Hello, geeks. Here’s the week’s top tech stories from the joint itzine.ru podcast and Forgeeks Telegram channel. We cover why Pavel Durov is now ”Durikovich” singing chanson, the surprising logic behind Russia’s proposed IMEI fees, GitHub’s Copilot hit by heavy usage limits, and NASA’s latest telescope ready to map the universe. Listen to the new episode, read on, and follow Forgeeks on Telegram.
GitHub restricts Copilot usage limits and suspends new Pro signups
The generous subscription plans for GitHub Copilot Pro and Pro+ have been restricted due to unexpectedly high user demand. Long, parallel sessions consumed tokens faster than anticipated, forcing GitHub to reduce usage limits. New registrations for Pro, Pro+, and Student tiers are now suspended.
Additionally, Opus models were removed from the Pro plan; Opus 4.7 remains only on Pro+, which now offers over five times the usage limits of Pro. Opus 4.5 and 4.6 will soon be dropped from Pro+ as well. Unhappy subscribers can cancel for a prorated refund until May 20. GitHub has added usage tracking directly within VS Code and the Copilot CLI to help users avoid hitting caps unexpectedly.
Max messenger introduces custom stickers for all users
Russia’s homegrown messaging app Max, with 110 million users, has finally matched Telegram by allowing all users to create custom sticker packs. Users can assemble stickers via the ”Stickers in Max” bot – provided they have linked their Digital ID.
Users upload images from their gallery, name their sticker pack, and share it. Previously limited to top channel creators, this feature is now open to everyone. Over the messenger’s lifetime, users have sent more than 3.5 billion stickers, showing strong demand.
Russian antitrust watchdog investigates Apple over Telegram app ban
Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has launched an investigation into Apple’s removal of Telegram modifications, suggesting antitrust violations. Apple first removed the app from the App Store, then blocked Telegram from running on iOS devices entirely.
Telegram developers have appealed to FAS, which noted this isn’t Apple’s first complaint. If the watchdog confirms a violation, it promises antitrust measures. This highlights ongoing friction between major platforms and regulators in Russia amid app restrictions.
Insta360 Luna leak reveals 6x zoom and detachable module compared to DJI Osmo Pocket 4
Details for the upcoming Insta360 Luna camera leaked ahead of launch, revealing a dual-camera setup with a 1-inch main sensor and a 1/1.3-inch telephoto module. This combination delivers up to 6x hybrid zoom – triple the DJI Osmo Pocket 4’s 2x zoom – a notable advantage for a compact camera.
The video specs are impressive: 4K at up to 240 fps, 10-bit color, Dolby Vision, Leica color profiles, and Deep Track 3.0 auto-tracking. The gimbal’s head detaches from the handle, and both cameras can record simultaneously. Weight is under 150 grams with 150-180 minutes of battery life. Early footage is already on YouTube, indicating launch is imminent.
Proposed IMEI registration fees may increase smartphone prices in Russia
Russian mobile operators have proposed charging a fee for registering each device’s IMEI in a national database to fund network development and import substitution. The bill has passed a first reading, and the Ministry of Digital Development supports it – though it’s still early. The key question remains: who will pay the fee?
Whether the owner, importer, or retailer pays the fee is undecided, but the added cost will likely reflect in retail prices. The IMEI registry would also help block unregistered phones, targeting grey imports. Banks are interested too, using IMEI checks already for customer verification.
DJI enters budget drone segment with Lito 1 and Lito X1
DJI is entering the budget drone category, traditionally dominated by HoverAir and Potensic, with two new models offering 4K video, 48MP stills, up to 36 minutes of flight time, and easy controls. The Lito X1 features a 1/1.3-inch sensor, f/1.7 aperture, 10-bit D-Log M, and front lidar. The simpler Lito 1 has a 1/2-inch sensor and f/1.8 lens but shares the 4K video and 36-minute endurance.
Prices start at €309 for the base Lito 1 and €379 for the Lito X1. Both handle wind speeds up to 10.7 m/s and use Wi-Fi 6 for file transfers up to 50 Mbps. The X1 also includes 42GB of internal storage and ActiveTrack, which can follow subjects moving up to 12 m/s.
Instagram tests Instants, a standalone app for disappearing photos
Meta is experimenting with ephemeral content through Instants, a standalone app for quick photos and short videos shared only with close friends. Content vanishes after 24 hours unless viewed. The app offers no filters or editing tools – just shoot and send.
This isn’t Meta’s first attempt at Snapchat-style disappearing content after Stories and vanish message features. This time they’re betting on a dedicated app instead of adding another feature to Instagram’s already crowded interface. The test is ongoing and may be discontinued if it doesn’t catch on.
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope completes assembly and testing
NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, named after the ”mother” of the Hubble telescope, has finished final assembly and testing at Goddard Space Flight Center. It is scheduled to launch on a Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral this September – eight months ahead of schedule and under budget.
Unlike James Webb’s deep, narrow gaze, Roman offers a much wider field of view, enabling it to gather massive amounts of data on galaxies, stars, and distant planets much faster. NASA promises images so large that current screens cannot display their full scale – a revolutionary atlas of the cosmos in the making.
OpenAI launches free ChatGPT version for US healthcare professionals
OpenAI has rolled out a ChatGPT version tailored specifically for medical professionals in the US, free of charge. Designed for clinical workflows, it assists with documentation, case analysis, referral letters, prior authorization, and patient instructions using templates. It also supports source-cited search and in-depth research through peer-reviewed medical journals.
Access is limited to verified physicians, nurse practitioners, paramedics, and pharmacists in the US. Conversations aren’t used to train models, and HIPAA compliance is supported through BAAs for eligible accounts. According to the AMA, 72% of US doctors use AI in their practice in 2026, up from 48% the previous year. OpenAI is clearly aiming to dominate this growing market segment ahead of competitors.
Pavel Durov releases chanson-style song about VPNs and censorship as ”Durikovich”
Telegram founder Pavel Durov released a song titled ”My Live Internet” under the pseudonym Durikovich, blending chanson style with themes of VPNs, online bans, and the internet’s ability to circumvent censorship. The track followed Durov’s public advice to Russian users to keep multiple proxies handy.
Durov, who experimented with music production in the ’90s using FruityLoops, now returns to music with modern tools. This cultural statement is louder than a press release: while big corporations negotiate with governments in courts, Durov takes a stand with a catchy chanson. It’s funny but certainly memorable.
* Meta is designated an extremist organization in Russia and its activities are banned.