Google has launched a new search app for Windows 11 which is already being likened to the Spotlight found in macOS. There is also Windows 10 support, but this may not be the case for very much longer given the operating system’s days are numbered.

This is a wide-ranging search tool, and, despite Google’s heritage, it is not limited to searching the web – although it does do this. Using a simple keyboard shortcut that works from anywhere (it is Alt + Space, if you are interested) the app can be used to search files stored locally, those in Google Drive, your apps, and more.

O&O Software has released O&O Defrag 30 Pro, the latest version of its premium Windows optimization software. The new iteration introduces Boot-Time Optimization and an improved IntensiveOptimize feature, along with a redesigned interface that simplifies setup and makes background optimization tasks easier to manage.

The new Boot-Time Optimization allows files to be optimized before Windows even starts for a more complete process.

Large enterprises have always relied on mainframe computing but with the rise of technologies like the cloud and AI many have predicted that those days are numbered.

Software solutions company BMC has released the results of its 20th annual BMC mainframe survey, which finds that in fact positive perception of the mainframe has reached an all-time high of 97 percent, highlighting that the mainframe remains a vibrant and growing platform.

Popular streaming platform Roku has launched a new smart projector. The Aurzen Roku TV Smart Projector D1R Cube is designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

The device offers projection sizes ranging from 40 to 150 inches, making it suitable for movie nights, sports gatherings, or casual streaming sessions. Features such as auto focus and auto keystone correction are included and there’s a single Roku remote to keep controls straightforward.

To mark today’s IT Pro Day today, SolarWinds, has released some new global survey data looking at what winds up IT professionals. Plus, what the IT team want in return for keeping our lives running smoothly.

Based on a survey of over 400 global IT professionals it shows that the biggest triggers, cited by 19 percent are hearing the dread phrases, “I didn’t touch anything” or “You’re good with computers, right?” These are closely followed by the classic, “The Wi-Fi’s broken” (18 percent).

Today’s enterprises are often stuck with legacy code that hampers attempts at modernization, maintenance and more.

To address this CoreStory is launching an AI-driven code intelligence platform that uncovers the fundamental insights in code to accelerate software modernization efforts quickly, efficiently and with greater confidence.

MiniTool has released version 13 of its free Windows partitioning solution, Partition Wizard. The new iteration introduces updates to the data recovery tools and visual improvements for users on high-DPI displays (which is most of us these days).

The software is designed for managing large hard drives and SSDs, including resizing, copying, and converting partitions.

Can’t wait for Black Friday? Amazon is getting in ahead of the global sales event with its own two-day Prime Big Deal Days savings bonanza on October 7 and 8. The event will be exclusive to Prime members and is timed to mark the start of the holiday shopping season. There will be discounts over a wide range of categories, including electronics and connected devices.

Members can expect savings on televisions, audio equipment, and appliances from brands including Samsung, LG, Sonos, Dyson, and Shark.

PayPal has announced the launch of a new payment option called PayPal Links. The new system of personalized one-time links makes it easier to both send and receive money, including cryptocurrency.

PayPal Links have been designed for quick and easy sharing via email, text message, chat or social media. The links can be configured for sending money or requesting it, and the company is putting a great deal of focus on how easily links can be created – and by extension how quickly payments or money requests can be made.

Whether you are using Windows 11 on a desktop PC or a laptop, keyboard backlighting can be extraordinarily useful... or a huge annoyance. We are talking about standard lighting up of keys here, not RGB craziness, by the way.

When using a keyboard in the dark or low light, the right amount of backlighting can be a boon. But just what is the correct backlighting level is not only a matter of personal taste, but also something that is extremely circumstantial. Microsoft is about to make it much quicker and easier to adjust lighting levels so you can adapt to ambient lighting changes.

It is not very often that companies give users more for free, but this is exactly what Spotify is doing. Having just recently announced that Premium subscribers are gaining access to lossless audio, Spotify is giving users on its free tier something extra as well.

As part of a major change to its treatment of users who do not pay for a subscription, Spotify now lets free users search for and play any song they want. There is no longer a need to wait for an album or playlist to reach the song you want, or use those valuable skips. Here is what you need to know.

LG has added two new models to its xboom Buds line of wireless earbuds. Alongside the original Buds, the new additions are Buds Plus and Buds Lite (no relation to the beer).

Built around lightweight graphene drivers, the entire xboom Buds range is designed to produce clear, detailed sound with strong bass and minimal distortion.

McAfee has released new research on kids’ online safety, showing that cyberbullying and AI-manipulated content are the issues parents worry about the most. The study found that more than one in five children have already faced online threats, with risks rising during middle school years and peaking around the age of 13.

The survey reveals just how widespread these experiences have become. Cyberbullying and harassment were reported by 43 percent of parents whose children had been targeted, with girls affected at higher rates than boys.

Washington and Beijing may be moving closer to resolving the long-running dispute over TikTok. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a "framework" agreement has been reached in trade talks with China in Madrid.

This could open the door for American ownership of TikTok's US operations, with final approval expected from both leaders later this week.

Organizations are sitting on troves of information yet struggle to leverage this data for quick decision-making. The challenge isn't just about having data, but working with it in its natural state -- which often includes ‘dirty data' not cleaned of typos or errors.

We spoke to CEO of analytics company WisdomAI, Soham Mazumdar, to find out more about this challenge and how businesses can deal with it.