With the most recent update to Firefox 147, you can enjoy a number of new features and improvements. Safe Browsing v5 improves privacy protection, picture-in-picture mode for videos has learned a new trick, and the developers have once again fixed several security flaws. Mozilla doesn’t plan to release Firefox 148 until six weeks from now, on February 24th. Then the question will arise again as to whether Mozilla will oncea gain extend update support for Firefox 115 for Windows 7 and 8 and macOS 10.12 to 10.14. What’s new in Firefox 147? The picture-in-picture mode for videos, which has been available for years, can now be activated automatically as soon as the tab with the video is no longer in the foreground. When you bring the video tab back to the foreground, Firefox exits picture-in-picture mode. (You may have already observed similar behavior on YouTube.) Also, the Mozilla developers have aligned the performance of video playback on AMD GPUs with that of Intel and Nvidia graphics. Support for Safe Browsing v5, a Google feature, drastically reduces the number of cloud queries. With Safe Browsing v5, Firefox maintains a regularly updated local list of known fraudulent or dangerous websites. Firefox compares URLs to be accessed locally with this list, meaning that the address is not sent over to a cloud service. Security fixes in Firefox 147 Mozilla lists at least 16 vulnerabilities that have been fixed in its Security Advisory 2026-01 report for Firefox 147, classifying six of the externally reported security vulnerabilities as high risk. Four of these relate to ways of breaking out of the browser sandbox. The vulnerabilities could be exploited to inject code and execute it on the system. No attacks on any of the vulnerabilities are known to date. The last two entries in the report list an unspecified number of internally discovered vulnerabilities, which are summarized under CVE-2026-0891 and CVE-2026-0892. They also affect Firefox ESR and Thunderbird. Some are considered high risk, while others are only medium risk. Firefox ESR and Tor Browser updates In addition to Firefox 147.0, ESR versions 140.7.0 and 115.32.0 are also available, although the latter is only available for Windows 7 and 8.1 and macOS 10.12 to 10.14. In these versions, Mozilla’s developers have fixed the above-mentioned vulnerabilities that are already present in the well-established code of these browser generations. The latest Tor Browser 15.0.4 is based on Firefox ESR 140.7 and includes the NoScript 13.5.7 extension. Tor Browser 13.5.27, based on Firefox ESR 115.32 and including NoScript 13.5.7, is only available for users of Windows 7 and 8.1 and macOS 10.12 to 10.14. The Tor Project now hosts NoScript for its browser itself. This can be recognized by the fact that the NoScript version has the suffix “.1984,” like the current version 13.5.7.1984. (George Orwell sends his regards.) Otherwise, it’s identical to the version on Mozilla’s Add-ons store. Thunderbird 147.0 and 140.7.0esr have also been released. Here, too, the developers have eliminated one or two security vulnerabilities that the mail program inherited from Firefox. Read...

One of the best tech items I got last year was a portable monitor for my laptop. It made my life so much easier, allowing me to work out of coffee shops and libraries with all the extra screen space I need to be productive. If you’re a laptop user and don’t have a portable monitor yet, you’re missing out! Score this awesome 34% discount on Amazon, bringing the price of this KYY portable monitor down to just $67. View this Amazon deal This is a slim 15.6-inch display with a crisp 1080p resolution, which is more than enough for daily use and productivity without breaking the bank. While 2K and 4K portable monitors are out there, they’re quite a bit more expensive than this one. If you’re just dealing with documents, spreadsheets, email, web browsing, and such, this will suffice. KYY’s model features an IPS panel for great color, contrast, and viewing angles, which is perfect for when you’re taking a break and watching YouTube or Netflix. The included smart cover keeps the screen protected when not in use, and it doubles as a stand so you can prop it up and comfortably watch videos or read PDFs. It has three ports—two USB-C and a Mini HDMI—plus all the cables you need to connect it to your laptop. Note that it also works with other video outputs, including your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or even your phone. The built-in speakers won’t blow you away, but it’s a fun way to play games on the go and still get that auditory feedback. You’ll love using this portable monitor, for sure. Take advantage of this Amazon deal and snag it for just $67 while you can! Save 34% on this 15.6-inch 1080p portable monitor for your laptopBuy now at Amazon Read...

The older I get the more I appreciate my now long-lost youth. Read...

For the past few years, I’ve made sure I always have a power bank with me when I leave the house because it’s something that gives me peace of mind. If I end up running late and my phone’s battery fails on me while I’m out, I can still keep it charged and stay connected. Of all the power banks I’ve used, the Anker Zolo is the one I carry with me most often—and right now, it’s on sale for $34 on Amazon. View this Amazon deal One of the best things about this power bank is that it’s fairly compact, measuring just 4.72 x 2.90 x 1.24 inches and weighing 0.78 pounds. This means it’s easy to slip into a pocket (even my tiny pockets, thanks women’s fashion) or toss into a bag. It also doesn’t hurt that it comes with a built-in USB-C cable that doubles as a carrying strap when not in use. If you need to charge multiple devices, that’s no problem—you’ll find two extra charging ports, one USB-C and one USB-A. That built-in cable is sooooo good, though, because I can’t count how many times I’ve realized entirely too late that I’d left the house without a charging cable! The 20,000mAh capacity is enough to charge your phone fully about four times over, although that’ll vary depending on your phone model and whether you’re using it while it charges. At this price, it’s a no-brainer. Get this Anker Zolo power bank for $34 while you can! There’s no buyer’s remorse here. Trust me. Fast-charge 3 devices while on the go with Anker`s tiny 20K power bankBuy now at Amazon Read...

At the launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, which can be seen as Microsoft’s semi-official answer to Valve’s smash-hit Steam Deck, these two devices are set up as sort of de facto rivals. And if we’re talking value, the Steam Deck absolutely wins. But with the retirement of its cheapest version and a $100 discount on the Ally, down to $499.99 today, the Windows handheld is now technically cheaper. Specifically, this is the white version of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally, which uses AMD’s Ryzen Z2 chip. The black version (with the added X for 100 percent more Xbox) has a faster chip, more RAM and storage, and a couple of other goodies…but it’s still a cool one grand, no discount offered. At $500, the cheaper white version is now $50 below the middle model of the Steam Deck OLED, despite running a much newer APU at its core, having a faster, higher resolution screen, bigger battery, and faster charging. Other specs, like 16GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, and a MicroSD card slot, are pretty similar. The Steam Deck is getting pretty old in terms of hardware, but the $550 model still offers an OLED screen that’s slightly larger, dual touchpads for finer control, and, of course, it’s loaded with SteamOS (a Linux derivative that plays Windows games shockingly well through a compatibility layer) instead of Windows 11. Even with the work Microsoft has put into the streamlined handheld interface specifically designed for these devices, the consensus seems to be that SteamOS is the superior platform for gaming, compatibility issues notwithstanding. But if you want to be able to play more Windows-based games (especially multiplayer games that rely on kernel-level anti-cheat), the Xbox is the better PC. Huh, that’s a weird sentence. Best Buy is offering the $100 discount on the ROG Xbox Ally, and there’s no indication of how long it’ll stick around. If you’re trying to make a decision, I suggest you do so quickly. Get an Asus ROG Xbox Ally handheld for just $500View Deal Read...

Google has fixed 10 security vulnerabilities in Chrome versions 144.0.7559.59/60 for Windows and macOS and 144.0.7559.59 for Linux. According to Google, none of these vulnerabilities have been exploited for attacks in the wild so far. What’s new in Chrome 144? In the Chrome Releases blog post, Srinivas Sista lists the 10 security vulnerabilities that have been fixed, all of which were reported to Google by external researchers (with Google apparently counting itself among them in two cases). Google classifies 3 vulnerabilities as high risk, 4 as medium risk, and the rest as low risk. Google prominently advertises the ability to have text read aloud on the web, but this was already a new feature in Chrome 143. The same applies to the feature for splitting the browser window to display two pages side by side in the same tab. AI integration continues to advance in Chrome, albeit less intrusively than in some other browsers. Chrome usually updates automatically when a new version is available. You can manually trigger the update check via Help > About Google Chrome. Google has also released Chrome for Android 144.0.7559.59 and Chrome for iOS 144.0.7559.85, with the Android version addressing the same vulnerabilities as the desktop versions. The Extended Stable Channel for Windows and macOS now also includes Chromium version 144.0.7559.60. Google plans to release Chrome 145 in early February. Other Chromium-based browsers The manufacturers of other Chromium-based browsers are now required to follow suit with their own updates. Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi are at the security level Chrome was at prior to this update. Opera caught up with the others a week ago with the release of version 126 based on Chromium 142, but is still one Chromium update behind. Once the Extended Stable Channel for Chromium 142 comes to an end, Opera will be on its own again. Read...

Catalogic refreshes DPX with browser-based tape management, richer hybrid reporting and streamlined scheduling for mixed environments. Read...

Microsoft began testing Windows 11 version 26H1 for the first time with Insider Preview Build 28000. The version is only available in the Canary channel of the Windows Insider Program. Starting with this build, Windows officially displays “Windows 11, version 26H1” for the first time under Settings > System > About and via winver. Microsoft made it clear that this is not a feature update for Windows 11 25H2, but rather a new technical platform version. Here’s what’s new in Windows 11 26H1 and why you should be aware. The purpose of Windows 11 26H1 Windows 11 26H1 is preparation for new hardware platforms. Microsoft is gearing the operating system towards upcoming processors, such as Windows-on-Arm devices. Among others, that includes Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 and X2 Elite plus Nvidia N1 and N1x. These processors differ significantly from traditional x64 CPUs, so Microsoft is making adjustments to key system components for compatibility. These include power management, process planning, driver architecture, and other hardware-dependent parts of the operating system. These changes are hardly noticeable to users in everyday use, but they’re necessary to ensure that new devices will later run stably, efficiently, and at full performance. Thomas Joos For existing x64 PCs, Windows 11 26H1 offers no functional advantages and Windows 11 25H2 remains the main branch for new features. Microsoft is sticking to its familiar update strategy here, with major feature updates released once a year in the second half of the year. What is the enablement package? Windows 11 26H1, similar to 25H2 before it, will be delivered as an “enablement package.” An enablement package is not a complete operating system upgrade—instead, it’s a small activation package that unlocks existing but previously disabled system components. Thomas Joos Microsoft integrates new or modified components into the system in advance via regular cumulative updates. The enablement package then activates the new version identifier and unlocks those existing features. For users, this means shorter installation times, smaller download sizes, and no major changes to interfaces or operation. Canary channel and early development The Canary channel serves as the earliest test environment in the Windows Insider Program. The builds published there aren’t assigned to any specific Windows version and may contain features that will later be changed or discarded. Microsoft expressly says that content from Canary builds won’t necessarily make it into a final Windows version. Another important point concerns channel switching. Leaving the Canary channel is only possible via reinstallation, as switching to channels with lower build numbers is not supported. New features in the Canary channel With the latest Canary builds—for example, starting with Build 28020.1362 (KB5073095) and onwards—Microsoft has integrated numerous features into the Canary branch that were previously available in Dev, Beta, and stable versions of Windows 11 25H2. Microsoft is aligning the feature set, which includes: The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE) is now available on more devices, including desktop systems. The interface is based on a console, prioritizes games, and reduces background processes. Click to Do has been redesigned on Copilot+ PCs. The context menu appears automatically for large images or tables and offers direct access to actions such as copying, saving, sharing, and AI-assisted processing. Learn more about why Click to Do is Microsoft’s next big AI move. The Windows Settings agent now allows direct changes from the search field on Copilot+ PCs. Recommended settings can be adjusted via inline action. If a setting can’t be changed further, Windows displays a corresponding explanation. Windows Studio Effects now also support external USB webcams. They can be activated via Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Cameras or via the quick settings in the taskbar. The Drag Tray now supports simultaneous sharing of multiple files, automatically displays matching apps, and allows direct placement in destination folders. The feature can be enabled or disabled via Settings > System > Nearby sharing. Learn more about why Nearby Sharing is one of the best features in Windows. Thomas Joos File Explorer now has a more consistent dark mode. Copy, move, delete, progress, replace, and error dialogues now fully match the dark design. Chart and progress views have also been adjusted. When hovering over files in the Explorer start area, new quick actions such as “Open file location” or “Ask Copilot” appear, depending on the region and account type. There’s a new “Mobile Devices” page in the settings that can be used to manage smartphones. Windows can use mobile devices as cameras or display files directly in File Explorer. Desktop Spotlight adds options such as “Learn more about this background” and “Next desktop background” to the desktop context menu. Thomas Joos Additional settings have been moved from the classic Control Panel to the Windows 11 settings. These include the keyboard character repeat rate and cursor blink rate. Control of keyboard backlighting on supported HID keyboards has also been improved. Thomas Joos Pens with haptic support now provide tactile feedback for certain UI interactions, such as moving or docking windows. Microsoft has also fixed various bugs, including issues in File Explorer, Task Manager, Settings, Windows Update, Display and Graphics, and Sign-in. A known bug where Task Manager continued to run as a background process after being closed has been corrected. Known issues with Windows 11 26H1 Microsoft lists several known limitations in these early Windows 11 26H1 builds, which include unexpected scrolling in the new Start menu and issues with hibernation and shutdown on certain systems. Such bugs are typical for early Canary builds. Windows Home users can already test version 26H1 by registering for the Windows Insider Program free of charge and activating the Canary channel. This will let you try out new platform changes while they’re still in early development. Learn more about why you should or shouldn’t become a Windows Insider. Thomas Joos At the same time, it’s important to note that pre-release versions are not stable. Crashes, performance issues, faulty updates, or incompatibilities are possible. The Canary channel is therefore not recommended for systems that need stability and reliability. Should you use Windows 11 26H1? Windows 11 26H1 forms a technical basis for new hardware generations and paves the way for Windows 11 26H2, which is expected to deliver the actual innovations for all users in fall 2026. If stability is a concern, Windows 11 25H2 remains the better choice right now. However, those who are interested in upcoming hardware, especially Arm-based Windows devices, or who want to keep abreast of technical developments at an early stage, will gain deep insight into the future of Windows with version 26H1. Read...

Even if Jensen spent his entire keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show jawing about anything and everything except consumer electronics, Nvidia still had something to announce: the latest version of DLSS. Team Green’s upscaling tech is now at version 4.5. It’s now available to try out (at least in part) via the latest version of the Nvidia Windows app. Before you boot up your benchmarks, be aware that not all of the goodies announced at CES are immediately enabled. That 6x frame gen and dynamic frame gen — which only enables the controversial tech as much as necessary to hit your framerate targets — are notably absent. The only major addition currently enabled in DLSS 4.5 is updated models for Super Resolution, the more basic upscaling tech that Nvidia has been using for a while. Enabling the new models via the DLSS Override features in the Nvidia app gives you access to: Model M — standard optimized DLSS Model L — optimized for 4K resolution Preset K — new default for “remaining DLSS modes” For the time being you’ll need to enable this DLSS override on a per-game basis, so it’s best to give it a shot on high-performance games for which you have a specific target in mind. To that end, the latest Nvidia App update also turns on DLSS override support for 77 new games, notably including Arc Raiders, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Europa Universalis V, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. The update is available in the app right now, or you can always download it manually. Read...

What do you use the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) in your laptop for? If you’re like most folks who bought a new laptop in the last couple of years, the answer is “not much.” The NPU is supposed to be used for local “AI” processing tasks… but since most people just use cloud-powered AI tools instead, it kind of seems like an electronic appendix—an appendix that might be costing you battery life on your laptop. Thankfully, that might be fixed with the latest Windows update. According to the patch notes for Windows 11 update KB5074109 (for 25H2 and 24H2), there was an “issue” with NPUs remaining active while laptops were idling, causing notable battery drain. It’s been fixed as of yesterday for Patch Tuesday, at least as far as Microsoft reckons. Other updates include the usual smaller bug fixes and updated drivers, new Secure Boot certificates, and an updated version of the WinSqlite3.dll file. You can see the full list over on Microsoft’s support page, and the new version should automatically download via Windows Update for most users. Read...