Be honest: you’re still using the weak, old power adapter that came with your phone, aren’t you? Or one that came with one of your many other devices, like your tablet or earbuds. It’s slow, it’s bulky, it looks ugly, and it only has one port—the complete opposite of this Ugreen Nexode charger that’s now on sale for $50 with Amazon Prime. (Sign up for a free 30-day Prime trial to score this discount today!) View this Amazon deal This compact charger features a built-in 30-inch retractable USB-C cable that eliminates the need to carry a separate cable when you’re traveling or commuting. Its 100W output is powerful enough to fast-charge everything from smartphones to tablets to most laptops. And not only does the charger have that pull-out USB-C cable, but there are two extra USB-C ports and an additional USB-A port, allowing you to charge multiple devices at once when necessary. Another thing that makes this charging block an absolute dream travel companion is the fact that its prongs are foldable. So, when you slip this thing into your backpack, you don’t have to worry about it scratching your tech or snagging on your clothes or breaking. Grab this Ugreen Nexode USB-C charger for $50 while it’s still on sale! You just won’t know how convenient it is to have a charger block with a pull-out cable until you start using one. Seriously. This fast USB-C charger with a retractable cable is on sale nowBuy now at Amazon Read...

I know Black Friday and Cyber Monday have ended, but this Walmart deal makes it feel like they haven’t. How else could you explain an Intel laptop with RTX 5050 and 16GB of RAM for just $579? Yeah, I’m not kidding. You can get that in the Acer Nitro V, and you can get it at that price right now with this crazy $350 discount. View this Walmart deal This gaming laptop is the perfect balance of price and performance for someone looking for an affordable machine they can use for work, hobbies, and gaming. The Acer Nitro V runs on an Intel Core i5-13420H processor and 16GB of RAM, which is the minimum PCWorld recommends for a Windows 11 laptop. The 512GB SSD is fast for loading and spacious enough as long as you aren’t a data hoarder. It’s a great everyday machine for juggling apps, browser tabs, and more. The visual experience is nice, too. The Nitro V has a vibrant 15.6-inch 1080p IPS screen at a snappy 165Hz refresh rate for smooth frame rates while gaming, and the Nvidia RTX 5050 GPU offers enough power to reach those frame rates, especially if you use the latest DLSS 4 features like upscaling and multi-frame generation. It’ll serve you well for at least a few years, which is darn impressive at this price. If there’s something not to like about this laptop, it might be the 8 hours of stated battery life (so expect less with real-world usage), or the plastic chassis, or the lack of port variety (it has one USB-C and three USB-A), or not having an IR webcam for Windows Hello face unlock. All of these are acceptable sacrifices for a sub-$600 RTX 50-series laptop. Frankly, the Acer Nitro V is an absolute catch for $579, so grab this hot Walmart deal before it expires! Or if you want something a little more powerful but still affordable, check out PCWorld’s picks for the best budget gaming laptops under $1,000. Score this Acer Nitro V with RTX 5050 and 16GB RAM for $350 offBuy now at Walmart Read...

Is your PC slow, programs start sluggishly, and current games stutter? This does not automatically mean that you need a new computer. Targeted upgrades are often enough to significantly improve performance. In this guide, you’ll find out which components are really worthwhile – from SSD and RAM, to graphics cards and processors, through to coolers, fans, and peripherals. SSD: Faster storage for everyone An SSD (Solid State Drive) is the simplest and most worthwhile upgrade of all and provides the biggest performance boost per dollar invested in everyday use. Anyone still working with an old hard disk drive (HDD) is wasting time unnecessarily. However, SSDs differ in terms of design and technology. Classic 2.5-inch models use the older SATA interface and achieve up to 550 MB/s, while modern flash memory in M.2 plug-in card format can be plugged directly into the mainboard and deliver data rates of several thousand megabytes per second via PCI Express (via the NVMe protocol). These NVMe drives are therefore significantly faster, but require a corresponding M.2 slot on the motherboard. Our article“SATA, PCIe, and M.2: The slots on your motherboard, explained” also provides clarity here. Corsair PCIe 4.0 models such as the Crucial P310 or WD Black SN7100 offer up to 7,000 MB/s, making them ideal for gaming or video editing. Even faster are PCIe 5.0 models such as the Kingston Fury Renegade G5 or Crucial T710, which achieve transfer rates almost twice as high at over 12,000 MB/s. However, these high-end models are primarily worthwhile for professional applications, large video files, or particularly demanding users, as they generate more heat and are significantly more expensive. If you have an older system that can only boast SATA connections, you will still benefit enormously: A 2.5-inch SSD (such as the Crucial BX500) for around $60 will get even old PCs up and running again. It’s important that the motherboard supports the appropriate connection, i.e. M.2 for NVMe or SATA ports for 2.5-inch SSDs. Kingston Tip: Cloning old systems saves you time as you take over Windows and programs. However, this method uses a little more storage space because old system files, temporary data and possibly faulty structures are also copied. A new installation takes longer, but ensures a tidier system with a little more free memory. Be sure to check out our list of the best SSDs for even more great upgrade options. Working memory (RAM): More room for multitasking If Chrome has 20 tabs open and Excel reacts sluggishly, more RAM is usually the easiest solution. And upgrading is also less complicated than many people think: open the housing, release the side clips on the slots, remove the old latches, and insert the new modules firmly. Then after switching your computer on, usually the system will recognize the memory automatically. G.Skill Today, 16GB is standard for office users, 32GB is worthwhile for gamers and creative types, and those who regularly work with large photos, videos, or music projects will even benefit from 64GB. Currently, 16GB DDR4 can cost less that $50; kits such as the Kingston Fury Beast or Corsair Vengeance LPX are good options. DDR5 RAM, such as the G.Skill Ripjaws S5 kit, offers higher clock rates, lower power consumption and more bandwidth. However, this requires an up-to-date motherboard and modern processors: DDR5 is supported by Intel from the 12th Core generation (Alder Lake) with chipsets such as Z690, B660, and newer, and by AMD from the Ryzen 7000 series (AM5 platform) with B650, X670, or X670E boards. DDR4 therefore remains the first choice for older systems, while DDR5 is the future-proof option for new PCs. Above all, gamers should consider which DDR5 RAM is currently the best choice. Dual-channel operation is also important: If two identical modules run in parallel, the memory controller can process twice as much data at the same time, which can increase performance by up to 15 percent depending on the application. It’s therefore worthwhile to always install RAM in pairs and make sure there are free slots for both. Swapping out smaller modules pairs can maximize performance, stability, and value for money. Graphics card (GPU): The biggest upgrade for gamers If you want to enjoy games in high quality, there’s no getting round an up-to-date graphics card (GPU). The AMD Radeon RX 9060 XT with 16GB or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5060 Ti with 16GB offer sufficient performance for Full HD resolution (1080p). If you want to play in WQHD (1440p), you should opt for a graphics card such as the Radeon RX 9070 or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070. For 4K gaming, cards like the AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT or Nvidia Geforce RTX 5070 Ti are the minimum required to deliver smooth results. Video memory (VRAM) is just as important as pure performance. Today, it should be at least 12 GB so that modern games have sufficient buffer for textures and effects. Cards with less memory are increasingly reaching their limits, especially at high resolutions. Before buying, you should check whether the power supply delivers enough power (at least 550 watts) and whether the correct connections are available: PCIe power connectors are the cables used to supply the graphics card with power in addition to the mainboard. Older power supplies often only have 6- or 8-pin connectors, while new GPUs sometimes require special 12VHPWR connectors. Also, make sure there is enough space in the case: many modern graphics cards are long and occupy up to three slots. Mifcom If you don’t game, you can save yourself the GPU upgrade. This is because the integrated graphics solutions of modern processors (such as Intel UHD or AMD Radeon Graphics) are completely sufficient for office, streaming, or everyday tasks. Processor (CPU): Computing power for those who need it A CPU upgrade is only worthwhile if the processor really slows things down – and if the new CPU is a good technical fit for the system. Compatibility with the socket and chipset as well as support for the existing RAM are important. Depending on the age of the PC, it may also make sense to change the motherboard so that you can install a modern processor. For many users, a current six-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is completely sufficient. If you absolutely need an Intel CPU, then the Intel Core i5-14600K is similar to the AMD CPU in terms of performance, but is typically more expensive. Nevertheless, both offer enough power for gaming, office, and multimedia, but both require motherboards with suitable sockets: Intel’s 14600K relies on an LGA1700 socket with a Z690, B660, or Z790 chipset, while the AMD Ryzen 5 7500F requires an AM5 motherboard with a B650 or X670 chipset and DDR5 RAM. More demanding users opt for eight-cores such as the Ryzen 7 7800X or Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, which deliver more performance in computing-intensive applications, but also require up-to-date platforms. Anyone coming from an older platform (e.g. Intel’s eighth Core generation or the Ryzen 1000 series) almost always has to change the motherboard and RAM as well. Although this increases the effort and costs, it also brings greater efficiency, better energy management, and future-proofing. A CPU replacement is rarely worthwhile for pure office computers. An SSD instead provides a more noticeable improvement here. If you need a lot of CPU performance, you should go straight for a modern 12- or 16-core processor such as the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X or AMD Ryzen 9 9950X. Intel currently isn’t competitive in this area, so we cannot make a recommendation here. Aorus Motherboard: A centerpiece for future upgrades A motherboard change usually goes hand in hand with a new CPU, as sockets and chipsets often change. This makes the replacement more complex than a RAM or SSD upgrade, for example, as the CPU, cooler, RAM, and cabling usually have to be completely reassembled during the upgrade. This can quickly become a challenge for beginners, as many sensitive components are affected. Anyone who dares to take this step should therefore prepare well or seek expert help. Whether the effort is worth it depends on how old the system is and which interfaces are required. As a rule of thumb, if your computer is more than five years old, a motherboard upgrade is usually worthwhile. Modern motherboards differ significantly in terms of size, connectivity, and features. The form factor determines the size of the board and therefore what the housing can be: ATX offers the most slots and expansion options, Micro-ATX is more compact and a good mid-range option, while Mini-ITX is primarily intended for small, space-saving systems. Aorus Technical features such as PCIe 5.0 slots for graphics cards and fast SSDs, several M.2 slots for additional memory, and sufficient RAM banks are important. A good power supply (VRMs) ensures stable performance, especially with powerful CPUs. Integrated functions such as Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and USB-C also increase convenience and future-proofing. A solid mid-range board typically costs around $200. Those who upgrade frequently or plan for the long term should invest a little more, as the motherboard forms the foundation of every system. CPU cooler: Targeted upgrading instead of overcooling A cooler upgrade is particularly worthwhile when new processors are installed or older systems are subjected to higher loads. Boxed coolers quickly reach their limits. Anyone switching from a Core i5 to a Ryzen 7, for example, should immediately plan for a more efficient cooler. Models such as the Arctic Freezer 36 or the Bequiet Pure Rock Pro 3 offer significantly more cooling reserve for $50 to $60 and remain whisper-quiet. For applications where CPUs get particularly hot – such as rendering or overclocking – AiO (all-in-one) water cooling systems from $100 are a good choice. However, AiO cooling is not automatically always the best choice. Phanteks However, it’s important to check whether the new cooler physically fits into the case before buying: For air coolers, the height is the most important factor, so that the cooler does not hit the side panel. For water coolers, there must be sufficient space for the radiator and the mounted fans – often at the top or front of the housing. Socket compatibility and housing size are equally important. A targeted cooler upgrade can improve stability, volume, and service life without breaking the budget. Case fans: Airflow efficiency for old and new systems Many PCs run too hot because the case ventilation is inadequate. Especially after a CPU or GPU upgrade, better airflow can be crucial. Two 120mm fans – one blowing in at the front, one blowing out at the back – significantly improve the cooling performance and cost less than $30. Models from Arctic or Noctua combine efficiency with low noise output. It’s worth cleaning or replacing the fans when upgrading. Dust filters, PWM control, and the correct air flow direction are more beneficial than additional fans alone. RGB light remains a matter of taste, the decisive factor is the temperature advantage. Bequiet Peripherals: The finishing touches An upgrade can also make sense outside the case as well. Those who work a lot will benefit from an ergonomic setup with a good monitor arm and flicker-free display. There are many good 27-inch 1440p monitors with 144 Hz that can be had for under $400 which are equally beneficial for gaming and working from home. The best mechanical keyboards with linear switches or quiet buttons offer more precision when typing or gaming. While a high-quality mouse with a low weight and precise sensor ensures control and comfort. Asus In general, the upgrades mentioned cost comparatively little, but increase productivity and well-being – the ideal finishing touch after a successful PC upgrade. Conclusion A targeted upgrade is almost always worthwhile. SSD, RAM, and graphics card deliver the greatest performance per dollar right off the bat, while CPU and motherboard upgrades can payoff in the long term. If you look after your PC regularly, keeping your components clean and upgrading wisely can keep your system running at peak performance for many years without having to buy a completely new one. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Fits in smaller 2242 M.2 slots Far faster than PCIe 4.0 2230/2242 SSDs 5-year warranty and 600TBW rating Cons Slower than 2280 PCIe 5.0 SSDs A touch pricey Our Verdict If you have one of the still rather rare 2242 PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, the MP700 Micro provides very good performance, albeit at at slight surcharge for the form factor. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Corsair MP700 Micro PCIe 5.0 Retailer Price $484.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices There are a few devices out there (Lenovo/HP laptops, Nvidia DGX Spark) that sport smaller 2242 (42mm long) PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots. If you have one, then the new Corsair MP700 Micro, successor to the MP600, can leverage much of the extra bandwidth. I say much of, because the MP700 Micro’s sequential benchmark numbers are about 60 percent of what you’ll see from full 2280 PCIe 5.0 NVMe SSDs. That said, it’s certainly faster than any short PCIe 4.0 SSD I’ve tested — by a lot. Read on to learn more, then see our roundup of the best SSDs for comparison. What are the MP700 Micro’s features? The MP700 Micro uses Phison’s E31T host memory buffer (HMB) controller to harness four lanes of PCIe 5.0, delivering data to and from its 218-layer TLC (Triple-Level Cell/3-bit) NAND. A closeup of the Corsair MP700 Micro PCIe 5.0, 2242 SSD.Jon L. Jacobi Corsair warranties the MP700 Micro for five years, or 600TBW (terabytes that may be written) — whichever arrives first. Unless you’re extraordinarily active writing data, that should be the former easily. How much is the MP700 Micro? The MP700 Micro comes in 2TB/$250 and 4TB/ $485 capacities (though, as of this writing only the 4TB option is available). That’s not bargain bin, but also not absurdly out-of-line pricing. You do pay a bit extra for the form factor, but less is more, as they say. (Yes, I know…) How fast is the MP700 Micro? There’s good news and bad news concerning the MP700 Micro’s performance. It’s far faster than 2230/2242 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSDs. But it’s also considerably slower in some ways than a full 2280 PCIe 5.0 SSD. As this is our first small-fry PCIe 5.0 SSD, we have no other results for the class. Instead, we’ve compared our 4TB MP700 Micro test unit to it’s top-of-the-line 2280 cousin — the MP700 Pro XT (2TB) — and the PCIe 4.0 drive the MP700 Micro is replacing — the MP600 Micro (1TB). In CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential throughput tests, the difference between the three drives is blatantly obvious. Buy the MP700 Micro if you have a small 2242 PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot that you need to fill. In CrystalDiskMark 8’s sequential throughput tests, the difference between the three drives is blatantly obvious. The MP700 Micro is faster than PCIe 4.0, but not nearly as fast as the MP700 Pro XT. Longer bars are better. When it came to CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K file tests, however, the competition was much closer. The increased throughput of PCIe 5.0 over 4.0 doesn’t make nearly as much of a difference with small files. What is a bit surprising is that the MP700 Pro XT, which is a DRAM design, didn’t skewer the other two drives. When it came to CrystalDiskMark 8’s 4K file tests, however, the competition was much closer. Longer bars are better. When it came to real-world 48GB transfers, the MP700 Micro held its own under Windows Explorer. But with Fast Copy, the greater potential of the MP700 Pro XT is apparent, as is the slower throughput of the MP600 Micro. When it came to real-world 48GB transfers, the MP700 Micro held its own under Windows Explorer. But with Fast Copy, the greater potential of the MP700 Pro XT is apparent, as is the slower throughput of the MP600 Micro. Shorter bars are better. As for the longer 450GB write, the MP700 Micro held its own against the MP700 Pro XT, but at least partly because it’s a 4TB unit and the Pro XT is only 2TB. When it came to the longer 450GB write, the MP700 Micro held its own against the MP700 Pro XT, but largely because it’s a 4TB unit and the Pro XT is only 2TB. Shorter bars are better. Writing 450GB to the MP700 Micro revealed some speed fluctuations, with it dropping to around 1GBps to 1.5GBps near the end. I can live with that. Writing 450GB to the MP700 Micro did show some speed fluctuations, with it dropping to around 1GBps to 1.5GBps near the end. If you have the PCIe 5.0 port to support it, then the MP700 Micro offers both greater capacity, and good performance. It’s a worthy upgrade if your unit doesn’t already sport a PCIe 5.0 SSD. Should you buy the MP700 Micro? Absolutely. Buy the MP700 Micro if you have a small 2242 PCIe 5.0 M.2 slot that you need to fill. But don’t buy it because you think it’ll look cute in a slot that accepts larger 2280 SSDs. The latter will give you better sustained throughput. Much better if you leverage Fast Copy. How we test Drive tests currently utilize Windows 11 24H2, 64-bit running off of a PCIe 4.0 Samsung 990 Pro in an Asus Z890-Creator WiFi (PCIe 4.0/5.0) motherboard. The CPU is a Core Ultra i5 225 feeding/fed by two Crucial 64GB DDR5 5600MHz modules (128GB of memory total). Both 20Gbps USB and Thunderbolt 5 are integrated into the motherboard and Intel CPU/GPU graphics are used. Internal PCIe 5.0 SSDs involved in testing are mounted in an Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 adapter card sitting in a PCIe 5.0 slot. We run the CrystalDiskMark 8.04 (and 9), AS SSD 2, and ATTO 4 synthetic benchmarks (to keep article length down, we report only the former) to find the storage device’s potential performance. Then we run a series of 48GB transfer and 450GB write tests using Windows Explorer drag and drop to show what users will see during routine copy operations, as well as the far faster FastCopy run as administrator to show what’s possible. A 25GBps two-SSD RAID 0 array on the aforementioned Asus Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 is used as the second drive in our transfer tests. Formerly the 48GB tests were done with a RAM disk serving that purpose. Each test is performed on a NTFS-formatted and newly TRIM’d drive so the results are optimal. Note that in normal use, as a drive fills up, performance may decrease due to less NAND for secondary caching, as well as other factors. This issue has abated somewhat with the current crop of SSDs utilizing more mature controllers and far faster, late-generation NAND. Note that our testing MO evolves and these results may not match those from previous articles. Only comparisons inside the article are 100% valid as those results are gathered using the current hardware and MO. Read...

TL;DR: Get PDF Agile for Windows while it’s on sale for $39.99 during Cyber Week, normally $119. Looking for a Cyber Week deal that actually pays for itself? This lifetime PDF editor for Windows allows you to drop the monthly fees that come with software like Adobe Acrobat for a single payment that covers your needs for life. Right now, you can grab it while it’s 66% less than usual! PDF Agile is simple and easy to use. It can edit text, images, or scanned files directly, and convert between PDF and Microsoft Office formats without losing your fonts or formatting. If you work with a lot of documents, there are tools to merge files, split them up, reorder pages, crop layouts, and even reduce file size without sacrificing quality. OCR is also included, so you can extract text from images or scanned documents with just a few clicks. The app includes a full set of annotation tools like highlighting, freehand drawing, and comment bubbles, along with features to redact sensitive content or add electronic signatures. You can also use slideshow mode to present your PDFs without having to convert them into PowerPoint. PDF Agile runs on Windows, and each license works on two devices. Once activated, your access is permanent, with updates included and no recurring fees. Don’t miss your chance to get a PDF Agile lifetime subscription on sale for $39.99 during Cyber Week (MSRP $119). PDF Agile for Windows: Lifetime SubscriptionSee Deal StackSocial prices subject to change. Read...

HPE expands its AI-native networking portfolio with unified AIOps features and high-performance hardware, enhancing scalability for AI workloads across Aruba and Juniper lines. Read...

HPE integrates Juniper Networking with new AI-native features, boosting automation and introducing hardware to enhance hybrid tech and cloud workloads. Read...

We liked pretty much everything about the Nuki Smart Lock, a compact retrofit model that came out earlier this year, except for one thing: the monthly fee to use its Wi-Fi features.  Yep, that’s right: Nuki wanted its customers to pay $5.90 a month for Nuki Premium, a subscription plan that was required to access the Nuki Smart Lock remotely via Wi-Fi. The alternative was either Bluetooth connectivity, meaning you’d need to be physically near the lock to control it, or patching the Thread-enabled lock into your local network via Matter.  That charge for Wi-Fi access always seemed a little nuts, and indeed, Nuki never actually imposed the fee, instead pushing it off until September and then again to December. Now, the Austria-based company tells TechHive it will drop the fee for Nuki Premium entirely, essentially ditching the Wi-Fi paywall.  There is a slight catch, however: While the Nuki Premium fee is gone, Nuki is raising the price for its smart lock to $199, a $40 price hike. It is also raising the price for its Smart Lock + Keypad 2 bundle, which will now cost $269, a $40 increase.  A Nuki spokesperson confirmed that Nuki Premium will be free for both new and existing smart lock users.  “With Nuki Premium, we aimed to create a sustainable business model that, in our opinion, reflects the value we deliver to our users,” said Nuki CEO and co-founder Martin Pansy in a statement. “However, we had to realize that the market isn’t yet ready for that. That’s why we’re returning to a one-time pricing model—without putting key smart features behind a paywall.”  Aside from dumping the Nuki Premium fee, Nuki is introducing a Guarantee Plus, which gives Nuki Smart Lock users a three-year extended warranty for $29.  Subscription fees are common in the smart home security market, but they’re generally reserved for security cameras, including cloud video storage as well as access to AI-powered detection functionality.   Nuki’s plan to charge a subscription fee to access its smart lock via Wi-Fi was unusual—a little too unusual, as it turned out.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart locks. Read...

Google has fixed 13 vulnerabilities in Chrome versions 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.40 for Linux. According to Google, none of these vulnerabilities have been exploited for attacks in the wild. This major update brings Chrome up to version 143 and comes one week late with no reason given by Google for the delay. In the Chrome Releases blog post, Srinivas Sista lists the security vulnerabilities that have been fixed, all of which were reported to Google by external researchers. Google classifies four vulnerabilities as high risk, including a new incarnation of the type confusion issue in the JavaScript V8 engine (CVE-2025-13630). Three other vulnerabilities are classified as medium risk, the rest as low risk. What’s new in Chrome 143? Google is promoting Chrome’s new ability to read web text aloud. To do this, you have to first activate reading mode using the right-click menu and selecting “Open in reading mode,” which opens in a sidebar. At the top of that panel, you’ll now also see options for reading aloud: Play, Voice speed, Voice selection, and Voice highlight. Google is also integrating more “AI” features into Chrome. You can now access the so-called “AI Mode” of Google Search directly via the address bar and the New Tab page. Gemini in Chrome—the “AI” support that’s now baked into the browser—is designed to summarize text, explain concepts, and answer questions. Gemini in Chrome will initially be introduced for Windows and Mac users in the US who use English as their default language. Other languages are to come and will be added gradually. Security fixes in Chrome 143 On November 17th, Google released an emergency update to Chrome 142.0.7444.176 to close a zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-13223). On November 20th, Google delivered Chrome 143.0.7499.40/41 for Windows and macOS and 143.0.7499.34 for Android as an early stable update to 0.5 percent of existing Chrome users, but with a one-day delay likely due to the aftermath of the emergency update. Since then, the release blog and update channels have been quiet. According to schedule, the general release of Chrome 143 would have taken place on November 25th. However, Google did not release Chrome 143 until a week later on December 2nd. Google has not yet given a reason for this. It likely wasn’t due to serious problems with the version distributed with the Early Stable Update, as this is exactly the same version that was previously released to everyone. Chrome usually updates itself automatically when a new version is available. You can trigger the update check manually using the menu item Help > About Google Chrome. The Extended Stable Channel for Windows and macOS now contains Chromium version 142.0.7499.226. Google does not plan to release Chrome 144 until January 2026. Other Chromium-based browsers The makers of other Chromium-based browsers are now required to follow suit with updates. Microsoft Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi are currently at the security level following the emergency update a fortnight ago. Opera has temporarily reduced its backlog with browser version 124 based on Chromium version 140, which was released on October 13th. The developers have backported additional security patches, namely the fix for the zero-day vulnerability CVE-2025-13223, but overall haven’t come any closer to the desired parity with other manufacturers. Read...

They say you can’t go home again, and for the moment, it appears you can’t call home to your Google displays or speakers anymore either.  Google Home users on Reddit have been noticing that the “Call Home” button in the Google Home app, which lets you directly call your Google Nest Hub smart displays or Nest speakers from a smartphone, seems to have vanished.  I don’t see the Call Home button on the Google Home app either, and the sleuths at 9to5Google confirm that after “digging through the Home app, ‘Call Home’ has completely disappeared.”  Now, are we just talking a bug here or has the feature been intentionally pulled? We’ve reached out to Google to check.  Introduced back in 2019, Call Home may not have been Google Home’s most popular feature, but it was handy for those who used it. Basically, Call Home let you place video and audio calls to your Google speakers and displays directly from your phone, making for a one-touch way to check in on your homestead while you’re away.  Also out with the bathwater is the Broadcast button, which allowed users to broadcast announcements through your Google Home devices. As 9to5Google notes, you can still broadcast messages to Google speakers and displays by asking Gemini or Google Assistant.  The Google Home app just underwent a major Gemini for Home makeover, which saw a rejiggering of the bottom tabs and the addition of a Gemini-powered “Ask Home” chatbox, which essentially lets you talk to your smart home.  While Gemini for Home is replacing Google Assistant for smart home control, Google has promised that Gemini will still be able to tackle old Google Assistant chores, including the free ones that don’t require a paid subscription.  Still, many old Google Home features have been unceremoniously dropped during the long transition from Google Assistant to Gemini for Home, and it’s seems likely that Call Home is merely the latest.  Back in March, Google dropped seven smart home-oriented Google Assistant features, including Family Bell, which allowed users to create reminder bells for family events such as breakfast or dinner time.    Another 17 Google Assistant features were deprecated early last year, including music alarms, step-by-step recipes, and stopwatch management.  This news story is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best smart speakers. Read...