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Apple's Game App on iPhone vs. Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally: The Real Winners Are Gamers

At WWDC 2025, Apple showed off plenty of changes in its preview for software upgrades due out later this year, but alongside visual shifts like Liquid Glass, the company also debuted a new Games app designed to be a hub for downloaded games. It's a continued push for iPhone, iPad and Mac owners to play and connect with others that comes as other gaming companies shift their strategies -- most notably, Apple announced its Games app days after Microsoft revealed its own ROG Xbox Ally, a powerful

These 3 iOS Updates Are a Bigger Deal than Liquid Glass

Ever since downloading an early developer beta preview of iOS 26, my iPhone has more bounce, warble and bloop about it. The design changes coming to Apple gadgets have been a hot topic on social media. The new operating systems are adopting an interface style called Liquid Glass, revealed this week at the Worldwide Developers Conference, which transforms menus, apps and buttons into something of translucent jelly... with spunk. But if you can see past the clear icons, there are other updates co

Topics: 26 apple buttons day week

Snapchat’s latest subscription tier will get you ‘hundreds’ of lenses

is a news writer who covers the streaming wars, consumer tech, crypto, social media, and much more. Previously, she was a writer and editor at MUO. Snapchat has launched a new subscription tier that offers access to a wider selection of lenses and augmented-reality experiences. The Lens Plus subscription costs $8.99 per month and will include lenses made by Snapchat and “select” creators to start, such as an exclusive AI-powered video lens and a Bitmoji game lens. Along with access to “hundred

Apple is salvaging Image Playground with a boost from ChatGPT

When Apple unveiled Image Playground last year, the company touted it as a quick and easy way to generate personalized, original images with the help of Apple Intelligence. Upon launch, the app was met with skepticism, as some users were disappointed by its limitations and low-quality results. For example, one Reddit user was surprised to find that Image Playground kept generating an image of a hand with six fingers when prompted to create an “up close image of a hand.” In another instance, a u

Apple's iOS 26 requires kids to get parental permission to text new numbers

As part of new updates to its parental controls announced at WWDC 25, Apple has introduced a new feature that requires kids to get permission to text new numbers. That's among other new child safety settings including more granular age-based app ratings that will be introduced to the new iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, watchOS 26, visionOS 26, and tvOS 26 operating systems coming this fall, Apple announced. The new feature called Communication Limits (part of Child Accounts) gives parents th

Topics: 26 app apple new parents

My Mac contacted 63 different Apple owned domains in an hour, while not is use

During a one hour period today, my computer contacted 63 different Apple domains while i was not logged on and using it. I have been trying to minimize to the extent possible the reach of big tech into my life. A full 25% of the DNS queries from one of my computers (M2 MBA with macOS 15.4) are to Apple owned domains - even though my DNS provider (NextDNS) blocks Apple's native telemetry. Additionally, since I do not use Apple for my mail, contacts, calendars, podcasts or news, I already have th

Protesting Tips: What to Bring, How to Act, How to Stay Safe

“The most important thing to realize,” Williams says, “is that you’re showing up in solidarity with other people. It’s not your job to decide how things should go. It’s your job to show up and listen and be in support. Deprioritizing yourself is an incredibly important part of the experience.” Know Your Rights In the US, it’s entirely within your rights to peacefully demonstrate in public. The basic act of assembling and protesting the government’s actions is unquestionably protected, accordin

Meta cracks down on nudify apps after being exposed

Meta is suing a company that advertised generative AI apps on its social media platforms that enable users to “nudify” people without their consent. The lawsuit against Joy Timeline comes after hundreds of ads for the digital undressing apps were discovered on Meta’s Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and Threads platforms by a CBS News investigation published last week. “This legal action underscores both the seriousness with which we take this abuse and our commitment to doing all we can to prot

What were your favorite announcements in the WWDC 2025 keynote?

While Apple quickly dismissed major Siri improvements as coming next year, the company still announced a lot at WWDC 2025. From a whole new look across all Apple devices to full-on windowing on iPads, it was a fast-paced event with a lot to cover. Here’s a roundup of all the major announcements – please take our poll on your favorites of these, and share your reactions in the comments … Liquid Glass All Apple devices get a new look and feel, through a design language Apple calls Liquid Glass.

Topics: app apple apps new users

Apple's Liquid Glass is Windows Vista done well

It's hard to look at Apple's new "Liquid Glass" aesthetic and not think about Windows Vista, Microsoft's much-maligned OS which also touted transparencies and glass-like effects as a bold new vision for computing. You can see the similarities between Apple's UI and Vista's "Windows Aero" design language everywhere, from the glassified app icons in iOS 26 and macOS Tahoe 26 which look a lot like VIsta's glossy icons, to the transparent backgrounds used in drop down menus, which hearken back to VI

iOS 26 screenshots could be an intriguing preview of Apple's delayed Siri rework

When it launched, Apple 's Visual Intelligence feature allowed you to point your compatible phone's camera at things around you and either perform a Google Image Search or ask questions via ChatGPT. At WWDC 2025, the company showed off updates to broaden the usefulness of Visual Intelligence, largely by embedding it into the screenshots system. To quote the company's press release, "Visual intelligence already helps users learn about objects and places around them using their iPhone camera, and

The best Chromebook you can buy in 2025

Engadget has been testing and reviewing consumer tech since 2004. Our stories may include affiliate links; if you buy something through a link, we may earn a commission. Read more about how we evaluate products . Whether you’re shopping for a budget-friendly laptop for school or a sleek machine for everyday productivity, the best Chromebooks can offer surprising functionality for the price. Chromebooks have come a long way from their early days as web-only devices. Now, many Chromebook models f

Apple finally added my most-requested iPhone feature with iOS 26 (and you'll love it, too)

Maria Diaz/ZDNET Last year, Apple announced a redesigned Photos app, touting it as "the biggest-ever redesign." Over the past year, we've seen users complaining about the redesign and wanting to go back to iOS 17's Photos app. Apple seems to have listened to all the feedback and fixed its Photos app with the new iOS 26 update. Also: Everything announced at Apple's WWDC 2025 keynote: Liquid Glass, MacOS Tahoe, and more "Many of you missed using tabs in the Photos app," said Craig Federighi, Ap

Why I recommend this Lenovo over the dozens of work laptops I've tested - and it's on sale

ZDNET's key takeaways Lenovo's Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is on sale for $1,200 at Best Buy. Its solid performance, comfortable keyboard, and long-lasting battery make it an excellent machine for the office. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan of the display. View now at Lenovo View now at Best Buy more buying choices Over at Lenovo's website, the 2025 Yoga 7i 2-in-1 is on sale for $900, a $160 discount. Do note that this laptop is the mid-range option. Lenovo's new Yoga 7i 2-in-1 16 doesn't aim to dazzle you

My Mac Contacted 63 Different Apple Owned Domains in One Hour – While Not Is Use

During a one hour period today, my computer contacted 63 different Apple domains while i was not logged on and using it. I have been trying to minimize to the extent possible the reach of big tech into my life. A full 25% of the DNS queries from one of my computers (M2 MBA with macOS 15.4) are to Apple owned domains - even though my DNS provider (NextDNS) blocks Apple's native telemetry. Additionally, since I do not use Apple for my mail, contacts, calendars, podcasts or news, I already have th

Why Can't I Get a Job Right Now? 9 Expert Tips to Stand Out to Recruiters

The job hunt struggle is real. Jeffrey Hazelwood/CNET Since getting laid off from a tech marketing role last November, Stephanie Wandell has applied to hundreds of jobs. She's heard back from only a handful of recruiters, without any offers. "I was a little bit naive going into it, thinking I could do what I always do and depend on applying to as many places as I can," said Wandell. "It became pretty clear that this time is different." Ask anyone who's unemployed and they'll tell you today's

You Should Try These 10 Word Games If You Like Wordle

Josh Wardle launched the enthralling puzzle game Wordle more than four years ago in 2021. Since then, Wordle's popularity has made it one of the biggest word games in recent memory. Wardle initially created the game for his partner before releasing it to the public, and then The New York Times bought it in 2022. CNET's Gael Cooper has loads of tips and tricks to tackle each Wordle puzzle, but if you've completed today's game -- or just love puzzle games -- these alternatives are well worth your

Your iPhone Is About to Change More Than Just the Liquid Glass Look in iOS 26

When iOS 26 shimmers into view this fall, the translucent new Liquid Glass interface overhaul won't be the only change to the iPhone. Announced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference, iOS 26 (named for 2026) will take on a look that Apple pioneered with the Vision Pro, with glassy, translucent panels that will echo throughout all of the company's products. But this isn't simply a cosmetic overhaul. The Camera and Photos apps are gaining long-awaited functional redesigns; the Messages and Ph

9 Hidden Apple Watch Health Features, According to a Doctor at Apple

If you own an Apple Watch, then you know just how small but mighty the wearable device can be. But are you aware of all the different ways this high-tech watch can assist you in monitoring and improving your health? To help you learn more about the not-so-obvious health features hidden on the Apple Watch that can support your heart health, fitness, sleep and more, we spoke with a doctor at Apple. 1. The Vitals app metrics Using overnight health metrics, the Vitals app can reveal much about you

Experimental retina implants give mice infrared vision

Human vision relies on photoreceptor cells in the retina that react to visible light and trigger neurons in the optic nerve to send signals to the brain. Degradation of these photoreceptors is the leading cause of vision impairments, including blindness. However, a team of scientists at China’s Fudan University has recently built prototype retinal implants that can replace the failing photoreceptors and potentially provide infrared vision as a bonus. Sadly, they’ve only been tested in animals,

iOS 19 is now iOS 26. Should Google follow suit with Android?

Apple 🗣️ This is an open thread. We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments and vote in the poll below — your take might be featured in a future roundup. It’s WWDC week, and that means a flurry of software and service announcements from Apple. During its keynote on Monday, Apple revealed new features to the Apple Watch, iPhone, iPad, Macs, and more, including a new “Liquid Glass” UI that uses excessive transparency. This will undoubtedly prove divisive for Apple fans and th

The 5 best iOS 26 features I want Android to copy ASAP

Joe Maring / Android Authority Well, Apple has done it. After releasing iOS 18 in 2024, this year’s iPhone update jumps up by eight to iOS 26. Not only is the new name significant, but thanks to Apple’s new Liquid Glass redesign, it’s also one of the most drastic iOS updates we’ve seen in years. While I hope the whole Liquid Glass thing stays far, far away from Android, there are some elements of iOS 26 that I actually quite like. They aren’t drastic features, but they’re things I’d love to se

After three days with iOS 26, I’m amazed by Apple’s Liquid Glass redesign, but I have concerns

Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority The biggest buzz at WWDC 2025 was around Apple’s spanking new Liquid Glass interface. From a unified year-based naming scheme for its platforms to what might be the most extensive visual overhaul to iOS in years, iOS 26 marks a significant shift in Apple’s software approach. But is there substance beneath the divisive shiny sheen? I dove into the developer betas to give it a try. Let me preface this by saying this first beta is very buggy, and I wouldn’t recomm

Topics: app apple device ios like

In case of emergency, break glass

A few observations after Apple’s WWDC25 keynote The title of my article obviously refers to the new UI Apple presented on 9 June, which they call Liquid Glass. I won’t beat around the bush: my very first impression is that we’re in UI emergency territory, but we won’t be able to break this particular glass. Only Apple can, and obviously they won’t because they’re very proud of it. I truly don’t know where to begin with my observations, as I’m still trying to rein in my many reactions to what I

Topics: apple glass like mac os

Microsoft Office migration from Source Depot to Git

After going in deep in product, I found myself drawn to a different challenge: making other developers more productive. As one of my biggest mentors would always say: “Developer productivity is always ‘Multiplier work’, especially in places where you have a lot of developers. By saving a couple minutes from every developer, every day, you’ve saved years of human life waiting for stuff.” The project that really forged me was the Office migration from Source Depot to Git. Source Depot: A Journey

DeskHog, an open-source developer toy

But what is DeskHog really? It's a teeny, tiny, beast. DeskHog packs a ESP32-S3 Reverse TFT Feather in a custom-made 3D printed case. It comes complete with a 240x135 color TFT display, a 10-hour battery life, WiFi, and a cute little LED. It's a hand-made micro games console. It's a desktop terminal for PostHog data. It's a friend. Can it play Pong? Yes. Can it play Flappy Bird? Yes. Can it play Doom? ...We're working on it. Want more hardware? We included an I²C expansion port, just for pe

OLED refresh rate race heats up as SDC claims first 720Hz display

The big picture: Samsung became the first company to launch a 500Hz OLED display last month, but Chinese manufacturer Super Display Company (SDC) claims to have already exceeded 700Hz. However, crucial details regarding the company's monitor remain unclear, including the resolution at which it achieves its maximum refresh rate. Reddit user "HM204DTA" recently shared an advertisement for a WOLED monitor capable of reaching 720Hz. If the product exists, manufacturer SDC has taken the lead in the

Google offers more buyouts to US employees, cracks down on remote workers

In brief: Google is once again reducing its headcount while cracking down on remote workers. The company has offered buyouts to employees across a number of divisions. It has also rolled out a new RTO mandate across more teams, giving employees the option of returning to the office or taking a voluntary exit package. Google's latest round of buyouts will be offered to employees in its knowledge and information (K&I) and central engineering units as well as marketing, research and communications

Joplin gets a new update for easier, more secure note-taking

Joplin is a privacy-first app. Capture your thoughts freely and without distractions, tracking, or ads. With Joplin's end-to-end encryption and open-source code, you can concentrate on your ideas and tasks without worrying about your privacy. How does Joplin compare to Evernote or OneNote? Joplin is an open-source, privacy-focused note-taking app that supports Markdown and local storage, giving you full control over your data. Unlike proprietary apps, it doesn't lock you into a closed ecosyste

Double-A shooter MindsEye goes from promising GTA killer to triple-A dumpster fire seconds after launch

In context: Developer Build A Rocket Boy and publisher IO Interactive positioned their genre-bending sci-fi shooter MindsEye as the next big blockbuster of 2025. Instead, it's breaking blocks in ways no one expected. Mission-breaking bugs and crippling glitches made the game nearly unplayable. MindsEye launched Tuesday with high hopes – and fell apart within seconds. The brainchild of former Grand Theft Auto producer Leslie Benzies, the third-person action-adventure follows Jacob Diaz, a soldie