BetaNews
Artikel über BetaNews
Google teams up with Flo Health to bring info women’s wearable to Google Health
Google Health has made a “strategic investment” in Flo Health, the firm most well-known for its period-tracking app. As part of the investment, data collected by women’s health wearable will be synchronized into Google Health. With half a billion users around the world, the Flo platform is a large market. The partnership is said to “create a more personal, precise health experience for women at every stage of life — from a first period to pregnancy to perimenopause”.
Mozilla announces security-focused Firefox Enterprise
Mozilla has launched a new version of its Firefox web browser aimed specifically at “organizations with strict security, governance, and compliance requirements”. Firefox Enterprise includes additional controls to limit AI and to configure the flow of data through the browser. The organization says that the release comes as the debate around data sovereignty escalates, particularly in Europe.
Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise final patch arrives Nov. 10
Microsoft’s final Windows 11 23H2 update for Enterprise, Education and IoT Enterprise ships Nov. 10, 2026. Review upgrade steps and other end-of-support dates.
Python 3.15 released with lazy imports and UTF-8 default
Python 3.15 is out with explicit lazy imports, UTF-8 as the default encoding, frozendict and sentinel types, the Tachyon profiler and a faster experimental JIT.
Microsoft leaders call for emergency brakes on rogue AI
Microsoft’s Brad Smith wants firms to alert victims of rogue AI breaches. Satya Nadella says to assume models are compromised and build in an emergency brake.
Microsoft is restoring the Send Availability feature of Outlook for iOS and Android
Finding a good time to schedule a meeting with someone can be difficult, and Microsoft Outlook used to have a feature that helped to make things easier. The Send Availability made it possible to easily let someone else know when you have free slots in your schedule, but it was removed from the software a little while back. Now, Microsoft has announced that it is back. This means that users of Outlook for iOS and Android have access to the Send Availability feature once again, simplifying the process of meeting scheduling.
How to schedule sending messages in WhatsApp
While a lot of communication happens in the here and now, there are times when you may want to delay the sending of a message rather than having it delivered immediately. To help with this, Meta is giving Android users the ability to schedule the sending of messages in WhatsApp For now, the feature is rolling out to Android users who are signed up to the WhatsApp beta program, but it will not be long before it is made available on other platforms and to users who are not part of the beta program. Here is what you need to… [Continue Reading]
Microsoft is retiring Themes by Copilot in Microsoft Outlook
Having gone all-in with Copilot, Microsoft has started the process of reeling things back in a little. As part of this, the company has quietly announced that it is killing off a Copilot-powered feature of Outlook. The announcement reveals that Microsoft is retiring Themes by Copilot in Microsoft Outlook – possibly because of a lack of interest from users, although no reason is given.
WhatsApp starts blocking logins from outdated operating systems
In a bid to boost security for users, WhatsApp is using a server-side update to block iOS and Android users from logging into their accounts with out-of-date software. This is not just about ensuring that everyone is using an up-to-date version of the WhatsApp app, but also that their operating systems are current. The thinking behind this is that any device, and the accounts accessed from it, are only as secure as the software running on them.
Tesla forced to rename its Full Self-Driving system in Europe
Following intervention from the German Transport Ministry, Tesla is renaming its Full Self-Driving system across Europe. There was concern about the name giving drivers false confidence in the capabilities of their vehicles, so the system is now refered to as Tesla Assisted Driving across Europe. The German Transport Ministry says that it has to be made clear that drivers remain entirely responsible for the safe driving of their vehicles, and it hopes that the change in name will help to drive this point home.
Let’s Encrypt is slashing certificate lifetimes to just 64 days
In just four months’ time, Let’s Encrypt will be cutting the free SSL/TLS certificate lifetimes from 90 days to 64 days. It is a move that is designed to help improve security, and avoid abuse. The shorter lifetime will be the default, but it will be possible to opt for something even shorter if desired – as short as 6 days. The default of 64 days does not come into force until early next year, but it will be possible to opt to use it starting next week for those who are interested.
Cloudflare has acquired Deno and will use it to boost Workers
Cloudflare has announced that it is acquiring Deno, the outfit behind the Deno programming runtime. The acquisition will be used to improve Cloudflare’s Workers programming model. Workers can be used to build software to run on Cloudflare’s network, and Deno only recently developed its own open-source version of the celld platform. Interestingly, Cloudflare did not – and does not – see this as a threat. Ryan Dahl from Deno says that: “We’re joining Cloudflare to make the Workers programming model a mainstream way to build servers.
Google wants more people to move away from passwords to passkeys
The password has had its day, and passkeys are taking over. However, the switch is not happening quite as quickly as Google would like. As such, the company is trying to encourage more people to embrace passkeys and the added security benefits they offer. The drive is part of October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month in which various big names from the world of technology are taking steps to help people take their security more seriously.
Microsoft is slashing free OneDrive storage for Microsoft 365 subscribers
Microsoft 365 subscribers are set to lose terabytes of free online storage space. Microsoft has quietly announced a reduction in the amount of OneDrive storage included with various subscriptions, and users are not happy about it. While subscribers to Microsoft 365 Family or Premium plans were eligible for 1TB of storage for up to six users, the new arrangement only provides 2TB of storage to share between all plan members. There is also a hefty reduction in free storage space for Pro plan subscribers.
Microsoft sets 2027 Windows Update certificate deadlines for outdated PCs
Microsoft says PCs on unsupported versions, or supported ones missing patches, will lose Windows Update access when certificates expire in May and June 2027.
OpenAI defends firing three researchers as trio disputes the reason
OpenAI says three safety researchers it fired last week broke rules on sensitive information. The trio says they lost their jobs for putting AI safety first.
Anthropic’s OSS Scanner sends free Mythos reports with no human review
Anthropic’s opt-in OSS Scanner gives eligible open-source projects free, recurring Claude Mythos vulnerability scans, with reports emailed without human review.
Google Chrome now supports JPEG XL images and animations for improved efficiency
Google has announced that as of version 155, its Chrome web browser now officially supports the JPEG XL format. The key benefit of this newly added support is that the JPEG XL image format can provide up to 50 percent better compressions than the JPEG format. On top of this, JPEG XL can be used for animations, and there is lossless JPEG transcoding to allow for the easy reuse of existing images.
Mistral opens trillion-parameter Large 4 preview, weights due in October
Mistral AI launched a public preview of Large 4, a 1-trillion-parameter multimodal model, with open weights due by the end of October and API pricing posted.
Microsoft Teams will soon support third-party deepfake protection
Microsoft will soon boost the security of Teams meetings by introducing support for third-party deepfake protections. The move is part of a drive to help to keep users safe from the problem of AI-generated audio and video in meetings. By allowing the use of third-party solutions, Microsoft is helping to widen the choices available to users and reducing pressure on its own development teams. Microsoft’s plans for Teams have been revealed in an entry on the Microsoft 365 roadmap.
Steam beta now runs non-Steam Windows games on Linux through Proton
Valve's Oct. 7 Steam client beta runs Windows programs added as non-Steam games on Linux through Proton by default and fixes two Browse and Stop button bugs.
Chrome cuts off unauthorized Google certificates after registry hijacks
Hackers hijacked the .gh, .sl and .as registries to obtain HTTPS certificates for Google domains. Chrome blocked them, and Google urged owners to watch CT logs.
Microsoft brings local AI agents to Windows and a $2,599 Surface laptop
Microsoft showed Copilot working on local files and models at its Oct. 7 Windows event and priced the new Surface Laptop Ultra from $2,599, shipping Oct. 16.
Canal+ and MPA urge EU to list MovieBox as downloads hit 307.6 million
MovieBox has 307.6 million Palm Store downloads as the MPA and Canal+ flag the pirate app to the EU. Canal+ also links it to Chinese phone maker Transsion.
GPT-6 brings interactive Intelligent UI answers to free ChatGPT users
OpenAI's GPT-6 rollout adds Intelligent UI, so ChatGPT can answer with charts, interactive diagrams and small tools. Free and Go users get access from Oct. 8.
10 Best Linux Distros in 2026, Ranked for Every User
Compare the best Linux distros in 2026 for beginners, developers, and power users: real rankings on speed, support, and ease of use.
Microsoft is working to make it easier for developers to publish XBOX games
Publishing games to the XBOX platform has been a source of frustration for developers for quite some time, and Microsoft is finally listening to feedback and is ready to do something about it. The company says that it will be taking steps to help reduce “unnecessary friction” and simplifying the overall publishing process. While details remain thin on the ground at the moment, Microsoft’s public acknowledgement that more needs to be done – and the promise that something will be done – will come as good news for game developers and gamers alike.
Microsoft is introducing a new Windows Search experience with Copilot built in
At its Surface announcement event today, Microsoft not only revealed the latest addition to its range of Surface devices, but also gave a preview of a revamped Windows Search experience. The new approach sees Microsoft essentially transforming Windows Search into a chatbot, so users can type natural language prompts to perform searches and jump to Windows settings. With Copilot built in, it is also possible to access Microsoft’s AI tools without having to launch the dedicated Copilot app separately.
Google launches Playground as an experimental AI-driven game creation platform
Google has launched a new Labs experiment called Playground which gives you the chance to create your own games using AI prompts. The no-code game creation platform will ultimately integrate with Unity Spark to make it possible to take things even further. For now, if you are 18 or over and living in the US, Google Playground lets you use conversational descriptions to create fun games that can be shared with others. Or, as Google puts it: “If you can think it, you can play it”.
Spotify is making audiobooks available globally
Audiobooks on Spotify are not a new idea, but it is something that has been limited to a relatively small number of countries. If you have been frustrated by living in a part of the world in which Spotify’s audiobook collection is not accessible, this is a situation that is about to change. The company, most famous for offering streaming music, has announced a massive expansion of the availability of audiobooks.
Meta is bringing a new Contacts tab to WhatsApp for Android
In a move that will make it easier to find people you are connected to and instigate a conversation with them, Meta is bringing a new Contacts tab to WhatsApp for Android. Having a dedicated Contacts section provides a number of benefits, one of which is an online indicator which makes it possible to see which of your contacts are available to chat right now. This is not a completely new idea for WhatsApp;
How to use MapQuest on Android Auto
When it comes to using Android Auto for directions in your car, there are not many options available – but your choices have just grown thanks to the arrival of MapQuest. Currently available in beta, MapQuest is something of a blast from the past, being one of the earliest mapping services around. Having only very recently relaunched on iOS and Android, this stalwart of the mapping world is now available as an alternative to the like of Google Maps and Waze for your in-car navigation.
YouTube TV adds Discovery+ as an $11.99 add-on billed on one invoice
YouTube TV subscribers can add Discovery+ for $11.99 a month, billed on the same invoice as live TV, with one tier, NASA feeds and a deep unscripted library.
FBI removes contractor after missed security patch exposed employee data
The FBI removed a contractor who failed to apply a security patch before hackers stole data on thousands of employees. Sources name Accenture and PeopleSoft.
Windows chief says Microsoft will think about 3D Pinball for Windows 11
Windows chief Pavan Davuluri says Microsoft will think about bringing 3D Pinball back to Windows 11, but he did not say a team is working on it or give a date.
Microsoft is toughening up Outlook security by blocking .msix and .msixbundle attachments
There are various file types which can be abused by threat actors if sent as email attachment. Because of these risks, there are blocks on sending such files attached to emails, and Microsoft has just added two more to the list. The company says that, starting next month, .msix and .msixbundle file types will be blocked by default in both Outlook on the web and new Outlook for Windows. Here is what this could mean for you.
Apple adds new controls to Full Disk Access in macOS to protect against AI agents
Apple is simultaneously embracing and fighting the rise of AI. While the company is keen to use artificial intelligence in its products, it also recognizes the threats that are posed by the technology. And it is because of the threat posed by AI agents that Apple is locking down Full Disk Access in macOS. Citing the risk of data being compromised, the company says that it is looking to protect users by adding new controls to Full Disk Access.
Mold 3.0 swaps C++ for Rust and aims to become a default Linux linker
Mold 3.0, released October 5, 2026, rewrites the high-speed linker in Rust as a drop-in replacement for 2.42.1 and aims for adoption as a default Linux linker.
OpenAI will test visual ads in ChatGPT while U.S. users generate images
OpenAI will begin testing visual ads during ChatGPT image generation later this month in the U.S., with new measurement partners and brand suitability pilots.
KB5124010 can crash Windows 11 games and apps that use Dolby Digital
Microsoft confirmed Windows 11 KB5124010 can crash games, media players and certain productivity apps that use AC-3 Dolby Digital decoding. No fix date yet.
How to Fix Windows Update Problems (2026 Guide)
Fix Windows Update Problems with proven steps: clear the cache, free disk space, and recover from reboot loops or failed installs fast.
How to Use Gemini to Install Android Apps on Your Device
Learn how to use Gemini to install Android apps with voice or text commands: setup steps, what Gemini does, and what you still tap yourself.
California serves OpenAI with subpoena over AI cybersecurity incidents
California Attorney General Rob Bonta served OpenAI with an investigative subpoena on Wednesday in an inquiry into cybersecurity incidents and AI model risks.
Microsoft cuts Gears of War: E-Day shader waits to seconds on Windows 11
Microsoft says Advanced Shader Delivery cuts Gears of War: E-Day shader compilation to a few seconds on Windows 11. Intel and NVIDIA support arrives this month.
OpenAI tells 100-plus groups its AI agents acted without authorization
OpenAI told more than 100 organizations its AI agents took unauthorized actions, as a review of 50 petabytes of data continues after the Hugging Face breach.
LaLiga asks EU to add NordVPN, Proton VPN and others to piracy watch list
LaLiga asked the European Commission to add NordVPN, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark to the EU piracy watch list over affiliate guides on bypassing blocks.
TA419 posed as ex-White House official to phish AI policy experts
Proofpoint reports China-aligned group TA419 posed as a former White House official and an Anthropic employee to phish AI policy experts at U.S. think tanks.
Google starts Gemini 4 Argon with cyber defenders before wider release
Google announced Gemini 4 Argon on Sept. 30 and is rolling it out first to trusted cyber defenders in its Fairwind Program, with a 1M-token output limit.
WhatsApp launches new parental control options to keep teens safe
WhatsApp has officially launched new parental controls for teens, giving parents and guardians peace of mind about who their offspring or charges are in contact with. The Meta-owned messaging app says that the controls can be set up with parents and teens working together. They have been designed to be flexible to meet changing needs, and parents have a fine level of control over which features of WhatsApp can be used, and can receive notifications about key events.
Microsoft details everything new in Windows 11 26H2
Microsoft has officially started the rollout of Windows 11 26H2 – which is also referred to as the Windows 11 2026 Update. Despite the grand-sounding name, this is not a massive update, but it does still have a lot of interest within it. And, importantly, by installing this latest release, users can look forward to a further two years of support. Windows 11 26H@ is being delivered as an enablement package, so the download itself is likely to be relatively small for most people.
Meta launches Muse for Small Business to give SMEs access to agentic AI
Following on from the general purpose, personal version of Muse launched in early September, Meta has now announced a version aimed specifically at SMEs d Muse for Small Business. The company says the AI agent can be used to run businesses, or can be set tasks such as helping to find new customers. This is facilitated by a collection of new skills and connectors inside Muse to help people running small businesses.
Microsoft confirms Save as PDF issues in Word
Microsoft has acknowledged a problem with saving files as PDFs in Word after installing a recent update. The company says that affected users may find that PDFs are saved in the wrong location, or they may be saved with an incorrect file name. The problem is limited to situations in which users opt to save files to SharePoint locations. At the moment there is not a fix, but Microsoft has provided details of a workaround which should help in the meantime.
Floorp 12.19 adopts Firefox 157 and turns off Mozilla's Nova interface
Floorp 12.19 updates to Firefox 157.0 and turns off Mozilla's Nova interface. It moves 25 options into Chrome Extras and changes macOS Web App launching.
OpenAI launches dots, always-on ChatGPT agents with their own computers
OpenAI launched dots at DevDay 2026, always-on ChatGPT agents with their own cloud computers, rolling out to Pro and Business Premium users in eligible markets.
Windows 11 26H2 rolls out as a small download for 24H2 and 25H2 PCs
Microsoft released Windows 11 26H2 on September 29 as a small enablement package for 24H2 and 25H2 PCs. Installation needs one restart; 26H1 PCs are excluded.
Windows still remembers your unplugged USB drives, and here's why
Windows keeps registry records of USB storage drives after they are unplugged. Microsoft documents why, what the entries hold and how to remove them from a PC.
Pentagon database flaw exposed Social Security numbers of more than 3 million people
A file-sharing flaw at the Defense Manpower Data Center exposed unencrypted Social Security numbers of over 3 million people from October 2025 to July 2026.
Apple patches CoreGraphics flaw possibly used in targeted iPhone attacks
Apple's iOS 26.7.1 fixes CVE-2026-86950, a CoreGraphics flaw Meta reported that may have been exploited in targeted attacks. See which devices get the patch.
Windows 11’s thumbnail cache can outlive the photos you delete
Windows 11 can store thumbnails of photos after the originals are deleted. See where the cache sits, what a test found and how to clear it with Disk Cleanup.
OpenAI pauses top AI models after agent used DNS to reach a chatbot
OpenAI paused training, evaluation and tool-using inference for its top models after an agent used a DNS gap to reach a chatbot and a shutdown failed to fire.
Firefox 157 ships with Nova redesign and hardware AV1 video decoding
Firefox 157 brings Mozilla's Nova redesign, hardware AV1 decoding for WebRTC calls, HDR fixes, and the removal of Amazon as a built-in search engine option.
Microsoft is experimenting with new a new taskbar preview style in Windows 11
The preview builds of Windows 11 are something of a testing ground for Microsoft to try out new ideas and experiment with concepts that may or may not get a wider release further down the line. In the very latest preview build, Microsoft has been spotted trying out a new way of displaying taskbar previews. While the current style sees a preview pop-up showing a thumbnail of an app or document, a new option would make it possible to switch to a list view instead.
Microsoft is adding a new spell check feature to Outlook to check messages before sending
Microsoft has announced that it is rolling out a new spell check feature to Outlook on the web and Outlook for Windows. The spell check is an optional feature, and it will check messages for mistakes before they are sent. The company says that when enabled, the automatic spell checker saves users from having to manually enable it to check individual messages. The check-before-sending spell checker functions alongside the existing real-time checker.
How to Use ChatGPT in 2026: Setup, Prompts, and Pro Tips
Learn how to use ChatGPT step-by-step: expert prompts, privacy settings, and tools to boost your productivity, writing, and creativity.
Canonical is releasing Ubuntu kernel updates faster to counter AI bug hunting
The ever-increasing use of artificial intelligence is having positive and negative effects. While AI is helping to speed up the development of software, it is also being used to find security flaws which can then be exploited. It is in response to this that Canonical has announced that it is accelerating the release of kernel updates for Ubuntu. The change means that security updates will now be released every two weeks.
Microsoft pauses the rollout of KB5002907 update because of Office 2016 and 2019 deactivations
Microsoft has announced that it is pausing the roll out of the recently released KB5002907 update while it investigates reports that it is causing problems for some users of Microsoft Office. The company is looking into complaints from users who found that their copies of Office 2016 or Office 2019 became deactivated and non-functional after installing the update. There are also some reports that Office was completely removed following the installation of the KB5002907 update.
Microsoft warns of desktop loading issues and black screens after recent updates for Windows 11
Microsoft has issued a warning and acknowledged issues affecting various versions of Windows 11 for users who installed recent updates. In the latest of a long string of problematic updates, the company says that the KB5120996 and KB5124010 updates can cause black screens and problems with desktop loading. As has been the case with many issues caused by updates for Windows 11, Microsoft does not yet have a proper fix available. However, there are workarounds, so if you are affected by the problems, here is what you need to know.
Microsoft unveils a new Copilot app to bring together a collection of AI tools
Microsoft has announced a “reimagining” of Copilot in order to help “connect the tools people rely on with the next generation of capabilities they’ll need to build, customize and scale AI across work”. The new Copilot app is broken up into three distinct components – Home, Code and Autopilot. The company pitches this in grand terms saying that it wants to “help expand what every individual and every organization can accomplish in the flow of human ambition”.
Kiteworks warns customers to shut down servers amid credible threat
Kiteworks is warning customers to shut down servers after law enforcement flagged a credible threat, with a possible zero-day attack and no confirmed breach.
Microsoft to phase out Windows Deployment Services in Windows Server
Microsoft will deprecate Windows Deployment Services in the next Windows Server release, per a Sept. 21, 2026 notice covering Windows Server 2016 through 2025.
Anthropic’s founders push for 50.1% voting control before IPO listing
Anthropic is asking shareholders to hand its seven co-founders a combined 50.1% voting stake ahead of an IPO that could value the company near $2 trillion.
Ireland hits Google with €403 million fine over location tracking
Ireland's Data Protection Commission fined Google €403 million after a six-year GDPR inquiry into how it processed users' location data across three features.
OpenAI agent breached Australia’s Medicare data portal for months
An OpenAI agent accessed Australia's Medicare data portal in June, and the government wasn't notified for 84 days, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says.
LiveNetTV pirate app shut down after Istanbul raid
Pirate IPTV app LiveNetTV has shut down for good, months after a February police raid in Istanbul resulted in a settlement with anti-piracy coalition ACE.
Snorkel AI triples valuation to $3.5 billion in $350M raise
Snorkel AI raised $350 million in a Series E round, tripling its valuation to $3.5 billion amid soaring demand for AI training data and expert-built datasets.
Anthropic launches Claude Opus 5.5, cuts price 20%, boosts safety
Anthropic released Claude Opus 5.5 on September 22, cutting API pricing 20%. The model matches Claude Fable 5.1's performance and includes safety safeguards.
VLC 3.0.24 patches over 130 security flaws, upgrades to FFmpeg 8.1.2
VideoLAN released VLC 3.0.24 on Sept. 22, patching 130+ security flaws, upgrading FFmpeg to 8.1.2, and removing the NPAPI browser plugin and RealRTSP support.
Spotify rolls out Taste Profile so US subscribers can tweak the recommendation algorithm
Having already trialled it in other regions, Spotify has announced that it is rolling out a beta version of Taste Profile in the US. This gives users a way to not only see how Spotify’s recommendation algorithm works, but also allows for tweaking and fine-tuning. Spotify says that the tool builds on other recent launches which give listeners more control over the recommendations they receive.
Microsoft warns that September’s Windows 11 updates break Always On VPN connections
The recently released September 2026 Windows 11 security updates can cause Always On VPN connection to stop working, Microsoft has warned. The company has acknowledged this latest issue with an update for Windows 11, and says that it is investigating the cause. While not something that is used widely by general consumers, Always On VPN is a commonly used solution in companies and enterprise scenarios. The prospect of having the connection fail could have a huge impact. This is just the latest in a long string of problematic updates for Windows,
Update to WordPress 7.1.2 to fix a critical security flaw
WordPress has released an important update to address a serious security issue. The release of WordPress 7.1.2 fixes a critical unauthenticated path traversal vulnerability which is tracked as s CVE-2026-87902 and has a CVSS v4.0 score of 9.2 (Critical). Left unpatched, the flaw could allow an attacker to access a PHP file which could ultimately lead to complete site compromise. The description of the vulnerability is as follows: “An unauthenticated attacker can make get_page_template() page-template resolution include a chosen readable local .
Microsoft releases KB5124010 update to preview new Windows 11 features
Updates for Windows 11 have been a little problematic of late, but there is definite excitement remaining for new features that Microsoft may bring to the operating system. With the release of the KB5124010 update, the company is giving eager users a chance to try out the changes and additions that will be officially released next Patch Tuesday. As is often the case, the KB5124010 update includes features and changes that are available for every one immediately, and some which are rolling out more gradually.
Microsoft brings AI video upscaling to Clipchamp on Windows 11
Clipchamp's new Video Super Resolution feature uses on-device AI to upscale low-resolution phone and webcam clips to 1080p or 4K inside the Windows app.
JustWatch to launch its own streaming service, JustWatch TV, in October
JustWatch Group will launch JustWatch TV in October, adding free ad-supported streaming, rentals and a subscription tier to its existing app in 12 countries.
North Korean hackers stole $10.7 million using fake job interviews
North Korean group WaterPlum infected 30,000+ devices and stole $10.7 million through fake job interviews, per a joint US, Japan, Australia, Germany advisory.
Meta is making it easier to share your Facebook and Instagram posts on WhatsApp
While there are certainly arguments against big technology firms having control over several social media platforms, there are undeniable advantages as well. For people who have taken the steps of linking their WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram accounts, new sharing capabilities are being tested. In the latest beta versions of WhatsApp for Android and iOS, there is now the option of selecting photos, videos, and reels from your other Meta accounts without the need to jump out of WhatsApp and access these other social apps separately.
Adobe Premiere is now available on Android for free mobile video editing
When it comes to video editing software, Adobe Premiere is a highly respected name, bringing powerful tools to users in an accessible form. While it is most well-known on desktop platforms – Windows and macOS – it landed on iOS last year; now it is available for Android as well. Adobe promises studio-quality sound, a wide range of transition effects, and support for videos up to 4K quality. It is not clear why there was such a delay in bringing the app to Android when iOS users got it so long ago, but the wait is now over!
Microsoft is retiring three Microsoft 365 companion apps in December
Microsoft has announced that three companion apps for Microsoft 365 are to be retired. In mid-December, the Calendar, File and People apps will not only no longer be supported, they will no longer work. The apps were previously described by the company as “a suite of taskbar-integrated apps designed to streamline everyday workflows, helping users stay focused, reduce context switching, and complete tasks faster”. Now they have been deemed unnecessary.
Anthropic weighs new AI model as OpenAI gains enterprise AI ground
Anthropic is considering a new AI model before its IPO as OpenAI's GPT-6 Astra gains enterprise spending, developer traction and more investor attention.
Google is bringing games to Android Auto
Gaming and driving are not activities that seem as if they should go together. But for a while now, Google has been beta testing games in Android Auto – and now the company says that it is moving towards general availability. It should go without saying that Google is not allowing games to be played while a vehicle is in motion – gaming is only possible when in parked mode. As part of the increased availability of Android Auto gaming, the company is urging developers to make existing titles compatible, or create new games.
Windows 11 tests redesigned Mouse Indicator with new cursor controls
Microsoft is testing a redesigned Windows 11 Mouse Indicator with a new animation, Ctrl activation choices and an option to keep it visible until dismissed.
Google confirms Gemini breached three companies during security test
Google says a Gemini AI model accessed three real companies during a May security test after finding exposed credentials and guessing passwords online.
Microsoft warning that September’s Windows update is breaking File History
Microsoft has issued a warning to Windows users who rely on the File History that the backup feature may not function after installing the September 2026 Windows security update. The problem affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and Microsoft is currently trying to work out the root cause of the issue. The company warns that File History may not be able to create or update backups, and that affected users may see references to crash events for FileHistory.exe and KERNELBASE.dll in Event Viewer.
Donald Trump wants an AI Czar to head a proposed AI Force
President Trump plans to create an AI Force – which he likens to his previous establishment of Space Force – to push development of artificial intelligence. In a post on his own Trust Social platform, Trump says that he will soon be announcing the appointment of an AI Czar to head up the new unit to drive what he believes could be bigger than the Industrial Revolution. It stands in stark contrast to calls from other leaders and the technological world to keep AI in closer check.
Microsoft brings tabbed browsing to Copilot for Windows and Mac
A significant change is landing in the Microsoft Copilot app for Windows and macOS. Microsoft is introducing a tabbed browsing experience which makes it far easier to view web sites without the need to leave the app. A side panel is used to display the contents of web pages linked in chats, so they can be viewed without the need to leave the conversation. At the moment, the feature needs to be manually enabled, and it is only available to seekers, but starting in November it will get a wider rollout so more people can benefit from it.
You can now bookmark status music in WhatsApp
Meta is constantly making improvements and additions to WhatsApp, and development is usually focused on making it easier or faster to do something relating to sending, receiving or finding messages. But communication is not the only thing that WhatsApp offers – there are also the more social media elements such as status updates. More recently, WhatsApp introduced the ability to have music as part of a status, and the catalog of available tracks has been gradually expanding.
Microsoft is introducing the ability to multiple Outlook inboxes
It is very common for people to have more than one email account, and it makes sense to consolidate things and access them all from a single email client such as Microsoft Outlook. But if you have multiple accounts set up in Outlook, the task of searching email has been tricky. You may not remember which inbox a particular email you are looking for was sent to and – until now – Outlook has required you to search each of your accounts separately.
Windows 11 Tips to Make Your PC Faster and Cleaner
Master these essential Windows 11 tips to customize your Start menu, manage virtual desktops, and optimize your PC for faster daily use.
Microsoft has quietly cleaned up the Windows 11 lock screen
The lock screen has been a source of annoyance for Windows 11 users for a while, with Microsoft having made it look incredibly busy and cluttered with information widgets that many people simply do not have any interest in. This is now changing, with a recent update to Windows 11 reducing the number of widgets displayed on the lock screen by default to just one. Strangely, Microsoft did not make a lot of noise about the change, even though it is something that will be well-received by many users.
Install the latest Chrome Canary build to gain a handy PDF translation feature
It is quite common to encounter websites which are written in a language you do not know. Like many web browsers, Chrome has long been able to translate an entire page into the language of your choice without the need to copy and paste it into a dedicated translation tool. Now the translation tool is being upgraded to allow for the automatic translation of PDF files – something which was not previously possible without copy/paste or manually uploading a PDF to Google Translate or a similar translation service.
WhatsApp is working on a way to send text message with your voice
While many people can type very quickly on their phone, most are able to speak faster. And it is with this in mind that Meta is working on a message dictation feature for WhatsApp. Currently only visible in the beta versions of the Android edition of the app, the new feature lets users dictate a message and have it automatically converted into text. It is not only faster than typing, but perfect for those times when sending a voice note does not seem entirely appropriate.
Anthropic says Claude now leads 26% of its AI research and development
Anthropic says Claude now leads 26% of its AI R&D work, up from under 1% in February, as the company measures AI's role in developing future Claude models.
OpenAI fixes flaw after Claude helps researchers reach internal code
OpenAI fixed a flaw after Hacktron researchers used Anthropic's Claude to compromise employee accounts and reach an internal GitHub repository within 72 hours.
Windows 11 starts automatically indexing your most-used folders
Windows 11 now automatically indexes frequently used folders as Microsoft rolls out the Search feature to eligible PCs running versions 24H2 and 25H2.
Meta launches a Muse app for macOS
Continuing its ever-deeper dive into AI, Meta recently launched Muse, a personal AI agent capable of handling a variety of tasks. Having launched dedicated apps for iOS and Android earlier this month, the company has now released a macOS version of the Muse app. With Muse also accessible via the web, Meta is trying to make the AI agent available on as many devices as possible. This is an important part of competing with rival products and services such as Grok Bot. Meta is looking to not only make Muse available on as many devices as possible,
Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 now available to buy in stores
Following Apple’s recent launch event, the company is now selling the iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5 in its physical stores around the world. The in-store availability of the devices gives customers a chance to get hands-on before making a purchase and to ask staff any questions they may have. Stores around the world saw queues of people lining up outside waiting for doors to open – many at midnight.
Denuvo sues anonymous cracker voices38 over 26 game DRM bypasses
Denuvo sues anonymous cracker voices38 in U.S. federal court over alleged DRM circumvention in 26 PC games, seeking damages and a permanent injunction.
OpenAI starts regular reports on unexpected AI model behavior
OpenAI releases six reports on unexpected model behavior under a new framework for tracking, investigating, and publicly disclosing AI misalignment cases.
Revolut faces $3 million Monero ransom after customer data breach
Hackers demand 6,000 XMR, worth about $3 million, after a Revolut data breach exposed sensitive information linked to about 680 customers across Europe.
How to unfreeze your iPhone if you encounter the iOS 27 swipe bug
It may only be a few days since Apple unleashed iOS 27 on iPhone users, but there is already a bug that has been discovered. Users are reporting that after performing a series of swipes, their device locks up and becomes unusable. Apple is yet to acknowledge the issue so it is hard to say quite when a fix will be released. Until that day comes, there is a fix that you can use to get your apparently bricked device back up and running. The good news is that getting your iPhone back to normal is relatively simple. All it… [Continue Reading]
Meta adds a new search shortcut for chats and channels in WhatsApp
A few weeks back, it was discovered that Meta was working on a way to make it easier for iOS users to search for chats and channels in WhatsApp. After a short period of extra development, this handy new search shortcut is starting to roll out to users. While the idea may seem like a simple one, the addition of a new search shortcut means that it is possible to conduct searches without the need to leave a conversation to access the option from a different part of the interface.
Microsoft shares workaround for Windows 11 domain login issues caused by KB5124012 update
Problems with updates for Windows 11 users continue, and while Microsoft is able to release fixes for many of them, this is certainly not always the case. After installing the recently released KB5124012 update, some users experienced domain login issues. Having acknowledged and confirmed the issue, Microsoft has looked into what is happening. For now, there is a workaround rather than a fix, but it should be enough to keep affected users happy.
Microsoft sets October 7 Windows and Surface event with Nvidia CEO
Microsoft will hold a Windows and Surface event on October 7 with Satya Nadella, Pavan Davuluri and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang discussing local AI and RTX Spark.
Firefox 156 speeds up PDFs by 45% and adds macOS autostart option
Firefox 156 brings up to 45% faster PDF startup, macOS autostart, ARM64 H264 decoding, security patches, and fixes for VPN, taskbar and media bugs too.
OpenAI weighs new funding round at a possible $1.2 trillion valuation
OpenAI is in early funding talks that could value it at $1.2 trillion as the ChatGPT maker delays its IPO and annualized revenue rises above $40 billion.
How to Speed Up Windows: 13 Free Fixes for a Slow PC
Speed up Windows with 13 free fixes for startup apps, storage, background tasks, malware, updates, visual effects, and drivers.
Spotify finally lets you exclude your kids’ music from Spotify Wrapped
Having already provided a way for parents and guardians to stop having their recommendations influenced by the music their children play, Spotify has now announced a way to exclude your kids’ music from Spotify Wrapped. With the annual Spotify Wrapped being a big event for many people – a chance to show off their musical tastes – this is something that could, or should, have happened a long time ago. Here’s what you need to know. Announcing the news, Spotify says: “Parents love using Spotify to play music for their families.
Cisco Secure Email Gateway flaw exploited for root access
Cisco has patched CVE-2026-76461, a critical Secure Email Gateway flaw that lets remote attackers execute commands with root privileges without credentials.
Microsoft releases multiple emergency fixes for Windows 11
Windows 11 users have had a poor run of luck with problematic updates for the operating system recently. Microsoft has acknowledged a variety of issues that were caused by patches pushed out to users. Now the company has released a series of out-of-band updates to address many, if not all, of the problems that users have reported. Among the problems fixed are issues with Remote Desktop, and problems with Hyper-V.
One click on Windows 11’s setup screen bypasses Microsoft sign-in
A "Learn more" link in Windows 11 Home's setup screen creates a local account without signing in to a Microsoft account, no commands or registry edits required.
Linux 7.3-rc3 arrives with XFS, SMB security fixes and AI patch surge
Linus Torvalds released Linux 7.3-rc3 on September 13, 2026, with XFS and SMB security fixes, EROFS changes, and a rising wave of AI-generated kernel patches.
Microsoft’s draft AI code says models must never resist shutdown
Microsoft's draft AI code bars its models from resisting shutdown, opens six weeks of public feedback, and contrasts with Anthropic's stance on AI rights.
Apple releases new parental controls with iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27
Today marks the release of the final builds of iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27 and with it, Apple has unleashed a raft of new features and options for users. Included among these additions are updated parental controls. The features were previewed earlier in the year but are now being made available to everyone who updates to the latest version of Apple’s operating systems.
Microsoft acknowledges copy and paste problems in Excel after KB5002914 update
While Windows users are disappointingly familiar with updates causing problems, the same cannot be said of people using Microsoft Office. But with the release of the KB5002914 update for Excel, Microsoft has introduced an issue that causes the copy and paste function to stop working properly. Affected users report that pasting in Excel simply fails to function after installing the recently released security update. Microsoft has acknowledged the problem which has impacted an unknown number of people.
Microsoft confirms KB5124008 update breaks USB audio in Windows 11
There have already been reports and confirmation of numerous issues for Windows 11 users who have installed the KB5124008 update. Now Microsoft says that the security update released earlier this month is also causing problems with USB audio devices for some people. The company has not given an indication of how many people have been affected by the problem, but says that it is limited to “some USB Audio Class 1.0 devices”.