HeyWhatsNew: Microsoft Debuts a Cleaner Windows Search, and FNAF Fans Can Buy a Life-Size Freddy Fazbear Animatronic
Welcome back, Heyuppers! The tech, innovation, and gaming worlds are buzzing with the latest headlines. Let's take a look at what has been trending, starting 13/07/2026.
Microsoft Tests a Simpler Windows 11 Search Experience
Microsoft is testing a redesigned Windows 11 Search experience with Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel. The updated search menu removes recommended content such as daily quizzes, trending searches, game recommendations, and the image of the day. Instead, the search home screen focuses on displaying recent searches. Web results have also been updated to show the most relevant answer first instead of related products and promotions.
The new search experience includes clearer file metadata and preview panels to help users identify search results more easily. Windows Search will prioritize results from local files, apps, and settings ahead of web and Microsoft Store recommendations. Users can also disable web and Store recommendations in Settings. Microsoft says the updated search system offers improved performance and can better handle typos, extra letters, and partial search terms.
Apple Lawsuit Alleges Trade Secret Misuse by OpenAI
Apple's 41-page trade secrets lawsuit accuses OpenAI of coordinating efforts to obtain confidential information from current and former Apple employees. The complaint alleges that some employees accessed Apple's internal systems after leaving the company, brought prototypes, parts, and design materials to OpenAI interviews, and received guidance on avoiding Apple's security procedures during their departures. Apple also claims that more than 400 former Apple employees now work at OpenAI, increasing the potential exposure of confidential information.
The lawsuit further alleges that OpenAI and its acquired hardware company, io, used Apple's proprietary industrial design techniques, manufacturing processes, and supplier knowledge during hardware development. Apple says it raised its concerns with OpenAI in February but did not receive a response before filing the lawsuit. OpenAI has denied the allegations, stating that it has no interest in other companies' trade secrets and remains focused on developing its own technology.
Meta Removes AI Image Feature After Privacy Backlash
Meta has removed a new Instagram feature that allowed users to generate AI images using content from public Instagram accounts through its Muse Image tool. The feature was introduced as part of the rollout of Meta's first AI image generation system and automatically included public accounts, allowing their images and likenesses to be used without prior permission.
The feature was withdrawn after criticism from users, privacy advocates, and the actors' union SAG-AFTRA, which raised concerns about consent and the use of people's likenesses. Meta acknowledged that it had "missed the mark" and said the feature is no longer available. The company stated that its goal was to provide a creative tool while giving users control over how their public content was referenced and said it plans to continue developing AI features for Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.
GTA Online Receives Major Museum Heist Update Ahead of GTA 6
Rockstar Games has released the Kortz Center Heist, a major new update for GTA Online across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The heist takes players to the Kortz Center museum, where they work with Mr. Faber and Raf De Angelis to replace valuable paintings with counterfeit versions before stealing the originals. Players must own a Mansion and the new Art Studio expansion to access the heist, which can be completed solo or with up to four players. The update also includes limited-time rewards, discounts, and early access to new content for GTA+ subscribers.
Although Rockstar has not confirmed that this is GTA Online's final major update, its release comes ahead of Grand Theft Auto 6's launch on 19 November 2026. GTA Online has received major content updates for 13 years, and the new heist is widely seen as marking the transition toward Rockstar's next Grand Theft Auto title. Rockstar has not yet announced details about an online mode for GTA 6.
Spirit Halloween Unveils Life-Size Freddy Fazbear Animatronic
Spirit Halloween has revealed a life-size Freddy Fazbear animatronic for its 2026 Halloween collection, priced at $499.99. The animatronic is displayed on a themed stage inspired by Freddy Fazbear's Pizza and is activated using a branded paw-print step pad. During its performance, Freddy raises its arms, moves its microphone, waves, sways its torso, and features moving illuminated eyes while audio from the Five Nights at Freddy's games plays.
The animatronic gained significant attention after demonstration videos were shared online, generating hundreds of thousands of views. Reactions have been mixed, with some fans praising the detailed design and others questioning whether it offers good value at its price, particularly due to audible mechanical squeaking. Spirit Halloween has added the animatronic to its 2026 seasonal lineup, although a dedicated product page had not yet been published at the time of reporting.
That’s all for this week, Heyuppers! We’ll be back soon with more updates and stories shaping the worlds of tech, innovation, and gaming. See you next time!