What's New

Password managers are useful tools. They help users create, store, and manage passwords and other sensitive data. Some offer additional features, like synchronization, two-step authentication, or SSO support.

The core functionality remains the same though. You either search for passwords or use autofill functionality. The makers of 1Password have added a new option to the process: location-based password highlighting.

Google Meet has rolled out two significant enhancements tailored to improve users' experience during video calls, particularly focusing on custom backgrounds. The video conferencing platform has introduced a new image generation model that promises major improvements in visual quality and a more faithful representation of what users request.

Google is cracking down on an extensive ad fraud scheme that has affected over 56 million downloads across approximately 180 applications on its Play Store. The tech giant is in the process of removing these deceptive apps, which masquerade as legitimate but are laden with excessive advertisements, severely compromising user experience.

As expected, YouTube has officially launched its Premium Lite subscription in the United States for $7.99 per month, after discontinuing the cheaper tier in 2023.

Google is engaged in high-stakes discussions with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent potential antitrust actions that could force a historic breakup of the tech giant.

Amazon's Prime Video has initiated a pilot program to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) in dubbing select licensed movies and television series. Starting Wednesday, the streaming service will offer AI-assisted dubbing in English and Spanish for 12 titles that previously lacked dubbed versions. This initiative aims to broaden viewership and enhance accessibility for a global audience.

OpenAI is reportedly developing a new suite of advanced AI agents that could cost businesses as much as $20,000 per month. These AI agents are designed to autonomously perform complex tasks, reducing the need for direct human intervention.

Apple has released an update for its Shazam app, enhancing its integration with both Apple Music and Spotify.

Whenever I'm asked for printer recommendations, my first response is to get a printer from Brother. Unlike other corporations, Brother has been refreshingly fair when it comes to the use of third-party printer ink or laser printer toners.

Google released a new stable version of its Chrome browser. This one brings Chrome to version 134 on the desktop. The new release fixes security issues and introduces new features.

Ubisoft has reportedly restarted development on an unannounced live-service project set in the Far Cry universe, known internally as Project Maverick. Originally designed as a multiplayer-focused extraction shooter, the game was intended to launch alongside the next mainline entry in the series, Far Cry 7 (codenamed "Project Blackbird").

Microsoft is leveraging its Bing search engine to promote Copilot, its AI-powered assistant, by surfacing ads and direct recommendations when users search for competing AI tools.

Microsoft has announced a major upgrade to its Copilot AI assistant for Windows 11, transforming it from a web-based interface into a fully native app with an improved user experience.

ExpressVPN has officially introduced a graphical user interface (GUI) for its Linux application, a long-awaited upgrade that brings a modern and user-friendly experience to Linux users. Previously, ExpressVPN on Linux was only available via a command-line interface (CLI), making it less accessible to users unfamiliar with terminal commands.

Mozilla published a new version of its open source browser Firefox today. Firefox 136 is a big update that ships with a few highly requested features.

Highlights include support for vertical tabs out of the box, a new Smartblock Embeds feature (more about that later), redesigned sidebar, and HTTPS-First policy.

Good to know: Firefox 128.8 ESR and 115.21 ESR are also available. These extended support releases focus on bug fixes and security updates.

Firefox 134: the major changes

Vertical Tabs