Microsoft has fixed a serious security problem in the classic video game Age of Empires II where hackers could have secretly taken control of your computer just by sending you a game invitation. For people who still enjoy this beloved strategy game after all these years, this fix means you can play safely again without worrying that an innocent-looking invite might compromise your personal files or information. Worth knowing: if you play Age of Empires II, make sure your game updates automatically, or check for the latest version before your next gaming session.
Samsung has decided to automatically install Amazon Music on its Galaxy phones, whether you want it or not, and you can't easily remove it. For people who already have a music service they prefer—like Spotify or Apple Music—this wastes space on your phone and clutters your home screen with an app you'll never use. Worth knowing: when you first set up a new Samsung phone, check your app list and look for Amazon Music; if it's there and you don't use it, you can usually disable it in your phone's settings to get it out of your way.
Google Maps now shows you routes marked with a leaf icon that use less fuel and produce fewer emissions, helping you understand the environmental impact of your journey. For those of us concerned about our carbon footprint or simply wanting to save on gas costs, these suggestions can be genuinely useful—especially on longer drives where the difference really adds up. Worth knowing: the eco-friendly route might take a few extra minutes, so check the time estimate before you commit to it.
Grok Build, an AI coding tool, was automatically sending users' entire computer code projects to cloud storage without asking permission—including files the tool was supposed to skip and even passwords that had been deleted. For anyone using this tool, this was risky because sensitive work information and security details could have been exposed or stored longer than necessary. Worth knowing: if you or someone you know uses AI coding assistants, it's worth asking the company directly what data gets saved and where, or switching to tools with clearer privacy policies.
Google Images now shows you a personalized gallery of pictures based on what you like and what you've looked at before, similar to how Pinterest organizes inspiration boards. This makes it easier to stumble upon photos and ideas you might actually enjoy rather than just searching for specific things. Worth knowing: you can turn off this personalization in your settings if you'd prefer Google Images to work the old way, showing only results for what you actually search for.
# Multi-Monitor Setup: A Simple Productivity Boost
Having two screens instead of one lets you see more information at once—like keeping an email open on one screen while working on a document on the other—without constantly switching between windows. For anyone who works with information, manages finances, or enjoys keeping multiple things visible (like following news while video chatting), this genuinely saves time and reduces frustration. You can start small by connecting an old monitor you might have lying around, or ask a tech-savvy friend or store staff to help you set up a second display, which often costs less than you'd expect.
X (formerly Twitter) has changed how replies work so that comments from people you already follow will show up higher in the conversation, rather than getting buried by strangers' responses. This means you'll see familiar voices more easily when reading discussions, which can make conversations feel less overwhelming and more connected to your actual network. Worth knowing: if you find comment sections have felt chaotic lately, this update should make them a bit more manageable to read through.
Scammers are now using artificial intelligence to create fake videos of real doctors—complete with their appearance, voice, and mannerisms—to trick people into buying unproven supplements and treatments. This matters because you might stumble across what looks like genuine medical advice from a doctor you know or trust, but it's actually a convincing fake designed to sell you something potentially harmful. Worth knowing: if a doctor's recommendation seems unusual or pushes unproven treatments, contact their office directly by phone to verify they actually made that statement.
Google's AI assistant Gemini is now available directly in the Chrome web browser for people in the UK, making it easier to get help while you're browsing the internet. If you find yourself wondering how to do something online or need quick answers while reading, you won't have to switch between different apps anymore. You can try it out by opening Chrome and looking for the Gemini icon—it should appear as a sidebar that you can open whenever you need a quick answer or help with something you're reading.
Russian government hackers are quietly taking over home and office routers around the world to hide their tracks when launching attacks on important organizations and businesses. Once they control your router, it becomes part of a hidden network that masks where their harmful activities are coming from—think of it like a criminal using someone else's phone line to make untraceable calls. You can protect yourself by changing your router's default password (the one it came with from the manufacturer), checking your router's settings for any unfamiliar features, and keeping its software updated, especially if you use your home internet for any sensitive work.
Both Android and iPhone phones now have a built-in camera feature that reads QR codes directly from pictures you've already saved, without needing a separate app. If you've received a QR code by email or text and saved it as a photo, you can simply point your phone's camera at the image to open the link or information it contains. Worth knowing: the next time someone sends you a QR code, you don't need to hunt for a special scanner app—just open your camera, aim it at the picture on your screen, and tap the link that appears.
Australian safety regulators discovered that young men are being targeted by scammers who threaten to expose intimate images unless they pay money—with over 2,000 complaints in just six months. Major tech companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google aren't doing enough to stop these criminals, even though the problem is growing faster each year. Worth knowing: if you or your grandchildren receive threatening messages about private photos or videos, report them immediately to the platform and local police rather than paying anything.
