WhatsApp is working on a new way to cut down on spam
Like email, SMS, and just about every other method of communication, WhatsApp suffers from spam. There are certainly things that can be done by users to stem the flow of spam that makes its way to their inboxes, but WhatsApp is also trying to help.
The platform has already introduced a system designed to automatically detect and block spam, but it is not perfect; no system is. And so, WhatsApp is trying another approach that will apply to businesses and individuals alike.
Google is retiring Privacy Sandbox
Privacy Sandbox was Google’s vision for replacing third-party cookies, but now the company is giving up and moving on from the idea. First launched six years ago, Privacy Sandbox suffered with low-adoption, and Google has gradually snuffed out various technologies relating to the system. Now it has taken things further.
Google says that “after evaluating ecosystem feedback about their expected value and in light of their low levels of adoption”, it has taken the decision to retire more Privacy Sandbox technologies. But this does not really paint a true picture of what is happening.
Get ready to reserve your WhatsApp username
It has been known for a little while that Meta has been working on a username system for WhatsApp. The popular messaging app is slightly unusual in not offering people a way to choose a username, but this is going to change at some point in the future.
Recent beta builds of the iOS and Android apps show that work is gathering paced, and the most recent development is a username reservation system. This will serve as a way for users to try to pre-select their preferred username even before the username system rolls out to everyone.
PowerToys update throws users into mode switching confusion
New versions of PowerToys are always eagerly received, especially when there are new utilities to explore. This was certainly the case with the release of PowerToys v0.95 last week, but in addition to the excitement there has also been confusion.
With PowerToys v.0.95, Microsoft added a new module called Light Switch. Designed to automatically switch Windows between Light Mode and Dark Mode, it is a tool that addressed an issue for many people. So where does the confusion come from? Light Switch is enabled by default.
Honor unveils Magic8 series, its first 'self-evolving AI' smartphones
Honor has launched its new Magic8 smartphone series in China, introducing a range of AI-driven features designed to improve imaging, performance, and everyday usability. And while the name might remind you of the fortune-telling toy of a similar name, Honor’s Magic8 is more interested in predicting your habits than your future.
The Magic8 and Magic8 Pro are what Honor describes, somewhat worryingly, as “Self-Evolving AI Devices.” That doesn’t mean they’ll become sentient over time while jammed in your pocket, but rather can learn from user behavior to automate everyday tasks and anticipate actions.
Microsoft is making every PC an AI PC with new Hey Copilot voice command
In what feels like something of a case of history repeating itself – Cortana, anyone? – Microsoft is furnishing Windows users with voice activated access to the operating system’s digital assistant.
While being able to call up the AI powers of Copilot by uttering Hey Copilot to your computer may not seem revolutionary, Microsoft has a different idea. The company says that it sees a “shift to conversational input [being] as transformative as the mouse and keyboard in terms of unlocking new capabilities on the PC for the broadest set of people.
OPPO announces global launch of Find X9 and Find X9 Pro smartphones with new camera system and larger batteries
OPPO will launch its new Find X9 and Find X9 Pro smartphones globally on October 28th, following their initial debut in China. The pair introduce upgraded imaging systems developed with Hasselblad, larger batteries, and OPPO’s latest ColorOS 16 software.
The two devices feature the Hasselblad Master Camera System powered by the company’s LUMO Image Engine, which combines optical tuning and computational processing for more accurate colors and improved low-light results. The Find X9 Pro adds a 200MP telephoto camera developed jointly with Hasselblad.
Forgotten your Google Account password? There are new recovery tools you can use
Getting locked out of an account because of a forgotten password can be a very troubling experience – and it is something that always seems to happen at the most stressful and inconvenient moments imaginable.
To help with this, Google has just announced a series of security related tools, including new account recovery options. Among these is the ability to create recovery contacts so you can “phone a friend” if you get locked out.
Mozilla commits to updating Firefox on Windows 10
Microsoft may have all but abandoned Windows 10, but this is not true of its users. There are still millions of Windows 10 systems in use around the world, causing security concerns for many. But not all software developers are turning their backs on Windows 10 – Mozilla included.
The company has announced that “Firefox will continue to support Windows 10 for the foreseeable future”.
Microsoft releases PowerToys 0.95 with speed improvements and new Light Switch
Microsoft has unleashed PowerToys v0.95, and it is an impressive one. This is a release cycle which is billed as offering “new features, stability, optimization improvements, and automation”, and that’s very much what this particular release is about.
The first thing to ask about any new PowerToys release is whether there are any new modules. And this time around the answer is a resounding “yes”. In addition to a raft of changes, improvements and optimizations across the suite of utilities, there is also the new Light Switch module.
Meta is discontinuing Windows and Mac Messenger apps
Meta has confirmed that the Windows and Mac versions of its Messenger desktop app are to be discontinued. While no reason has been given for the deprecation, the company is probably trying to cut back on the number of products it has to develop and support.
There are just two months to go until the Messenger desktop apps cease to function, and users should start to see notifications to this effect when they log in.
Addressing the data protection challenges of rolling out AI [Q&A]
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way that many areas of business operate. But with the benefits also come new risks to corporate data.
We spoke to Rohan Sathe, CEO and co-founder of Nightfall AI, to find out how AI risks exposing sensitive information and what companies can do to protect themselves.
Other World Computing announces new accessories for Apple's new M5 MacBook and iPad Pro
Following Apple’s launch of its new M5-powered MacBook Pro and iPad Pro yesterday, Other World Computing has announced a range of docks and external drives built to work with the updated products.
The company says the accessories expand connection and storage options for users adopting Apple’s latest chip generation.
Microsoft remains the most imitated brand in phishing scams
Microsoft was the most impersonated brand in worldwide phishing attacks during the third quarter of 2025. 40 percent of such attempts used the company’s name, according to Check Point Research’s Brand Phishing Report for Q3.
Google took the second spot with 9 percent of global phishing activity, while Apple was third with 6 percent. Together, those three names accounted for more than half of all brand impersonation attempts in the period.
Outdated finance systems drive away talent
Nearly 40 percent of finance professionals would consider changing employers due to outdated financial systems according to new research.
The report from insightsoftware shows businesses are struggling with the need for real-time insights and the younger generation’s demands for tools that eliminate inefficiencies and foster collaboration.
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