From ZDNET · 40 stories
Apple extends free satellite access for iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users for another year
Apple extended free access to its satellite features for existing iPhone 14, iPhone 15, and iPhone 16 users for an additional year. This extension was announced in a footnote to the iPhone 18 Pro press release, ensuring continued access to features like Emergency SOS via satellite and Roadside Assistance.
AISLE AI Discovers Six Low-Severity CVEs in curl After OpenAI and Anthropic Found Zero
AISLE's autonomous AI system identified six new low-severity CVEs in curl, which were subsequently fixed in curl 8.22.0. This discovery occurred shortly after OpenAI Codex Security and Anthropic Mythos reported no vulnerabilities in the same codebase, highlighting differences in AI security tool capabilities.
Lenovo unveils Project Swan, a 14-inch expandable screen laptop concept at IFA 2026
Lenovo introduced Project Swan, a concept laptop with a 14-inch screen that expands to 17 inches, at IFA 2026. This concept demonstrates progress in expandable display technology for productivity notebooks, offering increased screen real estate in a portable form factor.
Windows 11 August 27 preview update causes mouse cursor, wallpaper, and font issues
Microsoft's optional Windows 11 preview update (KB5120998), released on August 27, is causing personalized mouse cursor settings to reset or change, and some users report wallpaper and font problems. Microsoft is investigating the cursor issue, and the only current workaround is to uninstall the update.
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.
Hybrid solar-plus-battery systems offer more savings than pure plug-in solar
Hybrid solar systems that combine solar panels with batteries provide greater potential for energy savings compared to pure plug-in solar setups. This is because batteries can store solar-generated power or cheap off-peak electricity, addressing the mismatch between peak solar generation and household energy consumption.
Incogni Study: "Nothing to Hide" Individuals More Likely to Spy on Others' Devices
A new study by data removal service Incogni found that individuals who claim to "have nothing to hide" are more prone to secretly observing others' phone or laptop screens in public and looking through partners' or family members' devices without permission. This research highlights a contradiction in privacy attitudes, where those who express no personal need for privacy still engage in privacy-invasive behaviors towards others.
Xiaomi 18 Fold, Tecno's Bezelless concept, and Motorola Razr Swarovski Edition unveiled at IFA 2026
IFA 2026 featured new smartphone introductions, including Xiaomi's 18 Fold with an in-house XRing O3 chip, Tecno's bezel-less concept phone, and a Swarovski Edition of the Motorola Razr 2026. These devices showcase advancements in foldable design, display technology, and premium customization in the mobile sector.
Spectrum offers free Amazon Prime to eligible low-income internet customers
Spectrum is providing a free Amazon Prime subscription to low-income families and seniors who qualify for Spectrum Internet Assist. This offer applies to both new and existing Spectrum internet customers and Amazon Prime members, allowing eligible households to receive Prime benefits at no cost.
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.
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.
Canonical Clarifies Ubuntu on WSL Growth vs. Native Installs
Canonical's VP of Engineering, Jon Seager, clarified that while Ubuntu on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has a faster growth rate, it is not expected to surpass native Ubuntu desktop installations in absolute numbers. This clarification addresses previous interpretations suggesting WSL Ubuntu might outgrow native installs.
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.
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.
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.
Android Auto adds Adobe Acrobat app with Read Aloud feature
Google's Android Auto now supports the Adobe Acrobat app, which features a 'Read Aloud' function. This allows users to listen to PDF documents audibly while driving, increasing productivity for users who need to review documents on the go.
Apple's Walled Garden Strategy Shifts from App Store to AI Amid Legal Pressures
Apple's historical "walled garden" approach, which controlled its hardware and App Store ecosystem, is now being challenged by legal pressures, particularly from the EU's Digital Markets Act. This shift in focus from app store dominance to AI is creating new challenges for the company.
Andrew Ng identifies four essential AI development skills, with some experts noting omissions
Andrew Ng, founder of Coursera, outlined four key skills for AI development based on job postings and expert interviews, including building AI applications, software engineering fundamentals, using coding agents, and shaping the build. Some industry observers suggest Ng's list is too focused on technical building and overlooks broader business understanding and risk assessment. This discussion highlights evolving skill requirements for AI professionals as the field advances.
Omarchy Quattro Linux Distribution Integrates AI Agents and Hyprland Desktop
Omarchy released Quattro, a new Linux distribution that incorporates AI coding agents and uses the Hyprland desktop environment. This release targets developers and experienced Linux users, emphasizing AI integration for coding tasks.
AI Agents Shift Workplace Focus from Specialists to Adaptable Polymaths
The rise of AI agents in the workplace is diminishing the need for highly specialized roles, instead favoring professionals with adaptability and the ability to work across multiple areas. This shift requires individuals to embrace continuous learning and decision-making capabilities that AI cannot replicate, redefining valuable skills in an AI-augmented environment.
Cybersecurity Leaders Prioritize Curiosity, Critical Thinking Over Certifications
Cybersecurity leaders are increasingly valuing curiosity-led critical thinking and the ability to make risk-based decisions over traditional certifications and experience in job candidates. This shift is driven by the rapidly evolving threat landscape, particularly with the rise of AI, which changes the nature of attacks and response methods. The focus is on adaptive skills that allow professionals to anticipate new threats and evaluate AI-generated outputs.
Home Battery Owners Report High Satisfaction Despite High Upfront Costs
A survey by Habitelligence found that 91% of home battery owners would purchase one again, with 71% stating their system exceeded expectations. This high satisfaction rate exists despite the significant upfront cost of home battery systems, which can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars.
Aston Martin F1 CIO Emphasizes Human Expertise in AI-Driven Racing Performance
Aston Martin Aramco F1's CIO, Fabrizio Pilotti, states that human expertise and handcraft remain central to gaining competitive advantage in Formula One, even with increasing AI integration. This approach highlights the importance of experienced professionals guiding AI applications to develop data-powered solutions for on-track challenges.
ArchEZ Linux Distribution Aims to Simplify Arch for New Users
ArchEZ is a new Arch-based Linux distribution designed to make Arch Linux accessible to beginners. It includes the KDE Plasma desktop environment and the Pamac GUI for application management, simplifying the user experience for those new to Linux.
Shadowfetch Linux distribution integrates local AI tools, faces early development challenges
Shadowfetch is a new Debian-based Linux distribution designed to simplify the installation and use of local AI models and agents. While it offers customizable setup profiles for various AI applications, the distribution is in early development and currently has significant installation issues, making it unsuitable for general use.
Tech Leaders Identify Three Key Roles for Success in the AI Agent Era
Tech leaders from EDF UK and Capita have identified three professional types crucial for success in the AI agent era: tech-savvy enablers, agentic course-correctors, and outcome-focused collaborators. These roles emphasize technical capabilities, understanding AI agent interactions, and focusing on business value. The insights highlight the evolving skill sets required as AI agents become more prevalent in workplaces.
Sideloading Apps on Android Auto Enhances Functionality
Users can sideload apps to Android Auto, expanding its functionality beyond the official catalog. This allows for activities like watching videos and browsing the web, improving the user experience in vehicles with limited app options.
Guide to Setting OpenAI API Usage Limits to Prevent Overspending
OpenAI API users can now implement usage limits to prevent unexpected bills from excessive API calls. This includes features such as spending alerts, rate limits, and structured usage tiers that help control spending as usage grows.
iOS 26 Introduces Customizable Messages Backgrounds with Shared Visibility
Apple's iOS 26 update allows users to customize chat backgrounds in the Messages app using preset options or personal photos. This feature, however, changes the background for all participants in a chat who are also on iOS 26.
Roborock offers discounts up to $1600 on robot cleaners for 12th anniversary
Roborock is holding an anniversary sale with discounts on its robot cleaners and other products, including the Saros 20 and the new Qrevo 2 Pro. The promotion offers savings up to $1600 on various models until September 6.
WatchOS 27 Introduces Dynamic App Grid, Prioritizing Frequently Used Applications
WatchOS 27 now features a dynamic app grid that displays frequently used and recent applications prominently, reducing clutter on the Apple Watch home screen. This update simplifies app access by making core functions more immediate, addressing previous usability issues with small icons and numerous unused apps.