Apple's iOS 26 update introduces a "Liquid Glass" design option, allowing users to make their homescreen icons completely transparent. This builds upon the icon tinting feature introduced in iOS 18, offering another level of customization for the iPhone display. The process for applying the Liquid Glass design is identical to the tinting process.

Users can switch between the Liquid Glass design, tinted icons, or the default appearance using the same customization steps. The transparent icons reveal the user's chosen wallpaper.

FromSoftware announced on Friday that a July 30th patch will add a two-player "Duo Expeditions" mode to Elden Ring. This allows players to cooperatively tackle the game's challenges with a single friend, addressing previous limitations that only allowed solo play or groups of three. Director Junya Ishizaki previously stated this was a game balancing decision, later apologizing for overlooking the two-player option.

The 1.02 patch will also include user interface improvements such as enhanced Relic filtering options. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC for $39.99.

Impact Statement: The addition of a two-player mode will likely increase Elden Ring's accessibility and appeal to a wider range of players.

Best Buy is offering a $350 discount on a configuration of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 gaming laptop. The discounted price of $2,049.99 (originally $2,399.99) includes a 2,880 x 1,800 OLED screen (120Hz with G-Sync), AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor, Nvidia RTX 5070 Ti graphics, 32GB of 7,500MHz DDR5 RAM, and 1TB of storage. The laptop is praised for its powerful specifications packed into a small and lightweight 14-inch design.

This configuration is considered a strong choice for gamers prioritizing high graphics settings. The sale represents a significant price reduction on a high-performance gaming laptop known for its portability.

Microsoft is launching a new virtual character for its Copilot AI assistant, featuring real-time expressions and conversational memory. This “Copilot Appearance” is part of a broader vision by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman to create a highly personalized AI that "ages" over time, developing a unique digital identity. Early access is available in Copilot Labs for a limited number of users in the US, UK, and Canada. The feature builds on a previous redesign that included a conversational voice mode.

Suleyman, who previously co-founded Google DeepMind and worked on the personalized AI chatbot Pi at Inflection AI, joined Microsoft over a year ago to lead the development of consumer-facing AI products. He has indicated that future development might focus on improving the Windows desktop environment, aiming for a "quieter, simpler, optimized working environment."

Impact Statement: This development significantly advances the personalization of AI assistants, potentially impacting user interaction with technology and the future design of computing interfaces.

Several platforms, including Reddit, Bluesky, Discord, and Pornhub, have implemented mandatory age verification in the UK to comply with Ofcom's online safety regulations. However, these measures, often relying on IP address verification, are easily bypassed using VPNs, which mask the user's location. Alternative verification methods, such as uploading identification documents or selfies, are also employed, but their effectiveness is questionable, as some facial recognition systems may be easily tricked.

The reliance on IP address verification creates a significant loophole, allowing users to circumvent age restrictions with readily available tools like VPNs and ad blockers. Reports indicate a surge in UK Google searches for "VPN" following the implementation of these new rules, suggesting widespread awareness of this workaround. Third-party apps and technical solutions further complicate enforcement.

Impact Statement: The UK's new online safety regulations are proving ineffective due to the ease with which age verification can be bypassed using readily available technology.

Google has released an update to Wear OS, enabling the Gemini AI assistant on smartwatches for the first time. The author tested Gemini on their Pixel Watch, noting its automatic download and immediate functionality. While acknowledging Gemini's known propensity for inaccuracies ("hallucinations"), the author found it useful for specific types of complex questions, readily providing information such as nearby coffee shops and calendar event details (although with some inconsistencies). However, the author also highlighted limitations, such as inaccuracies in providing the ferry schedule and a lack of access to shared Google Calendars. The small watch screen makes verifying information challenging.

The convenience of having Gemini readily accessible on a smartwatch is emphasized, with the author admitting to increased usage and a tendency to ask more questions. The ease of access is also influencing others, as evidenced by the author's husband now using the watch for quick information searches. The author cautions readers to double-check crucial information provided by Gemini, especially when sources cannot be easily verified on the small watch screen.

Impact Statement: The integration of Gemini into Wear OS signifies a significant step towards ubiquitous AI access, raising concerns about accuracy and the potential for over-reliance on AI for information verification.

Apple's iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and other software updates are now available in public beta. The Vergecast podcast discusses user experiences with the new Liquid Glass design language, noting refinements since its WWDC introduction but also persistent criticisms, particularly regarding the Control Center. The podcast also covers updated Mac Spotlight and Phone app features, new Apple Watch features including an AI-powered Workout Buddy, and user feedback.

Further discussion includes Tesla's recent financial struggles and the launch of a new diner-slash-charging station in Los Angeles. Analysis covers the impact of Elon Musk's political activities on Tesla's performance, along with a review of the diner's menu and eco-friendly utensils. The podcast concludes with a "Thunder Round" covering Faraday's new minivan, Amazon's AI acquisition, Uber's safety update, Apple's new subscription service, and the challenges of obtaining a Labubu collectible.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8's new Antioxidant Index feature, which uses LEDs to estimate carotenoid levels in the skin to gauge fruit and vegetable intake, produced inconsistent results in testing. The author initially received low scores despite consuming a significant amount of fruits and vegetables, including a vegetarian meal and a smoothie. Subsequent tests showed the sensor registered high scores for brightly colored items, regardless of actual antioxidant content, including a tangerine peel, peach slice, and even a yellow-orange marker, but low scores for a blackberry. A Cheez-It cracker also registered a high score, despite not being a significant source of antioxidants.

The author contacted Samsung for clarification on whether the sensor relies solely on pigment detection. While awaiting a response, the author concluded that the feature's accuracy is questionable and shouldn't be used as the sole determinant of healthy eating habits. The author ultimately focused on the positive discovery of enjoying new combinations of fruits.

Impact Statement: The incident highlights potential inaccuracies in consumer health technology and the importance of critical evaluation of quantified self-tracking data.

Several major app developers, including Signal, AdGuard, and Brave, are actively blocking Microsoft's controversial Recall feature on Windows. Recall automatically takes screenshots of nearly everything on a user's computer, raising significant privacy concerns. AdGuard described the background screen captures as "unsettling," citing potential risks to private information such as chats and online forms containing sensitive data.

Brave, partly influenced by Signal's actions, has also disabled Recall by default for Windows 11 users, although it offers a toggle to re-enable the feature. Signal's block, implemented in May, utilizes a DRM flag to prevent Recall from accessing the app, highlighting Microsoft's lack of granular settings for developers to easily protect user privacy. Brave, however, notes that Microsoft allows browsers to individually disable Recall, suggesting a double standard.

Brave hopes Microsoft will provide similar granular control to all developers concerned about user privacy.

Impact Statement: The conflict highlights growing concerns about the privacy implications of AI-powered features and the need for developers to have greater control over user data access.

Google has released ChromeOS version 138, introducing a new "Desk sync" feature that synchronizes windows, tabs, and cookies across Chromebooks. This is designed to improve workflow for users who switch between devices, particularly in sectors like healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing. The update also significantly enhances AI wallpapers on Chromebook Plus models, offering a freeform text field for prompt input, replacing the previous limited style and prompt options. This feature was initially introduced in May with Gemini.

Chromebook Plus users also gain access to the "Help me read" feature, simplifying complex text. All ChromeOS devices receive Lens improvements for on-screen content and image text selection, alongside various bug fixes focused on accessibility.

Impact Statement: The update enhances productivity and user experience for Chromebook users, particularly those frequently switching devices or using AI-powered features.

SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet service experienced a significant outage on Thursday, lasting approximately two and a half hours. The disruption affected tens of thousands of users across its global network of roughly 140 countries and territories. Michael Nicolls, Starlink's vice president of Starlink Engineering, attributed the outage to a failure of key internal software services operating the core network. Downdetector, a crowdsourced outage tracker, reported as many as 61,000 user reports.

Both Nicolls and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk issued apologies for the disruption, promising to investigate the root cause and prevent future occurrences. The outage sparked speculation among experts regarding its cause, ranging from software glitches to potential cyberattacks. Starlink, boasting over six million users, has seen rapid growth and focused recently on network updates to improve speed and bandwidth.

Impact Statement: The outage highlights the potential vulnerabilities of even highly resilient satellite internet networks and underscores the importance of robust software infrastructure.

Since approximately 3 PM ET on Thursday, Starlink users globally have reported an inability to connect to SpaceX's satellite internet service. The Starlink website acknowledged the outage, stating that their team is investigating. A subsequent message on X (formerly Twitter) specified a network outage and indicated that a solution is being implemented.

Reports of service disruption have emerged from users across the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, citing "no healthy upstream" error messages. While the extent of the outage remains unclear, this appears to be the first widespread Starlink service interruption of 2025. The impact on other services utilizing Starlink, such as T-Mobile's T-Satellite and government users like the Ukrainian army, is currently unknown.

Impact Statement: The outage's impact on various services and sectors reliant on Starlink remains to be seen.

Google launched Web Guide, an AI-powered search feature that reorganizes search results. It uses a custom version of Google's Gemini AI model to process queries, grouping links and generating related questions. Currently available as a test in Search Labs, Web Guide is accessible within the "Web" tab, offering an alternative to AI Overviews. The feature pulls together results from various sources, including educational websites, YouTube, Quora, and Reddit.

Web Guide aims to improve search organization and provide helpful summaries. While praised for returning some elements of traditional search, some aspects of the AI-generated descriptions have been criticized as unnecessary. The feature allows users to ask more detailed questions, with the AI attempting to address different parts of the query. Google plans to expand Web Guide's availability to the "All" tab.

Impact Statement: Web Guide's launch signifies Google's continued investment in AI-driven search enhancements, potentially altering user experience and search result presentation.

This article reviews several budget smartphones priced at or under $500, evaluating their performance, features, and value. The author emphasizes the importance of sufficient storage (at least 128GB), a high-quality screen (OLED with at least 1080p resolution), and a minimum of three years of security updates. Key considerations include camera performance (particularly in low light), processing speed, and water resistance. Several phones are highlighted, including the iPhone SE (2024), Google Pixel 9A, OnePlus 13R, and Samsung Galaxy A35 5G, each with its strengths and weaknesses detailed. The author extensively tests each phone for a week before review.

The iPhone SE (2024) is highlighted as the cheapest new iPhone, but lacks MagSafe and an ultrawide camera. The Google Pixel 9A is lauded for its reliable performance, improved screen, and seven years of security updates, though it lacks wireless charging. The OnePlus 13R boasts a large, high-refresh-rate screen and excellent battery life but lacks wireless charging and full water resistance. The Samsung Galaxy A35 5G offers strong specs, including IP67 water resistance and four years of OS updates, although its camera performance and processor are described as lacking.

Impact Statement: This review provides consumers with valuable information to help them choose the best budget smartphone based on their individual needs and priorities.

This article reviews various controllers for the Nintendo Switch, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses. Key contenders include the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, praised for its comfort, features (including HD rumble, motion controls, and NFC), and compatibility with the Switch 2 (though lacking Switch 2 wake-up functionality); the Hori Split Pad Compact, a comfortable handheld mode alternative; the GuliKit KingKong 3 Pro and Max, offering extensive customization and Hall effect sticks; and 8BitDo's Ultimate Bluetooth Controller and Pro 2 controller, both praised for their features and platform compatibility. The article also mentions the 8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2, enabling the use of third-party controllers. Several other controllers, such as those from PowerA and GameSir, are briefly discussed and deemed less favorable compared to the top recommendations.

The article assesses controllers based on various criteria, including comfort, connection reliability, feature support (HD rumble, motion controls, NFC, etc.), button and stick quality, build quality, software customization, and price.

Impact Statement: The article provides valuable guidance for Nintendo Switch users seeking to enhance their gaming experience by selecting a controller that best suits their needs and preferences.

Apple has released the public betas of iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, allowing users to test new features before the official release. Setup is similar to the developer beta program and is free. Users should be aware that not all features will be immediately available, and betas may experience stability issues, excessive battery drain, or even data loss, so backing up data beforehand is recommended.

The update introduces a new design language called "Liquid Glass," which has already received some negative feedback and has undergone revisions since the developer beta. Other improvements include updates to group chats, a call screening feature, and live translation. Compatibility information for supported devices is available on Apple's website.

Impact Statement: The release of the public beta allows a wider range of users to test new features and provide feedback to Apple before the official launch.

Apple has announced iOS 26, featuring a redesigned interface dubbed "Liquid Glass," inspired by visionOS. The update includes numerous improvements, such as enhanced group chat functionality in Messages (including polls and typing indicators), call screening, Hold Assist, a unified phone layout, and on-device Live Translation in Messages, FaceTime, and the Phone app. Additional features include Visual Intelligence for screen searches, Genmoji for combining emoji, and Apple Intelligence improvements to Shortcuts. A new Games app centralizes game access, management, and social features. A public beta is currently available.

The iOS 26 update brings a significant visual overhaul and several new features aimed at improving user experience and productivity.

Impact Statement: iOS 26's new features and design will likely impact iPhone user experience and potentially influence the design of other mobile operating systems.