From the Editor

I’ve not counted them all but there must

Openreach shuts first copper phone exchange

The top stories in the world of technology

Virgin adds Tubi’s 60,000 TV and films

V irgin Media has added Tubi to its

Amazon’s U-turn lets you install VPNs on new Fire TV Stick

Y ou can now install VPNs on Amazon’s

PROTON LAUNCHES SPREADSHEET TOOL

Proton has launched an online spreadsheet tool called

CRUCIAL MEMORY AXED FOR CONSUMERS

US tech firm Micron will stop making Crucial

Murder of Charlie Kirk tops Google’s UK search trends for 2025

C harlie Kirk topped Google’s trending UK searches

TOMORROW’S WORLD

This isn’t the world’s first edible robot but

REPLACE UNSAFE SMARTTUBE TV APP

SmartTube’s developer has released a new version of

ADD STREAMING TO VODAFONE BILL

Vodafone broadband customers can now add streaming and

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Credit: Instagram/@anna.wein This Cruella De Vil wannabe is

ChatGPT getting adverts according to code leak

C hatGPT will soon start showing adverts, according

Netflix scraps casting to your TV

N etflix no longer lets you cast TV

PC sales to be flat in 2026 as firms stick with Windows 10

D ell has said that sales of Windows

Virgin fined £23.8m for not protecting vulnerable customers

O fcom has fined Virgin Media £23.8m for

APPLE MAKES FIRST iPHONE SE OBSOLETE

Apple has added the original iPhone SE (pictured)

PAY TO ACCESS PLEX TV APPS REMOTELY

Plex users will soon need a Remote Watch Pass

Should the BBC use iPlayer to catch licence-fee dodgers?

MPs want it to find a better system than knocking on front doors

Protect your tech

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

New tools

Signals Secure Backups

ScamWatch

Readers warn readers

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

STAR LETTER

Nothing wrong with charging customers for missed appointments

Search the Battle of Trafalgar Prize Book

If your ancestors took part in Nelson’s finest hour, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software

Robert Irvine recommends new programs that won’t cost you a thing

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

Named & Shamed

Keumars Afifi-Sabet puts the boot into tech villains, jargon-spouting companies and software trying to trick you

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

What’s All the Fuss About...

An accusation from a Campbell’s worker leaves a nasty taste in the mouth

BEAT 2026’s PRICE RISES

Get ready to pay more for your technology over the next 12 months. Robert Irvine reveals what will become more expensive and how to cut the cost

Keep your VPN unblocked in 2026

Getting locked out of sites and services while using a VPN? Jonathan Parkyn explains the tricks and techniques you can use to bypass the blocks

Problems Solved

Our experts solve all your tech problems

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

1080p High-definition video: 1920x1080 pixels. 3G/4G/5G Technologies that

Convert unlimited files for free

Tired of online file-conversion tools with annoying restrictions, Robert Irvine tries to…

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Can TomTom stop updating my satnav?

Q When I bought my TomTom Start satnav

Virgin refunds reader £57 for faulty landline

Virgin Media has refunded reader Andrew Higgins for

Why can’t I cancel an order before despatch?

Q I bought a router online on Friday

Can Tesco refuse help with faulty phone after 30 days?

Q In early September, I bought the IMO

Moonpig let me change order after I made errors

For the past few months, Moonpig has been

MSI Cubi NUC AI+ 2MG

New products tested by our experts

Asus Chromebook CX1505CKA

Through the net

OnePlus 15

Makes all the right calls

Ugreen NASync DH2300

Stream on

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPECS

sRGB

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Hear to help

Which bluetooth speakers are best for classical music?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Netgem PLEIO

Freely provided

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select

Down stream

HOW TO...

Build a home security system for under £20

Workshop

Redact sensitive information from PDFs

Readers’ Tips

Handy hints and tips from your fellow readers

Browser Tips

Secret settings and the best extensions

AI Tips

Clever new tools and tweaks

Phone and Tablet Tips

Brilliant things to do on your device

What you should install this fortnight

ATG Tickets Free Android www.snipca.com/57129 iOS www.snipca.com/57130

Reducing your screen time

Focus Friend Free* Android www.snipca.com/57142 iOS www.snipca.com/57143

Make Windows Better

Expert tips for every version

Make Office Better

Top tips for the best office programs

In The Club

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

What You Must UNINSTALL in 2026!

Rid your PC and phone of rubbish programs and apps to start the new year junk-free. Robert Irvine reveals the dismal, dubious and dangerous tools you must remove