1.Apple Launches 14-Inch MacBook Pro as Its First M5-Powered Laptop
Okay, so Apple just announced a new 14-inch MacBook Pro, and it sounds pretty sweet! The big thing is the brand-new M5 chip. People are saying it’s a total game changer.
The M5 is supposed to make a huge difference in how fast things work, especially with graphics and AI stuff. Everything should just feel smoother and quicker. It really shows that Apple is trying to do their own thing with their chips.
You can pre-order it starting October 15, 2025, and get it shipped or pick it up on October 22nd. The basic one is $1,599, with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
So, what’s so great about the M5 chip? Apple is saying it’s way better than the M4. They say AI stuff runs 3.5 times faster, and graphics are 1.6 times quicker. If you edit videos, do 3D stuff, or play games, you’ll see a real change. Think smoother games and quicker video making.
They've made the CPU better, added more to the Neural Engine for AI, and improved the cooling. This means the MacBook Pro should be super speedy without draining the battery or getting super hot. That's good for professionals, students, or anyone who likes being creative.
The outside of the 14-inch MacBook Pro looks a lot like the old ones. It still has that nice aluminum look, the awesome Liquid Retina XDR screen that makes everything look great, and the same ports you’re used to.
If you have an older MacBook, even one of the M1 models, it will feel familiar, but the speed will be way better. The screen still has ProMotion, too, which makes scrolling and watching videos look really smooth. It’s a small thing, but it helps!
Apple is saying this MacBook Pro is great for people working with AI and graphics. The improved Neural Engine should make machine learning quick. If you the Apple's Core ML or other machine learning, this should be a really great new device to use.
Gamers and designers should love the better GPU. This should make the games look smoother and your frame rates high! Apple even showed it running Cyberpunk 2077, so it should handle most big games. If it can run that, it can run almost anything.
What about battery life? Apple says that even with the extra power, the new MacBook Pro still has awesome battery life since the M5 chip works in a better way. You should be able to get through a day with browsing, streaming, and doing work.
It also has MagSafe 3 charging which makes it easier. With macOS and how it saves battery, the M5 MacBook Pro should last for hours.
The new MacBook Pro has macOS Sequoia, the newest version of Apple's OS. It's made for AI and does a better job with services like iCloud. You also get features like Universal Control, Stage Manager, and Continuity Camera.
If you're someone who makes apps, you can have them take advantage of the power of the M5 chip. This will make apps open faster, make animations smoother, and give you a feeling the computer is faster than ever before.
The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is coming out all over the world, but prices and what you can change might be different depending on where you live. Apple also has student discounts and trade-in programs to make it cheaper.
Right now, they only have the regular 14-inch model, but Apple has also said they'll make a more powerful one with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips sometime in early 2026. These will be made for people who editing 8K videos, and running advanced scientific computing programs.
Overall, this new MacBook Pro with the M5 chip shows Apple is making awesome chips. The M5 chip sets a new mark for what a laptop can do, especially with AI and graphics. If you're thinking about an upgrade, it's probably a great device with speed, efficiency, and features. And with more M5 devices coming, it looks like Apple is just getting started.
2.ROG Xbox Ally X Review: More Power, Better Battery, Same Portable Magic
**ROG Xbox Ally: Xbox's Handheld Dream Hits PC Snags**
Okay, so Microsoft's jumping into the handheld gaming area with the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, and I've been looking forward to these for a while. After trying them out, these aren't some cheap consoles. It is more like a Windows PC that wants to be an Xbox. You get the red flags right away. I like the idea, but it needs fixing.
**Xbox on the Go… Sort Of**
The ROG Xbox Ally starts at $600, and the Ally X is close to $1000. I would say it is like an Asus ROG Ally PC handheld but with Xbox perks stuck on. The main thing is the Xbox Full-screen Experience (FSE). Supposedly, it lets you get into your games fast. At the moment, it feels rushed out the door.
The purpose of the Xbox FSE was to keep things easy. It was designed to put your games together and help with battery. It does not work that well. Making your account feels like random login screens. That's annoying.
**Game Speed: Slight Boost?**
Microsoft says the Xbox FSE makes games run a bit faster. I saw a small difference. I think I saw an extra frame at some point.
It doesn't change much. Because the word Xbox is in it, I wanted a boost in game speed. It is not there.
**One Spot for All Games? Not Exactly**
What would be great is if the Xbox FSE kept all your PC games close to each other. I am talking about Steam, [B.net](http://B.net), GOG Galaxy, Ubisoft Connect, and EA Play. Gamers constantly move between these programs. A fix to the FSE would be awesome if they tried.
Yes, you can load the programs. But the Xbox image feels weird. The game stores show up alongside the Xbox or Xbox Game Pass games. Plus, the controls may not work with games that are not on Xbox. The handheld settings could be off because it was not made for handhelds.
**EA Play: Real Issues**
The Xbox FSE and EA Play do not get along. Each time I started an EA Play game from the FSE, I saw an error. It stated I did not have Game Pass. Reinstalling it did not fix it. The PC EA Play ran well, but Game Pass games would not start.
It is bad. The Xbox FSE has to have changes because it is turning into a pain.
**First Thoughts: Is It Too Much?**
The Xbox FSE organizes your games when it is working correctly. It is good to have your games in one area.
Problems come up when you begin to play. You pick a game and then wait. You wonder if the game is even running. After that, you have to type in account info, which is annoying.
Game Store programs pop up without warning. When swapping a Game Store for a game, expect issues.
**Windows: Pros and Cons**
The ROG Xbox Ally runs on PC. You can put any game or program on it. Windows can be a problem. It means controlling settings, fixing programs, playing with drives, and watching accounts.
Microsoft seemed to think the Xbox FSE would keep things simple. From my view it is poorly made. An extra download to Windows adds to the irritation.
**An Xbox Handheld Would Be Great**
An Xbox handheld is what people want. The concept of playing Xbox anyplace would be cool. The ROG Xbox Ally is close. Microsoft has to fix some spots to make the Xbox Game Pass run smoother. What they should do to make things better is fix the store and make it simple to pick up and play. In doing this, gaming companies like Steam Deck and Switch will have to work hard.
If they do not, Microsoft will put out a normal PC handheld like the rest. They will be making small changes.
**Opinion: Still Needs Improvements**
With the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X, it looks as though Microsoft is testing the waters of the handheld Xbox area. If the Xbox FSE gets worked on, it would be great.
The ROG Xbox Ally functions if you do not mind making setting changes and using the stores. If you want something real, you might select a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft is beginning a handheld gaming market. They must think about changes that will give them a piece of the pie.
3.Google Messages Update Adds Key Verifier Feature and Spam Detection Tools
Google's really stepping up its game when it comes to keeping your Messages app secure. They're introducing two cool additions: something they call Android Key Verifier, and a smart system that sniffs out and blocks suspicious links. The goal is simple: to make your private chats truly private, boot out those annoying fake accounts, and block those sneaky scams hiding behind bad websites. What they're aiming for is to be sure those super-encrypted conversations are not just safe, but that you can trust them.
**Android Key Verifier: Knowing Who You're Really Talking To.**
After a sneak peek, Google is finally releasing Android Key Verifier for everyone. Imagine it like a digital handshake – something that makes sure your message goes where it needs to, and absolutely not to some faker.
How does all of this happen? It's actually very simple. You whip out your cell, as does your counterpart on the other side of the conversation. Next, you use QR to make sure everything adds up. These are the steps.
1. Start an RCS chat in Google Messages.
2. Tap the very top, where the contact's name is located.
3. Scan downward to find and and select Verify keys.
4. Tap the Scan contact's QR code button on your phone
5. Your counterpart needs to do the same, with the button indicating Your QR code.
6. Scan each other's codes. If it worked, you should see Keys verified, meaning no one can see your messages. You can also get to the same spot via Google Contacts, under Connected apps
**Oops! What to Do When Things Go Bad?**
Key Verifier protects all of your keys. If anything gets changed, it gives you a Keys no longer verified warning instantly. These kind of issues can have a simple explanation. But it may mean someone is tampering with your safety!
Here are normal reasons:
* There are common explanation situations on a phone, such as them using a new phone or swaps SIM cards.
* Over a period of time, all the encryption keys has to be updated on a schedule.
* Google performs routine security updates to our phones.
Reasons for concern:
* Someone might be trying what is called man-in-the-middle attack, which a bad person is looking to view your conversations.
* Phone scammers are stealing your phone number with SIM swapping.
Keep all the Android System Key Verifier, Google Messages, and Google Contacts on the latest versions. When that happens, Google improves the situation greatly with Key Verifier!
**No More Dodgy Links!**
Messages has added spam link filtering! An automatic service reviews all the incoming links and messages. Websites that may harm you won't be accessed until you approve it is not spam.
Phishing scams are shut down with this feature.
When a link is stopped, you will be blocked from clicking it with a big warning on the screen. You will be able to click the link if the person who sent it is safe.
**Why Is All of That Important?**
Android Key Verifier is around to help ensure that everyone can contact each other securely. It is important to be more aware as new messengers appear!
Encryption has to go hand-in-hand with trust. Key Verifier helps with both, and protects your wallet.
**When Is It Ready and What's Next**
If you are on Android 10+, you will have ability to roll this service out. Stay current with Messages, Contacts and Key Verifier apps.
If everything works out as planned, Google wants to give everyone alerts and ability to recover their accounts as well.
**In Conclusion, Safer is Better**
Android Key Verifier is messages kept in a better environment, providing a higher level of protection than before. Everyone can be assured they are talking to the right people. The parties involved in technology will be on the lookout to give everyone protection to online hazards.
4.Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro to Introduce Variable Aperture for Enhanced Photography
Rumor has it, the iPhone 18 Pro is getting a fancy new camera trick: a variable aperture. Yep, you heard that right! Word on the street is Apple's about to shake things up for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max by giving the main camera lens the ability to change its aperture. If this pans out, it would be the first time Apple's put this tech in their phones, which could seriously up their photo game.
So, what's the big deal with variable aperture? Basically, it means the camera can change how wide or narrow the lens opening is. Think of it like your eye adjusting to bright or dark places. When it's dim, the opening gets bigger to let in more light, making the picture brighter and clearer. When it's super sunny, it gets smaller so the photo doesn't get washed out.
But it's not just about brightness. The aperture also changes how blurry the background is. If you want those cool portrait shots where the person is sharp and the background is all soft and dreamy, you use a wider opening. If you want everything in the picture to be in focus, like a landscape, you use a smaller opening. It gives you way more say in how your pictures turn out, especially when the lighting is tricky.
Now, here's the catch: it sounds like this fancy camera is only for the iPhone 18 Pro and the jumbo-sized Pro Max. The regular iPhone 18 and 18 Plus? Probably not getting it. This cool new lens will replace the one they use now that has only one size. It’ll hang out with the other cameras like the ultra-wide and zoom lens, completing Apple's set of three.
Why is this a big deal? Well, Apple's always been about great pictures and cool photo tricks, but they haven't really messed with the actual camera parts in a while. Since the iPhone 14 Pro, the main camera's been stuck with one size opening. Sure, the software's gotten better at fixing up pictures, but there's only so much it can do when the lens itself is limited.
By giving the camera a lens that can change size, Apple's making a real change to the hardware. Now, the camera can be smarter about how it deals with different lighting, and you can get a lot more creative with how you take pictures. It could be a game-changer for taking photos at night, in bright sunlight, or those artsy portraits.
Okay, so Apple's not the first to try this. Samsung did it a few years ago with their Galaxy phones, letting you switch between two different size openings. But they stopped because it made the phone thicker and cost more.
Apple might have a different plan. They like things to be easy to use, so they'll likely make the camera change the opening size automatically, but still let you mess with it yourself if you want. If Apple can figure out how to make it thin and cheap enough, they might just pull it off better than anyone else.
Apparently, Apple is already chatting with the companies that make the camera parts to work out the details. They're using some of their old friends, which means they must be seriously planning this. They are also working with some companies from China for a smaller part.
This also fits with Apple's usual plan of giving the Pro iPhones cooler stuff than the regular ones. Before, only the Pro phones got things like better cameras and the ability to take super detailed photos. This special lens would be another reason to spend more money on the Pro model.
So, what can we expect from the iPhone 18 Pro camera? It's still early, but it sounds like it's going to be Apple's best one yet. Besides a lens that can change sizes, there are rumors about making the other cameras better, improving the picture stability, and doing even more cool stuff with computers and AI.
Having the camera change the opening size could also lead to new things the software can do. Maybe you could change the opening size while recording a video, or make the background blur look even better in portrait mode. With Apple's brains and fancy computer programs, the iPhone 18 Pro could seriously raise the bar for phone photography.
Basically, putting a variable aperture camera in the iPhone 18 Pro is a huge step for Apple. It's like giving you the controls of a professional camera in your phone, with more freedom, better low-light pictures, and cooler ways to be creative.
As Apple keeps pushing what phones can do with cameras, the iPhone 18 Pro might just have one of the biggest camera changes we've seen in years. They are already planning how to make it, so get ready for a phone camera that can do a whole lot more!
5.Google Rolls Out Final Android 16 QPR2 Beta Ahead of Stable Launch
Alright, so Google just released the final test version—Beta 3—of Android 16 QPR2. It's coming before their December announcement. Basically, if you are into tech, here's an opportunity to tinker around with the latest features and tell Google about bugs or things that need fixing ahead of other people.
**So, What's QPR?**
Google is now issuing updates more often instead of one big yearly update. It's cool because those QPR updates give you upgrades to your device. These updates usually have bug fixes, speed boosts, and some tweaks here and there. And if you own a Pixel, you'll get some exclusive features. Sweet!
The current Android 16 QPR2 deal is the second big set of changes since Android 16 came out. Beta 3 is the absolute last testing phase before the official launch.
**Want to Try It Out?**
If you have a Pixel 6 or a newer model, then you can start using Android 16. If you're signed up for the Android Beta Program, watch for the update. If you are not signed up, head to the Android Beta Program page and register your device. The update should turn up in a few hours. Remember that the slots will be limited. If you want to give early feedback on this version, Google will give you the opportunity.
**!WARNING! READ THIS!**
Before you go forward, remember this thing. If you go back to normal Android from Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3, you'll have to do a factory reset. That means photos, contacts, messages — everything will be wiped out back to scratch. You can't go back until on December 2nd, when the official QPR2 update arrives. This is a big decision to make, you need to think is playing the latest version worth losing data?
**Still Want It?**
1. Visit g.co/androidbeta and log in with your account.
2. Locate for your Pixel phone.
3. Keep an eye out for your update. If you don't see it, go to Settings > System > Software Update.
4. Tap the update button and done.
If you’re operating the official October 2025 version of Android 16 then it's fairly easy to do.
**What’s New?**
Google has not told us everything, but some fixes are:
* Fixed a couple of irritating bugs.
* Everything runs better and faster. App opening is quicker. The fast our phone is, the better our lives are.
* Better Battery for long use and less charging.
* Some subtle changes to Quick Settings, notifications, and the Material You design. Small stuff, just makes everything easier to look at.
* Tougher Security and keep your data safe.
Also, I heard that Google improved Call Screen and Recorder, the special Pixel features.
**Why all the Test Versions?**
Beta Versions assist Google. By getting regular users to run early versions, Google gets more feedback on how their phones operate. It assists them to improve future versions. The app developer also has time to make their program work for the new version. More testing is always a win for everyone.
**So?**
Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is an early look before December. If you have a Pixel phone, you can assist and contribute to future versions.
If you are good with the risks, especially data loss, and you want to start using beta. But if you think the risk is too much, you can wait until the official version releases on December 2nd. We will all be on the lookout for all the changes they will be making.
6.OpenAI’s DJ Feature Adds Spanish Support, Text-Based Requests, and Personalization Tools
Everyone's been chatting about Spotify's DJ; it's pretty cool. If you pay for Spotify Premium, then you can have your own personal radio. Remember being a teen? Do you remember how the radio selected the music you were going to listen to? Just like a machine is doing now. It studies your preferences and plays tunes you probably enjoy while chatting with you a little bit. If you need music to start the morning, just want to chill, or need tunes for a specific thing, the DJ makes playlists and throws in comments. It's a good mix of tech smarts and magic.
People really loved the voice request; it was a big hit earlier this year. But Spotify isn't done! Now, there are even more ways to tell the DJ what you want. Now, you can ask in Spanish, type your requests, and the DJ is giving suggestions. I never know what will start my day going!
**Hey DJ, Speak Spanish?**
Seriously, this is neat. The DJ speaks Spanish now! There's even a name for the AI DJ, DJ Livi. Anyone who speaks Spanish can tell the DJ what they're wanting to hear.
Want some old reggaeton or some soft stuff to chill? Ask the DJ in Spanish, and the AI got you. Spotify wants everyone to have access, so its users can chat with the DJ in a way that just feels right, and I only speak English!
Understanding Spanish also helps the DJ learn about music scenes, artists, and popular songs. That means better, more personalized picks. It is a smart move; it makes Spotify's AI easy to control for everyone.
**Typing Is Great**
People also wanted text input. Come on, yelling at your phone isn't a good look, right? What about being at work, on the train, or just trying to be quiet? Now, you can type requests in English or Spanish.
People asked for this on social media, and Spotify heard the requests! Need tunes to study or some old-fashioned pop? Type it, and the DJ will take care of it. And you don't have to yell at the phone!
Typing changes everything because you can be very specific. You can mix genres, moods, artists, and what you're doing to get what you want. For example, play happy indie rock for my morning run or soft jazz for a rainy night. The DJ gets it and makes a playlist just for you.
**Need Ideas? The DJ Understands**
To help you out, the DJ throws out ideas when you start it up. These ideas are based on what you listen to, what you've liked, and even the time of day. It nudges you to help you make up your mind.
Some things it might say:
* Reggaeton to pump you up in the afternoon
* Soft surf rock when you need to chill
* Acoustic sounds when you want to unwind
These tips can spark new thoughts, help you find new music, or hear old stuff again. They also prove that the DJ listens to your mood, knowing when you want to get pumped up or just chill.
**How to Use the New Stuff**
These updates are live for Premium users in different countries. To use this, here's how to use it on Spotify:
1. Go to the DJ section: That goes to the DJ.
2. Tap Play: The DJ plays music and talks, based on what you want. Based on what you requested it to play.
3. Ask for Something: Tap the DJ button at the bottom to switch it up. You can speak or text. Just type the instructions.
4. Go wild: The DJ understands genres, moods, artists, and activities. Try playing some easy folk music for fall or some spooky music for a Halloween party.
The DJ picks something that works with what you want. You might not like it, though!
**The Point: A More 'You' Spotify**
Spotify's new DJ moves give you more control. With spoken Spanish, text requests, and ideas, Spotify's making it easier to add details.
This move proves how the Internet is changing music. People have something that feels personal. The DJ will keep growing, and Spotify wants to make a music experience that feels real, friendly, and like something you like.
Whether you're hearing new sounds, jamming to old songs, or setting the mood, the DJ is there – in your language, how you want it, and with a little magic. Because the machine overlords are here to please!
7.Apple Unveils iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro Powered by M5 Chip
**Big update: Apple's Putting the M5 Chip in iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and MacBook Pro**
Guess what? Apple just cranked up the power on some of their coolest devices. The iPad Pro, Vision Pro, and the entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro will soon have the brand new M5 chip. So, what does that do for you? Easy, it makes everything feel really responsive. Programs will open like a snap, and those intense computing tasks? They'll be nothing for these devices. If you thought about getting any of them, now might be the right time to hit the buy button.
**What's the Hype About the M5 Chip?**
So, the M5 chip is basically Apple's newest secret recipe. It’s got a super-fast 10-core CPU to make everything quick. A new 10-core GPU ramps up the images, so everything is colorful and smooth. There's also a 16-core Neural Engine improving artificial intelligence. The Apple crew added great memory running, so you get a really smooth experience. If you need a device that can keep up with your craziest days, then the M5 chip is the way to go.
Let's get real. Apple states the M5 chip makes things just happen about 15% faster. In games and create mode, the images will increase in output, at least 30%. That Artificial Intelligence is changing computer functions and may open up a huge numbers of changes you can do with your device. It really will be exciting to see where Apple is headed over the next couple of years, and how this update changes the way that we use phones.
**iPad Pro: The Super Tablet**
The iPad Pro has that familiar Apple look. But the difference is what’s inside. Apple claims Artificial Intelligence tasks get a huge boost, even more than older models. It’s a good choice to grab this tablet if you are in search of something with power. Just don’t expect cool design changes.
There is also great storage, at least 50% greater charging, and a new modem. Whether you are a graphic artist, college student, and simply someone who wants an awesome tablet, you may be wanting the latest iPad Pro. Also note, the price may be too much.
**Vision Pro: Clean Images and Super Immersive**
The Apple Vision Pro headset has updated to the M5! Apple adjusted the headband for greater comfort and weight for those needing it. The new chip refines images, builds battery life, and shines new light with the Artificial Intelligence features.
The new Apple Vision Pro will give you perfect visuals with visionOS 26. The M5 chip makes programs start faster, and allows images to run smoothly while utilizing several programs. This could be a reason to try it once again if you had problems with older Apple Vision Pro versions.
**MacBook Pro: Even the Regular Model Gets a Real Upgrade**
The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro now contains the M5 Chip. It used to have the old version. It looks the same on the outside but is new within. Expect a quicker start, better graphics, and fast Artificial Intelligence. It truly helps if you are in college or are a developer.
Apple's intent when jumping over the past chip to M5 is to provide better speeds for the costs. The improvements on the MacBook Pro almost make it one of the top choices for laptops on the market. The MacBook Pro almost works as a desktop due to it becoming stronger than ever before with computing output.
**Order Now!**
The newest Apple iPad Pro, Apple Vision Pro version, and MacBook version will start shipping this week and will come out by the 22nd of October/ Next Week. The items are perfect to drop right before the holiday season. Be careful that you buy what you want now before they run out.
**Overall**
These products are improvements. These products show that Apple puts emphasis on better products inside. New Chips means greater performance and is able to keep up with those it battles against. The goal is to have Apple customers experience a greater product value.
If you love Apple, these are some things that you may need in the future. These all fit great and it makes your experience so much better once you press go.
8.Windows 10 Extended Support Now Available for Purchase via Microsoft Store
Windows 10 is getting older, and it's almost time for Microsoft to stop giving it free support. But, good news! If you want to stick with Windows 10, Microsoft now has a way to keep your computer secure, but it'll cost you. They've quietly put out a paid thing called Extended Security Updates (ESU). This means you can still get important security fixes without having to use a Microsoft Account all the time.
This new thing costs $30 (plus tax). You can find it in the Microsoft Store if you search for Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU). The download itself is super small, just a tiny file. But once you get it, you're set for a whole year of updates. That’s helpful if you'd rather not switch to Windows 11 yet.
So, what's ESU all about? It's basically Microsoft's way of helping older operating systems stay safe even after they've stopped giving them regular support. They made it for big business customers first, but now it’s open to anyone who wants to keep using Windows 10 securely.
With the free version of ESU, you have to connect a Microsoft Account and stay logged in to get the updates. But this new paid version gives you more freedom. Microsoft says that you just need to log in once to get it going. After that. you can log out and still get updates without needing to be logged in all the time.
A lot of people have been worried about this because they like using local accounts and don't want to be too tied to online services. Lots of folks didn't want to switch to Windows 11 because it's more closely tied to Microsoft's online stuff. This involves needing to sign in to an account and sending more info to Microsoft.
This $30 option is really for those users who don't want to rely on online services. After you buy it and get it installed, ESU works with local accounts. That means you don't have to keep a Microsoft Account connected to stay safe.
People see this as Microsoft listening to what they want and making it easier for those who don't want to leave Windows 10. Sure, it doesn't give you any cool new features or make your computer faster, but it does keep you safe from bad stuff out there. And that's a big worry since online threats are getting more advanced all the time.
If you want to buy ESU, just go to the Microsoft Store and look for Windows 10 Consumer Extended Security Updates. You'll see both the free and paid choices. The paid one has the extra perk of working with local accounts.
When you get it going, the ESU thing starts up by itself and starts sending you security updates every month. Keep in mind that this only includes security stuff. You won't get any new features or regular updates. It's just to keep your system protected from known problems.
For a while, Microsoft has been told that it has to be more online, and it has annoyed some users. Many believe that needing to sign in and depending more on online stuff hurts their privacy and control. This has been especially true for power users and tech people who care about doing things their way and not having too much extra junk on their systems.
This paid ESU option is seen as a good middle ground. It's a way to stay secure without giving up too much control. It brings attention to a big question today – how do we balance ease of use with keeping our private stuff private? Companies push us toward online systems, but users are hesitant.
Basically, as Windows 10 gets closer to the end, this new ESU thing from Microsoft gives people who aren't ready to switch a way out. For $30, they can keep getting security updates without being stuck with a Microsoft Account. That's not a bad deal for some peace of mind and choice.
As things change in the tech world, choices like this be more important. Whether you just use your computer for basic things or if you're a tech expert, being able to control your system and how it connects to the online world is a big part of how you experience technology.
9.Google Releases Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 With Latest Pixel Improvements
Google just released the third and final beta for Android 16 QPR2 (Quarterly Platform Release 2) for Pixel phones! What this means is that the Android 16 beta testing is wrapping up. if you're lucky enough to be a Pixel owner, you're able to download it now. It comes bearing gifts to fix a lot of bugs and makes some tweaks here and there to make things run as nicely as possible before the finished build drops, most likely around December 2025.
So, what's all the fuss about QPRs? Think of them as Google's way of keeping your phone fresh between significant Android updates. They're not your average security patch; they're more like mini-upgrades which include some inner changes, a little speed boost and some cosmetic changes. The best bit? Google makes them stable enough to be used every day, plus, they usually give us a sneak peek of some features that are coming later.
Android 16 QPR2 seems pretty important. Google says that Beta 3 is the second release with Platform Stability. That basically means that the way your apps communicate with the system is set in stone, developers who like to make sure that their apps are compatible should test with this version.
As for what they've patched up in Beta 3? Well, they've cleaned House and got rid of bugs that came out when people used the previous versions. Here are the highlights:
* Problems with installing Google Play System Updates seems to be solved.
* Home screen shortcuts that were replaced with grey blobs are now back to normal!
* The wallet icon's color is no longer questionable.
* Adaptive charging should work now, no more charging up to 100% ignoring your specified levels.
* Swiping up from the bottom to get back to the home screen should work as expected.
* Themes should work instantly.
* The weird rainbow tint on photos that used the ultrawide and telephoto lenses is gone.
* The battery drain that came from the launcher taking up too much CPU, especially on foldable devices is sorted.
* Bluetooth audio calls through devices should work correctly now.
* People in New Zealand finally have their 6GHz Wi-Fi back!
* The terminal app should no longer crash when changing font size.
* Typing out symbols like *, @ or # in the GUI terminal should work now.
* Problems with swiping on lock screen widgets and hitting the notification bar at the same time are gone.
Aside from the issues listed, there were general instability fixes for things like freezing screens, strange display errors and random crashes.
Overall, Google's been putting in work to tidy up android, and get it to run better on pixels.
Here's a list of the compatible Pixel phones for Beta 3:
* Pixel 6, 6 Pro
* Pixel 7, 7 Pro, 7a
* Pixel 8, 8 Pro, 8a
* Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, 9 Pro Fold, 9a
* Pixel 10, 10 Pro XL, 10 Pro Fold
* Pixel Tablet
* Pixel Fold
* Android Emulator
The list of phones above include several Pixel models and Android emulators,
To install QPR2 Beta 3:
1. Go to the Android Beta Program site.
2. Register your Pixel device.
3. Wait for the update to appear on your phone.
If you know what you're doing, you can install the update by yourself using either the factory images, or OTA files that can be found on Google's developer site, although this is only for very techy individuals.
Google's taking feedback! The Android Beta Feedback app (Comes already pre-installed on your Pixel) is how you can talk to Google. To use this app, go to your app drawer or the Quick Settings. This information goes straight to Google’s engineers, so be truthful.
Use the Android Beta community reddit page to share and discuss experiences about the Android beta version
The Android 16 beta program is coming to a close, after Beta 3 runs its course, the finished product should be with us around December 2, 2025. Until then, Beta shows us all what to expect.
As a whole, Android 16 QPR2 Beta 3 is a solid update. Your Pixel should run better, especially if you were experiencing any of the issues listed above. Developers get a chance to work with stable code for their apps. As the beta program closes, Google will have a relaxed release. Better android code should allow Pixel phones to perform better and give customers a more premium experience.
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