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PC and smartphone prices are likely to increase over the next year as shortages of consumer DRAM and NAND memory worsen. The supply imbalance is being driven by surging demand from AI data centers, which are consuming a growing share of high-bandwidth memory output.

Market research firm IDC warns that PC manufacturers are already preparing price increases of up to eight percent as memory costs rise. Even under current conditions, IDC expects the PC market to contract further next year, with shortages limiting supply and pushing prices higher across mainstream models.

Major PC vendors, including Dell, Lenovo, HP, Asus, and Acer, have confirmed upcoming price adjustments tied directly to higher component costs. Analysts expect other OEMs to follow, meaning consumers are likely to see higher prices rather than isolated increases from a few brands.

The timing is unfavorable for buyers. Microsoft's push toward AI-capable PCs, combined with the end of mainstream Windows 10 support in October, is already nudging users toward hardware upgrades. Rising memory prices add another cost pressure, particularly for systems with larger RAM configurations.

Smartphones and tablets are also affected. IDC estimates that average smartphone prices could rise three to five percent under moderate conditions, and up to eight percent if shortages intensify. Manufacturers may attempt to offset costs by reducing base storage or memory rather than raising headline prices.

Apple and Samsung are partially insulated in the short term, having secured memory supply contracts covering the next 18 to 24 months. Smaller manufacturers do not have the same buffer and are more exposed to spot-market pricing.

IDC expects memory constraints to persist into 2027, which would end the long period of cheap RAM and SSD upgrades. If shortages continue, prices for standalone memory kits and consumer SSDs are also likely to remain elevated.

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Google has rolled out an update for Gemini for Home-enabled cameras that changes how people, pets, and motion events are recognized and summarized. The update focuses on filtering low-quality detections and improving how uncertain events are described, rather than adding new features.

Gemini for Home has been gradually replacing Google Assistant on supported smart home devices since late 2024. After wider availability earlier this month, Google says it has adjusted its camera models based on user feedback. The changes apply to Gemini for Home-enabled cameras from Nest and supported partners.

According to Anish Kattukaran, the most notable change affects Familiar Face detection. Cameras now prioritize higher-quality images when identifying people, filtering out blurry or incomplete shots. This reduces the number of low-confidence matches that appear in activity history and notifications.

Pet detection has also been tuned. Gemini for Home cameras can now better distinguish between cats and dogs, especially in low-light conditions. Google attributes this to improved color accuracy, which previously caused more misclassification at night.

The update also adjusts how unknown or partially visible faces are handled. When the system cannot confidently identify someone, Home Briefs may now provide more descriptive summaries instead of generic alerts. Longer video events also receive expanded AI-generated captions to provide more context without reviewing full clips.

Google has not announced changes to storage duration or privacy controls. Familiar Face recognition can still be disabled, and face data can be reviewed or removed manually. Misidentification remains possible, particularly in poor lighting or obstructed views.

The update is rolling out now and should reach supported cameras automatically over the next few days.

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Nintendo's Switch platform still does not have a mainline Call of Duty release, despite a public commitment made two years ago. A new claim from an industry insider suggests that may finally change, but the report stops short of confirming when, how, or on which hardware the game would actually run.

The situation traces back to a 2023 agreement between Nintendo and Microsoft that guaranteed Call of Duty access for Nintendo platforms. Since then, no Switch release has materialized. That gap has become more visible as the franchise continues its annual cadence on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, while Nintendo hardware remains excluded.

A recent statement from Jez Corden has renewed attention on the deal. Corden said the first Switch Call of Duty title is "nearly done," though he also stressed that it is not close to release and framed 2026 as a more realistic window. No confirmation from Nintendo or Activision has followed, and no title name, platform scope, or performance targets were disclosed.

The lack of detail matters more on Switch than on other platforms. Call of Duty releases are large, technically demanding games that rely on high storage capacity and consistent performance. The current Switch hardware has well-known limits in CPU, GPU, and internal storage, all of which complicate ports of modern shooters. The introduction of a more powerful Switch successor adds another layer of uncertainty, as developers may choose to target the newer hardware exclusively.

Nintendo consoles are not entirely new to the franchise. Past entries such as Call of Duty: Ghosts appeared on the Wii U in 2013, but support ended there. Since the Switch launched in 2017, no Call of Duty title has shipped for Nintendo hardware, creating a 12-year gap between releases on the company's platforms.

What remains unclear is whether the reported work refers to a native version for the original Switch, a release designed for newer hardware, or a scaled port that compromises features or modes. File size alone is a practical obstacle. Recent Call of Duty releases routinely exceed 100 GB on other platforms, far beyond the internal storage of the original Switch without a large microSD card.

Players should also expect trade-offs if a Switch version arrives. Visual fidelity, frame rate targets, and online feature parity are all open questions. Cross-play support, which is now standard for the franchise, would also require stable performance and network handling that the original Switch has struggled with in other demanding online titles.

For Switch owners, the most realistic near-term action is to treat the report as informational rather than actionable. There is no preorder, announcement window, or system requirement published by Nintendo or Activision. Users concerned about compatibility may want to wait for confirmed details before assuming support for existing hardware.

Those considering a future Nintendo console should also be aware of exclusivity risk. If a Call of Duty release targets only newer hardware, existing Switch owners would be left out despite the original agreement. Nintendo has not clarified whether future third-party releases under the Microsoft deal are expected to support legacy systems.

Until an official announcement appears, the situation remains unchanged in practical terms. The agreement exists, development may be underway, but no verified release plan has been made public. Nintendo and Activision have not commented on timelines, technical scope, or supported models.

Are you a fan of Call of Duty? Excited to see it on Nintendo?

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The Apple Watch ships with sensible defaults, but those defaults are designed to showcase features, not to minimize friction. A few targeted changes can significantly reduce distractions, speed up common actions, and make the watch feel more intentional instead of noisy.

None of the adjustments below require third-party apps. They focus on settings Apple already provides but does not surface particularly well.

1. Cut notification noise aggressively

By default, the Apple Watch mirrors nearly every iPhone notification. That behavior turns the watch into a constant interruption engine.

Open the Watch app on iPhone, go to Notifications, and disable mirroring for most apps. Keep only messaging, calls, and a small number of time-sensitive services. Marketing alerts and social updates rarely justify wrist taps.

After that, enable Silent Mode from Control Center on the watch. Haptics remain active, but audio alerts stop entirely, which dramatically improves day-to-day usability.

2. Use wrist gestures instead of touch

Recent Apple Watch models support gesture controls that work without touching the display. Double Tap (index finger and thumb) triggers the primary on-screen action, such as answering a call or stopping a timer. Wrist Flick navigates back.

Once enabled, these gestures reduce screen interaction during workouts, cooking, or commuting. They are faster than tapping and work reliably once muscle memory develops.

3. Unlock your Mac automatically

The Apple Watch can authenticate macOS sessions without passwords. When enabled, wearing the watch is enough to unlock a nearby Mac.

On macOS, open System Settings > Touch ID & Password, then enable Apple Watch unlocking. Authentication happens locally and does not require the same Wi-Fi network.

This feature works consistently and removes one of the most repetitive friction points in daily desktop use.

4. Rely on widgets instead of cluttered faces

Complication-heavy watch faces look efficient but age poorly in practice. Widgets provide the same access without permanently occupying the screen.

Swipe up (or rotate the Digital Crown) to open the widget stack. Add commonly used items like Battery, Timers, Weather, and Workouts. Pin the few you check daily and let the system suggest the rest contextually.

This approach keeps the watch face clean while preserving quick access.

5. Rotate between multiple watch faces

Once widgets handle most interactions, watch faces become about context instead of density. Creating two or three faces-general use, fitness, and minimal-works better than trying to make one face do everything.

Swipe left or right on the face to switch instantly. Face creation and customization are still easiest in the Watch app on iPhone, especially for Photos-based faces.

6. Adjust Activity Rings when needed

Activity Rings no longer require rigid adherence. watchOS now allows pausing or modifying goals without breaking streaks.

Open the Fitness app on iPhone, select Activity Rings, then scroll down to Change Goals or Pause Rings. This is useful during illness, recovery, or travel, and prevents the rings from dictating behavior rather than reflecting it.

7. Control Apple TV from your wrist

The Apple Watch includes a full Apple TV remote. It is easier to find than the physical remote and works immediately once paired.

Open the Remote app on the watch, select your Apple TV, and control playback using taps and swipes. It supports navigation, volume, and Siri input.

8. Let alarms bypass Silent Mode

Silent Mode usually silences alarms as well, which is not always desirable. Apple allows individual alarms to override this behavior.

Edit an alarm in the Alarms app and enable Break Through Silent Mode. The alarm will sound even when the watch is muted, while all other alerts remain silent.

9. Tie Focus modes to watch faces

Focus modes can automatically switch watch faces. This is useful for separating work, personal time, and workouts visually.

Configure this in Settings > Focus on iPhone. Assign a specific watch face to each Focus. When the Focus activates, the watch face changes with it, providing instant context.

10. Track sleep consistently

Apple Watch sleep tracking works best when paired with Sleep Focus. When active, the watch dims automatically and suppresses notifications.

Recent watchOS versions add a sleep score and deeper metrics without requiring manual input. Charging during evening downtime instead of overnight keeps the watch ready for sleep tracking.

These adjustments do not change what the Apple Watch is capable of, but they significantly change how it feels to use. Most are one-time decisions that remove friction permanently.

Which of these tweaks have you already applied, and which ones were still buried in settings for you?

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Google is quietly toning down the visual presence of Nano Banana inside Google Messages. In the latest beta, the AI image remix feature no longer pushes its bright banana branding front and center, replacing it with a smaller, more restrained control that blends into the app's interface.

The change does not remove Nano Banana or limit what it can do. Image remixing remains available in chats, previews, and the media picker. What changes is how aggressively the feature announces itself while users are simply trying to view or send images.

A quieter look for image remixing

In the current stable version of Google Messages, Nano Banana is hard to miss. The remix button appears prominently on image previews and in the full-screen viewer, complete with a bright yellow banana icon that draws immediate attention.

The latest beta (version 20251212_00_RC01) changes that presentation. In chat threads, image previews now show a smaller remix button without the banana logo. The function is still obvious, but it no longer dominates the preview or competes visually with the image itself.

This adjustment gives Nano Banana a more utility-focused feel, closer to a standard editing tool than a novelty feature.

Changes inside the image viewer

The full-screen image viewer sees a more noticeable shift. The old remix button, which previously sat alongside other controls, has been removed entirely from its former location.

Instead, remixing now appears as a compact icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen, positioned next to the comment button. The new icon matches the simplified design used in chat previews and again drops the banana branding.

The functionality remains the same, but users have to make a deliberate choice to engage with it rather than having it presented as a primary action every time an image is opened.

Where users will notice it

These UI changes are limited to Google Messages and only affect how Nano Banana is surfaced within the app. Other integrations, such as in Google Photos or the Gemini app, are not part of this update.

Users who frequently receive images in chats are the most likely to notice the difference. Image previews look cleaner, and opening photos feels less cluttered, especially in long conversations where multiple images are exchanged.

For users who actively use Nano Banana, the feature is still one tap away. For everyone else, it stays out of the way.

Beta only, for now

The updated UI is currently limited to the Google Messages beta channel and specifically to version 20251212_00_RC01. It is not live for users on the stable release.

Google has not announced a rollout schedule, and there is no confirmation on when the changes will reach all users. As with other Messages UI tweaks, rollout may be gradual once it exits beta.

Users on stable builds will continue to see the existing Nano Banana presentation until the update is promoted.

Why this matters

Google has been adding AI-powered features across its apps at a steady pace, and Nano Banana is one of the more visible examples. UI choices determine whether those features feel optional or unavoidable.

By reducing the size and prominence of the remix controls, Google Messages treats Nano Banana more like a tool than a centerpiece. The feature remains available without constantly demanding attention.

For a messaging app that prioritizes quick, low-friction communication, that restraint makes a practical difference, even though the underlying AI capabilities remain unchanged.

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Valve has shipped a long-awaited change to the Steam client on Windows. As of the December update, Steam now runs as a fully 64-bit application on supported systems, ending years of partial 32-bit support and aligning the client with modern Windows environments.

The change applies to 64-bit installations of Windows 10 and Windows 11. Systems still running 32-bit Windows are not cut off immediately, but Valve has set a clear end date for support.

What changed?

The Windows version of the Steam client is now fully 64-bit. Previously, parts of the client remained 32-bit even on 64-bit systems, a legacy setup that limited how much memory the application could efficiently use and constrained future development.

With this update, Steam matches the architecture already used on other platforms and removes a technical ceiling that has existed for years.

Who is affected by the update?

Most Steam users are on Windows, and the majority of those systems already run a 64-bit version of the operating system. For these users, no action is required. Steam updates automatically and continues to function as normal.

Users still on 32-bit Windows should take note of Valve's timeline. Steam will continue to receive updates on 32-bit Windows only until January 1, 2026. After that date, the client will no longer be supported on those systems.

Valve has not announced any extensions or exceptions to this cutoff.

Why does it matter?

The benefits of a 64-bit client are practical rather than dramatic. Steam is not suddenly faster across the board, and Valve has not claimed large performance gains.

What changes is the foundation. A 64-bit application can access more system memory, handle larger workloads more reliably, and avoid certain stability issues that affect long-running processes. For a client that manages game downloads, overlays, chat, input devices, and background services, that headroom matters.

More importantly, the shift removes limitations that complicate future updates. Features that would have been awkward or impossible under mixed 32-bit support can now be developed without legacy constraints.

Other notable fixes in the December update

The 64-bit transition is the headline change, but it is not the only one included in the update.

Steam Friends and Chat now allow users to report suspicious or harassing messages directly from within chat windows. This closes a long-standing gap where moderation actions required navigating away from the conversation.

Valve also addressed a set of issues affecting Big Picture Mode and Remote Play, improving reliability in scenarios that are sensitive to client crashes or memory limits.

Controller support saw several additions and fixes. Steam Input now supports Nintendo Switch 2 controllers over USB on Windows, along with GameCube adapters operating in Wii U mode with rumble support. The update also resolves pairing and configuration problems affecting DualSense Edge, Xbox Elite, and Nintendo Joy-Con controllers.

These changes are incremental, but they target areas where Steam functions as infrastructure rather than a simple storefront.

What users should do now?

For users on Windows 10 or Windows 11 with a 64-bit installation, there is nothing to configure. The update installs automatically and runs in the background.

Users still on 32-bit Windows should treat the January 1, 2026 cutoff as a firm deadline. Continuing to use Steam beyond that point will require moving to a 64-bit version of Windows, as Valve has not indicated plans to maintain legacy builds.

The December update does not change Steam's system requirements for games themselves, but it does signal a broader move away from older platforms.

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Mozilla has confirmed that Firefox is moving toward deeper AI integration, following a leadership change that puts artificial intelligence at the center of the browser's future. At the same time, the company says users will retain the ability to disable all AI features entirely, using what it internally calls an "AI kill switch."

The announcement matters because Firefox has long positioned itself as a browser built around user choice and privacy. An AI-first direction challenges that reputation, especially for users who deliberately avoid browsers that bundle assistants, content analysis, or cloud-backed features by default.

Mozilla's position is clear on one point: AI features will not be mandatory. Whether that commitment holds in practice depends on how the controls are implemented and whether the opt-out remains complete as Firefox evolves.

Mozilla's leadership change sets the direction

Earlier this month, Mozilla appointed Anthony Enzor-DeMeo as its new CEO amid continued financial pressure on the organization. Shortly after, Enzor-DeMeo outlined a strategy to turn Firefox into what he described as a modern AI browser, aligning it with broader industry trends.

Firefox already experiments with optional AI-assisted features, including summarization tools and writing aids, but the new direction signals wider and more systematic integration. Mozilla frames this shift as part of a broader effort to remain competitive without abandoning its core principles.

According to Enzor-DeMeo, Mozilla's goal is to become a "trusted software company," with trust defined by transparency and user control rather than feature restraint. That framing places the burden on Mozilla to prove that AI additions do not erode privacy by default.

What the "AI kill switch" means in practice

Mozilla has confirmed that Firefox will include a single setting that disables all AI-related features across the browser. Internally referred to as an AI kill switch, the option is intended to act as a global off toggle rather than a collection of per-feature controls.

Firefox developers have stated publicly that this switch is meant to be absolute. When enabled, AI features should not run locally, connect to remote services, or activate hidden dependencies. The company has not finalized the name of the setting, but its scope is meant to be comprehensive.

This approach differs from partial opt-outs. Users should not need to hunt through multiple menus to turn off assistants, suggestions, or background processing. The intent is one decision that applies everywhere.

What remains unconfirmed is how deeply the switch operates at a technical level. Mozilla has not yet published documentation showing whether AI components are unloaded entirely or simply disabled at the interface layer. Those details will matter to users who audit network traffic or browser internals.

Can users disable this completely?

Mozilla says yes, but with caveats.

Confirmed:

• Firefox will ship with a global option to disable all AI features.
• The switch is designed to be user-facing and not hidden behind advanced configuration flags.
• AI functionality is opt-in, not forced by default.

Not yet confirmed:

• The exact location of the setting in Firefox's preferences.
• Whether AI-related code paths remain present but inactive.
• Whether future AI features introduced later will always respect the same switch.

Until the feature ships, users cannot verify how complete the opt-out really is. Mozilla has not announced a release version or timeline for when the kill switch will be available in stable builds.

How Firefox compares to Chrome and Edge

Firefox's stance contrasts with approaches taken by competitors like Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge.

Chrome integrates AI features tied closely to Google services, with no single control that disables all AI-backed behavior across the browser. Users can turn off specific features, but the process is fragmented and incomplete.

Edge embeds AI through Copilot and related services, many of which are deeply integrated into the interface. Disabling them often requires a combination of settings changes, policy edits, or enterprise controls, and even then, some components remain active.

Firefox's proposed model is simpler: one switch, one decision. For privacy-focused users, that difference is not cosmetic. It determines whether AI is an optional tool or a structural assumption.

What users should expect next

Mozilla has not detailed which new AI features are planned beyond what is already in testing. The company has also not said whether any future functionality will depend on AI components being enabled.

Users should expect:

• Gradual introduction of AI features rather than a single major release.
• Documentation explaining how to disable AI once the kill switch ships.
• Ongoing scrutiny from the Firefox community regarding enforcement of the opt-out.

Users who rely on Firefox specifically to avoid AI-driven behavior may want to monitor release notes closely. Once AI features arrive, confirming that the kill switch truly disables them will require hands-on verification.

For now, Mozilla's commitment exists as a policy statement backed by developer comments, not by shipping code.

What users can do now

Users who want to prepare have a few practical options:

• Stay on stable releases and avoid experimental builds where AI features may appear first.
• Review Firefox privacy and data collection settings regularly as new versions are released.
• Consider Firefox ESR if long-term stability and slower feature changes are a priority.

Switching browsers is not the only response. The real decision point will arrive when the AI controls land in stable Firefox and can be evaluated directly.

Does a single, global AI off switch change how you evaluate Firefox's move toward AI?

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A former developer from Rockstar Games has said that Grand Theft Auto VI is unlikely to face another delay, while also warning that pushing the release again would come with real consequences. The comments come as Grand Theft Auto VI remains scheduled for November 19, 2026, after already slipping multiple times since its initial reveal.

The game is one of the most anticipated releases in recent years. Each official trailer has drawn tens of millions of views, and the title has repeatedly topped “most anticipated” lists across major award shows. That level of attention has persisted despite long gaps between updates and a development cycle that has stretched well beyond a decade since Grand Theft Auto V launched.

Rockstar formally announced GTA 6 in December 2023. The first trailer broke YouTube records as the most-watched non-music video within its first 24 hours. Since then, the release window has moved several times. An initial Fall 2025 target slipped to May 2026, before Rockstar settled on the current November 2026 date. According to a former insider, that date is not expected to move again.

“Another Delay Would Make People Stop Caring”

In an interview with Esports Insider, former Rockstar animator Mike York, who previously worked on Grand Theft Auto V, said the latest delay was likely used to add polish rather than rework core systems. He described the current November 2026 window as strategically important, placing the game squarely in the holiday season with little direct competition at its scale.

York also delivered a blunt warning. According to him, further delays risk eroding long-term interest, even for a franchise as large as Grand Theft Auto. He said repeated pushbacks combined with long periods of silence can cause hype to “die down almost completely,” adding that another slip could lead some fans to disengage entirely.

That concern reflects a broader sentiment among parts of the community. Outside of trailers and official delay announcements, Rockstar has shared little concrete information. The studio has not released extended gameplay footage, detailed feature breakdowns, or a firm marketing roadmap. For a title with expectations this high, the absence of regular updates has become increasingly noticeable.

Information Drought and Internal Tensions

York also addressed frustration around the lack of communication. With no steady flow of official details, leaks have become the primary source of information for many fans. That situation has created tension for Rockstar, which has reportedly taken internal action against employees accused of leaking content related to unannounced projects.

Rockstar has not publicly commented on those reports, nor has it clarified how much of the leaked material reflects the current state of development. As a result, there is no clear picture of what systems are finalized, what content may have been cut, or how close the game is to completion.

What is clear is that Rockstar appears intent on avoiding a repeat of past launches that required heavy post-release fixes. The extra time may be intended to ensure stability across platforms at launch, particularly given the scale expected from the game’s open world.

Big Changes Are Expected in GTA 6

Most details about gameplay changes remain unofficial, but leaks and industry chatter point to substantial updates to the series formula. GTA 6 is expected to return to Vice City, reimagined as a significantly denser and more reactive environment. Reports have suggested a large increase in enterable buildings and interior locations, alongside more dynamic NPC behavior.

Underwater exploration is also rumored to play a larger role than in previous entries. If accurate, that would represent a notable expansion over earlier Grand Theft Auto titles, where underwater areas existed but were limited in purpose and depth.

Rockstar has not confirmed any of these features, and there is no official feature list available. Until the studio releases additional trailers or gameplay showcases, all specifics beyond the setting and protagonists remain unverified.

Subtle Teasers in GTA Online

While official GTA 6 news has been sparse, Rockstar has continued to update GTA Online. Some players have begun scrutinizing those updates for potential hints. A recently added mission sparked speculation about a returning side character from GTA 5, while cosmetic items resembling clothing seen in GTA 6 trailers have also appeared.

Rockstar has not acknowledged any connection between these updates and GTA 6. The studio has a long history of reusing assets and themes across projects, so the additions may not be intentional teasers.

For now, players waiting for Grand Theft Auto VI have little to do beyond monitoring official Rockstar channels and ignoring unverified leaks. If Mike York’s assessment is accurate, the current November 2026 release date is intended to hold, with Rockstar aware that further delays could permanently reduce interest even for one of the industry’s largest franchises.

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Microsoft has released Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 (KB5072043) to the Dev and Beta Channels, based on version 25H2. The update introduces several Copilot-related additions to the taskbar, expands accessibility controls in Narrator, tweaks input and widgets, and delivers a long list of fixes. The same build is available in both channels for now, which also opens a temporary window for Dev Channel users to switch to Beta without reinstalling.

The release follows Microsoft’s current Insider strategy: features are split between those rolling out gradually to systems with the “get the latest updates as they are available” toggle enabled, and changes that apply to everyone in the Dev and Beta Channels. Most of the headline additions in this build fall into the gradual rollout category.

Ask Copilot arrives on the taskbar for commercial users

The most visible change is the rollout of Ask Copilot on the taskbar for commercial customers with Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses. Consumer Insiders saw an earlier version of this feature in October; this build brings a variant tailored for work environments.

Ask Copilot acts as a unified entry point to Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot agents, and search. From the taskbar, users can open Copilot with a single click, interact using voice or text, and reference contextual work information tied to their Microsoft 365 environment. Agents can be invoked directly by typing “@” or using the tools button, and search results for apps, files, and settings use the same Windows APIs as standard Windows Search.

The feature is opt-in. It can be enabled under Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Ask Copilot. Microsoft notes that Ask Copilot does not grant Copilot additional access to personal files beyond what Windows Search already exposes.

The rollout is limited at first to commercial Windows Insider Program customers in the United States and will expand gradually over the coming weeks.

Agents gain taskbar presence and a new launcher framework

Build 26220.7523 also expands how Copilot agents surface in Windows. Agent tasks, such as reports generated by the Researcher agent, can now appear directly on the taskbar. Progress indicators and hover states show real-time updates, and notifications are sent when tasks complete. Microsoft is still experimenting with how these tasks appear, either grouped with the Copilot icon or as separate entries.

Under the hood, Microsoft is introducing Agent Launchers, a new framework that lets Windows apps register AI agents system-wide. Once registered, these agents become discoverable across supported experiences, including Ask Copilot on the taskbar and compatible apps. Agents open their own chat experiences when launched and can maintain context, ask clarifying questions, and take actions.

Microsoft 365 Copilot already uses this framework to expose agents like Analyst and Researcher. Developers can register agents during installation or dynamically at runtime, depending on authentication or subscription state.

Narrator gains granular speech customization

Accessibility sees a notable update in this build. Narrator now allows users to control exactly what properties are spoken when navigating UI elements and in what order. Labels, roles, states, and values can be selected, reordered, or omitted per control type.

Customization is available with Narrator key + Ctrl + P, where users can adjust announcements for buttons, checkboxes, sliders, and other controls. Changes apply across the current app. A preview option lets users hear how an announcement will sound before saving, and a reset option restores default behavior.

On Copilot+ PCs, Narrator customization also supports natural language input. Users can type instructions such as disabling position or selection announcements instead of manually toggling options.

Input, widgets, and language expansion

Several smaller but practical changes ship with this build:

• Voice typing with the touch keyboard drops its full-screen overlay. Dictation state animations now appear directly on the dictation key, reducing visual disruption.

• A new Discover Windows widget delivers short tips about Windows features, shortcuts, and security reminders. It can be added to the Widgets board or the lock screen and updates throughout the day.

• The Settings Agent expands language support to German, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean, Japanese, Hindi, Italian, and Simplified Chinese, in addition to existing English and French locales.

• The Arabic keyboard layouts gain AltGr support, including access to the Saudi Riyal currency symbol.

• Voice Access introduces a streamlined setup flow that simplifies model downloads, microphone selection, and feature discovery.

File Explorer updates and fixes

File Explorer receives both visible changes and performance improvements. For consumer Microsoft account users, people icons now appear in the Activity column on File Explorer Home and in areas like Recommended and Recent. Hovering or clicking these icons opens a Windows People Card with context about recent file interactions and quick actions such as starting a chat or call. This brings a feature previously limited to work and school accounts to consumer cloud files.

On the fix side, Microsoft addressed white flashes during navigation, reduced duplicate file indexing to improve search performance, improved search reliability across multiple drives, and resolved an issue blocking OneDrive files from opening in RemoteApp sessions. Voice Access navigation in the Gallery view has also been simplified.

Taskbar behavior, known issues, and Paint update

The build adjusts taskbar behavior when apps are set to uncombined, preventing large window groups from being pushed wholesale into the overflow area. Microsoft has temporarily paused a separate taskbar animation rollout while investigating reported issues.

Known problems remain. Some Insiders report Start menu clicks not opening Start, system tray icons failing to appear, and autohide taskbars triggering too early and blocking app interaction. File Explorer context menu crashes and Bluetooth battery level display issues are also under investigation.

Outside the OS itself, a Paint update is rolling out to Canary and Dev Channels. Version 11.2511.281.0 introduces a collapsible toolbar that can automatically hide and be recalled as needed.

What to do if you’re testing this build

Insiders who want the newest features first need to enable the “get the latest updates as they are available” toggle in Windows Update. Dev Channel users should also decide soon whether to switch to the Beta Channel while both channels share the same 25H2 builds. Once the Dev Channel advances to a higher build number, that option will close.

Features in this build are still subject to controlled rollouts and may change, be removed, or never ship beyond the Insider program.

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Valve has launched the Steam Winter Sale 2025, bringing broad discounts across its PC game catalog. The sale includes recent releases as well as older titles, with price cuts that range from small reductions to deep discounts of 50 percent or more.

The event affects all Steam users and runs for a little over two weeks. According to Valve, the sale is scheduled to end on January 5, giving players a limited window to purchase games at reduced prices.

What’s discounted in this sale

This year’s Winter Sale stands out for including a large number of games released in 2025. Several high-profile titles are already discounted despite only launching in recent months, which is not always the case during seasonal sales.

Notable deals include:

• Assassin’s Creed Shadows at 50% off

• Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 at 50% off

• Avowed at 50% off

• EA Sports FC 26 at 60% off

• Cyberpunk 2077 at 65% off

Other games with smaller but still meaningful discounts include Hades 2, ARC Raiders, Silent Hill f, The Outer Worlds 2, and Battlefield 6. Indie titles are also well represented, with lower-priced games like PEAK and R.E.P.O. seeing additional cuts on top of their already modest base prices.

Why this sale matters

Seasonal Steam sales are common, but the Winter Sale typically offers the widest selection of discounted titles. This year’s version includes more recent releases than usual, reducing the need to wait months for price drops on new games.

For users who avoid buying games at launch prices, the Winter Sale provides an opportunity to pick up titles released earlier in the year at significantly lower cost. This is especially relevant for larger games that rarely receive discounts outside major sales events.

The sale also applies to downloadable content and expansions, making it easier to complete collections or return to older games with new content at a lower total cost.

How Steam sales work

Steam uses a fixed-price model during major sales events. Prices do not change dynamically, and waiting until the final day does not unlock deeper discounts. Refund rules remain the same: games can be refunded if played for less than two hours and purchased within the last 14 days, even during a sale.

Users with large wishlists may want to review notifications carefully, as Steam highlights discounts only for games already tracked. Discovery queues and category browsing can surface additional deals, but the storefront prioritizes popular and recently updated titles.

What users can do now

Users who plan to buy games during the sale may want to:

1. Review their Steam wishlist first, as discounts are clearly flagged

2. Check refund eligibility before buying large bundles

3. Compare editions, since deluxe versions are often discounted alongside standard releases

4. Avoid waiting for last-minute deals, as prices will not change before the sale ends

The Winter Sale does not introduce new store mechanics or limited-time flash sales. Once a price is set, it remains unchanged until the event concludes.

Steam’s Winter Sale runs until January 5, after which prices return to their regular levels.

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Anker is selling a 25,000mAh power bank that targets users who need to charge multiple devices, including laptops, from a single battery. The model supports up to 100W output and recharge speeds, which puts it in the range required for USB-C laptops, gaming handhelds, and fast-charging phones.

The capacity sits just under common airline limits, which means it can be carried on flights without restrictions. Larger power banks often exceed those limits and are not allowed in carry-on luggage.

The unit includes four charging options: two built-in USB-C cables, one additional USB-C port, and one USB-A port. This allows several devices to be charged at the same time without adapters or extra cables. A small integrated display shows charging status and power usage for connected devices.

Recharge speed matches output at up to 100W, reducing downtime compared to lower-end power banks that take many hours to refill. This makes it more practical for daily use rather than emergency-only charging.

Users who need more than 25,000mAh can find higher-capacity options, but those models typically lose airline compatibility. This model trades maximum capacity for portability, faster charging, and broader device support, which may be the more practical balance for travel and mixed-device setups.

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Microsoft has added a remote lock option to the Link to Windows app on Android, allowing users to lock a Windows 11 PC directly from their phone. The update also introduces recent activity tracking and expands file sharing, but it still does not allow unlocking a PC remotely.

The change affects users who rely on Link to Windows (paired with Phone Link on Windows 11) to manage basic PC interactions from an Android device. Once the updated app is installed and connected, a new Lock PC button becomes available, making it possible to secure a system without being physically in front of it.

Remote locking is a one-way action. There is no option to unlock the PC from the phone, and Microsoft has not indicated that such functionality is planned.

What changed in Link to Windows

The update adds several user-facing features:

• A Lock PC control that remotely locks a paired Windows 11 system

• A redesigned interface with clearer navigation

• A new Recent Activity section that lists file transfers, shared photos, and copied text

• Expanded file sharing that now works from PC to phone and from phone to PC

Earlier versions of Link to Windows supported sending files from a PC to an Android device, but not the reverse. That limitation is now removed.

Windows Latest reports that the features appeared more broadly after installing an update released on December 8, which brings the app to version 1.25102.140.0. Some users had access earlier, starting around July, but the rollout was limited at the time.

Who is affected

The new features are available to Android users who:

• Use Windows 11

• Have Phone Link enabled on the PC

• Use the Link to Windows app on Android

iOS users can still install Link to Windows, but integration remains more limited. The remote lock feature and expanded file sharing are tied to the Android implementation.

Some functionality continues to depend on device-specific support. Certain Samsung phones and PCs offer deeper integration, such as automatic hotspot connection through Windows 11’s network flyout. The remote lock feature itself does not appear to be limited to specific manufacturers.

Why the remote lock matters

Remote locking adds a small but practical layer of control. It provides a fallback option if a PC was left unlocked in a shared or public environment, or if a user steps away without activating the lock manually.

Windows already includes Dynamic Lock, which automatically locks a PC when a paired Bluetooth device moves out of range. That feature remains the more automated option, but it depends on Bluetooth behavior and proximity detection. The new Link to Windows control is manual and explicit, which may be preferable in situations where Dynamic Lock is unreliable or disabled.

The lack of a remote unlock option is notable. Unlocking a Windows system requires authentication, and Microsoft appears to be keeping that boundary intact. Locking a system remotely does not expose credentials or bypass security prompts, while unlocking would raise significantly different security considerations.

File sharing and activity tracking

The new Recent Activity section consolidates recent interactions between phone and PC. It shows:

• Files transferred in either direction

• Shared photos

• Text copied between devices

This view acts as a lightweight history rather than a full log. Microsoft has not documented how long items remain visible or whether the list can be cleared manually.

File sharing from phone to PC now mirrors the existing PC-to-phone workflow. Users can send files without relying on third-party services or cloud uploads, provided both devices are connected through Phone Link.

What users can do now

Users who want to use the new features should check that both sides of the connection are updated.

To enable remote PC locking from Android:

1. Update the Link to Windows app from Google Play

2. Ensure Phone Link is installed and up to date on the Windows 11 PC

3. Pair the phone and PC if not already connected

4. Open Link to Windows on Android and look for the Lock PC option

If the button does not appear, the update may not have reached the device yet, or the connection may need to be re-established.

Users who frequently step away from their PC may also want to review Windows 11’s Dynamic Lock setting as a complementary option, since the two features address similar use cases in different ways.

Caveats and unknowns

Microsoft has not published a public changelog for the most recent Link to Windows update, so the exact rollout timing of each feature is unclear. Some functionality may have been enabled server-side before December 8.

There is no indication that remote unlocking will be added. The current design limits Link to Windows to locking actions only, and Microsoft has not commented on expanding that capability.

The Recent Activity section provides visibility into recent interactions, but there is no documented way to manage or disable that history independently.

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Windows users have plenty of options already when it comes to tweaking or debloating Windows. From WinAero Tweaker and O&O ShutUp10 to specialized apps such as O&O AppBuster or WinScript.

All of these are great tools, but there is always room for another one, right? Sparkle is a new app for Windows 10 and 11 that combines tweaks with a cleaner and several other tools. It is open source, which is always welcome, and available as a free download. Some may not like that it uses Electron, as it is the main reason why the app has a hefty size of 150 megabytes.

You can run the app right after installation. It loads its interface and displays the dashboard, which highlights mostly hardware specs. You do get the list of applied tweaks on the page as well, and a link to tweaks, but that is about it.

Tweaks is one of the core components of Sparkle. It includes 36 in total currently, from single changes, such as disabling Copilot or disabling location tracking, to running debloat scripts. Two of these are supported right now. A click on the docs button opens  a wiki page that explains how these differ.

In this case, selecting Sparkle's own is an app uninstaller that will remove apps that you do not check. The second script. Raphire's Winn11Debloat script, is far-reaching and will remove bloatware and improve privacy.

You may encounter one of the main issues in Sparkle at the time of writing on the tweaks page. The title and description that Sparkle presents may not be enough in some cases to make an educated decision. It is necessary to click on the docs button, which opens a website in the default browser. There, you get more details, but may need to click again to fully understand the changes a tweak makes.

It would be better, if Sparkle would provide core information in its interface, for instance via a tooltip. However, the majority of tweaks come with a simple toggle to enable or disable them.

Cleaner is another section. It is rather basic, as it cleans temporary files, prefetch files, the recycle bin, Windows Update cache or thumbnail cache only. While these are locations that can make a difference by freeing up plenty of space, the section could be expanded to come closer to the functionality of CCleaner or Bleachbit.

Here is an overview of the remaining sections:

1. Restore Points displays a useful overview of all created restore points on the system. You can create a new one or delete the snapshots here.
2. Utilities serves as a hub for launching commands or tools. You can use them to reset the IP stack or Winsock, open the Device Manager, and more.
3. DNS Manager displays the current DNS provider and options to set a provider. Sparkle includes six providers, which you may enable with two clicks.
4. Apps displays the list of installed apps. You can uninstall apps from here, export a list, or bulk uninstall apps.

Closing Words

Sparkle is a beta program and it shows in some sections. The program was reliable during tests and it felt like using a stable software, but more testing is needed to come to a final conclusion. If the developer managers to add more features to some of the sections and improve usability, it could become a popular tweaking choice for Windows users, Electron or not.

Now You: do you use tweaking tools? If so, which is your favorite and why?

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The Galaxy S25 is available for $350 when purchased with a one-year Mint Mobile plan. The price applies to the standard Galaxy S25, not the Ultra, and requires prepaying 12 months of service.

The phone usually sells unlocked for around $650. The promotion cuts the upfront hardware cost nearly in half, with the service commitment covering the rest of the value.

The required Mint Mobile plan costs $180 for the year, which breaks down to $15 per month. Combined with the phone, the total comes to $530.

What the Mint Mobile plan includes

The plan included with the Galaxy S25 promotion provides unlimited talk, text, and data. Mint Mobile uses T-Mobile’s network, which offers broad coverage and solid speeds in most urban and suburban areas.

International calling to Canada, Mexico, and the UK is included at no extra charge. There is no multi-year lock-in beyond the single prepaid year, and the phone is not permanently tied to the carrier once the term ends.

Users who are already comfortable with prepaid service or who plan to stay on Mint for a year avoid the usual downside of carrier deals: bill credits spread over multiple years.

Why the Galaxy S25 makes more sense than the Ultra

Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra continues to draw attention, but the gap between the Ultra and the regular Galaxy S25 has narrowed. Performance, display quality, and software features are largely shared across the lineup.

The Ultra still carries camera advantages on paper, but Samsung’s recent Ultra models have delivered fewer practical gains than in previous generations. Outside of zoom-heavy photography or S Pen usage, daily use looks very similar between the two devices.

The Galaxy S25 delivers the same core experience: a fast processor, a high-quality display, and Samsung’s current software stack. The main difference is price, and at $350, the standard model lands in a very different value category.

Software support changes the long-term math

Samsung now commits to seven years of Android and security updates for the Galaxy S25 series. That policy significantly extends the usable lifespan of the device compared to older Galaxy models and many competing Android phones.

Long-term update support reduces the risk of buying a phone tied to a carrier deal. Even after the Mint Mobile term ends, the device remains supported for years, whether used unlocked or resold.

For users who keep phones for extended periods, the update policy matters more than incremental hardware differences.

What users should consider before buying

The promotion requires paying for the full year of service upfront. Users planning to switch carriers within a few months will not recover that cost.

Coverage quality depends on T-Mobile’s network in the user’s area. Checking local coverage before committing avoids surprises.

The unlocked Galaxy S25 remains available at a higher price for users who want immediate carrier flexibility without a prepaid commitment.

The deal works best for users who want a current-generation Android phone, are comfortable with prepaid service, and value long-term software support over Ultra-specific hardware features.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Galaxy S25 Drops to $350 With a One-Year Mint Mobile Plan appeared first on gHacks Technology News.

Gearbox has released a new shift code for Borderlands 4 that grants three Golden Keys, but it can only be redeemed until December 23. Players who use Golden Chests for gear upgrades should redeem it as soon as possible, as expired codes cannot be claimed later.

The active shift code is:

JHXTB-RFWH3-C6335-TBBJB-JWWBH

Redeeming the code adds three Golden Keys directly to the selected platform. The keys themselves do not expire, even after the redemption window closes, which makes it useful to claim them now and save them for a later playthrough.

Golden Keys are one of the most reliable ways to obtain high-quality loot in Borderlands 4. They are spent at Golden Chests and frequently drop rare and Legendary items, making them especially useful when leveling a new Vault Hunter or gearing up after a break from the game.

How to redeem the Borderlands 4 shift code

Redeeming the code only takes a minute if your account is already linked.

1. Open the SHiFT website and sign in to your SHiFT account.

2. Open the Gaming Platforms section and confirm your platform account is linked.

3. Go to the Rewards section.

4. Enter the code JHXTB-RFWH3-C6335-TBBJB-JWWBH under Code Redemption.

5. Select the platform you want the keys delivered to.

Once redeemed, the Golden Keys will appear in-game the next time you log in.

Other active Borderlands 4 SHiFT codes

In addition to the three-key code, several other SHiFT codes are currently active and can still be redeemed:

• T9RJB-BFKRR-3RBTW-B33TB-KCZB9 – 1 Golden Key

• JS63J-JSCWJ-CFTBW-3TJ3J-WJS5R – Break Free Pack

• JZ6BJ-SBR5J-WF3BK-BT3BB-TX9HB – Amon’s Cult Classic Skin

• TZXT3-XJXCB-CXBJW-BTTJT-9SK6B – Rafa’s Savings Savior Skin

• J96JT-BCXKT-C6JJ5-JTJBB-BZTXJ – Harlowe’s Maliwannabee Skin

• BZ6JJ-CB6CT-WXJJW-3TT3B-56FZ5 – Vex’s Mass Market Appeal Skin

• 3S6BB-ZXT93-KRT3W-BT3T3-JW6TZ – Gourd Your Loins Head and Hex Appeal Skin

Codes can be redeemed even if you are not actively playing. Many players collect SHiFT rewards over time and use the accumulated keys during future playthroughs.

The three-key code expires on December 23, after which it can no longer be redeemed, even though previously claimed keys remain valid indefinitely.

Resources:

https://gamerant.com/borderlands-4-shift-code-golden-keys-december-23/

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X has split its direct messaging feature into a standalone chat site that works independently from the main social media feed. The new app focuses solely on private messages and removes timelines, posts, and other platform features from view. It is designed for users who rely on X primarily for messaging rather than public posting.

The standalone chat site exposes the same direct messages already available on X, but in an isolated interface. Conversations, message history, and existing contacts carry over automatically once the user signs in. No migration or separate account is required.

The change shifts X closer to competing directly with dedicated messaging services, at least on the web. Instead of treating messaging as a secondary feature attached to social content, X is now offering it as a primary use case.

Who the new chat site is for

The standalone chat experience is most relevant for users who use X as a messaging platform rather than a social network. This includes users who rely on direct messages for coordination, private conversations, or subscriber communication and want to avoid exposure to the main feed.

The site is currently designed for desktop browsers. The interface scales well on larger screens and resembles a stripped-down messaging client rather than a social website. X has not confirmed release details for a mobile version, but the current offering clearly targets desktop users.

Users who primarily access X through mobile apps will see little immediate benefit, as the chat site does not replace the existing in-app messaging experience.

What the standalone chat includes

Functionally, X Chat is the direct messaging component of X presented on its own domain. The interface focuses on conversation lists, individual message threads, and message composition.

Feature scope is limited. There are no additional tools beyond what already exists in X’s messaging system. There is no separate contacts system, advanced chat organization, or automation support. The goal appears to be separation, not expansion.

The most notable controls are privacy and filtering options that determine who can send messages.

Users can configure message permissions to allow messages from:

• No one

• Verified users only

• Everyone

There is also a separate option that allows subscribers to send messages. This subscriber setting can override the general message request rules, giving creators more granular control over paid interactions.

Spam and low-quality messages remain a concern on X, and the standalone chat includes a “Filter low-quality messages” toggle. When enabled, messages identified as low quality are filtered before reaching the main inbox. The filtering logic is the same as on the main platform.

Beyond messaging and privacy controls, customization options are minimal. Users can choose an accent color that affects interface elements such as highlights, selections, and URL emphasis. No layout or behavior customization is available.

How to access X Chat

The standalone chat site is accessible through the web and does not require a separate installation.

When visiting the site for the first time, users are prompted to set a passcode. X states that this passcode is used for encryption purposes and is required before accessing messages. Once the passcode is set, existing conversations become available immediately.

There is no indication that the chat site supports multiple profiles or sessions in parallel. Users who manage more than one X account will need to sign out and back in when switching.

What users can do now

Users who want to separate messaging from the main X experience can start using the chat site immediately.

To use the standalone chat site:

1. Visit the X Chat website while signed into your X account.

2. Set a passcode when prompted to enable encrypted access.

3. Review message permissions and filtering settings.

4. Start or continue conversations without accessing the main X feed.

Users who rely on strict message controls should review their settings carefully, especially the interaction between general message permissions and subscriber overrides.

The standalone chat does not disable or replace direct messages on the main X site. Both interfaces remain active and synchronized.

Limitations and open questions

The standalone chat site does not introduce new messaging features or improvements over the existing system. It also does not address long-standing concerns around spam beyond the existing filter toggle.

There is no confirmation on whether end-to-end encryption applies uniformly across all message types or whether the passcode setup changes how messages are stored or synced across devices. X has not published detailed technical documentation on this point.

Mobile support has not been formally announced. Until a mobile version exists, users who prefer messaging on phones will still need to rely on the main X apps.

The standalone chat currently serves as an interface change rather than a functional expansion, and its usefulness depends entirely on how much value users place on separating messaging from the rest of the platform.

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The Photos app on iOS 26 iPhones is showing a rendering bug that causes some images to turn red when users zoom in. The issue affects photos that were taken on Android devices and later viewed on an iPhone. Images captured directly on the iPhone are not affected.

Affected photos look normal at first. The problem happens only after interacting with the image. As soon as a user pinches to zoom, the photo shifts into a deep red tint that covers most or all of the image. 

iOS 26 bug - photo turns red when zoomed in
byu/Jonkmclovin inios

I was able to reproduce the issue on my own iPhone using photos imported from an Android device. The images showed correctly in the grid view, but turned red the moment I zoomed in. Exiting and reopening the photo didn’t prevent it.

The issue has been reported with photos from different Android brands. Examples shared by users include images originally taken on Samsung Galaxy and Motorola devices.

The Android manufacturer does not appear to be the trigger. The common factor is viewing those photos inside Apple’s Photos app and zooming in.

There is no indication that the image files themselves are corrupted. When viewed outside the Photos app, or after applying a simple workaround, the photos display with their original colors intact. This points to a processing or rendering issue inside the iOS Photos app rather than damage to the underlying image data.

Apple has not acknowledged the issue publicly. Reports associate the behavior with iOS 26, but there is no confirmation that it is limited to that version.

Photos imported from Android devices should be treated like any other locally stored image on iOS, yet something changes when the app switches from the initial preview to the zoomed-in view. That transition appears to trigger the red overlay.

Not every Android photo is affected. Some users report that photos from newer Pixel devices display normally even when zoomed. Others see the red tint consistently with images from specific phones or time periods. No reliable pattern has emerged so far.

Differences in image metadata, color profiles, or how Android devices encode certain photos are possible factors, but Apple has not provided technical details.

This does not appear to be tied to how the photos were transferred. Users have reported the same behavior with images synced through cloud services, transferred via cable, or shared through messaging apps. Once the photo is in the iOS Photos library, the problem either occurs or it does not.

Here’s how to remove the red tint from affected photos.

The color shift is reversible. Users can restore the correct colors directly in the Photos app using the built-in edit controls. This does not permanently modify or degrade the image.

Open the affected photo in the Photos app.
Tap Edit in the top-right corner.
Tap Revert.

Reverting the photo removes the red overlay and restores the original appearance. The file itself is not damaged, and no image data is lost by doing this. The process essentially forces the Photos app to reload the image without applying the faulty rendering state.

This workaround must be applied to each affected image individually. There is no batch option, and reverting one photo does not prevent the issue from happening again with other images.

If additional Android photos are imported later, they may show the same behavior until Apple fixes the underlying problem.

Users should also be aware that entering Edit mode and reverting clears any prior edits made to that photo in the Photos app. If adjustments were applied previously, those changes will be removed when the image is reverted. In that case, exporting a copy of the photo before reverting may be the safer option.

At the moment, there is no setting in iOS to disable the behavior globally, and no confirmed fix beyond manually reverting affected images. Apple has not stated whether the issue is being solved or when a fix might arrive.

Sources:

Lifehacker — If Some Photos Are Inexplicably Turning Red on Your iPhone, There’s a Fix

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Sony has updated the PlayStation Plus catalog for December, adding nine games to the Extra and Premium tiers while removing 12 others. The changes are already live in the UK and Europe and are rolling out to US regions later today.

The update affects only PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. Essential-tier users are not included beyond context.

Headlining the new additions are Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, both available on PS4 and PS5. Premium subscribers also receive Soulcalibur 3 as part of the PS2 classics catalog. As usual, all Extra-tier games are also playable by Premium users.

New games added to PS Plus Extra & Premium

• Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PS4, PS5)
  
• Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS4, PS5)
  
• Planet Coaster 2 (PS5)
• Cat Quest 3 (PS4, PS5)
• LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)
• PAW Patrol: Grand Prix (PS4, PS5)
• PAW Patrol World (PS4, PS5)
  

PS Plus Premium only

• Soulcalibur 3 (PS2 classic)
  

At the same time, Sony removed 12 games from the catalog on December 16. Confirmed removals include Battlefield 2042, Sonic Frontiers, and Grand Theft Auto 3 – The Definitive Edition. Once removed, these titles can no longer be played through PlayStation Plus unless purchased separately.

Subscribers who were still playing removed games lose access immediately. Save data remains intact, but the games themselves are locked.

Availability can vary by region, and none of the added games are permanent. Sony has not announced how long the new titles will remain in the catalog.

Are you using PS Plus Extra or Premium, and do this month’s additions change what you play?

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Windows, just like most Linux distributions, offers an option to create a bootable Windows installation on USB drives. This has several benefits, including testing Windows 11 without touching the underlying system or accessing files and apps on the go.

Good news is that the entire process is free. You do need a USB drive or stick with a capacity of at least 16 gigabytes, preferably more, but that is the only requirement that costs money. Other than that, you will be using the free, open source tool Rufus to create the portable installation of Windows 11 and the download is free from Microsoft (you may need a license though at one point).

Preparations are key

The very first thing you need to do is download the latest ISO of Windows 11. Microsoft has a download website that offers the download. Just hit this link, scroll down on the page that opens to the "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices" section, and activate the confirm button to get started.

Microsoft will do some testing and verifying, after which you are asked to select a product language before the verification step ends. Click on the download button afterwards and select a save location for the ISO image of Windows 11 on your PC.

Download Rufus next. It is a small download and should not take longer than a second or two. Run Rufus right after the download. This displays the main interface of Rufus.

Here you need to make the following changes:

1. Click on the Select-button near the top and use the file browser that opens to pick the downloaded Windows 11 ISO image.
2. Select "Windows To Go" under "Image option".
3. Activate the Start-button to start the process.
4. When asked, select the Windows edition that you want to install. When in doubt, either pick Windows 11 Home or Pro.
5. Make sure that "Prevent Windows To Go from accessing internal disks" is checked. This ensures that the bootable Windows installation won't interfere with operating systems on internal disks.
6. Check "Remove requirement for an online Microsoft account", if you want to use a local account from the get-go.
7. Check "Create a local account with username" and type the username you want to use, to create this account automatically.
8. Click OK to continue.
9. Confirm the warning that all data will be destroyed on the USB drive.

Rufus will write the Windows 11 files on the USB device, which may take some time to complete. You may then boot from into Windows using the USB device.

Booting

Now that the USB drive with Windows 11 on it is ready, all that is left is to boot from it. You may need to adjust the boot sequence of the PC in the BIOS. Make sure that USB has a higher priority than the actual operating system, that is probably on one of the internal hard drives.

If you do not know how to get into BIOS or UEFI, monitor the first screens that appear when you start the PC. You might catch a glimpse of the key that you need to press to access it. You could also try pressing the usual keys, such as F1 for that.

Another option that you have is to enable Advanced Startup, if you run Windows on the PC. In Windows 10, you'd open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. From there, activate the Restart now button under "Advanced startup".

When Windows boots into the recovery environment, select "Use a device" and activate the USB option there. Windows should then boot from the inserted USB device.

Next time you want to boot into the regular systems, simply unplug the USB device and everything should be back to normal.

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Most operating systems do not provide advanced tools to organize files properly. Windows, for example, includes a few special folders, like Pictures or Downloads, but what you put into those is up to you.

If you have accumulated a folder with thousands of files, you may be interested in organizing these better. Windows users have plenty of options, but many of them are rather old. I reviewed apps like SubDiv, FileSieve, or Extension Indexer in the past that help you sort files.

FolderFresh is a newcomer. It is a free open source software for Windows that promises "intelligent file automation" for the operating system.

What are the main features?

1. Sort files automatically into folders.
2. Automatic sorting of files as they appear in a folder.
3. Check for and deal with duplicates.
4. Safe mode feature to copy files instead of moving them.
5. Preview mode to verify an operation before it is executed.
6. Smart sorting that can recognize certain types of files, e.g., invoices, assignments, or screenshots.
7. Custom categories and advanced filters.

You can download the latest version of FolderFresh from the project GitHub's page. Note that it has a massive file size of over 300 megabytes, and that it needs to be installed.

Once that is out of the way, you may start the app at any time. It displays a clean interface. Rules, categories, and the activity log are linked on the right. Rules allow for operations to be complex, more about them later. Categories are all the categories the app uses to sort files into. You can create new categories or edit existing ones.

Archives, for example, include only zip, rar, 7z, tar, and qz by default. You could add more archive extensions here to make sure every archive is included. The same goes for other categories, such as images, documents, or code.

To run a simple operation, select choose folder at the top. Once you have selected a folder a preview is displayed automatically. It indicates each file and its operation. You can modify the defaults, for instance by excluding subfolders. When you are satisfied, hit organize files and confirm the prompt to let the program do the sorting for you.

Note that safe mode is enabled by default, which means that files get copied and not moved. You may disable that there as well.

Smart sorting is disabled by default. It is used to organize files that do not match any of the core categories.

You may also let FolderFresh run operations automatically. Expand the advanced options and click on the "manage watched folders" button. There you may add folders for automation. In other words, any existing and all new files will be processed according to the application's rules.

Rules extend the core functionality. They enable you to create rule-based automations that rely on conditions and actions.

• Conditions: this is used to match files. You can pick names, sizes, content, metadata and many more here.
• Actions: this defines what happens when the app finds a file that matches the conditions. Again, lots of options, including moving or renaming files, running commands, or creating a zip archive.

Rules can be tested at any time until the configuration is set correctly. Options to run FolderFresh at system start and in the background are provided. The app can only run its actions when it is running itself.

Closing Words

FolderFresh is a mighty file organization tool for Windows. While it may take some tests to get used to its set of features, it can help users sort files in certain folders into user-defined categories. This can happen whenever you run the app, or automatically without you doing anything after setting it up.

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