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.

  • TalkFuse morning briefing, 26 Sep 2026 01:38

    Your morning briefing: a short audio round-up of 6 top stories, drawing on The Guardian, Ars Technica, Far Out, Variety.

  • Quince Luggage Is Affordable but Doesn’t Feel Cheap (2026)

    Quince’s Expandable Small Carry-On and Large Check-In Suitcase Set offers a polished, durable alternative to Away luggage at a substantially lower price. The reviewer found the suitcases similarly designed and sturdy, with comparable features and capacity, making Quince a compelling choice for travellers seeking value without sacrificing quality. The bundle costs $270, compared with nearly…

  • My favorite $6 RPG on Steam just got a beastmode free ‘Enhanced Edition’ update

    FlyKnight, a roughly $6 first-person RPG inspired by King’s Field and Lunacid, has received a substantial free Enhanced Edition update from its solo developer. The update strengthens an already well-regarded indie game with more variety and replayability, while its low price makes it an especially attractive recommendation. The update adds multiple difficulty levels, including a…

  • Newest Wolverine PS5 Update Wipes Out Scent Trails to Collectibles

    Insomniac has released PS5 patch 1.001.006 for Marvel’s Wolverine, adding an option to disable scent trails and indicators that guide players towards collectibles. The change responds to criticism of the game’s prominent guidance system and expands on an earlier update that only reduced the trail’s intensity. The setting removes purple roots near Nightmare Doors, audio…

  • The eyes of Valve’s creepy portrait are glowing again

    A portrait in Valve’s in-development multiplayer game Deadlock has begun glowing red-eyed again, a visual cue the community associates with an imminent major update. A Valve developer-run Discord account reportedly confirmed that a substantial content update is planned for early the following week, although the studio has not disclosed what it will contain. The game…

  • Two migrants die in Channel chaos; historic Essex pub destroyed in arson

    Two migrants perish in Channel chaos as fighting breaks out over dinghy places, while an Essex town endures a fourth arson fire in a week, destroying a centuries-old pub.

  • Malicious Google adverts make browsers appear infected in tech-support scam

    Malicious Google adverts have been used to deliver convincing tech-support scams that make Windows and Mac browsers appear frozen and infected. The fake warnings pressure users to call bogus support centres, where criminals may demand payment, remote access or personal information, highlighting how ordinary web adverts can be turned into highly persuasive fraud. Netskope recorded…

  • Review: The iPhone 18 Pro is Apple’s coolest smartphone (but only literally)

    Apple has released the iPhone 18 Pro, an iterative update that prioritises internal improvements over flashy design changes. Rather than radical redesigns, the focus is on thermal management, battery life and performance, whilst the company reserves bolder design experiments for other products like the iPhone Air and the new iPhone Duo. The main upgrades include…

  • Uncle Sam coughs up $1.9B for grid upgrades as datacenters hit a power wall

    The US Department of Energy has announced a $5.25 billion programme to upgrade the national electricity grid, aiming to unlock 23 gigawatts of additional power capacity across 31 projects in 26 states. The investment combines $1.9 billion in federal funding with $3.35 billion in cost-sharing and is designed to improve reliability and lower electricity costs…

  • The 5 Best Songs Of The Week

    Stereogum’s weekly column highlights five standout songs selected by staff critics, with this week’s picks showcasing diverse genres from electronic pop to indie rock. – 2hollis – “Sex”: An electropop track where the artist moves beyond sexual bravado to express genuine intimacy and emotional vulnerability. – Julia Jacklin – “If I Had The Hand Of…