News
- Microsoft is changing Edge for the better in the European Economic Area
- This is happening due to the Digital Markets Act in that region
- It means Edge will stop nagging to be the default browser
Microsoft is relenting with its constant prompting of folks to use the Edge browser under Windows 11, but not everyone is getting this welcome relief.
Sadly, the pushing of Edge in some notable ways is only being curtailed in the European Economic Area (EEA) due to rules imposed by the Digital Markets Act. With no such regulatory pressure in the US or elsewhere, these restrictions on Edge aren’t happening.
TechSpot noticed Microsoft’s blog post introducing these various changes, the key one being that Edge will stop annoying you to set it as the default browser in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It’ll only prompt a request to be your go-to app for web browsing if you open Edge directly, and this feature has already been implemented as of the end of May, with version 137.0.3296.52 of the browser.
Another change is that when Edge is uninstalled, you won’t get other Microsoft apps telling you to reinstall it.
Furthermore, when you set any web browser as your default choice, it’ll have a whole lot more file formats (and link types) tied to it, rather than having Edge still open some file types. This stood as another sneaky way to get Edge back on your radar after you’ve chosen to give it a wide berth.
Additionally, when using the Windows search box and clicking on a web search result, it will be opened in your chosen default browser, rather than Edge, in Bing.
All these changes should be in place soon, and will be rolling out in June in the EEA, save for the main one, which is already in place as noted.
Away from Edge, another potentially sizeable plus point for Windows users in this region is that they’ll be able to uninstall the Microsoft Store, should they wish. That move won’t be coming until later in 2025, though.
Microsoft clarifies that if you remove the Microsoft Store, but have already used it to install some apps, that software will continue to receive updates in order to ensure it gets the latest security patches, which is good news.
Analysis: Give us all a break, Microsoft(Image credit: Shutterstock)These are welcome moves for Windows 11 and 10 users in this region, but it’d be nice if Microsoft could implement them elsewhere as well. However, without the relevant authorities breathing down the neck of the software giant, it won’t do anything of the sort. All these behaviors will persist outside the EEA because Microsoft clearly believes they may help drive more users to Edge.
When in fact they are more likely to drive people up the wall. Repeatedly insisting that folks should use Edge in scenarios of varying degrees of overreach is a tiresome policy, as is popping up Edge whenever possible, rather than using the default browser choice. That should always be the default; no matter what’s happening, the clue is in the name, Microsoft.
Don’t expect Microsoft’s overall attitude to change anytime soon. Still, at least some people will get to enjoy a slightly less nag-laden experience in Windows 11, and fewer instances of Edge clambering onto their monitor screen in a bid to remind them that it exists. However, the majority of us can doubtless expect more pop-ups and general weirdness in terms of some of the more left-field efforts Microsoft has made to promote its browser.
You might also like- Crocodilus Android trojan has been updated with new features
- Among them is the ability to add a fake contact and trick people into accepting calls
- The contacts don't sync with Google, experts say
Security researchers have spotted a new Android malware variant called Crocodilus, and what makes it stand out is the ability to add new contacts to the target device’s contacts list.
Crocodilus was first spotted in late March 2025 by security researchers Threat Fabric, when it was described as a “highly capable mobile banking Trojan” using different techniques such as overlay attacks, keylogging, and abuse of Android’s Accessibility Services, to steal sensitive data, access people’s bank accounts, steal cryptocurrency, and more.
Now, the researchers are claiming the Trojan is evolving to bypass classic defense mechanisms and wreak even more havoc. One of the key newly introduced features is the ability to modify the contact list on an infected device.
Bank support“Upon receiving the command “TRU9MMRHBCRO”, Crocodilus adds a specified contact to the victim’s contact list,” Threat Fabric explained.
The goal of this feature is not only to increase the attacker’s control over the device, but also to make attacks harder to detect.
“We believe the intent is to add a phone number under a convincing name such as “Bank Support”, allowing the attacker to call the victim while appearing legitimate,” the researchers explained. “This could also bypass fraud prevention measures that flag unknown numbers.”
The good news is that the fake contact will not make it into people’s Google accounts, so it won’t show up on other devices.
Numerous other improvements were introduced in the latest version, as well, which are mostly focused on evading traditional detection mechanisms. Furthermore, the malware now seems to have expanded its target scope, from focusing mostly on Turkey, to going global.
Android malware and Trojans are usually distributed through fake and third-party app stores, social media channels, and email.
Therefore, users are advised to only download Android apps from reputable sources (such as the Google Play Store, or Galaxy Store), and even there - to be careful. Reading through the reviews, minding the download count, and checking the developer’s reputation is a good way to spot malware.
Via BleepingComputer
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- Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is the subject of Nintendo's latest Creator's Voice video
- Huang states that Switch 2 has the "most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device"
- Nvidia has developed the Switch 2's custom processor, as it did for the original console
Jensen Huang, CEO of tech giant Nvidia, has no shortage of praise for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.
Huang was the subject of a new Creator's Voice Special Edition video, published to Nintendo's official regional YouTube channels. He opens by stating the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 is "a proud moment" for Nvidia, adding that the company has worked with Nintendo for over a decade.
In case you're unaware, Nvidia was responsible for the custom Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip (SoaC) that powered the original Nintendo Switch. And as referenced by the Switch 2's official tech specs page, Nvidia has also provided a new custom processor for the new console.
Huang adds that to "take the original vision further" for Nintendo Switch 2, Nvidia "had to reinvent everything."
"The chip inside Nintendo Switch 2 is unlike anything we've built before," Huang adds, before claiming the console has "the most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device."
Huang also stresses the importance of new features for Switch 2, including ray tracing, HDR, and backwards compatibility. He also clearly has much reverence for former Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who sadly passed away in 2015 before the launch of the original Nintendo Switch.
"Switch 2 is more than a new console," Huang states, "it's a new chapter, worthy of Iwata-san's vision."
The Nintendo Switch 2 is launching tomorrow, June 5, at $449.99 / £395.99 for the console by itself. A bundle with a digital copy of Mario Kart World is also available for $499.99 / £429.99. While canceled Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders have been a concern, some retailers including Costco and Target have confirmed they will have launch day stock.
You might also like...- Recent posts to the Nintendo Today app have shed some more light on GameShare
- One outlines how it will work with certain games
- The other gives us a short clip of the service in use
A recent post on the Nintendo Today mobile app has given us a detailed look at how GameShare will work on the Nintendo Switch 2.
"With a Nintendo Switch 2 system, you can use the new GameShare feature to share supported games with friends and family," the post reads.
GameShare can be used both locally, to share your games with others via a local wireless connection, or online which relies on the internet. The online version of GameShare is tied to GameChat, and requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
The post also outlines some of the ways in which GameShare will work in certain games. In Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker, for example, all courses can be played with two players. Each player will have their own camera too.
In Super Mario Odyssey, you will be able to play as either Mario or Cappy - swapping between the two roles if desired.
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury will allow four players to play at once, with everyone controlling their own characters.
In a separate Nintendo Today post, a video shows GameShare in use locally. In the short clip, we see one player in Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics on Nintendo Switch 2.
They press a new GameShare button on the game's main menu. On a second Nintendo Switch console, another player presses the GameShare icon on the system home screen.
The two consoles quickly that they are in close proximity to one another and begin to GameShare successfully.
The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch later this week on June 5. It costs $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World.
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- Sigma's 12-lens Aizu Prime Line range features T1.3 aperture across the entire line-up
- Large-format Aizu Primes promise superb bokeh and natural image quality across the board
- Upcoming AF Cine Line zooms will be Sigma's first AF-compatible Cine Lenses
Sigma has introduced two new series of cinema lenses, one of which – the Aizu Prime Line – has the world’s fastest aperture of T1.3 across all its focal lengths.
The full Aizu Prime Line will eventually comprise 12 large-format lenses covering the 18mm to 125mm focal length range, all of which will be available in both PL Mount and Sony E-mount. However, the initial launch, in August 2025, will see only eight of these (covering the core 25mm to 75mm range) released. Prices are still TBC.
The initial eight Aizu Prime Line lens release will cover the 25mm to 75mm focal length range. (Image credit: Sigma)Sigma is promising exceptional image quality across the range, with the optics engineered specifically to a deliver a natural look with minimal distortion and focus breathing. They’ll also demonstrate consistent color balance, contrast and flare characteristics across the whole range, to help filmmakers readily achieve a more unified look.
That T1.3 maximum aperture, meanwhile, should give users the ability to achieve very shallow depth of field and attractive, soft bokeh. Sigma has shot a short film with the range to demonstrate what they can do (see below).
Despite being relatively compact and lightweight (all of the initial eight weight either around 3.6lb / 1.7kg), Aizu Prime Line lenses feature a large-diameter 46.3mm image circle, allowing them to be used not only with Super 35 and full-frame but also large-format cameras like VistaVision and ARRI ALEXA LF Open Gate.
AF and FF arriving later this yearAlongside the Aizu Prime announcement, Sigma also revealed that it’s currently developing two new full-frame zoom lenses for its AF Cine Line. These will be the first Sigma Cine Lenses to support autofocus and will be available in L-Mount and Sony E-mount. Sigma says they will offer excellent optical performance (derived from the designs of two existing Sigma Art lenses, designed for photography) and near-silent AF operation.
First to arrive will be the Sigma 28-45mm T2 FF, due to launch in November 2025. It will be followed by the Sigma 28-105mm T3 FF in the spring of 2026. Pricing is still TBC.
(Image credit: Sigma)You might also like- Meta and Yandex were spotted using covert tracking techniques
- The techniques violated Google Play policies
- The code was mysteriously removed after being pointed out by researchers
Meta and Yandex have been accused of dodging privacy protection requirements by associating users with their web browsing activity and cookies through native Android applications using Meta Pixel and Yandex Metrica trackers.
The method involved gathering data through the localhost function built in to many native Android apps which is used for testing purposes.
Following the release of research by computer scientists at IMDEA Networks, Radboud University, and KU Leuven, the script associated with the data extraction and user tracking was removed.
Covert tracking in Android apps and browsersSpecifically, the tracking was spotted on Meta’s Facebook and Instagram apps, as well as Yandex's Maps and Browser.
The apps use localhost, which allows a device to send itself a network request, as part of their ability to associate browsing data with user identities.
In the researcher's words, “These native Android apps receive browsers' metadata, cookies and commands from the Meta Pixel and Yandex Metrica scripts embedded on thousands of websites. These JavaScripts load on users' mobile browsers and silently connect with native apps running on the same device through localhost sockets.”
What Meta and Yandex have essentially done is create a crack in the Android sandbox environments through which they can extract website data and cookies, bypassing inbuilt security and privacy protections, and then associating the data with the user’s device identifiers such as their identity within a Meta app, or the user’s Android Advertising ID.
When probed about the covert tracking method by The Register, a Meta spokesperson said, “We are in discussions with Google to address a potential miscommunication regarding the application of their policies. Upon becoming aware of the concerns, we decided to pause the feature while we work with Google to resolve the issue.”
According to the researchers, Yandex has been using this method of covert tracking since 2017, while Meta started in September 2024.
Firefox and Chromium-based web browsers were the primary target of the web data extraction, with Meta and Yandex able to extract cookies that should be otherwise inaccessible due to cookie clearing, Incognito browsing, and Android's app permission system.
A Google representative told Ars Technica, “The developers in this report are using capabilities present in many browsers across iOS and Android in unintended ways that blatantly violate our security and privacy principles,” the representative said, in reference to the developers who built the code behind Meta Pixel and Yandex Metrica. “We've already implemented changes to mitigate these invasive techniques and have opened our own investigation and are directly in touch with the parties.”
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- "Meta AI non-compliant with GDPR" – Digital rights group menaces Meta with injunction over EU AI training
It’s been a long road to the Switch 2 launch day, and the console hasn’t been without its leaks or controversies. From retailers canceling pre-orders to price increases for games and accessories, there’s no shortage of Switch 2 news that’s left a sour taste.
On the flipside, there is plenty to be excited about with Nintendo Switch 2. Mario Kart World is arriving on launch day, third-party support appears to be a major step-up, new features like GameChat could vastly improve the online play experience, and updates to some existing Nintendo Switch 2 games will make them look and run better than ever.
Like a kid on Christmas Eve, this final day before the Nintendo Switch 2 launch may feel as long as the time between now and its official announcement way back in January. But that’s why we’re here. At TechRadar Gaming, we’ve been covering huge console and game launches for years - everything from reviews of Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox systems to key live events like Nintendo Direct and Summer Game Fest presentations. On that note, we’re confident we’ll be able to provide an interesting and informative live run-up to the Switch 2’s launch.
We’ll also be keeping things running on launch day and beyond with our first impressions on the console, its games, accessories, and features. But for now, our early impressions as they happen will hopefully help to inform your own opinions on the console if you’ve held off from purchasing - or to simply give you something fun and informative to read while you wait for your unit to be delivered.
Nintendo Switch 2 launch gamesBefore we dive into the live coverage proper, here's a quick glance at all the Nintendo Switch 2 launch games you can expect to purchase and play on June 5.
- Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
- Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition
- Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster
- Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition
- Yakuza 0 Director's Cut
- Fortnite
- Split Fiction
- Fast Fusion
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Hitman World of Assassination - Signature Edition
- Sonic x Shadow Generations
- Deltarune
- Suikoden 1&2 HD Remaster
- Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S
- Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER
- Survival Kids
- Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition
In addition to the above, a number of existing Switch titles will be receiving Nintendo Switch 2 Edition versions on launch day. These are paid upgrades that either add significant content to the base game or otherwise improve its performance up to 4K 60fps, or 1080p 120fps with enhanced image quality.
- The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Sid Meier's Civilization 7
- Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Finally, a dozen Nintendo Switch games are set to receive free updates on June 5. These are set to provide upgrades to resolution, frame rates, and image quality, or otherwise provide enhanced features like GameChat and HDR support. They are as follows:
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
- New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe
- Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury
- Super Mario Odyssey
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening
- The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom
- Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker
- Game Builder Garage
- Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics / 51 Worldwide Games
- Arms
- Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain
Good morning, US friends, and good afternoon to those of you in the UK! The Nintendo Switch 2 launch is almost upon us, happening tomorrow, June 5. It’s felt like a pretty long wait from its official announcement at the start of the year, but given how fast the year’s gone by, also not too much!
If you’ve managed to secure a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order, you’ll probably be receiving a tracking email from your retailer of choice soon, if you haven’t already. So to start things off, a friendly reminder to keep an eye on your email inbox!
I’ll be receiving my pre-ordered Switch 2 console tomorrow, and I’m excited to get stuck in with Mario Kart World, and experiencing Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom at what I hope is a buttery smooth 4K 60fps.
Starting with this live blog, there’s going to be plenty of Nintendo Switch 2 coverage in the coming weeks at TechRadar Gaming. And if you’ve struggled to secure a unit for yourself, you can also check out our launch day stock live hub, manned by our managing editor Rob Dwiar, who will be doing his best to spot stock at retailers across the US and UK.
Nvidia’s CEO is as excited for Switch 2 as you areNvidia CEO Jensen Huang is the subject of Nintendo’s latest Creator’s Voice video. The tech company developed the original Switch’s custom Tegra X1 system-on-a-chip, and it also created the Switch 2’s custom processor, too.
In the video, Huang claims that the Nintendo Switch 2 has the “most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device.” And that could well be true; the Switch 2 handheld supports 1080p resolution at framerates up to 120fps. The device also has support for HDR for brighter, more accurate colors.
Has Pokémon Scarlet & Violet been fixed?(Image credit: Nintendo)One game I’m really excited to check out on day one is Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, which will be receiving a free performance update on Switch 2 launch day. A brief snippet of gameplay was revealed via the Nintendo Today mobile app a couple of days ago, but it seems like more has been fixed than just the improved resolution and framerates.
Serebii’s Joe Merrick points out on X / Twitter that animations for background objects appear to have been improved. Case in point, the infamous Artazon Windmill, which now animates smoothly in the distance. If there’s one thing I remember not so fondly about these games, it’s the incredibly choppy animations of objects and characters even close to the player. Hopefully, then, these have been smoothed out with this Nintendo Switch 2 update.
Thrilled to show that in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on the Nintendo Switch 2, the Artazon Windmill has been fixed. This animation fix applies to all distant models that we have seen through the gameSee more on the Serebii preview! pic.twitter.com/w9DW7t1YLyJune 4, 2025
Don't forget about those GameCube games!(Image credit: Nintendo)While I’m sure most of you will be diving into Mario Kart World or a hotly anticipated third-party release like Street Fighter 6 or Cyberpunk 2077 on day one, it’s worth noting that Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube classics library will also be available from launch day.
Three games will be playable off the bat: The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, fighting game royalty Soul Calibur 2, and the legendary anti-gravity racer F-Zero GX. You’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription in order to enjoy these titles.
I’ve also pre-ordered the Switch Online exclusive wireless GameCube controller from Nintendo’s website, because what better way is there to experience these games than with the iconic purple gamepad? It’s available for pre-order now at Nintendo’s store for $64.99 / £58.99. Admittedly, that is fairly steep given Nintendo has confirmed that while it will work with standard Switch 2 games, there may be compatibility issues so certainly consider that before you make a purchase.
Hit the streets(Image credit: Capcom)As a lover of the best fighting games, I’m really excited to check out Street Fighter 6 Years 1-2 Fighters Edition on Switch 2 launch day. This version of the game includes all DLC characters from Season 1 (Rashid, AKI, Ed, and Akuma) and Season 2 (M. Bison, Terry Bogard, Mai Shiranui, and Elena), as well as all DLC stages.
I got to check out the game at my Nintendo Switch 2 hands-on preview session a couple of months ago, and it plays fantastically on the console with a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller. I did note image quality was a touch fuzzier than on other systems, but performance wise, the game doesn’t miss a beat. At least outside of the demanding World Tour mode, which I haven’t been able to see on Switch 2 yet.
Xenobros, we're so back(Image credit: Nintendo)Nintendo certainly kept quiet about this one, but it appears that beloved RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 3 has received an update prior to Switch 2 launch day. Users on X / Twitter have spotted some patch notes for the game.
APPARENTLY XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3 GOT A NINTENDO SWITCH 2 UPDATE????They didn't make a big deal about it and the patch notes are kinda vague so I'm skeptical tbhIdk if they just made it more stable or if they actually did big changes like making it 60 fps lol. Guess we'll see pic.twitter.com/mGw5j9EZ7jJune 4, 2025
In fairness, the patch notes aren’t substantial, simply saying that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Now, to temper expectations, there’s every chance this is just a very simple patch to stop the game from crashing or registering visual oddities on Switch 2.
But if this game does get the 4K 60fps treatment similar to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, then I’ll certainly be planning a replay of this incredible game. Now if we could also get an update patch for Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, I’ll be one very happy gamer.
Hoover up these Kirby games, too!It seems like even more Nintendo Switch games are getting Switch 2 compatibility patches. In addition to Xenoblade Chronicles 3, it looks like Kirby Star Allies and Kirby’s Dream Buffet are also getting Switch 2 updates.
BRO BRO BRO BRO BROKIRBY STAR ALLIES AND DREAM BUFFET ARE GETTING SWITCH 2 UPDATES????? pic.twitter.com/Egea9jXEryJune 4, 2025
Like with Xenoblade, these updates simply say that “several adjustments have been made to improve gameplay on Nintendo Switch 2.” Again, that could mean anything, like simply minimizing compatibility issues. Still, the more performance upgrades we get for original Switch games, the better.