You shouldn’t use artificial intelligence queries or searches for anything personal. You know that, right? Anything powered by a large language model is generally fed right back into it for more training, so it’s even less secure than a regular search. Lots of ChatGPT users got a practical demonstration of this last night, when a huge number of their queries were found to be searchable via a simple Google prefix. This is a complicated situation, so let me break it down. ChatGPT has a share feature that lets you easily send information to another user with a link. But apparently the info in these semi-personal discussions with the AI chatbot was posted somewhere Google could crawl and index. And this allowed it to be easily searchable with the very basic…

This year, iOS 26 isn’t just unrecognizable by name; we have an entirely new design and, in many cases, a brand new interface. Apple Intelligence is powering many new features in a tangible way, amping up everything from screenshots to Shortcuts. Here are 15 tips to help you get started with optimizing this update. NAVIGATE NEW DISPLAYS Turn Your Home Screen into Clear Glass The new Liquid Glass display brings an all-new Home Screen design option: Clear. If you want your app icons to be entirely transparent, iOS 26 has got you covered. Long press on a blank part of your Home Screen, tap Edit, tap Customize, then select Clear. This minimalist display can help reduce distractions, making it an excellent choice to pair with a work Focus. Master Streamlined…

In a couple of months, Apple will release macOS 26, which brings some nice features to your Mac, including Liquid Glass, a new Phone app, and vastly improved Spotlight Search (page 80). But like other recent updates, it lacks an eye-opening feature that leaves users in awe. When you take macOS 26 into context with the rest of Apple’s upcoming software releases, the Mac was vastly overshadowed. It could make a devoted Mac user wonder if the platform even matters anymore. iPADOS 26: THE FUTURE The most exciting release this fall will be iPadOS 26 and its new windowing system. Not only is it a much-needed feature, but it’s also well done—it works like it does on the Mac but with a more modern flair. After trying to implement a…

APPLE USERS ARE very well catered for when it comes to getting help with their gear. Every Apple Store has a Genius Bar where you can take your Apple device and have it looked at by experts. Help and advice there is usually free, unless they have to make physical repairs that involve disassembly. Point your web browser at www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar, and make an appointment. For software help, arrange a phone call or a real–time chat from your Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch. There’s also plenty of help available online. Forums — including Apple’s own — are full of helpful tips and tricks. But not every problem requires a trip to the Genius Bar. There’s lots you can do yourself to fix issues with your Apple gear, quickly and easily.…

A LARGE TEAM OF SCIENTISTS CLAIMS to have achieved “certified randomness” using a quantum computer. In a classical computer, you can never make a truly random number. When you ask one to give you a random number, code behind the scenes is doing an approximation of randomness. But it’s basically like shuffling a deck of cards until the results appear random to a user. The computer has no free will, so there’s no way for it to “choose” anything without metrics or assigned values. Quantum systems, however, involve an amount of unpredictability and entropy. As such, simply identifying certain qualities at certain times is randomized by nature. In a 2016 literature review of quantum randomness projects, scientists explain the metric used for the desired level of randomness: “[H]ere we are…

One of the most consequential developments in the history of computing happened 50 years ago. It set Apple on course to becoming one of the most valuable companies on the planet and changed the face of computing in unfathomable ways. Yet you’ve probably never even heard of what went down. It’s an often-overlooked moment that had incredible consequences for years to come. Typing on a computer is something we all take for granted. One of Apple’s key philosophies has long been to get the technology out of your way—Steve Jobs and Jony Ive have waxed lyrical on that idea—so day to day, we never really think much about how writing on a computer actually works. We can debate the pros and cons of various displays and even build our own…

Elon Musk, who has spent the last two years turning his xAI venture into a central player in the artificial intelligence arms race, is starting yet another AI initiative—this one pointed directly at one of the industry’s biggest incumbents. The new project, named Macrohard, was unveiled in a characteristically cryptic late-night post, where Musk claimed the venture would “challenge Microsoft at its core.” The announcement adds to Musk’s sprawling portfolio of AI-related efforts, from Grok, the conversational assistant embedded in X, to his calls for developing superintelligence safely. By creating Macrohard, Musk is signaling that he’s not content to compete on the edges of AI applications—he wants to confront Microsoft in its stronghold: enterprise software, infrastructure, and developer tools. WHY MACROHARD? THE TARGETING OF MICROSOFT Musk has frequently sparred with…

If you live in a more populated area, you likely check your doors before bed to make sure they’re locked. The same idea is worthwhile for applying to your vital online accounts, too—verifying that they’re secure. In that vein, a periodic review of devices logged into your Google account is a good idea. If someone’s stolen your password, you should be aware of that unauthorized access to all your email, photos, videos, and other files. A hacker isn’t the only person to be worried about, either. A romantic partner, roommate, family member, or friend could decide to spy on you, too. You should be sure that only the right people have access. To see which devices are logged into your Google account, you can use either on a PC or…

It’s never easy to decide what to pack for a trip. Whether you’re packing light for some quick business or heading out on the next big family vacation, it’s important to bring the right tech. Here at PCWorld, we’re continually testing the latest gadgets to sort the good from the bad. This means we’ve had the opportunity to find the best tech gear and accessories built for travel.  From voltage converters to noise-canceling headphones, we’ve curated a list of the very best tech gear to optimize your next travel experience. The items below are worthy of any packing list and will help you prepare for anything you may encounter on the road—or in the sky. MANAGE ELECTRICAL NEEDS WITH A VOLTAGE CONVERTER Bestek Universal Travel Adapter 220V to 110V When…

Once upon a time, Apple used to make significant changes to the iPhone every two years. A new model (iPhone 4, 5, 6, and so on) would launch with an overhauled look, followed by an S variant that boosted performance and smoothed out any imperfections. That’s no longer the case. Primarily due to the iPhone’s maturity, iterative annual upgrades have become the norm. After all, there’s only so much it can improve year over year. And despite what you may have read about this year’s phones, the new lineup is looking to be more of the same, even with the introduction of a new Air model. That’s why if you’re planning to get a new iPhone, you may want to wait for next year’s iPhone 18 series. Unlike the iPhone…

It’s been more than three years since Apple announced the Studio Display, a cheaper alternative to the Pro Display XDR for Mac users looking for a great external monitor with Retina quality. Even with rumors suggesting that Apple will launch an updated monitor next year with better technologies, I couldn’t help myself and bought a Studio Display a while ago. Why on earth did I buy one now? That’s exactly what I asked myself right before buying it. But after using it for several months, I’m happy to say that I don’t regret it. At the same time, I know it may not be the right choice for everyone. If you’re torn between buying the current Studio Display now or waiting for a potential refresh, here’s what you should know. THE EXPERIENCE…

Visual Intelligence is one of the few AI-powered feature of iOS 18 that we regularly make use of. Just hold down the Camera button on your iPhone 16 (or trigger it with Control Center on an iPhone 15 Pro), point your phone at something, and press the button. If it’s a sign in a foreign language, you can translate it. If there’s a phone number, call it in one tap. Address? Add it to your contacts or navigate to it. A business may pull up hours and contact info, or even a menu if it’s a restaurant. And of course, it can identify all sorts of plants and animals, landmarks, famous artwork, and more. If Apple’s built-in AI doesn’t know enough, you can tap the Ask button to ask ChatGPT.…

Whilst the iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro range garnered the most headlines at this year’s September Event, the standard iPhone 17 for many will be the ultimate smartphone. Packed with groundbreaking features like the Center Stage front camera, Super Retina XDR display with ProMotion, and the A19 chip, iPhone 17 redefines what users expect from their devices. NEXT-LEVEL ENTRY-LEVEL With a sleek design, enhanced durability, and a suite of advanced technologies, this latest iteration promises to be a game-changer. Perhaps the most exciting thing about this year’s release is that the iPhone 17 introduces a camera system that takes mobile photography and videography to new heights. At the forefront is the innovative Center Stage front camera, a first for iPhone with its square sensor design. This camera offers a…

The first section this month is aimed at the Young Guns, those up-coming radio amateurs who may consider Morse Code an ancient art for ancient amateurs. Nothing is further from the truth so please don’t flip the page to the FT8 section or use your PC or handheld to do what amounts to making a phone call. Where is the sense of achievement in that? Give this section a read and give yourself a challenge. Become a Radio Operator and with an HF transceiver, a simple antenna and a Morse key; talk to the world! Making Morse code irresistible: why young people should embrace the ultimate communication art In an era of smart phones, social media, FT modes and instant everything, suggesting that young people learn Morse code might seem…

NASA’s Perseverance rover has delivered one of its most tantalizing discoveries yet: a rock sample from Mars’ Jezero Crater that contains organic molecules and chemical patterns consistent with potential signs of ancient microbial life. While not definitive proof, the findings represent a major milestone in the search for extraterrestrial biology and intensify anticipation for the mission’s eventual sample return to Earth. THE ROCK SAMPLE THAT COULD CHANGE EVERYTHING The discovery comes from a layered rock formation Perseverance drilled earlier this year, part of an ancient delta where a river once flowed into Jezero Crater. Scientists have long considered the site one of the best candidates on Mars for preserving evidence of life because sediments can trap and protect organic material. Preliminary analysis using Perseverance’s SHERLOC instrument (Scanning Habitable Environments with…

It should come as no surprise that students the world over are using ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence chatbots to cheat—on homework, on tests, and on anything else you care to mention. After all, why work something out yourself when there’s an AI chatbot waiting and willing to do the hard work for you? This is obviously a problem in need of fixing, and OpenAI’s answer is a Study Mode that’s now baked into ChatGPT. The idea is to stop students from simply asking ChatGPT to tell them the answer to a question, and to have ChatGPT teach them how to answer the question for themselves. Will this work? Possibly. Maybe. Probably not. Either way, I gave ChatGPT’s Study Mode a spin for myself to find out what it’s capable…

Enter a search query into Google these days, and you don’t necessarily have to wade through the results and click through to a website. At the top of the screen, you’ll likely see an AI Overview that gives you all the information you need. It can save you lots of time, preventing the need to trawl through websites, and it’s a prime example of how artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we both look for answers and consume the ever–growing amount of data at our fingertips. AI Overviews launched in the US in May 2024, and the feature has had a huge impact on the number of visitors received by websites. Aside from them taking up space where results would normally reside, a report by the Pew Research Center…

Around two-thirds of all internet users use Google Chrome, according to StatCounter. That’s about 3 billion to 4 billion people! And yet many Chrome users still aren’t using Google’s browser to its full potential. Chrome works well out of the box, but if you delve just a little deeper beneath the surface, you’ll find plenty of Chrome features that you might find helpful but aren’t using yet. These features aren’t going to radically change your life, but they’re practical. Some are small and easy to enable, while others are more work but worth the effort. Here are some key Chrome features that are worth trying out to see if they improve your day-to-day web browsing experience. USE MULTIPLE USER PROFILES Chrome has built-in support for user profiles, where each profile…

Car manufacturers started building USB ports into the dashboards of premium models around the mid-2000s. These days you’ll find a USB connection in pretty much every car on the road – typically USB-A but sometimes the newer USB-C. For most of us, the in-car USB socket is just a convenient way to turn our vehicle into a giant, four-wheeled phone charger. But that humble little socket has more tricks up its sleeve – as we’ll explain. Charge your devices faster If you’ve ever plugged your phone into your car’s USB port only to discover the battery level has barely budged by the end of your journey, it’s because many ports – especially those in older vehicles – aren’t designed to deliver much power. Some were intended purely as a data…

The parents of a 16-year-old boy in the US are suing OpenAI, claiming its AI chatbot ChatGPT encouraged him to commit suicide. The lawsuit, filed by Matt and Maria Raine from California, is the first legal action accusing OpenAI of wrongful death. It shows that their son Adam Raine (pictured) started using ChatGPT in September 2024 to help with school work and within a few months had become his “closest confidant”. By January 2025, he was discussing methods of suicide with ChatGPT and also uploading photos of self harm. The lawsuit says the chatbot “recognised a medical emergency but continued to engage anyway” with Adam. The final chat logs in April show that after Adam revealed plans to end his life, ChatGPT allegedly responded: “Thanks for being real about it.…

On the Apple Watch, watchOS 26 offers a beautiful new look and even more intelligence. A new design with Liquid Glass makes features like the Smart Stack, Control Center, the Photos watch face and in-app navigation and controls more expressive, while maintaining the instant familiarity of watchOS. Across apps, Liquid Glass enables a vibrant and expressive experience that reflects and refracts content using real-time rendering, which brings even more focus to content and makes using Apple Watch even more delightful. Smart Stack widgets, Smart Stack hints, notifications, Control Center and in-app controls and navigation will adopt the new design. The Photos watch face is enhanced with numerals made of Liquid Glass, allowing users to see even more of their photo. Apple Intelligence Workout Buddy incorporates a user’s workout data and…

BY THE TIME you read this, Apple will have introduced its latest lineup at an “awe dropping” event on September 9. As we go to press, based on the most credible sources and leaks, here’s what we expect. How close does it come? The base-model iPhone 17 is expected to have a 6.3-inch screen — slightly larger than iPhone 16’s 6.1 inches. The Pro models are rumored to feature a new-generation Apple A19 Pro chip, reportedly manufactured using TSMC’s third-gen 3nm process, a ProMotion display with variable refresh rate up to 120Hz, and the new option of anti-reflective, matte-finish glass. On Pro models, the front-facing camera is reportedly upgraded to 24MP, compared to 12MP in iPhone 16, while the rear camera has a 48MP sensor and a telephoto lens with…

Apple’s iOS 26 brings a major visual overhaul called the Liquid Glass design, a fluid aesthetic update that blends transparency, depth, and motion to make the iPhone interface feel more dynamic. While many users are excited by the fresh look, others prefer a more minimal style. Apple has anticipated this divide, introducing new customization tools that let people adjust or scale back Liquid Glass effects to suit personal preference. WHAT IS LIQUID GLASS? Liquid Glass is Apple’s most ambitious design update since iOS 7. It introduces translucent surfaces, dynamic reflections, and shifting highlights that mimic the feel of glass bending under light. Control Center, notifications, and widgets appear to ripple with subtle motion when users swipe or scroll. Apple says the system is designed to feel more “alive,” responding to…

The internet as we know it may be heading toward an inflection point. Analysts, researchers, and veteran technologists are warning that within three years, the web could become dominated by AI-generated content, spam, misinformation, and automated interactions, leaving genuine human activity a shrinking minority. If current trends continue, the “dead internet” theory—once a fringe idea—may soon feel less like speculation and more like a measurable reality. THE RISE OF AI-GENERATED CONTENT The tipping point is being driven by the explosion of generative AI tools capable of producing articles, videos, images, and even entire websites at scale. Platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Google’s Gemini can create near-instant text and media output that rivals human-made content. While these systems are powerful for productivity, they are also being weaponized to flood the…

HOT TOPIC! New iPhones, Macs and more! Apple’s “Awe dropping” event + upcoming devices revealed Just as we were going to press on this issue, Apple trailed its next big reveal with an “Awe dropping” tagline and a launch date of Tuesday 9 September. While you’ll likely already know exactly what Apple showed by the time you read this – including new iPhone 17 models as well as thirdgeneration AirPods Pro – it looks like that’s just the start, thanks to a surprising slip-up made by Cupertino in mid-August. At that time Apple mistakenly included references to several unreleased devices in its own product code, as uncovered by MacRumors and Macworld. That includes updated versions of the Vision Pro, Mac Pro, Studio Display, Apple Watch, iPad and iPad mini, Apple…

Windows runs well—most of the time. But if the system suddenly starts acting up, important data disappears or programs no longer start properly, the cause is often not the technology itself, but the user. To be more precise: Small oversights that can have annoying consequences. Many problems are homemade and thus can easily be avoided. Anyone who forgets a backup, misplaces the BitLocker key, or blindly relies on Windows Defender sometimes risks more than they think. The good news is that you can easily avoid most problems. You just need to know where the typical pitfalls lurk. In this guide, we show you the five most common Windows errors and how you can avoid them with a few simple steps so that your system runs reliably, securely, and stress-free. 1.…

IT MAY SEEM ironic for an Apple tech magazine to suggest using your devices less, but that’s exactly what we’re going to do. If you suspect you’re spending a bit too much time scrolling or find yourself absent–mindedly picking up your phone for no particular reason, Offscreen is here to help you use your device more mindfully. It’s great for breaking bad habits like doomscrolling while you walk the dog, or browsing for bargains when you should be in bed. In addition to providing often surprising information, do we really pick up our iPhone that frequently? It turns out we do, and for far too long. Offscreen can also encourage healthier device habits by using Duolingo–style streaks and challenges. It tracks your device usage in lots of detail, uses Apple’s…

For those who would like to give macro photography a go but prefer not to buy new kit, there’s always the option of using your phone. Smartphones have obvious advantages of convenience and cost over cameras, which generally require a dedicated lens with macro capability, either for magnification, close-focusing, or both. Not long ago, clip-on macro lenses for smartphones were available to buy. These tended to be low in quality and fiddly to use, and since they were usually specific to a phone model, they became obsolete as soon as you upgraded your device. In recent years, flagships and even mid-range phones have come equipped with macro functionality directly in camera. It’s even become a key selling point. If macro photography is of interest to you, and you’re thinking of…

Cybersecurity can be complicated. (I sat in on a penetration testing session during the RSAC’s cybersecurity conference this week, and I don’t envy them their jobs.) But not all of it is—especially when it comes to big wins for us everyday users. Take a look at the big red arrow on the page opposite. It’s pointing to the Administrator account. That is what David Weston, CVP of Enterprise and OS Security at Microsoft, says is the biggest security threat to your PC. The reason: Admin permissions are a major opportunity for hackers. Think of it like your house—once someone’s inside, they can go into any part of it and mess around. In particular, if you use an Administrator account daily, then remote access to your PC is possible—and those two…