From the Editor

I’d be lost without my maps. They tell

Google disables popular ad-blocker uBlock Origin

The top stories in the world of technology

Google axes old Chromecast despite no iPlayer in replacement

G oogle has stopped selling the Chromecast, leaving

Apple offers AI tools in new ‘budget’ iPhone

A pple has launched the iPhone SE, which

MICROSOFT TESTS FREE OFFICE WITH ADVERTS

Microsoft is testing a free version of Office

TOMORROW’S WORLD

Polish firm Clone Robotics calls its Protoclone robot a

UPDATE LIBREOFFICE NOW TO FIX FLAW

LibreOffice has urged anyone using version 24.8 to

Amazon launches AI version of Alexa, but it’s not free

A mazon has launched a new AI-powered version

Sky to launch cheaper Glass TVs

S ky has said it will release a

RING RELEASES FIRST 2K SECURITY CAMERA

Ring has released its first 2K security camera,

YOUTUBE TO CUT ‘DISRUPTIVE’ ADVERTS

YouTube says it will show fewer “disruptive” adverts during

THE WORLD’S GONE MAD!

Mayors of towns near Mount Etna in Sicily

Gmail users targeted in scam that combines phone and email

S ecurity experts have repeated a warning from

SEAGATE’S NEW SSD LOOKS LIKE USB STICK

Seagate has released an SSD that looks like

Amazon stops you moving ebooks by USB

A mazon has scrapped the ‘Download & Transfer

KEEP USING FIREFOX ON W7 UNTIL SEPTEMBER

Firefox will keep working on Windows 7 and 8.1

GET QLED FREELY TVs FOR UNDER £400

German manufacturer Metz has launched a range of Freely

Why does the Govt want to access your private files?

It asked Apple to disable its most advanced security protection

‘Winter Fuel Payment’ text

Readers warn readers

New tools

Lock your points on Sainsbury’s Nectar app

WATCH OUT FOR... Fake adverts promoted by celebrities

Scams and threats to avoid, plus new security tools

Letters

Tell us what’s on your mind

Council should let Howells dig for Bitcoin – but demand more money

In Issue 704 (page 8) you asked whether

Consumeractive

We stand up for your legal rights

Lidl says coupons are ‘non-refundable’ but offers help

Lidl has suggested it will refund Jenny Beady

Palicomp sent new power supply unit within 24 hours

I’ve been using Palicomp computers for about 15

Search criminal records

If your ancestors ran into trouble with the law, follow Richard Holt’s advice to…

Best Free Software

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

SOFTWARE WARNING!

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

HACK YOUR MAPS!

Improve your navigation by exploring the best new and secret tools in mapping websites and apps. Robert Irvine reveals 20 free ways to make maps work better for you

Beat Microsoft’s Office price rise

Microsoft 365 subscribers are about to see a huge hike in fees just for the privilege of using of Copilot. Jonathan Parkyn explains how to beat this rise, and pay only for features you want

Boost your TV’s audio with a soundbar

If you’re struggling to hear dialogue in TV shows and films, a soundbar can help. Robert Irvine explains how they work and recommends the best models

Problems Solved

Our experts solve all your tech problems

Reader Support

Having a problem with our recommended software or

Uninstall junk from his Fire stick

Fed up with preinstalled apps hogging valuable storage space, Robert Irvine tries to…

What should I download?

We advise you which software and apps to use

Chuwi UBox AMD Ryzen 5 6600H

MINI PC ❘ £261 from Chuwi www.snipca.com/53972

HP Chromebook Plus 15.6

LAPTOP | £449 from Very www.snipca.com/53866

Oppo Pad 3Pro

TABLET | £499 from Oppo www.snipca.com/53892

Corsair EX400U

SOLID-STATE DRIVE | £190 from Scan www.snipca.com/53939

Bluetooth 6.0

What does it do? Bluetooth allows two

Tapo D235 Wired & Battery Video Doorbell

VIDEO DOORBELL | £100 from Tapo www.snipca.com/53924

Which laptop processor is best for my needs?

We solve your buying dilemmas

Cherry Xtrfy M64

MOUSE ❘ £75 from Currys www.snipca.com/53912

Inui Ergonomic Wireless Charger Stand

PHONE CHARGER ❘ £18 from Amazon www.snipca.com/53913

Sony HT-SF150

SOUNDBAR | £99 from Argos www.snipca.com/53955

DO I REALLY NEED...A router with a 10-mile range?

What is it? Australian firm Morse Micro

Buy It

Our pick of products that have won the Buy It award

Win 1 of 4… SwannBuddy4K video doorbells

Winner of a Recommended award in Issue 700

HOW TO... Master Google’s Gemini AI chatbot

What you need: Web browser; Gemini app Time

Easily edit CSV files

What you need: Modern CSV Time required: 30

Readers’ Tips

TIP OF THE FORTNIGHT Use the new

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

Promote events with a Facebook Story

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

Grok

Elon Musk’s improved AI chatbot wants to steal ChatGPT’s crown