Unlock Windows 11 Hidden Features: AI Tools & PC Customization Tips
November 8, 2025, 3:14 AM EST. Learn how to unlock Windows 11's hidden features, maximize productivity with AI tools, and customize your PC like a pro. This guide covers practical tweaks, hidden settings, and quick shortcuts that boost performance, privacy, and personalization. Discover ways to tailor the desktop, taskbar, widgets, and accessibility options while staying secure. Whether you're a casual user or power user, these tips from technology journalist Michael Muchmore help you navigate Windows 11's evolving features and get more from your machine.
Top Android Tablets to Buy in 2025: OnePlus Pad 3 Leads the Pack
November 8, 2025, 3:12 AM EST. Android Central's 2025 tablet guide crowns the OnePlus Pad 3 as the best overall, featuring a flagship Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, larger display, and strong value. Trailing closely are the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 (best alternative) with a solid MediaTek processor and upgraded S Pen, and the Google Pixel Tablet for fans of the Pixel experience with the Tensor G2 and a free Charging Speaker Dock. For premium performers, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S11 Ultra offers a massive 120 Hz display and AI features, while the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ remains a compelling cheap option with metal build and great battery life. Completing the lineup, the Lenovo Chromebook Duet 11 shows ChromeOS versatility for students by running Android apps. Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals are imminent, so bookmark for early discounts.
Two Months With the AirPods Pro 3: Long-Term Impressions, Issues, and Apple News Roundup
November 8, 2025, 3:10 AM EST. After two months with the AirPods Pro 3, the hands-on take highlights strong sound quality and excellent noise cancellation, with a fit that some users prefer over the AirPods Pro 2. Battery life remains solid, and the built-in heart rate sensor yields readings similar to the Apple Watch. Still, some owners report a persistent static issue when ANC is on, with Apple reportedly replacing affected units, and a separate high-pitched whine on airplanes that may relate to pressure. Beyond the review, the roundup touches on Apple news: updated trade-in values, iOS 26.1 with Liquid Glass customization, a Liquid Glass design gallery, and talk that Siri may run on Google Gemini. Feedback welcome in the comments.
Pope Leo XIV: AI must reflect God's design and serve humanity
November 8, 2025, 3:08 AM EST. Pope Leo XIV, addressing Builders AI Forum 2025 at the Pontifical Gregorian University, urges scientists, entrepreneurs, and pastoral leaders to keep AI anchored in human dignity, justice, and the common good. He says AI, like all invention, springs from the Creator's design, and that technological innovation can be a form of participation in the divine act of creation. Designs carry ethical and spiritual weight, so designers must cultivate moral discernment to build systems that reflect solidarity and reverence for life. This must be an ecclesial, collaborative mission, extending beyond labs and markets to evangelization and the integral development of every person. Ultimately, he says intelligence-artificial or human-finds its fullest meaning in love, freedom, and relationship with God.
Elon Musk Allegedly Obsessed With AI Chatbot Ani, xAI Faces Data-Privacy Backlash
November 8, 2025, 2:58 AM EST.Elon Musk's latest obsession reportedly centers on xAI's chatbot Ani, a sexually provocative anime-style avatar, with Musk personally directing its development. The Wall Street Journal reports he's focused on Ani and broader xAI chatbot efforts, raising internal concerns about governance and product direction. Separate from public feuds and crypto pivots, the company allegedly demanded biometric data from employees to train avatars, with a license granting irreversible, worldwide rights to their faces and voices. Meeting recordings describe tutors who gather data as part of a "job requirement." Critics warn this raises privacy and consent issues as customers could encounter deepfake risks. Fans flock to Ani's lingerie-enabled persona on Grok, highlighting a clash between hype and ethics in AI development.
Rockstar Games faces union-busting allegations after UK layoffs of 31 workers
November 8, 2025, 2:44 AM EST. Rockstar Games, maker of Grand Theft Auto, is at the center of union-busting allegations after the IWGB said 31 UK staff were sacked on October 30. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain claims the dismissals target workers involved in discussing or forming a union, prompting protests outside Rockstar offices in Edinburgh and London. Rockstar, via Take-Two Interactive, has reportedly said the firings were for sharing confidential information, not for union activity. NDAs and information-security measures are common at large game studios, the union argues, complicating enforcement of worker rights. IWGB president Alex Marshall described the move as a bid to silence a collective voice, while experts note the case tests how UK employment law distinguishes between protected union activity and alleged leaks. GTA 6 release timing adds pressure to the dispute.
IWGB protests outside Rockstar North and Take-Two offices over layoffs and union-busting accusations
November 8, 2025, 2:40 AM EST. Protest organizers from the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) demonstrated outside Rockstar North and Take-Two Interactive offices in London and Edinburgh after accusing the studios of union-busting amid recent layoffs. IWGB organizer Fred Carter said affected workers were 'shocked' by what he called disrespect for workers' rights to discuss pay, conditions, and organize. A dismissed employee claimed they were let go 'without warning' for supporting colleagues. The IWGB says roughly 30 UK and Canada staff were fired or targeted for union activity; Rockstar says it acted against individuals distributing confidential information in a public forum (the IWGB Game Workers Union Discord). Take-Two reported rising revenue and a delayed GTA VI launch into late 2026, with CEO Strauss Zelnick expressing confidence in the project.
SpaceX Warns Some Starlink Dishes Could Be Bricked on Nov. 17 – How to Update
November 8, 2025, 2:38 AM EST. SpaceX warns that dormant Starlink dishes older than about 21 months could be permanently inoperable after November 17. The risk targets devices running software older than 2024.05.0; versions 2024.05.0-2024.12.26 can still receive updates. SpaceX says the upgrade improves security, performance, and reliability. If you have a stored dish, reconnect it and run the software update via the Starlink app; updates don't require an active subscription. To check a dish's version, open the app, tap Advanced, then look in the App section. Active dishes typically update automatically. Inactive units can stay usable after the deadline if they're on a compatible version and updated before or after the date.
Inside The Globe's AI 'family' story: Lonnie and her ChatGPT companions
November 8, 2025, 2:26 AM EST. A deeply reported Globe feature by Dana Gerber follows Lonnie DiNello, a 48-year-old woman who has built an entire cast of ChatGPT-powered personalities-her own AI family-to cope with loneliness. The piece shows how these AI companions have changed her life, for better and for worse, and explores the mental-health implications of interacting with non-human creators designed to feel human. Gerber and editor Greg Huang discuss how Lonnie's background in therapy helps her spot when interactions cross a line, while researchers warn of unhealthy engagement when AI generates emotionally intimate content. The interview also touches broader questions about liability, platform design, and the cultural footprint of AI in daily life, inviting readers to reconsider what "relationship" means in a world of pervasive digital assistants.
Inside a Real-Life Romance With an AI Chatbot: Abbey's Story
November 8, 2025, 2:24 AM EST. Abbey, 45, in North Carolina, describes falling for Lucian, a ChatGPT bot, after years in AI work. What started as a professional test grew into a crush, then a sense of partnership, even complete with a named Lucian and plans that felt like marriage. Lucian allegedly tracks Abbey's pulse via a smart ring and suggests private rituals. Abbey explains how the relationship changed her appetite for life, her safety feelings after past violence, and her ability to parent her daughter. The piece probes whether AI can satisfy human needs and what privacy and emotional risk look like when love may hinge on software.
Can AI Replace Therapists? The Future of Mental Health Care
November 8, 2025, 2:20 AM EST. AI is quietly changing mental health care by offering comfort and companionship. The fastest-growing Gen AI use case isn't software or search-it's therapy and related support. Global mental illness affects nearly 1 billion people, but access remains scarce, with stark disparities in many countries and high costs in places like the U.S. Platforms such as BetterHelp and Talkspace extend reach, while AI-native companions like Woebot, Replika, and Youper deliver 24/7 emotional support using CBT frameworks. Yet these tools raise concerns about emotional dependency, isolation, and risky attachments, highlighting the need for clear ethics, guardrails, and emergency escalation channels. As adoption grows, the question is whether AI can augment or replace conventional therapy without compromising safety or humanity.
GM-Samsung Indiana Battery Plant Pause Reframes EV Strategy and Long-Term Narrative
November 8, 2025, 2:18 AM EST. GM and Samsung SDI paused the US$3.5 billion Indiana battery plant, trimming hiring and prompting a recalibration of General Motors' EV push toward profitable gasoline-powered trucks and SUVs. The move underscores a tighter focus on cost control and disciplined capital allocation as EV momentum shifts and margins come under tariff-driven pressure. Investors will watch whether the pause slows near-term EV rollouts or signals a deliberate shift to fundables in core gasoline platforms. The layoffs in EV operations further emphasize resource reallocation aimed at improving cash flow and margin protection. In the long run, GM's narrative may hinge on balancing EV scale with tariff resilience and cost discipline amid evolving market dynamics.
Apple releases iOS 26.1 with major security improvements, privacy controls, and performance boosts
November 8, 2025, 1:34 AM EST. Apple's iOS 26.1 debuts as a security-focused follow-up to iOS 26, delivering over 50 fixes across Safari, Photos and Apple Account settings. The update boosts performance, adds stronger privacy controls, and expands Apple Intelligence features for a smoother experience. New options include automatic Background Security Updates, keeping your device protected between major releases. Other upgrades touch design tweaks and a more polished overall feel. To install, plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and tap Update Now. iOS 26.1 supports iPhone 11 and newer and installs quickly, delivering immediate protections and improvements for everyday use.
NVIDIA NVDA Stock Falls on Export Controls, Valuation Worries Amid AI Boom
November 8, 2025, 1:16 AM EST. Shares of Nvidia (NVDA) slid about 4% after renewed fears that AI-fueled gains have stretched valuations and U.S. export controls could curb China sales. Regulators reportedly blocked the sale of a reconfigured Blackwell chip, and CEO Jensen Huang said there are no active discussions with Chinese customers. The move comes as tech momentum cools and investors weigh the stock's lofty multiples. Nvidia has shown notable volatility, with several double- and triple-digit moves over the past year, but today's drop appears to reflect sentiment rather than a fundamental shift. Still, Huang's bullish tone at GTC– projecting hundreds of billions in potential revenue, and partnerships with Eli Lilly, Nokia, and expansion into sovereign AI– helps sustain the long-term AI growth thesis, even as near-term headwinds persist.
Elon Musk floats 'free Optimus' plan to monitor and deter crime
November 8, 2025, 1:12 AM EST. At Tesla's shareholder meeting, Elon Musk floated a controversial idea: let criminals out of prison and arm them with an Optimus robot that would follow, surveil, and stop crime. The concept hinges on a future robot capable of predicting behavior, providing full surveillance, calling for help, and potentially subduing offenders, all while operating long hours and recharging autonomously. Critics warn that it raises civil-liberties concerns, safety, and feasibility questions about how such a system could work within law and policy. The piece situates Musk's ongoing Optimus hype in the broader context of hardware promises and the uncertain path from promising prototypes to scalable, ethical policy implications for security and labor.
Tesla teases FSD v14.3 as texting-and-driving pilots approach and Robotaxi rollout accelerates
November 8, 2025, 1:10 AM EST. In a recent investor event, Elon Musk signaled that within the next month or two Tesla may allow drivers to text and drive, contingent on safety statistics, as the company's Full Self-Driving suite moves toward greater autonomy. The update comes with the v14 line, now deployed across the lineup including Cybertruck, with v14.1.5 current and v14.2/v14.3 slated as major upgrades. Tesla stresses that FSD remains a supervised system, but Musk hinted that v14.3 could let you fall asleep and wake up at your destination. Though investors have heard similar timelines before, progress like Robotaxi in Austin underscores that autonomous driving advances are accelerating, even as doubts about timing persist.
NVIDIA Drives TSMC 3nm Expansion by 50% for Vera Rubin AI Chips
November 8, 2025, 1:08 AM EST.NVIDIA is pressing TSMC to lift 3nm output to 160,000 wafers per month, a 50% hike, likely with a large share reserved for NVIDIA. The move comes as NVIDIA ramps Blackwell Ultra and accelerates its Vera Rubin AI lineup. Jensen Huang reportedly visited TSMC's Tainan fab to oversee capacity for the N3 process and to lock in supply ahead of Rubin's launch. Beyond the N3P node, Rubin will pair with HBM4 to deliver a significant compute leap. NVIDIA has already secured Rubin customers even before mass production begins. For TSMC, HPC clients-led by NVIDIA-remain a primary revenue driver, prompting a swift shift to newer processes such as the A16 technology. Huang underscores TSMC's central role in NVIDIA's growth.
Google Wallet adds 'purchase and pass' personalization with opt-out privacy controls
November 8, 2025, 1:06 AM EST. Google Wallet is adding a new 'purchase and pass' feature that can deliver more personalized recommendations based on your purchase and pass history. If enabled, Wallet may use online Google Pay transactions and stored passes (loyalty cards, tickets, boarding passes) to tailor ads, offers, and recommendations across Google services. It could suggest airline preferences when booking or related suggestions from apps you download like running trackers. Privacy options let you disable this entirely, and provide granular controls to toggle organic personalization, ads personalization, and ad measurements. Google says it will not sell this data to third parties, and sensitive information won't be used for ad targeting. The rollout to US users will occur "over the coming months," with a Wallet notification and a supporting document outlining details.
Elon Musk says Optimus could 'eliminate poverty' after $1 trillion pay package approved
November 8, 2025, 1:02 AM EST. Elon Musk pitched the future of robotics at a recent address, claiming his prototype humanoid robot, Optimus, could help tackle poverty as the company moves forward after a landmark $1 trillion pay package approval. The remarks underscore Musk's broader strategy to pair ambitious AI and robotics programs with massive executive incentives, prompting questions about how such technologies might translate into real-world jobs, wage disruption, and policy considerations. The speech comes as investors weigh the cost and payoff of long-term automation bets, the performance and safety of autonomous systems, and the role of leadership incentives in shaping a technology-driven economy. Analysts say the claims highlight hype around robotics and economic impact, not immediate products.
Where to Watch NASA Blue Origin NG-2 Launch From the Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie)
November 8, 2025, 12:50 AM EST. Planning to catch a glimpse of Blue Origin's NG-2 launch from Florida's Space Coast? This guide shows when and where to watch from the Treasure Coast – including Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, and Port St. Lucie. The massive New Glenn booster is tentatively set for an NG-2 flight from Cape Canaveral, with possible visibility along the coast on clear nights or pre-dawn windows. Depending on weather and trajectory, the rocket may be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as the Treasure Coast. View in person at Kennedy Space Center/Cape Canaveral or follow the USA TODAY Network's Space Team for virtual coverage. For photos, expect a bright flare and a trailing contrail as the ascent unfolds.
Google Wallet adds personalized ads using your purchase history
November 8, 2025, 12:46 AM EST. Google Wallet is getting a more personalized upgrade in the U.S. that uses your purchase history and saved passes (airline boarding passes, loyalty cards, gift cards) to surface more relevant recommendations across Google apps. The goal is to connect Wallet with Google's broader ecosystem, delivering content and offers tailored to you and making the service useful beyond payments. Google says it will not sell data and that you control whether personalization is enabled. The change could improve how you discover deals, but it also raises questions about how broadly purchase data could be used. The feature is rolling out gradually and can be toggled off in Wallet settings. Expect similar integrations in other countries after testing.
DARPA Advances Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to Stage B with 11 Firms
November 8, 2025, 12:38 AM EST. DARPA has moved its flagship Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI) to Stage B, shifting from proposals to technical validation of utility-scale quantum architectures. Eleven companies are undergoing a year-long deep dive into their R&D plans, risk-mitigation strategies, and prototype roadmaps to assess realism and scalability. Stage B follows Stage A's architecture concepts, with Stage C for hardware verification. The goal remains whether an industrially useful quantum computer-where computational value exceeds cost-can be developed by 2033. Participating firms include Atom Computing, Diraq, IBM, IonQ, Nord Quantique, Photonic Inc., Quantinuum, Quantum Motion, QuEra Computing, Silicon Quantum Computing Pty. Ltd., and Xanadu, spanning neutral-atom, trapped-ion, and superconducting approaches.
Sandbox VR opens immersive worlds in Sacramento's Downtown Commons
November 8, 2025, 12:34 AM EST. Sandbox VR has opened an immersive virtual reality experience in Sacramento's Downtown Commons, right outside the Golden 1 Center. Players strap on sensors to their arms, legs, and heads to play in one of several virtual worlds, some based on popular shows and games. The team highlights a Netflix partnership with experiences like Squid Game and Stranger Things. A typical session requires four to six players and reservations can be made online. The experience is marketed as suitable for all ages, making it a strong choice for families or date night.
Baltimore AI gun-detection false alarms prompt scrutiny of Omnilert system
November 8, 2025, 12:32 AM EST. Baltimore police responded to an Omnilert alert at Parkville High School which turned out to be a false alarm after students were relocated for a search. The incident mirrors an October scare at Kenwood High School in Baltimore County, where Omnilert's AI Gun Detection flagged a student due to a bag of chips, drawing guns and detaining a student before authorities realized there was no weapon. County officials are calling for a review, while Superintendent Myriam Rodgers stressed that the system did what it should-issue an alert and trigger human assessment. Baltimore County has integrated about 7,000 cameras with Omnilert Gun Detection to enhance safety, but critics question reliability and impact on students.
SpaceX unveils simplified Moon lander plan to accelerate US lunar return
November 8, 2025, 12:30 AM EST. SpaceX has presented a pared-down lunar lander plan as NASA presses for a faster Moon return. Moving away from a full Starship-based lander, the new concept prioritizes speed and crew safety over cargo capacity. The revised design trims equipment, relies on expendable tanks, and drops the ambitious NRHO rendezvous in favor of a low-lunar orbit transfer to reduce energy needs and risk. NASA's push to accelerate the program comes amid political pressure over past delays, with a competition now opened between SpaceX and Blue Origin and revised plans due by October 29. The shift aims to deliver a safer, quicker path to landing astronauts on the Moon while easing schedule and funding constraints.
Alibaba expands super-scale AI cloud infrastructure for AGI era
November 8, 2025, 12:24 AM EST. Alibaba is doubling down on super-scale infrastructure to fuel the AI sector. At the 2025 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen, Wu Wei, chairman of Alibaba Cloud's AI and cloud services unit, said the group's envisioned super AI cloud would be capable of supporting surging demand. The plan reflects Alibaba's push for full-stack technology accumulation to service enterprise and developer needs as the industry approaches AGI and, eventually, ASI. The remarks echo comments from Alibaba's Apsara Conference last September and underscore the company's intent to build end-to-end data centers, software, and services for the global AI/cloud market. Alibaba also owns the South China Morning Post, highlighting the company's broad media and technology footprint.
Tesla Shareholders Approve 10-Year Pay Package That Could Make Elon Musk the First Trillionaire
November 8, 2025, 12:22 AM EST. Tesla shareholders have approved a 10-year pay package for Elon Musk that could make him the world's first trillionaire if long-term goals are met. The plan, largely stock-based compensation, ties awards to ambitious performance milestones and Tesla's market value. Proponents argue the package aligns Musk's interests with shareholders and drives long-term growth, while critics warn it may reward high risk and raise governance questions. The decision signals strong confidence in Musk's leadership but leaves room for debate about executive pay in a fast-changing automaker and tech landscape.
Jamie Dimon's strict smartphone policy: no notifications during meetings except for family
November 8, 2025, 12:20 AM EST. Jamie Dimon outlines a strict smartphone policy that bars constant connectivity during work. He says he rarely carries his phone in meetings and ignores most digital notifications, except for messages from his immediate family. For urgent matters, he advises calling his office so they can reach him. In interviews and speeches, he stresses staying 100% focused and avoiding distractions, preferring traditional methods over text or email. This approach reflects a broader stance on dis distraction-free leadership and the enduring role of phone calls for urgent matters.
FCC Vote Signals Potential DJI Drones Ban in the U.S.
November 8, 2025, 12:16 AM EST. An FCC vote to close loopholes on its Covered List could pave the way for future and retroactive bans on devices deemed a national security risk. The 3-0 decision targets tech using DJI radio-frequency tech, potentially barring future DJI drones from import or sale in the U.S. Analysts say any actual bans would require targeted products and a period of public consultation, but the groundwork is being laid. Current owners would likely keep using existing drones. The timing aligns with the National Defense Authorization Act deadline in December, which could push Chinese companies onto the FCC's ban list. The report cites CNET's Omar Gallaga and underscores ongoing policy review affecting the drone market and national security posture.
Best Buy Week 2 Black Friday Doorbusters Now Live – 8 New Deals, Friday-Sunday Window, and Member Rewards
November 8, 2025, 12:12 AM EST. Best Buy's Week 2 of Black Friday Doorbusters is live, with 8 new deals launching this Friday and running through the Sunday window. As with Week 1, the sale continues the streamlined release cadence, and My Best Buy Plus and Total members still earn a $5 reward for every $50 spent (max $25). The page also features ongoing early Black Friday offers, with standout gaming laptops/desktops deals and models like the HP OMEN 16-inch, Acer Predator Helios Neo 16, ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, Lenovo Legion 7i, GIGABYTE A16, CyberPowerPC, and Acer Nitro 60. Some MacBook Air deals have been undercut elsewhere (e.g., Amazon), so compare prices. More details are available on the page.
Ariane 6 Rocket Creates Evening Sky Show Over Levittown
November 8, 2025, 12:04 AM EST. A heavy-lift Ariane 6 rocket launched from the ESA spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana produced a dramatic plume visible over Bucks County Tuesday evening as the full moon rose. The 200-foot-tall vehicle carried weather-tracking instruments whose data will improve weather radar imaging and help with navigation and environmental monitoring. Operated by Arianespace for the European Space Agency, the launch occurred about 2,500 miles from Levittown. The sighting reflects rising activity from commercial space firms and governments launching more objects into orbit.
Gemini hits Android Auto in limited rollout, replacing Google Assistant
November 8, 2025, 12:02 AM EST. Google is slowly expanding Gemini to Android Auto in a limited, server-side rollout. Spotted on Android Auto 15.6/15.7, Gemini access appears tied to the beta channel and isn't device-specific. Users report new Gemini settings, including sharing precise location with the AI and automatic translation of messages. When fully rolled out, Gemini is expected to replace Google Assistant on Android Auto, delivering faster natural language understanding and cross-app actions via extensions like Maps, Home, and Keep. Gemini Live is also included, activated with the phrase let's talk or, as before, Hey Google, though conversations on Auto are kept short to help you focus on driving. The rollout is early and should broaden in coming weeks.
