Author: Martin Brinkmann

When I was young, I studied German, History and English at Essen University in Germany. I worked in computer support for several years at the time to help other computer users when they ran into issues. Writing started out as a passion project, as I wanted to help more users and not just the ones that I handled in support. This lead to the founding of Ghacks Technology News in 2005. First, as a side-project, but shortly thereafter as a full-time project as the site's popularity exploded. I sold Ghacks to Softonic some years ago, but stayed on as Editor. You can still read my articles on the site. I do publish on Betanews as well. In recent years, I started to write and publish technology books, including my latest book "Windows 11 From Beginner to Advanced", which is available on Amazon. I'm also a freelance writer for the German publisher Gamestar. Chipp.in is my newest project. I want to use it to talk about my book projects, sell my books directly, and write about technology, as this is what interests me.
Amazon Prime Video Recaps

Users of streaming services dislike ads, but subscriptions continue to grow

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

When asked about their preference regarding streaming media, with or without ads, most users would like pick the latter. I would go even so far to claim that many dislike ads with a passion. However, when you add a monetary component to the question, things get interesting.

Get the cheaper, but ad-powered streaming option, or pay more, but save up on time and get rid of the ads?

It appears that the strategy of companies like Disney, Amazon, or Netflix is paying them huge dividends already. Ad-powered streaming subscriptions are pushing to new highs every financial quarter, it appears, and there does not seem to be any slowing down either.

Introduced just a few years ago, ad-supported plans make up a sizeable portion of total subscribers for major streaming platforms.

  • Netflix: last figure is 190 million users who use an ad-powered plan, but uses new metric.
  • Disney: about 164 million, does include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ however.
  • Amazon: 315 million

Netflix introduced a new metric for its ad-powered plan recently. Previously, the company counted subscriptions only, which, according to the last report for which the company used the metric, was 94 million. The new report looks at household numbers as well.

Regardless, about a third of Netflix subscriptions seem to be ad-powered. For Amazon, it is even more. The reason is simple: Amazon decided to make all Prime Video subscriptions ad-powered. If you do not want ads, you have to pay Amazon a few extra bucks to avoid them. Most users apparently don’t.

Even more interesting, Amazon boasted in its last earnings call that it managed to boost subscribers from 200 million in 2024 to the-now 315 million.

Four out of ten Netflix subscribers pick the ad-powered plan, according to Netflix. Disney is likely seeing signups in a similar range.

Why are ad-powered plans growing? The most likely, and simple, answer is: because they are cheaper. Much cheaper in fact. The Standard with Ads plan of Netflix USA costs subscribers around $8 per month. The cheapest ad-free plan costs more than double at around $18 per month. If you want 4K, it is thrice as much at around $25 per month.

While subscribers of the Premium plan get some benefits that the other two plans do not support, notably 4K, Spatial Audio and HDR support, the only differentiating factor that matters between Standard with Ads and Standard is the advertisement.

Disney pricing is very similar in this regard, albeit considerably below the twice as expensive mark. The Disney+, Hulu Bundle, both with ads, costs around $13 per month. Without ads, the price rises to around $20.

While the “with ads” plans will likely become more expensive as time passes, there does not seem to be an end to their growth yet.

Now You: Are you subscribed to an ad-powered plan? Or do you prefer plans without ads, or no plans at all? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Google Drive is now available for Windows on ARM PCs

“We know we have work to do”: Microsoft posts apology, but gets destroyed in the responses

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Microsoft’s plan to turn Windows into an agentic operating system has been met with massive backlash online. When the Microsoft President of the Windows and Devices division announced the next Microsoft Ignite developer and professionals conference, AI made up the cornerstone of the announcement.

Windows is evolving into an agentic OS, connecting devices, cloud, and AI to unlock intelligent productivity and secure work anywhere. Join us at #MSIgnite to see how frontier firms are transforming with Windows and what’s next for the platform. We can’t wait to show you!

Users responded in droves and the general tone was very negative. Many asked Microsoft to focus on the features and things that matter, like creating a stable operating system that offers top-tier performance.

The chief of Microsoft’s Windows division limited comments, which drove the discussion elsewhere, but did not seem to turn it down.

Then, after a few days, Davuluri published a reply on Twitter to one developer comment in particular. In the command, Gergely Orosz stated that he could not see any reason for software engineers to pick Windows “with this weird direction they are doubling down on” and an operating system that “doesn’t look like anything a builder who wants OS control could choose”.

In the reply, Davuluri claimed that Microsoft was being swarmed by feedback and that Microsoft was listening and that Microsoft cares deeply about developers.

We know we have work to do on the experience, both on the everyday usability, from inconsistent dialogs to power user experiences. When we meet as a team, we discuss these paint points and others in detail, because we want developers to choose Windows.

We know words aren’t enough, it’s on us to continue improving and shipping

This time, the comments were as brutal as the first time. X user JimBobSquarePant’s comment is representative for the general tone of replies.

It really is hard to believe that to be the case given the disconnect displayed in your previous post upon which you received overwhelmingly negative feedback.

I’ve been a Windows user since I was a small child, I’m a Microsoft MVP and develop almost exclusively on Windows but even I am considering Linux as an alternative. The quality of the software of the OS (and other Microsoft products) is in real, visible decline.

In short, commenters complained that the quality of the Windows operating system is deteriorating, and that Microsoft is not listening nor caring about developers or power users anymore.

Closing Words

Judging from the past ten or so years of Windows development, and especially the past couple of years, I’d be surprised if Microsoft would actually start listening and change course, or at least focus more development resources on improving the stability and performance of the Windows operating system.

What about you? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Hosting a web server on a disposable vape, which makes it a disposable web server of sorts

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Reportedly, someone managed to get a tiny web server running on one of those disposable vapes, electronic cigarettes that you see more and more people consuming, at least where I live.

Unlike regular cigarettes, which consist of non-electronic components, a filter, some paper and tobacco for the most part, vapes contain electronic components.

Our ingenious engineer dissected vapes that he received from friends and family for some time and discovered something peculiar in vapes from a specific brand.

He noticed that they included a micro processor, probably the cheapest micro-controller in existence. Further inspection revealed that it had the following characteristics:

  • 24 MHz Coretext M0+ processor.
  • 24 KiB of Flash Storage.
  • 3 KiB of Static Ram.

He realized that he could use it to run a web server, and that is exactly what he set out to do. You can check out the blog post to find out more about the process. In the end, he managed to get the web server, with a single page, running on the vape.

The post has a link to the website, but I could not get it to run. Not sure if it has been taken down, if it is overloaded, or caused by another issue.

It is a remarkable feat of engineering, very similar to getting Doom running on any device with a display and some form of micro-computer inside.

Android

Android is getting an option for experts for sideloading

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Google announced plans earlier this year to change a fundamental cornerstone of the Android ecosystem: sideloading. The plan was to force all developers to verify their identity, even those who had no interest in publishing via the Google Play Store.

This was a stark change compared to the status quo. Currently, developers may choose to publish their apps outside Google Play, for instance only on F-Droid, and they can do so unhindered.

Under the new system, they would be forced to verify their identity. Google says that this is for improving security, while third-party stores like F-Droid claim that it is the end of sideloading as we know it.

The main issue, from F-Droid’s perspective, is that Google is dishonest when it states that sideloading is not going away on Android. The reasoning is simple: the definition of sideloading is “the transfer of apps form web sources that are not vendor-approved”. Under the new system, developers need to register an account with Google, pay a fee, provide verification, e.g. with government IDs, accept the terms and conditions, and more.

Google published an update to its plans today on the Android Developers Blog. There, Google explained why it is introducing verification in first place (to keep users safe).

However, Google says that it has listened to feedback and decided to integrate an option for experienced users, students, hobbyists and developers.

It says that it is building “a new advanced flow that allows experienced users to accept the risks of installing software that isn’t verified”. This new flow is designed to ensure that users cannot be forced to bypass the safety checks, even when under pressure from scammers.

Additionally, Google wants to display clear warnings to help users understand the risks involved.

How this is going to work is unclear at this point. Google says that it will share more details in the coming months about this new option.

Still, it could be a good compromise that allows developers and users to install apps from other sources, even if they are not verified by Google.

Now it is your turn. What is your take on this? Is it a good compromise or would you like to see something else entirely? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Windows 11 is removing an option to bypass Microsoft account and internet during setup

Former Windows Engineer claims Windows “sucks”, explains how he would fix it

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

While Windows continues to be the most-used desktop operating system, not everyone is particularly happy with it. If you have used Windows for a while, you may have encountered bugs and issues, an infusion of ads and unpopular features, and more.

Former Microsoft-engineer Dave Plummer, responsible for development on core components such as the Task Manager, has published a video on YouTube about the state of Windows and how he would fix it.

His key argument for the statement that he makes — Windows “sucks” — is that Microsoft has optimized the operating system for median users and by doing so, has frustrated power users. Power users, while a minority, are influential and they do set the narrative for the most part, according to Plummer.

To address this, Plummer suggests that Microsoft adds a “professional mode” to the operating. Users should be able to enable the mode to turbo-charge Windows. Reduce verbosity and nudges, consolidate controls, pre-install major tools and give power users more control over their operating system.

He goes on to address several key issues that especially power users have regarding the current state of Windows:

  • Telemetry: Is essential, but erodes trust. Solution: privacy ledger that logs all outbound data in plain-English explanations, with mute option and audits to build user trust.
  • Local accounts: Restore the ability to make local accounts. Stop enforcing Microsoft accounts. While Microsoft accounts have advantages, like easier recovery and roaming, not everyone wants to use one and Microsoft should give users that option without any dark patterns.
  • Control over updates: Users should have control over updates. While security updates are critical, pro users want more control, such as one-click rollbacks, staged kernels, deterministic scheduling.
  • Ads and nags: Eliminate them, all, as they are disrespectful and turn the operating system into a sales channel.
  • Address core technical issues: Plummer mentions native archiver support, move non-essential functions to user mode.
  • Fix fragmentation and usability pain points. Consolidate Settings and Control Panel with redirects, don’t alter user-made changes without prompts or notifications, prioritize local, text-first search, ensure clean installs without bloat.

You can check out the video here:

Now You: what is your take on this? Do these suggestions align with your own or do you want to see something different? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Google launched a new anti-ad-blocking update on YouTube, reportedly

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Ah, the battle continues as predicted. Over the past one or two years, a cat and mouse game played out between Google-owned YouTube and content blockers. YouTube implemented various systems to limit or block users with ad-blockers from accessing videos, and the makers of the solutions tweaked their extensions and services to bypass them again.

The next stage of this back and forth battle has just begun, claims Tom’s Guide. According to the website, YouTube has updated its systems on November 7. While the company has not publicly revealed anything about the update, thousands of users flocked to various Internet sites reportedly since then claiming that YouTube was down or not working for them anymore.

Turns out, YouTube did not have an outage but did make changes that blocked certain ad-blockers from doing their works. Most users reported that the YouTube homepage was not loaded at all for them and that videos would not buffer, or take a very long time to start playing.

Especially extensions, like AdBlock Plus, are affected reportedly. However, some extensions or options seem to work still. Brave Browser’s built-in content blocker, for instance, worked just well this morning when I tested it on YouTube.

Firefox with uBlock Origin installed worked as well. It is possible that only some content blockers are affected, or that updates were released already that address the issue.

In any event, it is very likely that this is not Google’s last attempt at blocking users with ad-blockers from accessing videos on YouTube.

Affected users have a few options to address the issue. The first thing they may want to do is disable the content blocker to verify that YouTube is not down. Once verified, using a different content blocker or web browser with integrated content blocker might help.

Now You: do you use YouTube regularly? What do you use to watch videos on YouTube?

Netflix on TV

Annual price hikes every year will end many services

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Like clockwork, many companies are increasing the price of subscriptions on a regular basis. Take Disney as an example. It launched its streaming service Disney+ back in November 2019 with an introductory price of $6.99 per month in the United States. Today, Disney+ subscribers pay $18.99 per month for the service.

Disney increased the price annually starting in 2021. Each year, customers had to pay an extra $1, $2 or $3 to keep the subscription.

The company is not alone. Its biggest competitor, Netflix, launched in 2007 with a price of $7.99 per month. Today, Netflix subscribers pay $17.99 for the cheapest ad-free plan or $22.99 if they want 4K content and some extras. Granted, it took Netflix 18 years to get there, but it is a massive increase nevertheless.

Rising costs are not just an issue for customers of streaming services. Take software subscriptions as another example. Microsoft 365 cost $6.99 in 2022. Today, customers pay $9.99 per month, and even more, if they want integration of the Copilot AI.

Companies increase the price to improve rentability, make more per subscriber. However, they do not seem to have answers for a simple question: what happens when the bulk of subscribers can’t afford the subscription anymore?

What if the price of service does not justify its cost? While you could argue that the majority does not really care and will keep their Netflix subscription no matter what, I’d argue that breaking points exist.

Paying Disney $180 per year just to watch a few shows or movies, that are not really that good, or for entertaining your kids with Disney classics, sounds like it could be too expensive for quite a few already.

With that money, you could purchase DVD or Blu-Ray, preferably on the second hand market, and keep them forever. You find plenty of classic movies on sites like eBay, and if you like thrifting, flea markets or garage sales, you know that bargains can be made there. Not always, but there is a good chance.

Many might also switch back to something that has always existed, but has lost popularity since the advent of streaming services: sailing the seven seeks, aka, piracy.

Lastly, another viable model is to switch to 1-month subscriptions only. This works well, considering that most streaming services do not put out enough content to warrant a full-year subscription. It is possible, however, that streaming services will end the option eventually, if too many subscribers start using it.

Right now, subscriber counts do not really fall, despite the price increases in the previous years. But this will change eventually. Some subscribers might switch to ad-supported plans, which are cheaper, but these come with their own disadvantages (namely ads).

Now you: are you subscribed to a streaming service?

Windows 11 is removing an option to bypass Microsoft account and internet during setup

Not again! Microsoft confirms another Bitlocker Recovery issue in Windows

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Windows users who use BitLocker to encrypt their data either willingly or unknowingly may have run into a BitLocker related issue several times in the past.

It is unclear when it all started, but the essence of the bug was always the same: affected Windows PCs would boot into BitLocker Recovery Mode after installation of an update that caused the issue.

The problem here is that to get out of the mode, users needed the recovery key, which many probably did not really know. While it is easy to look it up online, at least when a user uses a Microsoft account to sign in, it still was a hassle in the best case.

Microsoft confirmed another BitLocker Recovery issue on the Microsoft 365 admin center, but not yet as a known issue for regular users who do not have access to the admin portal.

The issue affects the following Windows versions:

  • Windows 10, version 22H2
  • Windows 11, version 24H2
  • Windows 11, version 25H2

The systems are affected, if the October 2025 security updates are installed on the machines.

Microsoft says that the issue affects Windows PCs with Intel processors and Modern Standby mostly. Still, other systems may also be affected.

As usually, Windows users may resolve the issue by entering the BitLocker recovery key when prompted for it.

Closing Words

Microsoft seems to have a hard time fixing the BitLocker bug for good, as it reappeared several times, including in May of 2025 when Microsoft issued another warning about the problem.

Google Chrome Split View

Google is rolling out Split View for Chrome Tabs and is late to the party

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

Google released Chrome 142 to the stable channel recently with just a few changes that it revealed publicly. Noteworthy is a new permission that regulates access to local resources. Basically, users will see a prompt going forward, if a website or application attempts to access a resource on the local network.

It turns out that Google is also rolling out a new tab feature gradually to all users. Split View allows users to display two websites or apps in Chrome side by side in the same browser window.

All you need to do for that is to right-click on the first tab and select the option “move tab into split view”. If you want, you can also select to move it to the left or right location in split view directly.

Google Chrome Split View

Google Chrome then displays the list of other tabs open in the browser, so that you can pick one for the other half.

Tip: You can enable the feature right away in Chrome, if you like. Just load chrome://flags/#side-by-side in the Chrome address bar and change the status of the feature to Enabled. Restart Chrome, and the new context menu option becomes available when you right-click on tabs.

Split View: pros and cons

So what is the advantage of Split View compared to using two browser windows? The main advantage is that both websites are displayed in a single browser. You can display, move, hide, or close them at once, while you would have to juggle with two windows if you’d display the two websites in two Chrome instances. You can be sure also that both windows are always visible, when the browser window is active.

However, there are also some disadvantages. You can only see one of the URLs at the same time in the Chrome window. It changes when you activate the website in the inactive half, but it is still worth considering that you don’t see the address all the time.

Google is late to the party

Split View is not a particularly new feature. Vivaldi, for instance, has supported it for years and even gives users multiple layout options that go beyond displaying two sites side-by-side or split horizontally.

Even Microsoft tested the Split View feature in Edge in 2023 already. Mozilla is also working on integrating a split view feature in its Firefox web browser.

Now You: do you use split view already or do you have no use for the feature? Feel free to leave a comment down below.

Windows 11: Block Windows Search from sending anything to Bing

Posted on by Martin Brinkmann

The integration of Microsoft Bing, or any other online search tool for that matter, in Windows Search is an abomination. The main idea is to run a search online if Windows can’t find anything locally or at least give you the option to run the search.

I’d argue that the vast majority of Windows users does not want this. When you run a search locally, you expect local results. Also, a web browser is just a click away and the more appropriate vessel for running searches online.

Recently I noticed that if you are too fast when the system boots, your searches may end up opening Bing in Microsoft Edge, even if there is a local match. It happens only when you open Start right after the system has booted, start typing and press the Enter-key.

Anyway, it is highly recommended to block Bing entirely in Windows Search, unless you are one of the few users who finds this useful actually (I have yet to meet a single user who does though, let me know..).

Here is how you can end Bing in Windows Search in a matter of seconds (thanks Henk):

  1. Open the Start menu on the Windows machine.
  2. Type Powershell.
  3. Select “run as administrator” to open an elevated PowerShell window.
  4. Paste the following code: Set-ItemProperty -Path “HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search” -Name “BingSearchEnabled” -Value 0 -Type DWord
  5. Press the Enter-key to run it.

That is all there is to it. In case you wonder, this adds the Dword BingSearchEnabled to the Registry. Note that you can add the information manually as well using the Registry Editor, or create a Registry file if you prefer that way.

You can undo the change at any time by setting the value to 1 or deleting the key. I doubt anyone would, but it may happen that Microsoft accidentally resets this. You will notice right away though, as searches may include online content in that case again.

Now You: Do you use the online search feature of Windows Search? Or do you disable it / ignore it instead? Feel free to leave a comment down below.