Software

Software encompasses the digital tools, applications and systems that power modern life, from the artificial intelligence models reshaping how we work and create to the open-source projects offering alternatives to established platforms. This section covers developments across the full software landscape, including advances in machine learning, developer tools and infrastructure, cybersecurity concerns, and the underlying technologies that connect our digital world.

The software industry is experiencing rapid evolution driven by artificial intelligence. Major technology companies are integrating new capabilities into widely-used applications, from interactive diagrams in chatbots to local file access in AI assistants. Simultaneously, developers continue building open-source alternatives to commercial software, whilst internet infrastructure providers work to expand the ecosystem of domain names and digital resources available online.

Software developments matter to readers because they directly shape how we interact with technology daily, influence the tools available to businesses and creators, and raise important questions about security, privacy and competition in the digital economy. Whether through new features in familiar applications, emerging cybersecurity risks, or funding trends affecting startup innovation, software news determines how technology evolves and who benefits from it.

  • Adam Scott Says Daughter Had to Watch His ‘Office’ Audition Tape in Acting Class: “What Not to Do”

    Adam Scott said his unsuccessful audition for The Office was used as a “what not to do” example in his daughter’s summer acting class in New York. The episode amused Scott but embarrassed his daughter, particularly because the teacher initially did not realise she was his child. The teacher compared Scott’s audition with John Krasinski’s,…

  • Met Police mistakenly reveals the email addresses of Mohamed Al Fayed’s 143 abuse victims

    The Metropolitan Police has mistakenly disclosed the email addresses of 143 people who reported abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed. The error risks causing further distress to alleged victims and raises concerns about the force’s handling of highly sensitive personal information. The disclosure involved the email addresses of all 143 victims being visible to recipients, according…

  • The 5 Best Songs Of The Week

    Stereogum’s staff has selected its five best new songs of the week, spanning shoegaze, heavy rock, indie roots-rock, electronic music and club pop. – Tinashe’s “Melatonin” tops the list for its unpredictable club production and distinctive vocal delivery. – Ryan Hemsworth’s instrumental “A Display Of Emotion” combines post-rock textures, piano, drum loops and samples. -…

  • Farage Inquiry Resumes as Sydney Rail Chaos Leaves Passengers Stranded

    A parliamentary standards inquiry into Nigel Farage resumed on 14 August after he was returned as MP for Clacton in a by-election. The inquiry concerns an alleged failure to register an interest under the House of Commons rules; it had been opened on 13 May and suspended when Farage left Parliament in July. The Parliamentary…

  • Samsung has new Galaxy headphones in the works

    Samsung is reportedly developing its first over-ear Galaxy headphones in more than a decade, potentially positioning them against premium rivals such as Apple’s AirPods Max and Sony’s XM range. If released, the Galaxy H1 would expand Samsung’s audio line beyond Galaxy Buds and give it a presence in the high-end wireless headphone market. Code found…

  • Palworld developer tempers expectations for version 1.1 update

    Palworld’s publishing lead has clarified that developer Pocketpair does not plan to spend a year creating a “massive” version 1.1 update. The comment followed a request for player suggestions that prompted increasingly ambitious ideas, and appears intended to set realistic expectations while confirming that support for the survival game will continue. The lead initially asked…

  • A New ‘Far Side’ Comic Has Officially Appeared After Weeks-Long Absence

    The Far Side’s official website has resumed posting its “Daily Dose” selection of classic cartoons after several weeks without updates. The return matters to fans because the feature is a regular way to revisit Gary Larson’s work, which remains popular despite the strip ending more than 30 years ago. Five classic panels were added on…

  • Read-it-later app Pocket shut down down — here are the best alternatives

    Following Mozilla’s closure of Pocket, TechCrunch highlights several read-it-later and bookmarking services that have attracted users seeking replacements, with many supporting imports from Pocket. The alternatives vary from straightforward article saving to broader link management, audio playback and AI-assisted organisation. – Matter: free iOS app and browser extensions; $79.99 yearly subscription adds enhanced transcriptions, integrations…

  • Google must make it easier to install alternative app stores, judge orders

    A US judge has ordered Google to make it easier for Android users to find and install alternative app stores through Google Play, saying its current approach creates unnecessary anti-competitive barriers. The ruling matters because it strengthens remedies from Google’s antitrust case with Epic Games, which found that Google held a monopoly over Android app…

  • Wolves v Blackburn: Championship opener – live

    Wolves host Blackburn Rovers at Molineux in the opening match of the Championship season, with kick-off at 8pm BST. Both clubs begin under new managers: César Peixoto takes charge of promotion-tipped Wolves, while Tony Mowbray returns to Blackburn hoping to avoid another relegation battle. Wolves have retained many key players after relegation and are favourites…