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Updates for the Galaxy S21 series are slowing down
What you need to know
Samsung subtly indicated that it will not be providing monthly updates to its Galaxy S21 series.
Since the series was destined for 4 years of full software updates, it means One UI 7 is its last.
Samsung Galaxy S21 FE still makes the cut for monthly updates, given its later release.
Samsung’sGalaxy S25 seriesrecently launched with seven years worth of updates, which should begin with monthly security updates. However, anyone with the Galaxy S21 series will start noticing a slowdown in update cadence just four years after the phone’s launch.
In asecurity updates post, Samsung lays out the devices that will get monthly, quarterly, and bi-annual updates. As recently spotted by9to5Google, the S21 series will now be downgraded to quarterly updates.
Monthly, quarterly, and biannual firmware security updates include patches for Android OS-related security issues released by Google, as well as patches for Samsung-specific security issues.
This change in update cadence will impact the standard Galaxy S21, S21 Plus, and Ultra models since they were. However, owners should note that the phones are still expected to receive the massive One UI 7 update, as they were promised four years of OS upgrades after launching with Android 11. This will bring a revamped UI and perhaps additional Galaxy AI features in tandem with the latest flagship models. So, the S21 owners still have something to be excited about.
That said, theGalaxy S21 FEwas launched later in 2021, so it will continue to receive monthly updates for now, along with all subsequent S series models, starting from S22 until the most recentGalaxy S25 series.
Some of the other devices still eligible for monthly security updates include the following models: Galaxy Z Fold 3 5G, Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G, Galaxy Z Fold 4, Galaxy Z Flip 4, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy Z Flip 5, Galaxy Z Fold 6, Galaxy Z Flip 6, W23, W23 Flip, W24, W24 Flip, W25, W25 Flip, Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition and Enterprise Models starting with the Galaxy A53 5G.
Along with these phone-related updates, Samsung is releasing a security patch for its wearables as well, listed below:
As for the Galaxy S21, owners should continue to see updates last until sometime in early 2026, although it’s unlikely it’ll receive the next major Android release.
We look at Apple Pencil 2 vs Apple Pencil 1 and the newer Apple Pencil Pro and USB-C to help you choose the best stylus.
The task of setting out to compareApplepencils is getting more complex. It’s no longer justApple Pencil2 vs Apple Pencil 1. There’s also now the newer Apple Pencil Pro vs the cheaper Apple Pencil USB-C to consider. Confused? Fear not: in this guide, we’ve compared every Apple Pencil and their compatibility to help you choose the right one for your needs (and your iPad).
If you already have an iPad, your choice will be limited to the styluses compatible with your device, although there are now more options available to most with the introduction the Apple Pencil USB-C. If you’ve not yet chosen which tablet to go for, our Apple Pencil comparison could help you make your decision. For example, digital artists may want to go for the new 2024 M4iPad Proor M2iPad Airso they can use the Apple Pencil Pro, which introduces several new features.
Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth Charging: Lightning Compatibility: 6th-10th-gen iPad, 5th-gen iPad mini, 1st and 2nd-gen iPad Pro 12.9
Of the iPads on the market today, there aren’t many that support the first Apple Pencil. The stylus lacks some of the more sophisticated features of its successor, with no magnetic charging or hover support, but it’s a great-value stylus now and there are often big deals around.
Apple Pencil 2
Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro Hover, Double Tap Charging: wireless Compatibility: 4th and 5th-gen iPad Air, 6th-gen iPad mini, pre-2024 iPad Pro 11 and 12.9.
The Apple Pencil 2 improved on the first stylus by introducing a hexagonal design and magnetic connection, which can help prevent it from getting lost. The wireless charging is more convenient than using a cable, and the Double Tap control and Hover on iPad Pro improves workflow.
Apple Pencil Pro
Features: Pressure and tilt sensitivity, Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro Hover, Double Tap, Squeeze, gyroscope, haptic feedback Charging: wireless Compatibility: 2024 M4-chipped iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs
The Apple Pencil Pro is the most advanced Apple stylus yet, featuring the advantages of the 2nd-gen Pencil plus a new new gyroscope for control of shaped pen and brush tools, a squeeze gesture to quickly change tools and haptic feedback.
Apple Pencil USB-C
Features: Bluetooth, magnetic, iPad Pro hover support, Charging: USB-C Compatibility: 10th-gen iPad, 4th, 5th and 6th-gen iPad Air, 6th-gen iPad mini, all recent iPad Pros
Released in 2023, this is the cheapest Apple Pencil and the most widely compatible, working with most recent iPads. However, it’s also the most basic, with no pressure sensitivity. That makes it more suited to note taking and browsing, but we found that it can do the job for drawing too if you’re on a budget.
The Apple Pencil 2 with Adobe Fresco(Image credit: Apple)
Compare the Apple Pencil with Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro, and you’ll immediately notice the difference in price. At full price, an Apple Pencil 1st gen costs $99, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro cost $129. Meanwhile, Apple Pencil USB-C costs $79. There are hardware reasons for this, which we’ll get to later in the article. You will often be able to find small discounts at third-party retailers.
If you already have an iPad, your choice of Apple Pencil has already been made for you to an extent, as each iPad only supports one Apple Pencil, other than the more basic Apple Pencil USB-C.
The original Apple Pencil is supported by the 9th and 10th-gen iPads, the 5th-gen iPad mini and the 2019 iPad Air. It was also supported by previous iPads, including the iPad 9.7-inch (2018), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017), iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), iPad Pro 9.7-inch (2016), and iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2015).
The Apple Pencil 2 is supported by the 4th and 5th-generation iPad Air (2020 and 2022), the 6th-gen iPad mini (2021) and both 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pros made between 2018 and 2022.
Apple Pencil Pro is only compatible with the M4 iPad Pros and M2 iPad Airs released in 2024, while the Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible with most iPads.
The lowest price you can pay for an iPad together with an Apple Pencil (without any discount) is is $429 for the 10.2-inch iPad 9 plus Apple Pencil 1st gen. For the most advanced combo of the new iPad Pro with Apple Pencil Pro, you’re looking at an investment of at least $1,129.
Winner: TheApple Pencil USB-Ceasily wins on both price and the broadest compatibility, making it potentially useful if you have more than one iPad.
Apple Pencil comparison: design & ergonomics
(Image credit: Apple)
The Apple Pencils are all fairly similar in design but different enough that you can tell them apart. Aside from the slightly smaller Apple Pencil USB-C, they’re all 8.9mm in diameter, measure between 6.5 and 6.9 inches in length and weigh around 20g (0.73 ounces).
We’ve found this to be ergonomically optimal for most people’s hands. Some tablet styluses can be small and fiddly, but these are pretty much perfectly pitched. Though some users, particularly those who are accustomed toWacomtablets, may prefer a thicker stylus. If that’s you, there are sleeves you can buy to make the Apple Pencil feel thicker.
The original Apple Pencil is rounded while later models all have flat edges, which stops them from rolling away. It’s a relatively small point, but the smooth and circular barrel of the original Pencil may have been aesthetically lovely, but anyone who uses one probably has to pick it up off the floor now and again, even with the weighting system built-in to try to prevent this. Our post onhow to avoid losing your Apple Pencilhas proved surprisingly popular over the years.
The original Apple Pencil has a glossy plastic finish in the style ofAirPods. The Pencil 2 and others have a matte finish that’s much more resistant to grease and fingerprints. It feels like a real wooden pencil, which makes it that much more pleasant to use. Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro both qualify for free engraving if you buy them online from Apple directly.
Winner: We prefer the design ofApple Pencil 2andApple Pencil Prosince they’re less easy to lose compared to the first stylus, while they’re slightly larger and more practical than the USB-C device.
Apple Pencil comparison: Performance
The good news is that the first-gen and second-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro (but NOT the Apple Pencil USB-C) are all comparable when it comes to drawing performance. All three have pressure sensitivity. Apple doesn’t state the level of pressure sensitivity in any model, which is a little frustrating, but none of these have ever felt lacking for finessed and nuanced artwork, so we can live with a bit of ambiguity. All three also provide tilt and rotation detection while drawing, and when combined with the good pressure detection, they’re very versatile for different brush strokes and applications.
They also sample at the same rate, meaning they have the same low-latency performance… except you do actually get guaranteed lower latency from the time you move your hand to the time you see the results on-screen when using Apple Pencil 2 or Apple Pencil Pro with a compatible iPad Pro because of the iPad Pro’s 120Hz screen (meaning that it refreshes the display 120 times per second), not because of anything the Apple Pencil does (other iPads have a 60Hz screen).
The improvements in Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil Pro are not so much in drawing performance itself but in the additional features they add to help streamline workflows and make them more convenient to use. First, the Apple Pencil 2 introduced a double-tap feature. This can be customised, enabling users to double-tap the flat edge to switch between current tool and eraser, switch between current tool and the last-used tool or show the colour palette (or do nothing, if you prefer).
Some individual apps can make different uses of this feature: the art app Procreate and audio editor Ferrite both offer other handy functions using the double-tap gesture. The second-gen Pencil also introduced the hover function for iPad Pros, allowing users to preview their actions, showing you exactly where your stylus will touch down.
The Apple Pencil Pro takes these advances and adds more: a squeeze gesture for quick tool, colour, and other changes, a rotating barrel for precise control of pen and brush tools and customisable haptic feedback to let you know that you activated a feature. The more affordable Apple Pencil USB-C is much more basic and doesn’t even have pressure sensitivity. However, that doesn’t completely rule it out for drawing.
Our reviewer found that even without pressure sensitivity, it was possible to achieve a comparable result with the Apple Pencil USB-C by using the edge of the stylus like you would a traditional pencil. We also found it possible to achieve line variation by using the eraser/brush interchangeably and using different brushes and sizes. Pressure sensitivity does allow more flow and expression in your mark-making, but the USB-C is certainly a workable option for drawing if you’re on a budget.
Winner: The first-gen Apple Pencil, second-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro offer an equally good drawing experience, but theApple Pencil Prois the clear winner when it comes to improved productivity and more precise control.
Apple Pencil comparison: Storage and charging
The Apple Pencil Pro, Apple Pencil 2 and Apple Pencil USB-C all have the edge over the first Apple Pencil when it comes to storage – quite literally. They attach magnetically to the side of the iPad, which can prevent them from getting lost. The Apple Pencil 2 and Pro also charge wirelessly while they’re attached. It’s hard to overstate how much more usable this makes them.
Not only does it mean they’re always to hand – if you’ve got your iPad within reach, you’ve got your Pencil within reach – but they top up their charge so they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice, so you can get straight to work when you want to before you lose your thread.
For the Apple Pencil 1st gen, there’s no official storage solution directly on devices. It will attach magnetically to some covers, but not with a very strong grip. Apple made some iPad sleeves that include a storage section for the Pencil, which work well enough, but were very large and unwieldy overall. There are third party cases and folios too, of course, but you’ll have to see if there are any that suit you.
The original Apple Pencil is also more annoying to keep charged. It has a male Lightning connector on the end (covered with a cap that can get lost, though it stays on fairly well), which can be plugged into your iPad’s Lightning port to charge (this is also how you pair it with the iPad). The strange, long shape this forms is the very definition of inelegance, and also leaves the Pencil prone to getting knocked and snapping its connector. However, it can charge quite quickly: about 15 seconds of charge time can get you around 30 minutes of use.
The Pencil 1st gen does come with a charging adapter in the box, though: a converter, so that you can use a normal Lightning cable to charge the Pencil. As long you’re diligent about plugging it in regularly, this would be a much better way to go about it.
Apple doesn’t give battery quotes for the Pencil models, but talked of the 1st-gen version offering around 12 hours. The others appear to be around the same. They do fairly well holding their charge when not in use, which is important for the first-gen and the USB-C stylus since they’re less convenient to charge. The 2nd-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro haven’t had any problems lasting for long drawing sessions for us, but battery life is also less important, because they can be more easily topped up during the day simply by popping them back on the edge of the tablet when you stop for a break.
Winner:Apple Pencil 2andApple Pencil Pro.
Apple Pencil comparison: Tips
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple Pencil models use the same kind of tip, which is fairly hard, and taps firmly against the glass of the iPad. Depending on what kind of stylus you’re used to, you may find this a bit of an adjustment: it’s distinctly harder and louder than other models.
It’s not a problem in any way, but the difference from softer plastic tips or drawing surfaces is quite noticeable. You’d have to try one in an Apple Store to see if you majorly dislike it, but we doubt it would be a dealbreaker.
This hardness does make the tips highly durable. Don’t expect to see much, if any, sign of wear within a year or so, unless you’re trying to use it to make fire. The 1st-gen Apple Pencil comes with a replacement tip in the box, further guaranteeing longevity from a single purchase. The Apple Pencil 2 does not come with a replacement tip, which seems a bit cheap of Apple, but then you won’t be needing one for a long time, as we mentioned. You can buy a replacement pack of tips from Apple: four for $19.
Apple Pencil comparison: Which should you buy?
(Image credit: Apple)
When it comes down to it, you need to consider which Apple Pencil to go for as part of your decision of which iPad to choose because you’ll need a stylus that’s compatible with your tablet. Only the Apple Pencil USB-C is compatible across most of the iPad range, and it’s the least appealing option for those that want to use their stylus for drawing.
If you’re a professional digital artist, or hope to become one, then the ideal combination for the best drawing experience possible on an iPad is to go for the M4 iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil Pro. They were made to work together, and the new stylus’ extra features combined with the responsive display of the iPad Pro makes for a seamless workflow. If you’re on a tighter budget or you can’t justify paying the price of the new iPad Pro, then the M2 iPad Air with Apple Pencil Pro would be the next best alternative. You may notice some lag since the Air has a slower screen, but the tablet has more than enough power for drawing software.
If you already have an older iPad Pro or Air, then the decision is clear: the second-gen Apple Pencil is the stylus for you. If you have the entry-level iPad and you plan to draw on your tablet, then the first-gen Apple Pencil is your stylus. We would only recommend the cross-compatible Apple Pencil USB-C for those who want a stylus more for note-taking and as an aid for browsing than for drawing.
Is Apple Pencil good for digital drawing?
For digital drawing, you can’t really do better – as ourbest tablets with a stylusguide shows, in which it beats dedicated drawing tablets from the likes of Wacom. It’s that good. It could be that the original pencil (which came out in 2015) is a better shout for you. It all depends on which iPad you have as different generations are compatible with different iterations of the Apple Pencil. Also see our comparison ofApple Pencil vs Logitech Crayon.
How do Apple Pencils charge?
Apple Pencils don’t all charge in the same way. The 1st-gen Apple Pencil and Apple Pencil USB-C have to be plugged in: the former has a built-in male Lightning stem hiding under the end cap. You can plug it directly into a Lightning-equipped iPad or use a double reverse adapter to charge via Lightning cable. The Apple Pencil USB-C has to be charged via – you guessed it – a USB-C cable.
The 2nd-Gen Pencil and Apple Pencil Pro are much more convenient because they charge when stuck onto the flat edge of supported iPads magnetically, keeping your pencil close at hand and preventing it from getting lost.
Microsoft previously offered details on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC
That workaround has been removed from the support document that hosted it
This could be to do with the release of the 24H2 update, which is now widely rolling out
Microsofthas just quietly removed information in its support documentation regarding installingWindows 11via a (not recommended) workaround, one that allowed the OS to be hosted on a PC that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements.
Specifically, this was a workaround for machines that aren’t up to speed for thesystem requirements of Windows 11in terms of having TPM 2.0, or not having a modern enough CPU. It involved tweaking the Registry of the OS in order to facilitate the installation.
TechSpotnoticed that Microsoft had made the change, linking to the new,altered support document, and also providing a link to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine’s captured version of theold document.
As you can see if you compare the two, the instructions for ducking around the TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements are provided with the old doc in the box labeled ‘warning’ which makes it clear that there are risks involved with both installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC and modifying the Registry.
It appears that warnings aren’t enough, and Microsoft doesn’t want anyone at all using this fudge now, even at their own risk, given the change to the doc here.
Why has Microsoft made this change now, after leaving these workaround details in place for so long? Because as far as we are aware, this method still works.
One theory is that the recent release of Windows 11 24H2 may have changed the terrain that this workaround is built on, meaning that trying to dodge said system requirements could now be more problematic.
Remember, the platform that underpins Windows 11 was changed to an all-new affair with the 24H2 update, as Microsoft introduced Germanium. In short, that meant a lot of tweaks for the inner workings of theoperating systemthat can’t be seen, but are most definitely there (and needed forCopilot+ PCs). The changes may cause more potential problems with the above installation workaround (particularly given that one of Germanium’s main pillars is to bolster security, as well as performance).
So, perhaps the workaround is simply more likely to run into issues now, though we’ve not seen reports of this from Windows users to back up this idea (not yet, anyway). As already noted, we aren’t seeing any evidence that this method doesn’t actually work anymore.
Obviously, you can still view the instructions (via the Wayback Machine as noted), so if you want to make the move to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, that can still be done (in theory). Indeed, we have a much morein-depth look at this process in a guide here, so if you’re serious about installing Windows 11 in this way, check that out.
In that guide, we still don’t recommend taking this course of action, due to the potential risks involved – which, if the above theorizing is correct, may be even more perilous now that Windows 11 24H2 is in town with Germanium in tow.
AsWindows 10’s End of Lifecomes ever closer, if you are still on the older OS due to not having a PC that supports Windows 11, then you need to start carefully examining your options. Clearly enough, Microsoft doesn’t think one of those choices should be to fudge Windows 11 on a PC with an old unsupported processor (or no TPM 2.0, or perhaps both).
Whatever the case, it appears that the looming deadline forWindows 10support ending is making some people think about upgrading, andWindows 11 is suddenly becoming more popular. Expect more of that migration to come as 2025 rolls onwards.
One theory is that it’s due to the Windows 11 24H2 update
Microsoft previously offered details on installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC
That workaround has been removed from the support document that hosted it
This could be to do with the release of the 24H2 update, which is now widely rolling out
Microsofthas just quietly removed information in its support documentation regarding installingWindows 11via a (not recommended) workaround, one that allowed the OS to be hosted on a PC that doesn’t meet the hardware requirements.
Specifically, this was a workaround for machines that aren’t up to speed for thesystem requirements of Windows 11in terms of having TPM 2.0, or not having a modern enough CPU. It involved tweaking the Registry of the OS in order to facilitate the installation.
TechSpotnoticed that Microsoft had made the change, linking to the new,altered support document, and also providing a link to the Internet Archive Wayback Machine’s captured version of theold document.
As you can see if you compare the two, the instructions for ducking around the TPM 2.0 or CPU requirements are provided with the old doc in the box labeled ‘warning’ which makes it clear that there are risks involved with both installing Windows 11 on an unsupported PC and modifying the Registry.
It appears that warnings aren’t enough, and Microsoft doesn’t want anyone at all using this fudge now, even at their own risk, given the change to the doc here.
Why has Microsoft made this change now, after leaving these workaround details in place for so long? Because as far as we are aware, this method still works.
One theory is that the recent release of Windows 11 24H2 may have changed the terrain that this workaround is built on, meaning that trying to dodge said system requirements could now be more problematic.
Remember, the platform that underpins Windows 11 was changed to an all-new affair with the 24H2 update, as Microsoft introduced Germanium. In short, that meant a lot of tweaks for the inner workings of theoperating systemthat can’t be seen, but are most definitely there (and needed forCopilot+ PCs). The changes may cause more potential problems with the above installation workaround (particularly given that one of Germanium’s main pillars is to bolster security, as well as performance).
So, perhaps the workaround is simply more likely to run into issues now, though we’ve not seen reports of this from Windows users to back up this idea (not yet, anyway). As already noted, we aren’t seeing any evidence that this method doesn’t actually work anymore.
Obviously, you can still view the instructions (via the Wayback Machine as noted), so if you want to make the move to Windows 11 on an unsupported PC, that can still be done (in theory). Indeed, we have a much morein-depth look at this process in a guide here, so if you’re serious about installing Windows 11 in this way, check that out.
In that guide, we still don’t recommend taking this course of action, due to the potential risks involved – which, if the above theorizing is correct, may be even more perilous now that Windows 11 24H2 is in town with Germanium in tow.
AsWindows 10’s End of Lifecomes ever closer, if you are still on the older OS due to not having a PC that supports Windows 11, then you need to start carefully examining your options. Clearly enough, Microsoft doesn’t think one of those choices should be to fudge Windows 11 on a PC with an old unsupported processor (or no TPM 2.0, or perhaps both).
Whatever the case, it appears that the looming deadline forWindows 10support ending is making some people think about upgrading, andWindows 11 is suddenly becoming more popular. Expect more of that migration to come as 2025 rolls onwards.
Microsoft has announced plans to remove the free VPN feature from its Microsoft Defender app.
The VPN, and Defender app, is currently included in all Microsoft 365 Personal and Family plans at no additional cost, but will be removed on 28 February 2025.
The VPN certainly wasn’t challenging any of thebest VPNs, but it was a handy additional feature and better than no VPN protection at all.
Short lived
Microsoft’s VPN hasn’t been around for long, having only beenintroduced in August 2024, but the tech giant has seemingly decided it isn’t worth continuing and are diverting resources elsewhere – Copilot AI by the looks of it.
On one of itssupport pages, Microsoft said: “Our goal is to ensure you, and your family remain safer online. We routinely evaluate the usage and effectiveness of our features. As such, we are removing the privacy protection feature and will invest in new areas that will better align to customer needs.”
It says no action is required by Windows, iOS, or macOS users to remove the VPN, but Android users will have to manually remove the feature if they no longer wish to see it. Not removing the feature won’t affect your device, or the remaining app protections, but the VPN will not be usable.
(Image credit: SOPA Images / Getty Images)
Other Microsoft 365 protection features will remain unaffected. These include personal information and credit monitoring, 24/7 identity theft support, and up to $1 million identity insurance coverage – services very similar toExpressVPN’sIdentity DefenderandCredit ScannerandNordVPN’sNordProtect.
The VPN’s removal comes asMicrosoft increases the price of 365 plans in the US by 45%. The prices of personal and family plans will increase by $3 a month or $30 for annual subscriptions.
It appears as though the price hike is down to the inclusion of Copilot AI in the Microsoft 365 suite of apps. However users who don’t wish to access Copilot AI can opt to switch to the “basic plan” and won’t have to pay the increased subscription rate.
Apple product names can be quite perplexing. But here’s my decoder to help make sense of them
I loveAppleproducts. They’re sleek, they’re powerful, and in the immortal words of Steve Jobs, they “just work” (well, most of the time). But their naming strategy? It’s a wild ride.
Take the iPhone lineup, for instance. Remember when it was just “iPhone” followed by a number? Those were simpler times. Now along with theiPhone 16we recently got theiPhone 16 Pro Max, theiPhone 16 Proand theiPhone 16 Plus. Plus right now, we’re expecting the imminent appearance of theiPhone SE 4; like that cousin no-one’s quite sure how to introduce at family gatherings.
And let’s talk about those chips. The M1 made sense as a starting point. Then came M1 Pro and M1 Max – okay, still following. But then Apple threw in the M1 Ultra, which is essentially two M1 Max chips fused together. Just when you thought you had it figured out, they launched the M2 series, and now we’re deep into M3 and M4 territory, each with their own variants. It’s like a Russian nesting doll of processing power.
TheiPadfamily tree is another puzzle altogether. We’ve got theiPad Pro(in two sizes),iPad Air, iPad mini, and just… iPad. But wait – this basic / standard / entry-level iPad comes in different generations, and some older models are still sold new. Try explaining to your non-tech-savvy aunt why the 9th-generation iPad Air might actually be a better choice for her than the 10th-generation iPad Pro, depending on her needs and budget. To be honest, even your tech-savvy teenager might get lost at this point.
I could go on, but you get the point. Basically it’s all a hot mess. So I set myself the challenge of trying to create a decoder for Apple’s product naming system. Here’s what I came up with.
Indicates a higher-end, more powerful version. Usually the most expensive model in a series.
Apple MacBook Pro 14 (M4 Pro, 2024), iPhone 16 Pro, Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Air
Suggests a thinner, lighter, more portable version. Used to be much less powerful than the Pro versions, but the gap has narrowed in recent years.
Apple MacBook Air 13in (M3, 2024), iPad Air M2 2024
mini
Denotes a smaller, more compact version. Yes, the ‘m’ is meant to be lower case.
Mac mini M4 Pro, iPad mini (2024)
Max
Indicates the largest and/or most feature-rich version.
iPhone 16 Pro Max
Plus
Signifies a larger screen size and/or slightly enhanced features.
iPhone 16 Plus
SE
Stands for Special Edition: a more affordable version with some features of higher-end models.
iPhone SE (2022)
[Number] eg, 16
Used to denote the series that a product sits within.
iPhone 16, iPhone 15, iPhone 14
Series
With the Apple Watch specifically, the word ‘Series’ is attached to the number. Don’t ask me why.
Apple Watch Series 8
[Generation] eg, 6th generation
Indicates a version or iteration of a product.
iPad Air 13-inch (6th generation) – aka iPad Air 13-inch (2024)
[Year] eg, 2024
Alternative way of describing the generation. Sometimes Apple includes the year and the numbered generation in a product name, sometimes only one of these.
iPad Air 13-inch (2024) – aka iPad Air 13-inch (6th generation)
[Storage capacity] eg, 256GB
Fairly straightforward this one: specifies the amount of storage.
iPhone 16 Pro (256GB)
[Processor] eg, M1
Refers to the Apple-made processor inside the device.
Apple Mac Studio M2 (2023)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] Pro
More powerful version of the base M chip. More CPU and GPU cores.
MacBook Pro (M2 Pro)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] Max
Even more powerful than the “Pro” version. Highest core count, more memory bandwidth. ‘Max’ might imply ‘maximum’ but this is not actually the most powerful M-chip. That’s the Ultra, below.
MacBook Pro (M2 Max)
[M1/M2/M3/M4] Ultra
The most powerful M-series chip. Combines two M-Max chips.
Mac Studio (M2 Ultra)
This decoder, I should stress, is by no means perfect or foolproof. And it’s certainly not something that’s been approved by Apple. Because while the broad principles I’ve outlined in this table will get you some of the way, the company themselves doesn’t apply them universally across the board.
For instance, sometimes “Pro” means it’s the most powerful option (like with iPhones), but sometimes there’s an even more powerful “Max” or “Pro Max” version. Sometimes “Air” means it’s the slimmer, lighter option (MacBook Air), but the iPad Air actually sits in a middle ground between basic and Pro models.
The MacBook Air 13in (M3, 2024)
It gets even worse when it comes to Apple’s accessories. For instance, AirPods come in regular, Pro and Max varieties – but the Max is actually over-ear headphones, not pods at all. The Apple Pencil, meanwhile, has four versions that look different and charge differently, and they’re not compatible with all iPads.
The naming convention here (and I’m not making this up) begins: Apple Pencil (1st Generation), Apple Pencil (2nd Generation)… so far so good. But then suddenly it veers off into Apple Pencil (USB-C) and Apple Pencil Pro. Would you know that the third of these was the budget model, just from the name? Of course not. And you need a spreadsheet to figure out which Apple Pencil works with which iPad: the names here are no use at all.
There’s an excellent line-up of PS5 games set to launch in 2025. It’s certainly shaping up to be a very good year to be a PlayStation fan, with big releases likeGTA6 sure to impress onSony’s newest consoles.
New PS5 games will start coming out in the next few weeks, withCivilization 7kicking things off in style. In the rest of 2025, many exciting new games are still set to be announced – with some even likely to land on our list ofbest PS5 games. It’s a great time to be a PS5 owner for sure, especially when you consider that there’s even more to follow in late 2025 and into 2026.
Read on to learn the release dates for the biggest new PS5 games. As new release dates are revealed, or if certain games are delayed, this page will be updated. For now, here’s what you’ll be playing in the next 6 months or so, and beyond!.
New PS5 games 2025: this year’s most anticipated releases
Here’s a short list of 2025’sbiggest and mostanticipated new PS5 games. These all have release dates, which will be updated if there are delays or cancellations. As it’s still early on in the year, expect even more games to be announced as we go.
Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 –February 4 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)
Doom: The Dark Ages tears its way onto PS5 in May. It’s a medieval prequel that sees the Doom Slayer armed with a new chainsaw-shield weapon. Oh, and you can ride a dragon.
Doom: The Dark Ages –May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)
Sonic Wings Reunion –May 29 (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)
Return of the Savage Planet –May TBC (PC, XSX|S, XBO, PS5, PS4)
2025 and TBC
(Image credit: Insomniac)
Now for the games that, while we know are coming, have yet to receive full release dates. Hopefully we’ll hear more about the following games sooner rather than later.
Arc Raiders –2025
Borderlands 4 –2025
Dune Awakening –Early 2025 (PC)
GTA 6 –Fall 2025
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle –Spring 2025 (PS5)
Verdict The PS5 Slim offers the same great performance as the original PS5 but offers a superbly redesigned, slick aesthetic and smaller chassis. Combining this smaller footprint with the same performance, as well as some quality-of-life improvements such as a change in one port to USB-C and a slightly larger capacity SSD inside, makes the PS5 Slim an excellent console to buy in 2025 – especially as discounts and deals are becoming more regular. Pros +Same great PS5 performance +Smaller, more compact design +Great customization options with console covers +Slightly more usable storage is welcome +DualSense controller remains brilliant +Expansive game library Cons -DualSense battery life is still just OK -Vertical stand is an extra cost
The PS5 Slim picks up where the original launch model of the PS5 left off and offers a brilliant current-generation gaming experience. Adding a couple of quality-of-life improvements to the original and shrinking the footprint right down, while maintaining the excellent performance and experiences you would expect from a PS5, means this is still one of the verybest gaming consolesto buy.
The PS5 Slim launched at the same price that the original launch model PS5 had. This differs from the last generation when thePS4 Slimarrived with a slightly lower price tag, which was very welcome at the time. While that’s disappointing, the PS5 Slim is now the dominant variant of the console – coming in both disc and digital editions too -and discounts and deals are now frequent. As such, while we heartily recommend it at its list price, it can offer exceptional value for money.
The biggest changes with the PS5 Slim are indeed as its name would imply: its small footprint and form factor mean the PS5 Slim is around 30% smaller, which is welcome given the original’s heft. It’s of the same design language, but not exactly the same either. While the form of the PS5 Slim still features the fanned, larger end, the console’s shell is now split by a gap (‘filled in’ by the black plastic of the console’s main body underneath), making for four separate plates.
One small difference is the front ports both being USB-C on the Slim too, trading the launch model’s USB-A port for the second USB-C one. And apart from a slightly larger hard drive – the PS5 Slim sports a 1TB SSD as opposed to the original’s 825GB – it has the identical PS5 specs within it that offer that wonderful performance we’re used to from Sony’s current console. You’ve also got a host of customization options with the PS5 Slim, thanks to Sony releasing a wide number of different console covers that can be easily slotted on.
It is that performance, combined with the new design, that makes the PS5 Slim so easy to recommend. PS5 games run like a dream and with a library that’s bigger than ever, now offers more adventures than before. Sony’s first-party titles in particular are dreamy from a performance standpoint – whether you prefer resolution and detail or frame rate speed and smoothness. PlayStation 4 games also still run like a dream which means your backlog can be taken onto PS5 Slim with ease. TheDualSense Wireless controlleris still the same original one which is great for the haptic features that help make the PS5 stand out, but its battery life is still underwhelming.
The PS5 Slim doesn’t reinvent the PS5 by any means – that evolution is handled by the newPS5 Pro- but its new design makes it an exceptionally sleek version of Sony’s current-gen machine. With the same great performance, quality hardware and specs, and a larger-than-ever library, it’s an easy console to recommend.
Same price as the original PS5; regular offers are often available
The PS5 Slim is now the default PlayStation 5 model and is widely available in every region, replacing the launch model almost entirely. It took over the same price point and is thus a straight swap.
However, since the PS5 launched, several regions have been hit by PS5 price rises (sometimes multiple price rises) and the PS5 Slim represents the newer, adjusted price points in those countries, not the original one. The US price has remained the same, however. Offsetting this somewhat, now we’re into the console’s fifth year, is that deals and discounts on the PS5 Slim are becoming more frequent, with genuinely good bundles and offers being put on by Sony itself, as well as various retailers.
In the market, it’s priced almost identically to theXbox Series Xconsole, which has also seen some regional price rises. The PS5 Slim Digital Edition also now has direct competition from anXbox Series X Digital Editionconsole but undercuts itsMicrosoftcounterpart in price considerably.
Within the PlayStation 5 ecosystem itself, we now have the PS5 Pro to factor into the equation. Coming in at a mighty $699.99 / £699.99 the Pro is considerably more expensive than the Slim, and its performance and benefits are a little more niche, and for an enthusiast audience. As a result, the PS5 Slim offers good value in relation to its more powerful brethren, given the experiences it offers are still excellent.
Slick and chic design, more compact than that of the original
Detachable disc drive, and excellent controller
Wide choice of replaceable console covers for personalization
The main selling point of the PS5 Slim is indeed in its design, aesthetic, and form factor. Sony has a history of making refined, smaller, and slimmer versions of all its home consoles. so the PS5 getting the trimming-the-fat treatment was expected – and it delivers too, coming in at around 30% smaller than the launch model PS5.
There’s a similar design language here, however, with a flare remaining at one end (for the fans) and the sweeping curves of the PS5 hardware family remain across the Slim, making for a slick-looking form. The console’s covers are now in four parts, not two, with a gap between the plates forming a striking ‘black’ line across both the console’s top and bottom.
These, like the original, can be removed and swapped for others that Sony has made (or other third-party ones, if you fancy), meaning there are plenty of customization options to personalize your PS5 Slim. The disc drive is detachable by default too, so if you buy a digital variant and later decide to add a disc drive then that’s some extra flexibility right there.
While the vertical stand for the PS5 Slim is a nicer-looking, slicker metal ring, compared to the original’s bulky black plastic model, it doesn’t come with the console by default which is a mark against the console’s value. If you do buy the stand, the result is a console that looks sharper when standing upright compared to its predecessor. If you stick with horizontal orientation, you can rely on the two small cheapish-lookin plastic feet that are provided.
In terms of features present on the Slim, it is exactly the same, spec-wise, as the original model apart from two minor quality-of-life amendments; one internal, one external. The internal change is that of a boost to storage, with the PS5 Slim being equipped with a 1TB SSD compared to the launch model’s custom 825GB drive.
PS5 Slim review: Performance
Excellent gaming experiences and performance
Haptics and triggers on the DualSense are superb
Fantastic interface and intuitive user experience
Much like how the original PS5 won us over with its excellent gaming performance, the PS5 Slim continues that and offers the same breathtaking experiences. Thebest PS5 gamesrun beautifully with adventures such asGod of War Ragnarok,Horizon Forbidden West,Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart,Astro Bot, andMarvel’s Spider-Man 2being particular first-party highlights that really take advantage of the PS5’s hardware.
PS4 gamesrun like a dream on the PS5 Slim too, and the same backward compatibility level with the previous gen’s discs and digital titles remains a simple part of the day-to-day PS5 experience. I’ve been revisitingDoom(2016)recently, for example, and the extra boost to loading times in particular makes it a joy to play. The PS5 Game Boost mode will also improve performance across the board (in principle) for PS5 games, and makes some games run smoother, with faster frame rates, or in higher resolution – or a combination of all of those.
You can even experience older games on your PS5 with the updated and modern arrangement of Sony’sPS Plussubscription. The top premium level can give you access to PS3 game streaming from the cloud, as well as some select PS1 and PS2 games to download. While perhaps not quite as generous or deep as Microsoft’sXbox Game Pass, aPS Plus subscriptiondoes make the experience of having a PS5 Slim even better and feels essential.
On that note of streaming and downloading games, it is worth noting that in all my testing, on Wi-Fi and Ethernet, I still never get close to my actual download speed on the PS5. This is something I have experienced on every PS5 I have owned sadly, and not a problem on Xbox Series X.
On a practical performance level, using the PS5 Slim is a joy too. It’s incredibly simple to set up, and transfer files from one to another if need be, and removing the console covers to access the M.2PS5 SSDslot or change them entirely is very easy, and quite satisfying. The extra USB-C port and slightly larger SSD means that day-to-day usage is improved too, and benefits the whole experience.
TheDualSense, while exactly the same as it was in 2020 – there’s no V2 like there was with thePS4’s DualShock 4 controller, sadly – remains absolutely excellent. While a generally top gamepad, the haptic feedback and adaptive triggers continue to feel brilliant. The PS5 Slim is compatible with all PS5 (and almost all PS4) accessories too, so if you own any from a previous machine from this or last generation then these will be able to be used on a PS5 Slim.
This is made extra simple because the UI andoperating systemlayout are identical to the launch PS5 – and PS5 Pro. Navigating the PS5 Slim, from games to screenshots, and from streaming apps to save files and deeper settings is simple and intuitive. There are also now more customization options on offer with the UI being honed and enhanced since the launch model’s initial release.
Thus, the PS5 Slim is an easy recommendation. It’d be an easy recommendation if the launch model of the PS5 existed still, but now that it has taken over the position of the ‘standard’ console from its predecessor – and improved on it slightly – it’s the easiest current-gen console recommendation I can make right now.
Should I buy the PS5 Slim?
Buy it if…
You want the best value PlayStation console available With the PS5 Pro now out in the wild, but the PS5 Slim offering an exceptional gaming experience still, this is the model to get if you want great bang for your buck and aren’t chasing the most powerful console going.
You’re looking for a customizable PS5 console With it being the standard model, there are now multiple options for console cover colors that also match with an expanded set of DualSense controllers giving you more control over your setup’s aesthetic than ever before.
You’re looking for a top console packed with great experiences The PS5 game library is larger than ever in 2025 and is filled with awesome, memorable, and expansive experiences and the PS5 Slim is easily the best way to enjoy these – and best value way when regular discounts and deals come around too.
You want the best current controller The PS5’s DualSense controller is one of the most interesting and best-ever pads made for a console, and you’ll get the absolute most and best out of it on PS5. The haptic feedback in particular is a dream, while the adaptive triggers also offer further immersion.
Don’t buy it if…
You need the most powerful PlayStation console going right now If you do want the most performant console from Sony right now, then you’re better off considering the PS5 Pro with its beefier specs and a more capable feature set, and quality of life improvements offering the best PlayStation experience money can buy right now.
You are happy with your launch model PS5 If you’re content with your launch model PlayStation 5 then there’s almost literally no reason to change to the Slim, with the two models being almost identical apart from a port, and a bit of internal storage.
Also consider…
If you’re still undecided about committing to the PS5 Slim, then here are two fine alternatives to consider for console gaming in 2025.
PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution Upscaling)
Some FSR-compatible games
Ports
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 2 x USB-C, 2 x USB-A
1 x HDMI 2.1, 1 x Ethernet, 3 x USB-A, 1 x storage expansion
PS5 Pro Sony’s mid-generation upgrade to the PS5 Slim is a great alternative to the Slim for those looking for more power and to be on the cutting edge of PlayStation tech. If you’re looking to get the absolute maximum out of your PlayStation games, and have the most performant console giving the most complete PlayStation experience then the Pro could be for you.
Xbox Series X Microsoft’s most powerful current-generation console is a great machine in 2025 and is perfect for anyone looking to combine a fine library of Xbox games with Xbox Game Pass. If you’re on the lookout for the best Xbox experience on the market right now, complete with its excellent asymmetrical controller, then this is the console to go for.
This weekMicrosoft announceda Windows 11 update that finally lets you access your iPhone from the Start Menu, similar to the already existing Android phone access from last year.
The update lets you view your iPhone’s battery status, cellular connectivity and recent activities within Windows 11. It also allows you to access calls and messages.
Additionally, the update allows users to share files between Android and iPhone devices. You can select ‘Send Files’ when accessing your phone to begin transferring content.
The setup process is pretty straightforward.
Open up the Start menu and then select ‘iPhone’ which is found in the right side panel. Instructions will pop and you just follow those to create a connection between your iPhone and computer.
As of this writing, the feature is rolling out to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta channels. To use it, you must have one of the Windows 11 Insider Preview builds: Build 4805 or higher for Beta Insiders and Build 26120.300 or higher for Devs.
You must also have Phone Link version 1.24121.30.0 or higher, and your PC needsBluetoothLE capabilities.
It doesn’t appear that everyone will be available to access this feature. If you are running Windows 11 Pro Education or Education SKUs, you will not be able to access the update.
We’re just under a week away from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra release day, and with that comes a choice many Android phonemakers will have to make: Will you buy the phone, or skip it and choose something else instead?
Frankly, for me at least, it’s a pretty easy decision to make.
The answer is a resounding no, and it’s all down to the fact that the Galaxy S25 Ultra is one of the blandest upgrades I’ve seen over the past couple of years. Beaten only by theiPhone 14, which was essentially aniPhone 13with some very minor upgrades.
It’s getting to the point where I’m wondering whether my money would be better spent buying aGalaxy S24 Ultrainstead.
Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t feel like much of an upgrade
Here’s a quick design comparison between the new Galaxy S25 Ultra (left) and last year’s Galaxy S24 Ultra (right). Notice the smaller bezels and more rounded corners on the S25U.
When you look at the Galaxy S25 Ultra specs, and compare them to last year’s model, there isn’t a whole lot of what I’d consider “new” stuff. The screen is marginally bigger at 6.9-inches, and the chipset has been upgraded to a newer and faster model. There’s alsoa version of Qi2, though it relies on a specialist case if you want the magnetic benefits.
Really the only major hardware upgrade is the 50MP ultrawide camera. That’s a useful upgrade, even if it is long overdue, and it’s going to help the Galaxy S25 Ultra claim a position on our best camera phones page. But it’s not the kind of upgrade that makes buying a whole new phone worthwhile.
In fact there are a couple of places where the Galaxy S25 Ultra is either a downgrade compared to last year or still not on par with some of its main rivals.
The S Pen is proving to be the most infamous of these, withSamsung stripping out the Bluetooth functionalityand related features from the stylus — claiming they weren’t popular enough to keep around. Samsung claims that aBluetooth enabled pen will go on sale as a standalone product, but that feels like a price hike with extra steps.
Aria also pointed outthat the loss of Air Gestures meant that the Galaxy S25’s desktop mode (DeX) isn’t nearly as useful this time around. So it’s no surprise that it hasn’t stopped apetition trying to return the decisionfrom appearing.
Other notable omissions include any meaningful rise in wireless charging speeds, which is still stuck at 15W. The maximum amount of RAM available in the U.S. is also 12GB, despite rumors that a 16GB model could make an appearance. RAM is very important for on-device AI, and we’re seeing other Android flagships like thePixel 9 Proboost its memory up to 16GB. Given how much Samsung has emphasized AI in theGalaxy S25series, it’s a massive surprise that the Ultra model now has the same amount of RAM as the standard and Plus models.
There’s more to a phone than mere hardware, and software does play a big part in what the device can do. Unfortunately it’s unclear whether the Galaxy S25 offers much that won’t also come to older phones.
Samsung has spent a great deal of time discussing how the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s software can benefit the phone and its users. AI in particular has been at the forefront of Samsung’s marketing, offering up a bunch of waysGalaxy AI is improving this year.
A big part of how Galaxy AI has changed involves the addition of AI agents, and multimodal capabilities that allow Galaxy AI to see and understand multiple kinds of input — including speech, text, images and video. All with the aim of making the process of communicating with AI more natural. It’s a big change for Samsung, even if these aren’t particularly unique capabilities.
For all the benefits Samsung has been lauding, it’s unclear whether these improvements are general upgrades to Galaxy AI — or features kept exclusively for the Galaxy S25 series. Samsung hasn’t been particularly clear on this point, and the last thing anyone wants is to pick up a new $1,300 phone only to find that all its best features are also available on the Galaxy S24 Ultra.
On the one hand Samsung does have theSnapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which promises to offer greater performance and helps power more advanced on-device AI processing. But on the other hand, we’ve already seen that some features, like theNow Bar, are already available as part of theOne UI 7 beta— meaning it’s available (in some form) on the year-old Galaxy S24 Ultra as well. Likewise improvements to Circle to Search and otherGoogle-made AI features are likely to make their way to Pixels and other Android phones in the coming weeks and months.
Not knowing what the future holds for Galaxy AI, and other software flourishes, makes me even more hesitant to take the plunge and pick up a Galaxy S25 Ultra. We don’t know what One UI 7 has in store for older Galaxy phones, and if last year is anything to go by we could see a bunch of new AI features and upgrades make their way to older phones.
Heck, even theSamsung Galaxy A35supportssome Galaxy AI features— and that’s $900 cheaper than the S25 Ultra. And bearing all that in mind, it has me seriously doubting whether the Galaxy S25 Ultra is worth it.
Bottom line
If you have an older phone, or maybe even a mid-range model then perhaps the S25 Ultra will be a worthwhile upgrade. There’s a lot on offer here, and while it does cost a lot, I have no doubt that the S25 Ultra will be one of the best phones you can buy. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is a very disappointing upgrade, and it feels like Samsung hasn’t tried that hard to give us a substantial upgrade.
Whether its downgrades to the S Pen, minimal extra hardware, or software that could easily come to older phones in the near future, the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesn’t really seem to have a unique selling point. Worse still the rounded design means that it’s lost its visual distinctiveness compared to other phones.
If you’re spending $1,300 on a brand new phone, the last thing you need is either the same thing as last year, or something that doesn’t stand out against the competition. Unfortunately the Galaxy S25 Ultra seems to hit both those boxes.
Microsoft Copilot 365 marks the end of an iconic brand.
(Image credit: Microsoft)
It’s often a sign of a misguided rebrand when people continue to use a brand’s old name months or even years afterwards (Elon Muskmight want to take note forX). Microsoft’s suite of office apps is a prime example. For many, it will always have the utilitarian, easily comprehensible name of Microsoft Office, despite the tech giant’s strange insistence on trying to change that.
In 2022,Microsoft Office became Microsoft 365in a rebranding that did little more than confuse users. In recognition of the power of the name it was trying to kill, evenMicrosoftcontinued to call the package ‘Microsoft 365 (Office)’ in theAppleApp Store and Android Play Store until a couple of days ago. But now the iconic ‘Office’ name has been dropped completely as Microsoft 365 becomes Microsoft Copilot 365. And to make things even more confusing, the office suite now has the same logo as Microsoft’s AI chatbot.
The Copilot logo (left), and the new logo for Microsoft Copilot 365 (formerly the Microsoft 365 (Office) app)(Image credit: Microsoft)
Ostensibly, the rebrand is intended to highlight the addition of Copilot AI integration into well-known Microsoft Office apps like Word and Excel. But said integration isn’t exactly anything to shout about yet. So far, much of the feedback from users involves complaints about the price hike and people wanting to know how to turn off an AI assistant they see as a glorified resurrection of Clippy (perhaps we underestimated the AI potential of Microsoft’s anthropomorphic paperclip).
As for the logo, the icon for Microsoft Copilot 356 (formerly the Microsoft 365 (Office) app) is differentiated from the existing Copilot icon only by the addition of a ‘M365’ label. That makes it easy to open the AI bot by mistake when you want to use an Office app. Microsoft could have learned from the reaction to the array of similar-looking Google logos that users like icons to be distinguishable from each other to help them find the app they’re looking for.
“You made a nice logo for Microsoft 365 and got everything looking nice only to confuse people with another pointless rebrand that uses the same name for every product,” one user complained onTwitter– I mean X – on Friday.
The move follows the rebranding of Microsoft’s Surface line of tablets and laptops asCopilot+ PCslast year. That was a bizarre decision in itself, akin to releasing a computer in 1983 and calling it a ‘Microsoft Word PC’. Only that Microsoft Word was a fully functioning product when it was released on the world; Copilot is very much a work in progress.
I don’t believe that Microsoft can truly think that its AI chatbot is so appealing that people will run out to buy a new PC or download a software package on the back of its name. It seems more likely that the company is thinking the other way around, adding the Copilot name to everything in an attempt to get people to notice and care about a product that so far doesn’t do much that Chat GPT can’t do.
There’s a risk to this. As Jez Cordon points out over atWindows Centralthere’s a danger that the entire Microsoft ecosystem, including the more solid products, could become tarnished if people deem Copilot to be a useless gimmick.
The new name for Microsoft Office follows a string of strange and confusing naming decisions from Microsoft. After the tongue-twistingXbox Series X, the company more recently renamed Microsoft Remote Desktop as Windows App. Meanwhile, its web portal has reverted toMSNafter the spectacular failure of the rebrand to Microsoft Start. Perhaps it should start asking its AI Copilot for ideas.
