In a digital culture addicted to scrolling, Heineken is flipping the script with a move that feels both genius and slightly ironic: a mobile phone plan that helps people disconnect – by sending them reminder texts.
Launching in Finland in partnership with telco Moi Mobiili, ‘HeiMobile’ is being billed as the world’s first “social mobile plan.”
Rather than endless data and dopamine hits, the plan pings users with real-world perks—tickets to events, leisure experiences, and nudges to get out and meet people.
It’s screen time with an off switch.
It’s also smart timing. According to DNA’s annual Digital Life survey, 40% of Finns admit they struggle to disconnect from the internet, rising to 57% among 25–34-year-olds.
The idea that a mobile plan could counteract this feels counterintuitive – until you consider how much of the anxiety starts with the phone itself.
“We want to bring genuine presence and joyful moments back,” says Pekko Koski, Product Manager for Heineken who sees the initiative as a kind of digital detox that doesn’t require deleting apps or going off-grid.
The brand is kicking things off by enlisting hyper-online influencers to trial the plan this summer. It’s a self-aware twist: using people who live online to promote logging off.
“They too realise it’s about balance,” says Nabil Nasser, Heineken’s Global Head.
This isn’t Heineken’s first IRL-first idea – its part of a masterbrand campaign. This year Heineken took aim at digital burnout with its global campaign “Social off socials”, created by LePub, and fronted by Joe Jonas.
The beer brand launched an invention designed to nudge you off your phone the next time you’re at the pub and a campaign to tackle mobile phone use at concerts.
Heineken’s move into mobile networks signals a culture shift. Not a rejection of tech, but a reimagining of how we use it.
Because as Koski puts it, “People long for a time when being together didn’t require a phone.”
The campaign was delivered by United Imaginations.
Google is bringing its Ad Solutions to life in a fresh new way for marketers and entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia, launching its first ever YouTube creator series featuring Singaporean YouTube personality Annette Lee, as alter ego Aunty M.
For the first time, Google has collaborated with handpicked YouTube creators to strengthen perceptions about the effectiveness and efficiency of Google and YouTube Ads Solutions, with the series created by The Carrot Collective and VIRTUE Asia supporting on creator strategy and selection.
The first episode features Annette, known for her short video series such as #ChatsWithChantelle, #AsianParentTings, and YouTube shows like Glowing Up and News Plannette, as Aunty M – the fast-talking, straight-shooting host with a flair for turning marketing jargon into plain speak, as she learns how to market her fiery sambal belacan business.
Designed to demystify the platforms advertising products through fun, entertaining and relatable content, the episodic series shows Aunty M travelling across the region chatting to marketing professionals on how to make the most of Google and YouTube Ads Solutions.
While marketers are increasingly turning to digital ad solutions, content about ad products has remained largely static, often technical, occasionally dry, and rarely delivered in a format optimised for how audiences consume content.
Find more of the series here.
Samit Malkani, group marketing creative manager at Google Southeast Asia and South Asia frontier, said, “The world doesn’t need more boring b2b content about how to launch a new ad campaign. Our products are constantly evolving, so it was time our storytelling did too. This series lets us speak to marketers and entrepreneurs on their terms, in ways that feel accessible, local, and culturally relevant.”
The content format and distribution strategy for the ‘Marketing Unfiltered’ series is similar to that used by US talk shows, with full episodes to drive engagement, mid-form segments to build audience relevance and short-form highlights to drive frequency.
The Carrot Collective’s CEO and co-founder, David Webster, said, “Our aim with Aunty M was to reframe how b2b marketing shows up – less as a product explainer, and more as a narrative universe designed to resonate with the real frustrations and ambitions of entrepreneurs across the region. By anchoring the series in character, humour and cultural insight, we’ve created a platform that doesn’t just inform, it builds affinity, earns attention, and drives deeper engagement at scale.”
Zoe Chen, strategy director at VIRTUE Asia, added, “Many YouTube creators are already creating content about Google Ads Solutions so this was an opportunity to claim that narrative by collaborating with them to produce engaging content. Our strategy was rooted in authenticity, humour and regional relevance. The brilliant Annette Lee, who brings Aunty M to life, was a natural choice. She’s already beloved across Southeast Asia for her relatable comedic characters that capture the essence and cultural diversity of Southeast Asia, and an entrepreneur herself, Annette was the perfect bridge between complex ad solutions and entertainment. Creating the character of Aunty M with her meant that this isn’t just creator-led content, it’s creator-shaped strategy.”
The content series will roll out across Google’s regional YouTube channels in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines, supported by a paid media campaign across social platforms. Episode one is live now, with more to follow throughout the year.
Fabio Pavanello and co-authors discuss the importance of security layers in computer systems, particularly in the context of the Horizon Europe NEUROPULS project, which focuses on innovative security solutions based on novel neuromorphic architectures and PUF-based security layers
Security layers are critical to protecting computer systems from threats. They often rely on cryptographic protocols that use secret keys, which are typically stored in memory. However, storing such sensitive data in non-volatile digital memory can pose risks, especially if exploited through hardware vulnerabilities. To address this, the Horizon Europe NEUROPULS project is exploring novel solutions based on integrated photonics
Security layers are critical to protecting computer systems from threats. They often rely on cryptographic protocols that use secret keys, which are typically stored in memory. However, storing such sensitive data in non-volatile digital memory can pose risks, especially if exploited through hardware vulnerabilities. To address this, the Horizon Europe NEUROPULS project is exploring novel solutions based on integrated photonics.
Physical unclonable functions are robust hardware primitives One promising approach is the use of Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) – hardware elements that generate secure responses only when needed, removing the need for memory storage. Unlike software-based generators, PUFs derive their strength from physical randomness introduced during the manufacturing process. This makes them hard to duplicate or predict – ideal traits for building secure systems.
Integrated photonics, a key technology for next-generation low-power accelerators, also offers new possibilities for PUFs. Light signals, sensitive to tiny variations in manufacturing, can be harnessed for high-entropy, CMOS-compatible security features. Photonic PUFs could also resist Machine Learning and side-channel attacks more effectively than current solutions.
Simulating security with gem5
The integration of photonic PUFs into the gem5 simulator represents an important opportunity for advancing hardware security research. Given gem5’s modular architecture and its capability to simulate complex system architectures, it provides an ideal platform for modeling the unique characteristics of photonic PUFs, including their challenge-response mechanisms. By leveraging gem5’s flexible framework, researchers can model the interaction between photonic components and conventional computing elements in terms of timing and power consumption, particularly important for simulating the integration of these PUFs with CMOS-compatible platforms, such as RISC-V.
Looking forward, integrating photonic PUF models into gem5 could be aligned with TPM standards, providing a comprehensive security simulation environment. The TPM’s standardized approach to hardware-based security features could serve as a blueprint for implementing photonic PUF functionality within the simulator. This integration would be particularly valuable as it would allow researchers to simulate how photonic PUFs could enhance existing TPM capabilities.
Security protocols and services leveraging PUFs
In NEUROPULS, PUFs are used to deliver a series of services to the photonic accelerator under development. They encompass low-level services, such as key generation and data encryption, as well as high-level protocols, including authentication and software attestation. These security services and protocols leverage PUFs as the root of trust to secure the photonic accelerator, including not only the hardware components (e.g., with authentication) but also the software running on it, for instance, with the possibility to attest that the accelerator only runs firmware and apps that are authentic and not tampered with.
Current challenges
Despite their promise, widespread adoption of photonic PUFs faces hurdles:
Co-integration with photonic accelerators –
Photonic PUFs should seamlessly co-integrate with photonic accelerators to ensure their security without compromising computing flows in terms of energy consumption, latency, or adding excessive hardware constraints that affect overall footprint and costs.
ML modeling –
Photonic circuits often operate in a linear regime. However, to achieve complex behavior in photonic PUFs, optical non-linearities shall be exploited. To trigger such non-linearities, large optical powers, fast time scales, etc., shall be accessed, which imposes tight hardware constraints to address.
Photonic PUFs system integration –
Photonic PUFs shall not only provide a series of properties but also be suitable for integration in real-world computing systems where noise, ambient fluctuations, etc., are present. Besides, their access should be straightforward from a high-level operating system point where security protocols can easily access PUF responses.
Ongoing research
NEUROPULS tackles these challenges by:
Investigating techniques to co-integrate the photonic accelerator under development with photonic PUFs, leveraging the required hardware for the photonic accelerator operation.
Developing PUF designs that can be more resilient to ML attacks, e.g., investigating the introduction of non-linearities at different stages of the interrogation flow, but also by coupling photonic and electronic PUFs together.
Developing security protocols supported by accurate simulation frameworks fully considering photonic PUFs operation flow within a computing system, as well as their performance in terms of, e.g., higher response rate generation (Gbit/s) and reduced latency (~ ns) compared to purely electronic approaches.
By leveraging the novel technologies developed in NEUROPULS, photonic PUFs can become an attractive alternative, enabling real-scenario security layers with higher strength against common attack vectors while offering seamless integration with photonic accelerators.
Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
The winter 2025 edition of Tomorrowland, held in the French ski resort of Alpe d’Huez, also featured indoor stages and was a preview for the kind of immersive, climate-controlled environment that will be replicated in Shanghai.
With The Magic of Tomorrowland in Shanghai, organisers are looking to introduce this evolving format to a new audience, adapting the brand’s large-scale appeal for an urban, indoor setting in Asia.
Thailand has also recently announced that the country will host a Tomorrowland festival in 2026, to be held in Chon Buri province.
In the meantime, this year’s flagship edition of Tomorrowland in its home country is set to open in a couple of weeks, kicking off on July 18 to 20, and then again on its second weekend on July 25 to 27 in Boom, Belgium. Featuring the theme “Orbyz”, the festival expects about 400,000 people from all over the world to attend.
The 2025 Nintendo Switch has arrived with upgraded performance and sleeker hardware, but it also comes with a major compatibility roadblock. Unlike previous generations, third-party docks and chargers no longer work with the new Switch, forcing gamers to rethink how they connect their consoles.
You can no longer enjoy third-party docking on the Nintendo Switch 2. (Nintendo)
What’s changed with the new Switch dock?
Nintendo has locked down the new Switch 2’s USB-C port with proprietary protocols and firmware-level encryption. That means all previously working third-party docks, that were popular for being compact or affordable, will now be obsolete. Even the official dock from the first-gen Switch doesn’t make the cut. The new dock runs on a different 20V power profile and uses updated HDMI output standards, breaking plug-and-play convenience for gamers used to setting up in multiple rooms or on the go.
A few accessory makers have rushed out “Switch 2-compatible” docks, but these options have proven hit-or-miss and often stop working after firmware updates.
Why third-party docks no longer work
Nintendo’s new system checks for dock authentication at both the software and hardware level. It uses firmware handshakes and encryption to verify that a dock is official before enabling TV output. Power delivery has also changed. Switch 2 needs a consistent 20V input that most third-party docks can’t guarantee.
Using a non-certified dock might not just fail, it could brick your console, overheat components, or lead to connectivity issues that show up days or weeks later. There’s also the looming risk of account bans if the system flags unsupported accessories during online play. While Nintendo says this is a safety move (to avoid repeats of bricked consoles from cheap docks), it also means you’re locked into buying only official gear.
Official guidance and user warnings
Nintendo’s support pages now clearly state: Only the new Switch 2 dock is compatible. Older docks and third-party options, even if marketed for the Switch, aren’t supported.
Users on Reddit and Discord forums report flaky video output, charging glitches, and even complete failures with early third-party Switch 2 docks. Some have turned to workarounds, but these involve firmware downgrades and cable swaps that come with their own risks. One common thread across all user experiences: If it’s not official, it’s unstable.
What this means for gamers
If you’ve been relying on a third-party dock or charger for travel or second-room setups, it’s time to budget for the official Switch 2 dock. At around ₹8,000– ₹10,000, it’s a significant cost, but it’s the only safe and fully supported option right now.
It also creates an e-waste problem. Many third-party docks now lie useless, adding to the pile of gadgets rendered obsolete by a single protocol change. Nintendo hasn’t offered a trade-in or recycle program yet, which only makes the situation worse.
Nintendo’s move to restrict docking options with the new Switch signals a stricter, more closed-off hardware ecosystem. If you’re buying into the new generation, play it safe and stick to official docks and chargers, even if it costs more.
And if you’re waiting for third-party solutions to catch up, keep an eye on firmware updates and certified releases, but steer clear of shortcuts in the meantime.
SAVE $100: As of July 3, the Apple Watch Series 10 is on sale for $299 at Amazon — down from $399. That’s 25% off the list price.
If you’ve been holding out for a truly great Apple Watch deal, your patience just paid off. The Apple Watch Series 10 has dropped to $299 at Amazon in an early Prime Day deal — a hefty 25% discount from its usual $399 price tag, and according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is the lowest price on record.
Mashable Apple expert hand-picked this deal as the standout option ahead of Prime Day 2025.
The standout option here features a rose gold aluminium case paired with a plum sport loop — sleek, stylish, and the best value you’ll find. Other variants like the jet black model or the rose gold case with a light blush sport band are currently $329, while the silver case with a denim sport band lands at $319. That makes the rose gold and plum combo your best bet by far — if you act quick.
SEE ALSO:
The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Get the Apple Watch at its lowest price ever
Aside from the eye-catching design, you’re getting all the latest iterations of the top-tier features Apple’s wearables offer. The Series 10 boasts a 30% larger screen, a thinner and lighter case, and super-fast charging that gets you to 80% battery in just 30 minutes. It’s packed with advanced health features, from ECG capabilities to menstrual cycle tracking, and even sleep apnea notifications via the new Vitals app.
Fitness junkies will appreciate deeper workout insights, customizable activity rings, and even water depth and temperature tracking for swimmers. And of course, all the Apple Watch essentials are here — texts, calls, Siri, Apple Pay, and seamless integration with your iPhone.
It’s also crack-resistant, dust-resistant, and carbon-neutral when paired with select bands.
Mashable Deals
While we don’t deem the Apple Watch Series 10 as an essential upgrade “if you already own the Series 9”, we do think it’s a “good place to start” if you’ve never owned an Apple Watch before.
If you’re curious about what to expect from Prime Day, check out our full Prime Day 2025 guide with all you need to know. What’s more, take a look at our standout early discounts.
The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable’s team of experts
The Leica Q3 premium full-frame compact camera now supports audio capture via USB-C from selected RØDE microphones, expanding their multimedia production potential.
Leica has quietly expanded the capabilities of their flagship Q3 camera with a significant firmware update that enables audio recording through its USB-C port when paired with compatible RØDE microphones. This development transforms the already versatile (and some might say expensive) full-frame compact camera into a more comprehensive content creation tool.
The new audio recording functionality works seamlessly with selected models from RØDE’s microphone lineup, allowing creators to capture “professional-quality” sound directly through the camera’s USB-C connection. Since we are now talking about a “digital sound path” (as opposed to using a 3.5mm cable), this integration opens the door to potentially better audio quality.
Leica Q3 now compatible with RØDE mics via USB. Credit: RØDE
It looks as if Leica’s partnership with RØDE is particularly strategic, given the Australian company’s strong reputation among content creators and their extensive range of microphones designed for various recording scenarios. RØDE, on the other hand, is benefiting from being recognized by a top camera brand, Leica, as a leader in manufacturing audio devices for creators
Wireless GO PRO connected to the Leica Q3 via a USB-C cable. Credit: RØDE
Leica Q3 & RØDE – market positioning
The audio recording capability shows Leica’s commitment to position the Q3’s as a premium hybrid camera capable of satisfying both still photography and video production. At its current price point ($6,735), the camera competes with high-end mirrorless systems from Sony and Canon, many of which already offer comprehensive audio recording features, although not through USB-C. Then again, a Leica is often considered a “passion camera” – and a status symbol – where features might sometimes be less important than prestige. So it’s nice to see Leica and RØDE step up the game technically as well.
Availability and compatibility
Firmware 3.1.1 update enabling USB-C audio recording is available now through Leica’s official website. RØDE, on the other hand, mentioned that the current microphones to be supported are the Wireless ME, Wireless GO II, Wireless PRO, VideoMic GO II, and the VideoMic NTG.
Do you appreciate this type of new feature? Would you like to see wireless audio recording via USB implemented by other manufacturers? Please share your thoughts with us in the comment section below..
OSLO, Norway, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Norway-based browser developer, Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA], is breaking down language barriers for its users with the launch of Opera Translate, a new, secure, and built-in translation feature for its flagship desktop browsers, Opera One and Opera GX. This significant update also brings powerful multitasking tools to both browsers and adds a new personalization option to Opera GX with fully customizable animated cursors.
Opera Translate arrives in Opera One and Opera GX
Opera x Opera GX_Built-in translation
At the core of this update is Opera Translate, a built-in feature designed to break down language barriers for users across the globe. As one of the most requested features by users in Opera One and Opera GX alike, it comes integrated natively into both browsers, detecting when a webpage is in a different language than the user’s default setting in the browser and offering to translate it instantly. Supporting over 40 languages, Opera Translate makes it easier for users to explore international websites, follow global news, or navigate foreign content while traveling. Users can choose to translate a page just once, or set the browser to always translate certain languages.
The Opera Translate feature is powered by Lingvanex and their AI-enhanced technology for natural and accurate language processing. Crucially, the translation solution is hosted on Opera’s own European-based servers, ensuring that all translated information is processed in-house and protected by the strictest privacy regulations, without being sent to third-party services.
“The internet connects the world, but language can still be a barrier to exploring its full potential. With the introduction of Opera Translate, we’re giving our users access to content and ideas from across the globe without compromising their privacy,” said Tomasz Stawarz, Director of Product at Opera.
Opera One: Split screen now within Tab Islands
Opera One is getting improvements to its Split Screen feature after reviewing the community’s feedback., Users can now access the toolbar in each tab while browsing in Split Screen mode. This means that users now get:
Access to Toolbar features: when in Split Screen mode, users can now access Pinboards, Snapshot tool, Flow, Bookmarks, Downloads, the Easy Setup menu, and any other features they choose to add to the Toolbar
Player in Toolbar: now users can benefit from the Music Player in the toolbar when they’re using Split Screen mode.
This update also brings the Split Screen mode inside of the Tab Islands, which means that users can benefit from the tab grouping capabilities of Opera and add their joint tabs (in Split Screen mode) to any Tab Island.
Opera GX launches browser booster update with custom animated cursors and better tab management
The default mouse cursor is a relic and Opera GX is fixing that. With a new update, Opera GX is now the first and only browser that lets users fully customize their mouse cursor across the entire browser UI. In collaboration with Sweezy Cursors, Opera GX and Sweezy now offer a library of over 30 cursor packs – including both static and animated designs – that can be applied with a single click. No need to download third-party tools, change OS settings, or install risky extensions. For gamers who care about aesthetics and immersion, custom cursors bring more vibes to every click.
“Gamers spend hours perfecting their setup – from their hardware’s RGB to their in-game skins. So why should the browser cursor remain but a boring, static arrow? With custom animated cursors, we’re giving our users another layer of personalization to make their entire online experience truly their own. It’s about bringing the same level of style and identity they have in-game to the tool they use the most,” said Maciej Kocemba, Product Director Opera GX.
Custom cursors are designed with several key benefits in mind:
Visual consistency: custom cursors work across the entire browser, not just on web pages. The cursor doesn’t revert when hovering over tabs, menus, or settings, ensuring a fully immersive and polished experience.
Ease of use: users can simply browse the cursor collection in GX Store, click “apply,” and the cursor updates instantly. No configuration, no external downloads, and for free.
Security: unlike third-party browser extensions that may pose privacy risks (access to displayed web page content), all cursor customizations in Opera GX are hosted and executed locally and safely within the browser.
Performance: these custom cursors are fully integrated with Opera GX’s rendering engine, ensuring no slowdown even with complex animations.
Future game IP integrations: Opera plans to collaborate with gaming studios to release branded cursor packs based on popular titles – giving users another way to express their identity online.
In addition to the cursors, the browser booster update officially brings the Tab Islands feature to the stable version of Opera GX, enhancing the browser with new organizing tools. Users can now name and assign custom colors to different Tab Islands to visually distinguish between their work, gaming, and social tabs. Furthermore, an entire Tab Island can now be saved as a single Speed Dial on the start page, making it easier than ever to revisit favorite research sessions or gaming setups with a single click.
To experience the new Opera features, users can download the latest versions of Opera One and Opera GX or wait for the automatic update to roll out.
Opera One and Opera GX update:
Description:
Opera Translate
Built-in webpage translation
40+ languages
Secure and privacy-friendly
Opera One update:
Description:
Split Screen in Tab Islands
Allows side-by-side browsing inside tab islands
Lets users open several Split Screen instances in different Tab Islands
Persistent toolbar in Split Screen
Toolbar stays visible for better navigation and control
The Music Player remains in the toolbar when entering Split Screen mode
Opera GX “Browser Booster” update:
Description:
Tab Island enhancements
Tab Islands are now in stable version
Save option as a speed dial
New color coding option and Tab Island naming feature
Automatic Tab Island creation is turned off by default – can be enabled in settings
Custom Cursors
Over 30+ cursor sets (static + animated)
Custom cursors works across whole browser UI
No need for additional software, extensions, fiddling with system settings
Integrated in browser engine for better performance
Available on Windows and macOS
About Opera
Opera is a user-centric and innovative software company focused on enabling the best possible internet browsing experience across all devices. Hundreds of millions use Opera web browsers for their unique and secure features on mobile phones and desktop computers. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Oslo, Norway, Opera is a public company listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol OPRA. Download the Opera web browsers and other Opera products from opera.com. Learn more about Opera at investor.opera.com.
About Opera GX
Browser developed by Opera [NASDAQ: OPRA]. Since its inception in 2019, Opera GX has quickly become the browser of choice for millions of gamers seeking a more custom internet experience. Along with countless customization options including color themes, sound effects, background music, and a gaming-inspired design, GX includes CPU, RAM and Network Bandwidth limiters that make the browser less resource-hungry and leave more of the computer’s resources for gaming. The browser also includes a Hot Tabs Killer feature, which lets users kill the most resource-draining tabs, and GX Cleaner to purge those old unwanted files. Opera GX is the first browser that allows users to fully customize its appearance, themes, sounds, and audio effects during use, completely changing the browsing experience. Simply download one of over 9,000 mods to start enjoying a new look for the browser that suits your preferences.
Jason Hall, aka ‘Thor,’ the face of Pirate Software, has left Offbrand Games amid an absurd storm of internet criticism and review bombings precipitated by the stand he took against the growing Stop Killing Games (SKG) movement. This exit of Hall shows how a campaign originally aimed at preservation has moved into further encompassing the bigger option of holding a person accountable versus online outrage and parallel blurred lines of guilt by association.
Controversy Clouds Game for the Wrong Reasons
Rivals of Aether II was not under the spotlight as it was poorly launched or had badly designed gameplay;-it was a philosophical disagreement. On June 27, 2025, Ludwig Ahgren, Offbrand Games co-founder and huge stream personality, addressed the eerie infestation of negative reviews on the game’s Steam page and lashing in frustration:“Such a bummer Rivals 2 is getting any s**t for this… People are now review bombing the game because Pirate Software, who has no personal stake in the game, works at Offbrand Games? 😔 Feels wrong.”Although Hall had nothing to do with making the game, the mere association of his vocal presence with Offbrand’s publishing label made Rivals 2 inadvertently borne of the impact of review bombings.
Pirate Software Responds to the Backlash
Amid the noise, Hall made his position clear, he would be stepping away from the company to stop further harm to its portfolio:“I am no longer working at @offbrand_games. People were attacking all of the games we were publishing and trying to mass review bomb them. You can dislike the things I say, but this kind of behavior is unhinged.”He added that while he learned a lot and cherished his time at the studio, he hoped OffBrand could continue without being distracted by his presence.
What’s Behind the Movement?
At the eye of the controversy lies the Stop Killing Games campaign, initiated by Ross Scott of Accursed Farms. The movement is for digital game preservation, resisting companies that deactivate or remove any sort of access to games that consumers have paid for. Ubisoft’s attempt to kill The Crew in late 2023, in spite of its offline side became the prime flashpoint.
The Fallout of Online Movements
This issue has stirred the growing tension within the community of players, when advocacy hits the limits of absolutism, is there room left for that said character to disagree? Can an individual, in the political sense, say that he supports the kernel idea on which the movement is based wherein he does not support every method that the movement employs? That answer has become ambiguous for now.
Pirate Software DESTROYED By Ridiculous “Stop Killing Games” Take
Pirate Software’s escapade out of Offbrand Games represents more than just a personnel change: it is an expression of the conflict between digital activism and personal branding on the modern internet. Though the SKG movement is gaining some traction, the internal rifts and external confrontation act as a reminder: solidarity can be so thin in the internet age if the internet decides that there is but one proper way to save games.
Apple last month announced its latest update for MacOS 26, codenamed “Tahoe.” It’s full of new visual design elements like Apple’s Liquid Glass design theme, better integration with the iPhone, and a more robust Spotlight feature that’s better integrated with Shortcuts.
The theme of all of Apple’s updates this year is streamlining both the visual UI and feature sets across Apple devices, while making more apps and features available on them, punctuated by Apple Intelligence.
Also: The best MacBooks of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed
Following the same trajectory as the last few years, Apple’s announcement of MacOS 26 comes during WWDC, with a developer beta opening up now, and a public beta likely sometime this month. The full release of MacOS 26 won’t be out until this fall, however.
Let’s take a look at the biggest announcements Apple made for MacOS.
1. The Phone app on Mac
Apple
The Phone app has finally arrived on MacOS, allowing for a more streamlined user experience between your iPhone and computer. Users can now access recent calls and contacts synced from your iPhone, and make calls with a single click in the same way. What’s more, the Phone app will include the new features added in iOS 26, including Hold Assist and Call Screening.
Also: New to MacOS? 8 beginner tips and tricks to try first – and why
In addition to calls and contacts, live activities from the iPhone will be visible on your Mac, such as tracking an Uber or a delivery from Seamless. Clicking on the live activity will open up iPhone Mirroring, which will allow you to take action directly from your Mac.
2. Liquid Glass and visual consistency
Apple
Apple dropped a major visual overhaul for iOS with its Liquid Glass design theme, and many of those updates are filtering over to MacOS, streamlining the user experience across devices.
The dock, sidebars, and toolbars have been redesigned in the same translucent aesthetic that’s intended to show more content on screen without UI clutter. In addition, the rounded elements and added dimensionality look a lot more like what you’d see on the iPhone. Customization also allows you to adjust the control center in the same way as the iPhone
Also: What is Liquid Glass? Here’s everything we know about Apple’s major UI overhaul at WWDC
Just like the iPhone, Macs will support additional personalization options, including dark or light mode, an all-clear icon, and dock theme, as well as customized color tones. This customization extends to folder icons themselves, with colors, themes, and even emojis.
3. Shortcuts and Spotlight get smarter
Apple
MacOS 26 adds a handful of smart integrations for the Spotlight feature. Instead of just being a simple search bar, Apple’s updates to Spotlight make it into a more powerful control panel that works with Shortcuts and can take app-specific actions, while powered by Apple Intelligence.
For example, during the WWDC keynote, we saw a demo in a photo editing app, with the user adjusting the color tone by searching for that function in the Spotlight. In a complex app like Photoshop, for example, if you can’t find a specific function, Spotlight could step in to act as a top-level search function.
Also: Apple’s secret sauce is exactly what AI is missing
In supporting additional productivity features, Spotlight will also contain clipboard history and allow you to create automations in conjunction with Apple Intelligence to make complex actions like summarizing text or creating images. You can access Apple Intelligence models on your device or ChatGPT.
Spotlight will also support a handful of shortcut Quick keys, such as “sm” for “send message,” for example. That opens a thread where you can send a message directly from the Spotlight app itself, without swapping to Messages.
4. Apple Intelligence, of course
Some of the Apple Intelligence features that debuted on the iPhone will now be available in MacOS, including a more robust, personalized Siri, and a smarter Shortcuts app.
Apple is also opening up MacOS 26 so third-party developers can start creating apps that actually integrate with Apple Intelligence. It’s a smart move, allowing some breathing room to further innovate on its own AI features (which some say have fallen behind competitors’) while allowing external developers to bring useful AI functions to the Mac.
5. Apple Games
Apple
Coinciding with the launch of the Games app on the iPhone, we’re also seeing Games come to MacOS 26 as a dedicated store, launcher, and leaderboard. The Games app also brings an overlay showing system settings like low power mode, as well as online friends and communications.
Metal 4 comes to MacOS 26 as well, offering higher quality graphics with MetalFX Frame Interpolation and MetalFX Denoising for smoother visuals and faster frame rates.
Let’s talk compatibility
All of these updates sound great, but not every Mac will be compatible with MacOS 26 Tahoe. Older Macs with Intel processors, unfortunately, will not support the new OS version. This means any Mac with an M1 processor or later will run MacOS 26, but most devices from before the 2020 mark will not.
Also: Your Apple Watch is getting a major upgrade. Here are the best features in WatchOS 26
This move all but seals the deal on phasing out older Intel-based models, something we’ve been expecting from Apple for a while. If you do have a Mac computer with an Intel processor, you can still run the previous MacOS, Sequoia, or its predecessor, Sonoma, depending on how old your device is.
Get the morning’s top stories in your inbox each day with our Tech Today newsletter.
