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The Irish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Popular TV feature on Xbox is shut down in blow for 28 million gamers – what it means for your purchases
A POPULAR TV feature on Xbox has been shut down in a blow for 28 million gamers. Microsoft has suddenly shut its movies and TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. 1 Microsoft has suddenly shut its movies and TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs Credit: Shutterstock Editorial You can no longer purchase new movies and TV shows from the Microsoft store on Xbox or Windows. But you will still be able to access previously purchased content on your devices. Microsoft said: "Downloads will continue to be available on Windows and in HD max resolution." You'll have to continue using the Movies & TV app on Windows or Xbox to play the content you own, rather than accessing it from another service. Read more Tech News Microsoft isn't offering a refund for purchases either. Ever since Microsoft shut down its Groove Music service in 2017, this change has been nervously anticipated by Xbox and Windows users. The company had originally launched a movies and TV storefront with Zune Marketplace in 2006. It was then replaced by Xbox Video in 2021 and then morphed into the Movies & TV app and store in 2015. Most read in Tech A decade later and its gone. Microsoft is now leaving it up to Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services to cater for movies and TV content on Windows and Xbox. Microsoft finally reveals its brand new handheld console They will continue to provide support for any issues with previously purchased content. Users will be hoping the company keeps its servers online for years to come yet. While the new updates fix some long-standing issues, the Xbox user experience has also been impacted. In the update, Microsoft had finally fixed the heavily complained-about bug where video game box art and thumbnails were stretched or distorted on the home screen, following a previous update in July 2024. What first felt like an exciting change for the retro console, has left some gamers disgruntled. Elsewhere, Microsoft is also set to replace the iconic blue screen of death after 40 years of filling people with dread. In a bittersweet announcement, the tech giant said it is "streamlining the unexpected restart experience". "This change is part of a larger continued effort to reduce disruption in the event of an unexpected restart," David Weston, Microsoft's Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security revealed. A part of that is slashing the downtime during the worrying unexpected restart to about two seconds for most people. The blue screen of death will be replaced by a simpler black screen of death instead.
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Popular TV feature on Xbox is shut down in blow for 28 million gamers – what it means for your purchases
Scroll down to see what it means for you GAME OVER Popular TV feature on Xbox is shut down in blow for 28 million gamers – what it means for your purchases Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR TV feature on Xbox has been shut down in a blow for 28 million gamers. Microsoft has suddenly shut its movies and TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Microsoft has suddenly shut its movies and TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs Credit: Shutterstock Editorial You can no longer purchase new movies and TV shows from the Microsoft store on Xbox or Windows. But you will still be able to access previously purchased content on your devices. Microsoft said: "Downloads will continue to be available on Windows and in HD max resolution." You'll have to continue using the Movies & TV app on Windows or Xbox to play the content you own, rather than accessing it from another service. Microsoft isn't offering a refund for purchases either. Ever since Microsoft shut down its Groove Music service in 2017, this change has been nervously anticipated by Xbox and Windows users. The company had originally launched a movies and TV storefront with Zune Marketplace in 2006. It was then replaced by Xbox Video in 2021 and then morphed into the Movies & TV app and store in 2015. A decade later and its gone. Microsoft is now leaving it up to Amazon, Netflix, Apple TV and other streaming services to cater for movies and TV content on Windows and Xbox. Microsoft finally reveals its brand new handheld console They will continue to provide support for any issues with previously purchased content. Users will be hoping the company keeps its servers online for years to come yet. The Sun also reported last month how millions of Xbox owners have been left with a bad taste in their mouths after the latest console update bombarded them with ads. While the new updates fix some long-standing issues, the Xbox user experience has also been impacted. In the update, Microsoft had finally fixed the heavily complained-about bug where video game box art and thumbnails were stretched or distorted on the home screen, following a previous update in July 2024. What first felt like an exciting change for the retro console, has left some gamers disgruntled. Elsewhere, Microsoft is also set to replace the iconic blue screen of death after 40 years of filling people with dread. In a bittersweet announcement, the tech giant said it is "streamlining the unexpected restart experience". "This change is part of a larger continued effort to reduce disruption in the event of an unexpected restart," David Weston, Microsoft's Vice President of Enterprise and OS Security revealed. A part of that is slashing the downtime during the worrying unexpected restart to about two seconds for most people. The blue screen of death will be replaced by a simpler black screen of death instead.
The Verge
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Verge
8BitDo's $100 metal gamepad is now available in space gray.
8BitDo's $100 metal gamepad is now available in space gray. Last year, 8BitDo celebrated its 11th anniversary with a pair of hefty silver and gold versions of its SN30 Pro wireless controller made from 381 grams of a zinc-alloy material. They've long since sold out, but for its 12th anniversary 8BitDo is releasing an additional version in a new space gray color option. It's compatible with the Switch 2 and Windows PCs and priced the same as the gold and silver versions at $99.99.
Hindustan Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Comet browser is designed to be a thought partner: Perplexity's Aravind Srinivas
This may well be the world's first 'AI browser' but will certainly not be the last. AI company Perplexity has played its cards with Comet, which CEO Aravind Srinivas says is 'designed to be a thought partner and assistant'. Comet, currently rolling out for Windows PCs and Mac computing devices, may well be the spark that would see a response soon enough with expectations that Sam Altman's OpenAI may be close to launching its own AI web browser in the coming weeks. Perplexity's Comet is currently rolling out for Windows PCs and Mac computing devices, with a waitlist. (Official image) There are three tenets on which Perplexity is attempting to develop Comet — personalisation, powerful functionality, and productivity. The default search engine for Comet will be Perplexity's own, and for now, Comet access is limited to subscribers on the $200 per month Perplexity Max plan. Srinivas insists that will change with time. Next, the AI browser access will be unlocked for Pro subscribers and finally for all users. Srinivas points out in a post on X that the waitlist has already crossed the 450,000 mark. You may be wondering — what is an AI browser? Think of this as an evolution of the Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Apple Safari or Vivaldi web browsers that you already use today, but with a much deeper integration of artificial intelligence capabilities. Traditional browsers too have some layer of AI brought in by integrated functionality and add-ons (such as Gemini in Google Chrome), that add functionality including web page summarisation or answering specific questions from the content you're viewing. But scope is limited. In contrast, Comet and AI browsers in general are expected to widen the scope and include a conversational interface with integrated large language models (LLMs) which will be multimodal, computer vision to analyse media on the web, and enable task automation as well — such as buying products if it matches a set price from your wishlist, or book tickets for your next travel. Comet's built-in capabilities will be able to answer questions based on anything you see on the screen at that time. This may, in a way, also be the closest consumers would have come to 'agentic AI', for now. 'Max tier will be able to run repetitive agent queries on the most advanced models with nearly infinite limits. World will adapt to this change. Access won't be restricted however to Max,' writes Srinivas, in a response to a user query regarding the $200 per month that it costs for now to run agentic AI tasks. Srinivas says the infrastructure requirements to unlock this access for all users, is being worked on. 'Infra is not as easy as we thought,' he writes. Perplexity insists this browser has been built from the ground up, unlike current generation browsers that have had to integrate some layers of AI. For instance, users will be able to access Comet Assistant on any web page from the sidebar, which would allow for it to view what's on that web page and answer any questions a user may have. Perplexity also talks about a personalised AI experience, but without having used the Comet browser yet, it is difficult to judge this aspect or the promise it may hold. For task automation specifically, Perplexity already has a product developed over time as part of the AI chatbot, to integrate within Comet. 'Automated Tasks on Perplexity that can be set with simple natural language is quite underrated. We will be bringing this feature on Comet. So, your browser will turn into a mini-OS with smart cron jobs that run your life while removing cognitive burden. The Cognitive OS,' says Srinivas. For search, Comet using Perplexity search engine will challenge Google's search dominance too. Within Comet, this will underline core functionality such as generating summaries from web pages, web files and search results. In previous months, Perplexity has deals in place with phone makers Samsung and Motorola to give Perplexity's AI footprint the preloaded advantage on their phones. In Samsung's newly launched Galaxy phones for instance, Perplexity will be the default search engine within the Samsung Browser app. It may be interesting to see if Perplexity makes a Comet browser app for Android phones as well as the Apple iPhone. It may be difficult to bet against it.
Time Business News
13-06-2025
- Time Business News
How to Choose a Reliable MacBook Repair Shop in Singapore (2025 Edition)
When your MacBook starts acting up — a flickering screen, unresponsive keyboard, failing battery, or a soaked logic board — your productivity can come to a grinding halt. In Singapore, where tech-savvy consumers rely on their devices for work, study, and daily life, choosing the right repair shop is not just a matter of convenience — it's a matter of not all repair shops are created equal. Some use substandard parts. Others lack proper diagnostic tools or employ general technicians without experience in Apple-specific repair protocols. And then there's the risk of data loss, inflated pricing, or worse — voided warranties due to improper handling. So how do you find a reliable MacBook repair provider in Singapore that offers real value without risking your device? This 2025 guide breaks it all down so you can make an informed decision before handing over your MacBook. – Battery degradation – swelling or rapid drain– Screen damage – cracked glass, flickering, or dead pixels– Keyboard and trackpad failure – often caused by wear or minor spills– Overheating or loud fans – could indicate internal dust or cooling failure– Liquid damage – spilled drinks or water causing logic board shorting– No charging or power-on issues – could be a dead charging port or board failure For example, a student at NUS might experience a sudden shutdown during exams due to battery failure, while a CBD-based executive may spill coffee and damage their logic board mid-presentation. These real scenarios are why fast and skilled repair matters. Not all repair shops are Apple experts. Some focus on Windows PCs or mobile phones. MacBooks, especially the newer M1 and M2 models, require specialized tools and board-level these key questions:– Do you work on MacBook Air and Pro models regularly?– Do you handle logic board repairs or just part replacements?– What testing tools and software do you use post-repair? – Are your parts original-grade or high-quality compatible replacements? – Free or low-cost diagnostics– Clear pricing breakdown before repairs start– Part types and warranty durations are disclosed– No surprise fees after repair completion A MacBook owner in Jurong was once quoted $350 for a screen replacement, only to later find out another shop in Tampines was offering the same repair for $240 — with warranty. Transparency saves you money and stress. – Chinatown – for CBD professionals needing lunch break fixes– Tampines – convenient for residents in the East– Bugis / Sim Lim – close to city shoppers and students– Jurong / Westgate – suitable for the West-side tech crowd– Hougang / Serangoon / AMK – look for shops offering flexible booking or pick-upMany reliable shops also offer:– On-the-spot repair for batteries and screens– Same-day turnaround for common faults – WhatsApp live support or online booking tools ▲ Citri Mobile technician repairing a MacBook at our Chinatown workshop. Reliable service providers will have a public trail of positive reviews. Look for consistent high ratings (4.5★ and above) on:– Google Reviews– Facebook– Carousell (for local presence)– HardwareZone forums– Reddit Singapore (for organic mentions)Pay attention to reviews that highlight fast turnaround, data safety, and clear communication — these are signs of experienced shops that value customer satisfaction. If you're currently exploring options, one place to start is this trusted MacBook repair service in Singapore that has earned strong feedback for clear diagnostics, fast service, and honest pricing. Citri Mobile, for example, maintains a 4.8-star Google rating, is an award-winning Carousell Preferred Partner, and is widely recommended by customers across Tampines and Chinatown for reliable MacBook repairs. While YouTube tutorials may make it seem easy to replace a battery or SSD, modern MacBooks are designed with glued-down components, tri-point screws, and tightly packed logic boards. Improper handling can lead to:– Irreversible motherboard damage– Data loss– Screen calibration issues– Short-circuits due to missed grounding If you're in Singapore, it's often safer and more economical to use a certified third-party repair shop for these tasks. A customer in Serangoon damaged their touchpad ribbon cable during DIY battery replacement, turning a $150 repair into a $400 logic board job. – Do you preserve files during logic board or SSD work?– What's your backup policy in case of accidental data loss?– How long is the warranty? (30–90 days is ideal) – Can I return if something goes wrong after the fix? Most battery and screen replacements take 30 to 60 minutes. Logic board repairs may require 1–2 working days, depending on parts. A trustworthy shop will avoid wiping your MacBook unless absolutely necessary. Always ask about data protection and back up your files. Yes. Independent repair shops typically offer 30–60% lower prices, especially for out-of-warranty devices. Most use a mix of original-grade, OEM, and aftermarket parts. Always ask about quality levels and warranty coverage. Most accept walk-ins, but booking ahead (especially in Chinatown or Tampines) ensures faster service and avoids long queues. When choosing between various MacBook repair shops in Singapore, it's helpful to compare a few critical factors side-by-side. Some shops prioritize speed, while others focus on premium parts or budget pricing. Here's a rough breakdown:– Citri Mobile (Chinatown & Tampines): Excellent reputation, 4.8★ reviews, Apple repair expertise, original-grade parts, same-day turnaround– Shop A (Sim Lim Square): Known for affordability, but quality and warranty vary by technician– Shop B (Jurong East): Great for West-side customers, moderate pricing, but slower parts availability– Official Apple Service Centre: Genuine parts and diagnostics, but long queues and high out-of-warranty costs Pro tip: Independent shops like Citri Mobile often strike the best balance between speed, quality, and price — especially if your MacBook is no longer under warranty. Ever wonder what happens once you hand over your MacBook? Here's a typical repair workflow at a professional shop:1. Initial inspection – The technician checks power, screen, and overall condition.2. Diagnostics – Tools like ASD (Apple Service Diagnostics) or custom logic board testers are used.3. Part recommendation – You're given a breakdown of parts, repair time, and cost upfront.4. Approval & repair – Upon your go-ahead, the shop proceeds with repairs using proper tools.5. Final testing – They reassemble, clean, and retest everything — including keyboard, display, and battery health.6. Warranty briefing – You'll get documentation showing coverage for 30–90 days (depending on the part). This transparent process builds trust — and protects you from future surprises. Your MacBook is an essential tool — whether you're editing videos, working remotely, or studying. A quick fix might be tempting, but trust, quality, and safety matter more than price choosing a repair shop with Apple repair experience, transparent pricing, real reviews, and convenient local presence, you're not just fixing a device — you're protecting your digital life. And in a fast-paced city like Singapore, getting your MacBook back quickly and safely can make all the difference. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
