The ruling upholds the European Commission's 2018 finding that Google used its Android operating system to strengthen its hold on online search. This decision is now final and cannot be appealed further.

As the highest court in the European Union, the Court of Justice's ruling makes the penalty definitive. Google and its parent company, Alphabet, had challenged a 2022 General Court decision that largely upheld the Commission's findings while reducing the original €4.3 billion fine slightly.

What The EU Court Ruled Against Google

The Court of Justice ruled that Google's appeal, filed by Google and its parent company Alphabet against the General Court's decision, is dismissed. This confirms the penalty for Google Search's abuse of a dominant market position in relation to the Android operating system.

The case did not challenge Android itself, which is provided free of charge. Instead, authorities looked at the contractual and technical conditions tied to using the platform.

The European Commission identified three practices by Google that the court considered anti-competitive. First, Google required phone manufacturers to pre-install its Search and Chrome apps to access the Play Store, which is the main channel for Android app distribution.

Second, the company paid some large device makers and mobile carriers to pre-install Google Search exclusively.

Third, it prevented manufacturers from using alternative versions of Android if they wanted to include Google apps, which hindered the development of competing Android forks.

The Commission argued that these practices effectively tied search, browser, and app distribution into a single system under Google's control.

For device makers, refusing to comply with these terms was not a viable option given the importance of the Play Store for reaching Android users.

Why The Android Antitrust Ruling Matters

Google responded to the ruling with a statement saying it does not acknowledge the significance of its investment to keep Android open, interoperable, and free.

The company noted that it had already made changes to its Android licensing agreements following the initial 2018 decision. The recent ruling does not require further operational adjustments but confirms the financial penalty and the finding of anti-competitive conduct.

The ruling affirms the European Commission's decision that Google engaged in anti-competitive practices, providing a stronger legal basis for other companies considering damage claims related to Google's past Android practices. Future litigation could result in additional financial risks for Google beyond the current €4.1 billion fine.

This case has drawn significant attention because it explores how technical integration and contractual obligations can reinforce a platform’s dominance, rather than focusing solely on traditional antitrust issues such as pricing or market share.

FairSearch, the group that filed the original complaint in 2013, called the ruling "an important victory in Europe's highest court against Google's anti-competitive conduct in mobile markets."

What The Decision Means For Users, Developers, And Google

The ruling underscores the EU's continued efforts to regulate large technology platforms. Under the Digital Markets Act, Google has already been directed to allow competing AI search assistants to operate more freely on Android devices and to share certain data with rival search providers.

The company is also under scrutiny regarding how it ranks its own services in search results and how Play Store policies influence developers, especially around steering users toward alternative payment options.

Additionally, regulators are investigating whether Google is demoting certain news content in search rankings.

Recent actions by the EU against other tech companies have followed similar patterns, focusing on platform integration and contractual terms rather than solely on market share.

For Android users in the EU, the ruling doesn’t change how devices function. The compliance updates made by Google in 2018 gave device makers more flexibility with bundling requirements.

Users with newer Android devices sold in the EU have seen choice screens for search engines and browsers as part of Google's ongoing regulatory commitments.

For phone manufacturers, the ruling confirms the legal environment in which they operate. Manufacturers can continue to ship Android devices with Google apps under existing licensing terms.

However, Google's ability to require specific bundling arrangements is now clearly limited by EU competition law.

For developers, the ruling supports ongoing regulatory pressure on Play Store payment rules and app store fees. Google's Play Store Billing Choice program, which opened to US, UK, and EEA developers on June 30, is part of the response to broader regulatory concerns. Additional changes may occur depending on the outcomes of related EU cases.

The Court of Justice's ruling concludes Google's legal challenges to the 2018 antitrust decision, and the €4.1 billion penalty is now enforceable.

In the coming months and years, there may be follow-up damages claims from competitors, device makers, or other affected parties.

Users can keep track of ongoing changes related to the Digital Markets Act (DMA) affecting Android through Google's Android licensing updates and publications from the EU Commission.

Google has not announced any operational changes following Thursday's ruling beyond the compliance measures it has already implemented since 2018.

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The project, called Aion, was built on a codebase named "Win3" and used the Edge browser as its shell. The video first appeared on BetaWiki's Discord server and is thought to be around two years old.

Sources verified the clip's authenticity to Windows Central. Microsoft has not commented on whether Aion was an internal hacking experiment or a product proposal, and the current status of the project is not known.

What The Leaked Aion Video Shows

The Aion prototype features Copilot as the primary interface for the operating system, replacing the traditional Windows overlay. Instead of the familiar Start menu and taskbar, a Copilot-powered shell built with web technologies is used.

Leaked footage shows several notable features, including a multi-modal input box where users can type commands to interact with Copilot. There is also a placeholder for a taskbar and start menu-like functions.

A concept called "Spaces" groups apps and websites together with the help of AI, allowing users to open, close, or recall these Spaces via an interface similar to a Start menu.

Additionally, there are rich plugins enabling Copilot to perform actions such as drafting and sending Outlook emails based on content within a Space.

The system is said to run on a lightweight, web-based Windows codebase, with the Edge browser and Chromium's layout engine powering the Copilot experience.

Since the prototype is based on web technologies, it doesn’t support native Win32 applications directly. When users want to open a Win32 program like Microsoft Word, Aion provides a link to a Windows Cloud PC instance where the program can be used remotely.

This method follows what Microsoft does with Windows 365 Cloud PC, where legacy applications run in a cloud-hosted Windows environment instead of directly on the local device.

Why Microsoft’s Copilot OS Prototype Is Raising Concerns

Project Aion is not a product that is currently available for shipping. The footage leaked earlier is said to be around two years old, and Microsoft has not confirmed whether the project is still actively in development, has been reworked into other initiatives, or if it has been shelved.

Sources from Windows Central describe Aion as an internal experiment, but there is no official information regarding its future plans.

Recently, Microsoft reduced some Copilot integrations across Windows 11 following user feedback about feature bloat. Plans to incorporate Copilot into notifications and settings were quietly canceled, and Microsoft Edge recently removed its AI-powered history search feature after user backlash.

These decisions suggest that Microsoft is taking a more cautious approach to adding Copilot capabilities than what was originally proposed in Aion.

Meanwhile, Copilot continues to expand through what Microsoft calls multiple agentic "personas," and Edge is already gaining agentic browsing features.

This pattern indicates that, even if Aion itself does not see release, some of its design elements are still appearing in Microsoft's products.

The public response to the leaked clip has largely been negative. Reddit users on r/pcmasterrace expressed concerns about a Copilot-powered operating system, highlighting issues such as the potential loss of support for local applications without cloud dependence, privacy concerns related to an AI that can read across Spaces, and reduced user control compared to traditional Windows desktops.

Users also noted that core OS functions would require internet access. Microsoft's terms of use for Copilot specify that users adopt the assistant at their own risk, which has added to skepticism about a Copilot-focused approach to operating system design.

What Project Aion Means For Windows Users

For current users of Windows 10 and Windows 11, Aion has no immediate impact. The prototype isn’t available publicly, and Microsoft has not announced plans to replace the standard Windows shell with a Copilot-based interface.

Users concerned about AI integration in Windows can take several steps. They can review Windows Settings under Privacy and Security to control what data is accessible to Copilot and other AI features.

If the assistant isn’t needed, it can be disabled on Windows 11 through Settings, Personalization, Taskbar. It is also advisable to keep an eye on Insider builds for updates on how Copilot is integrated into the shell.

Additionally, reviewing Microsoft's Copilot terms of use can help users understand its data handling policies. For those who prefer traditional Windows workflows, it is worth noting that Microsoft has continued to add options that address feedback about Copilot placement.

Recent updates include an option to pause Windows Update indefinitely, a movable taskbar, and a dedicated Taskbar Size setting available in Insider builds.

Aion is part of Microsoft's broader effort to develop agentic AI within the operating system. The Windows Central report compares Aion to other Microsoft projects that involve agentic technology, such as the expanding automation features in Edge and more than 80 Copilot products across Microsoft's portfolio.

It remains unclear whether Aion will be released publicly or stay an internal project. Leaked footage shows how far Microsoft was willing to go in redesigning the Windows shell to incorporate AI.

Those interested in Windows’ future can look for changes at the shell level in upcoming Insider builds and official roadmap updates, which may indicate whether any concepts from Aion are being pursued.

Microsoft has not officially acknowledged the Aion project. No release date, plans for revival, or public roadmap have been provided.

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Samsung has not explained the reason for this change. The notification’s subject line states: "Vascular Load Labs feature to be discontinued."

Samsung also mentioned that after the update, existing Vascular Load data will no longer be visible in Samsung Health, although users are advised to download their data beforehand.

What Vascular Load Did And How To Save Your Data

Vascular Load was introduced in One UI 8 as a feature that tracks circulatory system stress and offers suggestions to manage heart health.

It was categorized as a Labs feature, meaning it was an experimental capability released alongside the main Samsung Health app. The feature was available on Galaxy Watch models in the US. Samsung has not specified whether it will be available in other markets following the recent discontinuation notice.

Samsung has announced that users can save their existing Vascular Load data before it is removed. To download the data, open Samsung Health on the paired phone, tap More options, then Settings, and select Download personal data.

Choose Vascular Load and follow the prompts to export. Anyone wanting to keep a record of their Vascular Load history should complete the export process before the removal in late July.

Samsung has not provided details on how long the data will remain available for download after the release of the One UI 9 watch update.

Why Samsung May Be Removing Vascular Load

Samsung has not provided an explanation for discontinuing Vascular Load. Some Reddit users have speculated that regulatory issues in the US may be a factor, as features that track health metrics can be subject to FDA rules.

Similar regulatory hurdles previously affected other smartwatch features, such as blood pressure measurement, which required longer approval processes and came with restrictions like monthly calibration and disclaimers stating the feature is not intended for medical use.

Android Police has contacted Samsung for a formal statement, but the company has not yet publicly explained the reason for removing the feature.

As Vascular Load is being phased out, Samsung is preparing to launch a new Blood Pressure Trend feature. The company has announced that this feature will be available in the US on the upcoming Galaxy Watch, which is expected to be revealed at a Galaxy Unpacked event later this month.

Blood Pressure Trend will monitor and analyze blood pressure over time. Setting up the feature will involve calibrating it with a blood pressure cuff, following the same process used for existing Galaxy Watch blood pressure functions.

Samsung has not specified whether Blood Pressure Trend will be available on current Galaxy Watch models or if it will be limited to the new hardware. Users interested in ongoing cardiovascular tracking on their wrist will need to wait for more details during the Unpacked event.

What Galaxy Watch Users Should Do Next

If you're a current Galaxy Watch user in the US who relies on Vascular Load, it's a good idea to export your existing Vascular Load data before it is removed in late July to keep your historical records.

Keep an eye on the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event for updates on Blood Pressure Trend and other health features available on the new Galaxy Watch.

You might also consider alternative methods for tracking heart health, such as standalone blood pressure monitors or apps that monitor heart rate variability.

Users outside the US should wait for confirmation from Samsung to see if Vascular Load will still be available in their region after the rollout of One UI 9 on the watch.

The One UI 9 Watch update is expected to be released in late July. In this update, Samsung will remove Vascular Load in the US. The company has not specified an exact date within the late July window nor provided a detailed rollout schedule beyond that timeframe.

Samsung has also not confirmed if Vascular Load will return in a different form after regulatory review or if its removal will be permanent.

Users can watch Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event later this month for more information on the company's plans regarding heart health features for the Galaxy Watch.

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The announcement was made on X and applies to all platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Windows, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

Pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 digital version will be canceled and need to be placed again with the new release date.

This game is a continuation of Capcom's Onimusha series, which had been inactive for several years before this revival was announced.

Pre-Order Editions And Switch 2 Cancellations

Onimusha: Way of the Sword can be pre-ordered from digital storefronts in three editions:

• The Standard Edition includes the base game only.
• The Deluxe Edition features the base game along with a Deluxe Kit that contains an alternative cosmetic outfit and gauntlet for Musashi, several charms, and cosmetic sword skins.
• The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything in the Deluxe Edition plus a Premium Kit with alternate costumes for Oni Lady and Okuni, different haori coats for Musashi, and a five-track digital mini-soundtrack.

Pre-ordering any edition before September 25, 2026, grants early access to bonus items. These include charms and cosmetic weapon skins for Musashi's sword.

Following the change in the release date, Capcom has announced that digital pre-orders made through Nintendo Switch 2 stores will be canceled. Customers who pre-ordered digitally on Switch 2 will need to place a new preorder to secure the game and any included bonuses.

Capcom clarified that physical pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 are unaffected and will continue as planned for the new release date.

To reorder digitally on Switch 2, users should open the Nintendo eShop either on the console or via a web browser, search for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, select their preferred edition, and complete the pre-order to ensure receipt of the Early Adopter Bonus items.

Patients on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC do not need to take any action, as existing pre-orders on those platforms will transfer to the new release date without issues.

Why Capcom Moved The Release Date

Capcom has not given a specific reason for changing the release date. Originally scheduled for September 25, 2026, Onimusha: Way of the Sword would have launched alongside several major titles, including Control: Resonant, the console version of Dune Awakening, and Silent Hill: Townfall.

The new release date is set for September 4, 2026, positioning the game against Orbitals and The Blood of Dawnwalker, both of which are new intellectual property releases without any established franchise history. This change aims to provide a less crowded launch window for Onimusha: Way of the Sword.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is scheduled to launch on September 4, 2026. The game will be available on multiple platforms and storefronts, including:

• Xbox Series X|S,
• PlayStation 5,
• Nintendo Switch 2,
• PC through Windows, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.

A playable demo can be accessed on all platforms for those interested in trying the game before making a pre-order.

What Players Should Watch Before Launch

Capcom has not announced any changes to editions, pricing, or bonus content beyond the delay in the release date. Users should verify that their digital pre-orders for Switch 2 are placed again if they were made before the date change.

To qualify for the Early Adopter Bonus, pre-orders must be completed before September 25, 2026, although the game will have already launched by then. Watch for platform-specific pre-load timelines as the release date approaches.

Capcom has not provided details on download sizes, pre-load windows, or day-one patches. Users should monitor platform storefronts for those details leading up to the September 4 release.

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Announced on Tuesday, the model is now available through Google AI Studio, the Gemini API, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform, according to Google's statement.

The company notes that the model can generate images in approximately four seconds at a cost of $0.034 per 1,000 images.

Nano Banana 2 Lite also replaces the original Nano Banana in Google's current lineup, with the original model now classified as legacy.

How Nano Banana 2 Lite Fits Into Google’s AI Image Lineup

Nano Banana 2 Lite is the third model in Google's Nano Banana image generation lineup. The original Nano Banana was launched last summer on Gemini 3.1 Flash. Nano Banana 2 followed in February, offering more realistic results and broader capabilities.

Google describes Nano Banana 2 as a "generalist workhorse," while the Lite version is designed for workflows that prioritize speed and scalability.

The company also offers Nano Banana Pro for use cases that demand higher image quality and more complex output. These three tiers follow a common trend among AI providers, who tend to differentiate models based on performance, cost, and speed rather than relying on a single model for all needs.

The pricing structure plays a key role in how Google is positioning the model. Priced at $0.034 per 1,000 images, Nano Banana 2 Lite aims to make large-scale image generation more routine and accessible for commercial workflows.

Its four-second generation time is designed for iterative and automated use cases, allowing teams to produce or test many variations quickly.

Google notes that the combination of speed and affordability makes the model better suited for high-volume workloads rather than applications requiring high precision.

Users who need higher fidelity results should continue to use Nano Banana 2 or Nano Banana Pro, depending on their specific requirements.

What Nano Banana 2 Lite Is Designed For

Nano Banana 2 Lite is built to support various workflows, including quickly testing different image variations during creative processes, generating large numbers of visual assets for marketing or product listings, and fitting into automated pipelines where image output is just one step among others. It also caters to advertising workflows that require high-volume content creation and testing.

The model aligns with Google's view that image generation tools should assist content creation rather than replace it, especially for businesses that need to produce and refine large amounts of material.

Nano Banana 2 Lite is now available through various channels:

Google AI Studio for interactive testing and prompt development, the Gemini API for developer integration, and the Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform for business workflows.

Developers can access the model using the same authentication and billing setup as other Gemini models. Google has not specified regional availability restrictions beyond mentioning standard Gemini API coverage.

To start using Nano Banana 2 Lite, developers can sign in to Google AI Studio or set up API access via the Gemini API documentation, then select Nano Banana 2 Lite from the model menu and submit prompts through the usual image generation endpoints. Usage and billing can be managed through the Google Cloud console.

Users of the original Nano Banana will need to migrate their workloads to either Nano Banana 2 Lite, Nano Banana 2, or Nano Banana Pro, depending on their specific use case, since the original model has been marked as legacy.

The release comes at a time when generative image and video tools are under increasing scrutiny. More online media is now created or assisted by AI, raising concerns about content quality and oversaturation.

Despite the ongoing debate, advertisers and marketing teams continue to invest in these tools because they provide clear operational benefits for rapid content testing and iteration.

Google's involvement with the entertainment industry has also attracted attention. A recent $75 million partnership between Google and indie studio A24 has sparked criticism from some audiences and creatives.

This reflects broader worries about how AI tools might influence the future of film and media production.

What Users Should Know Before Switching

For users still using the original Nano Banana model, the legacy label indicates that the model will eventually be phased out. Google has not provided a specific date for ending support, but users should consider transitioning to a newer tier that better fits their workflow.

For teams comparing image generation options, Nano Banana 2 Lite's pricing makes it competitive against other high-throughput models.

Those planning to incorporate the model into production should test its output quality against their specific needs before making a commitment, as the model prioritizes speed over maximum fidelity.

Google has not announced plans for additional models in the Nano Banana series or shared a roadmap for future updates. Nano Banana 2 Lite is currently available through the three listed platforms.

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After that date, new PlayStation games will be available only in digital formats through the PlayStation Store and participating retailers.

Sony assured that this change will not impact games that have already been released or titles planned to launch before January 2028. The announcement was made by Sid Shuman, senior director of content communications at Sony Interactive Entertainment.

Why Sony Is Ending Physical PlayStation Game Production

Shuman attributed the decision to changing consumer preferences and broader industry trends. The company notes that demand for digital media has considerably surpassed that for physical discs, and believes this shift will help Sony better meet how its community prefers to access and play games.

Sony has not released specific sales figures related to this decision. The company also did not specify how retailers will participate in digital distribution beyond the usual practice of selling download codes.

The transition applies to new PlayStation games released from January 2028 onward. Sony has stated that games already released will not be affected:

• Titles scheduled for release before January 2028 will still ship with physical discs where applicable.
• Digital distribution will continue through the PlayStation Store and participating retailers.

Sony has not specified whether PlayStation 5 or the upcoming PlayStation 6 will retain disc drives after 2028, or if existing disc-based games will remain playable on future hardware. The announcement on the blog only addressed the production of new physical titles.

Sony's announcement reflects a wider industry trend away from physical distribution. Rockstar Games recently confirmed that the physical edition of Grand Theft Auto 6, set to be released on November 12, 2026, will only include a download code in the box, with no disc. Sony's move formalizes this shift across its entire first-party and third-party publishing pipeline for PlayStation.

This change has several implications for users:

• Physical collections will no longer be expandable with new PlayStation releases after January 2028.
• Reselling newly released games will not be possible without a physical copy to transfer. Additionally, library access will rely entirely on account access and ongoing support for digital platforms.
• Storage requirements on PlayStation consoles will also increase, as all games will need to be downloaded.

Digital distribution tends to lower manufacturing and shipping costs for publishers, eliminates the risk of retail inventory shortages at launch, and provides immediate access for users without shipping delays.

What PlayStation Users Should Know Before 2028

For users who prefer owning physical copies of PlayStation games, the practical steps are to purchase physical copies of upcoming releases scheduled before January 2028 while they are still available.

It's important to preserve existing physical collections since they hold resale and archival value. Users should also verify their backup practices for save data, as digital-only titles rely on account access rather than physical media.

Additionally, ensure that your PlayStation console has enough storage or external SSD capacity to support an all-digital library.

Sony has not provided answers to several practical questions prompted by the announcement. These include whether future PlayStation consoles will include disc drives, if retailers will sell boxed download codes similar to the physical edition of GTA 6 or if all sales will shift online, and how the move will impact regions with limited digital distribution infrastructure.

Additionally, there is uncertainty around whether Sony's PS5 Pro and future PS6 pricing will be adjusted to account for the removal of manufacturing costs.

Sony has indicated that more details will be shared closer to the transition date in January 2028. Consumers planning to purchase based on physical availability should stay tuned to Sony's announcements in the coming months.

The end date for physical disc production is set for January 2028. Games released before that date will still be available on disc where publishers decide to include them, depending on individual publisher policies, such as Rockstar's approach with GTA 6.

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The case is scheduled for the upcoming term starting in October. The justices have not granted Apple's request to limit the injunction to Epic alone, which means the ruling will still impact all iOS developers.

The Supreme Court will determine whether Apple's response to the initial court order was permissible or if it constituted contempt. The court will not consider whether Apple has a monopoly.

What The Apple And Epic Case Is About

The 2021 injunction from U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers required Apple to allow developers to direct users to payment options outside of the App Store. The goal was to give developers a way to avoid Apple's standard 15% to 30% commission on in-app purchases.

Apple responded by permitting external payment links but introduced new restrictions and began charging a 27% commission on purchases made through those links within seven days of the link being tapped.

Epic Games argued that the 27% fee was not in compliance with the injunction. In April 2025, Rogers agreed and found that Apple had intentionally violated her order.

She directed Apple to stop charging fees on purchases made outside of its payment system. The Ninth Circuit upheld the finding of contempt in December 2025 and stated that Apple could return to the district court to argue what, if any, charges could be applied to digital goods purchased outside its system.

Apple stated, "This is an important question of law, and we are pleased the Supreme Court will hear our case." The company's argument is that it cannot be penalized for violating the "spirit" of an injunction rather than its specific wording.

Epic shared on X, saying, "We're heading to the Supreme Court where we'll continue to fight against junk fees Apple charges on third-party payments."

What The Supreme Court Will Decide

The Supreme Court's review will be more limited than Apple wanted. The justices decided not to consider whether the injunction should apply only to Epic or to the larger developer community.

The court's remaining question is whether Apple's actions, including the 27% external payment fee, amounted to contempt of the original injunction.

The ruling could have implications for App Store fee structures across the iOS ecosystem, depending on the court's decision. If Apple wins, it could validate similar fee practices for external payments.

If Epic prevails, it would mean Apple can't use fees to maintain most of its commission when developers use external payment systems.

The dispute has been ongoing since 2020:

• In August 2020, Epic added its own payment option to Fortnite, violating App Store rules.
• As a result, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store, and Epic filed a lawsuit.
• In September 2021, Judge Rogers ruled largely in Apple's favor, rejecting broad monopoly claims but ordering Apple to loosen its anti-steering rules. After appeals concluded, Apple introduced a 27 percent external payment commission in January 2024.
• In April 2025, Judge Rogers found Apple in contempt of the 2021 injunction and ordered the company to stop charging fees on outside purchases.
• The Ninth Circuit upheld this contempt finding in December 2025. Fortnite returned to the US iOS App Store in 2026 after nearly five years. Currently, the Supreme Court has agreed to hear Apple's appeal.

What Developers And Users Should Know

For developers currently using external payment links under the injunction, the status of the 27% fee remains contested during the appeal.

Apple's fee structure has been paused due to the contempt ruling, but the Supreme Court's upcoming decision could restore, modify, or eliminate it depending on the outcome.

Developers should continue to use external payment links where permitted under current rulings and monitor the Supreme Court proceedings for updates on the fee structure.

It is also advisable to prepare business plans for both possible outcomes, as the ruling could significantly impact the economics of external payments.

For users, the immediate impact of the case is limited. Purchases made through external payment links currently do not include the disputed 27% fee.

However, if the Supreme Court reinstates or changes the fee, developers may need to adjust their prices, which could lead to costs being passed on to users.

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in its next term starting in October. A decision is unlikely to come until later in the term. Both users and developers can keep track of the case through the Supreme Court's website as proceedings unfold.

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The ISO files can be found on the project's GitHub page. Azure Linux 4 is still in preview, and Microsoft advises against using it in production environments. Both x86-64 and Arm64 images are offered.

The ISO files are not located in the usual GitHub Releases section, which mainly includes kernel builds. Instead, users need to scroll down to the Using Azure Linux section and expand the ISO Installer subsection to find the images.

What Azure Linux 4 Is Designed For

Azure Linux 4 is the successor to Azure Linux 3, which itself evolved from Microsoft's earlier CBL-Mariner distribution. Unlike its predecessors, which were based on VMware Photon OS, Azure Linux 4 sources most of its packages and metadata from Fedora. As part of the transition, Microsoft has shifted configuration files from .spec to TOML format.

The current build identifies itself as "Four Beta" and runs on kernel 6.18 with systemd 258.4. Although it is derived from Fedora, Azure Linux 4 is not compatible with Fedora packages. Only two repositories are enabled by default:

• azurelinux-base
• azurelinux-microsoft, both hosted at packages.microsoft.com/azurelinux/.

The available package selection is limited; common tools such as less and htop are not included in the default installation and are not available for installation.

Azure Linux 4 is intended for use inside Azure virtual machines as part of automated deployment pipelines. The ISO version is mainly for testing and not meant for general desktop or bare-metal installation.

The distribution does not come with a graphical desktop environment like GNOME, and Microsoft has not announced plans to include one. Users who want a container-focused host should consider Azure Container Linux instead, which is Microsoft's dedicated distribution for the Azure Kubernetes Service. It is available separately on GitHub.

What To Expect From The Preview ISO

The Azure Linux 4 preview has modest resource requirements. It has a download size of 1 GB, requires 1.1 GB of disk space, and needs 359 MB of RAM.

The installation process is straightforward, using a simple command-line tool. By default, it sets up an LVM configuration with memory ballooning enabled.

This distribution can run inside local Hyper-V virtual machines as well as Azure VMs, making it accessible for developers testing workloads before deploying to Azure infrastructure.

Azure Linux 4 features the dnf package manager, allowing users to easily install additional software from available repositories. The distribution is not intended to be an immutable container host, which means administrators have the flexibility to customize their installations for specific workloads within the range of available packages.

Microsoft has not released a detailed package roadmap, and the current repository selection reflects the preview status of the release.

How To Try Azure Linux 4 Locally

To download and try out Azure Linux 4 locally, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Azure Linux 4 GitHub page and scroll down to the section titled 'Using Azure Linux.'
2. Expand the 'ISO Installer' subsection and choose either the x86-64 or Arm64 image depending on your needs.
3. Create a virtual machine using Hyper-V, VirtualBox, VMware, or another hypervisor.
4. Boot the VM from the ISO file you downloaded and proceed with the command-line installation prompts.

It is important to note that Azure Linux 4 is still in preview, so it should not be used in production environments. The preview status indicates that the distribution may have bugs, incomplete package selections, or behaviors that could change before it becomes generally available.

Microsoft's published lifecycle documentation states that Azure Linux 4 will use long-term support kernels and receive monthly security updates. Some reports have mentioned a two-year update cycle, but this has not been confirmed in the official lifecycle documentation.

Azure Linux 4 illustrates Microsoft's ongoing effort to bring more of its infrastructure toolchain in-house. The company migrated LinkedIn to Azure Linux two years ago, eliminating its reliance on the now-end-of-life CentOS Linux distribution.

Moving to Fedora as an upstream source with Azure Linux 4 reduces another dependency on VMware Photon OS, which was used in earlier versions.

This transition also supports a broader industry trend away from Broadcom's VMware, with companies like Tesco and T-Mobile reported to be shifting their infrastructure away from VMware as well.

What Users Should Know Before Installing

For users interested in trying out Azure Linux 4, the ISO downloads offer the first chance to test the distribution locally. It's recommended to download and test in a virtual machine environment only.

Use it for evaluating packaging and configuration changes from earlier versions of Azure Linux.

Do not use it for production workloads or mission-critical systems. Keep an eye on the GitHub repository for updates as the preview moves toward general availability.

Microsoft has not announced a specific release date for Azure Linux 4. Users planning to migrate from Azure Linux 3 should follow the preview on GitHub and check Microsoft's official documentation for guidance on when it will be ready for production.

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The Switch 2 release brings Oblivion Remastered to Nintendo's console more than a year after it was released on other platforms in 2025. The remastered version surpassed 9 million players in its first three months after launch.

Pricing And Editions For Switch 2

Oblivion Remastered for Nintendo Switch 2 will be offered in two editions: a standard digital version priced at $49.99, and a physical edition costing $59.99.

The physical edition features a cartridge that contains the full game. This complete-on-cartridge approach is noteworthy because recent Switch 2 releases often include only partial content, requiring users to download additional data.

The Nintendo Switch 2 has demonstrated performance close to the Xbox Series S in several scenarios, largely due to NVIDIA DLSS upscaling technology. Digital Foundry recently noted that the Xbox Series S has effectively served as an optimization target that has helped make Switch 2 ports more feasible for developers.

While performance details for Oblivion Remastered on Switch 2 have not been released, the Switch 2's DLSS capabilities are likely being used to help the game run at acceptable frame rates and image quality on the handheld console.

Performance And Platform Availability

Oblivion Remastered has not seen an update since version 1.2, which was released in July 2025. The absence of updates has frustrated some players on other platforms, as several issues have remained unresolved since the game's launch.

The upcoming Switch 2 release might bring some improvements to the existing versions on other platforms, but Bethesda has not confirmed whether patch parity will be maintained across all platforms with the Switch 2 launch. Players on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC hoping for updates will need to wait until closer to the August 11 release date.

Oblivion Remastered is set to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11, 2026. Both digital and physical editions can be pre-ordered through the Nintendo eShop and select retailers. The game is also available on PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox Game Pass from the existing release.

What Existing Players Should Know

When choosing a platform, players should consider:

• Nintendo Switch 2: Portable gaming at $49.99 for the digital version or $59.99 for the physical cartridge, which includes a full-cartridge option.
• Xbox Series X|S: Included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
• PC: Available via Steam with the highest possible graphics settings.
• PS5: Standard release for PlayStation 5.

For those who already own Oblivion Remastered on another platform, the Switch 2 version will need to be purchased separately, as it is not a cross-buy. Transfer of save files between different platforms is not supported.

Oblivion Remastered arrived in 2025 as a significant update to the 2006 original, featuring updated visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and gameplay refinements.

Its quick popularity after launch made it one of Bethesda's most successful re-releases and helped introduce the game to a new generation of players through Xbox Game Pass.

The Nintendo Switch 2 port continues a trend of major third-party titles arriving on Nintendo's console, following recent ports and rumors of upcoming high-profile releases.

Bethesda's Starfield recently received a Nintendo Switch 2 rating in some regions, fueling speculation that more Bethesda games might soon be available on Nintendo's platform.

Oblivion Remastered will be available on Nintendo Switch 2 starting August 11, 2026, with digital versions priced at $49.99 and physical copies at $59.99.

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This provides users with a proper option to make the entire taskbar smaller, not just the icons. The update is available for Windows Insiders testing the Experimental channel and is part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative, which aims to address longstanding issues with Windows 11.

The new setting allows users to reduce both the height of the taskbar and the size of its icons when set to Small. It is also possible to keep the taskbar at its default height while using small icons.

What Changed And Other Changes in Build 26300.8758

Earlier Insider builds offered an option to "show smaller taskbar buttons," but this setting only reduced the icons' size.

The height of the taskbar itself stayed the same. The new dedicated Taskbar Size toggle solves this by providing a true resize option. Microsoft announced in the build's release notes:

"Taskbar customization just got easier. As we continue to improve the Taskbar experience mentioned last month, we've added a dedicated Taskbar Size setting to make it easier to find, understand, and personalize your ideal taskbar."

Transitioning between different taskbar sizes has also been improved to create a smoother overall experience. The update includes several additional improvements:

File Explorer:

• Thumbnails for cloud files now preview more reliably in the Details pane
• The Details pane has been reorganized to make file properties easier to find and review
• An issue has been fixed where the OneDrive shortcut stopped working when File Explorer was run as administrator
• The Recycle Bin bug reported earlier has been addressed. Previously, the confirmation dialog showed an internal filename instead of the original when deleting a file permanently

Sounds:

• System sounds have been improved when using Windows in dark mode

Other:

• Xbox mode has been renamed to XBOX mode, which is a change noted in this build

The fix for the Recycle Bin confirms an earlier acknowledgment from Microsoft about a bug present since the June 2026 Patch Tuesday update. It caused the confirmation dialog to display an internal filename instead of the original.

The changes to the taskbar are part of Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative, a larger effort to address long-standing complaints about Windows 11. Since its release, Windows 11's taskbar has been a subject of controversy, especially because Microsoft removed features available in Windows 10, such as the ability to move the taskbar to the top or sides of the screen.

Since earlier this year, Windows Insiders have been able to move the taskbar freely. The introduction of proper resize controls addresses another common concern.

Taken together, these updates provide a level of taskbar flexibility that Windows 10 users have had for years, but Windows 11 previously lacked.

What This Means For Windows 11 Users

For users who prefer more compact interfaces or use smaller screens, being able to shrink the taskbar can free up valuable screen space.

Currently, this setting is only available in the Experimental channel, so most users will need to wait until it reaches stable Windows 11 builds through a future update.

If you want to try the feature now, you can join the Windows Insider Program and switch to the Experimental channel via Settings, Windows Update, and Windows Insider Program. Keep in mind that testing pre-release builds can cause stability issues and is generally recommended only on secondary devices.

Microsoft has not announced when the Taskbar Size setting will be available in the stable channel. Based on the current pace of development for taskbar features, it is reasonable to expect that this option will be included in a future monthly update for all Windows 11 users.

This change reflects a broader pattern of Microsoft responding to user feedback on Windows 11 design and functionality, including recent decisions like canceling the AI-powered history search in Edge, extending Windows Update pause options, and adding toggles to disable Bing web results in Windows Search.

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The launch comes as the US Department of Commerce lifts export restrictions on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5. Starting Wednesday, Anthropic will restore global access to these two models.

Sonnet 5 is available with introductory API pricing of $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens through August 31, 2026.

After that, standard pricing will be $3 per million input tokens and $15 per million output tokens. The model is now accessible to Free, Pro, and Max subscribers.

What Makes Claude's Sonnet 5 Different

Anthropic describes Sonnet 5 as the most agentic Sonnet model yet. The model features capabilities that were previously mostly limited to Opus 4.8, such as multi-step planning, use of tools including browsers and terminals, self-verification of its output without explicit prompts, better instruction following, and improved agentic search across large codebases.

These enhancements target users who rely on Claude for coding, research, automation, and document work.

Sonnet 4.6 was generally seen as weaker in planning and understanding large codebases, but Sonnet 5 appears to significantly close that gap.

The pricing model positions Sonnet 5 as a budget-friendly alternative to Opus 4.8 when considering performance. During the introductory period through August 31, 2026, Sonnet 5 costs $2 per million tokens for input and $10 for output.

The standard version is priced at $3 for input and $15 for output per million tokens. By comparison, Opus 4.8 costs $5 per million tokens for input and $25 for output. At standard pricing,

Sonnet 5 is roughly 60% less expensive than Opus 4.8. Users can choose between the two based on their preferences for cost savings or maximum performance.

Benchmark tests from BrowseComp and OSWorld-Verified support the performance claims, indicating that Sonnet 5 performs noticeably closer to Opus 4.8 than Sonnet 4.6 did.

Why Fable 5 And Mythos 5 Are Returning

The release of Sonnet 5 comes as Anthropic restores access to Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5.

These models had been offline for two and a half weeks following a U.S. government order restricting foreign national access, citing national security concerns.

Anthropic announced on X that the Department of Commerce has lifted export controls on both models. Starting Wednesday, access is being restored to global users and business customers.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that the government had worked closely with Anthropic over the past two weeks to assess and approve Fable 5 and to support U.S. leadership in AI.

A letter from Lutnick to Anthropic, cited by multiple outlets, noted that the company had coordinated with the government to proactively identify and address security risks related to the models.

Anthropic has committed to inform the government if it detects any malicious activities involving the models. Lutnick's letter also warned that the Trump administration reserves the right to reimpose restrictions in the future if circumstances change or if Anthropic fails to meet its commitments.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles expressed gratitude to industries working closely with the White House to implement the President's executive order on promoting advanced AI innovation and security.

She noted ongoing efforts around model access, guardrails, testing, and security, emphasizing that the priority remains deploying the best technology as quickly as possible.

Which Claude Model Users Should Choose

Anthropic's paid tiers give users immediate access to Sonnet 5 through the Claude app, Claude Code, and the Anthropic API. Free-tier users can also access the model.

For those who were temporarily locked out of Fable 5 and Mythos 5 during the two-week suspension, access is being gradually restored starting Wednesday.

Pro, Max, and Enterprise plan users should see the models reappear in their model selection menus.

When choosing a model, users can consider the following:

• Sonnet 5: Offers the best cost-performance balance for most tasks involving agency and coding.
• Opus 4.8: Provides maximum performance for the most demanding tasks.
• Fable 5: Shares architecture with Mythos and includes safety guardrails; it will be available at usage-based pricing after the free period ending June 22.
• Mythos 5: Restricted to vetted partners, including government cyberdefenders and certain life sciences researchers.

The ongoing developments demonstrate Anthropic's efforts to balance expanding its business with navigating government regulations.

The launch of Fable 5 in June, its subsequent suspension, and now its reinstatement alongside a more affordable Sonnet release show how Anthropic is refining its product lineup while dealing with increasingly complex rules for advanced AI models.

The release of Sonnet 5 also strengthens Anthropic's position against OpenAI. Recently, OpenAI delayed the public rollout of GPT-5.6 at the request of the US government, which limited access to selected partners.

With Sonnet 5 now available and Fable 5 returning, Anthropic offers a wider range of accessible models for developers and users than OpenAI in the near future.

Sonnet 5 is available now. Access to Fable 5 and Mythos 5 will be restored starting Wednesday for eligible users.

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The new version introduces nine additional tools, updates to the NetHunter Android platform, and brings new versions of the desktop environments GNOME 50 and KDE Plasma 6.6.

It also includes the latest kernel, version 6.19. Users running Kali in a virtual machine can expect much faster boot times thanks to changes in how graphics firmware is managed.

The distribution is aimed at cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers, providing tools for penetration testing, security audits, and network research.

New Tools In Kali Linux 2026.2

Kali Linux 2026.2 adds nine new tools to its network repositories. These include:

• arsenal-ng, a Go-based command library with over 200 cybersecurity cheat sheets;
• hydra-gtk, a reintroduced GTK+ graphical interface for the network logon cracker;
• legba, a multiprotocol credentials bruteforcer, password sprayer, and enumerator;
• oletools, an analyzer for MS OLE2 files and Microsoft Office documents;
• penelope, a shell handler;
• shell-gpt, an AI-powered command-line productivity tool;
• tailscale, a platform for secure networking;
• tookie-osint, a tool for gathering open-source intelligence to find social media accounts; and
• uro, a URL decluttering tool designed for crawling and penetration testing. The Kali team also updated its service helper scripts to improve service management. These updates include functions for checking service status, listing default credentials, and retrieving access information for active services.

Faster VM Boot Times And Desktop Updates

Starting with Kali Linux 2026.2, the pre-built VM images no longer include graphics firmware. The installer images can now detect virtual machine environments and skip installing graphics firmware accordingly.

This change results in a significantly smaller initrd, reduced from 200MB to 60MB, and boot times that are roughly three times faster for QEMU virtual machines on a Linux host, according to the Kali Team.

Actual performance improvements may vary depending on the hardware and configuration. For users running Kali Linux on physical hardware, nothing changes. The default remains a 200MB initrd with all graphics firmware included. Those who want to optimize can manually remove the unneeded firmware.

Kali Linux 2026.2 includes updates to both major desktop environments. It now ships with GNOME 50, which features UI refinements, and KDE Plasma 6.6.

Both desktops have seen significant updates that enhance performance and visual appeal. Users can select either desktop environment during installation or opt to install both on a single system.

NetHunter, Kernel, And Upgrade Changes

The Android-based NetHunter platform has received several significant updates. Support for standalone kernel flashing using Magisk has been added, allowing users to open any new kernel installer zip directly in the Magisk app if it was built with kali-nethunter-installer.

New kernels now include qcacld3 injection support, and there are updated kernels for additional Android versions and device models. More phones can now run NetHunter Pro with bare-metal support.

The Kali NetHunter app launches faster than before, improving user experience. The update also addresses bugs related to custom commands and the chroot manager.

A new EvilTwin tab has been introduced, featuring a Wi-Fi Fake Access Point with a password verification captive portal. Additionally, an iptables fix ensures that the Android Hotspot function works properly after using Wifipumpkin3 or EvilTwin.

The Kali Linux kernel has been updated to version 6.19. The newer 7.0 kernel is also available in the kali-experimental repository for users interested in testing the latest release.

Existing Kali Linux users can upgrade from a previous version using these commands:

1. Ensure the correct repository is configured:

   echo "deb http://http.kali.org/kali kali-rolling main contrib non-free non-free-firmware" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list

2. Update package lists and upgrade:

   sudo apt update && sudo apt -y full-upgrade

3. Copy skeleton files to home directory:

   cp -vrbi /etc/skel/. ~/

4. Reboot if required:

   [ -f /var/run/reboot-required ] && sudo reboot -f

After upgrading, verify the version with:

grep VERSION /etc/os-release

How To Get Kali Linux 2026.2

For new installations, ISO images and virtual machine images can be downloaded from Kali's official website. The distribution supports a wide variety of hardware, including Raspberry Pi devices, Android phones through NetHunter, and standard desktop or laptop PCs.

Users running Windows Subsystem for Linux should upgrade to WSL 2 to better support graphical applications. The WSL version can be checked using a command in Windows Command Prompt.

Kali Linux 2026.2 is a rolling release update. Users who install the distribution now will receive ongoing updates through the standard package management channels, eliminating the need for reinstallation for future releases.

The full changelog for Kali Linux 2026.2 is available on Kali's website. Kali Linux 2026.2 is now available as a free download from kali.org.

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The company publicly admitted in a Reddit post that it spent more than seven months developing the product without asking Valve for approval.

The Portal-inspired Companion Cube case was available for pre-order starting June 22 at a price of 99 dollars. It became dbrand's second-fastest-selling product in its 15-year history before being removed from sale. All pre-orders are being refunded.

What Happened Between dbrand And Valve

The case started as a joke shortly after the Steam Machine was announced. Consumer interest encouraged dbrand to turn it into a real product.

The company reported that over seven months, more than 1,000 hours of engineering went into developing the case, along with the creation of 44 sets of injection molding tools.

In a Reddit post, dbrand mentioned, "We built the idea into something real without ever asking Valve if we could. We're going to regret that decision for a very long time."

The company also pointed out that it was losing money on each $99 case sold but described it as a passion project.

Pre-orders for the case opened on June 22. Shortly after, Valve's legal team contacted dbrand. Valve's lawyers stated that the Companion Cube is Valve intellectual property for which dbrand did not have a license, and requested that dbrand take down the product and the associated launch film immediately.

dbrand characterized Valve's actions as "direct, fair, and respectful." The company attempted to retroactively secure a license, but Valve declined.

What Customers Should Expect

All pre-orders placed during the brief sales window are being refunded today. Customers do not need to take action to receive their refunds. The original product listing page now redirects to dbrand's explanatory Reddit post.

dbrand has not announced any replacement product or alternative design for Steam Machine owners who were interested in the case.

The 44 sets of injection molding tools developed for the cube design cannot be repurposed for unlicensed Portal-themed products.

The incident serves as a clear example of a company openly admitting to a significant mistake. dbrand directly stated, "Being proud of the thing we made did not give us the right to make it."

The company also acknowledged that "Valve didn't do anything wrong here. We should have asked first." When a Reddit user called dbrand "fucking stupid," the company's official account simply replied, "Yes."

What This Means For Third-Party Steam Machine Accessories

The incident underscores the limitations of unofficial product development for licensed intellectual property, even when manufacturers have good intentions.

For other companies thinking about creating Steam Machine accessories, the key takeaway is clear: licensing approval should be obtained before starting development, not afterward.

Valve has provided CAD files for the outer shell of the Steam Machine, enabling third-party manufacturers to produce custom faceplates.

This officially supported option allows accessory makers to participate in the Steam Machine ecosystem without infringing on Valve’s IP.

However, unlicensed designs that incorporate Valve-owned characters, settings, or assets still require formal licensing agreements.

For users hoping to purchase the Companion Cube case, there has been no announcement of a licensed version. Currently, the only way to customize a Steam Machine is through third-party designs based on Valve’s released CAD files, with custom faceplates becoming the most accessible option.

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These groups are linked to Russia's intelligence and military agencies. This offer is part of the State Department's Rewards for Justice program.

The groups have carried out extensive phishing campaigns targeting Signal and WhatsApp accounts of U.S. government officials, military leaders, and allied personnel.

UNC5792 is associated with the Russian Federal Security Service Border Guards, while UNC4221 is described as operating on behalf of Russian military services.

Last week, the FBI and CISA updated a March 2026 advisory with new tactics observed in attacks attributed to these groups.

What The U.S. Government Wants To Know

The U.S. government is seeking information regarding the UNC5792 group and their support personnel. They want details on the names, locations, biographies, and affiliations of these actors and their team members.

Additionally, they are interested in connections to Russian intelligence agencies, contractors, and third-party service providers. The request includes information about the group's operational infrastructure, such as domains, servers, hosting environments, data storage solutions, tools, frameworks, and software used.

They are also looking into funding sources, financial accounts, banking relationships, and payment methods. Finally, they seek details on cryptocurrency wallets, blockchain transactions, and financial networks that support the group's operations.

The attacks do not exploit vulnerabilities in Signal's or WhatsApp's encryption. Instead, they rely on social engineering tactics aimed at users to obtain access details.

According to FBI and CISA, attackers pose as Signal support representatives in direct messages, claiming a mandatory two-factor verification is needed.

This is a scam designed to persuade users to share their Signal Backup Recovery Key, which provides access to their previous communications on the platform.

Once the attackers have the backup key, they can restore the victim's Signal data to a device they control and view past messages.

The US government has confirmed that thousands of individual accounts have been compromised across both Signal and WhatsApp through these methods.

Who Is At Risk And How To Stay Protected

The main targets include:

• US and NATO government officials, diplomatic and defense personnel, intelligence officials, policy analysts, journalists covering Russia and Ukraine.
• NGOs supporting Ukraine, security researchers, and specialists in Russian affairs.

Although the focus is mostly on individuals in government and policy roles, the techniques employed can be modified to target any high-value person.

Users on Signal and WhatsApp should follow these practices to stay protected:

1. Never share Signal Backup Recovery Keys with anyone, regardless of how legitimate the request appears.
2. Be aware that Signal support never asks for verification codes or recovery keys within the app or through unsolicited messages.
3. Treat any request to verify or restore your account via links or codes as likely phishing.
4. Verify the source of any communication claiming to be from Signal or WhatsApp by visiting the official support page directly through the app or company website.
5. Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts using a separate authentication app, not via SMS.
6. Remain especially cautious if you work in or with government, defense, journalism, or NGO sectors, as these are common targets.

Signal's official support team communicates only through official email addresses and does not send in-app direct messages or outreach through unsolicited contacts.

How to Report Information About Russian Hackers

Anyone with information that could help identify or find members of UNC5792 or UNC4221 is encouraged to contact the Rewards for Justice program.

Tips can be submitted through its website or via encrypted channels designed for sensitive sources. The $10 million reward is among the highest offered by the program, indicating the serious and ongoing threat posed.

Past cases have seen rewards paid for information leading to the identification or capture of state-sponsored cyber actors.

The bounty announcement is part of the broader US response to Russian cyber operations targeting US and allied interests.

The attacks on Signal and WhatsApp do not indicate a vulnerability in the platforms themselves but show how attackers are adapting to encrypted messaging by targeting users directly instead of exploiting encryption.

For those not in the targeted groups, these attacks serve as a reminder that even highly encrypted messaging services can be compromised through social engineering.

Maintaining good operational security, such as being cautious with unsolicited messages and protecting recovery keys, remains important regardless of the strength of the encryption.

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The extension applies only to systems running Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition that are enrolled in hotpatch updates. The hotpatch update schedule remains the same through the new end date.

This extension does not affect the mainstream support for Windows Server 2022, which still ends in October 2026 for general updates.

The extended support end dates for Windows Server 2022 editions are as follows: Datacenter, Datacenter: Azure Edition, Essentials, and Standard versions will reach their end of support on October 14, 2031.

What Hotpatching Does And Why It Matters For Organizations

Hotpatching allows security updates to be applied directly to the in-memory code of running processes without the need for restarting.

This means servers can stay online and continue processing workloads while receiving critical security updates, helping to reduce downtime and respond to vulnerabilities more quickly.

However, servers still need to be restarted after installing updates through the regular Windows Update channel. Updates like Windows non-security patches and non-Windows updates such as .NET patches cannot be installed without a restart.

Microsoft announced in a Windows release health dashboard update that support for hotpatch updates on Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition has been extended through October 2027. Devices enrolled in hotpatch updates will continue to receive monthly security updates without needing a restart.

For organizations using Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition, the extension offers an extra year of security updates that don’t require restarts.

This means continued protection against security threats without disrupting device operation, helping to maintain server uptime and reduce service interruptions.

It also allows for a quicker response to newly discovered vulnerabilities. The update schedule and experience remain consistent with previous hotpatch releases.

Organizations that have established monitoring, scheduling, and operational practices around hotpatching can continue to use them through October 2027 without any changes.

Eligibility, Enrollment, And What This Means For IT Teams

The extension is only applicable to Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition and systems enrolled in hotpatch updates.

Other editions of Windows Server 2022, such as Standard, Essentials, and Datacenter, are not eligible for hotpatching even when using this extension. These systems will continue to follow the regular update cycle, which requires restarts.

Administrators can check the hotpatch enrollment status either through the Windows Autopatch management interface or via the Azure portal for the affected servers.

For IT teams managing Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition workloads, the extension reduces the urgency to upgrade to a newer Windows Server version solely to retain hotpatching capabilities.

Now, the decision to move to Windows Server 2025 can be based on operational needs and feature requirements rather than concerns over end-of-support deadlines.

Nonetheless, teams should still plan for a future transition, as the extension only provides one additional year and doesn’t alter the overall extended end date for Windows Server 2022, which is October 14, 2031.

Migration planning for Windows Server 2025 or subsequent versions should continue alongside the use of this extended hotpatch support.

Context

Hotpatching has been available since February 2022 for Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition. Microsoft has gradually expanded this feature across its product lineup.

• In September 2024, hotpatching for Windows Server 2025 entered public preview. By
• In November 2024, testing had begun for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows 365. In
• In April 2025, hotpatch updates became generally available for Windows 11 Enterprise 24H2 on x64 systems.
• In May 2026, hotpatching security updates were enabled by default for eligible Windows devices managed through the Microsoft Graph API and Microsoft Intune.

The Windows Server 2022 extension aligns with Microsoft's broader effort to reduce restart-related downtime across server and enterprise Windows deployments.

The new end date of October 2027 is now in effect. Organizations using eligible Windows Server 2022 Datacenter: Azure Edition systems can continue to use hotpatching until that date without modifying their current update procedures.

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Most of the patched issues are related to WebKit, the engine used by Safari and many in-app browsers in third-party iOS apps.

Apple recommends installing the update as soon as possible. Since these vulnerabilities have now been publicly disclosed, there is an increased risk that attackers may attempt to develop exploits for devices that haven't yet been updated.

What iOS 26.5.2 and iPadOS 26.5.2 Fix

iOS 26.5.2 addresses several vulnerabilities across different components. In WebKit and related areas, it fixes issues related to memory corruption and use-after-free bugs that could cause Safari to crash when handling malicious web content.

It also resolves cross-origin data leaks that could allow malicious sites to read sensitive information from other sites, along with sandbox escape flaws that might let websites process restricted content outside the secure environment.

Additionally, the update patches a clipboard hijacking vulnerability that could let websites silently access clipboard data and a flaw that could leak sensitive information simply by visiting certain websites, even without malicious intent.

In the kernel, the update fixes a vulnerability that could enable an app to leak sensitive kernel state, along with issues that could lead to unexpected system termination. It also addresses a flaw capable of corrupting kernel memory.

Other components are also affected. For example, the IOGPUFamily flaw could cause unexpected system shutdowns, and problems with libxslt might lead to process crashes when processing malicious web content.

Web Extensions vulnerabilities could allow malicious extensions to cause unexpected process crashes, and WebRTC flaws may result in Safari crashes during the handling of malicious web content.

A full list of CVE identifiers and detailed technical descriptions can be found in Apple's official security release notes.

Although none of the patched flaws are confirmed to be actively exploited, the number and nature of these issues call for prompt updates.

Multiple WebKit vulnerabilities affect not only Safari but also many in-app browsers used across various iOS apps.

Cross-origin and sandbox escape flaws can have serious consequences if chained with other vulnerabilities. The public disclosure of these flaws provides attackers with a starting point for developing working exploits.

Kernel-level issues could also compromise the broader security of a device.

For users handling sensitive information on their iPhone or iPad, such as financial data, healthcare details, or work credentials, updating sooner rather than later can help minimize the risk of exposure.

To install iOS 26.5.2 on an iPhone or iPadOS 26.5.2 on an iPad, connect the device to Wi-Fi and make sure it has enough battery life or is plugged in:

1. Open the Settings app, then go to General and select Software Update. If iOS 26.5.2 appears, tap Download and Install.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Devices with Automatic Updates turned on will install the update automatically during the standard rollout. Users who want to update sooner can manually trigger the process.

iOS 27 is set to be released this fall, bringing new features such as Apple Wallet receipt scanning for bill splitting, custom location sharing durations in Find My, and Local Lists in Apple Maps.

While iOS 26 is unlikely to receive major new features, Apple will continue releasing security updates as vulnerabilities are identified. iOS 26.5.2 is now available for all supported iPhone models, and iPadOS 26.5.2 is available for supported iPad models.

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The firm expects memory prices to rise by 40 to 50 percent in the third quarter of 2026, followed by an additional 30 to 40 percent increase in the fourth quarter.

The upward pressure is then projected to continue with year-on-year increases of 40 to 45 percent in 2027. A recovery is anticipated in 2028, but only with limited price reductions of around 15 to 20 percent.

What Jefferies Is Predicting and What’s Driving the Memory Price Crisis

The Jefferies forecast presents some of the most cautious memory pricing predictions to date. The numbers, reported by Wccftech, outline the following trajectory:

• Q3 2026 a 40 to 50 percent increase in prices,
• Q4 2026 an additional 30 to 40 percent rise, and then a 40 to 45 percent year-on-year increase in 2027. By
• 2028, prices are expected to recover modestly, rising 15 to 20 percent as production capacity expands.
• If these projections are accurate, a memory module that costs $100 today could exceed $200 by late 2027.

The pressure on memory prices is driven by demand from AI data centers, with chipmakers prioritizing high-margin orders for AI infrastructure over standard consumer DRAM and NAND.

This shift differs from typical memory market cycles, which are usually influenced by supply constraints. Currently, the demand-driven situation involves hyperscalers making long-term commitments that tie up production capacity, which might otherwise be available for the consumer market.

Micron has recently confirmed $22 billion in long-term commitments from customers, with other memory manufacturers like Samsung and SK Hynix in similar positions.

Why Chinese Memory Hasn’t Helped and How Consumer Devices Are Being Affected

Former Samsung boss Kyung-Hyeon Kye once predicted that the crisis might end sooner thanks to increased manufacturing capacity from Chinese producers.

However, reports suggest that Chinese memory chips from manufacturers like CXMT are not selling at significant discounts. Industry analysts say vendors have told them that CXMT prices are comparable to those of Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, which eliminates the expected price relief from Chinese expansion.

This pressure on memory prices is already affecting consumer prices across various product categories:

• Apple increased prices for its iPad, Mac, HomePod, and Apple TV last week, with the MacBook Neo rising from $599 to $699.
• Microsoft announced it will raise prices for Xbox Series S and Series X by at least $100 starting August 1.
• Sony has also increased PS5 prices, with the 2TB PS5 Pro now priced at $899.
• Valve introduced the Steam Machine at $1,049, about $300 above its original target price.
• Looking ahead, shipments of smartphones are expected to fall 15 percent in 2026 due to higher prices and weaker demand.
• The PC market is projected to decline by 11.3 percent.

If Jefferies' forecasts are correct, the pressure on consumer device prices will continue to intensify through 2027 rather than easing.

What Users Should Do as Memory Prices Keep Rising

Users planning major hardware purchases should consider buying sooner rather than later, as further price increases are expected through Q3 and Q4.

It may also be worth looking into refurbished or pre-owned devices, which currently hold their prices but could see increases as the secondary market shifts.

Additionally, sticking with current devices longer aligns with broader trends of extended replacement cycles.

When purchasing memory and storage, reviewing your requirements carefully can help avoid the impact of price hikes, especially since smaller configurations may delay or reduce those increases.

For PC builders, RAM and SSD upgrades are the components most directly affected. Buying memory before Q3 could lead to significant savings.

The forecast from Jefferies is consistent with recent signals from hardware manufacturers. Microsoft has reported paying two-and-a-half times more for memory now than at the end of last year and expects costs to double again by late 2027.

Apple has also noted that it has never experienced such rapid increases in component prices. Recently, the Steam Deck received a 50% price hike, partly due to memory costs.

The memory crisis is shaping up as one of the major consumer technology stories of 2026. Whether projections from Jefferies turn out to be accurate will depend largely on how quickly AI infrastructure demand stabilizes and whether new manufacturing capacity can come online.

For now, users should anticipate continued upward pressure on device prices through at least the end of 2027.

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The company announced this decision on June 26, 2026, in a blog post, explaining that the limited launch is a temporary measure while working with Washington to develop a broader framework for future releases.

Details about the partners involved were shared with US authorities before the release. However, the names of these partners have not been made public.

This decision affects OpenAI's new model lineup, including GPT-5.6 Sol, which is the most advanced, GPT-5.6 Terra, a mid-tier option, and GPT-5.6 Luna, which is designed to be more affordable.

What the US Government Is Doing and How OpenAI Is Responding

The delay comes after an executive order signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month. The order creates a voluntary framework for AI developers to offer "covered frontier models" to the US government for up to 30 days before releasing them to trusted partners.

The goal is to give US officials early access to powerful AI systems so they can identify potential national security risks, including cyberattack capabilities and military misuse, before the tools are widely available.

OpenAI shared its plans and the models' capabilities with the US government before the limited release.

OpenAI explained: "We are taking this short-term step because we believe it is the best way to increase availability in the coming weeks, while working with the Administration to develop the cyber Executive Order framework and a process for future model releases."

The company also clarified that it does not want the current level of government oversight to become permanent. OpenAI expressed concern that the process could limit access to advanced AI tools for developers, businesses, cybersecurity professionals, and international partners who could benefit from them.

CEO Sam Altman addressed the situation on X, saying that extensive safety testing "is not a bad idea. I just don't like the idea of the government picking the customers."

Context

The delay of GPT-5.6 fits into a broader pattern of US government involvement with advanced AI models.

Recently, Anthropic suspended the availability of Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 after a US government order restricted access for foreign nationals over concerns that the models could be exploited to bypass safety measures.

Anthropic and numerous cybersecurity experts have criticized these restrictions, arguing that the vulnerabilities mentioned are common among many publicly available models.

Earlier, the Pentagon labeled Anthropic a "supply chain risk" because the company refused to allow its models to be used for autonomous weapons or mass domestic surveillance.

A federal judge has ruled that the Pentagon's directive cannot be enforced while Anthropic's lawsuit is ongoing.

The increasing tension between AI companies and the US government highlights ongoing debates about how to regulate powerful AI systems before they are widely deployed.

GPT-5.6 will not be available to general users, including ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Enterprise subscribers, until the limited testing period with vetted partners is over.

OpenAI has suggested that wider availability could happen in the next few weeks, but has not given a specific date.

Current OpenAI models, such as GPT-5 and earlier versions, remain accessible through existing channels. Users needing cutting-edge model capabilities in the meantime may need to rely on current models or alternative services until GPT-5.6 is publicly released.

The delay applies specifically to GPT-5.6. Future OpenAI model launches will depend on the framework established through ongoing discussions between OpenAI and the US government.

OpenAI and the US government are working together to develop a repeatable process for future model releases. This framework is expected to outline:

• Which AI capabilities trigger government access requirements
• The duration of pre-release government access periods
• The information AI developers are required to provide
• Which government agencies will have access

While the current framework is voluntary and negotiable, it also introduces uncertainty regarding how restrictive future rules might become.

OpenAI's confidential S-1 IPO filing and Anthropic's ongoing IPO efforts could also influence their engagement with regulators in the coming months.

The limited rollout of GPT-5.6 is underway now. OpenAI has not announced a specific date for the public release but expects broader availability in the coming weeks.

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This update shifts Netflix profiles from simple viewing accounts to individual user accounts within a household subscription.

Users with profiles that previously did not need separate credentials are now being asked to add an email and create a login when signing in.

What Has Changed and the Privacy Implications of One Email Per Netflix Profile

Under the previous model, a single Netflix subscription could include multiple profiles without requiring separate login credentials. Households could switch between viewers on the same device or share access informally.

The new model requires each profile, except for kids' profiles, to have a unique email address and a separate login. Each profile now functions as a distinct user account within Netflix's system.

After the update, language preferences, playback settings, and other user-specific data stay tied to each profile's individual login rather than to the primary account holder.

For households where multiple people share a Netflix account, the practical impact is that each adult must have their own email linked to a profile, and signing in on new devices requires profile-specific login credentials.

Two-factor authentication can now be enabled per profile for added security. The primary account holder no longer has control over all profile settings universally.

For users who kept multiple profiles to organize content, such as one for movies, another for documentaries, and another for reality TV, the change can be inconvenient. Maintaining such setups now involves managing multiple email addresses, which most users are unlikely to want.

A Netflix subscriber shared on Reddit that they created profiles for different types of shows: one for general TV and favorites, another for movies and documentaries, and another for reality and competition shows. They noted that this setup helps organize content and makes it easier to find shows fitting their mood.

Requiring a unique email for each profile allows Netflix to gather more detailed data about household users. According to its privacy policy, email addresses may be shared with marketing and advertising partners. This has raised concerns among users who felt the requirement was unnecessary.

The change supports Netflix's efforts to limit password sharing by linking access to individual users rather than shared accounts. Households that relied on informal sharing now face stricter identity controls.

For those worried about email exposure to marketing partners, options include reviewing Netflix's privacy settings and preferences, using email aliases such as Apple's Hide My Email or other forwarding services for different profiles, and limiting third-party tracking features activated in their accounts.

Not a Multi-Factor Authentication Requirement: Workarounds and Alternatives

Recent reports suggesting that Netflix is planning to implement multi-factor authentication for all users have caused some confusion around the profile changes.

Ars Technica clarified that these MFA reports are specifically related to business partner accounts and do not impact regular consumer subscribers.

Standard Netflix users can choose to enable two-factor authentication if they wish, but it is not currently a required feature.

For users in affected scenarios, there are several options: using email forwarding aliases via services like Apple Hide My Email, SimpleLogin, or addy.io to create unique addresses without managing multiple inboxes; consolidating profiles into one per person instead of maintaining multiple content-organization profiles; or using the My List feature on a single profile to organize content by category rather than splitting profiles based on genre.

What Comes Next for Netflix Profile Logins and Password Sharing

The rollout is still in progress, and not all Netflix accounts have been affected yet. The company has not set a specific deadline for complete implementation. Users who haven't seen the prompts so far should expect them to appear in the coming weeks.

Netflix has not announced any changes to its standard subscription pricing in connection with the profile updates. The focus seems to be on managing identities and enforcing password sharing, rather than increasing revenue through additional fees.

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Microsoft provided only a brief statement without detailed reasoning, but the decision follows feedback from users who criticized the feature as intrusive and contributing to browser bloat.

The feature would have allowed users to search their browsing history using synonyms, phrases, or typos instead of only exact text matches.

What the Canceled AI History Search Would Have Done and Microsoft’s Statement

The AI-powered history search was created to help users find sites they've visited before, even if they can't remember the exact terms they used.

Microsoft described the feature as follows: "Enhanced search finds sites in your history even when you use a synonym, phrase, or typo.

Once enabled, sites you visit will appear in enhanced history search results. An on-device model is trained using your data, which stays on your device and is never sent to Microsoft."

Administrators could disable this feature through the EdgeHistoryAISearchEnabled policy. Microsoft had assured that on-device processing would safeguard privacy by keeping data off the cloud. The updated Microsoft 365 Roadmap states: "We have decided not to move forward with this change at this time.

We apologize for any inconvenience." The statement provides no explanation for the cancellation. Microsoft has not indicated whether the feature might be reintroduced in a different form or under different conditions.

Why Users Pushed Back and What This Signals About Edge’s Direction

According to reports from Neowin, many users described the feature as "creepy." Concerns focused on whether browsing data would truly stay on the device as Microsoft promised, the perception that Edge is becoming overloaded with AI features, and reluctance to enable an AI system that trains on personal browsing history despite privacy protections.

The feature had been gradually rolling out to users before it was canceled. This cancellation is part of a broader pattern of Microsoft reducing AI features in its products. Recent changes include

Edge retiring Copilot Mode in favor of more integrated AI features throughout the browser, the shutdown of Edge Drop as Copilot takes over sidebar functionality, and plans to remove Copilot from Windows 11 notifications and settings. Microsoft also canceled a Bing search "kill switch" that would remove AI Overviews.

Microsoft's Windows K2 initiative has focused on addressing user feedback about Windows 11 bloat and intrusive AI features. The cancellation of the Edge history search aligns with this direction, though Microsoft continues to incorporate AI into the browser through other means.

What This Cancellation Means for Edge Users Today

For users who had already opted into the AI history search during the rollout, the feature will be discontinued. Microsoft has not provided details on how the reversal will be managed for those who already had it enabled, but on-device data should not remain outside the user's device based on the previously shared architecture.

Users seeking enhanced search options in Edge can still access standard history search through Settings, History, use third-party browser extensions that add fuzzy search capabilities, or employ local search tools that independently index browser history.

For those who had concerns about the feature, its cancellation eliminates immediate privacy worries. However, the wider trend of integrating AI into browsers, including Chrome, Edge, Brave, and other Chromium-based browsers, continues.

The decision underscores the ongoing tension between Microsoft's push for AI features and user feedback about excessive feature bloat in Edge.

The browser has faced criticism from the Browser Choice Alliance for its deep OS integration and dark patterns, prompting Microsoft to try balancing its AI ambitions with user concerns over transparency and feature overload.

Microsoft has not announced whether the AI history search might return in a different form. For now, Edge users can expect the feature to remain off the development roadmap.

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The buyer, speaking anonymously to The Game Business, said ongoing hardware component shortages will prevent retailers from receiving the consoles they ordered ahead of the release.

Microsoft has also acknowledged supply issues with Xbox hardware. Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball confirmed that demand for the console exceeds supply and that production is facing severe constraints.

What the Retailer Said and Microsoft’s Confirmation of Xbox Supply Constraints

The senior games buyer told The Game Business that due to ongoing issues with hardware component availability, they won't receive the units they want before GTA.

Demand is expected to outstrip supply during the year-end period. This warning highlights a trend that has been developing throughout 2026.

Component shortages, driven by AI-related memory pressures that have also increased prices for phones, PCs, and Macs, have made console manufacturing more difficult and costly.

Retailers have ordered significant stock in anticipation of GTA 6's release, but suppliers are unable to meet those volume requests.

Matthew Ball, Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, told The Game Business that demand for the console currently exceeds supply. He explained that Xbox is putting the consoles in as many stores as possible and producing them as quickly as they can.

However, there are limitations on how fast the manufacturing can ramp up, and it's not due to a lack of demand. While they need to do more, constraints are preventing a faster supply increase.

Microsoft has not provided specific production targets or detailed supply timelines beyond acknowledging these limitations.

What This Means for Buyers Ahead of the GTA 6 Launch

Users planning to buy a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S to play GTA 6 should consider buying before the late summer rush, when supply pressures are expected to increase.

They should also watch for restocks at major retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and the platform manufacturers' own stores.

It is advisable to avoid third-party resale markets, where scalping could drive prices well above the manufacturer's suggested retail price as the launch nears.

Additionally, considering the PS5 Pro, which is priced at $699 and has generally been more consistently available than the standard PS5, might be worthwhile.

Users who already own a current-generation console do not need to take any further action to play GTA 6 when it launches on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Sony vs. Microsoft Marketing Push as GTA 6 Release Nears

Both platform holders are actively positioning themselves for the launch of GTA 6. Sony has updated the PS5 dashboard to promote the game and changed the PlayStation app's appearance to align with Rockstar's branding.

Pre-orders now include custom PS5 welcome screens. Sony has stated that GTA 6 "will play best on PS5." Microsoft has publicly acknowledged supply constraints but continues to promote the game on Xbox. As the November release approaches, the competition between the two platforms is becoming more intense.

The supply pressure on console hardware is part of a wider trend affecting the consumer electronics industry. Smartphone shipments are expected to decrease by 15 percent in 2026, and the PC market is projected to decline by 11.3 percent.

Recently, Apple increased prices for iPads and Macs, citing ongoing memory cost pressures. Valve also announced a significant price increase for the Steam Deck.

GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. A PC version has not yet been confirmed. Pre-orders went live on June 25, with the standard edition priced at $79.99 and the Ultimate Edition at $99.99.

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The update allows Chrome to automatically fill out web forms with information such as passport numbers, driver's license details, Known Traveler Numbers, vehicle identification numbers, license plates, and flight itineraries. The rollout begins today through a server-side update.

This mobile update brings Chrome's expanded autofill capabilities, which were previously available only on desktop, to iOS and Android browsers.

What’s New in Chrome Autofill and How Google Wallet Becomes the Master Directory

Chrome now allows users on mobile to securely remember and autofill more complex data types, including passport numbers and expiration dates, driver's license details, known traveler numbers for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, vehicle identification numbers and license plate numbers, flight itineraries, and other multi-character strings often used in travel and logistics forms.

This information is stored in Google Wallet and retrieved by Chrome when filling out relevant forms. The integration works both ways:

• Chrome can automatically fill forms using data stored in Google Wallet.
• When users fill out a form for the first time, Chrome can suggest saving the details to Google Wallet for future use.

This integration helps avoid maintaining separate stores of sensitive documents in both the browser and the Wallet app.

Security, User Controls, and How to Use the New Autofill on iOS and Android

Because the system manages sensitive identity documents, Google has put safeguards in place:

• Chrome never automatically saves or fills sensitive information without clear user consent.
• High-tier documentation remains strongly encrypted when stored.
• Users can review, delete, or update stored data through Google Wallet settings or Chrome's "Autofill and passwords" preferences.
• Private digital passes such as state IDs are protected by independent biometric access controls. If users want to limit what Chrome stores, they can disable specific autofill categories in the Chrome settings or remove individual items directly from Google Wallet.

To take full advantage of the expanded autofill feature on iOS and Android, start by updating Chrome to the latest version through the App Store for iOS or Google Play for Android.

Sign in to Chrome using the Google account linked to your Google Wallet. Next, open Google Wallet and ensure the documents you want available for autofill are stored.

When visiting a website that requests a passport, license, or travel information, Chrome will prompt you to fill in the fields automatically.

You can also review and manage your stored data in Chrome's "Autofill and passwords" section in the settings. Keep in mind that this feature requires both Chrome and Google Wallet to be installed and signed in with the same Google account.

Privacy Considerations, Account Security, and Rollout Availability

The expanded autofill feature in Chrome makes sensitive identity information more accessible across web forms. This can improve convenience but also increases the amount of data Chrome might share with websites.

Users should consider verifying that any website requesting passport or license details is legitimate before allowing autofill. It’s also advisable to review Google Wallet permissions regularly and remove documents that are no longer needed.

Using device-level biometric locks can help prevent unauthorized autofill access if the device is lost or stolen. Keep in mind that Chrome's autofill relies on your Google account, so the security of your account, including two-factor authentication, directly impacts your data privacy.

The rollout of the advanced autofill feature is starting today on iOS and Android devices through a server-side update. Users won’t need to install a new version to access it, although Google recommends keeping Chrome updated to the latest version.

These expanded data types were previously available on Chrome desktop and are now also accessible to mobile users with the same capabilities.

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The company attributes the price increase to rising memory costs, which it says have grown to two-and-a-half times what they were late last year.

These changes come after recent reports of significant layoffs at Xbox and Microsoft-owned game studios. The 2TB Xbox Series X variant will be discontinued entirely.

New Pricing And Microsoft's Explanation

The new pricing for Xbox consoles will take effect on August 1, 2026:

• The Xbox Series S with 512GB will cost $499, up from $399. The 1TB version of the Series S will be priced at $599, compared to $449 previously. The digital-only
• The Xbox Series X with 1TB will be priced at $749, up from $599. The disc drive version of the Series X with 1TB will now cost $799, compared to $649.
• The 2TB version of the Series X has been discontinued. Notably, the 512GB Series S now has the same launch price as the original Xbox Series X from 2020.

Microsoft announced that it is now paying two and a half times more for memory than it was late last year. The company expects its costs to double again by late 2027.

This increase in pricing reflects what other consumer electronics companies like Apple and Valve have also mentioned when raising their prices.

Steps Microsoft Is Taking to Soften the Impact

Microsoft is expanding its financing options for Xbox purchases. They are working with Amazon to offer 0% APR financing on consoles for up to 12 months.

Additionally, they are broadening the conditions under which shoppers can buy Xboxes through short-term, interest-free installments. The company is also increasing the availability of refurbished Xbox units, which are currently discounted by up to $100.

The emphasis on refurbished units suggests Microsoft is positioning pre-owned and refurbished Xboxes as a practical alternative for buyers who either cannot or prefer not to pay the higher prices for new units.

The recent price increases come after two earlier Xbox hikes in 2025, which added between $20 and $130 to the cost of the consoles. Microsoft explained that those increases were due to tariffs and inflation.

Xbox hardware sales have declined significantly in recent quarters. Along with the announcement of major layoffs across Xbox and Microsoft-owned game studios, these price hikes are likely to put further pressure on an already shrinking hardware business.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma recently mentioned that the company is exploring "radically different" business models for future Xbox hardware, citing the growing difficulty for mass audiences to afford consoles that cost thousands of dollars.

Broader Console Market Pressure And What Buyers Should Do

The console market is experiencing similar pressures on component costs across the board.

• Sony has increased the price of the PS5, with the 2TB PS5 Pro now costing $899.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 saw a small price increase earlier this year.
• Valve introduced its Steam Machine at $1,049, about $300 above its target launch price, citing higher memory costs as a factor.
• Apple has recently raised prices for its iPad, Mac, HomePod, and Apple TV products.

The overall trend indicates that memory cost pressures are likely to continue driving up prices for consoles and consumer devices through 2027 and possibly beyond.

Users planning to buy a new Xbox console need to make their purchase before August 1 to lock in current prices. After this date, the new higher prices will take effect. Here are some specific points to consider:

• Buying before August 1 can save you between $100 and $150, depending on the model.
• The 2TB Xbox Series X will no longer be available after it is discontinued, so anyone interested in that configuration should consider buying now.
• Refurbished Xbox consoles are available at discounts of up to $100 and might offer better value at the current prices.
• Starting August 1, Amazon's 0% APR financing option allows buyers to spread the higher cost over 12 months without interest.

For those not in a rush, waiting for the next-generation Xbox, codenamed Helix, which is expected in 2027, might be the most practical choice.

Although Helix may be expensive at launch due to similar memory pressures, it is likely to feature hardware that better justifies its price.

The new pricing for Xbox consoles will go into effect on August 1, 2026.

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The feature is currently available only on Android and works automatically when both the phone and PC run the latest version of Phone Link. This change addresses a common issue where users forget to lock their PC when leaving in shared work environments.

How the New Remote PC Lock in Phone Link Works

When you open the Phone Link app on a paired Android device, you will see a Lock PC option. Tapping this option will lock your PC within a few seconds.

Once the lock command is sent, the Phone Link app disconnects automatically, and you'll need to unlock the PC manually to reconnect.

This feature does not require any additional setup. As long as both your Windows PC and Android phone are running the latest versions of Phone Link, the Lock PC option will appear automatically.

How to Manage Remote Lock and How It Compares to Dynamic Lock

Users who want to disable remote locking, perhaps to avoid accidental locks, can do so through Windows Settings. To do this, open Settings on your Windows PC, then navigate to Bluetooth and devices, followed by Mobile devices. Select your paired phone from the list, and toggle the Remote PC controls option to turn the feature on or off.

Windows has long included Dynamic Lock, a feature that automatically locks the PC when a paired phone disconnects via Bluetooth. The new Phone Link option serves a similar purpose but with some key differences.

Phone Link offers several advantages:

• The PC locks only when the user explicitly presses the button, removing any uncertainty about whether the lock has occurred.
• The Lock PC button is grayed out when the phone isn’t connected, providing clear feedback on its availability.
• Phone Link operates over Wi-Fi, so Bluetooth does not need to stay on constantly, which helps conserve phone battery.

Dynamic Lock has its own benefits: It works automatically when the user walks away. It can be useful for users who do not already have Phone Link installed and configured.

For those already using Phone Link for features such as cross-device notifications, file transfers, or the recently added Apple Messages support, the new Lock PC option offers explicit, on-demand control. Users who do not use Phone Link in other ways might find Dynamic Lock simpler to set up.

iOS Status, Availability, and Who Benefits Most From Remote PC Lock

The remote lock feature is currently available only on Android. Microsoft has not indicated whether this option will be added to Phone Link for iPhone.

Since Apple restricts third-party access to iMessage and other system features, the iPhone version has more limited integration with Windows.

The recent addition of Apple Messages support on iPhone Phone Link shows Microsoft is continuing to develop iOS integration, but the Lock PC feature is not yet included in that effort.

The Lock PC feature is now rolling out with the latest updates to the Phone Link app. Users should make sure both the Windows app and the Android Phone Link companion are updated through the Microsoft Store and Google Play Store, respectively.

Once both apps are on the required versions, the feature will appear automatically. For those who work frequently in shared offices, co-working spaces, or open-plan environments where forgetting to lock the PC can pose a security risk, this new feature offers a quick way to secure the device without having to return to the desk.

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This change was made without a formal announcement; it appeared in updates to Microsoft's Windows 10 ESU documentation and as an editor's note on a Windows Experience Blog post published the day before.

Originally, the consumer ESU program was set to end on October 12, 2026. Users already enrolled will automatically be covered until the new end date in October 2027.

What Microsoft Said About the Extension and How to Enroll for Free

The editor's note on the Windows Experience Blog states that the Windows 10 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program for personal devices is being extended for another year, now available through October 12, 2027.

This extension gives users more time to transition to a new Windows 11 PC while continuing to receive essential security updates.

When asked why the extension was implemented, Microsoft told BleepingComputer that they understand moving to a new PC can take time.

As part of their ongoing effort to support customers during the transition, the Windows 10 ESU program for personal devices will now be available for an additional year, providing more flexibility for users to find a suitable PC while remaining protected.

Consumers can continue to receive free extended security updates through several methods: paying $30, backing up Windows settings to a Microsoft account, or redeeming 1,000 Microsoft Rewards points.

For users in the European Economic Area, signing into Windows 10 with a Microsoft account also grants access. The ESU license can be used on up to 10 devices linked to the same Microsoft account. Users in the EEA have the simplest option, which requires no payment, backup, or rewards redemption.

Restrictions and What the Extra Year Means for Windows 10 Users

The consumer ESU program has several restrictions:

It is only available for personal devices and cannot be used with systems joined to Active Directory domains or devices connected to Microsoft Entra.

Additionally, devices managed through Mobile Device Management are not eligible. However, Microsoft Entra-registered devices, rather than joined, can participate.

Enterprise customers have access to a separate paid ESU program that extends security updates for up to three years at a total cost of $427 per device.

For users who haven't upgraded to Windows 11 yet, the extension offers an extra year of support. This is especially important given the rising costs of new PCs in 2026, which are driven by the memory pricing crisis making hardware upgrades more expensive than in previous years.

Users who haven't enrolled in the consumer ESU program should do so now to maintain continuous coverage. The enrollment options have not changed. Those who are already enrolled will receive the extension automatically.

For users running Windows 10 on systems that do not meet the hardware requirements for Windows 11, this extension can be quite significant.

Around 400 million active PCs cannot officially upgrade to Windows 11 because of TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, or supported processor requirements.

The free ESU extension gives these users until October 2027 to either buy new hardware or switch to an alternative operating system such as Linux.

The transition from Windows 10 has been one of Microsoft's most complicated in recent years. The operating system reached its end of support on October 14, 2025, after which Microsoft stopped providing technical support, feature updates, and standard security updates outside of the LTSC and ESU channels.

Microsoft has continued to promote upgrading to Windows 11 or new Copilot+ PCs, although adoption has been slower than expected.

The extension acknowledges that the upgrade process is taking longer than initially planned, especially for users whose hardware remains functional but does not meet Windows 11 requirements. The free ESU extension is now available.

Users with Windows 10 devices should ensure they are enrolled through the most suitable path to continue receiving security updates until October 12, 2027.

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The new prices were announced on June 25, 2026, and took effect immediately. The iPhone lineup was not affected by these price changes.

Following the announcement, Apple’s shares dropped nearly 5 percent, while shares of Dell declined more than 8 percent as investors considered the broader impact of memory pricing pressures on consumer electronics manufacturers.

What Got More Expensive and What Apple Says About the Increases

The recent price changes include several Apple products.

• The MacBook Neo now costs $699, up from $599, making it the most affordable option from Apple to compete with Windows and Chromebook devices.
• The MacBook Air with 512GB of storage has increased from $1,099 to $1,299.
• The MacBook Pro with 1TB of storage has risen from $1,699 to $1,999.
• The iPad Air with 128GB of storage now costs $749, from the previous $599.
• Additionally, both versions of the HomePod and Apple TV have updated prices. For detailed pricing on each affected SKU, you can visit Apple's website.

Apple stated, "We have never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly. We have protected our customers from these increases so far, but we have reached a point where we need to start raising prices on several products, including today's increases for iPad and Mac."

The company also noted, "We know this is not welcome news, and we are working tirelessly to find solutions." Apple has not specified what measures it has taken to reduce memory cost pressures beyond raising prices.

Previously, CEO Tim Cook warned analysts in late April that rising memory costs would increasingly impact the business beyond the June quarter.

Why Memory Prices Are Surging and What This Means for the MacBook Neo

Memory makers, including Micron, have recently prioritized orders from AI chipmakers like Nvidia. These deals have brought in record profits for memory suppliers but have reduced the capacity available for consumer electronics manufacturers.

Industry tracker TrendForce reports that DRAM prices increased by up to 98% in the first quarter of 2026 and are expected to rise another 58% to 63% in the current quarter. This situation has been dubbed "RAMageddon" by industry observers.

Micron announced on Wednesday that it has secured $22 billion in long-term commitments from customers looking to ensure their memory supply. These long-term deals continue to pull capacity from the spot market, which consumer electronics makers depend on.

The $100 price increase for the MacBook Neo removes its previous $100 advantage over the Dell XPS 13, which was launched last month specifically to compete with the Neo.

The new $699 price for the Neo also makes it more expensive than some Chromebooks from Lenovo and Asus. The Neo had been a positive factor in Apple's recent earnings, contributing to strong sales forecasts and prompting some analysts to revise PC market estimates upward.

However, the price increase eliminates the competitive edge that had been driving that momentum.

What Users Should Do Before Apple’s Next Round of Price Hikes

Analysts expect Apple to raise iPhone prices in the coming months. The June 25 announcement was viewed as a strategic move ahead of the fall iPhone launch.

"The iPhone isn't spared; a price hike is coming," said Nabila Popal, senior research director at IDC. "It was a smart strategic decision for Apple to announce the price increase before the fall launch, so the focus is on the new phones' value rather than the higher prices."

Tim Cook recently confirmed that iPhone price increases are unavoidable, with industry estimates suggesting that base-model iPhones could jump by more than $200.

Rival device manufacturers may need to raise prices even more than Apple, which has been shielded from the full impact of memory costs thanks to its strong supplier relationships.

"The memory environment remains challenging and is expected to stay that way for the foreseeable future," said Ben Bajarin, CEO of the technology consulting firm Creative Strategies.

IDC forecasts the smartphone market will see its largest-ever annual decline of nearly 14 percent this year, while the PC market is expected to fall by 11.3 percent.

The combined effects of supply constraints and rising prices are causing many consumers to extend their replacement cycles and turn to the secondary market for used devices.

What Users Should Do

For users planning significant Apple purchases, key decision points include buying before additional price increases, especially for products not yet affected, such as the iPhone.

Considering certified pre-owned or refurbished Apple devices may provide more stable pricing. It is also important to evaluate storage needs carefully, as smaller configurations might help avoid the steepest price hikes.

Users should also consider competing Windows or ChromeOS devices, although these are likely to face similar component shortages. Apple has not announced when memory costs might stabilize. Analysts expect high prices to persist through 2027 and possibly beyond.

The new Apple pricing is now in effect. Current prices can be viewed on Apple's website or through participating retailers.

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Some Sony employees who work closely with Bungie have also been impacted. The studio released a letter acknowledging the staff reductions and citing Destiny 2's recent performance as a factor.

Last month, Bungie announced it was ending development of Destiny 2's live-service elements. Since then, reports have suggested that more substantial cuts were likely.

What Bungie Said and Its Layoff History Since the Sony Acquisition

In an open letter to staff and fans, Bungie leadership acknowledged that Destiny 2 has not met expectations over the past several years.

They stated that following the final content update to Destiny 2, and while their upcoming projects are still in early stages, they were unable to continue operating at the same scale as before.

The letter also noted that this decision has a significant impact on the employees affected, as well as their families, friends, and teammates.

While these changes are necessary to position the studio for the future, the leadership emphasized that they understand how difficult this moment is and how it affects those involved.

Bungie indicated that they will share more details about the studio's future plans at a later date.

This is the third major round of layoffs at Bungie since Sony's acquisition in 2022. The first occurred in October 2023, followed by a second round in July 2024 that saw 155 employees transferred from Bungie to Sony.

The current round, in June 2026, is the largest and has significantly reduced Bungie's staff over approximately three years.

Destiny 2, Marathon, and What This Means for the Live-Service Shooter Market

Destiny 2's final major content update was released earlier this month, marking the end of the live-service development cycle that has defined the franchise since 2017. The game will still be playable, but no significant updates are expected in the future.

Meanwhile, Bungie's upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, is still in development. Some members of the Marathon team were affected by layoffs, although the studio has not specified how this will impact the project's timeline or scope.

A former Bungie and Destiny 2 community manager, Liana Ruppert, recently stated that funding issues were due to leadership decisions rather than problems with Marathon.

She mentioned that the Sony merger was seen as an emergency acquisition, without which Bungie might have been close to shutting down.

Bungie's situation highlights the increasing difficulty of sustaining the live-service shooter market. In recent years, several major publishers have scaled back or canceled live-service titles, citing market saturation and the challenge of competing for player attention against established games.

The cuts at Bungie are part of a broader trend, with the gaming industry experiencing layoffs. Microsoft expects to announce significant job reductions after its fiscal year ends on June 30, according to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Ubisoft has also reported plans to cut approximately 380 roles at its studios in Belgrade and Winnipeg.

Sony’s Position and the Financial Pressure Behind the Bungie Cuts

Sony has not issued a public statement regarding the Bungie layoffs beyond internal communications from Sony CEO Hermen Hulst. Recently, the company recorded a $565 million impairment charge related to Bungie, highlighting the financial pressures faced by the studio.

Sony acquired Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion, aiming to strengthen its expertise in live-service game development. Since then, the expected growth has not materialized, and the decline of Destiny 2 has led to a broader reorganization at Bungie.

The studio has not released specific staffing figures for the recent layoffs. Affected employees are receiving severance and transition support according to standard Sony procedures, though further details have not been provided.

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The Android app offers the main features of the redesigned Google Finance experience on mobile devices, including watchlists, real-time data, a live financial news feed, AI research tools, and AI-powered "key moments" that explain stock movements.

What the Android App Includes and How Investment Portfolios Work

The Google Finance app for Android provides a range of features including a dedicated watchlist for tracking stocks and assets, real-time market data, and a live financial news feed.

It also includes an AI research tool to assist with investment analysis and AI-powered "key moments" that explain stock movements. Users can access their investment portfolios directly within the app. Currently, the app is available worldwide through the Google Play Store.

Investment portfolios are now available worldwide alongside the launch of the Android app. The feature allows users to track their investments, view current values, and monitor performance directly within Google Finance. Portfolios can also serve as a foundation for personalized analysis using AI tools.

Pre-Market Briefings, Task-Based Notifications, and What’s Coming Next

Google is introducing a new notification system based on tasks. Users can describe a task in plain language, such as "Send me a daily pre-market briefing analyzing significant overnight moves across major cryptocurrencies." The system works in the background to deliver a tailored briefing at the user's chosen schedule.

Tasks can be customized to include the user's watchlist or portfolio, run on specific schedules, or focus on particular instruments, markets, or topics.

Notifications are sent through the Google app on Android or iOS devices and also appear in the research panel within Google Finance on the web, where users can view and edit existing tasks.

Google has announced that several new features will be rolling out over the coming months. These include integration of live earnings calls, additional portfolio and task management options from the web experience, and an iOS app that is scheduled for release later this year. In the meantime,

iOS users can still access Google Finance through the web. The mobile web version offers most of the current features but does not include the dedicated app interface or push notifications that are planned for the native apps.

How to Get Started With the Google Finance App on Android

Users can download the Google Finance app from the Google Play Store and sign in with a Google account. They can add stocks, cryptocurrencies, or other instruments to a watchlist and optionally set up an investment portfolio to track holdings.

The app also allows configuring custom briefing tasks through AI tools. Currently, the app is available worldwide on Android. iOS users should watch the App Store for the upcoming launch of the dedicated iOS version later this year.

The Google Finance refresh has been in development for some time, with the redesigned web experience rolling out in stages over the past year.

The mobile launch is the first time the new experience has been offered as a standalone app rather than accessed through Search results or the web. Google Finance competes with apps like Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, CNBC, and various brokerage-specific tools.

Its combination of AI-powered analysis and integration with other Google services makes it useful for casual investors who want to access data, news, and analysis all in one place.

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The integration shifts Claude from being limited to one-on-one chat sessions to participating in group threads, enabling team members to delegate tasks, review outputs, and continue their work asynchronously.

The feature operates using Anthropic's Opus 4.8 model. According to Anthropic, 65% of its internal product group's code is generated with the company's private version of Claude Tag.

How Claude Tag Works in Slack

Tagging @Claude in a Slack channel sends a request to the AI. Instead of responding privately, Claude replies in the same channel, making the conversation visible to other team members in the thread.

Rob Seaman, general manager of Slack, explains that Claude's responses show up openly rather than as private messages. Because Claude logs its task status directly in the communication thread, multiple team members can observe the execution steps as they happen.

The system continuously tracks information from active channels to build context. This automatic history tracking helps reduce the need for team members to retype basic company data or project details each time Claude is used.

Asynchronous and Ambient Operation in Team Channels

The integration allows for asynchronous task execution without the need for real-time human prompting. When a network administrator enables the tool's "ambient" mode, Claude Tag can monitor threads on its own, keep track of tasks over multiple days, and send priority notifications from integrated software. It also monitors unresolved assignments.

Cat Wu, head of product for Claude Code, told Reuters that connecting her personal Claude Tag to her email archive helps the system analyze incoming messages, identify urgent ones, and send alerts directly into Slack.

While code generation remains a key use case, Anthropic is also aiming to reach non-technical office workers. Early customer implementations mainly involve querying database metrics, parsing analytics data, processing internal IT support tickets, and tracking project status across teams.

Administrative Controls, Security Trade-Offs, and How to Roll Out Claude Tag

The integration introduces new security considerations. Anthropic has incorporated administrative controls, including scoped Claude identities that limit data access to approved departments, localized memories and tool integrations confined to channels authorized by IT, management portals with comprehensive logs of user queries, and organizational caps to regulate monthly token costs.

These measures are intended to prevent sensitive proprietary data from entering unauthorized channels. IT departments deploying Claude Tag should carefully set up access boundaries and channel permissions before rolling it out more broadly.

Moving generative AI from individual chat sessions to persistent corporate communication channels involves certain trade-offs.

On the positive side, it can reduce task friction, automatically capture context across changing project teams, and decrease the time spent on manual updates. However, there are risks to consider:

• Misconfigured access controls could expose sensitive information.
• Autonomous, asynchronous execution might remove human oversight from intermediate workflow stages. Additionally, there is an increased risk of data exposure, as AI agents can read chat histories, connect to email accounts, and modify code repositories.

To address these concerns, corporate IT and security teams should plan a structured rollout. This should start with limited access for Claude Tag, include regular audits of behavior across channels, and gradually expand permissions only after verifying the use cases and completing security reviews.

The launch comes as Anthropic is competing heavily with OpenAI for enterprise customers. Recently, Anthropic secured a $65 billion Series H funding round, valuing the company at $965 billion after the investment, which surpasses OpenAI's $852 billion valuation. Both companies have filed confidential paperwork for initial public offerings.

According to Ramp's May 2026 AI Index, Anthropic's adoption rate among enterprises reached 34.4%, overtaking OpenAI's 32.3%. The release of Claude Tag expands Anthropic's presence into the everyday tools used by many enterprise users.

Claude Tag is currently available in beta for Enterprise and Team plan customers through Slack. Anthropic has not announced plans to expand the feature to other communication platforms.

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The program will allow developers to offer third-party payment options through Google Play billing and will reorganize developer fees into separate service and billing components.

This change follows through on commitments Google made as part of its settlement with Epic Games. Developers will then be able to provide alternative billing options or direct users to their own websites to complete purchases.

What Changes on June 30 and How the New Fee Structure Works

The Billing Choice program introduces three key changes:

Developers now have the option to use third-party billing systems alongside or instead of Google Play billing. They can also create their own choice screens, as long as they follow Google's UX guidelines.

Additionally, the fee structure is now divided into a service fee and a separate billing fee. Choice screens allow users to select between Google Play billing and an alternative billing system provided by the developer at the moment of purchase.

Google is splitting developer fees into two parts for transactions in the US, UK, and EEA, service fee:

• 10% on the first $1 million of annual revenue, regardless of billing system used-
• 20% on new installs and 25% on existing installs once revenue exceeds $1 million-
• 15% on other transactions after crossing $1 million in revenue for apps in the Games Level Up and Apps Experience programs

Billing fee:

• An additional 5% charge applies if developers use Google Play billing.
• Third-party billing does not incur this fee, but developers will pay processing fees to their payment providers.

This update means that smaller developers earning less than $1 million annually will pay a 10% service fee on Google Play transactions, in addition to any applicable billing fees. Previously, the service fee was 15%.

Games Level Up and Apps Experience Programs

Two new developer programs are launching in September 2026 that offer reduced fees. The first Games Level Up is for qualifying gaming apps, while the second, Apps Experience is for qualifying non-gaming apps.

Developers in either program will pay a 15% service fee on transactions that exceed the $1 million annual revenue threshold, instead of the standard 20% to 25%. Google has not yet provided detailed qualification criteria for these programs.

The Billing Choice program will be rolled out gradually to more regions over time:

• June 30, 2026: European Economic Area, United Kingdom, United States
• September 30, 2026: Australia
• December 31, 2026: Japan and South Korea
• September 30, 2027: Rest of the world

The phased expansion accounts for different regulations and legal considerations in each region. The initial launch focuses on markets where Google faces the most significant antitrust scrutiny.

For app users, the immediate change will be the appearance of choice screens during purchases in supported regions. Users will be able to:

• Select Google Play billing as before
• Choose a developer's alternative billing system, which often offers different payment methods or lower prices passed on by developers
• In some cases, be redirected to a developer's website to complete a purchase

The change does not affect Google's existing refund policies through Google Play. However, refunds for purchases made through third-party billing systems will be handled by the developer or payment processor rather than Google.

The Billing Choice program is part of the settlement Google reached with Epic Games after a lengthy antitrust case related to Google Play's billing rules.

This settlement also led to broader changes in Google's app store policies. Meanwhile, Apple has introduced similar third-party billing options in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, though with stricter restrictions that have attracted ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

Developers preparing for the June 30 launch can start building choice screens and integrating third-party payment systems now. Google's developer documentation offers details on how to implement the new billing options.

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This release comes ahead of the Steam Machine's scheduled launch on June 30 and represents Valve's ongoing efforts to expand SteamOS beyond just Steam Deck hardware.

General Improvements, Display, and Performance

The recent update includes a number of improvements. It updates the base system of Arch Linux. Support has been added for upcoming Steam Machine hardware.

Users can now wake their device from sleep using a connected Steam Controller. The speed of future operating system updates has been significantly improved on high-speed internet connections.

Screen casting in Game Mode has been improved for tools like OBS and Discord. Some games experienced issues with dropdown menus not appearing, which has now been fixed.

There was also an issue with excessive trackpad sensitivity on certain early Steam Deck LCD models that has been addressed. Support for opening PDF files in external viewers has been enhanced for better compatibility with games. An issue causing video output to freeze during Remote Play has been fixed.

Additionally, several game-specific issues were resolved, including fixes for STAR WARS Jedi: Survivor, Starfield, and SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide.

Display-related updates include updates to the graphics driver, which now offers improved performance and stability. Support for HDMI VRR on devices with native HDMI output has been added, along with enhancements to VRR frame pacing.

The fix for the FSR badge remaining off in the performance overlay when active has been implemented. Additional graphics features needed for Crimson Desert are now available.

Lastly, a fix was made for a TCL TV issue where the display could stay blank when using the Steam Deck Dock with VRR enabled, which requires a Dock firmware update.

Audio, Bluetooth, and Desktop Mode Changes

Audio improvements include several updates. The system now automatically detects the HDMI channel count and displays surround sound configuration when available.

A new setting allows users to enable microphones on Bluetooth headsets, though this may reduce playback quality during active capture.

The suspend timeout for HDMI devices has been increased to prevent audio cutoff in the initial seconds after resuming. The internal audio device is now restored on reboot if it was previously set to Off in desktop mode. Issues with

WiFi performance that caused degradation requiring sleep or manual reconnection have been fixed. Additionally, support for waking the device via Bluetooth on the Steam Deck LCD has been re-enabled.

Desktop Mode brings several important changes:

• KDE Plasma has been upgraded from version 6.2.5 to 6.4.3, and it now defaults to Wayland.
• The update addresses performance issues that were present in Desktop Mode when compared to Game Mode.
• Support for rotated displays has been improved, along with better scaling options for TVs.
• External HDR displays and VRR displays are now supported, as well as per-display scale factors.
• Keyboard layout and language settings now follow Game Mode configurations.
• Additionally, the windowing behavior for Proton games has been enhanced.

Third-Party Handheld and Steam Deck Firmware Improvements

SteamOS 3.8.10 expands support for hardware beyond the Steam Deck, including better compatibility with recent Intel and AMD platforms.

It also introduces significant improvements to video memory management on discrete GPU systems and fixes issues that could cause boot failures on some desktop systems with recent UEFI firmware.

Specific device updates include enhanced controller support for devices such as:

•  The OneXPlayer F1 series, GPD Win 5, GPD Win Mini, Anbernic Win600, OrangePi NEO, and Lenovo Legion Go.
• Support has been added for the OneXPlayer X1 series and Lenovo Legion Go 2 controllers, along with system and controller firmware update options for the Legion Go 2.
• Preliminary support for charge limiting is now available for the Legion Go, Legion Go S, and Legion Go 2, although this feature is currently limited to Desktop Mode.
• Additionally, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 now features adjustable controller RGB LED colors.
• Support has been extended to controllers and features such as TDP control and speaker audio for the ASUS ROG Xbox Ally series.
• Handheld controller input latency has been reduced from 5-8 milliseconds to between 100 and 500 microseconds.
• New support has been added for MSI Claw devices, including the A1M, 7 AI+ A2VM, 8 AI+ A2VM, and A8 BZ2EM models. Firmware updates for upcoming Intel handheld devices are also included.
• Several device-specific issues have been addressed, including washed-out colors on Zotac and OneXPlayer OLED handhelds, GPU hangs on Phoenix APU devices, power consumption from the fingerprint reader on the ASUS ROG Ally during shutdown, and trackpad failures after sleep mode on the Legion Go.
• Regarding the Steam Deck firmware updates, the LCD now runs BIOS version 133, which introduces a Memory Power Down setting, initial hibernation support, and security updates.
• The Steam Deck OLED has received BIOS version 114, which changes the behavior of the charging LED to indicate the charge limit rather than only at full charge and includes security improvements.

Developer Changes and How to Update

Desktop Mode now defaults to Wayland, with X11 still accessible through Steam developer settings or via steamosctl. Other updates aimed at developers include an upgraded Linux kernel to version 6.16.

Steam now uses steamos-manager to check desktop sessions and manage switchovers. It is now possible to set desktop passwords in developer settings.

SteamOS has initial support for running as a Virtual Machine guest using virtio guest drivers. Additionally, third-party devices can trigger the SteamOS boot menu through EFI variables. There is also initial support for the LAVD CPU scheduler.

SteamOS 3.8.10 is now available to all users. Owners of Steam Deck and supported devices can update through Steam by navigating to Settings and then to System.

Those running SteamOS on third-party PCs or handhelds with the experimental installer should follow the same process.

For first-time SteamOS installations on a PC, Valve continues to recommend AMD-based systems paired with an NVMe SSD dedicated to SteamOS. Nvidia GPUs are not officially supported; for those configurations, Bazzite or Nobara are suggested as alternatives.

This update comes ahead of the launch of Steam Machines on June 30 and supports Valve's wider effort to expand SteamOS compatibility to more third-party hardware.

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At launch, the game will be a single-player experience, with no separate version of GTA Online included. GTA 6 is scheduled to release on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A PC version has not yet been confirmed.

The announced prices address earlier speculation that the game might launch at $100 or more for the standard edition. Rockstar has set the base price at this new industry-standard level, instead of going higher.

Standard and Ultimate Edition Pricing: What You Get for $79.99 and $99.99

The base game includes the full GTA 6 experience on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Rockstar has confirmed the game is a single-player release without an integrated GTA Online component at launch.

The Ultimate Edition includes several extras beyond the base game. These extras consist of unique vehicles, his and hers revolvers, exclusive car modification shops, access to a hair salon, a clothing outlet, and a tattoo parlor. It also offers additional in-game content that was not detailed in the initial announcement.

This edition is aimed at players who prefer quick access to extra cosmetic items and gameplay features.

Preorder Bonus and Physical Edition Details

Both editions come with the Vintage Vice City Pack as a pre-order bonus. The DLC includes a '55 Vapid Stanier vehicle, outfits and hairstyles from the 80s, tropical patterns for most guns, and a garage on Ocean Beach.

This bonus content is available for preorders from Rockstar Games and other authorized retailers. A physical copy of GTA 6 is set to be released on November 12, a week before the digital version becomes available for download. The physical release will not include a disc; instead, it contains a download code inside the box.

This approach aligns with a growing industry trend of selling boxed copies that unlock digital downloads rather than featuring physical media.

What $80 Price Means for Game Pricing and How to Preorder Safely

GTA 6 sets a new standard by pricing its base version at $80, establishing this as the ceiling for non-special-edition AAA games from major publishers.

The $100 Ultimate Edition indicates that publishers are now comfortable charging more for premium tiers without making the base game itself cost $100.

This pricing shift follows several recent industry developments:

• Nintendo's Switch 2 launch title, Mario Kart World, was the first major AAA game to debut at $80. In 2025,
• Microsoft made $80 the standard price for first-party Xbox titles but reversed this move after customer backlash, lowering The Outer Worlds 2 by $10.
• Industry analysts have suggested that an $80 to $100 price point for GTA 6 might help restore packaged game prices to previous levels after decades of decline, despite rising development costs.

For consumers, the $80 standard edition is notably higher than the $70 standard for major releases just two years ago. Given the high profile of GTA 6, it is likely other publishers will adopt similar pricing, leading to the normalization of the $80 price point across AAA titles.

Preorders for GTA 6 open tonight at midnight, June 25. You can place your order with:

• The Rockstar Games' official website
• The PlayStation Store
• The Microsoft Store, or participating physical retailers.

It’s important to verify that the retailer is officially listed by Rockstar before making a purchase. Recently, cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes issued a warning about fake GTA 6 "VIP early access" scam sites that demand cryptocurrency payments. Legitimate preorders only require standard payment methods through approved storefronts.

GTA 6 is scheduled to launch on November 19, 2026, for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

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These glasses are the first to come with Meta's new AI assistant, Muse Spark, pre-installed. Muse Spark is also being rolled out to existing Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta glasses in the US and Canada.

What’s in the Meta Glasses Lineup and What Muse Spark Can Do

There are three form factors for Meta Glasses.

• The Meta Adventurer features a standard rectangular frame, while the
• The Fury offers a bolder square frame. The
• The Meta Glasses by Kylie have a slim oval frame and were designed in partnership with Kylie Jenner.

All three models include key features found in earlier Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta products. These include a dedicated button to summon the AI assistant, open-ear speakers, a microphone, and over eight hours of battery life.

The starting price of $299 makes Meta's smart glasses more accessible, expanding the market beyond the higher-priced Ray-Ban and Oakley lines.

Muse Spark is Meta's new multimodal AI assistant. It can answer questions through voice, interpret what the glasses' camera sees in real time, and coordinate multiple AI agents to help with scheduling and planning.

A companion app makes Muse Spark accessible on smartphones, expanding its reach beyond wearable devices. The smartphone version puts Muse Spark in direct competition with services like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, Google's Gemini, and xAI's Grok.

Coming Software Updates And Privacy Concerns

Meta announced several upcoming updates to its smart glasses platform. These include a new dynamic photo mode that automatically captures multiple frames and suggests the best shot, while still giving users the option to select their preferred image.

The glasses are also gaining display-free turn-by-turn navigation for pedestrians. Additionally, live translation will expand to support 14 new languages, including Japanese, Mandarin, Hindi, and Korean, increasing the total number of supported languages to 20.

The features are expected to be rolled out over the coming weeks, although no specific dates have been provided.

Smart glasses continue to be a controversial topic. Privacy worries about recording-enabled wearables have been present ever since Google Glass came out in 2013. Recently, there have been reports of camera-equipped glasses being used to cheat in classrooms and courtrooms.

Meta's smart glasses initiatives have also faced criticism over how user data is managed. It was reported that AI trainers had to review private moments captured by the glasses, and an internal tracking program for AI training at Meta was paused after sensitive data was exposed.

People considering Meta Glasses should know that the built-in camera and microphone gather data that could be used to train Meta's AI models, depending on the user’s privacy settings. It is advisable to review the privacy options in the Meta app before using the glasses.

What This Means for the Smart Glasses Market

The launch of Meta Glasses comes as the smart glasses market continues to grow, though it remains competitive. Apple is reportedly testing four different frame designs for display-free smart glasses after disappointing sales of the Vision Pro.

A potential reveal could happen late in 2026, with a commercial launch targeted for 2027. Meanwhile, Snap recently introduced its Specs AR glasses at a price of $2,195, positioning the product in a higher tier.

Meta's pricing strategy features the entry-level Meta Glasses at $299, which undercuts Apple's expected pricing and is significantly lower than Snap's premium offering.

This lower price, combined with the new Muse Spark assistant, positions Meta to reach a broader customer base for its smart glasses.

Meta Glasses are now available to order through Meta's website. However, shipping timelines and availability outside the US have not been specified.

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The company attributes part of the layoffs to the adoption and deployment of AI technologies across its operations.

The layoffs incurred $1.8 billion in severance payments and restructuring costs, significantly higher than the $374 million reported in the prior fiscal year.

What Oracle’s SEC Filing Says About AI, Headcount, and Capital Spending

Oracle's workforce stood at 141,000 employees, down from 162,000 a year earlier. The company's SEC filing outlines several factors behind the reduction, including management and product changes, performance issues, strategic shifts, acquisitions, and the deployment of AI technologies.

The filing states: "The adoption and deployment of AI technologies across our operations have resulted, and may continue to result, in reductions to our workforce."

This acknowledgment is notable because it appears directly in a formal SEC document rather than an executive interview.

Typically, companies are cautious in regulatory filings to attribute workforce changes to broader operational restructuring rather than specifically citing AI. Oracle's decision to explicitly link AI to workforce reductions indicates a clearer stance than most major tech firms have taken.

A cash shortage is also driving Oracle's efforts to cut costs. In fiscal 2026, the company's capital expenditures hit $55.7 billion, mainly due to building out data center capacity.

The combination of high infrastructure spending and a softer cost structure elsewhere has increased pressure on operating costs.

What This AI-Linked Layoff Wave Means for Tech Workers

According to Layoffs.fyi, so far in 2026, about 121,462 tech employees have been laid off across 197 companies. This number is roughly 3,000 less than the total layoffs reported for the entire year of 2025.

Several companies have announced layoffs related to artificial intelligence or adjacent sectors this year, including:

• Block, Cisco, Intuit, and Snap. Other notable names on the list are
• Amazon, Meta, Microsoft,
• Dell, Google, HP, and IBM.
• Oracle recently announced a reduction of 21,000 employees, marking one of the largest layoffs this year.

Oracle publicly acknowledged AI's role in workforce reductions, contrasting with the more optimistic tone recently adopted by many tech executives.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently expressed that he's "delighted" his earlier predictions about AI causing widespread job losses have not materialized.

Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, who previously suggested AI could eliminate half of all entry-level white-collar jobs, has softened his stance.

Torsten Sløk, chief economist at Apollo Global Management, stated there is "zero evidence" of job losses due to AI, despite disclosures from companies like Oracle indicating otherwise.

This discrepancy between what executives say publicly and what they disclose in SEC filings has become a notable aspect of the debate around AI and employment.

Companies seem to be making long-term workforce decisions related to AI investments, even as public statements downplay the connection.

What This Means for Workers

For those watching the AI labor market discussion, Oracle's SEC filing stands out as one of the clearest corporate acknowledgments to date that AI is playing a role in workforce reductions at major companies.

While the layoffs cover more than just AI-related roles, the direct mention in a regulatory document carries more weight than informal comments from executives.

A separate study shows that about one-third of companies that tried to replace workers with AI have either rehired some employees or expressed regret over the decision.

This suggests some AI-driven workforce changes are being reversed as the actual capabilities of AI systems fall short of initial expectations.

Oracle has not announced any specific plans for future workforce changes beyond what is included in the SEC filing. The company's ongoing investments in data centers and AI indicate that workforce adjustments may continue through fiscal 2027 and beyond.

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The official game release is scheduled for November 19, 2026, on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Preorders will be available starting June 25 through Rockstar Games and various platform storefronts.

The cybersecurity firm Malwarebytes reported finding multiple sites involved in the scam, some of which use GTA 6 branding alongside references to Mr. Beast and Lego in an attempt to appear more legitimate.

How the Scam Works and Why These Offers Look Convincing

The scam websites claim to offer early access to Grand Theft Auto 6 in exchange for cryptocurrency payments of a few hundred dollars.

In reality, no actual game access is provided. Since payments are made in cryptocurrency, victims have no straightforward way to recover funds or initiate chargebacks through their banks.

Stefan Dasic of Malwarebytes described GTA 6 as "the perfect bait" for these scams. Grand Theft Auto is one of the most well-known gaming franchises worldwide, with hundreds of millions of copies sold across previous titles.

With 13 years having passed since the release of GTA 5, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 makes it an attractive target for scammers who exploit user interest.

The scam depends on several factors. First, it appeals to those with a strong desire to be among the first to access the game. It also targets users familiar with premium "advance access" editions, which do exist in modern gaming.

The scam sites often imitate legitimate retailer or publisher pages, further adding to their credibility. Additionally, they use pressure tactics to prompt impulsive decisions before users have a chance to verify the offer.

Younger users and individuals less familiar with cryptocurrency and online gaming purchases may be especially vulnerable. However, the scams are not exclusive to inexperienced users. Dasic pointed out that even well-informed people can fall victim when their excitement outweighs caution.

How to Avoid the Scam and What to Do If You Already Paid

Users should follow these guidelines:

1. There is currently no early access to GTA 6 available from any source. Rockstar Games has not announced an early access program, and any site claiming to offer one is likely a scam.
2. Official preorders are scheduled to start on June 25, 2026, and will only be available through Rockstar Games, the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, and other officially listed retailers.
3. Any website asking for payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for early access to a game should be considered suspicious. Legitimate game publishers and retailers do not require crypto payments.

To verify any premium edition offers, visit the official Rockstar Games website directly rather than clicking on links from social media, search ads, or messaging apps.

Make sure the website domain matches the official publisher’s domain, as slight variations are a common scam tactic.

Users who have already sent cryptocurrency to a scam site should avoid sending any more payments, even if the site requests additional funds for what it claims are verification or delivery purposes.

It’s important to report the incident to local law enforcement and the cryptocurrency exchange used to send the funds. Also, report the scam site to platforms where it was advertised, such as social media networks.

Keep in mind that cryptocurrency transactions are generally irreversible, so recovery is unlikely. In the United States, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov accepts reports of online scams.

Similar agencies exist in other countries. Reporting these incidents helps law enforcement identify scam patterns, even when individual recovery is not possible.

What Comes Next as GTA 6 Preorders Open

Official GTA 6 preorders will be available starting June 25 through Rockstar Games and various platform stores. Rockstar has not yet announced details about editions, prices, or preorder bonuses. Interested consumers should keep an eye on rockstargames.com/VI on the release date for the latest information.

Malwarebytes has not disclosed the number of users who have visited the scam sites identified, but Dasic mentioned that scams continue to be effective because they manage to deceive at least some victims. The number of scam attempts is expected to grow as the launch date in November nears.

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The settings appear in Windows 11 Insider Experimental build 26300.8697 for Windows 11 version 26H2. Currently, the settings are hidden in the build and require ViveTool feature flags to enable. They are not yet accessible to the general user base.

What The New Windows 11 Search Toggles Do

The Windows 11 Search feature has traditionally combined results from local files, apps, and settings with web suggestions, often showing Bing results even when users were searching only on their device.

The latest updates include new toggles in the Settings menu under Privacy and security, Search, that address this issue directly:

• A "Web Searches" toggle under "Show suggested search results" allows users to turn off Bing web results in Search.
• A separate "Microsoft Store" toggle prevents Store apps from appearing in Search results.

These toggles give users more control over their search experience, enabling them to limit results to local files, apps, and settings without web or Store content appearing alongside.

Users in the European Economic Area have been subject to these controls for some time as part of Microsoft's compliance with the EU Digital Markets Act.

The new build indicates that Microsoft is planning to extend similar controls to users worldwide. A separate Bing disable option was shown in earlier Windows Insider builds.

The current version in 26300.8697 includes both a web search toggle and a separate Store app toggle, offering more detailed control than previous previews.

Security Settings Reorganization and How To Try The Feature Early

The latest preview build also features a revamped Privacy and Security page. Microsoft has reorganized the settings into clearer categories and introduced a new header that provides quick access to Windows Security, offering glanceable information on location, camera, and microphone permissions.

Additionally, new entry points for features such as Passkeys and the Custom Dictionary are being added. The Web Searches and Microsoft Store toggles are not officially available in the current build and cannot be enabled through the standard Feature Flags page.

This feature was spotted by @PhantomOfEarth inside the Insider build and can only be enabled using ViveTool feature IDs. For users running Windows 11 Insider Experimental build 26300.8697 who want to try the feature now:

1. Download ViveTool from its official GitHub repository.
2. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Navigate to the ViveTool folder.
4. Enable the relevant feature IDs, which have been documented by community testers as indicated by the original article.
5. Restart Windows.

Enabling experimental features through ViveTool is unsupported by Microsoft and could cause unexpected behavior. Users should only attempt this on test devices.

Availability

The feature is currently being actively developed, and Microsoft has not committed to including the toggles in a future general release.

If testing goes as planned, the company may refine the feature through upcoming 26H2 preview releases before deciding whether to roll it out more broadly.

Users running stable versions of Windows 11 should expect the toggles to be available through a future Windows Update once Microsoft enables them by default. The exact timing has not been announced.

This change follows a broader pattern of Microsoft responding to longstanding user feedback about Windows 11. Recent updates have introduced features like a movable taskbar, extended Windows Update pause options, and other changes based on user input, rather than simply adding new bundled features.

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This year, Valve introduced a single European qualifier that combines Eastern and Western Europe into one regional event. The four qualification spots are the most allocated among any regional TI15 qualifier.

The tournament is structured as a double-elimination bracket, with all series played as best-of-three matches, including the decisive qualifying games.

Schedule and Format For The TI 2026 Europe Qualifier

Times listed in Central European Summer Time. On June 21, the upper bracket round one features the following matches:

• Team Spirit versus VP.Prodigy at 10am, followed by Enjoy versus Team Bald at 1pm
• Nigma Galaxy versus Rune Eaters at 4pm, and NAVI versus MODUS at 7pm On June 22
• The upper bracket round one continues with MOUZ against Yellow Submarine at 10am,
• Virtus.pro versus IC x Insanity at 1pm, Power Rangers versus HULIGANI at 4pm, and TEAM VISION against 4ikibamboni at 7pm

The schedule for June 23 includes the lower bracket round one and the upper bracket round two, with matches between:

• VP.Prodigy and Team Bald at 10am, Rune Eaters versus MODUS at 1pm, Team Spirit against Enjoy at 4pm
• Nigma Galaxy versus NAVI at 7pm On June 24, the same rounds feature MOUZ versus IC x Insanity at 10am, HULIGANI versus 4ikibamboni at 1pm, Yellow Submarine versus Virtus.pro at 4pm, and Power Rangers versus TEAM VISION at 7pm

The schedule for June 25 includes the upper bracket round three, with two matches scheduled at 1pm and 4pm.

The following day, June 26, sees four matches in the lower bracket round two at 10am, 1pm, 4pm, and 7pm.

On June 27, the lower bracket round three features two matches at 1pm and 4pm., and on June 28, the lower bracket round four includes two matches at 1pm and 4pm.

The four qualification spots are awarded as follows:

• The two winners of Upper Bracket Round 3 automatically secure places at The International 2026
• The two winners of Lower Bracket Round 4 take the remaining two slots
• All series are best-of-three

Teams In The Qualifier and How To Watch the Matches

Eight teams received direct invitations and eight advanced through the Open Qualifiers.

Direct Invites:

• TEAM VISION (also known as PARIVISION)
• Team Spirit
• Natus Vincere (NAVI)
• MOUZ
• Virtus.pro
• Nigma Galaxy
• Enjoy
• Power Rangers

Open Qualifier teams:

• HULIGANI
• Rune Eaters
• Yellow Submarine
• VP.Prodigy
• Team Bald
• IC x Insanity
• MODUS
• 4ikibamboni

Team Spirit and TEAM VISION are viewed as favorites based on their performances throughout the season. NAVI, Nigma Galaxy, Virtus.pro, and MOUZ also bring the experience and depth to challenge for qualification. Open Qualifier teams Yellow Submarine and Rune Eaters have shown the capacity to challenge higher-profile opponents.

All matches are streamed live on PGL's official Dota 2 broadcast channels on Twitch, YouTube, and Kick. The qualifier concludes on June 28, and the four teams that qualify will move on to The International 2026.

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These prices are higher than the estimates under $750 that circulated when Valve first announced the hardware in November 2025. Valve says the price increase is due to component costs rising over the past six months.

A reservation queue will run from June 22 to June 25 to manage demand and prevent scalping. Reservations are limited to one per household.

Pricing, Configurations, and Hardware Specifications of the Steam Machine

At launch, four configurations will be available:

• Steam Machine 512GB for $1,049
• Steam Machine 512GB with Steam Controller for $1,128
• Steam Machine 2TB for $1,349
• Steam Machine 2TB with Steam Controller for $1,428

The Steam Controller is usually priced at $99.99, so buying it as part of a bundle offers a $20 discount. The 2TB models come with two extra faceplates: one in red fabric and one in solid walnut. Valve also plans to release CAD files for the external shell, allowing third parties to create custom faceplates.

The Steam Machine is based on a semi-custom AMD platform:

• CPU: a 6-core, 12-thread Zen 4 processor running up to 4.86GHz-
• GPU: RDNA 3 with 28 compute units and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, operating at up to 2.45GHz within a 110W power limit-
• RAM: 16GB of DDR5 system memory-
• Storage: options include a 512GB or 2TB NVMe SSD-
• Expansion: microSD slot

The GPU's 28 RDNA 3 compute units at the specified clock speeds are roughly comparable to a Radeon RX 7600, which was a capable mid-range card released in late 2023.

The M.2 SSD is user-replaceable in both 2230 and 2280 form factors. RAM is also swappable, though the compact thermal design makes replacing components more involved than in a standard desktop. Users are advised to consult Valve's documentation before opening the case to avoid voiding any warranties.

How the Steam Machine Reservation Queue Works and What Performance to Expect

The reservation queue opens June 22 and closes June 25. To be eligible, users need:

• A Steam account in good standing
• At least one Steam purchase made before April 27, 2026

The April 27 cutoff is designed to block freshly created throwaway accounts. One reservation is enforced per household using payment method, shipping address, and other account signals.

The randomized queue replaces a first-come-first-served system to prevent scalping similar to what happened during the Steam Controller launch in May, when the $100 gamepad sold out in under 30 minutes and immediately appeared on resale sites at $300 or more.

Valve has promoted the Steam Machine with messaging around 4K and 60 frames per second gaming using AMD FSR upscaling.

However, engineers have been more straightforward about what to expect performance-wise. Pierre-Loup Griffais told IGN that 1440p is somewhat of a sweet spot, emphasizing that the 4K marketing is partly aimed at reassuring less technical buyers that the device will work with their TV, rather than guaranteeing native 4K performance for demanding titles.

Support for FSR 4 is confirmed for the Steam Machine, despite the presence of an RDNA 3 GPU. A new ray tracing driver is expected to be released soon, along with ongoing updates to improve performance in low-VRAM scenarios.

How Valve Justifies the Steam Machine’s Price and Where It Fits in the Market

Valve has openly acknowledged that the original pricing target is no longer achievable. "Our initial goal for the price of the Steam Machine is no longer viable.

The prices we're sharing today reflect the current state of manufacturing, or more precisely, the cost of the components we've secured over the past six months."

Valve engineers mentioned they managed to keep costs from rising further through custom designs for the motherboard, power supply, and thermal module.

"Good engineering doesn't necessarily mean higher costs," said engineer Yazan Aldehayyat. Griffais added that the custom hardware remains "even more competitive for the same parts you can buy off the shelf."

Valve also stated it is selling the Steam Machine at cost rather than subsidizing it to gain market share. This approach sets it apart from the traditional console business model, which often involves selling hardware at a loss and recouping the costs through subscriptions or exclusive titles.

The Steam Machine is priced at $1,049, entering a competitive market with several alternatives.

• The PlayStation 5 Pro costs $699, while the base
• The Xbox Series X is available for $499.
• A comparable self-built PC typically ranges from $700 to $900, depending on current component prices.

Self-built PCs also offer the flexibility to upgrade graphics hardware. The Steam Machine provides the SteamOS experience in a dedicated, purpose-built living room format.

Valve has indicated that for users who cannot obtain a Steam Machine or find its price too high, the company is working to expand SteamOS to more third-party hardware, with current efforts focused on systems equipped with AMD GPUs.

Steam Deck 2

A Steam Deck 2 is currently in development but is not expected soon. Griffais mentioned that they are closer to a new version than they were during the last update, although current handheld chips are still more suited to low-end laptops than true portable devices.

The reservation queue for the Steam Machine is open now and will remain so until June 25. The console is scheduled for release on June 30.

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The system is designed to allow websites to generate digital tokens that confirm a browsing session is being conducted by a human or an authorized bot with legitimate intent.

The technical details are still being finalized and aligned across related proposals. Cloudflare sees PACTs as a way to reduce friction for real users and authorized bots while maintaining privacy.

How PACTs Work and Why They’re Being Developed Now

PACTs enable websites with a strong understanding of personhood to issue anonymous tokens. These tokens can then be presented by browser users and designated bots at other sites, reducing the need for repeated identity verification.

They serve as a shareable, privacy-preserving CAPTCHA result. Instead of testing whether a visitor is human or a bot at each site, the system tests once and generates a token that other sites can accept.

The specific criteria for what qualifies as "strong knowledge of personhood" have not been fully explained. Personhood appears to include software authorized to act on behalf of a legitimate person, such as AI agents performing tasks like booking tickets or shopping.

Previous technical discussions by developers from Google and Mozilla suggest that the system does not aim to exclude particular hardware, platforms, or user agents.

The web is seeing a rise in automated traffic, much of it driven by AI agents. Some of these agents serve legitimate purposes for users, such as the recent integration of Visa and ChatGPT for autonomous retail purchases.

However, there’s also automated traffic from disrespectful crawlers and malicious bots that scrape content or attempt fraud.

Dane Knecht, CTO of Cloudflare, explained: "As AI-powered traffic becomes more common, the tools we have to support its use are too basic and broad.

This collaboration allows us to reduce the friction caused by security measures for all visitors, whether human or automated, without compromising privacy."

Bobby Holley, CTO of Firefox at Mozilla, highlighted the user experience: "An increase in automated traffic is causing sites to adopt blunt defenses like paywalls, identity checks, CAPTCHAs, and invasive tracking methods just to distinguish human visitors from bots."

Privacy Concerns, What Users Should Know, and What Comes Next

While Cloudflare emphasizes the privacy aspects of PACTs, the system doesn't cover all browser tracking and fingerprinting methods. PACT tokens themselves do not contain personal information.

However, existing infrastructure for tracking users through fingerprinting, IP addresses, and other browser signals remains in place.

The system also raises questions about the open web. PACTs effectively create a tiered system of trusted and untrusted traffic. Websites that implement PACTs may treat traffic lacking valid tokens as suspicious, which could create a barrier to access.

Smaller bot operators, independent developers, and users on less common browsers or platforms might find it harder if their software can't easily obtain tokens.

The Cloudflare announcement states that the protocol is designed to help businesses identify genuine visitors, positioning it as an anti-fraud measure.

This framing makes it clear that PACTs are intended to distinguish between legitimate and unwanted traffic, rather than simply differentiating humans from automated bots.

For most end users, the introduction of PACTs is likely to go unnoticed. Users browsing with Chrome, Edge, or Firefox will automatically receive tokens when their browser sessions are recognized as legitimate. This should lead to fewer CAPTCHA prompts and fewer identity requests across the web.

For those on less common browsers, privacy-focused options like Tor, or users employing specific bot frameworks for legitimate reasons, the system might create additional obstacles if their setup doesn’t qualify for token issuance.

Mozilla has said that its involvement demonstrates a commitment to maintaining openness and protecting user privacy online. The choices Mozilla and other browser developers make regarding the implementation will influence how widely the token system becomes accessible.

The technical specification for PACTs is currently being developed through collaboration between Cloudflare and the three main browser makers.

There is no announced timeline for when PACTs will be available in production browsers. Those interested in tracking the development should keep an eye on the relevant standards processes at the IETF and W3C, where similar privacy-focused identity proposals have been discussed in the past.

The specific venue for PACT standardization has not yet been confirmed.

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The company stopped the program on June 22, 2026, after Reuters reviewed documents showing that sensitive employee data collected through MCI was unintentionally accessible to all Meta staff.

It has not announced when the program might restart or if it will return in its current form. The data exposure was not caused by an external breach but resulted from a permissions misconfiguration that allowed all Meta employees to access the data collected by the program.

What the Model Capability Initiative Does and What Employee Data Was Exposed

The Model Capability Initiative was launched in April 2026. It collects various data points from US-based Meta employees, including mouse movements, clicks, keystrokes, and occasional screenshots.

This collected data is used to train Meta's AI models, with the aim of helping AI systems better understand how human workers perform tasks. However, according to Reuters, the initiative resulted in a large pool of detailed employee behavioral data being stored.

The data that was exposed reportedly included private conversations, performance data, and transcriptions. Normally, such materials would be restricted to HR or a small group of managers. However, due to a permissions error, the data was accessible to Meta's entire workforce.

Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton said, "We have carefully designed this program with privacy safeguards. While we have no evidence at this time that any data was improperly accessed by Meta employees, we are pausing the program to investigate."

The company also declined to specify how long the pause would last.

Internal Tension, Legal Risks, and What Comes Next for Meta’s Monitoring Program

MCI has been a controversial topic within Meta since it was introduced. Employees raised concerns about being monitored by software designed to analyze their work habits, especially since the program was rolled out before a series of large layoffs, including an announcement in May 2026 to cut 8,000 jobs.

To help ease some of these concerns, Meta added a pause feature that allows employees to disable tracking for up to 30 minutes at a time. This addition pointed to how pervasive the monitoring had become.

Logging keystrokes and taking screenshots of identifiable employees can pose serious legal risks under the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation.

GDPR standards are strict when it comes to processing personal data and generally view workplace consent as unreliable, given the power imbalance between employer and employees.

The scenario where sensitive employee records become widely accessible within a company illustrates a failure GDPR aims to prevent.

Although this program is currently limited to employees in the United States, Meta's long-term plans for similar features would likely encounter considerable regulatory challenges in the EU.

Meta has stated it will investigate the exposure. The company has not given a timeline for the investigation, a resumption date for the program, or details about any changes that might be made before MCI returns.

The incident raises wider questions about employee surveillance for AI training. More companies are experimenting with tools that monitor work patterns to help train assistants and agents. Such programs require strict internal access controls that match the sensitivity of the data involved.

For now, MCI is offline. Meta has not said whether the program will return in its current form, be redesigned, or be discontinued.

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