Do You Edit Photos or Video on Your PC, Phone, or Tablet? Take This Survey to Win Big

PCMag Canada — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 23:16:23 +0000

We want to hear your thoughts on the tools you use to perfect your digital snapshots, create amazing influencer videos, and more. One lucky respondent will get a $250 Amazon gift card.

Take the PCMag Photo and Video Editing Survey Now

Take other PCMag surveys. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.

Asus Zenbook A16 Review: A Featherweight 16-Inch OLED Powerhouse

Brian Westover — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Luxury pricing for laptops often comes down to two things: performance and panache. This year's Asus Zenbook A16 (starting at $1,699.99) aims for both, combining high-end processing power with a distinctively rich, tactile build. The result is a lightweight and premium

Apple Watch Series 12 Wishlist: 5 Upgrades Standing Between Meh and Must-Have

Andrew Gebhart — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

From holding the line on pricing to deeper AI fitness coaching, these five upgrades will decide whether the Apple Watch Series 12 is worth your money.

At its 'Surprise and Shine' event on Sept.9, Apple will all but certainly announce a Series 12 smartwatch. I don’t expect Apple to throw out the playbook here, despite new leadership. If history is any …

I Test AI Every Day, and I Still Have No Idea What I'm Paying For

Ruben Circelli — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

From hidden monthly caps to arbitrary usage resets, AI companies have turned subscription pricing into a guessing game. Here's how they obfuscate limits—and what needs to change.

As PCMag's resident AI expert, I test everything from AI chatbots to AI music video generators daily. But no matter what I'm doing, I never really know how much usage I can get out …

Anthropic Hit With New Copyright Lawsuit From Sony, Warner

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 12:44:48 +0000

The publishers are claiming $150,000 per work infringed, across tens of thousands of works, meaning potentially well over a billion in damages if the case is successful.

Copyright lawsuits aimed at AI firms are nothing new, with seemingly countless publishers currently locking horns with companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.

So far, Claude-maker Anthropic is the AI giant that has been hit the hardest in terms of real-world payouts. In September 2025, Anthropic gaming chairs that provided lumbar support, but felt too stiff and unforgiving. Conversely, I've sat in gaming chairs that were soft and …

Google's Dreambeans Gives You Personalized Illustrated Life Suggestions. Now It's Free to All

Will Mccurdy — Sun, 30 Aug 2026 11:36:03 +0000

The tool, which began testing in June, previously needed a Google AI Ultra subscription. Now it's available to everyone in the US with a Google Account.

If you use the internet anything close to regularly, you've become increasingly comfortable with two things for the past few years: seeing more personalized content in your feed and more AI-generated imagery.

Google Labs' newest app, Dreambeans, combines both, using Google's AI to create custom-made …

Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ Review: High-Res Security on a Budget

John R. Delaney — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:00:00 +0000

When I reviewed the Blink Video Doorbell back in 2025, I praised its affordability, sharp video quality, and long battery life. The Blink Battery Doorbell 2K+ offers more of the same. It's affordable at $79.99, and its battery life is superb. This time around, …

Hyte Y50 RGB Review: A Panoramic View, a Pocket-Friendly Price

Thomas Soderstrom — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:00:00 +0000

The $99.99 Hyte Y50 RGB is exactly the result you’d expect to see if a smart PC case designer looked at Hyte’s older Y60 and was tasked with maximizing what was possible for half the money. The quirky, distinct …

Siri AI Can Only Do So Much. For Smart Home Dominance, Apple Needs to Improve These Two Products, and Fast

Tyler Hayes — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0000

iOS 27 provides a glimpse of Apple's smart home ambitions, but software enhancements won't be enough. The good news is the company already has everything it needs to take on its rivals.

As a longtime technology journalist, I’ve slogged through multiple smart home platform transitions and poorly implemented gadgets. It's easy to be skeptical; companies discontinue devices and services every year, and home voice assistants still need work.

That said, an honest evaluation of …

Wanna Sit on a Thumbstick? IKEA Announces Quirky Xbox Furniture Collab

Will Mccurdy — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:09:41 +0000

The new collaboration will allow you to bring the classic Xbox aesthetic to your living room. This means sitting on a green stool designed to mimic the classic Xbox thumbstick, or storing your belongings in an elegant-looking metal platter based on the D-pad of the original Xbox controller.

Component shortages and their resulting price hikes might be making it borderline unaffordable for many people to buy current-gen consoles, including the Xbox Series X. But if you're interested in adding some more Xbox to …

Silver Palace Is a Compelling Palate Cleanser for Stale Gacha Game Tropes

Gabriel Zamora — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Developer Silver Studio trades tired gacha cliches for quality storytelling, high-stakes detective work, and combo-centric combat. Here are my thoughts, based on a recent closed beta test.

Gacha games far too often fall into the same narrative and gameplay tropes. You choose a gender, input a name, and wake up with amnesia. No matter how good the story, the titles almost universally suffer from glacially slow starts. Silver Palace (coming to Android, iOS, PC, and PS5) is …

Hate AI Search Results? Tough. Google Is Expanding Them Even More

Will Mccurdy — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:27:53 +0000

For select searches, the 'Show More' button has been removed, with results jumping right into AI Mode and pushing the familiar blue links even further down the page.

Google's AI Overviews has been controversial since it began rolling out in May 2024, with some users complaining about being unable to easily remove the feature, and some of the world's largest publishers …

SpaceX Petitions FCC to Block Viasat Satellite Over Starlink Interference Risk

Michael Kan — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:14:08 +0000

Citing a 'severe interference' threat, SpaceX urges the FCC to deny US market access to the Viasat-3 F2 satellite as it prepares to kick off services next month with faster speeds.

As Viasat prepares to offer faster internet speeds with a new satellite, SpaceX is trying to block it over concerns that it’ll cause "severe interference" to Starlink.

In a Friday petition, SpaceX urged the Federal Communications Commission to reconsider its decision to …

After 15 Years, the Tim Cook Era at Apple Ends This Week

Will Mccurdy — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:07:30 +0000

In his goodbye letter, Cook says his successor, John Ternus, is 'a brilliant engineer and thinker,' adding that he is 'obsessed with every detail.'

After stepping into the post in 2011, Tim Cook is officially stepping down as Apple's CEO this week. Cook will be replaced by Apple veteran John Ternus on Sept. 1, who has served as the company's SVP of hardware engineering since 2021 and oversees the design team.

Cook will remain at …

How to Watch This Weekend's Premier League Matches Live (Even for Free)

Jason Cohen — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:46:36 +0000

We have a full slate of matches this week, including a highly anticipated clash between Aston Villa and Arsenal. Here's how to tune in live with the right streaming service, free trial, or VPN.

How to watch for free: This weekend's Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest Premier League game will stream for free on CazéTV. You can use a VPN like ExpressVPN, our pick for location spoofing, to connect to a server in Brazil and catch the …

Apple Made a Massive Bet on Intel 21 Years Ago. It Changed Everything

Brian Westover — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 12:00:00 +0000
Apple's adoption of Intel processors for Macs sent big waves through the PC industry—and made the company's move to Apple Silicon, 15 years later, an even bigger deal.
Editors' Note: Welcome to the series called An Apple a Day, where we’ll share pieces of Apple content from our archives daily from now through late September. In addition to PCMag, this series will include pieces from our sibling sites CNET, Lifehacker, …

Do You Play? Rate Your Gaming Systems and Gear to Win More Than the Final Boss Battle

PCMag Canada — Sat, 29 Aug 2026 00:09:15 +0000
We want to hear your thoughts on the consoles, handhelds, controllers, and more that you use for serious video game time. One lucky survey taker will win $250 to spend at Amazon.
Take the PCMag Gaming Systems and Gear Survey Today
Take other PCMag surveys. Each completed survey is a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card.
VPNs and Secure Browsers
Antivirus and Security Suites

New Obstacle for Starlink? Chinese Rocket May Have Ejected Debris

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 22:08:44 +0000
Space debris tracking provider LeoLabs says its radars picked up 'tens to hundreds of fragments' from the Chinese Long March 6C rocket, which launched earlier this week.
A Chinese rocket may have created a debris field in orbits near SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, giving the constellation another potential obstacle to dodge.
On Friday, space debris tracking provider LeoLabs reported “fragmentation” from a Chinese Long March 6C rocket that flew into space …

Sorry, No Pornhub Access in 25 States and 3 Countries. How to Watch Anyway

Chloe Albanesius — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 21:11:36 +0000
Aylo sites like Pornhub are blocked in half the country and overseas, in protest of age-verification laws. Here's how we got here, and how VPNs can help you connect.
Kids get into all sorts of things on the internet, but no parent wants young children perusing adult websites, so now, half of the US and several other countries have implemented age-verification laws that require websites to confirm that their visitors are not minors.
Sounds simple enough, but tweeted after the White House announced the renaming. It also replied to posts about the new name, writing “Nope.” and “Not doing it.”
MapQuest’s resistance isn’t a …

The Best Movies to Watch on Netflix Right Now (Aug. 28-Sept. 4, 2026)

K. Thor Jensen — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:30:00 +0000
High school musicals are the talk of the town, so let's watch the best of them this week.
A visit to the Netflix top movies charts always packs some surprises. The #1 movie sometimes is a new release, like this week's Don't Say Good Luck, and it's sometimes a weird throwback (like how White Chicks was being watched obsessively a few months ago). By monitoring

PS5 vs. Xbox: Which Is the Best Console to Buy for GTA 6?

Jordan Minor — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:24:53 +0000
GTA 6 arrives on Nov. 19, but you should decide how you want to play it right now. I break down what you need to know before purchasing a system for the open-world crime epic.
Grand Theft Auto VI, 2026's most talked-about video game, is right around the corner. Developer Rockstar Games gave the world an extended look via a Netflix special that showcased actual gameplay from the highly anticipated, open-world crime caper. …

What's New to Watch on HBO Max the Week of Aug. 28, 2026

K. Thor Jensen — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 19:00:00 +0000
Celebrate the 25th birthday of Adult Swim with a new stop-motion special or kick back with a classic like 'The Maltese Falcon.'
The start of a new month is always a special time on HBO Max, as its partnerships with networks and studios bring a deluge of modern and classic movies. September is no different, and there's tons of hot stuff to choose from this week, including …

More Wi-Fi Routers From This Chinese Vendor Found With Backdoors

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:54:32 +0000
Cybersecurity company VulnCheck discovers two additional backdoors, dubbed SpeakingStone and DarkLantern, primarily in Zbtlink router models.
It’s not just 20 routers. A US cybersecurity company has uncovered even more backdoors in Wi-Fi routers from a Chinese manufacturer called Zbtlink.
Earlier this month, VulnCheck uncovered a backdoor, dubbed “Endlessdoors,” in a wide range of Zbtlink routers. …

What's New to Watch on Disney+ and Hulu the Week of Aug. 28, 2026

K. Thor Jensen — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:30:00 +0000
Two versions of 'The Mandalorian' hit Disney+, while 'Chad Powers' S2 and a Middle Eastern action epic debut on Hulu.
September kicks off on Disney+ and Hulu with a ton of new content, and it's a great time to be a subscriber. The Mandalorian and Grogu do a double-header on September 2, with both the theatrical movie and the Lego version dropping. …

What's New to Watch on Netflix the Week of Aug. 28, 2026

K. Thor Jensen — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:00:00 +0000
Let's jump into a new month with tons of fresh content, including the second season of 'The Gentlemen' and a breakdancing documentary like no other.
The first of every month brings a pile of licensed movies to Netflix, along with all the original content we've come to expect. I dug through the listings on the streaming service for the next seven days and found three things that …

The Best Free VPNs for 2026

Justyn Newman — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:37:58 +0000
Even if you're short on cash, you can still improve your online privacy. Here's everything you get (and don't get) with a free VPN, along with our top tested recommendations.
Is There a 100% Free VPN?
Yes, but all free VPNs will come with restrictions compared with their full-priced counterparts. The services that claim to offer completely free, unrestricted versions are often unscrupulous. Running a VPN requires a financial investment, so it should raise a red …

I Built My Own Free 'Netflix' to Escape Endless Streaming Price Hikes. You Can, Too

Ajay Kumar — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:33:32 +0000
Are you tired of paying more for streaming services just to see all your favorite shows and movies disappear? Build your own Plex server, so you can stream your media library locally.
Remember when streaming used to be a much more affordable alternative to cable? Now it seems that every month, another major streaming service announces a new price hike. In just the last few days, Peacock,

Think Incognito Mode Protects You? Here's the Terrifying Truth About Browser Fingerprinting

Neil J. Rubenking — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 17:09:43 +0000
Clearing cookies won't save you. Discover how data brokers track your every click with browser fingerprinting—and the simple steps you can take to shatter your digital footprint.
You've probably heard the phrase "if you're not paying for it, you're the product." With free web services, that's especially true. Advertisers and data brokers collect data about where you go and what you view online, and they use data that your browser freely supplies …

Xbox's Disc-to-Digital Program Launches for Insiders on Aug. 31

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:08:56 +0000
The program lets gamers receive a digital entitlement for their physical discs, which can be used to access games on devices that support Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Play Anywhere.
UPDATE 8/28: Microsoft has confirmed it will be rolling out a feature that allows players to digitize their game discs.
The company says Xbox Insiders will begin seeing the feature on Aug. 31. They can insert a supported disc into an Xbox …

With New Price Hike, Apple TV Now Costs 3x More Than It Did at Launch

James Peckham — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:34:25 +0000
It's only been a year since the last increase, but Apple is hoping the lure of Ted Lasso and sports like Formula 1 and MLS is enough to justify paying even more. The move also hits Apple One.
If you thought last year's $3 price hike for Apple TV meant it'd be safe from further increases, you were wrong. Apple is raising prices yet again, with the streamer now costing $2 more per month.
A monthly subscription is …

Say Goodbye to Dead Zones With 17% Off This Google Nest WiFi Pro Deal

Wadia Juhi — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:30:30 +0000
Google's Nest WiFi Pro three-pack helps eliminate dead zones with Wi-Fi 6E coverage across up to 6,600 square feet, and it's almost $85 off today.

My Wi-Fi has one job. Somehow, it still finds ways to disappoint me. If you're also tired of watching your signal disappear in the exact room where you need it most, Amazon has the Google Nest WiFi Pro three-pack …

Glow-Up or AI Slop? Nvidia's Controversial DLSS 5 Leaks Early Through Mods

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:20:49 +0000
The AI-powered DLSS 5 isn't expected until the fall, but a leaked file has paved the way for the modding community to start using the feature on various PC games.
Nvidia's controversial DLSS 5, which will bring AI-powered photorealism to PC games, is expected to launch this fall. But it looks like the feature leaked early, paving the way for the modding community to experiment and add it to various games. …

Only a Few Days Left to Win a New Apple Watch: Share Your Predictions About Apple's Big Fall Event

The Pcmag Editorial Team — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:27:28 +0000
Hurry! The third and final round of our Big Guessing Game ends Tuesday at midnight. The grand prize is the latest version of the Apple Watch.
We’re on to the third and final round of PCMag’s Big Guessing Game, a contest to see which of our readers can make the most accurate Apple predictions for 2026. Round 1 was about software, while round 2 covered hardware. Round 3 focuses on what will transpire at Apple’s hugely …

Facing Complaints, Starlink Offers New Plan for Small Boat Owners

Michael Kan — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:11:26 +0000
Starlink users in the boating community report receiving emails about the new 'Personal Maritime' plan for $185 per month.
SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink plan for small boat owners who sail internationally after the maritime community complained the satellite internet service was pricing them out.
On Thursday, several Starlink customers in the boating community reported receiving an email from SpaceX …

NexSnap Review: A Basic Screen-Capture App With Cool Editing Tools

Jordan Minor — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:41:29 +0000

Taking a screenshot is a basic function that's built into many devices and operating systems I've tested over the years. However, remix culture demands that we not only capture what we see, but also customize it with flair for sharing with friends. NexSnap's free screen-capture …

How to Watch the Real Madrid vs. Malaga La Liga Game For Free

Jibin Joseph — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:27:28 +0000
Real Madrid and its bevy of stars, including Mbappé, Bellingham, Vini Jr, and Valverde, will look to keep their winning streak going as they take on Malaga. Here's how you can tune in for free with a VPN or streaming trial.
It’s been two weeks since the start of the 2026–27 La Liga season, and we’ve already been treated to some dominant displays by Spain’s two powerhouses, Real Madrid CF and FC Barcelona. On Sunday, Madrid take the field once again to face Málaga at home, and fans will be hoping …

Don't Click the GTA 6 Demo, Don't Trust the Flirty DM: This Week's Cybersecurity Survival Guide

Alan Henry — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000
Between fake game betas, flirtatious AI scammers, and rogue car displays, staying safe online took a lot of extra effort this week.
The Grand Theft Auto VI leaks keep coming. Just this week, additional footage has been leaked, Rockstar Games fired off subpoenas and legal threats to try to find the hacker, and the hacking group itself …

Nvidia's Hugging Face Acquisition Is Logical, Ambitious, and Headed Straight Into a Minefield

Brian Westover — Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0000
The reported $12.9 billion deal is a savvy move, but it's raising urgent concerns among developers and invites regulatory scrutiny.
Surprising news last night from the AI world: Nvidia has reportedly agreed to acquire Hugging Face for approximately $12.9 billion. While multi-billion-dollar AI acquisitions have become commonplace, a lot of people are scratching their heads over this particular deal. With an …