AdGuard launched AdGuard DNS, a lightweight DNS app for Android and iOS
AdGuard has released a mobile app for DNS-level protection on iOS and Android, offering a simple way to block ads, trackers and harmful sites via encrypted DNS. AdGuard DNS targets users who want network-level filtering while avoiding the complexity of full ad-blocking or VPN tools.
The app is easy to set up and use. After installing it, users can link a device to their AdGuard DNS account by entering a Setup ID from the dashboard or by scanning a QR code.
Google unveils Gemini 3, bringing advanced AI to Search and the Gemini app
Google is taking the fight to AI rival ChatGPT with the launch of Gemini 3, the search giant's new flagship AI model built to handle complex reasoning, interpret multiple types of media and power new agent features across Search, the Gemini app, developer tools and enterprise platforms.
In a note announcing the new model, Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai said, “Nearly two years ago we kicked off the Gemini era, one of our biggest scientific and product endeavors ever undertaken as a company. Since then, it’s been incredible to see how much people love it.”
How to safely bring vibe coding to the enterprise [Q&A]
Vibe coding has surged in popularity in the last year. Tools like Lovable, Replit, and v0 are giving anyone the ability to generate apps without writing a single line of code. The experience is fast, intuitive, and surprisingly powerful, fueling a wave of innovation across both consumer and enterprise settings.
But as companies rush to adopt these tools, a new challenge has emerged. Employees are beginning to build their own AI-powered applications using whatever platforms they can find, often connecting them to live business data. It is a trend some experts are calling the rise of “shadow AI,” where software is created outside of established security and governance frameworks.
pi GPT turns your Raspberry Pi into an AI-managed device
Anyone creating projects on a Raspberry Pi can now link their devices directly to ChatGPT via a new tool from noBGP called pi GPT. The integration lets users vibe code, build and manage software on their own devices without relying on cloud services.
Instead of preparing network settings, handling ports, or moving between multiple consoles, pi GPT users can work inside ChatGPT and direct tasks to a Raspberry Pi on a desk or in a workshop. The platform connects Pi devices through noBGP’s deterministic networking system, which delivers consistent routing, private links, and predictable behavior across different environments.
Kingston launches Dual Portable SSD for cable-free storage
Kingston has introduced a new Dual Portable SSD with both USB Type A and USB Type C connectors in one unit. The aim is to provide users with cable free solution to file transfers and backup across different devices.
The Dual Portable SSD resembles a long flash drive -- it's 71.85mm in length and just over 21mm wide -- with a compact metal and plastic casing. It plugs directly into either connector type, removing the need for adapters.
FiiO launches new Jade Audio headphones and BR15 receiver for budget hi-fi fans
FiiO is adding three new products to its entry level audio line -- the Jade Audio JT7 and JT3 headphones and the BR15 desktop Bluetooth receiver, giving listeners a way to explore hi fi sound without blowing the budget.
The JT7 (pictured above) is an open back planar magnetic model developed in house by FiiO. It uses a 95 by 86 mm planar driver supported by a push pull magnetic layout. The structure places high density magnets on both sides of the diaphragm for a more even drive.
Opera and Spotify team up on new Sonic Theme for Opera One
Opera has added a new way for users to enjoy music inside its desktop browser, introducing a theme that reacts to whatever's playing through the built in Music Player. The feature was made in conjunction with Spotify and turns the browser’s Start page into an animated display that moves in sync with streaming audio.
The Sonic Theme is available in Opera One and uses shader based effects to create a pattern that moves with the playing track. The theme is intended to resemble sound waves passing through a thin layer of sand. When music starts, the animation breaks into small particles that move across the screen in real time.
Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 launches with Safe Folder and wider malware protection
IObit released Advanced SystemCare 19 back in October, and it's now launching Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18. The version numbers may look out of order, but that's because the two products are actually quite different. While Advanced SystemCare 19 focuses on cleanup and performance, Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 18 includes full antivirus protection.
The biggest addition to the new software is Safe Folder, a feature that allows users to place sensitive files behind a protective barrier. This folder blocks unauthorized access, which includes potential ransomware attempts. The antivirus database has also been expanded and targets a broader mix of malware to reduce the number of threats that reach a system.
Say goodbye to Microsoft Windows 11 and hello to Nitrux Linux 5
Windows 11 remains familiar territory for many users, but it continues to frustrate those dealing with sluggish performance and high system demands on older machines. Frequent updates often fix some problems while introducing others, leaving users searching for an alternative. For those ready to move away from Windows, there's Nitrux Linux 5.
After a long wait, the latest version of the Debian-based Linux distribution has arrived, bringing with it a wealth of changes and improvements. Top of the list is the Hyprland desktop which replaces KDE Plasma.
Connection Explorer shows where your PC is sending data in real time
Stardock has launched a new application for Windows called Connection Explorer, a beta tool designed to reveal and visualize every network connection made by a PC. Aimed at improving data transparency, it allows users to monitor, understand, and control how their devices communicate online.
The software maps out every connection a computer makes, transforming complex background activity into a readable visual interface. Stardock says the goal is to give users direct insight into how data flows between their systems and the internet, removing the guesswork from identifying unfamiliar or unwanted activity.
New year, new Microsoft OS -- the stunning Windows 26 is everything Windows 12 should be
Every so often, we get hints about Windows 12, but Microsoft has yet to announce it. Now that the tech giant is only officially supporting one Windows OS, perhaps that will change.
But as 2025 draws to a close, and with a new year on the horizon, it’s time to look forward to fresh beginnings and groundbreaking innovations. It’s time for a new Microsoft operating system. Let me introduce you to Windows 26.
OWC expands Thunderbolt 5 range with StudioStack and Mercury Helios 5S
Other World Computing has added two new products to its Thunderbolt 5 lineup with the launch of the OWC Mercury Helios 5S and OWC StudioStack. Both devices are designed to provide professionals with faster data transfer, expanded connectivity, and flexible upgrade options across Mac and PC.
SEE ALSO: OWC's latest portable SSD offers up to 8TB in a palm-sized design
Avast launches Scam Guardian for smartphones and tablets
Avast has introduced Scam Guardian and Scam Guardian Pro for mobile devices, expanding its AI-driven scam protection from desktop to smartphones and tablets. The new tools, part of Avast Mobile Security and Avast Premium Mobile Security, aim to address the rising wave of scam and social engineering attacks on mobile platforms.
Avast, part of Gen, said that over 80 percent of mobile threats blocked by Gen Threat Labs this year were scams. In fact, on average, four mobile scam attempts are stopped every second. Scam Guardian and its Pro version extend Avast's existing protection ecosystem to mobile users on Android and iOS.
Your company might be secretly recording your ChatGPT conversations -- here's why
A new compliance report shows a sharp rise in financial institutions capturing ChatGPT communications. Global Relay’s Communication Capture Trends Report 2025 found a 3,000 percent increase in the number of firms recording ChatGPT data compared with a year ago.
The report analyzed data from more than 12,000 financial institutions and over 200 communication channels to see how firms are adapting to changing workforces and the introduction of new communication tools.
The AI Paradox: GitLab finds faster coding is slowing teams down
GitLab has published new findings highlighting what it calls the “AI Paradox,” whereby artificial intelligence is speeding up coding but introducing new productivity barriers as a result. The company’s 2025 Global DevSecOps Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, surveyed 3,266 professionals working in software development, IT operations, and security. The results suggest that while teams deploy faster than ever, they are losing time to inefficiencies that AI alone cannot fix.
According to the study, DevSecOps professionals lose about seven hours per week to inefficient processes. The main causes include fragmented toolchains and collaboration gaps between teams.
Wayne's Bio
Wayne Williams has been writing about computers, technology, and the web for over 30 years now. He’s written for most of the UK’s PC magazines, and launched, edited and published a fair few of them in his time also. If you like what you read, you can Buy Me a Coffee!
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