GRUNGECAKE

Category: News

  • More than 183 million Gmail-linked passwords exposed

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    Security researchers have warned that approximately 183 million email login credentials, including a significant number tied to Gmail accounts, were exposed in a massive credential-dump.

    The leak appears to have resulted not from a direct breach of Gmail or Google LLC’s systems, but rather from malware-infected devices. These devices collected usernames and passwords via “infostealer” logs, which in turn ended up in a large dataset now publicly accessible. This dataset is part of a trove reportedly about 3.5 terabytes in size and drawn from multiple sources rather than one single hack.

    For Gmail users (and users of other email providers) the risk is real. Whilst Google says it is not aware of a breach of its own login systems, it emphasises that passwords appearing in external dumps still pose a threat because of reused passwords, credential-stuffing attacks and phishing schemes.

    What you can do:

  • Use the site Have ‘I Been Pwned’ to check whether your email address or password shows up in known leaks.
  • Change your password to a strong, unique one (for example, not used for other sites) if there’s any suspicion of exposure.
  • Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) or passkeys where available.
  • Review account access logs for unfamiliar devices or apps.

    • The incident underscores a broader shift in cyber-risk: The point of compromise is increasingly the user’s device or environment rather than a central corporate database. And so the protection partly depends on users staying proactive. While there’s no indication this leak was caused by a Gmail-specific vulnerability, Gmail users should still treat their account credentials—and the recovery methods tied to them—as potential targets.

  • Apple says United States passport digital IDs are coming to Wallet ‘soon’

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    Apple is gearing up to let United States users add their passports to Apple Wallet as a digital ID credential, according to a recent report. The feature was announced by Apple Inc. during the rollout cycle of iOS 26 and reflects the company’s push to transform the Wallet app into more than just payments and boarding passes.

    Under the new system, users will “create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a US passport”, Apple says—though the company emphasises that this digital credential is not a replacement for the physical passport, especially for international travel. More precisely: The digital ID is intended for identity checks at select domestic locations—such as Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints—rather than border crossings.

    Why does this matter?

  • It signals a shift in how official identity documents may be carried and validated: Your phone (and probably your watch) moves closer to replacing one of the bulkiest items in your bag.
  • For travellers (especially domestic ones), the possibility of ditching the physical passport at TSA is appealing.
  • On the other hand, questions remain regarding security, privacy, and fallback scenarios (such as a dead battery or a lost phone). Some users and developers voiced caution—even on sites like Hacker News.

    • When will it land? Apple hasn’t given a firm date beyond “soon”. The feature didn’t debut with iOS 26’s initial release, but it was confirmed to be coming in a future update.

    If you’re managing travel plans, digital identity, or privacy policy for clients (or yourself), this is a development worth keeping an eye on.

  • Kourtney Kardashian-Barker introduces lollipops aimed at vaginal wellness: Lemme

    Kourtney Kardashian-Barker has expanded her wellness product line with a candy marketed as a product to support the vagina.

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    In a move sure to spark conversation, Kourtney Kardashian-Barker’s wellness brand, Lemme, has released a new offering: “Lemme Purr Probiotic Lollipops”, billed as a product designed to support vaginal health.

    The lollipops reportedly combine probiotics, Vitamin C and pineapple extract in a sweet treat form, and are being marketed as a fun, simple way to include feminine-care into daily routines. Exclusively available at Target, they come in five-packs and are positioned as vegetarian, non-GMO confection-supplements targeting the vaginal microbiome.

    From the brand’s press release, Kardashian-Barker said: “Lemme Purr Lollipops are such a fun extension of one of our best-sellers… I love that they turn daily self-care into something sweet and simple.”

    Here’s what to note:

  • What it claims: The product purports to support vaginal wellness, potentially helping with freshness and microbial balance.
  • What’s new: Whilst Lemme already had probiotic gummies for intimate/vaginal health, this is the first time the brand has released the lollipop format targeting that specific goal.
  • The push-back potential: As with any supplement or wellness product aimed at intimate health, there are questions about how well a lollipop format can deliver the promised benefits, and whether the messaging simplifies the underlying health issues.
  • Marketplace context: This comes at a time when celebrity-backed wellness products are under increased scrutiny, both for marketing claims and scientific backing.

    • For writers, marketers, or wellness observers, this is a textbook intersection of celebrity branding, wellness culture and provocative product design. It raises the question: When is a candy just candy, and when is it pitched as medicine?

  • Donald Trump’s new TIME Magazine cover sparks debate over imagery and message

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    TIME Magazine has released a fresh cover for its November 10, 2025, issue featuring President Donald Trump. The new edition highlights his role in facilitating a cease-fire and prisoner exchange between Gaza and Israel, portraying it as a “signature achievement” of his second term.

    On the cover, Trump is shown seated in the Oval Office, hands clasped under his chin and gazing forward beneath the headline ‘Trump’s World’.

    The style and posture evoke a power pose—but not everyone is reading it that way. One media analysis suggests the image nods to a 1963 portrait of a convicted Nazi war criminal, suggesting layered symbolism beneath the slick presentation.

    Interestingly, the launch of the new cover follows Trump’s earlier public outcry over an initial version of the cover image. He took to his platform to complain that the photo “disappeared” his hair and placed “something floating on top” of his head resembling a tiny crown. He labelled the image “the worst photo of all time.”

    Meanwhile, TIME’s article accompanying the cover explores the dynamics of Trump’s diplomacy, his global influence, and how this agreement could reshape Middle East relations.

    Whilst supporters see the cover as deserved recognition of Trump’s deal-making, critics ask whether the imagery itself dilutes the message. Whether intentional or accidental, the photographic choices have sparked debate about media portrayal of political leaders, the power of imagery in shaping reputations, and how even at the highest levels, presentation matters as much as content.

  • T-Mobile closes autopay loophole, sparking customer outrage over lost discounts

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    T-Mobile is facing customer backlash after announcing it will end a loophole that allowed users to claim its $5 autopay discount by paying via credit card under certain conditions.

    Historically, T-Mobile offered a $5 per line monthly discount to subscribers who set up autopay. After officially removing credit cards as an eligible payment method for the discount in 2023, some users found a workaround: They would update their payment method to a bank-account-based autopay (which qualified), then pay early with a credit card, thus retaining the discount. T-Mobile says the loophole is now closed. As of October 24, customers who pay early using a credit card will forfeit the discount for that billing cycle.

    The carrier cites mounting credit-card processing fees as a key reason behind the change. According to data referenced by T-Mobile, swipe fees for Visa and Mastercard credit cards rose from $100 billion in 2023 to $111.2 billion in 2024, a year-over-year jump of more than 10%.

    Reactions from users have been swift and sharp. On Reddit and other forums, long-time subscribers said they feel the move undermines their trust in T-Mobile’s pricing promises.

    “Well, there goes the free phone insurance that comes with my Amex Platinum, which will now cost me $35/month”, wrote one customer.

    Another worried: “So my bill is going up $40 a month? For…. the privilege of paying them? Lmao, what a bad joke.”

    This change comes amid a broader wave of adjustments by T-Mobile—including price hikes on legacy plans and fee increases—occurring as the company transitions leadership with CEO Mike Sievert slated to step down on November 1 in favour of Srini Gopalan.

    For customers, the lesson is clear: What once seemed like a reliable discount may no longer be. For the carrier, it’s a recalibration of incentives amid tightening margins and rising costs. Whether the goodwill cost is worth the savings remains to be seen.

  • Spotify increases Premim fees in the United Kingdom, citing platform upgrades

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    Spotify has announced a forthcoming hike in its Premium subscription fees for United Kingdom users, part of a broader global pricing adjustment set to roll out across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In the United Kingdom, existing subscribers will see the individual Premium plan increase from £11.99 to £12.99 per month starting in November.

    Spotify claims that the change is intended to support ongoing product improvements and feature expansion. The company says that the student discount tier will remain unchanged at £5.99, and that subscribers will not be locked in—they can cancel at any time if they choose not to accept the new rate. In regions beyond the United Kingdom, Spotify will notify users via email about updates to pricing and what changes will apply to them.

    This is not the first increase in recent years—the United Kingdom has already seen multiple £1 raises in its Premium pricing over successive years. Meanwhile, Spotify’s leadership suggests additional hikes could come as part of a “toolbox” approach to balancing revenue and investment. Alex Norström, Spotify’s business chief, has implied that price adjustments are now a built-in lever to help the company sustain growth and fund new innovations.

    Industry observers note the risk that rising prices may trigger subscriber pushback or increased churn, especially in markets sensitive to cost pressures. But Spotify appears confident that the upgrades to its platform and feature set can justify the increases.

    As Spotify continues to expand its reach and ambitions—aiming toward new markets and perhaps a billion paying users—its pricing strategy will likely remain a closely watched lever for balancing investor demands, consumer resistance, and the costs of innovation.

  • Nelly Furtado quits music after body-shaming attacks: “I’m still a songwriter forever”

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    GRAMMY Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado has announced she is stepping away from performing “for the foreseeable future”, citing a wave of body-shaming attacks as a painful factor in her decision.

    Furtado made the revelation in an emotional Instagram post commemorating the 25th anniversary of her debut album ‘Whoa, Nelly!’. In that same message, she expressed gratitude for her longstanding fans, reflected on the joy of reaching newer generations, and explained that whilst she’s retiring from live shows, she will “identify as a songwriter forever”.

    She emphasised that although performing onstage has brought her joy (most recently at a Summer show in Berlin), the negative scrutiny over her appearance has taken a toll. In solidarity with her body-positive stance, she once performed at Manchester Pride wearing an oversized T-shirt adorned with a cartoon hourglass figure and the slogan “Better than ever”—a pointed rebuke of public commentary about her physique.

    She also looked back on her career with appreciation—to her collaborators, her touring years, and the unpredictable ways her music has been rediscovered over time. Furtado emphasised that her pivot to a new chapter doesn’t erase her creative identity, saying she still loves writing music and wants to explore “other creative and personal endeavours” more suited to this next phase of life.

    Fans responded with an outpouring of support, many lamenting the decision and celebrating her legacy in pop music. As one commented, “Forever an icon.”

    Whilst the announcement feels like a pause rather than a full stop, it underscores the pressure countless artists face when their art becomes conflated with personal image. For now, Nelly Furtado’s bold vulnerability stands as part of her lasting imprint—both as a musician and as a voice pushing back at the cruelty of appearance-based criticism.

  • Abuja’s rising star FirstKlaz shakes up Nigeria’s music scene with bold debut EP ‘Déjàvu’

    From the streets of Abuja to Spotify’s Greasy Tunes stage, rising Afro-Fusion artist FirstKlaz makes a bold entrance with his debut EP ‘Déjàvu’—blending northern rhythms, viral ambition, and fearless controversy on his path toward global recognition.

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    Earlier this month, fast-rising Nigerian star FirstKlaz released his seven-track debut EP entitled ‘Déjàvu’. It arrives as both a statement and a love letter to the sound of Northern Nigeria—and it confirms that the he is ready to move from internet buzz to industry attention.

    The musical project pairs the artist’s playful, genre-bending vocal style with traditional Arẹwà elements (Kalangu, Goje) and modern Afro-Fusion production, creating a compact project that feels at once rooted and restless.

    Born and raised in Abuja (Nassarawa State), the ‘Gen-Z Fuji’ artist rise has been notably humble. He cut his teeth posting viral clips and experimenting with what he calls a ‘Gen-Z Arẹwà’ aesthetic—a youthful reimagining of northern folk textures—and those grassroots beginnings show on ‘Déjàvu’: The songs still carry an intimate, DIY energy even as the production widens. Early singles from 2024 gave him a foothold; This EP tightens that sound into a focused artistic identity.

    Standouts on ‘Déjàvu’ have already emerged as streaming favourites. Tracks like ‘Soyaiya’ and ‘Gen-Z Arẹwàzobia’ have been singled out by reviewers and playlists as the EP’s strongest statements—earworms that blend fiddle-like hooks with modern percussion and clever, everyday lyrics. ‘Lili’, a cheeky number that name-checks Cardi B in its hook, has become central to his current push; The artist has been actively promoting the song on social media and even tagging Cardi B as part of that campaign.

    His true breakout, though, traces back to the ‘Gen-Z’ singles that circulated in 2024. The earlier ‘Gen-Z Arẹwà’ tracks are widely credited with bringing him to wider attention and establishing the persona listeners now hear on ‘Dejavu’—the playful storyteller who wears cultural specificity like armour and invitation. Review coverage of the EP highlights that continuity, noting how the project crystallizes the promise listeners saw in his earlier work.

    Collaboration is part of the EP’s DNA: Guest verses and co-productions from artists such as Jeriq and Zlatan add grit and texture across the tracklist, helping the project bridge indie credibility and commercial reach. Those features make ‘Déjàvu’ feel like a community record rather than a solo manifesto.

    Not everything around the release has been quiet. FirstKlaz has publicly accused established star Kizz Daniel of borrowing — or, as he puts it, “stealing” — elements of his sound, calling attention to what he describes as repeated instances of creative appropriation; clips of him addressing Kizz Daniel have circulated on social platforms and video channels. The charge is framed as an allegation from FirstKlaz and has provoked debate in online music circles.

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    On the live front, the sizzling new artist recently brought his band to Lagos for Spotify’s Greasy Tunes pop-up, performing to an enthusiastic crowd and earning a spot on the event’s Fresh Finds programming—an important signal that tastemakers are watching. Video and photo posts from the event show him working a stage and connecting the EP tracks to a live audience hungry for something new.

    Behind the scenes, team sources and the cheerful artist’s own social posts say ‘Déjàvu’ has been submitted for GRAMMY consideration for the 2026 cycle—a move that, if nothing else, demonstrates ambition and belief in the project’s global potential. The submission, the artist notes online, is for general consideration rather than a nomination. It’s a step many rising acts take to widen their profile.

    If ‘Déjàvu’ does for him what his early singles hinted it could, the EP will be remembered as the pivot when a young man with a phone and a vision started being treated like an artist to watch. For now, he’s capitalising on momentum by touring, pushing the spicy, shouty ‘Lili’ across platforms (and yes, tagging Cardi B), and leaning into the very public mix of praise, disputes, and live performance that marks a musician on the rise. Keep an ear on Abuja. FirstKlaz is making sure the rest of the world can’t ignore it.

  • Nigerian Hip-Hop star PsychoYP announces forthcoming single ‘Let’s Go!’

    It’s more than a party anthem.

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    Four days ago, Abuja, Nigeria-bred rapper PsychoYP announced his forthcoming song called ‘Let’s Go’. According to the post published earlier this week, it will be released on his birthday, October 28.

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    As described by his team, the ‘Active’ rapper, who is featured on ODUMODUBLVCK‘s album on a track called ‘Tiffany’, is “known for his signature fusion of Rap, Trap and Afrobeats, he’s built a movement that resonates across Africa and the United Kingdom. With ‘Let’s Go!’ he sharpens his sound produced by multi-platinum, Latin GRAMMY-nominated and 8x Billboard charting producer, TK Kayembe, which represents a key moment in his journey. The record is a high-octane anthem that blends African rhythms with Hip-Hop swagger, and its music video serves as a cultural statement piece, designed to capture the attention of fans across the globe.”

    About the upcoming single, the Rick Ross collaborator has shared “I’ve always been about pushing the culture forward. ‘Let’s Go!’ is me opening the door wider, showing that a Nigerian rapper can speak the language of the streets, the clubs, and the charts globally.”

    In the meantime, you can check out the official cover art and promotional post below. Watch this space for the song release.

  • Nigeria’s Asake brings Afro-Fusion brilliance to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series: Watch

    The Nigerian star delivers a soulful, high-energy set that showcases his blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano in an intimate performance.

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    Nigerian artist Asake delivered a spirited and soulful performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series, blending infectious rhythms with heartfelt vocals in an intimate studio setting. The performance, released today, showcased the singer’s signature mix of Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano, reaffirming his place as one of the genre’s most innovative voices.

    Supported by a full live band—including talking drums, percussion, keyboards, and backup singers—Asake opened with ‘Sunshine’, immediately setting a vibrant yet reflective tone. His setlist also included fan favorites like ‘Lonely at the Top’, ‘Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)’, and ‘Remember’, each reimagined with live instrumentation that highlighted the warmth and depth of his sound.

    Throughout the twenty-minute session, Asake balanced energy and emotion, gliding effortlessly between Yoruba, Pidgin, and English lyrics. The performance gave listeners a glimpse into his artistry beyond studio production, revealing a more vulnerable, spiritual side of the star known for high-tempo hits and crowd-thrilling stage shows.

    Asake joins fellow Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Tems, who have appeared on Tiny Desk, signalling the growing influence of Afrobeats on global platforms. The performance not only celebrated Asake’s rise but also highlighted the continued worldwide appreciation for contemporary African music.

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    With his Tiny Desk Concert, Asake proved that even in a stripped-down space, his sound remains larger than life—radiating rhythm, soul, and unmistakable joy.