OpenAI may be getting ready for its next major AI model, and the latest clues are pointing toward an imminent launch of Astra. According to reports and posts circulating among AI researchers and leakers, Astra could arrive as soon as this week, although a launch next week remains possible. The model is also rumored to […]

OpenAI’s Astra story just got more interesting. A previously circulating internal codename, “mewfour,” appears to have resurfaced in an unexpected place: OpenAI’s public Codex repository. The timing is what makes the discovery particularly intriguing. According to the evidence behind the claim, OpenAI removed references to “mewfour” from 52 pull requests on August 7, only about […]

For years, Linux gamers have relied on third-party tools like Heroic Games Launcher to access their Epic Games libraries. That may soon change. Epic Games has confirmed that it is actively developing a native Linux version of the Epic Games Store launcher, and the company is also working on Steam Deck support. The move could […]

OpenAI’s Codex is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore for developers—not just because of what its AI coding agents can do, but because of how reliably the platform is running. Codex Web has recorded 99.98% uptime over the tracked period, while the Codex API, CLI, and VS Code extension have each reached 100% uptime in the […]

Microsoft is bringing another round of Copilot, Microsoft 365 and Power Platform updates to its weekly community call on August 18, 2026, with a strong focus on AI agents, identity management and secure document workflows. The weekly call is designed to showcase new features, practical use cases and demos across Microsoft 365 and the Power […]

If your Windows 11 PC has started feeling slower than usual, you may not need to install a PC optimizer or start changing advanced system settings just yet. Microsoft has highlighted a simple step that is easy to overlook: checking which apps are allowed to launch when Windows starts. Over time, it is common for […]

The browser ad-blocking battle is heating up, and Firefox is making sure everyone knows where it stands. Mozilla has taken a pointed swipe at Microsoft Edge after Microsoft began its transition away from the older Manifest V2 (MV2) extension platform. The change is significant for users of powerful content blockers such as uBlock Origin, which […]

Windows 11 is getting another small but welcome interface change, and this one should make AutoPlay feel much more polished. Microsoft is working on a redesigned WinUI-based AutoPlay dialog, including a new dark mode appearance and a layout that brings back a familiar behavior from older versions of Windows. A New Look for the Windows […]

Windows 11’s context menus are about to get a lot more useful. Microsoft is working on a major update to the modern right-click context menu, adding more customization options while also making the menus cleaner and easier to navigate. The changes are currently in development, but they could significantly improve one of the most frequently […]

Microsoft appears to be getting ready to roll out one of the most welcome Windows 11 interface updates in years. After months of testing with Windows Insiders, the company is moving its redesigned Windows 11 Taskbar and Start menu closer to a public release. The latest developments suggest that users could start seeing these long-requested […]

ChatGPT is becoming more personalized with a new Computer History feature that can remember activity across the apps and websites you use on your computer. The idea is simple: instead of having to repeatedly explain what you were working on, ChatGPT can use relevant history from your computer to provide more contextual answers in future […]

Microsoft is taking a major step toward turning Copilot into a more unified AI platform. The company has started rolling out a redesigned Copilot experience that brings its standalone chat and image-generation features together with Microsoft 365 tools in a single app. The move is more than a visual refresh. Microsoft is effectively bringing personal […]

Google Play Points members may find Pixel 11 discounts worth more than $100. Here’s how to check your account and what to know before buying.

The post Google Pixel 11 Discount: Eligible Buyers Could Save Up to $175 appeared first on TechRepublic.

Apple Maps ads are now available to eligible businesses in the US and Canada. Learn where they appear, who qualifies, and how campaigns and credits work.

The post Apple Maps Ads Launch in the US and Canada: What Businesses Need to Know appeared first on TechRepublic.

Android phones can now power real desktop-style setups, but supported desktop modes and extreme hardware mods are very different beasts.

The post Turn an Android Phone Into a Desktop PC: What Actually Works appeared first on TechRepublic.

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei argues that open-weight AI alone cannot decentralize power while advanced chips and compute remain concentrated.

The post Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei Says Open-Weight AI Won’t Decentralize Power appeared first on TechRepublic.

Google now lets Gemini users disable visible AI watermarks while keeping invisible SynthID markers and C2PA credentials embedded for transparency.

The post Google Makes Visible Gemini Watermarks Optional for AI Images, Videos and Music appeared first on TechRepublic.

U.S. courts will begin separately tracking spyware-based interceptions, giving the public new data on government hacking while leaving key gaps.

The post US Courts To Begin Publishing Spyware Records From 2029 appeared first on TechRepublic.

France’s Constitutional Council blocked an under-15 social media ban, raising questions over free expression, age verification and online privacy.

The post France’s Top Court Blocks Under-15 Social Media Ban appeared first on TechRepublic.

OnePlus 16 leaks point to a 9,000mAh battery, 200MP camera, 185Hz display, and new Snapdragon chip, though most specs remain unconfirmed.

The post OnePlus 16 Details Leak: 9,000mAh Battery Could Be Its Biggest Upgrade appeared first on TechRepublic.