Microsoft is testing a new Windows 11 recovery feature called Cloud Rebuild in Insider Beta Preview Build 26220.9343. It reinstalls Windows directly from Windows Update even when the existing installation is corrupted or won't boot, eliminating the need for a USB recovery drive. The tool is accessed through the Windows Recovery Environment, which can now also reuse saved Wi-Fi credentials to connect during recovery.
Apple has pushed out the first Release Candidate build (26A5428) of macOS 27 Golden Gate to developers and public beta testers, signaling that the operating system's development is essentially finalized ahead of its public release. The RC follows earlier betas that introduced redesigned Liquid Glass-style traffic light window controls, a new Siri app, AI-powered Shortcuts, and a prompt-based Safari extension builder.
Apple has released the Release Candidate build of tvOS 27 for both developers and public beta testers, signaling the software is nearly finalized. No new Apple TV hardware was announced despite some predictions, but the update can be installed via Settings > System > Software Update on Apple TV devices.
Tesla halted supply of its Solar Roof tiles in August, telling certified installers it would only ship standard solar panels going forward. Contractors say they spent weeks in specialized training and completed supervised installations to become certified, only to be left with sunk costs once Tesla pulled the product after roughly 3,000 total US installations over seven years.
An internal Microsoft email from January 2003, later made public through litigation records, shows Bill Gates recounting a frustrating attempt to download Windows Movie Maker and a Digital Plus pack from Microsoft's own website. Gates described slow load times, a confusing list of 45 unfiltered download options, failed searches for 'moviemaker' and 'movie maker,' and being redirected to Windows Update just to find the software.
Chrono is a free, open-source Android alarm and clock app that offers more customization than Google's or Samsung's default Clock apps, including dark mode, Material styling, alarm tagging, and time-of-day icons. It isn't listed on the Google Play Store, so users must sideload it manually to install and update it.
Ahead of installing an iOS public beta, users are advised to make a computer-based backup rather than relying on iCloud, since iCloud automatically overwrites backups with newer beta versions. This can leave users unable to restore a stable iOS version if they need to downgrade. The recommended process involves connecting the iPhone to a Mac or PC, creating an encrypted local backup, and archiving it manually.
Windows includes a native Storage panel under Settings > System > Storage that breaks down disk usage by category, including installed apps, temporary files, downloads and the recycle bin. Users can sort installed apps by size to find and uninstall large unused programs, run a system file cleanup for extra clutter, and check storage on additional drives through the Advanced storage settings section.
Tom's Hardware has released a step-by-step guide explaining how to install an M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD in a PlayStation 5 to expand storage capacity in 2026. The guide notes that such upgrades are now essential as AAA games grow larger and Sony moves away from physical discs, and confirms that installation with a compatible drive will not void the console's warranty. It also recommends drives like the WD Black SN850X and Samsung 990 Pro, both rated for sequential speeds above 5,500 MB/s.
Chinese company Niutech has signed a contract with an unnamed global energy major to construct an industrial-scale pyrolysis facility that converts waste plastic into sustainable aviation fuel. The plant is designed to produce between 10,000 and 50,000 tons of SAF annually by heating plastic waste at high temperatures in an oxygen-free chamber.
Pearl Abyss has launched a free 20-minute playable demo of Crimson Desert that runs entirely through Twitch's cloud streaming, requiring no download or installation. The demo works on any device with a web browser, though notably not on current game consoles. It coincides with the rollout of Crimson Desert Enhanced, a major free update released last week.
California lawmakers passed SB 868, a bill that sets rules for small, plug-in solar devices—often mounted on balconies, yards or roofs—capped at 1,200 watts per home. The bill replaces the costly utility interconnection process for these systems with a free online registration, provided devices meet electrical codes, carry third-party safety certification and include anti-backfeed protection. It now awaits Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, with compliant products potentially available by spring 2027.