From the Editor

If you think all things related to computing

Amazon closes Freevee – but you can still watch shows for free

Amazon is to close its streaming service Freevee,

Virgin Media and O2 to raise prices from April 2025

Virgin Media’s broadband customers will pay an extra

Are Fire TV Stick hackers modern-day Robin Hoods?

That’s what one recently claimed, though the judge wasn’t persuaded

Fake eBay ‘customer support’ Google results

Protect your tech

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Virtually Parkinson

The legendary chat show host is returning from the grave via AI

Master DuckDuckGo’s Superb New Tools

DuckDuckGo regularly added useful new features throughout 2024, making it even more of an outstanding alternative to Google. Daniel Booth reveals the best across search, browsers, email and AI chat

Don’t use PayPal this Christmas

PayPal is the world’s most popular online payment service, but it’s no longer the most trustworthy. Robert Irvine explains what’s changed and what to use instead

Can I connect headphones to my old TV?

PROBLEM OF THE FORTNIGHT

Reader Support

Having a problem with our recommended software or expert tips? Email editor@computeractive.co.uk and we’ll do our best to help

Jargon Buster

Apply animated winter wallpaper

Know How

Microsoft to W10 users: buy a new Copilot+ laptop

The top stories in the world of technology

iPlayer coming to Google TV Streamer after BBC approval

BBC iPlayer should soon be available on Google’s

US Govt orders Google to sell Chrome

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has ordered

IN BRIEF

MICROSOFT RENAMES START APP ‘MSN’ Microsoft has

IN BRIEF

DON’T USE EDITPRO AI IMAGE EDITOR Fraudsters

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

This is Iván Buhajeruk making his debut for

AI pensioner wastes scammers’ time with ‘rambling’ chat

Mobile network O2 has built an AI pensioner

Apple iCloud users could get £70 in ‘rip-off’ lawsuit

Apple iCloud customers could each receive around £70

IN BRIEF

AVOID BITWARDEN ‘UPDATE’ ON FACEBOOK Scammers are

Track down missing birth records

If you’re struggling to find when and where your ancestors were born, follow Judith Batchelor’s advice to…

Paint.NET 5.1

www.snipca.com/52889 What you need: Windows 10 or

Bloatynosy Nue 0.85.40

www.snipca.com/52879 What you need: Windows 10

Calibre 7.21

www.snipca.com/52880 What you need: Windows 10

SHOULD I PAY FOR…?

Choose the right version of software

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

Synology quietly axes Video Station from NAS drives

When reader Robert Willis bought his Synology DS418

WHAT ARE THEY TALKING ABOUT?

WHAT THEY SAY Nvidia www.snipca.com/52763

Amanj Hasan Zada

KEUMARS’ VILLAIN OF THE FORTNIGHT

Geekom GT1 Mega

MINI PC | £989 from Geekom www.snipca.com/52684

MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio

LAPTOP ❘ £1,200 from Scan www.snipca.com/52708

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite

EBOOK READER | £160 from Amazon www.snipca.com/52730

Which phones are compatible with hearing aids?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Samsung ViewFinity S80UD

PC MONITOR | £320 from Laptops Direct www.snipca.com/52767

Paper weight

What is it? A printer’s paper-weight specification tells

TCL 32S5400

SMART TV | £138 from Amazon www.snipca.com/52781

A 5K monitor?

What is it? Asus has launched the ProArt

Win 1 of 4… Cuktech 20 laptop power banks

Winner of a Recommended award in Issue 695

Devolo Magic 2 Wifi6 combines cutting-edge Wi-Fi with the latest Powerline technology

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

LAPTOP PRICE DROP Dell Inspiron 14 Plus £699

HOW TO... Upgrade an unsupported PC to run Windows 11

What you need: Flyby11 Time required:

Add subtitles to your videos using AI

What you need: Shotcut Time required:

Readers’ Tips

TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT Set traffic-delay times in

Browser Tips

Secret settings and the best extensions

Phone and Tablet Tips

Brilliant things to do on your device

Make Windows Better

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs

Create club logos using Canva’s Dream Lab

Run a club or society? Here's how your tech can make it easier

BEST FREE DOWNLOADS FOR 2025

Get more for less in the new year by grabbing the web’s best freebies. Robert Irvine recommends 21 brilliant new programs, apps and downloads that won’t cost you a penny