Author: alex

Roku's Big Free Update: AI-Powered Voice Search, Smarter Live-TV Search, Sports Tiles & More Roku has begun rolling out a major free software update that adds AI-powered contextual voice search and several quality-of-life improvements across many of its devices. The voice search now understands context and will display on-screen answers (rather than speaking them), letting users ask follow-ups like how scary a movie is or whether a title is child-appropriate. A new search bar on the Live TV page will scan Roku's free live channels to find matches, and the platform now factors in active subscriptions to suggest the best streaming source. This aims to make discovering what to watch faster and more relevant to each household. AI voice search: Context-aware, on-screen answers for movies, shows and actors. Live TV…

Google introduces "Recovery Contacts" for easier account recovery Google has added a new account recovery option called "Recovery Contacts," allowing users to designate trusted people who can help them regain access to their Google Account if they get locked out. The feature is aimed at users who lose access due to forgotten passwords or inaccessible devices. How it works: Users can add one or more trusted contacts to their Google Account settings. These contacts can be contacted by Google to verify your identity or provide recovery codes in case you cannot access your account. The feature is similar to recovery/legacy contact systems introduced by other platforms and adds a social layer to traditional recovery methods like phone numbers or secondary emails. Why this matters: account recovery is a common pain…

Best VPNs for 2025 — Top picks, what to watch for, and how to choose The VPN landscape is crowded but full of strong options. A comprehensive, newly overhauled list for 2025 highlights seven top VPNs after extensive testing for speed, privacy protections, platform support and streaming performance. The roundup also warns about many low-quality VPN apps that prioritize marketing over infrastructure. Key takeaways from the update: Top 7 picks chosen based on real-world tests of speed and privacy features. Common pitfalls include free or cheap VPNs that leak data or force heavy advertising. Practical guidance provided: platform compatibility, server locations, automated features and pricing. Notable VPNs mentioned Several well-known services were summarized outside the top seven to help readers weigh options: Windscribe — Strong free tier for devices (10…

Ball x Pit: A Deeply Satisfying Grind That Keeps Players Coming Back Ball x Pit is an inventive brick‑breaking roguelite from Kenny Sun and collaborators, blending dual‑stick shooting, weapon fusing, and base building into a loop that’s surprisingly addictive. After a catastrophe leaves the city of Ballbylon in ruins, players descend into a deep pit to collect resources and rebuild New Ballbylon — unlocking perks, characters and new toys for future runs. Gameplay centers on firing various "balls" at enemies, leveling up to unlock special balls and passives, and combining or evolving those balls to create powerful synergies. The title’s name hints at this interplay: the “x” stands for combinations — fusing weapon effects, pairing characters, and discovering emergent builds drives the joy of each session. Key points: Core loop:…

Spotify adds 'Mix of the Week' genre controls and taste profile to the Mac app Spotify has rolled out an update to its official Mac app that brings the previously iPhone-only "Mix of the Week" genre controls to desktop users. Subscribers can now select up to five preferred genres to directly influence the track selection in their weekly playlist. The genre choices take effect immediately, letting listeners shape their weekly mixes more precisely. The update also includes a broader "taste profile" integration, helping Spotify tailor recommendations across devices based on selected preferences. Choose up to five genres to influence the "Mix of the Week" playlist Changes are applied instantly to the weekly playlist Taste/profile settings now available in the Mac app for better cross-device personalization Available via the official Spotify…

Apple reportedly readies 7-inch smart display with ChatGPT-like Siri, indoor camera and tabletop robot Apple is reportedly expanding into more smart home devices, with a 7-inch square smart display expected in spring 2026, an indoor camera, and a motorized tabletop robot slated for 2027. The display is said to include a FaceTime camera and a more capable Siri that uses web-backed chat-style responses. According to reporting based on Bloomberg sources, Apple plans two versions of the home hub: one that sits on a HomePod mini–style speaker and another designed for wall mounting. The company is reportedly targeting a price around $350 and has moved production plans to Vietnam — a notable shift away from relying solely on China. Key details 7-inch square LCD smart display with built-in FaceTime camera and…

VSCO launches "Remove" — its first AI-powered editing tool, and introduces AI Lab VSCO has added its first AI-powered image editor called "Remove," which lets users erase unwanted elements from photos while preserving full resolution. The feature uses Black Forest Lab's FLUX.1 Kontext model alongside VSCO's own technology and is the first release under a new AI Lab initiative. Remove works much like other background-fill erasers: you highlight the area to remove and the tool attempts to fill the space consistently with the surrounding scene. VSCO says edits are non-destructive and will preserve image quality — a major concern for many photographers. Model & tech: FLUX.1 Kontext from Black Forest Lab + VSCO proprietary processing Other AI tools: an Upscale tool (for enhancing resolution while keeping color and composition) is…

How to Cancel Proton VPN, Get a Refund, and What to Consider Next Proton VPN remains a top recommendation for many users, but it’s not a perfect fit for everyone. This guide explains how to cancel a Proton VPN subscription, request a refund within the 30-day window, downgrade or delete accounts, and what to do if you bought your subscription through an app store. Quick steps to cancel via browser Sign in at protonvpn.com and open your account dashboard. Go to the Subscription tab and choose Cancel subscription — this stops auto-renewal but keeps paid features until the period ends. Canceling this way does not immediately terminate service; you retain access until the current billing period expires and the account will then revert to the free plan. Downgrade Proton Unlimited…

Apple’s 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro Arrives: Bigger Chip Gains, Same Price Apple has launched a refreshed 14-inch MacBook Pro powered by the new M5 chip, keeping the same $1,599 starting price as the previous M4 model. The release marks a strategic change: Apple led with the entry-level 14-inch model and has not yet released M5 Pro or M5 Max variants — higher-end chips are reportedly several months away. The new M5 chip uses the same 3-nanometer process as the M4 but boosts performance with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine. Apple advertises up to 20% faster multithreaded CPU performance vs. M4, up to 1.6x faster graphics in pro apps and higher frame rates in games, and significantly improved AI workloads. Performance highlights: up to 1.8x faster…

Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+: dual cameras, audio-enabled prints, and new Soft Glitter film Fujifilm has refreshed its hybrid instant camera line with the Instax mini LiPlay+, a successor to the 2019 mini LiPlay. The new model adds a second rear camera (a wide-angle shooter) designed for selfies and creative layered images, a larger rear LCD for easier composition, and a redesigned app that supports audio clips attached to prints. The LiPlay+ blends analog prints with digital features. Users can record short audio snippets and embed them in prints via QR codes — scan the code with a smartphone to hear the sound — and edit photos in the app before printing. Fujifilm is also launching a new Soft Glitter instant film, sold in 10-exposure packs with subtle gold accents and…