Subscription prices will remain unchanged. Instead of a fixed number of queries each month, users will receive AI Credits at the same price. For example, a Copilot Pro subscriber paying $10 a month will get 1,000 AI Credits, with GitHub valuing each credit at one cent.

How GitHub Copilot’s Token-Based Billing Will Work

A token is roughly equivalent to three-quarters of a word. A codebase containing 10,000 expressions, statements, and variable names typically amounts to about 12,000 to 13,000 tokens. Both input prompts and model output contribute to token usage. The cost per credit varies depending on the model.

Using more advanced models consumes credits more quickly than less capable ones. Tasks involving large codebases with multiple agents will use credits at a faster rate than simple, single-turn queries. Code completions and Next Edit suggestions are not affected by the new billing model and will continue to be free.

What GitHub Copilot’s New Billing Means for Users

Under the previous model, users could typically use between three and eight times the token value covered by their subscription cost, with GitHub covering the difference. This subsidy will end on June 1. Users mainly making simple queries are unlikely to go over their monthly credit limit, but those running more complex workflows on large codebases might need to buy extra credits.

GitHub has not published a breakdown of per-token rates for each supported model tier.

Why GitHub Is Moving Copilot to Token-Based Pricing

The change aligns Copilot with pricing adjustments already implemented by Anthropic and OpenAI for their enterprise customers. Token-based billing provides AI providers with more direct insight into actual compute costs, but also makes billing less predictable for users who previously paid a fixed monthly fee regardless of usage.

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"On the Mac Mini and Mac Studio, both are excellent platforms for AI and agentic tools," Cook said. "Customer adoption of these is happening faster than we anticipated."

Why AI Developers Are Buying Mac Minis

The Mac Mini's appeal for AI developers centers on its ability to run agent workloads continuously without relying on cloud infrastructure. Apple Silicon's unified memory architecture allows the machine to handle inference and orchestration tasks efficiently without requiring a discrete GPU, which remains expensive and difficult to source. Higher-memory configurations can run persistent autonomous agents without tying up a primary workstation.

The release of OpenClaw earlier this year, an open-source tool for building and running autonomous AI agents, appears to have accelerated adoption. Developers experimenting with local-first agent setups have gravitated toward the Mac Mini as a dedicated, always-on system for that purpose.

Mac Mini Supply Shortages and Delays

Some Mac Mini configurations have already been discontinued from Apple's lineup, including a 512GB memory variant. By late April, even the base model was sold out through Apple's online store, with wait times stretching several months, according to Cook's comments during the earnings call.

Mac sales reached $8.4 billion this quarter, which is a small share compared to nearly $57 billion from iPhone revenue. While the Mac Mini accounts for a modest portion of Mac sales, it has become important in AI development workflows in ways Apple did not anticipate when planning production capacity.

Apple is also experiencing supply constraints on iPhone due to limited chip access. Additionally, strong demand for the MacBook Neo is putting more pressure on the Mac lineup. Cook noted that the demand pattern for the Mac Mini was something the company had not fully prepared for at their current production levels.

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This is an earlier demonstration where Nguyen showed Ubuntu running on the console, with Grand Theft Auto V achieving 60 frames per second with ray tracing turned on and Spider-Man running at 1440p at 60fps. The modification is temporary. Rebooting the console wipes the Linux environment, so users need to reload it each time the system is turned on.

PS5 Linux Compatibility Requirements

The exploit is only effective on disc-based PS5 models running firmware versions 3.xx and 4.xx. It does not support systems updated to firmware 5.xx. Nguyen mentions that support for firmware versions 1.xx and 2.xx might be added in the future, but it is not currently a priority.

What Works and What Does Not in the PS5 Linux Setup

The implementation includes adjusted VRAM allocation and working fan controls for stable operation. Display output is supported at 1080p, 1440p, and 4K, with refresh rates currently capped at 60Hz. Nguyen states that 120Hz support may be added in the future.

Network connectivity requires a workaround after boot. Users may need to toggle the WLAN adapter off and on to restore internet access following startup. These limitations reflect the early state of driver support for hardware not originally designed to run Linux.

Nguyen is exploring a shutdown option that would place the console into Rest Mode rather than fully powering off, allowing Linux to be relaunched without repeating the full setup process.

Nguyen states there is no risk of bricking the console, which reduces the barrier for users willing to try the method. The project is focused specifically on running Linux and does not open the door to the broader homebrew software or game backup capabilities seen in earlier PlayStation hacking scenes.

The tools and instructions are available on GitHub. The project is described as best suited to users already comfortable working in Linux environments.

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Production was already cut before the initial launch, and Apple stopped making the original version in late 2024. The device was later refreshed with M5 silicon, which offered higher refresh rates and a slight increase in pixel density. However, this update did not reverse the declining sales.

Why Apple Vision Pro Failed to Gain Traction

The most common complaints about the device relate to physical discomfort. The headset weighs around 1.4 pounds, and users have reported eye strain and discomfort after one to two hours of use. Other criticisms include the lack of physical controls, a virtual keyboard that is too imprecise for productivity tasks, and the social awkwardness of wearing the device in public.

The return rate for the Vision Pro was reportedly higher than that of any other Apple product in the company's history.

A weak selection of applications also contributed to low retention. The Vision Pro offered immersive versions of iOS apps, 3D video clips, streaming content, and a limited range of games, but no single use case stood out as a compelling reason to buy the device at its price.

Apple AR developers have reportedly shifted their focus to other projects. A Vision Air device, which was expected to be lighter and priced about 50% lower by 2027, appears to have been removed from the roadmap.

Instead, Apple is now exploring AR glasses, possibly in response to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses lineup. Samsung launched the Galaxy XR headset late last year at $1,800, positioning it as a lower-cost alternative that runs Android.

Apple has not publicly commented on the future of the Vision Pro.

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Initially, Musk filed 26 claims in 2024, but only two remain: breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment. The trial is divided into two phases. The jury will provide an advisory opinion on liability, while the judge will make the final ruling. If the defendants are found liable, the judge will determine the appropriate remedies alone.

Musk’s Claims Against OpenAI

Musk's lead attorney, Steven Molo, told the jury that Musk's approximately $38 million in donations to OpenAI created a charitable trust meant to keep the organization a nonprofit forever. He argued that Altman and Brockman used those funds for commercial purposes without permission when OpenAI established its for-profit arm in March 2019.

Musk is seeking damages, estimated by his expert at up to $134 billion, representing wrongful gains. The total liability for OpenAI and Microsoft could exceed $150 billion. Musk has requested that any damages be returned to OpenAI's nonprofit side, that Altman and Brockman be removed from their roles, and that the company's October recapitalization be reversed.

OpenAI’s Defense in the Musk Trial

OpenAI's attorney William Savitt stated that all parties, including Musk, agreed in 2017 that a for-profit structure was the logical next step for the company's mission.

However, his push for unilateral control as CEO  was rejected. OpenAI has called the lawsuit a baseless harassment campaign driven by Musk's competitive interests, especially since he founded his own AI company, xAI, in 2023.

Evidence and Key Witnesses in the Case

Internal documents entered as evidence ahead of the trial include a 2017 email from Sutskever and Brockman to Musk. In the email, they state that the current structure gives Musk a pathway to ultimately have complete control over the AGI and mention that OpenAI's goal was to avoid an AGI dictatorship.

Musk had previously written to OpenAI leadership before stepping away, saying he would no longer fund the organization unless they made a firm commitment to stay independent, or he would be essentially providing free funding to help them create a startup.

Scheduled witnesses include Altman, Brockman, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, former OpenAI scientists Mira Murati and Ilya Sutskever, and Shivon Zilis. Both Musk and Altman are expected to testify for more than two hours.

Reuters reports that the outcome of the case may depend on pages from Brockman's personal diary, which includes a 2017 entry stating that getting out from under Elon was "the only chance we have."

If Musk wins, Altman and Brockman could be removed from their positions, the company's restructuring for profit could be reversed, and damages might be directed toward the charitable mission.

A loss would support maintaining OpenAI's current structure, keeping the company on track for a potential public offering in late 2026. Recently, OpenAI closed a funding round worth $122 billion at an $852 billion valuation.

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Why Subnautica 2 Is Not Launching on PS5, And Its Release Outlook

PlayStation does not offer an Early Access or Game Preview program similar to those available on PC and Xbox. Unknown Worlds is using the Early Access phase to collect player feedback without aiming for a fully polished release. This development approach conflicts with PlayStation's platform requirements. The Early Access period is expected to last between two and three years.

Unknown Worlds has not ruled out a PS5 release but has made no public statement about PlayStation plans during the Early Access phase. The original Subnautica was released on PC in January 2018 and later arrived on consoles in December of the same year. The developer has adopted a multiplatform approach across its catalog. Subnautica 2 is built on Unreal Engine 5, which supports PS5 development, making a future port technically feasible.

If the Early Access period continues as planned through 2028 or 2029, a PS5 release could likely follow after the full launch. However, Unknown Worlds has not confirmed this timeline or committed to a PlayStation release at any point.

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Previously, the multiview system limited users to pre-selected channel bundles chosen by Google. The new builder removes those restrictions, allowing users to combine channels across different subscription tiers.

What’s New in YouTube TV’s Custom Multiview

The most notable update is the ability to combine streams across package boundaries. Subscribers with both a standard YouTube TV plan and a premium add-on like NFL Sunday Ticket can now mix those streams into a single multiview layout without restrictions.

The builder interface features filter chips for quick browsing by category, including Recommended (which is personalized based on viewing history), Sports, News, Shows, Movies, and other live content.

Current Limitations of YouTube TV’s Multiview

Multiview currently supports only live content. Video on Demand and DVR recordings cannot be included in a multiview layout. Additionally, some family-friendly content is excluded from the customization tool. Compatibility with devices is generally broad but not universal.

Google notes that fewer than 5 percent of older devices lack the processing power needed for the full customization interface. Users with those devices will still be able to access a basic multiview builder that focuses on major events such as NFL games or the World Cup, rather than offering the complete channel selection tool.

When YouTube TV’s Custom Multiview Will Be Available to Everyone

The full customizable multiview feature is now rolling out and will be available to all compatible YouTube TV subscribers over the next few weeks. Users with incompatible older hardware will automatically receive a limited version. This article covers the same YouTube TV multiview story reported earlier.

The main update is that the feature is now confirmed to be fully launched, rather than in a limited rollout. Additionally, cross-package mixing, including NFL Sunday Ticket, is now explicitly confirmed. The earlier article can be updated with these details or used as a follow-up, given the full rollout confirmation.

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Under the new terms, Microsoft remains OpenAI's primary cloud partner. OpenAI products will still launch first on Azure unless Microsoft is unable or chooses not to support the necessary capabilities.

Microsoft also retains a license to OpenAI’s intellectual property for models and products through 2032, although this license is no longer exclusive.

Key Changes in the New Microsoft-OpenAI Agreement

Revenue share payments from OpenAI to Microsoft will now be subject to a total cap and will continue through 2030. The arrangement is structured so that it does not depend on OpenAI's progress in developing artificial general intelligence. Microsoft no longer needs to evaluate its response if OpenAI reaches this milestone, which simplifies a previously complex provision in their agreement.

Microsoft still holds a significant equity stake in OpenAI. As of the October 2025 agreement, its investment in OpenAI Group PBC was valued at approximately $135 billion, representing about 27% on a diluted basis.

How the New Deal Fits Into OpenAI’s Broader Cloud Partnerships

The restructuring comes after OpenAI's significant partnership with Amazon was announced two months ago. Amazon agreed to invest up to $50 billion, and OpenAI expanded its existing AWS agreement by $100 billion over eight years. The easing of Azure exclusivity reflects OpenAI's growing relationships with multiple cloud providers.

For Microsoft, these changes could impact upcoming financial reports. Analysts will be paying attention to how the company reports its capped revenue share payments and the reduced exclusivity in its AI investment disclosures.

GPT-5.5 is now generally available on Microsoft Foundry through Azure. Microsoft describes the model as offering improved agentic coding, better long-context reasoning, and increased token efficiency for enterprise deployments.

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The operation was carried out jointly by the Lviv regional prosecutors, the cyber police, and the Security Service of Ukraine.

How the Roblox Account Theft Scheme Worked

(Source: gp.gov.ua)

The 19-year-old, identified as the group's leader, recruited the other two members through gaming forums and coordinated the operation. The group distributed infostealer malware disguised as a game-enhancement tool. Victims who installed the tool had their Roblox login credentials captured and sent to the attackers.

Stolen accounts were then ranked by value, considering inventory rarity, Robux balances, and the presence of limited-edition items no longer available through normal means. The group classified at least 357 of the 610,000 compromised accounts as high-value.

These accounts were sold via a Russian website and closed online communities.

Why Roblox Accounts Have Real Monetary Value and Possible Sentences

Roblox accounts hold value through various factors such as Robux balances, rare, limited-edition items that can't be obtained again, years of in-game progress, unlocks, achievements, and access to premium content. The platform also enables account owners to create and sell assets via Roblox Studio, which adds further commercial value to established accounts.

The three suspects face charges under Article 185 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code for theft and Article 361 for unauthorized interference with IT systems. Both charges could result in a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing as authorities continue efforts to identify more accomplices and victims connected to the group.

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The titles available for claim until May 4 include Lords of the Fallen, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered, and Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream.

PlayStation Plus May 2026 Game Lineup

EA Sports FC 26 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 is the main release this month. The football simulation includes modes such as Career, Clubs, Kick-Off, and Football Ultimate Team. The game features notable changes to core gameplay mechanics, which have received mixed reactions from longtime fans. PlayStation Plus subscribers can also claim a PlayStation Plus Icons Pack during the monthly game availability.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, available on PlayStation 5 only, is a Souls-like action RPG set in a dark fantasy version of late Ming Dynasty China. It features themes of plague, supernatural enemies, and melee-focused combat. A post-launch patch introduced a bug that made some enemies unkillable and disrupted story progression, although the game generally received positive reviews for its combat.

Nine Sols for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 is a 2D action-platformer centered around parry-based combat, with hand-drawn art. Its setting combines Taoist mythology with science fiction. It is a Metroidvania with a high skill ceiling but enough structure for players new to the genre.

The lineup may vary by region. Subscribers should check the PlayStation Store when the games go live on May 5 to confirm availability in their country.

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At launch, supported server locations will include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Germany. Firefox has not confirmed whether more countries will be added in future updates.

What’s New for the Built-In VPN in Firefox 151

The built-in Firefox VPN masks IP addresses and encrypts browser traffic, but does not allow users to select a server location. With the Firefox 151 update, a location picker has been introduced for the five supported countries, bringing this feature in line with the core functions of standalone paid VPN services.

The VPN remains free and is integrated directly into the browser, with a monthly data limit of 50GB. It only covers browsing traffic within Firefox and does not encrypt all traffic on the device. This differentiates it from Mozilla's paid Mozilla VPN, which offers full device coverage.

When Firefox 151’s VPN Location Picker Will Be Available

Firefox 151 is scheduled for release on May 19. The update will introduce the ability to select server locations on platforms that support the built-in VPN feature.

Mozilla has not yet specified which platforms will include this feature initially or provided a timeline for expanding the available server locations beyond the five countries currently offered.

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Grab and Move Window Controls

The Grab and Move utility removes the need to target a window's title bar or edges to move or resize it. By holding Alt and left-clicking anywhere on a window, you can drag it from that spot. Holding Alt and right-clicking allows you to resize the window from the point where the cursor is placed.

This feature addresses common issues, especially on large monitors where title bars can be far from the cursor, or on windows that have partially moved off-screen and cannot be easily grabbed by their edges.

Power Display Monitor Controls

Power Display introduces a system tray utility that lets users adjust monitor settings without relying on physical buttons on the display itself. The available options depend on the monitor's capabilities but typically include brightness, contrast, volume, and color profile.

Users can save multiple configurations as named profiles and quickly switch between them with a single click. This makes it easy to adapt the display setup for different lighting conditions, such as a bright daytime profile or a dimmer evening setting.

Refinements to Existing PowerToys

PowerToys 0.99 introduces updates to several existing utilities. The Dock now includes a compact mode that hides subtitles for a cleaner look, and its pinning behavior has been revised to allow users to choose where a pinned command appears.

The Keyboard Manager adds the ability to manually edit recorded key mappings via dropdown menus, and introduces a Disabled action for disabling specific keys or shortcuts.

ZoomIt now supports scrolling screenshots, making it easier to capture content that extends beyond the visible screen. Meanwhile, Image Resizer has been migrated from WPF to WinUI 3 to better match the visual style of the rest of the PowerToys interface.

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Neither Google nor Samsung has released an official statement acknowledging the bug or providing an estimated timeline for a fix.

What’s Happening to Messages in Google Messages

Users are reporting that both new incoming messages and older conversation history are disappearing from Google Messages. There is no consistent pattern to which messages are affected. The issue tends to happen without any user action and isn't fixed by standard troubleshooting steps such as restarting the device, reinstalling the app, or clearing the cache and data.

A Google Product Expert Alumni responded on the support forum, suggesting that the problem might be related to re-indexing and advised users to wait to see if the messages reappear.

The same response mentioned a separate bug that recategorizes contacts as unknown senders and moves their messages out of existing chat threads. Checking the Unknown Senders section of the app may help in locating some missing conversations.

Workarounds So Far and Which Devices Are Affected

Users have tried various approaches with mixed results. Some have enabled SMS backup, turned off RCS, or checked messages using third-party apps like Textra. While these steps have worked for some individuals, they haven't solved the problem for everyone.

The bug was first noticed on Samsung Galaxy devices during the transition away from Samsung Messages, which is set to shut down in July 2026. However, users who have been using Google Messages for years, as well as owners of Pixel and Motorola devices, are also reporting the issue. This suggests that the problem isn’t solely related to the migration from Samsung Messages.

Google has not provided any details on what is causing the disappearances or when a fix might be released.

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Returning Maps in Battlefield 6 Season 3

The main new addition is the Railway to Golmud map, a revamped version of Golmud Railway from Battlefield 4. EA and DICE describe it as the largest map in Battlefield 6, featuring open terrain, dynamic train routes that can be used for travel or ambushes, and multiple objective lanes designed for large-scale vehicle combat.

The second returning map is Cairo Bazaar, based on Grand Bazaar from Battlefield 3. This map emphasizes close-quarters urban combat with narrow alleyways and has been updated with reworked objective layouts and flow adjustments aimed at improving competitive play.

Ranked Play and Battle Royale Solos in Season 3

Season 3 brings Ranked Play to REDSEC Battle Royale Quads, marking the first competitive ladder in the mode. The ranking system starts from Rookie and progresses through Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Master, up to Elite. It features skill-based matchmaking, leaderboards, and tier-specific rewards.

Additionally, Battle Royale Solos is launching in Season 3 as a standalone queue for players who prefer solo play over squad-based modes.

Rumored Season 3 Weapons and Gadgets

Data miner Temporyal has identified several items in the game files that may arrive during Season 3, although none have been officially confirmed. The unconfirmed list includes the L115A3 bolt-action sniper rifle, RPK-74M light machine gun, M16A3 assault rifle, PP-19 Vityaz submachine gun, a Mobile Jammer Recon Gadget, Artillery Strike and Smoke Screen battle pickups, and a JAGM Strike call-in for Battle Royale. Some or all of these could be delayed or removed before the season begins.

Battlefield 6 Season 3 is scheduled to launch on May 12. As with previous seasons, mid-season updates and limited-time events are expected throughout the season.

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A Meta spokesperson told the BBC that the transaction was fully compliant with applicable law and that the company expects to find an appropriate resolution to the inquiry.

Why Chinese Regulators Had Jurisdiction

Manus is currently based in Singapore, but it was founded and operated in China. Chinese law grants regulators authority over the export or sale of technology created by companies with Chinese roots, requiring approval from Beijing for such transactions. This regulatory framework also mandated Chinese approval for ByteDance to handle TikTok's operations in the US during the Trump administration.

In March, reports indicated that Manus's two co-founders had been prevented from leaving China during the regulatory review of the acquisition. Meta stated at that time that the Manus team had already been integrated into its operations and continued to run the Manus service.

What AI Agent Start-up Manus Does

Manus positions itself as an autonomous AI agent that can plan, execute, and complete multi-step tasks independently based on user instructions, without the need for repeated prompts during a workflow. Meta announced the acquisition to leverage Manus agents for enhancing AI capabilities across its platforms.

Unwinding the Meta/Manus Deal

The process of withdrawing the transaction is complicated by the level of integration Meta described in March. Reversing that integration while Manus co-founders are reportedly still under exit restrictions in China adds more uncertainty to how the unwinding will unfold. Meta has not provided any steps for complying with the regulator's requirements.

This decision comes amid broader tensions between the US and China over AI technology. The White House stated last week that it would work more closely with US AI companies to counter what it described as foreign efforts to replicate American AI models, specifically mentioning Chinese entities. China's US embassy challenged this characterization.

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They include a long-requested Taskbar repositioning feature and a modernized Run dialog that has remained largely unchanged for nearly 30 years.

Movable Taskbar and Redesigned Run Dialog in Windows 11

The most notable update is the early support for moving the Taskbar. New options now appear in the Taskbar context menu, allowing users to position the bar at the top, left, or right of the screen. When Windows 11 was released, the ability to dock the Taskbar to any position other than the bottom was removed, despite being a frequently requested feature.

(Credit: Mauro Huculak)

The Run dialog is getting its first major visual update in about 30 years. The new design follows Fluent Design principles, featuring rounded corners, semi-transparent elements, updated spacing, and support for both light and dark themes. The text field is now larger, and the interface shows recent commands, along with matching apps and paths as you type.

(Credit: Mauro Huculak)

Microsoft will make the new Run dialog optional. You can enable it through Settings, then System, Advanced, by toggling a dedicated switch for the Run dialog. Currently, the new design is available in the Experimental channel without needing to turn on the toggle.

New Login Animation and Storage Volume Unit Toggle

The animated dots that appear during sign-in, sign-out, shutdown, and restart are being replaced with a solid spinning icon. This new animation matches the one used during the boot process. Marcus Ash, Microsoft's head of Windows design and research, confirmed on X that the change aims to create more consistency across most use cases with spinning icons.

A small but useful update can be found in Settings under Storage, Disks and Volumes. The option to change the size of a volume now offers a toggle to switch between megabytes and gigabytes, making it easier to resize volumes measured in gigabytes.

(Credit: Mauro Huculak)

None of the four features is currently available to regular Windows Insiders. Their inclusion in the build suggests active development before wider testing.

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Hardware and Controls Of The New Controller

The Steam Controller features dual thumbsticks, dual trackpads, face buttons, bumpers, triggers, rear grip buttons, and dedicated Steam and Quick Access menu buttons. It also includes built-in gyro support.

The thumbsticks utilize TMR magnetic technology instead of the potentiometer-based sticks commonly found in first-party controllers like the Xbox Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge. Magnetic thumbsticks are less prone to degradation over time and do not suffer from drift as traditional sticks do. Valve has applied the same technology in the Steam Deck.

The dual trackpads follow the design of the original Steam Controller, allowing PC games not originally meant for controllers to be played more naturally. The addition of a dual-stick layout addresses a key limitation of the original for games that already support standard gamepad input.

Connectivity and Steam Ecosystem Support

The Steam Controller comes with a Puck accessory that serves as both a charging dock and a 2.4GHz wireless receiver. The Steam Machine has a built-in wireless adapter for direct pairing, eliminating the need for the Puck.

The controller is designed to work within the Steam ecosystem, including Steam Deck, Steam Machine, Steam Frame, Steam Link, and any device running Steam. Valve has not specified any restrictions on using it outside the Steam environment.

Steam Input support is included, allowing users to customize inputs for each game. This includes the trackpads, gyro, rear buttons, and thumbstick behavior. Community layouts are also compatible.

Price and Availability

The Steam Controller is set to launch on May 4. Details about pre-orders or retail availability beyond what’s listed on the Steam store page have not been announced. Priced at $99, the controller is positioned above standard gamepads but below the Xbox Elite Series 2 and DualSense Edge.

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An iOS version has not been confirmed. The app's listing on Google Play describes it as a tool for sharing photos instantly without edits, emphasizing a low-effort way to share moments with friends.

What Instants Does and Where It’s Available

Instants opens directly to the camera, focusing on quick capture and sharing rather than editing features. Photos are set to disappear by default, similar to Snapchat’s model. The app offers a month-in-review feature that shows recently shared Instants but otherwise has a minimal set of features by design.

A spokesperson for Instagram described it as "a low-pressure way to connect with friends" and mentioned that Meta is "exploring multiple versions of Instants to see what people like."

Instants is now available on Android in Spain and Italy. Meta has not provided a timeline for when it might expand to other regions or release on iOS. It also remains unclear whether the app will stay as a standalone product or eventually be integrated into Instagram.

The limited launch in these specific markets indicates that Meta is currently using this as a market test before considering a wider rollout.

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This redesign follows a similar gradient update that Google applied to Maps and Photos earlier this year.

What’s Changing in the New Workspace Icons

(Credit: 9to5 Mac)

The new icons feature a gradient finish that aligns with Google's updated design language, moving away from the previous use of all four Google brand colors seen in most Workspace app icons. Google Drive's icon now omits red, focusing on green, yellow, and blue with a gradient effect.

Google Calendar is shifting to a more blue-centric design that resembles earlier versions of the app. Gmail keeps its envelope shape with the M design but replaces flat colors with gradients. Google Meet is adopting a more yellow-dominant color scheme while maintaining the original video camera icon.

When the New Workspace Icons Will Roll Out

Google has not announced a release date for the updated icons or specified which platforms will get them first. The redesign is currently being prepared, but has not yet started rolling out to any users.

More details are expected as the icons begin appearing in testing builds.

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Google notes that it could take more than 15 days for the feature to reach all eligible accounts. Previously, this feature was limited to individual Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers.

How AI Overviews Work in Gmail Search

Instead of just listing emails that match search terms, Gmail now combines information from multiple relevant threads and shows a summary at the top of the search results in response to natural language questions.

Users can ask full questions like "What were the latest comments from the UX deck?" or "What are the details of my upcoming trip to New York?" and get a direct answer pulled from their inbox, without needing to open individual threads.

Which Accounts Get AI Overviews in Gmail (and Requirements)

The expanded rollout now includes these account types:

• Google Workspace Business Starter, Standard, and Plus
• Google Workspace Enterprise Starter, Standard, and Plus; education accounts with the Google AI Pro for Education add-on
• Frontline Plus.

To access AI Overviews in Gmail search, Smart features and Workspace Intelligence need to be enabled in your account settings, or activated by an administrator for managed accounts. Both options must be turned on for the AI Overview to appear above search results.

Google has not announced when this feature will be available for other account tiers or for free Gmail accounts.

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This policy applies only to Windows 11 devices running the 25H2 update and is limited to Enterprise, Professional, and Education editions.

When "the Remove Microsoft Copilot App Policy" Uninstalls Copilot

The Remove Microsoft Copilot App policy will uninstall Copilot only if specific conditions are met on a device: both Microsoft 365 Copilot and Microsoft Copilot must be installed, the user must not have manually installed the Microsoft Copilot app, and the app must not have been launched in the past 28 days

Microsoft states that the removal process is non-disruptive and that users can reinstall the app if they choose to after it has been removed by the policy.

How to Enable It

Administrators can enable the policy via Group Policy Editor by navigating to User Configuration, then Administrative Templates, then Windows AI, and selecting Remove Microsoft Copilot App. The same policy can also be configured through Microsoft Intune and SCCM after installing the security updates released in April 2026.

How This Policy Fits Into Copilot Rollback on Windows 11

The availability of the policy reflects recent changes in how Microsoft is managing Copilot on Windows. Last month, Microsoft stopped automatically installing the Microsoft 365 Copilot app on Windows devices with Microsoft 365 desktop apps, without giving an explanation for the pause.

The company is also said to have canceled plans to integrate Copilot into Windows 11 system notifications, the Settings app, and File Explorer, features that had been announced nearly two years ago. The Remove Microsoft Copilot App policy first appeared in January for Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels and became generally available with the April 2026 Patch Tuesday updates.

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The warning comes despite strong sales of the Galaxy S26, as rising DRAM and NAND prices driven by demand for AI infrastructure are cutting into smartphone margins to an unprecedented extent.

Why Rising Memory Costs Are Squeezing Smartphone Margins

The LPDDR5x memory used in most modern smartphones is currently in high demand for AI server applications. A single Nvidia rack-scale AI platform requires enough RAM to outfit more than 4,600 Galaxy S26 Ultra devices. Memory manufacturers are focusing on high-margin, AI-related components, which has led to a reduced supply for the consumer electronics market.

According to Counterpoint Research, by mid-2026, RAM is expected to make up more than a third of the cost to build a budget smartphone. In premium devices, memory still accounts for over 20% of the total component cost. Until recently, the application processor was typically the most expensive part of smartphones, with memory costs being much lower.

Although the mobile division is experiencing losses, Samsung Semiconductor reported an estimated $38 billion in profit for the first quarter of 2026, more than seven times its net income from the same period in 2025. The ongoing memory shortage affecting Samsung's phone business is also benefiting its chip manufacturing operations.

Supply Outlook and Price Increases Already Underway

Samsung has started raising prices across its lineup due to increasing component costs. The Galaxy A37 and A57 mid-range devices now cost $50 more than their predecessors.

The Galaxy Z Flip 7 512GB and Z Fold 7 512GB and 1TB models saw price increases of $80. The Galaxy Tab S11's price rose by $100. Motorola has also increased the prices of its Moto G budget phones by up to 50% for similar reasons.

Samsung, Micron, and SK Hynix are all increasing their memory production capacity. Samsung has started reducing LPDDR4 production to boost LPDDR5 output. Nikkei Asia estimates that even with the best possible improvements in production, DRAM supply in 2027 could fall approximately 40 percent short of expected demand. No significant easing of supply constraints is expected as AI infrastructure investment continues at current levels.

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V4-Pro was trained on 33 trillion tokens. The company claims it outperforms all open-weight large language models and rivals leading proprietary Western models across its benchmark suite. However, since these claims are self-reported, they should be considered with caution and evaluated against independent testing.

Architectural Changes Behind DeepSeek V4’s Efficiency Gains

The most notable technical update in V4 is a hybrid attention mechanism that combines Compressed Sparse Attention and Heavy Compressed Attention. This combination reduces the computation required during inference and compresses the key-value caches used to track the model's state. DeepSeek reports that this results in a context window of one million tokens, with memory requirements decreasing by a factor of 9.5 to 13.7 compared to DeepSeek V3.2.

Both V4 models utilize a mix of FP8 and FP4 precision, with quantization-aware training applied to the mixture-of-experts weights. Using FP4 roughly halves the memory needed to store model weights compared to FP8. Additionally, DeepSeek V4 introduces a new optimizer called Muon, which aims to accelerate convergence and enhance training stability.

DeepSeek V4 Hardware Support and API Pricing vs GPT?5.5

DeepSeek V4 has been confirmed to operate on both Nvidia GPUs and Huawei Ascend NPU platforms. The paper mentions validation of the model's expert parallel scheme across these hardware types. It is not clear whether Huawei accelerators were used during training or solely for inference.

DeepSeek V4 costs $0.14 per million input tokens and $0.28 per million output tokens for uncached requests. The V4-Pro version is priced at $1.74 per million input tokens and $3.48 per million output tokens. In comparison, OpenAI's GPT-5.5 is priced at $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens. Both models, including base and instruction-tuned versions, are now available in preview through the DeepSeek API and Hugging Face.

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In January 2026, the EU opened a formal investigation giving Google six months to comply before a full probe is launched. As the deadline approaches, the EU has reiterated its demands without confirming whether Google has made enough progress toward compliance.

Google’s Position and the Political Context

Google has disputed the EU's description of the situation. In a statement, Senior Competition Counsel Clare Kelly explained that Android is inherently open and noted that Google is already licensing search data to competitors under the DMA. The company has not announced any plans to change how third-party AI assistants access Android system features.

Google has faced multiple regulatory conflicts with EU authorities, resulting in significant fines in the past. The current issue remains unresolved, with both sides standing their ground, according to reports from The Malaysian Reserve.

U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly criticized the EU's regulatory approach toward U.S. technology companies, adding a geopolitical element to the situation. The outcome of the EU's proceedings is still unclear, and neither Google nor the EU has announced any steps beyond the existing six-month compliance period.

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The first part of the deal involves a $10 billion cash commitment, which values Anthropic at $350 billion. An additional $30 billion could be provided if the company meets certain performance targets, bringing the total potential investment to $40 billion.

How the Investment Benefits Google’s Cloud Business

A large part of the investment is expected to go toward expanding Anthropic's computing capacity on Google Cloud, where the company is already a major customer. This arrangement means Google is effectively providing Anthropic with capital that ultimately increases Google's own cloud revenue as Anthropic trains and runs more models.

Google’s Access to Anthropic’s Mythos Model

The partnership also provides Google with access to Anthropic's unreleased Mythos model, which is considered too powerful or potentially too dangerous for broad public release at this stage. Reportedly, Google is among a small number of organizations that have insight into the model, offering it early access to Anthropic's most advanced research.

How This Deal Fits Into the AI Platform Race

The investment occurs even as Claude Opus models are competing directly with Google's Gemini in the AI coding market, an area Google has publicly identified as a strategic focus. The deal highlights a common pattern in the AI industry where major cloud providers fund competing AI developers, and their infrastructure spending benefits the cloud platform.

Anthropic has not commented on the details of the investment structure or the Mythos model. Google has also not publicly confirmed the deal.

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This update comes after Microsoft reviewed over 7,600 pieces of direct user feedback, gathered by Aria Hanson. The feedback revealed two main issues: updates disrupting users at inconvenient times and a lack of control over installation schedules.

Repeatable Pause Controls And Separated Restart Options

Windows Update now allows users to pause updates for up to 35 days through a flyout calendar interface that enables them to choose a specific end date. The pause can be extended multiple times without a fixed overall limit. The current system limits how long updates can be deferred before the option is disabled.

The Power menu now differentiates between regular power options and those related to updates. Restart and shut down options can be used without triggering a pending update installation. The options "Update and Restart" and "Update and Shut Down" will still appear when updates are ready, providing users with a clear choice rather than having updates automatically apply on shutdown.

Clearer Driver Updates and Fewer Monthly Restarts

Driver updates in Windows Update now show the device type directly in the update title, such as display, audio, or battery. Previously, multiple driver updates from the same manufacturer would appear under the same company name without indicating which hardware component each update affected.

Microsoft is reducing the number of restarts needed each month by combining driver, .NET, and firmware updates with the monthly cumulative update. These updates will download in the background and wait for a planned installation and restart, which will coincide with the next Windows quality update or a manually approved update. Users who want to install specific updates earlier can still trigger individual downloads and installs manually.

The changes are currently available to Windows Insiders on the Dev and Experimental channels. Microsoft has not announced a timeline for when these updates will be rolled out to all Windows 11 users.

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Gale stated in the memo that the move is part of an effort to run the company more efficiently and to offset other investments. The memo was first reported by Bloomberg.

Why Meta Is Making These Cuts

Meta expects its capital spending in 2026 to be between $115 billion and $135 billion, up from $72.2 billion in 2025. The increase is mainly due to investments in Meta Superintelligence Labs and core business infrastructure. The layoffs are presented as a way to improve efficiency and free up resources for that spending without considerably increasing total costs.

For the fourth quarter of 2025, Meta reported a record quarterly revenue of $59.89 billion and a net income of $22.77 billion. The company also projects revenue for the first quarter of 2026 to be between $53.5 billion and $56.5 billion, which is above previous Wall Street estimates. Full financial results for the first quarter of 2026 are scheduled to be released on April 29.

How These Layoffs Fit Into Meta’s Recent History and AI Push

The layoffs on May 20 are Meta's largest since March 2023, when the company cut 10,000 jobs following an earlier reduction of 11,000 staff in November 2022. Along with clearing open positions, the current layoffs total about 14,000 roles removed from Meta's workforce and hiring plans.

These layoffs come at the same time as Meta introduces its Model Capability Initiative, an employee computer monitoring program announced this week to gather interaction data for AI training. Additionally, the company has launched Muse Spark, its first in-house AI model developed by Superintelligence Labs.

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So, we are going back to where we started and changing our team's name. We are Xbox." The rebranding comes after Sharma took over as gaming CEO following the departures of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond earlier this year.

What Is Changing Inside Microsoft Gaming and Why

The Microsoft Gaming umbrella was introduced to separate the Xbox brand from specific hardware and support a platform-agnostic approach focused on cloud gaming and mobile. This strategy, which led to campaigns like "Everything is an Xbox" and "This is an Xbox," faced internal resistance and did not stop the decline in hardware revenue. After taking over, Sharma was among the first to discontinue both campaigns.

According to an internal source cited by The Verge, Sharma has told employees that "Xbox needs to be our identity." Slogans such as "Return of Xbox," "Great Games," and "Future of Play" have been displayed in Xbox office areas at Microsoft's headquarters.

How This Rebrand Connects to Game Pass Changes

The recent rebranding comes alongside changes to Game Pass pricing and content, announced earlier this week. Sharma noted that the service has become too costly for many players after last year's price hikes. As part of the update, Game Pass Ultimate has been reduced from $30 to $23 per month, and PC Game Pass has dropped from $16.50 to $14 per month.

The restructuring also impacts Microsoft's justification for its $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard. Future Call of Duty titles will no longer launch on Game Pass on the day they are released. Instead, they will join the service about a year after launch.

Microsoft has not announced any other structural changes to the Xbox division beyond the name change and the updates to Game Pass.

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The GPT-5.5 Pro API tier will cost $30 per million input tokens and $180 per million output tokens. OpenAI states that GPT-5.5 offers similar per-token latency to GPT-5.4 in real-world use while providing improved performance and requiring fewer tokens to complete the same Codex tasks.

How GPT-5.5 Improves Agentic Coding Performance

On Terminal-Bench 2.0, which tests complex command-line workflows requiring planning and tool coordination, GPT-5.5 achieves 82.7%, up from GPT-5.4's 75.1%. On Expert-SWE, an internal OpenAI benchmark designed for long-horizon coding tasks with a median estimated human completion time of 20 hours, GPT-5.5 also outperforms GPT-5.4, using fewer tokens across all three coding evaluations.

On SWE-Bench Pro, which assesses real-world GitHub issue resolution, GPT-5.5 scores 58.6%. Meanwhile, Claude Opus 4.7 scores higher at 64.3%.

GPT 5.5 on Computer Use and Knowledge Work

On OSWorld-Verified, which assesses a model's ability to operate in real-world computer environments autonomously, GPT-5.5 achieves a score of 78.7%, compared to GPT-5.4's 75.0%.

On GDPval, a test of agent performance across 44 different occupations, GPT-5.5 scores 84.9%. In the Tau2-bench Telecom benchmark, which measures performance on complex customer service workflows without prompt tuning, GPT-5.5 reaches 98.0%, up from GPT-5.4's 92.8%.

Scientific Research, Cybersecurity, and Safety

GPT-5.5 shows gains on GeneBench, a multi-stage scientific data analysis benchmark in genetics and quantitative biology, scoring 25.0% compared with GPT-5.4's 19.0%. GPT-5.5 Pro scores 33.2% on the same benchmark. On BixBench, a bioinformatics benchmark, GPT-5.5 reaches 80.5% compared with GPT-5.4's 74.0%.

OpenAI also states that an internal version of GPT-5.5 with a custom harness contributed to a new proof about Ramsey numbers in combinatorics, which was later verified in Lean.

OpenAI rates GPT-5.5's cybersecurity and biological capabilities as high within its Preparedness Framework, just one level below critical. On CyberGym, GPT-5.5 scores 81.8%, compared to GPT-5.4's 79.0% and Claude Opus 4.7's 73.1%. The update introduces more stringent classifiers for potential cyber risks. Additionally, OpenAI is launching a Trusted Access for Cyber program, allowing verified users to apply for broader access to advanced cybersecurity features with fewer restrictions for defensive purposes.

Where and When You Can Use GPT-5.5?

GPT-5.5 thinking is available to Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise users in ChatGPT. In Codex, GPT-5.5 can be accessed across Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, Edu, and Go plans with a 400,000 token context window.

A fast mode option generates tokens about 1.5 times faster at roughly 2.5 times the cost. API access will be available soon. Batch and Flex API pricing are offered at half the standard rate, with priority processing at about 2.5 times the standard rate.

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The new feature was first noticed by a Reddit user and has been reported by Android Authority.

How YouTube TV’s New Multiview Interface Works

When you select the multiview option, a new interface appears with recommended channels alongside your current selections at the top of the screen. Channels are grouped into categories such as Recommended, Sports, News, TV Shows, and Movies.

To check if the feature is available, start a live stream and press the down button on the remote to open the multiview menu. If the feature has been rolled out to your account, you should see an "Add to multiview" option next to the channel selection categories.

The feature is gradually rolling out to YouTube TV subscribers on smart TVs via server-side updates. Not all accounts have received it yet, and YouTube TV has not provided a timeline for when the rollout will be complete for everyone.

This customizable multiview feature comes after the recent launch of new pricing bundles, including a $64.99 per month Sports plan and a $54.99 per month Entertainment plan, both introduced earlier this year.

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Support for Android devices is expected later in 2026. These summaries are tailored to the content type: recipes show step-by-step instructions, sports pages display scores and statistics, and news articles highlight key points from the text.

On-Device vs. Cloud Processing

On iPhone 15 Pro models and later, running iOS 26 or newer, summaries are created locally on the device using Apple Intelligence, so page content stays on the phone. Older iPhone models or those with earlier iOS versions send page text to Mozilla's servers, where it is processed into a summary before being sent back to the device.

Mozilla has not provided details about what data is stored after cloud processing or how long page text remains on its servers.

Other Firefox Mobile Features Mozilla Has Planned

Mozilla has announced upcoming features for Firefox mobile set to arrive over the next few months. An AI Controls panel will enable users to manage all generative AI options from one place, including a switch to disable all AI features at once or toggle each one individually.

Preferences will be saved across browser updates. A built-in VPN for Android is also in development, providing up to 50GB of monthly browsing protection on supported platforms. Tab Groups will let users organize open pages into labeled collections, with automatic grouping suggestions planned to help reduce clutter when many tabs are open. Shake to Summarise is now available for Firefox on iOS in the UK.

Mozilla has not announced a release date for other regions or for Android.

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The app can be found on the Microsoft Store. To use it, users need to sign in with the same Samsung account on both their Galaxy phone and their Windows 11 PC.

What Galaxy Connect Does and Which PCs Are Compatible

Galaxy Connect offers several continuity features that seamlessly link a Samsung Galaxy phone with a Windows PC. Users can easily copy and paste between devices, access phone storage directly from the PC, and continue their browsing across devices by syncing open web pages. Additionally, the feature allows the Galaxy phone to serve as a secondary display for the PC.

The expanded compatibility is limited to Intel and AMD x64-based Windows 11 devices. ARM-based PCs, including those using Qualcomm Snapdragon X processors, are not supported in version 2.1.6.0. Samsung has not announced whether ARM support might be added in a future update.

Previously, Galaxy Connect was available only on Galaxy Book laptops, which restricted its use to a small group of Galaxy phone owners. The latest update broadens these features to a wider range of Windows 11 devices that meet the hardware requirements.

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The software will operate on work-related applications and websites such as Gmail, GChat, and Metamate, which is Meta's internal AI assistant for employees. Phones used for work are not included in the tracking.

Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth confirmed that employees using work laptops do not have the option to opt out of the tracking.

What Meta Is Collecting From Employee Work Computers

Meta explains that its tracking system focuses on understanding how employees interact with computers, capturing actions such as selecting options from dropdown menus and using keyboard shortcuts. The company states that this data is meant to help train AI models on tasks that they are not yet able to perform independently.

"Everyone at Meta can contribute to improving our models simply by doing their daily work," the memo noted. Bosworth described the long-term aim as developing AI agents that can carry out tasks while employees oversee and refine their work.

In a statement to CNET, Meta confirmed that the tool collects input data from specific applications to give AI models real examples of human-computer interaction. The company emphasized that the data will not be used in performance evaluations, will not be accessible to managers, and that there are safeguards in place to protect sensitive information.

How Employees and Privacy Experts Are Responding

The internal reaction was described by Business Insider as employees being divided, with some feeling strongly opposed. One employee asked on an internal communications platform how to opt out, and Bosworth responded that there is no option to opt out on work laptops. The staff's reactions included shocked, crying, and angry emoji responses.

Eric Null, director of the Privacy and Data Project at the Center for Democracy & Technology, called the plan one of the most invasive forms of workplace surveillance. He also noted that it could cause real harm to people with disabilities and has the potential to reinforce structural biases if used for AI training.

Why Meta Is Expanding This Tracking Now

The tracking program is being introduced as Meta prepares to lay off roughly 8,000 employees, about 10% of its total 79,000 workforce, starting May 20. The company is investing over $135 billion in artificial intelligence development this year and recently released Muse Spark, its first proprietary AI model created by Superintelligence Labs.

Meta has not provided details on data retention periods, what qualifies as sensitive content under their safeguards, or how interaction data collected will be used in training their models.

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Android 17 is expected to be available in June or July, with more details likely to be revealed at Google I/O 2026 on May 19 and 20.

What Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 Fixes

The release notes for Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 detail four fixes. There was a crash in the Default Print Service during low ink conditions that prevented users from completing print jobs

• An Application Not Responding error in the Terminal app caused the application and device to become unresponsive
• An audio distortion issue was caused by hardware audio processing that could not be controlled on the voice communication path in VoIP applications, resulting in distortion and phase cancellation
• Additionally, there was a failure in direct audio output on devices using the AIDL audio HAL when playing audio streams longer than five seconds.

Which Pixel Devices Support It and How to Install It

Android 17 QPR1 Beta 1 is now available for Pixel 6 and newer devices, as well as the Pixel Tablet. To install the update, you'll need to enroll in the Android Beta Program. Once enrolled, the update should be accessible over the air.

Google recommends caution when installing beta builds on a primary device, as they may be unstable.

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Apple emphasizes that personal data will stay on users' devices and won't be shared with Apple or third parties. User location data will not be given to advertisers, and interactions with ads won’t be linked to an Apple Account.

What Is Changing in Apple Maps

The ads will appear in two places: search results, where promoted businesses may be listed above organic results, and the Suggested Places feature, which will recommend nearby businesses.

Apple has not provided details on how promoted results will be visually distinguished from non-promoted ones or what criteria will be used to decide which businesses appear in Suggested Places.

Historically, Apple Maps has been ad-free. Google Maps, on the other hand, introduced Promoted Pins in 2016 and has since expanded to include personalized suggestions based on journey history and location data. The way Apple plans to implement ads, as described, does not involve using journey or location history for targeting.

Why Apple Is Expanding Ads Into Maps

Apple's services revenue has increased as a share of total revenue over the past decade, while hardware revenue has decreased proportionally. Ads are already present in several Apple services, including the App Store, Apple News, and certain Apple TV content. Maps is now being used as an extension of that advertising presence, within a core utility app.

Apple has not specified whether ads will eventually be introduced in more apps or regions beyond the US and Canada at launch, or what the pricing model for advertisers will be.

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The price cuts coincide with a shift in the availability of Call of Duty titles on the service. The upcoming Call of Duty game, expected this October, will not be added to Game Pass until the 2027 holiday season. Existing Call of Duty titles will remain available on the platform.

Updated Game Pass Pricing Across All Tiers

The four current tiers of Game Pass are now priced as follows:

• Game Pass Essential at $10 per month offers access to 50 games, unchanged
• PC Game Pass, at $14 per month, includes day-one first-party releases, EA Play, and hundreds of PC titles
• Game Pass Premium, costing $15 per month, provides more than 200 titles, without changed
• Game Pass Ultimate at $23 per month includes over 500 console and PC games, first-party titles at launch, cloud gaming, Fortnite Crew, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics

Game Pass Ultimate increased from $20 to $30 per month in October 2025, while PC Game Pass rose from $12 to $16.50 during the same period. The current price reductions bring both tiers closer to their pre-2025 levels but do not fully restore the original prices.

Why the Next Call of Duty Is Delayed on Game Pass

The upcoming Call of Duty game, a follow-up to Modern Warfare III scheduled for release in October, will not be available on Game Pass at launch. Microsoft has aimed to include it in Game Pass during the 2027 holiday season. The delay marks a change from Microsoft's previous approach of adding new Call of Duty titles to the service on their release day.

According to Microsoft's own data, this practice potentially cost around $300 million in traditional game sales in 2024.

Why Microsoft Lowered Prices

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged in an internal memo that the subscription had become too expensive and that Microsoft needed more flexible pricing options. The previous price increases were reported to have contributed to record cancellation rates.

The current changes seem to be a response to subscriber pressure while maintaining the expanded game library introduced during the price hike period. Microsoft has not ruled out further adjustments to Game Pass pricing or structure.

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Windows 10 reached the end of support in October 2025, with extended security updates only available through the end of 2026. Currently, the kit is part of a pilot program with limited stock. Google has indicated that production will increase if there is sufficient demand.

What the $3 ChromeOS Flex USB Kit Includes

The USB kit offers an easy, plug-and-play way to install ChromeOS Flex on an existing Windows PC or Mac. While ChromeOS Flex is free to download, the physical kit includes printed guides and video tutorials designed for users who may not be comfortable with manually installing an operating system. The kit costs $3 in the US, UK, and Europe.

Google states that systems running ChromeOS Flex boot in less than 10 seconds, with most processing handled in the cloud rather than on local hardware.

ChromeOS Flex does not support Android apps. The operating system is designed for web browsing, streaming, and using cloud-based office applications. Users who rely on Windows-specific software or require locally intensive processing will find ChromeOS Flex inadequate as a replacement.

ChromeOS Flex Limits and the E-Waste Argument

Google reports that ChromeOS Flex uses roughly 19 percent less energy than comparable systems running other operating systems. The company also promotes the kit as an alternative to hardware disposal, arguing that extending the lifespan of existing devices helps reduce electronic waste and lowers the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new laptops. It is estimated that around 61.3 million metric tons of electronics will be discarded worldwide this year.

The ChromeOS Flex USB Kit is currently available through Back Market while supplies last. Google has not announced a future release date or confirmed if the $3 price will be maintained if the program expands.

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How Google Wallet Live Updates Works for Flights

Once a flight is booked and the boarding pass is saved in Google Wallet, the app starts displaying live flight data without needing to open another app or check email. It shows details such as takeoff time, flight duration, estimated arrival time, and a QR code for boarding gate scanning.

Any gate changes, delays, and other real-time updates appear automatically on the lock screen as they happen. This feature is available on Android 16 devices with the always-on display turned on or through the standard lock screen.

Users on Android 16 or later need to update Google Wallet and any related services through the Play Store to enable flight Live Updates. Once the app is updated and a boarding pass is added to the wallet, no further setup is needed. Google hasn't confirmed whether the flight Live Updates feature will be available on Android versions earlier than 16 or on iOS.

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Microsoft says this is a one-time issue and that future restarts should proceed normally once the key is entered. The problem appears to affect only devices with a specific combination of BitLocker and Secure Boot settings, and most users installing the update are not affected.

What Triggers the Issue

The BitLocker recovery prompt appears on a device when several conditions are met:

• BitLocker is enabled on the operating system drive, the Group Policy setting for configuring the TPM platform validation profile includes PCR7 in the validation profile
• System Information shows "Secure Boot State PCR7 Binding" as "Not Possible." Additionally, the UEFI CA 2023 certificate must be present in the Secure Boot Signature Database, and the device should not already be running the 2023-signed Windows Boot Manager

Microsoft considers this an "unrecommended" BitLocker configuration that can trigger this behavior.

How to Recover if Your PC Boots to BitLocker Recovery

Users already at the BitLocker recovery screen need their recovery key to continue. They can find the key in their Microsoft account on a separate device by matching the PC name and Key ID shown on the recovery screen.

Once the key is entered and the user clicks "continue", the system will boot to the desktop and will not ask for the key again on subsequent restarts.

How to Prevent It Before Installing KB5083769

Users who haven't yet installed KB5083769 and want to avoid the recovery prompt can proactively reset the Group Policy configuration. To do this, open the Group Policy Editor by searching for 'gpedit' in the Start menu.

Then, navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, BitLocker Drive Encryption, Operating System Drives.

Right-click on "Configure TPM platform validation profile for native UEFI firmware configurations" and select Edit.

Change the setting to Not configured, then click Apply and OK. Next, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the necessary commands. manage-bde -protectors -enable C:

This process rebinds BitLocker to the default PCR profile and prevents the recovery screen from appearing after the update is installed.

Commercial users who cannot modify Group Policy settings can contact Microsoft for a Known Issue Rollback update, which can undo the faulty configuration.

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The glasses will operate on Android XR, Google's platform for extended reality devices, including headsets and lightweight frames. Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault confirmed the target year to Reuters. No details about specifications, pricing, or features have been shared.

What Android XR Could Bring to Gucci Smart Glasses

Android XR is Google's dedicated platform for extended reality hardware, supporting multiple hardware partners across various form factors. The Gucci glasses are expected to be among several devices that run on this platform, which may eventually accommodate a range of prices and designs beyond the luxury segment.

Smart glasses on Android XR are anticipated to include features such as notifications, navigation overlays, real-time translation, and AI assistant functionalities delivered through an optical display. Google has not confirmed which of these features will be part of the Kering model.

Why Design May Be the Key Differentiator

Earlier smart glasses, like Google Glass, faced challenges in gaining mainstream acceptance, mainly due to their appearance. The partnership with Kering is based on the idea that a well-known luxury fashion brand can address the design issues that tech companies have typically struggled with.

Kering has not shared details about how the glasses will be distributed, whether through Gucci stores, Google's hardware partners, or both.

Unresolved Challenges

Battery life, camera, sensor privacy concerns, and practical everyday utility continue to be unresolved issues for the smart glasses industry as a whole. Neither Google nor Kering has provided details on how Gucci glasses will handle these challenges. A full product announcement is not likely before the launch window in 2027.

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