Codecs.com News RSS Feed https://www.free-codecs.com Codecs.com RSS Feed https://www.free-codecs.com https://www.free-codecs.com/images/logo.png Google Bans Android TV Box Maker Over Malware on 1.3 Million Boxes - Is Yours One of Them? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-bans-android-tv-box-maker-over-malware-on-1-3-million-boxes-is-yours-one-of-them.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Google banned Android TV box maker Videostrong over factory-installed malware - how to tell if your Mecool or no-name box is affected.

Google Bans Android TV Box Maker Over Malware on 1.3 Million Boxes - Is Yours One of Them?

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]]> Microsoft's New Defender Update for Windows Install Images: Does Your USB Stick Need It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-s-new-defender-update-for-windows-install-images-does-your-usb-stick-need-it.htm Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Microsoft updated the Defender package for Windows install images - here is who needs it and what home users should do instead.

Microsoft's New Defender Update for Windows Install Images: Does Your USB Stick Need It?

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]]> Data Centers Next Door: Why Neighbors Are Saying No https://www.free-codecs.com/news/data-centers-next-door-why-neighbors-are-saying-no.htm Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 A new database of 10,000+ public comments finds most local speakers oppose data centers - here is what it shows and what it leaves out.

Data Centers Next Door: Why Neighbors Are Saying No

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]]> The End of Unlimited AI: Grok, ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini Now Ration Your Usage https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-end-of-unlimited-ai-grok-chatgpt-copilot-and-gemini-now-ration-your-usage.htm Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Paid AI plans now come with usage meters - here is what Grok, ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot and Claude changed and how to check your limit.

The End of Unlimited AI: Grok, ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini Now Ration Your Usage

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]]> France Votes a Tax on Every Gigabyte - Why VLC Says It Could Cost 1 Million Euros a Year https://www.free-codecs.com/news/france-votes-a-tax-on-every-gigabyte-why-vlc-says-it-could-cost-1-million-euros-a-year.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 France voted a 5.5 cent tax on every gigabyte big online services send - why the makers of VLC are worried and what it means for you.

France Votes a Tax on Every Gigabyte - Why VLC Says It Could Cost 1 Million Euros a Year

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]]> Windows 11 Boots on 128MB of RAM - Can Your Old PC Run It Too? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-boots-on-128mb-of-ram-can-your-old-pc-run-it-too.htm Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 26H2 just booted on 128MB of RAM - here is what Pico11 is and how to slim Windows 11 on your own PC today.

Windows 11 Boots on 128MB of RAM - Can Your Old PC Run It Too?

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]]> Dutch Broadcasters Demand an Illegal IPTV Crackdown - What It Means for Viewers in the Netherlands https://www.free-codecs.com/news/dutch-broadcasters-demand-an-illegal-iptv-crackdown-what-it-means-for-viewers-in-the-netherlands.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Dutch broadcasters want police to go after illegal IPTV sellers - what it means for viewers and the legal alternatives.

Dutch Broadcasters Demand an Illegal IPTV Crackdown - What It Means for Viewers in the Netherlands

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]]> Rufus 4.16 Beta Fixes a Bug on Millions of PCs and Brings Back the Old Right-Click Menu https://www.free-codecs.com/news/rufus-4-16-beta-fixes-a-bug-on-millions-of-pcs-and-brings-back-the-old-right-click-menu.htm Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Rufus 4.16 Beta works around an AMI firmware bug on millions of PCs and can restore Windows 11's classic right-click menu.

Rufus 4.16 Beta Fixes a Bug on Millions of PCs and Brings Back the Old Right-Click Menu

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]]> Android Apps Are Back in Windows 11 Search - Streamed From Your Phone, Not Installed https://www.free-codecs.com/news/android-apps-are-back-in-windows-11-search-streamed-from-your-phone-not-installed.htm Sat, 31 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 Search can open your Android phone's apps through Phone Link - which phones work and how to set it up today.

Android Apps Are Back in Windows 11 Search - Streamed From Your Phone, Not Installed

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]]> Nvidia's Free AI Transcriber Is Out - How to Make Subtitles on Your PC Today https://www.free-codecs.com/news/nvidia-s-free-ai-transcriber-is-out-how-to-make-subtitles-on-your-pc-today.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Nvidia's new free speech-to-text model explained, plus the free way to make AI subtitles for your own videos on a Windows PC today.

Nvidia's Free AI Transcriber Is Out - How to Make Subtitles on Your PC Today

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]]> Windows 11's New Right-Click Menu Is Out - How to Get It and Where 7-Zip Went https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-new-right-click-menu-is-out-how-to-get-it-and-where-7-zip-went.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's customizable right-click menu is rolling out now - how to get it, set it up and bring back missing 7-Zip and VLC entries.

Windows 11's New Right-Click Menu Is Out - How to Get It and Where 7-Zip Went

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]]> Windows Sales Drop 27% as Windows 10 Holdouts Stay Put - Is It Still Safe to Wait? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-sales-drop-27-as-windows-10-holdouts-stay-put-is-it-still-safe-to-wait.htm Fri, 30 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows sales fell 27% as Windows 10 holdouts stay put - how to check you still get free security updates until October 2027.

Windows Sales Drop 27% as Windows 10 Holdouts Stay Put - Is It Still Safe to Wait?

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]]> PhotoCraft 0.17: 17 Versions in 4 Weeks - How Close Is It to Photoshop Now? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/photocraft-0-17-17-versions-in-4-weeks-how-close-is-it-to-photoshop-now.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Four weeks and 17 versions in, free PhotoCraft adds its first AI tools - here is how close it really is to Photoshop and who should try it now.

PhotoCraft 0.17: 17 Versions in 4 Weeks - How Close Is It to Photoshop Now?

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]]> Windows 11 Search Can Finally Drop Bing - How to Turn Off Web Results https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-search-can-finally-drop-bing-how-to-turn-off-web-results.htm Thu, 29 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 Search can now skip Bing entirely - how to switch off web results, what you lose and why the toggle may not show up yet.

Windows 11 Search Can Finally Drop Bing - How to Turn Off Web Results

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]]> Your TikTok Data Is a Weapon: Censorship Claims and What the App Now Collects https://www.free-codecs.com/news/your-tiktok-data-is-a-weapon.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 What changed under TikTok's new US owners - the censorship claims, the new data it collects on you, and the ARTE documentary that saw it coming.

Your TikTok Data Is a Weapon: Censorship Claims and What the App Now Collects

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]]> Windows 11 Finally Lets You Customize the Right-Click Menu - Here's What's Coming https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-finally-lets-you-customize-the-right-click-menu-here-s-what-s-coming.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's right-click menu is getting a redesign you control, along with new Start menu sizes and phone controls in Quick Settings.

Windows 11 Finally Lets You Customize the Right-Click Menu - Here's What's Coming

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]]> Windows 11 26H2 Now Out for Everyone - Not Showing Up? Here's the Fix https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-26h2-now-out-for-everyone-not-showing-up-here-s-the-fix.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11 26H2 is now out for every eligible PC - here is why yours may still not see it and how to fix that.

Windows 11 26H2 Now Out for Everyone - Not Showing Up? Here's the Fix

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]]> Facebook Now Uses AI to Pull Pirate Sports Streams Mid-Match - What It Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/facebook-now-uses-ai-to-pull-pirate-sports-streams-mid-match-what-it-means-for-you.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Meta says Facebook now spots and removes pirate sports streams while they are live - here is what changes for viewers and where to watch legally.

Facebook Now Uses AI to Pull Pirate Sports Streams Mid-Match - What It Means for You

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]]> Streamed Shuts Down - Why Free Sports Streams Stopped Working on Dozens of Sites https://www.free-codecs.com/news/streamed-shuts-down-why-free-sports-streams-stopped-working-on-dozens-of-sites.htm Wed, 28 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Streamed, the hidden player behind dozens of free sports streaming sites, has shut down - why your streams stopped and where to watch legally instead.

Streamed Shuts Down - Why Free Sports Streams Stopped Working on Dozens of Sites

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]]> The New Microsoft Photos Skips Windows 10 - Why Yours Still Works https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-new-microsoft-photos-skips-windows-10-why-yours-still-works.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Photos becomes Photo Viewer plus a new gallery on Windows 11, while Windows 10 keeps the old app - what we found inside the new package.

The New Microsoft Photos Skips Windows 10 - Why Yours Still Works

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]]> Canva Craft: Free AI Images in Canva - and No, It's Not PhotoCraft https://www.free-codecs.com/news/canva-craft-free-ai-images-in-canva-and-no-it-s-not-photocraft.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Canva's first home-made AI image model, Craft, is free to try in Dream Lab - here's how to use it and how it differs from the PhotoCraft editor.

Canva Craft: Free AI Images in Canva - and No, It's Not PhotoCraft

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]]> Windows 11's Photos App Can Finally Open SVG Files - How to View Them Today https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-photos-app-can-finally-open-svg-files-how-to-view-them-today.htm Tue, 27 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's redesigned Photos viewer can open SVG images at last - here is what it fixes, what it doesn't, and how to view SVG files today.

Windows 11's Photos App Can Finally Open SVG Files - How to View Them Today

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]]> PowerToys 0.102: Lock a Mouse Button and Hide the Cursor While You Type https://www.free-codecs.com/news/powertoys-0-102-lock-a-mouse-button-and-hide-the-cursor-while-you-type.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Microsoft's free PowerToys 0.102 adds two new mouse tools - one holds a button down for you, the other hides the pointer while you type.

PowerToys 0.102: Lock a Mouse Button and Hide the Cursor While You Type

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]]> Arc Browser Shuts Down on December 22 - How to Save Your Tabs and Where to Switch on Windows https://www.free-codecs.com/news/arc-browser-shuts-down-on-december-22-how-to-save-your-tabs-and-where-to-switch-on-windows.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Arc stops working on Windows and Mac on December 22 - here is how to save your tabs and passwords and which free browser to move to.

Arc Browser Shuts Down on December 22 - How to Save Your Tabs and Where to Switch on Windows

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]]> iPhone Photos Finally Open in Windows 11 Photos With Nothing Extra to Install https://www.free-codecs.com/news/iphone-photos-finally-open-in-windows-11-photos-with-nothing-extra-to-install.htm Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0200 Windows 11's rebuilt Photos app opens iPhone HEIC photos with nothing extra to install - here is when it arrives and what still needs the free extensions.

iPhone Photos Finally Open in Windows 11 Photos With Nothing Extra to Install

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]]> AV2 Is Coming to YouTube and Chrome - Will Your PC Play It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/av2-is-coming-to-youtube-and-chrome-will-your-pc-play-it.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 YouTube plans to stream AV2 video on the web from early 2027 - here is what the new codec changes and whether your PC will be able to play it.

AV2 Is Coming to YouTube and Chrome - Will Your PC Play It?

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]]> Windows 11 Gets a Built-In Internet Speed Test https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-gets-a-built-in-internet-speed-test.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Windows 11 is getting a built-in internet speed test - here is how to use it to find out whether your connection is why your streams keep buffering.

Windows 11 Gets a Built-In Internet Speed Test

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]]> DOCX or ODT? LibreOffice's Attack on Microsoft's File Format, and Which One You Should Use https://www.free-codecs.com/news/docx-or-odt-libreoffice-s-attack-on-microsoft-s-file-format-and-which-one-you-should-use.htm Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 LibreOffice's backers say Microsoft gamed the vote that made DOCX an official standard - here is what that means for the files you save.

DOCX or ODT? LibreOffice's Attack on Microsoft's File Format, and Which One You Should Use

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]]> Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV Shut Down in Chile - What 400,000 Subscribers Need to Know https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ultra-iptv-and-mega-iptv-shut-down-in-chile-what-400-000-subscribers-need-to-know.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chile has blocked Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV and arrested 16 people - here is what it means for subscribers and how to keep watching TV legally.

Ultra IPTV and Mega IPTV Shut Down in Chile - What 400,000 Subscribers Need to Know

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]]> Spotify Family Plan QR Code Check: How It Works and What Happens If You Miss It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/spotify-family-plan-qr-code-check-how-it-works-and-what-happens-if-you-miss-it.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Spotify now asks some Family plan members to prove they live together with a QR code scan - here is how it works and what to do if it fails.

Spotify Family Plan QR Code Check: How It Works and What Happens If You Miss It

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]]> Sony's Last 4K Blu-ray Player Is Gone - What Disc Owners Can Do Now https://www.free-codecs.com/news/sony-s-last-4k-blu-ray-player-is-gone-what-disc-owners-can-do-now.htm Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Sony has stopped selling its last 4K Blu-ray player - here is what that means for your disc collection and how to keep watching on a Windows PC.

Sony's Last 4K Blu-ray Player Is Gone - What Disc Owners Can Do Now

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]]> Microsoft Edge Will Soon Merge PDFs and Rearrange Pages for Free - What to Use Until Then https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-edge-will-soon-merge-pdfs-and-rearrange-pages-for-free-what-to-use-until-then.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft Edge is getting built-in tools to merge PDFs and rearrange pages - here is what is coming and what to use until it lands.

Microsoft Edge Will Soon Merge PDFs and Rearrange Pages for Free - What to Use Until Then

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]]> Chrome Can Now Check What You Copy - What Gets Sent to Google and How to Turn It Off https://www.free-codecs.com/news/chrome-can-now-check-what-you-copy-what-gets-sent-to-google-and-how-to-turn-it-off.htm Fri, 23 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chrome now checks suspicious commands you copy to stop fake-fix scams - here is what it sends to Google and how to switch it off.

Chrome Can Now Check What You Copy - What Gets Sent to Google and How to Turn It Off

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]]> Is Your Plex Server Mining Crypto for Hackers? How to Check and Fix It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-your-plex-server-mining-crypto-for-hackers-how-to-check-and-fix-it.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Attackers are turning unpatched Plex servers into crypto miners - here is how to tell if yours is one and how to fix it.

Is Your Plex Server Mining Crypto for Hackers? How to Check and Fix It

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]]> Windows 11 Is Dropping 8 Copilot Actions From File Explorer - Here's What to Use Instead https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-is-dropping-8-copilot-actions-from-file-explorer-here-s-what-to-use-instead.htm Thu, 22 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft is removing eight Copilot shortcuts from the File Explorer right-click menu - here is what goes, what stays and the free tools that fill the gap.

Windows 11 Is Dropping 8 Copilot Actions From File Explorer - Here's What to Use Instead

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]]> Is MovieBox Safe? What 300 Million Downloads Don't Tell You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-moviebox-safe-what-300-million-downloads-don-t-tell-you.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 MovieBox just passed 300 million downloads - here is what we could and could not verify about its safety, and the free legal apps that do the same job.

Is MovieBox Safe? What 300 Million Downloads Don't Tell You

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]]> JustWatch TV Is Here: What's Free, What It Costs and Is the Lifetime Deal Worth It? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/justwatch-tv-is-here-what-s-free-what-it-costs-and-is-the-lifetime-deal-worth-it.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 JustWatch, the app that tells you where to stream, now streams films itself - here is what is free, what costs money and whether the lifetime deal pays off.

JustWatch TV Is Here: What's Free, What It Costs and Is the Lifetime Deal Worth It?

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]]> How to Put Comics and Manga on a Kindle Colorsoft (Full Screen, in Color) https://www.free-codecs.com/news/how-to-put-comics-and-manga-on-a-kindle-colorsoft.htm Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Turn CBZ, CBR and PDF comics into full-screen, full-color books for the Kindle Colorsoft with a free converter and a USB cable.

How to Put Comics and Manga on a Kindle Colorsoft (Full Screen, in Color)

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]]> Can You Get in Trouble for Using a Dodgy Firestick in the UK? What the Crackdown Means for Viewers https://www.free-codecs.com/news/can-you-get-in-trouble-for-using-a-dodgy-firestick-in-the-uk-what-the-crackdown-means-for-viewers.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The UK is jailing illegal IPTV sellers and sending letters to buyers - here is the real risk for viewers and the legal ways to watch sport instead.

Can You Get in Trouble for Using a Dodgy Firestick in the UK? What the Crackdown Means for Viewers

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]]> Windows 11's New Photos App Opens HEIC Faster - If Your PC Can Open HEIC at All https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-new-photos-app-opens-heic-faster-if-your-pc-can-open-heic-at-all.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The redesigned Windows 11 Photos app is faster, edits HEIC and WebP and adds iCloud - here is what changes and how to make HEIC photos open.

Windows 11's New Photos App Opens HEIC Faster - If Your PC Can Open HEIC at All

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]]> Winamp at 29: From Llama to Legacy Player, and What Comes Next https://www.free-codecs.com/news/winamp-at-29-from-llama-to-legacy-player-and-what-comes-next.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The player that taught a generation to keep their own music files is relaunching as a streaming service - here is how Winamp got here and what it means for you.

Winamp at 29: From Llama to Legacy Player, and What Comes Next

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]]> Windows 11's Bing Wallpaper App Now Opens Bing When You Click Your Desktop https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-s-bing-wallpaper-app-now-opens-bing-when-you-click-your-desktop.htm Tue, 20 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft's Bing Wallpaper app now opens Bing when you click the desktop - here is how to stop it and still get a fresh wallpaper every day.

Windows 11's Bing Wallpaper App Now Opens Bing When You Click Your Desktop

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]]> Google Now Asks Edge Users to Switch to Chrome on Windows 11 - Should You? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-now-asks-edge-users-to-switch-to-chrome-on-windows-11-should-you.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Google is nudging Edge users toward Chrome with a new pop-up - here is what it does and how to pick the browser that suits you.

Google Now Asks Edge Users to Switch to Chrome on Windows 11 - Should You?

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]]> Kaleido 4 Makes Color E-Readers Better. Should You Buy Now or Wait? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/kaleido-4-makes-color-e-readers-better-should-you-buy-now-or-wait.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 E Ink's new Kaleido 4 color screen explained in plain words, plus a clear answer on whether to buy a color e-reader now or wait for it.

Kaleido 4 Makes Color E-Readers Better. Should You Buy Now or Wait?

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]]> No 4K or HDR on Disney+ Premium? Why It Happened and How to Get Money Back https://www.free-codecs.com/news/no-4k-or-hdr-on-disney-premium-why-it-happened-and-how-to-get-money-back.htm Mon, 19 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 A codec patent fight switched off 4K and HDR for Disney+ Premium in 11 EU countries - which devices got 4K back and how to ask for money back.

No 4K or HDR on Disney+ Premium? Why It Happened and How to Get Money Back

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]]> All Five Ice Age Movies Hit Netflix for Three Months Before Ice Age 6 https://www.free-codecs.com/news/all-five-ice-age-movies-hit-netflix-for-three-months-before-ice-age-6.htm Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The five Ice Age movies are on Netflix for a limited time - here is when they leave, what is included and when Ice Age: Boiling Point arrives.

All Five Ice Age Movies Hit Netflix for Three Months Before Ice Age 6

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]]> Broadcasters Want Your VPN to Block Pirate IPTV. What It Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/broadcasters-want-your-vpn-to-block-pirate-iptv-what-it-means-for-you.htm Sun, 18 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Courts and lawmakers want VPNs to block pirate sports streams - here is where France, Spain and the US stand and what changes for ordinary users.

Broadcasters Want Your VPN to Block Pirate IPTV. What It Means for You

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]]> Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 Can Now Upscale Your Old Videos to 4K - Here's the Catch https://www.free-codecs.com/news/nvidia-broadcast-2-3-can-now-upscale-your-old-videos-to-4k-here-s-the-catch.htm Sat, 17 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 can now upscale and smooth recorded videos on RTX PCs - here is what works and how to get your files accepted.

Nvidia Broadcast 2.3 Can Now Upscale Your Old Videos to 4K - Here's the Catch

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]]> FilmCraft Wrote Its Own Video Codecs - Here's What It Can't Play https://www.free-codecs.com/news/filmcraft-wrote-its-own-video-codecs-here-s-what-it-can-t-play.htm Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 FilmCraft 0.8 reads HEVC, AV1 and ProRes with its own homemade decoders instead of FFmpeg - here is what plays, what fails and how to fix it.

FilmCraft Wrote Its Own Video Codecs - Here's What It Can't Play

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]]> Microsoft Defender Now Covers Linux Desktops - Just Not for Home Users https://www.free-codecs.com/news/microsoft-defender-now-covers-linux-desktops-just-not-for-home-users.htm Fri, 16 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft Defender has reached Linux desktops, but only for businesses - here is what it covers and what home Linux users can use instead.

Microsoft Defender Now Covers Linux Desktops - Just Not for Home Users

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]]> The New Apple TV 4K Still Can't Run TiviMate - Here's What IPTV Users Get Instead https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-new-apple-tv-4k-still-can-t-run-tivimate-here-s-what-iptv-users-get-instead.htm Thu, 15 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The new Apple TV 4K is a great IPTV box with one catch - TiviMate is still Android-only, so here is what to run instead.

The New Apple TV 4K Still Can't Run TiviMate - Here's What IPTV Users Get Instead

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]]> Windows 11 24H2 Gets Its Last Update - It Fixes Dolby Audio, Then You're on Your Own https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-24h2-gets-its-last-update-it-fixes-dolby-audio-then-you-re-on-your-own.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The last-ever 24H2 update fixes the Dolby Digital crash - here is what it changes and how to get off 24H2 in one restart.

Windows 11 24H2 Gets Its Last Update - It Fixes Dolby Audio, Then You're on Your Own

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]]> Tiny11 Builder Is Now a Real App - Make Your Own Slim Windows 11 26H2 https://www.free-codecs.com/news/tiny11-builder-is-now-a-real-app-make-your-own-slim-windows.htm Wed, 14 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The new Tiny11 Builder app turns an official Windows 11 26H2 ISO into a slimmer one - here is what it strips and how to use it safely.

Tiny11 Builder Is Now a Real App - Make Your Own Slim Windows 11 26H2

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]]> Install a Leaner Windows 11 With Rufus - No OneDrive, Copilot or Ads https://www.free-codecs.com/news/install-a-leaner-windows-11-with-rufus-no-onedrive-copilot-or-ads.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 A Windows 11 26H2 PC idling at 2.5GB of RAM went viral - here is what the Rufus trick really does and how to try it.

Install a Leaner Windows 11 With Rufus - No OneDrive, Copilot or Ads

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]]> AI Copied Photoshop in Days. Finishing It Is the Hard Part https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ai-copied-photoshop-in-days-finishing-it-is-the-hard-part.htm Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 AI copied twelve famous programs in two weeks - what that means for the apps you pay for, why free rivals still lose, and how to trust a download.

AI Copied Photoshop in Days. Finishing It Is the Hard Part

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]]> Kodi Finally Runs Natively on Windows ARM Laptops - Kodi 22 RC1 Is Out https://www.free-codecs.com/news/kodi-finally-runs-natively-on-windows-arm-laptops.htm Sun, 11 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Kodi finally runs natively on Windows ARM laptops - here is what Kodi 22 RC1 changes and whether to try it yet.

Kodi Finally Runs Natively on Windows ARM Laptops - Kodi 22 RC1 Is Out

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]]> MPC-HC 2.8.3 Gets a Windows 11 Makeover - Here's How to Turn It On https://www.free-codecs.com/news/mpc-hc-2-8-3-gets-a-windows-11-makeover-here-s-how-to-turn-it-on.htm Sat, 10 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 MPC-HC 2.8.3 gives the free media player a Windows 11 look, and here is how to switch it on.

MPC-HC 2.8.3 Gets a Windows 11 Makeover - Here's How to Turn It On

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]]> Free AI-Built Photoshop and Premiere Alternatives: What Early Testers Found https://www.free-codecs.com/news/ai-built-photoshop-and-premiere-alternatives-are-free-to-try.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Testers tried the free AI-built Photoshop, Premiere and Lightroom clones in their first week - what impressed them, what broke, and what to use meanwhile.

Free AI-Built Photoshop and Premiere Alternatives: What Early Testers Found

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]]> JPEG XL Is Back in Chrome: What It Means and How to Open JXL Files https://www.free-codecs.com/news/jpeg-xl-is-back-in-chrome-what-it-means-and-how-to-open-jxl-files.htm Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Chrome 155 brings back JPEG XL images by default - what the format does better, which browsers show it, and how to open .jxl files on Windows.

JPEG XL Is Back in Chrome: What It Means and How to Open JXL Files

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]]> Free USA IPTV Playlist: The American TV That Is Really Free https://www.free-codecs.com/news/free-usa-iptv-playlist-the-american-tv-that-is-really-free.htm Thu, 08 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The American channels that really are free - news, FAST and sports - as M3U links checked this month, plus why ESPN is never on a free list.

Free USA IPTV Playlist: The American TV That Is Really Free

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]]> Windows 11 26H2: What's Really New and How to Check You Have It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-26h2-what-s-really-new-and-how-to-check-you-have-it.htm Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Windows 11 26H2 is mostly a switch, not a new Windows - here is what it turns on and how to check you have it.

Windows 11 26H2: What's Really New and How to Check You Have It

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]]> ChatGPT Is Now Watermarking Its Text in Europe - Here's What That Means for You https://www.free-codecs.com/news/chatgpt-is-now-watermarking-its-text-in-europe-here-s-what-that-means-for-you.htm Tue, 06 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 ChatGPT text in Europe now carries an invisible watermark - here is how it works and how to check AI content yourself.

ChatGPT Is Now Watermarking Its Text in Europe - Here's What That Means for You

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]]> Google Freezes Its Open Source Bug Bounty After a Flood of Junk AI Reports https://www.free-codecs.com/news/google-freezes-its-open-source-bug-bounty-after-a-flood-of-junk-ai-reports.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Google has frozen part of its open source bug bounty after AI tools buried its engineers in fake reports - what changed and why FFmpeg saw it coming.

Google Freezes Its Open Source Bug Bounty After a Flood of Junk AI Reports

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]]> Windows 11 Will Use Less RAM - What It Means for Your 8GB PC https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-will-use-less-ram-what-it-means-for-your-8gb-pc.htm Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft is putting Windows 11 on a memory diet for 8GB PCs - here is what changes and what you can do today.

Windows 11 Will Use Less RAM - What It Means for Your 8GB PC

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]]> Windows 11 Update KB5124010 Breaks Dolby Digital Audio - Here's the Fix https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-update-kb5124010-breaks-dolby-digital-audio-fix.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft confirms KB5124010 crashes apps that play Dolby Digital audio on Windows 11, and here is the free way around it.

Windows 11 Update KB5124010 Breaks Dolby Digital Audio - Here's the Fix

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]]> Is Xvid Still Relevant in 2026? The Codec That Refuses to Die https://www.free-codecs.com/news/is-xvid-still-relevant-in-2026-the-codec-that-refuses-to-die.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Xvid at 25: why the old AVI codec still turns up in 2026, how it stacks up against H.264, HEVC and AV1, and whether to keep or convert your files.

Is Xvid Still Relevant in 2026? The Codec That Refuses to Die

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]]> Steam's New Pyrowave Codec Cuts Remote Play Lag - Here's the Catch https://www.free-codecs.com/news/steam-s-new-pyrowave-codec-cuts-remote-play-lag.htm Sun, 04 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Steam's Pyrowave codec trades huge bandwidth for near-zero Remote Play lag - now updated with the 1 October beta, its 1 Gbit/s limit and the bitrate reset.

Steam's New Pyrowave Codec Cuts Remote Play Lag - Here's the Catch

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]]> Is DivX Still Worth Using in 2026? https://www.free-codecs.com/news/divx-vs-modern-codecs-why-this-obsolete-format-still-has-1-billion-users.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 DivX in 2026, honestly: still good for old AVI and DivX files, no longer the right tool for new video, TV streaming or HEVC on a Mac.

Is DivX Still Worth Using in 2026?

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]]> Fake Blu-ray Drives Are Fooling PS3 Emulation Fans - How to Spot One https://www.free-codecs.com/news/fake-blu-ray-drives-are-fooling-ps3-emulation-fans-how-to-spot-one.htm Sat, 03 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The RPCS3 team warns that counterfeit Blu-ray drives sold online cannot read PS3 discs, and shows how to check yours before the return window closes.

Fake Blu-ray Drives Are Fooling PS3 Emulation Fans - How to Spot One

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]]> Suno Speech Beta: AI Voiceovers With Music and Download Caps https://www.free-codecs.com/news/suno-speech-beta-ai-voiceovers-with-music-and-download-caps.htm Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Suno's new Speech beta reads your script over original music - here is how it works and how many clips each plan lets you download.

Suno Speech Beta: AI Voiceovers With Music and Download Caps

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]]> Amazon's Kindle Click Brings Page-Turn Buttons Back - Here's Which Kindles It Works With https://www.free-codecs.com/news/amazon-s-kindle-click-brings-page-turn-buttons-back-here-s-which-kindles-it-works-with.htm Fri, 02 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Amazon's new Kindle Click remote and Page-Turn Cover bring physical buttons back - here is what they cost and which Kindles they work with.

Amazon's Kindle Click Brings Page-Turn Buttons Back - Here's Which Kindles It Works With

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]]> The New Fire TV Stick 4K Can't Run Kodi - Here's Which Fire Stick Still Can https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-new-fire-tv-stick-4k-can-t-run-kodi.htm Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Amazon's $60 Fire TV Stick 4K runs Vega OS, so Kodi, TiviMate and other sideloaded apps won't install. See what it plays and which Fire Stick still sideloads.

The New Fire TV Stick 4K Can't Run Kodi - Here's Which Fire Stick Still Can

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]]> DivX for Mac Still Can't Play HEVC - What Mac Users Can Use Instead https://www.free-codecs.com/news/divx-for-mac-still-can-t-play-hevc-what-mac-users-can-use-instead.htm Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 DivX 11.16 for Mac still can't open HEVC video or HEIC photos, nearly two years on - and the free Mac players that can.

DivX for Mac Still Can't Play HEVC - What Mac Users Can Use Instead

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]]> DivX 11.16 Drops Media Server - How to Keep Streaming Your Videos to the TV https://www.free-codecs.com/news/divx-11-16-drops-media-server-how-to-keep-streaming-your-videos-to-the-tv.htm Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 DivX 11.16 removes Media Server and with it casting to smart TVs, consoles and Chromecast - here are the free ways to keep streaming.

DivX 11.16 Drops Media Server - How to Keep Streaming Your Videos to the TV

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]]> The CD Turns 44: Sony's $3,700 First Player, and How to Rip Your CDs for Free Today https://www.free-codecs.com/news/the-cd-turns-44-from-a-3700-sony-player-to-ripping-your-cds-for-free.htm Thu, 01 Oct 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Sony's first CD player turns 44 - how the disc led to MP3 and LAME, and the free tools that rip your CDs today.

The CD Turns 44: Sony's $3,700 First Player, and How to Rip Your CDs for Free Today

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]]> Windows 11 Setup Is Testing TikTok and Netflix Picks - Here Is How to Skip Them https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-setup-is-testing-tiktok-and-netflix-picks.htm Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft's new Windows 11 Assisted Setup test suggests apps like TikTok and Netflix at the end of setup, and one click skips it.

Windows 11 Setup Is Testing TikTok and Netflix Picks - Here Is How to Skip Them

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]]> Windows 11 26H2 Is Out - How to Get It Now, ISO and USB Included https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-26h2-is-out-how-to-get-it-now-iso-and-usb-included.htm Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 How to get the free Windows 11 26H2 update today, from the one-restart Windows Update route to the full ISO and a Rufus USB installer.

Windows 11 26H2 Is Out - How to Get It Now, ISO and USB Included

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]]> Googlebook: An Android Laptop That Knows Your Phone https://www.free-codecs.com/news/googlebook-an-android-laptop-that-knows-your-phone.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Google's Android-powered Googlebook laptops arrive October 4 from $899 - what they are, how they link to your phone, and which of your apps come along.

Googlebook: An Android Laptop That Knows Your Phone

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]]> Firefox 157 Moves AV1 Video Calls Onto Your Graphics Chip https://www.free-codecs.com/news/firefox-157-moves-av1-video-calls-onto-your-graphics-chip.htm Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Firefox 157 finally lets your graphics chip decode AV1 in web video calls - which PCs qualify, the free Windows add-on it may need, and how to check.

Firefox 157 Moves AV1 Video Calls Onto Your Graphics Chip

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]]> Windows Media Player Skins Die on November 10 - Here's How to Keep Your Look https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-media-player-skins-die-on-november-10-here-s-how-to-keep-your-look.htm Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft is ending skin support in Windows Media Player Legacy on Windows 11 - here's what stops working and which free players still let you change the look.

Windows Media Player Skins Die on November 10 - Here's How to Keep Your Look

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]]> Meta's AI Codec Fits A Whole Song on One Sheet of Paper https://www.free-codecs.com/news/meta-s-ai-codec-fits-a-whole-song-on-one-sheet-of-paper.htm Thu, 24 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 How one maker fit a whole song onto a sheet of paper with Meta's EnCodec AI codec - and why the 1,000x claim depends on what you compare it with.

Meta's AI Codec Fits A Whole Song on One Sheet of Paper

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]]> Lyra and EnCodec Explained: The AI Codecs That Squeeze Sound Into a Few Kilobits https://www.free-codecs.com/news/lyra_and_encodec_two_innovative_voice_codecs_for_low_bandwidth_communication.htm Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 What Google's Lyra and Meta's EnCodec actually do, how AI codecs differ from MP3 and Opus, and which one you can put to use right now.

Lyra and EnCodec Explained: The AI Codecs That Squeeze Sound Into a Few Kilobits

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]]> Clipchamp Needs 8GB of RAM - Twice What Windows 11 Itself Asks For https://www.free-codecs.com/news/clipchamp-needs-8gb-ram-double-windows-11-minimum.htm Mon, 21 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Microsoft's own support page says Clipchamp wants 8GB of RAM and a recent graphics card - more than some Windows 11 laptops actually have.

Clipchamp Needs 8GB of RAM - Twice What Windows 11 Itself Asks For

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]]> AV1 Was Supposed to Be Royalty-Free - Dolby's Lawsuit Says Otherwise https://www.free-codecs.com/news/av1-was-supposed-to-be-royalty-free.htm Sun, 20 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Each side's argument in the AV1 royalty-free fight, the three ways it can end, and what it changes for anyone just watching video.

AV1 Was Supposed to Be Royalty-Free - Dolby's Lawsuit Says Otherwise

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]]> Windows 11 Is Almost There - What Got Fixed and What Didn't https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-is-finally-getting-better.htm Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The September update brought back the movable taskbar, but the Start rebuild and dark mode are not done - plus the 24H2 deadline you should not miss.

Windows 11 Is Almost There - What Got Fixed and What Didn't

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]]> Why Amazon Bought MX Player, and Why the Brand Is Already Gone https://www.free-codecs.com/news/why-amazon-acquired-mx-player.htm Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Amazon bought MX Player in 2024 and retired the brand in July 2026, folding its shows into Prime Video while the Android player app carries on separately.

Why Amazon Bought MX Player, and Why the Brand Is Already Gone

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]]> Dolby vs Snapchat Made MX Player's Weird H.266 Bet Look Smart https://www.free-codecs.com/news/dolby-vs-snapchat-just-validated-mx-player-s-weirdest-tech-bet.htm Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 How Dolby's AV1 patent fight with Snapchat turned MX Player's forgotten H.266 experiment into a smart move, and what changed after Amazon folded MX Player into Prime Video.

Dolby vs Snapchat Made MX Player's Weird H.266 Bet Look Smart

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]]> Firefox Smart Window Now Runs on Mistral AI https://www.free-codecs.com/news/firefox-smart-window-now-runs-on-mistral-ai.htm Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Mistral AI joins Firefox Smart Window as one of three models you can pick, and the beta reaches France - plus the privacy fine print and the off switch.

Firefox Smart Window Now Runs on Mistral AI

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]]> Windows 11 24H2 Stops Getting Updates on October 13 - How to Upgrade Now https://www.free-codecs.com/news/windows-11-24h2-stops-getting-updates.htm Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 24H2 Home and Pro get their last update on 13 October 2026 - how to check your version, move to 25H2 in one restart, and what to do if it is not offered.

Windows 11 24H2 Stops Getting Updates on October 13 - How to Upgrade Now

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]]> Android 17 Added H.266 Playback - Most Phones Still Cannot Use It https://www.free-codecs.com/news/android-17-added-h-266-playback-most-phones-still-cannot-use-it.htm Thu, 17 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Android 17 recognises H.266 video but supplies no decoder of its own - why most phones still cannot play it, and what to do instead.

Android 17 Added H.266 Playback - Most Phones Still Cannot Use It

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]]> AV2 Is Final - What the New Codec Means for Your Videos https://www.free-codecs.com/news/av2-is-final-what-the-new-codec-means-for-your-videos.htm Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 AV2 is finished and nothing you own can play it - what the new codec promises, and how long AV1 suggests the wait will be.

AV2 Is Final - What the New Codec Means for Your Videos

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]]> AV1 Upgrades Android Video with VideoLAN's libdav1d Codec https://www.free-codecs.com/news/av1-upgrades-android-video-with-videolan-s-libdav1d-codec.htm Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The 2024 decoder swap that made AV1 video play smoothly on ordinary Android phones, and what it means for your device now.

AV1 Upgrades Android Video with VideoLAN's libdav1d Codec

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]]> Firefox 156 Uses Up to 20 Times Less Memory on Big JPEG Photos https://www.free-codecs.com/news/firefox-156-uses-up-to-20-times-less-memory-on-big-jpeg-photos.htm Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Firefox 156 now shrinks big JPEG photos as it decodes them rather than after - what that saves, and the cases where it quietly does not apply.

Firefox 156 Uses Up to 20 Times Less Memory on Big JPEG Photos

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]]> X Codec Pack 3 Is Here - and 3.1 Is Already the Build to Get https://www.free-codecs.com/news/x-codec-pack-3-is-coming-two-new-audio-tools-already-live.htm Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The X Codec Pack teaser is over - version 3.1 is shipping, and three free companion tools landed alongside it.

X Codec Pack 3 Is Here - and 3.1 Is Already the Build to Get

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]]> How Microsoft Turned Windows 11 Setup Into an Endurance Test https://www.free-codecs.com/news/how-microsoft-turned-windows-11-setup-into-an-endurance-test.htm Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 One year on from the announcement that made Windows 11 setup longer, there is finally a button to skip the wait - and one step that got harder instead.

How Microsoft Turned Windows 11 Setup Into an Endurance Test

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]]> Your New iPhone 18 Pro Videos Will Not Play on Windows - Here Is the Free Fix https://www.free-codecs.com/news/your-new-iphone-18-pro-videos-will-not-play-on-windows.htm Mon, 14 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 Why the iPhone 18 Pro's videos and photos refuse to open on a Windows PC, which free decoders fix it, and the camera setting that stops it happening.

Your New iPhone 18 Pro Videos Will Not Play on Windows - Here Is the Free Fix

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]]> IPTV Checker 2.0 Adds a Programme Guide and Calls Out Fake Archives https://www.free-codecs.com/news/iptv-checker-2-0-adds-a-programme-guide-and-calls-out-fake-archives.htm Sun, 13 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 The free playlist scanner gets a full programme timeline and a catch-up verifier that labels every channel Real, Shallower, Fake or Untested.

IPTV Checker 2.0 Adds a Programme Guide and Calls Out Fake Archives

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]]> Tim Cook Now Recommends the Galaxy Z Fold 8 https://www.free-codecs.com/news/tim-cook-now-recommends-the-galaxy-z-fold-8-just-not-that-tim-cook.htm Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 A satirical look at Samsung's Tim Cook ad for the Galaxy Z Fold 8, starring a New Zealand estate agent, not the Apple one - with the real facts at the end.

Tim Cook Now Recommends the Galaxy Z Fold 8

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]]> YouTube Now Lets You Lock Your Account on a Shared TV https://www.free-codecs.com/news/youtube-now-lets-you-lock-your-account-on-a-shared-tv.htm Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 YouTube's new account lock puts a 4-digit code on your TV profile - how to switch it on, unlock it from your phone and reset a forgotten code.

YouTube Now Lets You Lock Your Account on a Shared TV

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]]> LG Rejects Spy TV Report as 'Not True' - Here Are the Settings to Turn Off Anyway https://www.free-codecs.com/news/lg-denies-216-million-spy-tvs-claims-what-to-switch-off.htm Thu, 10 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0300 LG denies its webOS TVs listen in standby but confirms they scan your home network - what the report found and the five settings worth switching off.

LG Rejects Spy TV Report as 'Not True' - Here Are the Settings to Turn Off Anyway

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