Microsoft has added GPT-5 to Copilot, a day after adding OpenAI’s open-source GPT model to its local services. GPT-5, which also powers ChatGPT, is now live within Copilot, at copilot.microsoft.com, Microsoft said Thursday. Presumably the same model will eventually power the Copilot application running on top of Windows PCs, but the Windows app appears to use just the older GPT-4 model for now, at least on my PC. OpenAI launched GPT-5 on Thursday, promising leaps in general intelligence as well as specialized improvements in creative writing, coding, and health purposes. In coding, OpenAI claimed that it could create a website in just a single prompt. GPT-5 includes what OpenAI called a router, assigning queries to specific tasks based upon the complexity of the assignment. On Microsoft’s Copilot site, you’ll need to manually enable it via the drop-down menu. Based upon the description — “Thinks deeply or quickly based upon the task” — it too seems to have the router functionality active. You’ll need to manually enable GPT-5 on Microsoft’s Copilot site. A dumb but otherwise telling prompt, “How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood” quickly produced an answer: 700 pounds of wood. But when asked to “show your work,” Copilot delivered a lengthier explanation. It still wasn’t as detailed as the GPT-5 explanation available on ChatGPT, though the two AI engines arrived at the same answer. Expect to see GPT-5 within Microsoft 365 Copilot as well as GitHub Copilot, Visual Studio Code, and Azure Foundry, Microsoft said. Microsoft said GPT-5 on Azure AI Foundry will be available today, but its presence on GitHub Copilot was couched in future terms. On Wednesday, Microsoft said that it was bringing gpt-oss-120B and gpt-oss-20B to Azure AI Foundry, and GPU-optimized versions of the gpt-oss-20B model to Windows devices through Foundry Local. These open-source GPT-4 models require a discrete GPU with more than 16GB of VRAM. I ran the gpt-oss model on the Framework Desktop, with its Ryzen AI Max+ 395 CPU and integrated GPU, which can be configured to assign 96GB of its available memory as VRAM for a significant performance boost. It actually produced better answers than a substantially more complex Meta Llama Scout 109B model that ran on the same hardware. Meanwhile, Microsoft said it believes the GPT-5 model is safer than its predecessors. “The results show that the reasoning model exhibited one of the strongest AI safety profiles among prior OpenAI models against several modes of attack, including malware generation, fraud/scam automation and other harms,” it said. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Extremely detailed assembly instructions Simple but configurable Powerful AMD Ryzen AI Max+ chip inside An overall sense of quality Cons Memory is soldered and is not upgradable Attaching the SSD takes some nerve Our Verdict The Framework Desktop DIY Edition is a thoughtfully engineered small-form-factor desktop PC that is both an entry point into enthusiast computing as well as a powerful AI desktop in its own right. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Framework Desktop Retailer Price Framework $2515 View Deal Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices The Framework Desktop DIY Edition is unique: a do-it-yourself desktop without the complexity of building from scratch, forming a compact, personalized “AI workstation.” If you’re nervous about a less-familiar brand, don’t be. Framework obsesses over details, from manuals to helpful hints etched into the materials themselves. Multiple photos show how to tighten a thumbscrew–that’s how comfortable they want you to be. I can point to a few things that I thought needed improvement: soldered memory, a beta driver bundle that should be finalized by the time you buy it, and a top panel which didn’t clip in as easily as I would have liked. Inserting the SSD stressed me out a bit, too. But Framework’s eye for customization (colored tiles you can design and install yourself, plus your choice of I/O) lends itself to fun and productivity. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ (Strix Halo) chip inside is slightly out of the ordinary, with its do-everything design. I have high praise for the Framework Desktop, and think you will too. Let me tell you why. At just under nine inches high and four inches across, this is a viable desktop desktop PC.Mark Hachman / Foundry Framework Desktop: Specs Framework lets you pick and choose which components you want to add… sort of. Our review model was a DIY Edition, which asks you to build the PC yourself. Framework also sells an entirely pre-built model, too. For each Desktop, you’ll need to select which Ryzen AI Max processor (with an integrated GPU) you prefer: the Max 385, an 8-core chip with 32GB of LPDDR5x memory attached, up to the Max+ 395, a 16-core processor with a whopping 128GB of memory. Each processor is pre-mounted on the Framework mainboard, inside the Desktop’s case and with a power supply. It’s all upgradable, with one exception: the memory is soldered directly to the motherboard. Because of this, prices begin at $1,099 for AMD’s Ryzen AI Max 385 and climb to $1,999 for the Max+ 395 option. While this DIY Edition allows you to stop and contribute your own storage, you probably won’t. So start tacking on the extras: WD Black SSDs sold by Framework (between $69 and $699 for 500GB to 8TB) serve as primary and optional secondary storage, up to $199 for a Windows 11 Pro license, and options like a translucent side panel, custom tiles, and so on add cost. You’ll need to pick one of three 120mm CPU fans, too, or supply your own. Our review model (detailed below) cost a little over $2,500. To recap: assuming you supply your own SSD and operating system, you can spend as little as $1,099 for the Framework Desktop. But you’ll probably want to buy some storage from Framework, too. Just don’t forget the optional expansion cards ($11-$39 apiece) and the colored tiles ($10-$15 for a pack of seven monochrome tiles, and $5 apiece for logo tiles). They’re optional but make the Framework fun. You have the choice between buying a translucent plastic case (shown here) or opting for a black metal grille instead.Mark Hachman / Foundry Framework’s Framework Desktop configuration page spells it all out. Be aware, though, that Framework makes the Desktop in batches, and the page shows the Framework Desktop currently sold out through sometime after October. (As of press time, Framework had not issued any updated guidance on President Trump’s proposed chip tariffs of 100 percent. Check the Framework tariff blog for updated information.) Processor: AMD Ryzen AI Max 385/Max+ 395 Graphics: Radeon 8060S (integrated) NPU: Yes, 50 TOPS Memory: 32GB (Max 385)/64GB (Max+ 395)/ 128GB (Max+ 395), LPDDR5X-8000, soldered to motherboard Storage: 500GB to 8TB NVMe PCI 4.0 SSD (2TB as tested) Power supply: 400W, Gold (110V), or Silver (230V) Ports: 2 USB-C (USB 4 40Gbps), 2 DisplayPort 2.1, 2 USB-A 10Gbps, HDMI 2.1, 5Gbit Ethernet, 3.5mm jack Security: none integrated Wireless: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth Operating system: User-supplied (Windows 11 Pro as tested) Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.1 x 3.9in. Weight: 6.8 pounds Color: Black Price: Starting at $1,099, $2,515 as tested It’s not just for tinkering — this machine can legitimately run the latest AI models locally, something few desktops this size can do. Framework Desktop: Build process Our review unit of the Framework Desktop arrived in what almost appeared to be a “flat pack” box like you’d find from Ikea. (Framework asked how it should be customized; I responded with an image of our PCWorld logo and a request to “make it cool.”) Mark Hachman / Foundry Each component came separately boxed, with the top box bearing an HTML glyph and link to the online quick-start build instructions. This process was extremely easy, insanely detailed, and leaned into the part of my psyche that appreciates precise, well-documented instructions. If you’ve ever struggled through an Ikea manual, your soul will be soothed by the Framework guides, guaranteed. The Framework Desktop measures 8.9 x 8.1 x 3.9 inches, which translates into 4.5 liters of space. The Desktop will fit inside an ordinary backpack, though not as conveniently as a laptop. As my build article notes, Framework’s DIY Edition really doesn’t give you that much to actually do, besides insert the SSD, attach the fan, and mount the side panel, tiles, and expansion cards. Normally, “building” a PC involves placing the CPU on the motherboard, applying thermal paste and a cooler, and inserting/attaching the motherboard to the case. Not here. Framework does this all for you already, mounting the mini-ITX Framework Mainboard inside the metal chassis, along with a FlexATX 400W power supply with either a Gold (110V) or Silver (230V) rating. You will have to install the SSD yourself; the primary M.2 slot is well within the case, making it a bit challenging to install. A secondary slot is on the bottom of the motherboard and easily accessible via a side panel. The Framework Desktop with the side panel removed. This exposes the heat sink, to which the user has to install the CPU fan using four screws. The SSD is to the right.Mark Hachman / Foundry Framework’s specifications page goes into more detail than you might need but will probably appreciate, such as the acoustic noise and airflow ratings of the three optional CPU fans from Cooler Master and Noctua down to the dimensions and design of the heatsink. Speaking of airflow, the Desktop operated quietly with very little noise. Inside, all of the cables were tightly wrapped and out of the way. Framework even goes so far as to publish other guides that you may never use, such as removing the Framework mainboard from the Framework case and installing it in an entirely new, custom case. If you’re interested in a more detailed discussion of the build process, consider reading my separate article. The Framework Desktop’s CPU fan has been installed in this photo.Alex Esteves / Foundry Framework says that the whole process will take you about 45 minutes, which sounds about right. Remember, that includes installing an operating system like Windows, which can easily take 20 to 30 minutes by itself. My installation also shipped with beta drivers that AMD hadn’t fully signed off on. That not only meant that I had to install a driver package (for Wi-Fi, audio, and the like) as well as the operating system, but that they affected the performance as well. (Framework said the night before this review published that it had begun shipping finalized drivers.) Since AMD’s Ryzen AI Max CPU is a mobile part, the chipset is integrated into it. That certainly helps the Desktop from an upgradability standpoint, as that aspect is taken care of. Most of the side panels attach to via a combination of magnets and/or tabs, which went on smoothly, but required a bit of fiddling. The only issue I had was with the top panel. Framework used some sliding tabs to hold the top panel down, along with two thumbscrews. For whatever reason, the tabs either refused to slide in for minutes at a time, or did so immediately. I’d encourage Framework to find another solution. While the bottom of the mainboard can be exposed by removing the side panel, the only real reason to do so is to upgrade the secondary SSD.Mark Hachman / Foundry Don’t forget to order and install the colored tiles! Those are the soul of the Framework desktop, and come in various colors. Each tile (save for some of the custom, logoed tiles) has a few narrow slits for airflow. I thought of these as a dust screen of sorts until I noticed that air is sucked in through the grillwork on the side panel, pushed across the CPU using the CPU fan, then pushed out through the front and back. Many people like to decorate their laptops using stickers. I hate doing so, but really had fun using the colored tiles to create a fun little mosaic highlighting the PCWorld custom tile that Framework commissioned. The front panel of the Framework Desktop is the only one to connect magnetically. Tiles with small slits in them allow for airflow while allowing you to customize it.Mark Hachman / Foundry Again, the tiles are optional. Airflow is sucked in through the side grille and pushed out through the front and back, so be sure and reserve most of the slatted tiles for the top of the front panel to avoid blocking the airflow as it exits the case. Framework asked us for a custom tile design with our PCWorld logo. It doesn’t extend consumers the same opportunity, at least yet. The Framework Desktop includes two DisplayPort connections, HDMI, two USB4 ports, two USB-A ports, and a 5Gbps Ethernet connection.Mark Hachman / Foundry The Desktop’s rear ports include an HDMI 2.1 port, a pair of DisplayPort 2.1 ports, two USB4 connections, a 5Gbit Ethernet port, two USB-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Thunderbolt ports used by Thunderbolt docks are just branded USB4 ports, so the two USB4 ports will connect to a USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 dock at 40 Gbps speeds. Framework also allows you to buy multiple I/O connectors, known as Expansion Cards, which plug into two front receptacles. Each expansion card is essentially a passive USB-C dongle, and you can buy USB-A, Ethernet, headphone jacks — everything except for a display port. Each expansion card slots into the slot, then latches using a small lock on the underside of the case. Everything worked perfectly in terms of performance and swapping them in or out. Mark Hachman / Foundry Framework Desktop: Performance Testing the Framework Desktop is a challenge, if only because it can do so many things well. It’s both a productive (and quiet) desktop machine, but its integrated GPU is powerful enough for after-hours gaming. But the real reason the Framework Desktop may exist is because of its massive amounts of VRAM, which lends itself to downloading and running various iterations of AI, including AI art and chatbots, or LLMs. AMD’s Ryzen AI 395+ supports a TDP of 55 watts, existing as both a mobile processor as well as a desktop CPU. To date, the only other machines to use AMD’s chip have been gaming tablets like the Asus ROG Flow Z13 or more traditional clamshell notebooks like the HP ZBook. Manufacturers have begun to refer to some of these as AI workstations, even though they don’t really mirror the big, bulky workstations of old. Framework’s Desktop sure doesn’t. Desktop graphics cards ship with dedicated video RAM; in laptops, VRAM is allocated a different way. The fact that the Ryzen AI Max (Strix Halo) is a mobile processor is more important than you might think. In AI, the video RAM attached to a GPU is essentially the RAM the AI algorithm uses. Laptops with Intel chips inside divvy up the system RAM equally between the GPU and the operating system: an Intel Core Ultra notebook with 32GB of RAM uses 16GB to execute programs and assigns 16GB to the GPU as VRAM. AMD does it differently: the BIOS assigns what VRAM it thinks it needs, but you can manually adjust it, something that you can not do with most Intel-based laptops. Why is that important? Out of the box, the Framework Desktop wasn’t really optimized to take advantage of its massive amounts of RAM. Remember, Framework issued reviewers early drivers. As it turned out, those drivers didn’t deliver the best performance, especially on AI applications. AMD (coincidentally or not) published a beta driver to its Adrenalin software package, which allows the 128GB of RAM attached to the AI Max+ 395 to assign 32GB to the operating system, leaving a whopping 96GB as VRAM for graphics or AI. Basically, what I’ve done is first compare the Framework Desktop to a number of existing “Strix Halo” PCs, all in the mobile space, to demonstrate its comparative performance. Next, we’ll compare the Framework Desktop to a number of gaming laptops — not so much to point out which is better, but to allow you to mentally classify where the Desktop and its Strix Halo chip sits in the grand scheme of things. Which gaming laptops does it compare to? I think that’s as useful as anything else. For the first batch of comparisons, we’re pitting the Framework Desktop against the HP ZBook Ultra G1a, essentially a direct comparison with a Ryzen AI Max+ Pro 395 chip inside and 128GB of RAM; the $2,299 Asus ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet with a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 but with only 32GB of RAM; and a version of the $1,699 Asus ZenBook S16, with a much lower-performance Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and 32GB of RAM. Mark Hachman / Foundry In certain applications, we’d expect that the better cooling of the Desktop might make a difference; in other benchmarks, the additional VRAM might give it an edge. Cinebench is a purely CPU-driven benchmark, which can be run on a single thread — where performance is statistically equal — and across all of the cores and threads. Given that three of these devices use very similar CPUs, you might expect that these numbers would be virtually identical. But there’s a 19.6 percent increase from the ZBook to the Framework Desktop in CPU performance alone. In a case like this, I would attribute the difference in terms of the Desktop’s superior cooling. Mark Hachman / Foundry I didn’t have personal access to all of these devices; we maintain a reviews database, and certain devices are shipped back and forth. In this case, we did have access to the Blender benchmark, which uses the open-source 3D creation tool to generate three different scenes. This test measures both the CPU and GPU. Again, we’re seeing a similar division between all four devices. Looking solely at the Monster benchmark (shown in blue), the Desktop improves by 27.6 percent over the HP ZBook, with no change to the scores because of the improved driver. That will change. Mark Hachman / Foundry This was when I started to ask questions about whether Framework’s driver made a difference. Procyon’s Image Generation test simply creates a series of 16 1024×1024 images, using a common prompt. Framework’s Desktop wasn’t slow to do so, but it fell behind a couple of notebooks, which made me raise my eyebrows. As it turned out, AMD’s driver made more RAM available to the processor and the image generation algorithm. Here, the Framework Desktop improves by 26 percent over the HP ZBook, roughly consistent to how it behaved in the Blender benchmark. The Framework Desktop generated an image about every ten seconds, which is pretty good without a discrete GPU. Obviously, you’ll see better (or worse) performance running AI art on other models not used by this benchmark. Mark Hachman / Foundry I didn’t have all of the devices available to me to run this benchmark, which approximates an AI chatbot / LLM, running four relatively old models. The test measures the speed of the output, asking similar questions or prompting similar tasks. This benchmark was pretty close using Framework’s driver, but with the improved AMD driver the performance jump on the Phi 3.5 benchmark increases just 8.7 percent. Generally speaking, chatbot performance is probably going to be pretty similar across these devices, even those we didn’t test. Mark Hachman / Foundry Mark Hachman / Foundry We’ll have some more gaming benchmarks a bit lower down, but these two games indicate that gaming is certainly possible at high levels on the Framework Desktop. We’re showing here both average framerates as well as the “minimum” one percent framerates, indicating that if and when your game stutters, even a framerate drop will put it at playable levels. Most gamers consider 60 fps to be the absolute minimum, with above 90 fps preferred. At over 90 fps for both games at the highest visual settings, both of these relatively recent games are certainly playable on this PC. Mark Hachman / Foundry For other games, we use 3DMark’s benchmarks as a proxy for how well the system will perform. In this case, developer UL recommends that we use the Steel Nomad Light benchmark as the appropriate one for this hardware. Here, the Framework Desktop demonstrates a 16.5 percent increase versus the HP ZBook. Next, we compared the Framework Desktop to a number of gaming laptops. Again, the purpose here was not to ascertain whether the Framework Desktop was the best in any particular category, but to give you a sense for where the Desktop and its Strix Halo chip stands in terms of hardware that you already know and understand. For this, we compared the Desktop to the $1,499 Alienware 16 Aurora, which uses a Core 7 240H chip on Intel’s Raptor Lake architecture, and a Nvidia GeForce RTX5060; as well as two Intel “Arrow Lake” notebooks. The first, the $3,299 Asus ROG Strix Scar 16, contains a Core Ultra 9 275HX and an RTX 5080. The other, the $4,499 MSI Raider 18 HX A2XW, includes a Core Ultra 9 285HX and an RTX 5080 as well, and is one of the fastest notebooks we’ve seen. Finally, we’ve added the slower $1,199.99 Dell G15 with an Intel Core i7-13650HX chip and an RTX 4060 chip inside, plus the $2,699 Razer Blade 14 with an AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 CPU and an RTX 5070 GPU. The AMD Ryzen Max+ 395 includes 16 cores and 32 threads, and runs up to 5.1GHz in the turbo mode. That actually puts it ahead of the Core Ultra 9 inside the MSI Raider, which has 24 cores and 24 threads. The difference is that those threads run up to speeds of 5.5GHz, probably giving the Raider the edge here. Mark Hachman / Foundry We typically, choose PCMark 10 as our “how well will this system perform everyday tasks?” test. It’s a conglomerate of tests ranging from video chat to web browsing, office work, with functions like CAD thrown in for good measure. Most laptops and desktops excel here, but the additional “heavier” tasks like CAD can drag down underperforming systems. There are no issues here. In general work, the Framework Desktop will be one of the fastest machines on the planet. Mark Hachman / Foundry Handbrake converts a feature-length film of about 90 minutes into a format suitable for a tablet. It’s an outdated benchmark from the standpoint that streaming is common on airplanes and elsewhere. But Handbrake still pushes all of the CPU cores to their limit, and does so as a test of their prolonged performance. Note that there are many more recent and optimized versions of Handbrake which will deliver improved performance, but we use the older version for consistency’s sake. Here, the Desktop still performs well. Mark Hachman / Foundry As expected, we’ve included the results of two difference games to complement the gaming results we published above. By now, Metro: Exodus may be six years old, but the engine punishes old and new GPUs alike. It’s worth noting that we’ve turned off frame generation and upscaling for these, providing (in the words of my colleague Adam Patrick Murray) “farm to table frames” that measure exactly what these GPUs can render. The Framework Desktop can’t achieve what most gamers consider to be the minimal 60 fps that makes a game playable, and it falls to the bottom of the rankings. Still, for an all-around solution like AMD’s Strix Halo chip, it’s impressive. Mark Hachman / Foundry Mark Hachman / Foundry One of the key reasons to consider a Framework Desktop, however, is that it lends itself to the use of AI. Here, the performance matters to some extent, but it’s the size of the model that makes it particularly attractive. Since the massive amount of available VRAM can be allocated to loading and storing the AI model, our Desktop review unit can load models others can’t. A local AI model is private, and doesn’t suffer from any restrictions on how many times you can ask questions. You can download whatever models will fit within the memory limitation, and train them to answer your own personal questions. As it turns out, two models debuted late in our testing period: Meta’s Llama 4 Scout 109B (109 billion parameters) model, a 67GB download, and the first OpenAI model to run locally, known as OpenAI-gpt-oss 20B (20 billion parameters), which took up 11.3 GB of space. When providing a sample query (“How much wood could a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Be explicit, and let’s pretend that only pine trees are used.”) the Llama 4 Scout model generated 12.64 tokens per second, with 0.62 seconds to first token. OpenAI’s model was much faster, at 53.9 tokens per second, and 2.27 seconds to the first token. What do these numbers mean? An AI prints text like a dot-matrix printer, spitting out line by line. How acceptable the speed is depends on how quickly you read: as a fast reader, 12 tokens per second is fast enough. The time to first token is how long a model “thinks” before generating its response. In general, AI models with more parameters tend to give better, more creative responses, though there’s some variation in that depending on how it’s trained. Smaller models tend to give simpler responses. I tended to like OpenAI’s responses better, as Meta’s needed a bit of followup at times. Mark Hachman / Foundry Framework Desktop: Conclusion You will always be able to put together a PC with exactly the components you wish, and aggressively shop for each one. Laptops are certainly an effective use of the space, and include a display to boot. But there’s something I really love inside the Framework Desktop. Yes, Framework soldered down the memory, which is a drawback compared to, well, most of the competition. But I was very charmed by the care and detail Framework put into the assembly process, complete with the personal touch that the tiles offer. Yet the Desktop isn’t just a gimmick, either. When I reviewed the Asus ROG gaming tablet with a similar AMD “Strix Halo” chip inside, I struggled to understand why Asus chose a tablet over a clamshell, or even better, a desktop. The Framework Desktop is what I think we all wanted: a compact, small-form-factor desktop that packs serious power and can be used for productivity, gaming, and AI alike. Should I use the term “love” here? I almost want to. Failing that, there’s a sense of thoughtfulness that’s rarer today than ever. The Desktop feels like a product designed for someone that wants to make that leap into becoming a tech enthusiast, with just a little help getting over the hump. Could a parent build a Desktop with their child? Absolutely. I very much enjoyed my time with the Framework Desktop. If you choose to buy the Framework Desktop, I think you’ve made a smart and enjoyable decision. Read...

Despite ever-improving junk mail filters and more sophisticated defense measures, phishing is still one of the biggest threats to cyber security and they’re becoming increasingly difficult to recognize. Criminals are using Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT to formulate their emails, which results in largely error-free texts with correct grammar and understandable sentence structure. As hackers become more advanced, you’ll need to learn new methods to detect them and stay one step ahead of the game. Below we’ll share a few ways you can catch them in the act, and hopefully avoid falling prey to their scams. Further reading: Top 9 phishing scams to watch out for Phishing from AI accounts Barracuda Networks draws attention to new phishing emails that attempt to steal access to the paid ChatGPT accounts. These are currently in high demand.IDG AI services such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini are becoming increasingly important for companies as they enable them to reduce their costs for routine correspondence or invoicing. Open AI, the manufacturer of ChatGPT, and Google therefore charge money for use once a certain number of queries have been made. The security company Barracuda Networks has now reported that an extensive phishing campaign has been launched in an attempt to steal access to paid ChatGPT accounts. The criminals are sending emails purporting to come from Open AI. In their emails, they explain that they are unable to debit the monthly payment. The recipient should now update their account information within seven days otherwise they will lose access to ChatGPT. A button in the email leads to an online form for entering the account details. Such data can be easily sold via dark channels on the internet. Streaming accounts Fraudsters often try to steal login details for streaming services such as Netflix or Disney. In recent months, there have been several waves of phishing emails requesting data from Netflix accounts. Such accounts are particularly easy to monetize and are therefore popular with criminals. Users receive an email purporting to be from a streaming service asking them to update their payment details. Otherwise, their account will be blocked in a few days. In the email, they see a button or a link that supposedly leads to their account. On the associated website, a form is waiting for them to enter their access data. The email comes from a fraudster, which in most cases can be recognized just by looking at the sender’s address. Only a few phishing senders go to the trouble of forging the email address (the technical term for this is “spoofing.”) You can easily find out where the button or link in the email, which supposedly leads to a form from the streaming provider, actually links to by pointing at it with the mouse for a second or two. Typical for these and other phishing emails is that they’re urgent. Victims usually only have two or three days to resolve the problem. Or the perpetrators claim that the account has already been blocked and the email recipient must act quickly to reactivate it. In this way, the perpetrators build up time pressure so that their victims don’t think twice. Smishing is becoming a plague When a phishing attempt is sent via text message, it’s called smishing. New waves of smishing have been using the grandchild trick. In this case, the text reads: “Hi Dad, this is my new number. Can you write to me on WhatsApp?” If the recipient actually makes contact, they’ll usually receive a reply about an accident or other emergency. To “help” whoever it is on the other end, the recipient will need to transfer a large sum to a specific account. Password manager Access to the encrypted vaults of password managers is particularly valuable to criminals. If they succeed in tapping into the master password, they have free access to login data of all kinds, from bank accounts to online senders and streaming services to accounts with email services and telephone providers. Fraudsters try to access the master password for the password manager LastPass. This would give them free access to all stored passwords and access data.IDG In spring 2024, a new approach by criminals became known. They’re working with phishing kits that make it very easy to forge login forms on websites and add logos of the supposed owner companies. These kits are distributed online by criminal groups as part of phishing-as-a-service offers. In the specific case, the login page of the password manager LastPass was recreated using such a kit. The attackers then started an automated series of calls in which a recorded message explained that a new device was trying to access the LastPass account. The caller was told to authorize access by pressing “1” or block it by pressing “2.” If they dialed “2,” you’ll get a call from an alleged customer service employee. The call comes from a real person who asks for the email address and then they’ll send the victim an email with instructions on how to reset the master password. This email links to the criminal’s website, where the customer was asked to enter their previous master password. As soon as the criminals are in possession of this password, they log into LastPass and change the owner’s telephone number and email address so they no longer have access. As the first contact between the fraudster and their victim is by telephone, this method is known as vishing or voice phishing. Here, too, the criminals push the pace so that the people they call don’t have time to think. As password managers often store numerous access data for important accounts, it’s advisable to secure them with two-factor authentication or set up a login with a passkey. PayPal and Klarna The topic of data protection has now reached the general public. Many people know that there are legal regulations for companies on how they must handle their customers’ data. Criminals are taking advantage of this. In an email with the logo of the payment service provider PayPal, they claim that the account has been blocked because the account information has not yet been confirmed. To unblock the account, the customer would have to activate the “3DS Double Authorization.” Although 3DS authentication does indeed exist, PayPal calls it 3D Secure. After clicking on the button, the recipient of the email is asked to enter their telephone number and PayPal login details. The fraudsters can then call back to request the missing data for the transfer and redirect payments to their account. How to reliably recognize phishing emails An email from ING Bank should also have an address with the domain extension ing.de and not come from support@zakitchha.dreamhostps.com. This is a clear indication that it is phishing.IDG Phishing can result in high financial losses, so be careful and take a close look at incoming emails: Phishing messages may be better worded these days thanks to AI, but they are still not error-free. You should be suspicious of foreign-language phrases, an incorrect or missing salutation, and an unusual choice of words. It’s typical of phishing attempts that the perpetrators put their victims under time pressure. They are asked to make a payment or provide personal details within a few hours or days, otherwise they face the threat of massive financial loss, arrest, or similar. The less time the sender gives you, the higher the probability that it’s a phishing e-mail. If the email contains a button or a link, point to it with the mouse (do not click!) and read the address to which it leads. If it’s not the page of the alleged sender company, you’re probably dealing with a phishing message. Enter the subject line of a suspicious email into Google and see if other people have received the same message. If you suspect a phishing message, you should delete the email immediately and never respond to it. Read...

At a glanceExpert`s Rating Pros Dual-screen design works as laptop, all-in-one, tablet, and more Two gorgeous, contrast-rich OLED displays Outstanding audio performance Good CPU and integrated graphics performance Cons Bluetooth keyboard feels awkward in laptop mode Only 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage (though upgrades are available) Physical connectivity is limited to Thunderbolt / USB-C Short battery life Our Verdict The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a unique Windows 2-in-1. Though it’s okay as a laptop, and can also be used as a tablet, it’s perhaps best understood as a portable all-in-one. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today Best Prices Today: Lenovo Yoga Book 9i Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide Product Price Price comparison from Backmarket Best Prices Today: Check today’s prices Lenovo has a long history of bizarre concepts. But unlike many companies that send strange prototypes straight to store shelves, Lenovo often sticks with these oddballs—and the Yoga Book 9i is just the latest example. The latest version of the company’s dual-screen 2-in-1 isn’t a dramatic departure from prior models. It’s still a portable all-in-one that pairs its dual OLED displays with an included Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus. However, the newest Yoga Book 9i has surprisingly capable CPU performance underneath the hood. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Specs and features The Yoga Book 9i Gen 10’s basic specifications don’t look amazing on paper. It has just 16GB of RAM and a 512GB solid state drive. Most Windows devices sold above $1,000 have 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. However, the Yoga Book 9i’s Intel Core Ultra 7 255H deserves some attention. It has a total of 16 cores, six of which are performance cores—and as the benchmarks will show, it’s a big upgrade over laptops with an Intel Core Ultra 7 256V or 258V inside. CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 255H Memory: 16GB LPDDR5X Graphics/GPU: Intel Arc 140V NPU: Intel AI Boost up to 13 TOPS Display: 2x 14-inch 2880×1800 OLED 120Hz Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD Webcam: 1440p Connectivity: 3x Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C Networking: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4 Biometrics: Facial recognition Battery capacity: 88 watt-hours Dimensions: 12.4 x 8.25 x 0.63 inches Weight: 2.69 pounds without keyboard, 3.45 pounds with keyboard, 4.25 with all accessories included Operating System: Windows 11 Home Additional features: Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus Price: $2,079.99 MSRP Despite the limited RAM and storage, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i’s $2,079.99 MSRP feels like a good value. After all, this laptop has two OLED displays and ships with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus. That’s a lot of extra kit most laptops don’t provide. Interestingly, Lenovo’s website currently lists a Yoga Book 9i with 32GB of memory and a 1TB of storage for $2,099.99. You read that right: you can double the RAM and storage for $20. The catch is that you can’t change or upgrade this variant but, for the vast majority of shoppers, it’s an obvious upgrade. The Yoga Book 9i is worth buying, but only for a very specific and unique shopper. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Design and build quality IDG / Matthew Smith The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a sleek, futuristic piece of kit. It’s basically two thin slabs of glass connected by a broad, blue-chrome hinge which also contains the 2-in-1’s sound bar. While the top and bottom of the device are finished in a matte blue, the edges are gloss, which adds a touch of luxury. It’s worth mentioning that the new Yoga Book 9i is slightly different from its predecessors, though you wouldn’t know it at a glance (or even a long, close look). The prior model’s 13.3-inch OLED displays have grown to 14 inches. That means the laptop is slightly wider and deeper than before, too, though no thicker at 0.63 inches in profile. The weight officially comes in at just 2.69 pounds, but that doesn’t include the accessories. If you bundle in the keyboard, carrying case, and pen, the total weight increases to 3.55 pounds. That’s heavy for a 2-in-1 with a 14-inch display, though perhaps expected given that the Yoga Book 9i has two of them. Build quality is top-notch. The Yoga Book 9i’s chassis is among the most rigid in the Windows arena. While the upper display will flex if purposely twisted, it doesn’t noticeably flex when in normal use. The lower chassis, meanwhile, seems chiseled from solid stone. I put it under as much tension as I felt comfortable with and saw absolutely zero movement across the device’s lower half. That’s not to say it’s more durable than other 2-in-1s. There are certain risks to a dual-display laptop, and an increased potential for display damage is one of them. Still, Lenovo has done as much as it can to remove that concern. The result is a 2-in-1 that feels luxurious. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Keyboard, trackpad, mouse, and stylus IDG / Matthew Smith Lenovo markets the new Yoga Book 9i as a “portable creative studio.” What does that mean? Well, it’s complex. The dual-display 2-in-1, detachable keyboard, kickstand, mouse, and pen work together to provide many versatile modes. Let’s start with good old-fashioned clamshell laptop use. In this mode, you have the choice between using the bundled detachable keyboard or not. If used, the keyboard sits on top of the lower display and a virtual touchpad can be summoned on the display’s surface (alternatively, you can just use the upper touchscreen). Magnets are used to prevent the keyboard from sliding around while typing. The keyboard is good but, since it sits on top of the lower display, the keys are raised noticeably above the virtual touchpad surface, which feels awkward. It was fine for long typing sessions but more awkward when I had to frequently use the touchpad, as the virtual touchpad provides no tactile sensation when my fingers are inside (or outside) its boundaries. Alternatively, you can ditch the physical keyboard and use a virtual keyboard on the lower touchscreen. It’s summoned with an eight-finger tap, and the keyboard appears where you touch, allowing slight adjustment forward, backward, left, or right. That helps for finding a comfortable position. Still, the lack of tactile feedback makes for a flat, wooden experience, and I had difficulty typing at high speed with accuracy. Perhaps a few weeks or months with the device would eventually build my muscle memory, but it still felt tough after a solid week of use. The Yoga Book 9i gets even more creative when you move beyond clamshell use and into the unique modes only 2-in-1s can offer. It can be used as: A portable desktop all-in-one. The keyboard carrying case becomes a stand for the dual displays, which can sit flat side-by-side. The bundled Bluetooth keyboard and mouse can be used just as if the 2-in-1 was a desktop computer. Stacked mode. The same as above, but with the displays placed one above the other (vertically) instead of side-by-side. A tablet. Fold over the displays and one surface becomes usable as a 14-inch Windows tablet. A stylus is included. A desktop drawing and writing tablet. Fold the device flat on a tabletop surface with both displays facing up. Stylus and touch input can be used to draw, and to navigate Windows. Tent mode. Fold the upper display back to act as a kickstand for the lower display, which remains usable. This is great for watching YouTube, Netflix, and other streaming content. The surprise is that most of these modes work well. Tablet mode is the only one that stumbles, and for reasons common to most Windows 2-in-1s; the Yoga Book 9i is too large and too heavy to use as a tablet for more than a few minutes. I found the portable all-in-one modes particularly convincing. You can post up anywhere you have access to a flat surface and use the Yoga Book 9i like a desktop computer. The dual 14-inch displays even provide a display space that comes close to a 24-inch desktop monitor though, of course, with a split between them. The real question, of course, is whether you’ll take advantage of that. The Yoga Book 9i’s design isn’t great if you just want a laptop to use like a laptop. The typing experience is less enjoyable, the virtual touchpad is annoying, and it’s cumbersome to pack both the laptop and the detachable keyboard. But if you’re a business traveler, student, or otherwise need to do a lot of work while also away from your permanent desk setup, the Yoga Book 9i has advantages. It’s a portable desktop in a laptop form factor. It’s important to note, too, that the Yoga Book 9i’s design marks it as different from the Asus ZenBook Duo (and vice versa). While both are dual-screen laptops, the ZenBook Duo has a Bluetooth keyboard with integrated touchpad that fully covers the bottom display in laptop mode. As a result, the ZenBook Duo feels much more like a traditional laptop. The ZenBook doesn’t ship with a mouse, though, and the larger Bluetooth keyboard with integrated touchpad can feel a bit awkward when you set it to use like an all-in-one. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Display, audio IDG / Matthew Smith Lenovo’s dual-screen design means the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i features two stunning OLED displays. Each provides a resolution of 2880×1800 for an all-in resolution of 2880×3600. Combined, the dual 14-inch OLED displays provide a little less than 180 square inches of display space, which is just barely less than a 21.5-inch 16:9 monitor. The OLED displays provide all the benefits typical of the breed. They have a wide color gamut, unsurpassed contrast, and excellent sharpness. Movies, games, and photos look wonderfully vibrant and detailed. The displays also provide a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, so motion clarity is excellent. Fast-paced games look crisp and scrolling text is easier to read than on a 60Hz alternative. It’s not all good news. Like most OLED panels—and particularly touchscreens—the Yoga’s displays have a glossy, mirror-like finish that readily reflects your surroundings. Even modest ambient lighting will cause noticeable and distinct reflections. The panel brightness is impressive with a maximum around 465 nits, but that’s still not enough for comfortable use outdoors or opposite a bright sunlit window. Audio performance is a perk the latest Yoga Book 9i carries over from its predecessors. The speakers are nestled in the hinge, which acts as a soundbar and delivers strong, clear, enjoyable, and direct sound. This design also has the benefit of making the audio useful in most of the Yoga Book 9i’s many modes, since the speaker remains pointed at the user in most situations. Tablet mode is the exception, as your hands are likely to partially obstruct the speaker. Compared to the alternatives, the Yoga Book 9i’s audio is among the best in its class. While it’s been a few months since I last heard the MacBook Pro 14’s excellent speakers, my memory suggests the Yoga Book 9i can match it. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Webcam, microphone, biometrics A camera hump above the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i’s top display provides room for a 1440p webcam and dual-array microphone. Both are solid. The webcam is sharp, detailed, and provides good color saturation, while the microphone picked up my voice clearly even when I spoke softly. You won’t find a physical privacy shutter, but Lenovo provides an electronic privacy switch which, strangely, is all alone on the laptop’s forward right flank. Biometric login is available through Windows Hello facial recognition. It works well, though no better or worse than with the hundreds of other Windows laptops that offer the feature. A fingerprint reader is not available. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Connectivity The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i goes all-in on modern connectivity. It has just three physical ports, all of which are Thunderbolt / USB-C ports that support 40Gbps of data, DisplayPort, and Power Delivery. All the ports can charge the laptop or connect to an external display. With that said, the lack of USB-A, HDMI, Ethernet, or even a 3.5mm audio jack presents obvious limitations. You’ll need an adapter or dock to connect a wired keyboard and mouse, use an older monitor, or even to use wired headphones. Whether that works for you will depend on the peripherals you use day-to-day, but I suspect most people will still have at least one device that requires one of these ports. At least Lenovo doesn’t skimp on wireless connectivity. The laptop supports Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4, the latest version of each wireless standard. Remember, too, that the Yoga Book 9i ships with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus in the box. While the lack of USB-A is a bummer, it helps that the 2-in-1 ships with everything you need to type, point, and draw wirelessly. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Performance The latest Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (Gen 10, for those counting) is available with just one processor: the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H. And it’s worth your attention. It’d be easy to confuse the Core Ultra 7 255H with something like the Core Ultra 7 256V. After all, they have very similar names; the 256V might even seem more premium. Yet the opposite is true. The 255H has more cores than the 256V (16 vs. eight), and more of those cores are performance cores (six vs four). The 255H also has a higher Turbo clock speed, twice as much cache, and is rated to use significantly more power. IDG / Matthew Smith Our first benchmark is PCMark 10, a holistic system benchmark. Here the Yoga Book 9i scores a respectable 7,520. That’s a mid-pack result among the competitors chosen, but they are rather stiff competition—the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 in particular ranks among the most powerful 14-inch Windows laptops without discrete graphics. The Yoga Book 9i also scored a small win over the Asus ZenBook Duo, despite the Asus having a chip that ranks higher in Intel’s line-up. IDG / Matthew Smith The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i truly blazed away in Handbrake, where it transcoded a feature length film in just under 14 minutes. As the graph shows, this is an exceptionally quick result in this test, and it’s the one benchmark where the Yoga Book 9i takes an edge even over the HP OmniBook Ultra 14. IDG / Matthew Smith Cinebench R23, a heavily multi-threaded CPU benchmark, speaks favorably of the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. It reaches a score of 14,836 which, as the graph shows, is defeated only by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 375 in the HP OmniBook Ultra 14. The Yoga Book 9i notches another win over the Asus ZenBook Duo, as well. IDG / Matthew Smith Clearly, the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i performs well in CPU tests. But what about GPU benchmarks? The Yoga Book 9i does well here, too, though it doesn’t stand out from the pack. Intel’s 140V is a strong integrated graphics option that can generally go toe-to-toe with AMD’s Radeon 890M in similar laptops and 2-in-1s, and the Book 9i is no exception. The Yoga Book 9i posted scores that were a hair behind some other Intel-powered laptops PC World recently tested, but the differences are rather small. In any case, the Yoga Book 9i can be expected to play many games from the prior console generation at 1080p and medium to high detail, with a framerate of 30 to 60 FPS. Older and less demanding games—whether it’s an indie action-RPG like Grim Dawn or the best-selling classic Minecraft (without ray-traced eye candy on)—can exceed 60 FPS. The Yoga Book 9i is an extremely strong performer overall. While the HP OmniBook Ultra 14 with AMD Ryzen AI 9 395HX was quicker in multi-threaded CPU performance, the Yoga Book 9i otherwise scored victories in many tests. Notably, it matched or beat the Asus ZenBook Duo. The ZenBook Duo is less expensive with an as-tested MSRP of $1,699, but ships with an Intel Core Ultra 9 285H. That proves, once again, that a device’s spec sheet can’t tell the full story about its performance. Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Battery life and portability There’s a lot to like about the Lenovo Yoga Book 9i. It’s versatile, attractive, and performs well in benchmarks. However, the laptop has one major weakness. Battery life. IDG / Matthew Smith I measured just seven hours and nine minutes in PC World’s standard battery test, which loops a 4K trailer of the short film Tears of Steel. This test was conducted in laptop mode, though my testing suggests that the mode used doesn’t have an impact on battery life. This result both did—and didn’t—surprise me. Lenovo ships the Yoga Book 9i with an 88-watt-hour battery, which is massive for a 14-inch Windows 2-in-1. That alone would seem to suggest excellent endurance. However, that battery must support two screens, both of which are OLED (in general, OLED tends to be more power-hungry than LCD-IPS). And the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H is a beefy Intel chip. While that bodes well for the Yoga Book 9i’s performance, it also means higher power consumption. It’s worth mention that the new Yoga Book 9i doesn’t last as long as past models. The version I tested in 2023 endured the PC World battery test for 10 hours and 23 minutes. On the flip side, though, the new Yoga Book 9i is much quicker than that predecessor, delivering 50 percent to over 100 percent greater performance in benchmarks. The older model might be worth a look if you prefer battery life, but the new model takes a huge lead in performance. The Asus ZenBook Duo also deserves mention, as it’s also a dual-screen laptop, and lasted a bit longer on battery in dual-screen mode. On top of that, the Duo can last up to 15 hours and 40 minutes in laptop mode, as only a single screen is used in that mode. That’s possible because the Duo’s Bluetooth keyboard includes a touchpad and fully covers the lower display in laptop mode, allowing Asus to disable the lower display in that mode. Lenovo’s reliance on a virtual touchpad in laptop mode means the lower display remains on in laptop mode, which negatively affects battery life. It’s technically possible to use Windows’ settings to force the Yoga Book 9i’s lower display off when in laptop mode, which presumably could increase battery life. However, doing this means the laptop lacks a touchpad, which is hardly ideal.  Lenovo Yoga Book 9i: Conclusion The Lenovo Yoga Book 9i is a laptop that’s also a 2-in-1, and an all-in-one, also a tablet. It ships with not only the laptop itself but also with a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, and stylus. This versatility makes it a unique offering, and while the Yoga Book 9i’s $2,079.99 MSRP is hardly inexpensive, it feels like good value considering everything the Yoga Book 9i delivers. Yet the Yoga Book 9i isn’t without compromise. Lenovo’s decision to use a Bluetooth keyboard that lacks a touchpad—instead of a keyboard and touchpad combination, as found with the Asus ZenBook Duo—is consequential. It’s arguably better when using the Yoga Book 9i as an all-in-one, but inarguably worse when using the Yoga Book 9i as a laptop. The Yoga Book 9i also struggles with disappointing battery life that reduces its portability. The Yoga Book 9i is worth buying, but only for a very specific and unique shopper. It’s unique in providing a great portable all-in-one experience alongside a decent, though compromised laptop mode. That makes it a good choice if you often move between offices or desks and can post up with a connection to a power outlet. But if you mostly want to use your device as a laptop, and will only occasionally use the all-in-one mode, the Asus ZenBook Duo is the better choice. Read...

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Google knows what we search for, where we go, who we email—and diligently stores it all as well. For many users, this has long been too much of a “good thing”. If you want to live a more digitally self-determined life, you can gradually turn your back on the data giant from Silicon Valley. But to do that means you’ll also need to find alternatives for services such as Google Search, Gmail, Maps etc. Sounds like a lot of effort? It doesn’t have to be. We show you how you can gain more privacy with just a few clicks. Without sacrificing convenience: Replace Google search: No more data snooping Data protection instead of a data octopus: DuckDuckGo shows search results without tracking or personalized advertising.Sam Singleton Google search delivers brilliant results—but it lets them look deep into your personal life. If you don’t want to be tracked while surfing, you can rely on search engines that take privacy seriously. DuckDuckGo DuckDuckGo is perhaps the best-known Google alternative. It completely dispenses with tracking, does not store IP addresses and still delivers solid results, especially for general search queries. No user profiles are created and no search histories are recorded. The results come from a mix of its own crawlers and partly from Bing, but occasionally with slightly less accuracy compared to Google. Pro: Pure data protection, quick and simple changeover from other search engines (also mobile). Cons: Fewer personalized hits, weaker results for niche topics. Startpage Startpage shows anonymized Google search results—without any tracking, cookies or personalized advertising. This means we get the usual quality of Google searches without our personal data being stored. The service originates from the Netherlands and is subject to European data protection standards. Pro: Best results with privacy. Cons: Slightly longer loading times, adverts in the mix (but they’re discreet). Gmail? No thanks: Emails without readers Tutanota is a German email provider with a zero-tracking philosophy.Sam Singleton Google scans emails (usually automatically) to personalize advertising and services. If you prefer a more discreet approach, switch to a mail provider with a focus on security. Thankfully, we have plenty of choices, as Gmail is one of the Google services that is easiest to replace. Proton Mail Proton Mail is a secure e-mail service from Switzerland that consistently focusses on data protection. Emails between Proton Mail users are automatically end-to-end encrypted, and password protection can be set up for external recipients. The servers are located in Switzerland and are therefore subject to strict data protection laws. The web interface is modern and easy to understand, there are apps for Android and iOS as well as a bridge for classic mail programs. Pro: Strong encryption, servers outside the USA. Cons: Interface takes some getting used to, limited storage in the free plan. Do without Android: De-Googling your smartphone /e/OS is a completely “de-Googled” open source operating systemSam Singleton Android may be open source, but the Google services it contains are not. If you want a smartphone that is as “Google-free” as possible, you have to dig deeper into your bag of tricks—or try something completely new. /e/OS /e/OS is a privacy-friendly Android operating system that works completely without Google services. Instead, it offers its own apps, an alternative app store (Aurora Store) and synchronization via its own /e/ cloud. Many well-known smartphones (such as Samsung and Fairphone) can be reloaded with /e/OS or purchased pre-installed as a “de-Googled Phone”. It’s ideal for everyone who wants to use Android without being tracked by Google. Pro: Compatible with Android apps, many devices supported. Cons: Somewhat technical to set up, not all apps run perfectly. GrapheneOS (for advanced users) GrapheneOS is a particularly secure Android derivative that was specially developed for Pixel smartphones. It is aimed at experienced users and focusses on maximum security, system hardening, and data protection. Google services are not included as standard, but can be installed manually if required (sandboxed)—GrapheneOS is not designed for the “normal” use of Google services. Pro: Extremely secure, hardly any data leakage. Cons: For technology fans, not “plug & play”, requires some know-how and effort Goodbye Google Maps: How to navigate with privacy Map service without tracking: The open source app Organic Maps does not use advertising, does not collect any user data, and works completely offline.Sam Singleton Google Maps knows our routes—oftentimes better than we do. Fortunately, there are alternatives for privacy fans that come with less prying eyes. Organic Maps Organic Maps is an open source navigation app that is based on OSM (OpenStreetMap) maps and works completely without an internet connection. The app does not use tracking or advertising, which makes it particularly privacy-friendly. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to navigate reliably offline, Organic Maps also offers practical functions such as route planning and voice prompts. Pro: Works without the internet, ideal for travelling. Cons: No traffic data, weaker POI search. Magic Earth The Magic Earth map service combines OpenStreetMap data with its own maps and provides a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Maps. In addition to navigation, the app also offers real-time traffic information, offline maps and an overview of cycle paths and footpaths. With a focus on privacy, Magic Earth does away with user tracking and advertising, but remains functional and user-friendly. Pro: Good maps, many features, no data transfer. Cons: Less well-known places are sometimes harder to find. Byebye Google Chrome: Fast, but nosy Far less widespread than Chrome – but a real high-flyer in terms of data protection and customisation: the Firefox browser.Sam Singleton Chrome is the top dog among browsers, but it’s also a real data hoover. If you want to surf without being watched, you can switch to these alternatives: Firefox Firefox is the classic among free browsers—fast, secure, expandable. Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox places great emphasis on transparency and data protection. The browser is flexible and can be highly customized with numerous add-ons: from ad blockers to cookie control. Pro: Many data protection add-ons, active community. Cons: Sometimes a little slower than Chrome. Brave Brave is a Chromium browser with in-built tracking protection and ad blocker. It blocks adverts, trackers, and fingerprinting by default, even without extensions. Pro: Very fast, good privacy by default. Cons: Partial crypto integration, which not everyone wants. No more Google Docs: texts and spreadsheets with better data protections ONLYOFFICE is a really strong alternative to Google Docs.Sam Singleton Practical, collaborative, usable everywhere: these are the strengths of Google Docs. But if you don’t want to store your documents on US servers, there are also good alternatives. ONLYOFFICE ONLYOFFICE is a powerful office suite that works with Word, Excel and PowerPoint-compatible documents and works both online and offline. The platform is particularly suitable for team collaboration and offers extensive functions for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Compared to Google Docs, ONLYOFFICE offers more control over your own data, as the software can also be installed on your own servers. Pro: Compatible with Word, Excel & Co. Cons: Somewhat technical to get started (but easy to use in the cloud). CryptPad CryptPad is a web-based office suite that places particular emphasis on data protection and security by storing all data end-to-end encrypted. Users can work together on documents, spreadsheets or presentations without the operator having access to the content. Ideal for anyone who values anonymous use and maximum data sovereignty. CryptPad also offers functions such as surveys, whiteboards, and markdown editors. Pro: Can be used completely anonymously, no registration required. Cons: Fewer functions, not ideal for large teams. Alternatives for Google Drive: Cloud storage without data snooping Tresorit is a cloud provider from Switzerland with a focus on security for teams and individuals.Sam Singleton Google Drive is convenient, but scans content for its own purposes. If you prefer encrypted storage, you should take a look at these services: Tresorit The cloud storage service Tresorit is based in Switzerland and focuses on security and end-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted before being uploaded so that even Tresorit has no access to the content. The servers are located in Europe, which is a clear advantage for users from the EU in terms of data protection. Ideal for companies and private individuals who want to store and share sensitive data securely online. Pro: End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant. Cons: More expensive than Google Drive. Snyc.com The Canadian cloud service Sync.com relies on zero-knowledge encryption. This means that only you have access to your data, not the provider. The service is easy to use, offers apps for all platforms and is ideal for team collaboration. There are no trackers or adverts here either, and even with the free entry-level plan you can get a lot done. It’s a strong Google Drive replacement with significantly more privacy. Pro: Good usability, can also be used free of charge. Cons: Sometimes slower uploads, English-language version. Google Photos is not irreplaceable: Archive your memories without the prying eyes Immich is a self-hosting photo management system with AI functions – without Google.Sam Singleton Google recognizes faces, places, and objects in pictures. And while this is impressive, it’s too much for many people. If you want to store your photos securely, you need alternatives. Immich Immich is an open-source solution for managing and backing up photos on your own server or NAS. The user interface is reminiscent of Google Photos—including face recognition, albums, timelines and AI-supported search. All data remains local and under your own control. Ideal for anyone who wants maximum privacy and is prepared to bring some technical know-how to the table. Pro: Face recognition locally, no cloud compulsion. Cons: Technical expertise required. Internxt Photos Simple cloud service with a focus on encryption: Internxt Photos stores images in the cloud—completely end-to-end encrypted so that no one but you can access them. The app is simple, functional and available for desktop and mobile devices. It has server locations in numerous place including in the EU, and no advertising or tracking. Particularly suitable for anyone who wants to store their photos securely online without relying on big tech providers. Pro: GDPR-compliant, intuitive operation. Cons: Fewer features than Google Photos. Bonus tip: Independence from YouTube—is that even possible? YouTube is hard to replace – also because you can find The Full Nerd videos there.Sam Singleton To be honest: not really. YouTube is not just a video portal, but has long been a gigantic archive for tutorials, documentaries, music, live streams and nerd knowledge. If you don’t use it at all, you’re missing out on a lot. Nevertheless, there are ways to become at least a little more independent—or to use YouTube more sparingly. NewPipe NewPipe is an alternative YouTube app for Android (for using YouTube) that works without a Google account, does not show adverts and also has a background mode on board. Pro: No registration required, no tracking, videos can be downloaded directly. Cons: Only for Android, no commenting or liking possible. Peertube Peertube is a free, decentralized video network that sees itself as a counterpart to YouTube. Content comes from many small instances, without a nosy large corporation behind it. Unlike the NewPipe app presented above, it’s a genuine alternative to YouTube with its very own content. Pro: Open source, ad-free, community-based. Cons: Smaller offering, difficult to browse. Conclusion: Escaping the Google universe step by step In the modern, digitalized world, living without Google is almost as difficult as living without electricity. But it is possible, at least in part. If you consciously look for alternatives, you can reduce tracking, strengthen data protection, and gain more control over your own data. Opting out doesn’t have to be a radical break: even small steps (such as an alternative browser or a new search engine) can have a big impact. Read...

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