Pipes Feed Preview: gHacks Technology News

1. Mozilla extends Firefox ESR 115 support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, macOS 10.12 to 10.14 until March 2026

   Thu, 04 Sep 2025 12:33:47 -0000

   There is some good news for Firefox ESR 115 users on older operating systems. Mozilla has extended support for the version until March 2026. Note: ESR refers to Extended Support Release. Mozilla […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Mozilla extends Firefox ESR 115 support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, macOS 10.12 to 10.14 until March 2026 appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>There is some good news for Firefox ESR 115 users on older operating systems. Mozilla has extended support for the version until March 2026.</p> <p>Note: ESR refers to Extended Support Release.</p> <p>Mozilla released Firefox 115 in July 2023. Then, it had announced that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/04/firefox-115-new-esr-base-and-some-add-ons-may-be-blocked-from-running-on-certain-sites/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Firefox 115.0 ESR would be the last version that supports Windows 7</a>, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, as well as Apple macOS 10.12, 10.13, and 10.14. This version was originally intended to be supported until September 2024.</p> <p>In September 2024, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/09/09/mozilla-extends-firefox-115-support-for-old-windows-and-macos-devices/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Firefox ESR 128 replaced 115</a> as the new code base for current operating systems. However, Mozilla extended Firefox 115 ESR support for users on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 until April 1, 2025. But in February 2025, Mozilla once again extended support for Firefox ESR 115 branch until September 2025.</p> <p>You guessed it, the same thing has happened, another 6-month extension. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/firefox/comments/1n7pi3o/keep_up_the_good_work_mozilla_we_are_so_proud_of/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Redditors</a> have spotted a note on <a href="https://whattrainisitnow.com/release/?version=esr" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Firefox's release calendar</a> says that Mozilla has decided to extend support for Firefox ESR 115 only on Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and macOS 10.12 to 10.14 up to March 2026. Mozilla will re-evaluate the situation in February 2026, to decide whether to end support for Firefox 115 ESR.</p> <p>Why does Mozilla keep extending support for these old operating systems? The latest <a href="https://data.firefox.com/dashboard/hardware" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Firefox Public Data Report</a> reveals that 39.352% Firefox users are on Windows 11, and 38.926% are using Windows 10. 6.769% of Firefox users are still on Windows 7. All other operating systems, including Linux and macOS have amount to 14.952% of Firefox users. Well, that probably explains why Windows 7 is still supported by Firefox, and of course by extension, Windows 8, 8.1 as well.</p> <p>Mozilla recommends users on supported operating systems to use Firefox ESR 128 or above.</p> <p>We do not recommend using older operating systems that do not get security updates anymore. If you have no other choice, i.e. if you cannot upgrade to a newer operating system due to hardware limitations, it's understandable but extremely risky. I strongly suggest looking at Linux distros like <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/04/linux-mint-22-2-zara-update-released/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Mint</a>, it may take some getting used to switch from Windows or macOS, but it's possible that your old computer will be able to handle Linux just fine.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/04/mozilla-extends-firefox-esr-115-support-for-windows-7-until-march-2026/" data-wpel-link="internal">Mozilla extends Firefox ESR 115 support for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1, macOS 10.12 to 10.14 until March 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

2. 007 First Light releases in March 2026, extended gameplay video released

   Thu, 04 Sep 2025 09:37:33 -0000

   IO Interactive has revealed the launch date for 007 First Light. The James Bond game releases on March 27th, 2026. Irish actor, Patrick Gibson, best known for playing young Dexter Morgan in […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post 007 First Light releases in March 2026, extended gameplay video released appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>IO Interactive has revealed the launch date for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/05/io-interactive-announces-james-bond-game-007-first-light-is-releasing-in-2026/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">007 First Light</a>. The James Bond game releases on March 27th, 2026.</p> <p>Irish actor, Patrick Gibson, best known for playing young Dexter Morgan in Dexter: Original Sin, has been cast in the role of James Bond in the third-person stealth/spy/shooter <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/xbox-cloud-gaming-is-available-game-pass-core-and-standard-subscribers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">game</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1AHkgXCNjA" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">A new trailer</a> that outlines the gameplay is out on YouTube. But if that 2-minute video doesn't impress you, there is something that might. IO Interactive has published a longer video, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpP_WXrDArQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">a 30-minute premiere</a> showcasing around 20 minutes of gameplay, and 10 minutes of developer commentary. The premiere focuses on the first mission in the game. This also happens to be Bond's first mission in the field, and he has to capture Agent 009, who has gone rogue. You don't work alone, 007 teams up with his associates to take down the villain.</p> <p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209525" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gameplay.jpg" alt="James Bond 007 First Light gameplay" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gameplay.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gameplay-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>There are multiple ways to get around obstacles like security checks, you don't have to go guns blazing. Sometimes subtlety is important, maybe you can talk your way out of things. Bond has access to some tools and gadgets, he can pick things up to use as a distraction, and combine them with environmental objects to create an opening. Agent 47 may be a Silent Assassin, but Bond's a bit of a chatterbox, narrating his thoughts, often humorously.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209524" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-actions.jpg" alt="James Bond 007 First Light actions" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-actions.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-actions-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Stealth games usually have bad mechanics like enemies and NPCs easily getting distracted, and not noticing the player doing odd things, like climbing a pipe, etc. I mean, that is by design, these distractions are meant to allow the player to get past guards or hostile NPCs. It may look odd in a super-spy game, but it is made by Hitman's devs, so I guess it can't be helped.</p> <p><img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209523" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gunplay.jpg" alt="James Bond 007 First Light gunplay" width="1200" height="606" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gunplay.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-gunplay-768x388.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>007 First Light involves driving vehicles, of course it has to, Bond likes his fancy cars. Unfortunately, this is where things begin to look bad. The high-speed car chase that was featured in the video had significant frame drops, the driving looked jarring, and that motion blur effect was not helping. The gun-fight that follows was impressive, it reminded me a little of Uncharted, the chaotic explosions from Just Cause, the bullet-time of Max Payne, and a bit of Grand Theft Auto. First Light also has melee combat. Performance during these scenes were far from impressive, hopefully these issues will be ironed out before the game is released.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209521" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light.jpg" alt="James Bond 007 First Light" width="1200" height="605" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/James-Bond-007-First-Light-768x387.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>It may be a Bond game, but it definitely has the Hitman vibe, which is a good thing in my book. But unlike Agent 47, Bond being Bond, is often reckless, has a problem with authority, and following orders. The game seems to deliver all these, along with witty humor. I liked the subtle touch when Bond jumped into a tunnel, "License to Kill" appeared on the screen, and he shoots a guy. This is a nod to the iconic intro in Bond movies.</p> <p>I know it's just an extended trailer, but it felt like a short movie. 007 First Light will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch 2.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/04/007-first-light-releases-in-march-2026-extended-gameplay-video-released/" data-wpel-link="internal">007 First Light releases in March 2026, extended gameplay video released</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

3. Linux Mint 22.2 Zara update released

   Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:15:07 -0000

   Linux Mint 22.2 is here. The update is called Zara, here's what's new in it. Mint 22.2 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and will be supported 2029. It comes with Linux […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Linux Mint 22.2 Zara update released appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>Linux Mint 22.2 is here. The update is called <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/11/linux-mint-22-2-beta-now-available-for-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Zara</a>, here's what's new in it.</p> <p>Mint 22.2 is based on Ubuntu 24.04 LTS, and will be supported 2029. It comes with Linux kernel 6.14.</p> <p>Sticky notes now have rounded corners, and the app is compatible with <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/01/11/linux-mint-21-3-is-now-available-with-experimental-wayland-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Wayland</a>. Android users can use a companion app called StyncyNotes to sync their notes between their Linux system and phone. The app is available for download at <a href="http://f-droid.org/en/packages/org.grating.styncynotes" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">F-Droid's repository</a>. It uses SyncThing to sync, hence the name, StyncyNotes.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209507" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Zara-Sticky-Notes-with-rounded-corners.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 Zara Sticky Notes with rounded corners" width="695" height="265" /></p> <p>Linux Mint 22.2 adds a subtle blur effect to the login screen, the background of the login box is blurred. It also displays your user avatar now.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209506" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-login-screen.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 login screen" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-login-screen.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-login-screen-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Mint 22.2 comes with a new XApp called Fingwit, which is used for fingerprint authentication. It is used for the screensaver, sudo commands, Admin apps (pkexec). You will need to enter your password to add fingerprints, after which you will need to use your computer's fingerprint reader to add the scans.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209512" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-add-fingerprint.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 add fingerprint" width="734" height="527" /></p> <p>Unfortunately, it doesn't progress beyond the first scan for me. My device (04f3:0c4f) is supported by libfprint, so I'm not sure what's wrong. Anyway, I couldn't test it at all. It's also worth mentioning that the login screen still requires you to type a password if you use a home directory encryption or a keyring.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209510" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 Software Manager" width="800" height="732" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager.jpg 800w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager-768x703.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p> <p>The Software Manager's home page has been redesigned, and the i button on app listings now explains the difference between Flatpak and system packages. The Update Manager will display a reboot button on the taskbar, when an update requires a restart.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209509" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager-explanations.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 Software Manager explanations" width="800" height="732" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager-explanations.jpg 800w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Software-Manager-explanations-768x703.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /></p> <p>Linux Mint 22.2 changes the default Mint-Y theme slightly, it is now less gray and slightly more blue.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209513" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-blue-theme.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 blue theme" width="1200" height="830" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-blue-theme.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-blue-theme-768x531.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>(Image courtesy: Linux Mint)</p> <p>LibAdwaita has been patched to work with themes, and now supports Mint-Y, Mint-X and Mint-L. The LAN based file-sharing app, <a href="https://apps.apple.com/mu/app/warpinator/id1609289992" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Warpinator</a>, is now available for iOS.</p> <p>The IPTV app, Hypnotix, now supports two additional modes. Theater Mode hides the controls and menus, but still displays the title bar.  The hotkey for theater mode is F6.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209516" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Theater-Mode.jpg" alt="Hypnotix Theater Mode" width="852" height="524" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Theater-Mode.jpg 852w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Theater-Mode-768x472.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 852px) 100vw, 852px" /></p> <p>(Image courtesy: Linux Mint)</p> <p>Borderless Mode hides everything, including the borders, title bar, though you use the Alt key to move the window around. Borderless mode can be toggled with the F7 keyboard shortcut.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209515" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Borderless-Mode.jpg" alt="Hypnotix Borderless Mode" width="1200" height="678" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Borderless-Mode.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Hypnotix-Borderless-Mode-768x434.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>(Image courtesy: Linux Mint)</p> <p>The app has been updated to startup faster, searching large playlists is also faster. Hypnotix will no longer reset the volume when you switch channels.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209511" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Hypnotix.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 Hypnotix" width="501" height="540" /></p> <p>For a full list of changes, known issues, please refer to the <a href="https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_zara.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">release notes</a>, and the <a href="https://www.linuxmint.com/rel_zara_whatsnew.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">blog article</a> on Linux Mint's website.</p> <p>If you don't see the Linux Mint 22.2 update yet, open the Update Manager and click on Edit, and you should see an option to update to 22.2. Or, you can download the ISO of your choice from https://pub.linuxmint.io/stable/22.2/.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209514" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Linux-Mint-22.2-Neofetch.jpg" alt="Linux Mint 22.2 Neofetch" width="654" height="442" /></p> <p>It's unclear when Linux Mint Debian Edition 7 (codenamed “Gigi”) will be released.</p> <p>Have you updated to Mint 22.2 ?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/04/linux-mint-22-2-zara-update-released/" data-wpel-link="internal">Linux Mint 22.2 Zara update released</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

4. Amazon Prime to end free shipping benefits for accounts that are not in the same household

   Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:18:09 -0000

   Amazon has announced that it will end Prime shipping benefits for accounts outside households. The Prime Invitee Program is being replaced by Amazon Family. Users could not join the Prime Invitee program […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Amazon Prime to end free shipping benefits for accounts that are not in the same household appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>Amazon has announced that it will end Prime shipping benefits for accounts outside households. The Prime Invitee Program is being replaced by Amazon Family.</p> <p>Users could not join the Prime Invitee program since 2015. It has existed for ten years, to allow users to continue sharing the free shipping benefits. However, a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GWZ7QXD2X8WL8YE8" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">support page on Amazon's website</a> mentions that the Prime Invitee program will end on 1 October 2025. Users who aren't in the same household will no longer be able to access the Prime delivery benefit.</p> <p>Instead, they are being directed to Amazon Family. Now, this isn't a new program either, it was launched in 2015, and introduced additional benefits. Currently, it allows Family members to share the following perks: free shipping, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/12/amazon-has-doubled-the-time-video-ads-are-shown-on-prime-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Prime Video</a> (with ads), Prime Reading, Prime Music, audiobooks, eBooks, games, some third-party benefits like Grubhub.</p> <p>These benefits are only available for 2 adults, up to four teens (<span id="GUID-9858BE68-0E6D-4B84-89A3-CC2521E26F3A__PH_33FF24D8BF324F2AB14F24024B1ACF04">who were added before April 7, 2025), and up to 4 child profiles</span> per household. Amazon Music can only be shared with one adult in the Amazon Family.</p> <p>So, why is Amazon cutting access to free shipping outside households? They want to attract more subscribers. <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazon-us-prime-sign-ups-slow-despite-expanded-prime-day-push-data-shows-2025-09-02/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Reports indicate</a> that Amazon fell slightly short of Prime sign-ups in the U.S. this year (around 5.4 Million users), both in terms of the company's target, and to meet last year's total numbers (around 5.56 Million). The 2% failure happened despite an extended Prime Day sale event, which ran for four days instead of two. Amazon says Prime sign-ups achieved record-breaking numbers in the 25 days around the sales period, though it has not published the data to back this up.</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/news/769051/amazon-prime-free-shipping-benefit-sharing-ending" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">The Verge reports</a> that users who don't live in the same household as the account holder, are being offered a discounted subscription for Amazon Prime, at $14.99 for the first year, after which they will be charged $14.99 per month if they choose to continue.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/02/youtube-premium-family-plan-accounts-are-being-flagged-for-not-being-in-the-same-household/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">YouTube Premium Family plan subscribers are being flagged</a> if accounts are from different households. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/08/hbo-max-to-aggressively-crackdown-on-password-sharing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">HBO Max (soon)</a>, are all enforcing location based restrictions to prevent users from sharing their passwords, or accounts with members outside their physical location, to drive up more subscriptions. If I were to describe all this in two words, I'd call it "subscription hell", because that's what it feels like for consumers.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/03/amazon-prime-to-end-free-shipping-benefits-for-accounts-that-are-not-in-the-same-household/" data-wpel-link="internal">Amazon Prime to end free shipping benefits for accounts that are not in the same household</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

5. Judge says Google does not need to sell Chrome, but will have to share data with rivals

   Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:06:13 -0000

   Last year, a U.S. Judge ruled that Google had created an illegal monopoly in the search industry. The Justice Department had recommended severe remedies such as forcing Google to sell Chrome, and […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Judge says Google does not need to sell Chrome, but will have to share data with rivals appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>Last year, a U.S. Judge ruled that Google had created an <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/08/07/u-s-judge-rules-that-google-has-an-illegal-search-engine-monopoly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">illegal monopoly in the search industry.</a> The Justice Department had recommended severe remedies such as <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/03/10/doj-pushes-for-google-to-sell-chrome-to-break-search-monopoly/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">forcing Google to sell Chrome</a>, and split Android away from the Mountain View company.</p> <p>However, the antitrust trial seems to have taken a bizarre turn. A three-week hearing was held in April by Judge Amit Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Mehta's ruling bars Google from entering into exclusive contracts to distribute its software including Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, and the Gemini app.</p> <p>But, he allowed Google's partnerships to continue, which means it can continue to pay its partners for preloading or placement of Google search, Chrome and GenAI products. Apple earns a cool $20 Billion a year from its partnership with Google. This is also good news for Firefox, since Mozilla had admitted in its <a href="https://blog.mozilla.org/en/mozilla/internet-policy/google-search-deals-and-browser-choice/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">testimony</a> it would be doomed without Google's money. It could have played a big role in this ruling.</p> <p>As for Google Chrome's sale, the Judge stated that the Justice Department had overreached in seeking the forced divestiture of key assets (Chrome), which Google had not used to effect any illegal restraints. The Court said that it will not include a contingent divestiture of the Android operating system in the final judgment.</p> <p>The ruling says Google is not allowed to enter agreements that require the distribution, preloading, or placement of Google Search, Chrome, Google Assistant, or the Gemini app on devices, for licensing of the Play Store or any Google app. So, Android manufacturers won't need to preload all the apps to get their device verified for Play Store access? I think that's what it means. I wonder whether this will affect Google's upcoming sideloading restrictions. Google does not have to present users with choice screens on its products, nor does it have to ask its Android OEM partners to do the same. You can <a href="https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/18552824/1436/united-states-v-google-llc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">read the entire ruling</a> on CourtListener.</p> <p>The only remedy that was against Google's favor is that it is now required to share certain search index and user-interaction data to its competitors like Microsoft, DuckDuckGo, OpenAI, etc. Google wasn't happy with this, Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs, said that the company is concerned how these requirements will impact its users and their privacy. <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-09-02/google-not-required-to-sell-chrome-in-court-antitrust-ruling" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Bloomberg reports</a> that the Judge has asked both parties to come back by September 10, with a new remedy proposal that is consistent with his ruling, or submit a status report about any disagreements.</p> <p>Google seems to have gotten away big time. What are your thoughts about this?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/03/judge-says-google-does-not-need-to-sell-chrome-but-will-have-to-share-data-with-rivals/" data-wpel-link="internal">Judge says Google does not need to sell Chrome, but will have to share data with rivals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

6. Opera for iOS gets new tab management features, customizable main menu

   Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:01:57 -0000

   Opera for iOS has received a major update. It introduces a new tab management system, a customizable main menu, and more. I know it's called Opera One for iOS, but let's keep […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Opera for iOS gets new tab management features, customizable main menu appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>Opera for iOS has received a major update. It introduces a new tab management system, a customizable main menu, and more.</p> <p>I know it's called Opera One for iOS, but let's keep it simple and call it <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/30/opera-files-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-in-brazil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Opera</a>, shall we?</p> <p><a href="https://blogs.opera.com/mobile/2025/05/new-opera-for-android-89-comes-with-the-most-complete-tab-management-system-out-there/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Opera for Android added a new tab management system</a> in May 2025. But, since Apple does not allow third party browser engines on iOS, tab management in Opera for iOS is nowhere as good as the Android version which has undo closed tabs, access recently closed tabs, mute tabs, etc. Still, this is a pretty good update.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209484" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opera-for-ios-new-tab-page-grid-list.jpg" alt="Opera for ios new tab page grid list" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>In July 2025, the iOS version of Opera added some new features for the new tab page, such as support for drag and drop to reorder tabs, and an option to switch between a grid view and list view. Grid view displays thumbnails of each page, and you scroll down to view all your tab. List view is basically vertical tabs view, which I like on a phone. I'm not a tab hoarder per se, people have 100s of tabs open. I usually have like 20 to 30 tabs, even on desktop. On Safari on my iPhone, I make it a habit to close the tab immediately after reading a page, to prevent the list from getting bigger, scrolling the list is a pain. Vertical tabs solve this problem pretty well.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209489" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opera-for-iOS-new-tab-page-list-view.jpg" alt="Opera for iOS new tab page list view" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>Tap on the tabs icon in Opera, and then on the button in the bottom left-corner to alternate between grid view and list view.</p> <p>Besides Opera, only DuckDuckGo for iOS has a similar grid/list view. Orion browser has a list-style tab manager, but no option to change to a grid view. I don't think any other iOS browser has a list-based tab management system.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209485" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opera-for-iOS-tab-group.jpg" alt="Opera for iOS tab group" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>Now, coming to the new features in today's Opera for iOS update, you can group tabs and organize them. Opera is a bit late to the party, Safari, Chrome, Orion, and Vivaldi already supported tab grouping. But Opera's tab groups feature is a little different. Tap on the three-dot button in the bottom right corner, and you can select the tabs.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209486" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Create-a-tab-group-Opera-for-iOS.jpg" alt="Create a tab group Opera for iOS" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>This can also be done by tapping the checkmark button on the bottom bar. Then tap on "add to" and you can create a group. Alternatively, you can also use the three-dot menu to close all tabs in a single tap, or select some tabs and choose to close them. You may also long press on a tab to create a new group. Give the group a name, choose a color, and you're good to go.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209488" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opera-for-iOS-search-tabs.jpg" alt="Opera for iOS search tabs" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>I don't have an iPad anymore so I can't test it, but according to Opera, the new update for iPadOS brings <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/27/how-to-use-opera-one-tab-islands/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Tab Islands</a> for iPads. These are basically tab groups accessed via the tab bar on the desktop version.</p> <p>Opera for iOS now has a tab search bar, so if you have dozens of tabs open and want to find something specific. Just tap on the search icon in the new tab page and type the name or title of the tab, the list is filtered as you type.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209490" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Disable-Aria-AI-in-Opera-for-iOS.jpg" alt="Disable Aria AI in Opera for iOS" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p><a href="https://blogs.opera.com/mobile/2025/09/opera-introduces-the-most-advanced-tab-management-for-ios/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Opera says</a> that the update adds a shortcut for Aria AI to the bottom bar. I don't like that, but here's the thing, the update doesn't seem to have added the icon for me. But if you see it on your phone, there is a way to disable it. Go to the Settings &gt; Aria Browser AI. The first option here says "Bottom Bar Shortcut", this is enabled by default and will replace the "search" button on the bottom bar. Disable the option, and it should restore the search button and remove the Aria shortcut.</p> <p>Staying with Opera's new tab page, it has a couple of icons at the top of the screen. The first one with the hat and glasses represents Private Browsing, the other option which shows a counter with the number of tabs that are open is regular browsing mode. Opera's blog (and the app itself) mentions that you can now swipe on the icons to switch between private browsing and regular browsing mode, but I couldn't get the feature to work. It was then I realized you have to swipe the screen left or right, not directly on the icons.</p> <p>Note: You may see a third button at the top, which is the synced tabs icon. It only appears when you sign in to Opera Flow.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209491" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Opera-for-iOS-Customize-menu.jpg" alt="Opera for iOS Customize menu" width="332" height="720" /></p> <p>Let's go back to the Settings menu, there is a new section here called "Customize Menu". You can disable or enable any option here, to add or remove the shortcuts that appear when you tap on the three-dot button in the bottom bar. The options that you can toggle include: Aria AI, Bookmarks, History, Downloads, Flow, Send to Flow, Find in Page, Site Options, Translate and Show Desktop Version. Tap and drag an item in the list to reorder the entry. For example, if you use "show desktop version, or translate" frequently, you may want to drag these options to the top of the list. Use the Reset button to set the menu to its default settings.</p> <p>It is now possible to import your bookmarks and speed dials from Opera for desktop to Opera for iOS. Tap on Settings, and the very first option here is new, it's called Account. Sign in to your account and it will import the data. This is not a two-way sync feature, Opera says it's still working on it. Will it replace Flow?</p> <p><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/opera-ai-browser-with-vpn/id1411869974" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Download Opera for iOS</a> from the App Store.</p> <p>That was way longer than I expected, but those are a lot of quality-of-life improvements, which are always welcome. I wish Firefox on iOS added some of these, or Apple allows third party browser engines.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/03/opera-for-ios-gets-new-tab-management-features-customizable-main-menu/" data-wpel-link="internal">Opera for iOS gets new tab management features, customizable main menu</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

7. 2FAS Pass: local-first password manager from the makers of 2FAS Auth

   Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:25:16 -0000

   There is certainly no shortage of password managers for all modern operating systems. From traditional password managers like Keepass that save passwords locally to cloud-based solutions like Bitwarden that sync data between […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post 2FAS Pass: local-first password manager from the makers of 2FAS Auth appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>There is certainly no shortage of password managers for all modern operating systems. From traditional password managers like <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2018/05/28/keepass-password-safe-review/" data-wpel-link="internal">Keepass</a> that save passwords locally to cloud-based solutions like <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/01/16/first-bitwarden-password-manager-update-of-2025-improves-password-auto-fill/" data-wpel-link="internal">Bitwarden</a> that sync data between devices to increase the convenience of using a password manager.</p> <p>The makers of the open source authenticator 2Fas Auth have expanded this year into password manager territories. Their <a href="https://2fas.com/pass/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">2Fas Pass</a> application is open source and was launched just a few months ago.</p> <p>2Fas Pass uses the same design principles as the oganization's authenticator app. It is designed with security and privacy in mind and follows the organization's local-first principle. Its zero-knowledge architecture protects data at rest and while in transit.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209477" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/IMG_0023-scaled.webp" alt="2Fas Pass" width="650" height="1200" /></p> <p>First, the basics. The password manager is available as a native app for Android and iOS only. You can install browser extensions to integrate it with desktop operating systems, but still need to run the mobile app as data needs to be retrieved from the application.</p> <p>You can install the app free of charge and are not required to create an account. The very first thing you need to do after installation of the password manager is to generate secret words and set a master password. The first part happens automatically, the second asks for a password that needs to be at least nine characters long.</p> <p>Once you have set the local password you are good to go. You need to download the vault decryption kit as a PDF or print it. This is the only option to restore access to the password database if you forget the password.</p> <p>The password manager can import or export passwords. It supports a wide range of password services, including 1Password, Bitwarden, browsers like Chrome or Firefox, or LastPass. There is also an option to import a backup of 2Fas Pass passwords, for instance to move the database to another device.</p> <h3>2Fas Pass free vs. paid</h3> <p>The free version has three main restrictions. First, you can only save up to 200 items in the password manager. Second, you can't sync the passwords between devices. Third, you can only install and use one browser extension. The paid version removes the restrictions and costs about $10 per year. It is for you to decide whether the restrictions are too limiting.</p> <h3>Security tiers for passwords</h3> <p>One interesting feature of 2Fas Pass is the ability to set security tiers for passwords.  The password manager supports secret, highly secret, and top secret tiers.</p> <p>The main differentiating factor is access to the passwords. Secret passwords work with autofill and are also available in the browser extensions. Highly secret passwords become available only after you complete an additional confirmation step. Top secret passwords, finally, are isolated and they do not support autofill at all.</p> <h3>Closing Words</h3> <p>2Fas Pass is a new open source password with an interesting option to set the security level of individual passwords and a security- and local-first design. Desktop users may find the lack of dedicated desktop apps problematic. The limits of the free version may also keep some users from making the switch. While many may not run into the 200 passwords limit, restricting extension installations to just one browser could keep some users from even trying the password manager.</p> <p>The price of a subscription is reasonable on the other hand and the only way for the organization to fund development and support.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/02/2fas-pass-local-first-password-manager-from-the-makers-of-2fas-auth/" data-wpel-link="internal">2FAS Pass: local-first password manager from the makers of 2FAS Auth</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

8. Google says reports about a major Gmail security warning are false

   Tue, 02 Sep 2025 13:48:02 -0000

   Over the past couple of weeks, some reports claimed that Google had sent an emergency warning to all Gmail users after a security breach. Google says that these claims are false. Here's […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Google says reports about a major Gmail security warning are false appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>Over the past couple of weeks, some reports claimed that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/google-to-collect-more-data-about-your-android-gaming-habits-soon/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Google</a> had sent an emergency warning to all <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/17/google-workspace-smart-features-are-rolling-to-gmail-users/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Gmail</a> users after a security breach. Google says that these claims are false.</p> <p>Here's what happened. In early August 2025, the Google Threat Intelligence Group confirmed that Google had been hacked in June this year, by a ransomware threat group called ShinyHunters, aka UNC6040.</p> <p>After the attack, Google had performed an impact analysis, and prepared mitigations. Its analysis revealed that one of its corporate Salesforce instances (Salesforce Drift) had been breached. This instance had been used to store contact details for small and medium businesses, and the attackers managed to retrieve some of it. Google said the data the hackers accessed during a small window of time was limited to basic and largely publicly available business information, such as business names and contact details.</p> <p>The words "largely publicly" do suggest some private data was stolen. Google says that the threat actors also compromised OAuth tokens for the "Drift Email" integration. Perhaps that's the private data that was affected?</p> <p>Google said it had notified those affected by the breach by August 8. <a href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/voice-phishing-data-extortion" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">More details about this incident</a> are available on Google's blog. Here's <a href="https://cloud.google.com/blog/topics/threat-intelligence/data-theft-salesforce-instances-via-salesloft-drift" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">another article by Google</a> that explains more about the attack.</p> <p>A few weeks ago, some reports alleged that Google had sent out warnings to all Gmail users. I can't find the exact source where this rumor began. It doesn't make sense, the attack wasn't even related to Gmail. I mean, there are over 2.5 Billion Gmail users around the world. If Google had issued a warning for "all users", surely we would have seen one by now, right? Still, the number of articles that began reporting the news kept rising without quoting any shred of evidence. I rarely defend Google or any big tech for that matter, but spreading panic and fake news is wrong, and irresponsible.  It wasn't just blogs that were doing this.</p> <p>As <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/zakdoffman/2025/09/01/entirely-false-google-says-theres-no-warning-for-gmail-users/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Forbes says</a>, it was unusual for Google to <a href="https://blog.google/products/workspace/gmail-security-protections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">put out a statement</a> to clarify the situation. "Several inaccurate claims surfaced recently that incorrectly stated that we issued a broad warning to all Gmail users about a major Gmail security issue. This is entirely false. "It also mentions that phishers are always on the lookout for finding ways to breach inboxes, but Google's security blocks 99.9% of the attempts from affecting users.</p> <p>Google is advising users to use secure password alternatives like Passkeys to secure their accounts.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/02/google-says-reports-about-a-major-gmail-security-warning-are-false/" data-wpel-link="internal">Google says reports about a major Gmail security warning are false</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

9. YouTube Premium Family plan accounts are being flagged for not being in the same household

   Tue, 02 Sep 2025 09:57:49 -0000

   YouTube has started cracking down on Premium Family plan accounts that are not located under the same roof. The streaming service has required users to be in the same household, but it […]

   Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post YouTube Premium Family plan accounts are being flagged for not being in the same household appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

   <p>YouTube has started cracking down on Premium Family plan accounts that are not located under the same roof. The streaming service has required users to be in the same household, but it didn't really enforce the rule until now.</p> <p>A month's subscription of YouTube Family Premium costs $23, and allows up to five family members to share the subscription, and includes YouTube Music, Background Play, Downloads, and ad-free YouTube. A regular YouTube Premium plan for individuals costs $13.99 per month. I wonder why people want to share the accounts?</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209468" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/YouTube-Family-Premium-plan.jpg" alt="YouTube Family Premium plan" width="1200" height="674" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/YouTube-Family-Premium-plan.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/YouTube-Family-Premium-plan-768x431.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Google's support page related to the subscription says, "To be eligible to share a YouTube family membership, each family members must live at the same residential address as the family manager. Every 30 days, <a href="https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/7507744?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop&amp;authuser=1#zippy=%2Cnew-youtube-premium-or-music-premium-members%2Cexisting-youtube-premium-or-music-premium-members%2Cadd-family-members%2Cremove-family-members%2Cchange-your-payment-method%2Ccancel-your-paid-membership%2Cjoin-a-family-group%2Cleave-a-family-group-or-get-an-individual-youtube-paid-membership%2Cfamily-plan-location-requirements" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">an electronic check-in</a> will confirm this requirement."</p> <p>Reports from users reveal that YouTube is sending emails to users warning them that they may not be in the same household, and that their membership will be paused in 14 days. Users will remain in the family group, and watch YouTube with ads, but won't get any Premium benefits.  So it appears Google is tracking the location of the accounts, to determine whether they are in the same house. This is probably done by monitoring and comparing the IP addresses of each member, as well as some other location-based data.</p> <p>Netflix does it, so does Disney+, Hulu as well. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/08/hbo-max-to-aggressively-crackdown-on-password-sharing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">HBO Max is about to tighten its rules</a> about account sharing this month. I'm not saying it's right, I'm just pointing out that it's a common practice by streaming services. Frankly, I'm surprised it took Google this long to do implement this rule, given how aggressively it has been pushing YouTube Premium for those who use ad blockers. <a href="https://www.androidpolice.com/youtubes-latest-crackdown-may-affect-your-family-plan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Android Police</a> points out that this Family rule change could be related to the new two-person Premium plan that YouTube introduced a few months ago.</p> <p>If you don't need to download videos for offline viewing, or any of the other Premium benefits, just watch YouTube with an ad blocker on. I use Firefox and uBlock Origin on my computer, and Safari with uBlock Origin Lite on my iPhone. You can do the same with any Chromium based browser with uBlock Origin Lite. As for mobile apps, there's NewPipe, Revanced. Want to watch YouTube on your Android TV? Use SmartTube. There's also AdGuard, Pihole, etc.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/02/youtube-premium-family-plan-accounts-are-being-flagged-for-not-being-in-the-same-household/" data-wpel-link="internal">YouTube Premium Family plan accounts are being flagged for not being in the same household</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

10. Windows 11 25H2 won't have any new features

    Tue, 02 Sep 2025 08:56:06 -0000

    Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 is now available in the Release Preview Channel. This is the final version of the software, before it hits general availability later this year. […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Windows 11 25H2 won't have any new features appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 11 version 25H2 is now available in the Release Preview Channel. This is the final version of the software, before it hits general availability later this year.</p> <p>Usually, when Microsoft releases an annual feature update, there is a lot of discussion about what's new in it. Well, things are a little different this time around. Windows 11 25H2 won't have any new features.</p> <p><a href="https://blogs.windows.com/windows-insider/2025/08/29/releasing-windows-11-version-25h2-to-the-release-preview-channel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">A blog post</a> on Microsoft's website says, "Windows 11, version 24H2 and version 25H2 use a shared servicing branch. It also means that they also share the same new features and enhancements..."</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209463" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Each-feature-update-receives-two-years-of-security-updates.jpg" alt="Each feature update receives two years of security updates" width="1013" height="406" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Each-feature-update-receives-two-years-of-security-updates.jpg 1013w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Each-feature-update-receives-two-years-of-security-updates-768x308.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1013px) 100vw, 1013px" /></p> <p>So, why bother with an annual release? Each feature update receives <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle/products/windows-11-home-and-pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">two years of security updates,</a> after which users will need to upgrade to a newer version. Here is a reminder for those who are still on Windows 11 23H2, Microsoft is ending support for this version on Nov 11, 2025. You will need to upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 or above to continue receiving updates. Version 24H2 will be supported until October 13, 2026. Likewise, Windows 11 25H2 will be supported until, you guessed it, 2027.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/07/windows-11-25h2-to-include-native-option-to-remove-apps-from-an-installation/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Version 25H2</a> does not have a launch date yet. Microsoft itself points out that Windows 11 25H2 removes some features, namely PowerShell 2.0 and Windows Management Instrumentation command-line (WMIC).</p> <p>It's not a bug, it's a feature. Only, when it comes to Windows, it's mostly bugs. Windows 11 24H2 had plenty of bugs related to gaming, incompatibility with apps.</p> <p>Recently, reports emerged stating that the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/18/latest-windows-11-update-reportedly-wrecking-some-ssds-under-certain-conditions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">KB5063878 Windows update was making SSDs inaccessible</a> while writing large files. Some SSDs would reappear after a restart, but some SSDs were bricked permanently. Rumors suggested that SSDs with Phison controllers were primarily affected by the issue, but Phison has denied allegations that its controllers were faulty. In a statement to <a href="http://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/ssds/phison-squashes-reports-of-windows-11-breaking-ssds-says-it-was-unable-to-reproduce-issues-despite-4-500-hours-of-testing-recommends-users-deploy-heatsinks-just-in-case" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Tom's Hardware</a>, Phison said that it was not able to reproduce the reported issue in over 4,500 cumulative testing hours and over 2,200 test cycles on potentially impacted drives.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/30/microsoft-claims-that-recent-windows-updates-did-not-kill-ssds-on-some-systems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft denied that it was a faulty Windows update</a>, stating that it found no connection between the August 2025 Windows security update and the types of hard drive failures that were being reported on social media. W<span class="headword hdb tw-bw dhw dpos-h_hw "><span class="hw dhw">hodunnit</span></span>?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/02/windows-11-25h2-wont-have-any-new-features/" data-wpel-link="internal">Windows 11 25H2 won&#039;t have any new features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

11. Hollow Knight: Silksong has been priced at $19.99

    Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:56:13 -0000

    Wondering what Hollow Knight: Silksong will cost you? $20 bucks, that's not a joke! Fans of the original Hollow Knight game have been eagerly waiting for the 2nd title ever since it […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Hollow Knight: Silksong has been priced at $19.99 appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p><span class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">Wondering what <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/22/hollow-knight-silksong-releases-on-september-4/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Hollow Knight: Silksong</a> will cost you? $20 bucks, that's not a joke!</span></p> <p>Fans of the original Hollow Knight game have been eagerly waiting for the 2nd title ever since it was announced in 2019. <span class="css-1jxf684 r-dnmrzs r-1udh08x r-1udbk01 r-3s2u2q r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3"><span class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">A couple of weeks ago, Team Cherry finally revealed the launch date for Silksong, saying that the game will be released on the fourth of September 2025.</span></span></p> <p>That didn't necessarily calm down the game's cult following, who were rejoicing the news about the much awaited sequel. One question that was raised among the community was how much the game would cost? This wasn't really a concern because it is an Indie game, and hence was expected to be affordable.</p> <p>Many fans were expecting the game to be priced somewhere between $25 to $40. Team Cherry has surprised everyone by announcing a much lower price than expected. Silksong has been priced at <span class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">$19.99 in the United States, €19.99 in Europe, and ¥2300 in Japan. It's unclear how much the game will cost in other regions, here is the <a href="https://steamdb.info/app/1030300/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">listing on SteamDB</a>, which will be updated in the coming days.</span></p> <p>Hollow Knight sold 15 million copies worldwide. Of course, not all of them would have been sold at the full price, which was $15 BTW. Still, that is a lot of sales, very impressive for a small studio. There's no reason why Silksong can't achieve the same, or even break that record.</p> <p>According to today's <a href="https://x.com/TeamCherryGames/status/1962330350681735642" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">announcement</a>, <span class="css-1jxf684 r-bcqeeo r-1ttztb7 r-qvutc0 r-poiln3">Hollow Knight: Silksong will release on September 4 at 7:00AM Pacific Time (PT) | 10:00 AM Eastern Time (ET) | 4:00 PM <span class="kY2IgmnCmOGjharHErah">Central European Summer Time (CEST) </span> | 11:00 PM J</span>apan Standard Time (JST).</p> <p>The Hollow Knight community has been celebrating the pricing announcement, and can you blame them? It's a rare win for gamers in these days, where <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/04/03/nintendo-switch-2-games-will-cost-80-for-digital-versions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">game prices are reaching $80 or $90</a>. Game <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/05/02/microsoft-increases-prices-for-xbox-consoles-accessories-and-new-game-releases/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">console prices are being increased</a> like crazy. Meanwhile, Team Cherry is <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Silksong/comments/1n5chp0/leth_officially_confirms_there_wont_be_any/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">not even doing preorders</a>. It's refreshing to see something positive for a change.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/01/hollow-knight-silksong-has-been-priced-at-19-99/" data-wpel-link="internal">Hollow Knight: Silksong has been priced at $19.99</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

12. Apple takes down iTorrent app which was hosted on a third-party app market

    Mon, 01 Sep 2025 11:28:42 -0000

    Apple has taken down iTorrent, a torrent client for iOS. The open source app was distributed via the AltStore PAL in the EU. It wasn't even hosted on the App Store? Why […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Apple takes down iTorrent app which was hosted on a third-party app market appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Apple has taken down iTorrent, a torrent client for iOS. The open source app was distributed via the AltStore PAL in the EU.</p> <p>It wasn't even hosted on the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/05/21/fortnite-is-back-on-the-ios-app-store/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">App Store</a>? Why do this?</p> <p>Initially, things were unclear when the app disappeared from the AltStore PAL in July. iTorrent developer, Daniil Vinogradov (aka XITRIX), confirmed that Apple had removed Alternative Distribution functionality from iTorrent's Developer Portal, and that no warning was given. The dev also expressed concern that Apple had not responded properly, beyond saying that "their escalation team is looking into it." AltStore PAL Co-founder Shane Gill also requested Apple to clarify the issue.</p> <p>Many people believed it was the fact that the app was a torrent client, that led Apple to take the app down. That is a fair assumption, given that Apple has a rough history with torrent apps. It has been banning torrent clients since 2009. Torrent clients are not illegal, neither is the act of downloading stuff via torrents. Ever heard of <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/11/linux-mint-22-2-beta-now-available-for-testing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Linux</a> ISO torrents? LibreOffice? Public domain media? What steps the legal boundaries, is the act of downloading and distributing copyrighted content without permission. That's when the issue of piracy arises. A torrent client is in its basic form, like a download manager, a tool which is used by the person responsible for downloading the torrent, aka the user, not the app developer.</p> <p>After two months of emails, Apple finally revealed what had happened. As it turns out, Apple didn't block iTorrent for its torrent capabilities. According to a statement provided by Apple to <a href="http://torrentfreak.com/apple-revokes-eu-distribution-rights-for-torrent-client-developer-left-in-the-dark/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">TorrentFreak</a>, “Notarization for this app was removed in order to comply with government sanctions-related rules in various jurisdictions. We have communicated this to the developer.”</p> <p>What does that mean? Well, Vinogradov has a Russia-based Apple account, which is against the sanctions, so the app's EU distribution permissions had been revoked. But here is the thing, the developer has been living in Malta for over 3 years, with an EU Residence permit. In a <a href="https://github.com/XITRIX/iTorrent/issues/401" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">comment on GitHub</a>, Vinogradov explained that the account wasn't updated with the new details, and the fault lies with them, not Apple. While Vinogradov acknowledged the ban is far, the developer was frustrated why Apple not notifying about the ban, and the long time it took to get a response from the company. The developer hopes to reintroduce the app in AltStore PAL soon.</p> <p>I still feel Apple is overreaching with its power. Apple's compliance with the Digital Markets Act has been questionable.</p> <p>Sadly, things like this might happen to Android apps too, as Google wants developers to sign their apps, and verify their identities.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/01/apple-takes-down-itorrent-app-which-was-hosted-on-a-third-party-app-market/" data-wpel-link="internal">Apple takes down iTorrent app which was hosted on a third-party app market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

13. WhatsApp fixes zero-click vulnerability in iOS and macOS which was used in targeted spyware attacks

    Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:41:40 -0000

    WhatsApp has fixed a security flaw in its app for iOS and macOS. A zero-click exploit had been used by hackers to target users in spyware attacks. Last week, Apple released iOS […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post WhatsApp fixes zero-click vulnerability in iOS and macOS which was used in targeted spyware attacks appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>WhatsApp has fixed a security flaw in its app for iOS and macOS. A zero-click exploit had been used by hackers to target users in spyware attacks.</p> <p>Last week, Apple released<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/apple-releases-fix-for-a-zero-day-threat-in-ios-ipados-and-macos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal"> iOS 16.8.2, iPadOS 16.8.2, macOS Sequoia 15.6.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.8 and macOS Ventura 13.7.8</a> updates to fix a zero-day threat. This was referred to as CVE-2025-43300, and the Cupertino company acknowledged that the exploit may have been used by hackers in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals.</p> <p>Apple did not provide details about the attack, but <a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/security/advisories/2025/#content-wrapper" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">WhatsApp says</a> that attackers exploited this OS-level security flaw, along with a vulnerability in its own app to attack some users. The vulnerability, which has now been fixed by WhatsApp, has been tracked as CVE-2025-55177. Its description says that an incomplete authorization of linked device synchronization messages in WhatsApp could have allowed attackers to trigger processing of content from an arbitrary URL on a target’s device. Since it was a zero-click attack, it did not require any action from a user, such as clicking on a link. The attackers exploited both security flaws to compromise the victim's device, and steal data from it, including messages</p> <p>Affected app versions include WhatsApp for iOS prior to v2.25.21.73, WhatsApp Business for iOS v2.25.21.78, and WhatsApp for Mac v2.25.21.78. WhatsApp credited its own security experts for discovering and patching the exploit.</p> <p><a href="https://techcrunch.com/2025/08/29/whatsapp-fixes-zero-click-bug-used-to-hack-apple-users-with-spyware/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">TechCrunch reports</a> that Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, the head of Amnesty International’s Security Lab, called the attack "an advanced spyware campaign" that had been targeting users for over 90 days, since the end of May. It is not clear who the attackers were.</p> <p>Margarita Franklin, a Meta spokesperson has confirmed that the vulnerability was detected and patched a few weeks ago. As for the impact, Meta says it notified affected WhatsApp users, and this number was less than 200.</p> <p>Spyware campaigns against WhatsApp users aren't new. WhatsApp managed to disrupt a Paragon spyware campaign earlier this year, that had targeted journalists, civil society members in Italy. WhatsApp had sued the infamous <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/12/09/iverify-pegasus-spyware-infections-may-be-much-higher-than-previously-thought/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">NSO Group</a>, which created the Pegasus spyware, for compromising the security of over 1400 users in an attack campaign in 2019. In May 2024, a U.S. court ordered the NSO Group to $167 million in damages to WhatsApp.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/01/whatsapp-fixes-zero-click-vulnerability-in-ios-and-macos-which-was-used-in-targeted-spyware-attacks/" data-wpel-link="internal">WhatsApp fixes zero-click vulnerability in iOS and macOS which was used in targeted spyware attacks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

14. How to disable promotions in Google Chrome for Windows

    Mon, 01 Sep 2025 08:36:43 -0000

    Some makers of browser display promotional messages to users sometimes or regularly. This may be done to promote some of their other products or services, for advertisement, or, rather rarely, to provide […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post How to disable promotions in Google Chrome for Windows appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Some makers of browser display promotional messages to users sometimes or regularly. This may be done to promote some of their other products or services, for advertisement, or, rather rarely, to provide users with helpful recommendations and tips.</p> <p>These features are usually enabled by default, which means that you need to become active to turn them off. While some may like to keep all of these enabled in their preferred browser, many users might prefer a cleaner browser without that content.</p> <p>Google is using promotions in its Chrome web browser on Windows. You may have encountered the "What's new page" of the browser already, which Google uses to highlight some of the new features of the browser. But Google may also use the feature to advertise new features or suggest that users sign in to their Google account.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209290" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-chrome-promotions-scaled.png" alt="Google Chrome Promotions" width="1200" height="811" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-chrome-promotions-scaled.png 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-chrome-promotions-768x519.png 768w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/google-chrome-promotions-1536x1038.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Google has not added an option to the browser's settings to disable all promotional content. Good news is that there is a policy that you may set to disable it.</p> <p>Note that it is easy enough to restore the status quo at any time.</p> <h2>Disable promotions in Chrome on Windows</h2> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209291" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chrome-disable-promotions-scaled.png" alt="Chrome disable all promotions" width="1200" height="549" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chrome-disable-promotions-scaled.png 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chrome-disable-promotions-768x352.png 768w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/chrome-disable-promotions-1536x703.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Here is how that is done:</p> <ol> <li>Open the Start menu on the Windows PC.</li> <li>Type regedit.exe and press the Enter-key.</li> <li>Confirm the security prompt by selecting Yes; this opens the Registry Editor.</li> <li>Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies, if you want to disable promotions for all users, or to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies to disable promotions just for the signed in user.</li> <li>Right-click on Policies and select New &gt; Key.</li> <li>Name the key Google.</li> <li>Right-click on the newly created Google key, and select New &gt; Key.</li> <li>Name the key Chrome.</li> <li>Right-click on Chrome and select New &gt; Dword (32-bit) value.</li> <li>Name it PromotionsEnabled.</li> <li>Double-click on PromotionsEnabled. The value should be 0 by default; this disables promotions for all users or the signed in user, depending on the path that you have taken under 4.</li> <li>Restart the computer.</li> </ol> <p>Chrome will stop showing promotional content on Windows. You can undo the change at any time by deleting the PromotionsEnabled Dword in the Registry Editor on Windows. Just right-click on the name and select the delete option from the context menu to do so.</p> <p><em>Now You: what is your take on promotions, tips, and recommendations in browsers? Do they get on your nerves or do you find them useful? Feel free to leave a comment down below.</em></p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/09/01/how-to-disable-promotions-in-google-chrome-for-windows/" data-wpel-link="internal">How to disable promotions in Google Chrome for Windows</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

15. Microsoft claims that recent Windows updates did not kill SSDs on some systems

    Sat, 30 Aug 2025 09:27:40 -0000

    Reports about damaged solid state drives (SSD) started to appear online shortly after the release of the August 2025 security updates for Windows. According to the report, the issue was caused after […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft claims that recent Windows updates did not kill SSDs on some systems appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/18/latest-windows-11-update-reportedly-wrecking-some-ssds-under-certain-conditions/" data-wpel-link="internal">Reports about damaged solid state drives (SSD)</a> started to appear online shortly after the release of the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/13/microsoft-windows-security-updates-for-august-2025-are-now-available/" data-wpel-link="internal">August 2025 security updates for Windows</a>. According to the report, the issue was caused after installation of the latest updates for Windows 11, version 24H2.</p> <p>It was reproducibly according to the reports and involved copying large number of files or large files to the drives continuously.  The SSDs would become inaccessible in worst case, which a reboot sometimes, but reportedly not all the time, would fix.</p> <p>Microsoft confirmed that it was aware of the reports and investigating the issue. At least one manufacturer, Phison, also confirmed that it was investigating the issue.</p> <p>Earlier this week, Phison published a statement on the issue. The company said that it could not reproduce the issue after running over 4,500 cumulative testing hours on drives that were said to be affected by the issue. Also, it stated that no customers or partners came forward with claims that their drives were affected during that time.</p> <p>Microsoft published an update on the <a href="https://admin.cloud.microsoft/Adminportal/Home?source=applauncher#/windowsreleasehealth/:/issue/WI1138854" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">Admin Portal</a> claiming that the Windows 11 update has nothing to do with the SSD problem. Microsoft writes: "After thorough investigation, Microsoft has found no connection between the August 2025 Windows security update and the types of hard drive failures reported on social media. As always, we continue to monitor feedback after the release of every Windows update, and will investigate any future reports."</p> <p>The root cause of the issue remains unclear. Both Microsoft and Phison suggest that it could be related to another, yet unknown, issue that affects the systems of users who noticed the problems.</p> <p>This pretty much leaves affected Windows users on their own in finding the root cause of the issue. Since the issue is caused by copying large amounts of data to an SSD that is at least 60 percent full, it is advised to avoid this scenario, if possible. This could involve using a different internal or external hard drive for larger write operations, if available, or postponing certain operations, such as the installation of a large game, or larger updates.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/30/microsoft-claims-that-recent-windows-updates-did-not-kill-ssds-on-some-systems/" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft claims that recent Windows updates did not kill SSDs on some systems</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

16. Xbox now syncs your play history across devices, adds a My apps tab

    Fri, 29 Aug 2025 12:26:08 -0000

    Xbox has added a new feature called Cross-Device Play History. The feature syncs your game play history across all devices that you own, allowing you to quickly get back to recently played […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Xbox now syncs your play history across devices, adds a My apps tab appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Xbox has added a new feature called Cross-Device Play History. The feature syncs your game play history across all devices that you own, allowing you to quickly get back to recently played titles.</p> <p>Microsoft had previewed the feature last month for Xbox Insiders, before releasing it for everyone today.</p> <p>The important part is that it doesn't just sync between your computers, you can also access your play history on your Xbox console, or Windows handheld. This should be pretty useful for the ROG Xbox Ally that is launching in October.</p> <p>On Windows computers, all you need to do is just open the Xbox PC app, the play history is listed under the Most Recent section, as well as the My Library page. Xbox console users can access their recently played games under the Play History tile. <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/28/xbox-august-update-cross-device-play-history-controller-updates/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Microsoft's announcement</a> says that this feature also syncs your <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/16/xbox-insiders-can-now-stream-their-owned-console-games-on-the-xbox-pc-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">cloud playable games</a> across devices, including original Xbox classics to Xbox Series X/S exclusives, games that you own, and those that are available to stream/play via Game Pass plans.</p> <p>Microsoft began testing an <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/30/xbox-pc-app-now-shows-games-from-steam-epic-games/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">aggregated gaming library</a> for Xbox a couple of months ago, adding support for storefronts like Steam, GOG, Epic Games, Battle.net, allowing users to access installed games quickly. The new My apps tab improves this experience. It adds a new tab in the Xbox PC app, which you can use to find your most used apps quickly. Players can quickly open browsers, storefronts, and utilities right from their Xbox library. The My Apps experience is now available for Xbox Insiders. The Xbox PC app now has better support for controllers and keyboards. The new navigation controls let you press A to select, B to go back, Y to search. The Xbox app should now scroll faster, looks cleaner.</p> <p>Yesterday, Microsoft announced <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/xbox-cloud-gaming-is-available-game-pass-core-and-standard-subscribers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Xbox Cloud Gaming</a> for Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/29/xbox-now-syncs-your-play-history-across-devices-adds-a-my-apps-tab/" data-wpel-link="internal">Xbox now syncs your play history across devices, adds a My apps tab</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

17. Anthropic's new policies will let it train its AI models on user data, unless you opt out

    Fri, 29 Aug 2025 10:38:04 -0000

    Anthropic has announced some updates to its Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy. It will start training its AI models if users choose to accept the new policies, but you can opt out […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Anthropic's new policies will let it train its AI models on user data, unless you opt out appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Anthropic has announced some updates to its Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy. It will start training its AI models if users choose to accept the new policies, but you can opt out of it.</p> <p>Up until now, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/27/anthropic-is-testing-claude-for-chrome-an-ai-that-can-handle-your-tasks-in-a-browser/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Claude AI</a> did not train its language models on user data. <a href="https://www.anthropic.com/news/updates-to-our-consumer-terms" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">This policy is changing</a>, your chats with the AI will be used to improve Claude. The company says this helps strengthen its safeguards against scams, abuse and other harmful content. I guess every company is playing the security card to collect user data. This change does not affect existing chats (providing you have not accepted the new terms), however it will apply to new and resumed chats, coding sessions after accepting the terms.</p> <p>Users have until September 28. 2025 to accept the new terms. Accepting the new policies now brings them into effect immediately. You can opt out of Claude's AI training from the Privacy Settings page, which is <a href="https://claude.ai/settings/data-privacy-controls" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">https://claude.ai/settings/data-privacy-controls</a></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209427" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-AI-opt-out-of-training-user-data.jpg" alt="Claude AI opt out of training user data" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-AI-opt-out-of-training-user-data.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-AI-opt-out-of-training-user-data-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>You will see a pop-up like the one in the screenshot, it has an option that says "You can help improve Claude". This toggle is enabled by default. Turn it off. Click on Accept to agree to the new terms. If you do not opt out before then, your data will be used to train the AI.</p> <p>New users will be asked to make their choice when they sign up for an account. In addition to this, Anthropic will also store your data for a long period. The official wording says, "To help us improve our AI models and safety protections, we’re extending data retention to 5 years." That seems like an unusually long time to hold on to user data. The new terms say that the data isn't stored if users do not agree to provide their data for model training.</p> <p>Anthropic says it does not sell user data to third-parties. As <a href="https://www.theverge.com/anthropic/767507/anthropic-user-data-consumers-ai-models-training-privacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">The Verge</a> notes, Claude AI will filter or obfuscate sensitive data by using some tools and automated processes.</p> <p>These changes to their privacy policy aren't exclusive to the Claude Free plan, they also apply to the Pro and Max plans. However, these rules do not apply to so services under "Anthropic's Commercial Terms, including Claude for Work, Claude Gov, Claude for Education, or API use, including via third parties such as Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI".</p> <p>It's never good to make privacy changes opt-out by default. I'm not entirely sure why there is a deadline for opting out.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/29/vivaldi-says-no-to-ai-features/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Vivaldi says it won't add AI features</a> to its browser, while a respected AI service has turned heel on privacy.</p> <p>What do you think about this move by Anthropic?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/29/anthropics-new-policies-will-let-it-train-its-ai-models-on-user-data-unless-you-opt-out/" data-wpel-link="internal">Anthropic&#039;s new policies will let it train its AI models on user data, unless you opt out</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

18. Vivaldi says no to AI features

    Fri, 29 Aug 2025 06:30:47 -0000

    Vivaldi has announced that it won't add AI features to its browser. The Norway-based company's CEO, Jon von Tetzchner, says users are becoming spectators as AI is taking over browsers. Here is a […]

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    <p>Vivaldi has announced that it won't add AI features to its browser. The Norway-based company's CEO, <span class="author-name">Jon von Tetzchner, says users are becoming spectators as AI is taking over browsers. </span></p> <p><span class="author-name">Here is a quote from the<a href="https://vivaldi.com/blog/keep-exploring/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external"> article published on Vivaldi's blog</a>,</span></p> <p>"<em>We’re taking a stand, choosing humans over hype, and we will not turn the joy of exploring into inactive spectatorship. Without exploration, the web becomes far less interesting. Our curiosity loses oxygen and the diversity of the web dies.</em>"</p> <p>Tetzchner took some shots at Google and Microsoft for bundling AI into <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/06/how-to-fix-gray-screen-issue-in-google-chrome/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Chrome</a>, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/25/ublock-origin-for-microsoft-edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-ublock-origin-lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Edge</a> and letting them perform actions on the user's behalf, scan what is on the screen, etc. He also pointed out how AI summaries are affecting web publishers, they lose traffic because users don't visit the website if they find the information in an AI-generated summary. <span class="author-name">Tetzchner</span> warns that the future of web browsers is based on "who controls the pathway to information, and who gets to monetize you".</p> <p>Vivaldi will "not add an LLM to add a chatbot, a summarization solution or a suggestion engine to fill up forms for you, until more rigorous ways to do those things are available."</p> <p>He nailed it. OpenAI, Google, Microsoft and the others have created a lot of hype, they have convinced people that not using AI is inconvenient, slow, boring, and in the way of progress. Unfortunately, many people have fallen for such marketing tactics, without an ounce of care about their privacy.</p> <p>Is Vivaldi making a mistake? I don't think so, a browser does not need a built-in AI. Most AI-powered features in browsers provide options to summarize web pages, contextual answers, offer quick access to the chatbot in a sidebar, and writing tools via generative AI. All of these things can be done via web versions of chat services.</p> <p>I find AI features like search, translate, subtitle generation to be useful for learning and discovering things. When I want to use an AI, I open a new tab to get the information I want, not at the cost of privacy, i.e. running in the background. Sometimes I run the same query on multiple AI services to compare their answers, accuracy, etc. This may not be as convenient as clicking on a button, but it works. If you want to use an AI service as your search engine, just add it to your browser.</p> <p>On the other hand, generative AI is of little value to me, but I'm sure others find it helpful along with features like chatting with the AI, automating tasks, etc. But the same logic applies here, if you want to use these features, you can do so directly on the AI's website. Why depend on a browser's button? You have the freedom to use whatever you want.</p> <p>Some browsers use AI for special features, for example to manage tabs, tab groups, both Firefox and Edge do this, though their functionalities vary greatly. Such features can be useful for some users, while others may consider them as bloat.</p> <p>Many people have voiced their concerns about Mozilla adding <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/19/firefox-142-ships-with-tracking-protection-tab-groups-and-extensions-improvements/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">AI features in Firefox</a>.  I'm not particularly concerned about the recent AI additions to the browser, considering that it uses local language models. But I'll admit, the only reasons why I'm sticking to Firefox are uBlock Origin and Containers. If Mozilla were to shove cloud-based AI, or other bloat into Firefox, that would be a different story.</p> <p>Not everyone needs or wants AI. And even for those who like AI, their needs may differ greatly. You can't please everyone, but you can't afford to anger users either, or you risk losing them. Remaining neutral is the sensible thing to do, just let the user decide what they want to do. It's their computer, and their browser. If you want to use AI services, use them, or don't. That's why I think Vivaldi's decision is sensible.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/29/vivaldi-says-no-to-ai-features/" data-wpel-link="internal">Vivaldi says no to AI features</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

19. Xbox Cloud Gaming is available Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers

    Thu, 28 Aug 2025 13:28:20 -0000

    Microsoft has announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available for Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. However, you will need to opt into the Insider Program to access the streaming feature, […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Xbox Cloud Gaming is available Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft has announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming is now available for Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers. However, you will need to opt into the Insider Program to access the streaming feature, since it is still in beta.</p> <p>A couple of months ago, I reported that <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/16/xbox-insiders-can-now-stream-their-owned-console-games-on-the-xbox-pc-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Cloud Gaming is available for Game Pass Ultimate</a> subscribers. That's what's changing now, you don't need to subscribe to the most expensive tier to stream games across your devices, which BTW costs $19.99. Microsoft is now allowing Xbox Game Pass Core or Standard to stream games that they own, and select cloud playable games on any supported device, be it a smartphone, tablet, computer, or TV.</p> <p>To enable preview features, go to xbox.com/play, or open the Xbox app on your TV &gt; Settings &gt; Account. Then you will be able to access Xbox Cloud Gaming on your devices, and stream whatever games are available to you.</p> <p>Xbox Game Pass Core costs $10 per month, while Xbox Game Pass Standard costs $15 per month. Neither of these console-only tiers offer day one access to new games, that perk is still exclusive to the Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions.</p> <p>Note: Because there are multiple plans, it can be a little confusing, but let me state this for clarity. Xbox Cloud Gaming is not available in PC Game Pass.</p> <p>With that in mind, let's proceed with the next bit of news. <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2025/08/27/xbox-insiders-can-stream-and-play-in-new-ways-with-xbox-game-pass-starting-today/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Microsoft says</a> that Insiders who are Xbox Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers can play some PC games on their devices. The key difference here is that these titles can be downloaded on your device, instead of streaming them. To download PC versions of games on your PC or Windows handheld, use the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/30/xbox-pc-app-now-shows-games-from-steam-epic-games/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Xbox PC app</a>. Whew! Can they stop slapping Xbox to every name? Well...</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/09/microsoft-and-asus-have-announced-2-rog-xbox-ally-handhelds/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X</a> are launching on October 16, 2025, so now you can probably understand why these improvements are being tested for Game Pass Core and Standard. They are likely to attract more Windows handheld users to subscribe to the plans, once they are available across the board.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/xbox-cloud-gaming-is-available-game-pass-core-and-standard-subscribers/" data-wpel-link="internal">Xbox Cloud Gaming is available Game Pass Core and Standard subscribers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

20. Google to collect more data about your Android gaming habits soon

    Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:59:33 -0000

    If you play games on Android, then you may have come across the option to sign in with a gamer profile provided by Google Play. Google announced enhanced gaming profiles this week […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Google to collect more data about your Android gaming habits soon appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>If you play games on Android, then you may have come across the option to sign in with a gamer profile provided by Google Play. Google announced enhanced gaming profiles this week that have wide-reaching consequences for gaming on Android.</p> <p>Starting in less than four weeks, on September 23, 2025, Google is rolling out enhanced gaming profiles globally. The only exception are Android gamers from the UK and the European Economic Area, as their rollout is delayed by a week and starts at October 1, 2025. The change affects anyone with a Google Play account, including <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/05/25/google-play-games-for-pc-launched-in-europe/" data-wpel-link="internal">those who use it on PC only</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://support.google.com/googleplay/answer/16501675?visit_id=638919422948761054-612749263&amp;p=games_profile_changes&amp;rd=1#09" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">Google claims</a> that the change introduces a "a suite of new features", including "showcasing and tracking your game progress and stats" and "new ways to build your gaming community". Gaming profiles can be made public, which means that it can be accessed by others.</p> <h3>Google gains access to more data</h3> <p>Google notes that it is changing how it is handline the gaming data of players "to power the new features". The following data may be collected by Google under the new gaming profile feature:</p> <ul> <li>Information about your game activity. The Google Play games you have installed and played on your devices, when you played them, and for how long.</li> <li>Information from "certain games" that provide google with information. This may include information about a player's in-game activity, e.g., saved progress, achievements or leaderboard rankings.</li> <li>A one-time option to import historic game data into the new profile.</li> </ul> <p>Google says that the data is essential to enable the new features. The data will be used to "provide Play Games profile features and services", including stats and progress tracking. Also, to "improve the overall Google Play gaming experience", and to improve and develop additional features.</p> <p>Is the data also being used for advertisement? Google makes no mention of advertisement in the announcement, which means that it is unclear at this point.</p> <h3>Default privacy settings remain untouched</h3> <p>Google says that the change won't modify privacy settings of users. If a profile is set to private, it won't suddenly become public after the migration.</p> <p>Google Play users may select Settings &gt; Google &gt; Settings for Google apps &gt; Play Games &gt; Profile and privacy, to check and change the privacy setting. The three options are "Everyone on Google Play Mobile App", "Friends only", and "Only you".  The first option makes the profile public, the two other options limit visibility.</p> <p>Note that the path and names of the settings may be slightly different depending on the Android device that you are using. You find an option to delete the gaming profile and game data there as well.</p> <p><em>Now You: do you play games on your mobile devices? What is your take on the change? More data for Google or something that is truly useful to gamers? Feel free to leave a comment down below.</em></p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/google-to-collect-more-data-about-your-android-gaming-habits-soon/" data-wpel-link="internal">Google to collect more data about your Android gaming habits soon</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

21. WhatsApp introduces an AI feature called Writing Help

    Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:29:23 -0000

    WhatsApp Messenger has a new AI feature called Writing Help. Meta believes this will help users who want to say something, but don't know how to say it. So, how does it […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post WhatsApp introduces an AI feature called Writing Help appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>WhatsApp Messenger has a new AI feature called Writing Help. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/19/meta-is-rolling-out-passkeys-on-facebook-for-easier-sign-ins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Meta</a> believes this will help users who want to say something, but don't know how to say it.</p> <p>So, how does it work? Writing Help is powered by Meta AI, which as you may know was added to the instant messaging in 2024. WhatsApp added some new AI features over the year, including Message Summaries. WhatsApp's Writing Help uses <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/06/26/whatsapp-introduces-ai-powered-summaries-for-your-private-messages/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Private Processing technology</a>, which I described in a previous article. <a href="https://blog.whatsapp.com/get-the-tone-of-your-message-right-with-private-writing-help" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Meta's announcement says</a> that neither it nor WhatsApp can read your messages or the re-writes that are suggested by Meta AI.</p> <p>To use Writing Help, Open WhatsApp on your phone, and type a message in a personal chat or a group chat. Tap on the new pencil icon, and you will see a list of suggestions from the AI. It rewrites your message into a style of your choice. You can choose a style like professional, funny, supportive, etc., and WhatsApp's AI will suggest results based on your selection. It also has an option to rephrase a sentence.</p> <p>When you tap on one of the AI-generated suggestions, it doesn't send the message immediately. It replaces the text in the composer, and you can edit the text before tapping on the send button.</p> <p>I don't have access to the feature yet, but from what I can tell, Writing Help is not a full-scale generative AI. That's a good thing, I don't like the idea of AI slop being delivered to my inbox. Besides, I'm sure scammers would love to use the tool to phish users.</p> <p>I don't think this feature would fit in a conversation between friends, maybe for a joke or two, but it could be awkward if used in regular chats. Perhaps it could be useful if you're contacting a business, or some third-party, and wanted your message to sound formal, respectful. Or, maybe, it was added simply for the sake of getting more people to use the AI.</p> <p>Writing Help is rolling out for English language users in the United States and other countries.</p> <p>What do you think about Writing Help?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/whatsapp-introduces-an-ai-feature-called-writing-help/" data-wpel-link="internal">WhatsApp introduces an AI feature called Writing Help</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

22. Microsoft Copilot is now available on some Samsung TVs and monitors

    Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:14:42 -0000

    Microsoft and Samsung have partnered to bring Copilot to Samsung TVs and monitors. It's about time! Wait, who asked for this? Unlike Copilot in Edge, Windows, Xbox, etc., this version of the […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft Copilot is now available on some Samsung TVs and monitors appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft and Samsung have partnered to bring <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/copilot-launches-in-excel-but-microsoft-warns-against-using-it-for-any-task-requiring-accuracy/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Copilot</a> to Samsung TVs and monitors. It's about time! Wait, who asked for this?</p> <p>Unlike Copilot in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/25/ublock-origin-for-microsoft-edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-ublock-origin-lite/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Edge</a>, Windows, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/29/microsoft-rolls-out-age-verification-for-xbox-users-in-the-uk/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Xbox</a>, etc., this version of the AI is not a gen AI tool. Copilot for Samsung TVs and monitors is a voice-powered AI assistant. Microsoft describes it as a "Voice-powered AI meets visual companion for entertainment, everyday help, and everything in between."</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209404" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Microsoft-Copilot-Appearance-Blob.jpg" alt="Microsoft Copilot Appearance Blob" width="936" height="525" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Microsoft-Copilot-Appearance-Blob.jpg 936w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Microsoft-Copilot-Appearance-Blob-768x431.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 936px) 100vw, 936px" /></p> <p>Now, if that doesn't make sense to you, let me provide some context. Back in July, Microsoft unveiled something called "Copilot's Appearance", which is a weird blob thingy, that represents the AI on the screen. This talking blob, ahem, "friendly, animated presence" will react to you and lip-syncs as it speaks to you, the animated expressions will match the tone of your conversation. That was a weird sentence.</p> <p>To use the AI, open the Copilot app and just tell it what you want it to do. You can ask it to provide spoiler-free recaps, suggest shows or movies, weather updates, etc. After processing your query, the Copilot will present the response with a mix of visuals and voice. Microsoft says that families and friends can use Copilot together, to help groups decide what they want to watch.</p> <p>Ready to try it? Pick up your Samsung remote, press the mic button and start talking. Copilot can be accessed through the Samsung Tizen OS home, Samsung Daily+ and Click to Search, in natural conversation. Yes, you can talk to the remote in your hand, and see a blob on the TV screen animate and lip-sync in response, and make your TV do things. It's totally natural.</p> <p>Jokes aside, this sounds like it could be useful, not the blob's reactions, the assistant's features. Using a remote to navigate and type is a real pain, I hate using the TV because of that, so anything that improves the experience is a good thing. Though, with AI services, there are always concerns about privacy. Speaking of which, Copilot for Samsung TV can be used without a Microsoft account, though users can choose to sign in via a QR Code for a personalized experience, including memory.</p> <p>Copilot is available on 2025 Samsung TV models including Micro RGB, Neo QLED, OLED, The Frame Pro, The Frame, as well as the M7, M8, and M9 Smart Monitors. <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/blog/2025/08/27/a-smarter-way-to-talk-to-your-tv-microsoft-copilot-launches-on-samsung-tvs-and-monitors/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">The announcement says</a> that the AI features are available in select markets, though it is unclear which regions are supported.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/28/microsoft-copilot-is-now-available-on-some-samsung-tvs-and-monitors/" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft Copilot is now available on some Samsung TVs and monitors</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

23. Anthropic is testing Claude for Chrome, an AI that can handle your tasks in a browser

    Wed, 27 Aug 2025 11:27:23 -0000

    Anthropic has announced Claude for Chrome. This is a browser extension that lets the AI take actions on your behalf. OpenAI debuted its ChatGPT agent in July, and it impressed many users, […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Anthropic is testing Claude for Chrome, an AI that can handle your tasks in a browser appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Anthropic has announced Claude for Chrome. This is a browser extension that lets the AI take actions on your behalf.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/18/openai-announces-chatgpt-agent-which-can-perform-tasks-for-you/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">OpenAI debuted its ChatGPT agent</a> in July, and it impressed many users, even <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/30/openais-chatgpt-agent-passes-i-am-not-a-robot-captcha/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">passing captcha challenges</a> like a pro.</p> <p>Anthropic's agentic AI is currently available as a research preview, the company wants to get real-world feedback about its uses, shortcomings, and safety issues.  The San Francisco-based company calls Claude for Chrome, a browser-using AI.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209400" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-for-Chrome-calendar.jpg" alt="Claude for Chrome calendar" width="1200" height="701" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-for-Chrome-calendar.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Claude-for-Chrome-calendar-768x449.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>It is capable of performing various tasks set by a user, such as reading, clicking and navigating websites, managing calendars, scheduling meetings, drafting email responses, handling expense reports, testing new website features. It can also handle complex tasks like finding an apartment within a specific budget in a neighborhood, finding the right food based on the user's instructions, and more.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCj4kx_P2Ak" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Here is a video from Anthropic</a> that demonstrates how Claude for Chrome works, this <a href="https://support.anthropic.com/en/articles/12012173-getting-started-with-claude-for-chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">support page</a> includes more details about the feature.</p> <p>Anthropic admits that there are some vulnerabilities in Claude for Chrome, and that it will fix them before making the agentic AI available on a wide basis. <a href="https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-for-chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">The announcement</a> highlights how browser-using AIs are prone to prompt injection attacks, i.e., hackers could hide instructions in websites, emails, documents to manipulate the AI into performing harmful actions like deleting files, stealing data, making financial transactions, etc. The user would not be aware of what's happening in the background. The company says that it conducted extensive adversarial prompt injection testing, in 123 test cases, 29 different attack scenarios, and that it resulted in a 23.6% attack success rate.</p> <p>Claude for Chrome isn't free, it is currently being piloted in the Max plan, which costs $100 per month. The early preview has a limit of 1000 users, and others can join the waitlist to try the feature.</p> <p>Have you tried an agentic AI?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/27/anthropic-is-testing-claude-for-chrome-an-ai-that-can-handle-your-tasks-in-a-browser/" data-wpel-link="internal">Anthropic is testing Claude for Chrome, an AI that can handle your tasks in a browser</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

24. Google Translate introduces AI features to help users learn languages

    Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:35:12 -0000

    Google Translate has a couple of new AI features to help users have live conversations, and learn new languages. These features are powered by Gemini's advanced reasoning and multimodal models. The first […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Google Translate introduces AI features to help users learn languages appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Google Translate has a couple of new AI features to help users have live conversations, and learn new languages. These features are powered by <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/04/taming-google-gemini-how-to-block-it-from-accessing-your-apps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Gemini</a>'s advanced reasoning and multimodal models.</p> <p>The first of the 2 features is designed to help with live conversations, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/05/20/iphone-and-ipad-users-can-set-google-translate-as-the-default-translation-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Google Translate </a>can now translate audio and on-screen text in real-time. This live conversion is supported in over 70 languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tamil. Users can try the features on the Translate app for Android and iOS, by tapping on "Live Translate". Then, you just need to select the language to translate to, and start speaking. The app will read the translation aloud and display a transcript of your conversation, in the source language and the translated text. The <a href="https://blog.google/products/translate/language-learning-live-translate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">new live translate experience</a> is available for users in the U.S., India and Mexico.</p> <p>Here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHbKQjVI_qc" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">video demo</a> of the real-time translation feature.</p> <p>Google Translate now teaches you languages. The app can create a tailored experience based on your skill level, to give you the confidence you need to communicate in a different language. In order to help you practice speaking, and brush up your vocabulary, Translate generates interactive practices to adapt to your usage. To get started, tap on "practice", customize your skill-level (Basic, Intermediate or Advanced) and set a goal. Google Translate will generate customized scenarios to assist you, where you can listen to conversations and tap on the words that you hear, or you can practice speaking using hints. Google says that these language learning features were developed with the help of learning experts, based on the latest studies in language acquisition.</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/2xfhC9EmAJ8" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">This video demonstrates</a> how the AI creates a course, and how you can use it.</p> <p>The language learning experience is rolling out in the Translate app for Android and iOS this week, for English speakers who are practicing Spanish and French, and Spanish, French and Portuguese speakers practicing English.</p> <p>Google Translate's method is quite similar to those used in language learning apps like Duolingo, which has been using AI features for quite a while. In fact, Duolingo's CEO recently said <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/05/20/duolingo-ai-teacher-schools-childcare/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">AI is a better teacher than humans.</a></p> <p>Most language learning apps charge a hefty fee, and/or have ads, energy-timers, in-app purchases, etc. If Google Translate can help people learn languages for free, that would be cool.</p> <p>Do you like the new features?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/27/google-translate-introduces-ai-features-to-help-users-learn-languages/" data-wpel-link="internal">Google Translate introduces AI features to help users learn languages</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

25. Your Word documents will be saved to the cloud automatically on Windows going forward

    Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:19:20 -0000

    Microsoft Word users have several options when it comes to saving their documents: from local saves to storing documents on network shares or an integrated cloud service such as Microsoft OneDrive. AutoSave […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Your Word documents will be saved to the cloud automatically on Windows going forward appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft Word users have several options when it comes to saving their documents: from local saves to storing documents on network shares or an integrated cloud service such as Microsoft OneDrive. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2022/02/27/autosave-autorecover-and-manual-saving-in-office-2019-and-2021-explained/" data-wpel-link="internal">AutoSave and AutoRecover were introduced several years ago by Microsoft in Office products</a> to enable cloud saving and restoration.</p> <p><a href="https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/blog/microsoft365insiderblog/save-new-files-automatically-to-the-cloud-in-word-for-windows/4445216" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">Microsoft announced</a> that it is changing the default save location for Word documents on Windows.  "Anything new you create will be saved automatically to OneDrive or your preferred cloud destination", writes Raul Munoz, product manager at Microsoft on the Office Shared Services and Experiences team.</p> <p>Munoz backs up the decision with half a dozen advantages for saving documents to the cloud. From never losing progress and access anywhere to easy collaboration and increased security and compliance.</p> <p>While cloud saving is without doubt beneficial in some cases, Munoz fails to address the elephant in the room. Some users may not want that their documents are stored in the cloud. There are good reasons for that, including privacy.</p> <p><strong>Summed up:</strong></p> <ul> <li>If you do not mind that Word documents are stored in the cloud, you do not need to become active.</li> <li>If you mind that Word documents are stored in the cloud by default, you need to modify the default setting.</li> </ul> <p>Any document in Word that has the autosave option set to on at the very top of the window is saved in the cloud.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209391" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/microsoft-word-autosave-cloud.png" alt="Microsoft Word cloud save" width="470" height="201" /></p> <p>Furthermore, any new document will be named with the date instead of a traditional name by default. Microsoft notes that users may use the save option, e.g., by using the shortcut Ctrl-S, to change the file name or file location.</p> <p>Word will display a prompt to the user when closing the document, if no save action was performed prior to the step.</p> <p>The change is rolling out with Word for Windows version 2509 and later. Microsoft notes that the same change is coming to Excel for Windows and PowerPoint for Windows at a later stage as well.</p> <h3>Changing the default save location</h3> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209393" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/word-save-documents-locally.png" alt="Word save documents locally" width="826" height="678" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/word-save-documents-locally.png 826w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/word-save-documents-locally-768x630.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 826px) 100vw, 826px" /></p> <p>Word customers who do not want their documents to be saved to the cloud by default need to become active to change the default save location.</p> <p>Here is how that is done:</p> <ol> <li>Open Word or any Word document.</li> <li>Select File &gt; Options.</li> <li>Switch to the Save category in the Word Options window.</li> <li>Uncheck "AutoSave files stored in the Cloud by default in Word".</li> <li>Check "Save to Computer by default".</li> <li>Make sure that the path under "Default local file location" is set correctly. Otherwise, click on browse to pick a new path or edit it manually.</li> </ol> <h3>Closing Words</h3> <p>Switching the default from local saves to cloud saves is a major change. It is unclear whether Microsoft intents to highlight it to every Word user before it is made, but my guess is that it will be one of those silent changes that you may not recognize for a while.</p> <p><em>Now You: what is your preferred location for saving documents? Feel free to leave a comment down below.</em></p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/27/your-word-documents-will-be-saved-to-the-cloud-automatically-on-windows-going-forward/" data-wpel-link="internal">Your Word documents will be saved to the cloud automatically on Windows going forward</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

26. Spotify now lets you send messages, share music, podcasts, audiobooks with your friends

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:48:24 -0000

    Spotify is introducing Messages, to allow users to share their favorite music with their loved ones easily. The social features are exclusive to the music streaming service's mobile apps. Messages on Spotify […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Spotify now lets you send messages, share music, podcasts, audiobooks with your friends appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Spotify is introducing Messages, to allow users to share their favorite music with their loved ones easily. The social features are exclusive to the music streaming service's mobile apps.</p> <p>Messages on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/02/an-ai-generated-band-on-spotify-has-over-600000-fans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Spotify</a> one-on-one conversations, i.e. and allows users to share music, podcasts, audiobooks with your friends and family.</p> <p>Users can share Spotify content with people they have interacted with before on the platform. To share a song, podcast, or audiobook, head to the Now Playing View, and tap on the share button. Select the friend whom you want to share the content with, and tap send. Tap on your profile photo in the top left corner to access Messages. When you accept a message request from a Spotify user, you can communicate with them via texts, react with emojis, and share content between each other.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209388" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/how-to-share-content-in-messages-on-Spotify.jpg" alt="how to share content in messages on Spotify" width="1200" height="675" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/how-to-share-content-in-messages-on-Spotify.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/how-to-share-content-in-messages-on-Spotify-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Spotify will suggest users to message based on previous activity such as those whom you shared Spotify content with, or joined Jams, Blends, or collaborative playlists together. It will also suggest users if you share a Family or Duo plan with other people.</p> <p>Don't like the feature? You can opt out of Messages from the Settings. Users will be able to reject message requests, block users, and report messages to the company if they come across illegal or harmful content. <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-26/introducing-messages-a-new-way-to-share-what-you-love-on-spotify-with-friends-and-family/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Spotify says</a> messages are protected with industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest. It also says that it will utilize proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content, and our moderators will review reported content. Wait, so they are not end-to-end encrypted?</p> <p>Messages will start rolling out this week to Spotify Free and Premium users aged 16 years and older, in select markets on mobile devices. It is not clear whether Messaging would come to Spotify on the web for desktop computers.</p> <p>Spotify recently announced that <a href="https://newsroom.spotify.com/2025-08-04/upcoming-changes-to-spotify-premium-subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Spotify Premium prices are increasing</a> in many markets including South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The subscription will go from €10.99 to €11.99. The new prices will take effect in September.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/18/peacock-increases-its-prices-by-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Peacock</a>, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/22/apple-tv-subscription-price-increased-by-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Apple TV+</a> prices were increased recently, why not Spotify too? Sigh!</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/spotify-now-lets-you-send-messages-share-music-podcasts-audiobooks-with-your-friends/" data-wpel-link="internal">Spotify now lets you send messages, share music, podcasts, audiobooks with your friends</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

27. YouTube used AI to edit Shorts, but didn't tell creators about it

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:34:51 -0000

    YouTube Shorts are being edited by AI automatically. But Google didn't bother to inform creators about it. The issue has blown up over the past couple of weeks, with several reports pointing […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post YouTube used AI to edit Shorts, but didn't tell creators about it appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>YouTube Shorts are being edited by AI automatically. But <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/google-wants-android-app-developers-to-verify-their-identity-this-could-affect-sideloading-apps/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Google</a> didn't bother to inform creators about it.</p> <p>The issue has blown up over the past couple of weeks, with several reports pointing out that something looked wrong in videos.</p> <p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250822-youtube-is-using-ai-to-edit-videos-without-permission" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">BBC points out</a> this problem may have started more than 2 months ago. Here is <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/youtube/comments/1lllnse/youtube_shorts_are_almost_certainly_being_ai/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">one thread from June 2025</a> that highlighted how YouTube was using AI upscaling to make the image appear look better. But the result was anything but better, it was smudgy, like an oil painting. The user said that upscaling artifacts were noticeable when you changed the video's resolution, too. This is <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5yWAHo781I" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">the video in question</a>.</p> <p>Rhett Shull, a guitarist, has <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86nhP8tvbLY" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">published a video</a> where he outlines the problem. He showcased a comparison of Musician, Rick Beato's videos, one of which was uploaded to Instagram Reels, and one to YouTube Shorts. Though the contents of the 2 videos were the same, the image on the YouTube version looked like it was made by AI, with fake hair, skin. The shadows, and objects looked odd too, like they were plastic, or blurry. Some facial textures looked like they were modified fake because of some sharpening, smoothing effects done by the AI. It's kind of difficult to explain the hideousness, but it screams AI.</p> <p>Shull also compared two of his own videos, observing their discrepancies. At one point in the video, Shull asks his wife, a professional photographer, for her opinion on the videos. She admitted it looks weird, and raised a very important question. "Will people think we are making AI videos?" This could be a legitimate concern for many YouTubers. It could affect their channels, and in turn their earnings, if viewers believed the videos were fake, and stopped watching them.</p> <p>Some users allege that YouTube was doing this deliberately, to make real videos look like AI, to get people used to generative AI shorts which are currently being tested. That's just what the world needs, AI slop and real videos ruined by AI slop.</p> <p>Rene Ritchie, YouTube's head of editorial and creator liaison, <a href="https://x.com/YouTubeInsider/status/1958199532363317467" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">admitted that these videos were a result of an experiment</a> on select YouTube Shorts is using AI to improve the video quality, and that it uses traditional machine learning. It does not use GenAI, or upscaling. This machine learning technique adds various post-processing effects like unblur, denoise, and improve clarity in videos.</p> <p>YouTube has been shoving AI features in for a long time, for the better or worse, take your pick. But, AI generated videos on YouTube are a huge problem. Google did say it would prevent <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/15/youtube-wont-allow-inauthentic-videos-to-be-monetized-no-more-ai-trash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">inauthentic AI generated videos on YouTube</a> from being monetized. But are these rules for thee and not for me? When the platform deliberately makes a video look inferior, is that nor interfering with the artist's original work? There was no consent, and no option to opt-out of the process as far as I can tell.</p> <p>Imagine you are a content creator, and you worked hard to produce a video, only to find out your face and other details in the video looked smudgy, like an AI generated video. How would that make you feel?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/youtube-used-ai-to-edit-shorts-but-didnt-tell-creators-about-it/" data-wpel-link="internal">YouTube used AI to edit Shorts, but didn&#039;t tell creators about it</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

28. Copilot launches in Excel, but Microsoft warns against using it "for any task requiring accuracy"

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:24:51 -0000

    Microsoft continues to integrate AI services, mainly Copilot, into its products. The age of AI in Microsoft products started out mostly as a chat interface, but progress has been made, and integrations […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Copilot launches in Excel, but Microsoft warns against using it "for any task requiring accuracy" appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft continues to integrate AI services, mainly Copilot, into its products. The age of AI in Microsoft products started out mostly as a chat interface, but progress has been made, and integrations now find their way into core Microsoft products such as Office or Windows. Just recently, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/29/copilot-mode-turns-microsoft-edge-into-an-ai-browser/" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft announced Copilot Mode for Edge</a>, that turns the browser into an agentic tool, and <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/16/microsoft-begins-testing-copilot-vision-on-windows/" data-wpel-link="internal">Copilot Vision for Windows</a>, which gives Copilot eyes so to speak on Windows.</p> <p>Microsoft Excel is the latest product to receive a dose of AI. Called Copilot Function, it is available as a beta currently, which means that it is only accessible to customers who have joined the Microsoft 365 Insider program and have a Copilot license.</p> <p>The function "allows users to leverage artificial intelligence by providing a prompt and references from the grid to generate responses based on an AI language model" according to a support document.</p> <p>The Copilot function accepts prompts that describe the task. Excel users may ask questions or instruct the AI to perform certain operations. The optional context parameter may be used to provide additional reference.</p> <p><a href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/copilot-function-5849821b-755d-4030-a38b-9e20be0cbf62" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">Microsoft explains</a> that Excel users may use the new AI function to summarize text, generate sample data, classify or tag content, or generate text.</p> <p>However, it is the "when not to use the Copilot function" that is the most interesting to Excel users. Microsoft confirms that Copilot can "give incorrect responses". As a consequence, it should not be used for pretty much anything that Excel is used for. This includes doing numerical calculations, lookups based on data in workbooks, tasks with legal, regulatory or compliance implications, or responses that require context other than the ranges provided.</p> <p>Put simply, while Excel's AI functionality is being expanded, it should not be used for core Excel tasks such as calculations. It seems unlikely that many Excel users will jump for joy when the new functionality becomes available.</p> <p>Still, Copilot Functions is a beta product at the time and there is a chance that Microsoft is using the beta to play it safe. Whether the warning will remain when the new AI feature is rolled out to stable versions of Excel remains to be seen.</p> <p><em>Now You: do you use AI functions regularly already? Feel free to leave a comment down below.</em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/copilot-launches-in-excel-but-microsoft-warns-against-using-it-for-any-task-requiring-accuracy/" data-wpel-link="internal">Copilot launches in Excel, but Microsoft warns against using it &quot;for any task requiring accuracy&quot;</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

29. Google wants Android app developers to verify their identity, this could affect sideloading apps

    Tue, 26 Aug 2025 05:59:07 -0000

    Google's solution to the malware problem on Android has been revealed. It wants app developers to verify their identity, even if they distribute their apps outside the Google Play Store. Here's a […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Google wants Android app developers to verify their identity, this could affect sideloading apps appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Google's solution to the malware problem on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/google-password-manager-released-as-an-android-app/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Android</a> has been revealed. It wants app developers to verify their identity, even if they distribute their apps outside the Google Play Store.</p> <p>Here's a brief overview of how requirements stand currently. Developers who distribute their apps via the Google Play Store must accept the Play Console Requirements (Android Developer Console). They have to provide Google the following information:</p> <ul> <li>Legal name and address</li> <li>D-U-N-S number, if registering as an organization</li> <li>Contact email address and phone number</li> <li>Developer email address and phone number shown on Google Play where applicable</li> <li>Payment methods where applicable</li> <li>Google payment profile linked to your developer account</li> <li>An official government ID may also be required</li> </ul> <p>(Source <a href="https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">1</a>, <a href="https://developer.android.com/developer-verification#play-developers" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">2)</a></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209377" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-developer-verification.jpg" alt="Google Android developer verification" width="1200" height="765" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-developer-verification.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-developer-verification-768x490.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>App developers who distribute their apps via third-party sources like GitHub, F-Droid, etc., don't have to provide all this information to Google. Anyone with the knowledge and skill to develop apps can create and upload apps on the internet, anonymously.</p> <p>That's what's changing. Google's new policy could make sideloading apps harder. The very <a href="https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2025/08/elevating-android-security.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">first line on Google's announcement</a> says, "You shouldn’t have to choose between open and secure." Android has always been open, giving users the freedom to do what they want. Google seems to be drifting away from this.</p> <p>It says that malicious actors use anonymity to impersonate legitimate apps, and use their brand image to create convincing fake apps. Ah yes, the good old security card. That's straight out of Apple's playbook.</p> <p>Google claims its recent analysis found over 50 times more <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/02/06/mobile-malware-attack-used-store-apps-and-ocr-to-steal-cryptocurrency-recovery-codes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">malware from sideloaded apps</a> than those available on Google Play. There, you said it yourself, even Google Play is prone to malware. What about Google Play Protect? Does it not scan apps for malware?  It doesn't matter, the Mountain View company has decided that an additional layer of security is required, developer verification.</p> <p>"Starting next year, Android will require all apps to be registered by verified developers in order to be installed by users on certified Android devices." Certified Android devices refers to any device that utilities Google Mobile Services including the Play Store, that's practically 99% of devices out there. So, any app, whose developer who has not verified their identity, will be prevented from being installed on Android devices.</p> <p>Google is building a new Android Developer Console for apps that are distributed outside Google Play. A <a href="https://support.google.com/android-developer-console/answer/16450960" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">preview of it is available on a support page</a> and a PDF.</p> <p>Developers will need to provide their legal name, address, D-U-N-S number (for organizations), email address, phone number, a government ID. In other words, it is similar to the regular experience. In addition to these, app devs will need to register their app’s package names, which will be linked to the developer's identity. Finally, they will need to sign the APK with their private key and upload it to verify ownership.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209376" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-app-developer-verify-identity.jpg" alt="Google Android app developer verify identity" width="1200" height="589" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-app-developer-verify-identity.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Google-Android-app-developer-verify-identity-768x377.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Students and hobbyist developers will be able to create an account with fewer requirements, and without the $25 registration fee.</p> <p>Google believes that by identifying developers, and blocking non-compliant ones, the risk of malware is greatly reduced. The company says that the new rules were welcomed with positive feedback from the Brazilian Federation of Banks (FEBRABAN), Indonesia's Ministry of Communications and Digital Affairs, and Thailand’s Ministry of Digital Economy and Society.</p> <p>Sure, these new rules may block malicious apps, but this could come at a great cost. This could end up being a disaster for the privacy of developers. I wouldn't be surprised if a few app developers, who want to protect their privacy, ditch Android as a platform because of this. Perhaps that's what Google wants? To discourage devs and drive them away from third-party stores? F-Droid, LibreTube, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/05/newpipe-adds-support-for-android-auto/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">NewPipe</a>, Revanced, Syncthing-Fork, Cromite, are some examples of popular apps that are not distributed on the Play Store. Such developers will need to provide their real information to Google, otherwise their apps may be blacklisted. That could be viewed as anti-competitive behavior, and invite new antitrust investigations. Apple got hit by antitrust investigations for trying to influence third-party app markets in Europe, and deservedly so.</p> <p>Apps could be hit with DMCAs if their developer information is available, this may affect apps like emulators. Other apps could be discontinued if devs choose not to register their details with Google.</p> <p>Google will begin early access for verification in October 2025, and start opening verification for all developers in March 2026. The new rules will come into effect in September 2026 in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. It will become a global requirement in 2027 and later.</p> <p>This is how it starts, what next? Will sideloading be blocked completely in the future? It may not be long before Android becomes a walled garden like iOS.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/26/google-wants-android-app-developers-to-verify-their-identity-this-could-affect-sideloading-apps/" data-wpel-link="internal">Google wants Android app developers to verify their identity, this could affect sideloading apps</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

30. Assassin's Creed Mirage is getting a free DLC set in 9th-century Arabia

    Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:56:23 -0000

    Ubisoft has announced a new DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage. Players will be able to explore 9th-century AlUla in an all new expansion for the game. Assassin's Creed Mirage was released in […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Assassin's Creed Mirage is getting a free DLC set in 9th-century Arabia appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Ubisoft has announced a new DLC for Assassin's Creed Mirage. Players will be able to explore 9th-century AlUla in an all new expansion for the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/07/microsoft-brings-gaming-copilot-to-game-bar-on-windows-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">game</a>.</p> <p>Assassin's Creed Mirage was released in November 2023, it drew praise from fans and critics for returning to the franchise's roots, focusing on stealth, parkour, and a smaller map. I've played all games in the series (except Shadows), and Mirage's setting and the gameplay reminded me of the original Assassin's Creed game from 2007, featuring the legendary Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad.</p> <p>This was a welcome break from the previous games in the franchise, especially the last three (Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla), which a lot of people felt had stagnated with its open worlds, repetitive gameplay, and above all, a lack of stealth. It didn't really feel like an assassin game, more like a regular RPG with stealth-like mechanics. Personally, I didn't really have a problem with the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/02/12/warhorse-studios-co-founder-criticizes-unreal-engine-5-for-open-world-game-development/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">open world</a> setting, but I can see why people felt it was tedious to explore every part of the map, you could end up being burned out.</p> <p>Mirage's story is set in 9th-century Baghdad, and allowed players to witness the evolution of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a character from one of the previous games. He joins the ranks of the Assassin's, in their fight against the Templars. AC Mirage's version of Baghdad is open world, but tighter, densely populated, and felt like a real city, as opposed to giant half-empty maps of the other titles. That said, the game retained some elements from the RPG-trilogy, such as upgradeable weapons, tools for taking down enemies in stealth, a pet eagle that you can use for scouting, and mounts. It was fun to play a squishy assassin again, as opposed to an invincible demigod hero that we had in the RPG-like AC games.</p> <p>As for the upcoming Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC, it will focus on a new story set in AlUla (also known as al-Ula), which is an oasis city located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. New missions sound good, but <a href="https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1959169826619875735" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Ubisoft has also confirmed</a> that there are some gameplay improvements, which will also be available for the base game.</p> <p>However, that is the extent of the details we know about the AlUla DLC for Mirage. That, and the fact that the Assassin's Creed Mirage DLC will be free for all owners of the game, that is awesome. The DLC does not have a release date yet, but it is coming later this year.</p> <p>Have you played Assassin's Creed Mirage?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/25/assassins-creed-mirage-is-getting-a-free-dlc-set-in-9th-century-arabia/" data-wpel-link="internal">Assassin&#039;s Creed Mirage is getting a free DLC set in 9th-century Arabia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

31. One of the best tools to upgrade Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 just got a lot better

    Mon, 25 Aug 2025 14:38:32 -0000

    With Windows 10 soon running out of support, millions of Windows 10 PC users have to make a decision regarding the future of their PC. While it is in theory possible to […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post One of the best tools to upgrade Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 just got a lot better appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/10/14/windows-10-support-ends-in-exactly-1-year-here-are-your-options/" data-wpel-link="internal">With Windows 10 soon running out of support</a>, millions of Windows 10 PC users have to make a decision regarding the future of their PC. While it is in theory possible to simply keep on running Windows 10 on the PC after Microsoft ends support, it is not recommended in most cases.</p> <p>The main reason for that is that Microsoft won't release security updates anymore for the PC, which, at least in theory, leaves the PC vulnerable to attacks.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/24/how-to-extend-windows-10-support-by-a-year/" data-wpel-link="internal">Subscribing to Windows 10 ESU</a>, extended security updates, is a good option to postpone the end by a year. You can do so relatively easily and in most cases for free. <a href="https://chipp.in/software/windows/windows-10-script-to-join-esu-extended-security-updates-without-microsoft-account/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">There is even a great tool for that</a> which handles all the hard work and works with local accounts as well.</p> <p>Windows 10 users have other options. If the PC's main components meet Windows 11's system requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 is another free option. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/06/28/windows-10-support-until-2030-0patch-makes-it-possible/" data-wpel-link="internal">There is also 0Patch</a>, a micro-patching service that promises to deliver security patches for critical issues that affect Windows 10 at least until 2030. It comes at a price though, as you need to pay 0Patch about $30 per year for that.</p> <p>Finally, there is also the option to upgrade to Windows 11, even if the Windows 10 PC does not meet the requirements of Windows 11. While you may be able to upgrade manually, using third-party tools is a more convenient option.</p> <h2>Flyoobe: open source Windows 10 to 11 upgrader</h2> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209365" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/flyoobe.png" alt="Flyoobe" width="1040" height="637" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/flyoobe.png 1040w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/flyoobe-768x470.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1040px) 100vw, 1040px" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/17/windows-10-to-11-upgrader-flyby11-gets-a-convenient-option-for-downloading-the-windows-11-iso/" data-wpel-link="internal">Enter Flyoobe (previously known as Flyby11)</a>, an open source tool by a well-established developer that has grown in the past months. At its core, Flyoobe still lets you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, bypassing most of the requirements check that Microsoft added to the process. It is a quick and painless process. While I recommend highly to create a backup of the system before you run the script, the chance that something does not work is rather slim at this point.</p> <p><a href="https://github.com/builtbybel/Flyby11" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">The latest version</a> of the open source Windows upgrader comes with additional features. First, you may use it to subscribe to extended security updates on Windows 10 PCs. It uses the Consumer ESU script of Abbodi, which handles everything for you.</p> <p>Great option to extend support for Windows 10. Then, it also includes a brand-new helper app called Spot, which you can run from the interface. It can run almost 90 different tools, including the Registry Editor and other built-in tools, which can be useful to make quick adjustments. It doubles as a helper app for problems that users may run into when upgrading to Windows 11.</p> <p>Last but not least, there is also the OOBE, out of box experience, part of the application. It assists users in customizing the experience by making tweaks, removing unnecessary features, or setting the default browser.</p> <p><em>Now You: have you tried Flyby11 or Flyoobe already, or plan to? Let us know in the comment section below.</em></p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/25/one-of-the-best-tools-to-upgrade-windows-10-pcs-to-windows-11-just-got-a-lot-better/" data-wpel-link="internal">One of the best tools to upgrade Windows 10 PCs to Windows 11 just got a lot better</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

32. [Update: It was a mistake by the dev] uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge update changes the extension to uBlock Origin Lite

    Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:16:20 -0000

    [UPDATE] Apparently, this add-on update was not intentional. Gorhill uploaded the extension to the wrong extension ID. Here's a comment Gorhill posted on GitHub (thanks to Saampei Nihira for the tip). And one […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post [Update: It was a mistake by the dev] uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge update changes the extension to uBlock Origin Lite appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>[UPDATE] Apparently, this add-on update was not intentional. Gorhill uploaded the extension to the wrong extension ID.</p> <p>Here's a <a href="https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uBOL-home/issues/458" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">comment Gorhill posted on GitHub</a> (thanks to Saampei Nihira for the tip<strong>).</strong></p> <div class="markdown-body" data-testid="markdown-body" data-team-hovercards-enabled="true" data-turbolinks="false"> <div class="Box-sc-g0xbh4-0 markdown-body NewMarkdownViewer-module__safe-html-box--dKCgP">And one more, which says " I sent an email to someone at Extension Dev Support at Microsoft, asking to roll back to original 1.65.0."</div> </div> <p><strong>The original story follows</strong>....have a laugh at my expense! (and Gorhill's)</p> <p>Did you have uBlock Origin installed in <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/11/microsoft-edge-for-windows-10-will-receive-updates-until-2028/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft Edge</a>? Has it been replaced by uBlock Origin Lite?</p> <p>The Microsoft Edge extension has been updated, the new version doesn't bring new features, instead, the add-on automatically downgrades itself to uBlock Origin Lite.</p> <p>The update was spotted by multiple users on reddit, one of whom <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftEdge/comments/1mzkdmp/ublock_origin_removed_from_edge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">shared a screenshot</a> of the add-ons result page on Edge's store. The screenshot looked odd, because it showed 2 versions of the add-on. I decided to check it myself, and indeed, there are 2 versions of uBlock Origin Lite on the Edge add-ons store. That's a little weird.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209360" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-uBlock-Origin-Lite.jpg" alt="uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge update changes the extension to uBlock Origin Lite" width="1200" height="537" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-uBlock-Origin-Lite.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-uBlock-Origin-Lite-768x344.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>If you look closely at their icons, it's easy to tell the difference. The add-on that has a - symbol in its icon, is <a href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin-lite/cimighlppcgcoapaliogpjjdehbnofhn" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">uBlock Origin Lite</a> (Version 2025.818.1918), whereas the extension that has the uBO icon is the <a href="https://microsoftedge.microsoft.com/addons/detail/ublock-origin-lite/odfafepnkmbhccpbejgmiehpchacaeak" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">original add-on</a> (<span id="versionLabel" class="c0190 c0197 c01105">Version 2025.824.1755</span>). But both extensions are now named uBlock Origin Lite.</p> <p>As for why the add-on was downgraded to uBlock Origin Lite, it's fairly obvious. Chrome has deprecated support for Manifest V2 APIs, which in turn spelled the end for many extensions. This included uBlock Origin too, and the only options for users were to use some flags to extend Manifest V2 support (more on this in a bit), or to switch to uBlock Origin Lite.</p> <p>While the Chrome web store "removed" the uBlock Origin extension because it was unsupported, the Microsoft Edge add-ons store still had the extension. Not anymore, apparently. It is being replaced by uBlock Origin Lite.</p> <p>Okay, but why do this now? Up until now, Chrome and Chromium based browsers, have allowed users to extend support for Manifest V2 by enabling some flags in the browser. These flags are being removed from Chrome 140, and the shortcut workaround may not available for long. There is a way to load an unpacked extension in Chrome, but it will not work after Chrome 142. Its flag expires in Chrome 139. More details about this method are available at the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/uBlockOrigin/comments/1mtowwf/end_of_support_for_ubo_on_chrome_chromium/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">official uBlock Origin subreddit</a>.</p> <p>Raymond Hill (aka Gorhill), the developer of uBlock Origin had <a href="https://github.com/uBlockOrigin/uBlock-issues/wiki/About-Google-Chrome&#039;s-%22This-extension-may-soon-no-longer-be-supported%22" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">stated in November 2024</a> that,</p> <p>"Manifest v2 uBO will not be automatically replaced by Manifest v3 uBOL. uBOL is too different from uBO for it to silently replace uBO -- you will have to explicitly make a choice as to which extension should replace uBO according to your own prerogatives.</p> <p>Ultimately whether uBOL is an acceptable alternative to uBO is up to you, it's not a choice that will be made for you."</p> <p>But it has now. Perhaps things have changed since? This is pure speculation, but it makes sense to replace the original extension with uBlock Origin Lite, because otherwise users would be left without an ad-blocker, and exposed to trackers, advertisements, etc. By switching to the Lite version via an automatic update, they will be protected without manual intervention. It's a little unusual, but I think this is a good move for the privacy and security of users.</p> <p>Still, an official announcement couldn't have hurt, given the confusion among users. Consider this article a PSA, uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge didn't disappear or get removed, it's uBlock Origin Lite now.  I can confirm that this is the case, my Edge browser had uBlock Origin 1.65.0 installed.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209359" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on.jpg" alt="uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge add-on" width="900" height="402" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on.jpg 900w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on-768x343.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px" /></p> <p>But after forcing an update via Developer mode, it got replaced by uBlock Origin Lite <span id="versionLabel" class="c0190 c0197 c01105"> 2025.824.1755, which was released on <span id="lastUpdatedOnHeader" class="c0190 c0197 c01105">August 25, 2025. </span></span><a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ublock-origin-is-no-longer-available-in-edge-add-ons-store-but-you-can-still-install-it/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Neowin also reported</a> this today! It's unclear when Microsoft Edge will stop supporting Manifest V2, the <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/extensions/developer-guide/manifest-v3" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">official support page</a> doesn't mention an EOL date.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209358" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on-replaced-by-uBlock-Origin-Lite.jpg" alt="uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge add-on replaced by uBlock Origin Lite" width="878" height="476" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on-replaced-by-uBlock-Origin-Lite.jpg 878w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/uBlock-Origin-for-Microsoft-Edge-add-on-replaced-by-uBlock-Origin-Lite-768x416.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 878px) 100vw, 878px" /></p> <p>uBO Lite is pretty good, and should suffice for most users. It was recently released for <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/05/ublock-origin-lite-for-safari-released-for-ios-ipados-and-macos/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Safari on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS</a>. On a side note, uBlock Origin is still available on Opera's add-ons store, though I'm not sure how long it would be supported. It should be obvious, but I'll say it anyway, the Firefox version of the ad blocker is not affected by this change. Ironically, <a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/MicrosoftEdge/comments/1mkxa8o/microsoft_edge_now_suggests_using_ublock_origin/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Microsoft Edge began recommending uBlock Origin</a> a while back. Edge really is the new Internet Explorer!</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/25/ublock-origin-for-microsoft-edge-update-changes-the-extension-to-ublock-origin-lite/" data-wpel-link="internal">[Update: It was a mistake by the dev] uBlock Origin for Microsoft Edge update changes the extension to uBlock Origin Lite</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

33. [Experimental] Firefox now supports Progressive Web Apps on Windows

    Fri, 22 Aug 2025 12:31:16 -0000

    Mozilla has announced that Firefox users can now use progressive web apps (PWAs). However, the feature is currently only supported on Windows. PWAs can be useful for accessing your favorite websites quickly. […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post [Experimental] Firefox now supports Progressive Web Apps on Windows appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Mozilla has announced that Firefox users can now use <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/03/17/firefox-mozilla-is-working-on-progressive-web-apps-pwa-support/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">progressive web apps</a> (PWAs). However, the feature is currently only supported on Windows.</p> <p>PWAs can be useful for accessing your favorite websites quickly. It can also be handy for services like <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/05/08/spotifys-new-snooze-button-will-remove-songs-from-your-recommendations-for-a-month/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Spotify,</a> Discord, where you may want to access the page quickly to control your music, or to chat with your friends. The feature has been available in Chrome and other browsers for a long time.</p> <p>The option to enable PWAs is available in Firefox's Settings Labs. To activate it, head to about:preferences#experimental. Toggle the option that says "Add sites to your taskbar." You will need to restart Firefox for the change to take effect.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209349" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Enable-PWA-feature-in-Firefox.jpg" alt="Enable PWA feature in Firefox" width="1024" height="720" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Enable-PWA-feature-in-Firefox.jpg 1024w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Enable-PWA-feature-in-Firefox-768x540.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></p> <p>Note: Alternatively, you can also enable the feature from about:config with the following flag: browser.taskbarTabs.enabled</p> <p>Once you have enabled the option, open any website, and you should see a new icon in the Address Bar. It looks like a box with a downwards arrow. Mouse over it, and you should see a tooltip that says "Add to taskbar." Click on the button to pin the current web page to your taskbar.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209350" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-add-website-to-taskbar.jpg" alt="Firefox PWA add website to taskbar" width="1200" height="436" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-add-website-to-taskbar.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-add-website-to-taskbar-768x279.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Note: The tooltip seems to display some placeholder text. Ignore it.</p> <p>The icon will appear on the taskbar, and you may notice that the website's tab has been moved out of the previous window. The progressive web app version of the web page will look similar to the normal version, but Firefox itself may look different. It doesn't display the tab bar, the menu, etc., however it still has an address bar.</p> <p>It does not support private browsing. PWAs don't support containers. The PWA interface moves the minimize, maximize, and close buttons to the address bar, which in turn pushes the add-ons, pinned toolbar items, and even the menu button a little to the left. This streamlined window (seen below) looks a little odd.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209351" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-view.jpg" alt="Firefox PWA view" width="1200" height="554" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-view.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Firefox-PWA-view-768x355.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>On the plus side, web apps in Firefox offer all of the browser's protections. Even the add-ons work as normal.</p> <p>While you can unpin PWAs from the taskbar, they may persist. i.e. They may show up in the Start Menu, and even has an option to uninstall the PWA. But you can't uninstall them, that's because they are just shortcuts. Head to this folder to view your pinned web apps.</p> <p>C:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Firefox Web Apps</p> <p>You can simply delete any unwanted shortcuts from this folder.</p> <p>Follow the official discussion about PWAs in Firefox on <a href="https://connect.mozilla.org/t5/firefox-labs/give-web-apps-in-firefox-a-try-on-labs-and-tell-us-what-you/td-p/101900" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Mozilla Connect</a>. The PWA feature is not available for Linux and macOS yet.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/22/experimental-firefox-now-supports-progressive-web-apps-on-windows/" data-wpel-link="internal">[Experimental] Firefox now supports Progressive Web Apps on Windows</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

34. Apple TV+ subscription price increased by $3

    Fri, 22 Aug 2025 10:57:06 -0000

    Apple has increased the price of its Apple TV+ subscription. The plan now costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., up by $3. Apple launched its streaming service in 2019 for $4.99 […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Apple TV+ subscription price increased by $3 appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Apple has increased the price of its Apple TV+ subscription. The plan now costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., up by $3.</p> <p>Apple launched its streaming service in 2019 for $4.99 per month. It then increased the price to $6.99 in 2022. Just a year after that, Apple TV+ got another <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/10/27/apple-increases-the-price-of-apple-tv-arcade-and-news-subscriptions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">price hike in October 2023,</a> taking the price to $9.99 per month.</p> <p>This is the third time Apple has increased the price of Apple TV+. Going from $9.99 to $12.99 is a 30% price hike.</p> <p>Apparently, the Cupertino company was losing money on the streaming service, more than $1 billion per year, as it had invested on original TV series, movies. <a href="https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/apple-tv-plus-price-increase-streaming-subscription-1236494949/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Variety reports</a> that Apple justified the price adjustment by pointing out that the TV Shows and Movies it offers do not include any ads. It also boasts a strong number of originals, which raked in multiple awards over the past. And it also has MLS and MLB’s “Friday Night Baseball”.</p> <p>Apple isn't the only one that raised its streaming prices this year. In January, <a href="http://www.ghacks.net/2025/01/22/netflix-prices-are-increasing-again/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Netflix prices were hiked</a> in multiple countries. <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/07/18/peacock-increases-its-prices-by-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Peacock increased its prices</a> by $3 last month. The odd thing is Apple's $12.99 plan is cheaper than Netflix's ad-free plan that costs $17.99, and Peacock Premium Plus which costs $16.99.</p> <p>However, the other streaming services manage to attract new users by offering a cheaper option with ads. By not offering such a plan, Apple could potentially lose existing subscribers who may find the new price to be out of their budget. Apple TV+ expanded to Android devices in February, so that will likely help to gain more users.</p> <p>The Apple TV+ price increase came into effect on August 21 for new users. Existing subscribers will see the price change within 30 days of their next renewal date.</p> <p>It is unclear which Countries are impacted by the new Apple TV+ price, the report only says "select international markets". The U.K. website, and European ones still show the price as £9.99 and €9,99 respectively.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/22/apple-tv-subscription-price-increased-by-3/" data-wpel-link="internal">Apple TV+ subscription price increased by $3</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

35. Hollow Knight: Silksong releases on September 4

    Fri, 22 Aug 2025 06:57:09 -0000

    Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a release date. Team Cherry's sequel to the hit metroidvania will launch on September 4, 2025. Hollow Knight was released 8 years ago, on February 24, 2017. […]

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    <p>Hollow Knight: Silksong finally has a release date. Team Cherry's sequel to the hit metroidvania will launch on September 4, 2025.</p> <p>Hollow Knight was released 8 years ago, on February 24, 2017. The 2D action-platformer was a super hit, thanks to the hand-drawn art style, captivating music, fast-paced hard-as-nails combat, fun exploration, characters and story. Team Cherry's game was the perfect metroidvania for many.</p> <p>In February 2019, the Australian Studio announced it was working on Silksong. "Silksong when?" became a meme because fans have been asking for the game's launch date forever. 7 years later, it feels surreal just to have a launch date, it's just 2 weeks away.</p> <p>Jason Schreier's <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2025-08-21/why-silksong-team-cherry-s-sequel-to-hollow-knight-took-so-long-to-make?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc1NTc4NjYzOSwiZXhwIjoxNzU2MzkxNDM5LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUMUNMTUpHUFdDUFcwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.oTN8q1m9pNWFv7oW-n3vzq-hRWAxrDx9B7iF80RdTzk" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">article on Bloomberg</a> sheds more light on the development of Silksong. Hollow Knight sold 15 million copies. That's quite an achievement for an indie studio. Silksong was originally meant to be a small story expansion focussing on one of the game's characters, Hornet. But the project grew bigger, and the studio decided to make it into a new <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/07/microsoft-brings-gaming-copilot-to-game-bar-on-windows-11/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">game</a>.</p> <p>Silksong's plans were for a smaller world than Hollow Knight's, but the sequel features multiple towns, each with their own quests. The game wasn't delayed because of external factors, or internal challenges. Team Cherry kept adding more things to the game like elaborate bosses, gameplay systems and more interactivity, and polishing the game. It sounds like they were really enjoying themselves. The developers said they never read comments and memes on Reddit, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/18/enhancer-for-youtube-add-on-for-firefox-possibly-discontinued-due-to-problems-with-mozillas-review-process/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">YouTube</a>, but appreciated that fans liked the game so much. They even joked that they might ruin the fun by releasing the game.</p> <p>Hollow Knight: Silksong is set in the fallen insect kingdom of Pharloom! with a gigantic map to explore. You will be able to craft various tools to help you on your journey, solve quests and ancient mysteries, and engage in lethal acrobatic action. The game features over 200 types of enemies, over 40 bosses.</p> <p>Watch the official <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XGeJwsUP9c" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Hollow Knight: Silksong trailer</a> on YouTube.</p> <p>Hollow Knight: Silksong will be released on September 4 for PC, macOS, Linux, (on Steam, GOG, day one on Game Pass), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.</p> <p>Will you play the game?</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/22/hollow-knight-silksong-releases-on-september-4/" data-wpel-link="internal">Hollow Knight: Silksong releases on September 4</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

36. Google Password Manager released as an Android app

    Thu, 21 Aug 2025 15:27:08 -0000

    Besides publishing Journal, an AI-powered journaling app for Android and Pixel 10 devices, Google has also published Google Password Manager for Android on the Google Play Store. You might ask yourself why […]

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    <p>Besides publishing Journal, an AI-powered journaling app for Android and Pixel 10 devices, Google has also published <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.credentialmanager" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">Google Password Manager for Android</a> on the Google Play Store.</p> <p><strong>You might ask yourself why Google released the app</strong>. After all, Google users can use the password manager integration in Chrome and also in Android to save, edit, and manage Chrome passwords.</p> <p>Android users may furthermore place a shortcut on their device that <a href="https://9to5google.com/2022/06/20/google-password-manager-can-now-have-a-shortcut-on-your-android-home-screen/" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">acts as a shortcut</a> to the password management interface.</p> <p><strong>Why then, this new password manager?</strong> Google says that the new app "provides a shortcut to the Google Password Manager" on the phone, and that it makes it "quicker and easier" to find and manage passwords, passkeys and other saved data.</p> <p>While Google does not comment directly on its motivation for releasing a standalone option, the application's main purpose appears to be to increase visibility for saving passwords using Google.</p> <p>When you search for a password manager on Google Play, third-party solutions like <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/01/16/first-bitwarden-password-manager-update-of-2025-improves-password-auto-fill/" data-wpel-link="internal">Bitwarden</a>, <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/07/19/proton-pass-password-manager-apps-released-as-open-source/" data-wpel-link="internal">Proton Pass</a>, Enpass, Password Safe and Manager, or <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/01/04/lastpass-is-enforcing-some-security-changes-to-user-accounts/" data-wpel-link="internal">LastPass</a> are listed. No Google solution is listed, but this may change soon because Google just released the password manager app for Android and uses the main search term in the title.</p> <p>While it may help with that, it does not seem to add anything in terms of functionality. Since it acts as a shortcut, it simply opens the password management options on the device. There you may manage passwords and control some settings, including the option to use end-to-end encryption for all passwords stored by the account.</p> <p>This protects all passwords from unauthorized access, even from Google employees with access to your account. You find the option under Settings &gt; Set up on-device encryption. It uses the device's screen lock to protect the data at rest and while in transit.</p> <p>In closing, most Android users will have no use for the new Google Password Manager app. It does not seem to add anything new to the table, other than adding another option to launch the password management interface on Android devices.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/google-password-manager-released-as-an-android-app/" data-wpel-link="internal">Google Password Manager released as an Android app</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

37. Apple releases fix for a zero-day threat in iOS, iPadOS and macOS

    Thu, 21 Aug 2025 14:00:10 -0000

    Apple has released an important security update for iPhones, iPadOS and macOS. It fixes a zero-day threat. The update comes just a week after iOS 18.6.1 was released, although that wasn't a […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Apple releases fix for a zero-day threat in iOS, iPadOS and macOS appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Apple has released an important security update for iPhones, iPadOS and macOS. It fixes a zero-day threat.</p> <p>The update comes just a week after iOS 18.6.1 was released, although that wasn't a security update. It shipped alongside watchOS 11.6.1, to bring the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/16/blood-oxygen-feature-is-available-again-for-apple-watch-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">new Blood Oxygen experience</a> for Apple Watch Series 10, Series 9, and Ultra 2 in the United States.</p> <p>This week's update, iOS 16.8.2, patches a single issue, a security vulnerability that is tracked under CVE-2025-43300. The exploit is described as an out-of-bounds write issue related to the ImageIO framework. Processing a malicious image file, aka a spyware hidden in a photo, could result in memory corruption.</p> <p>Apple says that it is aware that the issue may have been exploited in an extremely sophisticated attack against specific targeted individuals. The language used here is interesting, as it is very similar to high profile spyware attacks that have happened before. Apple had patched a zero-day threat in February this year, when <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/02/11/apple-releases-ios-18-3-1-and-macos-15-3-1-with-critical-security-fixes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">iOS 18.3.1 and macOS 15.3.1</a> were released. That threat turned out to be associated with Paragon's Graphite spyware (<a href="https://citizenlab.ca/2025/06/first-forensic-confirmation-of-paragons-ios-mercenary-spyware-finds-journalists-targeted/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">according to Citizen Lab</a>), and it was <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/122174" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">described by Apple in similar fashion</a>. No wonder they rushed to patch the newest threat. The <a href="https://support.apple.com/en-us/124925" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">release notes for iOS 18.6.2</a> state that the issue was addressed with improved bounds checking.</p> <p>The security patch is available via the iOS 18.6.2 update for the iPhone XS and later, and is included in the iPadOS 18.6.2 update which is compatible with the following iPad models: Pad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation and later, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation and later, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, iPad 7th generation and later, and iPad mini 5th generation and later</p> <p>Apple has also released the update for some older gen iPads. Users with an iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, or iPad 6th generation should install iPadOS 17.7.10 to patch the vulnerability.</p> <p>The security fix is also available for Mac via the macOS Sequoia 15.6.1, macOS Sonoma 14.7.8 and macOS Ventura 13.7.8 updates. It is strongly recommended to update to the latest OS version possible to protect your device and your data.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/apple-releases-fix-for-a-zero-day-threat-in-ios-ipados-and-macos/" data-wpel-link="internal">Apple releases fix for a zero-day threat in iOS, iPadOS and macOS</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

38. Microsoft discontinues OneNote for Windows 10, asks users to migrate to OneNote on Windows

    Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:39:17 -0000

    Microsoft maintains several versions of OneNote, its note taking application, currently. Besides OneNote for Windows 10, there is also the newer OneNote, which is available as a Microsoft Store application and as […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Microsoft discontinues OneNote for Windows 10, asks users to migrate to OneNote on Windows appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Microsoft maintains several versions of OneNote, its note taking application, currently. Besides OneNote for Windows 10, there is also <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/microsofts-new-onenote-for-windows" data-wpel-link="internal">the newer OneNote</a>, which is available as a Microsoft Store application and as part of Microsoft 365. Microsoft calls this newer version OneNote on Windows 10.</p> <p>The original <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/03/24/onenote-for-windows-10-to-be-discontinued-by-2025/" data-wpel-link="internal">OneNote for Windows 10 application will be discontinued by Microsoft</a> on the same day that Microsoft ends support for the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10. Come October 2025, Microsoft plans to switch on read-only mode for OneNote for Windows 10. Means, while you can continue to access existing notes for the time being, you won't be able to edit them, create new notes, or synchronize notes, according to Microsoft.</p> <p>OneNote users who want to keep on accessing their notes are asked to migrate the data to the new OneNote on Windows.</p> <h2>How to find out if you run the old or new OneNote</h2> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-209321" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/onenote-windows-old-new.png" alt="OneNote Windows" width="1147" height="768" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/onenote-windows-old-new.png 1147w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/onenote-windows-old-new-768x514.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1147px) 100vw, 1147px" /></p> <p>Microsoft says the easiest way to determine which version of OneNote you are running is to launch the application and check if you have a File menu at the top.</p> <p>If you do see the File menu, you have the new OneDrive installed according to Microsoft. When there is no File menu, you run OneNote for Windows 10 and are affected by the change.</p> <h3>Sync content before making the switch</h3> <p>Microsoft recommends that you sync all existing content before you install the new OneNote on Windows application. This is the only way to ensure that all of your saved notes appear in the new OneNote application according to Microsoft.</p> <p>It is necessary to sync each notebook manually, which can be problematic if you have set up numerous or use multiple accounts.</p> <p>For each notebook and each account, right-click on the notebook and select the Sync Now option. The content is synced automatically, but only if you do not see any sync errors. If you do, Microsoft says that you do need to resolve them before moving on.</p> <p>Also, Microsoft recommends that you check for misplaced sections under View Tab. This section lists content that is not included in any notebook. You can then select a notebook to add the content do and sync it afterwards.</p> <p>Once you have selected the sync option, Microsoft says that you need to verify that everything is migrated properly by opening the new OneDrive app and checking the available notebooks and content.</p> <p>The classic OneNote application for Windows 10 should only be removed from the system after you have made sure that all content has migrated successfully.</p> <p>Microsoft has published a <a href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-apps/deploy/deployment-guide-onenote" data-wpel-link="external" target="_blank" rel="nofollow external noopener noreferrer">deployment guide</a> for business and Enterprise users that assists them when migrating content from classic to new OneNote.</p> <h3>Closing Words</h3> <p>Microsoft is finally addressing its application chaos. While newer apps are not always for the better, see the new Outlook app for instance, users will at least not be confused by multiple apps of the same time that are offered to them.</p> <p><em>Now You: Do you use OneNote? What is your take on the deprecation of the OneNote version for Windows 10? Long overdue or another Outlook-like fiasco in the making?</em></p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/microsoft-discontinues-onenote-for-windows-10-asks-users-to-migrate-to-onenote-on-windows/" data-wpel-link="internal">Microsoft discontinues OneNote for Windows 10, asks users to migrate to OneNote on Windows</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

39. Zero-day Clickjacking exploit impacts several password managers

    Thu, 21 Aug 2025 12:31:18 -0000

    Many password managers have been found to be vulnerable to a specific form of attack. The technique that hackers are using is called Clickjacking. What is Clickjacking? Clickjacking is a method in […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Zero-day Clickjacking exploit impacts several password managers appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Many password managers have been found to be vulnerable to a specific form of attack. The technique that hackers are using is called Clickjacking.</p> <h3><strong>What is Clickjacking?</strong></h3> <p>Clickjacking is a method in which an attacker crafts a malicious web page that contains invisible iframes and hides it right within a target website. When users click on things on the page, these clicks get intercepted by the hidden iframe, and do something else, e.g. different actions on the website. This isn't a new method at all.</p> <p>For example, a web page may display a cookie consent prompt, asking the user to either click on the Reject or Accept buttons. However, the iframe element could contain a login form that trigger's a <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/07/dashlane-password-manager-ends-free-option-here-are-your-alternatives/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">password manager</a> browser extension to autofill the credentials. This could result in the attacker obtaining the username and password from the user.</p> <p>Users won't have any idea that things have gone wrong, but this vulnerability could allow attackers to steal credit card details, personal data, login credentials including TOTP, etc.</p> <p>Marek Tóth, a security researcher from the Czech Republic, <a href="https://marektoth.com/blog/dom-based-extension-clickjacking/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">discovered a series of unpatched</a> security loopholes that hackers could exploit to run browser extension clickjacking attacks which are iframe-based and DOM-based. Websites that are vulnerable could be prone to XSS, subdomain takeover, web cache poisoning, etc. could result in theft of credentials, 2FA codes, and even passkeys.</p> <p>Data Impact</p> <ul> <li>Credit Card - credit card number, expiration date, security code</li> <li>Personal Data - name, email, phone, address, date of birth (some password managers)</li> <li>Login credentials - username, password, TOTP (2FA)</li> <li>Passkeys - signed assertion hijacking (authentication flow hijacking) = creating a new session</li> </ul> <p>The issue affected several password manager services including</p> <ul> <li>1Password</li> <li>Bitwarden</li> <li>Dashlane</li> <li>Enpass</li> <li>iCloud Passwords</li> <li>Keeper</li> <li>LastPass</li> <li>LogMeOnce</li> <li>NordPass</li> <li>ProtonPass</li> <li>RoboForm</li> </ul> <p>Despite the disclosure from Tóth and proof of concepts that are available publicly, password manager services are taking their own sweet time to fix the vulnerabilities. 1Password and LastPass reportedly marked the report as informative, but haven't fixed the exploits. Even Bitwarden reportedly took 4 months to patch them.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-209323" src="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Zero-day-Clickjacking-impacts-password-managers.jpg" alt="Zero-day Clickjacking impacts password managers" width="1200" height="526" srcset="https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Zero-day-Clickjacking-impacts-password-managers.jpg 1200w, https://www.ghacks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Zero-day-Clickjacking-impacts-password-managers-768x337.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></p> <p>Dashlane, Keeper, Nordpass, Protonpass and Roboform have fixed the issues. Cybersecurity company, <a href="https://socket.dev/blog/password-manager-clickjacking" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Socket, reports</a> that Bitwarden has shipped a fix for the clickjacking vulnerability in its version 2025.8.0 release (dated August 20). However, it may take a day or two for the update to be available in browser add-on stores.</p> <p>Users are advised to disable manual autofill in their password manager extensions In addition to this, you can set it to use only exact URL match for autofill, but it is worth noting this can still result in credit card data and personal data to be exploited. Chromium-based browsers can change the Extension settings &gt; site access &gt; "on click". Update your password manager and its browser extension to the latest version for protecting your data and credentials.</p> <p>Here is a <a href="https://community.bitwarden.com/t/should-i-be-worried-about-clickjacking/87988" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">thread on Bitwarden's community forums</a> that discusses the issues associated with clickjacking. Bitwarden recommends using alternative methods for autofill such as using the keyboard shortcut, the browser extension, or the right-click menu, or drag-and-fill.</p> <p>On a sidenote, many <a href="https://community.bitwarden.com/t/repeated-unauthorized-access-attempts-locked-out-of-account/88031" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Bitwarden users are reporting repeated unauthorized access attempts</a> into their account. There is no evidence to suggest this is related to the clickjacking. The more likely explanation is that the hackers got their hands on some leaked email and passwords, and are trying to brute force their way into things, including Bitwarden. There are also reports that 2FA was bypass on some accounts, I wonder if it has anything to the <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/07/04/hackers-steal-millions-of-authy-2fa-phone-numbers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">Authy breach</a> over the past year.</p> <p>As always, here is my recommendation for what I consider the most-secure password manager. Take a look at <a href="https://keepass.info/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">KeePass</a>, it is a free, open source, offline password manager that is available for Windows. It has plenty of forks for other operating systems. I can vouch for KeePassXC on Linux and macOS, KeePassium on iOS/iPadOS/macOS, and Keepass2Android Password Safe on Android. Even if you prefer a cloud-based password manager, I strongly recommend exporting a copy of your credentials into KeePass, it can be handy when your cloud app is offline, or in case you want to delete the cloud account.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/zero-day-clickjacking-exploit-impacts-several-password-managers/" data-wpel-link="internal">Zero-day Clickjacking exploit impacts several password managers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>

40. Sony increases PlayStation 5 prices in the U.S.

    Thu, 21 Aug 2025 08:41:56 -0000

    Sony PlayStation 5 prices have been increased in the United States. Welcome to the rest of the world, fellas! In April 2025, Sony had announced a price hike for its PS5 consoles […]

    Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Sony increases PlayStation 5 prices in the U.S. appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

    <p>Sony PlayStation 5 prices have been increased in the United States. Welcome to the rest of the world, fellas!</p> <p>In April 2025, Sony had announced a <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/04/14/sony-increases-playstation-5-price-in-europe-australia-and-new-zealand/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">price hike for its PS5 consoles</a> in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and the U.K. Microsoft followed suit a month later, when it <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/05/02/microsoft-increases-prices-for-xbox-consoles-accessories-and-new-game-releases/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">increased the price of Xbox consoles</a> worldwide. What Nintendo did, however, seemed unbelievable, it <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/04/nintendo-switch-1-price-increased-in-the-u-s-and-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-wpel-link="internal">increased the original Switch's price</a> in the U.S. and Canada in August 2025, that's eight years after the handheld launched, and almost a month after the Switch 2 was released.</p> <p>Right, let's get straight to the latest details. All PS5 models are now $50 more expensive in the U.S. That's the gist of it. Here is a brief comparison of the before/after pricing.</p> <p>Sony launched the PS5 in 2020, but the PS5 standard version received a hardware revision in 2021. The Standard PS5 with a disc drive used to be available for $499.99, but now it costs $549.99. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition carries a $499.99 price tag, up from $449.99. The PS5 Pro model, which debuted in 2024 for $699.99, now costs a whopping $749.99.</p> <p>Note: Sony had previously increased the Digital Edition price by $50 when the Slim model was released in November 2023.</p> <p>The recommended retail prices for PlayStation 5 accessories have not changed. Phew! <a href="https://blog.playstation.com/2025/08/20/playstation-5-price-changes-in-the-u-s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">Sony says</a> it had to make the difficult decision to increase the recommended retail price for PlayStation 5 consoles in the U.S., as it continues to navigate a challenging economic environment. I wonder what that refers to, wink wink!</p> <p>The new PlayStation 5 prices come into effect from today, August 21, 2025. Instead of getting price cuts, the 5-year-old console is more expensive than ever. Sony says it there are no other price changes to announce for additional markets. <a href="https://in.ign.com/playstation-5-1/235257/news/sony-playstation-digital-edition-of-the-ps5-console-sees-a-price-hike-in-india-while-disc-edition-re" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow external noreferrer" data-wpel-link="external">IGN reports</a> that the company had quietly increased the PlayStation 5 Digital Edition price in India in July. Everyone's paying premium now.</p> <p>When this "challenging economic environment" cools down, the prices of the consoles will be reduced, right? As I said before, this is not a great time to be a gamer, especially a console gamer.</p> <p>Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post <a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2025/08/21/sony-increases-playstation-5-price-in-the-u-s/" data-wpel-link="internal">Sony increases PlayStation 5 prices in the U.S.</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.ghacks.net" data-wpel-link="internal">gHacks Technology News</a>.</p>