The latest iOS update, 18, is in beta and you can try it on your phone now. We’ll walk you through the process. A word of warning: Beta software is still in the buggy phase, so not everything will work smoothly.
Home updates anyone can do
Calling all renters and DIYers! You just found your next weekend project.
- Add beadboard to your walls without the hassle. This pre-pasted wallpaper is 30% off now.
- Liven up your couch or reading chair with a boho chic pillow cover for $15.99. Super cute.
- Add a statement wall with beautiful decorative woven baskets. Sweet, a set of seven for 50% off.
- Update your kitchen or bathroom with sleek modern cabinet pulls. This pretty 10-pack of brass ones is on sale for $14.79.
- Make stairs easier and safer for kids, older pets and the rest of us. Neat peel-and-stick stair treads with glow-in-the-dark strips are half off now!
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Hello, officer: One of Waze’s best features is coming to Google Maps. Update the app now to get alerts when there’s a police officer on your route. I got pulled over twice in the last 30 days. We’re becoming fast friends.
Company you've never heard of brought down the world
A routine software update ended up causing millions of computers worldwide to crash with the infamous blue screen of death. Here’s the scoop — and how it impacts you.
Delta lost $500 million in the CrowdStrike Windows outage: It took down 8.5 million PCs. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “When was the last time you heard about a big outage at Apple?” Ouch. Insider secret: Apple gives developers much lower access to their key internal framework so it’s unlikely a single update could do big damage.
The replacements
Some items need to be replaced more often than most of us actually do. I’ve got you covered! Even better, these household items are on sale now:
- Replace your toothbrush every three months or after you’re sick. Bacteria sits in the bristles. Grab a four-pack for 13% off now.
- Dishwashing sponges should be replaced every couple of weeks. Set yourself up for six months to a year with a 24-pack for under $10.
- You’re supposed to replace your pillow every year or so. Get a four-pack of quality down-alternative pillows to update your household ($29.99, 32% off).
- Spices lose their flavor fast, but whole spices can last for three to four years. Now you just need a spice grinder. This Ninja model is 28% off.
- At least once a year, replace your shower curtain liner to keep mold and mildew at bay. This bestselling liner is 29% off now and $11.99.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Buy or build a PC in the past two years? If your PC has a 13th- or 14th-gen Intel CPU (like the Core i5-13400 or Core i9-14900K), Intel might owe you a new chip. They’re releasing an update this month for the crash-prone chips and extending its warranty by two years. If your PC is already crashing, the update won’t help. Reach out to Intel or your PC manufacturer.
Not a mice idea: Logitech is toying with the idea of a “forever mouse” you’ll never have to replace — just update. The rumor mill says it’ll cost around $200, plus a subscription fee. Over time, you’ll probably spend more on things like swappable switches, replaceable shells and wheels, and detachable cables as they break.
Update Google Chrome: Crooks can easily package malicious software in password-protected zip files. Now, when you’re using Chrome’s Safe Browsing feature in Enhanced Mode, Google will ask you to share the password to scan files before you download them. Here’s how to enable it.
Global tech outage wreaks havoc
A software update by CrowdStrike took down tons of computer systems around the world. Banks, businesses, hospitals, and more were all impacted. Plus, Amazon Prime Day updates and Zoom’s demand for a return to the office.
Beta blocker: Apple Safari 18 beta’s new Reader mode lets you read any article without ads or auto-playing videos. To use it, you’ll need to update to the Sequoia OS beta. Go to Settings > General > Software Update > toggle on Beta Updates > macOS Sequoia developer beta > Upgrade Now. Now, when you open an article in Safari, click the square icon in the URL bar, and then click Show Reader to scroll ad-free!
Not now, Microsoft: If you don’t want a massive Windows update interrupting something you’re doing, pause them temporarily. Go to Settings > Windows update > Pause updates. Just remember to undo this.
⚠️ Urgent Windows update: Don’t use public Wi-Fi unless you’re running the latest update for Windows 10 and 11. It fixes a vulnerability that lets crooks take over your laptop just by connecting to the same Wi-Fi network. Go to System > About. If you see 14393.7070, 22621.3737 or 22631.3737, update right away.
Time to upgrade: If you use an iPhone 8 or older, just know it won’t work with the iOS 18 update coming this fall. You’ll need to get a new phone if you want the fancy new features.
Mountains aren’t just funny; they’re hill-areas: Heading to a national park? Grab free offline maps via Google Maps’ latest update on your smartphone (iOS and Android). Search for the park’s name and hit Download for offline use. Pro tip: Make sure you do this before you go. Cell service in some parks is really iffy.
⚠️ Recall alert: Nearly 1.2 million Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge SUVs, vans and pickups have been recalled. A software glitch disables rearview cameras. The good news is there’s no dealership visit required to fix it! You’ll get an update on your car’s media screen. Full list of impacted models here.
🚨 Update Windows now: A new Wi-Fi vulnerability could let hackers take over your Windows device remotely — yep, without you ever lifting a finger. Every Windows device is at risk. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to update and get the patch.
Drip-drop: Google’s latest Pixel feature drop is here, bringing Gemini Nano AI to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8A users. Update if you have a new Pixel! So far, they’ve said Nano AI will summarize voice recordings and then export them to Google Docs. Cool but, uh, what else?
Share Prime with anyone in your home: Sign into Amazon, hover over Account & Lists, and select Account. Tap the Prime button and then Update, cancel and more. Under Membership Sharing, select Manage your household and follow the onscreen instructions. Free 30-day here, if ya need one.
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Nice one for YouTubers: The new Thumbnail Test & Compare lets YouTube creators publish a new video (or update an existing one) and show three thumbnails evenly across viewers. You’ll get back data about which one drew the most watch time and engagement. Fun fact: Mr. Beast spends up to $10,000 per thumbnail to get them just right.