Google Chrome Canary beta build reveals a new split-screen feature with brand-new functionality. This feature lets you use two windows in a single tab and even dynamically change the size of the windows for enhanced productivity. The latest beta build of Google Chrome features "Show side-by-side", allowing users to merge two windows under one larger tab, resize the two sides, and better separate the tabs.
The introduction of this split-screen feature signals a significant shift in the way web developers approach multitasking and productivity, potentially changing how tasks are performed on the web.
How will the widespread adoption of split-screen functionality in Google Chrome impact the design and user experience of websites, particularly those geared towards content creation or research?
Firefox's latest version introduces vertical tabs, a feature designed to enhance productivity for users managing numerous open web pages. This innovative layout allows for easier navigation and organization of tabs compared to the traditional horizontal format, streamlining the user experience significantly. Additionally, the update includes various other tools and security enhancements, reinforcing Firefox's commitment to improving functionality and user safety.
The introduction of vertical tabs may signify a pivotal shift in browser design, prioritizing user efficiency in an era where multitasking has become essential for many professionals.
Will the adoption of vertical tabs by more browsers lead to a standardization of this feature, or will it remain a unique selling point for Firefox?
Firefox's latest update introduces vertical tabs, allowing users to manage numerous open web pages more efficiently by displaying them in a sidebar. This feature, which can be quickly enabled from the tab bar, enhances usability by providing options to organize and customize tab visibility. Alongside this, Firefox 136 includes various improvements and security updates, positioning the browser as a competitive player in the ongoing browser battle.
The introduction of vertical tabs reflects a growing recognition of user experience in web browsing, potentially influencing other browsers to adopt similar features for better management of open pages.
Will the functionality of vertical tabs be enough to persuade users to switch back to Firefox from more popular browsers?
The evolution of web browsers reflects a shift from consumer-focused tools designed solely for information access to specialized enterprise browsers that prioritize security and productivity. While traditional consumer browsers have remained largely unchanged, they struggle to meet the complex needs of enterprises that require enhanced control and safety measures. Enterprise browsers, designed from the ground up, integrate security features and application delivery capabilities, promoting efficiency while safeguarding corporate resources.
This distinction between consumer and enterprise browsers highlights the necessity for tailored solutions in a rapidly changing digital landscape, where security and usability are paramount for organizational success.
As businesses increasingly rely on digital tools, how might the growing divide between consumer and enterprise browser functionalities shape user expectations and technological advancements in the future?
Mozilla's latest update to Firefox adds a long-awaited feature, plus a few other bits and bobs. With the recent Firefox 136 update, Mozilla’s web browser got several improvements and new features, including vertical tabs that sit in a new sidebar and provide a better overview when you have tons of open tabs. The update brings improved security via fixed vulnerabilities, which apply to Firefox ESR and Tor Browser as well.
This welcome change is a testament to the browser's evolving capacity for user-centric design, where functionality meets aesthetics in a harmonious union.
Can native vertical tabs be the harbinger of a new era in web browsing, one that prioritizes organization, efficiency, and intuitive navigation?
The US Department of Justice remains steadfast in its proposal for Google to sell its web browser Chrome, despite recent changes to its stance on artificial intelligence investments. The DOJ's initial proposal, which called for Chrome's divestment, still stands, with the department insisting that Google must be broken up to prevent a monopoly. However, the agency has softened its stance on AI investments, allowing Google to pursue future investments without mandatory divestiture.
This development highlights the tension between antitrust enforcement and innovation in the tech industry, as regulators seek to balance competition with technological progress.
Will the DOJ's leniency towards Google's AI investments ultimately harm consumers by giving the company a competitive advantage over its rivals?
Google's dominance in the browser market has raised concerns among regulators, who argue that the company's search placement payments create a barrier to entry for competitors. The Department of Justice is seeking the divestiture of Chrome to promote competition and innovation in the tech industry. The proposed remedy aims to address antitrust concerns by reducing Google's control over online searching.
This case highlights the tension between promoting innovation and encouraging competition, particularly when it comes to dominant players like Google that wield significant influence over online ecosystems.
How will the outcome of this antitrust case shape the regulatory landscape for future tech giants, and what implications will it have for smaller companies trying to break into the market?
Lenovo's latest creation, the "Codename Flip" ThinkBook, combines two 13-inch OLED displays into a single giant 18.1-inch screen, offering five distinct modes for multitasking, collaboration, and creative workflows. This AI-powered hybrid laptop is designed to support flexible workspaces and adaptive work environments, featuring a range of innovative features such as Workspace Split Screen and a three-layer illuminated dashboard. The ThinkBook "codename Flip" is poised to revolutionize the way we work, but its full potential remains unclear until more details are revealed.
This device represents a significant step forward in the evolution of laptop design, blurring the lines between traditional laptops and tablets.
What impact will the widespread adoption of hybrid laptops like the ThinkBook "codename Flip" have on traditional office spaces and workflows?
As recent news reminds us, malicious browser add-ons can start life as legit extensions. Reviewing what you’ve got installed is a smart move. Earlier this month, an alarm sounded—security researchers at GitLab Threat Intelligence discovered a handful of Chrome extensions adding code in order to commit fraud, with at least 3.2 million users affected. But the add-ons didn’t start as malicious. Instead, they launched as legitimate software, only to be later compromised or sold to bad actors.
The fact that these extensions were able to deceive millions of users for so long highlights the importance of staying vigilant when installing browser add-ons and regularly reviewing their permissions.
As more people rely on online services, the risk of malicious extensions spreading through user adoption becomes increasingly critical, making it essential for Google to continually improve its Chrome extension review process.
Two new features are likely to be introduced on the Google Pixel 10 with the release of Android 16, including widgets on the lock screen and support for external displays. Android expert Mishaal Rahman has managed to manually activate these features in advance, revealing how they will enhance user experience. The introduction of these features is part of Google's strategy to position Android as a replacement for classic desktop operating systems.
This represents an opportunity for device manufacturers to further differentiate their offerings and create new use cases for smartphones that go beyond the typical mobile phone experience.
Will the integration of widgets on the lock screen and support for external displays lead to a significant shift in how people interact with their Android devices, particularly in terms of productivity and multitasking?
The US Department of Justice is still calling for Google to sell its web browser Chrome, according to a recent court filing. The DOJ first proposed that Google should sell Chrome last year, under then-President Joe Biden, but it seems to be sticking with that plan under the second Trump administration. The department is, however, no longer calling for the company to divest all its investments in artificial intelligence.
This proposal highlights the ongoing tension between the government's desire to promote competition and Google's efforts to maintain its dominance in the online search market, where Chrome's browser plays a critical role.
Will the DOJ's continued push for Chrome's sale lead to increased scrutiny of other tech giants' market power and influence on consumer choice?
Google is making some changes to Google Play on Android devices to better highlight apps that include widgets, according to a blog post. The changes include a new search filter for widgets, widget badges on app detail pages, and a curated editorial page dedicated to widgets. Historically, one of the challenges with investing in widget development has been discoverability and user understanding, but Google aims to justify this effort by user adoption.
As users increasingly turn to their devices' home screens as an interface for managing their digital lives, the importance of intuitive widget discovery will only continue to grow.
Will Google's efforts to promote widgets ultimately lead to a proliferation of cluttered and overwhelming home screens, or will it enable more efficient and effective app usage?
Microsoft's Edge browser isn't planning to remove popular ad blockers like uBlock Origin anytime soon, despite recent changes in testing that may have raised concerns about the fate of these extensions. Instead, it appears to be an accidental introduction to the earliest test version of Edge, with Microsoft set to correct the mistake shortly. The change in testing is a sign that all Chromium browsers will eventually adopt Google's new Manifest V3 platform, but it won't happen immediately.
This incident highlights the complexities and nuances of browser extensions and their development, where seemingly innocuous changes can have far-reaching implications for users and developers alike.
As Microsoft moves forward with its plan to migrate from Manifest V2 to V3, will the company prioritize security and performance benefits over user preferences and developer convenience?
Google has announced several changes to its widgets system on Android that will make it easier for app developers to reach their users. The company is preparing to roll out new features to Android phones, tablets, and foldable devices, as well as on Google Play, aimed at improving widget discovery. These updates include a new visual badge that displays on an app's detail page and a dedicated search filter to help users find apps with widgets.
By making it easier for users to discover and download apps with widgets, Google is poised to further enhance the Android home screen experience, potentially leading to increased engagement and user retention among developers.
Will this move by Google lead to a proliferation of high-quality widget-enabled apps on the Play Store, or will it simply result in more widgets cluttering users' homescreens?
Google has updated its AI assistant Gemini with two significant features that enhance its capabilities and bring it closer to rival ChatGPT. The "Screenshare" feature allows Gemini to do live screen analysis and answer questions in the context of what it sees, while the new "Gemini Live" feature enables real-time video analysis through the phone's camera. These updates demonstrate Google's commitment to innovation and its quest to remain competitive in the AI assistant market.
The integration of these features into Gemini highlights the growing trend of multimodal AI assistants that can process various inputs and provide more human-like interactions, raising questions about the future of voice-based interfaces.
Will the release of these features on the Google One AI Premium plan lead to a significant increase in user adoption and engagement with Gemini?
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has released a revised proposal to break up Google, including the possibility of selling its web browser, Chrome, as punishment for being a monopolist. The DOJ argues that Google has denied users their right to choose in the marketplace and proposes restrictions on deals made by the company. However, the proposed changes soften some of the original demands, allowing Google to pay Apple for services unrelated to search.
This development highlights the ongoing struggle between regulation and corporate influence under the Trump administration, raising questions about whether tech companies will continue to play politics with policy decisions.
Can the DOJ successfully navigate the complex web of antitrust regulations and corporate lobbying to ensure a fair outcome in this case, or will Google's significant resources ultimately prevail?
Modern web browsers offer several built-in settings that can significantly enhance data security and privacy while online. Key adjustments, such as enabling two-factor authentication, disabling the saving of sensitive data, and using encrypted DNS requests, can help users safeguard their personal information from potential threats. Additionally, leveraging the Tor network with specific configurations can further anonymize web browsing, although it may come with performance trade-offs.
These tweaks reflect a growing recognition of the importance of digital privacy, empowering users to take control of their online security without relying solely on external tools or services.
What additional measures might users adopt to enhance their online security in an increasingly interconnected world?
Google is expanding its AI assistant, Gemini, with new features that allow users to ask questions using video content in real-time. At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona, Google showcased a "Screenshare" feature that enables users to share what's on their phone's screen with Gemini and get answers about it as they watch. This development marks another step in the evolution of AI-powered conversational interfaces.
As AI assistants like Gemini become more prevalent, it raises fundamental questions about the role of human curation and oversight in the content shared with these systems.
How will users navigate the complexities of interacting with an AI assistant that is simultaneously asking for clarification and attempting to provide assistance?
An analysis conducted on various popular web browsers, including Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, reveals that many of them consume significant amounts of RAM, posing challenges for users with low-RAM systems. Despite its popularity, Chrome does not lead in efficiency, with alternatives like Whale and Yandex showing better performance in terms of memory usage. The findings emphasize the importance of browser choice for users operating on budget laptops with limited RAM resources.
This investigation highlights the critical role of software optimization in enhancing user experience, particularly for those relying on budget hardware that cannot accommodate high memory demands.
What factors influence users' choices when selecting a web browser, particularly when performance and resource consumption are at stake?
Samsung's Display group showcased a range of innovative folding concepts at Mobile World Congress, including a briefcase screen and a foldable gaming handheld. While these demonstrations were likely intended for other manufacturers, attendees couldn't help but be drawn to the potential of such technology. Samsung's display capabilities have long been seen as forward-thinking, and this year's offerings were no exception.
The emphasis on flexibility in smartphone screens underscores the industry's shift towards creating seamless user experiences across devices, from phones to laptops.
Will consumers be willing to pay a premium for foldable or flexible screens that offer unique features over traditional displays?
Google's recent software update has introduced several camera features across its Pixel devices, including the ability to take a picture by holding your palm up, improved performance for older phones, and new functionality for Pixel Fold users. The update also brings haptic feedback changes that some users are finding annoyingly intense. Despite these updates, Google is still working on several key features.
This unexpected change in haptic feedback highlights the importance of user experience testing and feedback loops in software development.
Will Google's efforts to fine-tune its camera features be enough to address the growing competition in the smartphone camera market?
Doogee has introduced a new Tab E3 series of slates with on-trend 13- and 14-inch displays in its Pro and Max variants respectively, both powered by a unique 9-core processor designed to optimize performance with artificial intelligence. The company's latest devices are part of its efforts to "Dares to be Different" at the MWC 2025 showcase, showcasing their AI-enhanced content consumption capabilities. Doogee is also introducing new wearables and smaller tablets under the E3 series.
The integration of Risc-V support in these new slates could potentially open up new avenues for developers in terms of hardware customization and optimization.
What implications might this have for the broader tablet market, where manufacturers are increasingly looking to leverage AI-enhanced technologies to differentiate their products?
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) continues to seek a court order for Google to sell off its popular browser, Chrome, as part of its effort to address allegations of search market monopoly. The DOJ has the backing of 38 state attorneys general in this bid, with concerns about the impact on national security and freedom of competition in the marketplace. Google has expressed concerns that such a sale would harm the American economy, but an outcome is uncertain.
The tension between regulatory oversight and corporate interests highlights the need for clarity on the boundaries of anti-trust policy in the digital age.
Will the ongoing dispute over Chrome's future serve as a harbinger for broader challenges in balancing economic competitiveness with national security concerns?
uBlock Origin, a popular ad-blocking extension, has been automatically disabled on some devices due to Google's shift to Manifest V3, the new extensions platform. This move comes as users are left wondering about their alternatives in the face of an impending deadline for removing all Manifest V2 extensions. Users who rely on uBlock Origin may need to consider switching to another browser or ad blocker.
As users scramble to find replacement ad blockers that adhere to Chrome's new standards, they must also navigate the complexities of web extension development and the trade-offs between features, security, and compatibility.
What will be the long-term impact of this shift on user privacy and online security, particularly for those who have relied heavily on uBlock Origin to protect themselves from unwanted ads and trackers?
Google is sneakily trying to get users to remove uBlock Origin, but there's a simple workaround you can use to sidestep it. Despite warnings, users of the popular adblocker can continue using it by reactivating it via the Chrome extensions settings. However, this solution may not be available forever as Google aims to discontinue support for legacy Manifest V2-based extensions in the long term.
This workaround highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between ad blockers and browser vendors, where users are forced to navigate complex rules and restrictions to maintain their online privacy and security.
What happens when the next generation of Chrome users is born with a built-in ad blocker that's even more invasive than uBlock Origin?
Copilot is getting a new look with an all-new card-based design across mobile, web, and Windows, allowing users to see what they're looking at, converse in natural voice, and access a virtual news presenter. The new features include personalized Copilot Vision, OpenAI-like natural voice conversation mode, and a revamped AI-powered Windows Search that includes a "Click to Do" feature. Additionally, Paint and Photos are getting fun new features like Generative Fill and Erase.
The integration of AI-driven search capabilities in Windows may be the key to unlocking a new era of personal productivity and seamless interaction with digital content.
As Microsoft's Copilot becomes more pervasive in the operating system, will its reliance on OpenAI models create new concerns about data ownership and user agency?