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Meta explores subscriptions beyond creators and businesses

Meta is getting ready to expand its subscription strategy beyond creators and verified accounts. According to details shared with TechCrunch, the company will begin testing premium subscriptions across Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp in the coming months.

Unlike Meta Verified, which focuses on creators and businesses, these new subscriptions are designed for everyday users. The goal is to unlock productivity, creativity, and AI-powered features, while leaving the core functionality of each app free to use.

Meta says it isn’t committing to a single model yet. Instead, it plans to experiment with different feature bundles and pricing strategies, with each app offering its own distinct premium experience.

Premium features will differ by app

While Meta hasn’t fully detailed what each subscription will include, early findings suggest Instagram may be the first to reveal concrete perks.

Reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi has spotted signs that Instagram’s paid tier could include:

• Unlimited audience lists for Stories and posts
• A tool to see which followers don’t follow you back
• The ability to view Stories anonymously

Details around Facebook and WhatsApp subscriptions are still unclear, but Meta confirmed they will focus on giving users more control over how they share and connect, rather than locking basic communication features behind a paywall.

AI subscriptions and Manus integration are coming

AI appears to be a major pillar of Meta’s subscription plans. The company confirmed it will scale Manus, an AI agent it recently acquired for a reported $2 billion, across its ecosystem.

Meta plans a two-track approach:

• Integrating Manus directly into Meta apps
• Continuing to sell Manus as a standalone subscription for businesses

Instagram has already been spotted testing shortcuts to Manus AI, hinting that premium users could get faster or deeper access to advanced AI assistance.

Meta is also preparing subscriptions for AI-driven features like Vibes, its short-form AI video generation tool. While Vibes has been free since launch, Meta plans to move it to a freemium model, where users can subscribe for higher monthly creation limits and additional capabilities.

Separate from Meta Verified, but built on its lessons

Meta emphasized that these new subscriptions will be separate from Meta Verified. Verified accounts remain focused on badges, impersonation protection, priority support, and search optimization—features mainly useful for creators and businesses.

However, Meta says it’s using insights from Meta Verified to shape these broader subscriptions, aiming to offer features that appeal to casual users, power users, and small creators alike.

Subscription fatigue vs. new revenue streams

From a business perspective, these subscriptions could open a significant new revenue stream for Meta. But the company is entering a crowded space, where users are increasingly wary of adding yet another monthly bill.

Still, there’s evidence the model can work. Snapchat’s Snapchat+ subscription has grown to more than 16 million users, showing that people are willing to pay for meaningful social features if the value is clear.

Meta says it plans to roll out these subscriptions gradually, gathering feedback and adjusting features based on how users respond. Whether people embrace paid social tools—or push back against subscription fatigue—will likely shape the future of Meta’s app ecosystem.

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Adobe pushes Photoshop toward faster, more controlled creative work

Adobe has announced a wave of updates for Photoshop that focus on something many professionals have been asking for: more control without extra complexity. Rather than leaning entirely on flashy AI tricks, this release blends practical workflow improvements with refined generative tools.

The update introduces two new non-destructive adjustment layers, expands Firefly AI capabilities, and adds a long-overdue quality-of-life text feature — all aimed at helping designers, photographers, and marketers work faster while maintaining precision.

The standout addition: Clarity, Dehaze, and Grain as adjustment layers

The headline feature is the arrival of Clarity & Dehaze and Grain as fully maskable, non-destructive adjustment layers.

Until now, users often had to rely on Camera Raw or indirect workarounds to achieve similar results. With this update:

• Dehaze lets you fine-tune atmospheric effects and lighting directly in layers
• Clarity enhances texture and contrast without destructive edits
• Grain adds depth and character while remaining fully adjustable

Because these are true adjustment layers, they can be blended, masked, and refined at any point in the workflow — a big win for professionals who iterate heavily on compositions.

Dynamic Text finally arrives (in beta)

Another small but impactful change is Dynamic Text, now available in beta. It allows text to automatically flow into curved, arched, or circular shapes with just a few clicks.

Instead of manually warping text and tweaking spacing, users can now:

• Select a text layer
• Choose a shape style
• Let Photoshop handle resizing and alignment automatically

It’s a simple addition, but one that removes a surprisingly common friction point in layout and branding work.

Firefly AI tools get sharper and more realistic

Adobe has also upgraded its Firefly-powered features across Photoshop and Photoshop on the web. Generative Fill, Generative Expand, and the Remove Tool now support outputs up to 2K resolution, delivering noticeably sharper results with fewer artifacts.

Key improvements include:

• Better lighting and depth consistency
• More accurate prompt interpretation
• Cleaner edges and more realistic textures

For ecommerce and marketing teams, Reference Image support has also been refined. When swapping objects — such as replacing a product in a scene — Photoshop now does a better job preserving scale, perspective, color, and overall identity.

A practical update for real creative workflows

What makes this Photoshop release stand out is its balance. While AI plays a role, the update doesn’t feel experimental or gimmicky. Instead, it targets everyday tasks like compositing, retouching, typography, and product imagery — areas where saved minutes quickly turn into saved hours.

All features are available now in the desktop version of Photoshop, with Firefly improvements also accessible on the web. For professionals who value precision as much as speed, this update feels less like a flashy headline and more like a long-overdue refinement.

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WhatsApp has announced a new optional security feature aimed at users who face a higher risk of targeted cyberattacks. The mode, called Strict Account Settings, adds an extra layer of protection by limiting how unknown contacts can interact with an account.

The move places WhatsApp alongside other major tech platforms that now offer “lockdown-style” security options for people who value protection over convenience.

What Is Strict Account Settings?

Strict Account Settings is a one-click security toggle found in WhatsApp’s settings. Once enabled, it activates multiple defensive measures at once, reducing the chances of malicious content reaching a user.

According to WhatsApp, the feature is designed for rare but serious threats, such as spyware campaigns and advanced surveillance attacks.

Key Protections Enabled

When turned on, Strict Account Settings will:

• Block media and file attachments from unknown senders
• Disable link previews, preventing potentially malicious thumbnails from loading
• Silence calls from unknown contacts, stopping harassment and attack attempts before they start

These interaction points have previously been used by attackers as entry vectors, especially in highly targeted hacking campaigns.

Why WhatsApp Built This Feature

All WhatsApp messages are already protected by end-to-end encryption, but encryption alone doesn’t stop every type of attack. Social engineering, spyware delivery, and zero-click exploits often rely on user interaction with calls, links, or attachments.

WhatsApp says the new mode is meant for users such as journalists, activists, and public figures who may be targeted precisely because of their work or visibility.

Part of a Bigger Industry Shift

WhatsApp’s parent company, Meta Platforms, is now the third major tech firm to offer this kind of enhanced protection.

Similar options already exist across other ecosystems:

• Apple Lockdown Mode (introduced in 2022) limits message attachments, link previews, FaceTime calls, and certain web features on iPhone and macOS.
• Android Advanced Protection Mode, launched by Google, restricts risky app installs and tightens account security for users with elevated threat awareness.

All of these features follow the same philosophy: less functionality in exchange for stronger security.

Who Should Enable It?

Strict Account Settings won’t be necessary for most everyday users. It’s intentionally restrictive and may make WhatsApp feel less flexible.

However, it can be a valuable safeguard for:

• Journalists and media workers
• Human rights activists and dissidents
• Political figures and public officials
• Anyone who believes they may be targeted by advanced cyber threats

Security researchers have welcomed the move. John Scott-Railton of The Citizen Lab described the feature as an important step toward better protecting civil society and encouraging other companies to raise their security standards.

Security vs. Convenience

The introduction of Strict Account Settings reflects a broader change in how tech companies think about safety. Instead of assuming one size fits all, platforms are now offering graduated security options, letting users decide how much risk they’re willing to accept.

For WhatsApp, this update signals a clear message: while the app is built for easy communication, it can also become a hardened tool for those who need maximum protection.

As digital threats grow more sophisticated, features like this may soon become standard—not exceptional—across major platforms.

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Linux gaming continues to gain momentum thanks to Valve and its Proton compatibility layer. With the release of Proton 10.0-4, Steam users on Linux can now play 19 additional games that previously required experimental builds, alongside numerous bug fixes that improve stability and performance across the board.

What Is Proton and Why Does It Matter

Proton is Valve’s Windows compatibility layer for Linux, built on top of the open-source Wine project. It allows Windows-only PC games to run on Linux through Steam with minimal setup, translating DirectX calls into Vulkan and handling Windows APIs behind the scenes.

For Linux gamers, Proton is the key reason why thousands of Windows titles are now playable without dual-booting or virtualization.

Proton 10.0-4: What’s New

The latest update doesn’t overhaul Proton’s foundation just yet—it’s still based on Wine 10 rather than the newly released Wine 11—but it does bring meaningful improvements.

19 New Playable Games

All of the following titles were previously functional in Proton Experimental and are now officially supported in Proton 10.0-4:

• Surgeon Simulator: Experience Reality
• Changeling VR
• Summoners War: RUSH
• Quantum Threshold
• REACH
• Fellowship
• Metal Slug: Awakening
• The Obsessive Shadow
• Drop Dead: The Cabin
• Zero Caliber 2 Remastered
• Lost Memories 3 Side Stories
• Death by Scrolling
• Stellar Reach
• Girls' Frontline
• Modules
• Distant Worlds 2
• ?????2
• Ring Runner: Flight of the Sages
• Chronology

The list includes a mix of standard PC titles and VR games, further strengthening Linux’s position as a viable gaming platform.

Major Bug Fixes and Improvements

Beyond new game support, Proton 10.0-4 addresses issues affecting many well-known titles, including:

• Far Cry 5
• Age of Empires IV Anniversary Edition
• Marvel Rivals
• Assassin’s Creed Shadows
• CHRONO TRIGGER
• Sackboy: A Big Adventure

Valve also fixed a long-standing bug that caused extended launch times for some Xbox Game Studios titles, impacting games like Avowed, Grounded 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and The Outer Worlds 2.

Audio enthusiasts will also appreciate fixes to 7.1 channel audio mapping in titles such as Ghost of Tsushima Director’s Cut and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

Under-the-Hood Updates

Proton 10.0-4 ships with updated components that enable these improvements, including newer versions of VKD3D (the Direct3D 12 to Vulkan translation layer) and Wine Mono 10.4.1. While the jump to Wine 11 isn’t here yet, this update lays solid groundwork for future gains.

How to Get the Update

The update is rolling out automatically to Steam on Linux. If you want to manually select a specific Proton version for a game, you can do so by right-clicking the title in your library and navigating to Properties ? Compatibility.

Linux Gaming Keeps Getting Better

Each Proton release chips away at the old assumption that Linux isn’t suitable for gaming. With more titles becoming playable and long-standing issues being resolved, Proton 10.0-4 is another strong step forward—especially for players who want a console-like experience on PC without leaving Linux behind.

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A recent Windows 11 security update has left some users confused and frustrated after their modems suddenly stopped working. While many initially assumed it was another Patch Tuesday mishap, Microsoft says the behavior is intentional — not a bug.

A Modem “Failure” That Wasn’t an Accident

Following the January 2026 Windows 11 security update (KB5074109), reports began appearing from users whose dial-up and legacy modem hardware no longer functioned. Given the update’s association with other serious issues — including GPU glitches, app crashes, and boot problems — the modem failures were quickly lumped into the growing list of update complaints.

However, Microsoft later clarified that this particular issue was expected.

In the official release notes, the company confirmed that the update removed several outdated modem drivers from Windows 11. Devices that rely on those drivers can no longer operate after the update is installed.

Which Drivers Were Removed?

The update eliminates multiple legacy modem drivers that date back many years, including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. These drivers were still present in Windows primarily for backward compatibility, but Microsoft says they contain unpatched security vulnerabilities.

From a security standpoint, removing them reduces the system’s attack surface — but it also means affected hardware is effectively deprecated overnight.

Why Users Were Caught Off Guard

While the driver removal was documented, many users never noticed the change until their hardware stopped working. Some even reported that newly purchased modems labeled as “Windows 11 compatible” failed immediately after the update.

This has caused particular disruption in niche but still-active environments, such as:

• Legacy phone answering and logging systems
• Industrial or specialized setups that depend on modem drivers
• Businesses still using older hardware for logging or connectivity

In many cases, manufacturers no longer provide updated drivers — leaving users with limited options.

Can You Fix It?

There is a temporary workaround, but it comes with risks:

1. Uninstall update KB5074109 to restore modem functionality.
2. Pause Windows Update to prevent the patch from reinstalling.
3. Use the time to migrate to supported hardware or a newer connection method.

This isn’t a long-term solution. Running an unpatched system increases security risk, especially if the device is connected to the internet or used inside an organization.

A Security Win With Real-World Consequences

Microsoft’s move highlights a broader reality: security improvements increasingly require dropping legacy components. Most users won’t notice this change at all, but those who rely on older modems are discovering that Windows can remove compatibility overnight — even if the device still worked before Patch Tuesday.

If your setup depends on one of those legacy drivers, uninstalling the update may buy you time, but the real fix will likely require replacing the hardware.

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If you rely on Google apps, there’s a good chance Google Photos is already your go-to place for managing memories. What began as a simple photo backup service has steadily evolved into a powerful creative platform—and its latest update pushes that transformation even further.

Google Photos is now significantly expanding its photo-to-video animation feature, giving users far more control over how still images are brought to life.

From Subtle Motion to Full Creative Control

Previously, Google Photos could animate still images, but the results were limited to gentle, preset movements. With this update, those restrictions are largely gone.

Users can now enter custom prompts to describe exactly how they want a photo to move. Instead of accepting a generic animation, you can guide the motion, pacing, and overall feel of the clip. The result is a more personal, expressive animation that feels intentionally crafted rather than automatically generated.

This upgrade is especially impactful for older photos. Images from past decades—often static and faded—can now gain new life through motion, helping bridge the gap between generations of memories.

Style Effects and Smarter Suggestions

The improvements aren’t limited to motion alone. Google Photos now allows prompts to apply styles and visual effects to animated images. Whether you’re going for something cinematic, playful, or nostalgic, the system can adjust the look and tone accordingly.

If you’re not sure where to start, Google Photos offers built-in suggestions to spark ideas. And for users who already have a specific result in mind, it’s possible to fine-tune animations with small tweaks rather than starting from scratch.

Adding Audio for More Immersive Memories

Google is also leaning into immersion. Animated creations can now include audio, making photo-to-video clips feel more complete and emotionally engaging. Whether it’s ambient sound or background audio, the addition helps transform a simple animation into something closer to a short film.

There is one limitation to note: this feature is restricted to users 18 and older, in line with Google’s AI usage policies.

More Creativity, More Personality

Alongside these upgrades, Google Photos has also introduced lighter, fun-focused tools—such as a built-in meme generator—showing that the platform isn’t just about preservation anymore, but expression. While not everyone will use every feature, together they reinforce Google Photos’ direction: turning memories into shareable, creative moments.

Why This Update Matters

This isn’t just a minor tweak. By allowing prompt-driven animation, Google Photos moves closer to becoming an everyday creative studio—one that doesn’t require video editing skills or third-party apps. For casual users, it’s an easy way to make memories more dynamic. For longtime Photos users, it’s another reason the service remains hard to replace.

As Google continues layering AI creativity into its apps, Google Photos is quickly becoming more than a gallery—it’s a storytelling tool.

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Apple has officially released iOS 26.3 beta 3 for iPhone, continuing its steady pace of updates ahead of the version’s expected public rollout in early February.

This latest beta arrives after the stable launches of iOS 26.2 in December and iOS 26.2.1 in January, which focused on refinements to Liquid Glass design elements, expanded CarPlay customization, and overall system polish. With beta 3, Apple is clearly shifting attention toward usability tweaks and visual refinements rather than headline-grabbing features.

What’s New in iOS 26.3

While iOS 26.3 is not a major feature release, it introduces several quality-of-life improvements that aim to smooth everyday use.

Easier Switching From Android to iPhone

One of the most notable changes in iOS 26.3 is an improved experience for users migrating from Android. Apple has refined the process of switching devices, making it simpler to transfer data and get set up on an iPhone with fewer steps and less friction. While Apple hasn’t detailed every technical change, the focus is clearly on reducing barriers for new iPhone users.

Updated Astronomy and Weather Wallpapers

Apple has also refreshed the Astronomy and Weather wallpaper gallery. These dynamic wallpapers—long popular for their subtle animations and real-time data—have received visual tweaks that make them feel more cohesive and polished. It’s a small change, but one that adds to the overall sense of refinement in iOS 26.

Release Timeline: What to Expect Next

Based on Apple’s usual update cadence, iOS 26.3 is expected to launch publicly in early February. Additional beta builds may still arrive before then, but beta 3 suggests the software is nearing final form.

Looking further ahead, attention is already turning to iOS 26.4, which is expected to be a far more significant update.

iOS 26.4 and the Future of Siri

Apple has confirmed that iOS 26.4 will likely be the first version to include the long-awaited upgraded version of Siri. As previously announced, Apple plans to use Google’s Gemini models as part of the next generation of Siri and Apple Intelligence.

That update is expected to bring deeper contextual awareness, stronger conversational abilities, and tighter integration across apps—marking one of the biggest Siri upgrades in years.

A Polishing Update With Bigger Changes Ahead

iOS 26.3 beta 3 may not introduce dramatic new capabilities, but it reflects Apple’s familiar approach: incremental refinement now, major changes later. For users testing the beta, this release offers a smoother setup experience, refreshed visuals, and reassurance that the platform is stabilizing ahead of its next major AI-driven leap.

If Apple stays on schedule, iOS 26.3 will soon land for everyone—just in time to set the stage for the more ambitious updates coming later this year.

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After years of user frustration, YouTube Music is rolling out a long-awaited feature: proper cross-device queue synchronization. That means you can now start listening on your computer and continue on your phone—or the other way around—without losing your place.

For many users, this closes one of the biggest gaps between YouTube Music and rival streaming platforms.

True Cross-Device Handoff Is Finally Here

Until now, YouTube Music’s playback continuity was only partially implemented. The web player could resume a playlist or album you were listening to on mobile, but only from the beginning of the track. Even worse, the experience was largely one-directional, with mobile apps unable to fully sync back to the web.

That limitation is now being removed.

Thanks to a server-side update, YouTube Music is gaining true two-way handoff. When you open the app on Android, iOS, or iPadOS, it will automatically highlight the exact track—and playback position—you last listened to on another device.

In other words, if you paused a song halfway through on your laptop, you can pick up from that same moment on your phone.

How the New Sync Works

When a synced session is detected, YouTube Music displays a small label on the player instead of the artist name. This label indicates where your playback is coming from, such as:

• From your browser
• From your iPhone

This subtle UI cue confirms that the app is pulling your active queue from another device, rather than starting a new session.

The experience closely mirrors what Spotify users have enjoyed for years, making YouTube Music feel far more competitive in day-to-day use.

Why This Change Matters

Cross-device continuity may sound like a small feature, but it has a huge impact on usability. Music listening often happens in short bursts across different environments—at a desk, in a car, at the gym, or on the couch.

Without proper syncing, users are forced to:

• Manually find the song again
• Restart tracks they already heard
• Rebuild queues from scratch

By fixing this friction point, YouTube Music removes a major annoyance that has pushed some listeners toward competing services.

Rolling Out Now (But Not for Everyone Yet)

Because this is a server-side update, there’s no app update required—and rollout may be gradual. Some users are already seeing the new behavior, while others may need to wait a bit longer for it to activate on their accounts.

If you don’t see it yet, that’s normal. Google often enables features in stages.

A Small Change With Big Impact

YouTube Music has steadily improved over the past couple of years, but gaps like this one have lingered far too long. With true cross-device queue syncing finally live, the service feels more polished, more modern, and far less frustrating to use.

It may be overdue—but for many users, this fix alone could make YouTube Music much easier to stick with every day.

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Windows 11 is not a bad operating system. In fact, by most technical measures, it is faster, more secure, and more consistent than its predecessor. The platform has benefited from years of under-the-hood work, and for many users, it runs just fine day to day.

And yet, frustration around Windows has rarely felt higher.

Spend a few minutes in any Windows-focused forum, subreddit, or comment section and the pattern is clear. Complaints aren’t centered on performance or stability. They’re about surprise changes, forced decisions, broken updates, and a growing sense that Microsoft is no longer building Windows with its users.

That disconnect is the real issue Microsoft needs to confront.

Windows doesn’t have a feature problem

Microsoft ships new Windows features at a steady pace. Copilot integrations, UI refreshes, AI-powered tools, and ongoing app updates arrive regularly. On paper, this should be a good thing.

Instead, many of these additions land poorly. Not because they are useless, but because they arrive without clear consent, explanation, or an easy way to opt out. Features appear in the taskbar. Ads show up in places users consider core system UI. Defaults change after updates. Privacy and telemetry settings feel fragmented and hard to reason about.

Each decision on its own might be defensible. Together, they create fatigue.

Users increasingly feel like Windows is something that happens to them after Patch Tuesday, not something they actively control.

Patch Tuesday keeps making things worse

Recent Patch Tuesday incidents have amplified this sentiment. Emergency out-of-band updates, broken shutdown behavior, cloud app failures, and encryption key controversies all feed the same narrative: Microsoft is moving fast, but not carefully enough.

When updates introduce new problems — or fix one issue while breaking another — trust erodes quickly. Even users who understand the complexity of Windows development grow wary when reliability feels inconsistent.

At that point, even positive changes are viewed with suspicion.

Control matters more than novelty

Most Windows users are not anti-change. They are anti-surprise.

They want to know what is changing, why it is changing, and how it affects their setup. They want system-level features to be optional, not mandatory. They want ads out of the operating system they paid for. They want privacy controls that are centralized, understandable, and respected.

Above all, they want agency.

When users feel that Microsoft’s priorities — AI promotion, service integration, data collection — consistently override user choice, confidence fades. Once trust is gone, no amount of polish can compensate.

The missing piece is a clearer contract with users

Microsoft does not need to redesign the Start menu again. It does not need more experimental UI changes. What it needs is a clearer, more consistent relationship with its users.

That starts with predictable behavior:

• No ads in core system interfaces
• No forced features without clear opt-in
• Transparent communication about updates and roadmaps
• Centralized, meaningful privacy controls
• Feedback programs that visibly influence decisions

None of this is radical. It is basic respect for the people who rely on Windows every day.

Windows itself is not in crisis. But the relationship between Microsoft and its users is strained, and strained relationships do not improve through surprise updates or silent policy shifts.

They improve through clarity, consistency, and trust — rebuilt one decision at a time.

Where do you think Windows is heading?

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Apple is preparing the most significant upgrade to Siri since its launch, with two major releases planned across 2026. Siri 2.0, arriving first with iOS 26, focuses on practical intelligence and task handling. Siri 3.0, expected later with iOS 27, takes a much bigger step by turning Siri into a full conversational AI chatbot.

Together, these updates mark a clear change in Apple’s approach to artificial intelligence and how deeply it is willing to integrate advanced models into everyday features.

Siri 2.0 Focuses On Practical Intelligence

Siri 2.0 is expected to ship as part of iOS 26.4 in spring 2026. Rather than reinventing how users interact with Siri, this update concentrates on making the assistant more reliable, context-aware, and useful for daily tasks.

Key improvements reported for Siri 2.0 include better handling of multi-step requests, improved understanding of follow-up questions, and the ability to remember prior interactions during a session. Siri is also expected to become more capable at locating files, pulling relevant information from apps, and helping users organize tasks like reminders and schedules more efficiently.

This version of Siri relies on external AI models while still running within Apple’s privacy-focused framework, acting as a transitional step rather than a full chatbot experience.

Siri 3.0 Brings A Chatbot-Style Experience

Siri 3.0, planned for iOS 27 later in 2026, represents a much larger shift. Internally codenamed “Campos,” this version is designed to behave more like modern AI chatbots, with continuous conversations, typed input support, and improved conversational memory.

Instead of responding to isolated commands, Siri 3.0 is expected to support longer, more natural interactions. Users should be able to reference earlier questions, refine requests mid-conversation, and get more detailed, generated responses rather than short command-based replies.

This update would place Siri much closer to competitors like ChatGPT and Gemini, both in capability and in how users interact with it.

A Phased Rollout Strategy

Apple appears to be deliberately splitting these changes across two releases. Siri 2.0 introduces smarter task handling without radically changing the interface, while Siri 3.0 delivers the more disruptive chatbot experience once the underlying systems are in place.

Siri 2.0 is expected in early 2026, while Siri 3.0 should debut alongside iOS 27, with more details likely to be shared at WWDC in June.

Why This Matters

For years, Siri has lagged behind competing assistants in flexibility and conversational ability. These updates suggest Apple is finally willing to rethink Siri’s role, moving it beyond a basic voice command tool into a more capable AI assistant that can adapt to how people actually work and communicate.

If Apple delivers on these plans, Siri’s evolution across iOS 26 and iOS 27 could be one of the most meaningful platform changes in years, especially for users who rely on the assistant daily.

Do you still use Siri daily? Yes/No?

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1Password has introduced a new security feature designed to reduce the risk of phishing attacks by warning users before they enter credentials on suspicious websites.

The update adds visible pop-up alerts when users visit URLs that appear risky, including domains that closely resemble legitimate sites but may be controlled by attackers.

Why 1Password Added The Warnings

Password managers already offer some built-in phishing protection by refusing to autofill credentials on websites that do not match saved login URLs. However, this protection is not foolproof.

Users may still manually enter credentials if they believe the password manager failed to load correctly or if the domain name looks convincing at a glance. Typosquatted domains, which rely on subtle spelling differences, remain especially effective at bypassing user awareness.

According to 1Password, this gap is large enough to justify an additional warning layer.

How The New Alerts Work

When a potentially malicious page is detected, 1Password displays a pop-up warning that prompts users to slow down and double-check the site before continuing. The alert does not block access outright but aims to interrupt risky behavior at the moment it matters most.

The feature is enabled automatically for Individual and Family plan users. Business and enterprise customers can enable it through Authentication Policies in the 1Password admin console.

Phishing Remains A Widespread Problem

1Password says the change is a response to the growing effectiveness of phishing campaigns, especially those assisted by AI tools that help attackers scale and polish their scams.

In a survey conducted by the company, more than 60 percent of respondents said they had been successfully phished at least once. Three out of four admitted they do not routinely check URLs before clicking links. In workplace environments, password reuse and unreported phishing attempts remain common.

These behaviors increase the risk of account compromise, even when technical safeguards are in place.

A Small Change With Practical Impact

The new warning system does not replace existing protections, but it adds a timely visual signal that many users were previously missing. By calling attention to suspicious domains before credentials are entered, 1Password is attempting to reduce mistakes caused by habit, haste, or overconfidence.

The feature is rolling out now and does not require manual activation for most personal users.

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Modern PCs ship with fast NVMe SSDs, but treating that drive as a dumping ground for every file you own is one of the most common — and costly — storage mistakes. Not all data deserves the same treatment, and once you understand the difference between hot and cold data, it becomes much easier to keep systems responsive without constantly upgrading storage.

Storage tiering sounds like something reserved for data centers, but the same principles apply just as well to home and small-office setups.

Why Flat Storage Causes Problems

Flat storage means everything lives in one place, usually the primary SSD. Operating system files, active projects, old downloads, archived photos, and backups all compete for the same fast — and expensive — space.

That approach causes issues over time. As SSDs fill up, performance drops. File organization becomes messy. Backups take longer because unchanged files are scanned repeatedly. Worst of all, a single drive failure can wipe out everything at once.

SSDs are also the most expensive storage per gigabyte. Using premium storage to hold files you haven’t opened in years is a poor tradeoff, especially when slower and cheaper options work just as well for that role.

Hot, Warm, And Cold Data Defined Hot Data

Hot data is anything you access frequently or need immediate performance from. This includes:

• The operating system
• Installed applications
• Current work files and projects
• Games and software that benefit from fast load times

Hot data belongs on your internal SSD. This keeps the system responsive and reduces wait times. The key is keeping this tier lean. The less clutter on your main drive, the better it performs.

Warm Data

Warm data sits between daily use and long-term storage. Examples include:

• Recent photos and videos
• Finished projects that may need revisiting
• Media libraries accessed occasionally

Warm data doesn’t need SSD speeds, but it should still be easy to reach. External hard drives, secondary internal drives, or standard cloud storage work well here. Access might take a few extra seconds, but that’s rarely a problem.

Cold Data

Cold data is stored for reference, legal reasons, or sentimental value — not for frequent access. This includes:

• Old photos and videos
• Past backups
• Archived documents and installers

Cold storage prioritizes cost and durability over speed. Large external drives, offline backups, or archive-tier cloud storage are ideal. Retrieval may take minutes or hours, but that’s acceptable for data you rarely need.

Why Separating Data Matters

Understanding storage tiers changes how you buy and use hardware. Once you realize only a fraction of your data needs to live on fast storage, you can stop overpaying for oversized SSDs.

Instead of upgrading to a 2TB SSD, many users are better off with a smaller internal drive paired with cheaper secondary storage. The system stays fast, and the savings can be put toward better hardware elsewhere.

Tiering also improves reliability. When cold data lives offline or on separate devices, it’s protected from malware, ransomware, and everyday accidents. Losing a laptop no longer means losing everything.

Organization improves too. Active workspaces stay clean, backups run faster, and finding files becomes easier when old data isn’t mixed with current projects.

How To Apply This At Home

You don’t need special software to get started.

• Keep the operating system, apps, and current projects on the SSD
• Move completed projects and media to a secondary drive
• Archive old files to offline or cloud-based cold storage
• Exclude cold data from daily backups when possible

Many users already have the hardware needed. Old hard drives, USB enclosures, and cloud storage plans can all serve as warm or cold tiers with minimal effort.

Storage Is About Intent, Not Capacity

The biggest mistake isn’t having too little storage — it’s using the wrong storage for the wrong data. Fast drives should stay fast. Cheap storage should handle the bulk.

Once you stop treating all files equally, storage becomes easier to manage, systems stay responsive longer, and upgrades become less frequent. Hot and cold data separation isn’t an enterprise trick. It’s a practical habit that pays off on every PC.

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Another out-of-band fix rolls out

Microsoft has issued a second emergency out-of-band update for Windows 11 to address serious bugs introduced by January 2026’s Patch Tuesday updates. The new update, KB5078127, is now rolling out globally.

The latest fix targets a problem that left several popular apps unusable after installing recent security updates.

Outlook and cloud apps were breaking

According to Microsoft, the bug caused applications that rely on cloud storage to become unresponsive or fail outright. Affected apps included Outlook, OneDrive, and Dropbox.

In some cases, Outlook would hang on launch, refuse to reopen, or re-download old emails. Until now, Microsoft’s only workaround was uninstalling the January security updates — something few users want to do.

KB5078127 replaces that workaround and bundles fixes from both the January 13 Patch Tuesday release and the first emergency update issued on January 17.

A messy Patch Tuesday cycle

This is the second emergency update Microsoft has released in a single week. The first out-of-band patch fixed issues that prevented some systems from shutting down or using Remote Desktop — but it also introduced the app-breaking bug now being addressed.

The repeated emergency fixes highlight ongoing quality problems with Windows updates, especially for Windows 11 users running recent versions.

What users should do

If you were affected by frozen cloud apps or Outlook issues after January’s updates, installing KB5078127 should resolve the problem without rolling back security patches. Microsoft says the same fix is also being applied to other supported Windows versions.

For now, all eyes are on February’s Patch Tuesday, as Microsoft looks to restore confidence after a particularly rocky update cycle.

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iOS 26 Focuses On Practical Improvements

iOS 26 delivers the usual long list of refinements, but only a handful of additions meaningfully change how the iPhone is used day to day. Several of the update’s smaller features improve core apps rather than introducing flashy new modes.

These four additions stand out for their frequency of use rather than their novelty.

1. Adaptive Toolbar Makes Notes Easier To Use Context-Aware Editing Controls

Apple Notes gains an Adaptive Toolbar in iOS 26 that changes based on what you are doing inside a note. When editing text, formatting tools such as bold, italics, underline, and highlight appear automatically. Selecting multiple lines brings up list controls, indentation, and block quote options.

The full toolbar remains accessible with a swipe, but most common tools are surfaced automatically. This reduces clutter and makes features easier to discover without digging through menus.

2. Preview Comes To iPhone Better PDF And Document Handling

The arrival of Preview on iOS brings Mac-style document handling to the iPhone. While many of its tools previously existed inside the Files app, Preview separates document viewing from file navigation.

 

This makes it easier to keep a PDF open while browsing folders in Files, particularly when working with multiple documents. The setup feels closer to macOS-style multitasking and is especially useful for reading and comparing PDFs.

3. Sleep Score Improves Health App Readability A Simpler Way To Understand Sleep Data

The Apple Health app now includes a Sleep Score that summarizes nightly sleep quality. Instead of relying on raw charts, the score combines duration, bedtime consistency, and interruptions into a single daily number.

The breakdown makes it easy to see why a score is higher or lower on a given day. The presentation mirrors the simplicity of Activity rings on Apple Watch, making sleep data easier to check at a glance.

4. AI Search Enhances Apple Maps Natural Language Search Powered By Apple Intelligence

Search in Apple Maps is now powered by Apple Intelligence on supported devices. Queries can be phrased more naturally and include multiple conditions, improving both known-location searches and discovery.

The upgrade builds on Apple’s earlier AI-powered search improvements in Photos and applies them to one of the most frequently used apps on iPhone. While not visually dramatic, the change makes everyday navigation and place-finding more reliable.

Small Features With Daily Impact

iOS 26 does not rely on one headline feature to define the update. Instead, these additions improve apps that people already use constantly. Adaptive controls, clearer health data, better document handling, and smarter search collectively make the update feel more practical than experimental.

Resources:

iOS 26 added four new features I’ve been using almost every day

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Windows 11 Cloud Accounts Change How Encryption Keys Are Handled

Microsoft has confirmed that it will provide BitLocker recovery keys to the Federal Bureau of Investigation if presented with a valid legal request. The confirmation follows reporting that Microsoft supplied encryption keys to law enforcement during a criminal investigation in 2025.

The situation is tied directly to how Windows 11 handles device encryption by default. When a user signs in with a Microsoft Account, the operating system automatically backs up the device’s BitLocker recovery key to Microsoft’s cloud unless the user explicitly chooses another option during setup.

Why Microsoft Can Access BitLocker Keys BitLocker Keys Are Stored With Microsoft Accounts

BitLocker encrypts the data on a Windows PC to protect it if the device is lost or stolen. To prevent permanent data loss, Windows 11 ties the recovery key to the user’s Microsoft Account by default.

This design allows users to recover their data if they are locked out of their PC. It also means Microsoft can access the key stored in its cloud systems when required by law.

Microsoft told Forbes that it receives around 20 requests per year from the FBI for BitLocker recovery keys. In most cases, Microsoft cannot comply because the key was never uploaded. When the key is stored in the cloud, however, Microsoft can provide it.

Legal Requests And Privacy Implications

Microsoft says it only hands over recovery keys when presented with valid legal orders. A company spokesperson stated that while cloud key recovery offers convenience, it also involves trade-offs, and customers are ultimately responsible for deciding how their encryption keys are managed.

The approach differs from some other technology companies. Apple, for example, has publicly resisted law enforcement requests when it does not have technical access to encrypted data. In contrast, Microsoft’s design allows access because the recovery keys are not end-to-end encrypted in a way that prevents the company itself from seeing them.

How To Check And Manage Your BitLocker Recovery Keys

Users can check whether their BitLocker recovery keys are stored in Microsoft’s cloud by visiting their Microsoft Account device management page. From there, keys can be viewed or deleted.

It is also possible to configure Windows to store recovery keys locally or in other locations during setup, but this requires manual action and is not the default behavior when using a Microsoft Account.

What This Means For Windows 11 Users

Windows 11’s mandatory Microsoft Account setup on most consumer editions makes cloud key backup the standard configuration. For users concerned about data access by third parties, this setup may warrant closer inspection of encryption and account settings.

Microsoft has not indicated any plans to change how BitLocker recovery keys are stored by default. For now, users who want full control over their encryption keys must actively manage where those keys are saved.

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ChromeOS 144 Brings Gemini Directly Into Chrome

Google is preparing to roll out ChromeOS 144, the first major ChromeOS update of 2026, starting January 27. The headline addition is the official integration of Gemini directly into Chrome on Chromebook Plus devices.

Gemini has been available in Chrome on macOS and Windows for several months, but ChromeOS 144 marks its first native appearance on Chromebooks. The integration goes beyond a simple shortcut, allowing Gemini to understand and interact with the content of the currently open webpage in real time.

How Gemini Works Inside Chrome Page-Aware AI Assistance

With Gemini enabled, users can ask questions about the page they are viewing, request summaries, or get clarification on complex sections without leaving the tab. This page-level awareness makes it possible to extract key points or generate follow-up content while staying within the browsing session.

Chat And Voice Interaction Modes

ChromeOS 144 offers two ways to interact with Gemini:

• Gemini Chat, a text-based interface for queries and content generation
• Gemini Live, a voice-based mode designed for hands-free interaction

Both modes are built directly into Chrome, rather than running as separate apps or extensions.

New Class Tools Features For Education Wireless Screen Sharing

ChromeOS 144 also introduces new features aimed at classrooms. Teachers can now wirelessly share their screen, or a student’s screen, to a classroom display using the Class Tools teacher app. The connection is handled through a pairing code and requires a compatible ChromeOS receiver, such as a Chromebox or a device running ChromeOS Flex.

Live Annotations And Larger Sessions

To support interactive lessons, teachers can annotate directly over shared screens using a stylus, finger, or trackpad. Google has also increased the maximum number of students per Class Tools session to 100, expanding support for larger classes.

Productivity And Admin Improvements

Beyond AI and education features, ChromeOS 144 adds support for multiple Progressive Web Apps acting as protocol handlers. This allows users to choose a default app when more than one PWA supports the same link type.

On the management side, Google is preparing changes that will arrive in later releases. Starting as early as ChromeOS 145, administrators will be able to view rollback protection versions directly in the Admin Console, providing clearer visibility into device security status across managed fleets.

Rollout Timeline

ChromeOS 144 is scheduled to begin rolling out on January 27. Gemini integration will initially be limited to Chromebook Plus models, with other ChromeOS devices continuing to rely on existing AI features.

Google has not announced whether Gemini support will expand to additional Chromebook tiers, but ChromeOS 144 positions AI as a central part of the Chrome experience on supported hardware.

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Surprise Drop Via EA Play

Microsoft has quietly added The Sims and The Sims 2 to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The addition comes through Electronic Arts’ EA Play subscription, which is included with Game Pass Ultimate.

Unlike most Game Pass updates, these titles were not mentioned in Microsoft’s recent lineup announcements, making the release a genuine surprise for subscribers.

Full Games With Expansions Included

Both games are available in their complete versions, including all major expansion packs. EA re-released The Sims and The Sims 2 on modern PCs in 2025 after years of being difficult to run on newer hardware. While the original Sims had some early technical issues, those problems have largely been resolved.

Subscribers can now play both classics without additional purchases, provided they have access to EA Play through their Game Pass tier.

Why This Is A Big Deal Two Of The Most Influential Games Ever

The Sims and The Sims 2 are widely regarded as two of the most influential video games of all time. Both received critical acclaim, sold millions of copies, and helped define the life-simulation genre.

Their inclusion adds significant value to Game Pass Ultimate, especially for players interested in revisiting classics or experiencing the franchise’s roots for the first time.

EA Play Remains A Key Game Pass Perk

Despite recent price increases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, EA Play continues to be one of its strongest benefits. The service regularly adds major EA titles months after release and offers time-limited trials for new games.

With The Sims 1 and 2 now available, EA Play further strengthens Game Pass Ultimate’s appeal in early 2026.

What’s Next For Game Pass In 2026?

Microsoft has already confirmed several upcoming Game Pass additions for late January and February, with more announcements expected soon. Whether future EA Play additions will be revealed ahead of time or shadow-dropped like The Sims remains to be seen.

Either way, 2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for Xbox Game Pass subscribers.

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Google Confirms Status Display Issue In Home App

Google has confirmed it is working on a fix for a Google Home app bug that causes smart lights, switches, and plugs to appear offline even when they are still functional. The issue has affected users for months and primarily impacts lighting and power-related devices.

The bug presents itself as a red error or offline status in the Google Home app. In many cases, the status clears after a short delay when the app is opened. For others, affected devices remain marked offline for extended periods, despite responding normally to commands.

Devices Still Work Despite Offline Status

Reports indicate that the problem is limited to how device status is displayed inside the Google Home app. Voice commands issued through Google Assistant or Gemini continue to work, and devices remain controllable through their manufacturer-specific apps.

This behavior suggests the issue is not related to device connectivity itself but rather how the Home app retrieves or refreshes status information. Larger devices such as TVs, cameras, and appliances appear largely unaffected, while smart bulbs, wall switches, plugs, locks, and air purifiers are most commonly impacted.

Google Acknowledges The Problem

A Google representative posted in the Google Nest Community confirming that engineering teams are aware of the issue and actively working on a solution. Google stated that it will provide an update once the fix begins rolling out, but no timeline has been shared.

Variations of the same problem have been reported over multiple app updates, with users describing inconsistent behavior depending on device type, brand, or room configuration.

Temporary Workarounds Exist, But Are Inconsistent

Some users report temporary improvements after unlinking and relinking affected devices or ensuring devices are properly assigned to rooms within the app. These steps do not resolve the issue consistently and often need to be repeated.

Because the devices are not actually offline, Google has not recommended factory resets or hardware troubleshooting.

What To Expect Next

Google has not confirmed whether the fix will arrive as an app update, a server-side change, or both. Until it rolls out, affected users may continue seeing incorrect offline indicators even though device control remains intact.

Accurate device status is a core requirement for smart home platforms. Google’s acknowledgment signals progress, but reliability improvements will matter more than new features for users relying on Google Home for daily lighting and power control.

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Winapp Brings Windows App Tasks Into A Single Command-Line Tool

Microsoft has announced the public preview of winapp, short for Windows App Development CLI. The open-source tool is designed to consolidate common Windows app development tasks into a single command-line interface, reducing reliance on heavyweight tools such as Visual Studio and MSBuild.

Winapp is intended to manage Windows SDKs, generate app identities, handle manifests and certificates, package apps, and integrate build tools regardless of the framework or programming language being used. Microsoft positions it as a workflow-friendly option for developers who prefer automation and scripting over graphical IDEs.

Designed For Cross-Platform And Non-Visual Studio Workflows Support For Multiple Frameworks And Languages

According to Microsoft, winapp targets developers working with cross-platform frameworks or alternative toolchains. This includes web developers using Electron, C++ developers relying on CMake, and developers building apps with .NET, Rust, or Dart.

The goal is to make native Windows APIs and platform features accessible without forcing developers to adopt Microsoft’s traditional tooling stack. Winapp aims to abstract much of the configuration complexity that often discourages developers from targeting Windows.

Simplifying Packaging And API Access

Windows app development typically requires managing multiple SDK versions, editing several manifests, generating certificates, and navigating MSIX packaging requirements. Winapp brings these steps together under a single CLI, allowing developers to focus on application logic rather than environment setup.

Microsoft highlights improved access to modern Windows features, including security integrations, shell features, and Windows AI APIs.

Electron And Node.js Integration Native Windows Features Inside Electron Apps

Microsoft is placing particular emphasis on Electron support. The winapp CLI is available as an npm package and includes commands that bridge Node.js projects with native Windows code.

Using winapp, Electron developers can scaffold C++ or C# native add-ons that are preconfigured to work with the Windows App SDK. The tool also supports injecting package identity into a running Electron process, making it possible to test APIs that require identity without complex setup.

Experimental Windows AI APIs For Node.js

Microsoft is also using winapp to experiment with Node.js projections for Windows APIs. Early examples include access to Windows AI APIs through packages such as @microsoft/winapp-windows-ai, allowing developers to call native capabilities directly from JavaScript.

Availability And Next Steps

Winapp is available now as a public preview, with documentation and issue tracking hosted on GitHub. Microsoft says the tool is still in its early stages and that many development scenarios are still being worked on.

Feedback from real-world usage will shape future development, with Microsoft focusing investment on the workflows developers find most valuable. If adopted widely, winapp could lower the barrier to building and distributing apps on Windows 11, particularly for developers outside the traditional Microsoft ecosystem.

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Google Search Still Works, But It Needs Help

Google Search no longer delivers clean results by default. AI summaries, sponsored listings, and interface clutter now dominate many searches. Despite this, Google still offers powerful tools that can surface high-quality information when used correctly.

These practical search techniques focus on reducing noise, narrowing the scope, and forcing Google to return more traditional results.

1. Remove AI From Search Results

Google increasingly places AI-generated summaries and answers at the top of results. If you want standard links instead, there are a few ways to avoid them.

Adding -ai to a search query often removes AI-heavy results. Browser extensions designed to hide Gemini-powered features can also strip AI summaries from the page. These options work best in desktop browsers rather than the Google Search app.

2. Return To Traditional Web Results

Google still supports a Web-only view that removes cards, videos, shopping results, and AI panels.

After performing a search, selecting Web from the filter menu returns a list of standard links. In Chrome, typing web directly into the address bar before a query achieves the same result. This view closely resembles Google’s older “10 blue links” layout.

3. Limit Searches By Site Or Domain

Google’s site: operator is one of the most effective ways to improve result quality.

• Use site:example.com to search within a specific website
• Use site:.gov, site:.edu, or site:.ac.uk to prioritize official or academic sources
• Use country domains such as site:.fr or site:.de to narrow regional results

This approach is often more reliable than a site’s built-in search feature.

4. Search For Specific File Types

Searching by file format can bypass low-quality web pages entirely.

Using filetype:pdf, filetype:ppt, or filetype:doc helps locate reports, research papers, manuals, and official documents. This is especially useful for technical, academic, or government-related searches.

5. Use Google’s Built-In Filters

Below the search bar, Google includes filters such as News, Images, Tools, and More. The Tools menu allows filtering results by date and can help surface newer or older content without rewriting the query.

Advanced Search provides even more control, allowing users to exclude terms, restrict languages, or search exact phrases without relying solely on operators.

6. Reverse Image Search For Verification

Google Search allows users to upload images directly. This can be used to:

• Find the original source of an image
• Identify visually similar images
• Detect reused photos commonly associated with scams or fake profiles

Reverse image search is often more reliable than text-based searches for verification.

7. Block Low-Quality Results With Extensions

Content blockers can automatically remove sponsored listings and visual clutter from Google Search pages.

Extensions such as uBlock Origin can hide ads, shopping widgets, and other distractions, restoring a cleaner search experience without manual filtering.

8. Mark Trusted Sites As Preferred Sources

Google introduced a preferred sources feature that highlights results from selected websites. When enabled, articles from trusted publishers appear more prominently in search results and news sections.

This feature is one of the few ways users can directly influence which sources Google prioritizes.

Google Search Requires Active Control

Google Search has not stopped being useful, but it no longer works well passively. Filters, operators, and blockers are now required to consistently find reliable information.

Using even a few of these techniques can significantly reduce AI noise, SEO spam, and irrelevant results without abandoning Google entirely.

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