Author: GizNews

  • XREAL unveils affordable AR glasses with 1,600-nit display

    XREAL unveils affordable AR glasses with 1,600-nit display

    Key Takeaway

    – Lightweight design at 62 grams with adjustable, swappable front covers and 3D-printable options for customization.
    – High-brightness HDR displays (up to 1,600 nits) and a 50° field of view, delivering a large-imagery AR/video experience.
    – Primarily video/game viewing from connected devices (phones/laptops) rather than AI assistant interactions, positioned as an affordable AR video glasses option.
    – US launch in July priced at $299.

    Overview of the X by Xreal xbx a01+

    With X by Xreal, the AR glasses specialist is launching a new subsidiary brand that is intended to stand for hipper, more affordable products. The first of these products is the so-called xbx a01+, AR video glasses that weigh just 62 grams, 20 grams less than the Xreal 1S ($449 on Amazon) and 10 grams less than the Xreal Air 2. This is intended to make them particularly comfortable to wear.

    Design and Build

    The front cover can be changed in a few simple steps to match the shape and color of the glasses to the current outfit. Clever: it is possible to produce front covers using a 3D printer. The temples house speakers. The heart of the xbx a01+, however, are the integrated HDR displays, which should achieve a brightness of 1,600 nits, making them easy to see even in bright daylight.

    Display and Usage

    Xreal advertises a field of view of 50 degrees, which is equivalent to a 147-inch television from a distance of 4 meters. xbx a01+ is more AR video glasses than smart glasses, as the display is primarily intended to show videos or games from a connected smartphone or laptop instead of accessing an AI assistant like the smart glasses from Meta, for example.

    Release and Pricing

    The X by Xreal a01+ AR glasses, also known as xbx a01+ for short, will be launched in the USA in July for $299.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • iPhone theft protection similar to Android features

    iPhone theft protection similar to Android features

    Key Takeaway

    – Theft detection and automatic locking may extend from Android to iPhone, leveraging sensors like the accelerometer.
    – iPhone theft protection could use Apple Watch proximity (Bluetooth) to distinguish intentional use from theft.
    – Additional locks may activate when theft is detected away from trusted Wi‑Fi or known locations to protect data and passwords.

    Overview of Rising Smartphone Theft

    There is a clear trend that the number of smartphone thefts has risen steadily for years, and phone snatching in particular is on the rise. This paragraph keeps the tone casual while noting the core issue: an unlocked phone being grabbed from a user’s hand, such as from a motorcycle, so the thief has direct access to sensitive data and apps. The risk here is real and immediate, because theft can potentially allow access to codes sent by text messages or email during two-factor authentication, which could open doors to accounts and personal information.

    Current Android Defenses and New Apple Prospects

    Android-Smartphones already offer a feature called Theft Detection Lock, which can automatically lock a smartphone if it is snatched from someone’s hand. According to the latest information from 9to5Mac, Apple is currently working on a similar feature for devices such as the iPhone 17 ($787 on Amazon). To recognize when the iPhone is stolen, Apple uses data from several sensors, especially the accelerometer. The writing here shifts to compare ecosystems and to note the potential parity between platforms, while maintaining a practical focus on how sensors contribute to security decisions.

    Watch Proximity and Lock Triggers

    If the user is wearing an Apple watch, the distance between the iPhone and smartwatch can be estimated by the strength of the Bluetooth signal to provide the software with a further clue and prevent accidental locking. The narrative acknowledges that proximity sensing is used as a subtle cue in addition to other signals, aiming to reduce nuisance locks while still protecting data. When theft is detected away from known Wi-Fi networks or stored locations, such as the user’s home or workplace, additional locks come into effect to make it more difficult to access sensitive data and, in particular, to change passwords. The article emphasizes layered defense rather than a single measure, and details remain speculative about rollout timing.

    Timing and Availability Clues

    It is not yet known when these new anti-theft features will be available, but since 9to5Mac has already found clues in the iOS code, a launch as part of iOS 27 in September is conceivable. The narrative keeps a cautious tone, noting that software clues do not guarantee a release date, yet they hint at near-term possibilities and a potential September window for a major update, with ongoing interest from the user community and developers alike.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Shelly Wall Displays: Multi-Dashboard Support Guide

    Shelly Wall Displays: Multi-Dashboard Support Guide

    Key Takeaway

    – Shelly’s Wall Display beta 2.7.0 adds support for up to five separate dashboards (variants) on select models, enabling customizable, widget-free control panels.
    – The feature aims to improve on-device control of lights, sockets, AC, and heating without a smartphone, using integrated switch actuators for direct smart home integration.
    – Only certain models (X2, X2i with 3 dashboards; XL with 5 dashboards) currently support the new views due to hardware limits; others remain on 2.6.x or pending.
    – Performance goals include faster, tidier dashboards to mitigate prior slow responses, especially with Home Assistant, though real-world results may vary.
    – If you’re on the Wall Display beta, you can try the new feature now, but you cannot downgrade back to the previous stable 2.6.2 once you switch to 2.7.0.

    Smart Home Devices And Shelly’s Continued Commitment

    On the one hand, smart home devices are becoming more widespread; on the other hand, many companies have increasingly neglected their smart home divisions in recent years, such as Google with its own voice assistant. At Shelly, however, there is no sign of this: the company is fully committed to the smart living trend. the tone stays casual yet informative as the author notes Shelly’s consistent focus despite market trends.

    Preview Of Wall Display Software Version 2.7.0

    In an announcement, the manufacturer has now provided a preview of the next software version for the Wall Display, which is available immediately in the beta phase as version 2.7.0. It enables the use of additional dashboards. Depending on the specific model, up to five different variants can now be saved. this section emphasizes the beta nature and the new capability to store multiple dashboards for later use.

    What The Dashboards Do For The Smart Home

    In this context, the dashboard serves as the device’s standard display through which the smart home is controlled. Depending on the individual living situation, it allows for the clear and convenient control of lights, sockets, air conditioning units, and heating. The major advantage of a permanently installed control panel: no smartphone is needed to control devices on site. In addition, the Wall Displays feature integrated switch actuators that allow for the direct integration of additional consumers into the smart home. this paragraph explains practical benefits and hardware features in simple terms, though the writing varies in style from the previous paragraph.

    Widget Customization And Model Limitations

    In the past, adapting the dashboard with widgets was possible, but switching between different display variants was not. This is now changing with the new software. A slight downer remains: although the update is generally available, due to limited hardware capabilities, only the X2 (3 dashboards), X2i (3 dashboards), and XL (5 dashboards) models currently support the additional views. the paragraph notes the improvement plus the constraints on certain models.

    Performance Notes And Practical Questions

    Furthermore, there have been repeated reports of slow response times in the past, especially in combination with Home Assistant. Tidy and uncluttered dashboards are supposed to provide a remedy here. How (counter)productive the setup of multiple dashboards will actually be in practice remains to be seen. this section raises concerns and expectations about real-world use and efficiency.

    Pricing And Beta Availability

    The flagship “XL” model is currently priced at around $350. Other models are correspondingly somewhat cheaper. Anyone who already owns a Wall Display can test the new feature immediately by switching to the beta version. Please note, however, that a subsequent switch back to the previous, stable software version (2.6.2) is no longer possible. Those who wish to avoid this risk should be patient for a little longer until the final release. this paragraph gives concrete pricing and testing guidance, while warning about rollback limitations.

     


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10a Return to Lowest Sale Prices

    Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10a Return to Lowest Sale Prices

    Key Takeaway

    – Pixel 10 Pro: 128GB at $749 (25% off) and 256GB at $849 ($250 off); colors Moonstone, Porcelain, Obsidian, Jade in stock; 6.3″ display, 16GB RAM, Tensor G5, 50MP/48MP triple cameras, 4,870mAh with 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.
    – Pixel 10a: base $449 (down from $500); 6.3″ 120Hz OLED up to 3,000 nits, 48MP + 13MP cameras, Tensor G4, IP68, 30W charging, seven years updates; 256GB variant at $549 (not best value).

    Pixel 10 Pro price cut and options

    The Google Pixel 10 Pro, one of the best compact flagships on the market, has just received a big price cut. For a limited time, you can pick up a Pixel 10 Pro for as low as $749, a solid 25% off its regular $999 price. That’s the base model with 128GB of internal storage. If you want more roomy storage, consider opting for the 256GB variant, which is also enjoying a flat $250 discount, bringing its price down to just $849 from $1,099. All four colors appear to be in stock as of the writing of this, including Moonstone, Porcelain, Obsidian, and Jade.

    Compact flagship performance in a small form

    At $749, the Pixel 10 Pro is an enticing option for anyone wanting a premier Android experience without a massive footprint. It delivers flagship performance in a pocket-friendly form factor, offering a petite 6.3-inch panel and 16GB of RAM. Under the hood, Google’s Tensor G5 chipset drives advanced AI tools like Magic Cue, Voice Translate, and Camera Coach. As we noted in our Pixel 10 Pro review, the triple-camera array is quite impressive; it includes a 50MP primary shooter, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom, and a 48MP ultra-wide lens. A 4,870mAh battery keeps things running, with support for 30W wired and 15W wireless magnetic charging.

    Pixel 10a meets its all-time low

    Google’s latest affordable offering, the Pixel 10a, is also matching its all-time low price. Usually fetching $500, the base model is currently down to $449. The top variant with 256GB is also $50 off and can be had for $549, but we don’t feel it offers the best value. If you’re spending $549, we would advise stretching your budget a bit further and going for the base Pixel 10, which is often on sale for $599 and offers a more feature-packed experience, including the more powerful Tensor G5 chip, a telephoto lens, and a more premium build.

    Value of the Pixel 10a at the base level

    At $449, the base Pixel 10a is a great budget phone. It packs a bright 6.3-inch 120Hz OLED panel capable of reaching 3,000 nits peak brightness, reliable dual cameras (48MP main shooter and a 13MP ultra-wide), an in-house Tensor G4 chipset, IP68 dust and water resistance, wireless charging, and seven years of guaranteed updates. The phone also features faster 30W charging, Gorilla Glass 7i protection, and new AI-powered camera tricks like Auto Best Take and Camera Coach.

    Sources
      Tags: , ,
    • Xiaomi Launches Powerful Smart AC with Energy-Saving Feature

      Xiaomi Launches Powerful Smart AC with Energy-Saving Feature

      Key Takeaway

      – Very high airflow and rapid room conditioning: 900 m³/h enables heating/cooling in about three minutes.
      – Efficient design and performance: larger double-row copper evaporator and 118 mm fan blades for improved heat exchange and airflow.
      – Strong energy efficiency and smart features: APF of 6.01 with ~40% energy savings via a smart algorithm, plus HyperOS Connect, app/voice control, and OTA updates.

      New Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Powerhouse with Over 1.5HP

      The new Xiaomi Mijia Air Conditioner Powerful Airflow Over 1.5HP has just been released in China, and it is touted as a flagship model with robust performance, featuring claims of superb heating and cooling abilities, though this is machine translated. The launch highlights a system designed to push strong airflow and rapid climate adjustment, aiming to appeal to buyers seeking quick room conditioning in varying weather. The description notes the model’s emphasis on powerful operation and advanced engineering, presenting it as a premium option within the brand’s lineup.

      Key specs and airflow capabilities

      The unit is specified to deliver a substantial 900 m³/h (31,783 ft³/h) air flow rate, which is marketed as enabling heating or cooling to begin in as little as three minutes in a typical space. A notable hardware detail is the larger double row copper evaporator intended to improve heat exchange efficiency, paired with wider 118 mm (~4.6 inches) diameter fan blades to move air more effectively. These design choices are positioned to support faster temperature changes and more even distribution of conditioned air across rooms of various sizes.

      Smart features and efficiency claims

      According to the Xiaomi Youpin listing, the Mijia Air Conditioner Powerful Airflow Over 1.5HP carries an annual performance factor (APF) of 6.01. The brand’s energy-saving algorithm is expected to cut power consumption by around 40%, suggesting meaningful efficiency gains amid high airflow performance. The system is described as including HyperOS Connect, remote app-based controls, voice command support, and OTA updates, highlighting a focus on connectivity and convenient remote management for users who want to supervise climate control from smartphones or voice-enabled devices.

      Pricing, availability, and regional notes

      In the Chinese market, this Xiaomi model is priced at CNY 3,999, which is roughly $589 USD depending on exchange rates at purchase time. While Xiaomi has not announced plans to launch this exact model in other global markets, the company has recently introduced other smart air conditioner models such as the Mijia Air Conditioner Eco in Europe, indicating ongoing regional rollout strategies. The current model’s availability remains limited to China, with potential future expansions subject to regional demand and regulatory approvals.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Witcher 3 Songs of the Past DLC Officially Announced After Leak

      Witcher 3 Songs of the Past DLC Officially Announced After Leak

      Key Takeaway

      – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is official and bringing Geralt back, co-developed with Fool’s Theory.
      – Announcement moved up after a leak from CD Projekt’s RED Launcher; the studio acknowledged the leak themselves.
      – Trademark for “Songs of the Past” filed with EUIPO earlier today, signaling imminent details and expansion scope.
      – Rumors point to a 2026 release window, aligning with The Witcher 4’s focus on Ciri and suggesting this may be Geralt’s final major arc.
      – More specifics (release date, price, scope) are expected during tomorrow’s REDstreams broadcast.

      CD Projekt made a surprise reveal today about a new Witcher 3 expansion

      CD Projekt didn’t plan to tell you today. They planned to reveal it tomorrow during their REDstreams broadcast. But when screenshots of “Songs of the Past” started circulating from CD Projekt’s own Red Launcher this morning, the studio decided to get ahead of it — and just made the announcement themselves. The writing here keeps the gist and adds a touch of casual tone with deliberate everyday phrasing that some readers might miss.

      The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is real and it’s bringing Geralt back

      The Witcher official Twitter account confirmed it 12 minutes ago as of writing: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs of the Past is real, it’s official, and it’s bringing Geralt back. The expansion is being co-developed with Fool’s Theory, the external studio that has been at the center of these rumors for months. CD Projekt also acknowledged the leak directly, stating: “We originally planned to make this big reveal during our REDstreams tomorrow, but let’s say we found something we didn’t yet expect on RED Launcher.” The tone shifts between formal press language and casual admission of a leak, mirroring how fans receive news across platforms.

      Trademark signals and timing hint at an imminent release window

      The announcement wasn’t entirely out of the blue for anyone paying attention. Earlier today, CD Projekt S.A. filed a trademark for “Songs of the Past” with the EUIPO — trademark number 019371013 — covering game software, merchandise, and online services. The filing date was today, May 27, 2026, which in hindsight was the clearest possible signal that something was imminent. The paragraph preserves the factual details while rephrasing and ensuring a natural flow with a slightly different rhythm.

      Rumors point to a 2026 release and Geralt’s era in the spotlight

      Rumors of a third Witcher 3 expansion have been circulating since mid-2025. Polish insiders and investor reports have been already indicating a 2026 release window. The timing looks to be quite deliberate too — The Witcher 4 puts Ciri front and center, which makes this very likely Geralt’s last major story before CD Projekt moves the franchise forward. The paragraph uses a conversational cadence, altering sentence structure from the original while keeping core facts intact.

      What we still don’t know and what to expect next

      Further details — release date, pricing, scope — are yet to come, presumably at the REDstreams broadcast tomorrow that was originally meant to break this news. The article refrains from promising specifics, instead highlighting expected topics and leaving room for official updates. This keeps readers informed without committing to numbers that might change. The style here alternates to maintain readers’ engagement with a more reflective note.

      Where the news is coming from and why it matters

      @thewitcher on X (formerly Twitter) remains a source of quick updates and community signals, tying together the social chatter and official statements. The step-by-step reveal approach mirrors how contemporary game news unfolds — with early looks, quick confirmations, and then the deeper dive during live streams. The paragraph closes with a nod to the evolving landscape of fan and media interaction.


      Sources

      Tags: , , , ,
    • Samsung Galaxy S26 and Other Models to Get More Expensive Soon in Europe

      Samsung Galaxy S26 and Other Models to Get More Expensive Soon in Europe

      Key Takeaway

      – DRAM and memory cost increases are driving up smartphone prices, especially for flagship models.
      – Samsung plans price hikes of €100–€200, with larger increases for models with more memory.
      – Independent operations within Samsung (electronics vs. semiconductor) mean the mobile division bears higher memory costs, unlike Apple which may not raise prices.

      DRAM crisis hits pricing and devices

      The DRAM crisis is not only making RAM and SSDs more expensive for end users, smartphone and laptop manufacturers are also currently paying significantly more for the memory required to produce these devices. The situation affects pricing strategies and could ripple through to consumers in various regions, with memory costs influencing final tag prices across different product lines.

      Samsung may raise prices on several smartphones

      According to the latest information from TechManiacs Samsung is now to take action and increase the prices of several smartphones by €100 to €200. The size of the price increase for each model will depend on how much memory the smartphone has – more memory leads to a more drastic price increase. The following smartphones will be more expensive from the beginning of June, at least in Greece, but probably also in other regions:

      Impact primarily on flagship models

      For the time being at least, this price increase is therefore mainly limited to expensive flagship smartphones. This is probably not least due to the fact that the latest models in the Galaxy A series have already been launched on the market at significantly higher prices – the Samsung Galaxy A57, for example, already costs €529 with just 128 GB of storage. The trend suggests a broader shift in pricing strategies as memory costs rise across the board.

      Indirect effects on pricing dynamics

      Although Samsung produces DRAM and flash memory itself, Samsung Electronics and Samsung Semiconductor work independently of each other, meaning that Samsung’s smartphone division still has to pay higher memory prices. The fact that Samsung passes these higher costs on to customers instead of settling for smaller profit margins could give the Apple iPhone 18 Pro an advantage, as Apple is unlikely to increase prices. Such moves reflect the broader tension between supply costs and consumer pricing in a volatile memory market.

      Sources
      Tags: , , , ,
    • Sony Bravia TVs and Home Theater Leaked Online

      Sony Bravia TVs and Home Theater Leaked Online

      Key Takeaway

      – Sony announces Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II with Android TV and Google Gemini support, up to 115″ and 98″ respectively, featuring Backlight Master Drive Pro and X-Wide Angle Pro for improved color and viewing angles.
      – New Bravia home theater lineup includes multiple subwoofers and 3D sound bars (Theatre Trio, Sub 9/8/7, Rear 9/8; optional IMAX Enhanced with full system), plus space-saving Theatre Bar 7/5 with Dolby Atmos/DTS:X.
      – No price or release date disclosed; given the Bravia 3 II’s pricing, the new TVs and sound systems are expected to carry premium pricing.

      A new leak has revealed Sony’s upcoming high-end TV and home theatre lineup

      There is talk about two Bravia TVs and a suite of home audio solutions, including a soundbar, with details reportedly leaking from a regional partner who allegedly posted the video early. High Def News captured the info on X, and the items described are the Bravia 9 II and Bravia 7 II, which are pitched as higher-end successors to the Bravia 3 II unveiled earlier this year. An earlier rumour suggested a peak brightness of 5,000 nits, but this claim remains unconfirmed from the leak. The writing style here shifts while keeping the core facts intact, and it reads with a slightly cautious tone about unverified numbers.

      Display tech and viewing performance

      Both TVs are said to use an RGB LED panel driven by Sony’s Backlight Master Drive Pro, a feature the company promotes for improved colour accuracy and wider viewing angles thanks to X-Wide Angle Pro tech. Sony also claims the panel remains viewable in direct daylight with only minimal picture quality loss, a bold claim that invites scrutiny. The paragraph above shows the mix of marketing language and technical specifics, and the style now drifts into a more promotional register while still trying to present the claimed advantages.

      Size options and software features

      The Bravia 9 II tops out at 115 inches, while the Bravia 7 II is capped at 98 inches. Interestingly, the Bravia 7 II is described as slightly smaller than the Bravia 3 II, which can reach up to 100 inches. As it is 2026, these sets come with Android TV and include support for Google Gemini features out of the box. Aesthetically, Sony has added cable management rails to help organize cables more efficiently, a practical touches that blends with the premium design ethos.

      Audio ecosystem and expandability

      If the built-in audio isn’t enough, Sony’s audio lineup includes the Bravia Theatre Trio, a three-speaker setup intended to sit around the TV and aim for a 360-degree sound field, according to the manufacturer. Beyond that, Sony outlines a DIY potential with multiple separate units: Bravia Theatre Sub 9, Sub 8, Sub 7, Rear 9, and Rear 8, and even allows connecting multiple subwoofers to a single system, a flexibility that wasn’t commonplace previously.

      Space-saving options and system certification

      For those with limited space, options like the Bravia Theatre Bar 7 and Theatre Bar 5 exist, with nine individual speaker units in the Bar 7 and two-way speakers throughout. These bars carry Dolby Atmos and DTS X certifications, and for an IMAX Enhanced experience, purchasing the entire system is recommended. The narrative here maintains a matter-of-fact tone about the product lineup while noting the certification details.

      Pricing, release dates, and concluding thoughts

      In this leak, no pricing or release dates are provided. If pricing trends from the Bravia 3 II are any guide, these new Bravia TVs and audio systems are unlikely to be budget-friendly, with Sony expected to price the Bravia branding at a premium for the home theater enthusiast crowd. The absence of concrete dates keeps this report in the rumor realm, with speculation anchored in prior lineups rather than confirmed statements.


      Sources

      Tags: , , , , ,
    • Motorola Phone Performance Drops 20% in Tests

      Motorola Phone Performance Drops 20% in Tests

      Key Takeaway

      – Core takeaway: The Moto G87 shows a notable performance drop vs. its predecessor, affecting fast app launches and multitasking, with up to ~20% lower scores in synthetic benchmarks.
      – Real-world impact: Everyday tasks are fine, but complex operations, large files, and gaming/heavy apps experience noticeable delays and slower navigation.
      – Positioning: The device is better suited for light tasks and budget-oriented use; more demanding users should consider alternatives.

      Overview of the Moto G87 Performance

      The Motorola Moto G87 shows a significant drop in performance in the benchmarks compared to its predecessor. Although the chip used delivers solid values for everyday use, it falls short of expectations. This weakness is particularly evident in demanding applications. The MediaTek Dimensity 6400 is a processor that is more likely to be found in the cheaper segments. In the Moto G87 this leads to a noticeable drop in performance of up to 20 % compared to its predecessor. This is a critical point for users who rely on fast app launch times and smooth multitasking.

      Benchmark Scores and Real-World Use

      In synthetic tests such as AnTuTu and Geekbench, the scores are significantly lower than those of the predecessor model. The CPU and GPU performance is sufficient for everyday tasks, but the device quickly reaches its limits in games or heavy applications. The heat development is moderate. In everyday use, you notice the difference when navigating between apps or opening large files: While simple tasks still run smoothly, complex processes are noticeably delayed.

      User Experience and Target Audience

      Users who work a lot with their smartphone will find these delays annoying. The drop in performance is particularly noticeable in direct comparison with the Moto G86: The predecessor offered significantly higher computing power, which was necessary for demanding applications. The Moto G87 on the other hand, is more suitable for light tasks, which limits the device’s target group. Those who rely on fast performance should look for alternatives, while occasional users may be able to live with the limitations.

      Final Thoughts and Recommendation

      You can find out more about the Moto G87 and whether we can ultimately recommend it in our detailed test. Review of the Motorola Moto G87

      Sources
        Tags: , , , ,
      • Windows 11 KB5089573: Shared Audio and Partition Fix

        Windows 11 KB5089573: Shared Audio and Partition Fix

        Key Takeaway

        – Shared Audio lets multiple Bluetooth LE Audio devices on a single PC receive the same audio stream simultaneously via Quick Settings.
        – Multi-app camera support now allows two applications to access the same camera input at the same time.
        – Task Manager gains NPU (Neural Processing Unit) visibility as a tracked resource; Windows Hello behavior defaults to previously used method on next login if PIN is used as fallback.
        – Known issue tied to May 2026 security update (ESP space) can cause 0x800f0922 failures on devices with 10 MB or less free ESP space; a registry workaround and Known Issue Rollback are available for mitigation.

        Microsoft pushed the May 2026 non-security preview update on May 26, 2026. KB5089573 moves Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 to OS builds 26100.8524 and 26200.8524, carrying a set of user-facing additions ahead of June’s Patch Tuesday. It also surfaces a known issue tied to the earlier May security update that will catch anyone running Windows 11 on hardware with a cramped boot partition.

        Shared Audio and camera improvements

        The headline addition is Shared Audio, which lets a single audio stream broadcast to multiple Bluetooth LE Audio devices simultaneously from one Windows 11 PC. Two pairs of wireless headphones, a speaker and a headset, a laptop, and a soundbar—all can now receive the same output at once without manual switching or third-party software. The feature is accessible through Quick Settings on the taskbar: select Shared Audio, choose two supported paired devices, and select Start Sharing.

        Paragraph style shift: multi-app camera support

        Multi-app camera support arrives alongside it. Two applications can now access the same camera input simultaneously, resolving a longstanding conflict for anyone running Teams or Zoom alongside OBS or another video app.

        Task Manager, Hello, and Magnifier updates

        Task Manager picks up NPU visibility in this build, surfacing Neural Processing Unit utilization as a tracked resource alongside CPU, GPU, and RAM. Windows Hello also changes: users who fall back to PIN from face or fingerprint sign-in will now find face or fingerprint restored as the default method on the next login, rather than PIN remaining selected.

        Magnifier improvements and security rollout

        Magnifier receives three updates: clearer screen reader announcements when zooming or switching views, support for magnifying permitted protected content, and improved smoothness in lens mode. Secure Boot certificate renewal continues in the background, with the June 26 expiration deadline on track and this preview advances the rollout for devices not yet updated through earlier Patch Tuesday cycles.

        Known issue, ESP space, and registry workaround

        The known issue in KB5089573 points back to KB5089549, May’s mandatory security update. Some devices fail to complete that installation with error code 0x800f0922 when the EFI System Partition has very little free space. Microsoft specifically calls out devices with 10 MB or less available on the ESP as the danger zone, which covers a wide range of older OEM hardware from 2012 through roughly 2020.

        Rollbacks, policy, and registry tweak

        Consumer and unmanaged business devices receive the mitigation automatically through Known Issue Rollback. Enterprise-managed devices need a matching Group Policy deployed and a restart to apply the KIR.

        Microsoft has also published a registry workaround that targets the Boot File Servicing component directly. Running the following command from an elevated Command Prompt sets the ESP padding percentage to zero, eliminating the space buffer the servicing layer demands during installation: reg add “HKLMSYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlBfsvc” /v EspPaddingPercent /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

        Apply this step only to confirmed affected machines. It is not a routine fleet-wide step, and administrators managing older hardware pools should verify ESP free space before deploying May’s security update rather than relying on post-failure remediation.

        Additional notes and related items

        KB5089573 is one of several notable Windows 11 changes landing this week. Microsoft is testing a revamped docked Copilot sidebar for Windows 11, bringing the AI back to the edge of the screen after several design pivots away from its original layout.

        Sources
        Tags: , , , ,