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.

New PS Portal Firmware Update Will Preserve Portable’s Battery Life

September 25, 2026

Sony has released firmware update v7.1.7 for the PS Portal Remote Play handheld, which introduces a new battery management feature allowing users to restrict charging to 80%. This update is designed to preserve the long-term health of the device’s battery, as regularly charging lithium-ion batteries to full capacity and keeping them plugged in increases stress…
War Thunder’s Sky Odyssey update brings overhauled Bombers, a new map, and a whistle-stop tour of new military machines.

September 25, 2026

War Thunder’s Sky Odyssey major update adds new aircraft, tanks and a new ground-battle map, while substantially reworking bomber damage and survivability. The changes expand the game’s military vehicle roster and aim to make bombers less vulnerable to sudden destruction, alongside improvements to rewards and the interface. The update introduces Darwin Hill, set in the…
Warzone Will Soon Let You Turn Off Other Players’ Stupid Skins

September 25, 2026

Warzone will add an optional setting allowing players to hide other users’ paid character skins, addressing long-running complaints that celebrity and novelty costumes undermine the game’s military atmosphere. The change only affects the individual player’s view: other users can still equip and use their chosen cosmetics. The feature will apply to teammates and opponents in…
Hytale’s Chapter 1 update is all about them goblins, adding its first proper boss and “handcrafted” dungeon in October

September 25, 2026

Hytale’s first major Chapter update will launch on 12 October during early access, introducing several foundational features centred on its goblin faction. The update adds the game’s first handcrafted dungeon, its first proper boss fight and a new Goblin Breach world event, signalling a move towards a more structured RPG experience. The dungeon is a…
Microsoft expands Copilot with Office tools and no-code automation

September 25, 2026

Microsoft has unveiled significant upgrades to its dedicated Copilot app, introducing a new tabbed interface and direct Office integration. The update represents the company’s continued effort to make Copilot more valuable for both consumers and enterprises, particularly as businesses require assistance with data processing, report generation and presentation creation. Whilst consumer adoption of Copilot has…
Microsoft unveils Copilot platform combining workplace chat, coding and AI agents

September 25, 2026

Microsoft has unveiled a redesigned Copilot “super app” combining chat, coding and AI agents in one interface, with the company suggesting it could become as influential as Office. The app is organised into Home, Code and Autopilot tabs, aiming to make Copilot a central workplace tool for both everyday productivity and more advanced automated tasks.…
Gravity Linux brings accelerated desktop support to Apple’s M4 Mac mini

September 25, 2026

Gravity Linux, a Fedora-based Asahi Linux fork, has released an experimental alpha that boots an accelerated Linux desktop on Apple’s M4 Mac mini. The project’s rapid progress highlights a policy split over the use of large language models (LLMs), while giving developers an alternative route for running Linux on newer Apple Silicon hardware. The M4…
Amazon UK sellers flag surge in high-value orders stuck pending

September 25, 2026

Amazon UK sellers report unusually large numbers of high-value orders stuck in “pending” status, tying up stock and preventing legitimate customers from purchasing it. The sellers say the activity may be deliberate inventory-locking resembling a denial-of-service attack, but there is no evidence yet that it is malicious rather than a platform fault. Reports began on…
BOFH: The Helldesk opens its third eye and ascends to a higher plane of troubleshooting

September 25, 2026

Following user feedback, the Boss requests that the IT support team adopt a more holistic, user-centric approach to troubleshooting, emphasising engagement and tailored solutions rather than aggressive problem-solving. The senior technician interprets this guidance literally, applying new-age spiritual practices to address a user’s laptop virus infection. The technician proposes an approach combining virus code dilution…
Sony reportedly surveying developers about PlayStation disc-ending decision – is it having second thoughts?

September 25, 2026

Sony may be reassessing its plan to end PlayStation disc production after reportedly sending developers an unusually large survey seeking feedback on physical game sales. The report, from YouTube channel Moore’s Law is Dead, has not been independently confirmed, but follows industry criticism and public backlash over the proposed change. Sony announced in July that…