Take control of Windows 11 and save time with Quick Access Popup 12
Constantly digging through folders, menus, and dialog boxes to find files or launch programs is a serious pain and can slow down even the speediest of Windows users. Quick Access Popup 12 has arrived, offering a faster way to launch folders, documents, apps, and websites from anywhere in Windows.
The utility, which builds on the original Folders Popup tool, lets users open commonly used locations or run commands with a middle click or a simple Win+W shortcut.
Text-to-video app Sora surges past 1 million downloads as OpenAI races to meet demand
OpenAI’s text-to-video app Sora has reached over one million downloads in less than five days, according to Sora boss Bill Peebles on X.
Peebles said the milestone came faster than ChatGPT’s initial launch, despite Sora’s invite-only rollout and it currently only being available in North America.
Xubuntu Linux 25.10 released with improved Wayland support and Xfce 4.20
Xubuntu 25.10, the latest community-developed release of the lightweight Ubuntu-based distribution, is now available to download. As well as stability and usability tweaks there’s improved Wayland support. This version of the OS will receive support until July 2026.
This release follows the arrival of Ubuntu 25.10 ‘Questing Quokka’ yesterday, and offers many of the same under-the-hood improvements, including better security, performance, and device compatibility.
Ubuntu Linux 25.10 'Questing Quokka' arrives with memory-safe system tools and better hardware support
Ubuntu Linux 25.10, codenamed “Questing Quokka,” is now available to download. This interim Ubuntu release focuses on improving security, performance, and accessibility, laying the groundwork for next year’s long-term support version.
25.10 introduces memory-safe implementations of key tools, a refreshed desktop, and better hardware compatibility across a wider range of devices. The latest Linux release also arrives with GNOME 49, a new version of Ubuntu’s default desktop environment that includes lock screen media and power controls, improved accessibility options, and support for HDR brightness settings.
Windows 10's end of life is only days away -- WhyNotWin11 explains why your PC may not qualify for Windows 11
It’s been a long time coming, but Windows 10 is now only days away from reaching the end of its lifecycle, marking the end of updates and security support for one of Microsoft’s most widely used operating systems.
For millions of users still running the OS, this change raises an important question: what’s next? While upgrading to Windows 11 seems like the natural path forward, not every PC meets Microsoft’s stringent system requirements.
AI girlfriend apps leaked millions of intimate conversations and images -- here's what we know
Two AI companion apps leaked millions of private conversations, more than 600,000 images and videos, and detailed usage data from over 400,000 users.
The exposed information included in-app transactions showing that some users spent thousands of dollars on their virtual partners, raising serious questions about data privacy in AI relationship platforms.
Nearly a third of US and UK consumers plan to switch internet providers, survey finds
A new consumer study shows that around 28 percent of US and 37 percent of UK households are considering switching internet service providers in the near future, mainly due to concerns over service quality.
The findings suggest that poor connectivity and customer support continue to be major drivers of churn in the broadband market.
Sora 2, OpenAI's AI video generator is now available for everyone on Invideo
Invideo has become the first platform to offer unrestricted global access to Sora 2, OpenAI’s next-generation AI video model for generating cinematic, photorealistic footage from text prompts.
The partnership with OpenAI removes previous barriers such as invite codes, waitlists, VPNs, and 10-second limits, making next-generation generative video creation available to everyone. If you’ve ever wanted to see what your dog battling Godzilla at the end of the world might look like, now you can find out.
be quiet! expands its lineup with the Light Base 500 range -- sleek, quieter cases for modern PC builds
be quiet!, the German manufacturer known for making high-quality whisper silent PC components, has added two new mid-tower cases to its lineup: the Light Base 500 LX and Light Base 500.
The Light Base 500 LX offers subtle LED illumination and includes four preinstalled Light Wings LX 120mm PWM fans, three of which feature reversed blades for efficient side intake airflow. The angled slide-out fan frame directs air toward the graphics card, while additional fans can be mounted in the lowered fan bay to improve cooling.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
BetaNews, your source for breaking tech news, reviews, and in-depth reporting since 1998.
© 1998-2025 BetaNews, Inc. All Rights Reserved. About Us - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Sitemap.