Windows 11 is about to Split

Quick Overview

The video reports on several unrelated tech news items, including Microsoft's Windows 11 26H1 update being exclusive to new devices with Snapdragon X2 processors, Meta and YouTube facing a trial over allegedly engineering addiction in children's brains, Google introducing new tools to remove non-consensual explicit images from search results, Discord rolling out teen-by-default age verification settings globally leading to a surge in searches for alternatives, a hacktivist exposing over 500,000 customer payment records from a stalkerware vendor, and MrBeast's company acquiring a financial app called Step to monetize his audience.

Key Points: Microsoft's Windows 11 version 26H1 update is a scoped release only available on new devices featuring select new silicon, specifically Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors, and is not an in-place update for existing PCs. Meta and YouTube owners face a trial in California where plaintiffs' attorney Mark Lanier argued they built 'addiction machines' using algorithms and infinite scroll, citing evidence like a toy Ferrari and a slot machine to illustrate the addictive design. Google introduced new tools allowing users to request the removal of non-consensual explicit images and other sensitive personal information (like government IDs or passport numbers) from Search results using a three-dot menu option. Discord faced significant backlash (10,000% jump in searches for alternatives) after announcing global teen-by-default age verification, though Discord clarified that the vast majority of users will not be asked for explicit ID verification. A hacktivist exploited a vulnerability in a Ukrainian stalkerware vendor's system, leaking over 536,000 customer payment records and personal data onto a hacking forum. MrBeast's company, Beast Industries, acquired Step, a financial technology app aimed at Gen Z and Gen Alpha users, to expand into financial services and directly monetize his audience. The 'Dear Algo' feature on Threads allows users to request feed adjustments for three days, giving users control over algorithmic content based on topics like 'show me more basketball' or 'show me less stressful political news'.