From ZDNET · 40 stories
OpenVPN Introduces Three Deployment Options with Varying Costs
OpenVPN has released three options for VPN deployment: Community Edition, Access Server, and CloudConnexa. Each version offers different management levels and pricing structures, catering to varying user needs from free community usage to fully managed solutions.
COSMIC desktop introduces Frosted Glass effect for Linux users
System76 launched the Frosted Glass feature for COSMIC, enhancing the UI with a blurred transparency effect. This new aesthetic aims to compete with popular MacOS features and improve the visual appeal of Linux desktops.
QR Code Phishing (Quishing) Threats on the Rise, Bypassing MFA
QR code phishing, or 'quishing,' is increasingly used to bypass multi-factor authentication and steal data. With a reported 25% year-over-year increase, these scams often disguise malicious links in QR codes found in emails, attachments, or physical settings, raising concerns about security.
Microsoft Copilot adds PC Insights for analyzing Windows settings
Microsoft's Copilot introduces a new feature called PC Insights, allowing users to ask questions about their Windows settings and receive analyzed responses. This feature aims to simplify the process of troubleshooting and finding specific information within Windows without manual searching.
Red Hat introduces RHEL Forever for ongoing support under annual contracts
Red Hat has launched the RHEL Forever support plan, allowing customers to receive ongoing support for any specific version of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) for as long as they pay for it. This offering enables enterprises to synchronize software lifecycles with their business needs, particularly in regulated industries.
Code Louisville program to close as job placements decline amid evolving tech landscape
Code Louisville, a tech training program, will close due to declining job placements for entry-level roles. The shift highlights the changing demand for tech talent and the need for employers to invest in reskilling their workforce.
iPhone bug prevents saving cropped screenshots, risking privacy
A bug in iOS prevents cropped screenshots from saving correctly, exposing potentially sensitive information. Users must resort to editing images in the Photos app to save them properly, highlighting a significant privacy concern.
AI-Adopting Companies Increased Hiring, Including Entry-Level Positions
A study reveals that companies adopting AI saw a 10.2% increase in workforce over two years. Notably, these 'high-intensity adopters' also expanded entry-level jobs by 12%, countering fears of job losses in an AI-driven market.
Claude Cowork Outperforms Gmail AI in Email Management Task
Claude Cowork successfully helped a tech journalist organize over 7,000 emails for article research after Gmail's AI failed to discern context and relevance. This highlights the potential of connected AI assistants in managing information overload.
Microsoft launches Point-in-Time Restore feature for Windows 11
Microsoft has introduced a Point-in-Time Restore feature in Windows 11 as part of its Windows Resiliency Initiative. This tool allows users to roll back their PC to a previous state, solving issues without extensive recovery processes.
Former GitHub CEO launches decentralized Git network named Entire
Thomas Dohmke, former CEO of GitHub, has launched Entire, a decentralized Git network designed to improve coding efficiency for developers, particularly with the rise of coding agents. The platform aims to reduce reliance on centralized services like GitHub by allowing users to mirror repositories globally, enhancing speed and scalability.
Eufy launches Omni S2 robot vacuum with improved design and functionality
Eufy has released the Omni S2 robot vacuum, which addresses design flaws from the S1 model. It features improved suction power and a new vent system in the detergent container, enhancing cleaning performance and usability.
Linux GUI Apps Can Be Launched on Android 17, but With Limitations
Android 17 now supports Linux GUI applications via the Weston compositor, allowing users to run Linux apps on Android devices. However, practical limitations, including RAM allocation and complexity in setup, may hinder user experience.
Claude Desktop App for Linux Launched, Faces Installation Challenges
The Claude Desktop app is now available for Linux, specifically for Debian and Ubuntu distributions. Installation requires adding a repository, which complicates setup compared to competitors like Alpaca and Moose. Users seeking a mainstream AI option may find installation issues detract from overall functionality.
Fable 5 Sets New AI Freelance Work Benchmark with 16.1% Automation Rate
Fable 5 achieved a record 16.1% automation rate in AI freelance tasks, surpassing previous models. Despite progress, AI is still far from fully replacing human freelancers due to security and integration challenges.
UK experts warn of safety risks associated with plug-in solar technology
UK industry groups have raised safety concerns regarding plug-in solar kits for home use, citing risks of fire, shock, and equipment failure. They recommend consulting licensed electricians and exercising caution when installing these systems due to potential hazards.
Microsoft releases Azure Linux 4.0 for servers and virtual machines
Microsoft has launched Azure Linux 4.0, based on Fedora, for bare-metal and VM environments. This release may challenge traditional enterprise Linux distributions, particularly as it targets Azure integration for cloud workloads.
Brave launches stripped-down Origin browser for focused user experience
Brave has launched Origin, a simplified version of its browser, available on multiple OS. Users can expect enhanced focus on security and reduced resource consumption without additional features like crypto wallets or reward systems.
System76 introduces COSMIC System Monitor for improved Linux performance tracking
System76 launched COSMIC System Monitor, a new app for COSMIC Desktop users that provides real-time monitoring of system performance metrics. This tool allows Linux users to efficiently track resource usage, including CPU, memory, disk, and network activity, in a lightweight and user-friendly interface.
PorteuX Linux Offers Flexibility as a Portable Linux Distro
PorteuX is a portable Linux distribution based on Slackware, offering a user-friendly installation process and support for multiple desktop environments. Its ability to install various applications via the PorteuX App Store makes it versatile for different user needs.
Developer Ports Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a to Native x64 for Modern Systems
Developer Justin Marshall has created a native x64 port of Microsoft Word for Windows 1.1a, codenamed Opus, allowing the 1990 application to run on modern Windows 10 and 11 systems. This project involved rebuilding the original source code and replacing 16-bit assembly and Win16 platform boundaries with modern equivalents, making a historical software version accessible without emulation.
Zscaler Research Reveals Managers as Primary Targets in Ransomware Campaigns
Zscaler's ThreatLabz unit analyzed a ransomware campaign and found that managers were the prime targets due to their elevated network privileges and access to sensitive business functions. This targeting strategy allows attackers to exploit compromised managerial accounts to access confidential resources and impact various business units.
Smartphone RAM and Storage Needs Shift as AI Demands Drive Up Memory Chip Costs
The cost of RAM for smartphones is increasing due to AI data centers consuming a significant portion of available memory chips, leading manufacturers to pass these costs to consumers. While flagship phones often feature high RAM, 8GB or 12GB is currently sufficient for most users, though future AI features may increase requirements. For storage, 128GB or 256GB is adequate for most users, with cloud services reducing the need for larger local storage.
AI Boom Projected to Generate 2.5 Million Metric Tons of E-Waste Annually
The rapid expansion of AI data centers is predicted to produce approximately 2.5 million metric tons of electronic waste each year, according to a United Nations University report. This significant increase in e-waste, equivalent to 250 Eiffel Towers, poses environmental and health risks due to toxic metals and chemicals in discarded hardware.
Comparative Overview of Fedora Xfce and Xubuntu for Linux Users
Fedora Xfce and Xubuntu both utilize the Xfce desktop environment, catering to users of varying hardware. While Fedora focuses on speed and a MacOS-like layout with a comprehensive app selection, Xubuntu's strength lies in its balance of performance and ease of use, making them each suitable for different user preferences.
T-Mobile Offers Bill Credits Up to $80 Following July 27 Outage
T-Mobile is providing bill credits ranging from $10 to $80 to customers affected by a seven-hour nationwide outage on July 27. The outage impacted nearly 500,000 users, preventing calls, texts, and cellular data, and customers must contact T-Mobile customer service to receive compensation.
Google Earth Rolls Back Nano Banana AI Image Generation After Misuse
Google integrated its Nano Banana AI image generation tool into Google Earth, allowing users to create AI-generated visualizations. The feature was rolled back less than a day after its release due to users generating misleading satellite imagery that violated company policies, despite initial intended uses for geospatial professionals and educational purposes.
Amazon to Refund Customers After Receiving $600 Million in Tariff Refunds
Amazon received approximately $600 million in tariff refunds in Q2 after the Supreme Court invalidated many of former President Trump's levies. The company plans to return a portion of this cash to customers who purchased items directly from Amazon where import charges were passed on, with refunds being automatic for eligible purchases.
Study Reveals Decline in Social Media Usage Due to Digital Fatigue
A study by Incogni reveals that 55% of Americans post less on social media compared to five years ago, with many users citing stress and anxiety as reasons. Younger adults are particularly affected, with high percentages deleting apps like TikTok and Instagram. The findings suggest a shift towards more selective online interactions and highlight growing concerns about digital burnout.
Microsoft Releases Update to Fix Windows 11 Storage Bug in CapabilityAccessManager File
Microsoft has issued an optional update to address a storage bug in Windows 11 where the CapabilityAccessManager.db-wal file grew excessively, consuming significant disk space. The June 2026 update resolves issues that led the file to occupy up to 500GB on users' devices. Fixing this bug will prevent storage issues related to app permissions.
Sparky Linux 8.4 Restores 32-bit Support for Older Hardware
Sparky Linux has reinstated 32-bit support in its latest release, Sparky 8.4, after previously dropping it. This decision allows users with older 32-bit systems to continue using a supported Linux distribution, addressing the needs of individuals and organizations unable to upgrade hardware.
Pixel Watch 5 Introduces New Strength Training Feature
Google has integrated a new strength training experience into the Pixel Watch 5, a feature not commonly found in mainstream smartwatches. This addition aims to provide users with guided workouts and rep tracking directly from their wrist, potentially reducing reliance on separate smartphone applications.
Google releases Magnifier app for Android to assist with reading small print
Google has released a new Magnifier app for Android devices, designed to help users read small print or distant objects by magnifying camera input. The app offers features beyond standard camera zoom, including text search and highlighting, color filters, and brightness adjustments, addressing limitations of typical smartphone camera functions for magnification.
Opera browser adds native vertical tabs feature
Opera has introduced native vertical tabs, allowing users to switch between horizontal and vertical tab displays. This feature addresses a long-standing user request and aims to improve tab management for users with many open tabs.
DuckDuckGo iOS App Adds Copy Clean Link Feature to Remove Tracking Identifiers
DuckDuckGo's iOS app introduced a new "Copy Clean Link" feature that automatically removes tracking identifiers from URLs when copied. This update allows users to share links without inadvertently transmitting personal tracking data to recipients.
AnduinOS Linux distribution simplifies running Windows and Android applications
AnduinOS, a custom Ubuntu-based Linux distribution, has released an update that simplifies the process of installing and running Windows and Android applications. This release aims to make the transition to Linux easier for users who rely on these applications.
AIO Launcher and Mango Launcher Offer Alternative Android Home Screen Experiences
AIO Launcher provides an information-centric Android home screen, prioritizing data display over traditional app icons, available in free and premium versions. Mango Launcher offers extensive customization and physics-based icon interactions, with a free version and a $10/year Pro version.
Mission Center Linux System Monitor Adds Battery and Memory Compression Stats
Mission Center, a system monitoring application for Linux, has released an update that includes new features such as detailed battery statistics, memory compression stats, and power draw information. These additions provide more comprehensive system insights, particularly benefiting laptop users and those utilizing memory compression technologies like zRAM or zswap.
Microsoft rolls out new OneDrive Photos app to Windows 11 users
Microsoft has released a new OneDrive Photos app for Windows 11, which allows users to access, view, and edit photos stored in OneDrive, including facial recognition features. The app appeared on regular production Windows 11 PCs despite Microsoft stating it was a preview for Windows Insiders in the Experimental channel.
Sonos launches public beta for app features, focusing on UI and navigation improvements
Sonos has released a public beta for new app features on iOS and Android, aiming to improve user interface and experience after a problematic 2024 app overhaul. These updates introduce changes to navigation animations and volume controls, addressing previous usability issues.