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…

Best VPN Deals Right Now: Big Discounts, What to Watch For Several major VPN providers are offering steep discounts on long-term plans—sometimes 70–87% off—if you're willing to commit to two or three years up front. These deals can deliver significant monthly savings, but they often require a large initial payment and may change at renewal. Highlights from current offers: NordVPN: ~77% off a two-year plan plus extra months; known for speed, reliable leaks protection and Tor-capable servers. (NordVPN) ExpressVPN: ~67–73% off multi-year bundles; praised for ease of use and strong performance across platforms. (ExpressVPN) Surfshark: up to ~87% off on long plans; offers advanced routing and privacy features, plus multi-app bundles (Surfshark One). (Surfshark) CyberGhost: ~83% off two-year deals; notable for automation (Smart Rules) and streaming-optimized servers. (CyberGhost) Private Internet…

Instagram tightens default content limits for children and teens Instagram is updating default settings for accounts of children and teenagers. The platform will now base content visibility on the US PG-13 film rating (roughly equivalent to Germany's FSK 12). Content that exceeds this rating will not be shown to teens by default. As a result, posts judged to be more mature — for example explicit sexual content, graphic violence, or other sensitive material — will be filtered out of teenage accounts automatically. The change is intended to reduce young users' exposure to potentially harmful material. Applies to accounts identified as children and teenagers Default filters limit content beyond PG-13/FSK‑12 standards Part of Instagram's broader set of safety measures for younger users Instagram has rolled out stricter privacy defaults and age-based…

Ring Battery Doorbell on Sale for $50 — Half Off The Ring Battery Doorbell is currently discounted to $50 on Amazon, a 50% reduction that matches its Prime Day price and is now available to everyone. This entry-level Ring video doorbell keeps installation simple with a rechargeable USB-C battery — no wiring required. Key highlights: Rechargeable battery with USB-C charging — easy install without wiring. Improved video compared to the previous generation and up to a reported 23% increase in battery life. Head-to-toe video framing for clearer identification of visitors. Real-time alerts, live view and two-way talk through the Ring smartphone app. Cloud recording is available but requires a Ring Protect subscription for video history and saved clips. If you want to buy or compare details, see the Amazon listing:…

Threads Adds Group DMs, Expands Messaging to EU Meta's Threads has finally added group direct messages, letting users add up to 50 followers into a single conversation and customize the group name. The company also says a join-by-link option will arrive soon so members won’t need to be added one-by-one. The update follows Threads' introduction of one-to-one DMs earlier this year and comes alongside a broader messaging rollout across the European Union. EU users will gain access to individual and group DMs plus messaging controls, privacy settings, a hidden spam folder for unwanted messages, and support for media files as the feature becomes available in each country. Group DMs: Up to 50 followers per chat; customizable group names. Join-by-link: Coming soon to simplify group joining. EU rollout: Individual & group…

Apple expanding Vietnam production for new smart‑home hub (reported) Apple is reportedly increasing its manufacturing footprint in Vietnam to produce several new smart‑home devices, according to Bloomberg. The planned line-up includes a stationary control hub with an integrated camera and a flat, wall‑mounted version designed for home control without relying on an iPhone. Details on the hardware design remain limited, but reports suggest the main stationary hub could carry a price around $350. The move would mark another step in Apple’s gradual shift to diversify manufacturing outside China and scale production for home‑focused hardware. Planned devices: stationary control hub (with camera), flat wall‑mounted controller Reported price: approximately $350 for the hub Why it matters: diversification of supply chain and an expanded smart‑home play for Apple Sources for this report include…

Waymo to Launch Fully Autonomous Robotaxis in London in 2026 Waymo has announced plans to bring its fully autonomous robotaxi service to the United Kingdom in 2026, with an initial rollout planned for London. The company has named mobility firm Moove as its fleet operations partner and is working with local and national UK authorities to secure permissions under the new Automated Vehicles Act 2024. The UK’s legislation is expected to enable robotaxi pilots from Spring 2026, paving the way for the country’s first fully driverless taxi services. Waymo — which already operates in the US and runs engineering hubs in London and Oxford — said its technology can significantly reduce the risk of injury-causing collisions compared with human drivers. Key points: Planned launch: London, UK — 2026. Fleet partner:…