If you want to watch content on YouTube without ads, then you have just one official option: a subscription for YouTube Premium. For a price of about $14 per month, subscribers get an ad-free experience and some other benefits, including access to YouTube Music, background playback on mobile devices and also downloads.
Google introduced YouTube Premium Lite as a cheaper option in some regions. It is not entirely ad-free though, and up until now, did not support any of the extras that come with a Premium subscription.
This meant no options to download videos for offline playback or to play videos in the background on mobile.
This is changing though. Google announced today that downloads and background play are rolling out to Lite subscribers, for the most part. There is this little asterisk behind the feature that informs you that this is not unlocked for all videos.
Here are the details:
Advertisement: Still shows up on music content, Shorts, when searching or browsing.
Background play: Not available for Shorts or music content, or user-generated content that includes content from music partners.
Downloads: Not available for Shorts or music content, or user-generated content that includes content from music partners.
In other words, if you want to download regular videos or play these videos in the background on mobile, you are fine as a YouTube Lite subscriber. However, if you want to play music in the background or download your favorite songs, then you still can’t do it.
Not that great for many users. I would assume that many use background playback for music, but I could be wrong.
Mozilla has released several updates for its web browser Firefox, including version 148.0 Stable and also updates for the extended support release (ESR) versions. It is a special day, as Mozilla is ending support for older versions of Windows and macOS with the release of Firefox 115.33.0 ESR.
Firefox 148.0: The release highlights
The AI kill switch and AI controls make their debut, allowing users to control AI in Firefox.
Important security fixes.
Improved PDF screen reader support for math formulas.
Translation improvements.
Telemetry adjustments.
How to download and install Firefox 148
Most unmanaged Firefox installations will be updated automatically to the latest release once it has been released officially. This may take minutes, hours and sometimes even days. You can speed this up by selecting Menu > Settings > Help > About Firefox.
The new AI controls
The new AI controls of the Firefox browser.
Probably the main feature of Firefox 148.0 is the new AI controls that Mozilla added to the browser. Load about:preferences#ai in the browser’s address bar or go to Menu > Settings > AI Controls to display all options.
The options are divided into two main sections: first a toggle to block all AI enhancements in Firefox with a single click or tap, and then individual controls for users who want to enable some but not other AI features.
So, if you want to block all AI, toggle “Block AI enhancements” and confirm the decision. This should take care of all current and future AI features in Firefox.
The second section is divided into two parts: On-device AI and AI chatbot providers in sidebar. Here you can enable or block the following features individually:
Translations.
Image alt text in Firefox PDF Viewer.
Tab group suggestions.
Key points in link previews.
Chatbot in sidebar.
When you see available, it means that the feature is not active. Blocked means that it is disabled and enabled means that it is active.
A word or two about Remote Improvements
Remote Improvements are small changes to Firefox that are delivered remotely. Previously, this required for Firefox to share “technical and interaction data”, short Telemetry, with Mozilla. Starting in Firefox 148, this is no longer the case.
In other words, you can receive the fixes without sharing the data or participating in experimental studies.
Opting-out
Uncheck the highlighted option to opt-out of remote updates.
The feature is on by default in Firefox 148, unless you have opted out of studies in the Settings prior to the release of Firefox 148.
To make sure that you are opted-out, do the following:
Load about:preferences#privacy in the address bar.
Scroll down to the Firefox Data Collection and Use section near the bottom.
Uncheck “Allow Firefox to improve features, performance, and stability between updates”.
Smaller changes in Firefox 148
Firefox now has improved support for screen readers accessing mathematical formulas embedded in PDFs.
Firefox Backup is now also available to Windows 10 users who set “Clear history when Firefox closes” to enabled. Backups will only include data that is not set to be cleared on exit in that case.
Translation into Vietnamese, and translation into and from Traditional Chinese is now supported.
New Tab wallpapers will show up on new container tabs also now.
The security updates
Firefox 148 fixes several security issues in previous versions. The severity is high and a massive 51 issues or potential issues are patched when the updated is installed.
The end of the road for old Windows and macOS versions
Mozilla is ending support for older operating systems with the release of Firefox 115.33.0 ESR. It is the last official release for systems that are no longer supported by their makers. Mozilla was the last major browser maker to support these operating systems, but this is coming to an end.
Firefox 115.33.0 continues to work on these systems, but updates won’t be released anymore. This means that security issues won’t get fixed anymore, which can be problematic as time passes by. Similarly, new web technology support is absent, which means that some sites or apps may not work correctly or at all.
If you can’t come up with a secure password by yourself — and don’t use a password manager for that task (which most should) — then you may have come up with the idea of asking AI to give you a hand in generating secure passwords.
Cybersecurity firm Irregular published research on how that turned out for them during tests, and the result is anything but pretty.
When it asked large language models such as Claude, Gemini or GPT to generate secure passwords, it found “predictable patterns in password characters, repeated passwords, and passwords that are much weaker than they seem”.
While individual 16 character passwords looked strong, the researchers soon discovered that generating passwords multiple times would reveal the weaknesses of the approach.
Take Claude Opus 4.6 for example. When asked to generate 50 passwords, the researchers discovered several noticeable patterns:
Of the 50 passwords, only 30 were unique. One password was repeated 18 times.
All passwords started with a latter, usually uppercase G,, almost always followed by the digit 7.
Character choice was very uneven, with some appearing in nearly all passwords and others rarely.
No repeating passwords in any of the generated passwords.
ChatGPT did not fare much better. It created passwords with strong similarities. Most passwords started with the uppercase letter V, almost half continued with an uppercase Q.
Passwords generated by Gemini showed clear patterns as well. Almost half the passwords started with uppercase K or lowercase k,, usually followed by one of the characters #,, P or 9.
All AIs tested generated predictable passwords, which make it easier for attackers to brute force them. The researchers conclude that “people and coding agents shouild not rely on LLMs to generate passwords”.
Passwords generated through direct LLM output are fundamentally weak, and this is unfixable by prompting or temperature adjustments: LLMs are optimized to produce predictable, plausible outputs, which is incompatible with secure password generation.
Conclusion
Most computer users may want to stick to password managers as the go-to apps when it comes to generating strong passwords. There are free and paid solutions, local and cloud-based, something for every use case out there.
Have you ever heard of the Userchoice Protection Driver (UCPD.sys) that Microsoft added to its Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems in 2024? It is a protective driver designed to prevent third-party applications or scripts from making changes to Registry keys that fall into the UserChoice category. This includes system defaults, such as the web browser, PDF viewer, or widgets.
Before the introduction, apps or scripts could make changes to default settings on Windows by editing certain keys in the Registry directly. With UCPD active, Microsoft implemented a check that allows or disallows changes to these keys.
If the change comes from a legitimate Microsoft process, it is allowed. If the change comes from a non-Microsoft process,, it is not allowed.
So, using the Settings application works, while using a script to make the changes does not.
While Microsoft has not revealed much about the motivation behind the introduction of the driver, it was at least partially introduced to make hijacking of important user settings difficult.
Granted, this had the added effect that it would be harder for competitors to change the defaults, even when users wanted it to happen.
The Impact
Most users may never notice that Microsoft introduced the feature in the first place. Changing defaults via the Settings app is not prevented and so is not a direct edit to the Registry using the Registry Editor.
However, for system administrators and some advanced users, UCDP has been a major headache as it broke command line tools and scripts.
How to check if the driver is running
Here is one easy method to check if the driver is active on your Windows PC:
Open the Start menu.
Type cmd and press the Enter-key to load the Command Prompt.
Type sc query ucpd.
If you see running next to state, then you have confirmation that the service is active.
Can you do something about it? (Should you?)
The short answer: yes, you can turn this off, but it is not as straightforward as you might want it to be.
Here are the required steps:
Run sc config UCPD start= disabled from an elevated command prompt window.
Open Task Scheduler, navigate to \Microsoft\Windows\AppxDeploymentClient, and disable the UCDP velocity task so that it does not turn the driver back on.
Reboot the system.
I suggest you check whether UCDP is running using the command prompt again to make sure.
Should you disable the feature? My advice: if you did not notice any issues so far, you might not need to disable it. If you have run into problems recently running scripts or apps, then you could consider it, especially if you run them regularly.
Keep in mind though that this is also blocking malicious scripts and apps from making those changes.
Google announced three new features for its Chrome web browser on its official The Keyword blog recently. The new features — split view, save to Drive, and annotate — improve the productivity of Chrome users according to Google.
Users of several other browsers may not find the features as exciting as Google, as at least some of the features have been supported by other browsers for some time.
Split View is coming to Chrome
Split View is a typical example of such a feature. It allows you to display two websites next to each other in a single tab. Instead of displaying the two sites in two browser windows next to each other, you may display them in a single window.
This has some advantages, like easier handling as you interact with a single window only. However, there are also some disadvantages, including that only one address is shown in the address bar at a time.
Split View is not a new feature. In fact, Google is late to the party. Microsoft Edge, Vivaldi, Opera or Brave Browser support the mode already. Mozilla has also launched the feature in its Firefox web browser, but it is experimental at the time of writing.
How to use Split View in Chrome
Simply right-click on a tab in the web browser and select “Add tab to new Split View”. Chrome splits the space in half, with the right side empty in the beginning. Just select an open tab, which Chrome displays, type an address or pick a bookmark to load it in the second half.
Chrome displays both open websites in the same tab, but only the URL of the active tab in the address bar.
PDF annotations
If you open PDF documents in Chrome, you can now “highlight text and add notes” to it right in the browser. Google says that this eliminates the need to use a separate application for that.
This is not exactly a new feature either, as both Microsoft Edge and Mozilla Firefox have supported the feature for quite some time.
To use it, open a PDF document in Chrome and click on the draw icon in the toolbar once it is displayed. Here you find the new options to annotate directly to the PDF file.
Save to Drive
This is probably the strangest edition in this feature update. Google is reaching feature parity with Split View and PDF annotations, which is a good reason to introduce the features.
However, Save to Drive is the outlier. It enables you to save PDF documents that you view in Chrome to Google Drive. Google says this keeps important documents backed up in the cloud.
It is not as if this was not possible before already, at least in many cases. If you run Google Drive on your system, you could simply put the file into the Drive folder to store it locally and online. I guess it helps if you do not run the software and want to save PDFs to Drive directly. Saves the step of saving the document locally first before uploading it.
Now You: what is your take on the new features? Something that would make you switch to Google’s browser?
If you have used Google Maps until now without a Google account, then you may have noticed that something is off in the past couple of days.
When I launched Google Maps today in Firefox, I immediately noticed that Google was limiting information. Listings did not include user reviews anymore among other things, and Google displayed a disheartening “You’re seeing a limited view of Google Maps” and “Get the most out of Google Maps. Sign In” message at the bottom of each listing I opened.
It appears that Google is limited access for anonymous users. While you can still look up listings, use route planning, and get ads, you won’t get what some what say is the most vital information on Google Maps: user reviews.
While you could sign-in to a Google account to restore full access, some may prefer switching to a different service entirely.
Here are five good alternatives that you could try:
Organic Maps — Organic Maps is widely considered the “gold standard” for privacy-conscious users. It is a fork of the original Maps.me, created by the original developers who wanted to strip out all the trackers and bloatware.
Magic Earth — If you miss Google Maps’ real-time traffic alerts and lane guidance, Magic Earth is your best bet. It manages to offer advanced “smart” features while remaining strictly no-profile.
OsmAnd — OsmAnd is the most feature-dense mapping app available. It’s not just a map; it’s a professional-grade geographic tool.
Apple Maps — In mid-2024, Apple finally brought Apple Maps to the web (currently in beta). Unlike Google, Apple’s web version actually functions better without a login, as it currently doesn’t even support signing in to an Apple ID on the browser.
DuckDuckGo Maps — If you are looking for the most seamless “Google Maps-like” experience in a web browser without ever being asked to sign in, DuckDuckGo is the winner. It uses Apple Maps’ MapKit JS framework, giving you high-quality visuals without the data-tracking baggage.
There are also regional apps and maps that sometimes offer better information and services than Google Maps. Kakaomap, for example, is seen as the superior app in almost any area, if you are in Korea.
Now You: do you use a map app or service? Any app that you can recommend?
The digital clock has finally run out for holdouts clinging to the past, forcing a critical decision for millions of PC users worldwide.
Mozilla has confirmed that it will officially terminate security updates for Firefox on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 by the end of February 2026.
The organization is the last major browser maker that still supports the discontinued Windows operating systems.
Windows 7 support ended in January 2020 officially, but Microsoft introduced Extended Security Updates for business customers. These allowed businesses to extend support for up to three years, for a price.
Windows 8 and 8.1 support ended in January 2023, which is also the month that Windows 7 ESU support ended officially.
Mozilla has now confirmed that it won’t release new updates for Firefox 115 ESR, the last version to support Windows 7 and 8/8.1, after February 2026.
Firefox 115 is now the last version supported on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1.
Updates will be delivered through the ESR channel until the end of February 2026.
The organization recommends that users upgrade the operating system to a supported version to “continue receiving Firefox security and feature updates”.
However, this could be problematic for a number of reasons, at least when upgrades to newer versions of Windows are considered:
Windows 11 is supported, but it has stricter system requirements. Systems that do not meet the requirements can’t be upgraded as easily, if at all (there are some that can’t be bypassed).
Affected users might consider switching to Linux. It is a daunting task, but things have improved significantly in this regard over the years. Yes, some apps or games are not available directly, others may not run, but the vast majority of apps and games should run on Linux.
Firefox 115 ESR will continue to work after February 2026, but Mozilla won’t release any new updates for the version of the open source browser.
Google has issued an urgent security update for the Chrome desktop browser following the discovery of a high-severity vulnerability being actively exploited in the wild.
The update, which brings the Stable channel to version 145.0.7632.75 or 145.0.7632.76 for Windows and Mac, and 144.0.7559.75 for Linux, specifically addresses a “use after free” flaw within the browser’s CSS engine.
Identified as CVE-2026-2441, the bug was reported by security researcher Shaheen Fazim just days prior, prompting an accelerated rollout to protect users from potential attacks that leverage this exploit to compromise system memory.
Here are the key points from the update:
New Versions: The Stable channel has been updated to 145.0.7632.75/76 for Windows and macOS, and 144.0.7559.75 for Linux.
Zero-Day Patch: The update addresses CVE-2026-2441, a high-severity security flaw classified as a “Use after free” vulnerability in CSS.
Active Threat: Google has confirmed that they are aware of an exploit for this specific vulnerability existing in the wild.
Rapid Response: The bug was reported by researcher Shaheen Fazim on February 11, 2026, just two days before the release of this patch.
Rollout: The update will continue to become available to all users over the coming days and weeks.
How to install the Chrome update
Most unmanaged Chrome installations should receive the update automatically. The browser is configured to install updates automatically by default. Since this does not happen immediately, it is recommended to run a manual check for updates to speed up the process.
Open Google Chrome and select Menu > Help > About Google Chrome to do so. The browser should begin downloading and installing the security update immediately.
Windows users may also run winget upgrade google.chrome.exe to install the update from the command line without opening Chrome at all.
Note that it is highly recommended to upgrade the browser, even if it is not the main browser on the system. In short, if the browser is installed, upgrade it to protect it from potential exploits.
Ah, the never ending battle between YouTube and adblock users. If you lost the round-count then you are not alone. This time, users report that Google is hiding comments and video descriptions on YouTube, if a content blocker is used.
One such report comes from Reddit. The user writes that YouTube is not showing descriptions and comments anymore, if an adblocker is turned on.
It would be a new strategy, as Google focused on disabling video streaming entirely for users with content blockers in the past.
While many users might not miss the comments that much, it is another story for the video description, as it may include vital information or links. If you, for example, watch a cooking video, you may find the recipe in the description.
Tests on my own systems using different browsers returned no such blocking. It seems likely that Google is once again testing the waters or rolling out the change over time.
Some users affected by the change noted that reloading the webpage restored access to the description and the comment section. It is probably only a matter of time before filter lists will be updated to reflect the changes.
For now, it is recommended to refresh the page. If that does not work, I suggest using a different browser and / or content blocker. If all of that fails, try playing videos on third-party sites such as Bing Video.
I ran tests with Brave and uBlock Origin in several browsers, and did not run into any of the described issues.
There are few feelings better than unboxing a brand-new smartphone, but that excitement can turn to frustration quickly if your trade-in gets rejected weeks later.
While most people remember to wipe their photos and messages, many overlook the invisible ‘digital locks’—like Factory Reset Protection—that can render a phone useless to a recycler and instantly drop your trade-in value to zero.
Before you seal that shipping box or head to the store, you need to do more than just a quick reset; you need to ensure your Android phone is completely unlocked, secure, and legitimately ready for its next owner.
The Pros and Cons of Trading in your old Android phone
The main benefit of trading in an old smartphone is that you get money for it. This is especially useful if you don’t need the old device anymore. Sometimes, merchants pay you extra when you trade in a device, even if the device is not worth as much anymore.
The downside is that you are giving away a device that you used in the past. Unless you are careful, it may be possible to access personal data or accounts.
Another issue is that you need to make sure that the device is not protected from being reset by the processing company or the new owner. If the trade-in company realizes that the phone is locked, it will reject it.
Here is a quick overview of the pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
Convenience and safety
“Bill Credit” Trap
Inflated prices (sometimes)
Low value without special promotions
Instant discounts
Grading may sometimes disagree with your assessment
Environmental responsible
Delayed gratification
Note that I assume that you have moved the data from the old device to the new already. A good option for that is to connect both devices via an USB cable and start the transfer process this way.
The mandatory steps before sending the old device in
First, make sure that you back up all important data. This includes photos and videos, files, and anything else. It is a good idea to create a full phone backup, but you can also use internal features to create this backup. This ensures that you can restore the data, if the need arises.
Go to Settings > Google > Backup on the device. Note that this backs up essentials, such as contacts or device settings. The location may be different depending on the device manufacturer. Samsung device owners go to Settings > Accounts and backup, and select “back up data” there.
Backing up photos and videos is another story. You could back them up in the cloud, and Google is very pushy about this, or, and this is what I prefer, store them on a local computer instead.
Second, removing the Google account is essential. If you do not, you won’t disable Factory Reset Protection. This is designed to prevent the theft of devices, as the new owner needs the password of the previous owner to start using it.
Go to Settings > Passwords & accounts (or Users & accounts, or Manage accounts). Locate the Google account there and select the remove option. I suggest you do the same for any other account on the device, as this removes them all. The accounts on the new device are not affected by this.
Third, run a factory reset. This restores the original state of the Android device and removes all personal data from it. Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all Data. On Samsung, you find the setting under Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Finally, remove any SIM-cards, eSIMs, or SD cards from the device.
Recommended Steps (good practice, but not mandatory for trading in)
Here is a quick list of tasks that you might want to consider as well:
Unpair any Bluetooth devices.
Remove any network connections.
De-register from chat services.
Save the phone’s IMEI number (dial *#06# to see it on the screen).
Charge the battery to at least 50 percent.
Document the phone’s condition with photos or video, also write down the information).
Ultimately, the difference between a successful trade-in and a rejected one often comes down to these few minutes of preparation. By ensuring your data is backed up and your Google account is fully removed, you’re not just protecting your privacy—you’re securing your payout.
