Software

Zepp Health recently made a public statement about the (upcoming) functionality of two smartwatches. Both the Active 2 and the Bip 6 will receive a new feature that many users have been eagerly awaiting and that should already be available on the devices.

Home Assistant 2026.1 is rolling out to users of the open-source smart home automation software. This latest release brings improvements for the Home dashboard on mobile and more purpose-specific triggers. It also includes a range of new integrations and a reorganized Settings page.

Smartwatch manufacturer Suunto is currently rolling out a very comprehensive software update for several wearables. This update not only includes various bug fixes but also improvements and new features.

Vivo has delivered a significant new camera update for the Vivo X200 Ultra. Rolling out now, the Android 16-based update introduces several new features, including one that was previously exclusive to the Vivo X300 Pro.

A new version of the Home Assistant app for iOS has arrived. The version 2026.1 release brings improvements linked to CarPlay, new options for the Control Center widget and several bug fixes. Plus, the app’s Entity Picker is said to have been enhanced with new filters to make it easier to search.

The Codee Codeebot physical programming system allows children to create software to control AI robots by connecting magnetic blocks, which represent different pieces of code logic. No computer is required to assemble and run Codeebot programs.

Nvidia's latest DLSS 4.5 upscaling now uses a 2nd gen Transformer model that promises improved visual fidelity. While all RTX GPUs can leverage DLSS 4.5 super resolution, older RTX 20 and RTX 30 series cards may suffer a performance penalty owing to lack of FP8 and FP4 units in their Tensor cores. Also on offer is dynamic multi-frame generation up to 6x on RTX 50 series Blackwell GPUs.

AMD has significantly improved the performance of its open source ROCm GPGPU software stack in version 7 across its hardware lineup. ROCm v7.2 is now a common Linux and Windows release, supports the latest Ryzen AI 400 series APUs, and offers integrations with ComfyUI and Radeon Adrenalin 26.1.1.

Following the nearly half-million dollar crowdfunding success of the Mini-KVM, Openterface is back with the KVM-GO, a tiny KVM that reduces cable clutter by including all the hardware in the display connector.

It's generally accepted that Windows has become more bloated over time. However, after this YouTuber benchmarked every version of Windows from XP to 11, the ultimate winner might surprise you.

CheckMag With the growing number of users jumping from Windows to Linux, I decided to fully take the plunge and dive deep into the Open Source ocean. A few months and several headaches later, it has proved to be the best computer-related decision I've made in over a decade (and perhaps in my entire life).

Baldur’s Gate, BioWare’s 1998 isometric CRPG set in the Dungeons & Dragons Forgotten Realms, helped revive the RPG genre with its real-time-with-pause combat, deep character customization, and narrative shaped by player choice. Its 2013 Enhanced Edition modernizes the classic with widescreen support, new content, and quality-of-life improvements, keeping it relevant alongside Larian’s acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3 and currently attracting new players with a steep discount and consistently strong user reviews.

Garmin appears set on expanding the functionality of Garmin Connect, according to hidden code discovered in version 5.20. Users are set to gain an improved and even more detailed view of their health metrics.

Garmin is expected to further expand the functionality of Garmin Connect in the future. Specifically, this will likely enhance and simplify the tracking of one's diet, which will be particularly relevant for individuals who want to lose weight or ensure optimal nutrient intake.

The Nuclear music player project has released an early build of the next iteration of its all-in-one music sourcing and playing program. While still in its early stages, this update is set to address many of the shortcomings of the popular yet temperamental program.

Together with Ben Edelman, YouTuber MegaLag proves a systematic obfuscation tactic that deliberately deceives testers and redirects commissions unnoticed. The "dieselgate" principle is applied: honey identifies testers and disables manipulative features.

Zepp Health is rolling out a new software update for a somewhat unusual wearable. It promises several improvements, as users should be able to benefit from more accurate sensors both during workouts and while sleeping, among other things.

Xiaomi is accelerating its HyperOS 3 rollout as 2025 winds down, pushing the Android 16–based update to more than a dozen additional Xiaomi and Redmi phones and tablets. The latest wave primarily targets Chinese variants for now, though select global models are already receiving the update. International versions are expected to follow in early 2026.

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26220.7523 introduces a revamped File Explorer that cuts duplicate file-indexing operations to reduce RAM usage and improve search speeds. Rolled out via a Controlled Feature Rollout to Dev and Beta channel Insiders, the update is a modest but timely optimization aimed at easing performance strain on aging hardware amid rising memory costs.

Valve is phasing out 32-bit Windows support for Steam, with the client shifting entirely to 64-bit on compatible PCs and updates ending for 32-bit systems on 1 January 2026. While the change affects only a tiny minority of users, those who don’t upgrade their OS, or are stuck on legacy 32-bit hardware, will lose access to client updates, security patches, customer support, and reliable compatibility with new games.

Garmin has issued a new update for one of its most expensive smartwatches released this year. Packing numerous new features and bug fixes, v16.11 remains in beta for the time being, though.

The Venu 4 is one of Garmin's most recent smartwatch releases. While software development has been rather slow since launch, the company has now started offering a new beta update that will underpin a substantial stable update further down the line.

The Garmin Venu 4 has received a new update that will form the basis of a future stable firmware release. Available on Garmin's Beta Program, Beta 16.11 brings several new features to the mid-range smartwatch, including one that adds the option of tracking your weight.

Garmin has previewed a significant update for both the Forerunner 570 and the more expensive Forerunner 970. The first of many v16.xx updates to come, Public Beta Version 16.11 introduces almost three-dozen changes to both smartwatches after this month's recent stable update.

Garmin has started rolling out the first significant update for the Fenix 8 and its peers in three months. Available globally, Beta Version 21.12 introduces over 80 new features, bug fixes, updates and other improvements like a Battery Manager and the Garmin Fitness Coach.

Monster Hunter Wilds received the first of three planned PC performance patches this week, and it's a lot more playable—but a Digital Foundry analysis reveals some shockingly poor texture quality in select areas, even at high settings. Medium textures have improved across-the-board, though.

TikTok’s US operations will be housed in a new joint venture, according to a memo sent to employees by CEO Shou Zi Chew. The entity is named TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC. As part of the venture, TikTok has signed agreements with the three managing investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX.

Garmin is rolling out a new update for the Instinct model series, bringing significant improvements in certain areas. However,, the update to software version 13.08 is still in beta.

Google is testing a new Android feature called Expressive Calling that highlights important calls with a red siren emoji and an urgency message. It is currently rolling out in the beta version of the Phone by Google app.

Google has kicked off the beta program for Android 16 QPR3, the third and final quarterly update of the Android 16 cycle. Pixel 6 and newer devices can now try the update ahead of its stable release, which is expected to arrive in March 2026.

Gnome has officially banned the use of AI-generated code in its shell extensions, but the justification is more pragmatic than it is ideological. As of the announcement, any code submitted for consideration in the Gnome Extensions Library that has obvious evidence of AI or sloppy, inconsistent code will be rejected during the code review process.

Zepp Flow version 2.2.0 is currently rolling out to users of one of Amazfit’s smartwatches. Through this update, the AI voice assistant gets several new features, one of which is linked to BioCharge energy monitoring. Plus, users of the Balance 2 wearable can now speak to the assistant in another language.

Xiaomi has pushed out a new HyperOS 3 update based on Android 16. Designed for the Xiaomi 15 Ultra, the new firmware is a circa 9 GB download that should be rolling out gradually within the next few days as an OTA update.

Garmin has delivered a milestone build for older smartwatches like the Fenix 7. Finally moving on v23.xx development after five months of updates, Beta Version 25.03 brings numerous changes to the table with over a dozen bug fixes and other updates.

LG’s latest WebOS update quietly adds Microsoft Copilot to the Korean brand's TVs, and you can't uninstall it. The move has sparked backlash, with users expressing exhaustion at the encroaching "bloatware" culture of modern smart TVs, and electronics in general.

Google Translate enables any pair of headphones to deliver real-time translated speech, thanks to Gemini AI's improved speech-to-speech translation capabilities. The feature is rolling out as a new beta to Android and web users, with Apple support coming 2026.

CheckMag Android adaptive icons theme every icon on your device for that consistent look. However, unlike iOS, there is always at least one stubborn icon that doesn't support it. This icon pack supports dynamic colours and does a way better job than Google's tinted, or adaptive icons.

CheckMag Apple’s iOS 26.2 is positioned as a refinement update following the uneven rollout of earlier versions. In testing, the update focuses on improving overall system responsiveness and day-to-day stability rather than introducing new features. While some inconsistencies remain, iOS 26.2 delivers a more polished experience than its immediate predecessors, making it a notable step forward for the iOS 26 cycle.

Xiaomi introduced HyperOS 3 with a handful of promised improvements, and performance is one of them. However, per recent user reports, it seems that the Android 16 update isn't an ideal option for those who play emulated games.

With so many Steam bundles for sale, buyers often miss out on deals. Valve now notifies them of lower prices before finishing the checkout process. Social features already warn players about issues with new Steam games, giving the marketplace an advantage over the Epic Games Store.

Google is running a new AI-powered browser experiment called Disco, and its first trick is a feature that can turn your open tabs into interactive apps. The Gemini-3–powered prototype is available only through a waitlist, but some of the ideas could eventually find their way into Chrome.

An enterprising developer has published a new free browser-based tool for splitting large 3D models into multiple parts, replete with a built-in jigsaw generator and an impressive number of quality of life features. The splitter is 100% free to use, and the dev says that it is also privacy-focussed, with all of the processing happening locally.

Even as console and Game Pass prices rise, new first-party Xbox games remain at $70 or less. In a Variety interview, a Microsoft executive explains why the company has avoided higher software prices. Xbox is exploring other ways to profit from game sales after purchases.

Garmin has moved many of its older mid-range smartwatches onto a new software revision. Rolling out globally on its Beta Program, the new update introduces several improvements, including one relating to swimming actvities.

Another Amazfit smartwatch update, version 3.35.0.5, is reportedly rolling out to users of the Balance 2. This update brings two new workout modes, as well as additional tools linked to BioCharge energy monitoring. Plus, there are improvements for other features like Weather and the Outdoor Run activity.

OpenAI has introduced GPT‑5.2, its most advanced model yet. It offers better task performance, improved object recognition, and fewer hallucinations. A $1 billion funding deal will allow Sora users to incorporate Disney characters into their videos, while giving Disney company‑wide access to OpenAI’s services.

Garmin has released software version 5.12 for one of its 2025 smartwatch models. Compared to the last stable update, this is a relatively minor release focusing on bug fixes. All Users of the Bounce 2 smartwatch are now able to install this software via a dedicated app.

Garmin is now offering a new stable update for several of its recent smartwatch releases. Available as Software Version 15.33, the update is said to contain various improvements, including one that should resolve system crashes when playing music over Bluetooth headphones.

Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update for two of its recent mid-range smartwatches. Available worldwide, it remains a mystery as to what Garmin has actually changed this time around.

Garmin has finally delivered a new stable update for the Fenix 7 and associated smartwatches. The first update of its kind in almost three months, unfortunately Garmin has placed a key restriction on the update's distribution for the time being.