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A new Google Pixel #BestPhonesForever ad appearsIt points out the features iOS 26 is borrowing from AndroidHowever, Google has copied from Apple in the pastGoogle has published another of its #BestPhonesForever promo clips, where we typically get an iPhone chatting to a Pixel handset – and this time there are some digs at what iOS 26 is copying from Android and the best Pixel phones.The new clip puts the two phones in a podcast-style format, and has the iPhone talking up three new features in iOS 26: live translations across multiple apps, hold assist for keeping your place in line in a call queue, and call screening for getting information from unknown callers before you pick up.In response, the Google phone points out that Pixels have had similar features since 2021, 2020, and 2018 respectively – something the iPhone in the clip puts down to mere coincidence. It's taken a while for Apple to catch up in these areas.Last month, the previous clip in the series highlighted night mode photography, AI image editing (in the shape of Android Magic Eraser and iOS Clean Up), and home screen widgets as features that Apple had borrowed from Google down the years.Copy and pasteThere's no refuting the claims Google makes here: it did have these features on its Pixel phones before Apple added them to the iPhone. It's also fair to point out, of course, that Apple, Samsung, and Google have all been copying from each other for many years.For example, Google's Android 16 and Samsung's One UI 7 both add something very similar to Live Activities on the iPhone, which Apple added back in 2022. The features mean users can get easier access to real-time information on screen, such as cab arrival times or sports scores.Ultimately, a good feature idea for a phone is going to work across Android and iOS – so it's no surprise that these days there are fewer differences between the platforms than ever. Apple fans would argue that iOS implements these features in better ways, even if it takes longer.One area where Apple would admit that it's lagging behind is AI. We know that it's struggling to bring Siri up to speed with Gemini – but then again, Siri did launch some five years ahead of Google Assistant.You might also likeThis new iOS 26 feature for Apple Music is going viralAndroid 16 is finally giving the Pixel Camera app a makeoverDon't call it a Mac – I went hands-on with iPadOS 26

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 could both include a Google AI Pro subscriptionThis provides access to advanced AI video creation tools like Veo 3 Fast and FlowIt's possible this bundled subscription will last six monthsSamsung often chucks in freebies with its high-end phones, and it’s looking like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be no exception, as they might be bundled with a subscription to Google AI Pro.This is according to Android Authority, which while digging around in code for the latest beta version of the Google app, has found reference to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 being eligible for free access to Google AI Pro.This is a subscription service that usually costs $19.99 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month, and unlocks access to Veo 3 Fast video generation, as well as Flow (an AI filmmaking tool built with Veo 3).Veo 3 Fast lets you turn text into videos with sound, while Flow lets you do things like edit and extend shots, and directly control the ‘camera.’ So, if you’re interested in AI filmmaking then Google AI Pro is well worth having.Those are arguably the headline features of Google AI Pro, but it also gives you increased access to other AI tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Research on 2.5 Pro, along with 2TB of Google One cloud storage.The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)A six-month subscriptionOf course, there’s no guarantee the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will actually come with a free subscription to this.But it looks likely, as not only was mention of this spotted in the Google app, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 series launched with a similar freebie.In the case of the Galaxy S25 series you got six months free access to Gemini Advanced, which was basically an earlier iteration of what’s now called Google AI Pro.So perhaps the company’s upcoming foldables will also include a six-month subscription, but that’s just speculation, as Android Authority hasn’t found any information on the duration.We should find out exactly what – if any – freebies Samsung has planned soon though, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will probably both launch in the first half of July.You might also likeMajor Samsung leak predicts the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch highlights – here are 5 things to expectThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the thinnest and lightest model yetThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could have a huge screen with tiny bezels

As the summer months start rolling in, my mind turns to keeping cool in the warmer weather. When it comes to personal cooling, Dyson is the first brand that springs to mind for many, and understandably so, as it makes some fantastic products. But its fans don’t come cheap.Dyson makes some of the best air purifiers and vacuum cleaners on the market, thanks to their efficiency – and the iconic aesthetic makes them incredibly desirable. But having tested Dyson’s best, as well as a load of alternatives, I’ve found that when it comes to fans I can be cooled down just as well using a far cheaper option.If you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in a Dyson fan, I’ve listed a number of points below that are worth considering before you commit to the cost. Because if all you want is to stay cool, you can do it for less.1. There are quieter fans out thereI’m not saying that Dyson fans aren’t quiet – quite the opposite, in fact. I found this out when I reviewed the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan, whose quiet operation of just 52dB at top speed had me thinking that a more traditional bladed design wouldn’t be able to compete when it came to volume levels.It turns out I was mistaken, however, as I learned when I tested the MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator. It gave me noise readings as quiet as 26dB on the lowest fan speed, and a very impressive reading of just 36dB on speed 12, which is quieter than the sound of your average refrigerator.2. They don’t always hit the spotWhile Dyson’s iconic bladeless loop amplifiers are undoubtedly an impressive piece of engineering, I’ve found the gappy design tends to leave a bit of a blind spot in the air flow. This means I often need to use a higher fan setting, and perfect the angle or keep the fan oscillating to feel sufficiently cooled.My air circulator, on the other hand, makes me feel cooler right off the bat, as the design delivers a more concentrated flow of air, making it feel stronger even at lower speeds. This will depend on the design of the air circulator, obviously – but it’ll usually be true of any decent one.(Image credit: Future)3. They’re not as cutting edge as you might thinkWhile Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology is patented, the bladeless fan concept is not. In fact, Toshiba developed the first bladeless fan over forty years ago. My point here is that there are other options on the market if you’re determined not to purchase a bladed fan, which are, more often than not, more affordable too.One such example, and one we consider to be one of the best fans on the market, is the satisfyingly adaptable Shark TurboBlade, which can blast air in multiple directions at once and is considerably cheaper than a Dyson.4. They have a premium price tagIt’s safe to say that the Dyson name is associated with a hefty price tag. Whether or not Dyson fans are worth the expense really comes down to personal preference.It’s not that Dyson fans don’t do a good job; they certainly do. But as I’ve learned, it’s possible to get just as efficient, and in some cases, even better cooling from cheaper alternatives. If brand names and a sleek and modern aesthetic are at the top of your wishlist then, without a doubt, a Dyson is the way to go.However, if you prioritize function over form and want to get the most value for money, I’d recommend checking out fans from brands like Shark, Dreo, and Govee.5. They’re not 'remotely' attractiveDon’t worry, I’m not slamming the Dyson aesthetic. Quite the contrary, in fact, as I love the smooth curves, quality materials, and modern design that we all associate with their products. This is why it’s particularly unfortunate that the clear end panels on the Dyson remotes make them look unfinished.I wouldn’t mind as much if they were designed to be holstered out of the way. But the fact that they’re magnetized to sit on top of the loop amplifiers, therefore placing them front and center, makes it all the more disappointing.In contrast, the remote for the MeacoFan Sefte 8in looks well finished, and near enough disappears when magnetically clipped to the front of the circulator.Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)6. I can use my air circulator all year roundOkay, this point isn’t actually Dyson-specific, but it’s a useful bit of info that’s worth sharing. One of the key differences in air circulators and fans is that, as the name suggests, air circulators are much more efficient at distributing air flow around the room. This makes them a perfect pairing not only with air conditioning units in the summer, but with heaters during colder spells too, as an air circulator can help evenly distribute the warmer air.This means you could be spending less than a Dyson on an air circulator that proves its worth all year round, rather than investing in a premium fan whose best work is limited to the summer months.

The ICO has issued 23andMe with £2.31 million ($3.1 million) fineFine is punishment for failings following 2023 data breachAn investigation found 'serious security failings'The British data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a £2.31 million fine to 23andMe for “failing to implement appropriate security measures to protect the personal information of UK users”This follows a 2023 cyberattack in which hackers accessed 23andMe personal user data.The breach only affected 0.1% of the company's customer base, roughly 14,000 individuals, but thanks to the sensitive nature of the information 23andMe holds, hackers were able to access “a significant number of files containing profile information about other users’ ancestry that such users chose to share.”Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers! TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealKeeping secureThe joint investigation, carried out between the ICO and Canadian Privacy Commissioner revealed ‘serious security failings’ after the breach, calling 23andMe’s actions ‘inadequate’.After the hackers carried out their credential stuffing attack, the company waited months until starting a full investigation, only confirming the breach after an employee discovered stolen data advertised for sale on Reddit.This breach put those affected at risk, not just for the typical identity theft and fraud, but also for seriously sophisticated social engineering attacks. If your genetic or family history is sold to a criminal, it could be leveraged against you.“This was a profoundly damaging breach that exposed sensitive personal information, family histories, and even health conditions of thousands of people in the UK,” confirmed John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner.“As one of those impacted told us: once this information is out there, it cannot be changed or reissued like a password or credit card number.”An example of this could be a “family member” reaching out and asking for more information about yourself, or a “medical company” contacting you about an existing genetic health condition. If you’re affected by this breach, be sure to be extra vigilant and cautious about any unexpected communications you receive.“23andMe failed to take basic steps to protect this information. Their security systems were inadequate, the warning signs were there, and the company was slow to respond. This left people’s most sensitive data vulnerable to exploitation and harm,” Edwards confirmed.You might also likeTake a look at our picks for the best malware removal software aroundCheck out our choice for best antivirus softwareHackers claim 64 million leaked T-Mobile records, but it denies breach

EA games have arrived on Amazon LunaTitles include EA Sports FC 25, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorYou can play them for free if you already own them on PC and have Amazon PrimeAmazon Luna is a criminally underappreciated cloud gaming service, offering the chance to play loads of demanding games without the need for any expensive PC hardware.If you have access to a basic laptop, old phone, compatible smart TV, or spare tablet, then you can its large library of titles straight from your browser window. You need a strong internet connection for it to work well, but that's still much cheaper than splurging out for fully fledged gaming laptop or PC that will be out of date in a few years anyway.The biggest reason I love it is the fact that a brilliant free tier is included with your Amazon Prime subscription - letting you play loads of great games at no extra cost. You can link your Luna account to your GOG or Ubisoft libraries, allowing you to play select games that you already own wherever and whenever you want to.To give you an example of what this means, I already own Far Cry 5 on PC so I can play it straight from my phone using Amazon Luna while I'm out and about. It runs via Amazon's servers, so no installation is required and I can play it even if my PC is turned off at home.If all that wasn't enough, earlier this month the service received a massive upgrade with a robust slate of games added from the catalog of publishing giant Electronic Arts (EA). This includes EA Sports FC 25, Need for Speed Unbound, Dead Space, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.I'd recommend each any every one, and if you have Prime, and already own them on PC, you can access them right now for at no additional cost. Just head to the Luna homepage to sign in and link your accounts.But what if you don't own these games on PC and still want to play? They're also part of the Luna+ subscription service, which costs $9.99 / £8.99 per month and includes access to loads of other games.You can also buy the titles outright on Amazon Luna itself, which also nets you a PC copy. They're currently subject to some pretty generous discounts, so this option is definitely worth checking out.If you want to learn even more about how Amazon Luna works, and see how it stacked up in my testing, check out my detailed Amazon Luna review.You might also like...The next Nintendo Direct will highlight the Switch 2's next big game, Donkey Kong Bananza – here’s when you can watch itWuchang: Fallen Feathers kept me on the edge of my seat as a soulslike that rewards dodging over parryingAfter an hour with Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, I think Mario Kart World has got a race on its hands to hold onto pole position in the kart-racing genre

Xbox president Sarah Bond has formally announced the next generation of XboxXbox maintains its 'play anywhere' mantra with new consoles, handhelds and accessoriesThe company is partnering with AMD for its next generation hardwareXbox is beginning to talk about its next generation hardware in earnest now, as president Sarah Bond has announced a "strategic multi-year partnership" with tech giant AMD.In a video uploaded to Xbox's official YouTube channel, Bond accentuates the 'play anywhere' mantra that's formed the nucleus of the Xbox brand for the past few years."At Xbox, our vision is for you to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want," explains Bond, adding that Xbox is now "investing in our next-generation hardware lineup across console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories."Bond says that by partnering with AMD, Xbox promises to "deliver the next generation of graphics innovation to unlock a deeper level of visual quality and immersive gameplay and player experiences enhanced with the power of AI".'AI' is a buzzword that Microsoft likes to throw around a lot, and it's understandable if the notion of it prevailing on Xbox has you feeling a little uneasy given the rise of generative AI content in recent years.In truth, the use of AI here will likely boil down to helpful technologies, such as resolution upscaling (like we see with PS5 Pro's bespoke PSSR) and frame generation for smoother performance overall. As such, we could see something similar to PSSR implemented on next-generation Xbox consoles.As for handhelds, we've already seen the announcement of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, two gaming handhelds designed around playing Xbox Game Pass games on the go. Both are set to launch sometime in 2025, as per last week's Xbox Games Showcase.In better news, Bond also seems to confirm full backwards compatibility with Xbox's next generation, stating that new hardware will maintain "compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games." It's reasonably safe to assume that counts Xbox Series X|S games, though the jury remains out on Xbox One and classic Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.Lastly, it seems that Xbox will be sticking to the Windows ecosystem for its next generation of hardware. Bond confirms Xbox is "working closely with the Windows team, to ensure that Windows is the number one platform for gaming." So don't be expecting a return to the iconic Xbox 360 'blades' dashboard that millions have a fondness for.You might also like...The studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has announced a digital jewelry collaboration - but I just wish they were available in gameFree games alert! Get Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, Saints Row 2, and more for nothing during Amazon Prime Day 2025Nintendo has made Switch 2 scalping much harder in Japan by making a simple change to what’s in the box

Microsoft Teams working on adding noise suppression for callsShould cut out background noise like traffic or typingAll Microsoft Teams users should benefit upon launchOne of the most painful issues when dialing into a Microsoft Teams call could seen be a thing of the past thanks to a new update.The video conferencing platform has revealed it is working on adding noise suppression for participants dialing in to a call.Once included, this should spell an end to potentially ear-splitting call interruptions, or participants being deafened by background noise from another person on the call.Microsoft Teams noise suppressionMicrosoft says as well as improving the user experience for everyone on a call, the new addition will also "enhance clarity and reduce distraction for all meeting participants".In a Microsoft 365 roadmap post, it noted the feature will automatically filter out background noise (such as traffic, typing) for users who join meetings via phone (PSTN).The feature is listed as being "in development" for the time being, with an expected rollout start date of September 2025.When launched, Microsoft says it will be available for users across the world using Teams on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS - as well as Teams and Surface devices, and Teams on Web.The launch is the latest in a series of recent improvements to Microsoft Teams announced by the company as it looks to improve the experience for users.This includes a tweak that will allow multiple people to control slides being presented in a meeting or call.Microsoft says the addition will mean that presenters are able to maintain "a smooth flow during meetings or webinars" - hopefully meaning the end of manual slide changes - and hopefully, the phrase "next slide please".It also recently launched of real-time text (RTT) capabilities, allowing participants to type a message while someone else's speech is being transcribed, giving users who prefer typing to speaking another way to make sure their voices get out there.You might also likeMicrosoft Teams is finally adding a tiny but crucial feature I honestly can't believe it never hadMicrosoft Teams will now let companies block people for good — so you'd better behaveWe've rounded up the best productivity tools around right now

Borderlands 4 won't cost $80, despite Gearbox CEO's previous commentsIt will cost $69.99, meeting the recent standard for most gamesIt comes after a plethora of comments from users suggesting they won't purchase the gameGearbox Software's fourth installment in the Borderlands franchise is just months away from launch on September 12, and concerns of an $80 (or more specifically, $79.99) price tag have been put to bed.Gearbox CEO, Randy Pitchford, announced on X that Borderlands 4 will not cost $80 but the current industry standard of $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 (or AU$109.95 on PC) – and it's available for pre-order now for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).It comes after Pitchford's comments on the game's potential price tag; gamers were told that if they were "real fans," they would find a way to buy Borderlands 4 if it were priced at $80, considering Nintendo and Microsoft's shift to a $80 game price tag.Unsurprisingly, that was met with a barrage of criticisms, and if I'm honest, those comments from a CEO weren't a pretty sight, to say the least (although not very surprising to see).However, this is a prime example of what happens when consumers voice frustrations and essentially vote with their wallets; in this case, long before the game has even launched, as a significant portion of the criticisms were gamers promising not to purchase the game due to Pitchford's commentsJust don't buy it. Talk with your money. If you're a true fan, you won't accept them pricing people out. This one's 80 the next game will be 100 and continue to rise. Say no.May 20, 2025While there wasn't a price tag set in stone, Pitchford's comments alone suggested that Borderlands 4 would follow the new $80 trend – and it appears as though the backlash has convinced 2K, Take-Two Interactive, and the seniors involved to stick with $69.99.Unfortunately, that may not be the case with other games priced at $80, and Nintendo's Mario Kart World is the best example. However, the Nintendo Switch 2's launch is likely a significant factor in the new title's high sales.Analysis: Stop saying 'there's nothing that can be done' and keep your voices heard(Image credit: Gearbox / 2K)Even if there are future cases like Mario Kart World selling well at $80, at the very least, ensuring that CEOs and senior management of game companies are aware of complaints regarding egregious pricing is incredibly vital.Like I've seen over the years, if there's enough backlash and rejection of a move that fans don't like, change is more often the answer from game companies.I can almost guarantee that the response to the Gearbox CEO's comments was a major factor in the $69.99 price tag – and frankly, some gamers could likely still turn away from a purchase as $69.99 is still frowned upon (and rightly so).Nintendo's move has already set the dangerous precedent I feared, but Borderlands 4's case should be enough of an indication that the more you vote with your wallet by stating displeasure and actively avoiding $80 games, the more we'll see game companies take a step back...You might also like...Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser says 'stay tuned' when asked about the absence of a mainline Mario game for the Switch 2Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser seemingly reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour priceNintendo of America president says 'tariffs were not factored into the price' of the Switch 2 and weighs in on the price of games

NordPass now supports attachments of your most important documentsSet reminders to update your copies when they expireThe usual NordPass encryption methods still applyTop password manager NordPass has revealed it is now supporting document storage to make sure all your most important files are kept safe and sound.Starting today, users can now store documents (such as IDs, driving licenses and passports) in an encrypted vault.Documents can be uploaded as scans, images or other file types, with the option to create custom fields for quick reference within he vault, too.NordPass document storageThe company explained the new feature comes in response to insecure storage seen across the world – many individuals simply keep a photo of their sensitive information in their photo library."People struggle to securely store and manage their physical documents... These essential documents are often misplaced, hard to access when needed, or forgotten until they expire, leading to missed renewals and unnecessary stress," Head of Core Product Chandra Challa explained.All stored data is encrypted using xChaCha20, which enables it to be available across all signed-in devices. Families can also use NordPass to store essential records, like marriage and birth certificates and insurance papers.In its announcement, the company boasted about the built-in reminders feature. By assigning an expiration date, users will be reminded to update their documents once renewed so that the latest copy is always available in their vault, enabling seamless data retrieval for online purchases and more.NordPass comes in three different flavors – Free, Premium (for individual users) and Family (for up to six users). TechRadar Pro has asked the company to confirm which plans include the new document storage features.Although the ability to store important document details is not new (Dashlane, 1Password and Proton Pass all support secure notes), being able to keep a photocopy of those documents sets NordPass apart from its key password manager rivals.In the years since it launched, NordPass has become so much more than a simple password manager, supporting multi-factor authentication codes and email masking.You might also likeYour least-favorite browser finally added a proper password manager, and it could be a massive game-changer for secure business credential sharingDream up complex credentials with the best password generatorsThe best VPNs can protect your digital footprint

Marvel has revealed the full schedule and episode titles for IronheartMy biggest fear about its release format has been confirmedThe penultimate chapter's name might have spoiled a possible secret villain revealMarvel has unveiled the full release schedule and episode titles for Ironheart.At the time of publication, the final Marvel Phase 5 TV show is less than one week away from making its Disney+ debut. And, to celebrate the countdown to launch, Marvel has revealed some key information about the Dominque Thorne-led TV series.A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)A photo posted by on Let's start with that all-important episodic release format, which was officially confirmed via Marvel Studios' Instagram account (see above). We already knew that Ironheart would air with a three-episode premiere on June 24 in the US, and June 25 in the UK and Australia (NB: it'll arrive on one of these two dates in other nations, too). That much was made clear when the long-gestating Marvel TV Original's first trailer was finally unveiled in mid-May.At the time, though, I expressed concern over Ironheart's rumored release format. Industry insiders had claimed its final three episodes would drop together one week after the show premiered. Now, Marvel has proved that leak was correct.So, why is Marvel giving Ironheart the Andor season 2 treatment by releasing it in dual three-part batches? Is it because the comic giant isn't confident people will watch it week-to-week? Or is it simply experimenting with how its small-screen projects are released on one of the world's best streaming services? I can't say for sure, but we'll find out if this release format is a success or not once its streaming data has been crunched in the weeks after its final three episodes have aired.Better the devil you knowIs the devil in the details, or this is a fan theory with no substance? (Image credit: Marvel Comics)Those aren't the only interesting questions that Ironheart's release schedule has thrown up. Indeed, eagle-eyed Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans have spotted something in the above Instagram post that might point towards the inclusion of a secret villain.Look at the fifth episode's title – 'Karma's a Glitch' – and you'll notice that the 'm' has been written in different ink colors. The primary hue is black, but a red marker has also been used to spell out the word 'karma'. Even more crucially, the 'm' is the only letter in any of the spelled-out episode titles to get this treatment.So, what's this got to do with a yet-to-be-revealed antagonist in Ironheart? MCU fans believe this is yet another sign that the Demon Lord known as Mephisto will be unveiled as the show's actual villain-in-chief.Comment from r/marvelstudiosUntil now, Anthony Ramos' Parker Robbins/The Hood has been positioned as its lead antagonist (read more about him and much more in my dedicated Ironheart guide). However, Mephisto has long been rumored to be the Big Bad who's puppeteering events from the shadows. In fact, Mephisto was first linked with a role in Ironheart way back in October 2022.Add the show's dark magic versus technology-led story, plus more teases about a potential Mephisto appearance in Ironheart's official trailer, into the equation, and MCU fans are even more convinced that Marvel's take on the Devil is going to show up.Do you think Mephisto will turn up in Ironheart? Or is this a fan theory that people have conjured out of thin air? Let me know in the comments.You might also likeFind out how to watch the Marvel movies in orderOr get the definitive lowdown on The Fantastic Four: First StepsAlternatively, see which MCU TV Originals made it onto our best Disney+ shows list

Microsoft has a Start menu redesign in testingThis introduces new layouts for the list of all appsOne of those layouts is a category view, and we’ve had confirmation from Microsoft that it won’t be possible to customize this to your likingWe’ve just learned more about how Microsoft’s revamped Start menu will work when it arrives in Windows 11, and not everyone is happy about the new info aired here.Windows Latest reports on an element of customization that falls short of what some Windows 11 users were hoping for, and it pertains to one of the new layouts being introduced for the list of apps.As you may recall, with the redesigned Start menu – which is in test builds of Windows 11 now – the long list of apps installed on the PC can be set to a couple of more compact alternative layouts, one of which is a grid and the other a category view.It’s the latter we’re interested in here, whereby apps are grouped into different categories such as Games, Productivity, Creativity, Social, Utilities and so forth. Each of these categories has a box in which up to four icons for the most commonly-used apps appear, and the full roster of apps is found within if you open the category – all of which allows for an easier way to locate the app you’re looking for, rather than scrolling through a lengthy alphabetical list.So, what’s the beef that’s been raised here? Windows Latest has received confirmation from Microsoft that it won’t be possible to create your own category types.Windows 11 will, of course, make the decisions on how to categorize apps and where they belong, but there are some interesting, and less than ideal, nuances picked up by Windows Latest here.Any app that Windows 11 isn’t sure about will go in the ‘Other’ category, for one thing. Also, if there aren’t three apps for any given category – because you don’t have enough creativity apps installed on your machine, say – then a stray creativity app (like Paint) will be dumped in Other.Analysis: improved customization could still be offered with any luck(Image credit: MAYA LAB / Shutterstock)If Microsoft gave folks the ability to make their own category folders, they could have a few alternative dumping grounds to Other – categories named so that the user could better remember what apps they contain.However, with Windows 11 overseeing category allocation, it seems like Microsoft wants to keep a tight rein on the groups which are present in this part of the interface. Sadly, it isn’t possible to move an app from one category to another, either (as Windows Latest has highlighted in the past), should you disagree with where it’s been placed - and this latter ability is a more telling shortcoming here.The new Start menu remains in testing, of course, so Microsoft may make changes before it arrives in the finished version of Windows 11. That’s entirely possible, especially seeing as Microsoft has (again) been stressing how it’s listening to user feedback to better inform Windows 11’s design, the Start menu overhaul included.So, simply being able to drag and drop icons between these categories is something we can hope for, in order to reclassify any given - it’s a pretty basic piece of functionality, after all. We may eventually get to define our own categories, too, but for now, it appears Microsoft is taking a rather rigid approach to customization with this part of the menu.Expect this Start menu makeover to be one of the central pillars of Windows 11 25H2 when it pitches up later this year.You might also like...Windows 11's hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn't messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10macOS Tahoe 26 is official - here's everything you need to know about all the new featuresCan’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends