# Windows 11 is about to Split

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2IywmjNJN8
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/A2IywmjNJN8
Generated: 2026-02-12T05:34:31.269+00:00

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## 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'.

![Screenshot at 00:08: The title card prominently displays "NO UPDATE FOR YOU!" overlaying an image of a Windows 11 taskbar, directly referencing the news that Microsoft's Windows 11 26H1 update is not for current PCs but is exclusive to new Snapdragon X2 devices.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-00-08.jpg)

**Context:** The video serves as a rapid-fire news roundup covering various recent developments in the tech industry, hosted by Riley Murdock. The topics range from operating system updates (Windows 11) and data privacy lawsuits (Meta/YouTube) to new platform features (Discord, Threads, Google Search) and significant industry acquisitions (MrBeast/Step), highlighting ongoing regulatory and security concerns in the digital sphere.

## Detailed Analysis

The video covers four major news items in rapid succession. First, Microsoft announced Windows 11 version 26H1, which is a special release intended only for new devices equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Series processors; it is not available as an in-place update for existing PCs, though existing devices will continue receiving standard security/quality updates via 24H2 and 25H2. Second, Meta and YouTube faced opening arguments in a trial where plaintiffs' attorney Mark Lanier accused the companies of engineering addiction in children's brains, using props like a toy Ferrari and a slot machine to illustrate how algorithms and features like infinite scroll intentionally hook users. YouTube's lawyer countered by arguing that features are meant to help users, not harm them, and showed content like an Ariana Grande video as a source of creativity and income for young entertainers. Third, Google rolled out new tools to help users remove non-consensual explicit images and other sensitive personal data (like government IDs or passport numbers) from Search results by flagging them via the three-dot menu. Fourth, Discord faced backlash after announcing mandatory global age verification, causing a 10,000% spike in searches for alternatives; Discord responded by clarifying that only a minority of users accessing age-restricted content will need verification. Finally, the video reports on MrBeast's company acquiring the financial app Step, which has over 7 million users, to expand into financial services for Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and a hacktivist exposed over 536,000 customer payment records from a stalkerware vendor called Turota.

### Windows 11 26H1 Update

- Windows 11 version 26H1 is a scoped release
- only available on new devices with select new silicon (Snapdragon X2)
- Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 devices continue receiving standard monthly updates

### Meta/YouTube Trial

- Plaintiffs argue Meta/YouTube built 'addiction machines' using algorithms and infinite scroll
- YouTube's lawyer argued the platform provides creativity and income for young entertainers
- Attorney Lanier used props like a toy Ferrari and slot machine to illustrate addiction

### Google Search Privacy

- Google introduced tools to remove non-consensual explicit images from Search results
- Users flag results via three-dot menu
- Users can also request removal of government IDs and passport numbers

### Discord Age Verification

- Discord announced global teen-by-default age settings, causing 10,000% surge in searches for alternatives
- Discord stated the vast majority of users will not need explicit age confirmation (only those accessing age-restricted content)

### Stalkerware Data Breach

- Hacktivist exploited a vulnerability in Ukrainian company Turota
- Over 536,000 customer payment records and personal data were leaked on a hacking forum

### MrBeast Acquires Step

- Beast Industries acquired Step, a financial app for Gen Z/Alpha with 7 million users
- The acquisition aims to give young people a financial foundation MrBeast reportedly lacked

### Threads Dear Algo

- Threads launched 'Dear Algo' feature allowing users to request feed adjustments for 3 days
- Users can request more/less of topics or repost others' requests to apply preferences

![Screenshot at 00:08: The title card humorously proclaims "NO UPDATE FOR YOU!" regarding the Windows 11 26H1 update, highlighting its exclusivity.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-00-08.jpg)
![Screenshot at 00:23: The host points to an XDA article stating Microsoft's Windows 11 26H1 update is not for existing PCs, emphasizing the new silicon requirement.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-00-23.jpg)
![Screenshot at 01:52: A Microsoft blog post title emphasizes 'Refreshing the root of trust: industry collaboration on Secure Boot certificate updates,' referencing a security topic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-01-52.jpg)
![Screenshot at 02:23: A BBC headline reports on the Meta/YouTube trial, accusing owners of building 'addiction machines' that harm children.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-02-23.jpg)
![Screenshot at 03:36: The host gestures while discussing the algorithm and infinite scroll, linking to the Meta/YouTube trial's core argument about addictive design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/A2IywmjNJN8/00-03-36.jpg)
