HeyWhatsNew: Instagram Denies Data Breach and Anthem’s Servers Shut Down After Seven Years
Hello, Heyuppers! Here are this week’s top highlights in tech, gaming, and innovation, starting 01/12/2026.
Apple Partners With Google Gemini to Power Next-Generation Siri
Apple has announced that it will use Google’s Gemini AI to power a major upgrade to Siri. The new partnership will help Apple deliver a more personal and capable assistant later this year. According to Apple and Google, Gemini offers the strongest foundation for Apple’s AI models, allowing Siri to better understand users, respond more naturally, and carry out tasks on their behalf. Apple says these new features will still prioritize privacy, with Apple Intelligence running on devices and through its secure Private Cloud Compute system.
This update comes after Apple delayed its upgraded Siri, saying the technology needed more time to meet its standards. Over the past year, Apple has explored working with several AI companies, including OpenAI, Anthropic, and Perplexity, before moving forward with Google for this stage of development. Apple has also made leadership changes within its AI team as it pushes to speed up progress and bring more advanced AI features to its products.
Anthropic Introduces Cowork, a Simpler Way to Use Claude for Everyday Tasks
Anthropic has launched Cowork, a new tool that makes its Claude AI more accessible to people who are not developers. Built into the Claude Desktop app, Cowork lets users choose a specific folder that Claude can read from or edit, then give instructions through a normal chat. This setup works like a controlled workspace and removes the need for command-line tools or complex technical setup, making it much easier for non-technical users to get started.
Currently available as a research preview for Max subscribers, Cowork is designed for more than just coding. Anthropic says users can apply it to tasks like organizing files, reviewing content, or building expense reports from receipt images. Because Cowork can take multiple actions on its own, Anthropic warns users to give clear and specific instructions to avoid mistakes such as deleted files or unintended changes. The launch reflects the growing use of Claude as a general-purpose AI assistant, following the success of Claude Code and its recent web and Slack integrations.
Instagram Denies Data Breach After Password Reset Emails Raise Concerns
Instagram has denied that its systems were hacked after many users received unexpected emails asking them to reset their passwords. The company said it fixed an issue that allowed an external party to trigger legitimate password reset emails but stressed that there was no breach and that user accounts remain secure. According to Instagram, the emails were real and not phishing attempts, though the company did not explain who the external party was or how they were able to request the resets.
Some cybersecurity experts have questioned Instagram’s explanation. Malwarebytes claimed the emails were linked to stolen data allegedly involving 17.5 million Instagram users, which is reportedly being sold on a hacker forum. However, other researchers believe the data may be older information gathered from publicly available profiles rather than a recent leak. While the situation has caused confusion and concern, experts advise users to change passwords directly through the Instagram app or website and enable extra security measures, such as two-factor authentication, as a precaution.
Anthem Goes Offline for Good After Seven Years
BioWare’s online game Anthem is now permanently unplayable after its servers were shut down on January 12, 2026. Released in 2019 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One, the game launched with high expectations but struggled early on due to limited content, repetitive gameplay, and a weak story. Because all of Anthem’s content relied on EA’s servers, shutting them down means there is no way to play the game, even offline.
BioWare had previously promised major improvements, but development stopped in 2021, and EA confirmed last year that the game would be taken offline. No refunds are being offered, as the game was available for nearly seven years and often sold at reduced prices. With Anthem now officially closed, BioWare is shifting its focus back to the Mass Effect series, though no release timeline for the next game has been announced.
Rockstar Confirms GTA 6 Leaks Were Real
Rockstar Games has effectively confirmed that several long-rumored GTA 6 leaks were real after stating that former employees were dismissed for sharing confidential game details externally. While the company did not confirm features directly, its explanation has validated multiple leaks that reveal key gameplay elements. These include a dual-protagonist system where players can control both Lucia and Jason together, Vice City being the game’s largest city to date, and a much bigger map with multiple regions, similar in scale to Red Dead Redemption 2.
Other confirmed details suggest GTA 6 will bring back a six-star wanted level with more advanced law enforcement tactics, over 700 enterable buildings, and a dynamic fitness system that affects characters’ appearance and abilities based on their lifestyle. The game is also expected to feature both male and female strip clubs, reflecting a broader player base. While Rockstar likely did not intend to confirm these details publicly, the revelations have only increased anticipation for the game ahead of its planned 2026 release.
Steam Dev Pulls AI-Generated Game After Ethical Change of Heart
The Steam game Hardest, a free-to-play roguelike made with AI-generated assets, is being removed from the platform by its developer, Rakuel. Released in mid-2025, the game received mostly negative reviews, though a few players praised it for family-friendly moments. Rakuel originally used AI tools to speed up development, encouraged by peers and the accessibility of free generative software.
Recently, however, Rakuel experienced a change of heart, influenced by his new relationship and concerns about the broader impact of AI on the economy and creative industries. He called the game “a disgrace to all game makers and players” and decided deleting it was the ethical choice. While the game will disappear from Steam, those who already downloaded it will still have it in their library. Rakuel said he hopes to create future games with fully original art and content.
That’s all from us today, Heyuppers. Join us again next week for the latest news and updates you don’t want to miss.
