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Modern Warfare 4 Beta Adds a Campaign Mission, Switch 2 Support, and Background Shader Compilation

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:21:07 -0000

Activision has announced the start date, contents, and system requirements for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 open beta. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/modern-warfare-4-beta-adds-a-campaign-mission-switch-2-support-and-background-shader-compilation/">Modern Warfare 4 Beta Adds a Campaign Mission, Switch 2 Support, and Background Shader Compilation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/samsung-and-activision-partner-on-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-with-odyssey-g9-display-tie-in/">Activision</a> has announced the start date, contents, and system requirements for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 open beta. This beta introduces several features not seen in previous Call of Duty betas.For the first time, players can try a campaign mission in addition to multiplayer content. The beta also provides the first look at the Nintendo Switch 2 version. On PC, a new feature compiles shaders in the background to cut down on waiting time. The full game is set to launch on October 23.The beta is split into two phases: an early access weekend and an open weekend.<h2>Modern Warfare 4 Beta Campaign Mission, Multiplayer Content, and Schedule</h2>The beta includes a campaign mission for the first time. The mission, called "Entrenched," puts players in control of a South Korean soldier during a modern-day North Korean invasion. A short trailer shows snowy trench warfare. The initial reveal trailer also highlighted other missions featuring Captain Price.The first phase is open to players who preorder. It features six multiplayer maps and eight modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Inflation, Search & Destroy, Kill Block, and Mobility Course.The early access beta runs from 2 PM ET on August 21 to 1 PM on August 25 on Steam, Battle.net, the Microsoft Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and S. Preloads begin at noon on August 20.The open beta is available to all players the following week, from 1 PM on August 28 to 1 PM on September 1. This phase adds two Ground War maps, a Warzone map, two more multiplayer maps, and support for Nintendo Switch 2. Preorders for Switch 2 open when beta preloads begin at noon on August 26.<h2>Modern Warfare 4 Beta PC Requirements and Background Shader Compilation</h2>Modern Warfare 4 drops support for last-generation consoles and adds new ray tracing features, but the beta system requirements are similar to last year's Black Ops 7.According to Activision, the beta runs on older graphics cards like the AMD Radeon RX 470 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 with at least 3GB of VRAM. Recommended specs are an RX 6700 XT or RTX 3060 Ti with 8GB of VRAM. TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are still required, as they were last year.To cut down on waiting after the first launch, the beta can now compile shaders without starting the game. After installing or updating, PC users see a Windows system tray notification showing that pre-compiling has started, along with a progress percentage.Steam users still need to compile some additional shaders after launching the game, while Battle.net handles the whole process in the background. Activision says shader pre-compilation uses minimal system resources, so players can use their PCs as usual while waiting.<h2>Modern Warfare 4 Beta Access, Preload Times, and Platform Availability</h2>Players who want early access should get ready before the first weekend:<ol> <li>Preorder Modern Warfare 4 on Steam, Battle.net, the Microsoft Store, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X and S to access the August 21 early access beta.</li> <li>Begin preloading at noon on August 20 to be ready when the beta opens.</li> <li>Let shader pre-compilation run after installing or updating, as it reduces waiting time on the first launch.</li> <li>For the open beta, install the client ahead of the August 28 start, with Switch 2 preorders and preloads opening at noon on Au</li> </ol>The early access beta runs from August 21 to 25 for players who preorder. The open beta runs from August 28 to September 1 for everyone, including Nintendo Switch 2 users.Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Battle.net, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Activision has not shared the full launch map and mode list beyond what is included in the beta. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/modern-warfare-4-beta-adds-a-campaign-mission-switch-2-support-and-background-shader-compilation/">Modern Warfare 4 Beta Adds a Campaign Mission, Switch 2 Support, and Background Shader Compilation</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Messages RCS Breaks for Some Galaxy Users After Samsung Smart Switch Transfer

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:11:46 -0000

Samsung Galaxy users are experiencing RCS failures in Google Messages after transferring data to a new device with Samsung Smart Switch. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/google-messages-rcs-breaks-for-some-galaxy-users-after-samsung-smart-switch-transfer/">Google Messages RCS Breaks for Some Galaxy Users After Samsung Smart Switch Transfer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/samsung/">Samsung</a> Galaxy users are experiencing RCS failures in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/04/29/google-messages-bug-is-causing-text-messages-to-disappear-on-samsung-pixel-and-motorola-devices/">Google Messages</a> after transferring data to a new device with Samsung Smart Switch. Some see error code 3100 when trying to enable RCS or send messages on their new phones.Google says it is aware of the problem and believes corrupted cache files from Smart Switch may be to blame. In an August 21 update, Google said it is working with carrier partners to address the issue.The problem appears after using Smart Switch to transfer data to a new Galaxy device.<h2>Google Messages RCS Failures After Samsung Smart Switch Transfers</h2>These reports come after Samsung discontinued its Messages app in the US, which led both new and existing users to switch to Google Messages. Since Google Messages is the only app on Galaxy phones that supports RCS, it has become the default choice. Some users, however, are having trouble getting RCS to work after setting up their new devices.Android Authority notes that several Reddit users report RCS stops working after moving to a new Galaxy phone and transferring data with Smart Switch. Those affected see error code 3100 when trying to enable or send RCS messages.Google believes the issue may be linked to corrupted cache files transferred during the Smart Switch process.Some users also report RCS problems after switching carriers instead of devices. Google says these cases may be due to the number-porting process not being fully completed.<h2>Google Messages RCS Workaround and Fix Status</h2>Google suggests several steps to try to restore RCS, but these do not work for everyone:<ol> <li>Update to the latest version of Google Messages.</li> <li>Turn off RCS in the app settings.</li> <li>Clear the Carrier Services app data.</li> <li>Restart the phone.</li> <li>Enable RCS again.</li> </ol>Android Central notes this workaround does not appear to work for all affected users. Some say they were only able to restore RCS after factory resetting their Galaxy phone, and even then there is no guarantee it solves the problem, making a factory reset a drastic step to attempt.Google says it is aware of these reports and is working with carrier partners on a solution. There is currently no guaranteed fix for everyone. Google has not given a timeline for a broader fix, so affected users may need to try the suggested workaround and wait for a carrier-side solution instead of relying on a factory reset. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/google-messages-rcs-breaks-for-some-galaxy-users-after-samsung-smart-switch-transfer/">Google Messages RCS Breaks for Some Galaxy Users After Samsung Smart Switch Transfer</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5121003 Update Is Crashing Games and Rebooting PCs

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 08:04:09 -0000

Microsoft has acknowledged that its latest Patch Tuesday update for Windows 11 is causing games to crash on some systems. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-kb5121003-update-is-crashing-games-and-rebooting-pcs/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5121003 Update Is Crashing Games and Rebooting 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> has acknowledged that its <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/windows-11-expands-low-latency-profile-cpu-boost-to-all-apps-in-august-patch-tuesday-update/">latest Patch Tuesday</a> update for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11</a> is causing games to crash on some systems. The KB5121003 update, released on August 11 for builds 26200.9168 and 26100.9168, introduces a bug that leads to game crashes with an EXCEPTION_ACCESS_VIOLATION error.In some cases, the PC reboots automatically after the crash. Microsoft says the problem affects Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 and is looking into whether the update itself or conflicting third-party software is to blame.Games affected by the bug include Arc Raiders, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, and The Finals.<h2>Windows 11 KB5121003 Crash Reports and Arm App Problems</h2>After a Reddit user reported the problem last week, others confirmed they were seeing crashes, error messages, and random reboots after installing the update.One user shared event logs, WER reports, and a kernel dump analysis that suggested the game crashes were actually system BSODs happening while playing Arc Raiders.According to the analysis, the crashes are linked to a pre-existing "bad-handle bug" that Windows used to ignore or just return an error for when an invalid handle was closed.With the latest update, kernel handle validation is stricter, so closing an invalid handle now triggers a bug check 0x93 INVALID_KERNEL_HANDLE instead of being ignored. Microsoft has confirmed the issue on its Windows release health dashboard and is investigating what is causing it.The update is also causing problems beyond game crashes. According to a Microsoft Learn post by Brian Stringfellow, Teams and the new Outlook have stopped working on Arm devices after installing KB5121003.Teams crashes shortly after opening, and the new Outlook does not launch, though the classic Outlook app still works as expected.Stringfellow reports the issue on a Snapdragon-powered Microsoft Surface Laptop 7th Edition. He notes that the same problem showed up earlier this year after installing KB5094126 and was fixed by rolling back that update, but it has returned with the latest release. Other users have confirmed similar issues on the HP OmniBook 3 and Surface Pro 11, both using Arm64 processors.<h2>KB5121003 Workarounds and Microsoft's Fix Status</h2>Microsoft has not provided an official workaround, but some users have shared steps that worked for them:<ol> <li>Roll back KB5121003 using DISM, which one user reports stopped the crashes.</li> <li>Pause Windows Update for up to one month to prevent the update from automatically reinstalling.</li> <li>As a longer-term fix, remove old drivers responsible for the bad-handle bug, which one user recommends as a permanent solution.</li> <li>On affected Arm devices, use the classic Outlook app, which continues to work, while Teams and the new Outlook remain broken.</li> </ol>These steps are user-reported and not from Microsoft, so results may vary. Microsoft has confirmed the game crash issue on Windows 11 25H2 and 24H2 and is still investigating whether the update or third-party software is responsible.There is no fix or official workaround yet. Microsoft has also not responded to the separate reports about Teams and new Outlook not working on Arm devices. Users can check the Windows release health dashboard for updates or roll back the update for now. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-kb5121003-update-is-crashing-games-and-rebooting-pcs/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 KB5121003 Update Is Crashing Games and Rebooting PCs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
AirTag Investigation Tracks Rare Book Shipment to Amazon Facility Scanning Books for AI Training

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:35:03 -0000

A $29 Apple AirTag hidden inside a rare book helped track a shipment to an Amazon warehouse in Las Vegas, where employees take apart books and scan their pages Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/airtag-investigation-tracks-rare-book-shipment-to-amazon-facility-scanning-books-for-ai-training/">AirTag Investigation Tracks Rare Book Shipment to Amazon Facility Scanning Books for AI Training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

A $29 <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/apple-companies/">Apple</a> AirTag hidden inside a rare book helped track a shipment to an <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/amazon-makes-alexa-free-on-fire-tv-devices-dropping-the-subscription-requirement/">Amazon</a> warehouse in Las Vegas, where employees take apart books and scan their pages for AI training data.This finding contradicts an earlier Amazon statement denying that it destroyed books during scanning. Reporter Emanuel Maiberg placed the AirTag in one book from an order of about 1,000 volumes purchased through Biblio, a marketplace that keeps buyers anonymous.Amazon's public response avoided any reference to artificial intelligence.<h2>AirTag Tracking Led to Amazon's Las Vegas Book-Scanning Facility</h2>A bookseller agreed to participate after noticing unusually large orders with no clear connection between the titles. The seller suspected these books were being bought for AI training, not for resale.In the weeks that followed, the AirTag's location data showed the package moving through four states. It first flew to Milwaukee, then stayed at a distribution center near Kenosha, Wisconsin, for two weeks.After that, a truck took it west, stopping overnight in Grand Junction, Colorado. The last recorded location was the northern part of an Amazon facility called LAS8 in northeast Las Vegas.LAS8 is mainly a print-on-demand site where books are made. The northern part of the building houses a separate unit called VGT3, according to employees in an online forum. Its entrance features an image of a Tyrannosaurus rex holding an open book.One employee said, "All we do is scan books." Other workers described a constant flow of large book shipments. Staff cut off the spines to make scanning faster, then throw away the printed books after they are digitized.At VGT3, employees scan each book's ISBN barcode before scanning the pages. This creates a running list of titles the unit has already processed. The record helps them identify which books have not yet been scanned and focus on those.<h2>Amazon's Response and Why AI Companies Want Pre-2022 Books</h2>In its only public response, Amazon did not mention artificial intelligence. A spokesperson said Amazon "purchases books through commercial channels" to develop and improve its products and services, but did not say what happens to the physical books after scanning.Two competing AI developers have drawn a firmer line on the practice. Anthropic has said its data-acquisition efforts avoid purchasing and destroying rare or antiquarian books, a position xAI has echoed publicly.No equivalent assurance has come from Amazon. The seller who placed the AirTag characterized the shipment as niche or slow-moving inventory rather than collector-grade material. "There are different types of value," the bookseller said, referencing historical and sentimental worth left out of any scanning operation's calculations.AI developers prefer pre-2022 books because of a problem called model collapse. This happens when AI systems are trained too often on their own generated text, causing them to lose accuracy and variety over time.A July 2024 study from Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London tracked this decline. Another analysis by Ahrefs found that by April 2025, 74.2% of nearly 900,000 new web pages already included AI-generated content.ISBNdb, a company that provides book metadata, briefly marketed pre-2022 print books to AI companies as material free from AI-generated text or data poisoning. The marketing page was taken down in July 2026. The company later said it was only a test to see if there was market interest.<h2>Anthropic's Similar Book-Scanning Program and the US Legal Framework</h2>This is not the first known operation of its kind. Court filings unsealed during Bartz v. Anthropic revealed an internal program called Project Panama, overseen by Tom Turvey, previously head of partnerships for Google Books, which followed the same process of cutting spines, scanning pages, and discarding the originals.Anthropic finalized a copyright settlement in July 2026, paying around $3,000 per work across 482,460 titles, the largest known payout of its kind in a US class-action case.The same litigation also addressed more than seven million books Anthropic had obtained from piracy sources such as Library Genesis and Pirate Library Mirror.US District Judge William Alsup ruled in June 2025 that turning a legally acquired physical book into a digital training file qualifies as transformative fair use under copyright law.The decision originated from a single district court, was never taken up on appeal, and holds no binding authority beyond that jurisdiction. A May 2025 report from the US Copyright Office separately cautioned that commercial AI training does not automatically qualify as fair use in every case.Current law does not require book buyers to reveal their identity or purpose. The first-sale doctrine allows owners to do what they want with a physical copy they have bought. Together with the Alsup ruling, this means operations like VGT3 can continue without breaking US copyright law. Authors whose secondhand books are bought and scanned are not notified and do not receive compensation.<h2>AI Book-Scanning Faces Stricter Rules Outside the US</h2>Legal standards are different outside the US. An intellectual property expert at the University of Oxford said UK law requires consent to compile a training dataset and to run the training process.There is no fair use equivalent in the UK. In Germany, the publishers' and booksellers' association said scanning books for AI would break German copyright law, no matter how the books were obtained.Similar legal challenges have targeted other AI developers. In July 2026, Hachette Book Group, Cengage Learning, Elsevier, and author Scott Turow brought a lawsuit against Google in a New York federal court concerning Gemini's training data, claiming the company stripped or modified copyright information from the works it incorporated.Amazon's subsidiary Twitch drew separate attention after introducing an opt-out setting for generative AI training on August 12, 2026, once users discovered every account had already been enrolled automatically before that choice existed.Amazon has not confirmed that the scanned books are used for AI training, referring only to purchases "through commercial channels" without addressing what happens to the physical books.The full scope of the VGT3 operation, including how many titles have been processed and which specific AI systems the data supports, has not been detailed. The AirTag investigation traced one shipment to the facility, but Amazon has not publicly accounted for the destruction of the books or reconciled it with its earlier denial. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/21/airtag-investigation-tracks-rare-book-shipment-to-amazon-facility-scanning-books-for-ai-training/">AirTag Investigation Tracks Rare Book Shipment to Amazon Facility Scanning Books for AI Training</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
GTA 6 Leaks Show Vehicles With Fuel and HP Meters, Pointing to Deeper Simulation Systems

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:11:14 -0000

Leaked gameplay clips from Grand Theft Auto 6 seem to show vehicles with fuel and HP meters, new interaction options, and a more detailed wanted system. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/gta-6-leaks-show-vehicles-with-fuel-and-hp-meters-pointing-to-deeper-simulation-systems/">GTA 6 Leaks Show Vehicles With Fuel and HP Meters, Pointing to Deeper Simulation Systems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Leaked gameplay clips from <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/former-rockstar-developer-says-gta-6-could-be-delayed-again-potentially-to-may-2027/">Grand Theft Auto 6</a> seem to show vehicles with fuel and HP meters, new interaction options, and a more detailed wanted system.The clips were published by a source named Cyberleek over two days and surfaced about a week before Rockstar's official reveal on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/29/netflix-requires-unique-email-addresses-for-each-profile-adding-login-steps-to-shared-accounts/">Netflix</a>, scheduled for August 27. In one clip, Jason, one of the game's two protagonists, enters a car, and the UI displays indicators for the vehicle's HP and gas level.While the clips are not being directly linked, they are not difficult to find.<h2>GTA 6 Leaks Point to Fuel, Vehicle Damage, and Deeper Police Systems</h2>The clip showing Jason entering a car includes UI elements that seem to represent the vehicle's HP and fuel status. This points to a simulation system that could help GTA evolve, drawing a comparison to the survival and maintenance mechanics in Red Dead Redemption 2.Other leaked clips, show options to greet or taunt locals. When police are called, the game reportedly displays how much information they have about the player, such as face, clothing, and vehicle. This could make police chases more complex, possibly letting players change outfits or abandon vehicles to escape.It is compared to Red Dead Redemption 2, where systems for eating, drinking, bathing, and camping moved the game toward a life simulation. The article argues that adding vehicle fuel and similar mechanics in GTA 6 could make the world more reactive, introducing new stakes and choices to Rockstar's open-world design.The article also notes a potential downside, as features like fuel management could discourage some players. It suggests Rockstar might address this by offering cheats to disable these systems, or that PC players could eventually use mods.<h2>What Rockstar Has Not Confirmed About the GTA 6 Leaks</h2>The clips remain unverified leaks and are not official Rockstar material, so features like fuel and HP meters, new interaction options, and wanted-system changes have not been confirmed.The clips as seemingly genuine but does not verify them. Rockstar's official reveal on Netflix, set for August 27, may confirm or clarify which of these systems will appear in the final game. Until then, the full extent of GTA 6's simulation features is unknown. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/gta-6-leaks-show-vehicles-with-fuel-and-hp-meters-pointing-to-deeper-simulation-systems/">GTA 6 Leaks Show Vehicles With Fuel and HP Meters, Pointing to Deeper Simulation Systems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Amazon Makes Alexa+ Free on Fire TV Devices, Dropping the Subscription Requirement

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:06:47 -0000

Amazon is now offering Alexa+ at no cost on Fire TV devices, so users no longer need a Prime or Alexa+ subscription to access the AI assistant. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/amazon-makes-alexa-free-on-fire-tv-devices-dropping-the-subscription-requirement/">Amazon Makes Alexa+ Free on Fire TV Devices, Dropping the Subscription Requirement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/amazon/">Amazon</a> is now offering Alexa+ at no cost on Fire TV devices, so users no longer need a Prime or Alexa+ subscription to access the AI assistant. The update is rolling out first to US customers with supported devices, such as Fire TV Sticks, Fire TV Cube, Ember TVs, and select models from Hisense and Panasonic.Amazon says it plans to expand support to more hardware and countries. The feature is enabled automatically. Alexa+ normally starts at $20 per month, while Prime starts at $139 per year.<h2>What Alexa+ Adds to Fire TV and Why Amazon Made It Free</h2>Alexa+ brings more conversational controls to Fire TV and smart home devices, similar to recent updates from competitors. Users can ask follow-up questions about an actor or adjust smart home settings like dimming the lights for a movie without needing precise commands. This reduces the need to check a phone or find the right phrasing.Some features, such as Alexa Routines and advanced smart home automation, still require a Prime or Alexa+ subscription.Engadget points out that making Alexa+ free on Fire TV is unexpected, since it could have been used to encourage subscriptions. The move appears to be driven by competition.Most of Amazon's main competitors already provide similar AI features at no extra cost or plan to do so soon. Android TVs started receiving Gemini last fall, Roku updated its voice assistant around the same time, and Apple is expected to add an improved Siri AI to Apple TV 4K later this year.Engadget suggests that charging extra for Alexa+ could make it easier for users to switch to other platforms. By making Alexa+ free, Amazon may encourage users to stay with its hardware, even if they use other streaming services.<h3>Availability</h3>Alexa+ is now available at no cost on supported Fire TV devices for US customers, with no setup needed. Amazon has not shared a full list of supported devices or a timeline for expanding to other countries. There is no confirmed date for availability outside the US. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/amazon-makes-alexa-free-on-fire-tv-devices-dropping-the-subscription-requirement/">Amazon Makes Alexa+ Free on Fire TV Devices, Dropping the Subscription Requirement</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Nvidia Adds Firefox to GeForce NOW's Supported Browsers for Cloud Gaming on Windows

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 08:01:17 -0000

Nvidia has added support for GeForce NOW on Firefox for Windows. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/nvidia-adds-firefox-to-geforce-nows-supported-browsers-for-cloud-gaming-on-windows/">Nvidia Adds Firefox to GeForce NOW's Supported Browsers for Cloud Gaming on Windows</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/nvidia-raises-rtx-pro-6000-blackwell-price-to-16000-more-than-double-its-launch-price/">Nvidia</a> has added support for GeForce NOW on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/firefox/">Firefox</a> for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/">Windows</a>. This means Firefox users can stream over 2,000 PC games without needing to download, install, or upgrade hardware.All that is required is a Windows PC and the Firefox browser. GeForce NOW Ultimate members can stream at up to 1440p and 120 frames per second with RTX-powered performance. Mozilla says the addition comes after months of work with Nvidia.Users have requested GeForce NOW support on Firefox for years.<h2>GeForce NOW Brings Cloud Gaming to Firefox on Windows</h2>Cloud gaming puts more strain on a browser than most websites, since performance and responsiveness are important. Mozilla says bringing GeForce NOW to Firefox for Windows took months of collaboration and engineering with Nvidia.Players can stream high-performance PC games directly from Firefox without waiting on lengthy downloads, installs, or updates. "Firefox earned its place on our list of supported browsers by delivering the first-class experience GeForce NOW players expect," said Andrew Fear, Director of NVIDIA GeForce NOW. "We set a high bar for browser support, and we're excited to welcome Firefox, giving millions of Firefox fans a new way to stream the games they love."Mozilla points to Firefox's customization and multitasking features as benefits for gamers. Users can set themes, change colors, adjust tab settings, run Discord in Split View, keep a guide open in another tab, or browse Reddit between matches before switching to full screen to play."Teaming up with NVIDIA to bring GeForce NOW to Firefox is a milestone moment, one of the world's leading cloud gaming services, now running on a browser built for privacy, control and flexibility," said Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox.<h2>GeForce NOW on Firefox Supports Existing Game Libraries</h2>Firefox users can stream games they already own from Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Xbox PC Game Pass, or Ubisoft Connect. After signing in, players can open their library and start streaming supported games.To try it:<ol> <li>Update to the latest version of Firefox.</li> <li>Go to play.geforcenow.com.</li> <li>Sign in with a GeForce NOW account.</li> </ol>GeForce NOW is now available on Firefox for Windows, as long as users have the latest version of the browser. Mozilla says Nvidia will share more details about the partnership at Gamescom on August 25.For now, support is limited to Firefox on Windows, and there is no word yet on support for other operating systems. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/nvidia-adds-firefox-to-geforce-nows-supported-browsers-for-cloud-gaming-on-windows/">Nvidia Adds Firefox to GeForce NOW's Supported Browsers for Cloud Gaming on Windows</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Windows 11 Test Build Adds Per-App Camera, Microphone, and Location Controls for Desktop Programs

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:39:23 -0000

Microsoft is testing a way to revoke camera, microphone, and location access for individual Win32 desktop programs in Windows 11, extending granular control tha Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/windows-11-test-build-adds-per-app-camera-microphone-and-location-controls-for-desktop-programs/">Windows 11 Test Build Adds Per-App Camera, Microphone, and Location Controls for Desktop Programs</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 testing a way to revoke camera, microphone, and location access for individual Win32 desktop programs in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/windows/windows-11/">Windows 11,</a> extending granular control that until now applied only to Microsoft Store apps.The capability surfaced in Windows Insider Preview Build <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-insider/release-notes/experimental/preview-build-26340-9212" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" target="_blank">26340.9212</a> for Windows 11 version 26H2, released to the Experimental channel on August 17, 2026. Microsoft's release notes for the build did not mention the new privacy controls. The toggles were spotted by an X user rather than announced.The same build finalized the removal of the legacy WMIC command-line tool.<h2>Windows 11's New Per-App Privacy Controls for Desktop Programs</h2>Windows 11 currently provides individual permission toggles for Microsoft Store applications only. A Store video-calling app can be granted camera access while a different Store program is denied it, giving users granular control over that category of software.Win32 desktop programs, including web browsers, chat clients, and most software installed outside the Store, do not get the same treatment. A single toggle labeled "Let desktop apps access your microphone" governs every non-Store program at once, so granting Discord microphone access leaves the toggle on for every other desktop application on the machine.Windows already logs which apps have recently used the camera, microphone, or location, but that log shows past activity only and offers no way to block a specific program going forward.Inside build 26340.9212, new toggles sit directly in the Settings privacy panel and let users revoke camera and microphone access for individual Win32 programs. The same controls extend to location permissions and voice activation, covering hardware categories beyond camera and audio.The change would let a user grant a video-calling program access to a webcam while denying that same access to a browser or productivity tool, a distinction previously impossible without third-party software. Per-app hardware permissions of this kind have been standard on iOS and Android for more than a decade.<h2>How the Win32 Privacy Controls Were Found and What Else Changed</h2>The discovery did not come from Microsoft. X user @jakub25050 spotted the new toggles inside the Settings app and shared screenshots on August 18, 2026, writing "Huge changes are coming to Windows 11 privacy & security" and tagging Pavan Davuluri, who leads Microsoft's Windows and Devices group, along with the official Windows Insider account and several Windows-focused accounts.Several Insiders who replied said the toggles had not appeared on their installations, consistent with Microsoft's practice of rolling features out to a subset of testers before widening access.The same build finalized the removal of WMIC, a legacy command-line tool that ransomware operators have used for years to delete shadow copies, query installed antivirus software, and issue commands on compromised systems without introducing new executables.Microsoft has described the change as a continuation of a deprecation effort that began years earlier, saying, "Removing a deprecated component helps reduce complexity while keeping you secure and productive."The per-app Win32 privacy controls remain confined to the Experimental Insider channel and are not tied to a specific release milestone. Testing them requires enrollment in the Windows Insider Program on build 26340.9212 or later. Microsoft has not issued a public statement about the feature or confirmed a release timeline.As with any Insider feature, it could ship broadly, be redesigned, or be dropped before reaching general availability, and wider testing availability will depend on Microsoft's staged rollout. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/20/windows-11-test-build-adds-per-app-camera-microphone-and-location-controls-for-desktop-programs/">Windows 11 Test Build Adds Per-App Camera, Microphone, and Location Controls for Desktop Programs</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Firefox for iOS Adds Native Ad Blocking That Users Must Enable Manually

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:23:52 -0000

Mozilla is adding native ad blocking to Firefox for iOS. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/firefox-for-ios-adds-native-ad-blocking-that-users-must-enable-manually/">Firefox for iOS Adds Native Ad Blocking That Users Must Enable Manually</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/firefox/">Mozilla</a> is adding native ad blocking to Firefox for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/ios/">iOS</a>. Once the feature reaches your account, you can use it to block many ads while browsing on mobile.The ad blocker is off by default and targets third-party ad networks, most third-party ads on websites, ad-related trackers, pop-ups, and overlays at the network level.It does not block ads in search results or sponsored content on Firefox's own pages. The feature is still experimental and not available to everyone yet. Ads not covered by the EasyList filter may still appear.<h2>What Firefox for iOS Ad Blocking Covers and Leaves Out</h2>According to Mozilla's support page, Firefox for iOS blocks third-party ad networks and exchanges along with many third-party ads served on websites at the network level, as well as ad-related trackers, pop-ups, and overlays.Some ads will still show up. You will see ads in search results from <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a>, Bing, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/duckduckgo-adds-copy-clean-link-to-strip-trackers-from-urls-on-iphone/">DuckDuckGo</a>, as well as sponsored content on the Firefox Home and New Tab pages. Ads not included in the EasyList filter may also get through. The ad blocker only works inside the Firefox iOS app.Firefox is not the only browser with native ad blocking on iOS. DuckDuckGo and Brave also include built-in ad blockers and let users turn off their own search ads. To block ads in other apps, you can use URL filters in iOS 26 along with a third-party app like Wipr 2.Ad blocking is off by default. You need to turn it on manually:<ol> <li>Open the Firefox iOS app and tap the three dots.</li> <li>Go to Settings, then Browsing.</li> <li>Under the Content header, toggle on Ad Blocker.</li> </ol>You can also access the ad blocker from the Site menu by tapping Ad Blocker under the site name and URL. This opens the Browsing menu directly. The Site menu also shows if ad blocking is currently on or off.<h3>Availability</h3>Mozilla says the feature is experimental and not yet available to all users, so you may not see the option in your browser settings. There is no timeline for when the rollout will reach everyone. Once it is available, you can enable it in the Browsing settings as described above. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/firefox-for-ios-adds-native-ad-blocking-that-users-must-enable-manually/">Firefox for iOS Adds Native Ad Blocking That Users Must Enable Manually</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Samsung and Activision Partner on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 With Odyssey G9 Display Tie-In

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:20:10 -0000

Samsung Electronics has announced a hardware partnership with Activision Blizzard for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/samsung-and-activision-partner-on-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-with-odyssey-g9-display-tie-in/">Samsung and Activision Partner on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 With Odyssey G9 Display Tie-In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/samsung/">Samsung</a> Electronics has announced a hardware partnership with <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/what-microsoft-acquisition-activision-means">Activision Blizzard</a> for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/22/activision-sets-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-beta-for-august-21-early-access-and-august-28-open-weekend/">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4</a>. The agreement covers display optimization, live showcase streaming, and hands-on demos at Gamescom 2026, according to Dot Esports.The partnership puts Samsung's Odyssey G9 gaming monitor at the center of Modern Warfare 4's promotion. The game includes native support for the monitor's ultra-wide aspect ratio. Modern Warfare 4 is developed by Infinity Ward, set mainly in Korea, and is expected to launch in October.The agreement also includes beta code giveaways and a demo zone at Gamescom before launch.<h2>Modern Warfare 4's Odyssey G9 Support and Beta Perks</h2>Samsung and Activision started collaborating early in Modern Warfare 4's development, tuning the game's performance for the Odyssey G9 monitor.Modern Warfare 4 supports the Odyssey G9's 32:9 ultra-wide aspect ratio, which gives players a much wider field of view than standard widescreen monitors. The monitor's HDR10+ Gaming technology aims to improve color and brightness accuracy in both bright outdoor maps and darker indoor areas.Players will see at least two benefits from the partnership before the game's release.On Friday, August 21, Activision hosts a "Call of Duty: Next" showcase, which Samsung will livestream via the Samsung Gaming Hub. Viewers watching through the Hub have a chance to receive early-access PC beta codes, with as many as 50,000 codes on offer for the beta running August 21 to 24.At Gamescom 2026 in Cologne, Germany, running August 26 to 30, Samsung's booth will feature a hands-on demo zone running the game on Odyssey monitors. A raffle open to booth visitors will distribute 500 limited-edition Vault Edition game codes.<h2>Why Samsung's Modern Warfare 4 Partnership Goes Beyond Monitor Promotion</h2>Lee Heon, Vice President of Samsung's Visual Display Business, said of the deal: "It is meaningful to introduce a high-level Call of Duty gaming experience to global gamers through the superior picture quality of Samsung TVs and Odyssey monitors. We will continue to expand collaborations with global game companies to strengthen our leadership in the gaming market."Cody Neal, Head of Partnerships at Activision Blizzard, added: "Thanks to Samsung's display and gaming technology, we are able to showcase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 in a new and exciting way.Through our collaboration with Samsung, we will bring the game to life with the vivid picture quality, immersion, and fast response times that match the signature speed and intense action of Call of Duty."Dot Esports notes that Samsung is using the partnership to position the Odyssey G9 as a premium choice for first-person shooters. Hardware partnerships that start early in development tend to be more credible than those added after launch, since native support for a monitor's features can make a stronger case for buying it.For Activision, the deal ensures Modern Warfare 4 will be featured on the Samsung Gaming Hub at launch, reaching users who already own or are interested in high-end monitors. Beta code giveaways for Hub viewers also help drive traffic to the showcase.The "Call of Duty: Next" showcase will stream on August 21 through the Samsung Gaming Hub, followed by the Modern Warfare 4 PC beta from August 21 to 24.Players who want to try the game in person can visit Samsung's booth at Gamescom in Cologne from August 26 to 30 for a chance to win one of 500 Vault Edition codes. The game is expected to launch in October, but Activision has not announced a specific date. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/samsung-and-activision-partner-on-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-with-odyssey-g9-display-tie-in/">Samsung and Activision Partner on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 With Odyssey G9 Display Tie-In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Reportedly Plans to Move Pixel Production Out of China to India and Vietnam by 2027

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:16:22 -0000

Google is preparing to end production of its Pixel products in China by 2027 and move manufacturing to India and Vietnam, according to a Nikkei Asia report. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/google-reportedly-plans-to-move-pixel-production-out-of-china-to-india-and-vietnam-by-2027/">Google Reportedly Plans to Move Pixel Production Out of China to India and Vietnam by 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/google/">Google</a> is preparing to end production of its <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/27/google-confirms-pixel-price-increases-citing-memory-component-costs/">Pixel</a> products in China by 2027 and move manufacturing to India and Vietnam, according to a Nikkei Asia report.The shift would cover the entire Pixel lineup, including phones, watches, and earbuds. Because Pixel devices are not sold in China, Google reportedly faces no barriers to relocating production. The company is also looking to increase Pixel shipments in 2026 after launching <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/google-announces-pixel-11-lineup-pixel-watch-5-and-pixel-tag-at-made-by-google-2026/">the Pixel 11 series.</a>Google's experience producing the Pixel 11 in Vietnam reportedly gave the company confidence to shift all Pixel manufacturing out of China.<h2>Google's Reported Pixel Production Shift and 2026 Shipment Target</h2>Nikkei Asia reports that Google plans to stop producing Pixel products in China by 2027 and relocate production to India and Vietnam. This move follows a trial run with the Pixel 11, which was produced in Vietnam.The report says the change will cover Google's full Pixel lineup, including phones, watches, and earbuds. Since Pixel products are not sold in China, Nikkei Asia's sources say Google has no obstacles in moving production.Google is aiming to increase Pixel shipments in 2026. Nikkei Asia forecasts shipments could rise by 8 to 10 percent that year. Google shipped about 12 million Pixel units in 2025 and is targeting around 13 million for 2026.<h2>Pixel 11 Demand and What Google Has Not Confirmed</h2>There has been real consumer interest in the Pixel 11 series and plans to watch shipment data through the second half of 2026 to see if the phones meet Google's targets.Google is in a competitive smartphone market. Omdia reported that the US phone market declined by 3 percent year-over-year in the first quarter of 2026, mainly due to higher memory and storage costs.Google ranked fourth among US phone makers behind Apple, Samsung, and Motorola, shipping 0.8 million units for a 3 percent share. In the second quarter, the market declined by 4 percent, with only Samsung and Apple gaining ground.Google did not make the top five globally. Reaching 13 million shipped phones will be notable, given the market's price increases.The production shift is based on the Nikkei Asia report, not an official Google announcement. Google has not confirmed the 2027 timeline or the move to India and Vietnam.It is also unclear whether Google will reach its shipment target of about 13 million units for 2026 or how the Pixel 11 series will perform through the rest of the year. The report does not specify how production will be divided between India and Vietnam. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/google-reportedly-plans-to-move-pixel-production-out-of-china-to-india-and-vietnam-by-2027/">Google Reportedly Plans to Move Pixel Production Out of China to India and Vietnam by 2027</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Apple Replaces Per-Install EU Core Technology Fee With a Flat 5% Commission

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 06:05:22 -0000

Apple will remove the per-install Core Technology Fee for developers in the European Union. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/apple-replaces-per-install-eu-core-technology-fee-with-a-flat-5-commission/">Apple Replaces Per-Install EU Core Technology Fee With a Flat 5% Commission</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/companies/apple-companies/">Apple</a> will remove the per-install Core Technology Fee for developers in the European Union. Instead, a flat 5% commission will apply to digital transactions in apps distributed through alternative marketplaces or on the web.The new terms take effect on October 1, 2026. Apple is also lowering some App Store commission rates and making it easier for developers to run independent app marketplaces on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/category/mobile-computing/ios/">iOS</a> in the EU. These changes only affect apps distributed within the EU.Apple described the changes as the result of "close collaboration" with the European Commission.<h2>Apple's New EU App Fees and the DMA Dispute Behind Them</h2>Previously, Apple charged developers 0.50 euro for each app install or annual update after a title reached one million downloads in the EU within a year. This fee applied even if the install did not generate any revenue. It became one of the most disputed parts of Apple's earlier compliance plan.In its place, apps distributed outside the App Store or on the web will carry a flat 5% Core Technology Commission. Apple's in-app purchase commission for App Store apps drops from 30% to 26%, falling to 15% for developers enrolled in the App Store Small Business Program, the Mini Apps Partner Program, the Video Partner Program, or for auto-renewing subscriptions past their first year.App Store apps that use alternative payment processing will pay 20%, or 10% if they are in the same qualifying programs. For apps that link users outside the App Store to complete a purchase, Apple's separate initial-acquisition and store-services fees are now combined into a single 15% charge, or 10% for developers in the qualifying programs.Apple introduced its European compliance framework for the Digital Markets Act in early 2024. This opened the iPhone to competing app stores and payment systems under the law's gatekeeper rules.The per-install fee soon became the most debated part of the plan. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney called it "malicious compliance" in a 2024 social media post.The European Commission fined Apple 500 million euros on April 23, 2025, for violating the Digital Markets Act's anti-steering rule. Regulators found that Apple's restrictions prevented developers from directing users to purchase options outside the App Store. Apple appealed the penalty two months later and called it "unprecedented."In January 2026, the Commission started a separate investigation into Apple's fee structure for alternative app stores. Similar inquiries are ongoing for Apple, Alphabet, and Meta.<h2>What Apple's New EU Terms Mean for Developers</h2>Developers have about six weeks before the October 1 start date to decide whether to move to an alternative distribution:<ol> <li>Compare the new flat 5% Core Technology Commission against the outgoing per-install fee, particularly for high-download apps that previously paid 0.50 euro per install.</li> <li>Review the lowered App Store commission tiers, including the drop from 30% to 26%, and the reduced rates under the qualifying developer programs.</li> <li>Factor in the eased qualification and operating requirements for running an independent iOS app marketplace in the EU.</li> <li>Note that the changes apply only to apps distributed within the EU, while standard global App Store tiers of 15% and 30% remain unchanged elsewhere.</li> </ol>Developers were able to sign the new terms starting Tuesday, ahead of the October 1, 2026 start date. The changes apply only to apps distributed within the EU, and Apple's standard global App Store commission tiers remain unchanged outside the region.The European Commission had not issued its own public assessment of the revised terms as of Tuesday, so whether regulators consider the changes fully compliant with the Digital Markets Act has not been confirmed. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/19/apple-replaces-per-install-eu-core-technology-fee-with-a-flat-5-commission/">Apple Replaces Per-Install EU Core Technology Fee With a Flat 5% Commission</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Legal Online Casinos in the U.S.: Why Real-Money iGaming Remains a State-by-State Market in 2026

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 10:32:18 -0000

Real-money online casino gambling remains one of the most unevenly regulated parts of the US digital gaming market. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/legal-online-casinos-in-the-u-s-why-real-money-igaming-remains-a-state-by-state-market-in-2026/">Legal Online Casinos in the U.S.: Why Real-Money iGaming Remains a State-by-State Market in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Real-money online casino gambling remains one of the most unevenly regulated parts of the US digital gaming market. Online sports betting has expanded across much of the country, but online casino games such as slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker and live-dealer tables are still legal only in a small group of states. That gap is increasingly difficult to ignore. The American Gaming Association reported that U.S. commercial gaming revenue reached a record $78.72 billion in 2025. iGaming accounted for $10.74 billion of that total, up 27.6% year over year, and generated $2.59 billion in gaming taxes. Yet that online casino revenue came from only a limited number of legal iGaming states. The result is a market with two very different realities. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan, players can use licensed online casino apps regulated by state gaming authorities. In most other states, the same type of real-money casino product is not available through a legal state-regulated operator. <h2>Legal online casinos are still the exception in the U.S.</h2> There is no national framework that allows online casinos to operate across the United States. Online casino legality is decided by individual states, while federal law creates boundaries around interstate gambling and payment processing. That means online casino access depends on where the player is physically located. A player may register with a licensed operator in a legal iGaming state, but geolocation checks still need to confirm that the player is inside the state before real-money wagering is allowed. As of 2026, full real-money online casino markets are live in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. Maine has moved into the legal iGaming group, but its market is still moving through launch and regulatory implementation. Nevada remains a separate case because it regulates online poker but not full online casino gaming. <h2>Where are online casinos legal in 2026?</h2> The legal map is small compared with sports betting. Dozens of states now allow online sportsbooks, but only a handful allow online casino apps with slots and table games. <div class="ghacks-table-wrap"> <table class="ghacks-data-table"> <thead> <tr> <th>State</th> <th>Online casino status in 2026</th> <th>Legislation / regulatory position</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Alabama</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Alaska</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Arizona</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but real-money online casino gaming is not regulated.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Arkansas</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No active state-regulated iGaming market; casino expansion remains limited to existing retail framework.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>California</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated online casino market; tribal and commercial gambling politics remain a major barrier.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Colorado</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but online casino legislation has not passed.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Connecticut</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Licensed online casino market regulated by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Delaware</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>State lottery-led online casino market regulated through the Delaware Lottery / Division of Gaming Enforcement.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Florida</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online casino gaming is not regulated; gambling expansion remains tied to tribal compact politics.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Georgia</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Hawaii</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No legal casino market; Hawaii remains one of the strictest gambling states.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Idaho</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Illinois</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online casino bills have been discussed, but no iGaming law has passed.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Indiana</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Considered a possible future iGaming state, but legalization attempts have not advanced.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Iowa</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated online casino market; legislative interest has remained limited.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Kansas</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but real-money online casino gaming is not regulated.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Kentucky</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Louisiana</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated online casino market; gambling expansion is complicated by parish-level approvals.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Maine</td> <td>Legalized / launching soon</td> <td>Maine has approved online casino gaming, but the market is still in the pre-launch implementation phase.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Maryland</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online casino bills have been discussed, but no regulated iGaming market is live.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Massachusetts</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Multiple iGaming proposals have appeared, but no online casino law has passed.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Michigan</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Licensed online casino market regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Minnesota</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Mississippi</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Missouri</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Montana</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nebraska</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Nevada</td> <td>Poker only</td> <td>Online poker is regulated, but full online casino games such as slots and roulette are not legal.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New Hampshire</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New Jersey</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Mature licensed iGaming market regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New Mexico</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>New York</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online casino legislation has been proposed, but no iGaming market is live.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>North Carolina</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is live, but online casino gaming has not been legalized.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>North Dakota</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ohio</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but online casino legislation has not passed.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Oklahoma</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Oregon</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Pennsylvania</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Licensed online casino market regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Rhode Island</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Licensed online casino market regulated through the Rhode Island Lottery / Department of Business Regulation.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>South Carolina</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>South Dakota</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Tennessee</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but online casino gaming is not regulated.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Texas</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No legal online casino market; broader gambling legalization remains politically difficult.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Utah</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online casino gaming is prohibited; Utah remains one of the strictest anti-gambling states.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Vermont</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Virginia</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting and retail casino expansion exist, but iGaming has not been legalized.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Washington</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>West Virginia</td> <td>Legal</td> <td>Licensed online casino market regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Wisconsin</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>No state-regulated real-money online casino market.</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Wyoming</td> <td>Not legal</td> <td>Online sports betting is legal, but real-money online casino gaming is not regulated.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> This is why the phrase “legal online casinos in the U.S.” can be misleading. There is no single U.S. online casino market. There are separate state markets with different laws, tax rates, licensing structures and consumer protections. <h2>The revenue data shows why states keep debating iGaming</h2> The iGaming debate is no longer theoretical. The regulated online casino states are producing meaningful revenue. The AGA’s 2026 State of the States report said internet gaming revenue across the seven states with lawful online casinos exceeded $10 billion in 2025. It also noted that iGaming revenue surpassed commercial land-based casino revenue in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for the first time in 2025. Pennsylvania is a useful example. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported that casino games offered online generated $242.5 million in June 2026 alone. The same regulator reported that combined gaming revenue for the 2025/2026 fiscal year passed $7 billion for the first time, with iGaming as one of the major contributors. Michigan shows the same direction of travel. The Michigan Gaming Control Board said internet gaming and online sports betting operators reported $399.8 million in combined gross receipts for December 2025, with total 2025 internet gaming and sports betting gross receipts reaching $3.8 billion. Delaware is much smaller, but it shows how different state models can be. Delaware Lottery data for fiscal year 2025 listed total iGaming net gaming revenue at $85.49 million. That is far below the scale of Pennsylvania or Michigan, but still meaningful for a small state-run market. <h2>Why online casino legislation moves slower than sports betting</h2> Online casino legalization has moved more slowly than sports betting because the policy debate is different. Sports betting was often presented to lawmakers as a way to regulate an activity that was already happening through offshore sportsbooks, illegal bookmakers or informal markets. Online casino gambling creates a broader debate because casino games can be played continuously from home, with faster game cycles and a different risk profile from sports betting. Supporters argue that regulated iGaming gives states tax revenue, licensing oversight, geolocation controls, age verification, responsible gambling tools and a way to draw players away from offshore casino sites. Opponents argue that online casino access can increase gambling-related harm, create pressure on vulnerable players and compete with land-based casinos that support local jobs and tax revenue. That conflict explains why many states have legalized sports betting but stopped short of full iGaming. <h2>Why New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan matter</h2> New Jersey remains the reference market because it legalized online casino gaming early and built its system around Atlantic City casino partnerships. The state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement publishes monthly internet gaming revenue reports, giving regulators and lawmakers in other states a long-running data set to study. Pennsylvania is important because it shows the tax potential of a large population state with a competitive operator market. Its iGaming revenue has grown strongly enough that online casino gaming is now a major part of the state’s legal gambling economy. Michigan is important because it launched later but scaled quickly. Its market combines commercial and tribal operators and has become one of the clearest examples of how online casino apps can become a mainstream part of a state’s regulated gambling market. Together, these three states show why the iGaming debate keeps returning in state legislatures. The revenue is visible, but so are the political and responsible gambling questions. <h2>Maine is the newest legal iGaming state, but launch is not instant</h2> Maine has become one of the most closely watched states because it expanded the role of the Wabanaki Nations in digital gambling. Governor Janet Mills announced in January 2026 that legislation creating new economic opportunities for the Wabanaki Nations would become law, including online casino-related provisions. The practical effect is that Maine is moving toward a legal iGaming market, but legalization does not mean players can immediately open an app and start wagering. States still need licensing rules, operator partnerships, technical controls, compliance systems and regulator approvals before a legal market can go live. That delay matters because “legalized” and “live” are not the same thing. A state can pass an iGaming law months before legal online casino apps become available to players. <h2>The difference between legal casino apps and offshore casino sites</h2> A legal U.S. online casino app is licensed by a state regulator or lottery authority. It must verify player age and identity, check physical location, follow responsible gambling rules, comply with payment controls and operate under state oversight. Offshore casino sites are different. They may be visible to U.S. users online, but that does not mean they are licensed in the player’s state. If a player has a dispute with an offshore operator, state regulators may have little or no ability to help. That distinction is central to the U.S. market. Legal online casino access is not just about whether a website loads. It is about whether the operator is licensed to accept real-money casino wagers from players in that state. <h2>How legal online casinos verify player location</h2> Legal online casino apps use geolocation technology to confirm that a player is inside the state where wagering is allowed. This requirement is not a formality. It is one of the core conditions that makes state-by-state iGaming possible. The same player account may be valid in a legal market, but real-money wagering can be blocked if the player is outside the state border. This is why a user can travel from New Jersey to a non-iGaming state and lose access to casino games, even if the app remains installed on the phone. In practice, legal operators combine geolocation with identity checks, payment verification and responsible gambling tools. These systems are part of what separates regulated online casino apps from unlicensed offshore alternatives. <h2>States still debating online casino legislation</h2> Several large states continue to debate iGaming, but legislation remains difficult. Illinois has seen internet gaming proposals, including a bill that would create a licensed internet gaming framework and impose a 25% privilege tax. Maryland has also considered measures related to internet gaming authorization and illegal online gambling enforcement. These debates show how state lawmakers are approaching the issue from two directions. One side is revenue and regulation: if people are already gambling online, the state may want licensing, taxation and consumer protection. The other side is risk control: lawmakers are concerned about problem gambling, advertising, affordability and the impact on existing casino businesses. The result is slow movement. Online casino bills can be introduced repeatedly without becoming law, especially in states where tribes, commercial casinos, lottery bodies, unions and responsible gambling groups do not agree on the model. <h2>Online sports betting does not mean online casino is legal</h2> One of the most common misunderstandings is that online sports betting and online casinos are the same legally. They are not. Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and Wyoming all allow online sports betting, but they do not have full legal online casino markets. A player in one of those states may be able to place a sports bet through a licensed app, but not legally play real-money online slots or roulette through a state-regulated casino app. That split is one of the defining features of the U.S. market. Sports betting has become broadly accepted in many legislatures. Online casino gaming still faces a higher political threshold. <h2>What players should check before using a real-money casino app</h2> Players should not rely only on search results, ads or app-store availability. Before depositing money, they should check whether online casino gaming is legal in their state and whether the operator is listed by the relevant regulator or lottery authority. A legal casino app should make its licensing status, responsible gambling tools, deposit limits, withdrawal terms and age-verification process clear. It should also use geolocation before allowing real-money play. The simplest test is this: if an operator cannot clearly show where it is licensed, who regulates it and which state it is allowed to serve, players should treat it with caution. <h2>What the 2026 online casino map says about the future</h2> The U.S. online casino market is growing, but it is not spreading evenly. The revenue case is strong in states where iGaming is live, and the tax numbers are difficult for lawmakers to ignore. At the same time, the political resistance is also real. That is why the U.S. market is likely to remain fragmented. More states may legalize online casino gaming, but a national iGaming market is unlikely. Each state will continue to decide its own licensing model, tax structure, operator rules, product limits and responsible gambling requirements. For players, the most important point remains simple: legal online casino access depends on location. The same app can be legal in one state, unavailable in another and completely different from offshore casino sites that operate outside state regulation. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/legal-online-casinos-in-the-u-s-why-real-money-igaming-remains-a-state-by-state-market-in-2026/">Legal Online Casinos in the U.S.: Why Real-Money iGaming Remains a State-by-State Market in 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Sweepstakes Casinos Face a U.S. Reality Check as Regulators Close In

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 09:46:05 -0000

Sweepstakes casinos are still visible across the US online gambling market, but the legal space around them is narrowing. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/sweepstakes-casinos-face-a-u-s-reality-check-as-regulators-close-in/">Sweepstakes Casinos Face a U.S. Reality Check as Regulators Close In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Sweepstakes casinos are still visible across the US online gambling market, but the legal space around them is narrowing. The model has grown large enough to attract lawmakers, gaming regulators, suppliers, tribal stakeholders and the licensed online casino industry. Sweeps are no longer being discussed only as a consumer promotion loophole. Regulators are increasingly looking at whether dual-currency casino-style platforms function like unlicensed online gambling sites. The numbers explain why the issue has moved quickly. American Gaming Association research found that sweepstakes casino ads accounted for roughly half of all online real-money casino advertisements seen by U.S. consumers in early 2025. The same research found that 90% of sweepstakes casino users considered the activity gambling, 69% described sweepstakes casinos as places to wager real money, and 68% said their main reason for playing was to win real money. That is the regulatory problem in one sentence: the industry says “sweepstakes,” but many users experience the product as gambling. <h2>Sweepstakes casinos are not small anymore</h2> The scale of the sweepstakes casino market is one reason the debate has changed. VGW, the operator behind Chumba Casino, LuckyLand Slots, Global Poker and other brands, generated A$7.3 billion in revenue in the financial year ending June 30, 2025, according to financial accounts cited in industry reporting. Chumba Casino alone reportedly generated A$5.2 billion, up from A$4.16 billion a year earlier. Those figures are larger than many regulated gambling markets. They also show why state regulators and licensed casino operators are paying attention. Sweepstakes casinos are not just casual social games sitting at the edge of the market. At the top end, they are large digital gambling-style businesses competing for the same U.S. consumers targeted by regulated iGaming operators. The contrast with legal online casinos is also important. The AGA’s 2026 State of the States report said lawful internet gaming revenue across the seven U.S. states with legal online casino markets exceeded $10 billion in 2025. Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania accounted for nearly 90% of that legal iGaming total. That means the sweepstakes casino sector is being compared against a regulated online casino market that is still limited to only a few states. In states without legal iGaming, sweepstakes products can become the casino-style product that consumers see most often online. <h2>The legal pressure point is the dual-currency system</h2> Most sweepstakes casinos use two currencies. One currency is normally used for entertainment play. The second currency can often be acquired through promotions, login bonuses or purchases tied to coin packages, and may be redeemable for cash prizes or cash equivalents once platform conditions are met. The legal theory is that the product is a sweepstakes because players can enter without making a purchase. In traditional promotional law, free entry can help avoid the gambling elements of prize, chance and consideration. The issue is that casino-style gameplay changes the practical analysis. If a site offers slots, roulette, blackjack-style games or sportsbook-style products, uses a currency that can lead to cash-value redemptions, and markets itself in a way that resembles online gambling, regulators may not accept the “social casino” framing. That is why the debate has shifted from whether a free-entry route exists to whether the product simulates casino gambling. <h2>State lawmakers are writing laws aimed directly at sweepstakes casinos</h2> The regulatory response is becoming more explicit. New York’s 2025 Senate Bill S5935A proposed to prohibit online sweepstakes games and revenue from illegal markets. The bill defines an online sweepstakes game as a game, contest or promotion available online or through a mobile device that uses a dual-currency system and allows the player to exchange currency for prizes, awards, cash or cash equivalents. The proposal also targets support from financial institutions, payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming content suppliers, platform providers and media affiliates. The penalty structure shows how seriously lawmakers are treating the model. The New York bill lists fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 per violation and potential loss of a gaming license. California’s AB 831 used similar logic. The bill would make it unlawful to operate, conduct or offer an online sweepstakes game in the state, and would also make it unlawful for entities such as payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming content suppliers, platform providers or media affiliates to knowingly support the operation or promotion of such games. Montana took one of the hardest lines. SB 555 broadly prohibited online gambling-style activity involving platforms that transmit or receive gambling information, allow consumers to place a bet or wager using any form of currency, and make payouts in any form of currency. Reported penalties include felony exposure, fines of up to $50,000 and up to 10 years in prison per offense. These laws and proposals matter because they do not only target the operator. They increasingly target the wider ecosystem around the operator: payment companies, suppliers, affiliates, platforms and service providers. <h2>Connecticut shows how enforcement can move beyond theory</h2> Connecticut has become an important enforcement example because the state has both legal online casino gaming and a regulator willing to act against unlicensed gambling-style products. In 2025, Connecticut reached a nearly $1.5 million settlement with High5Games over allegations connected to an illegal online casino-style platform. The settlement included more than $643,000 in restitution to 794 users who spent more money than they redeemed, more than $294,000 connected to 108 self-excluded individuals, and a $500,000 contribution to Department of Consumer Protection programs related to consumer protection, education, enforcement and litigation. The self-exclusion detail is important. Legal gambling systems normally include mechanisms designed to block people who have voluntarily excluded themselves. If a casino-style platform reaches self-excluded users outside the regulated system, regulators can frame the issue as both illegal gambling and consumer protection failure. That is a harder problem for sweepstakes operators to answer than a simple debate about promotional law. <h2>Suppliers are starting to reduce exposure</h2> The pressure is also moving through the supply chain. Pragmatic Play said in 2025 that its games would no longer be available on U.S. sweepstakes platforms. The company connected the decision to regulatory developments and evolving legislation. That supplier exit matters because it shows the risk is no longer isolated to consumer-facing brands. If states begin treating dual-currency sweepstakes casinos as illegal gambling, content suppliers, platform providers, payment processors and affiliates may all face questions about whether they supported the activity. This is one of the biggest shifts in the sector. A single operator can leave a state. A major supplier exiting the U.S. sweepstakes channel affects the quality and depth of game libraries across multiple operators. <h2>Why the regulated casino industry is pushing back</h2> The licensed casino industry sees sweepstakes casinos as an unregulated competitor. Regulated online casino operators must pay licensing fees and taxes, verify identity, confirm player location, follow responsible gambling rules, use approved systems and answer to state regulators. Sweepstakes casino operators argue that their model is different because it is built around promotional sweepstakes law. The commercial conflict is obvious. If players use sweepstakes casinos in states without legal iGaming, those platforms can capture casino-style demand without the same licensing and tax structure that regulated operators face. That is why the argument has moved from “are these games technically sweepstakes?” to “are these businesses taking gambling revenue outside the regulated market?” The AGA’s figures sharpen that argument. If half of online real-money casino ads seen by consumers in early 2025 promoted offshore sweepstakes casinos, and 80% of sweepstakes players spend monthly, then the product is no longer marginal from a marketing or consumer behavior perspective. <h2>Players may not understand what protections they do not have</h2> The consumer issue is not only whether the sites are legal. It is whether players understand the difference between a regulated online casino, a social casino, a sweepstakes casino and an offshore gambling site. A regulated U.S. online casino is licensed by a state authority and must follow rules around age verification, location checks, withdrawals, responsible gambling tools and dispute handling. A sweepstakes casino may offer casino-style games and prize redemptions, but it usually relies on promotional sweepstakes law rather than a state online casino license. An offshore casino may accept U.S. players while operating outside the state licensing system entirely. For a player, those distinctions can matter most when something goes wrong: a withdrawal is delayed, an account is closed, identity checks become more intrusive, or a player tries to use self-exclusion tools. <h2>The state map is moving toward a patchwork crackdown</h2> The U.S. is unlikely to get one clean national rule for sweepstakes casinos soon. Gambling law remains state-driven, and the political dynamics differ widely between states. Instead, the likely path is a patchwork crackdown. Some states will write explicit bans. Some will use existing illegal gambling laws. Some will pressure payment processors and suppliers. Some will continue to debate whether regulation is better than prohibition. Others may leave the issue unclear for longer. That uneven approach creates operational risk for operators. A platform may be available in one state, restricted in another, removed from a third and still promoted nationally by affiliates or social media campaigns. For consumers, that can make the market confusing. For operators and suppliers, it makes compliance more expensive and harder to predict. <h2>The key question for 2026</h2> The sweepstakes casino industry found a gap between social gaming, promotional law and online gambling regulation. The question now is how long that gap remains open. The numbers show that the product has real scale. The advertising data shows that users are seeing these platforms alongside gambling products. The survey data shows that many users understand them as gambling. The legislative language shows that states are learning how to target the dual-currency model directly. The supplier exits show that the risk is spreading beyond operators. That is why sweepstakes casinos have become one of the most important U.S. online gambling stories of 2026. The market is not disappearing overnight, but it is no longer operating in the same gray area it occupied a few years ago. The next phase will likely be decided less by marketing language and more by enforcement: which states act, which suppliers stay, which payment routes remain open, and whether lawmakers decide that simulated casino products with cash-value redemptions should be treated like gambling. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/sweepstakes-casinos-face-a-u-s-reality-check-as-regulators-close-in/">Sweepstakes Casinos Face a U.S. Reality Check as Regulators Close In</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Apple Reportedly Trained a China-Specific AI Model With Alibaba's Help for Apple Intelligence

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:50:22 -0000

Apple has reportedly trained a large language model for China with help from Alibaba. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/apple-reportedly-trained-a-china-specific-ai-model-with-alibabas-help-for-apple-intelligence/">Apple Reportedly Trained a China-Specific AI Model With Alibaba's Help for Apple Intelligence</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 reportedly trained a large language model for China with help from <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/08/alibaba-blocks-claude-code-for-employees-over-hidden-tracking-of-chinese-users-starting-july-10/">Alibaba</a>. This move adds another piece to Apple's plan to bring Apple Intelligence to Chinese users.Three people familiar with the project said Alibaba assisted Apple with the training process. Apple and Alibaba declined to comment. The China-specific model signals a change from Apple's earlier plan to rely only on third-party Chinese AI models for generative AI features in the country.Apple Intelligence is expected to arrive in China in the coming months through an iOS update. No specific date has been announced.<h2>Apple's China AI System Combines Its Own Model With Local Partners</h2>The China-specific model is a change from Apple's earlier approach of depending on domestic Chinese AI models. Services like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude are not available in mainland China. Apple already offers <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/openai-expands-chatgpt-ads-test-to-uk-mexico-brazil-japan-and-south-korea/">ChatGPT</a> integration through Apple Intelligence in supported regions.China's Cyberspace Administration registered Apple Intelligence on July 15, 2026, as one of seven on-device generative AI services for smartphones. Registration is required before generative AI services can launch publicly in China, but the approval did not include a launch date.Alibaba's Qwen family of AI models is expected to be part of Apple Intelligence on compatible iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Vision Pro devices in China. Alibaba confirmed the Qwen integration in July. Baidu also said it is working with Apple on Apple Intelligence features for Chinese iPhone users.Apple's proprietary China model adds another layer to the system. There are no details yet about what tasks Apple's model will handle, how it will work with Qwen, or how Baidu's technology will fit into the final version.Apple had already introduced a more limited Qwen option for Mac users in mainland China. On August 8, Apple published a Chinese-language guide explaining how Mac users running macOS 26.6 or later could connect Qwen to Siri and Writing Tools.The guide said users needed to activate the Qwen extension and sign in to a Qwen account. After that, Siri could use Qwen for more detailed responses, including analysis of photos and documents. Apple later removed the guide without explanation.<h2>Apple's Alibaba Partnership and Broader AI Foundation</h2>Apple's relationship with Alibaba became public in February 2025, when Alibaba Chairman Joe Tsai confirmed the companies were working together on AI features for iPhones in China. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Tsai said, "They talked to a number of companies in China. In the end they chose to do business with us."If launched, Apple would become the first foreign company approved by Beijing to offer a proprietary AI model in China.Apple has also changed the technical foundation for its AI services outside China. In January, Apple and Google entered a multi-year partnership, with <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/google-sets-september-4-removal-date-for-google-assistant-on-mobile-as-gemini-takes-over/">Google Gemini</a> providing the base for future Apple Foundation Models. At WWDC 2026, Apple confirmed that its next-generation Foundation Models were custom-built with Google and Gemini, powering Apple Intelligence features through on-device processing and Apple's Private Cloud Compute infrastructure.ChatGPT is still available as an Apple Intelligence extension in supported regions. Apple is also preparing its rebuilt Siri AI for iOS 27, with the public beta 3 already including the new Siri experience. Apple says Siri AI will be available in beta later in 2026 for supported devices set to English, with more languages planned after that.<h3>What Apple Has Not Confirmed About Its China AI Model</h3>Apple and Alibaba have not commented on the China-specific model, and the report relies on sources familiar with the work. Apple has not explained how its new China model, Alibaba's Qwen, and Baidu's technology will divide tasks in the China version of Apple Intelligence.Neither Apple nor Chinese regulators have announced when Apple Intelligence will launch in China. The July 15 registration cleared only one required regulatory step. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/apple-reportedly-trained-a-china-specific-ai-model-with-alibabas-help-for-apple-intelligence/">Apple Reportedly Trained a China-Specific AI Model With Alibaba's Help for Apple Intelligence</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Stripe Reportedly Acquiring AI Gateway Startup OpenRouter for More Than $7 Billion

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:43:14 -0000

Stripe is reportedly set to acquire OpenRouter, an AI marketplace that allows companies to switch between AI models, for more than $7 billion. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/stripe-reportedly-acquiring-ai-gateway-startup-openrouter-for-more-than-7-billion/">Stripe Reportedly Acquiring AI Gateway Startup OpenRouter for More Than $7 Billion</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/17/stripe-and-advent-offer-over-53-billion-to-acquire-paypal-in-joint-bid/">Stripe</a> is reportedly set to acquire OpenRouter, an AI marketplace that allows companies to switch between AI models, for more than $7 billion. Bloomberg reports that this would be a substantial increase over OpenRouter's recent $1.3 billion valuation. Both Stripe and OpenRouter have declined to comment. If confirmed, the acquisition would strengthen Stripe's position in the AI sector.Bloomberg attributes the report to people familiar with the situation.<h2>Stripe's Reported OpenRouter Deal and Why the AI Gateway Matters</h2>"Stripe Inc. has finalized an agreement to acquire OpenRouter Inc., a startup that helps companies switch between artificial intelligence models, for more than $7 billion, according to people familiar with the matter," Bloomberg reported.The reported deal follows OpenRouter's recent funding round at a $1.3 billion valuation. Bloomberg suggests this reflects ongoing business demand for cost-effective AI solutions and could give Stripe a stronger position in the AI sector.Interest in OpenRouter highlights the demand for tools that make it easier to switch between AI models based on specific needs and budgets. According to TechCrunch, OpenRouter recently reported 8 million users worldwide and access to over 400 models.Routing requests across multiple models is becoming more important as businesses try to manage AI costs by selecting the most suitable and affordable model for each task.Stripe and OpenRouter have not commented, and the report is based on Bloomberg's sources rather than an official statement. Stripe's specific plans for OpenRouter and how it might integrate the AI gateway into its payments business remain unclear. The reported deal value and agreement have not been confirmed by either company. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/stripe-reportedly-acquiring-ai-gateway-startup-openrouter-for-more-than-7-billion/">Stripe Reportedly Acquiring AI Gateway Startup OpenRouter for More Than $7 Billion</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 "Override" Launches August 20 With a Gaming Legends Theme

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:21:00 -0000

Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4, called Override, arrives on August 20, 2026. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/fortnite-chapter-7-season-4-override-launches-august-20-with-a-gaming-legends-theme/">Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 "Override" Launches August 20 With a Gaming Legends Theme</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/31/fortnite-adds-spider-man-and-punisher-skins-in-brand-new-day-collab-available-until-august-9/">Fortnite</a> Chapter 7 Season 4, called Override, arrives on August 20, 2026. The new season has a Gaming Legends theme and features characters from different video game franchises.It is confirmed that skins include Sonic the Hedgehog, Tetris, Mega Man, and Street Fighter. These are divided between the Battle Pass and the Item Shop. The update also introduces new points of interest, such as Green Hill Zone and Tetris-inspired locations, along with a Sonic Mythic item named Spin Dash.The Battle Pass offers eight skins. Other collaboration skins will appear in the Item Shop throughout the season.<h2>Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Battle Pass and Item Shop Skins</h2><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9AsEwQJiQQE?si=J1xoy9m2wVRQr8g6" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>There are eight skins in the Battle Pass. Sonic and Tetris are the confirmed collaboration skins. The other six are original Fortnite designs, each based on a different video game genre.Other confirmed skins for Season 4, such as Mega Man and Street Fighter characters, are not included in the Battle Pass. These will be available in the Item Shop on a rotating basis instead of through tier progression.Battle Pass skins are unlocked by progressing through tiers. Item Shop skins require V-Bucks to purchase.<ol> <li>The Battle Pass can be purchased starting August 20, 2026.</li> <li>Players earn XP in matches by completing daily and weekly challenges.</li> <li>Each skin is tied to a specific tier milestone, so players need to level up to unlock them.</li> <li>Item Shop skins appear on a rotating schedule. Some collaboration skins may only be available for a limited time, so players should have V-Bucks ready if they want to purchase them.</li> </ol>It is recommended that players budget their V-Bucks if they plan to collect all available skins, as Item Shop collaboration skins rotate throughout the season.Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 Override launches on August 20, 2026, with the Battle Pass available the same day. It is not yet confirmed whether the full season length or the complete Item Shop rotation schedule.The availability windows for individual collaboration skins are not yet known. Players interested in specific skins should check the Item Shop regularly after the season starts. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/fortnite-chapter-7-season-4-override-launches-august-20-with-a-gaming-legends-theme/">Fortnite Chapter 7 Season 4 "Override" Launches August 20 With a Gaming Legends Theme</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Mozilla Adds Optional Ad Blocker to Firefox for iOS in Progressive Rollout

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:14:07 -0000

Mozilla is rolling out an optional ad blocker in Firefox for iOS. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/mozilla-adds-optional-ad-blocker-to-firefox-for-ios-in-progressive-rollout/">Mozilla Adds Optional Ad Blocker to Firefox for iOS in Progressive Rollout</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/28/mozilla-adds-ai-generated-daily-crossword-to-firefox-new-tab-page-built-from-summarized-news/">Mozilla</a> is rolling out an optional ad blocker in Firefox for iOS. The feature is disabled by default and uses an EasyList-based filter to block ads before they load.It targets third-party ad networks, ad-related trackers, ads served by websites, and pop-ups or overlays. Since the rollout is gradual, not all users will see the feature right away.The blocker does not remove every ad, and some categories are left out.<h2>What Firefox's iOS Ad Blocker Blocks and Leaves Out</h2>The ad blocker relies on an EasyList-based filter to block ads before they load. It covers third-party ad networks, ad-related trackers, ads served by websites, and pop-ups or overlays.There are notable omissions. The feature does not block ads that appear in search results, including Google and Bing, and does not block sponsored content on Firefox Home or the New Tab Page.Mozilla also states that some websites serve ads in ways the current filter list does not cover. "Firefox blocks many third-party ads and advertising infrastructure, but not every advertisement can be blocked," the company says in its FAQ. "Some websites serve ads in ways that are not covered by the current filter list."Because of these omissions, users may find it less effective than alternatives like Wipr or Ghostery. The main advantage is convenience, as enabling the blocker only requires a single toggle in the app.Some users may be concerned about these exclusions. Mozilla receives a significant share of its revenue from Google and notes that not blocking ads in search results could raise questions, though it does not make a direct connection.Firefox is not the first iOS browser with ad blocking. Brave, for example, already includes several privacy and ad-blocking features.<h2>Firefox for iOS Ad Blocker Availability and Setup</h2>Since the feature is off by default and rolling out gradually, availability will differ between users.<ol> <li>Update Firefox for iOS to the latest version, as the feature is being introduced through a progressive rollout.</li> <li>Go to the app settings and turn on ad blocking, since it is disabled by default.</li> <li>Keep in mind that ads in search results and sponsored content on Firefox Home or the New Tab Page will still show up, as these are not blocked.</li> </ol>The ad blocker is being introduced to Firefox for iOS through a progressive rollout, so it may not appear for every user immediately.Advertising in conversational AI is likely on the way, citing an Adblock Plus report warning that such ads can be generated on the fly and are harder for users to recognize, which may make browser-based ad blocking a more complex challenge over time. Mozilla has not stated when the rollout will reach all iOS users. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/18/mozilla-adds-optional-ad-blocker-to-firefox-for-ios-in-progressive-rollout/">Mozilla Adds Optional Ad Blocker to Firefox for iOS in Progressive Rollout</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Word Adds "Link to Location" Feature for Jumping to Specific Parts of a Document

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:48:30 -0000

Microsoft is introducing a "link to location" feature in Word for Windows and macOS. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/microsoft-word-adds-link-to-location-feature-for-jumping-to-specific-parts-of-a-document/">Microsoft Word Adds "Link to Location" Feature for Jumping to Specific Parts of a Document</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 introducing a "link to location" feature in Word for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-bug-breaks-ie-mode-in-microsoft-edge-for-some-users/">Windows</a> and macOS. The new option lets users create a link that points to a specific place in a document. When someone opens the link, they go straight to the intended section instead of scrolling to find it.Microsoft says this is especially helpful for long documents and for teams working together or giving feedback. The process uses the right-click menu and only takes a few steps.<h2>What Word's Link to Location Feature Does</h2>Microsoft frames the feature around a common frustration in long documents. "If you work on long, complex documents, you've probably experienced the frustration of telling a teammate, 'See the section halfway down page 47,' and waiting while they scroll to find the right content," Microsoft said."With the ability to link to a location, you can take collaborators exactly where they need to go. Just create a shareable link to a specific part of the document, and when someone opens the link, they'll land exactly where you intended."Microsoft says the main benefits are faster editing and discussion, quicker feedback and review, easier navigation to specific content, clearer communication about where feedback is needed, and less back-and-forth for teams.<h2>How To Access The Link to Location Feature</h2>Microsoft says the feature is simple to use, requiring only a few steps:<ol> <li>Open a Word document on a Windows or Mac device.</li> <li>Select the content where you want to create a link.</li> <li>Right-click on the selection to open the context menu, then select "Copy Link to Location."</li> </ol>The copied link can then be shared with collaborators, who land at the selected content when they open it.The feature is rolling out now to Word for Windows and macOS. Microsoft has not said if it will be limited to certain Microsoft 365 plans or when the rollout will finish, so availability may differ depending on your account. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/microsoft-word-adds-link-to-location-feature-for-jumping-to-specific-parts-of-a-document/">Microsoft Word Adds "Link to Location" Feature for Jumping to Specific Parts of a Document</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
DeepSeek Releases V4 Pro With Higher Benchmarks, Open-Source Tooling, and Upcoming Price Increases

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:45:06 -0000

Chinese AI company DeepSeek has launched the full version of its DeepSeek-V4-Pro-0813 model on its web interface, mobile app, and API. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/deepseek-releases-v4-pro-with-higher-benchmarks-open-source-tooling-and-upcoming-price-increases/">DeepSeek Releases V4 Pro With Higher Benchmarks, Open-Source Tooling, and Upcoming Price Increases</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Chinese AI company <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/04/26/deepseek-releases-v4-models-with-9-5x-lower-memory-requirements-and-huawei-ascend-support/">DeepSeek</a> has launched the full version of its <a href="https://api-docs.deepseek.com/news/news260813/" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" target="_blank">DeepSeek-V4-Pro-0813</a> model on its web interface, mobile app, and API.The model targets autonomous AI agent tasks and software engineering. DeepSeek claims it matches the capabilities of models such as Moonshot AI's Kimi K3, but at a lower cost.The company also released an open-source developer tool and announced changes to its API billing, with price increases ranging from 50% to 1,100%. This release is a significant update compared to the preview version that was introduced in April.<h2>DeepSeek V4 Pro Improves Benchmarks While Staying Cheaper Than Rivals</h2>DeepSeek reports that V4 Pro scored 62.7 on the DeepSWE benchmark for real-world software engineering, a notable increase from 12.8 in earlier testing. The model also achieved a score of 87.9 on Terminal Bench 2.1.The independent benchmarking firm Artificial Analysis gave the reasoning version of V4 Pro a score of 53 on its Intelligence Index. This is lower than Moonshot's Kimi K3 at 60 and Anthropic's Claude Opus 5 at 63. However, DeepSeek's pricing remains well below both competitors.On third-party platforms such as OpenRouter, V4 Pro is priced at $0.435 per million input tokens and $0.87 per million output tokens. In comparison, Moonshot's Kimi K3 costs between $14 and $15 per million output tokens, and US competitors like Anthropic's Claude Fable 5 can reach $50 per million.<h2>DeepSeek Harness, API Billing Changes, and Availability</h2>DeepSeek also released DeepSeek Harness (dsh) v0.1 under the open-source MIT license, positioning it as an alternative to Anthropic's Claude Code.Built on a modular architecture in which "everything is a plugin," the tool lets developers orchestrate autonomous coding agents across local file systems and development.DeepSeek is also changing its API billing. The company will move from flat rates to peak and off-peak pricing, with API costs increasing by 50% to 1,100% depending on the model and usage time.During peak hours, V4 Pro output will cost $3.96 per million tokens. This is a significant increase from current rates, but still less than many Western alternatives.rFor startups and enterprise teams running large-scale AI workloads, these changes have practical implications:<ol> <li>Compare per-task cost against capability, since a model slightly weaker on some benchmarks but far cheaper to run can still be the better business decision at scale.</li> <li>Factor in the August 16 pricing change, which moves V4 Pro into a premium tier while keeping it below many US competitors.</li> <li>Consider the DeepSeek Harness tool if evaluating alternatives to Claude Code for orchestrating coding agents.</li> <li>Weigh peak versus off-peak usage hours, since the new billing structure ties cost to when workloads run.</li> </ol>DeepSeek-V4-Pro-0813 is now available through DeepSeek's web interface, mobile app, and API. The new peak and off-peak pricing will start on August 16, 2026.According to eWeek, DeepSeek is testing if moving V4 Pro into a premium tier can support a sustainable business, instead of relying on low pricing. The long-term pricing plan has not been confirmed. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/deepseek-releases-v4-pro-with-higher-benchmarks-open-source-tooling-and-upcoming-price-increases/">DeepSeek Releases V4 Pro With Higher Benchmarks, Open-Source Tooling, and Upcoming Price Increases</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
ChromeOS 151 Rolls Out With Bookmark Bar Auto-Hide, Gemini Safe Browsing, and 18 Security Fixes

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:15:02 -0000

Google is rolling out ChromeOS 151 (version 16733. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/chromeos-151-rolls-out-with-bookmark-bar-auto-hide-gemini-safe-browsing-and-18-security-fixes/">ChromeOS 151 Rolls Out With Bookmark Bar Auto-Hide, Gemini Safe Browsing, and 18 Security Fixes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/google-confirms-gmail-was-not-breached-after-reports-of-183-million-password-leak/">Google</a> is rolling out <a href="https://chromeunboxed.com/chromeos-151-rolls-out-with-new-features-and-security-updates/" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" target="_blank">ChromeOS 151</a> (version 16733.48.0, browser version 151.0.7922.141) to Chromebooks and ChromeOS Flex devices on the Stable channel.This update adds a bookmark bar auto-hide option, real-time Safe Browsing for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/03/30/google-launches-gemini-3-1-flash-live-with-faster-responses-and-longer-conversation-context/">Gemini</a> sessions, ends support for legacy Chrome Apps in Kiosk mode, introduces hardware cutoffs for older ChromeOS Flex devices, tightens enterprise policy enforcement, and addresses 18 security vulnerabilities.This is one of the most security-focused ChromeOS updates in recent releases.<h2>ChromeOS 151 Adds Bookmark Bar Auto-Hide and Gemini Safe Browsing</h2>ChromeOS 151 adds new controls for bookmark bar visibility under Settings and then Appearance. If Chrome sees that you rarely use the bookmark bar on the New Tab page, it can now hide it automatically to give you more vertical space.If the bar is hidden because of low usage, Chrome shows a small notification so you can bring it back with one click. Administrators in schools and businesses can keep the bar visible for everyone by using the updated BookmarkBarEnabled policy.Google has added real-time Safe Browsing protection to Gemini sessions in Chrome. When you use Gemini to summarize web pages, read research papers, or automate web tasks, Chrome now checks for new malicious domains and deceptive redirects in real time.<h2>ChromeOS 151 Ends Kiosk Chrome Apps and Freezes Updates for Older Flex Devices</h2>As outlined in the ChromeOS 150 rollout, ChromeOS 151 ends support for legacy packaged Chrome Apps in Kiosk mode.Legacy Chrome Apps no longer launch in Kiosk sessions, so organizations managing digital signage, interactive displays, or student testing kiosks must migrate those workflows to Progressive Web Apps.Force-installed Chrome Apps still work in regular user sessions and Managed Guest Sessions for now, as Google continues its phased transition.CChromeOS 151 sets new hardware cutoffs for ChromeOS Flex on older PCs and Macs. Devices with older graphics processors, including Intel and AMD GPUs from 2010 or earlier and Nvidia GPUs from 2014 or earlier, will stop getting updates starting with this release. These machines will stay on ChromeOS 150 and will not receive future updates.<h2>ChromeOS 151 Tightens Incognito Policies and Fixes 18 Security Flaws</h2>ChromeOS 151 makes administrative rules stricter in private windows for school IT and enterprise managers. The URLBlocklist policy now applies fully in Incognito sessions, closing loopholes where allowlist settings could bypass restrictions in private tabs. Wildcard entries in URLAllowlist policies are now reported more accurately in internal tools.Google fixed 18 security vulnerabilities in core system components with ChromeOS 151. These include a critical integer overflow in Mojo (CVE-2026-13281), a use-after-free bug in the Aura window manager (CVE-2026-15905), use-after-free issues in DOM (CVE-2026-9126), DOM data validation (CVE-2026-15123), and a WebGL implementation bug (CVE-2026-15127).Other fixes address policy enforcement gaps in the File System Access API (CVE-2026-12460), an input handling use-after-free bug (CVE-2026-15118), password data validation issues (CVE-2026-12446), Web Authentication use-after-free bugs (CVE-2026-19166), and similar flaws in Payments (CVE-2026-19155, CVE-2026-19175), Resources (CVE-2026-19141), Extensions (CVE-2026-12456), and Web Workers (CVE-2026-19153).<h2>Availability and Device Rollout</h2>ChromeOS 151 is available starting today. To check for the update:<ol> <li>Open your device Settings.</li> <li>Select About ChromeOS in the bottom-left menu.</li> <li>Click Check for updates.</li> </ol>ChromeOS 151 is rolling out now, and Chrome Unboxed says most supported devices are getting it immediately. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is not included yet, and there is no explanation for the delay.ChromeOS Flex devices with the affected legacy GPUs will not get the update and will stay on ChromeOS 150. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/chromeos-151-rolls-out-with-bookmark-bar-auto-hide-gemini-safe-browsing-and-18-security-fixes/">ChromeOS 151 Rolls Out With Bookmark Bar Auto-Hide, Gemini Safe Browsing, and 18 Security Fixes</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Reveals Free 2.0 "Back to the Zone" Update Launching August 20 Alongside First DLC

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 07:01:45 -0000

GSC Game World has announced the free 2. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-reveals-free-2-0-back-to-the-zone-update-launching-august-20-alongside-first-dlc/">S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Reveals Free 2.0 "Back to the Zone" Update Launching August 20 Alongside First DLC</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

GSC Game World has announced the free 2.0 <a href="https://www.stalker2.com/news/back-to-the-zone-2-0-update" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" target="_blank">"Back to the Zone" update</a> for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The update arrives August 20, 2026, alongside the game's first paid DLC, Hope of Despair.Back to the Zone introduces updated graphics, improvements to the A-Life system, new weapons and enemies, a custom difficulty mode, and modding tools, all available at no extra cost for owners of the base game.Both the update and DLC will be available on Xbox Series X and S, <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Aghacks.net%3A+Playstation+5&rlz=1C5AJCO_enLV1199LV1199&oq=site%3Aghacks.net%3A+Playstation+5&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIGCAEQRRg7MgYIAhBFGDrSAQg0MDYzajBqN6gCALACAA&sourceid=chrome&source=chrome.ob&ie=UTF-8" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" target="_blank">PlayStation</a> 5, and PC through GOG, Epic Games Store, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/12/steam-passes-200-million-monthly-active-users-50-more-than-playstation/">Steam</a>. The 2.0 update is free and separate from the paid Hope of Despair expansion.<h2>Back to the Zone Adds Visual, A-Life, Weapon, and Difficulty Updates</h2>The Back to the Zone update brings overhauled graphics and lighting to the game's environments. The changes are intended to improve visual quality while keeping the post-apocalyptic atmosphere of the Zone.The update improves the A-Life system that controls NPC and creature behavior. There are now more behavior patterns and locations for NPCs and monsters, including additional resting spots, contested areas, and NPCs looting the dead even when the player is not nearby.The 2.0 update adds a Custom Rules difficulty mode, allowing players to adjust settings for their preferred challenge. It also introduces three types of binoculars for scouting and several new weapons hidden in the Zone, including the Arev, GP3A, SKP, and Fora-230, each with a unique variant.A new Fog mechanic affects vision and hearing for both players and enemies, creating more options for stealth. The update also includes a PDA for tracking progress, new monsters, and additional tools for narrative scripting, audio, and localization in the Zone Kit modding tool.<h2>Back to the Zone Release Date, Platforms, and Free Update Details</h2>For players considering a return to the game, the key points are:<ol> <li>The 2.0 "Back to the Zone" update is free for all owners of the base game, separate from the paid Hope of Despair DLC.</li> <li>Both release on the same day, August 20, 2026, across Xbox Series X and S, PlayStation 5, and PC.</li> <li>New weapons are hidden throughout the Zone rather than granted automatically, requiring exploration to find.</li> <li>The Custom Rules mode allows tuning difficulty, which may suit both new and returning players.</li> </ol>Both the free 2.0 update and the Hope of Despair DLC are set for release on August 20, 2026. Windows Central reports that the update adds a significant amount of content, but it is unclear if this will bring back new or returning players. GSC Game World has not provided information on the download size or plans for future free updates. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/17/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-reveals-free-2-0-back-to-the-zone-update-launching-august-20-alongside-first-dlc/">S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Reveals Free 2.0 "Back to the Zone" Update Launching August 20 Alongside First DLC</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:54:39 -0000

Microsoft has confirmed a bug in Windows 11 that breaks Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge for some users. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-bug-breaks-ie-mode-in-microsoft-edge-for-some-users/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/17/microsoft-shareholders-sue-over-allegedly-overhyped-ai-performance-and-hidden-cloud-slump/">Microsoft</a> has confirmed a bug in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/windows-11-expands-low-latency-profile-cpu-boost-to-all-apps-in-august-patch-tuesday-update/">Windows 11</a> that breaks Internet Explorer mode in Microsoft Edge for some users. IE mode is used to load legacy websites and web apps that still require Internet Explorer.The bug stops these sites from loading properly. Microsoft acknowledged the issue on the Windows release health dashboard and says a fix is in progress. The problem mainly affects organizations that depend on IE mode for older internal web applications.So far, Microsoft has not provided a fix or workaround beyond acknowledging the problem.<h2>What the IE Mode Bug Does</h2>IE mode in Edge is meant for loading older websites and web apps built for Internet Explorer, which is no longer available as a standalone browser. Many organizations still rely on IE mode for internal tools that have not been updated for modern browsers.The confirmed bug prevents IE mode from working correctly for affected users, meaning those legacy sites and applications may fail to load as expected. Because IE mode is primarily used in enterprise environments, the impact falls mainly on businesses running older web-based software rather than general consumers.Microsoft confirmed the issue on the Windows release health dashboard, which tracks known problems in current Windows versions. The company says it is investigating and working on a fix.Until a fix is available, affected organizations may need to review which internal applications depend on IE mode and plan for the disruption. Microsoft has not published a temporary workaround.<h2>What Affected Organizations Can Do</h2>Organizations that rely on IE mode should assess the impact while Microsoft works on a fix:<ol> <li>Identify which internal websites and applications depend on IE mode in Edge, since those are the ones affected.</li> <li>Monitor the Windows release health dashboard for updates on the fix and any official workaround.</li> <li>Hold off on removing or replacing IE mode configurations, since the issue is a bug rather than a deliberate change to the feature.</li> <li>Report the issue through Microsoft support channels if it disrupts business-critical applications, to register the impact.</li> </ol>Microsoft has confirmed the bug but has not released a fix or given a timeline. BleepingComputer does not specify which Windows 11 versions or updates introduced the issue.Organizations affected by the IE mode failure should monitor the Windows release health dashboard for updates and the eventual resolution. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-bug-breaks-ie-mode-in-microsoft-edge-for-some-users/">Microsoft Confirms Windows 11 Bug Breaks IE Mode in Microsoft Edge for Some Users</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Confirms Gmail Was Not Breached After Reports of 183 Million Password Leak

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:31:44 -0000

Google says Gmail was not breached, despite reports claiming that 183 million Gmail passwords had leaked. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/google-confirms-gmail-was-not-breached-after-reports-of-183-million-password-leak/">Google Confirms Gmail Was Not Breached After Reports of 183 Million Password Leak</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/google-sets-september-4-removal-date-for-google-assistant-on-mobile-as-gemini-takes-over/">Google</a> says <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/04/10/gmail-adds-end-to-end-encryption-for-android-and-iphone-users-in-google-workspace/">Gmail</a> was not breached, despite reports claiming that 183 million Gmail passwords had leaked. According to the company, these reports are based on a misunderstanding.The 183 million number refers to a collection of credentials gathered from infostealer malware and older data breaches, not from a direct attack on Google's systems. The confusion started after a routine update to a third-party breach notification service.The credentials appeared in the Have I Been Pwned breach notification service, which led to the reports.<h2>What Actually Happened With the 183 Million Credentials</h2>The 183 million credentials come from infostealer logs and earlier data breaches collected over time, not from a Gmail breach. These datasets combine credentials stolen from many sources by malware that grabs saved passwords from infected devices.The data was added to Have I Been Pwned, which lets users check if their credentials have appeared in known breaches. Google says the reports misread this routine update as proof of a new Gmail attack."Reports of a 'Gmail security breach impacting millions of users' are false. Gmail's defenses are strong, and users remain protected," Google said. The company clarified that infostealer databases collect credentials from a wide range of sources and are not indicative of a breach targeting Gmail specifically.Gmail was not breached, but infostealer malware can still collect valid Gmail passwords from infected devices. In these cases, the credentials come from users' own compromised machines or earlier unrelated breaches, not from Google's servers.The risk to each user depends on whether their credentials were included in an infostealer log, not on a breach of Gmail itself.<h2>What Gmail Users Should Do Now</h2>Even though Gmail was not breached, users should still check that their accounts are secure, since infostealer datasets may include valid credentials:<ol> <li>Check whether your email address appears in known breach datasets through a service like Have I Been Pwned.</li> <li>Change your Gmail password if you suspect your credentials may have been exposed, and avoid reusing it across other services.</li> <li>Enable two-factor authentication on your Google account, which protects the account even if the password is exposed.</li> <li>Consider switching to a passkey for Google sign-in, which does not rely on a static password.</li> <li>Run a reputable anti-malware scan if you suspect an infostealer infection, since these harvest saved passwords directly from the device.</li> </ol>Google continues to say that Gmail's defenses are strong and that the breach reports are false. It is not clear how many of the 183 million credentials actually match active Gmail accounts, since the dataset comes from many sources over time.Users who are concerned should check their accounts with breach-checking tools instead of assuming they are either fully safe or affected by a Gmail-specific breach. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/google-confirms-gmail-was-not-breached-after-reports-of-183-million-password-leak/">Google Confirms Gmail Was Not Breached After Reports of 183 Million Password Leak</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Buy Google's Chrome Browser

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 06:18:53 -0000

AI startup Perplexity has made an unsolicited $34. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/perplexity-makes-34-5-billion-unsolicited-bid-to-buy-googles-chrome-browser/">Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Buy Google's Chrome Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

AI startup <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/02/27/perplexity-launches-computer-an-ai-system-that-delegates-tasks-to-multiple-agents/">Perplexity</a> has made an unsolicited $34.5 billion offer to buy <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/03/google-chrome-prepares-default-block-for-extensions-that-hijack-the-new-tab-page-or-search-engine/">Google's Chrome</a> browser. The timing follows a US antitrust ruling that found Google holds an illegal monopoly in search and raised the possibility that Google could be forced to sell Chrome.The offer stands out because it is larger than Perplexity's own reported valuation, so the company would need significant outside funding to complete a deal of this size. Google has not put Chrome up for sale.Chrome is the most widely used web browser, with billions of users worldwide.<h2>Why Perplexity Wants to Buy Chrome</h2>The offer comes as Google faces antitrust pressure in the US. A court found Google holds an illegal monopoly in search, and one possible remedy is forcing the company to divest Chrome. This would separate the browser from Google's search and advertising business.Perplexity's unsolicited bid seems timed to this situation. By making an offer now, the company positions itself as a potential buyer if a court orders Google to sell Chrome. Google has not agreed to sell and is expected to appeal parts of the ruling.The $34.5 billion offer is higher than Perplexity's own reported valuation, raising questions about how the company would fund the deal. Perplexity would need substantial outside financing from investors or other backers to complete a purchase of this size.The gap between the offer and Perplexity's valuation is notable, since the company is trying to buy an asset worth more than itself.<h2>Chrome's Value and What Remains Unconfirmed</h2>Chrome's reach gives its owner a direct connection to billions of users and a major entry point to the web. For an AI company like Perplexity, owning Chrome would offer a way to integrate its AI search products directly into the browsing experience for a large audience.This strategic value is part of why Chrome is central to the antitrust case. The browser's default search settings have historically sent users to Google Search.Google has not put Chrome up for sale and has not responded to Perplexity's offer. Whether Chrome is divested depends on the outcome of the antitrust process and any appeals, which are still ongoing.It is also unclear if Perplexity could secure the financing for a $34.5 billion purchase, or if other, larger bidders would step in if Chrome were ever offered. For now, the offer is a positioning move rather than a confirmed deal. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/16/perplexity-makes-34-5-billion-unsolicited-bid-to-buy-googles-chrome-browser/">Perplexity Makes $34.5 Billion Unsolicited Bid to Buy Google's Chrome Browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Merges Its Two Copilot Apps Into One and Retires Podcasts, Deep Research, and Group Chat

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 20:08:44 -0000

Microsoft will combine its consumer Copilot and Microsoft 365 Copilot into one app, The Verge reports. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/15/microsoft-merges-its-two-copilot-apps-into-one-and-retires-podcasts-deep-research-and-group-chat/">Microsoft Merges Its Two Copilot Apps Into One and Retires Podcasts, Deep Research, and Group Chat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/17/microsoft-shareholders-sue-over-allegedly-overhyped-ai-performance-and-hidden-cloud-slump/">Microsoft</a> will combine its consumer <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/03/16/microsoft-cancels-several-planned-copilot-integrations-in-windows-11/">Copilot</a> and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/microsoft-links-hotel-wi-fi-attacks-stealing-microsoft-365-accounts-to-russian-hackers/">Microsoft 365</a> Copilot into one app, The Verge reports. As a result, three features, Podcasts, Deep Research, and Group Chat, will be discontinued on August 18. After the merge, everyone using Copilot, for personal or work purposes, will use the same app.Microsoft says chats and content carry over to the new app during the transition.<h2>Why Microsoft Is Merging Its Copilot Apps</h2>Microsoft Copilot has been available as two separate products: Copilot for consumers, which competes with <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/03/06/openai-launches-gpt-5-4-with-ai-agents-that-can-use-computers/">ChatGPT</a>, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/google-sets-september-4-removal-date-for-google-assistant-on-mobile-as-gemini-takes-over/">Gemini</a>, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/10/anthropic-releases-claude-fable-5-to-pro-max-and-enterprise-users-free-until-june-22/">Claude</a>, and Microsoft 365 Copilot for professional use in the work suite. This split has made it difficult to track which features and plans are included in each version.Merging the two creates a single app. According to The Verge, this mainly helps users who switch between personal and work Copilot, since they will not need to run separate apps anymore.The changes users see will depend on which version of Copilot they currently use, since the two apps offer different experiences.Microsoft 365 Copilot users will only need to update their existing app. Microsoft says to expect minor changes to navigation, along with a new app icon and direct access to Copilot chat.Personal Copilot users will see more changes. On desktop, they will move to the new app, while mobile users can switch through an app update. Microsoft says chats and content will transfer in both cases.For those using both apps, all chats and content will merge into the new app, with each item linked to the account it was created with.<h2>Copilot Features Retiring on August 18</h2>The main change is that some features will not carry over. Microsoft will discontinue Podcasts, Deep Research, and Group Chat on August 18, so there is limited time left to use them.Anyone using Group Chat should copy any messages or images from their chats before August 18, since these will not be accessible after that date. The same goes for Podcasts: users should export any podcasts they want to keep, as both creating and accessing them will end after the deadline.Deep Research reports will still be available after August 18, but only Microsoft 365 Premium subscribers will be able to use the feature going forward. Because access ends on August 18, users relying on the affected features should act before the deadline:<ol> <li>Copy any messages or images from Group Chat conversations, since those chats become inaccessible after August 18.</li> <li>Export any generated podcasts, as both creating and accessing them ends on the same date.</li> <li>Save any Deep Research reports you want to keep, and note the feature will require a Microsoft 365 Premium subscription to continue using afterward.</li> <li>Update or switch to the new Copilot app so chats and content transfer during the merge.</li> </ol><h2>Alternatives and What Remains Unconfirmed</h2>The Verge notes that alternatives for the retired features are easy to find. Google's Gemini Notebook, previously called NotebookLM, can create AI-generated podcasts, and most major AI platforms have their own Deep Research equivalents.Microsoft is not alone in cutting features. OpenAI shut down its AI video generator Sora earlier this year, along with its short-lived AI browser ChatGPT Atlas. Microsoft has also been removing what it calls unnecessary Copilot features from Windows, indicating a broader push to consolidate its AI.The three features will be discontinued on August 18, so users have a short window to export their data. Microsoft says the app merge will preserve chats and content, but the way users switch depends on whether they use consumer Copilot or Microsoft 365 Copilot.The Verge does not mention when the full transition will be complete, so some users may move over gradually after the August 18 retirements. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/15/microsoft-merges-its-two-copilot-apps-into-one-and-retires-podcasts-deep-research-and-group-chat/">Microsoft Merges Its Two Copilot Apps Into One and Retires Podcasts, Deep Research, and Group Chat</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Twitch Adds Opt-Out for Amazon AI Training After Enrolling All Creators by Default

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:42:35 -0000

Twitch introduced a new setting on August 12, 2026, that allows streamers to block their channel content from being used to train Amazon's generative AI models. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/twitch-adds-opt-out-for-amazon-ai-training-after-enrolling-all-creators-by-default/">Twitch Adds Opt-Out for Amazon AI Training After Enrolling All Creators by Default</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Twitch introduced a new setting on August 12, 2026, that allows streamers to block their channel content from being used to train Amazon's generative AI models. The toggle was enabled by default for all accounts, so every creator was included before they had a chance to opt out. Twitch did not send an email, show a pop-up, or make any advance announcement. The setting, called "Training for Generative AI," is found under Security and Privacy in account settings. Content creator and streaming reporter Zach Bussey was the first to spot the setting and shared a screenshot on social media, where it quickly spread. <h2>What Twitch's AI Training Opt-Out Covers</h2> The toggle appears under Security and Privacy in account settings, where users can turn it off. According to Twitch's support documentation, the setting covers a channel's streams, VODs, clips, stream chats, and the images and text on a channel page. All of this content can be used to train Amazon's models that generate or synthesize text, audio, images, or video. The documentation gives an example: audio from a stream could help improve speech-to-text systems, which would make captions better on Twitch and other Amazon products. Twitch says that other AI-powered features already on the platform, such as automated captions, content recommendations, sponsorship tools, ad selection, and chat moderation tools like AutoMod, will keep working no matter how the setting is configured. These features do not keep content for training new generative models. The opt-out has limits. It only covers a user's own channel. Chat messages posted in other streams are still subject to the settings of those channel owners. If you opt out, your chat messages in other channels can still be used for training. Twitch's documentation says the change applies to future training and does not mention content already used before the opt-out was available. Twitch also says that allowing users to disable AI systems related to platform safety and security would weaken protections for everyone, so those features do not have a separate opt-out. <h2>Amazon's Twitch AI Training and Creator Backlash</h2> Amazon's use of Twitch content for AI training started before this week's announcement. At an industry event in 2024, Mike Minton, then Twitch's chief monetization officer, confirmed that Amazon was training AI on Twitch content. He said the company followed user trust and privacy rules in different countries. Amazon has owned Twitch since 2014, which means it has over a decade of streams, gameplay footage, and real-time chat to use as material for AI training. Twitch has not said when Amazon started using this content for AI, and Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. Twitch executives addressed the reaction during a Patch Notes livestream on August 12. Minton, now chief product officer, and head of community Mary Kish answered questions from nearly 3,000 viewers. Asked why the setting defaulted to opt-out instead of opt-in, Minton said, "If this was opt-in, nobody would opt in. That's honestly the answer." Minton also said he could not confirm what Amazon had already used for model training before the toggle existed, adding that he did not know what the company had or had not used. Kish told viewers, "We don't expect you to be happy or excited about this," acknowledging the reaction before the stream took questions. <h2>How to Turn Off Twitch AI Training</h2> Streamers who want to stop their content from being used for future Amazon generative AI training should turn off the setting: <ol> <li>Open Twitch account settings and go to the Security and Privacy section.</li> <li>Locate the "Training for Generative AI" toggle, which is enabled by default.</li> <li>Turn it off to block your channel's streams, VODs, clips, stream chats, and channel page content from being used for future training.</li> <li>Keep in mind that chat messages you post in other channels are still subject to those channel owners' settings. Opting out does not cover messages sent elsewhere.</li> </ol> Twitch has not said when Amazon started using Twitch content for AI training, and Minton said he could not confirm what Amazon had already used before the opt-out was available. The documentation only covers future training, so it is unclear what happens with content already used. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/twitch-adds-opt-out-for-amazon-ai-training-after-enrolling-all-creators-by-default/">Twitch Adds Opt-Out for Amazon AI Training After Enrolling All Creators by Default</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
WhatsApp Rolls Out On-Device Scam Alert to Warn Users of Potential Scam Messages

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 07:36:13 -0000

WhatsApp is testing a new Scam Alert feature that warns users about possible scams using a machine learning model that runs on the device. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/whatsapp-rolls-out-on-device-scam-alert-to-warn-users-of-potential-scam-messages/">WhatsApp Rolls Out On-Device Scam Alert to Warn Users of Potential Scam Messages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/29/whatsapp-adds-web-calling-waiting-room-and-call-transfer-to-group-calls/">WhatsApp</a> is testing a new Scam Alert feature that warns users about possible scams using a machine learning model that runs on the device. The feature is currently available in a limited beta and is being tested with researchers in WhatsApp's Bug Bounty community.According to WhatsApp, no message content leaves the device for analysis or is automatically reported to WhatsApp, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/meta-releases-muse-glimmer-a-30-billion-parameter-open-weight-ai-model-that-runs-on-a-single-consumer-gpu/">Meta</a>, or anyone else. Scam Alert is optional and can be turned off at any time.WhatsApp says Scam Alert works alongside end-to-end encryption and gives users control over scam warnings.<h2>How WhatsApp's On-Device Scam Alert Works</h2>The Scam Alert model is trained on conversations that users have reported as scams. It checks if messages from people who are not in your contacts match patterns seen in known scams. The model looks at language and how the conversation is structured to decide if a message might be a scam.If the model detects a potential scam, the user sees a chat warning asking them to block, report, or continue the conversation. "Today, we're sharing an early look at Scam Alert, a new, optional feature that runs an on-device machine learning model to alert a user about potential scam messages," WhatsApp said.If a user decides a warning is incorrect, they can mark the chat as trusted, which removes the warning and prevents Scam Alert from flagging that chat again. Users who mark a chat as trusted can also opt in to share the last five messages received with WhatsApp to help improve the feature's accuracy. According to WhatsApp, the message data processed by the local model and the model itself never leave the device.Scam Alert is one of several recent steps WhatsApp has taken to protect users from scams. Earlier security features were also aimed at stopping fraud before users interact with scammers.In March, Meta announced that WhatsApp would warn users when behavioral signals suggest a device-linking request may be fraudulent, a common tactic used to hijack accounts by tricking users into scanning a malicious QR code or sharing a linking code.Two months earlier, WhatsApp rolled out "Strict Account Settings," a lockdown-style security feature that protects journalists, public figures, and other high-risk individuals from sophisticated threats, including spyware attacks.That feature followed cases in which journalists, activists, and political figures had their phones infected with spyware, including NSO Group's Pegasus, through messaging apps in zero-click attacks that require no user interaction.WhatsApp's messaging service is used by over 3 billion people across more than 180 countries.<h2>Scam Alert Controls and Beta Availability</h2>Since Scam Alert is optional and still in beta, not everyone will see it right away. When it becomes available to your account, you can:<ol> <li>Check your WhatsApp settings to see if Scam Alert is enabled. You can turn it on or off at any time.</li> <li>Review any chat warning that appears on messages from non-contacts, and choose to block, report, or continue.</li> <li>If you think a warning is a mistake, you can mark the chat as trusted. This will stop Scam Alert from flagging that chat again.</li> <li>When you mark a chat as trusted, you can also choose to share the last five messages with WhatsApp. This is optional and helps improve Scam Alert's accuracy.</li> </ol>Scam Alert is still in limited beta as WhatsApp tests it with its Bug Bounty research community. There is no timeline yet for a wider release or details on which regions will get it first. WhatsApp says on-device processing and optional controls will stay part of the feature as it expands. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/whatsapp-rolls-out-on-device-scam-alert-to-warn-users-of-potential-scam-messages/">WhatsApp Rolls Out On-Device Scam Alert to Warn Users of Potential Scam Messages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Nvidia Raises RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell Price to $16,000, More Than Double Its Launch Price

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:20:15 -0000

Nvidia has increased the price of its RTX Pro 6000 96GB Blackwell workstation GPU to $16,000, up 110% from its $7,600 preorder price. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/nvidia-raises-rtx-pro-6000-blackwell-price-to-16000-more-than-double-its-launch-price/">Nvidia Raises RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell Price to $16,000, More Than Double Its Launch Price</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/05/27/nvidia-officially-retires-control-panel-after-20-years-in-favor-of-nvidia-app/">Nvidia</a> has increased the price of its RTX Pro 6000 96GB Blackwell workstation GPU to $16,000, up 110% from its $7,600 preorder price. In recent months, Nvidia has also raised prices for its consumer GPUs by as much as 150%. The biggest increases have affected high-end cards like the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080.Most of these hikes are linked to the ongoing memory shortage driven by AI demand, which some in the industry expect to continue for several more years. The RTX Pro 6000 now costs more than twice what it did at launch last year.<h2>RTX Pro 6000 and Consumer GPU Price Increases</h2>The RTX Pro 6000 has seen several price changes since launch, mainly due to the memory shortage. It first went on preorder for just over $7,600 in early 2025, then appeared online at about $8,500 the next month.By June 2026, the price had climbed to over $13,000, up 80% from the original launch. The latest jump to $16,000 puts the card at more than double its initial price.Nvidia has also raised consumer GPU prices in recent months. The RTX 5090 now sells for well over $4,000 as of August 2026, after launching earlier this year at $2,000.Even a mid-range card like the RTX 5070 is now going for around $900 on Newegg and Amazon, a nearly 65% increase over its $549 launch price. The entry-level RTX 5050 now retails for more than $300, despite launching with a $249 MSRP.<h2>The Memory Shortage Behind Nvidia's GPU Price Hikes</h2>Most of the price increases are tied to the ongoing memory shortage, which some in the industry think could last for years. Last month, SK Hynix CEO Kwak Noh-Jung said 2027 could be the worst year yet for the industry, with demand expected to outpace supply even after 2030.Earlier this month, computer science researcher and software performance expert Daniel Lemire described the rising memory prices as a "historical anomaly," noting that the increases have effectively erased decades of steady, exponential cost reductions.The memory shortage has pushed up prices across the consumer electronics market, affecting laptops, desktops, smartphones, game consoles, and other devices.For anyone looking to buy a workstation or consumer GPU, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:<ol> <li>Expect further increases, since industry forecasts point to the memory crunch worsening through 2027 and continuing beyond 2030.</li> <li>Check current retail prices against original MSRPs, since cards like the RTX 5070 and RTX 5050 now sell far above their launch prices.</li> <li>Keep in mind that the memory shortage also raises prices on RAM, laptops, and other parts, which affects the cost of building a full system.</li> <li>Think about whether your current card is good enough before upgrading, since prices are unlikely to drop soon.</li> </ol>There is no information on whether Nvidia plans further increases to the RTX Pro 6000 or its consumer lineup, or when memory supply might stabilize enough to ease pricing.The SK Hynix forecast points to continued shortages through 2027 and beyond, but the exact trajectory of GPU pricing depends on memory supply and demand that remain difficult to predict. Nvidia has not published a statement tying the specific $16,000 figure to component costs. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/nvidia-raises-rtx-pro-6000-blackwell-price-to-16000-more-than-double-its-launch-price/">Nvidia Raises RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell Price to $16,000, More Than Double Its Launch Price</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Windows 11 Expands Low Latency Profile CPU Boost to All Apps in August Patch Tuesday Update

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 06:14:09 -0000

Microsoft is expanding its Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature to all Windows 11 apps with this month's Patch Tuesday update. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/windows-11-expands-low-latency-profile-cpu-boost-to-all-apps-in-august-patch-tuesday-update/">Windows 11 Expands Low Latency Profile CPU Boost to All Apps in August Patch Tuesday Update</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/17/microsoft-shareholders-sue-over-allegedly-overhyped-ai-performance-and-hidden-cloud-slump/">Microsoft</a> is expanding its Low Latency Profile (LLP) feature to all <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/10/windows-11-26h2-ships-as-an-enablement-package-with-movable-taskbar-local-search-and-default-cloud-recovery/">Windows 11</a> apps with this month's Patch Tuesday update.Previously limited to the Start menu and native interface, LLP now reaches most apps and Win32 programs as part of the KB5121003 update for all supported Windows editions.The feature briefly boosts CPU frequency to help apps launch more quickly. The feature uses Microsoft's Controlled Feature Rollout system, so it will not appear on all devices immediately.<h2>How Low Latency Profile Speeds Up App Launches</h2>LLP uses a race-to-sleep approach to handle app launch requests. It temporarily increases CPU frequency to speed up app launches, then returns the processor to a lower-power state.LLP first appeared earlier this year in the Windows interface and Windows Explorer. The August update now brings it to apps and third-party programs built with traditional Windows APIs like Win32, which could improve their launch times.After installing KB5121003, Windows Latest confirmed that LLP worked as intended. Standard apps like Notepad and Calculator, web browsers such as Chrome, and the Epic Games Store all opened and displayed content more quickly.Windows 11 has faced criticism for slower performance compared to Windows 10. Microsoft is addressing this with features like LLP.<h2>How to Get Low Latency Profile and What Critics Say</h2>LLP arrives through the Controlled Feature Rollout system, so not all users will get it at the same time:<ol> <li>Install the KB5121003 August Patch Tuesday update through Windows Update.</li> <li>Wait for the feature to become available, as the rollout is gradual.</li> <li>If the feature does not appear, it can be enabled immediately using the ViveTool program.</li> </ol>Some have criticized LLP as a shortcut to make Windows 11 seem faster without deeper optimization. Microsoft VP Scott Hanselman responded that Apple uses a similar approach in macOS and that users have welcomed the change. Race-to-sleep is also standard in Arm chips like Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 and Nvidia's RTX Spark.LLP is now rolling out to all Windows 11 users with KB5121003, but the Controlled Feature Rollout system means it will arrive gradually. Users who do not notice faster app launches right away may still be waiting for the update, or can enable the feature early with ViveTool. Microsoft has not announced when the rollout will be complete. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/14/windows-11-expands-low-latency-profile-cpu-boost-to-all-apps-in-august-patch-tuesday-update/">Windows 11 Expands Low Latency Profile CPU Boost to All Apps in August Patch Tuesday Update</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Ads Test to UK, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:23:25 -0000

OpenAI is expanding its ChatGPT ads test to the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, according to an August 11, 2026 update from OpenAI. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/openai-expands-chatgpt-ads-test-to-uk-mexico-brazil-japan-and-south-korea/">OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Ads Test to UK, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/11/apple-sues-openai-alleging-former-employees-stole-trade-secrets-for-ai-hardware-development/">OpenAI</a> is expanding its <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/02/10/chatgpt-begins-testing-ads-for-free-users-in-the-us/">ChatGPT ads</a> test to the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, according to an August 11, 2026 update from OpenAI. The ads are shown to logged-in adult users on the Free and Go tiers, while the Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education tiers do not have ads.OpenAI states that ads do not influence <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/04/openai-reaches-one-billion-active-users-and-cuts-gpt-5-6-luna-and-terra-prices-by-up-to-80/">ChatGPT's</a> answers and that conversations stay private from advertisers. The test began in the US in February 2026 and has since expanded to several markets.Businesses interested in advertising can sign up for updates at openai.com/advertisers.<h2>How ChatGPT Ads Work and Stay Private</h2>The test applies to logged-in adult users on the Free and Go subscription tiers. OpenAI states that ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives, that answers are optimized based on what is most helpful to the user, and that ads are always clearly labeled as sponsored and visually separated from the organic answer.During the test, OpenAI decides which ad to show by matching advertiser-submitted ads with the topic of the conversation, past chats, and past interactions with ads.For example, a user researching recipes may see ads for meal kits or grocery delivery. When multiple advertisers are eligible, OpenAI selects the most relevant one to the chat.Users who prefer not to see ads can upgrade to Plus or Pro, or opt out of ads on the Free tier in exchange for fewer daily free messages. OpenAI states that advertisers do not have access to chats, chat history, memories, or personal details, and receive only aggregate information such as the number of views or clicks.During the test, OpenAI does not show ads in accounts where the user indicates or is predicted to be under 18, and ads are not eligible to appear near sensitive or regulated topics such as health, mental health, or politics.OpenAI says it will continue to be deliberate about who it allows into the advertiser program and will build protections to reduce the risk of scams and misleading ads.<h2>User Controls, Rollout Timeline, and Next Steps</h2>Users have several controls over ads in ChatGPT. They can dismiss ads, give feedback, see why an ad was shown, delete ad data with one tap, and manage ad personalization. An Ads History view shows which ads were seen, with timestamps and brand names. Users can clear this history at any time.OpenAI started testing ads in the US in February 2026 for Free and Go users. In March, the company reported no change in consumer trust, low ad dismissal rates, and ongoing work to improve relevance.Pilots then launched in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The May update announced plans for the UK, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea, and the August 11 update confirmed those markets are now live. OpenAI plans to expand ads to more countries this year.OpenAI says it is focused on learning from feedback to make sure ads are useful and fit naturally into ChatGPT before expanding further. For businesses, the company is starting to explore participation options and plans to add more ad formats, objectives, and buying models over time.OpenAI states that ChatGPT's answers will remain independent and unbiased, conversations will stay private, and users will keep control over their experience. The company has not detailed which additional markets will receive ads next, or a timeline for expanding ad formats beyond the current test. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/openai-expands-chatgpt-ads-test-to-uk-mexico-brazil-japan-and-south-korea/">OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Ads Test to UK, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Dota 2 The International 2026 Runs August 13 to 23 in Shanghai With 16 Teams and a $2.9 Million Prize Pool

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:19:53 -0000

The International 2026 takes place in Shanghai from August 13 to 23, bringing together 16 Dota 2 teams to compete for the Aegis of Champions and a $2. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/dota-2-the-international-2026-runs-august-13-to-23-in-shanghai-with-16-teams-and-a-2-9-million-prize-pool/">Dota 2 The International 2026 Runs August 13 to 23 in Shanghai With 16 Teams and a $2.9 Million Prize Pool</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/07/dota-2-esports-world-cup-2026-runs-july-7-to-19-in-paris-with-2-million-prize-pool/">The International 2026</a> takes place in Shanghai from August 13 to 23, bringing together 16 Dota 2 teams to compete for the Aegis of Champions and a $2.9 million prize pool.Seven teams received direct invitations, while nine others made it through regional qualifiers. Defending champions Team Falcons return to try for a second title, facing opponents such as TEAM VISION, Team Liquid, Team Spirit, Iron Wing, and Aurora Gaming. The Group Stage is scheduled for August 13 to 16, followed by the Playoffs at the Oriental Sports Center from August 20 to 23.Team Falcons are looking to join OG, Team Spirit, and Team Liquid as two-time International champions.<h2>TI 2026 Schedule, Format, and Early Standings</h2>The event opens with a 16-team Swiss-system Group Stage from August 13 to 16, with all matches played as best-of-three. The top three teams move straight to the Main Event. Teams finishing 4th to 13th enter the Elimination Round, while the bottom three are eliminated.In the Elimination Round, five teams advance to the Main Event and five are knocked out. The Main Event runs from August 20 to 23 as a double-elimination bracket. All matches are best-of-three, except for the grand final, which is best-of-five for the Aegis of Champions.After the first matches, BoomBoys and TEAM VISION lead with 2-0 match records. BoomBoys have a 4-1 game record, while TEAM VISION are at 4-2. Team Spirit, Team Liquid, Aurora Gaming, and Team Yandex are each 1-0.Team Falcons and LGD Gaming are both 1-1, along with Iron Wing and Nigma Galaxy. At the bottom of the standings, OG is 0-2 with a 0-4 game record, and Team Resilience is also 0-2. In their first matches, Falcons defeated LGD Gaming 2-1, then lost 2-1 to TEAM VISION.<h2>Teams, Storylines, and Prize Distribution</h2>The 16 teams include Aurora Gaming, BoomBoys, Team Falcons, Team Liquid, Iron Wing, Xtreme Gaming, and Team Yandex as direct invites. The qualifiers are Team Spirit, TEAM VISION, Nigma Galaxy, HULIGANI, Team Resilience, Vici Gaming, OG, LGD Gaming, and GamerLegion.Team Falcons have several individual records at stake. Coach Kurtis "Aui_2000" Ling is aiming for a fourth title and a third as coach. Captain Wu "Sneyking" Jingjun and carry Oliver "skiter" Lepko are both looking to become the first players to win the Aegis three times. LGD Gaming are competing with Topson stepping in for the banned TaiLung.The $2.9 million prize pool is split by final placement. The winner takes $1,235,379, or 42.5 percent of the total. Second place earns $377,934, third $261,574, and fourth $174,422.Teams finishing 5th-6th receive $145,332 each, 7th-8th get $116,242, 9th-13th take $52,267, 14th-15th receive $29,090, and 16th place gets $14,545.<h2>How to Watch and What to Watch For</h2>The tournament is streamed live on the official Dota 2 TI 2026 channels, with four Twitch streams (A, B, C, and D) and coverage on YouTube. Match times are provided in CEST, UTC+8, and ET, so viewers will need to convert to their local time to keep up with specific games.<ul> <li>Whether Team Falcons can win a second straight Aegis and join the list of two-time champions.</li> <li>The individual record pursuits by Sneyking and skiter, who are both aiming to become the first three-time Aegis winners.</li> <li>How BoomBoys and TEAM VISION, the early Group Stage leaders, perform as the Swiss format continues.</li> <li>LGD Gaming's results with Topson stepping in for the banned TaiLung.</li> </ul>The Group Stage continues through August 16, with the Playoffs set for August 20 to 23. Dot Esports will update the schedule, results, and standings as the tournament moves forward. Final placements and the champion will be confirmed after the grand final on August 23. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/dota-2-the-international-2026-runs-august-13-to-23-in-shanghai-with-16-teams-and-a-2-9-million-prize-pool/">Dota 2 The International 2026 Runs August 13 to 23 in Shanghai With 16 Teams and a $2.9 Million Prize Pool</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Announces Pixel 11 Lineup, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag at Made by Google 2026

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:17:03 -0000

Google introduced its latest Pixel devices at the Made by Google 2026 event. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/google-announces-pixel-11-lineup-pixel-watch-5-and-pixel-tag-at-made-by-google-2026/">Google Announces Pixel 11 Lineup, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag at Made by Google 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/24/european-commission-fines-google-e890-million-for-search-and-play-store-dma-violations/">Google</a> introduced its latest <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/27/google-confirms-pixel-price-increases-citing-memory-component-costs/">Pixel devices</a> at the Made by Google 2026 event. The lineup includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold, as well as the Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and the long-anticipated Pixel Tag.Preorders began August 12, with most products shipping August 20. The Pixel Tag ships later, on November 11. All Pixel 11 models use the new Tensor G6 chip and include new Gemini-based AI features.The Pixel 11 starts at $899, the Pixel 11 Pro at $1,099, the Pixel 11 Pro XL at $1,299, and the Pixel 11 Pro Fold at $1,899.<h2>Google’s Pixel 11 Series, Pixel Watch 5, Buds, and Tag</h2>The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL feature a redesigned camera bar that is thinner and more stable. All three use the Tensor G6 chip.The Pixel 11 comes with a 6.3-inch Actua display, 12GB of RAM, and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. It also features a brighter M16 OLED panel and supports Qi2 25W wireless charging.The Pixel 11 Pro offers a 6.3-inch Super Actua display, 12GB or 16GB of RAM, and storage from 256GB up to 1TB. The Pixel 11 Pro XL has a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua display and the same RAM and storage options as the Pro.The Pro models introduce new camera features and HiLite, an LED that gives color-coded alerts when the phone is face down. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold is thinner, with a less noticeable crease and a new hinge that Google says has been tested for over 80 million open-and-close cycles.The Pixel Watch 5 offers better performance and new health features, including blood pressure and insulin resistance trend tracking, plus a Smart Wake alarm. It ships August 20 and costs $400 for the 41mm version or $430 for the 45mm, with LTE available for an extra charge.The Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in a new olive color and ship on August 12, the same day preorders open. They are priced at $229.The Pixel Tag, Google's competitor to the AirTag, costs $30 for one or $100 for a four-pack. It is the only new device in the lineup that ships later, on November 11.<h2>AI Features, Pricing, and Availability</h2>Google is focusing on on-device AI. Gemini Nano runs faster on the Tensor G6 chip, offering up to 25 percent quicker browsing and a new Magic Capture camera tool. There is also a new sign-to-text feature that allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to use ASL for texting, translation, and interacting with Gemini.Preorders opened August 12, with most devices shipping August 20:<ul> <li>Pixel 11: $899, 256GB, in Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian.</li> <li>Pixel 11 Pro: $1,099, 256GB to 1TB, in Canyon, Olive, Fog, and Matte Obsidian.</li> <li>Pixel 11 Pro XL: $1,299, 256GB to 1TB, in the same colors as the Pro.</li> <li>Pixel 11 Pro Fold: $1,899, 256GB to 1TB, in Olive and Obsidian.</li> <li>Pixel Watch 5: $400 (41mm) or $430 (45mm), in Obsidian, Fog, Olive, and Canyon.</li> <li>Pixel Buds Pro 2: $229, shipping August 12, in Olive, Hazel, Porcelain, Peony, and Moonstone.</li> <li>Pixel Tag: $30 single or $100 four-pack, shipping November 11.</li> </ul><h2>Carrier Deals and Preorder Notes</h2>Carriers and retailers are running early promotions:<ul> <li>T-Mobile is offering the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL free with a new line, or up to $1,300 in trade-in credit.</li> <li>Verizon is offering up to $1,100 in trade-in credit for new lines, or $900 for existing customers, paid over 36 months, so switching away early forfeits the remaining credit.</li> <li>Google Fi is taking $450 off the Pixel 11 Pro for existing subscribers with no long-term contract.</li> <li>Best Buy and Amazon are each including a $200 gift card with unlocked Pixel 11 Pro preorders, or $350 on the Pro Fold.</li> </ul>Buyers weighing a preorder should factor in a few details:<ol> <li>Compare carrier trade-in credits carefully, since Verizon's is paid over 36 months and is forfeited if you leave early.</li> <li>Note that the Pixel Tag ships November 11, later than the rest of the lineup, if buying multiple devices together.</li> <li>Check which colors and storage tiers are available per model, since the base Pixel 11 is limited to 256GB and 512GB.</li> <li>Weigh the retailer gift card offers against carrier deals, since Best Buy and Amazon bundle gift cards with unlocked Pro and Pro Fold preorders.</li> </ol>Preorders are now available. The Pixel 11 series, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 ship August 20, except the Buds, which ship August 12. The Pixel Tag ships November 11.The event did not bring major surprises but included steady hardware updates and more Gemini features. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/google-announces-pixel-11-lineup-pixel-watch-5-and-pixel-tag-at-made-by-google-2026/">Google Announces Pixel 11 Lineup, Pixel Watch 5, and Pixel Tag at Made by Google 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Sheets Improves Excel Imports With Native Tables and Adds Connected Sheets Upgrades for BigQuery

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 16:13:32 -0000

Google is updating Google Sheets to improve how Microsoft Excel files import and to add two new features for Connected Sheets users working with BigQuery. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/google-sheets-improves-excel-imports-with-native-tables-and-adds-connected-sheets-upgrades-for-bigquery/">Google Sheets Improves Excel Imports With Native Tables and Adds Connected Sheets Upgrades for BigQuery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/05/04/google-considers-ads-in-gemini-app-after-testing-ad-format-in-ai-mode-first/">Google</a> is updating Google Sheets to improve how Microsoft Excel files import and to add two new features for Connected Sheets users working with BigQuery.Excel tables now convert directly to native Sheets tables, and linked pivot tables import as interactive pivot tables instead of static grids. For Connected Sheets, Google is introducing list parameters and column aliasing to make BigQuery analysis easier.These updates address common issues with converting spreadsheets and working with large datasets. Excel table imports are available now, while linked pivot table support is rolling out gradually.<h2>Google Sheets Improves Excel Imports and BigQuery Tools</h2>Previously, importing Excel files into Google Sheets often meant extra cleanup. Excel tables did not become native Sheets tables, so structural formatting was lost. Linked pivot tables also turned into static, uneditable grids.With this update, Excel tables now import as native Sheets tables and keep their original formatting, sort controls, and structure. Pivot tables in Excel that use table ranges now come into Sheets as interactive pivot tables instead of flat, static data.These changes mean imported spreadsheets are reThese changes let users work with imported spreadsheets right away, without having to rebuild tables or pivot structures. Table imports are available now.Linked pivot table support is rolling out gradually to all Workspace domains and personal Google accounts. Adding two features to Connected Sheets aimed at making database analysis more accessible to non-technical team members.List Parameters let users reference a whole range of cells as a single list parameter in BigQuery queries. This means power users or data admins can set up input sheets with drop-down menus or selection grids, so others can filter large database queries without editing SQL code.Column Aliasing lets users create easier-to-read column names directly in Connected Sheets. Database columns are often hard to read or use technical names. Aliasing lets users rename them for a wider audience without changing database references or breaking formulas.<h2>Availability and Rollout</h2>The rollout differs slightly by feature:<ul> <li>Excel table imports are available now to all users.</li> <li>Linked pivot table support is rolling out gradually to all Workspace domains and personal Google accounts.</li> <li>Both Connected Sheets features, list parameters and column aliasing, are rolling out now for all Google Workspace customers and personal account users with Connected Sheets access.</li> </ul>The Excel table import feature is live now. Linked pivot table support is still rolling out, so some users may not see it yet.The Connected Sheets list parameters and column aliasing features are also rolling out now for users with Connected Sheets access. It is not confirmed when the pivot table rollout will be complete. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/13/google-sheets-improves-excel-imports-with-native-tables-and-adds-connected-sheets-upgrades-for-bigquery/">Google Sheets Improves Excel Imports With Native Tables and Adds Connected Sheets Upgrades for BigQuery</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Google Adds Aptoide as the First Third-Party App Store Distributed Through Google Play

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:53:58 -0000

Google has added the Aptoide app store to Google Play, making it the first third-party store available through Google's own storefront. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/google-adds-aptoide-as-the-first-third-party-app-store-distributed-through-google-play/">Google Adds Aptoide as the First Third-Party App Store Distributed Through Google Play</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/google-sets-september-4-removal-date-for-google-assistant-on-mobile-as-gemini-takes-over/">Google</a> has added the Aptoide app store to <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/25/google-play-billing-choice-program-goes-live-june-30-with-lower-developer-fees-and-third-party-billing/">Google Play,</a> making it the first third-party store available through Google's own storefront. This change comes after a court ruling in the Epic v.Google case, which required Google to make it easier for users to install apps and games from third-party stores. For now, Aptoide is only available in the US and focuses on gaming. Google Play now includes a dedicated section for third-party stores.Aptoide already had a user base among Android gamers who were comfortable with sideloading. It is now an official alternative to Google Play.<h2>Google Play Now Distributes Third-Party App Stores in the US</h2>The change follows the court ruling in Epic's case against Google, which requires Google to make third-party stores easier to use and give users more choice.Google Play now includes a dedicated section for third-party stores. It reads: "Google Play is now distributing third-party Android app stores in the United States.To find, discover, and install third-party app stores, open the Play Store on your Android device and search for app stores or access them through your account menu." Users in the US can now access third-party app stores through the Play Store:<ol> <li>Open the Play Store on an Android device.</li> <li>Search for "app stores," or access the third-party store section through the account menu.</li> <li>Install a listed third-party store, such as Aptoide, from within Google Play.</li> </ol><h2>What Comes Next for Third-Party Stores</h2>BetaNews points out that while Aptoide is the first third-party store on Google Play, others are likely to follow. It is not clear how quickly Google will accept submissions from additional stores, or how many third parties will choose to pay the required fees for distribution through Google Play.Aptoide is available now through Google Play in the United States. BetaNews does not indicate when the third-party store distribution will expand to other regions, or which additional stores may follow Aptoide onto Google Play.How quickly Google processes further submissions and the fee structure third parties must meet have not been detailed. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/google-adds-aptoide-as-the-first-third-party-app-store-distributed-through-google-play/">Google Adds Aptoide as the First Third-Party App Store Distributed Through Google Play</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Edge Tests Apple Account Sign-In in Latest Canary Build

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:47:23 -0000

Microsoft Edge may soon support signing in with an Apple account. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/microsoft-edge-tests-apple-account-sign-in-in-latest-canary-build/">Microsoft Edge Tests Apple Account Sign-In in Latest Canary Build</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/04/microsoft-edge-150-adds-google-account-sign-in-on-windows-and-macos/">Microsoft Edge</a> may soon support signing in with an <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/10/apple-confirms-iphone-to-windows-clipboard-sync-after-microsofts-eu-interoperability-request/">Apple</a> account. Flags found in the latest Canary build, suggest that users could soon sync bookmarks, history, and other data between an iPhone and a <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/microsoft-removes-picture-password-setup-in-windows-11-pushing-pins-passwords-and-biometrics/">Windows</a> PC using their Apple account.This follows the recent rollout of Google account sign-in support in Edge. The feature was first highlighted by Leo Varela, who often tracks new browser features. Microsoft did not initially plan to support non-Microsoft accounts within Edge.<h2>Apple Account Sign-In for Edge And How It Would Work</h2>Signing into Edge with Feature Details and Availability data across devices for users who run a Windows 11 PC alongside an iPhone, a common combination. Google account support rolled out recently, and Apple account support now appears to be on the way.Edge does not require users to sign in, but syncing data and certain features need an account.After ending Windows Phone, Microsoft focused on bringing its services to Android and iOS, acquiring apps like Wunderlist and SwiftKey to strengthen its presence on mobile devices.Some Microsoft apps now lag behind competitors. The publication suggests that supporting Google and Apple accounts may signal that Microsoft is acknowledging that most users prefer to stay within Google and Apple ecosystems, even when using Edge.At the moment, Apple account sign-in is only available as a flag in the Edge Canary build, which is the most experimental version of the browser. There is no information yet on when or if the feature will reach the stable release.As with other Canary features, it may change or be removed before a wider rollout. Microsoft has not officially confirmed Apple account support for Edge. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/microsoft-edge-tests-apple-account-sign-in-in-latest-canary-build/">Microsoft Edge Tests Apple Account Sign-In in Latest Canary Build</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Take-Two Says GTA 6 Preorders Are Skewing Toward the $100 Premium Edition

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 07:36:54 -0000

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick says that early preorders for Grand Theft Auto 6 are leaning toward the $100 premium edition instead of the $80 standar Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/take-two-says-gta-6-preorders-are-skewing-toward-the-100-premium-edition/">Take-Two Says GTA 6 Preorders Are Skewing Toward the $100 Premium Edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick says that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/06/19/rockstar-games-confirms-gta-6-pre-orders-open-june-25-ahead-of-november-launch/">early preorders</a> for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/07/rockstar-to-debut-extended-gta-6-look-on-netflix-first-drawing-fan-backlash/">Grand Theft Auto 6</a> are leaning toward the $100 premium edition instead of the $80 standard version. In an interview with CNBC, Zelnick said this is likely because the most dedicated fans are the ones preordering at this stage.He also said Take-Two does not plan to lower the game's price. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/06/former-rockstar-developer-says-gta-6-could-be-delayed-again-potentially-to-may-2027/">GTA 6</a> is available in two versions: an $80 standard edition and a $100 premium edition, with some content only available in the premium version.Take-Two has not said it will reduce the price, but retailers may choose to offer discounts on their own.<h2>What Zelnick Said About GTA 6 Editions</h2>"It's skewing more to the premium edition, but that might be a reflection of the fact that the most avid consumers are the ones that are pre-ordering now," Zelnick said in the CNBC interview.He added that Take-Two is unlikely to lower the game's price point itself, even if retailers might reduce their own margins to attract customers. "We preserved our pricing on Grand Theft Auto 5 for a very long time, much longer than a standard release of an entertainment property," Zelnick said.GTA 6 comes in an $80 standard edition and a $100 premium edition. The premium version includes some content that is not available in the standard edition, such as a few in-game stores.PC Gamer points out that if most preorders are for the $100 edition, Take-Two is earning a higher average price per copy than the $80 base price would suggest.PC Gamer suggests that Rockstar avoids the criticism of a flat $100 price by offering exclusive content in the premium edition, which encourages dedicated players to pay more.<h2>Sample Size and What Remains Unconfirmed</h2>PC Gamer points out that Zelnick's comments are based on early preorders, which mostly come from the most enthusiastic players who are also more likely to buy the premium edition. It is not clear if this trend will continue once the game is released to a wider audience.PC Gamer also notes that the cost of making big-budget games has risen faster than inflation. GTA 6 reportedly cost billions to develop, which puts the pricing discussion in the context of its large production budget.Zelnick's statements are about early preorder trends, not final sales. Take-Two has not shared exact numbers on how many players are choosing each edition.It is still unknown if the premium edition will keep outselling the standard version after launch, or if retailers will discount either edition on their own. Take-Two has indicated it plans to keep its pricing steady, as it did with GTA 5. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/12/take-two-says-gta-6-preorders-are-skewing-toward-the-100-premium-edition/">Take-Two Says GTA 6 Preorders Are Skewing Toward the $100 Premium Edition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Meta Releases Muse Glimmer, a 30-Billion-Parameter Open-Weight AI Model That Runs on a Single Consumer GPU

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:11:27 -0000

Meta has released Muse Glimmer, a 30-billion-parameter open-weight AI model that runs on a Mac or PC with a single consumer graphics card. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/meta-releases-muse-glimmer-a-30-billion-parameter-open-weight-ai-model-that-runs-on-a-single-consumer-gpu/">Meta Releases Muse Glimmer, a 30-Billion-Parameter Open-Weight AI Model That Runs on a Single Consumer GPU</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/10/meta-confirms-one-of-its-ai-models-breached-a-company-during-a-misconfigured-cyber-test/">Meta</a> has released Muse Glimmer, a 30-billion-parameter open-weight AI model that runs on a Mac or PC with a single consumer graphics card. The model is available as a free download from Hugging Face under the Apache 2.0 license.This allows commercial use, modification, and redistribution, without the restrictions found in some other open models. Muse Glimmer is distilled from Muse Spark 1.2, Meta's closed flagship model launched on August 5. It is aimed at agentic tasks like schedule management, file organization, local coding, and function calling.CEO Mark Zuckerberg published a 14-page essay alongside the release arguing for distributed, open AI development over centralized systems.<h2>How Meta Fit Muse Glimmer on Consumer Hardware</h2>To fit a model this large onto consumer hardware, Meta used aggressive compression. At full floating-point precision, 30 billion parameters would need over 55 GB of memory, which is more than any consumer graphics card currently offers.Meta reduced the weights to about 4-bit precision, bringing the model size down to under 20 GB. This leaves enough space for the KV cache, an image-processing encoder, and a speculative decoding drafter, all within a 24 GB or 32 GB memory limit.The drafter uses DFlash, a small companion network that suggests blocks of tokens for the main model to check in parallel. Meta reports that decoding is 3.1 times faster on an NVIDIA RTX 5090, 1.8 times faster on an Apple M5 Max, and 1.5 times faster on an M4 Max, with output quality matching standard token-by-token generation.Training took place in three phases. First, Meta used logit distillation from the larger Spark model. The second phase focused on longer-context and agent-heavy data. The final stage combined supervised fine-tuning, on-policy distillation, and reinforcement learning.Meta says Muse Glimmer performs well for its size compared to Gemma4-31B and Qwen3.6-27B. Benchmarks include DeepSearch QA, MCP-Atlas, ?-Bench, and SWE-Bench, which test retrieval, multi-step agentic planning, and code writing and debugging.<h2>Capabilities, Tooling, and Hardware Support</h2>Muse Glimmer includes features for autonomous work beyond what the benchmarks measure. It can diagnose failed tool calls and retry them instead of stopping.The model accepts mixed text and images, including screenshots and documents. It works with agent orchestrators like OpenClaw, supports adjustable reasoning effort, and covers over 100 languages.Meta said local operation lets people use AI "anywhere, anytime, with or without an internet connection," and that queries processed on-device never leave the machine.Optimized integrations for llama.cpp, MLX, and ExecuTorch are due within days, while Ollama, LM Studio, Unsloth, Together AI, Fireworks AI, and OpenRouter supported the model at launch.Meta pointed larger-scale inference workloads to vLLM and SGLang, and hardware optimization work is underway with AMD, Arm, Dell, Intel, and NVIDIA.<h2>Zuckerberg’s Case for OpenAI and the Competitive Backdrop</h2>Zuckerberg framed the release in explicitly political terms. He wrote that instead of centralizing superintelligence, the industry should "distribute it widely and give every person the ability to direct it," and argued that US developers face regulatory disadvantages relative to Chinese competitors on training data usage and model distillation.The competitive landscape adds weight to Zuckerberg's argument. Chinese companies like Moonshot, Alibaba, and DeepSeek have become leaders in open-weight AI, with models that rival top US systems. Meanwhile, the main models from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google are still closed.Security concerns have been part of the open-versus-closed debate this summer. In late July, NVIDIA launched the Open Secure AI Alliance to develop open security tools, after OpenAI models under evaluation breached Hugging Face's infrastructure.Meta had a similar issue when Muse Spark 1.1 accessed a real company during testing because of a misconfigured evaluation environment.Muse Glimmer will not be the only open model in Meta's lineup for long. Zuckerberg confirmed the company will also release the weights for Muse Spark 1.2 itself, which would put a frontier-class Meta model into open-weight territory, writing that "we will resume releasing some open source models soon." Meta's stock rose nearly 3% in premarket trading on the announcement.This release marks a change in direction for Meta Superintelligence Labs, led by Alexandr Wang. The lab launched Muse Spark 1.1 on July 9 as the first Meta model with a price tag through the Meta Model API.It then released the Muse Code terminal coding agent, another paid product, alongside the Meta One subscription for consumers. Muse Glimmer takes the opposite approach, being free and fully open.Meta's benchmark results are self-reported, so real-world performance for Muse Glimmer will depend on what developers find as they use it. Meta has not given a firm date for releasing the Muse Spark 1.2 weights, only saying it will happen soon.The hardware needed to run Muse Glimmer smoothly will also depend on how well the optimized integrations work once they are available. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/meta-releases-muse-glimmer-a-30-billion-parameter-open-weight-ai-model-that-runs-on-a-single-consumer-gpu/">Meta Releases Muse Glimmer, a 30-Billion-Parameter Open-Weight AI Model That Runs on a Single Consumer GPU</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Overwatch Season 4 Adds Flexible Battle Pass Tracks Letting Players Choose Which Skins to Unlock First

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:06:26 -0000

Overwatch is changing its battle pass system in Season 4: Heroes of Busan. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/overwatch-season-4-adds-flexible-battle-pass-tracks-letting-players-choose-which-skins-to-unlock-first/">Overwatch Season 4 Adds Flexible Battle Pass Tracks Letting Players Choose Which Skins to Unlock First</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/05/13/overwatch-10th-anniversary-event-runs-through-june-2-with-21-free-launch-hero-skins/">Overwatch</a> is changing its battle pass system in Season 4: Heroes of Busan. The old linear 80-tier setup is being replaced with several tracks, so players can choose which rewards to unlock first.The new system arrives August 11. Blizzard also plans to bring back some older battle passes later in the season. The total number of tiers and the time needed to finish the pass are not changing. Each of the five main tracks contains a Legendary or Epic skin.<h2>How Overwatch's New Battle Pass Works</h2>The Season 4 battle pass splits rewards into several tracks, each with a Legendary or Epic skin. Players can level up these tracks in any order, but only after finishing a short introductory track. Once all five main tracks are done, extra tiers unlock. These offer Legendary loot boxes, Mythic Prisms, Overwatch Coins, and eventually seasonal titles.Blizzard says the number of tiers and the time to complete them are staying the same. The main difference is in how players move through the rewards, not how long it takes.Premium battle pass owners get one Tier Hack per pass. This lets them swap an eligible Legendary reward for a different cosmetic from a curated pool. The pool can include older shop and loot box skins from any role.In Season 4, those cosmetics include Raijin Ashe, Mob Boss Junker Queen, Cardboard Reinhardt, Sakura Lifeweaver, and Crustacean Wrecking Ball.<h2>Past Battle Passes Return Midseason, and Availability</h2>Overwatch will bring back some older battle passes during the middle of Season 4. Players will be able to buy them or finish leveling any they already own. Blizzard has not said which passes are coming back, only calling them "select Battle Passes past."These returning battle passes, whether bought in Season 4 or owned from before, will stay available to progress alongside new content. However, unvaulted passes will not include their original premium currency, Mythic Prisms, Prestige titles, or Mythic hero and weapon skins.For players approaching the Season 4 battle pass, the key points are:<ol> <li>Complete the short introductory track first, since it unlocks access to the five main reward tracks.</li> <li>Level the tracks in whatever order matches the skins you want most, rather than progressing linearly.</li> <li>Save the once-per-pass Tier Hack for a Legendary reward you would rather swap for a cosmetic from the curated pool.</li> <li>Note that returning past battle passes will not include their original Mythic Prisms, Prestige titles, or Mythic skins.</li> </ol>The new battle pass launches August 11 with Season 4: Heroes of Busan, which also introduces the new tank D.Mon. Blizzard plans to share more details about the returning battle passes in a midseason blog, including which ones are coming back. For now, the full list and timing have not been confirmed. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/overwatch-season-4-adds-flexible-battle-pass-tracks-letting-players-choose-which-skins-to-unlock-first/">Overwatch Season 4 Adds Flexible Battle Pass Tracks Letting Players Choose Which Skins to Unlock First</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.
Microsoft Removes Picture Password Setup in Windows 11, Pushing PINs, Passwords, and Biometrics

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:02:23 -0000

Microsoft is removing the option to set up new picture passwords in Windows 11. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/microsoft-removes-picture-password-setup-in-windows-11-pushing-pins-passwords-and-biometrics/">Microsoft Removes Picture Password Setup in Windows 11, Pushing PINs, Passwords, and Biometrics</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.

<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/07/30/microsoft-adds-unremovable-upgrade-your-plan-button-to-office-app-title-bars/">Microsoft</a> is removing the option to set up new picture passwords in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/01/microsoft-confirms-windows-11-memory-optimization-for-8gb-pcs-among-four-new-focus-areas/">Windows 11</a>. Users who already have a picture password can keep using it, but if it is removed or disabled, it cannot be set up again.The change comes with the July 2026 security update for Windows 11. Microsoft recommends switching to a Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition. This change only affects new enrollments. Existing picture passwords still work for now.<h2>Why Microsoft Is Removing Picture Passwords</h2>Picture passwords were first introduced in Windows 8. They let users unlock a PC by making gestures or taps on an image, like tapping the eyes of a smiley face and swiping across the mouth. The feature stayed in Windows 10 and Windows 11.Picture passwords used three types of gestures: circles, straight lines, and taps. Windows Central says the feature was meant to highlight the touch features of Windows 8, but it is not as secure as a passkey or a strong password.Microsoft is moving away from traditional passwords and recommends using a PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint to sign in to Windows 11. Passkeys are often suggested as the most secure option, but you cannot use a passkey to log in to a Windows 11 PC yet.Picture passwords have some known security weaknesses. People often choose gestures around obvious parts of the image, making it easier for attackers to guess the pattern. Smudges on the screen can also give away where someone touches most often. Neowin pointed to a 2013 research paper that highlighted these risks.<h2>What Microsoft Says and What Users Should Do</h2>Microsoft shared the following in a support document: "To help enhance security, picture password is no longer available for new enrollment. Users who have already configured a picture password can continue to use it to sign in to Windows.If a picture password is removed, disabled, or not previously configured, it cannot be set up again. We recommend using Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition where available."If you are affected by this change, there are a few things to keep in mind:<ol> <li>Keep your current picture password if you want to continue using it. If you remove or disable it, you will not be able to set it up again.</li> <li>Set up a Windows Hello PIN, facial recognition, or fingerprint recognition as a replacement, as Microsoft suggests. Do this before removing your picture password.</li> <li>Make sure you have the July 2026 security update installed, since this change comes with that update.</li> </ol>The end of new picture password enrollment comes with the July 2026 security update, now rolling out to Windows 11. Existing picture passwords will keep working unless you remove or disable them.Microsoft has not said if it will eventually turn off existing picture passwords, so if you rely on the feature, treat your current setup as your last. Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2026/08/11/microsoft-removes-picture-password-setup-in-windows-11-pushing-pins-passwords-and-biometrics/">Microsoft Removes Picture Password Setup in Windows 11, Pushing PINs, Passwords, and Biometrics</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net">gHacks</a>.