Wayne Williams

Malware shield

Malwarebytes shifts to people-based protection with new security plans

Malwarebytes has introduced a new range of security packages designed to protect individuals and families based on the number of people in a household rather than the number of devices.

Malwarebytes says its research shows most users now own at least two devices, often including a smartphone, increasing the number of potential entry points for cybercriminals.

By Wayne Williams -
Lexar ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD

Lexar unveils ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD with MagSafe compatibility and 2000MB/s speeds

Lexar has launched a compact external drive designed for creators who need fast, reliable, and easily accessible storage. The ES5 Magnetic Portable SSD offers read and write speeds of up to 2000MB/s and attaches directly to MagSafe-compatible iPhones or other magnetic surfaces.

The ES5 comes in capacities of up to 4TB and allows users to record in Apple ProRes at 4K 120FPS and Samsung Pro Video at 8K 30FPS.

By Wayne Williams -
CCleaner 7 Uninstaller

CCleaner 7 debuts with redesigned interface and smarter cleanup tools

Piriform has released CCleaner 7, the latest version of its popular PC maintenance software. Key features of this update include a streamlined interface, dark mode options, and improved cleanup tools designed to give users better control over performance and storage.

The redesigned layout offers a cleaner and more responsive experience and users can now choose between light, dark, or automatic themes.

By Wayne Williams -
Eightpoint-Wave Browser and 4ocean Beach Cleanup Event

Browsing the web with Wave Browser could help remove plastic from the ocean -- but you don't want to do that

Wave Browser, a web browser developed by Eightpoint, is introducing a new way for users to contribute to ocean conservation without changing their daily habits (beyond, you know, changing their browser).

Through a partnership with ocean cleanup company 4ocean, Eightpoint says it will fund the removal of 100,000 pounds of plastic and trash from oceans and coastlines over the next year.

By Wayne Williams -
Ashampoo Photo Commander 19

Ashampoo Photo Commander 19 arrives with improved security and format support

Ashampoo has launched Photo Commander 19, the newest version of its photo management and editing software. The update focuses on data protection, compatibility with a greater range of modern formats, and improved reliability.

Photo Commander 19 adds automatic encryption for databases, backups, and registry entries to help protect stored information. There’s also an optional screenshot protection feature to prevent unauthorized capture by external software.

By Wayne Williams -
AdGuard for Windows

AdGuard Ad Blocker lands in the Microsoft Store

AdGuard Ad Blocker is now available through the Microsoft Store, giving Windows users a new way to install the software.

The app is as one of the first full-featured system-wide ad blockers to reach the Store, giving Windows users who prefer centralized app management a direct installation option.

By Wayne Williams -
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) Black

Bose releases second-gen QuietComfort Ultra Headphones with lossless audio and longer battery life

Bose has announced the second generation of its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones, introducing a series of improvements to its flagship over-ear model.

Changes over its predecessor include lossless USB-C audio support, better adaptive noise cancellation, longer battery life, and a new Cinema Mode that boosts clarity in video and spoken-word playback.

By Wayne Williams -
GoDaddy trusted identity naming system for AI agents

GoDaddy introduces trusted identity naming system for AI agents

GoDaddy has stepped in to address what it describes as a growing issue in the AI ecosystem by creating a trusted identity naming system for AI agents.

With over one billion agents expected to be built by businesses within the next three years, the company says the challenge of distinguishing legitimate agents from malicious ones must be tackled now. As agent-to-agent interactions become the norm, a system is needed that can provide a standard of trust.

By Wayne Williams -
Opera AI

Opera to roll out enhanced native AI features across its flagship and GX browsers for free

Opera has announced plans to add expanded AI capabilities to its free browsers. The news comes just days after we wrote about Opera Neon, the company’s premium AI browser for power users.

Opera has been developing browsers for more than three decades and says it now serves hundreds of millions of active users every month. In recent years it has added a number of AI features to its products, starting in 2023 when it added its assistant Aria to Opera One, Opera GX, Opera Air (its "mindfulness" browser), Opera for Android and iOS, and Opera Mini.

By Wayne Williams -
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2026 and Premiere Elements 2026

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2026 and Premiere Elements 2026 offer AI-powered editing and creative tools

Adobe has released new versions of its consumer-focused photo and video editing software with Photoshop Elements 2026 and Premiere Elements 2026.

The two programs gain additional artificial intelligence tools, creative effects, and improved organization features designed to help users edit faster and experiment with new techniques. As before, there are Quick, Guided, and Advanced modes in both programs.

By Wayne Williams -
MiniTool Video Converter 4.5

MiniTool Video Converter 4.5 gains AI-powered subtitle and transcription tools

MiniTool Software has rolled out version 4.5 of its Windows video conversion tool.

MiniTool Video Converter can convert video files between formats, record on-screen activity, and compress clips. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats, with adjustable settings for resolution, bit rate, and frame rate.

By Wayne Williams -
NordVPN Cookie session hijacking

NordVPN adds hijacked session alerts to warn users of stolen cookies on dark web

NordVPN has introduced a hijacked session alert, a new feature designed to protect users from stolen authentication cookies being sold on the dark web.

The new feature forms part of the company’s Threat Protection Pro service and sends immediate notifications when active session data is compromised, giving users the chance to act before criminals are able to exploit their accounts.

By Wayne Williams -
Snapchat paper logo lies with envelope full of dollar bills and smartphone

Snapchat plans to start charging for storing old posts

Snapchat is introducing paid storage plans for Memories, a feature the company introduced back in 2016 as a way for users to save snaps beyond the usual 24-hour limit.

The move will affect users with more than 5GB of saved content. The company says most users fall below this threshold, but those storing thousands of photos and videos will now need to upgrade if they want to keep them available long term.

By Wayne Williams -
Opera Neon

Opera begins rolling out Opera Neon, its AI-powered browser

Opera has begun rolling out Opera Neon, a subscription-based browser designed around agentic AI. The first wave of invitations is being sent to users in the Neon Founders program, with broader access set to follow.

Unlike the normal Opera browser, Opera Neon is intended for people who use AI as part of their everyday work. It combines standard browsing tools with a system of workspaces, cards, and agentic actions.

By Wayne Williams -
Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14

Wacom unveils MovinkPad Pro 14 portable creative pad with larger OLED screen and faster hardware

Wacom has announced the MovinkPad Pro 14, a portable drawing tablet designed to give artists and designers a self-contained creative tool that can used anywhere. This new model expands on the earlier MovinkPad 11 with a larger 14-inch OLED display, faster hardware, and new software features aimed at both professional users and those developing their skills.

The MovinkPad line is Wacom’s attempt to bridge the gap between standalone tablets and traditional pen displays that require a computer connection. The Pro 14 offers an all-in-one device that runs Android 15 while still being able to link to a desktop system if needed.

By Wayne Williams -

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