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Housemarque Releases the Free Saros Zenith Update With New Game+, Overlord Rush, and Slow Game Speed

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:08:12 -0000

Housemarque has released the Zenith update for Saros, adding a New Game+ mode called Eclipse Layers, a boss rush mode with global leaderboards, and new accessib Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/housemarque-releases-the-free-saros-zenith-update-with-new-game-overlord-rush-and-slow-game-speed/">Housemarque Releases the Free Saros Zenith Update With New Game+, Overlord Rush, and Slow Game Speed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Housemarque has released the Zenith update for Saros, adding a New Game+ mode called Eclipse Layers, a boss rush mode with global leaderboards, and new accessibility options including a Slow Game Speed setting.The update is available from October 19, 2026, at no additional charge for all Saros owners, according to a <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">PlayStation</a> Blog post by Abebe Tinari, Saros: Zenith Design Lead at Housemarque. The PlayStation Blog post does not list the update's version number or download size.<h2>Saros Zenith Adds Eclipse Layers and Overlord Rush</h2>Eclipse Layers unlock after players clear Saros. New nodes appear in the Armor Matrix at Passage, and those nodes open the gate to the next Eclipse Layer, a harder version of the game with altered rules and deadlier enemies. Before each run, players choose a loadout of Carcosan Modifiers that must reach a set threshold of Trials.Arjun wears a Crown during Eclipse Layers and his armor glows gold. The Crown grows as players add more Trials and raise their Modifier Balance. Housemarque has also added 12 collectible Visions, murals and messages carved by an ancient king, and some of their text can only be read at higher Crown levels.Zenith adds 20 new Carcosan Modifiers, split into two groups:<ul> <li>10 Protection Modifiers that make the game easier, such as Corruption Melee Enhancement, which converts built up Corruption into extra melee damage</li> <li>10 Trial Modifiers that raise the difficulty, such as Hostile Regeneration, which lets larger enemies recover from weapon stuns unless they are finished with a melee strike</li> </ul>Housemarque says there are 25 Trials in total for Eclipse Layers.Overlord Rush is a training simulation where players race to defeat the Overlords from the main game. It is split into three Sets. Incursion and Ascension contain three Overlords each and take about 10 minutes, while Totality lines up all eight Overlords in one continuous gauntlet. Scores go to an integrated global leaderboard that can be filtered by Main Weapon.<h2>New Accessibility Options in Saros</h2>The Zenith update also targets players who find Saros too demanding. Slow Game Speed gives more time to react, and players control how much the game slows down. The setting can kick in automatically during combat or be toggled manually.Auto-fire shoots the equipped weapon whenever the player aims at a hostile, though reloading stays manual. A new Motion Sensor Aiming option is available as well, alongside the existing button remapping.Players who want to try the new content can follow these steps:<ol> <li>Update Saros to the Zenith version.</li> <li>Open the Primary Unit in Passage to start Overlord Rush.</li> <li>Clear the main game, then use the new Armor Matrix nodes to enter the first Eclipse Layer.</li> </ol>Overlord Rush requires an internet connection and a PlayStation account, which means the boss rush mode and its leaderboards are not playable offline. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/housemarque-releases-the-free-saros-zenith-update-with-new-game-overlord-rush-and-slow-game-speed/">Housemarque Releases the Free Saros Zenith Update With New Game+, Overlord Rush, and Slow Game Speed</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
US Homeland Security Orders Federal Civilian Agencies to Stop Using and Remove DeepSeek AI Products

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:05:12 -0000

The US Department of Homeland Security issued an order on Monday directing federal civilian agencies to stop using technology products from Chinese AI lab DeepS Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/us-homeland-security-orders-federal-civilian-agencies-to-stop-using-and-remove-deepseek-ai-products/">US Homeland Security Orders Federal Civilian Agencies to Stop Using and Remove DeepSeek AI Products</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

The US Department of Homeland Security issued an order on Monday directing federal civilian agencies to stop using technology products from Chinese AI lab DeepSeek and to remove any existing implementations.The order, posted for public inspection in the Federal Register, covers "all DeepSeek and DeepSeek-affiliate products, and third-party products and services developed using DeepSeek implementations."The first part of the ban targets DeepSeek's own apps and API. The second part reaches further into the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/">AI</a> supply chain, and the order does not define what "developed using" means. It could refer to products that call DeepSeek models through an API, or to any software whose developers used DeepSeek while writing or testing code.<h2>DHS DeepSeek Order Leaves Gaps Around AI Gateways</h2>AI gateway services add another complication. OpenRouter and Vercel AI Gateway both make DeepSeek's models available through their APIs, and both route requests to the provider the service considers the best fit by default. Agencies that rely on these gateways without restricting providers could end up using DeepSeek models without knowing it.Katie Moussouris, founder and CEO of Luta Security, said banning DeepSeek's own app and API is workable, but the third-party clause is not. According to Moussouris, an AI software bill of materials does not record which tools developers used, so every vendor would have to attest that nothing it relies on ever touched DeepSeek, with no practical way to verify it.Moussouris also said applying the order to US-hosted versions of DeepSeek models goes too far, since the risks the order cites are mostly about data flowing to DeepSeek's servers in China.The order says only that the model may contain malware or vulnerabilities. NIST evaluations found DeepSeek more vulnerable to prompt injection than US models and easier to jailbreak. A DHS spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.<h2>Earlier DeepSeek Restrictions in the US</h2>US officials have discussed a DeepSeek ban since the lab released DeepSeek-R1 in early 2025. On February 6, 2025, Representatives Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer introduced the No DeepSeek on Government Devices Act, which never left committee.The Defense Information Systems Agency started blocking DeepSeek on Pentagon networks in January 2025, and the US Navy, NASA, and the House of Representatives took similar steps, as did some state governments.Security researchers also flagged problems in DeepSeek's mobile apps. A December 2025 report on the Android and iOS apps cited plaintext information leaks, links to servers run by Chinese tech firms, and a lack of SSL pinning.Organizations that work with federal agencies, or that simply want to avoid DeepSeek models, can take these steps:<ol> <li>Check the provider settings in AI gateways such as OpenRouter or Vercel AI Gateway and restrict routing to approved model providers.</li> <li>List internal tools and third-party services that call DeepSeek models directly or through a gateway.</li> <li>Ask vendors whether their products use DeepSeek implementations, keeping in mind that the order does not define the term.</li> </ol>DHS has not clarified how agencies should interpret the third-party clause or whether US-hosted DeepSeek models fall under the same removal requirement. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/us-homeland-security-orders-federal-civilian-agencies-to-stop-using-and-remove-deepseek-ai-products/">US Homeland Security Orders Federal Civilian Agencies to Stop Using and Remove DeepSeek AI Products</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Play Services Links Phone Numbers to Every Google Account on Android Devices Without a Prompt

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 04:02:21 -0000

Google Play Services is verifying the phone number on Android devices and attaching it to every Google account signed in on the same phone, according to a user Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/google-play-services-links-phone-numbers-to-every-google-account-on-android-devices-without-a-prompt/">Google Play Services Links Phone Numbers to Every Google Account on Android Devices Without a Prompt</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Google Play Services is verifying the phone number on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a> devices and attaching it to every <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> account signed in on the same phone, according to a user report posted on Reddit. The user says the verification happens automatically, without a warning or a consent prompt.The behavior matters most for people who keep separate Google accounts on one device. A common setup includes a personal account, a work account, and sometimes an anonymous account that is meant to stay unconnected to the owner's identity.Once the same phone number is attached to all of them, that shared number creates a link showing the accounts belong to one person. The link does not make data from one account visible inside another.The concern is the association itself, which the account owner did not explicitly approve. The Reddit user also says the same thing happened on a device running GrapheneOS, which shows the linking is tied to Google Play Services rather than to the stock software of one phone maker.Google has not publicly explained why Play Services verifies and links numbers this way, and it has not said when the behavior started.<h2>How to Stop Google Play Services Phone Number Verification</h2>Android users can turn off the automatic verification and then remove numbers that were already added. The process has to be repeated for each Google account on the device, which takes some time for anyone with three or more accounts.<ol> <li>Open the Settings app on the Android phone and tap Google.</li> <li>Select All services, then open Privacy & security.</li> <li>Open Phone number verification and turn off the automatic option.</li> <li>Open the Google Account settings and go to Personal info.</li> <li>Select Phone and review the numbers stored for that account.</li> <li>Delete any number that should not be connected to that account.</li> <li>Switch to the next Google account and repeat steps 4 to 6.</li> </ol>Turning off the toggle is meant to prevent future automatic verification. It does not remove numbers that are already stored, which is why the Personal info check is needed for every account, including work or secondary accounts that are rarely opened.Removing a phone number has a trade-off. An account without a stored number relies on its other recovery options, so users who delete the number from their main account should confirm that a backup recovery method is in place first.Accounts that were meant to stay separate from the owner's identity are the ones where removing the number matters most. The report comes from a single user, and Google has not confirmed which Android versions, Play Services releases, or devices are affected. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/google-play-services-links-phone-numbers-to-every-google-account-on-android-devices-without-a-prompt/">Google Play Services Links Phone Numbers to Every Google Account on Android Devices Without a Prompt</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Says Windows 11 Keeps Up to 2GB More Data in RAM and Loads Widgets on Demand on 8GB PCs

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 03:57:45 -0000

Microsoft says Windows 11 can now keep up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage, and that Widgets on PCs with 8GB of RAM load Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/microsoft-says-windows-11-keeps-up-to-2gb-more-data-in-ram-and-loads-widgets-on-demand-on-8gb-pcs/">Microsoft Says Windows 11 Keeps Up to 2GB More Data in RAM and Loads Widgets on Demand on 8GB PCs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> says <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> can now keep up to 2GB more active data in memory instead of moving it to slower storage, and that Widgets on PCs with 8GB of RAM load only when users open them.The changes are described in a Windows Experience Blog post by Navjot Virk, which states that the improvements developed with the Windows Insider community are beginning to roll out broadly.Microsoft says the memory work makes an especially meaningful difference on PCs with 8GB of memory. On those systems, loading Widgets on demand frees more than 200 MB of memory for apps and other work.The company is also making additional changes that reduce background memory use, although the post does not list them individually.<h2>Windows 11 Memory and Responsiveness Changes</h2>The memory figures are tied to Windows 11 build 26300.9550, according to the footnotes in Microsoft's post. Microsoft notes that actual availability and performance vary.The same post claims an overall Windows experience that is up to 20% more responsive. Microsoft says the gains start at boot and extend to Start, File Explorer, Search, Snipping Tool, Microsoft 365, and Edge.The response times were measured on Search, Start, the right-click menu, Settings, Snipping Tool, and File Explorer, comparing build 26300.9550 with build 26200.7628. Results vary by device, configuration, and usage, and rollout timing differs by device and region.Other changes listed in the announcement:<ul> <li>AirPods pairing that is up to 15 seconds faster, based on build 26200.8737</li> <li>more reliable pairing, reconnection, and call handling for Bluetooth headphones</li> <li>improved Windows Hello sign-in with face and fingerprint</li> <li>more control over when Windows updates install, with coordinated updates designed to reduce restarts</li> </ul>The memory change is aimed at budget and older laptops in particular. On an 8GB system, Microsoft says, keeping more active data in RAM rather than pushing it to slower storage is where users should notice the difference most, and the on-demand Widgets change adds more free memory on top of that.<h2>Advanced Shader Delivery and What Users Can Do Now</h2>Microsoft also highlights Advanced Shader Delivery, which reduces game load times by delivering precompiled shaders for supported titles. Forza Horizon 6 and Gears of War: E-Day are the examples named in the post. Microsoft gives two steps to benefit from it:<ol> <li>Install the Xbox PC app before downloading a supported game.</li> <li>Keep graphics drivers up to date.</li> </ol>For the memory and responsiveness improvements, Microsoft does not mention any setting that users need to change. The figures are linked to specific builds rather than to a named cumulative update, so Windows 11 users on 8GB systems should keep installing the latest updates and watch for the on-demand Widgets behavior.Microsoft redesigned another inbox app in the same announcement, covered in our report on the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/microsoft-redesigns-the-windows-11-photos-app-with-a-unified-onedrive-and-icloud-gallery/">Windows 11 Photos app redesign with OneDrive and iCloud</a>. Microsoft has not said which release channel each build belongs to or when every Windows 11 PC will receive the memory changes. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/20/microsoft-says-windows-11-keeps-up-to-2gb-more-data-in-ram-and-loads-widgets-on-demand-on-8gb-pcs/">Microsoft Says Windows 11 Keeps Up to 2GB More Data in RAM and Loads Widgets on Demand on 8GB PCs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Opens for Digital Pre-Orders Ahead of October 23 Launch

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 06:08:31 -0000

The campaign of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is now playable in early access for players who digitally pre-ordered the game, ahead of the full launch on Frida Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-campaign-early-access-opens-for-digital-pre-orders-ahead-of-october-23-launch/">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Opens for Digital Pre-Orders Ahead of October 23 Launch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

The campaign of <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">Call of Duty</a>: Modern Warfare 4 is now playable in early access for players who digitally pre-ordered the game, ahead of the full launch on Friday, October 23, 2026.Activision opened the early access period on Friday, October 16, a week before release, and only the story campaign is available during this window. Multiplayer and the returning DMZ mode stay locked until launch day.Early access covers the Standard Digital Edition and the Vault Edition on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, PlayStation 5, Battle.net, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Physical copies do not qualify, as retail discs ship on the general release date.<h2>Modern Warfare 4 Early Access Requirements and Platforms</h2>Players who want to start the campaign before October 23 need a digital pre-order from their platform's store. The steps are the same across systems:<ol> <li>Open the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 page on the Xbox Store, PlayStation Store, Steam, Battle.net, or Nintendo eShop.</li> <li>Pre-order the Standard Digital Edition or the Vault Edition. The Xbox version supports Xbox Play Anywhere across Xbox consoles and Xbox on PC.</li> <li>Start the campaign once the pre-order is in place; multiplayer and DMZ remain locked until October 23.</li> </ol>A pre-ordered physical copy from a retailer will not unlock the campaign early, even if the order was placed before October 16.The Modern Warfare 4 campaign puts players in the role of Private Park, a young South Korean soldier who sees live combat for the first time when North Korea launches a full-scale invasion.A second storyline follows Captain Price, now operating outside the system he once served, as a hunt for revenge draws him toward a weapon that could shift the balance of power. Activision describes the campaign as a mix of large-scale battles, covert missions, combined-arms warfare, and cinematic set pieces.<h2>Multiplayer, DMZ, and Game Pass Status</h2>Multiplayer servers open for everyone on October 23, the same day the full game becomes available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC. The DMZ mode returns at launch as well. The beta weekends have already ended, so early access is the only way to play Modern Warfare 4 before release.Warzone will not be integrated with Modern Warfare 4 on launch day. That integration is expected with Season 1, which arrives in the weeks after release, and Activision has not published an exact Season 1 date.Modern Warfare 4 also breaks from the last two Call of Duty releases on subscriptions. Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 launched on Xbox Game Pass, but Modern Warfare 4 will not be on Game Pass at launch.Players who planned to try the game through a subscription will need to buy it, and the game is not currently expected on Game Pass until October 2027 at the earliest.Activision has not announced an exact unlock time for the October 23 launch in each region. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-campaign-early-access-opens-for-digital-pre-orders-ahead-of-october-23-launch/">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Opens for Digital Pre-Orders Ahead of October 23 Launch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Edge Tests Seamless Updates That Apply Without Restarting the Browser

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:51:27 -0000

Microsoft is developing a seamless update system for Microsoft Edge that moves the browser to a newer version while users keep working, without a restart prompt Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/microsoft-edge-tests-seamless-updates-that-apply-without-restarting-the-browser/">Microsoft Edge Tests Seamless Updates That Apply Without Restarting the Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> is developing a seamless update system for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/the-web/microsoft-edge/">Microsoft Edge</a> that moves the browser to a newer version while users keep working, without a restart prompt, according to a post on the Microsoft Edge Blog. The feature exists only as an early prototype. It is not in production code and is not part of Chromium today, but Microsoft also detailed two update options that Edge users and administrators can use now.Microsoft describes the goal as closing the "patch gap," the time between a security fix becoming available and actually being applied on a device. The company cites its 2026 Microsoft Digital Defense Report, which says AI is speeding up both attacks and vulnerability discovery.<h2>How the Edge Seamless Updates Prototype Works</h2>In the prototype, Edge downloads the new version in the background. The browser, its supporting processes, and open tabs then transition to the new version. Microsoft's demo shows a long web form that stays open with the user's data intact during the switch.The demo still starts with a click on the Update button, but Microsoft says the stated aim is that users would not need to click at all. Updates could then be applied within minutes of becoming available. According to the post's illustration, existing tabs keep running only when the old and new versions are compatible, and they adopt the new version after the next navigation.Edge is also not tied to the Chromium release schedule for urgent fixes. Microsoft says it has already shipped Edge security patches independently when customers needed protection sooner. The Chromium schedule is what drives regular releases such as <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/07/google-releases-chrome-155-with-247-security-fixes-four-of-them-rated-critical/">Chrome 155 with 247 security fixes</a>.<h2>Edge Update Options Available Today</h2>The first option is Restart to update on idle, previously called Instant Updates. It is an opt-in setting that relaunches Edge when the device is idle, applies the pending update, and restores open tabs.A restart still happens, but at a time when the user is not working. Microsoft says this can deliver the latest protection in hours instead of days. Details are in the Microsoft support article "Automatically update Microsoft Edge when your device is idle."The second option, Security Update Alerts, is aimed at administrators of managed Windows devices and comes at no additional licensing cost. Admins can set it up in the Edge management service:<ol> <li>Open the Monitoring dashboard in the Edge management service.</li> <li>Set a minimum severity threshold for security alerts.</li> <li>Review dashboard alerts and email notifications when a new Edge release contains fixes at or above that level, including releases that address zero-day vulnerabilities.</li> <li>Prompt users to restart, or configure automatic restarts when devices are idle, directly from the dashboard.</li> </ol>The dashboard also lists each release's severity, the CVEs it addresses, the number of managed Windows devices that may need the update, and the latest versions across Edge channels.Microsoft has not announced when, or whether, seamless updates will move from prototype to a public Edge release. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/microsoft-edge-tests-seamless-updates-that-apply-without-restarting-the-browser/">Microsoft Edge Tests Seamless Updates That Apply Without Restarting the Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Apple Calls iPhone Duo Demand Extraordinary as Delivery Dates Slip to January 2027

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:44:29 -0000

Apple says demand for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable iPhone, has been "nothing short of extraordinary," after delivery estimates for new orders moved from O Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/apple-calls-iphone-duo-demand-extraordinary-as-delivery-dates-slip-to-january-2027/">Apple Calls iPhone Duo Demand Extraordinary as Delivery Dates Slip to January 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/apple-companies/">Apple</a> says demand for the iPhone Duo, its first foldable <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/ios/">iPhone</a>, has been "nothing short of extraordinary," after delivery estimates for new orders moved from October 23 into late January within half an hour of pre-orders opening.Apple made the comment in a statement and said it is "working hard to get this revolutionary new product into customers' hands as quickly as possible." The company will keep accepting online orders.Pre-orders opened on Friday, October 16, at 5 a.m. PT. The iPhone Duo starts at $1,999, and the top configuration with 2TB of storage costs $3,199.<h2>iPhone Duo Delivery Estimates Move Into 2027</h2>Delivery estimates changed quickly on launch morning. Within minutes, the date shown for new orders moved from October 23 to November. By 5:30 a.m. PT, the estimate had reached January 25, which means orders placed now are no longer expected to arrive in 2026.The delays are not limited to the United States. In some countries, including Brazil, estimated deliveries have moved into early February.The first orders are still scheduled to arrive on October 23. Apple has not said whether walk-in stock will be available in Apple Stores on launch day. Apple's online store tells customers to check back on October 24 for store pickup availability, a note that suggests some pickup stock could appear the following week.Before pre-orders opened, there were reports that manufacturing difficulties could limit supply, and Apple has not said how much of the backlog comes from demand and how much from constrained production.The iPhone Duo uses a book-style design with a 5.4-inch outer display and a 7.6-inch inner display. Apple uses a matte nano-texture finish meant to reduce glare and make the crease less visible.The camera setup includes a 48MP Fusion Main camera and a 48MP Ultra Wide camera on the back, plus a 12MP Center Stage front camera on the outer display.<h2>What iPhone Duo Buyers Can Do Now</h2>Resellers have already listed iPhone Duo units on eBay and X for as much as $10,000, well above Apple's $3,199 top price. Some critics have asked Apple to identify and cancel orders placed by scalpers, and Apple has not said whether it will act on those calls.Buyers who want the device sooner than late January have limited options:<ol> <li>Keep an existing online order rather than cancelling and reordering, since new orders receive later delivery estimates.</li> <li>Check Apple's online store on October 24 for store pickup availability in nearby Apple Stores.</li> <li>Avoid paying resale prices on marketplaces, where listings run thousands of dollars above Apple's retail price.</li> </ol>Apple has not shared sales figures for the iPhone Duo or given a date for when delivery estimates are expected to shorten again. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/apple-calls-iphone-duo-demand-extraordinary-as-delivery-dates-slip-to-january-2027/">Apple Calls iPhone Duo Demand Extraordinary as Delivery Dates Slip to January 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Redesigns the Windows 11 Photos App With a Unified OneDrive and iCloud Gallery

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 05:23:52 -0000

Microsoft has started rolling out a redesigned Photos app for Windows 11 that combines local, OneDrive, and iCloud photos in a single gallery and adds a rebuilt Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/microsoft-redesigns-the-windows-11-photos-app-with-a-unified-onedrive-and-icloud-gallery/">Microsoft Redesigns the Windows 11 Photos App With a Unified OneDrive and iCloud Gallery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has started rolling out a redesigned Photos app for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> that combines local, OneDrive, and iCloud photos in a single gallery and adds a rebuilt editor and viewer, according to an announcement on the Windows Blog. The update is reaching Windows Insiders first, and Microsoft says availability will expand to all Windows 11 users later in 2026.The release replaces three core parts of the app at once: the Gallery, the image editor, and the photo viewer. Microsoft also claims faster launch times and smoother scrolling across the board.<h2>Windows 11 Photos Gallery Adds OneDrive and iCloud Sources</h2>The new Gallery shows photos and videos stored on the PC, in OneDrive, and in iCloud in one view. Users can browse by date, people, and albums, filter by storage location, and mark favorites. Device-stored photos remain available offline, and signing in to OneDrive is not required to see local and iCloud content.Search now accepts natural language queries, with Microsoft giving "a family picnic by the lake" as an example. On supported hardware, the improved Windows Search also covers photos in the local Pictures Library.OneDrive users get extra features. Moments groups OneDrive photos into themed memories, creates seasonal recaps automatically, and can play them as slideshows or save them as videos. An "On this day" view surfaces photos from past years. iCloud content requires Apple's iCloud for Windows app, which syncs photos and videos into the Gallery; Shared Albums are still managed through the separate iCloud Shared Albums app.<h2>Rebuilt Editor and Viewer in the New Photos App</h2>The editor has been rebuilt with WinUI 3. Microsoft says it loads about 25% faster than Photos version 2026.11060 in its own controlled tests, with results varying by device. Tools are split into four groups:<ul> <li>Crop, including templates sized for common social media platforms</li> <li>Enhance, with HDR preserved during editing</li> <li>Repair, which removes objects that users circle or brush over using an improved AI model</li> <li>Stylize, including Relight, which adds up to three light sources with adjustable color, focus point, brightness, and intensity</li> </ul>HEIC and WebP files can now be edited and saved in their original formats.The viewer starts about 15% faster on average and up to 30% faster for HEIC images, the company claims. It adds arrow-key navigation, a single menu, SVG support, improved HDR viewing, and an info panel that shows the file name, date, camera details, a location map when location data exists, a color histogram, and visual search. Opening an image from File Explorer launches the new viewer.Windows Insiders who want to try the redesign can do the following:<ol> <li>Install the latest Photos app update on a PC enrolled in the Windows Insider Program.</li> <li>Open the Gallery and connect OneDrive, or install iCloud for Windows to add iCloud photos.</li> <li>Send feedback with Win + F, under Apps > Photos, in Feedback Hub.</li> </ol>Some features carry conditions. Moments works only with OneDrive photos, improved search depends on supported hardware, file types, and languages, and Relight is still expanding to all Windows 11 devices. Microsoft has not given an exact date for the release to non-Insider Windows 11 PCs beyond "later in 2026." Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/19/microsoft-redesigns-the-windows-11-photos-app-with-a-unified-onedrive-and-icloud-gallery/">Microsoft Redesigns the Windows 11 Photos App With a Unified OneDrive and iCloud Gallery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Valve Adds Steam Achievement Sets That Keep DLC From Lowering Base Game Completion

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:43:16 -0000

Valve has added achievement sets to the Steam client beta, a change that lets developers group achievements and keep DLC and seasonal achievements separate from Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/valve-adds-steam-achievement-sets-that-keep-dlc-from-lowering-base-game-completion/">Valve Adds Steam Achievement Sets That Keep DLC From Lowering Base Game Completion</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Valve has added achievement sets to the Steam client beta, a change that lets developers group achievements and keep DLC and seasonal achievements separate from a game's base list, according to Valve's official Steam client beta announcement. The update also redesigns the achievements page and adds side-by-side comparisons with friends. The system is currently limited to the Steam Client Beta. Developers can create sets tailored to a game, for example for mastering a specific character class or finishing a singleplayer campaign. Sets also mark which achievements belong to the base game and which belong to separate DLC or seasonal content. <h2>What Changes for Steam Achievement Completion</h2> Under the old system, a game with every achievement unlocked showed 100% in the achievements list. When a developer released DLC with new achievements, that figure dropped, even for players who never planned to buy or play the expansion. With sets, DLC achievements no longer pull down the base game's completion percentage, as long as the developer uses the new system. Seasonal content works the same way. Valve's example is a set called "Halloween Event Achievements" that is valid for a limited period and does not affect the base game's achievement count. Players who skip a season keep their base game stats intact, which also fits games with battle passes. The redesigned achievements page now shows most information on a single screen, including overall completion progress and progress toward individual achievements. Players can also compare achievements with up to three friends at once. Separate DLC trophy lists and friend comparisons have been available on PlayStation consoles for some time. <h2>Games That Support Steam Achievement Sets</h2> Not every Steam game uses achievement sets yet. The following titles already support them: <ul> <li>Against the Storm, Age of Wonders 4, and Crusader Kings III</li> <li>American Truck Simulator and Euro Truck Simulator 2</li> <li>Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Forza Horizon 5</li> <li>DREDGE, Flock Around, and He is Coming</li> <li>LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight</li> <li>Left 4 Dead 2, Portal 2, and Team Fortress 2</li> <li>PowerWash Simulator and PowerWash Simulator 2</li> <li>Victoria 3</li> </ul> Players who want achievement sets now have to sign up for the Steam Client Beta in the Steam client. Everyone else can wait for the stable release, which does not require any action. Completionists who track 100% runs should check whether their games appear in the supported list before relying on the new percentages, because titles without sets still count DLC achievements toward the base total. Beta features can still change before release. Steam client betas such as the recent screensaver feature have usually lasted around a month before reaching the stable client. Valve has not announced a date for the stable release, and support in individual games depends on developers adopting achievement sets. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/valve-adds-steam-achievement-sets-that-keep-dlc-from-lowering-base-game-completion/">Valve Adds Steam Achievement Sets That Keep DLC From Lowering Base Game Completion</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Brave Adds End-to-End Encryption to Leo AI Chats Using a Trusted Execution Environment

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:41:48 -0000

Brave Software has connected the Leo AI assistant in its browser to Z. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/brave-adds-end-to-end-encryption-to-leo-ai-chats-using-a-trusted-execution-environment/">Brave Adds End-to-End Encryption to Leo AI Chats Using a Trusted Execution Environment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/the-web/brave/">Brave</a> Software has connected the Leo AI assistant in its browser to Z.ai's GLM 5.3 Flash model with end-to-end encryption, running the model inside a trusted execution environment (TEE) operated by NEAR AI.The company says the setup keeps the content of AI conversations hidden from Brave and the identity of the person asking hidden from NEAR AI. The launch follows an experiment Brave started in November 2025 to create a confidential channel for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/">AI</a> conversations in Leo using NEAR AI's TEE.<h2>How Brave Encrypts Leo Conversations</h2>A prompt sent to Leo in this mode is encrypted on the device and sent over the network with Oblivious HTTP, a protocol that separates network requests from their content. Brave's AI Gateway then forwards the encrypted query to the TEE without passing along the user's IP address.Before sending anything, the browser verifies the enclave's attestation and encrypts the query with a key bound to the TEE. The enclave decrypts the request, runs it through GLM 5.3 Flash, and returns an encrypted answer that only the receiving browser can decrypt.NEAR AI's confidential pipeline is built on Intel TDX and Nvidia Confidential Compute. Data isolation prevents the prompt or the response from being read during processing, and responses are signed inside the TEE. Attestation lets users confirm that the model has not been swapped for a different one.Leo can still run web searches in this setup. Those searches go through the Brave Search API's LLM context endpoint from inside the TEE, not from the user's browser, which keeps the user's IP address out of the request."AI has raised the stakes, yet too much of it still runs on 'trust me bro' promises, often at the user's expense," Brave co-founder and CEO Brendan Eich said in a statement published by NEAR AI.<h2>Why Encrypted AI Chats Matter for Brave Users</h2>AI agents such as Meta's Muse ask for extensive access to personal information, and some AI companies repurpose conversations for model training. The Brave approach is meant to make the privacy claim verifiable through attestation instead of relying on a provider's zero data retention promise.Apple, AWS, Google, Nvidia, and Microsoft all operate some form of private cloud compute for AI. Running an open weight model on local hardware remains another way to keep prompts off third-party servers.Brave users who want this protection need to use Leo with the GLM 5.3 Flash model, since the end-to-end encrypted path covers that model inside the NEAR AI enclave.The implementation is not complete. Brave plans to move the attestation check into the browser itself, publish a log of TEE keys, and provide enclave attestation for the exact model weights loaded into memory, and the company has not given a timeline for those steps. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/brave-adds-end-to-end-encryption-to-leo-ai-chats-using-a-trusted-execution-environment/">Brave Adds End-to-End Encryption to Leo AI Chats Using a Trusted Execution Environment</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Rolls Out Gmail AI Inbox to Paid Workspace Users in the US, With Wider Rollout From October 26

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:39:49 -0000

Google is rolling out AI Inbox in Gmail to paid Google Workspace customers, according to an official Google Workspace Updates announcement. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/google-rolls-out-gmail-ai-inbox-to-paid-workspace-users-in-the-us-with-wider-rollout-from-october-26/">Google Rolls Out Gmail AI Inbox to Paid Workspace Users in the US, With Wider Rollout From October 26</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> is rolling out AI Inbox in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/email/gmail/">Gmail</a> to paid Google Workspace customers, according to an official Google Workspace Updates announcement. The feature, first introduced in January, is limited at launch to users in the United States whose account language is set to US English.AI Inbox goes further than the single-thread Gemini summaries that Gmail has offered for the past year. Instead of waiting for a user to open an email and request a recap, Gmail scans incoming messages and builds a live briefing of deadlines and status updates.<h2>How Gmail's AI Inbox Works</h2>AI Inbox does not replace the traditional chronological inbox. Google places it as a separate view in the Gmail navigation menu, both in the desktop web client and in the mobile app, and it centers on two views:<ul> <li>Suggested to-dos, which pull action items, deliverables, and due dates out of long email chains.</li> <li>Topics to catch up on, which group rapid replies and multi-message project discussions into summaries that highlight the latest decisions and status changes.</li> </ul>Workspace administrators do not need to change anything in the Admin console. The view appears automatically in the Gmail menu for eligible users. Google describes the launch as requiring zero admin setup.For users, the practical change is that tasks buried in a thread no longer have to be copied by hand into a separate notes or to-do app.<h2>Gmail AI Inbox Rollout Schedule and Eligible Workspace Plans</h2>Google is staggering the deployment across Workspace domains over the coming weeks:<ol> <li>Rapid Release domains started receiving AI Inbox on October 12, 2026, and full visibility can take up to 15 days.</li> <li>Scheduled Release domains begin a gradual 15-day rollout on October 26, 2026.</li> </ol>At launch, AI Inbox is available to Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Standard, Enterprise Plus, and Frontline Plus subscribers. Google says Business Starter, Enterprise Starter, and AI Pro for Education accounts will get the feature over the next few months.Workspace users who do not see AI Inbox yet should check two things: whether their account language is set to US English, and whether their domain is on the Rapid Release or Scheduled Release track.Users on the Scheduled Release track will not get the view before October 26. Accounts on the same plan can receive it at different times during the rollout window.Google has not announced when AI Inbox will expand to additional languages or markets outside the United States. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/google-rolls-out-gmail-ai-inbox-to-paid-workspace-users-in-the-us-with-wider-rollout-from-october-26/">Google Rolls Out Gmail AI Inbox to Paid Workspace Users in the US, With Wider Rollout From October 26</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5127648 Update Can Block Users From Turning On Smart App Control

Sat, 17 Oct 2026 04:37:22 -0000

Microsoft has confirmed that the October KB5127648 security update for Windows 11 can prevent some users from turning on Smart App Control, according to an upda Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-kb5127648-update-can-block-users-from-turning-on-smart-app-control/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5127648 Update Can Block Users From Turning On Smart App Control</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has confirmed that the October KB5127648 security update for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> can prevent some users from turning on Smart App Control, according to an update to the official KB5127648 support document.On affected devices running Windows 11 version 24H2 and later, the Smart App Control option in the Windows Security app is grayed out and cannot be toggled.A permanent fix is not available yet. Microsoft has published two temporary workarounds, one based on the registry and one based on Group Policy, aimed mainly at IT administrators who manage enterprise devices.<h2>Which Windows 11 Devices Are Affected by the Smart App Control Bug</h2>Smart App Control is a Windows 11 security feature that uses Microsoft's app intelligence services and code integrity features. It works alongside Microsoft Defender and SmartScreen to block apps or binaries that may be harmful.The problem only hits systems where the feature was switched off before the update. "After installing this update, some devices might be unable to turn on Smart App Control in the Windows Security app if it has been turned off," Microsoft says in the advisory. The company adds that devices where Smart App Control is already turned on are not affected and remain protected.Users who never planned to enable Smart App Control will not notice any change. The bug matters for anyone who wants to switch the protection on after installing the October update, a step that is blocked on affected systems.<h2>Microsoft's Registry and Group Policy Workarounds</h2>Microsoft's registry workaround restores the toggle on affected devices. It requires administrator rights and a restart:<ol> <li>Type cmd in the Windows Search box.</li> <li>Select Run as Administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt window.</li> <li>Enter reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides" /v 2883193997 /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f and press Enter.</li> <li>Enter reg add "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Policies\Microsoft\FeatureManagement\Overrides" /v 2850574478 /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f and press Enter.</li> <li>Restart the device, then open the Windows Security app and turn on Smart App Control.</li> </ol>Administrators of managed fleets can install two Group Policy packages instead. Microsoft lists them as KB5074105 261015_19222 Feature Preview and KB5074105 261015_19221 Feature Preview, both covering Windows 11 versions 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2.Once installed, the policies appear under Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, the Group Policy name, and then Windows 11, version 24H2, 25H2.Both settings must be set to Enabled, and the affected devices need a restart before the change applies. The policies also turn on logging for troubleshooting.The Smart App Control issue is the latest in a series of confirmed problems with recent Windows 11 updates. Earlier this week, Microsoft also resolved a separate bug behind <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/microsoft-fixes-windows-11-black-screens-and-explorer-crashes-with-october-13-updates/">black screens and Explorer crashes after sign-in</a>, and it acknowledged Remote Desktop failures for non-admin users when the Administrator protection feature is enabled.Microsoft has not said when a fix for the Smart App Control toggle will ship, and the registry and Group Policy changes remain temporary measures until that update arrives. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/17/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-kb5127648-update-can-block-users-from-turning-on-smart-app-control/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5127648 Update Can Block Users From Turning On Smart App Control</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Rockstar Releases the GTA 6 Launch Trailer Ahead of the November 19 Console Release

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:28:05 -0000

Rockstar Games has released the launch trailer for Grand Theft Auto 6, its final trailer before the game arrives on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Serie Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/rockstar-releases-the-gta-6-launch-trailer-ahead-of-the-november-19-console-release/">Rockstar Releases the GTA 6 Launch Trailer Ahead of the November 19 Console Release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Rockstar Games has released the launch trailer for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">Grand Theft Auto 6</a>, its final trailer before the game arrives on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.The company shared the video on October 15 and says it features the debut of "Flower in a Hurricane," a new track from GTA 6 score composers Justice featuring Tame Impala, SZA, and King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. The song will appear on the official GTA 6 soundtrack album.The music choice breaks with the previous GTA 6 trailers. The first trailer used Tom Petty's "Love Is a Long Road," and the second used "Hot Together" by The Pointer Sisters. Both were licensed songs, while the launch trailer uses original music written for the game.<h2>What the GTA 6 Launch Trailer Shows</h2><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rz1B4B2yBZY?si=wHHPGCr9f_1oHvFn" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>The trailer focuses on the two protagonists, Jason and Lucia, more than earlier footage did. Jason appears with long hair for much of the video and talks about the obstacles he faced after leaving the military under less-than-glamorous circumstances. Lucia is shown wearing a monitoring anklet, and at one point she asks whether the two of them are going to be OK.Helicopters play a large part in the action scenes:<ul> <li>a helicopter crashes behind Jason while he carries an assault rifle</li> <li>Lucia rides in another helicopter through the city with a grenade launcher</li> <li>a third helicopter swings a chained load of cargo through a row of windows on a building</li> </ul>The trailer ends with Jason and Lucia jumping off a roof into a hotel pool.Rockstar's official video description sums up the story setup. Jason and Lucia have always known the odds are against them, and when an easy score goes wrong, they end up in a criminal conspiracy that stretches across the state of Leonida, forced to rely on each other to survive.The launch trailer passed 1 million views on YouTube in about half an hour. It was captured on PlayStation 5, and PlayStation branding appears at the start and end of the video.<h2>GTA 6 Release Details and the Missing PC Version</h2>Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on November 19 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Console players who want to watch the trailer can find it on Rockstar's official YouTube channel, and the full version of "Flower in a Hurricane" is available there as well.PC players have nothing to plan for yet. Rockstar has not announced a PC version of GTA 6 or given it a release date, and Microsoft has already said that the game <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/07/microsoft-says-gta-6-will-not-stream-exclusively-on-xbox-or-be-playable-on-pc-through-the-cloud/">will not be playable on PC through the cloud</a>. PC players should not expect a launch day version on that platform.Rockstar has not shared further trailers or a PC announcement alongside the launch trailer, and the November 19 date currently applies only to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/rockstar-releases-the-gta-6-launch-trailer-ahead-of-the-november-19-console-release/">Rockstar Releases the GTA 6 Launch Trailer Ahead of the November 19 Console Release</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
OpenAI Accuses a Former Employee of Taking More Than 100 Confidential Hardware Files Back to Apple

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:25:37 -0000

OpenAI has accused a former employee of taking more than 100 confidential files about its unreleased hardware back to Apple, according to a court filing OpenAI Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/openai-accuses-a-former-employee-of-taking-more-than-100-confidential-hardware-files-back-to-apple/">OpenAI Accuses a Former Employee of Taking More Than 100 Confidential Hardware Files Back to Apple</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/openai-ai/">OpenAI</a> has accused a former employee of taking more than 100 confidential files about its unreleased hardware back to <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/apple-companies/">Apple</a>, according to a court filing OpenAI submitted on Wednesday in the trade secrets case Apple brought against the company.OpenAI claims the employee, who joined from Apple and returned to Apple six months later, transferred sensitive documents to personal accounts before leaving.The filing does not name the employee. OpenAI has asked the court for time to investigate the matter and to consider counterclaims against Apple.<h2>OpenAI's Allegations Against Apple in the Trade Secrets Case</h2>According to the filing, the files included:<ul> <li>detailed images of at least one unreleased OpenAI device</li> <li>engineering and manufacturing data</li> <li>supplier information and project files</li> <li>specifications for cosmetic finishes</li> <li>reports on coating and sealing hardware components</li> </ul>OpenAI says some of the files were transferred just after midnight in Singapore on June 2, which the filing describes as the employee's final day at OpenAI.The filing goes further than the alleged file transfer. OpenAI claims the former employee presented OpenAI's product plans to Apple's senior leadership, including Apple's vice president of operations in Asia.According to OpenAI, that presentation took place months ago. OpenAI now points to Apple's latest AI hardware push, including its newly announced smart home products such as <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/apple-launches-the-299-homeview-its-first-smart-display-with-sales-starting-november-13/">Apple's $299 HomeView smart display</a>, as a reason for concern.OpenAI told the court it is worried that its confidential information is now circulating inside Apple, where engineers could use it to shape upcoming Apple products.Apple rejects the claims. The company says it has found nothing to support OpenAI's allegations and that it has rules that stop employees from bringing former employers' secrets into Apple.<h2>How the Apple and OpenAI Trade Secrets Dispute Started</h2>The new filing reverses the direction of the original case. In July, Apple sued OpenAI and two former Apple employees, Chang Liu and Tang Yew Tan, alleging that the pair took confidential engineering information, including details about unreleased products, to help OpenAI develop its own hardware.OpenAI denied those accusations at the time, saying it had no interest in other companies' trade secrets. With the new filing, OpenAI argues that confidential hardware information may have moved from OpenAI to Apple instead. OpenAI has not yet shown that Apple received or used any of the files it says were taken.For consumers, the dispute has no immediate effect on existing Apple or OpenAI products. It does show that both companies are developing AI hardware in parallel, with OpenAI working on at least one unreleased device and Apple expanding into AI-powered smart home products.Anyone following either company's hardware plans should watch the court docket for counterclaims, which would turn OpenAI's defense into a direct case against Apple.OpenAI has not filed any counterclaims yet, and the filing does not say when its investigation into the transferred files will be complete. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/openai-accuses-a-former-employee-of-taking-more-than-100-confidential-hardware-files-back-to-apple/">OpenAI Accuses a Former Employee of Taking More Than 100 Confidential Hardware Files Back to Apple</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Removes Gemini Pro Models From the $4.99 AI Plus Plan Starting November 13

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:17:03 -0000

Google will remove access to Gemini Pro models from its $4. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/google-removes-gemini-pro-models-from-the-4-99-ai-plus-plan-starting-november-13/">Google Removes Gemini Pro Models From the $4.99 AI Plus Plan Starting November 13</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> will remove access to Gemini Pro models from its $4.99 per month Google AI Plus subscription on November 13, 2026, according to an email the Google One team is sending to AI Plus subscribers. From that date, selecting Pro models in the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/">Gemini</a> app and in AI Mode in Google Search will be limited to Google AI Pro subscribers and higher tiers.AI Plus is the cheapest paid Google AI plan. It has been sold with access to faster Gemini models and 400GB of Google storage, and Pro model access was one of its main selling points for subscribers who wanted more than the free tier.Google says AI Plus subscribers will keep access to its latest Flash-Lite model and to Flash, which the company describes as built for speed and intelligence. Existing conversations that used a Pro model are not deleted. Those chats can be continued after November 13, but with a different model.<h2>Why Google Is Moving Pro Models to Higher Tiers</h2>The change was signaled earlier. When Google rolled out Gemini 4 Argon, the company said the new model would only be available on AI Pro and AI Ultra plans, not AI Plus.Google also said at the time that AI Plus subscribers would later lose access to all Gemini Pro models. The November 13 email puts a date on that plan. After the change, Google's AI plans line up as follows:<ul> <li>Free: Gemini Flash-Lite</li> <li>AI Plus ($4.99 per month): Gemini Flash-Lite and Gemini Flash</li> <li>AI Pro ($19.99 per month): everything in AI Plus, plus Gemini Pro models and Gemini 4 Argon</li> <li>AI Ultra 5x ($99.99 per month): AI Pro features with higher Pro model access and 5x higher usage limits</li> <li>AI Ultra 20x ($199.99 per month): AI Ultra 5x features with 20x higher usage limits and the highest Pro model access</li> </ul>For AI Plus subscribers, the practical result is a gap of $15 per month between the plan they pay for and the cheapest plan that keeps Pro models. Google points subscribers to a Help Center article for details and says the subscription can be managed or canceled at any time.Subscribers who rely on Pro models have a little under a month to decide how to respond:<ol> <li>Review the Google One plan comparison page to see which models, limits, and storage each tier includes.</li> <li>Test whether Gemini Flash handles typical prompts well enough, since Flash remains part of AI Plus.</li> <li>Finish or export important work from Pro model conversations before November 13, when those chats switch to another model.</li> <li>Upgrade to AI Pro, keep AI Plus, or cancel through Google One, depending on how much Pro model access matters.</li> </ol>The trade-off is straightforward. Staying on AI Plus keeps the lower price and the storage, while Pro models and Gemini 4 Argon now require the $19.99 AI Pro plan.The email does not mention a price change for AI Plus or any change to the plan's 400GB of storage, and Google has not said whether existing subscribers will receive any compensation for losing Pro model access. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/google-removes-gemini-pro-models-from-the-4-99-ai-plus-plan-starting-november-13/">Google Removes Gemini Pro Models From the $4.99 AI Plus Plan Starting November 13</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
WhatsApp Rolls Out Guest Calling So People Without an Account Can Join Calls From a Browser

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 08:11:20 -0000

Meta has started rolling out guest calling in WhatsApp, a feature that lets people without a WhatsApp account join a WhatsApp call through an invite link. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/whatsapp-rolls-out-guest-calling-so-people-without-an-account-can-join-calls-from-a-browser/">WhatsApp Rolls Out Guest Calling So People Without an Account Can Join Calls From a Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/meta/">Meta</a> has started rolling out guest calling in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/apps/">WhatsApp</a>, a feature that lets people without a WhatsApp account join a WhatsApp call through an invite link.The company announced the change on Wednesday in a post on the WhatsApp blog. Guests join from a computer browser and always need an invitation from an existing WhatsApp user, since they cannot start calls of their own.Meta says guest calls keep the core properties of regular WhatsApp calls. They are free, and they are end-to-end encrypted, so bringing someone from outside the platform into a conversation does not lower its privacy level.Until now, every participant in a WhatsApp call needed a WhatsApp account. That requirement made group calls awkward whenever one or two people in a group relied on a different messaging app.<h2>How WhatsApp Guest Calling Works and What Guests Cannot Do</h2>Guests are deliberately limited. Each guest needs approval from the call host and sits in a waiting room until the host lets them in. The host can also remove a guest from the call at any time.Meta lists these restrictions for people who join without an account:<ul> <li>no visibility of other participants' phone numbers</li> <li>no option to send messages during the call</li> <li>no option to add other people to the call</li> <li>no option to create a new call</li> </ul>Guests still have some tools. They can share their screen, react with emojis, and raise their hand. Guest calling works for one-on-one calls as well as group calls with up to 32 participants.Inviting someone who does not use WhatsApp is handled from the Calls tab:<ol> <li>Open WhatsApp and switch to the Calls tab.</li> <li>Tap the plus (+) button and create a call link.</li> <li>Send the link to the person who does not have a WhatsApp account.</li> <li>The guest opens the link in a computer browser and enters a name.</li> <li>Admit the guest from the waiting room when the call starts.</li> </ol><h2>Why Guest Calling Matters for WhatsApp Users</h2>Host approval is the main safeguard in the new system. Anyone holding a call link can reach the waiting room, so hosts should check names before admitting guests, particularly when a link has been forwarded beyond the original recipient.The hidden phone numbers protect existing participants from exposing their contact details to someone they do not know.WhatsApp is not the first calling service to take this route. Apple's FaceTime already lets users create call links that people on Android, Windows, or Linux devices can join The WhatsApp change follows another recent account policy update, after the service started to <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/whatsapp-blocks-logins-on-android-and-ios-devices-running-outdated-operating-systems/">block logins on outdated operating systems</a>.Meta's announcement describes guests joining from a computer browser and does not say whether mobile browsers are supported. WhatsApp users who do not see the call link option yet should update the app to the latest version. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/16/whatsapp-rolls-out-guest-calling-so-people-without-an-account-can-join-calls-from-a-browser/">WhatsApp Rolls Out Guest Calling So People Without an Account Can Join Calls From a Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Riot Will Shut Down League of Legends Classic in January 2027 and Refund Obsolete Content

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 13:02:07 -0000

Riot Games will shut down League of Legends Classic in January 2027, the company announced in a developer update on the official League of Legends website. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/riot-will-shut-down-league-of-legends-classic-in-january-2027-and-refund-obsolete-content/">Riot Will Shut Down League of Legends Classic in January 2027 and Refund Obsolete Content</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Riot Games will shut down League of Legends Classic in January 2027, the company announced in a developer update on the official <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">League of Legends</a> website.The current Classic season will be the last, and Riot says it will refund Classic content made obsolete by the closure. According to a Riot spokesperson, players had fun revisiting the older version of the game with Classic, but "at this point though, most have gone back to other parts of League."Classic will keep receiving content until the closure, but no new season is planned after the current one. League of Legends Classic was built around nostalgia for the older era of the game.The mode removed most champions and kits introduced since 2013, brought back an older version of the Summoner's Rift map, and promised to add "new" old champions faster than the original game did. Riot has not given an exact January date for the shutdown.<h2>Riot's Plans for League of Legends Classic After the Shutdown</h2>The mode is not being deleted for good. "We'll then put Classic back in the box for now, with the goal of bringing it back, likely as an event mode with adjustments and additions," Riot says.The company also plans to share more about what it learned from this run, including where it thinks it got Classic right, where it could have gone "more classic," and where sticking too closely to the past held the experience back.Riot described the mode as "a true labor of love" for its developers, thanked players who asked for it on social media and voted in the Council, and said it will keep exploring different ways to play League.<h2>Remaining Champions and Refunds Before Classic Closes</h2>Classic still has content coming before it goes offline. At least seven more champions are scheduled to arrive in the mode:<ul> <li>Mordekaiser, Yorick, Hecarim, and Lucian in the upcoming 26.21 update</li> <li>Volibear, Urgot, and Udyr in later updates</li> </ul>Players who bought Classic content have little to do right now. Riot says refunds will be issued for Classic content rendered obsolete by the closure, but the update does not explain which items qualify, how the refunds will be paid out, or when they will be processed.Players who still enjoy the mode have until January to play the final season, including the champions added in 26.21. Anyone weighing a purchase of Classic content in the meantime should keep the shutdown date in mind, since the mode ends in January 2027 regardless of when the item was bought.Riot has not said when Classic could return as an event mode or which changes that version would include. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/riot-will-shut-down-league-of-legends-classic-in-january-2027-and-refund-obsolete-content/">Riot Will Shut Down League of Legends Classic in January 2027 and Refund Obsolete Content</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Eight US States Sue OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Endangered Children for Profit

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:48:45 -0000

The attorneys general of eight US states have filed lawsuits against OpenAI, alleging that the ChatGPT maker deceived and endangered the public, particularly ch Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/eight-us-states-sue-openai-alleging-chatgpt-endangered-children-for-profit/">Eight US States Sue OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Endangered Children for Profit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

The attorneys general of eight US states have filed lawsuits against <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/chatgpt/">OpenAI</a>, alleging that the ChatGPT maker deceived and endangered the public, particularly children, in the name of profit.West Virginia, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, and Montana announced the complaints on October 14, according to the filings published by the states.The lawsuits target <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/">AI</a> safety practices at the company behind ChatGPT, and OpenAI has not issued a public response to the complaints.<h2>What the State Complaints Allege Against OpenAI</h2>The complaints allege that ChatGPT has "coached" users to harm themselves and others. The West Virginia filing states that a growing body of research indicates ChatGPT is degrading critical thinking skills, encouraging paranoias and delusions, offering dangerous medical advice, and promoting unhealthy behaviors and relationships.Recent reports of "rogue" AI agents at OpenAI are presented as evidence of recklessness. "All these harms were foreseeable and avoidable," the West Virginia complaint reads.The filing argues that CEO Sam Altman has warned about the safety risks of AI since at least 2015, that it is no secret children use ChatGPT, and that OpenAI employees have left the company over safety concerns.OpenAI acknowledged last year that its systems can "fall short" when responding to users in distress, while saying it has "a stack of layered safeguards" in place.The company also states on its website that it uses age prediction to place some users in a teen-oriented ChatGPT experience with additional safeguards, unless those users verify that they are adults.<h2>California Class Action Targets Children's Data</h2>A separate class action lawsuit was filed in California on Tuesday on behalf of two children and "all other children similarly situated." The suit alleges that OpenAI deliberately used ChatGPT to extract personal information from children and profited from that information by using it to train its models.Altman's own words form part of that case. The complaint cites his comment on a podcast last year that people share the most personal details of their lives with ChatGPT, and that young people in particular use it as a therapist or life coach.Under California law, the complaint asserts, an adult cannot collect and monetize that kind of information from a child and then claim the child authorized it. The lawsuits add to regulatory pressure on AI developers over user data, following the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/uk-ico-secures-data-protection-commitments-from-openai-google-microsoft-and-seven-other-ai-developers/">UK ICO data protection commitments from AI developers</a> announced last week.Nothing changes for ChatGPT users right away. Parents whose children use ChatGPT can check whether an account has been placed in the teen experience, which OpenAI says applies additional safeguards, and review what personal information the child has shared in conversations. Adults placed in the teen experience by mistake can verify their age to leave it.The complaints are at an early stage, and no court has ruled on any of the allegations. OpenAI has not said whether it will change ChatGPT's safeguards for younger users in response. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/eight-us-states-sue-openai-alleging-chatgpt-endangered-children-for-profit/">Eight US States Sue OpenAI, Alleging ChatGPT Endangered Children for Profit</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Adds Enhanced Protection Mode to Google Messages and Expands Android Scam Alerts Beyond Pixel

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:43:59 -0000

Google has announced a new Enhanced Protection mode for Google Messages along with a set of anti-scam changes for Android, according to a post on the company's Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/google-adds-enhanced-protection-mode-to-google-messages-and-expands-android-scam-alerts-beyond-pixel/">Google Adds Enhanced Protection Mode to Google Messages and Expands Android Scam Alerts Beyond Pixel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> has announced a new Enhanced Protection mode for Google Messages along with a set of anti-scam changes for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a>, according to a post on the company's security blog.The announcement also expands notification-based scam alerts, previously limited to Pixel phones, to hundreds of millions of additional Android devices.Google describes Enhanced Protection as an optional setting that offers its most advanced protection against sophisticated scams. Google has not given a rollout date for the individual features.<h2>What Enhanced Protection Mode Does in Google Messages</h2>Enhanced Protection uses Google's most capable Gemini models in the cloud to understand what scammers intend and to flag threats that would otherwise go unnoticed.Google says the analysis runs through Private AI Compute, where data is encrypted and processed in a secure environment that even Google cannot access. The company claims this lets it apply more powerful AI models without compromising user privacy.Link checks in Google Messages are changing too. Gemini Nano, the on-device model, now works alongside real-time web signals to decide whether an unfamiliar link is trustworthy before the user opens it.Scam warnings are also moving into the notification shade. Users will see alerts about suspicious messages directly in their notifications, before they open the texting app.Google lists phones from Honor, Infinix, itel, Motorola, Oppo, OnePlus, Realme, Tecno, vivo, and Xiaomi among the devices getting the alerts, along with other Android manufacturers.The changes follow other recent Google Messages updates, including Google <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/07/google-prepares-to-remove-the-only-send-sms-and-mms-messages-toggle-from-google-messages/">removing the SMS and MMS only toggle</a>.<h2>Android Scam Protections for Screen Sharing and Call Forwarding</h2>Android already hides some sensitive information when the screen is shared. Google is extending that protection to <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/google-chrome-browsing/">Chrome</a> and Android WebView, so the following is hidden automatically during live screen sharing sessions:<ul> <li>login credentials entered in apps and websites</li> <li>payment details</li> <li>other private data shown on screen</li> </ul>The change targets a common scam pattern in which victims are talked into sharing their screen and then guided through banking apps or websites.Call forwarding gets its own safeguard. Google says scammers sometimes enable call forwarding on a victim's phone to intercept calls and one-time passcodes.Android will now stop apps from silently enabling call forwarding in the background. If someone tries to get a user to type an MMI code into the phone dialer to switch forwarding on manually, Android displays a warning that explains the risk.Users who want the strongest checks in Google Messages need to turn Enhanced Protection on, since it is optional and sends message analysis to the cloud.The trade-off is cloud processing instead of purely on-device checks, which Google says stays private through Private AI Compute. The dialer warning is worth taking seriously: a stranger asking for an MMI code to be entered is a sign of a call forwarding scam.Google has not published a schedule for each protection or said which Android versions the screen sharing and call forwarding changes require. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/google-adds-enhanced-protection-mode-to-google-messages-and-expands-android-scam-alerts-beyond-pixel/">Google Adds Enhanced Protection Mode to Google Messages and Expands Android Scam Alerts Beyond Pixel</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Fixes Windows 11 Black Screens and Explorer Crashes With October 13 Updates

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 12:39:14 -0000

Microsoft has resolved a known issue in Windows 11 that caused black screens after sign-in, desktop loading failures, and Windows Explorer crashes on systems th Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/microsoft-fixes-windows-11-black-screens-and-explorer-crashes-with-october-13-updates/">Microsoft Fixes Windows 11 Black Screens and Explorer Crashes With October 13 Updates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has resolved a known issue in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> that caused black screens after sign-in, desktop loading failures, and Windows Explorer crashes on systems that installed updates released since August.According to an update on the Windows release health dashboard, the fix is included in the cumulative updates released on October 13, 2026, as part of this month's Patch Tuesday, and in every update released after that date.Microsoft acknowledged the problem last month. The company says the bug mainly affects Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) hosts that use FSLogix, a solution that speeds up user profile loading in virtual desktop environments.<h2>Windows 11 Black Screen Bug and Affected Systems</h2>Affected users reported different symptoms. The most common was a black screen right after signing in. Some could not reach their desktop until they started the desktop session manually, and Windows Explorer crashes showed up in the application event logs.The Known Issue Rollback packages Microsoft published for the bug cover Windows 11 version 26H1, version 25H2, and version 24H2. The rollback for the 24H2 and 25H2 releases is tied to KB5124010, the same update that Microsoft previously confirmed for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/06/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-kb5124010-crashes-games-and-apps-that-use-dolby-digital-audio/">KB5124010 crashes in games using Dolby Digital audio</a>."If you install an update released October 13, 2026 [..] or later, you do not need to use a workaround for this issue," Microsoft says in the release health entry. The company recommends installing the latest update for each device, since it contains this resolution together with other improvements.<h2>How to Apply the Fix or the Temporary Workaround</h2>Installing the October 13 cumulative update through Windows Update is the recommended path. Devices that cannot install this month's updates yet can use the manual workaround Microsoft shared, which starts Windows Explorer by hand when the desktop does not load:<ol> <li>Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.</li> <li>Select Run new task.</li> <li>Type explorer.exe in the field.</li> <li>Click OK to launch Windows Explorer and load the desktop.</li> </ol>The workaround only starts Explorer for the current session and does not remove the cause, so the October 13 update remains the actual fix.Enterprise customers have a third option. Microsoft mitigated the issue on managed devices through Known Issue Rollback (KIR), which administrators deploy as a group policy: KB5124006 Known Issue Rollback for Windows 11 version 26H1, and KB5124010 Known Issue Rollback for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2."You will need to install and configure the Group Policy for your version of Windows to resolve this issue," Microsoft notes, adding that a restart is required to apply the setting. The policy disables the change that causes the bug rather than repairing it.Microsoft also fixed Always On VPN connection problems caused by the September 2026 security updates this week. Separately, the company confirmed that recent Windows updates may trigger Remote Desktop failures for non-admin users when the Administrator protection security feature is enabled, an issue the black screen fix does not address. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/15/microsoft-fixes-windows-11-black-screens-and-explorer-crashes-with-october-13-updates/">Microsoft Fixes Windows 11 Black Screens and Explorer Crashes With October 13 Updates</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Play Lets US Users Build Personal Android Apps in AI Studio Without a Developer Account

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:53:32 -0000

Google is rolling out an update to Google Play that lets users build personal Android apps with Google AI Studio and install them on their own phone using a sta Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/google-play-lets-us-users-build-personal-android-apps-in-ai-studio-without-a-developer-account/">Google Play Lets US Users Build Personal Android Apps in AI Studio Without a Developer Account</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> is rolling out an update to Google Play that lets users build personal <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a> apps with Google AI Studio and install them on their own phone using a standard Google account, according to an announcement on the Google blog. The feature is available starting today in the United States for users aged 18 and older.Google describes the process as "vibe coding" personal projects, and no developer background is required. The company gives examples such as a custom stat tracker for a local recreational league or a family organizer built around one household's routine.<h2>How Personal Apps Work on Google Play</h2>The personal app feature removes the steps that normally apply to publishing on Google Play. Users do not need a developer account, do not pay registration fees, and skip the usual publishing steps to get the app onto their device.According to Google, the apps created this way:<ul> <li>install only on the creator's own device at launch</li> <li>stay private and separate from the public Google Play catalog</li> <li>can be moved to a professional developer account later if the creator wants a public release</li> </ul>Sharing is not part of the first release. Google says that in the coming months users will be able to share personal apps privately with a small circle of friends and family.Users in the US who want to try it can follow these steps once the update reaches their account:<ol> <li>Check the phone for the latest Google Play Store update, which Google says begins rolling out today.</li> <li>Build the app in Google AI Studio while signed in with a standard Google account.</li> <li>Deploy the finished app to the phone through Google Play.</li> <li>Open the app from the phone; it stays limited to that device until private sharing arrives.</li> </ol><h2>Other Google Play Changes Rolling Out</h2>The personal app feature is part of a larger Google Play update. Ask Play can now generate side-by-side comparisons of similar apps, covering key differences and user sentiment, and a feature called Play in Gemini will bring app and game recommendations into Gemini chats soon.On the gaming side, Game Finder builds a "Gamer DNA" profile from how a person plays and their stated preferences, and it is rolling out in the US today. Sprints, available globally, are 48-hour challenges for groups of two to five players, tracked through a new Sidekick in-game overlay that also records 30-second gameplay clips. Titles including Dave the Diver and Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun are arriving on Play with cross-save between Android and PC.Google is also adding a Family Link option that lets parents share a child's general age range with apps instead of more detailed personal data.Personal app creation is limited to adult users in the United States, and Google has not announced when it will expand to additional countries or age groups. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/google-play-lets-us-users-build-personal-android-apps-in-ai-studio-without-a-developer-account/">Google Play Lets US Users Build Personal Android Apps in AI Studio Without a Developer Account</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro Reach End of Support, Microsoft Recommends Upgrading to 26H2

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:50:38 -0000

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 24H2 Home and Pro reached the end of updates on October 13, 2026, according to a new entry in the Windows releas Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/windows-11-24h2-home-and-pro-reach-end-of-support-microsoft-recommends-upgrading-to-26h2/">Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro Reach End of Support, Microsoft Recommends Upgrading to 26H2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has confirmed that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> version 24H2 Home and Pro reached the end of updates on October 13, 2026, according to a new entry in the Windows release health message center. The October 2026 monthly security update is the last update these editions will receive.The same notice covers Windows 10 Enterprise LTSB 2016, which also reached end of updates on October 13. Devices that stay on these editions no longer get monthly security updates or the optional non-security preview updates, so they lose protection against the latest security threats from November onward.Business editions follow a different schedule. Under the Microsoft lifecycle policy, Windows 11 24H2 Enterprise and Education stay in mainstream support until October 12, 2027.<h2>Windows 11 26H2 Is the Recommended Upgrade Path</h2>Microsoft advises affected users to move to Windows 11 26H2, also known as the Windows 11 2026 Update. Version 26H2 became generally available in September 2026 as an enablement package, and consumer editions of 26H2 are supported until October 2029.The rollout is phased. Microsoft says it is currently offered to eligible devices where the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" option is turned on, and that availability "will expand over the next few months." When the update is ready for a device, it downloads and installs automatically, and a single restart completes the process.Home and Pro users still on 24H2 can check their version and request the upgrade manually:<ol> <li>Open Settings and go to System, then About, and check the Version entry under Windows specifications.</li> <li>If it shows 24H2, open Settings, then Windows Update.</li> <li>Turn on "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available."</li> <li>Select Check for updates and install the Windows 11, version 26H2 feature update if it is listed.</li> <li>Restart the PC when prompted.</li> </ol>Users who do not see the offer yet should leave the toggle on. The phased rollout means some eligible devices will only receive 26H2 later, at which point it installs automatically.<h2>Other Windows End of Support Dates</h2>The 24H2 deadline is not the only Windows cutoff coming up. Microsoft has already set November 10 as the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/microsoft-sets-november-10-as-the-final-security-update-for-windows-11-23h2-enterprise-and-education/">final security update for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education</a>, along with IoT Enterprise. Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro lost support in November 2025.Windows Server 2022 also left mainstream support on October 13, although it remains in extended support until October 2031. Earlier this year, Microsoft extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users to October 2027.Microsoft has separately warned that PCs running unsupported Windows versions will stop receiving security updates after next year's Windows Update certificate rotation.Microsoft has not said how long the phased 26H2 rollout will take to reach all eligible Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro devices. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/windows-11-24h2-home-and-pro-reach-end-of-support-microsoft-recommends-upgrading-to-26h2/">Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro Reach End of Support, Microsoft Recommends Upgrading to 26H2</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Apple Launches the $299 HomeView, Its First Smart Display, With Sales Starting November 13

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:42:28 -0000

Apple has announced the HomeView, the company's first smart display, at a media event in New York City. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/apple-launches-the-299-homeview-its-first-smart-display-with-sales-starting-november-13/">Apple Launches the $299 HomeView, Its First Smart Display, With Sales Starting November 13</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/apple-companies/">Apple</a> has announced the HomeView, the company's first smart display, at a media event in New York City. The HomeView costs $299, preorders are open now, and sales begin November 13 in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India, Singapore, and South Africa.The device has a 7-inch square Liquid Retina display and comes in two versions at the same price: a countertop model on a speaker base and a wall-mounted model. Apple's A18 chip powers both, and color options are silver, starlight, rose pink, and space gray.<h2>Apple HomeView Features and Requirements</h2>HomeView does not run iOS or iPadOS. It uses a separate operating system Apple calls HomeView software, and there is no App Store. Apple instead provides a curated set of apps, including FaceTime, Messages, and Safari, plus selected third-party media apps such as Spotify. Apps built for CarPlay can also appear on HomeView automatically if they are installed on the owner's <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/ios/">iPhone</a>.Video streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, and Disney+ are not available at launch. Those services would only appear if their developers support the CarPlay framework, so video playback currently goes through Safari.Siri AI, the assistant Apple revamped in iOS 27, is the main way to control the display. It can draw on personal context from the owner's iPhone, such as a song a friend recommended in Messages, and it can control devices added to the Apple Home app. A Camera face shows up to nine security camera feeds at once.Hardware details include:<ul> <li>a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera and a four-microphone array</li> <li>two full-range drivers in the screen, with a down-firing woofer and two passive radiators in the standard base</li> <li>a brightness range from 500 nits down to 0.3 nits, the lowest Apple has used on any screen</li> <li>support for up to six iCloud profiles, with face and voice recognition to switch between users</li> </ul>Apple says face recognition data stays on the device. Personal content only appears when the user's iPhone is on the same Wi-Fi network and was recently unlocked, which keeps one household member's messages hidden from others.Buyers should check their iPhone before ordering. HomeView setup requires an iPhone, not an iPad, and the full Siri AI feature set requires an iPhone with Apple Intelligence support, meaning an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. Older iPhones can complete setup but lose app actions and personal context queries.<h2>HomePod Mini 2, Apple TV 4K, and the Apple Home Collection</h2>Apple also announced the HomePod Mini 2 for $149, a $50 increase over the original, with sales starting October 30. The HomePod Mini 2 ships without Siri AI, which Apple will add later through a software update.The fourth-generation Apple TV 4K costs $299, a $170 increase over the previous model, and includes the A19 chip, 128 GB of storage, and a remote with Find My support. It ships November 13.The Apple Home Collection adds cameras, a video doorbell, a deadbolt, thermostats, and sensors made with LG and Schneider Electric, priced from $40 to $350. Those products arrive in December, and the thermostats and lock will only be sold in the US and Canada. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/apple-launches-the-299-homeview-its-first-smart-display-with-sales-starting-november-13/">Apple Launches the $299 HomeView, Its First Smart Display, With Sales Starting November 13</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Forms Xbox Labs to Bring Xbox Games to Web Browsers and New Hardware

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 03:36:49 -0000

Microsoft has formed Xbox Labs, a small team of game makers, engineers, and scientists that will turn emerging technology into products for Xbox players and dev Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/microsoft-forms-xbox-labs-to-bring-xbox-games-to-web-browsers-and-new-hardware/">Microsoft Forms Xbox Labs to Bring Xbox Games to Web Browsers and New Hardware</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has formed Xbox Labs, a small team of game makers, engineers, and scientists that will turn emerging technology into products for Xbox players and developers, according to a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma published on Xbox Wire on October 13.The announcement puts particular emphasis on web browsers and on getting new and older games onto devices they were never built for. Sharma says she asked Scott to stand up the group. The memo does not list products, release dates, or prices.<h2>Why Xbox Is Creating Xbox Labs</h2>The memo points to recent community projects as the trigger. In recent weeks, Sharma writes, games have been "rapidly decompiled and rebuilt" to run on hardware they were not designed for.Windows PC builds have been translated to run on Apple Silicon or ported to run in a browser through WebAssembly and WebGPU, which the memo says is approaching 90% global browser support.Sharma calls these results good for players, "even when (and sometimes because) they challenge our existing business models." Xbox Labs is meant to explore the same ideas from inside Microsoft: easier access to games, new life for older titles, and tools that let more players become creators.Xbox Labs is not framed as a pure research group. Its job, per the memo, is to turn emerging ideas into things players and developers can experience. Sharma's memo says Xbox Labs will "build in the open," learn from what players do, and measure success by whether more people are playing and creating. Microsoft also plans to share the tools it builds with developers across the industry.Sharma ties the effort to AI agents as well. She notes that coding became the first major workload for agents because they can write, run, and test software, and argues games share those properties.According to the memo, people spend more than 72 billion hours a year playing Xbox games, about five times the estimated time spent writing code worldwide.<h2>What Xbox Labs Means for Xbox Players</h2>The initiative extends Xbox's backward compatibility work, which started more than a decade ago, and the more recent Disc-to-Digital program that lets players digitize their physical games. It also supports Sharma's goal of reaching 1 billion players per day.Sharma says Xbox's existing priorities are unchanged. The company remains committed to making games, to its hardware, and to acting as a steward of its IP and the communities around it, and Xbox Labs is meant to explore new technology "without abandoning the work already underway."There is nothing for players to install or sign up for yet. Players interested in official browser versions of Xbox or Xbox 360 games should follow Xbox Wire, where the memo was published, for the first Xbox Labs releases.The announcement follows the launch of Xbox XP, an entertainment division for film and TV projects, last week. Microsoft has not said which games Xbox Labs will start with, which platforms beyond the browser it will target, or whether its releases will be free, sold upfront, or supported by in-game purchases or ads. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/14/microsoft-forms-xbox-labs-to-bring-xbox-games-to-web-browsers-and-new-hardware/">Microsoft Forms Xbox Labs to Bring Xbox Games to Web Browsers and New Hardware</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Epic Games Delays Its Unannounced Star Wars and Marvel Shooter and Moves It to AI-First Development

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:37:02 -0000

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced Star Wars and Marvel crossover shooter indefinitely and told the team behind it to adopt an "AI first" production model bu Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/epic-games-delays-its-unannounced-star-wars-and-marvel-shooter-and-moves-it-to-ai-first-development/">Epic Games Delays Its Unannounced Star Wars and Marvel Shooter and Moves It to AI-First Development</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Epic Games has delayed an unannounced Star Wars and Marvel crossover shooter indefinitely and told the team behind it to adopt an "AI first" production model built on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/">AI</a> tools, according to instructions given to staff last week.The game had been planned for a March 2027 release that Epic never announced publicly. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney addressed the change in a series of posts on X, describing a companywide shift toward AI development.The instructions call for the team to use tools such as Anthropic's Claude, with art "generated with full AI workflows." Epic has not officially revealed the game, its title, or a new release window.<h2>Tim Sweeney Explains Epic's AI Pivot</h2>Sweeney said Epic is moving developers around "to retool for maximum AI acceleration." He added that "the aim isn't to do the same stuff with fewer people, but to enable everyone here to build MORE and BETTER stuff, and to bring the benefits to all teams using Unreal."Responding to criticism that Epic is ignoring how players feel about generative AI, Sweeney wrote that "much of the room wants it to be 2016 again, but it's not." Epic's job as a provider of tools and technology to much of the industry, he argued, is to design for the present and the near future. He described himself as optimistic and called AI empowering for creators.Asked whether Epic plans to speed up an IPO, Sweeney said the company's "more modest aim is to survive the AI revolution, help other developers do the same, and come out on the other end making better code and content faster."The CEO also put numbers on the efficiency gains Epic is seeing. Current improvements range from about 20% in the most technical areas of Unreal Engine development to 5x in areas such as web development. By this time next year, Sweeney expects "very little will be less than 3x of January 2026 efficiency."<h2>Epic's AI Push Follows 1,000 Layoffs in March</h2>The shift comes after Epic laid off more than 1,000 employees in March. At the time, the company cited declining console sales, its ongoing legal disputes with Apple and Google, and difficulty delivering "consistent Fortnite magic with every season."Sweeney also argued that the biggest change for game design will be a much shorter path from an idea to a playtest. In his view, most recent AAA failures trace back to game systems spending far too much of their development without being playtested.Players following the project have little to act on yet, since the shooter exists only as an internal project with no store page or trailer. Epic has not announced a new release date for the Star Wars and Marvel shooter, and the company has not confirmed how much of the final game will use AI-generated art. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/epic-games-delays-its-unannounced-star-wars-and-marvel-shooter-and-moves-it-to-ai-first-development/">Epic Games Delays Its Unannounced Star Wars and Marvel Shooter and Moves It to AI-First Development</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Norway Fines Microsoft's Xandr $9.6 Million Over Sharing Grindr Users' Sensitive Data

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:33:42 -0000

Norway's Data Protection Authority, Datatilsynet, has fined Xandr, an advertising company owned by Microsoft, NOK 92 million ($9. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/norway-fines-microsofts-xandr-9-6-million-over-sharing-grindr-users-sensitive-data/">Norway Fines Microsoft's Xandr $9.6 Million Over Sharing Grindr Users' Sensitive Data</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Norway's Data Protection Authority, Datatilsynet, has fined Xandr, an advertising company owned by <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a>, NOK 92 million ($9.6 million) for unlawfully processing and sharing sensitive <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/vpns/privacy-news/">data</a> belonging to Grindr users in Norway.The authority says this is the largest fine it has ever issued. Xandr, which now operates as Microsoft Advertising, has three weeks to appeal the decision."We issued such a high fine in this case because the breaches we identified were very serious," said Line Coll, Director General of Datatilsynet. "Thousands of users in Norway have been subjected to unlawful sharing of their sensitive data."<h2>How Xandr Shared Grindr User Data in Ad Auctions</h2>According to the authority's findings, Xandr ran real-time advertising auctions inside the Grindr dating app between July 2018 and April 2020. Advertisers bid for the right to show an ad to a Grindr user after receiving profiling information from Xandr, which acted as the intermediary. The data exposed through these auctions could include a user's sexual orientation, and it reached thousands of companies.Datatilsynet found that Xandr was a joint controller with Grindr at the time. That role made Xandr responsible for how the data was used, and it should have required and obtained explicit consent from the people whose data it processed. Instead, Xandr assumed Grindr had collected valid consent and took no steps to check."Xandr omitted to verify that the consents from Grindr were valid, and did not do anything to ensure they had a legal basis for their own processing," Coll stated. Sensitive information about Grindr users in Norway and other countries reached advertisers without the users knowing about it or giving explicit consent.<h2>Microsoft's Response and the 2020 Complaint Behind the Fine</h2>A Microsoft spokesperson said the investigation and its outcome "focused on conduct that predates Microsoft's acquisition of Xandr." Legal frameworks, and the way regulators interpret and enforce them, have changed since then, according to the spokesperson, who added that Microsoft is "reviewing the decision and assessing our options."The case goes back to a complaint filed in January 2020 by the Austrian privacy group noyb together with the Norwegian Consumer Council (Forbrukerrådet).Noyb called the decision "a major blow to the online adtech industry" and said that profiling people's interests, habits, location, and behavior requires valid consent, which adtech firms rarely obtain in its view.For Grindr users, the ruling covers past processing rather than a new setting or change inside the app. The decision applies to auctions run between July 2018 and April 2020, and the authority's findings concern Xandr's failure to verify consent during that period.Microsoft has not said whether it will appeal before the three-week deadline runs out. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/norway-fines-microsofts-xandr-9-6-million-over-sharing-grindr-users-sensitive-data/">Norway Fines Microsoft's Xandr $9.6 Million Over Sharing Grindr Users' Sensitive Data</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Launches the $179.99 Fitbit Edge With a Replaceable Battery, GPS, and a 1.34-Inch Screen

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:30:15 -0000

Google has announced the Fitbit Edge, a $179. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/google-launches-the-179-99-fitbit-edge-with-a-replaceable-battery-gps-and-a-1-34-inch-screen/">Google Launches the $179.99 Fitbit Edge With a Replaceable Battery, GPS, and a 1.34-Inch Screen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> has announced the Fitbit Edge, a $179.99 fitness tracker with a 1.34-inch display, built-in GPS, and a user-replaceable battery, a first for any Fitbit. Preorders opened on Monday, and the tracker goes on sale on October 27. The Edge works with both <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a> phones and iPhones through the Google Health app.The Edge is the first display-equipped Fitbit tracker since the Charge 6 arrived in 2023. Google places it between the screenless Fitbit Air, which costs $99.99, and the Pixel Watch 5, which starts at $349.99. The new tracker is $20 more expensive than the Charge 6's regular price.<h2>Fitbit Edge Hardware, Battery, and Tracking Features</h2>The capsule-shaped Edge replaces the Charge 6's 1.04-inch screen with a larger 1.34-inch panel and swaps the haptic nub for a physical side button. According to Google, the tracker includes:<ul> <li>its own GPS chipset, which Google says tracks more accurately than the Charge 6</li> <li>an altimeter that records elevation gain and loss and counts floors climbed</li> <li>a far-field skin temperature sensor carried over from the Pixel Watch</li> <li>electrical sensors that work with the ECG app</li> <li>music controls for any audio playing on the connected phone</li> </ul>Battery life is rated at seven days, or about two days with the always-on display enabled. A full charge takes around 90 minutes, half an hour less than the Charge 6, and the Edge uses the same charger as the Fitbit Air. Repair options for the replaceable battery will vary by region.Google also says Gemini-powered automatic activity tracking can identify up to 100 workout types, and the Edge offers more than 50 exercise modes, up from 40 on its predecessor. The same detection upgrades are coming to the Pixel Watch 5 and the Fitbit Air.A Google Health Premium subscription adds blood pressure trend tracking without manual calibration and insulin resistance trends without a blood draw. Google representatives also said a phone can now be paired with a Fitbit Air and a Fitbit Edge at the same time, so owners can switch between the two. Pairing two Fitbits at once was not possible before.<h2>What Charge 6 Owners Give Up With the Fitbit Edge</h2>The Edge has no NFC hardware, which means no contactless payments through Google Wallet. Charge 6 owners who pay from the wrist should factor that in before preordering, because tap-to-pay is one feature the older tracker had and the new one drops.Music control moves in the other direction: the Charge 6 only worked with YouTube Music, which required a subscription, while the Edge controls any playback on the phone.Bands ship in Active, Active Sport, Performance Loop, Magnet, and Metal Links styles, and a Stephen Curry edition costs $220. Google Maps turn-by-turn directions are not available at launch and are scheduled to reach the Edge later this year. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/google-launches-the-179-99-fitbit-edge-with-a-replaceable-battery-gps-and-a-1-34-inch-screen/">Google Launches the $179.99 Fitbit Edge With a Replaceable Battery, GPS, and a 1.34-Inch Screen</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Sets November 10 as the Final Security Update for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 05:26:00 -0000

Microsoft has reminded organizations that Windows 11 version 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions will stop receiving security updates after Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/microsoft-sets-november-10-as-the-final-security-update-for-windows-11-23h2-enterprise-and-education/">Microsoft Sets November 10 as the Final Security Update for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has reminded organizations that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> version 23H2 Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions will stop receiving security updates after the November 2026 security update, which ships on November 10, according to a post in the Windows Message Center. The company recommends moving eligible devices to a supported version of Windows 11 before that date."The November 2026 Windows security update will be the last update available for these editions," Microsoft said in the message center update. Devices that stay on these editions afterward will no longer get the monthly security updates that protect against the latest threats.Consumer editions are already past this point. Windows 11 23H2 Home and Pro reached end of support in November 2025, so the November 10 release closes out version 23H2 for the remaining business, school, and IoT editions.<h2>Windows 11 23H2 End of Support and the Upgrade Path to 26H2</h2>Microsoft points customers to Windows 11 26H2, also called the Windows 11 2026 Update. Version 26H2 became generally available in September 2026 as an enablement package and is supported for consumers until October 2029.The 26H2 update is rolling out in phases to eligible Windows 11 devices that have the "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" setting turned on. If the update is ready for a device, Microsoft says it downloads and installs automatically, and a single restart completes the process.Users and administrators can also check for the update manually:<ol> <li>Open Settings and go to Windows Update.</li> <li>Select "Check for updates".</li> <li>If the device is eligible, select "Download and install Windows 11, version 26H2" and restart when prompted.</li> </ol>Organizations managing larger fleets can confirm the servicing dates for each edition on Microsoft's Windows lifecycle FAQ page or with the Lifecycle Policy search tool, which list the support windows for every Windows 11 feature update.<h2>Other Windows Support Deadlines Arriving This Month</h2>The 23H2 reminder arrives during a crowded lifecycle period. Windows 11 24H2 Home and Pro editions stop receiving updates this week, while the 24H2 Enterprise and Education editions remain under mainstream support until October 2027. Windows Server 2022 leaves mainstream support on Tuesday, October 13, and moves to extended support that runs until October 14, 2031.Microsoft also warned last week that devices running unsupported Windows versions will stop getting security updates once the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/microsoft-says-outdated-windows-pcs-will-lose-windows-update-access-when-certificates-expire-in-2027/">Windows Update certificates expire in 2027</a>.Home users still on Windows 10 have a separate option, since Microsoft extended the free Windows 10 Extended Security Updates program for home users until October 2027.After November 10, PCs left on Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise, Education, or IoT Enterprise will run without monthly security fixes until they are moved to a supported Windows 11 release. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/13/microsoft-sets-november-10-as-the-final-security-update-for-windows-11-23h2-enterprise-and-education/">Microsoft Sets November 10 as the Final Security Update for Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise and Education</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Valve's Deadlock Passes Team Fortress 2's All-Time Steam Peak With 262,145 Concurrent Players

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:24:29 -0000

Valve's Deadlock reached 262,145 concurrent players on Steam, passing the all-time concurrent player peak of Team Fortress 2, which stands at 253,997, according Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/valves-deadlock-passes-team-fortress-2s-all-time-steam-peak-with-262145-concurrent-players/">Valve's Deadlock Passes Team Fortress 2's All-Time Steam Peak With 262,145 Concurrent Players</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Valve's <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">Deadlock</a> reached 262,145 concurrent players on Steam, passing the all-time concurrent player peak of Team Fortress 2, which stands at 253,997, according to Steam player data tracked by SteamDB. The record came as Valve released Solomon, the latest of six new heroes added to the MOBA as part of its City Never Sleeps update.Deadlock is still technically an invite-only test and has no public release date. Valve hands out invites generously, and invites are also shared in Discord communities, so getting into the game is not difficult for interested players.The Team Fortress 2 figure has a caveat. Its Steam peak was set about three years ago and does not include players from the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions released as part of The Orange Box.<h2>Deadlock City Never Sleeps Update Adds Heroes and a Rebuilt Map</h2>The player surge follows the largest Deadlock update so far. City Never Sleeps overhauls the entire map, called the Cursed Apple, with new neutral monsters and reworked areas based on an occult version of 1950s New York:<ul> <li>Broadway, the center lane, is now a neon district with a miniature version of 1950s Times Square at its heart.</li> <li>Greenwich has become an occult take on Central Park, with a university and an arboreal garden.</li> <li>York turns its former walker arenas into a stock exchange and a factory ground.</li> <li>The districts between lanes now have their own themes and creeps, from a theater district with creepy dolls to Chinatown with festival spirits and haunted cabbage pots.</li> </ul>Six heroes arrived with the update and were released one at a time. They include Violet, an art student; Deadman Danny, a skeletal crash test dummy and weapons salesman; Nurse Harrow; the Rat King, who has more than 100 voice lines; Baba, a reinvention of the Baba Yaga myth riding a bird-legged park bench; and Solomon, a chess-loving old man.Solomon's weapon is a chess board. Players report that each reload recreates a different historic chess game state, depending on the number of bullets loaded onto the board. Valve also added dozens of new conversations and voice lines between existing characters.<h2>How to Get Into the Deadlock Test</h2>Access to the Deadlock test requires an invite on Steam. Players who want to try it can follow these steps:<ol> <li>Ask a friend who already has Deadlock access to send an invite through Steam.</li> <li>Look for invites shared in Deadlock Discord communities if no friend has access.</li> <li>Accept the invite in Steam and install Deadlock.</li> </ol>Deadlock first leaked about two years ago, and activity in the test has grown since then. Valve has not announced when Deadlock will leave the invite-only phase or whether the new player peak will change its release plans. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/valves-deadlock-passes-team-fortress-2s-all-time-steam-peak-with-262145-concurrent-players/">Valve's Deadlock Passes Team Fortress 2's All-Time Steam Peak With 262,145 Concurrent Players</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Amazon Replaces Fire Tablets With Android Alexa Tablets Priced From $229.99

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:21:57 -0000

Amazon is replacing its Fire tablets with three Alexa Tablets that run Android with full access to the Google Play Store, the company announced. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/amazon-replaces-fire-tablets-with-android-alexa-tablets-priced-from-229-99/">Amazon Replaces Fire Tablets With Android Alexa Tablets Priced From $229.99</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/amazon/">Amazon</a> is replacing its Fire tablets with three Alexa Tablets that run <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a> with full access to the Google Play Store, the company announced. The Alexa Tablet 8, Alexa Tablet 11, and Alexa Tablet 12 Pro are priced from $229.99 to $549.99 and go on sale on October 14, 2026, in the US, Mexico, and Canada.Earlier Amazon tablets ran Fire OS and shipped with Amazon's own app store, so apps such as YouTube, Netflix, and Gmail needed sideloading workarounds.The new models install those apps straight from Google Play at launch. An Amazon spokesperson described the devices as "an all-new product line with new hardware and a new OS, rather than a rebrand of Fire Tablets."Amazon says it plans to keep supporting existing Fire tablets, but production of new Fire units has ended.<h2>Alexa Tablet 8, 11, and 12 Pro Prices and Specifications</h2><ul> <li>Alexa Tablet 12 Pro: 12-inch 280 PPI display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 3:2 aspect ratio, 6.5 mm aluminum unibody, Dolby Atmos speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, and 16 hours of video playback. It starts at $499.99, or $549.99 with the anti-glare Nanomatte display developed with Corning, in Graphite.</li> <li>Alexa Tablet 11: 2.5K display at 276 pixels per inch with 90Hz scrolling and a 16:10 aspect ratio, dual Dolby Atmos speakers, and 15 hours of video playback. It starts at $329.99 in Graphite, Amethyst, and Matcha.</li> <li>Alexa Tablet 8: 8.7-inch display in an all-aluminum body weighing 329 grams. It starts at $229.99 in Graphite, Rosette, and Teal.</li> </ul>The company claims the 12 Pro delivers nearly three times the processing performance and nine times the graphics performance of any tablet Amazon has shipped before. An Alexa Tablet Pro Pen and Pro Keyboard are sold as accessories for the 12 Pro.Alexa+ is built into all three models. Users can say "Alexa" or tap an Ask Alexa button, and On-Screen Intelligence lets the assistant look at what is displayed; Amazon's example is asking which hikes in a list of trails suit the user best. Opening the Kindle app silences notifications, reduces blue light, and allows battery life of up to 20 hours.<h2>What Fire Tablet Buyers Should Consider</h2>Anyone choosing between a remaining Fire tablet and the new lineup should weigh three points from Amazon's announcement:<ul> <li>Fire tablets stay supported, but no new Fire units are being produced.</li> <li>Alexa Tablets install apps from Google Play without sideloading.</li> <li>Alexa+ and On-Screen Intelligence ship on the Alexa Tablets at launch.</li> </ul>Amazon also announced Amazon Kids Tablets in 8.7-inch and 11-inch sizes, bundled with a protective case and a year of Amazon Kids+. Both lineups launch in the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain on October 19, and the Kids Tablets also reach Japan on October 14. Amazon has not announced release dates for other markets. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/amazon-replaces-fire-tablets-with-android-alexa-tablets-priced-from-229-99/">Amazon Replaces Fire Tablets With Android Alexa Tablets Priced From $229.99</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
WhatsApp Blocks Logins on Android and iOS Devices Running Outdated Operating Systems

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:17:41 -0000

WhatsApp has started blocking logins on Android and iOS devices that run an outdated operating system. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/whatsapp-blocks-logins-on-android-and-ios-devices-running-outdated-operating-systems/">WhatsApp Blocks Logins on Android and iOS Devices Running Outdated Operating Systems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/apps/">WhatsApp</a> has started blocking logins on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/google-android-mobiles/">Android</a> and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/ios/">iOS</a> devices that run an outdated operating system. The check is a server-side change, so it works regardless of the installed WhatsApp version, and it is rolling out to specific accounts on both platforms. Affected users see a new screen asking them to update the device software before they can continue.The screen cannot be skipped. Until the operating system is updated, WhatsApp does not let the account log in on that device. Because the check runs on WhatsApp's servers, installing a newer WhatsApp build alone does not clear the screen.<h2>How the WhatsApp OS Update Requirement Works</h2>WhatsApp's login screen tells users to open the device settings and install the latest available system update. It also explains how to check the software version currently installed, for anyone unsure which release the phone runs. Once the update is in place, WhatsApp opens normally and the login can be completed.The reasoning is device security. Attackers look for known vulnerabilities in outdated operating systems to install malware, and malware on a phone can capture data before WhatsApp encrypts it.End-to-end encryption protects messages, but it cannot protect content an attacker has already grabbed on the device, and every other app on that phone is exposed in the same way.The block does not point to a flaw in WhatsApp itself. WhatsApp relies on the security guarantees of the operating system, and those guarantees weaken when the system is no longer current, so the app now refuses to proceed with a login on obsolete software.The requirement is the latest in a series of account protections. WhatsApp recently tested a warning for people who connect through unofficial WhatsApp Web clients, after notifying around 200 users in Italy whose devices were compromised through a fake version of the app.A Scam Alert feature detects suspicious messages on the device, and restricted chats limit certain conversations to the primary device.<h2>What WhatsApp Users Should Do Now</h2>Users on older phones can avoid being locked out by updating before the check reaches their account:<ol> <li>Open the device settings and check which operating system version is currently installed.</li> <li>Install the latest system update the device offers.</li> <li>Open WhatsApp and complete the login after the update has finished.</li> </ol>There is no workaround inside WhatsApp. A phone that cannot install a newer operating system will keep showing the update screen, since the app offers no way to bypass it.WhatsApp has not announced which Android or iOS versions trigger the block. Accounts that do not see the screen today can still get it later if the device software falls below WhatsApp's minimum requirement. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/whatsapp-blocks-logins-on-android-and-ios-devices-running-outdated-operating-systems/">WhatsApp Blocks Logins on Android and iOS Devices Running Outdated Operating Systems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Retires Themes by Copilot in Outlook Starting in Mid-October 2026

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 05:09:30 -0000

Microsoft is retiring Themes by Copilot in Outlook worldwide, with the removal starting in mid-October 2026 and expected to finish by late October 2026, accordi Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/microsoft-retires-themes-by-copilot-in-outlook-starting-in-mid-october-2026/">Microsoft Retires Themes by Copilot in Outlook Starting in Mid-October 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> is retiring Themes by Copilot in Outlook worldwide, with the removal starting in mid-October 2026 and expected to finish by late October 2026, according to the Microsoft 365 Message Center post MC1492954, published on October 9.The change applies to users with a Copilot license on new Outlook for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/">Windows</a>, Outlook for Android, Outlook for iOS, Outlook for Mac, and Outlook on the web.Once the retirement reaches an account, Themes by Copilot is removed from Outlook's settings. Copilot themes can no longer be selected, and anyone who switches to a different theme cannot go back to a Copilot one afterward.Microsoft gives no reason for the retirement in the message. Outlook users without a Copilot license are not affected by the change.<h2>What Happens to Existing Copilot Themes in Outlook</h2>A Copilot theme that is already applied stays in place until the user changes it. Themes set to refresh automatically also remain applied, but they stop refreshing and keep the imagery they show at the moment of the retirement.Themes by Copilot was offered to Copilot Pro and Microsoft 365 Copilot subscribers in the Appearance settings of Outlook. Users could start from a weather type or a location, either their own or one of more than 100 curated destinations, and then choose a realistic, oil painting, or cartoon art style.Each generated theme combined a wallpaper, shown as the background on desktop or at the top of the mobile apps, with a matching accent color for the rest of the interface. Refresh intervals ranged from every few hours to daily, weekly, or monthly.Microsoft launched a separate collection of standard themes, which are not AI-generated, for all Outlook users regardless of license status, with color options such as green, red, and purple. The retirement notice covers only Themes by Copilot.<h2>What Copilot License Holders Should Check in Outlook</h2>The Message Center post states that no action is required. Users who like their current Copilot wallpaper should still keep the following in mind before the removal arrives:<ol> <li>Leave the current Copilot theme applied if the imagery should stay, since switching to any other theme removes the option to return.</li> <li>Expect auto-refreshing Copilot themes to freeze on their current image once the retirement reaches the account.</li> <li>Pick a replacement from the standard theme collection in Outlook's Appearance settings if a frozen image is not wanted.</li> </ol>The removal comes shortly after Microsoft announced plans to <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/07/microsoft-will-block-msix-and-msixbundle-attachments-in-new-outlook-and-outlook-on-the-web-in-november/">block .msix attachments in new Outlook</a> in November.Microsoft is rolling the retirement out gradually across the mid to late October window, so Themes by Copilot remains visible in Settings on some accounts until the removal reaches them. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/12/microsoft-retires-themes-by-copilot-in-outlook-starting-in-mid-october-2026/">Microsoft Retires Themes by Copilot in Outlook Starting in Mid-October 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
GTA 6 Leaker Threatens to Release a Full Story Mode Build Unless Take-Two Offers Physical Discs

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:50:19 -0000

The GTA 6 leaker known as Cyberleek has threatened to release a build of the game containing the full story mode, "played to the end, credits and all," if the l Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/gta-6-leaker-threatens-to-release-a-full-story-mode-build-unless-take-two-offers-physical-discs/">GTA 6 Leaker Threatens to Release a Full Story Mode Build Unless Take-Two Offers Physical Discs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

The <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">GTA 6</a> leaker known as Cyberleek has threatened to release a build of the game containing the full story mode, "played to the end, credits and all," if the leaker's memecoin reaches a market cap of $30 million.The warning appeared on the Cyberleek website, which demands that Take-Two Interactive release GTA 6 on physical discs and issue a public apology to stop the leak.Cyberleek's statement says Take-Two "gets one way out: physical disks and a public apology." The leaker frames the GTA 6 leaks as a protest against the lack of a disc version of the game. It is unclear whether Cyberleek intends to publish a playable build online or a full playthrough in video form.<h2>How the Cyberleek Memecoin Threat Works</h2>The memecoin's market cap stood at $3.8 million when the threat was reported, after spiking to $5.7 million as news of the message spread on social media. Reaching $30 million would require roughly an eightfold increase.The website also lists lower thresholds tied to further leaked gameplay footage. At $2 million and $4 million, Cyberleek promised clips showing co-protagonist Lucia in increasingly revealing states of undress. A poll where fans pay to vote on the next leak using the leaker's cryptocurrency is reportedly live on the site.Fans are skeptical of the physical media argument, and the leaker has been widely accused of running a cryptocurrency scam. Analysis of crypto transactions in late August pointed to Cyberleek having cashed out around $270,000. Every video the leaker has posted links to the same website and coin.<h2>Take-Two Investigation and Rockstar's Response</h2>Cyberleek went quiet after a series of GTA 6 leaks in August that led Take-Two to open an investigation, including subpoenas to Discord and other services in federal court. The leaker returned this week with a 24-minute gameplay video showing cutscenes, story beats, a first-person camera, and nude scenes of Jason and Lucia. An earlier clip ended with the word "LEEK" shot into a wall, which indicates access to a playable build.How the footage, or any build behind it, left Rockstar's development environment is still unknown. In August, Rockstar called the leaks "heartbreaking" for its development team and "unfortunate" for fans.The studio acknowledged that the intended experience "may now be impacted by some spoilers" and kept the November 19 release date unchanged, the same date <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/09/30/rockstar-confirms-gta-6-hurricanes-170-animal-species-and-six-map-regions-ahead-of-november-19-launch/">Rockstar confirmed ahead of the console launch</a>.For players, two points follow from the facts so far. Buying the Cyberleek coin funds the leaker directly and carries the usual risks of an unregulated memecoin with no official link to Rockstar or Take-Two.Players who want to avoid story spoilers before release should also expect more unofficial footage to circulate on social media and video sites in the weeks before launch.Rockstar and Take-Two have not commented on the latest threat, and there is no confirmation that the leaked material contains the complete story mode. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/gta-6-leaker-threatens-to-release-a-full-story-mode-build-unless-take-two-offers-physical-discs/">GTA 6 Leaker Threatens to Release a Full Story Mode Build Unless Take-Two Offers Physical Discs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Tesla Renames Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe After German Regulator Talks

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 03:48:27 -0000

Tesla has renamed its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver-assistance feature to Tesla Assisted Driving (TAD) in Europe, according to a statement from the Germ Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/tesla-renames-full-self-driving-to-tesla-assisted-driving-in-europe-after-german-regulator-talks/">Tesla Renames Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe After German Regulator Talks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Tesla has renamed its Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver-assistance feature to Tesla Assisted Driving (TAD) in Europe, according to a statement from the German Transport Ministry. Tesla offered the name change after talks with the ministry last month, and on Friday the automaker started using the Tesla Assisted Driving name on its European sales website. The ministry says German Transport Minister Steffen Bilger found the "FSD" name "somewhat misleading." Following the discussions with Tesla, Bilger said he would now advocate for European regulators to approve the feature "as quickly as possible." A vote on approval at EU level is expected by the end of the year. <h2>Tesla Assisted Driving Approval Status in Europe</h2> The rename does not change what the software does. Tesla Assisted Driving can accelerate, brake, steer, and park the car, but Tesla requires drivers to stay alert and ready to intervene at all times. The feature cannot drive the vehicle on its own. Europe is still mostly closed to the system. The Netherlands became the first European government to give Tesla provisional permission to launch it this past spring. Australia and New Zealand approved the feature last year, and a version became available to customers in China in May. In the US, Tesla charges $99 per month for a Full Self-Driving (Supervised) subscription. European pricing for Tesla Assisted Driving has not been announced. <h2>Why Regulators Pushed Back on the Full Self-Driving Name</h2> Tesla resisted changing the name for years and defended it in court. Last year, California's Department of Motor Vehicles concluded that Tesla's use of the terms "Full Self-Driving" and "Autopilot" was misleading and violated state law. After the agency threatened to suspend Tesla's manufacturing and dealer licenses in California, the automaker stopped using "Autopilot," an older and less capable driver-assistance feature. Tesla also kept "(Supervised)" attached to the official Full Self-Driving name. The software remains under scrutiny in the US. In March, the federal government opened a probe into Full Self-Driving after nine incidents in which the system allegedly failed to respond in reduced visibility and did not warn drivers to take over. Tesla recalled an older version of the software in 2023 after US authorities found that it did not follow some traffic laws. Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have pushed for years to get the driver-assistance technology approved in other global markets. For Tesla owners and buyers in Europe, the practical effect is limited. The new name applies to marketing and sales material, and outside of the Dutch provisional permission, the feature still lacks approval for use on public roads. Owners should continue to treat the system as driver assistance that requires constant supervision, which is what Tesla's own requirements state. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the rename, and the EU has not set a firm date for its approval vote. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/tesla-renames-full-self-driving-to-tesla-assisted-driving-in-europe-after-german-regulator-talks/">Tesla Renames Full Self-Driving to Tesla Assisted Driving in Europe After German Regulator Talks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Replaces 1TB per Person With a Shared 2TB OneDrive Pool in Microsoft 365 Family and Premium

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 02:32:30 -0000

Microsoft is changing how OneDrive cloud storage works in Microsoft 365 Family and Premium, replacing the 1 TB that each member received with a single 2 TB pool Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/microsoft-replaces-1tb-per-person-with-a-shared-2tb-onedrive-pool-in-microsoft-365-family-and-premium/">Microsoft Replaces 1TB per Person With a Shared 2TB OneDrive Pool in Microsoft 365 Family and Premium</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> is changing how OneDrive cloud storage works in Microsoft 365 Family and Premium, replacing the 1 TB that each member received with a single 2 TB pool shared by up to six people, according to an updated Microsoft support document.New and upgraded subscriptions use the shared model starting October 8, 2026. Existing subscribers move over at their first renewal on or after May 2, 2027.A fully used Family plan previously offered up to 6 TB in total, at 1 TB per person. The new allocation is 2 TB for the entire subscription, with no change in price.Microsoft 365 Pro includes 5 TB of shared storage, while Microsoft 365 Basic (100 GB) and Microsoft 365 Personal (1 TB) remain single-user plans and are unaffected.<h2>How Microsoft 365 Shared Storage Works</h2>The primary subscriber and up to five additional members draw from the same pool. Storage add-ons purchased by any member go into that pool, and eligible family members' free storage grants count toward it too. Files stay private, so each member sees only their own content unless they share it.Microsoft's FAQ asks whether the change is a reduction in storage and answers that "total storage varies by plan," before pointing to flexibility. A subscription owner who does not share the plan can use the full 2 TB, which is double the previous per-person amount. Households with heavy users are in a different position. Four members storing 700 GB each would total 2.8 TB, which is 800 GB over the new limit.Subscriptions that go over 2 TB do not lose access immediately. Microsoft says members receive notifications as the plan approaches the limit and can keep accessing their files for up to one year while they manage their storage.Extra storage can be purchased up to a total of 10 TB per subscription. Some existing Family and Premium subscribers in supported markets may receive bonus storage at renewal at no extra cost, but Microsoft has not published amounts or durations.<h2>What Existing Family and Premium Subscribers Should Check</h2>Nothing changes for existing plans before May 2, 2027, and Microsoft says it will email subscribers before the renewal that triggers the switch. One rule matters right now: upgrading moves a subscription to shared storage immediately.Switching from Family to Premium before May 2, 2027 applies the 2 TB pool at once, while a downgrade alone does not trigger the change.<ol> <li>Have each member open the storage dashboard in their Microsoft account and note how much OneDrive space they use.</li> <li>Add the numbers together and compare the total with the 2 TB limit.</li> <li>Note the subscription renewal date, since the switch happens at the first renewal on or after May 2, 2027.</li> <li>Hold off on upgrading from Family to Premium if the household stores more than 2 TB combined.</li> <li>Free up space by deleting duplicate photo backups and emptying the OneDrive recycle bin, which counts against the quota.</li> </ol>Microsoft has not said what happens to files that remain over the limit once the one-year grace period ends. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/microsoft-replaces-1tb-per-person-with-a-shared-2tb-onedrive-pool-in-microsoft-365-family-and-premium/">Microsoft Replaces 1TB per Person With a Shared 2TB OneDrive Pool in Microsoft 365 Family and Premium</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Says Outdated Windows PCs Will Lose Windows Update Access When Certificates Expire in 2027

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 02:27:45 -0000

Microsoft has warned that Windows devices running unsupported versions, or supported versions that are missing recent patches, will lose access to Windows Updat Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/microsoft-says-outdated-windows-pcs-will-lose-windows-update-access-when-certificates-expire-in-2027/">Microsoft Says Outdated Windows PCs Will Lose Windows Update Access When Certificates Expire in 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> has warned that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/">Windows</a> devices running unsupported versions, or supported versions that are missing recent patches, will lose access to Windows Update when a set of Windows Update certificates expires on May 17, 2027 and June 19, 2027.The notice was published in the Windows release health message center on Thursday, with a matching entry in the Microsoft 365 Message Center (MC1491763).Affected devices "will lose access to Windows Update services and won't receive any updates as a result," according to Microsoft. Systems on a supported Windows version that are fully updated already have the replacement certificates and need no further action.<h2>Windows Update Certificate Deadlines by Windows Version</h2>Microsoft describes the expiration as standard security practice. Certificates used by Windows Update carry an expiration date and eventually have to be rotated, which means replaced with new certificates. The company says the replacement certificates have already been delivered to supported systems through regular updates.The required action depends on the Windows version, according to Microsoft's guidance:<ul> <li>Windows 11, version 25H2 and later: no action is required.</li> <li>Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025: install the September 2025 security update or later before June 19, 2027.</li> <li>Other supported versions of Windows 11, Windows Server 2022, and Windows 10: install the July 2026 security update or later before June 19, 2027.</li> <li>Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, Windows Server 2019, and Windows Server 2016: install the July 2026 security update or later before May 17, 2027.</li> <li>All other Windows versions: upgrade to a supported version of Windows client or Windows Server.</li> </ul>The earlier May deadline applies only to the older long-term servicing release and the 2016 and 2019 server editions. Administrators responsible for those systems have about a month less than everyone else.Windows 11 version 26H2, which <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/09/30/microsoft-releases-the-windows-11-2026-update-version-26h2-as-a-small-enablement-package/">Microsoft shipped as a small enablement package</a> last month, falls under the "25H2 and later" group and needs no action.<h2>How Windows Users and Admins Should Prepare</h2>Microsoft asks IT administrators to identify all devices running older or unsupported Windows versions, deploy monthly updates to every supported device, and create an upgrade plan for unsupported hardware before the 2027 dates. The same logic applies to home PCs.<ol> <li>Check which Windows version and edition the PC is running.</li> <li>Compare the result with Microsoft's list and confirm that the required security update is installed (September 2025 or later for version 24H2, July 2026 or later for other supported versions).</li> <li>Install any pending updates through Windows Update before the deadline that applies to the device.</li> <li>Plan an upgrade to a supported Windows client or Windows Server release for any device on an unsupported version.</li> </ol>"And if you do need to act on older device populations, there's still time!" the company wrote in the notice.The warning does not apply to devices that receive updates through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), which downloads updates and distributes them across enterprise networks. Microsoft's notice does not describe a separate certificate timeline for WSUS-managed devices. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/11/microsoft-says-outdated-windows-pcs-will-lose-windows-update-access-when-certificates-expire-in-2027/">Microsoft Says Outdated Windows PCs Will Lose Windows Update Access When Certificates Expire in 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Rockstar Reveals Six GTA 6 Radio Stations and the Series' First In-Game Podcasts

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 11:09:24 -0000

Rockstar Games has revealed six in-game radio stations for GTA 6 and confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is the first game in the series with on-demand podcasts, Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/rockstar-reveals-six-gta-6-radio-stations-and-the-series-first-in-game-podcasts/">Rockstar Reveals Six GTA 6 Radio Stations and the Series' First In-Game Podcasts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Rockstar Games has revealed six in-game radio stations for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/gaming/">GTA 6</a> and confirmed that Grand Theft Auto VI is the first game in the series with on-demand podcasts, according to a Rockstar Newswire announcement published on October 8. The studio also opened a music page on its website where players can preview each of the six stations in two-minute samples.Rockstar says GTA 6 will have the "biggest and widest-ranging selection of in-game radio yet." The six stations are only part of the lineup, since the announcement also confirms classic rock and talk radio options.<h2>GTA 6 Radio Stations, Hosts, and Songs Revealed So Far</h2>Every station revealed so far has two hosts, and Rockstar cast well-known artists in most of the roles:<ul> <li>The modern Latin station is hosted by El Martillo (voiced by Bad Bunny) and La Gata (voiced by RaiNao), covering bachata, merengue, dembow, and reggaeton, with Bad Bunny's EoO in the selection.</li> <li>Back Country Radio plays renegade country with MW (voiced by Morgan Wallen) and Delta Dawne (voiced by Lana Del Rey), plus roving reporter Mud Dog Mike (voiced by Jeremy Dufrene). Loretta Lynn and David Allan Coe are on the playlist.</li> <li>AfroBank FM features Burna (voiced by Burna Boy) and Palmsy (voiced by Palms Trax), with African music ranging from 20th century classics to amapiano and 3-step.</li> <li>The Chamber 106.6 is the classic metal station, hosted by DJ Kerry (voiced by Kerry King) and DJ Tom (voiced by Tom Araya), with Black Sabbath, Pantera, and Slayer.</li> <li>Flash FM returns as the Vice City pop station with Robyn and Alex Consani, playing Charli xcx, MGMT, and Zara Larsson with PinkPantheress.</li> <li>Dirty South Classics covers regional rap and hip-hop with Trick Daddy and Trina, including tracks from David Banner, JT Money, and DJ Khaled.</li> </ul><h2>Radio and Podcasts Now Play on Foot in GTA 6</h2>The podcasts are the larger structural change. "For the first time ever, Grand Theft Auto VI introduces a series of on-demand podcasts for Jason and Lucia to experience beyond Leonida's terrestrial radio," Rockstar states. Both radio and podcasts can be played in vehicles and on foot, through new headphones and earbuds connected to the characters' smartphones.In earlier Grand Theft Auto games, radio was confined to vehicles and select buildings. With the on-foot option, players can keep music or a podcast running while exploring or during combat.Rockstar released a batch of new official screenshots alongside the radio reveal. In September, the studio confirmed a separate album of original music made for GTA 6, with songs from Travis Scott, Morgan Wallen, and Keith Richards, and the full tracklist for that album has not been published yet. The radio news follows Rockstar's recent statement that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/08/rockstar-says-gta-6-will-require-players-to-earn-money-to-advance-story-missions/">GTA 6 requires players to earn money</a> to advance story missions.The six station previews are available on the Rockstar Games website now. GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and Rockstar has not said whether it will reveal the complete station list before release. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/rockstar-reveals-six-gta-6-radio-stations-and-the-series-first-in-game-podcasts/">Rockstar Reveals Six GTA 6 Radio Stations and the Series' First In-Game Podcasts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
UK ICO Secures Data Protection Commitments From OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Seven Other AI Developers

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:13:44 -0000

The UK data protection regulator, the ICO, says ten of the largest AI developers, including OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft, have changed how they handle personal Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/uk-ico-secures-data-protection-commitments-from-openai-google-microsoft-and-seven-other-ai-developers/">UK ICO Secures Data Protection Commitments From OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Seven Other AI Developers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

The UK data protection regulator, the ICO, says ten of the largest AI developers, including <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/ai/openai-ai/">OpenAI</a>, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a>, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a>, have changed how they handle personal data or committed to doing so after it examined their compliance with UK data protection law. The ICO announced the outcome on Thursday, October 8, and said its next focus is autonomous AI agents.The ten companies named by the regulator are Amazon, Anthropic, Apple, Cohere, DeepSeek, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Stability AI.<h2>What the AI Developers Agreed to Change</h2>According to the ICO, the commitments cover three areas:<ul> <li>clearer explanations of how personal information is used to train AI models</li> <li>better ways for people to exercise their data rights</li> <li>tougher assessments of the safeguards developers have in place</li> </ul>The changes come out of a supervisory program the ICO launched in 2025. That program initially covered 11 developers. The count dropped to ten after the regulator paused its engagement with Elon Musk's xAI to pursue a separate formal investigation into the Grok chatbot.Richard Nevinson, the ICO's director of technology regulation, said the benefits of AI depend on trust and transparency, and that the engagement "has secured real commitments that will help people better understand and control how their data is used."The ICO is not treating the matter as closed. The regulator says it is monitoring whether developers deliver on the promises, and it admits that current AI training practices still raise problems under UK data protection law.Open questions include personal data held inside trained models (sensitive information in particular), how people can get their details removed once a model has been trained on them, and the risk of personal information being extracted from models. Some of these issues, the ICO says, will need cooperation between industry, regulators, and government.<h2>ICO Opens a Call for Evidence on AI Agents</h2>The regulator has contacted OpenAI, Anthropic, Meta, and the UK's AI Security Institute following reports of AI agents bypassing safeguards during testing and deployment earlier this year. "Our message is clear: the fact AI agents act with autonomy is not an excuse for poor compliance," Nevinson said.A six-week call for evidence on agentic AI is now open. It covers security, transparency, accountability, and the lawful use of personal data, and responses are due by November 20. The ICO says the input will inform future guidance and its forthcoming statutory code of practice on AI and automated decision-making.For UK users of services from the ten developers, the practical change is on the transparency side: clearer training explanations and easier rights requests are part of the commitments, so it is worth checking each provider's privacy information and data controls as updates appear. AI companies have recently been adding new data choices of their own, such as <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/05/anthropic-asks-claude-users-to-share-voice-recordings-for-ai-training-with-a-new-opt-in-setting/">Anthropic's opt-in setting for voice recordings</a>.The ICO is also examining separately how consumer chatbots and AI companions use personal information. The regulator has not set a date for reporting on whether the ten developers have delivered on their commitments. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/uk-ico-secures-data-protection-commitments-from-openai-google-microsoft-and-seven-other-ai-developers/">UK ICO Secures Data Protection Commitments From OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and Seven Other AI Developers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Ends Safety Signal on Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE Models on December 12

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 08:04:08 -0000

Google will end Safety Signal on the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE models on December 12, 2026, according to an announcement the company posted in the Goo Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/google-ends-safety-signal-on-pixel-watch-2-and-pixel-watch-3-lte-models-on-december-12/">Google Ends Safety Signal on Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE Models on December 12</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> will end Safety Signal on the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE models on December 12, 2026, according to an announcement the company posted in the Google Pixel Watch Help Community. After that date, the watches lose the always-on connection that let their emergency features work without a cellular plan.Safety Signal gave the LTE versions of both watches a connection for emergency tools even when no carrier plan was active. Google says it will notify affected owners by email and with a push notification on the watch before the service ends.<h2>Which Pixel Watch Features Depend on Safety Signal</h2>On the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE models, Safety Signal supplied the connection for these personal safety tools:<ul> <li>calling emergency contacts from the watch</li> <li>Safety Check</li> <li>Emergency Sharing</li> <li>Emergency SOS</li> <li>Fall Detection</li> </ul>Access was tied to a subscription to Google's Health Premium service, with Google covering the connectivity instead of a mobile carrier.Google is not removing any of these features from the watches. What disappears on December 12 is the connectivity Safety Signal provided. The emergency tools keep working as long as the watch has its own connection, either through a cellular plan or by staying connected to a paired phone.References to the shutdown had already turned up in code before the announcement. The December 12 end date is now official.<h2>What Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 Owners Should Do</h2>Owners who relied on Safety Signal to reach help without a phone nearby have about two months to pick a replacement:<ol> <li>Decide whether the watch can stay tethered to a paired phone. Emergency features keep working through that connection, and it is the cheaper option for most owners.</li> <li>If the watch needs to work on its own, compare cellular plans for it. Google lists supported carriers on its Pixel Watch help page about mobile network providers.</li> <li>Look out for the email and the on-watch notification from Google, which confirm the change for the affected device.</li> </ol>A separate cellular plan for the watch comes with a monthly carrier fee, which makes tethering the default choice for owners who usually carry their phone.Newer hardware offers a different route. The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 5 support satellite connectivity, which lets wearers notify emergency contacts and emergency services when no traditional network signal is available. The wearer starts the connection and positions the watch until it locks on to a satellite.Google has not commented beyond the announcement, including on whether Health Premium pricing changes for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE owners after Safety Signal ends. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/google-ends-safety-signal-on-pixel-watch-2-and-pixel-watch-3-lte-models-on-december-12/">Google Ends Safety Signal on Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 LTE Models on December 12</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Teams Will Add Third-Party Deepfake Detection and Impersonation Warnings to Meetings in November

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 07:59:06 -0000

Microsoft is preparing to add support for third-party deepfake detection tools and a new impersonation protection feature to Microsoft Teams meetings, according Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/microsoft-teams-will-add-third-party-deepfake-detection-and-impersonation-warnings-to-meetings-in-november/">Microsoft Teams Will Add Third-Party Deepfake Detection and Impersonation Warnings to Meetings in November</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/microsoft-companies/">Microsoft</a> is preparing to add support for third-party deepfake detection tools and a new impersonation protection feature to Microsoft Teams meetings, according to two new entries on the Microsoft 365 Roadmap. Both features are listed as in development, and Microsoft plans to reach general availability in November after a worldwide rollout.The deepfake detection itself will not come from Microsoft. Teams acts as the surface for detection signals sent by certified third-party providers, while the separate impersonation protection feature is built into Teams and flags suspicious meeting organizers and participants.<h2>How Deepfake Detection Signals Work in Teams Meetings</h2>According to the roadmap entry, organizations will be able to "enhance meeting security with synthetic audio and video detection solutions provided by certified third-party providers."Those providers analyze the audio and video of a meeting for signs of synthetic or manipulated media. When a solution finds something, it sends a detection signal to Teams.Microsoft says it will provide the Teams integration and the in-meeting experiences and controls that surface those signals and let organizations act on them. The roadmap entries do not name the certified providers, and Microsoft has not said whether the integration requires an additional license.Impersonation protection targets identity rather than media. "When Teams detects a potential impersonation attempt, it surfaces warnings and risk indicators to help users recognize suspicious identities and make more informed decisions when joining or participating in a meeting," Microsoft states in the second roadmap entry.<h2>Why Microsoft Keeps Adding Protection to Teams</h2>The two features continue a series of Teams security changes. Cybercrime groups, ransomware gangs among them, have abused Teams for social engineering attacks aimed at the employees of victim organizations, in some cases by posing as IT support.Microsoft has answered with a run of smaller controls:<ul> <li>admins can lock out external users through the Defender portal, a change Microsoft announced in December with availability from January</li> <li>a meeting protection policy, rolling out since August, automatically blocks identified external bots from joining meetings</li> <li>Teams blurs QR codes sent by external senders to cut down on phishing and fraud attempts</li> <li>Users will be able to report suspicious guest invitations directly from Teams starting in November</li> </ul>The changes fit a wider tightening across Microsoft 365, which also includes <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/07/microsoft-will-block-msix-and-msixbundle-attachments-in-new-outlook-and-outlook-on-the-web-in-november/">blocking .msix attachments in new Outlook</a> from November.Teams administrators who plan to use deepfake detection should track the two roadmap entries and check which certified providers become available once the rollout starts. Organizations that already work with a synthetic media detection vendor can ask whether that vendor is pursuing certification for Teams.Microsoft has not published a specific November date for either feature, and the roadmap entries do not explain how admins will turn them on. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/10/09/microsoft-teams-will-add-third-party-deepfake-detection-and-impersonation-warnings-to-meetings-in-november/">Microsoft Teams Will Add Third-Party Deepfake Detection and Impersonation Warnings to Meetings in November</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.