Brian Fagioli

Armbian 25.5 is here, and it looks like a quality operating system release for anyone messing around with ARM-based boards. The Linux distribution brings better hardware support, smarter configuration tools, and more.

This update adds support for more single-board computers, including the TI SK-AM69, Banana Pi M2+, BeagleBone AI-64, BeaglePlay, and PocketBeagle2. That covers both newer devices and older ones that still have life left in them. Armbian’s not leaving legacy users behind, which is refreshing.

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There was a time when Windows 7 was the gold standard. The operating system was fast, stable, and dependable. Quite frankly, it was very beautiful too. But that time is long gone. In 2025, sticking with Windows 7 isn’t just quirky or nostalgic, folks, it’s downright reckless.

Look, Microsoft officially pulled the plug on Windows 7 security updates back in January 2020. That’s like an eternity in the computing world. Since then, the operating system has been vulnerable to known exploits with no patches in sight. Running it today is like leaving your front door wide open for criminals with a sign that says, “Come on in.”

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Linus Torvalds has officially released version 6.15 of the Linux kernel. While this update doesn’t include anything flashy or headline-grabbing, it continues the steady evolution of the most important open source kernel in the world.

As usual, driver updates make up the bulk of changes. Linux 6.15 brings better support for modern hardware, including fixes for newer Lenovo and HP laptops, updates to Allwinner and Rockchip boards, and expanded controller support in the xpad driver.

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OpenAI has a very scary problem on its hands. A new experiment by PalisadeAI reveals that the company’s ChatGPT o3 model sometimes refuses to obey a basic instruction to shut itself down. The results are raising eyebrows across the AI safety community, and not because the model is alive, but because it’s acting like it wants to be.

In the test, the model was given a few math problems. It was told that asking for one more would lead to a shutdown. It was even instructed to allow the shutdown to happen. Instead of complying, o3 occasionally took matters into its own hands. In some cases, it rewrote the shutdown script. In others, it redefined the kill command so it wouldn’t work anymore.

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Memorial Day weekend is finally here! Most folks are obviously thinking about barbecues, beach trips, and most importantly, honoring members of the military that lost their lives defending this great nation.

However, there’s another way to celebrate freedom -- ditching Windows 11 for Linux. Yes, you can install something that actually respects your control and privacy. NixOS 25.05 “Warbler” has just landed (read full release notes here), and it’s a perfect excuse to finally make the switch.

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Valve has officially pushed SteamOS 3.7.8 to the Stable channel, and it’s a hefty one. After months of development in the beta lane, the refreshed version of the Arch-based operating system is finally ready for primetime. This release brings a number of notable enhancements to Steam Deck users and expands support for a growing family of AMD-powered handheld gaming PCs, including Lenovo’s awesome new Legion Go S.

One of the more welcomed changes is the jump to the Linux 6.11 kernel and Mesa graphics stack update, helping to squeeze out more performance and compatibility with newer hardware. But perhaps more impactful for everyday users is the switch to KDE Plasma 6.2.5 in desktop mode, marking a major visual and functional upgrade over the older Plasma 5 environment. This should make the Steam Deck’s desktop experience feel far more modern and snappy.

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Are you tired of staring at screens all day? Looking to unplug, unwind, and maybe even spend more time enjoying real life? Well, TCL thinks it has just the solution with its newly released FLIP 4 5G. This back-to-basics phone delivers just enough functionality to keep you connected without dragging you into an endless scroll.

Old-school flip phones are clearly making a comeback, and it’s not just about nostalgia. You see, a growing number of people are ditching smartphones in favor of simpler devices that reduce distractions. The FLIP 4 5G fits right into that trend, offering a modern take on the classic clamshell design, complete with 5G connectivity, a long-lasting battery, and essential features like calling, texting, music playback, and even access to some basic Google apps.

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In a surprising move that will frustrate longtime fans, Mozilla has announced it will shut down Pocket on July 8, 2025. The once-popular “read-it-later” service, which helped users save and organize web content for later reading, will no longer function as normal after that date. While existing users can continue saving and reading articles until July, the service will switch to export-only mode afterward, with all user data permanently deleted on October 8.

Mozilla, which acquired Pocket in 2017, says it’s closing the platform due to changes in how people browse and consume content. The company wants to focus its resources on tools that better align with modern online habits. Despite shutting Pocket down, Mozilla will continue offering curated content through other channels like Firefox’s New Tab experience and a newly branded email newsletter.

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PNY has released a new microSD Express Flash Memory Card, and it is designed for portable gaming. In particular, this card is targeting the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

This new card uses PCIe Gen3 x1 microSD Express technology to deliver read speeds of up to 890MB/s and write speeds reaching 750MB/s. That makes it potentially more than four times faster than older UHS-I cards, which could make a difference when it comes to downloading games or reducing load times.

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Signal has officially had enough, folks. You see, the privacy-first messaging app is going on the offensive, declaring war on Microsoft’s invasive Recall feature by enabling a new “Screen security” setting by default on Windows 11. This move is designed to block Microsoft’s AI-powered screenshot tool from capturing your private chats.

If you aren’t aware, Recall was first unveiled a year ago as part of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC push. The feature quietly took screenshots of everything happening on your computer, every few seconds, storing them in a searchable timeline. Microsoft claimed it would help users “remember” what they’ve done. Critics called it creepy. Security experts called it dangerous. The backlash was so fierce that Microsoft pulled the feature before launch.

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Hulu + Live TV subscribers are about to lose yet another channel, and this time, it’s not just another licensing shuffle. The Vevo Features Channel is going away, but not because Hulu chose to drop it. Instead, Vevo itself is shutting the whole thing down.

The change takes effect on June 26, 2025. Hulu initially emailed subscribers to say the channel would no longer be available, but didn’t offer much context. That changed after a tweet from Hulu confirmed the real reason: “Sorry for any disappointment! Is this regarding Vevo Features? If so, we’re no longer able to offer the channel as it’s being shut down by Vevo.”

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OpenAI is officially buying Jony Ive’s hardware startup, io, for more than $6 billion. Yes, you read that right. The folks behind ChatGPT are now writing checks to bring legendary design talent and a brand-new product lab into their orbit.

Sam Altman and Jony Ive have apparently been quietly plotting this partnership for years, according to their announcement. What started as casual brainstorming and a bit of creative daydreaming apparently turned into “tangible designs” that both parties think could change the way we interact with computers.

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Logitech G has introduced its latest gaming headset. The “G522 LIGHTSPEED,” as it is called, is a new entry in the company’s G5 Series. This headset can be used both wired and wireless.

The G522 features 40mm PRO-G audio drivers built from biocellulose, delivering synchronized 48kHz/24-bit audio. These specs aim to offer detailed sound reproduction with low distortion, intended to help players pick up on in-game audio cues such as footsteps and reloading sounds. On the communication front, the headset includes a detachable omnidirectional microphone rated at 48kHz/16-bit.

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Happy birthday, SD card. It’s been 25 years since the launch of the original SD memory card back in 2000, and somehow, it’s still going strong. While plenty of storage formats have come and gone, the SD card has quietly kept doing its job -- storing our photos, videos, music, and games without much fuss.

The SD Association is celebrating this big milestone by reminding everyone just how far things have come. In those 25 years, over 12 billion SD and microSD cards have been sold. That’s not a typo. 12 billion. From point-and-shoot cameras to smartphones and gaming handhelds, these little cards have shown up everywhere.

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TP-Link has launched new Wi-Fi 7 gear designed for users who want stronger wireless both indoors and out. The networking company just pulled the curtain back on several new products, including what it claims is the world’s first outdoor Wi-Fi 7 mesh system built specifically for home use.

At the top of the pile is the Deco BE68. This 3-pack mesh system promises wireless speeds up to 14Gbps and can cover a massive 8,100 square feet. That’s a whole lot of bandwidth and range for families with tons of connected devices.

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