Microsoft has begun testing a new experimental feature called Copilot Mode within its Edge browser. This AI-powered feature allows Copilot to access all your open tabs to assist with tasks such as booking a restaurant, comparing products, and summarizing information across multiple tabs. It integrates a chatbot directly on the new tab page and supports voice navigation for easier information retrieval and tab management. With user permission, Copilot can also access browsing history and credentials to make bookings on your behalf. According to Sean Lyndersay, VP of product for Microsoft Edge, Copilot will help organize browsing into topic-based journeys, enhancing task management. The feature is optional and can be toggled on or off in the settings. Microsoft describes Copilot Mode as an evolving experimental feature, free for a limited time with usage limits, indicating a potential future subscription model.
Since the UK implemented its Online Safety Act, many users have encountered restricted access and censorship online. The Act requires websites to enforce strict age verification to prevent minors from accessing harmful content, including pornography, material promoting self-harm, and abusive or hateful content. Non-compliance may result in severe penalties for web service operators, including fines and criminal charges against senior managers. This new regulation has significantly impacted the online experience across the country.
Microsoft is rolling out age verification prompts for Xbox users in the UK as part of compliance with the UK’s Online Safety Act. Users indicating they are over 18 will be asked to verify their age when signing into their Xbox account. Microsoft is partnering with Yoti for the verification process, which includes options like selfies, passport or driver's license scans, credit card checks, or mobile number verification. Currently optional, age verification will become mandatory for accessing Xbox social features such as voice and text communication starting early 2026. Failure to verify age will limit social features to friends only until the process is completed. Microsoft plans to extend age verification to other regions in the future, with methods varying by location.
San Diego Comic-Con 2025 has wrapped up with numerous exciting announcements, including new Star Trek spinoffs, a fresh sci-fi series on Apple TV Plus, and trailers for popular shows like Peacemaker and Gen V. Stephen King also had a notable presence this year. Additionally, Nickelodeon unveiled its latest animated Avatar series featuring a new character named Pavi, although the release date for Seven Havens is still pending.
Tractive, an Austrian smart pet tracker manufacturer, has acquired Whistle from Mars Petcare and will discontinue the Whistle platform by August 31, 2025. Whistle users must register on Tractive's website by September 30, 2025, to receive a free replacement tracker. Existing Whistle subscriptions will transfer to Tractive's platform, with remaining subscription time honored or adjusted based on duration left. Tractive offers Basic and Premium subscription plans with various features including GPS tracking and health monitoring. Whistle device warranties end with the service shutdown, but new Tractive devices include two-year warranties.
Tea, an app developed to help women identify 'red flags' in dating, suffered a major security breach when hackers from 4chan accessed and leaked sensitive data including selfies and driver's licenses of its predominantly female users. Further investigation revealed that private messages discussing sensitive topics such as infidelity and abortion were also exposed to potential hackers. Founded by Sean Cook, Tea aims to provide an anonymous platform for women to share concerns based on Cook's personal experience with his mother's difficult dating encounters.
A Pixel 6A device caught fire after the user applied Google's recent battery performance update meant to address overheating issues. The incident was reported on Reddit by a user who found their phone on fire while charging with a 45W Steam Deck charger on their nightstand. The fire caused damage to the phone, nearby bedding, an air conditioning unit, and resulted in the user experiencing throat irritation from inhaling fumes. Despite the update, which reduces battery capacity and charging performance after 400 cycles and Google's free battery replacement offer, this user could not replace their battery immediately due to local limitations. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned about the Pixel 6A's overheating battery risk, citing incidents causing serious burn injuries.
Warner Bros. Discovery will cease to exist as a single entity around mid-2026, splitting into two companies named Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. Warner Bros. will handle properties like Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios. Discovery Global will manage CNN, TNT’s US sports offerings, Discovery, Discovery Plus, and Bleacher Report. David Zaslav remains CEO of Warner Bros., while Gunnar Wiedenfels becomes CEO of Discovery Global. The split aims to honor the legacy of both businesses while addressing massive debt issues, with Discovery Global's debt separating from Warner Bros. to potentially improve stock performance. The restructuring signals strategic refocusing and financial management for both companies.
Sony has filed a lawsuit against Tencent, accusing the company of creating 'Light of Motiram,' a game that Sony claims is a 'slavish clone' of its Horizon series. The lawsuit alleges that Tencent copied protected audiovisual elements of the Horizon games and used a character mark confusingly similar to Horizon, constituting copyright and trademark infringement. Sony states that Tencent began developing Light of Motiram in 2023 and despite Sony's rejection of licensing the Horizon intellectual property, Tencent proceeded with development. The complaint also notes that Tencent may be operating under the names 'Aurora Studios' and 'Polaris Quest,' the latter listed as the developer and publisher on Steam. Sony attempted informal resolution discussions with Tencent, but those efforts failed. Tencent has not responded to requests for comment. This case follows other high-profile video game lawsuits, such as Nintendo's suit against Palworld developer Pocketpair.
Welcome to Installer No. 91, your weekly guide to the most exciting and trending topics. This edition covers a variety of subjects including the recently leaked Pixel 10 lineup, BYD's impressive Yangwang U9 supercar, the popularity surge on Reddit, anticipation for Ted Lasso's fourth season, a nostalgic look at MKBHD's Escobar folding phone videos, excitement over the new Pokémon Concierge season 2 trailer, and a tempting but unfulfilled desire to purchase the Lego Game Boy.