, plus a new Dual Knit Band to make it less tiring to wear. It’s still heavy, still expensive at $3,499, but at least more comfortable and faster now. Apple clearly knows this isn’t the product for everyone — it’s now eyeing smart glasses, where Meta’s already ahead with its Ray-Bans.

And then there’s the 14-inch MacBook Pro same clean look, but now up to 24-hour battery life and better AI performance. The M5 makes it faster across the board, especially if you’re coming from an M1 or older Intel Mac.

Overall, Apple’s not trying to reinvent its devices here. It’s tightening the ecosystem, boosting AI power, and setting the stage for what comes next. These are quiet but important upgrades, the kind you only appreciate once you start using them.