Some features will be rolled out gradually using Controlled Feature Rollout, so not all users will see every change immediately after installing the update.

Smart App Control Changes in the April 2026 Update

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

Smart App Control, which restricts the system to running only trusted applications, previously needed a clean Windows installation to enable and could only be turned off by reinstalling Windows. The April update removes that requirement. The setting can now be accessed directly from Windows Security under App and Browser Control without any reinstallation needed.

Narrator Image Descriptions for Non-Copilot+ Devices

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

The Narrator's AI-powered image description feature was previously available only on Copilot+ PCs with a local AI model. The April update expands access by routing image analysis through Copilot, making the feature accessible on standard Windows 11 devices.

To activate the feature, users can use two keyboard shortcuts: pressing the Narrator key plus Ctrl plus D will describe the focused image, while pressing the Narrator key plus Ctrl plus S will describe the entire screen.

Settings App Changes in Windows 11 April 2026 Update

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

The Home page in Settings has been updated to improve loading performance and fix reliability issues related to downloading updates through Settings, System, and Advanced. The About page is reverting a previous change and will now restore the hardware specification cards at the top of the page. Additionally, graphics and storage details are being added to the Device info section.

In the Accounts section, users with a Microsoft 365 Family plan connected to the device will now see an upgrade prompt. This prompt can be disabled by turning off suggested content in Settings. The Other users page has received an update to the account type change dialog, aligning it more closely with the Windows 11 design language.

The Pen settings page now includes a new option called "Same as Copilot key," which lets users set the pen button to open the same application assigned to the Copilot key.

File Explorer Fixes and Improvements

(Image credit: Mauro Huculak)

File Explorer now supports Voice Typing for renaming files. The update also resolves a white flash that occurs when opening a new tab or window with This PC set as the default startup page. Additionally, it addresses a flash when resizing elements within the app and improves reliability when unlocking files downloaded from the internet for preview.

Display and Monitor Improvements

The update introduces support for displays reporting refresh rates of 1,000Hz or higher, reflecting new gaming monitors showcased at CES 2026. It also includes changes to display behavior, such as lower power states for native USB4 monitor connections during sleep, more reliable auto-rotation after waking, improved HDR performance for displays with non-compliant DisplayID 2.0 blocks, and more accurate physical size reporting for DisplayID monitors via WMI monitor APIs. The April 2026 Security Update is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

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Reddit confirmed the update in its latest changelog, explaining that the goal is to "simplify Reddit and improve Home feed personalization."

What Reddit Is Removing with r/all

r/all shows the most recent posts from across Reddit with minimal filtering, including content from subreddits a user does not subscribe to. Reddit states the feed does not include sexually explicit content, but other NSFW posts may still appear that would not show in r/popular.

Moving forward, r/popular will serve as Reddit's official option for browsing trending posts from outside your subscribed communities. It has additional filters compared to r/all. Users of old Reddit still have access to r/all through the top navigation bar.

Reddit has not explained why the deprecation does not apply to old Reddit. Old Reddit can be accessed at old.reddit.com or by enabling "Default to old Reddit" in the Preferences tab within account Settings.

Timeline of Reddit’s r/all Removal

Reddit first announced plans to remove r/all in December 2025. The company began testing the removal in January 2026, calling it an experiment at the time. During this period, desktop users were redirected as part of the same test.

In February 2026, Reddit confirmed that the experiment had ended and that r/all would be permanently deprecated. The final implementation has now been completed. Reddit has not stated whether access to r/all will be removed from old Reddit in a future update.

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VOID stands for Video Object and Interaction Deletion. Unlike typical video inpainting tools that remove objects and fill the gap with static background content, VOID also predicts how remaining objects in a scene would physically behave after the removed element is gone.

What the VOID Video Object Removal Model Does

Given a video of two vehicles colliding, VOID can remove one vehicle and generate footage showing the remaining vehicle continuing down the road, with post-impact debris, smoke, and fire replaced with an undisturbed road surface.

In another example from the paper, removing a person jumping into a pool results in a video where the pool surface appears untouched, with no splash in the water or on the ground nearby. The model takes both the video and a language description of the object to remove as input, making it a vision-language system rather than purely visual.

How VOID Compares to Other Tools and Where You Can Use It

Netflix researchers compared VOID to several existing tools, including Runway, Generative Omnimatte, DiffuEraser, ROSE, MiniMax-Remover, and ProPainter. In a survey with 25 participants across multiple scenarios, VOID was preferred 64.8 percent of the time, with Runway coming in second at 18.4 percent.

The authors mention in the preprint that "VOID excels at modeling complex dynamics which can follow on from object removal." These are the researchers' own descriptions, and the paper has not yet undergone peer review.

VOID is available on Hugging Face. Netflix has not announced any plans to incorporate the model into existing products or pipelines. The preprint paper is authored by Saman Motamed, William Harvey, Benjamin Klein, Zhuoning Yuan, and Ta-Ying Cheng from Netflix, along with Luc Van Gool from Sofia University.

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The script is loaded from a file with a randomized filename and detects extensions by attempting to access static file resources associated with specific extension IDs, a technique known for browser fingerprinting. Previously, the same script was identified in 2025 when it was scanning for around 2,000 extensions. A GitHub repository from two months ago listed 3,000 extensions. Currently, the script detects 6,236 extensions.

Data Collected by LinkedIn’s Fingerprinting Script

Beyond simply detecting extensions, the script collects various browser and device data, such as CPU core count, available memory, screen resolution, timezone, language settings, battery status, audio details, and storage features.

The extensions identified include tools that directly compete with LinkedIn's own sales products, like Apollo, Lusha, and ZoomInfo, as well as grammar and language tools, tax software, and other categories that seem unrelated to LinkedIn's platform.

LinkedIn’s Explanation for the Extension Scanning

LinkedIn confirms that extension scanning is taking place. In a statement to BleepingComputer, the company explained that this detection is used to identify extensions that scrape member data without permission or break LinkedIn's Terms of Service, as well as to monitor unusual data-fetching activity that could impact platform stability.

"We do not use this data to infer sensitive information about members," LinkedIn stated.

The company also links the BrowserGate report to a developer behind a LinkedIn-related browser extension called Teamfluence, whose account was restricted for violating terms of service, including scraping. A German court rejected the developer's request for a preliminary injunction, ruling that LinkedIn's actions did not constitute unlawful obstruction. LinkedIn describes the report as an attempt to reopen that dispute publicly.

Unverified Claims and Open Questions

BleepingComputer states it could not independently verify the claims in the report regarding how the collected data is used or whether it is shared with third parties. The connection between extension detection results and LinkedIn enforcement actions described in the Fairlinked report has not been verified.

Browser fingerprinting of this kind has been used by other companies in the past. In 2021, eBay was found to run JavaScript port scans on visitors' devices. Later reports identified the same script in use at Citibank, TD Bank, Equifax, and several other organizations.

LinkedIn has not disclosed how long the extension scanning script has been active, how the collected data is stored, or what retention policies apply.

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These are separate from the content visible to users. AdGuard estimates that blocking a single primary ad-related request can prevent an average of 4.17 additional background requests. This highlights how quickly tracker-related traffic can grow behind a single page load.

Regional Trends in Ad Tracker Traffic

North and Central America saw increases in most countries covered by the dataset. The United States rose from 6.61 percent to 10.25 percent, while Mexico increased from 7.49 percent to 11.61 percent.

South America experienced steady growth, with several countries moving from mid-single-digit percentages into double digits. Peru grew from 6.60 percent to 12.51 percent, and Colombia and Ecuador also reached above 10 percent.

Europe showed an uneven pattern. Eastern and Southeastern countries saw faster growth, with Belarus increasing from 7.61 percent to 13.20 percent, and Greece and Serbia also entering double digits. Western and Northern Europe showed slower growth overall, with Germany and the Netherlands posting lower figures compared to much of Eastern Europe. Countries like Spain, Italy, and France experienced moderate increases.

Asia delivered mixed results. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia entered double digits, while India declined slightly from 12.48 percent to 11.12 percent, remaining among the higher-volume markets.

Africa recorded some of the largest increases. South Africa rose from 7.80 percent to 13.69 percent, while Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco also entered double-digit territory.

What AdGuard’s 2025 Data Shows

AdGuard describes the pattern observed across various regions as a steady increase rather than isolated spikes in specific markets. The report does not clarify what caused the rise, and AdGuard has not pinpointed which ad networks or tracking systems are responsible for most of the growth.

The full report is available on AdGuard's website.

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"I have two Microsoft Outlooks, and neither one of those are working," the astronaut told controllers. This communication followed an earlier request for help with network connectivity, which included troubleshooting steps such as restarting the device.

Two Versions of Outlook: A Familiar Windows Problem

The presence of two separate Outlook installations on a single device is a situation many Windows users are familiar with. Microsoft has kept parallel versions of Outlook for years, offering both Outlook (Classic) and Outlook (New) on Windows systems. The company has repeatedly extended the deadline for retiring the classic version, most recently pushing the cut-off to 2027.

The cause of the connectivity or application failure on Orion has not been disclosed by NASA or Microsoft. The issue is not expected to impact the Artemis II mission, and remote tools available to ground teams allow for software troubleshooting in orbit without needing crew intervention.

Microsoft has not issued any comments on the report.

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Additionally, OpenAI has reduced the annual price of standard ChatGPT Business seats from $25 to $20 per seat per month. This option provides broader ChatGPT access alongside Codex for teams that need it.

How Pay-As-You-Go Codex-Only Seats Work

Codex-only seats offer full access to Codex without a fixed monthly fee per seat. Instead, teams are billed based on token consumption, which creates a direct link between usage and cost. OpenAI explains that the model is designed to help users track spending more easily across specific workflows, budgets, and teams.

For organizations that require broader ChatGPT functionality alongside Codex, standard ChatGPT Business seats remain available. These include access to Codex but are subject to usage limits.

Introductory Credit Terms for Codex-Only Seats

Eligible ChatGPT Business workspaces can receive $100 in credits for each new Codex-only team member added, up to a maximum of $500 per team. The offer is available for a limited time and applies to both existing workspaces, adding Codex-only seats, and newly created ChatGPT Business workspaces. OpenAI has not announced an end date for the credit promotion.

Codex Usage and Adoption in ChatGPT Business and Enterprise

OpenAI reports that more than 2 million developers use Codex weekly, and the number of Codex users within ChatGPT Business and Enterprise workspaces has increased sixfold since January 2026. The company also states that over 9 million paying business users depend on ChatGPT for their work.

These figures are based on OpenAI's own statements and have not been independently verified. Codex can be accessed via the Codex app for macOS and Windows. OpenAI has not specified a minimum team size for Codex-only seat eligibility or shared the per-token pricing rate for usage-based billing.

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The storage upgrade applies only to Google AI Pro. Standard Google One plans are unaffected and continue to offer their existing storage tiers.

What’s Included in the 5TB Google AI Pro Storage Pool

The 5TB storage pool is shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos backups, similar to how storage is allocated for other Google One tiers. No new storage categories or restrictions have been introduced with the increase.

Google has not changed the pricing for the AI Pro plan. The next storage tier above AI Pro is 10TB, which costs $49.99 per month.

Which Google Plans Are Affected by the AI Pro Storage Increase

The upgrade is automatic for existing Google AI Pro subscribers, and no action is needed on their part. Google notes that it may take a few hours or up to a day for the changes to appear in account settings. Users on standard Google One plans, including the 100GB tier priced at $2 per month and higher tiers, will not see any storage increase.

Google has not announced any changes to those plans. Google AI Ultra, which costs $250 per month and already offers 30TB of storage, remains unaffected by this update. The company has not specified whether there are plans for additional storage increases for the AI Pro tier or when the rollout will be completed across all regions.

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What the Android 17 Strings Reveal About Notification Rules

Based on the identified strings, Notification rules let users set conditions linked to specific apps or contacts and choose from several actions: Silence, block, silence and bundle, highlight, and Alert.

The feature seems to support rules for both app notifications and individual contacts, including calls and text messages.

Practical Use Cases And Notification Rules Availability

The available actions indicate that the feature is designed to manage high-volume notification sources without completely turning them off. For example, a rule could mute and group all messages from a busy chat, while another rule using Highlight and Alert could ensure messages from a specific contact always get through. This functionality overlaps with third-party apps like BuzzKill, which already provide rule-based notification filtering on Android.

Google has not confirmed Notification rules as a planned feature for Android 17. Strings related to this feature were also found in a leaked build of One UI 9, suggesting Samsung is working to add it to its interface layer.

Because the feature is missing from the current beta, even though Android 17 has reached Platform Stability, it might be included in a quarterly platform update after the initial release later this year. No official release date has been announced.

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Opera Neon was launched late last year as the company's AI-focused browser. The MCP Connector expands on an earlier internal automation feature called Browser Operator, which allowed the browser to carry out tasks based on user instructions. This capability is now available to third-party AI clients.

How Opera Neon’s MCP Connector Lets AI Tools Control Your Browser

AI clients supporting the Model Context Protocol can, once connected, perform various actions within an active Opera Neon session:

• Navigate websites, gather information from pages
• Capture screenshots
• Open new tabs
• Run searches
• Fill out forms.

At launch, supported tools include ChatGPT, Claude, Lovable, OpenClaw, and n8n, along with other MCP-compatible clients.

Authentication is managed through a secure MCP server address. Only AI clients that pass the authentication process are allowed to connect to a browser session. A proxy layer ensures connection stability and provides a status message if the browser becomes unavailable during an active session.

Opera has not released details on what permissions a user must grant before an AI client can start interacting with an open session or whether individual actions need confirmation.

Who Can You Use the MCP Connector and What Does It Cost

The MCP Connector is now available to Opera Neon subscribers. Opera Neon costs starting at $19.90 per month. A simpler version of the MCP Connector is in development for Opera One and Opera GX, but Opera has not announced a timeline for its release.

Opera states that initial users of the feature are expected to include developers, automation users, and those working on coding and prototyping workflows. The company has not specified which MCP client versions or protocol revisions are compatible.

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AI Ultra costs $250 per month. Currently, AI Inbox is only available to that tier in the US. Google has not announced when or if the feature will be available to lower-tier plans.

What Gmail’s New AI Inbox Does

AI Inbox introduces a new space within Gmail that provides a personalized briefing based on the contents of your inbox. Google explains that the feature automatically highlights emails related to upcoming bills, appointments, and messages from frequently contacted contacts.

These items are separated from the regular inbox and shown as priority items. The feature does not replace Gmail's existing layout but overlays a Gemini-powered layer for users on the qualifying plan.

How Much AI Inbox Cost and Where Is It Available

Google AI Ultra costs around $250 a month. The plan includes access to AI Inbox, higher Gemini usage limits, and Google's most advanced Gemini models. It also offers 30TB of shared cloud storage across Drive and Photos, YouTube Premium, and Google Home Premium Advanced. The $20 per month Google AI Pro plan does not currently include AI Inbox. Google has not announced when the feature might be available to AI Pro subscribers or free Gmail users, but it is expected that access will be expanded over time.

AI Inbox is now launching for AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. Google has not announced a rollout schedule for other regions or for users on lower subscription tiers.

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KB5079391 was originally released on March 26 with 29 changes, including Smart App Control and display improvements. Users quickly began reporting error code 0x80073712, which indicated missing or corrupted update files. Microsoft pulled the update within a few days of the initial rollout after confirming the installation issues.

What the KB5086672 Emergency Update Delivers and How To Get It

Microsoft states that KB5086672 replaces all earlier updates and includes the protections and improvements from both the March 2026 Windows security and non-security preview updates, as well as the fix for the installation error. Users who were unable to install KB5079391 should find all of its changes included in this new update.

Devices with the setting "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" enabled in Windows Update may receive the KB5086672 update automatically. If that setting isn't active, users can install the update manually: open Settings, go to Windows Update, and select Download and install.

Why Windows 11 Needed Another Out-of-Band Fix This Month

KB5086672 is the third out-of-band update Microsoft has released in a short span. Less than a week before this update, Microsoft released a separate emergency update to fix a sign-in issue caused by the March 2026 Patch Tuesday security patches, which broke Microsoft account authentication across Teams, OneDrive, Edge, and Microsoft 365 Copilot.

Microsoft has also issued two additional out-of-band updates, targeting Windows 11 Enterprise devices with hotpatch support. These updates address a Bluetooth device visibility bug and security vulnerabilities in the Routing and Remote Access Service management tool. Additionally, Microsoft published guidance for a C:\ drive access problem affecting Samsung laptops caused by buggy versions of the Samsung Galaxy Connect and Samsung Continuity Service apps.

The company has not commented on how often out-of-band updates are released or whether it plans to change its update testing procedures.

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Apple states in the changelog that the update is available for more devices as of April 1, 2026, so users with Automatic Updates turned on can receive important security protections from web attacks known as DarkSword.

Apple Expands iOS 18.7.7 DarkSword Patches to More Devices

DarkSword is an exploit kit that targets iPhones running iOS versions 18.4 through 18.7. It was disclosed in March 2026 by researchers from Lookout, iVerify, and Google Threat Intelligence. The kit leverages six vulnerabilities, CVE-2025-31277, CVE-2025-43529, CVE-2026-20700, CVE-2025-14174, CVE-2025-43510, and CVE-2025-43520.

Unlike most iOS exploit kits, which have mostly been used in highly targeted spyware campaigns, DarkSword has seen broader deployment. Confirmed users include the Turkish commercial surveillance company PARS Defense, a threat actor known as UNC6748, and a suspected Russian espionage group identified as UNC6353.

Researchers have observed three malware families associated with DarkSword attacks. These include GhostBlade, an aggressive JavaScript-based infostealer; GhostKnife, a backdoor; and GhostSaber, a JavaScript malware capable of executing code and stealing data.

The threat landscape expanded further last month when a researcher published details of the DarkSword exploit kit on GitHub. This act made it accessible to additional threat actors targeting devices that have not been patched.

What DarkSword Is and How It’s Being Used in Attacks

Apple started patching DarkSword vulnerabilities gradually from iOS 18.6 onward. By late 2025, Apple had stopped providing iOS 18 updates to devices capable of running iOS 26. As a result, newer hardware still operating on iOS 18 no longer received DarkSword patches released in 2026.

Before today's update, iOS 18.7.6 was only available for iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR. With iOS 18.7.7, support has been expanded to a much larger range of devices.

Devices Now Eligible for the iOS 18.7.7 Update

The following devices are now compatible with iOS 18.7.7: iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, all models of the iPhone 11, second-generation iPhone SE, all models of the iPhone 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16, as well as the 16e.

Additionally, support has been extended to the iPad mini fifth generation, iPad seventh generation, iPad Air third through fifth generations, iPad Air 11-inch models with M2 and M3 chips, 13-inch iPad Air with M2 and M3, and iPad Pro 11-inch versions from the first generation through M4. The list also includes iPad Pro 12.9-inch models from the third through sixth generations and the 13-inch iPad Pro M4.

How to Update to iOS 18.7.7 for DarkSword Protection

Devices with Automatic Updates enabled will get iOS 18.7.7 automatically, without any manual steps. Users who have automatic updates turned off can manually install the update by opening Settings, then tapping General, and finally selecting Software Update.

Apple mentions that the fixes related to DarkSword were first released in 2025. Users on iOS 18 who haven't installed incremental updates may receive multiple vulnerability patches with this one update.

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Maciek Gornicki, senior research manager for Devices Research at IDC Asia-Pacific, explained that "strong demand driven by AI infrastructure is creating significant constraints in the global supply of DRAM and NAND. Memory manufacturers are shifting capacity from consumer electronics to meet the growing needs of data centers."

Why Asia-Pacific PC Shipments Spike In 2025 And Drop In 2026

The 2025 growth estimate of 11.6% was driven by several factors: the replacement of aging devices, the end-of-support deadline for Windows 10 in October 2025, and large-scale education deployments across the region. These one-time demands are not expected to recur in 2026.

With that refresh cycle mostly finished, underlying demand has slowed down. At the same time, component shortages and rising memory prices are adding to the slowdown on the supply side.

How AI Data Centers Are Squeezing Consumer DRAM And NAND Supply

Memory manufacturers are shifting production capacity toward data center customers, where DRAM yields higher margins than consumer PC components. This shift is reducing the supply of memory available for PC builds, leading to tighter markets and higher component prices across the board.

According to IDC, PC vendors will likely respond by focusing on higher-average-selling-price markets to protect their margins. Emerging markets in Southeast Asia are most vulnerable to the combined effects of supply shortages and price increases, as they depend more heavily on lower-cost devices and have consumers who are more price-sensitive.

What DRAM Shortages Mean For PC Buyers in the Asia-Pacific

Rising DRAM prices are impacting both system builders sourcing components and consumers buying pre-built systems. IDC expects shortages to push prices higher and decrease overall demand through 2026. No specific timeline has been given for when memory supply constraints might ease.

In January 2026, IDC noted that the PC market was likely to face challenges throughout the year. The Asia-Pacific region's outlook aligns with that earlier assessment.

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The rollout is happening gradually, as explained in a Samsung blog post published today. To use blood pressure monitoring, the watch must be running WatchOS 4.0 or later, and the paired smartphone must be running Android OS 12 or later.

Arm Cuff Calibration For Galaxy Watch Blood Pressure Monitoring

The feature does not work on its own. Users need to own a traditional upper-arm blood pressure cuff to calibrate the watch's sensors. Samsung explains that calibration is needed during initial setup and then every 28 days. The first calibration must be done through the Samsung Health Monitor app.

The watch uses readings from the cuff to establish a baseline for its internal sensors. Without a compatible cuff and completed calibration, blood pressure tracking on the watch is not possible, regardless of the model or software version.

Passive Monitoring Plans And Supported Galaxy Watch Models

Once calibrated, you can take blood pressure readings directly from the watch. To do this:

1. Go to the Home screen, swipe left to the Blood Pressure widget, and tap Measure.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions and tap OK.
3. Sit still and avoid talking while the watch measures your blood pressure, then tap Done.

Samsung has announced plans to release a passive blood pressure monitoring tool later this year. The device is designed to display blood pressure trends over time without requiring manual readings. No specific release date has been provided by Samsung.

The compatible models include the Galaxy Watch 4 and all subsequent Galaxy Watch models running WatchOS 4.0 or later. Samsung has not specified which upper-arm cuff models can be calibrated with the device or whether third-party cuffs are supported alongside Samsung's own hardware.

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Proton explains that Meet was developed in response to demand for EU-based conferencing options that make it easier to comply with GDPR and the California Consumer Privacy Act. The service also addresses concerns related to complications introduced by the US Cloud Act.

Encryption Architecture In Proton Meet

Proton Meet uses Messaging Layer Security (MLS), an open source end-to-end encryption protocol designed for real-time group communication that has been independently reviewed. All media and chat are encrypted on the client side, meaning Proton says it cannot access or process any unencrypted data from calls.

The service is built on WebRTC with Selective Forwarding Units managing media relays to participants. Each meeting link includes an ID and a password stored locally on the client, with participant authentication handled via the Secure Remote Password protocol, which Proton has used across its other services for the past ten years.

MLS creates a cryptographic group with a shared epoch key that changes each time a participant joins or leaves. New members cannot read previous messages, and those who have left cannot access future messages. Participant names are encrypted end-to-end, and email addresses and IP addresses are not shared between participants. Proton states it does not keep records of who attended a meeting.

In case of a server compromise, Proton states that stored databases only contain meeting IDs, and call traffic cannot be read or tampered with.

Practical Security Considerations, Features, and Integrations

The main point of vulnerability is the meeting link itself. If the link is shared with someone who shouldn't have it, that person could join the call. Proton suggests addressing this by locking the meeting once all expected participants are present, removing any unrecognized attendees, or rotating the link.

Meet functions by generating a shareable conference link that requires no installation for participants. The service integrates with Proton Calendar and allows adding scheduled meetings to Google Calendar and Microsoft Outlook. Proton has not announced a timeline for additional features or capacity tiers beyond the current free and pro plans.

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However, it has not been available to US users until now. Google has confirmed the update in an updated support document, stating that users can change the email address associated with their Google Account to a new one ending in @gmail.com.

What Changes With Gmail Username Updates

The change affects the username part of the email address, which is the characters before @gmail.com. This is different from Gmail's existing alias system, which has always permitted alternative addresses without changing the primary sign-in email.

Once a username change is made, the new address applies across Google's services, including Gmail, Photos, and Drive. The old address remains unchanged and is not reassigned to a new account. It remains linked to the existing account after the change.

How To Change Your Gmail Username

1. Open your Google Account settings.
2. Choose the option to change your Google email address.
3. Enter your preferred new username.
4. Click Change email, then confirm by selecting Yes, change email.

Remember, the new username must be unique and not already in use by another Google account. Standard username availability rules apply.

What Happens To Your Old Address And Current Availability

Google states that the original Gmail address is neither deleted nor reassigned to other users. Instead, it remains linked to the same account and cannot be claimed by someone else. The address continues to identify the account internally.

Google has not clarified whether emails sent to the old address will still be delivered after the change.

The feature is currently being rolled out in the United States and hasn't been confirmed for availability in other regions. Google hasn't clarified if or when the update will expand internationally. Users who don't see the option in their account settings are likely in an unsupported region or haven't received the rollout yet.

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The update applies to Windows 11 versions 25H2, 24H2, and 26H1.

According to a post by Blur Busters, which was the first to identify support for 5,000Hz refresh rates, the site's founder Mark Rehjon helped convince Microsoft to raise the maximum refresh rate to that level. Microsoft's update notes simply mention support for "refresh rates above 1,000Hz" without specifying an upper limit.

Display And UI Changes In Windows 11 Update KB5079391

In addition to supporting higher refresh rates, the update brings several other changes related to display performance: It improves auto-rotation and HDR reliability, and enhances power efficiency for monitors connected via USB4

The update also introduces detailed image descriptions for Copilot and Copilot+ PCs when using Narrator. Additionally, the design of dialog boxes in the Accounts settings menu has been adjusted in the Other section.

Why Windows 11 Now Supports Up To 5,000Hz Refresh Rates

At CES 2026, Acer, AOC and Philips each revealed gaming monitors with 1,000Hz refresh rates that run at HD (720p) resolution. Blur Busters reports that several manufacturers plan to introduce 2,000Hz display panels by 2030. This suggests that the 5,000Hz limit in Windows 11 is meant to leave room for hardware advancements in the coming years.

Previous versions of Windows did not support refresh rates higher than 1,000Hz. Supporting these newer displays would require a future update to the operating system.

KB5079391 Installation Issues And Future Rollout

Microsoft pulled KB5079391 on March 27, just one day after its release, due to undisclosed installation failures. The company has not announced when a revised version will be available. Users who did not install the update before it was withdrawn will receive the included changes when Microsoft reissues it.

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However, users in the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area are not included in the rollout. The update was announced by Maryam Sanglaji, Group Product Manager for the Gemini app, in a blog post published by Google.

Memory And Chat History Import In Gemini

The first tool manages preference and memory transfer. Instead of manually re-entering personal context into Gemini, users copy a prompt provided by Google, paste it into their existing AI assistant, and then paste the summary back into Gemini's settings.

The summary includes established preferences such as writing style, interests, and personal details that the user previously shared with the other assistant.

How To Export ChatGPT And Claude Data To Gemini

The second tool enables users to upload a ZIP file containing their conversation history from another provider. Gemini allows up to five ZIP files per day, with a maximum size of 5GB each.

Once uploaded, these conversations become searchable within the Gemini interface. Google will also rename the existing "past chats" sidebar to "memory" over the next few weeks to better reflect the broader integration of imported personal context.

Gemini Import Tools Availability And Regional Limits

To use the import tools, users need to request a data export from their current provider.

For ChatGPT, open Settings, go to Data controls, and choose Export data.

For Claude, open Settings, navigate to Privacy, and select Export data.

The exported data is sent by email as a ZIP file. Processing times vary by provider and may take several days before the file is ready to download and upload to Gemini.

The switch tools can be accessed through the Settings menu in Gemini on both free and paid consumer accounts. The rollout is global, except for the UK, Switzerland, and all countries within the European Economic Area, where the tools are not yet available. Google has not provided a timeline for when they will be expanded to those regions.

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Currently, the rollout is live in the United States and covers over 15 EV brands. Google has not specified which brands are included or provided a timeline for when support will be extended to additional vehicles.

What The New EV Battery Feature Does On Android Auto

Once a vehicle is added to Google Maps, the app shows estimated battery usage for a planned route. Users can input their current charge level to get suggested charging stops along the way, an estimated battery level at the destination, and an adjusted arrival time that accounts for charging time.

Google explains that the feature suggests "when and where to charge based on your EV model and battery level." These recommendations are generated directly within Google Maps, eliminating the need for a separate EV or charging network app.

How To Turn It On And Where It’s Available

To enable the feature, you need to add a vehicle to Google Maps before it becomes available on Android Auto. Here's how to set it up:

1. Open Google Maps on your phone
2. Tap your profile picture or initial
3. Then navigate to Settings and select Your vehicles.
4. Under Engine type, choose Electric.
5. Tap Add vehicle under Vehicle, then enter the make, model, year, and trim.
6. Verify the charging plug types listed under Your plugs.
7. Finally, save the settings.

Once configured, battery predictions and charging suggestions will automatically appear when you enter a destination.

The update is currently rolling out to Android Auto users in the United States. Google has indicated that support for additional vehicles will be available soon, but has not provided specific details on the models, brands, or a timeline for wider availability.

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The security measure seems to be aimed at ClickFix attacks, a form of social engineering where users are convinced to paste malicious commands into Terminal, often under the false pretense of fixing an issue or verifying something. Since the user has to manually paste the commands, standard security protections are often bypassed.

How The macOS Tahoe 26.4 Terminal Paste Warning Works

When a user copies a command from Safari and pastes it into Terminal on macOS Tahoe 26.4, the system delays execution and shows an alert. The warning informs users that the command hasn't run yet and warns that scammers often distribute malicious instructions via websites and other channels.

Users have two choices: cancel the paste if they don't trust the source or aren't sure about the command, or proceed with execution if they recognize and intend to run the command. Apple advises against continuing unless the user understands what the command will do.

According to user testing reported on Reddit, the warning appears only once per Terminal session. In one test, pasting known destructive commands such as those used in malicious activities did not trigger additional alerts after the first warning was dismissed. Another user noted that pasting harmless commands did not trigger the warning, indicating some form of command analysis takes place, although Apple has not clarified how the detection works.

Scope And Limits Of The New Terminal Paste Protection

Apple has not released a support document explaining how its warning system works, including what detection criteria it uses or which command patterns trigger alerts. It is also unclear whether the interception applies to commands pasted from sources other than Safari or if Terminal sessions started through scripts or automation are checked in the same way.

Since the detection method remains undisclosed, users should not rely solely on the warning for protection against ClickFix attacks. Commands from untrusted websites, emails, or support chats should not be executed, regardless of whether an alert appears. BleepingComputer has reached out to Apple for clarification, but as of now, the company has not responded publicly to questions about this feature.

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Jurors concluded that both companies acted negligently and did not warn users about the risks of long-term platform use. They also determined that certain design features, such as recommendation systems, push notifications, and auto-play options, played a role in the mental health issues the plaintiff reported.

Damages Awarded In The Meta And Google Social Media Addiction Case

The jury awarded three million dollars in compensatory damages and supported additional punitive damages. Responsibility was shared between the two companies, with Meta receiving the larger portion. The final amounts for punitive damages have not been confirmed in the source material.

In a separate case, a jury in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay 375 million dollars after finding violations related to child safety protections. Mark Zuckerberg testified during the Los Angeles proceedings, and internal company documents were presented as evidence.

Legal Arguments From Both Sides In The Los Angeles Trial

The plaintiff's legal team argued that the platforms were designed to promote compulsive use, which made it difficult for younger users to disconnect. Kaley shared her experience of developing body dysmorphia, depression, and suicidal thoughts after years of nearly constant use of both platforms.

Lawyers representing Meta and Google countered, saying that the plaintiff's mental health issues were more related to her personal circumstances than to platform use. They also questioned the classification of social media addiction as an officially recognized medical condition.

Broader Legal Context And What The Verdict Could Mean Next

The case is part of a broader legal strategy focused on how platforms are designed, rather than on what users post. This approach appears to circumvent legal protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally shields platforms from liability for third-party content.

Hundreds of similar cases are pending throughout the United States, filed by parents, school districts, and state officials. Some earlier cases involving TikTok and Snap were settled before this trial finished.

The verdict in Los Angeles could influence how courts in other ongoing cases view the connection between platform design choices and user harm. Meta and Google have not yet stated whether they plan to appeal the ruling.

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What Has Changed In Gemini 3.1 Flash Live

Google states that the new model provides faster responses during live voice sessions and can maintain conversational context for twice as long as the previous version. The extended context window is designed to keep longer sessions coherent without losing track of earlier parts of the conversation.

The model also adds acoustic awareness, meaning it can detect changes in a user's pitch and pace during a conversation. According to Google, this allows Gemini Live to recognize when a user seems frustrated or confused and adjust its tone accordingly.

Google notes that the update specifically addresses situations where the previous model struggled to keep up, such as when users hesitated, stuttered, or tried to interrupt an ongoing response. No technical details about how interruption handling has been re-engineered have been provided.

Search Live Expansion And Gemini 3.1 Flash Live Availability

Alongside the model update, Google is expanding Search Live to over 200 countries and territories this week. The expansion is made possible by the multilingual design of the 3.1 Flash Live model, which Google says enables real-time multimodal conversations in a user's preferred language without needing a separate localized version.

Google has not clarified which languages are supported at launch or whether all markets will have full feature parity from day one.

Gemini 3.1 Flash Live is currently rolling out. Google has not provided a timeline for when the rollout will be completed across all regions and platforms.

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Audio from YouTube continues to play while the screen stays static, similar to how audio streaming apps like YouTube Music and Spotify operate.

What The YouTube Android Auto Integration Does And Does Not Support

On Android Auto, YouTube functions as an audio-only streaming service. The app plays audio from videos but does not display any visual content on the car's screen. Its interface lacks content browsing options, so users cannot search or navigate YouTube's library directly within Android Auto.

The skip button moves to the next video instead of allowing seeking within the current one. There is no way to scrub through videos or use chapters.

Practical use cases are mainly limited to audio content such as podcasts, news streams, and music. Any video content, regardless of source format, shows no visual output.

YouTube Premium Requirement And Safety Limits On Android Auto

Using YouTube on Android Auto requires background playback, which is not available on free YouTube accounts. To use the integration, a paid subscription is necessary.

The most affordable option that offers background playback is YouTube Premium Lite, currently priced at $7.99 per month in the United States. A full YouTube Premium subscription costs $13.99 per month and provides additional features like ad-free playback and offline downloads. The standard free tier does not support Android Auto integration.

Android Auto is designed with interface restrictions to reduce visual distraction while driving. When the vehicle is in use, video playback is disabled across all apps on Android Auto, aligning with how other media apps function on the platform.

YouTube's audio-only mode follows the same safety measures applied throughout Android Auto. Google has not announced plans to add features like video playback while parked or content browsing in a future update.

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The requirement to use a Microsoft account was introduced with Windows 11 version 22H2 in 2023, affecting both Home and Pro editions. Before that update, Windows could be installed using a local account without an internet connection.

How The Windows 11 Microsoft Account Requirement Works Today

Under the current setup process, users installing or configuring Windows 11 Home or Pro must sign in to a Microsoft account before they can complete setup. Creating a local account is not available during the standard installation. While workarounds exist, they involve additional steps that Microsoft does not highlight for users.

Hanselman's public response came after discussions among users and the press about this requirement. His team is one of several at Microsoft working on the broader Windows 11 quality initiative recently announced by the company, which focuses on improving performance, reliability, and user experience. The mandatory account requirement was not part of that announcement.

Internal Debate At Microsoft Over The Forced Account Requirement

According to reports from Windows Central, some inside Microsoft are pushing to eliminate the forced account requirement. Several teams within the company benefit from users being linked to Microsoft accounts, which makes it more difficult to restore the option to use local accounts.

Hanselman's comment does not indicate a firm commitment to change. Microsoft has not officially announced whether the requirement will be altered, and the Windows 11 quality initiative documentation does not mention any changes regarding account setup.

Current Workarounds To Use A Local Account In Windows 11

Users who want to set up Windows 11 without using a Microsoft account currently have some options, but none are officially supported through the standard setup process. The open source tool Rufus can create Windows 11 installation media that bypasses the account requirement. There are also manual workarounds that involve specific inputs during setup, although Microsoft has previously closed some of these methods with updates.

Microsoft has not confirmed whether future Windows 11 builds will reintroduce the option to set up a local account or clarify which setup paths might be affected if policies change.

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Apple Business App Replaces Three Existing Tools

The Apple Business app combines three existing platforms: Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. Employees working with the Apple Business platform will be able to install work apps, view contact information for colleagues, and request IT support all within a single app.

Apple has confirmed the launch date as April 14. The app requires iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and macOS 26.

Standalone Siri App With Chatbot Functionality Expected In 2026

Apple has not officially announced a Siri app. Recent reports suggest that the company is testing a standalone version of Siri that lets users interact via text and voice, with access to a history of previous conversations. The functionality is said to be similar to OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini app.

The app is expected to require iOS 27, iPadOS 27, and macOS 27, indicating it may be released later in 2026 alongside Apple's next major software update cycle. Apple has not confirmed the existence of the app, its features, or a release date.

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What Codex Plugins Do And How They Work

Codex already supported skills, which are named, predefined instruction sets that work like batch commands. Plugins build on that by combining skills, app connectors, and resource configurations into a single installable package that can be shared within teams or published publicly.

OpenAI explains the typical use cases: skills are useful for working on a single repository or personal workflow, while plugins are suited for making the same functions available across multiple projects or team members, especially when a stable, versioned package is needed.

OpenAI states that users can install the workflow they need instead of manually integrating separate capabilities and tools.

Available Codex Plugin Integrations And Directory Plans

OpenAI states that more than 20 plugins are currently available in the Codex app, CLI, and VS Code extension. These include integrations with Figma, Notion, Gmail, Google Drive, and Slack. A dedicated Plugin Directory is expected to be launched soon. OpenAI has not clarified whether this will be separate from the existing ChatGPT apps directory or integrated into it.

The company’s announcement describes the Plugin Directory as a discovery feature within the Codex app, but it does not appear to be fully accessible in the current release. A Skills section is available, but plugin-specific discovery and browsing features have not been confirmed as live across all installations. OpenAI has not provided a timeline for when the directory will be fully operational.

Codex Plugins In Context: Codex Versus Claude Code

Claude Code has become a popular tool among developers for its agentic coding capabilities, and Anthropic has also introduced similar workflow-packaging features called plugins. OpenAI's adoption of the same concept for Codex appears to be a direct response to this trend.

Codex is available starting at $200 per month. Claude Code can be accessed through Anthropic's Max plan for $100 per month. OpenAI has not announced any pricing changes alongside the plugin update. Additionally, OpenAI has not provided a timeline for when the official Plugin Directory will be open for external submissions.

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Price hikes are also being implemented in Japan, the UK, and Europe. In the UK, each model will increase by £90. Sony stated in a blog post, "We know that price changes impact our community, and after careful evaluation, we believe this step is necessary to continue delivering innovative, high-quality gaming experiences worldwide."

What Is Driving The PS5 Price Increases

Sony attributes the recent price increase to pressures in the global economic landscape. Memory chips are a key factor, with prices rising sharply as manufacturers focus on supplying AI data centers. This has resulted in consumer electronics companies competing for limited stock at higher costs.

Piers Harding-Rolls, research director of games at Ampere Analysis, told CNBC that the price hikes were unavoidable. "It is likely that Sony had price protections for its components for a set period and this may well have come to an end," he explained. "With no sign of prices easing, Sony will have moved to protect its narrow hardware margins."

This is the second time in less than a year that the PS5 price has increased. The previous hike occurred amid ongoing inflation and uncertainty over US tariffs.

What The PS5 Price Hike Means For Competing Platforms

Harding-Rolls noted that Microsoft "Xbox" and Nintendo might follow with their own price increases. Nintendo has kept the Switch 2's price stable since its launch last year, but Harding-Rolls pointed out that raising prices on a recently launched platform could be challenging for the company. Meanwhile, Microsoft has not made any comment on Xbox pricing.

There is also the potential for increased component costs. Harding-Rolls mentioned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could lead to further inflation that might impact hardware supply chains.

Sony has not announced whether further price adjustments will occur or how long current pricing will remain in place.

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The change was announced by Thariq Shihipar, a member of Anthropic's technical team, in a social media post. "To manage the increasing demand for Claude, we're adjusting our five-hour session limits for free, Pro, and Max subscriptions during peak hours. Your weekly limits are unaffected," Shihipar explained.

How The Adjusted Claude Session Limits Work

Anthropic adjusts session limits based on token usage rather than clock time. During peak hours, the token cost for each session is higher, which means a five-hour allowance can be used up more quickly than five hours of actual activity.

Peak hours are defined as 05:00 to 11:00 PT (13:00 to 19:00 GMT). Outside these times, a five-hour session allowance functions as before, covering five hours of access. Anthropic has increased capacity during off-peak hours to compensate for this change, keeping the total weekly limits unchanged.

According to Shihipar, about 7 percent of users will encounter session limits that they would not have reached under the previous system. Users subscribed to the Pro tier are most likely to be affected.

Those running token-heavy background tasks can reduce the impact by shifting those workloads to off-peak hours.

The adjustment applies to subscribers of Free, Pro at $20 a month, Max 5x at $100 a month, and Max 20x at $200 a month. API customers are billed according to the published per-token rates and are not affected by the same session limit structure.

Why Claude Session Limits Remain Unpublished

Anthropic does not disclose the exact token counts that correspond to its session limits. The company's documentation mentions that usage depends on factors like conversation length and complexity, features used, and the Claude model chosen, but it does not specify explicit thresholds. As a result, subscribers cannot predict in advance how many interactions their session allowance will cover.

Users can track their consumption through a dashboard that displays their progress toward a five-hour daily session limit and a weekly usage cap. If a limit is exceeded, access is blocked until the window resets or additional usage is purchased.

Shihipar acknowledged that this change could be disruptive for some users. He said, "I know this was frustrating. We're continuing to invest in scaling efficiently, and I'll keep you updated on progress." Anthropic has not provided a timeline for capacity expansions that would allow it to lift peak-hour restrictions.

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Prior to this launch, Samsung Browser was only available on Android smartphones and tablets. The desktop version introduces cross-device continuity, allowing users to seamlessly switch active browsing sessions between their mobile device and PC.

Cross-Device Features And Samsung Pass In Samsung Browser For Windows

Users who connect their Samsung mobile devices with desktop installations can pick up where they left off on webpages across devices without any manual steps. The browser also supports Samsung Pass, which securely stores sign-in credentials and personal information across connected devices.

This cross-device feature isn’t limited to Samsung hardware. Samsung Browser for Windows works with any PC running Windows 10 (version 1809 or later) or Windows 11, regardless of the manufacturer.

AI Assistant Powered By Perplexity In Samsung Browser

Samsung Browser features an AI assistant that was developed in partnership with Perplexity. The assistant is context-aware and analyzes the content of the active webpage to provide responses relevant to what is currently displayed. Its capabilities include:

• Generating structured plans or summaries based on the page content, page
• Searching browsing history using natural language rather than keywords or dates, jumping to specific moments within videos
• Summarizing and comparing content across multiple open tabs. simultaneously

Samsung has not provided details on how to disable individual AI features. The browser does not currently have a dedicated AI kill switch similar to the toggle Mozilla introduced in Firefox.

Samsung Browser For Windows Availability

Samsung Browser for Windows is now available as a free download from Samsung's official website. You can install and use the browser without needing a Samsung account or Samsung hardware.

However, features like cross-device sync and Samsung Pass require a connected Samsung mobile device. The company has not announced a timeline for releasing the browser on additional platforms or operating systems beyond Windows 10 and Windows 11.

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AI Writing Assistance And Photo Retouching In WhatsApp

The Writing Help feature offers suggested responses based on the current conversation. Meta explains that this feature operates using Private Processing technology, a system that enables Meta AI to generate replies without reading the message content or the suggested rewrites. Additionally, WhatsApp now allows users to retouch images with Meta AI before sharing them in chats or groups.

Meta has not specified which retouching options are available or indicated whether the images are sent to Meta's servers before delivery. Both features depend on Meta AI and share the same underlying infrastructure, although Meta highlights Private Processing as the privacy boundary specifically for Writing Help.

New Cross-Platform And Multi-Account Features In WhatsApp

WhatsApp now supports running two accounts simultaneously on iOS. This feature has been available on Android for some time. The iOS version works similarly to Android, letting users switch between accounts within the same app without needing to log out.

WhatsApp now supports transferring chat history between iOS and Android devices. This feature includes individual and group chats, call history, channel history, and community history. Previously, cross-platform transfer options were limited depending on the platform combination. Meta describes the process as simple to complete with just a few taps, but specific instructions for starting the transfer haven’t been included in the announcement.

Storage And Security Updates In WhatsApp

WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that helps users locate large media files within individual chats. The aim is to assist users in freeing up storage space on their devices without the need to delete entire conversations. Meta has not provided details on the minimum file size that qualifies or whether the tool displays results from all chats at once or requires navigating each chat separately.

Recent updates to WhatsApp have introduced several security-focused features. In March, the platform launched parent-managed accounts for pre-teens, allowing parents to control who can contact their children and which groups they can join. Meta also added scam detection that warns users when behavioral signals suggest a potentially fraudulent device-linking request.

In January, Meta started rolling out an advanced lockdown mode for WhatsApp, specifically designed for journalists, public figures, and others at higher risk of targeted threats, including spyware.

Meta has not announced a specific date when all these features will be available to all users.

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The update was shared in response to user feedback and indicates that improvements are ongoing but not yet complete. Microsoft has not announced when full dark mode coverage will be available, and some core system tools still do not support it.

How Microsoft Is Targeting Legacy UI Gaps In Windows 11 Dark Mode

Marcus Ash mentioned that Microsoft is working on improving its internal tools and techniques to better support dark mode across Windows. The efforts are particularly aimed at older system panels and dialogs that still depend on legacy interface frameworks.

Ash explained that the company is aiming for greater visual consistency as progress continues in these areas. The update confirms that expanding dark mode remains an active development focus.

A common example cited is the Windows Registry Editor, known as Regedit. Microsoft acknowledged the demand for dark mode support in Regedit but indicated that there is no current schedule for it to be implemented.

Where Windows 11 Dark Mode Is Still Incomplete

Despite recent updates showing some progress, dark mode in Windows 11 still feels inconsistent across the system. Some areas continue to lack full support, include File Properties dialogs in File Explorer, Registry Editor, (Regedit), Run dialog, Device Manager, Disk Management, and other legacy tools.

Microsoft has recently added dark mode support to certain parts of File Explorer, such as file copy and deletion dialogs. However, other elements like archive extraction and properties windows still use light-themed interfaces even when dark mode is enabled system-wide.

Windows 11 features a mix of modern and legacy interface components. Older tools were created using frameworks that don’t automatically adopt newer theming systems. Microsoft is working on updating these underlying tools and design systems to make dark mode more consistent across legacy components. The company has not shared technical details about how these updates are being carried out or which components are being prioritized.

What To Do About Dark Mode Inconsistencies In Windows 11

Users relying on dark mode should expect some inconsistencies to persist in the current version of Windows 11.

To reduce visual disruption use the system dark mode setting in Settings to enable supported areas. Keep in mind that legacy tools may still appear in light mode. Check for updates regularly, as improvements are gradually rolled out. At this time, there is no supported way to enforce full dark mode across all legacy Windows components.

Future Expansion In Windows 11 Legacy Components

Microsoft’s update confirms that progress on dark mode improvements continues, but there is no announced schedule for full coverage.

The company has not specified which upcoming Windows 11 updates will add further dark mode support or when legacy components like Regedit might be updated.

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This feature is also available on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel 10 Pro Fold. Additionally, the Pixel Tablet is receiving an update that adds support for arranging and resizing overlapping apps.

What The New Pixel Desktop Mode Provides

Once connected to an external display via USB-C and equipped with a mouse and keyboard, compatible Pixel devices offer a freeform multi-window environment. Google has not released a detailed feature list in the Pixel Drop announcement, but the mode is aimed at productivity when working from an external monitor.

An earlier version of this feature appeared during the Android 16 beta period. At that time, it required opting into the beta program, enabling experimental freeform window settings in developer options, and dealing with occasional screen flickering in an unfinished UI. The March Pixel Drop update removes those requirements.

Which Pixel Devices Support Google’s Desktop Mode

Desktop mode is being gradually introduced to the following devices: Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 9 series, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

The Pixel Tablet is receiving a separate update that adds the overlapping app resize and arrangement feature. Devices older than the Pixel 8 are not included in this rollout.

How To Turn On Desktop Mode

There is no need to enable developer options or enroll in beta programs for the official release. To activate the desktop interface, simply connect a supported Pixel phone to an external monitor using a USB-C cable and add a mouse and keyboard.

Google has not specified whether a USB-C hub or dock can be used in addition to a direct cable connection, or if wireless display protocols such as Miracast are compatible with the mode.

Known Issues And Limitations In Pixel Desktop Mode

The Android 16 beta version of desktop mode showed blurry text scaling on QHD monitors and experienced some UI instability. Google has not confirmed in the Pixel Drop release notes whether those issues have been fixed in the final build. Testing of the official release is still underway.

Google has also not announced if desktop mode will be available on more Pixel models or other Android devices from different manufacturers.

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The announcement was made through a post on X by the Sora team, which confirmed the platform's closure. They also mentioned that additional details about the shutdown timeline, API access, and efforts to preserve work would be provided later.

Disney Partnership Ends Before Any Money Changed Hands

The planned deal with Disney would have let licensed characters appear in Sora-created content. It was seen as a potential model for how big studios might work with AI video developers. OpenAI confirmed that no money exchanged hands before the partnership was dissolved.

A Disney spokesperson stated that the company respects OpenAI's decision to leave the video-generation sector and focus on other priorities.

Why OpenAI Is Shutting Down In The Sora Video Platform

The shutdown affects the public Sora app, professional video tools, and video features tied to OpenAI's models. Image generation within ChatGPT remains unaffected and will continue to be available.

OpenAI says it will reallocate resources to robotics and autonomous software systems that can operate with minimal supervision. The company also mentioned that techniques used for training video models could be applied to systems that interact with physical environments.

OpenAI did not specify a clear reason for shutting down. The draft announcement cited the high computing costs of video generation as an ongoing financial challenge, with uncertain long-term revenue from the platform.

Safety and copyright issues also played a role. Rights holders questioned how licensed characters and recognizable visual styles could appear in generated footage, and the Disney deal was closely watched as a possible precedent for studio-AI cooperation.

What The Sora Shutdown Means For Existing Users

OpenAI has not announced final shutdown dates for the app or API. The company has said it will provide timelines and details on how to preserve user-created work. Users who used Sora for content creation or have ongoing projects should watch OpenAI's official communications for information about data export and access deadlines.

The professional video tools are being discontinued along with the consumer app, and no replacement video product has been announced.

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Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution designed for penetration testers, security researchers, and ethical hackers. It can be run as a live environment or installed as a full operating system, with support for hardware such as Raspberry Pi devices and Android phones through Kali NetHunter.

Eight New Tools In Kali Linux 2026.1

The tools included in this release have been added to the Kali network repositories:

• AdaptixC2, an extensible post-exploitation and adversarial emulation framework
• Atomic-Operator, which runs Atomic Red Team tests across multiple operating system environments
• Fluxion, a security auditing and social engineering research tool
• GEF, an extension for GDB that offers advanced debugging features
• MetasploitMCP, a server for Metasploit
• SSTImap, an automatic server-side template injection detection tool with an interactive interface
• WPProbe, a fast tool for enumerating WordPress plugins; and tool
• XSStrike, an advanced cross-site scripting scanner.

BackTrack Mode Added to Kali-Undercover

Kali-Undercover used to let users switch the Kali desktop to a layout that mimics a standard Windows 10 interface. The latest 2026.1 update introduces a second mode that replicates the look of BackTrack 5, Kali's predecessor.

This mode features the original BackTrack wallpaper, color scheme, and window themes. It can be activated from the application menu or by running a command in the terminal. Running the same command again will revert the desktop back to Kali’s default theme.

Theme Refresh

The Kali Team has refreshed its visual theme as part of the traditional first release of the year. The update brings new desktop wallpapers, tweaks to the graphical installer interface, and improvements to the boot menu and login screen.

Kali NetHunter Updates

The Kali NetHunter Android app received several fixes in this release, including a HID permission check, a fix for the WPS scan bug, and a correction for the back button issue.

How To Upgrade To Kali Linux 2026.1

Existing Kali installations can be upgraded using the following commands:

echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list sudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgrade cp -vrbi /etc/skel/. ~/ [ -f /var/run/reboot-required ] && sudo reboot -f

After completing the upgrade, run grep VERSION /etc/os-release to confirm the installed version.

Users running Kali on Windows Subsystem for Linux should verify they are on WSL 2 before upgrading, as WSL 1 has limited support for graphical applications. Run wsl -l -v In a Windows command prompt, to check the current WSL version.

Fresh ISO downloads for new installs and live distributions are available on the Kali Linux website. The full changelog for 2026.1 is published there as well.

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Users can choose to disable data collection through their account settings. According to GitHub, the data collected includes input and output data, code snippets, comments, documentation, file names, and repository structure.

The company states that the purpose is to improve the performance of their models for all Copilot users. GitHub Copilot is available across Visual Studio Code, the GitHub website, the Copilot CLI, and other GitHub services.

Who Is Affected By GitHub Copilot Training Data Changes

The automatic enrollment applies to personal Copilot accounts: Free, Pro, and Pro+. Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise accounts are not subject to the same default data collection, according to the announcement.

Users who have never used any Copilot feature are not affected. Users who have used code completion in Visual Studio Code, asked Copilot questions on the GitHub website, or interacted with any related AI feature may have interactions and code snippets included in training data going forward.

How To Opt Out Of GitHub Copilot Training Data Use

GitHub offers an option to turn off data collection in your account settings. You can find this in the Copilot features page, located within the Privacy section of your GitHub account settings. To do this:

1. Log in to your GitHub account and go to your account settings.
2. From there, navigate to the Copilot features page.
3. Find the option labeled "Allow GitHub to use my data for AI model training" under Privacy.
4. Set the dropdown to "Disabled" to turn off data collection.

If you have multiple GitHub accounts, you'll need to repeat this process for each one, as the setting applies individually to each account.

Why GitHub Says It Is Using Copilot Data For Training

GitHub announced that its initial Copilot models were built using publicly available data and carefully selected code samples. The company reported performance improvements after adding data from Microsoft employees and now plans to expand this approach to a wider user base.

GitHub notes that this practice aligns with "established industry practices" and says the updates will lead to more accurate code suggestions, better detection of potential bugs, and a deeper understanding of development workflows. These claims are made by the company itself.

Scope Of Copilot Data Collection And What GitHub Hasn’t Clarified

The announcement doesn’t specify a minimum interaction threshold or explain how data is anonymized before it's used for training. GitHub hasn’t provided details on what technical controls are in place to prevent sensitive code or proprietary logic from being used in model training, aside from the opt-out option.

Users on Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise plans are excluded from the default data collection, but GitHub hasn’t elaborated on this in the announcement. The company also hasn’t stated when data collection began or whether interactions before the announcement are included.

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Outlook Sync Issue Resolved, But Delays May Persist

Microsoft reports that the issue has been resolved on the Microsoft 365 service as of Friday. However, some users may still experience temporary problems due to the way authentication tokens behave.

The company notes that Outlook may not prompt users to sign in again immediately after the fix. Syncing will resume once the OAuth token expires, which usually happens about an hour after a password change.

How To Restore Classic Outlook Syncing Faster

Users who prefer not to wait for the token to expire can manually trigger a sign-in prompt using a Microsoft-provided workaround.

To do this, open the Windows Registry Editor, navigate to the relevant location, delete the registry entries for the affected email account, then restart Outlook and sign in again when prompted. Microsoft shared this workaround before deploying the service-side fix.

Other Classic Outlook Problems Microsoft Is Investigating

Microsoft is investigating additional issues affecting the classic Outlook client. One bug may cause errors stating "Can’t connect to the server" when creating groups in environments where Exchange Web Services is enabled.

Another problem impacts Microsoft 365 apps, including Outlook and OneNote, where some users report that the mouse pointer disappears. Microsoft has encouraged affected customers to submit diagnostic logs through a Microsoft 365 admin support case to help with ongoing investigations.

What To Do If Classic Outlook Will Not Sync Gmail Or Yahoo

Users experiencing sync issues should wait for their OAuth token to expire or change their password to initiate a new sign-in. If syncing still does not resume, the registry workaround can be used to force reauthentication.

When The Classic Outlook Sync Fix Reaches Microsoft 365 Users

The fix has already been rolled out to the Microsoft 365 service. Microsoft notes, however, that the full resolution depends on the OAuth token expiration and may take up to an hour to affect affected users.

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The ads are not yet available but are expected to roll out soon as part of Apple’s broader effort to enhance its business tools.

How Ads Will Appear In Apple Maps Search Results

Apple announced that promoted listings will now appear at the top of the “Suggested Places” section when users search in Apple Maps. These ads will be clearly labeled and visually differentiated with a blue highlight to distinguish them from regular results. The company explained that this setup is intended to help users identify sponsored results without disrupting the main navigation experience.

How Apple Handles Privacy For Apple Maps Ads

Apple states that Maps ads will follow the same privacy approach used in its other services, such as the App Store and Apple News. The company explains that ad interactions and location data are not linked to a user’s Apple account.

Instead, data used for ads is processed on the device itself and is not collected, stored, or shared with third parties. This method is presented as a way for Apple to deliver targeted ads without tracking users across different services.

Apple Maps Ads And The Apple Business Expansion

Apple Maps is adding advertising options as part of Apple's ongoing expansion of its services business. The company also announced Apple Business, a new platform that allows management of business tools, listings, and advertising. Through this system, businesses will be able to create listings and run ads on Apple Maps. Apple Business is set to launch on April 14, 2026.

What Users Should Expect From Apple Maps Promoted Results

Users in the United States and Canada will start seeing promoted results in Apple Maps searches as the rollout begins. There is no indication that ads will appear outside search results at this point.

Where And When Apple Maps Ads Will Roll Out

Apple hasn't announced an exact launch date for ads in Apple Maps. The company only said the feature will first roll out in the United States and Canada, with no details yet on when it might be available elsewhere.

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The company has not issued an official advisory but confirmed the fix through direct communication. The problem caused Android Auto to fail to connect properly for some users, affecting in-car functionality.

Update Targets Widespread Android Auto Connectivity Bug

The update fixes an issue that prevented some Android Auto users from connecting reliably on certain devices. Reports indicate that the problem affected a range of smartphones, including Pixel 10, Pixel 9, Pixel 8, Pixel 7, and Galaxy S26 series devices.

Google has not officially identified the root cause. Some users have suggested that it may be related to Android’s Advanced Protection feature, but the company has not confirmed this.

What Google Has Said About The Android Auto Fix

Google has not provided detailed technical information about the bug or the fix. There is no changelog explaining what caused the problem or how the update addresses it. The company also has not shared any updates on its official support pages. The only confirmation so far has come from a message sent directly to a media outlet.

What To Do If Android Auto Will Not Connect

If you're experiencing connectivity issues with Android Auto, the first step is to make sure you have the latest update installed. To check for updates, open the Google Play Store, search for Android Auto, and tap Update if the option is available

If you don’t see an update, it may be that your device is still waiting for the rollout to reach it.

When The Android Auto Connectivity Fix Will Be Available

The Android Auto update is being rolled out gradually, and Google has not announced a specific timeline for when it will be available on all devices.

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How AmneziaWG 2.0 Evades Modern DPI Systems

Amnezia states that current censorship technologies can identify VPN traffic by recognizing patterns in data packets. Older obfuscation tools such as Cloak, Obfs4, Shadowsocks, and earlier versions of AmneziaWG are now less effective in environments where governments actively block VPN connections.

The new version, AmneziaWG 2.0, introduces techniques designed to make VPN traffic look like standard internet activity. These include signature packets, custom protocol signatures, advanced padding, and ranged headers. According to the company, these methods enable VPN traffic to mimic legitimate protocols such as DNS requests, QUIC sessions, or SIP calls.

How AmneziaWG 2.0 Makes VPN Traffic Indistinguishable From Normal Traffic

The protocol works by first mimicking what looks like legitimate network traffic and then maintaining that appearance throughout the session. Amnezia states that this method helps keep connections active without being flagged or blocked by filtering systems. The company explains that the goal is for VPN usage to be indistinguishable from normal UDP-based traffic.

Open?Source AmneziaWG 2.0 And VPN Integration Options

AmneziaWG 2.0 is open source, enabling easy integration with other VPN services and networking tools. The company states that the protocol is already being adopted by third-party VPN apps and has attracted interest from larger organizations. It can also be installed on routers, allowing networks to have VPN functionality built directly into the connection provided to users.

How AmneziaWG 2.0 Is Used In Restricted Internet Environments

The protocol can be used through Amnezia’s self-hosted solution, which enables users to set up their own VPN servers. The company states that this option is popular in regions with restricted internet access, both among individuals and organizations. Amnezia also provides business-oriented configurations tailored for teams operating in censored environments.

Where AmneziaWG 2.0 Is Available Today

AmneziaWG 2.0 is now available as part of Amnezia’s platform and open-source ecosystem, with plans to integrate it into additional VPN services over time.

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