Starting Tuesday, Spotify users will have access to “Exclusive Mode,” a new feature in the streaming service’s Windows app that can help maximize audio quality by giving the Spotify app full control over your device’s audio processing. According to Spotify, “your computer may alter audio before it reaches your DAC by resampling it, mixing other […]
Remedy is winding down its team shooter FBC: Firebreak with a big update that launches today. But while the game won’t be getting any new content going forward, the studio intends to keep it alive for the foreseeable future. It’s yet another example of a live-service game struggling amidst a volatile market. The new update […]
scammers are now employing AI to attempt to deceive you, and Meta has also developed artificial intelligence systems to assist in addressing the problem. These new tools were recently introduced by Meta and represent the latest additions in the company’s efforts to combat scammers.
The Facebook friend request option allows you to add new individuals to your friends list. Although this feature is useful for connecting with new people, it seems that scammers may also use it as an initial step to get closer to their potential targets. To counter this, Facebook has introduced a new safety feature that will notify you when you receive a friend request from any account that “exhibits certain indicators of suspicious behavior.”
For example, if you get a friend request from someone who has either just created their account, lacks mutual friends with you, or whose profile information indicates they are located in a different country than their actual whereabouts, Facebook will present you with a warning. These warning notifications will activate in both scenarios (when sending and receiving friend requests). If you encounter a questionable friend request, the alert from Meta will provide you with the option to remove it.
interview with George Lucas from 2015, the primary thing he laments is transferring the rights to the narrative to Disney. The agreement resulted in a gain of over $4 billion for the team behind Lucasfilm Ltd. Nonetheless, Lucas shared with Charlie Rose that his vision for “Star Wars” and Disney’s aspirations for the franchise were significantly divergent.
“They decided they didn’t wish to utilize those narratives; they opted to pursue their own direction,” Lucas remarked to Rose, referring to the story outlines he had already crafted for the final three films.
Lucas expanded on his views regarding Disney’s acquisition of “Star Wars” by expressing that he regarded the stories as “his children,” and that parting with them was challenging, particularly when he reflected on who he had entrusted the franchise to. News outlets picked up on Lucas’s statement that he had “sold them to the white slavers that take these things,” which was intended humorously but was nonetheless pointed.
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It’s crucial to emphasize that while he feels regret over selling “Star Wars” to Disney, Lucas states it was still the decision he needed to make at that time. “I knew there were three more stories. And I was aware… to do it properly would likely take around 10 years,” he told Charlie Rose. “I’m 70. I can’t say whether I’ll be here when I’m 80.”
**tvOS 26.4: Exciting Additions and the Launch of ‘Genius Browse’**
Apple is preparing to release tvOS 26.4 for Apple TV 4K users, introducing several thrilling updates to enhance the streaming experience. Among these enhancements is ‘Genius Browse,’ a fresh content discovery feature designed to assist users in locating their next favorite show or film amidst the extensive selection available.
### What is ‘Genius Browse’?
‘Genius Browse’ is a functionality embedded within the Apple TV app, focused on elevating content discovery in a time when streaming services are saturated with new offerings. This feature, currently in beta testing, is anticipated to become accessible to all users in the next few weeks.
The ‘Genius’ concept is familiar; it was initially popularized in iTunes and remains a component of macOS’s Music app. ‘Genius Browse’ builds on this concept, simplifying the process for users to navigate the multitude of choices present in the Apple TV app.
### How Does ‘Genius Browse’ Operate?
When users access the Home tab in the Apple TV app, they will encounter a new section dedicated to ‘Genius Browse’ categories. These categories are crafted to assist users in uncovering content based on themes or moods, such as:
– Adventurous Fantasy Escapades
– Witty Heists
– Exciting Sports Narratives
– Perfect for Date Night
– Adaptations from Books
– Action-Filled Sci-Fi
Choosing a category reveals a curated selection of recommended titles. As users delve into these recommendations, they will observe a new line of related titles appearing beneath each choice, enabling further exploration beyond the initial suggestions.
### Personalization and Filtering Features
A notable aspect of ‘Genius Browse’ is its capability to personalize recommendations according to user profiles. Users can refine suggestions to match specific genres or tastes, making the content discovery experience more customized and pertinent.
Moreover, ‘Genius Browse’ gathers content from various streaming platforms, including Apple’s own services and third-party providers like HBO Max, Prime Video, Peacock, and Disney+. This all-encompassing strategy guarantees that users have access to a broad spectrum of viewing possibilities.
### Conclusion
With the arrival of ‘Genius Browse’ in tvOS 26.4, Apple seeks to transform the way users find content on their Apple TV 4K. By utilizing personalized recommendations and a wide variety of categories, this new feature promises to enhance the joy of discovering the ideal show or film. As the release approaches, users are invited to experiment with the beta version and provide their insights on this innovative tool.
### Background Security Enhancement for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS
Apple has launched the inaugural public Background Security Enhancement for its devices, which includes iPhone, iPad, and Mac. This update is available in four variants:
– **iOS 26.3.1 (a)**
– **iPadOS 26.3.1 (a)**
– **macOS 26.3.1 (a)**
– **macOS 26.3.2 (a)**
The difference between the two macOS versions is attributed to the latest MacBook Neo, which runs on a more advanced version of macOS 26 than other Macs utilizing macOS Tahoe.
### What’s Included in Today’s Update
Apple categorizes this Background Security Enhancement as a fix for WebKit, particularly targeting a cross-origin problem within the Navigation API. The ramifications of this vulnerability could allow maliciously designed web content to evade the Same Origin Policy. This problem has been addressed through enhanced input validation.
Before this public rollout, Apple had released several example Background Security Enhancement updates for beta evaluation. The system aims to provide streamlined security updates for components like the Safari browser, the WebKit framework stack, and various system libraries, permitting smaller, ongoing security fixes between significant software releases.
### How to Verify Background Security Enhancement Updates
To verify that your device is equipped with the latest Background Security Enhancement, complete the following steps:
– **On iPhone and iPad:** Navigate to **Settings**, then select **Privacy & Security**.
– **On Mac:** From the Apple menu , select **System Settings**, and then click on **Privacy & Security**.
**AI Startup Manus Unveils “My Computer” to Revolutionize Local Workflows**
AI startup Manus has launched a new desktop application named “My Computer,” crafted to serve as a personal AI assistant on both Mac and PC platforms. This groundbreaking tool aims to rival current AI offerings such as OpenClaw and Perplexity’s Personal Computer by empowering users to manage local files and automate workflows right on their devices.
Initially an independent AI firm, Manus was taken over by Meta at the close of last year. This acquisition fits into Meta’s plan to broaden its AI offerings, which also includes the recent acquisition of MoltBook, a social media network for AI bots.
### Features of “My Computer”
The Manus Desktop application provides users the capability to utilize AI functionalities directly on their systems. It can organize local files, run commands, and connect with various applications to optimize workflows. By employing command line inputs through the computer’s terminal, Manus can read, assess, and modify files, as well as manage local applications.
### Practical Applications
Manus has pointed out numerous practical situations in which “My Computer” can drastically cut down on labor-intensive tasks:
1. **Organizing Photos**: For example, a florist with countless unarranged images can prompt Manus to “organize my flower shop photos.” The AI will inspect the photos, sort them, and assemble a well-structured asset library, converting a cluttered folder into an orderly collection in just a few minutes.
2. **Renaming Invoices**: An accountant tackling the monotonous job of renaming hundreds of invoices can depend on Manus to complete this in a fraction of the time it would take by hand, finishing the job with merely a handful of terminal commands.
### Availability
The Manus Desktop application is presently accessible for Apple Silicon-based Macs, representing a major advancement in shifting AI functions from the cloud to local devices. For further details about the system and its functionalities, users can check out Manus’s official blog.
In conclusion, “My Computer” by Manus signifies a marked progression in personal AI technology, equipping users with the tools to efficiently automate and improve their local workflows.
After unboxing the MacBook Neo a few days ago, iFixit has returned with a complete teardown of the new iPhone 17e, uncovering several unexpected repair-friendly modifications within.
### Cross-compatibility grants a 7 out of 10 repairability rating
One of the major criticisms aimed at the iPhone 16e was its absence of MagSafe support. Though the widely held belief was that this wouldn’t significantly affect the device’s intended users, Apple did integrate MagSafe support in the iPhone 17e.
Today, iFixit released its teardown of the iPhone 17e and demonstrated that the device’s MagSafe-equipped back panel is entirely compatible with the iPhone 16e. In effect, this means iPhone 16e owners might be able to add MagSafe features to their devices by merely changing the back panel, with a few conditions:
> “The 16e doesn’t appear to have the software to recognize the MagSafe attachment, so the characteristic “thunk” and animation I anticipated are absent. It’s still uncertain whether a 16e with a 17e back cover can reach the 15W charge speeds of the 17e; we’ll experiment and update once we find out.”
In fact, iFixit mentions that the majority of components are cross-compatible between the iPhone 16e and iPhone 17e. They even successfully booted an iPhone 17e using an iPhone 16e logic board, although Face ID did not function.
As iFixit highlights:
> “Such cross-compatibility is significant. It simplifies repairs, makes sourcing parts easier, and reduces upgrade costs.”
In the teardown, iFixit observes that the disassembly procedure for the iPhone 17e closely resembles that of the iPhone 16e and other recent iPhones, wherein the front and back panels can be accessed separately. This ultimately means “you can replace a battery without needing to navigate through a delicate screen.”
Conversely, iFixit points out that extracting the USB-C port remains a considerably more intricate operation than it ought to be, considering it requires replacement or repair far more frequently than the components it is situated beneath.
Overall, the iPhone 17e (tentatively) receives a 7 out of 10 on iFixit’s repairability scale. This is primarily attributed to its high degree of part interchangeability, which they indicate could be a purposeful attempt to facilitate repairs or a consequence of Apple’s aim to streamline manufacturing.
Regardless, the iPhone 17e seems to be a favorable option for DIY enthusiasts, including those who possess an iPhone 16e.
At SXSW 2026, Mashable’s tech editor tried every gizmo he could find, while talking to Silicon Valley leaders about the latest tech.
OpenAI safety advisors warn that ChatGPT Adult Mode could have long term mental health effects, and could put minors at risk.
