The feature uses Bluetooth and does not break Apple Messages' end-to-end encryption. However, there are some limitations, such as the inability to send or receive group messages, attachments, photos, or GIFs.

Phone Link comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. The iPhone must be running iOS 16 or higher.

How to Set Up Your iPhone With Microsoft Phone Link on Windows

Setting up the connection requires a Microsoft account, the Phone Link app on the PC, and the Link to Windows app on the iPhone:

1. Open Phone Link on the PC by typing it into the taskbar search
2. Select iPhone as the device type. Then, scan the QR code displayed on the screen with your iPhone camera.
3. Tap "Pair your devices" on the iPhone. When a pop-up appears, tap "Open," "Continue," "Allow," and then "Pair" to grant Bluetooth pairing permissions.
4. Follow the remaining prompts to link the iPhone to your Microsoft account.

After pairing, go to Settings on your iPhone, select Bluetooth, and choose the PC's name from the list of connected devices.

You can enable Show Message Notifications to receive alerts on the PC, and you also have the option to activate Sync Contacts and Share System Notifications from the same screen.

What Works With Apple Messages, and What Doesn’t

The Messages section in Phone Link displays a limited set of recent conversations and suggested contacts. Users can reply to individual messages and start new ones by entering a contact name or phone number.

However, some features are not supported:

• Group chats cannot be started or replied to, and attachments, photos, or GIFs are not available; only emojis can be sent.
• Full inbox access is also not provided, with only a small selection of recent conversations visible.

Messages sent or received through Phone Link will also appear on the iPhone, allowing users to switch between devices during a conversation.

Since the feature uses Bluetooth rather than server routing, it does not impact the end-to-end encryption of Apple Messages.

What This Integration Means for Windows Users

For iPhone users who mostly work on a Windows PC, Phone Link offers a way to monitor and reply to individual text messages without switching devices.

Its limitations mean it’s most useful for keeping up with one-on-one conversations during work hours, rather than replacing the iPhone as the main messaging platform for group chats or media sharing.

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The letter calls on Microsoft to change its approach to browser competition and to adopt policies that give users more choice.

In 2024, the BCA already petitioned the European Commission regarding Microsoft's browser practices. This latest letter marks a more direct challenge to Microsoft's leadership.

What Microsoft Is Accused Of and What the Browser Choice Alliance Is Demanding

The BCA's letter points out several specific tactics it claims Microsoft uses to distort competition among browsers:

"Rebate programs that discourage PC manufacturers from pre-installing rival browsers on Windows devices, the inability to completely uninstall Edge from Windows, system updates that bring back Edge integration within the OS, intrusive and confusing prompts and ads when users try to download third-party browsers, and deep Edge integration within apps like Teams, Outlook, and Windows Search."

The letter also highlights the lack of a simple one-click option to fully replace Edge with an alternative browser. The coalition stated that

"Microsoft's actions make it unnecessarily difficult and, in many cases, impossible for PC users to choose and use their preferred browser across all touchpoints."

The coalition has urged Microsoft to allow third-party browsers to be pre-installed on Windows devices, remove dark patterns that discourage users from downloading or switching browsers, and enable the complete removal of Edge from Windows integration.

They emphasize that competition should be based on the quality of the browsers rather than the leverage of the operating system.

Browser Competition, Regulation, and What Happens Next

The BCA argues that PCs remain a key way to access the web and that their importance is growing with generative AI and web-based services.

It claims that Microsoft's tactics are harming competition and innovation in the browser market and are drawing regulatory attention outside the United States.

This letter comes at a time when browser competition faces regulatory pressure from various sources. The BCA's members include Google Chrome, which was recently classified as a de facto monopoly in web search and advertising by a US court.

The EU's Digital Markets Act has also required Apple and Google to include browser choice screens, and Mozilla reports that these screens have led to a six million user increase.

Microsoft has not publicly responded to the open letter. The BCA has not said whether it plans to file regulatory complaints if Microsoft does not address its concerns.

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Google's VP of Engineering for Search, Rajan Patel, confirmed that the flag was an error and said the company does not plan to make AI Mode the default for Chrome searches.

The flag, called "Fulfill Searchbox Queries in AI Mode," appeared in a recent Chrome Canary update and was discovered by Windows Report.

Its description stated it "redirects all normal search box queries in the omnibox and realbox to AI mode threads," affecting users on Mac, Windows, Linux, and ChromeOS.

What the Flag Did and Google’s History on Making AI Mode Easier to Access

Users who enabled the flag in Chrome Canary had their address bar search queries sent directly to AI Mode, bypassing the standard Google Search results page. Normally, accessing AI Mode requires clicking a dedicated tab at the top of Google Search results.

Chrome Canary is used for testing new browser features before they are released to the stable version of Chrome. Not all Canary features make it into the stable release.

The appearance of the flag was not entirely uneaxpected given previous statements from Google employees.

In September 2025, Logan Kilpatrick, lead product manager for Google AI Studio, responded to a user suggesting AI Mode should be the default search experience with a simple "soon :)" on X.

After some user backlash, Google Search VP Robby Stein tried to walk back the comment, saying he "wouldn't read too much into this" and clarifying that the focus was on making AI Mode easier to access rather than setting it as the default.

Whether the Canary flag was a genuine mistake or an intended feature that was reversed following user feedback remains unconfirmed. Patel's statement that it was an error is the only official position Google has shared.

Why This Chrome AI Mode Flag Matters

Google Search's AI Mode replaces the traditional link-based results page with conversational AI responses. A 2025 Pew Research Center study found that users were nearly 50% less likely to click on links when AI Overviews appeared in search results.

AI Mode goes a step further by making AI the primary interface. Publishers have raised concerns about reduced referral traffic, and many users have expressed a preference for traditional search results.

The UK's Competition and Markets Authority this week ordered Google to allow publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI search features, citing traffic impact concerns.

Google has confirmed that AI Mode will not become the default in Chrome searches at this time. The company has not indicated if or when it might reconsider this decision.

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The 1.0 update introduces the Deep North, the game's final biome expansion, and marks Valheim's debut on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2.

The announcement was made during the PC Gaming Show. During its Early Access phase, Valheim received over 255,000 reviews on Steam with a Very Positive rating.

Deep North Biome and Valheim’s Platform Expansion

The Deep North has been confirmed as the final biome update for Valheim. Iron Gate had been hinting at the new content for some time, with a developer update last week mentioning that the team was "entering the final stages of development."

The announcement trailer depicts an icy landscape with icebergs, a night sky lit up by the aurora, and a foggy terrain. Iron Gate has not provided further details about the enemies, resources, or progression aspects included in Deep North beyond what is shown in the visuals.

Valheim has been available on PC, Mac, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S during Early Access. With the release of version 1.0, it now also supports PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2, marking the game's first presence on consoles outside of the Xbox family.

Valheim was released in February 2021 and sold 5 million copies within its first month. Since then, the game has continued to evolve through updates during its Early Access phase, introducing new biomes such as the Mistlands, Ashlands, and most recently, the Deep North.

Each of these regions has brought new enemies, materials, and crafting options, with the game's full progression loop expected to be complete with the 1.0 release.

Valheim 1.0 is scheduled to launch on September 9 and will be available on PC, Mac, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and Nintendo Switch.

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The new rates are already in effect for new subscribers, while existing subscribers will see the change take effect during their current billing cycles.

This is the first price increase for YouTube Premium in the US since 2023 and the fourth such increase over the past three years.

New YouTube Premium Prices in the US

The latest US pricing details are as follows:

• Individual Premium is now $15.99 per month, up from $13.99, which is a $2 increase.
• Family Premium costs $26.99 per month, up from $22.99, covering up to five family members. The annual premium for individuals is $159.99, rising from $139.99.
• Premium Lite is priced at $8.99 per month, an increase of $1 from $7.99.

Premium Lite provides ad-free viewing for most videos but does not include YouTube Music, background playback, offline downloads, or ad-free music videos.

History of YouTube Premium Price Increases and Why This One Happened

The pattern of increasing Premium prices continues:

• In 2022, the family plan increased by five dollars to $22.99. In
• In 2023, the individual plan went up from $11.99 to $13.99, while the family plan rose from $17.99 to $22.99. In
• In 2024, prices were raised across Europe, Asia, and South America, although US prices remained unchanged. The
• In 2026, the increase is the first US hike since 2023. During this period,

YouTube TV, a separate live television service, also increased from $73 to $82.99 per month.

YouTube has explained the price increase by saying it will enable the company to continue improving Premium and support the creators and artists whose content viewers enjoy.

The company announced the price change in April, ahead of its planned rollout in June.

What Should You Do Now?

Along with the price increase, two new Premium features are being introduced. Auto Speed allows videos to automatically adjust playback speed without losing audio clarity.

Currently in testing, the on-the-go feature minimizes on-screen distractions such as comments in audio-focused content like podcasts and talk shows.

Existing subscribers do not need to take any action. The new pricing will be reflected in billing cycles as each account receives the update. Users interested in saving money can consider downgrading to Premium Lite, which costs $8.99 per month.

This plan keeps ad-free viewing for most content but drops features like music, background playback, and offline downloads.

Those who mainly subscribe to avoid ads may find Premium Lite sufficient. However, users who rely on YouTube Music or background playback will need to stay on the full Premium plan at the new price.

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This includes options such as Windows Hello with PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition, or the device's standard operating system login. The change was first introduced with the release of Edge version 145 and aligns with Microsoft's broader shift toward passwordless authentication.

This shift also includes the announced phaseout of SMS two-factor authentication for personal Microsoft accounts last month.

What Changed in Microsoft Edge and Why The Custom Primary Password Was Removed

The Custom Primary Password feature allowed users to set a master password to secure access to their saved passwords in Edge. Microsoft replaced this with device-based authentication, so access now depends on the login method used to secure the device itself.

Microsoft announced: "On June 4, Custom Primary Password will be fully removed for users who opted in. After this date, Microsoft Edge will automatically use device-based authentication, such as Windows Hello, device password, or OS-level authentication, to protect saved passwords."

Microsoft explains that Windows Hello offers a higher level of security compared to a custom master password. While a master password can be compromised if a third party discovers it, granting access to all saved credentials, device-based authentication relies on hardware-level biometrics or a device PIN that cannot be accessed remotely. Windows Hello also does not transmit authentication data to the cloud.

Windows Hello Limitations and What Edge Users Should Do Now

Windows Hello's facial recognition feature has a known limitation introduced in 2025, requiring both an IR sensor and a webcam that can see the user's face for sign-in. In low-light or dark conditions, this can prevent authentication from working.

Microsoft confirmed that this change was intentional and not a bug. Users who cannot use facial recognition can fall back to fingerprint authentication or a device PIN within Windows Hello.

Users who relied on the Custom Primary Password in Edge no longer need to manage a separate master password. Now, saved passwords in Edge are protected by the same authentication used to secure the device.

Those who prefer stronger separation between their browser password vault and their OS login might want to consider a dedicated third-party password manager.

Such managers store credentials inside an encrypted vault that is separate from device authentication. This change does not affect passwords already saved in Edge. Existing credentials remain accessible through the new device-based authentication method.

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The rollout follows a phased introduction and marks the completion of Meet's integration into the Android Auto platform.

The Android Auto version of Google Meet is limited to voice-only participation and does not support video calls in any state, including when the vehicle is parked.

What Android Auto Users Can Do With Google Meet

The Android Auto version of Google Meet allows drivers to:

• Join scheduled Google Meet calls hands-free
• Participate in meetings using voice
• Manage basic in-call controls through the Android Auto interface

Video mode is not available in the Android Auto version of Google Meet, regardless of whether the vehicle is in motion or parked.

Users who need to see participant video feeds must switch to a phone or other device manually. Google has not indicated whether parked-mode video support is planned for a future update.

The limitation means users who pull over mid-meeting cannot seamlessly transition to a full video experience from within Android Auto. Switching to the standard Google Meet app on a connected phone is the workaround for video access.

How Google Meet on Android Auto Fits Into the 2026 Update

The Google Meet addition follows the broader Android Auto major update announced at Google I/O 2026, which introduced edge-to-edge Google Maps, native Gemini integration, home screen widgets, and Full HD video streaming for parked vehicles.

Video playback was already restricted to parked vehicles in that update, making the absence of parked-mode video in Google Meet a notable gap by comparison.

Google has not announced a timeline for expanding the Meet feature set on Android Auto or adding video functionality for stationary use.

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Capcom kicked off the show with the surprise announcement of Resident Evil: Veronica, while Square Enix ended it with Final Fantasy 7: Revelation. Below is a list of all the titles shown for Xbox and PC.

Key Summer Game Fest 2026 Announcements for Xbox and PC

• Resident Evil Veronica is a remake of the 2000 survival horror game Resident Evil Code Veronica, coming to Xbox, PC, and other platforms in 2027.
• Final Fantasy 7 Revelation is the third part of the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy.
• Square Enix has confirmed it will launch simultaneously on Xbox and PC alongside PS5, scheduled for spring 2027.
• Guild Wars 3 was announced for PC and PS5, with a beta planned for 2027.
• Alien Isolation 2 has received a full trailer following an earlier teaser, but no release date has been announced. It is expected to arrive on Xbox, PC, and other platforms.
• Palworld will exit Early Access with a full launch of Palworld 1.0 on July 10, 2026, across Xbox, PC, and PS5.
• Monster Hunter Wilds: Ascendance, described as a "massive expansion," is scheduled for release in 2027 on Xbox, PC, and PS5.

All Other Xbox and PC Games Shown at Summer Game Fest 2026

Here is a list of Xbox and PC titles featured during Summer Game Fest 2026:

• Stranger Than Heaven, developed by RGG Studio and Yakuza's creator, will be available on Xbox, PC, and PS5 on January 15, 2027. The game features Tupac as a character.
• Star Wars: Zero Company, a tactics game set in the Clone Wars era, is coming to Xbox, PC, and PS5 on August 27, 2026.
• Star Wars: Galactic Racer will be released on Xbox, PC, and PS5 on October 6, 2026.
• The Blood of Dawnwalker, a vampire-themed dark fantasy RPG from Bandai Namco, is scheduled for Xbox, PC, and PS5 on September 3, 2026.
• Studio MDHR announced two new games: a Cuphead sequel and Mighty Cuphead Adventure.
• GenATLAS, created by GenDesign—known for Shadow of the Colossus and Ico—will be available on Xbox and PC, but no release date has been announced.
• Crossfire, a stealth-action single-player game from That's No Moon, will be released for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PS5, with no confirmed release date.
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin, developed by PlatinumGames, has no confirmed platform details beyond consoles.
• Virtua Fighter Crossroads is expected in 2027, though platforms are not fully detailed.
• Gundam: Rogue Orbit, a mech action game from Bandai Namco, has no release date yet.
• Blood Message from 24 Entertainment and NetEase Games will be available on PC and consoles with no set release date.
• RuneScape: Dragonwilds will arrive on Xbox on September 15, 2026.
• 1666 Amsterdam is coming to PC via Steam and Epic Games Store, with early access planned later in 2026. A free prologue is available now.
• SAW: Genesis, a multiplayer horror game from Bloober Team, will be on Steam with no release date yet.
• HAEX, an open-world survival shooter by Dead Astronaut, will be available on Steam and Epic Games.
• Mortal Shell 2 is currently in open beta on Steam.
• The Wolf Among Us 2 is scheduled for release in 2027, with a remaster of the original planned for the holiday season in 2026.
• Stellar Blade: Blood Rain has been confirmed as a sequel to Stellar Blade.
• Swords of Legends, an action RPG, will launch on Xbox, PC, and PS5.
• Clutch, an open-world racer from a former Forza director, is expected in spring 2027 on Xbox, PC, and PS5.
• Chronicles: Medieval is a formation-based medieval warfare game that will enter Steam Early Access later in 2026.
• Among Us Story: On Guard is a story-driven spinoff now available to wishlist on Steam.

The Xbox Games Showcase is scheduled for Sunday, where additional announcements for Xbox and PC are expected.

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The update enhances how ChatGPT remembers context between conversations, follows user preferences, and updates its memories over time. Free and Go users will gain access over the next few weeks as the rollout continues internationally.

The update is the third major version of ChatGPT's memory feature since its initial launch in April 2024.

How ChatGPT’s Memory Has Changed From Saved Memories to Dreaming V3

The original Saved Memories system, launched in April 2024, required users to explicitly instruct ChatGPT to remember information.

In April 2025, the first version of Dreaming was introduced, which added a background process that automatically synthesized memories from chat history instead of relying on explicit save commands.

The latest Dreaming V3 is a more capable and efficient architecture built on that foundation. OpenAI states that recent improvements have reduced the compute needed to serve Dreaming to free-tier users by about five times, enabling a broader rollout.

What Dreaming V3 Improves

OpenAI evaluates memory quality across three key areas and reports the following success rates across different memory versions:

Factual recall, which involves remembering specific information shared by the user:

• 2024 saved memories: 41.5%
• 2025 Dreaming V0: 67.9%
• 2026 Dreaming V3: 82.8%

Preference adherence, meaning the system’s ability to follow dietary, behavioral, and personal constraints:

• 2024: 31.4%
• 2025: 55.3%
• 2026: 71.3%

Staying current by updating memories as circumstances change:

• 2024: 9.4%
• 2025: 52.2%
• 2026: 75.1%

The most notable progress is in time awareness. Earlier memory systems could become outdated, such as continuing to treat a past trip as ongoing after the user returned home. Dreaming V3 automatically refreshes memories to reflect the passage of time.

Memory Summary Page, User Controls, And Privacy Settings

Users can now view what ChatGPT has stored about them on a new memory summary page. This page offers a simple overview of retained information, including work, hobbies, travel, and preferences.

Users have the option to add or correct details directly or give ChatGPT instructions on which topics to focus on or avoid. Individual memories can be deleted at any time, and users can choose to disable memory entirely through the settings.

ChatGPT's memory system offers several controls:

• Users can view all generated memories from the memory summary page.
• Individual memories can be deleted on demand.
• Memory can be turned off completely in the settings.
• Temporary chats do not use or update memory.

OpenAI also notes that conversations involving connected financial accounts, part of the recently introduced Finances feature, follow separate memory rules and can be managed independently.

Dreaming V3 is now available to Plus and Pro users in the United States. Over the next few weeks, it will be expanded to other countries and made available to Free and Go users. OpenAI hasn't provided specific dates for the wider rollout.

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The problem was acknowledged on June 2 and was confirmed to be resolved in a Wednesday update to the admin center incident report MO1332784.

The issue affected enterprise-managed Windows devices enrolled in Intune and similar management services.

What Caused the Windows Update Caching Bug and How It Hit Managed Devices

Microsoft explained that the problem was caused by a misconfiguration in the Windows Update caching service, which temporarily removed device enrollment information.

Without that data, affected devices were considered not enrolled, preventing the proper application of driver-approval controls. As a result, drivers ended up being installed on devices where administrators had set policies to prevent automatic driver updates.

Microsoft updated the service cache and restored the enrollment status for the affected devices to fix the issue. Windows administrators reported dealing with tens of thousands of devices that unexpectedly received BIOS and driver updates. In many cases, these unplanned updates caused audio or video devices to stop working.

Microsoft confirmed that the drivers installed were Microsoft-approved and signed and did not present a security risk.

However, unsanctioned updates to BIOS and drivers in managed enterprise environments can still lead to stability, compatibility, and support issues, even if the drivers themselves are not malicious.

Microsoft has not disclosed how many organizations or regions were affected.

What Affected Organizations Should Do to Fix Driver and BIOS Problems

Organizations affected by the incident should check their devices for unexpected driver or BIOS updates installed between June 1 and June 4.

Devices experiencing audio or video problems afterward may need a driver rollback to restore normal functioning. To do this, IT administrators can open Device Manager, right-click the affected device, select Update driver, then choose Browse my computer, followed by Let me pick, and select a previous version from the list.

Microsoft has confirmed that the issue is resolved and that the enrollment status for affected devices has been corrected. Policies set to prevent automatic updates should now work as intended.

A Growing Pattern of Windows Update Problems in 2026

This incident is part of an ongoing pattern of problems with Windows Update management. In April, Microsoft fixed a bug that caused systems running Windows Server 2019 and 2022 to upgrade to Windows Server 2025 without any administrator action.

Last month, another issue was addressed where driver updates were installed on Windows 11 devices managed by Autopatch across the European Union, again bypassing administrative policies.

Microsoft explained that it is examining how the caching service dropped enrollment information in order to better detect, prevent, and respond to similar problems in the future.

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The one-time license costs $59.99 and supports up to 10 devices. Linux users can access Brave Origin for free. Brave describes Origin as tailored for users who want a simple, privacy-oriented browser without the company's optional revenue features.

What Brave Origin Removes, and Why Some Users Are Criticizing It

Brave Origin disables several features found in the standard Brave browser, including:

• Brave Rewards,
• Brave Wallet,
• Brave VPN promotions,
• Brave Leo AI,
• Brave News,
• Brave Talk, sponsored images, and other promotional and monetization components.

The browser's built-in privacy and ad-blocking system, Brave Shields, remains fully functional when using Origin.

The launch has faced criticism from privacy-conscious users who argue that Brave is charging to remove features many consider unnecessary additions that should not have been in the browser to begin with.

One Reddit user said, "My criticism is that Brave started out offering a browser that protected users from the web's monetization layers.

Over time, the browser itself became another monetization layer. Now Brave Origin seems to confirm that issue: if you want the simple, privacy-focused version, it becomes a paid product."

Others have pointed out that many of the features that Origin disables can already be turned off in the free Brave browser using enterprise group policies, raising questions about whether Origin provides significant technical differences beyond presenting those settings in a simplified interface.

Supporters of the project argue that most users will not manually configure enterprise policies. They see Origin as a more accessible way to get a cleaner browsing experience while also providing a means to support the underlying privacy project financially.

What Brave Users Should Consider Before Paying for Origin

Users seeking a simplified Brave experience have three options: pay $59.99 for Origin, manually set up enterprise group policies in the free version to disable certain features, or switch to an alternative privacy-focused browser like Firefox or LibreWolf.

The core privacy features are the same in both Brave and Origin, but they differ in which optional Brave services are enabled by default. Users comfortable with browser configuration might find the free version sufficient with manual policy adjustments.

Brave Origin offers a more streamlined process but comes at a cost. It is now available on Brave's website, and Linux users can download it free of charge.

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The price increase comes after Valve's May 21 update to the CS2 Major Shop, which replaced the previous sticker capsule system with a demand-driven token pricing model.

This change has received considerable negative feedback from the player community.

How Valve’s New Demand-Based CS2 Sticker System Works

Under the new system, players buy tokens to redeem for specific stickers instead of opening randomized capsules. The prices of stickers change based on demand: if a particular sticker is purchased more than others, its price increases, while other stickers’ prices decrease.

Valve included a partial protection feature: if a sticker's price falls more than 25 tokens within 24 hours of purchase, the buyer gets a refund for the difference. Valve also alerts users before a bulk price update happens during their shopping.

Valve explained that the change was introduced because players in some regions cannot buy sticker capsules, and feedback indicated a preference for direct sticker purchases.

Why Cologne 2026 Sticker Prices Spiked, and What It Means for Major Revenue

The Cologne Major stickers are currently in high demand during the tournament. Since the pricing system responds directly to how many stickers are purchased, popular ones have seen sharp price increases.

Players and observers have pointed out that this system creates price volatility, making it difficult for most users to participate financially. The 24-hour token refund policy has also been criticized as insufficient protection against a market that can shift significantly over longer periods.

Fifty percent of the revenue from Major Shop and Major Pass sales is shared as royalties with the tournament organizer, teams, and players.

If high prices discourage purchases, the overall revenue pool available to participants could decrease significantly. Valve has acknowledged that dynamic pricing could eventually lower the top sticker prices due to reduced demand.

However, they also pointed out that if demand drops too much, market disengagement might lead to a smaller payout overall instead of a rebalancing.

The prize and royalty pools for CS2 Majors already vary quite a bit from one event to another. The new pricing structure adds another layer of uncertainty, affecting potential earnings in either direction.

The Major Shop overhaul comes at the same time Valve is defending itself against a lawsuit from the New York Attorney General, which claims that weapon cases in Counter-Strike 2 amount to illegal gambling.

In its motion to dismiss the case, Valve compared loot boxes to baseball cards. Replacing capsules with a direct purchase system avoids some of the criticisms related to randomized rewards, but the new demand-based pricing has raised concerns about accessibility and speculation.

Valve has not announced whether it plans to adjust the pricing or refund policy in response to player feedback.

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The CMA called this a "world-first" move and said it would give publishers a stronger position when negotiating content deals with Google. Google has nine months to make these changes, with some controls expected to arrive sooner.

This requirement follows Google's recognition as having strategic market status in general search services, which allows the CMA to enforce specific conduct rules.

What the CMA Now Requires Google to Do for Publishers

Under the CMA's order, Google is required to introduce tools that allow publishers to opt out of having their content used in AI features within Search, including AI Overviews. Publishers must also be able to prevent their content from being used to fine-tune AI models.

Additionally, Google needs to ensure that publishers' material is properly attributed through clear links. The company will publish compliance reports every six months during the first year.

Importantly, publishers will have the ability to stop their material from appearing in AI search responses without removing it from Google's traditional search results.

Previously, the main way to prevent AI Overviews was to block Google's crawlers entirely, which also meant removing the site from regular search.

Google’s Response and the New AI Opt-Out Tests in Search Console

Google says it is already testing new controls with a select group of UK website owners through Search Console. These controls allow sites to decide whether their content appears in AI Overviews, AI Mode, and AI Overviews in Discover.

Choosing to opt out means that these sites will no longer receive traffic or impressions from Google's generative AI search features. Google emphasizes that this choice will not impact traditional search rankings.

The company is also introducing new Search Console insights that show when pages appear in generative AI search features and in which countries. According to Google, AI Overviews have more than 2.5 billion monthly active users, while AI Mode has surpassed one billion monthly users.

Why Publishers Pushed for AI Search Opt-Out, and What They Should Consider

The order comes amid ongoing complaints from publishers that Google's AI summaries answer user questions directly, which reduces traffic to the original sources. A 2025 Pew Research Center report found that users were almost 50% less likely to click on links when AI Overviews appeared, challenging Google's claim that its summaries do not impact website traffic.

For news organizations and other publishers, losing referral traffic directly affects advertising revenue and subscription conversions, making the option to opt out of AI Overviews a significant commercial concern.

UK publishers considering the opt-out face a trade-off. Choosing to opt out of AI features means their content won't be included in AI Overviews or AI Mode, but it also means they lose any traffic and impressions those surfaces generate.

Since AI Overviews tend to reduce click-throughs to original source links, some publishers might see the AI exposure as offering little traffic benefit. Others may prefer to keep whatever visibility it provides.

The opt-out for AI model fine-tuning is a separate option that allows publishers to prevent their content from helping train Google's models, regardless of how they choose to display AI Overviews.

Timeline, UK-Only Scope, and Open Questions About Search Controls

Google has nine months to fully implement these changes, although some controls are expected to be in place sooner. The CMA will oversee compliance through the required six-month reports during the first year.

The controls are currently limited to the United Kingdom under the CMA's authority. It is unclear whether similar requirements will be adopted in other regions.

Publishers have also questioned why the default setting uses their content unless they actively opt out, instead of requiring explicit opt-in consent.

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The project builds on the open-source uutils project, which is a cross-platform rewrite of GNU coreutils written in Rust. Its goal is to enable developers to switch between Linux, macOS, Windows, and WSL without needing to change their command-line workflows.

The project is available on GitHub as a package maintained by Microsoft that combines uutils, coreutils, findutils, and a GNU-compatible grep implementation into a single binary.

How to Install Coreutils and How the Single Binary Works

Coreutils for Windows offers many command-line tools familiar to Linux users, such as cat, cp, find, grep, hostname, ls, mv, pwd, rm, sleep, tee, and uptime. Its purpose is to enable existing scripts and tools to run smoothly on Windows without needing any modifications.

The package can be installed through WinGet with the following command:

winget install Microsoft.Coreutils

Instead of creating a separate executable for each program, Microsoft developed a single coreutils.exe that contains all the functionality.

During installation, the setup creates NTFS hardlinks for each supported command, such as ls.exe, cp.exe, cat.exe, and rm.exe, all pointing to coreutils.exe located in C:\Program Files\coreutils.

When a user runs one of these commands, Windows loads coreutils.exe, which then determines which utility to run based on the command name used.

This approach allows Microsoft to maintain a single executable while still offering individual Linux-style commands. When running commands, it’s common to see dozens of command names referencing the same file.

Shell Conflicts and Compatibility

Many Linux command names clash with those used in Command Prompt and PowerShell. Microsoft has published a compatibility table that explains how each utility behaves across various Windows shells.

Commands like ls, cat, cp, mv, rm, pwd, sleep, and tee are included in the table, but whether the Coreutils version is usable depends on the shell being used, the order of directories in the system PATH, and the PowerShell alias table.

Some commands such as dir, more, paste, and whoami are not included because they conflict with existing Windows commands.

What’s Not Included in Coreutils for Windows, and Why

Microsoft has not released several Unix utilities that rely on POSIX features not available on Windows. These include commands such as chmod, chown, chroot, nohup, tty, and who.

The kill and timeout commands also have not been made available, as Windows does not support POSIX signals. Microsoft has indicated that support for signals may be possible in the future.

The company cautions that there may be behavioral differences between the Linux and Windows versions of these commands. Such differences could be due to variations in line feeds, file permissions, and POSIX support.

Coreutils for Windows is part of Microsoft's broader effort to make Windows more appealing to developers. At Build 2026, the company announced WSL containers, which will allow users to create, run, and manage Linux containers on Windows using native command-line tools and APIs.

Coreutils for Windows is now available through WinGet and on GitHub as an open-source project maintained by Microsoft.

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One of these is a small desk device shaped like a cube featuring a touchscreen and voice controls. The other is a wearable badge equipped with a camera and fingerprint sensor, which can be clipped to clothing or worn around the neck.

Microsoft has not yet said whether either device will be offered as a commercial product. Both are currently in testing with a few hundred employees, and the results from these tests are expected to influence future designs.

The Wearable AI Badge and Desk Cube

The wearable device, which Microsoft executive Steven Bathiche described as "a wearable access badge," attracted the most attention during the demo.

It’s activated with a fingerprint and has a small built-in camera. During one demonstration, Bathiche pointed the badge at the audience and asked it to take photos and send them to him, which the system successfully did.

The camera is meant to give AI agents more context about the user's environment. Bathiche explained that it helps the agents better understand and respond to their surroundings, which means they can react not only to typed or spoken commands but also to what the device sees.

The second idea is a small cube equipped with a touchscreen and voice controls, designed to sit on a desk.

Similar to the badge, it is built around AI agents that are already widely used by developers and technical professionals, especially for writing and refining code. The aim is to keep these agents easily accessible without the need to use a laptop or monitor.

Microsoft’s AI Hardware Strategy and the Privacy Concerns

CEO Satya Nadella described the effort as part of a broader rethink of computing interfaces, referring to the devices as a "new form factor."

This wording indicates that Microsoft is considering the possibility that AI should not be limited to phones and PCs but also integrated into smaller devices that users keep nearby throughout the day.

The prototypes suggest Microsoft views AI not only as software but also as something that may eventually need its own dedicated hardware layer.

Devices that continuously observe their environment have drawn scrutiny across the industry. Meta's AI-enabled glasses have raised questions about how visual data is recorded, stored, and under what circumstances.

A camera-equipped wearable badge raises similar concerns about bystander consent and data handling, particularly in workplace settings where the device may capture colleagues without their explicit awareness.

Microsoft has not detailed how visual data captured by the badge would be stored, processed, or protected.

Microsoft’s Wearables Track Record and the Wider AI Hardware Push

Microsoft's history with wearable devices has been inconsistent. The company's HoloLens mixed reality headset faced challenges gaining widespread adoption despite years of work and a notable US Army contract.

Microsoft ceased HoloLens production in 2024. Other tech giants are also revisiting wearables. Google has announced plans to re-enter the smart glasses market more than a decade after Google Glass, while Meta continues to expand its line of smart glasses. All three companies are betting that AI assistants can improve the usefulness of wearable hardware compared to earlier attempts.

It remains unclear whether Microsoft's prototypes will move beyond internal testing, as the company has yet to specify any timeline for a potential commercial launch.

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The game's continued strong sales, despite being released more than a decade ago, demonstrate the financial runway that has allowed Rockstar to delay GTA 6 multiple times while still generating revenue.

The PS5 sales figure aligns with Take-Two's financial reports, which regularly note around 5 million additional units sold per quarter across all platforms.

When accounting for sales on PS4, PC, and both Xbox generations, the 1.8 million estimate for PS5 fits within that broader total.

May 2026’s Top PS5 Games

Alinea's estimates for May list GTA 5 as the fifth best-selling PS5 game for the month. The full top five by estimated units sold includes:

• 007 First Light with one million copies,
• Minecraft with 788,000,
• Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight with 757,000,
• EA Sports FC 26 with 411,000,
• GTA 5 with 387,000.

How GTA Online Revenue and Ongoing GTA 5 Sales Are Funding GTA 6

Beyond just unit sales, GTA Online continues to bring in a significant amount of money from microtransactions. While specific figures are rarely revealed, leaks have suggested that the game earns around 8.4 million dollars each week.

Another leak from Rockstar indicated that approximately 97 percent of GTA Online's revenue comes from console versions. This might be one reason why a PC release for GTA 6 has not yet been confirmed. GTA 5's continued strong sales and the ongoing revenue from GTA Online have provided Rockstar with a surprisingly long financial runway.

Take-Two's CEO Strauss Zelnick has repeatedly emphasized that Rockstar is aiming to "deliver perfection" with GTA 6, and the company has provided significant financial, creative, and human resources to support this goal.

Such an extended development process is uncommon in the industry, where most studios face pressure to release products on tighter schedules. GTA 6 is currently scheduled for a console launch on November 19, 2026. A PC version has not been officially confirmed.

The sales expectations for GTA 6 are substantial. An industry analyst has estimated that the game could sell up to 45 million copies on PS5 within its first week.

Additionally, analysis of Rockstar North's financial documents suggests that the studio has spent more than two billion dollars on development.

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The feature was uncovered in build 26300.8553 by researchers at Pureinfotech. It is relevant primarily for Copilot+ PCs, which run local AI models.

The page is not officially available yet. Pureinfotech had to manually enable it on a test PC to access the uninstall option, indicating it is still in development.

What the AI Components Page Shows And Limited Uninstall Support

(Source: Pureinfotech)

Windows 11's Settings app now includes a dedicated AI Components page where users can view details about local AI models.

The latest version of this feature provides more comprehensive information for each installed model, including the publisher, version, installation date, size, and total usage. This detailed view aims to increase transparency around the AI models integrated into Windows 11.

The new interface reportedly allows users to uninstall certain AI models. Currently, the only AI component that can be removed is Phi Silica, an on-device language model designed to handle local AI workloads on Copilot+ PCs.

It is unclear whether Microsoft plans to expand uninstall options to other AI components or if some models will remain non-removable due to system dependencies.

Other Changes in Build 26300.8553 And Why This Matters

The build released last week includes several new features and fixes, such as expanded customization options for the Start menu, improved search with substring matching, and support for touch swipe gestures to reveal the Taskbar when it is docked in an alternative position.

Microsoft has faced criticism for rolling out AI features through automatic Windows updates without giving users clear options, including the silent installation of local AI models on Copilot+ PCs.

A management page that displays details such as purpose, size, data usage, and installation date for these models helps address some of those concerns by improving transparency.

The option to uninstall AI components, currently limited to Phi Silica, responds to a common user complaint that some bundled AI models are unnecessary and that users want to free up storage and system resources.

The AI model management page that includes uninstall support is not yet officially enabled in the current Insider build and requires manual activation to access.

Its presence indicates that Microsoft may plan to roll it out more widely in a future update, but the company has not officially announced the feature nor provided a timeline for when it might become generally available.

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Many of those affected have been unable to regain access because Meta's automated support relies on AI chatbots that loop without offering a way to escalate to a human agent.

The attacks, which began being reported on Monday, targeted rare and high-value accounts. Among the affected accounts reportedly were one previously used by the Obama White House team, one belonging to app researcher Jane Manchun Wong, and the accounts @hey and @korn.

Some users said their identities had been verified through facial scans and that they had two-factor authentication enabled, yet they still lost access.

How Attackers Tricked Meta’s AI Support Into Handing Over Instagram Accounts

Multiple reports indicate that the takeover process was straightforward:

1. The attacker begins by activating the "forgot password" feature, claiming the account was hacked.
2. When Instagram's AI assistant requests a selfie for verification, the attacker uploads a photo taken from the target's public account.
3. This photo is then processed through an AI video generator to create an animation.
4. The animated video is uploaded to Meta and is accepted as a valid identity verification. Once verified, the attacker changes the associated email address.
5. With the email updated, they initiate a password reset and receive the security code needed to take full control of the account.

User André mentioned that "Meta's AI just accepts it because it can't tell the difference between a real selfie and an AI-generated video of someone's face," adding that this method bypasses two-factor authentication.

Some reports also indicate that attackers used VPN services to appear as though they were connecting from the target's usual region, passing geolocation checks that would normally trigger a more secure login process.

A common complaint is the difficulty of reaching a human support agent during recovery. The owner of the @korn account said they spent six hours trying to contact support and received four broken links from Meta's support AI.

"We're at the point where one AI stole it, and another can't fix it, with no humans involved," the account owner said. André shared a similar experience: "You're talking to a chatbot that has no ability to help. You can't escalate to a human. You're just stuck."

Why Rare Instagram Accounts Are Targeted and How Meta Is Responding

Rare accounts, including single-letter usernames, have a high black market value, often reaching tens of thousands of dollars. Some reports say that the single-letter @e and @f accounts were obtained through an active exploit, while others suggest those usernames were secured by someone with internal access. BleepingComputer noted that it could not independently verify either claim.

Meta has not issued an official statement. The company's vice president of communications, Andy Stone, responded to a user on social media, saying that the issue has been resolved and that they are securing the affected accounts.

BleepingComputer reached out to Meta for comment but had not received a response at the time of publication.

What Instagram Users Can Do to Reduce Their Risk

The attack takes advantage of Meta's verification and recovery systems rather than a vulnerability on the user's device, which limits what individuals can do to completely prevent it. However, users can take steps to reduce their risk and improve their chances of recovery:

• Limit the number of public-facing profile photos that clearly show your face, as attackers use these images to create verification videos.
• Keep your account recovery contact details, such as email and phone number, current and protected with strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication, though it’s worth noting that this attack reportedly bypassed it. Still, two-factor authentication provides additional security against more common credential-based attacks.
• Document proof of account ownership, like your original signup email and creation date, in case manual recovery becomes necessary.
• Watch for unexpected notifications about password resets or email changes and act promptly if you see anything unusual.

The main vulnerability lies in Meta's AI-driven verification process, which accepts AI-generated face videos. Until Meta improves this aspect of their verification system, users with high-value accounts remain at higher risk.

Meta has said that the specific incidents have been resolved but has not provided details on any changes made to prevent similar AI verification bypasses from happening again.

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The update focuses on improving GPT-5.5's response quality and style, while also phasing out older models to optimize computing resources. GPT-5.5 Instant was first released on April 23 and has continued to receive updates through May 2026.

GPT-5.5 Instant Improvements, And Legacy Model Retirements

OpenAI indicates that the updated GPT-5.5 will deliver more accurate responses and feature an improved writing style. Key changes include shorter, less bullet-heavy answers designed to sound more human, along with responses that are more natural and easier to read in everyday conversations.

The update also enhances pacing for practical help tasks. These adjustments aim to make ChatGPT feel more conversational and less formulaic.

OpenAI is sunsetting two older models from ChatGPT to prioritize newer, more capable ones:

• GPT-4.5 will be retired on June 27, following a 30-day sunset period
• o3 will be retired on August 26, following a 90-day sunset period

Both models are currently available only to paid ChatGPT users. OpenAI notes that while o3 has limited ongoing demand, GPT-4.5 has a more dedicated following. GPT-4.5 was closer in behavior to GPT-4o, which made it feel more personal to some users and contributed to its appeal.

Users who rely on these models should plan to transition to GPT-5.5 or another available model before the respective retirement dates.

New Job Search Integration in ChatGPT and When These Changes Roll Out

OpenAI is introducing a new job search feature in ChatGPT. This update enables ChatGPT to display live job listings and freelance opportunities.

According to OpenAI's release notes, it can fetch listings from sources such as Indeed, Upwork, Appcast, and various websites across the internet. Results are tailored to the user's experience, skills, and goals, helping to highlight relevant roles. Users can follow links to apply directly on the original sites.

In addition to the job search feature, OpenAI has enhanced ChatGPT's capabilities to create resumes, make edits to existing ones, and export them in professional formats.

The rollout of GPT-5.5 improvements and the job search integration is gradually happening worldwide. OpenAI has not announced a specific date for the full global rollout.

The model retirements follow established schedules, with GPT-4.5 being phased out of ChatGPT on June 27 and O3 on August 26.

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The standard edition will cost $59.99, which is $10 less than the typical $69.99 price for many AAA releases currently. A digital deluxe edition will also be available for $69.99.

Control Resonant is the sequel to Remedy's 2019 action game Control. In this installment, players assume the role of Dylan Faden, the brother of the original protagonist Jesse Faden, as they work to stop a supernatural threat that has taken over Manhattan.

Editions, Pricing, and PlayStation 5 Early Access

The available editions include:

• The Standard Edition priced at $59.99,
• The Digital Deluxe Edition at $69.99 which offers extra in-game items,
• The PlayStation Digital Deluxe Edition that grants 48 hours of early access, exclusive to PS5.

This early access is only available for PS5 owners. Players on Xbox and PC will be able to start playing from the standard release date on September 24.

What Control Resonant Is

Control Resonant is described by Remedy's Chief Commercial Officer Johannes Paloheimo as the studio's "most expansive game ever." Remedy is self-publishing the title, with marketing planned around Summer Game Fest and events over the summer leading to the September 24 release.

A hands-off preview in March highlighted the game's fast-paced combat. The game shares a universe with Alan Wake 2 and may continue some of those story elements, though the extent of the connection has not been detailed.

Remedy is working on remakes of the first two Max Payne games in collaboration with Rockstar Games, with additional details to be announced later. The reveal for Control Resonant took place during the June 2026 PlayStation State of Play, which also featured the announcement of God of War Laufey and other titles.

Control Resonant is set to launch on September 24, 2026, for PS5, Xbox, and PC. Remedy has not yet provided full details on pre-order options or regional pricing.

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Each request is now priced dynamically, depending on the model used, request type, amount of submitted material, and response complexity.

Microsoft announced the change in April, noting that GitHub Copilot has evolved significantly over the past year. The company explained that it now supports more complex, agentic workflows that require greater computing resources.

What Changed With GitHub Copilot’s New Usage?Based Billing

Previously, GitHub Copilot used a flat monthly pricing model, charging $10 a m?onth for Copilot Pro and $39 a month for Copilot Pro+. This structure allowed users to make many requests across different AI models for a predictable fee.

Under the new approach, each request consumes credits from a monthly allocation. The cost per request now varies depending on several factors:

• The AI model chosen
• The type and complexity of the request
• The amount of context submitted
• The complexity of the response generated

Microsoft explains that this change brings pricing more in line with actual usage and costs, describing it as necessary for delivering a more sustainable and reliable product experience.

Why Developers Are Complaining About Copilot’s New Credit System

The response on GitHub's user forum and Reddit has been largely negative, mainly revolving around how quickly credits are used up and how unpredictable the per-request costs can be.

One developer on the $39 Copilot Pro+ plan shared that they used about 8% of their monthly AI credit allotment in just two hours, estimating that their 7,000-unit quota might run out in less than two days.

Another user reported spending more than $6 on a single change request, noting that the consumption was "impossible to predict." A Reddit user mentioned that a session using Claude 4.8 to fix website issues used 1,180 credits, which is about 16% of their monthly Pro+ allowance, for results they described as only mediocre.

The main concern expressed is that budgeting for AI usage is difficult when a single feature request can consume a significant portion of the monthly credits.

Developers Moving to Alternatives and How Microsoft Is Responding

Many users have mentioned plans to move their work to other services. Common options include accessing Anthropic and OpenAI models directly or routing requests through third-party services such as OpenRouter, RooCode, and LM Studio.

One user described a hybrid approach: using the Pro+ allocation until it runs out, then switching to OpenRouter for the rest of the month. OpenRouter operates within the same VS Code interface, offers a broader selection of models, and allows credits to roll over for up to a year, unlike the GitHub Copilot allocation.

A GitHub spokesperson confirmed the billing update to The Register, stating that usage-based billing is now active. The new pricing model for GitHub Copilot reflects actual usage and includes spending limits, usage dashboards, and model selection options to help users manage their costs.

The company also announced the launch of a higher-capacity tier called Copilot Max, aimed at users who require more extensive usage.

What Affected GitHub Copilot Users Can Do to Control Costs

Developers worried about costs under the new model have several options. They can set spending limits in the GitHub Copilot billing dashboard to control monthly charges.

1. Monitoring the usage dashboard helps track credit consumption per request and per model. Choosing less expensive models for routine tasks can also help, with higher-cost models reserved for more complex work.
2. Evaluating the new Copilot Max tier may be worthwhile if usage consistently exceeds the standard allocation. Some may consider third-party model access through services that offer rollover credits or lower per-request prices.

GitHub has not announced any changes to the new billing structure in response to recent feedback. The company emphasizes the use of spending limits and usage dashboards as the main tools for managing costs under the metered system.

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The solution is included in the KB5089573 preview cumulative update released on May 26 and will be available to all users through the June Patch Tuesday updates later this month.

The failures were due to insufficient free space on the EFI System Partition (ESP), which led the update to roll back automatically on affected devices.

What Was Causing KB5089549 Install Failures and How to Fix Them

Microsoft confirmed two weeks ago that the problem affected devices with limited free space on the EFI System Partition, especially those with 10MB or less available. On these systems, the installation process would begin normally but fail during the reboot phase at around 35 to 36 percent completion.

Affected users saw a message stating, "Something didn't go as planned. Undoing changes," when the update rolled back. Logs from impacted systems included entries like "SpaceCheck" and "ServicingBootFiles failed," which pointed to insufficient free space on the EFI System Partition.

Microsoft says the issue has been fixed with updates released on May 26, 2026 (KB5089573) and later. Users who install these updates do not need to use any workaround.

To do so, open Settings, then Windows Update, go to Advanced options, and select Optional updates. From there, install KB5089573 or a later update. This will prevent the EFI partition install issue from occurring.

Microsoft recommends installing the latest update because it includes other improvements and fixes. The same resolution will be rolled out automatically to all users through the June Patch Tuesday cumulative update.

Mitigation Options If You Don’t Install the KB5089573 Optional Update

Users who choose not to install the May 2026 optional update can use Known Issue Rollback (KIR), a Windows feature that undoes problematic updates delivered through Windows Update. KIR is automatically applied to consumer and unmanaged devices.

In enterprise environments, administrators can manually address the issue by installing and configuring the Group Policy provided by Microsoft. Instructions for deploying the Known Issue Rollback group policies are available on Microsoft's support website.

The preview cumulative update KB5089573 for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 was released on May 26. It includes 30 changes, such as the Low Latency Profile performance feature and various reliability improvements.

This update comes after a series of issues with Windows updates in 2026. Earlier this month, Microsoft confirmed that security updates released in April 2026 caused failures in third-party backup applications that relied on a vulnerable driver.

The company also fixed a Windows Autopatch bug that led to administrator-restricted driver updates being deployed on some devices managed by Autopatch in the European Union.

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After completing an initial full export, scheduled exports will skip content that has already been downloaded, so there’s no need to re-download an entire library just to get the latest items.

This change addresses a long-standing limitation where exporting from Google Photos required downloading the entire library each time, even if only a few new items had been added.

How Incremental Google Photos Exports Work in Takeout

The initial scheduled export includes all selected photos and albums. The following scheduled exports are incremental, containing only items uploaded or edited since the last export.

Users can set up exports to run automatically every two months for a period of up to a year. This allows for up to six exports, each occurring every second month and including only content added since the previous export. Two months is the maximum frequency supported. After a year, users need to re-run the Takeout process to create a new schedule.

The remaining Takeout options remain unchanged:

• ZIP files can be created up to 50GB in size.
• Users can receive a download link via email.
• Files can also be added directly to Google Drive, Dropbox, or Box.

Where to Find the New Takeout Option and Why Incremental Exports Matter

The new scheduled export option only shows up in Google Takeout when Google Photos is selected during the export process. Users setting up an export should look for the scheduling option after choosing Google Photos as the data source.

The incremental export option is especially helpful for users who keep local backups or use self-hosted photo management tools like Immich. In the past, maintaining an up-to-date local backup often meant repeatedly downloading the entire cloud library, which could drain bandwidth and take a lot of time for larger collections.

This change makes Google Photos a more viable choice for users who want to keep a synchronized local or third-party copy of their library, or for those considering a move away from Google's cloud while still accessing their photos.

Google has not announced whether the two-month maximum frequency or the one-year scheduling limit will be increased. The feature is currently rolling out through Google Takeout.

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Start Times by Region and What to Expect

The sale begins at 10 AM Pacific Time on June 25. Here are the equivalent start times in other regions:-

• UTC: 5 PM on June 25-
• UK (BST): 6 PM on June 25-
• Central Europe (CEST): 7 PM on June 25-
• India (IST): 10:30 PM on June 25-
• Japan (JST): 2 AM on June 26-
• Sydney (AEST): 3 AM on June 26-
• New Zealand (NZST): 5 AM on June 26

The sale will end at the same time on July 9, 2026.

The Steam Summer Sale usually offers discounts on a wide variety of games, from indie titles to major AAA releases. It’s a time when many wishlisted games are discounted together, making it easier to compare prices and clear out a backlog of saved titles.

For those planning a larger purchase, seasonal sales like the Summer Sale tend to provide the biggest discounts of the year. Adding games to a Steam wishlist before the sale starts will send notifications when those titles go on sale.

Valve has not yet announced if the 2026 Summer Sale will feature the same elements as previous years, such as sale-period trading cards or community events. More details are typically announced closer to the event date.

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This feature keeps chat history and notification preferences intact on the device, allowing users to log back in without needing a full re-setup as before. The update was spotted in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android by WABetaInfo.

This change addresses a long-standing issue where logging out of WhatsApp would delete local messages, making the re-login process slower and less convenient.

How WhatsApp’s New Log Out Option Works on Android

Currently, logging out of WhatsApp removes messages from the device, which means users need to restore from backup and reconfigure settings when they log back in.

The new log-out option works more like other apps: chat history is preserved on the device, notification settings stay the same, and login credentials are stored locally instead of being erased. Re-accessing the account is faster, as the app restores the previous state immediately.

Meta describes the feature as a more flexible alternative to uninstalling the app, especially for users who want to pause data usage or take a break from messages.

Where to Find the New Log Out Option and When It Will Roll Out

For beta testers who have access to the feature, the log out option appears in the app settings under the Account screen. When selected, it initiates the sign-out process, which includes a confirmation step before finalizing.

After confirmation, the account is disconnected from the device, but stored data and access details remain intact. WhatsApp also displays several suggestions to help users avoid logging out in certain situations before they complete the process.

The feature is currently being rolled out to some users participating in the WhatsApp beta program, following the release of WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.26.21.9, which is available through the Google Play Store beta testing channel.

WhatsApp has not announced when the native log-out option will be available in the stable version of the app, whether it will be introduced on iOS, or if regional availability will vary. As with most beta features, the functionality may change before a wider release.

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It launched on May 27 across platforms including Xbox, Steam, Epic Games, and PS5, following an early access period for Digital Deluxe Edition owners that began on May 26.

The studio behind the game is best known for the Hitman series. This strong start marks a significant milestone for a developer that nearly shut down less than a decade ago.

Sales Breakdown for 007 First Light’s Record Launch

Of the 1.5 million total sales in the first 24 hours, at least 500,000 came from Steam, according to data from Alinea Analytics. The Steam sales alone generated more than $25 million in revenue for the studio.

The rest of the sales came from Xbox Play Anywhere, Epic Games, and PS5. The game was released on all platforms at the same time, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version confirmed for a later, undisclosed date.

This launch marks an important milestone for IO Interactive. The studio was once part of Square Enix, which withdrew its support in 2017. Before securing a management buyout, IO Interactive was reportedly close to shutting down.

After becoming independent again, the studio developed the Hitman trilogy, which received both commercial and critical praise. Its latest release, 007 First Light, has now become the studio's fastest-selling title, surpassing the opening sales pace of previous games.

What 007 First Light Is and How It Plays

First Light is an origin story for MI6 agent James Bond, showing how he became the agency's most well-known operative. It is an original narrative, not based on any existing film.

The game is built around the stealth-action gameplay IO Interactive developed with the Hitman series.

First Light is now available on Xbox Play Anywhere, Steam, Epic Games, and PS5. IO Interactive has not announced plans for post-launch content or a release date for the planned Nintendo Switch 2 version.

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The campaign, called "LLMShare" and uncovered by Push Security, uses Google ads to lead users to a malicious shared ChatGPT page hosted on the legitimate chatgpt.com domain.

Since the lure is delivered through a genuine OpenAI URL, it avoids the usual warning signs of phishing infrastructure controlled by attackers.

How the ChatGPT Fake Outage Attack Works

The campaign depends on the ability to publish custom-rendered HTML through ChatGPT's sharing feature.

1. Attackers purchase Google ads targeting users searching for ChatGPT, and clicking the ad directs to what appears to be a legitimate ChatGPT shared page on a chatgpt.com/s/ link.
2. Instead of a real chat conversation, the page shows a fake outage notice.
3. This notice claims that the web version is unavailable due to high traffic and directs users to download the desktop app.
4. Clicking the download button redirects to openew[.]app, a site that impersonates OpenAI's official desktop download portal.

The fake outage message states: "We're experiencing high traffic right now. Our website is temporarily unavailable due to a large number of users. Download our desktop app to continue."

This custom outage notice is generated from HTML and CSS rendered by a ChatGPT prompt. Push Security observed that the page includes "Show code" and "Remix with ChatGPT" controls, indicating that the outage notice is not a genuine system message but a custom-rendered artifact.

How Cloaking Hides the Malware From Security Scanners

The download site at openew[.]app uses cloaking techniques to show malicious content only to specific targets. When security tools like URLScan visited the site, they saw a harmless website for an AR/VR company instead of the fake download page.

The site offers downloads for both macOS and Windows that install malware. The exact payload remains unclear, but earlier campaigns exploiting AI platform sharing features have distributed infostealer malware.

BleepingComputer's test of the Windows version revealed that it runs commands to check whether the device is a real computer or a virtual machine, a common tactic to avoid automated analysis.

How to Avoid These ChatGPT Fake Outage Malware Attacks

Users looking for ChatGPT or any AI application should follow these 4 safety tips:

1. Avoid clicking on sponsored search ads for software downloads. Instead, go directly to the official website.
2. Be wary of any "outage" page that prompts you to download a desktop application to continue. Legitimate services do not redirect users to downloads during outages.
3. Only download desktop applications from official vendor sites or authorized app stores, not from links found in ads or shared pages.
4. Be cautious of any shared ChatGPT or Claude links that show a download prompt or installation instructions, as they are likely to be suspicious and are usually user-created content rather than official messages.

The Broader Pattern of Abusing AI Sharing Features to Spread Malware

The LLMShare campaign is part of a growing pattern of exploiting AI platform sharing features to spread malware. Push Security also observed attacks misusing Claude Artifacts, a feature from Anthropic that enables sharing rendered applications, to host ClickFix-style lures that trick users into executing malicious commands.

Earlier in 2026, threat actors used Google ads to direct users searching for Claude downloads to shared Claude conversations containing malicious installation instructions. Other campaigns misused shared ChatGPT and Grok conversations to carry out ClickFix attacks, impersonating legitimate software installation guides.

The main problem is that content shared through AI platforms appears to come from a trusted domain, even though it is fully controlled by attackers. Users should treat the rendering feature as untrusted user-generated content rather than as official platform messaging.

Anthropic and OpenAI have not publicly shared specific steps to address the abuse of their sharing features in this campaign. Users should remain cautious of any download prompts encountered through shared AI conversation links.

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Developed in partnership with NVIDIA, it features an NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU along with up to 128GB of unified memory and full CUDA support. Microsoft is targeting creators, developers, and AI professionals running demanding local workloads.

The device is expected to be available later this year. This marks the first Surface laptop to combine an NVIDIA Blackwell RTX GPU with unified memory and CUDA, indicating an expanded hardware partnership between Microsoft and NVIDIA on the Windows platform.

Performance and Local AI Capabilities of Surface Laptop Ultra

The Surface Laptop Ultra's main feature is its local AI computing power. Microsoft says the device offers one petaflop of AI compute, based on NVIDIA's FP4 TOPS figure that uses the sparsity feature.

It can run models with up to 120 billion parameters locally. The device also has up to 128GB of unified memory that is dynamically shared between the CPU and GPU.

This unified memory setup allows the RAM to be allocated where it's most needed, supporting AI creation, 3D rendering, and workflows involving multiple models running at the same time. The device is optimized for RTX Spark and tuned for Windows.

Microsoft states the CPU architecture is designed to be power-efficient enough for all-day battery life, although the company notes that battery figures are based on internal testing of pre-release units and may vary depending on usage.

Display, Design, and Availability of Surface Laptop Ultra

The Surface Laptop Ultra has a 15-inch mini-LED PixelSense Ultra touchscreen that offers several notable features.

It can reach up to 2,000 nits of peak HDR brightness, making it the brightest display Microsoft has shipped. The screen has a pixel density of 262 pixels per inch and provides high-quality color accuracy. The device also includes the largest haptic touchpad seen on a Surface to date.

The Surface Laptop Ultra is part of a broader effort to introduce high-performance NVIDIA silicon into Windows laptops. It follows a series of teasers from NVIDIA, Microsoft, and Arm hinting at a "new era of PC" announcement at Computex 2026, where NVIDIA is expected to unveil its N1 consumer CPU.

The Surface Laptop Ultra reflects Microsoft's hardware contribution to this direction, with a focus on local AI workloads rather than relying on cloud-based processing.

The Surface Laptop Ultra is expected to launch later this year. Microsoft has not disclosed details about pricing, specific configurations, CPU specifications, or regional availability.

The company mentions that the device is a pre-release product, meaning features could change and depend on regulatory approval in different regions.

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All three companies used the phrase "A new era of PC" in their posts, which also included coordinates pointing to the Computex 2026 venue in Taipei. The announcement could come as soon as Monday, June 1.

The teaser is interpreted as an early sign that Nvidia is preparing to support Windows on Arm with its own consumer processor, possibly the N1 series.

What Nvidia’s N1 Series Is and Its Leaked Specs

The N1, also known as N1X, is expected to be a consumer-focused, Arm-based system-on-chip. It is positioned as a consumer version of Project Digits, the high-end workstation mini PC that Nvidia revealed at CES 2025.

Leaked specifications suggest the N1X will feature

20 CPU cores divided into two clusters of 10 cores each. It is reported to include a Blackwell-based integrated GPU with 6,144 CUDA cores, which is comparable to the RTX 5070 in terms of core count but operates at lower clock speeds and power levels.

Additionally, support for 128GB of RAM at 8,533 MT/s is indicated, based on a leaked notebook motherboard. The motherboard is also said to have an 8+6+2-phase VRM configuration.

Benchmark leaks imply that this chip could perform similarly to recent mobile processors from Qualcomm, Apple, Intel, and AMD.

Why Nvidia’s Return to Consumer CPUs Matters for Windows on Arm

The N1 would be Nvidia's first consumer CPU since the Tegra X1, which powered the Nvidia Shield TV more than a decade ago. While Nvidia currently dominates the dedicated GPU and AI data center markets, it has not competed in the consumer processor space for years.

This move aligns with Microsoft's Windows on Arm strategy. Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips led Microsoft's effort to match the power efficiency improvements Apple achieved with its M-series chips.

Arm has stated that other chipmakers are expected to follow Qualcomm, and Nvidia entering the market would introduce significant competition to mobile processors and bolster the viability of Windows on Arm.

Development Delays and When Nvidia Could Launch N1 Devices

Reports suggest that Nvidia and its hardware partners initially planned to launch N1-based devices last year. However, significant hardware issues reportedly caused an internal delay to the first quarter of 2026, a timeline that has now passed.

The upcoming Computex reveal is expected to be the first official appearance of the chip following these delays. The first products are likely to be laptops, possibly including 2-in-1 notebooks.

The Computex 2026 event is scheduled from June 2 to 5. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang's keynote will take place on Monday, June 1 at 11 AM Taipei time at the Taipei Music Center. This is likely where Nvidia will announce the N1 and reveal other PC-related products.

Additional variants of the N1 may be released later in 2026, with the N2 series expected in 2027. Nvidia has not officially confirmed product names, specifications, pricing, or release dates ahead of the keynote.

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This is the second time the Commission has issued a fine under the DSA to an international company. Temu has until August 28 to submit an action plan to ensure compliance or face additional periodic fines.

The Commission found that Temu, a Chinese online marketplace known for low-cost goods, did not properly assess the risks related to unlawful products sold through its platform. It also likely encouraged European customers to buy illegal goods.

What the European Commission Found on Temu’s Platform

The investigation, which started in 2024 and remains ongoing, has led the Commission to state that enough evidence has been collected to issue an initial fine. Key findings include:

• Temu provided a generic risk assessment that lacked specific analysis of its platform and did not adequately reflect its reporting or testing efforts.
• The company underestimated how often illegal goods were offered to European customers.
• A mystery shopping investigation found that many products on Temu would fail basic safety tests, including baby toys containing unsafe levels of hazardous chemicals that could pose risks to children.
• Temu also failed to conduct a proper assessment of its platform's design, which the Commission said effectively encouraged the sale of illegal goods through promotional programs advertised by affiliated influencers.

Under the Digital Services Act, very large online platforms are required to assess systemic risks to consumers and adopt appropriate mitigation measures when such risks are identified.

The Commission stated that the lack of a proper risk assessment constitutes a significant violation of the DSA.

How the €200 Million Temu Fine Was Calculated and What Happens Next

The €200 million fine was set based on the severity of the violation, the number of affected EU users, and how long the misconduct lasted. Under the DSA, companies can face penalties of up to 6% of their global annual revenue. This current fine leaves open the possibility of higher penalties if Temu fails to comply.

Temu has until August 28 to submit an action plan under Article 75 of the DSA to bring the platform into compliance. Without a proper plan or meaningful corrective measures, the company could face additional fines on a regular basis.

In a statement to Reuters, Temu said it was ready to cooperate with the European Commission. The company also argued that the 2024 assessment cited by Brussels no longer accurately reflects how the platform currently operates.

The Temu fine is the second DSA-related penalty issued by the European Commission, following a fine imposed on Elon Musk's X platform in 2025. In that case, X reportedly did not include cooperation as part of its response.

The enforcement actions under the DSA are part of a wider European regulatory effort targeting large platforms, with ongoing investigations into TikTok and Meta over concerns related to addictive algorithms and child safety issues.

The investigation into Temu is still open, which means additional findings or penalties could be issued beyond the current fine and the August 28 deadline for compliance.

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The model is accessible via claude.ai, Claude Code, and the Claude API, where it is identified as claude-opus-4-8.

The release also features new platform controls, including user-adjustable effort settings, dynamic workflows in Claude Code, and live updates to the Messages API.

Pricing and Effort Controls in Claude Opus 4.8

Claude Opus 4.8 maintains the same pricing structure as Claude Opus 4.7. The standard mode costs five dollars per million input tokens and twenty-five dollars per million output tokens.

The fast mode is priced at ten dollars per million input tokens and fifty dollars per million output tokens. In addition, fast mode for Opus 4.8 operates at 2.5 times the speed of the standard mode.

Users on claude.ai and Cowork can now adjust how much effort Claude puts into a response, which directly affects token usage. Opus 4.8 defaults to a high effort setting.

Anthropic states that even at this default level, coding tasks use about the same number of tokens as Opus 4.7, while providing better performance.

An xhigh setting is available for tasks that need more computation. Claude's code rate limits have been increased to support the higher token consumption enabled by these effort controls.

These new options are part of Anthropic's shift toward token-based billing instead of fixed subscription tiers.

Dynamic Workflows in Claude Code and Live Updates to the Messages API

Claude Code now supports dynamic workflows, enabling users to plan work, run parallel sub-agents, verify outputs, and report results.

Anthropic explains that this feature is aimed at large codebases and can handle codebases with hundreds of thousands of lines. Currently in research preview, dynamic workflows are available for Enterprise, Team, and Max plans.

The Messages API now supports real-time updates to the messages array while an agent is active. Developers can change instructions, adjust permissions, modify token limits, or update context during a task without disrupting prompt caching or needing a new user turn.

Performance and Safety Changes in Claude Opus 4.8

Anthropic claims that Opus 4.8 offers improvements over Opus 4.7 across various benchmarks, including coding, agentic functions, reasoning, and office tasks.

The company also states that the model is roughly four times less likely than Opus 4.7 to pass flawed code without commenting on it.

In terms of safety, Anthropic reports that Opus 4.8 shows lower levels of deception and a reduced tendency to comply with attempts to misuse the model compared to Opus 4.7. These safety metrics are said to be similar to those of Claude Mythos Preview.

External testers mentioned by Anthropic include organizations in software development, law, finance, and research. CursorBench found that Opus 4.8 required fewer tool steps to achieve the same output quality as comparable models.

Another tester noted that the model's cost performance was on par with GPT-5.5 in internal benchmarks.

Looking Ahead

Anthropic said it is developing models that offer current capabilities at a lower cost, as well as a new class of model that surpasses the existing Opus level.

Mythos-class models, which are currently limited to participants in Project Glasswing, are expected to be available to customers in the next few weeks once additional safeguards are in place.

Claude Opus 4.8 is now accessible to users on claude.ai, Claude Code, and via the Claude API.

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The patch makes several changes, including reducing the starting workers from 12 to 8, and introduces a range of balance adjustments and quality of life improvements across all three races. It also includes a number of bug fixes.

According to Blizzard, the focus of the update is to extend the early and mid-game experience, allowing players to remain competitive on one to three bases for a longer period.

The goal is to make non-warped Gateway play more practical and to increase strategic options for Zerg, Terran, and Protoss.

Economic Changes in StarCraft 2 Patch 5.0.16

The most noticeable change affects the beginning of each match:

• Starting workers have been reduced from 12 to 8.
• The default resources on large mineral patches are now 1,600, down from 1,800, while small patches have increased from 900 to 1,200.
• The total default minerals per base have gone up from 10,800 to 11,200.
• Vespene Geysers now provide 2,500 resources instead of 2,250, raising the overall gas per base from 4,500 to 5,000.
• Additionally, the harvest return for rich Vespene gas has decreased from 8 to 6.

These changes mean that players need to make more cautious build decisions early in the game, which emphasizes scouting and extends the time before armies reach their maximum size.

Race-Specific Balance Changes for Zerg, Terran, and Protoss

Each race has received significant adjustments:

• Zerg changes include reduced supply from Hatchery, Lair, and Hive, from six to four
• Slower creep spread
• Increased damage from Spore Crawlers against biological units
• Cheaper Carapace upgrades
• An auto-attack weapon for Infestors
• And the extended Microbial Shroud range from nine to twelve.
• The Viper's Abduct ability can now target sieged Siege Tanks.

Terran changes involve lowering Command Center supply from 15 to 13; redesigning the Ghost to use three supply, have 100 health, deliver 20 base damage, and a range of seven, with revised Steady Targeting that no longer cancels on damage; and updating subgroup priorities in the Medivac.

Protoss adjustments include moving Warpgate Research from the Cybernetics Core to the Gateway, reducing warp-in time to three seconds, introducing a fifty-fifty transform cost for Warpgate conversion, and updating cooldowns for Gateway and Warpgate units. The damage of High Templar Psi Storm has been reduced from 110 to 100.

Bug Fixes, PTR Status, and How to Try StarCraft 2 Patch 5.0.16

The patch includes a comprehensive list of bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements that address visual indicators, animation timing, unit selection behavior, and audio cues.

Key updates include:

• Active Creep Tumors now take precedence over inactive ones during selection, Mule Repair being set to auto-cast by default
• Xel'naga towers are now selectable through the Fog of War.
• Additionally, there are multiple visual and audio improvements for spell effects across all races, as well as enhancements to worker gather order behavior when refinery structures are constructed.

Patch 5.0.16 is now live on the public test realm. Blizzard has noted that the changes may be adjusted based on feedback from testers before a full release. Players can opt into the test realm via Battle.net to share their feedback.

StarCraft 2 was released in 2010. Although Blizzard ended new content development in 2020, the company has continued to release balance updates as needed.

The 5.0.16 patch is the most significant balance and quality-of-life update in several years.

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Meta confirmed the launch to TechCrunch. These new subscriptions are separate from Meta Verified, the company's existing paid service that provides verification, protection against impersonation, and extra support.

Meta indicated that this may change over time but emphasized that Meta Verified is not being phased out at the moment.

Pricing and What Instagram Plus Includes

The three new consumer subscription tiers are available separately. They include:

• Instagram Plus at $3.99 per month,
• Facebook Plus also at $3.99 per month,
• WhatsApp Plus at $2.99 per month.

Currently, there are no bundle options, which might be a drawback for users interested in subscriptions across multiple Meta platforms.

Instagram Plus offers features designed for users seeking greater visibility, detailed analytics, and customization options. Subscribers gain access to aggregate counts for story rewatching, unlimited audience lists for stories beyond the standard Close Friends list, and weekly story spotlights for increased exposure.

They can also extend stories beyond the usual 24-hour limit, preview stories without appearing as viewers, and access searchable lists of story viewers.

Additionally, users can post to their profile or highlights without showing up in followers' feeds and use animated Super Heart reactions for stories. Custom app icons and profile bio fonts are available, along with extra profile pins. While

Meta promotes these features as tools to support creators and help users grow their following; they also appeal to more active general users.

Meta, Facebook, and WhatsApp Plus Under the Meta One Brand

Facebook Plus centers on social expression and offers features similar to Instagram Plus. WhatsApp Plus emphasizes customization and messaging, adding options like more profile customization and a new "super like" feature.

Meta has not released a detailed list of features for each platform but has indicated that more features will be added to all Plus tiers over time.

Meta is using the Meta One brand as an umbrella for its growing subscription services. This brand will eventually include the current Plus tiers for Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, as well as professional plans for creators and businesses that are currently in testing.

Additionally, there will be AI-focused plans aimed at general users, which are also in testing. Meta describes Meta One plans as experimental and regionally limited, as the company evaluates different approaches. The final structure of these plans may change before a wider rollout.

What Meta’s New Plus Subscriptions Mean for Users

The Plus tiers are entirely optional. Free access to Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp remains available, and users who choose not to subscribe will continue to see the platforms as they currently are. Meta has not announced any limitations to the free tier linked to the subscription launch.

The initial feature sets may not be enough to encourage widespread paid adoption, especially without a bundle option. Meta's success will depend on how actively the company expands subscription features and whether its upcoming AI plans provide meaningful value beyond what users already access for free.

Subscriptions can be purchased now through the respective Meta apps.

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The update is mainly a performance improvement aimed at speeding up app launches and core shell experiences, including the Start menu, Search, and Action Center.

Microsoft reports that LLP can deliver up to 70% faster flyouts and reduce app launch times by 40%. This update is part of Windows K2, Microsoft's ongoing effort to address longstanding performance issues in Windows 11.

How Windows 11’s New Low-Latency Profile Works

LLP briefly increases CPU clock speeds when Windows detects an interaction that might otherwise feel slow. Instead of gradually ramping up the processor speed, Windows applies a short burst of maximum frequency that lasts between one and three seconds, allowing the task to complete before returning to normal operation.

Microsoft describes LLP as a standard part of modern operating system behavior. Similar techniques are already in use in macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems to keep user-facing interactions responsive.

This feature targets specific scenarios where slower performance is most noticeable, such as opening the Start menu, triggering Search, launching apps, or bringing up flyouts and context menus.

Other KB5089573 Changes and How to Get the Update

The update bundles several additional changes:

• Improved Task Manager visibility for NPU usage
• Windows Hello tweaks
• Search results are displayed after typing as few as two characters
• Reliability improvements for File Explorer
• Reliability improvements for USB devices
• Reliability improvements for sign-in screens

KB5089573 is currently available as an optional update. To install it manually, open Settings, then go to Windows Update and Advanced options. Click on Optional updates and select KB5089573 to install.

These updates are expected to be included in the next Patch Tuesday security release, reaching a wider audience.

Why Low Latency Profile May Not Activate Immediately and How to Force It

Microsoft is rolling out LLP gradually through a controlled process. Installing KB5089573 does not ensure that the feature will be activated. Some users may receive the update without the feature being enabled by Microsoft. There is no dedicated toggle in Settings for LLP. Once Microsoft turns it on by default on a device, it runs in the background without any user action.

Users eager to enable LLP right away can do so using ViveTool, an unofficial method not supported by Microsoft. To get started, install KB5089573 through Optional updates, then download ViveTool and extract it to a folder such as C:\ViveTool.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: cd C:\ViveTool vivetool /enable /id:58989092. Restart the PC to apply the change.

After restarting the PC, LLP should be active and running in the background. Since ViveTool is a community-driven tool and not endorsed by Microsoft, users should consider the trade-off between immediate access and waiting for the official rollout.

The update is currently available for eligible Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices.

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The tool allows users to import Gmail data into Proton Mail, forwards incoming Gmail messages to the Proton inbox, and enables sending emails from a Gmail address directly within the Proton Mail interface.

The goal is to support a gradual switch instead of requiring users to change email providers all at once. Easy Switch is now available to Proton Mail users.

How Proton’s Easy Switch Tool Works for Gmail Users

When Easy Switch is activated, Proton imports the user's most recent Gmail messages into Proton Mail, ensuring that recent conversations and threads are accessible from within the Proton interface. New emails sent to the user's Gmail address continue to arrive in the Proton Mail inbox automatically after setup.

Users can also send emails from their Gmail address while composing messages inside Proton Mail. When emails are sent to other Proton Mail users, they are end-to-end encrypted by default.

The combination of features allows users to:

• Keep their existing Gmail address active while transitioning
• Access recent Gmail conversation history inside Proton Mail
• Receive new Gmail messages in their Proton Mail inbox
• Send replies from their Gmail address using Proton's interface
• Send and receive end-to-end encrypted messages with other Proton users

Why Proton Is Promoting Easy Switch as a Privacy-Friendly Alternative to Gmail

Proton presents its tool as a way for users concerned about Gmail's privacy practices to reduce friction. Anant Vijay Singh, Product Lead for Proton Mail and Drive, explained that Google scans Gmail activity to create advertising profiles, which follow users across the web and link that activity to their identities.

Proton emphasizes that it does not scan user emails, serve ads, use email data to train AI models, or build profiles based on user correspondence.

The company sees this transition as an opportunity for users to gradually move services such as Netflix and Amazon to their Proton email address, thereby reducing activity tied to a single Google account.

To start migrating, users typically follow a straightforward process with Proton. First, sign up for or log into a Proton Mail account. Then, open the Easy Switch tool from within Proton Mail.

Connect your Gmail account using Google's standard authentication method. Next, set up the import scope, which includes recent messages and ongoing email forwarding. You can also choose to enable sending emails from your Gmail address directly within Proton Mail.

Proton has published a detailed guide covering the entire migration process at proton.me/support/switch-from-gmail-to-proton.

What Proton Mail Users Should Consider Before Switching From Gmail

Easy Switch simplifies the process of changing email providers by reducing the immediate effort required. However, users still need to update their primary email address with banks, online accounts, subscription services, and contacts to fully move away from Gmail.

The gradual approach allows users to continue using their Gmail address for legacy services while transitioning new accounts to a Proton address over time.

The tool is available to both free and paid Proton Mail users, although some features may be restricted depending on the plan tier. Proton has not specified whether import volume or send rates vary between free and paid accounts.

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The union is a subsidiary of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain, the same group that has been involved in legal action against Rockstar over the dismissal of 31 employees in October 2025.

The announcement was made through a video styled as a play on community excitement for the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer, titled "The video GTA fans have been waiting for."

Context: The October 2025 Firings and How They Led to a Union Push

In October 2025, Rockstar laid off 31 employees. The workers claimed the dismissals were retaliation for unionization efforts. Rockstar denied this, stating the layoffs were due to employees sharing details about upcoming and unannounced game features in a public forum.

The IWGB has filed legal action on behalf of the dismissed employees, and the case is ongoing. The UK government has also committed to investigating the matter.

The Rockstar Game Workers Union reports growth across Rockstar's UK studios in Edinburgh, London, Leeds, Lincoln, and Dundee.

The union has outlined three main priorities for collective action: increasing pay transparency, promoting flexible working arrangements, and ending crunch periods involving extended mandatory overtime.

Additionally, the union is raising funds to support its legal case, which aims to secure justice for 31 workers who were dismissed. The IWGB emphasizes its goal of highlighting that studios cannot fire employees for organizing.

Financial Stakes Around GTA 6 and What Happens Next for Rockstar’s UK Union

Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar, expects its revenue in fiscal year 2027 to surpass $8 billion. This marks an increase of more than $1 billion compared to the previous year, largely driven by the launch of Grand Theft Auto 6 for consoles on November 19. Rockstar has not officially confirmed a PC version.

The announcement of unionization comes at a time when the publisher faces significant financial interests, with GTA 6 anticipated to be one of the biggest entertainment releases in history.

Rockstar has not publicly responded to the formation of the union. Whether the company chooses to recognize the union for collective bargaining will shape the next stage of its relationship with the UK workforce.

The legal case related to the firings in October 2025 is still ongoing. The outcome could impact union negotiations, future hiring policies at Rockstar, and how other large game studios handle similar organizing efforts.

The IWGB has not announced specific dates for collective actions or formal bargaining requests at this time.

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The price increase is also reflected internationally, with the 1TB model now priced at $1,349 in Canada before sales tax.

Valve explains that the price hikes are due to rising costs for components and logistical challenges, rather than any changes to the hardware itself.

The company stated, "Steam Deck itself hasn't changed; these new prices reflect the current state of component costs and other global logistical challenges across the industry as a whole."

What Drove Valve’s Steam Deck Price Increase

The recent increase in prices reflects wider industry trends affecting hardware costs. Memory, SSDs, and GPU components have all seen sharp price rises, mainly driven by demand for AI infrastructure.

Prices for DRAM and NAND flash have especially climbed throughout 2026, with industry officials, including a Team Group executive, warning that prices are likely to continue rising.

This cost pressure has impacted pricing across the PC hardware market and has led to recent increases in other areas.

Valve cited global logistical challenges as a factor, pointing to supply chain disruptions such as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the conflict between the United States and Iran. These disruptions have affected component supplies across the industry, with no clear timeline for resolution.

Current Steam Deck Pricing and What It Means for the Upcoming Steam Machine

The US prices have been updated as follows: the Steam Deck 512GB OLED now costs $789, up from $549, and the 1TB OLED model is priced at $949, compared to $649 previously.

Prices in other regions have increased proportionally. These new prices apply to all current Steam Deck purchases.

The price increase raises concerns for Valve's upcoming Steam Machine, the SteamOS-powered gaming PC announced in 2025. Valve recommitted to a 2026 launch in March but has not announced a specific price or release date.

Similar component cost pressures affecting the Steam Deck suggest that a competitively priced Steam Machine in 2026 may be challenging. If component costs do not improve, a delay into 2027 remains possible.

The price hikes come after Valve acknowledged that the $99 Steam Controller was launched at a higher price than initially planned, citing similar cost pressures.

Steam Decks are now back in stock and available for purchase directly from Valve at the new prices. The price increase may cause some potential buyers to hold off on their purchase, especially since there are expectations that component costs could rise further before they eventually stabilize.

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The platform is also reworking how it labels long-form and short-form videos, adding internal signals that can automatically apply labels without requiring input from creators.

Where YouTube’s New AI Labels Appear and How Automatic Detection Works

The placement of the new labels varies depending on the video format. For long-form videos, the AI disclosure label is now positioned directly below the video player and above the description. In contrast, for Shorts, the label appears as an overlay directly on the video itself.

These labels apply to photorealistic content as well as content that has been meaningfully AI altered or generated. Although YouTube describes the new positions as more noticeable, the labels are still relatively small in the platform's own promotional video and may be easy to overlook during regular viewing.

The main change is the introduction of new internal signals that help YouTube automatically identify AI-generated content. Creators are currently required to manually disclose when they use realistic AI, but not everyone does so consistently.

The new detection technology allows YouTube to automatically label content that involves significant photorealistic AI use. Creators still have some control over these labels.

If they believe their content was wrongly identified as AI-generated, they can update the disclosure status in YouTube Studio.

When AI Labels Can’t Be Removed and Why This Update Matters

YouTube specifies that in certain situations, disclosures will stay permanent regardless of what the creator prefers. This includes content created with YouTube's own AI tools such as Veo or Dream Screen, and content that contains C2PA metadata showing it was fully generated by AI.

In these cases, the label cannot be removed through YouTube Studio. The changes come amid increasing concerns about the amount of AI-generated content on YouTube. A recent study found that over 20 percent of videos shown to new users were AI-created low-quality content.

Separate research shows that as the technology improves, viewers are increasingly finding it difficult to tell apart AI-generated videos from genuine footage.

The label update is part of several recent YouTube efforts related to AI, including expanding likeness detection to all creators aged 18 and above and launching Gemini Omni for Shorts remixing.

YouTube has not specified when the relabeling and automatic detection will be fully available to all users and regions.

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The feature was first spotted by Windows Latest and is gradually being rolled out to users. It brings Copilot’s interface closer to its original Windows 11 sidebar design from 2024.

By default, Copilot still opens as a standalone app. The new docking options can be accessed through a drop-down menu in the title bar.

How the New Windows 11 Copilot Docking Works

(Credit: WindowsLatest)

Hovering over the new menu in the Copilot title bar reveals layout options specific to Copilot, separate from the native Snap Layouts used for standard app windows.

The available layouts are: the current experience, where Copilot appears as a standalone app; the existing picture-in-picture mode, where Copilot stays as a small window on top of other apps; a new option to dock Copilot to the left side of the screen; and a new option to dock Copilot to the right side of the screen.

When Copilot is docked, the Windows 11 interface automatically resizes to accommodate it. Other open apps reposition to fill the remaining space. Windows Latest reported that even a full-screen File Explorer window resizes to leave room for a docked Copilot panel.

Once docked, Copilot remains pinned to the screen edge, and the desktop adjusts around it. Unlike the original 2024 sidebar, this version offers more control over placement, including options to dock on the left or right or to use picture-in-picture mode.

A Return to the Original Copilot Sidebar Design and What It Means for Users

Copilot has undergone several redesigns on Windows 11. The latest update introduces a new docking layout that restores the original 2024 sidebar concept, where Copilot sits alongside apps rather than floating as a separate window.

The original sidebar was built using web technologies and had limited integration with other applications, which led to its replacement by a standalone Copilot app.

This app was later converted back into a web-based version. According to Windows Latest, the current version of Copilot on Windows is an Edge-based wrapper that includes a private copy of Microsoft Edge. The reason for bundling a separate Edge instance is not clear, but it may be intended to support the new docking experience.

The docking option is optional. Users who prefer not to have Copilot taking up screen space can continue using it as a standalone app or close it completely.

For those who want Copilot visible alongside their work, including features like Copilot Vision that analyze on-screen content, the docked layout ensures it stays accessible without the need to manually resize windows.

Microsoft has not confirmed whether Copilot will automatically dock when certain features like Copilot Vision are enabled. The rollout of the feature is gradual, so not all users will see the docking options right away.

Microsoft has also not published a full timeline or detailed documentation for this change.

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The studio recently announced that Destiny 2 will receive its last update in June 2026, marking the end of active development after nine years. The final update is named Monument of Triumph.

Gafner posted on X that he appreciates the tributes fans have shared and is passing them along to the development team. "Thank you to everyone who has reached out.

Thank you to everyone who's been sharing what Destiny means to them," he wrote, adding that he is forwarding "photos, videos, art pieces, everything" to the team as they come in.

What Happens to Destiny 2 After the Final Monument of Triumph Update

Bungie has announced that active development on Destiny 2 will conclude after the June update. The game will still be playable, but it will no longer receive new content updates.

The final update, called Monument of Triumph, marks the end of a franchise that started with the original Destiny in 2014, roughly 12 years ago.

The end of active development has sparked considerable discussion within the community about a possible Destiny 3. A petition calling for a sequel has gained hundreds of thousands of signatures, with several voice actors from the series supporting the campaign.

The effort seems partly aimed at pressuring Bungie's owner, Sony, to approve a new installment.

Currently, a sequel does not seem likely. Reports suggest that Destiny 3 is not in active development and that Bungie has no projects approved beyond Marathon, the extraction shooter the studio released earlier in 2026.

Significant layoffs at Bungie are reportedly expected after Destiny 2's final update, as the studio shifts its focus to Marathon.

Why Destiny 3 Looks Unlikely, for Now

Destiny 2 is winding down as it joins PlayStation Plus.

Sony announced that the Destiny 2: Legacy Collection, which includes The Final Shape expansion and is set for release in 2025, will be available to PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium members starting June 9. This is the same day the final update for the game is expected.

Bungie has not revealed any plans for a new Destiny game. The studio's current focus is on Marathon, which has experienced a challenging launch period.

It remains unclear whether the Destiny franchise will continue in any form beyond Destiny 2's current playable but static state, as neither Bungie nor Sony has made further statements.

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