Microsoft continues to upgrade Paint in Windows 11 with more and more advanced features, evolving it into a real tool with productive capabilities. The latest improvement is the ability to save project files, much like you can do in Photoshop or GIMP, reports The Verge. The new project files will have a .PAINT file extension and will save layers, allowing you to easily resume your work at a later time. The feature is currently being tested in the Windows Insider Program. The Pen and Brush tools are getting new opacity sliders that allow you to adjust transparency directly on the work surface. Paint already supports dark mode, transparency, layers, and AI image creation. When will the new .PAINT file extension be available to all users via the stable release of Windows 11? That’s still up in the air. Read...

It’s not uncommon for Windows updates to cause problems on your computer. Last week, there were reports that Microsoft had fixed an audio issue in Windows 11 24H2. But now the operating system appears to be having an issue with video playback instead. In an error status confirmation, Microsoft says that Windows 11 24H2 may have problems playing copyrighted content with DRM protection in digital TV apps, Blu-ray players, and DVD players if you have August’s optional update KB5064081 installed. (The same update that added a bunch of new features and improvements.) The updates may cause issues in video players that use a legacy component called Enhanced Video Renderer to play content with DRM or HDCP protections. For example, if you try to play a movie from your Blu-ray library on your PC, you may encounter copyright protection error messages, black screens, and the movie may freeze or pause. As put by Microsoft: Some Digital TV and BluRay/DVD applications might experience problems playing protected content after installing the August 29, 2025 Windows non-security preview update (KB5064081), or later updates. Applications using Enhanced Video Renderer with HDCP enforcement or Digital Rights Management (DRM) for digital audio might experience copyright protection errors, frequent playback interruptions, freezing or black screens. This issue does not impact streaming services. Microsoft says it’s currently working to resolve the issue with future updates and will provide more information as it becomes available. Until then, affected users will likely need to use alternative DVD and/or Blu-ray playback devices or switch to streaming services. Read...

Rather than struggling to keep your old laptop running, getting a new one is often the smarter choice. Batteries fail, software runs painfully slow, and Windows sometimes refuses important updates. How do you know when it’s time for a new device? These six clear warning signs will tell you. Sign 1: No more updates available A laptop without updates is a security risk. If Windows or other important programs no longer receive updates, it’s probably time to replace it. It becomes particularly critical when the operating system itself no longer receives security patches, as will be the case with Windows 10 from 2025. Without updates, dangerous security vulnerabilities arise and many new programs only run optimally under the latest Windows versions. An outdated laptop quickly becomes a digital island dweller. Tip: Check the update settings regularly. If your system reports “everything up to date” even though a newer version of Windows has long been available, this is a clear sign that you should consider a new laptop. Check out pcworld`s top laptop pick Asus Zenbook 14 OLED Read our review Sign 2: Memory space is constantly full If Windows is constantly complaining that it’s running out of storage, this is not just annoying: new programs can no longer be installed, and even simple updates fail. Of course, you can move data to the cloud or use external storage space, but in the long run, this is just a tedious workaround. Tip: Check Explorer to see how much space is still free on the system drive. If it’s permanently full and can’t be expanded, there’s hardly any way around a new laptop in the long run. Sign 3: Laptop takes forever to start Does your laptop feel like it takes an eternity to boot up, programs open with an agonizing delay, and even multiple browser tabs make the system break out in a sweat? This is a clear sign the hardware is aging. Adding more RAM or an SSD can help, but if performance doesn’t improve, the laptop is simply too old for today’s demands. Tip: Pay attention to how often you have to wait for your device when working. If even everyday tasks are sluggish, it’s definitely time for an upgrade. check out pcworld`s top budget pick Acer Aspire Go 15 (2024) Read our review Best Prices Today: $309.98 at Amazon Sign 4: Constant overheating and noisy fans When the laptop’s cooling system can’t keep up, problems arise. If the fan runs loudly even during simple tasks, or the laptop gets very hot, it’s a clear warning sign. Constant heat not only damages the components, but can also lead to sudden crashes. Tip: Clean the ventilation slots regularly and check the temperatures with tools such as HWMonitor. If your laptop is still constantly overheating, it is probably worth buying a new one rather than making expensive repairs. Sign 5: Limited upgrade options With desktop PCs, it’s often still possible to replace individual parts, but this is much harder with laptops. Many models don’t allow upgrades to the SSD or RAM. If nothing can be upgraded and the device is running at its technical limit, the only option is to switch to a more modern model. Tip: Check the upgradeability of your laptop. If neither storage nor RAM can be expanded, it’s usually better to invest in a new device than to cling to an overtaxed old laptop. Sign 6: Short battery life Of course, a laptop relies on its mobility. If the battery needs a power socket after just a few minutes, or if the device is always plugged in, its main advantage is lost. The battery can be replaced on some models, but not all of them. And even if it can, replacing individual components is hardly worthwhile if the rest of the hardware is also outdated. check out pcworld`s best battery life pick Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 Gen 10 Aura Edition Read our review Buying tip: Three laptops for every need If you realize that your old laptop has really had its day, it’s worth taking a look at the latest models. We have selected three devices that offer excellent value for money: from affordable entry-level devices to high-performance gaming powerhouses. By the way, you can find more top models in our best laptop roundup. Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3: Affordable, mobile all-rounder for the home office Lenovo Buy the Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3 for $619 at Amazon The IdeaPad 3 is a solid companion for everyday use, studying, and working from home. With AMD Ryzen 5, 16 GB RAM and a fast SSD (512 GB), it masters office applications, streaming, and light multitasking without any problems. The slim design and low weight also make it a comfortable traveling companion. However, it’s not suitable for intensive gaming or complex video editing. Features: Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7430U (6 cores, 2.3 to 4.3 GHz) Memory: 16 GB LPDDR4 Storage: 512 GB SSD Display: 16 inch WUXGA Full-HD (1920×1080 pixels) Connections: 1x USB 3.2 Type-C, 2x USB 3.2 Type-A, SD card slot, 3.5 millimeter jack connection Graphics: integrated AMD Radeon Graphics Battery: 42 Wh (up to 10 hours of operation) Operating system: Windows 11 Home Special feature: Slim, lightweight design. Asus Vivobook 17: Multimedia station with plenty of memory ASUS Get the Asus Vivobook 17 for $749.99 at Amazon The Asus Vivobook 17 in “Quiet Blue” is a 17.3-inch laptop for office, multimedia, and flexible working. With the Intel Core i7-1355U, 16 GB RAM in dual-channel mode (8 GB onboard 8 GB SO-DIMM), and a fast 1 TB NVMe SSD, it handles multitasking, video playback, and everyday applications with ease. The 17.3-inch 1920×1080 panel also ensures clear images. Despite the large screen diagonal, the device remains pleasantly light and portable at 4.62 pounds. Features: Processor: Intel Core i7-1255U, 10 cores, up to 4.7 GHz Turbo, 12 MB cache Memory: 16 GB (8 GB DDR4 onboard 8 GB DDR4 SO-DIMM, dual-channel capable) Storage: 1 TB M.2 NVMe PCIe 3.0 SSD Graphics: Intel Iris X? Graphics Display: 17.3 inch FHD (1920×1080 pixels), IPS level, 60 Hertz, 250 nits, anti-glare, 86 percent screen-to-body Connections: 1× USB 2.0, 1× USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-C, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 Type-A, 1× HDMI 1.4, 1× 3.5-millimeter audio, 1× DC-in Camera & audio: 720p HD webcam with privacy shutter, SonicMaster speakers, integrated microphone Keyboard & touchpad: Backlit chiclet keyboard with Num-Key, 1.4 millimeter key travel, Precision touchpad Network & communication: Wi-Fi 6E (triple band), Bluetooth 5.3 Battery: 50 Wh, 3-cell Li-Ion Weight: 4.62 pounds Operating system: Windows 11 Home Special feature: Large 17.3-inch display, dual-channel RAM, 1 TB SSD. MSI Crosshair 17 HX: High-end gaming laptop for high demands MSI Get the MSI Crosshair 18 HX AI for $2,099.99 at Amazon Ready for any adventure: The MSI Crosshair 17 HX is a 17-inch gaming laptop built to deliver full performance for gaming, streaming, and other demanding tasks. Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU (Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, Max-Q), it handles the most demanding games and multimedia projects with ease. The Cooler Boost 5 system, featuring dual fans and an advanced heat pipe design, keeps performance consistently high when things get hot. Features: Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Laptop GPU, Blackwell architecture, DLSS 4, Max-Q Memory: 32 GB RAM Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD Display: 17-inch QHD (2560×1600 pixels), 240 Hertz, 16:10 format, 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut Connections: 1× USB-C, 3× USB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 2), HDMI 2.1 Keyboard: 24-zone RGB (Mystic Light), QWERTY layout Network & connection: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.x (depending on model) Operating system: Windows 11 Home Special feature: MSI Center with AI Engine for intelligent system tuning, Cooler Boost 5 cooling, high refresh rate for particularly smooth gaming. Conclusion: Know when it’s time to upgrade A laptop that no longer receives updates and is constantly full, slow, loud, or hot is rarely worth saving. Once the battery finally dies or upgrades are no longer possible, it’s time to move on. Investing in a modern device not only saves frustration but also provides better security and greater comfort in everyday use. Buying a new laptop today also comes with the added benefits of improved energy efficiency, quieter operation, and significantly higher performance. Read...

Since Intel integrated a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) into modern notebooks with the Core Ultra processors and AMD with the Ryzen AI series, the software landscape has visibly changed. Applications from various fields, such as image processing, video production, communication and document processing, are increasingly using this specialized hardware to execute AI functions locally, becoming faster and more energy-efficient. Frameworks help developers to program applications that also offer NPU support. This is no longer just about computing power, but about an entirely different user experience. Programs start more quickly, AI functions respond without waiting times, and offline operation enables users to work with AI services even without an internet connection. For users, this means uncomplicated access to professional tools. New automation options open up in everyday office life, and professionals benefit from time savings and greater reliability. Intel Image editing and visual creativity Adobe Photoshop integrates the NPU in functions such as “Generative Fill”, intelligent selection or automatic retouching. Whereas it used to take several seconds to remove an object from a high-resolution image, often at the expense of system performance, this process now runs in the background without delay. If you want to edit a group photo and remove distracting passers-by, you can see the result as you move the mouse. Fine selections such as hair or transparent fabrics can also be intuitively masked with AI support. For amateur users, this means agency-level results without GPU load. For companies, this means scalable editing even on mobile devices that are used on the move. Adobe Lightroom Classic and Lightroom CC use the NPU for AI-supported noise reduction in RAW files, among other things. Anyone who takes photos while travelling and wants to present the results on location can denoise, color-optimize and export dozens of images in just a few minutes. The masking functions, for example for separating the sky or people, also work in real time. Instead of an exported filter on series photos, editing is individualized and precise without the computer reaching its limits. Capture One also benefits from the NPU, especially with the automatic cropping functions (“AI Crop”) and look equalization (“Match Look”). A typical example: a wedding photographer loads 500 images into the library, selects a reference image with a particularly atmospheric lighting mood and the software transfers this aesthetic to all other motifs. Instead of hours of reworking, a consistent set is created in minutes. In the case of Affinity Photo 2, it’s clear that even smaller providers are using the NPU to significantly speed up their filters. Functions such as “live relight”, clipping by AI or automatic color adjustment run so smoothly that they’re no longer perceived as workflows, but as creative tools. The system remains responsive even with multiple images open. Adobe Luminar Neo demonstrates the possibilities of NPUs particularly clearly with functions such as “Supersharp AI” and “Upscale AI”. Anyone who wants to improve blurred animal photos or upscale old mobile phone photos to print size can now do this without the cloud or waiting time. A series of photos can be optimized in one go without blocking other processes in the system. Visual effects and video editing In Adobe Premiere Pro, editing functions such as automatic subtitling, scene recognition and audio transcription benefit from NPU acceleration. A video producer who creates content for social media on a daily basis can drag their recording into the timeline and the program will analyze voices, make cuts, and add subtitles during playback. In combination with the GPU, this leaves enough resources for color grading and export. Adobe DaVinci Resolve Studio utilizes the NPU via its Neural Engine. Face recognition, object tracking or smart masking no longer require a separate rendering phase. You can color-correct a fashion shot and directly generate several alternatives and compare them immediately. The program remains responsive even with 4K video material. This is particularly useful for mobile workstations with limited cooling capacity. CapCut, a widely used editing software in the creator sector, reacts immediately to hardware changes. Background removal at the click of a mouse, automatic adjustment to music rhythms or face tracking in a vlog—all this runs in real time on an NPU-based system. Anyone who produces several videos a day for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram saves time and at the same time reduces the effort required for manual corrections. Camo Studio users can also benefit. The software transforms simple webcams into studio equipment with background blurring, color adjustment, or automatic brightness control. It delivers a clear, professional image without external hardware, particularly in a corporate environment for hybrid meetings or customer discussions. Music and audio analysis Djay Pro uses the NPU to split tracks into individual audio tracks. To spontaneously remove a vocal or isolate the bass at a live gig, all you need to do is work directly in the running track in real time. The performance remains stable without the need for a separate server or a powerful interface. The workflow also works smoothly in the home studio. For content creators and podcasts with multiple speakers, local voice separation enables subsequent editing of volume, EQ, and compressor, separately for each track, without prior manual assignment. Productivity and office applications Microsoft Copilot utilizes the NPU in Office applications such as Word, Excel and Outlook. In Word, complete text drafts can be created with just a few key points—including style suggestions. In Excel, Copilot analyzes data sets, identifies outliers, and recommends suitable chart types. In Outlook, Copilot helps to manage the daily flood of information by automatically summarizing incoming emails. All of this is done locally without sending data to the cloud. This is a clear security advantage, especially for companies with sensitive content or public authorities. IDG / Mark Hachman Windows Recall uses the NPU to semantically analyze work processes. If you want to search through several files, chats, and browser windows at a later date, you can reconstruct the exact work situation later using a search term or visual representation. Content can also be found weeks later, which is a huge step forward for knowledge workers, lawyers, or technical editors. Recall creates screenshots of the screen for this purpose. Paint Cocreator creates illustrations based on text or simple sketches. A team leader who wants to visualize a new campaign idea can create a preview with two lines of text without having to start Illustrator or Photoshop. The results are created locally, in seconds. LiquidText uses AI to analyze the content of long documents. The software extracts key statements from specialized texts, studies or reports, creates links and allows structured notes. This makes work much easier for students, lawyers, or analysts. And thanks to the NPU, it even works on light devices without waiting times. Security and system tools Studio Effects improves the presentation in video calls. Eye contact correction, background blur, and image centering are calculated in real time via NPU, even with a weak webcam and without GPU load. This significantly increases professionalism, especially in professional meetings or in the home office. Rob Schultz McAfee uses the NPU in its Deepfake Detector. Audio and video material is analyzed locally without the need to upload recordings. Manipulations or synthetic content can be recognized directly, a function that is becoming relevant for financial companies, media, or law firms. BufferZone analyzes websites, attachments and links in real time. Phishing attempts, spoofing, or suspicious scripts are recognized as soon as they’re opened. As the analysis takes place locally on the NPU, it’s also effective without a network connection. Cephable relies on multimodal control. People with motor impairments can operate their PC using head movements, voice, or facial expressions. The NPU ensures that these signals are recognized and interpreted without delay, even when software is running in parallel in the background. AI frameworks and development environments The ONNX Runtime allows developers to execute their own AI models specifically on the NPU. It does not matter whether the model was trained with PyTorch or TensorFlow, it’s converted into an optimized format using conversion tools. IDG With its NPU Acceleration Library, Intel offers targeted optimization of AI operations on Core Ultra processors. Developers who write applications for image analysis, classification, or language can adapt them directly to the hardware. The Olive toolkit from Microsoft supports model conversion, optimization, and compilation. Applications such as “Generate by Iterate.ai” or “NITRO” are based on this infrastructure and show that even language models such as GPT can run locally without a permanent online connection. Gaming and real-time processing OBS Studio uses the NPU for background removal and noise suppression during streaming. Even an indie streamer with standard equipment can stream gameplay in 1080p and use the face camera at the same time—without any loss of FPS or annoying background noise. Topaz Video AI reconstructs old recordings, increases the resolution and removes artefacts. On modern laptops with an NPU, these processes run in a fraction of the time it used to take—a decisive advantage for video archives, YouTubers, and content editors. The first game producers are also experimenting with locally running AI for NPC behavior, dynamic dialogues or procedural animations. Thanks to the NPU, these elements can be realized in real time without a server connection, which opens up a new dimension for immersive gameplay. Conclusion NPUs are more than just a hardware trend —they’re changing the way software works. Creative, office, development, and security applications are all using NPUs to reduce response times, enable offline functions, and distribute resources more efficiently. Anyone using an NPU-enabled notebook benefits not only from individual features, but also from a fundamental change in the system architecture. The number of supported applications is growing continuously, as is the potential for new, intelligent workflows. Read...

‘Unfair’ EU rules are delaying features for European users, the tech giant says. Read...

Pekenui Jump and Skills Park covers an entire hillside and features three jump lines, two climbs and a scenic ridge descent. Read...

Sir Keir Starmer`s plan to announce the recognition of a Palestinian state features prominently on Sunday`s papers. Read...

TechHive Editors Choice At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Connects directly to Wi-Fi, no bridge or smart home hub required Impressive motion sensor catches everything Incredible collection of user options Great 3-way support, including a wireless option Cons Requires a neutral wire Motion sensitivity is nearly blind at lower levels More expensive than the competition Our Verdict Leviton’s updated motion-sensing dimmer pulls out all the stops with wired (or wireless) 3-way circuit support and impressive customization options. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer (model D2MSD) Retailer Price $39.71 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices With both dimming and motion sensing built in; plus, support for 3-way wiring setups, Leviton’s 2nd-gen Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer (model D2MSD) in-wall smart switch has just about everything you could ask for. As its name explicitly states, this is an update to an earlier model, the main additions being improved compatibility with third-party ecosystems and support for Leviton’s wireless remote control companion, which I’ll delve into in a bit. All told, it’s well worth its $40 street price. Specifications This dimmer has an extensive list of features, but the short of it is that it’s quite the loaded device. A Guidelight setting turns a controlled light on very dimly when motion is detected at night, but turns the light on to your normal brightness settings when daylight is detected. Again, this is an in-wall switch that requires permanent installation and the presence of a neutral wire in the box where it’s installed. The switch is rated to support up to 300 watts of LEDs or 450 watts of incandescent bulbs, or another load of up to 450 volt-amps. It’s also compatible with MLV (magnetic low voltage) loads. As with most dimmers, fluorescent bulbs are not recommended for use with this product (although dimmable compact fluorescents are OK). Leviton’s app offers a host of fine controls for the company’s motion-sensing dimmer.Christopher Null/Foundry The switch connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks only, and you’ll need Leviton’s mobile app for setup and management. You can also integrate the dimmer into Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, and Google Assistant ecosystems. It is not, however, compatible with Matter today (Leviton tells me a firmware update is in the works; many of the company’s other 2nd-gen Wi-Fi products–including its conventional on/off switch and dimmer–already support Matter after a firmware update). The centerpiece of the device is its built-in motion sensor, which sits just above the button-style power switch. This sensor features a 180-degree field of view with a maximum range of 30 feet. Naturally, the sensor’s primary function is to turn the lights on when motion is detected, though this can be easily disabled and adjusted in the app. Physical controls work as expected. Press the central button once to toggle the light on or off. Or use the pair of tiny buttons to the right of the power button to adjust brightness, either by tapping up or down to quickly jump through 10 broad levels of brightness, or by holding one of the buttons down to more smoothly and gradually adjust it, releasing when you get to the light level you want. Press the large button beneath the motion sensor to toggle the controlled light on and off; press the small buttons on the right-hand side to brighten or dim the light.Christopher Null/Foundry Lastly, the device supports the Leviton Anywhere Companion Dimmer ($27 at Amazon), a wireless remote control with a 50-foot range that syncs with the D2MSD and replicates its dimming functions (although not its motion-sensing feature). It’s also compatible with the Leviton Anywhere Companion Switch ($25 at Amazon) Powered by two coin-cell batteries, either device can be mounted to the wall and covered with a plate to emulate a three-way switch without requiring any wires or electrical work at all (the Switch product, of course, lacks a dimming feature). If the switch you’re replacing is already wired on a 3-way circuit, however, you’ll need to replace that other switch with a Leviton Dimmer Companion ($27 at Amazon) or Switch Companion ($25 at Amazon)—both of which are wired products—for the D2MSD to work. Installation and setup Like most wired smart switches and dimmers, the D2MSD requires a level of comfort with light electrical work and a modest amount of know-how to complete the installation properly (we can walk you through the process with this easy-to-follow guide to installing a light switch). The device is designed entirely with pigtail connections, with wire nuts included in the box to help you connect the four mandatory wires (five if connecting to a 3-way circuit). The Leviton smart dimmer D2MSD requires a neutral wire and it offers the option of a 3-way installation via a traveler wire (or you can use Leviton’s wireless companion switch). Christopher Null/Foundry As is common, the in-wall portion of the dimmer is rather large (though Leviton says the 2nd Gen device is slimmer than the 1st Gen), so getting it into the receptacle so it’s fully flush against the wall can take some effort, but I was able to wedge the device into place without much trouble. A white switch plate is included in the box, which snaps on over a mounting frame that connects to the switch with two small screws (so the screws won’t be visible when you’re finished). From there, electronic onboarding is completed through the My Leviton app. The app is straightforward, auto-discovering new Leviton devices nearby as soon a they are powered on. A few simple choices let you bridge the device to your 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network. Oddly, while setup runs you through a few basic configuration options, it does not prompt you to update firmware. You’ll want to do that manually, under the “Device Health” menu option in the Settings tab; out of the box mine was well out of date. If you want to add the switch to HomeKit, the QR code is printed on a sticker attached to the switch, beneath the frame. Using the Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer Leviton’s smart dimmer can support a variety of lighting types, including compact fluorescent, incandescent, LED, and magnetic low voltage loads.Christopher Null/Foundry Out of the box, the D2MSD worked exactly as I expected it to. At the highest motion sensitivity setting, the switch was very responsive to movement in the room. I installed the switch in my garage, on the same wall as the door leading into the house, about 6 feet away from it. The sensor was so effective that the connected light would typically be on by the time I took my first step from the house into the garage, with zero delay. It’s almost too sensitive, to be honest; yet I found the medium and low sensitivity levels to be too insensitive to use. The low setting often would not activate without me standing directly in front of the dimmer and waving my arms. What I would really like is a sensitivity setting somewhere between high and medium, though that’s a very minor complaint. The dimmer can either be set to return to the most recently used brightness level or to a preset brightness each time it is used. Fade on and off speeds can also be set by the user. One half of Leviton’s two-piece switch cover gets screwed to the switch itself. The other half snaps onto this half, hiding the screws.Christopher Null/Foundry Digging deeper into the settings, the dimmer can be set in one of two modes: Occupancy turns the lights on when motion is detected and off when it stops; Vacancy requires you to turn the light on manually, it then leaves them on until motion stops, at which point it turns them off. You can configure the length of time for no motion to be detected until the lights turn off, with options ranging from 1 to 60 minutes. An ambient light sensor built into the switch can be used to keep the lights off if the room is already bright from another source (such as daylight from a window). This can be toggled on or off and the minimum light level specified by a slider. (You’ll need to use some trial and error to dial this in.) A final motion sensor feature is the option to enable or disable a red LED within the sensor to flash if motion is detected. There’s also a separate green LED under the motion sensor that can be set to be either on or off when the light is active, or off altogether. You can add Leviton’s smart dimmer to your Apple HomeKit ecosystem by scanning the QR code on the device. Christopher Null/Foundry Another handy feature of the switch is called Guidelight. This is an optional mode that turns the lights on very dimly during night hours when motion is detected, but turns the lights on to your normal brightness settings during other times. These hours can be configured manually or in relation to sunrise and sunset, based on your location. I had zero trouble with any of these features, and the dimmer worked flawlessly throughout a week of testing. The hardware controls work well, and the app is easy to navigate and quick to respond. Novices should find it easy to work with, but power users who want total control over the way it works won’t be disappointed, either. Should you buy the Leviton Decora Smart Motion Sensing Dimmer 2nd Gen D2MSD? I’ve been using a very similar product, the motion-activated Kasa Smart ES20M Smart Wi-Fi Dimmer from TP-Link, for nearly three years. After replacing it with Leviton’s device, I must say the edge goes to Leviton. These are both very good products, but Leviton’s device has a superior motion sensor, it supports 3-way circuits–including that wireless remote–and I simply preferred working with the My Leviton app over the Kasa Smart app. You’ll pay $15 more for the D2MSD, however, so if cash is a concern, TP-Link offers performance that’s nearly as good. If you don’t need 3-way support, you can’t go wrong with either selection. Read...

ExpressVPN just announced a brand new free VPN service called EventVPN. This new service was created as a direct response to the flooding of the VPN market with low-quality free VPNs that harvest user data. It’s designed to be a safe and private alternative to these shady VPN services that put users at risk. In a press release following the announcement, Shay Peretz, Chief Operating Officer at ExpressVPN stated, “The nature of privacy is changing materially across the world. Social media bans, censorship, and restrictions of digital accessibility are on the rise and, in many ways, have become expected. Each and every time online privacy is threatened, downloads of unsafe VPNs peak. Privacy should be a human right, not just limited to those who can pay for it with money.” While built by ExpressVPN, using its industry-leading infrastructure, EventVPN is a fully standalone free VPN for Apple devices. Not only does EventVPN not impose usage limits or data caps, but it also allows users to connect with one device at a time with access to over 35-plus locations. The country server selection is impressive too, with places like the U.S., Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, and more. The app even comes with many of the same advanced protections offered by ExpressVPN. These include access to its post-quantum encrypted WireGuard protocol, a kill switch feature, and an independently verified no-logs audit—a rarity among free VPNs. The EventVPN app also includes a built-in speed test tool and in-app private browsing for nearly every major search engine. Along with the free version, EventVPN offers a premium paid subscription plan that provides eight simultaneous device connections and access to over 125 server locations for either $10 per month or $70 for a one year term. It’s worth noting that the premium version of EventVPN and ExpressVPN are not the same and lack cross-platform compatibility. Users of EventVPN’s premium service also won’t gain access to advanced features such as Threat Manager and split-tunneling—you’ll still need to subscribe to ExpressVPN instead if you want these. EventVPN’s free version does serve ads, although the system is built to keep user data separate from advertising services. EventVPN The free version of EventVPN does come with one big caveat: ads. And from what it looks like there are a lot of them. Every time you connect or disconnect from a server or run a speed test you’ll be served with a 30-second ad in the app.  While annoying, ads are standard fare for practically every free VPN. Only our top ranked free VPNs ProtonVPN and PrivadoVPN offer free versions without ads. For its part, ExpressVPN has developed a system in which user data will be kept completely separate from the advertising process. In a blog post, the company explains it as such, “EventVPN uses Apple account validation and subscription receipts to check whether you’re on the free or premium plan. Once verified, you’re issued an anonymous connection token that lets you connect securely, without any personal data being stored or managed… Apple’s App Tracking Transparency (ATT) asks for permission so you can choose whether or not to receive personalized ads, and its Identifier for Advertisers (IDFA) system ties ads to a unique, random device identifier, keeping your personal information private.” I typically don’t recommend free VPNs, but there are still some that are worth your while. It remains to be seen if EventVPN will rank among the best free VPNs, but it looks promising. ExpressVPN is an outstanding service with a sterling privacy record and it is consistently one of the very best VPNs on the market. If EventVPN can provide users with a similar experience at no cost, while maintaining user privacy, then it stands to be a worthy contender. Read...

If you have a Copilot+ PC, you can look forward to free AI features coming to the Notepad app in the near future. These features include AI-generated text (Write), revisions (Rewrite), and summaries (Summarize). “Notepad now supports AI features like Summarize, Write, and Rewrite on Copilot+ PCs, with no subscription required. If you have a subscription, you can seamlessly switch between local and cloud models based on your needs,” said Dave Grochocki, Principal Group Product Manager for Windows Inbox Apps, in a Windows Insider blog post. “If you’re not signed in or don’t have a subscription, you can use the local model to accomplish your tasks. For now, these features support English only, making premium AI more accessible and flexible for everyone.” To clarify, these AI-driven features were previously only offered to customers who pay for Microsoft 365 or Copilot Pro, but now they’re being rolled out to more users for free. Read...