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Consumer Reports has revealed its list of the best Android smartphones of 2025, based on extensive lab testing and long-term evaluations. The rankings take into account more than a dozen factors, including performance, display quality, battery life, camera performance, durability, and ease of use.

2025 was a strong year for Android devices. AI features became standard even outside the flagship tier, foldable phones matured into practical daily drivers, and camera systems continued to improve across the board. According to Consumer Reports, Samsung and Google once again dominated the rankings, offering strong options at every price level.

Here are the five top-ranked Android phones of 2025, with one model selected per product line.

1. Google Pixel 9a

The Pixel 9a earned its spot as the standout budget phone of 2025. It brings Google's AI features, including on-device Gemini Nano, to a more affordable price point, while still delivering strong battery life and a solid build.

Consumer Reports praised its camera performance in particular, noting that it competes closely with last year's flagships despite its mid-range positioning. For users who want reliable performance and excellent photography without paying flagship prices, the Pixel 9a was rated as one of the best values of the year.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7

Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip7 shows how far foldable phones have come. With improvements to the cover display and better integration of AI features, the Flip7 allows users to interact with key functions without fully opening the device.

Consumer Reports rated it on par with more expensive foldables, highlighting its portability and improved usability. While still not for everyone, the Flip7 is no longer just a novelty-it's a practical option for users curious about foldable phones without committing to Samsung's highest-end models.

3. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7

The Galaxy Z Fold7 continues Samsung's push toward large-screen productivity on mobile devices. Its book-style folding design makes multitasking easier, and the updated hinge improves durability compared to earlier generations.

Consumer Reports gave the Fold7 high marks for performance and display quality, but noted that its high price limits its appeal. It's an excellent device for power users who can take advantage of the large inner screen, though not a must-have for the average smartphone buyer.

4. Google Pixel 10 Pro

Photography remains the Pixel line's biggest strength, and the Pixel 10 Pro reinforces that reputation. With advanced AI-assisted camera features, a powerful zoom system, and long-term software support, it ranked exceptionally well in Consumer Reports' camera testing.

Among 2025 Android phones, it offered one of the best balances between premium features and price. Consumer Reports noted that it's one of the most affordable phones to receive a top-tier camera rating, making it an attractive choice for photography-focused users.

5. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra

At the top of Consumer Reports' rankings sits the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Samsung's flagship impressed across nearly every category, from performance and display quality to camera capabilities and physical durability.

The device's AI-powered features, combined with a customized high-end processor, helped it achieve the highest overall score of any Android phone released in 2025. For users looking for the most complete Android experience available last year, Consumer Reports considers the Galaxy S25 Ultra the clear winner.

Conclusion

Consumer Reports' 2025 rankings show a mature Android ecosystem with strong options at every level. Budget phones like the Pixel 9a now offer features that once required a flagship, while foldables such as the Galaxy Z Flip7 and Fold7 continue to refine their place in the market. At the high end, the Galaxy S25 Ultra set the benchmark for overall performance.

While the "best" phone still depends on budget and personal needs, these five models represent the strongest Android devices of 2025 based on independent testing and long-term reliability.

What's your favorite Android phone?

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For many iPhone users, the Notes app is something you open only to jot down a phone number, a quick reminder, or a shopping list. That perception is increasingly out of date. Over the last few iOS releases, Apple has steadily expanded Notes into a lightweight productivity and organization tool, adding features that rival dedicated apps - without ever drawing much attention to them.

Most of these capabilities are already available on modern iPhone models, but they tend to stay hidden unless you go looking for them. Used together, they can turn Notes into a secure vault, a document scanner, a task manager, and even a writing assistant.

1. Lock notes with Face ID or a passcode

Notes allows individual entries to be locked behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a device passcode. This makes it possible to store sensitive information - such as temporary passwords, personal records, or private thoughts - without relying on a third-party app.

Once locked, a note remains visible in the list but cannot be read without authentication. Locked notes also hide their contents from previews, adding an extra layer of privacy if someone else handles your phone.

2. Let smart folders organize notes automatically

Smart folders reduce the need for manual sorting. Instead of dragging notes into folders yourself, you can define rules based on tags, attachments, checklists, dates, or mentions. Notes that match those criteria are added automatically.

This is particularly useful if you rely on Notes for multiple ongoing projects, receipts, or work-related information that grows over time.

3. Switch to a visual gallery view

By default, Notes shows entries in a simple text list. Gallery view changes this into a grid of cards with thumbnails, making it easier to browse visually. Notes containing images, scans, or sketches become easier to identify at a glance, which can be helpful for recipes, design ideas, or reference material.

4. Record and transcribe phone calls

On newer iPhone models, Notes can store call recordings along with full transcripts. When enabled during a call, the system records the conversation and saves both the audio and a text transcription directly into Notes.

Once saved, the transcript can be searched, reviewed, or summarized, making this feature particularly useful for interviews, work calls, or situations where details matter.

5. Rewrite text using built-in AI tools

Notes integrates Apple's on-device writing tools, allowing text to be rewritten in different styles. A paragraph can be made more concise, more formal, or more casual with a few taps.

This is useful when drafting emails, preparing notes for others, or adapting the same content for different audiences without leaving the app.

6. Scan documents directly into notes

The Notes app includes a built-in document scanner that uses the iPhone's camera. Receipts, contracts, handwritten pages, and printed documents can be scanned, cropped automatically, and stored as PDFs inside a note.

Multiple pages can be scanned into a single entry, removing the need for a separate scanning app for most everyday tasks.

7. Use Notes as a task manager

Notes supports checklists with nested items, making it suitable for to-do lists and simple project tracking. Completed items can automatically move to the bottom of a list, keeping active tasks visible.

For users who want something more flexible than a basic reminders app - but less complex than a full task manager - this feature often goes unnoticed.

8. Link notes together

Individual notes can be linked to one another, creating a web of related information. This makes it possible to build hub notes that point to related ideas, references, or lists, turning Notes into a lightweight personal knowledge base.

9. View all attachments in one place

Notes keeps a centralized view of every attachment across all notes. Photos, scans, PDFs, and other files can be browsed without opening each note individually, and tapping an attachment jumps directly to its source note.

10. Summarize long notes automatically

Long notes can be condensed into short summaries using Apple's built-in writing tools. This is particularly helpful when reviewing meeting notes, transcripts, or long research entries where only the key points are needed.

11. Reformat text into lists or tables

Unstructured text can be quickly converted into clean lists or tables. This works well for reorganizing notes that started as rough drafts or when turning raw information into something easier to scan.

12. Proofread without leaving the app

Notes can check spelling and grammar and suggest corrections directly within the document. Changes can be reviewed individually, making it easy to polish text before copying it into an email or document.

13. Generate images from text descriptions

On supported devices, Notes can generate images based on written descriptions using Apple's image tools. While not always precise, this feature can help visualize ideas, mockups, or concepts without switching apps.

The Notes app is no longer just a digital scratchpad. Without adding new icons or making major announcements, Apple has turned it into a versatile tool that covers many everyday needs - from organization and scanning to writing and privacy. For users willing to explore its menus, Notes can replace several standalone apps and simplify daily workflows.

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Meta has stopped developing new content and features for Supernatural, its high-profile virtual reality fitness service. The company cites internal reorganization and says the app will remain online for existing subscribers, but no new workouts, features, or expansions are planned.

According to Meta, users will retain access to Supernatural's existing library of workouts, and the service's infrastructure and social channels will continue to be maintained. Development, however, has effectively ended. The move comes despite the app's strong reception since launch, including high review scores, industry awards, and celebrity partnerships.

Supernatural was a central part of Meta's early push to position virtual reality as a mainstream fitness and lifestyle platform. In 2021, Meta acquired Within, the app's developer, in a deal widely reported to be worth around $400 million. The acquisition drew regulatory scrutiny at the time and was defended by Meta as a cornerstone of its broader metaverse strategy.

Part of a wider retreat from VR

The decision coincides with significant cuts at Meta's Reality Labs division. This week, the company confirmed layoffs affecting around 1,500 employees, roughly ten percent of the unit's workforce. A Meta spokesperson said the company is shifting investment away from parts of virtual reality development and toward AI-driven wearables.

As part of the same restructuring, Meta is also closing several internal VR game studios, including teams responsible for prominent titles such as Resident Evil 4 VR and Asgard's Wrath. These closures further underline the company's reduced emphasis on high-budget VR content.

Meta has not announced a timeline for shutting down Supernatural entirely, and for now the app remains available in its current form. The move nonetheless signals a clear change in priorities, with virtual reality fitness no longer a growth focus as the company reallocates resources toward artificial intelligence and wearable hardware.

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OpenAI has quietly introduced a new standalone translation service called ChatGPT Translate, positioning it as a direct alternative to Google Translate. The launch took place without a formal announcement and appears to be in an early rollout phase.

The new site closely mirrors the familiar layout of Google Translate. Users are presented with a large text input field, language selection menus for source and target languages, and a button to copy translated output. At first glance, the interface looks intentionally simple and utilitarian.

Tone-based translations instead of plain output

What sets ChatGPT Translate apart is its focus on tone. In addition to basic translations, users can choose stylistic modes that adapt the output for business, academic, or child-friendly contexts. Rather than only converting words from one language to another, the tool adjusts phrasing and sentence structure to better match the intended audience.

This approach leverages ChatGPT's generative language capabilities, blurring the boundary between traditional machine translation and text rewriting. A standard translation can still be produced by selecting the default option, but the tone controls make the tool more flexible for professional or educational use cases.

Faster results than the main ChatGPT interface

Early testing suggests that translations generated through the dedicated site arrive more quickly than identical requests made through the general ChatGPT interface. Short passages are often translated in under five seconds. OpenAI has not confirmed whether a specialized model or infrastructure is being used, but the speed difference suggests some level of optimization.

OpenAI last updated its flagship models with GPT-5.2 in December 2025, though the company has not disclosed which model powers the translation service.

Limited language list and unfinished features

The service claims support for more than 50 languages, but only 28 are currently selectable. These include major languages and regional variants such as Brazilian and European Portuguese, indicating that broader coverage may follow.

Some advertised features are not yet fully available. Image-based translation and voice input are mentioned but do not function consistently on desktop browsers. According to reports, microphone input appears to work on mobile browsers, suggesting uneven feature availability across platforms.

Early signs of a broader rollout

The low-profile launch fits OpenAI's recent pattern of introducing new tools quietly before expanding access or announcing them more widely. For now, ChatGPT Translate functions as a lightweight, web-based translator that highlights how generative AI could reshape a long-established category of internet services.

Whether OpenAI intends this to become a full replacement for existing translation tools remains unclear, but the focus on tone and context suggests the company is aiming beyond basic word-for-word translation.

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Microsoft has confirmed problems affecting systems running Windows 11 version 23H2 after installing the January 2026 security updates. According to the company, affected PCs may no longer shut down properly or enter sleep mode.

The issue has now been documented in the Windows Release Health notes. Microsoft states that after installing the January 13, 2026 security updates, systems with Secure Boot enabled can fail to power down or switch to sleep. Instead of shutting down or suspending, the devices may restart automatically. Secure Boot relies on virtualization-based security to protect the system against firmware-level attacks during startup.

Microsoft says the problematic update, identified as KB5073455, is only being offered for the Enterprise and IoT editions of Windows 11 23H2. While the knowledge base entry references changes related to Secure Boot, these changes are intended to update Secure Boot certificates rather than alter power management behavior.

Temporary workaround available

Until a permanent fix is released, Microsoft recommends a manual workaround for shutting down affected systems. Users should open a command prompt, for example by typing cmd into the Start menu search, and then run the command:

shutdown /s /t 0

This forces the system to shut down immediately. Microsoft has explicitly stated that there is currently no workaround for sleep mode. Users are advised to save their work and shut down their devices manually after use to avoid unintended restarts or battery drain.

This is the second issue Microsoft has acknowledged in connection with the January Patch Day updates. Earlier reports confirmed that the same updates can disrupt connections to Azure Virtual Desktop and Windows 365, affecting enterprise environments that rely on cloud-based Windows services.

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Opera has released Opera One R3, an update that focuses on managing large numbers of tabs while tightening how its built-in AI understands browsing context. The release targets users who keep many tabs open for work, study, or research and want clearer separation between tasks.

The update builds on Opera's Tab Islands feature, which automatically groups tabs based on browsing activity. In R3, users can now name Tab Islands and assign colors to them, making it easier to distinguish between different tasks at a glance without manually creating tab groups.

Tab Islands get a clearer structure

Tab Islands are Opera's alternative to traditional tab groups. Instead of requiring setup, the browser clusters tabs automatically based on context, such as shopping, communication, or research. With R3, these clusters can be labeled and color-coded, reducing friction when switching between workflows during long browsing sessions.

Opera says the goal is to help users avoid losing focus when jumping between unrelated tasks.

AI rebuilt with better context awareness

Opera One R3 also rebuilds the browser's AI on a new engine derived from its experimental Neon browser. The AI can now operate within the scope of a single tab or an entire Tab Island, rather than pulling context from everything that is open.

This means prompts and questions relate only to the active task group. The behavior can be disabled in AI chat settings for users who prefer broader context. The AI can also answer questions about online videos, helping users find specific moments or understand content without watching an entire clip.

More split-screen and sidebar options

Instead of installing a separate beta browser, Opera now lets users enable an "early bird" mode directly inside Opera One to access experimental features. One of the first additions is expanded split-screen support, allowing up to four tabs to be viewed at once in grid or horizontal layouts.

The sidebar gains built-in access to Gmail and Google Calendar, joining existing integrations like messaging apps and music players. These tools open alongside web pages, reducing the need to juggle tabs or windows.

New dynamic themes

Opera One R3 introduces three new animated themes: Radiance, Orbit, and Sonic. Radiance targets dark mode, Orbit is designed for light mode, and Sonic, developed with Spotify-reacts in real time to music playing in the browser.

Opera One R3 is available now as an update for existing users and as a fresh download from Opera's website.

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A new rumor suggests that the PlayStation 5 Pro could receive a substantial upgrade to its AI upscaling technology in the near future. The update is said to focus on improving image quality and performance, addressing one of the most debated aspects of Sony's high-end console.

The report points to a new version of PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, commonly referred to as PSSR 2.0. According to the leak, the update could roll out between January and March 2026. The source behind the claim has previously shared accurate details about PlayStation hardware, including the PS5 Pro reveal.

What PSSR 2.0 could change

The rumored update is expected to improve frame rates in games that currently fall short of higher performance targets, particularly titles hovering around the 70-80 FPS range. It may also enhance resolution scaling for older games, especially those from the PlayStation 4 catalog that already receive limited visual upgrades on the PS5 Pro.

Another reported change is a new upscaling method similar in concept to AMD's latest FidelityFX Super Resolution technology. If accurate, this would help close the visual and performance gap between the PS5 Pro and modern gaming PCs.

Sony has already confirmed that additional PS5 Pro enhancements are planned for 2026. Mark Cerny, PlayStation's lead system architect, previously said future updates would focus on graphics and upscaling rather than hardware revisions.

Why the timing matters

The PS5 Pro launched in late 2024 with higher performance than the standard model, but its pricing has limited its appeal. A meaningful improvement to upscaling and performance could make the console more attractive to players still on the fence.

Sony has not commented on the rumor, and no official announcement has been made. If the leak proves accurate, confirmation could arrive soon, potentially alongside updates highlighting upcoming PlayStation exclusives that take advantage of the improved technology.

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Google is expanding Gemini's role from a general-purpose chatbot into a deeply personalized assistant by integrating data from Gmail, YouTube, and Google Search. The change allows Gemini to reference a user's own emails, activity, and preferences when responding to prompts.

Until now, Gemini has largely operated without tapping into the full breadth of Google's ecosystem, despite the company controlling some of the most widely used apps in the world. That is now changing. With the new integration, Gemini can use private account data that competing chatbots cannot access directly.

What Gemini can do with your data

The integration allows Gemini to pull context from Gmail messages, search history, and YouTube activity to tailor responses. For example, when asked about a trip, Gemini can reference booking confirmations in email, past searches related to destinations, and video content the user has watched to infer preferences.

Google says the goal is to move Gemini beyond one-off queries and toward ongoing assistance that improves over time. The assistant adapts responses based on patterns rather than relying solely on the immediate prompt.

This personalization layer is rolling out first to Gemini subscribers in the United States, with plans to expand to more regions and eventually to free users.

How does this differ from other AI chatbots

Other AI assistants, including ChatGPT and Claude, can connect to external apps through plugins or permissions. The difference here is ownership. Google controls Gmail, YouTube, Search, Maps, and Drive, allowing tighter integration without relying on third-party connectors.

Google Search alone has more than four billion users worldwide. Gmail, YouTube, Maps, and Drive each exceed two billion users. That scale gives Gemini access to context that competitors cannot replicate without deep partnerships.

Why this matters now

The update comes as competition in consumer AI has intensified. Since the release of Gemini 3, Google has gained momentum in the AI space, with growing consumer usage and renewed investor confidence.

The same performance improvements may have influenced Apple's recent decision to base future Siri and Apple Intelligence features on Gemini models. That deal positions Google's AI at the center of both major mobile ecosystems, even if processing remains on Apple's infrastructure.

Privacy and control questions remain

Google has not fully detailed how users will manage or limit Gemini's access to personal data across services. The company says personalization will be opt-in through Gemini subscriptions, but the long-term balance between convenience and privacy will likely face scrutiny as the feature expands.

For now, the change marks a clear shift in strategy. Gemini is no longer just another chatbot. It is becoming the connective layer between Google's apps, using years of user data to answer questions competitors simply cannot.

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Sony has revealed the most-downloaded games of 2025 on the PlayStation Store across PS5, PS4, PSVR2, and free-to-play titles.

The rankings below reflect download activity in North America (US/Canada) and Europe, highlighting what PlayStation players spent the most time with last year.

PS5 - United States / Canada

NBA 2K26

Battlefield 6

Grand Theft Auto

VEA Sports College Football

26EA Sports Madden

NFL 26

Minecraft

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Arc Raiders

Ghost of Y?tei

MLB The Show 25

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Ready or Not

EA Sports FC 26

Forza Horizon 5

UFC 5

NBA 2K25

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Monster Hunter Wilds

EA Sports FC 25

PS5 - Europe

EA Sports FC 26

Grand Theft Auto

VEA Sports FC 25

Forza Horizon 5

Battlefield 6

Minecraft

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Arc Raiders

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Ghost of Y?tei

Split Fiction

Hogwarts Legacy

UFC 5

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

It Takes Two

Ready or Not

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered Rematch

F1 25

PS4 - United States / Canada

Red Dead Redemption 2

Star Wars Battlefront II

Batman: Arkham Knight

Minecraft

Grand Theft Auto

VA Way Out

Need for Speed Heat

Mortal Kombat X

theHunter: Call of the Wild

The Forest

Gang Beasts

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Stardew Valley

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Unravel Two

God of War

Injustice 2

PS4 - Europe

Red Dead Redemption

2A Way Out

EA Sports

FC 26

The Forest

EA Sports

FC 25

Grand Theft Auto V

Minecraft

Need for Speed Heat

Star Wars Battlefront II

Batman: Arkham Knight

Unravel Two

Kingdom Come: Deliverance

Battlefield V

Mortal Kombat X

Gang Beasts

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

Hogwarts Legacy

Battlefield 4

Assassin's Creed Origins

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Summary:

The 2025 download charts underline familiar trends on PlayStation. Sports games continue to dominate yearly rankings, evergreen titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Minecraft remain extremely popular, and last-gen PS4 games still attract a large audience.

While newer releases made strong appearances, the lists show that longevity and broad appeal continue to matter more than novelty when it comes to PlayStation Store downloads.

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A new Windows 11 preview build indicates that Microsoft may soon expand Copilot's presence inside File Explorer. Testers have spotted a hidden button in recent Insider builds that appears to be linked to Copilot functionality.

The button was first noticed by a Windows Insider tester and is currently not visible or usable by default. While inactive, its placement suggests tighter Copilot integration directly within File Explorer rather than routing interactions through the standalone Copilot app.

If enabled in future builds, the button could allow users to ask Copilot to locate specific files, identify document types, or navigate large folders using natural language queries. This would keep the interaction inside File Explorer instead of opening a separate Copilot window.

Copilot is already partially integrated into File Explorer through the context menu. Right-clicking a file and selecting "Ask Copilot" launches the Copilot app and passes the file as context. The newly discovered button appears intended to streamline that workflow by embedding AI interaction directly into the file management interface.

File Explorer search has long been criticized for slow performance and inconsistent results, especially on systems with large file collections or incomplete indexing. A context-aware AI assistant could theoretically improve discovery by interpreting intent rather than relying solely on filenames and metadata.

Microsoft has been steadily expanding Copilot across Windows 11, integrating it into the taskbar, Settings, system prompts, and Microsoft 365 apps. Many of these additions are system-level and cannot be fully removed once installed, which has drawn criticism from users who prefer a more traditional desktop experience.

At this stage, there is no confirmation that the File Explorer Copilot button will ship to stable builds. Features spotted in preview builds are often experimental and may be changed or removed before public release. Microsoft has not commented on the finding or outlined any plans for Copilot-based file management.

What are your thoughts on the integration of Copilot deeper into Windows?

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Apple has announced a new subscription called Apple Creator Studio that bundles six of its professional creative applications into a single plan. The service launches on January 28, 2026, and is available on Mac and iPad.

Apple Creator Studio includes Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro, Motion, Compressor, and MainStage. Subscribers also gain access to premium AI-powered features in Apple's productivity apps, including Keynote, Pages, and Numbers.

The subscription costs $12.99 per month or $129 per year. Students and educators can subscribe for $2.99 per month or $29.99 per year. Apple is also offering a one-month free trial, with three months included for buyers of new Macs or qualifying iPads.

What's included in Apple Creator Studio

The bundle provides access to Apple's flagship creative tools across platforms. Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, and Pixelmator Pro are available on both Mac and iPad, while Motion, Compressor, and MainStage remain Mac-only.

All apps continue to be offered as one-time purchases for users who prefer traditional licensing. Apple says the subscription does not replace individual app sales.

Family Sharing is supported, allowing up to six users to share a single subscription.

AI features added to creative apps

Apple is pairing the subscription with AI-driven upgrades across several apps.

In Final Cut Pro, new features include Transcript Search for finding dialogue by text, Visual Search for locating objects or actions in footage, and Beat Detection that aligns edits with music rhythms. On iPad, Montage Maker can automatically assemble videos using AI-driven analysis and auto-cropping for vertical formats.

Logic Pro gains new AI Session Player tools, including Synth Player for electronic music performances and Chord ID for extracting chord progressions from audio or MIDI recordings. Both Mac and iPad versions receive expanded sound libraries and music search improvements.

Pixelmator Pro arrives on iPad for the first time with full Apple Pencil support and AI-powered tools such as Super Resolution and Deband. A new Warp tool is included for Creator Studio subscribers.

Premium AI features in productivity apps

Subscribers unlock additional capabilities in Keynote, Pages, and Numbers. These include access to a new Content Hub with curated media assets, premium templates, and AI-assisted image generation.

Apple says these apps can also generate presentation drafts, create formulas, and fill tables using pattern-based automation. The core versions of these apps remain free for all users.

Apple Creator Studio represents a shift toward subscription-based access for Apple's professional creative tools, while keeping one-time purchases available for users who prefer to buy outright.

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Google has promoted Chrome 144 to the stable channel for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The rollout is happening gradually over the coming days and weeks.

The stable versions are Chrome 144.0.7559.59 on Linux and Chrome 144.0.7559.59/60 on Windows and macOS. Alongside general fixes and improvements, the release includes ten security patches, several of them rated high severity.

Security issues fixed in Chrome 144

Three high-severity vulnerabilities were addressed in this release. Two affect the V8 JavaScript engine, including an out-of-bounds memory access issue and an inappropriate implementation flaw. Another high-severity issue was fixed in Blink, Chrome's rendering engine.

Chrome 144 also resolves several medium- and low-severity issues. These include problems related to input validation in downloads, incorrect security UI behavior, policy enforcement issues in networking components, and a use-after-free bug in ANGLE.

Some bug details remain restricted until a majority of users have received the update. Google says this is standard practice, especially when vulnerabilities involve third-party libraries that other projects may still depend on.

What users should do

Chrome updates install automatically by default, but users can manually check by opening the browser menu and navigating to Help > About Google Chrome. Restarting the browser completes the update once it is downloaded.

Given that Chrome 144 patches multiple security vulnerabilities, including issues in core components like V8, users are advised to ensure their browsers are updated as soon as the release reaches their system.

Google has indicated that more information about new features and larger changes in Chrome 144 will be shared separately through Chrome and Chromium blog posts.

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Apple TV works well out of the box, but tvOS has accumulated enough features over the years that a default setup is rarely the best one. A handful of small changes can remove friction, reduce interruptions, and make the whole experience feel faster and more predictable.

These are practical tweaks that improve day-to-day use without installing apps or changing how you watch content.

1. Turn off the full-screen profile picker

Recent tvOS versions show a profile selector every time Apple TV wakes. That makes sense in shared households, but it slows things down if you usually stick to one profile.You can disable it from Settings > Profiles and Accounts by turning off Choose Profile on Wake. Profiles remain available, just not forced on startup.

2. Remap the TV button to go Home

By default, pressing the TV button opens the TV app instead of the Home screen. Holding the button goes Home, which feels backwards.Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > TV Button and switch the behavior to Home Screen. One press now does what most people expect.

3. Disable auto-playing previews

Auto-playing previews are distracting and noisy. You can disable them system-wide for the TV app from Settings > Accessibility > Motion > Auto-Play Video Previews.Other streaming apps require changes on their websites, but it's worth doing once to stop constant background playback.

4. Make the remote easier to use

The clickpad supports swipe gestures, which many people accidentally trigger. If kids or guests struggle with navigation, switch it to button-only mode.Go to Settings > Remotes and Devices > Clickpad and select Click Only.

5. Use your iPhone or Apple Watch as a remote

If the physical remote goes missing, you don't need to panic. iPhones and Apple Watches can fully control Apple TV.On iPhone, add the Apple TV Remote to Control Center. On Apple Watch, open the built-in Remote app. Both work as long as the devices are on the same network.

6. Set HomePods or AirPlay speakers as default audio

You can permanently route Apple TV audio to HomePods or compatible AirPlay speakers.Go to Settings > Video and Audio > Audio Output and select your speakers as the default. This avoids switching outputs every time you watch something.

7. Pair AirPods for private listening

AirPods integrate tightly with tvOS. Once paired through Settings > Remotes and Devices > Bluetooth, they'll automatically appear as an audio option when you put them on.This is especially useful for late-night viewing.

8. Force-quit misbehaving apps

If a streaming app stutters or loses audio sync, force-quitting usually fixes it.Double-press the TV button, swipe to the app, and swipe up to close it. Relaunching often resolves playback issues instantly.

9. Reduce motion to speed things up

On older Apple TV models, animations can feel sluggish.Enable Reduce Motion under Settings > Accessibility > Motion to make transitions faster and the interface more responsive.

10. Disable unnecessary notifications

Apple TV can show FaceTime calls, Home alerts, and fitness notifications while you're watching something.Go to Settings > Notifications and turn off anything you don't want on your TV screen. You can also enable Do Not Disturb from Control Center.

None of these tweaks change what Apple TV can do, but together they remove small annoyances that add up over time, especially if you use the device every day.

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YouTube Music has long been bundled with YouTube Premium, but one feature in particular is changing how some users evaluate paid music subscriptions. Unlike Spotify, YouTube Music allows users to upload their own music files and merge them directly into the streaming library.

This capability fundamentally changes how the service works. Uploaded tracks sit alongside official releases, playlists, recommendations, and even music videos. For users with existing collections, the service stops being just a streaming catalog and starts functioning as a unified music library.

Spotify, by contrast, limits playback to licensed content and local files stored on individual devices. While Spotify supports local playback, those files do not integrate cleanly across devices or into recommendations.

Fewer gaps in the music catalog

On paper, Spotify and YouTube Music advertise similar catalog sizes. In practice, YouTube Music draws from both licensed releases and the broader YouTube ecosystem. That includes live recordings, alternate versions, regional releases, and rare tracks that are often unavailable on traditional streaming services.

This reduces gaps when searching for specific versions of songs, such as live performances or out-of-print recordings. The result is a library that feels more complete, even when the headline track counts are similar.

Audio and video in one place

Another difference is how YouTube Music handles video. Official music videos, live performances, and audio tracks are treated as interchangeable formats rather than separate experiences. Users can switch between audio-only playback and video without leaving the app or restarting playback.

Spotify largely treats video as supplemental content. Music videos and live visuals are limited, and switching formats usually requires opening a different app or interface.

Recommendations that blend owned and streamed music

Uploaded tracks are not isolated. They can appear in playlists, mixes, and recommendations alongside streamed content. This allows older collections, ripped CDs, and rare releases to influence discovery and automated playlists.

YouTube Music supports uploads of up to 100,000 personal tracks, which covers even large collections built over decades. Once uploaded, those tracks are available across devices without manual syncing.

Pricing overlap makes the switch easier

For users already subscribed to YouTube Premium, YouTube Music is included at no extra cost. That makes it easier to justify canceling a separate Spotify subscription, especially when YouTube Premium also removes ads from regular YouTube videos.

The difference is not primarily about saving money. It is about consolidation. One subscription replaces two services while offering features that Spotify does not match.

YouTube Music does not offer everything Spotify does, and preferences around interfaces and social features still vary. But for users with existing music libraries, the upload feature changes the value equation enough to make Spotify optional rather than essential.

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Apple has confirmed a multi-year agreement with Google to base its next generation of Apple Foundation Models on Google's Gemini AI technology. The partnership will power a revamped Siri and additional Apple Intelligence features planned for future releases.

The announcement clarifies months of speculation about Apple's long-term AI direction. While ChatGPT remains available on Apple devices for optional, user-initiated queries, Gemini will become the underlying foundation for Siri and other system-level intelligence features.

Apple said the decision followed a direct evaluation of model capabilities rather than cost or convenience. In a joint statement, the company said Google's AI technology offered "the most capable foundation" for its needs.

What changes for Siri and Apple Intelligence

The most immediate impact is Siri. Apple confirmed that the upcoming Siri overhaul will be built on Gemini models and Google's cloud technology, though the assistant will not simply mirror Gemini's behavior. Apple will continue to design Siri's features, interface, and integration.

Apple also confirmed that the deal extends beyond Siri. Gemini will underpin future Apple Intelligence features, suggesting deeper system integration across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS over time.

Despite Google's involvement, Apple emphasized that Apple Intelligence will continue to run on-device and on its Private Cloud Compute infrastructure. Apple says user data will not be processed directly on Google's servers, maintaining its existing privacy model.

Why OpenAI is no longer the default

Apple began integrating ChatGPT in late 2024, positioning it as a way to handle complex queries that Siri could not. That integration remains in place, but ChatGPT is now clearly positioned as an optional layer rather than the core intelligence behind Apple's platforms.

The shift reflects a change in priorities. Apple appears to be betting on Gemini's long-term development pace, multimodal capabilities, and ability to scale across billions of devices. For system-level features, Apple chose a provider it believes can sustain rapid model improvements over multiple years.

This also highlights a broader risk for AI buyers: early leadership does not guarantee long-term dominance. Model quality, infrastructure maturity, and update velocity matter more when AI becomes embedded into core products.

The privacy and infrastructure angle

One concern raised by the deal is dependency. Google already plays a major role in Apple's ecosystem as the default search provider. Adding Gemini deepens that relationship.

Apple's architecture mitigates some of that risk. By keeping inference on-device or within Apple's own cloud, Apple reduces exposure to external infrastructure and maintains control over data handling. This hybrid model mirrors approaches enterprises are increasingly adopting to balance AI capability with data governance.

What does this signal beyond Apple

The agreement reinforces Google's position across the AI stack, from models to consumer-scale deployments. Gemini now underpins Android features directly and Apple Intelligence indirectly, giving Google reach across both major mobile platforms.

It also underscores how difficult frontier AI development has become. Apple's decision to rely on an external foundation model reflects the cost, complexity, and resource demands involved in keeping pace with rapid model evolution.

The financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. That leaves open questions about pricing and licensing at a massive scale, details that enterprise buyers will be watching closely.

Apple has confirmed that Gemini-powered Siri will arrive later this year, with additional Apple Intelligence features expected to build on the same foundation over time.

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Google has begun rolling out the January 2026 update for supported Pixel devices running Android 16. The update is being deployed globally in phases over the coming week, depending on device model and carrier.

This is a maintenance-focused release. It includes the monthly Android security patches along with a broad set of bug fixes that address battery drain, display problems, and input reliability. Google says users will receive a notification once the update is available for their device.

What's fixed in the January 2026 Pixel update

One of the most notable fixes targets abnormal battery drain reported under certain conditions. Display-related issues are also addressed, including Always-On Display flickering and visual artifacts when editing HDR photos in Adobe Lightroom on newer Pixel models.

Additional fixes include improved GPU performance in specific scenarios, a solution for touchscreen input randomly stopping, and a UI issue where deleting a Live Universe wallpaper could leave the Wallpaper & style app unusable until reboot.

Audio fixes are included as well, resolving noisy ringback tones during Webex calls on affected devices.

Device-specific availability

Not every fix applies to every Pixel. Some changes are limited to newer models, particularly the Pixel 10 lineup, while others extend back to devices such as the Pixel 7a, Pixel 8 series, Pixel Fold, and Pixel Tablet. Google notes that some fixes may also be region- or carrier-dependent.

Details of the security vulnerabilities addressed in this update have not yet been published. Google says they will be listed in the Pixel Security Bulletin once available.

Users who have paused updates may need to manually check for the January 2026 release in system settings to receive the fixes.

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Microsoft is shutting down Microsoft Lens on iOS and Android, ending support for one of its most widely used mobile document scanning apps. The app was previously known as Office Lens before being renamed in 2021.

According to Microsoft, Lens began its retirement on January 9, 2026. Users can continue creating new scans until March 9, 2026. After that date, the app will no longer allow new scans, though existing scans will remain accessible as long as the app stays installed on the device.

Full support for Microsoft Lens ends on February 9, 2026.

Microsoft Lens allowed users to scan documents, receipts, whiteboards, and notes, then save them as PDF, Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files. Scans could be stored locally or synced to OneDrive and OneNote, making the app especially useful for students and mobile professionals.

This is not the first time Microsoft has retired the app. The Windows version of Office Lens was discontinued in 2021, years before mobile support ended.

What users can do instead

Microsoft recommends using the OneDrive app as the primary replacement. OneDrive includes built-in document and whiteboard scanning through the app's "+" button. Scans are uploaded directly to cloud storage rather than saved locally on the device.

Microsoft has not positioned the Microsoft 365 Copilot app as an official alternative, despite it also supporting document scanning via its Create tab.

Users who rely on local file storage may need to switch to third-party scanner apps. The App Store and Google Play Store both offer numerous standalone document scanners that continue to support offline storage and exports.

Microsoft announced plans to retire Lens several months ago, giving users time to migrate. Once scanning is disabled in March, Lens will effectively become a read-only archive for existing files, with no path forward beyond Microsoft's recommended alternatives.

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Apple has added a call screening feature in iOS 26 that significantly reduces spam calls on iPhone. The feature filters calls from unknown numbers before they ever ring, allowing legitimate callers to get through while blocking most automated and scam calls.

Call screening is available on all iPhones that support iOS 26. It does not rely on Apple Intelligence and works entirely through the Phone app's built-in settings.

Once enabled, the feature intercepts calls from numbers not saved in Contacts. Depending on the option selected, callers may be asked to state their reason for calling, sent directly to voicemail, or allowed through as usual.

How call screening works on iPhone

iOS 26 offers three call screening modes under the Phone app settings:

• Never - Calls from unknown numbers ring normally, matching pre-iOS 26 behavior.
• Ask Reason for Calling - Unknown callers are prompted to explain why they are calling. The iPhone does not ring. A transcript of the response is shown so the user can decide whether to answer.
• Silence - All calls from unknown numbers are silenced and sent directly to voicemail.

For most users, Ask Reason for Calling provides the best balance. Scam and robocall systems typically fail to respond, while legitimate callers such as medical offices or delivery services can still reach the user.

How to enable call screening in iOS 26

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select Phone.
4. Find Screen Unknown Callers.
5. Choose Ask Reason for Calling or Silence.

Changes take effect immediately. The setting can be adjusted at any time if important calls are being missed.

What to expect after enabling it

With call screening enabled, spam calls stop triggering ringtones and notifications. Legitimate calls from unknown numbers still appear, but only after the caller provides context. Missed screened calls are logged in Recents, and voicemails are preserved when Silence is used.

Apple has not said whether call screening behavior will expand in future updates, but the feature already offers a built-in way to reduce spam calls without relying on carrier tools or third-party apps.

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Older Windows laptops often slow down for reasons that have little to do with failing hardware. Background apps, startup clutter, syncing services, and visual effects all add overhead that accumulates over time. In many cases, performance can be restored with a few targeted software changes rather than a full reinstall.

These tweaks focus on reducing background load, freeing system resources, and letting Windows prioritize performance where it matters.

1. Scan the system for malware

Malware remains one of the fastest ways to cripple an otherwise functional PC. Even modern systems protected by built-in tools can miss certain threats. Running a full scan with a reputable third-party scanner can identify hidden processes that consume CPU, memory, or disk activity.

If malware is found, removal alone can produce an immediate improvement in responsiveness.

2. Remove unused and preinstalled software

Many laptops ship with preinstalled utilities that continue running in the background long after setup. Over time, additional unused applications add to that load.

Uninstalling software that is no longer needed reduces background services, disk usage, and update activity. This is especially effective on systems with limited storage or memory.

3. Disable unnecessary startup apps

Some applications do not need to launch every time Windows starts. Disabling non-essential startup items reduces boot time and frees RAM.

Startup apps can be managed through Task Manager. Disabling an app here does not remove it; it simply prevents automatic launch.

4. Limit or disable cloud sync services

Background syncing services such as OneDrive can use disk, CPU, and network resources continuously. On slower systems, this activity is noticeable.

If cloud sync is required, pausing it during active use can help. If it is not needed, uninstalling the service entirely removes that overhead.

5. Switch to a performance-focused power plan

Windows power plans affect how aggressively the system uses CPU and storage. Laptops configured for efficiency may feel slower than necessary.

Switching to a High Performance plan, or a manufacturer-specific performance profile, allows Windows to respond more quickly under load. On some newer systems, Balanced remains optimal, but older hardware often benefits from a more aggressive plan.

6. Free up storage space

Nearly full drives slow down Windows, especially SSDs that rely on free space for caching and wear leveling. Keeping at least 15-20% of storage free improves both performance and long-term drive health.

Removing large unused files and applications can reduce slowdowns caused by constant disk contention.

7. Update Windows and hardware drivers

Outdated system components can cause performance issues, compatibility problems, and instability. Windows updates often include performance fixes in addition to security patches.

Manufacturer driver updates for chipsets, graphics, and input devices also matter, particularly on older laptops that shipped with early firmware.

8. Reduce visual effects

Animations and transparency effects add polish but consume GPU and CPU resources. Disabling these effects reduces rendering overhead and makes the interface feel more responsive.

Visual effects can be adjusted in Windows settings without affecting functionality.

9. Close apps instead of minimizing them

Minimized apps still consume memory and sometimes CPU resources. On systems with limited RAM, leaving many apps open leads to slowdowns and increased disk swapping.

Closing applications when they are no longer needed keeps resource usage predictable and stable.

10. Shut down instead of relying on sleep

Sleep mode preserves system state but does not clear memory leaks or background issues. Over time, this can lead to degraded performance.

Shutting down the system periodically resets memory, stops lingering processes, and often resolves unexplained slowdowns.

These adjustments do not change Windows itself, but they reduce the accumulated overhead that builds up during daily use. If performance is still unacceptable after applying them, a clean installation or switching to a lighter operating system may be the next step.

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Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7535 (KB5072046) to the Dev and Beta Channels. Both channels are currently receiving the same builds based on Windows 11 version 25H2, with a limited window still open for Dev Channel users to switch to Beta.

The update focuses on accessibility improvements, Copilot management for administrators, and a collection of fixes and small UI changes. As with other Insider builds, several features are rolling out gradually and require the "get the latest updates as they are available" toggle to be enabled.

Narrator gains Copilot-powered image descriptions

Narrator can now work with Copilot on all Windows 11 devices to generate detailed descriptions of images and visual elements. Users can trigger descriptions for a focused image or the entire screen, with Copilot opening alongside Narrator to provide context-aware explanations and allow follow-up questions.

On Copilot+ PCs, on-device AI descriptions continue to work instantly without sending data to the cloud. The Copilot-assisted experience expands this capability to non-Copilot+ systems. Image sharing only occurs when the user explicitly requests a description. The feature is not available in the European Economic Area.

Admins can uninstall Copilot on managed devices

Build 26220.7535 introduces a new Group Policy option called Remove Microsoft Copilot App. When enabled, it allows administrators to uninstall the Copilot app for specific users or devices under defined conditions, such as the app not being user-installed or recently launched.

The policy is available on Enterprise, Pro, and Education editions. Copilot can still be reinstalled manually by users after removal.

Other changes and fixes

The build includes a small refresh to the Windows Spotlight desktop icon and multiple bug fixes. These address issues in the Start menu, File Explorer crashes related to context menus, printing dialog inconsistencies, pen input flashes in Snipping Tool, and Windows Update hangs.

Several known issues remain, including Start menu interaction problems for some Insiders, system tray inconsistencies, taskbar auto-hide behavior, and crashes in Settings when working with audio devices.

Microsoft notes that features in this build are delivered using controlled rollouts and may change or be removed before any general release.

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