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For most of the past year, Microsoft has insisted that the future of AI on Windows belongs to Copilot+ machines. To access the most advanced local AI features, you supposedly needed a PC equipped with a dedicated Neural Processing Unit (NPU). That was the premise. Now, Microsoft seems to be changing the game.

According to the latest documentation, Windows 11’s local Language Model APIs are able to run on non‑Copilot+ PCs as long as they sport an Nvidia GeForce RTX 30‑series GPU (or newer) with a minimum of 6 GB of VRAM. At first glance, this appears to be a developer‑centric tweak, but in practice it could represent one of the most consequential adjustments to Microsoft’s AI‑PC strategy since the Copilot+ line debuted last year. More importantly, it forces us to revisit a lingering question from the start of the AI PC era: were NPUs really a prerequisite for these workloads?

The Copilot+ exclusivity era felt a bit odd

When Copilot+ machines launched in June 2024, Microsoft marketed them as the gateway to native AI experiences on Windows. To qualify, a device needed 16 GB of RAM, an SSD, and an NPU capable of delivering at least 40 TOPS of AI performance. The messaging implied that such specialised chips were essential for running AI locally. While that’s true for efficiency, it never painted the whole picture.

Anyone familiar with AI hardware already knew that GPUs were more than capable of handling these tasks. In fact, modern graphics cards often out‑perform NPUs when it comes to running language models and generative AI apps. That’s why enthusiasts have been relying on GPUs for years, whether they’re experimenting with small language models or image generators. Yet Windows’ built‑in AI features remained locked behind the Copilot+ badge.

This created a strange situation: a gaming rig with an RTX 4070 had more than enough horsepower to run AI models locally, but it couldn’t tap into Microsoft’s native AI framework because it lacked an NPU. Meanwhile, a thin laptop with a qualifying NPU could. The new change doesn’t erase that split entirely, but it certainly narrows it.

Microsoft may be laying the groundwork for AI beyond NPUs

The expanded Language Model APIs let developers harness local AI capabilities on supported Nvidia hardware. Microsoft states that these APIs now operate on non‑Copilot+ systems equipped with RTX 30‑series GPUs or newer, provided they have at least 6 GB of VRAM. The APIs run Microsoft’s compact on‑device language model, Phi Silica, which can be used for summarising text, rewriting content, turning prose into tables, formatting information, and generating responses to prompts.

Think of it as a lightweight, on‑device counterpart to the AI features people usually associate with services like ChatGPT. The key difference is that everything runs locally, not in the cloud. This matters for two reasons: privacy—your sensitive documents, notes, emails and drafts never leave the PC—and performance—local AI can respond instantly without waiting on remote servers, subscriptions, or an internet connection.

What’s intriguing is Microsoft’s distribution model. If an app requires Phi Silica, Windows can fetch the model via Windows Update and execute it locally on compatible hardware. In other words, the OS is starting to treat AI models as just another Windows component rather than a premium add‑on reserved for a specific class of PCs—a notable philosophical shift.

Is the Copilot+ exclusivity ending?

Don’t assume every AI feature is now coming to older Windows machines. Tools such as Recall, Click to Do, and some of Microsoft’s AI‑powered creative utilities still appear tied to systems with NPUs. The current broadened support applies only to the Language Model APIs, which focus on text‑based AI experiences.

History, however, shows that such walls rarely stay up forever. Once Microsoft proves that local AI runs smoothly on mainstream RTX hardware, it becomes harder to justify keeping certain AI experiences exclusive to NPUs. Developers won’t care whether the workload runs on an NPU or a GPU as long as it works well, and consumers certainly won’t. That’s why this update feels more impactful than the documentation change alone suggests.

For now, it’s just one API, but it also marks Microsoft’s first meaningful acknowledgment of a point many PC enthusiasts have been making all along: capable GPUs were never the bottleneck. If local AI can run flawlessly on millions of existing RTX‑powered PCs, the line between a “Copilot+ PC” and an ordinary Windows PC may soon become far less significant than Microsoft originally envisioned.

If there’s one gadget class I’ve become almost addicted to over the past few years, it’s handheld gaming PCs. I’ve logged hundreds of hours on the Steam Deck, bought an original ROG Ally for myself, and most recently did a deep dive into the ROG Xbox Ally X. I’ve watched the segment grow from a niche experiment into a viable alternative to a gaming laptop for quick couch sessions or travel. I’ve also lived through its biggest flaw: no matter how refined these devices become, a trade‑off always lurks—be it battery life, thermals, raw performance, or software quirks.

So when I arrived at Computex 2026 and got hands‑on time with Acer’s fresh Predator Atlas 8 and MSI’s newest Claw 8 EX AI+, my excitement was natural. Not only because they look striking, but because they bring something the handheld arena has been starving for: genuine competition. In truth, Intel’s new Arc G3 Extreme processor could be the most consequential handheld announcement in years, and honestly, it feels long overdue.

Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme feels like the reset button the company desperately needed

For a long time AMD has ruled Windows‑based handhelds, powering everything from the ROG Ally to the Lenovo Legion Go with its Ryzen Z‑series silicon. Intel’s earlier forays fell short due to uneven drivers and poorer efficiency, but the Arc G3 Extreme appears to be a clean break. Instead of repurposing laptop chips, this is a graphics‑first design built expressly for handheld gaming, based on Intel’s new Panther Lake architecture and fabricated on the advanced 18A process.

The centerpiece is the integrated GPU, which houses 12 next‑gen Xe3 cores and supports hardware‑accelerated ray tracing and XeSS 3, including Multi‑Frame Generation. The aim isn’t merely higher frame rates but achieving them efficiently, delivering smoother AAA titles without draining the battery at an alarming pace. Intel claims up to a 42 percent performance uplift over competing solutions in certain tests, along with notable gains in performance‑per‑watt.

Those numbers will need solid third‑party verification, but after spending several hours with the hardware they no longer seem far‑fetched. What struck me wasn’t just the FPS readout but the overall polish. Games launched quickly, animations were fluid, and I never witnessed any jarring stutters or erratic frame pacing. Everything just worked—a surprisingly refreshing experience in a segment that has often demanded a lot of patience from early adopters.

Intel also seems to have made real strides on the software front. Past Arc products were plagued by driver inconsistencies, yet my brief hands‑on suggested a much more mature approach. While a demo floor can’t replace long‑term testing, the experience felt notably refined. After years of juggling handhelds, I’ve grown accustomed to making compromises—dropping wattage to save battery, lowering graphics settings for smoother play, staying tethered to a charger when a demanding AAA title saps power. Using Intel’s new platform made me wonder if those compromises are finally starting to shrink.

The Acer Predator Atlas and MSI Claw hands‑on experience

Acer has flirted with handhelds before (think the Nitro Blaze line), but the Predator Atlas 8 feels like its first true flagship push into the space. It offers comfortable ergonomics, responsive controls, and a premium build that inspires confidence instantly. Its custom AeroBlade cooling kept temperatures in check even under heavy loads, and the vibrant 8‑inch 120 Hz screen stayed readable under the bright Computex lighting. More importantly, once I started playing, I forgot the specs entirely and simply enjoyed the session—a high compliment for any gaming device.

The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ appears to be the result of MSI actually listening to feedback from its earlier handhelds. The revamped ergonomics make it far more comfortable to hold, the buttons and triggers feel satisfyingly tactile, and the overall feel is noticeably more refined. Paired with Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme and XeSS 3 enhancements, gameplay remained consistently smooth, while Windows’ dedicated Xbox fullscreen UI made navigation feel closer to a console than a traditional PC.

The future looks bright, but there’s one big catch

After testing both units, I didn’t leave convinced that Acer or MSI had built the superior machine. Instead, the processor powering them kept dominating my thoughts, which is perhaps the greatest compliment I can give Intel. For the first time in years, AMD finally faces a serious challenger in the premium handheld market, and the Arc G3 Extreme feels more than just another ambitious slide‑deck promise. That said, the real verdict will come once these devices land on reviewers’ desks, where battery endurance, sustained performance, thermals, and driver stability will matter far more than a polished demo.

The lingering question every gamer is asking is: what will they cost? Pricing could ultimately make or break both the Predator Atlas 8 and the Claw 8 EX AI+, but regardless of the price tag, I left Computex feeling genuinely optimistic about handheld gaming’s trajectory. The Steam Deck sparked the revolution, ASUS pushed it forward, and now Intel appears ready to shake things up in a big way. If the Arc G3 Extreme lives up to its hype, the biggest winners won’t be the companies behind it, but gamers like us.

Budget Windows notebooks have long suffered from a lackluster reputation. While their low price is a clear advantage, the devices often feel disappointing to use. If you’ve spent most of your time in the Apple ecosystem, you know the drill: flimsy plastic shells, dim displays, and mushy keyboards. The specifications may look decent for the cost, but the actual experience rarely thrills.

During my recent trip to Taiwan for Computex 2026, I was eager to see the most powerful gaming rigs and the latest tech breakthroughs. You normally expect the top‑tier offerings from the industry giants, not budget announcements. Yet this year, the most compelling laptop story wasn’t about monster gaming machines, AI workstations, or ultra‑expensive creator tools.

Instead, I discovered a new wave of budget‑premium Windows laptops that appear designed to take on Apple’s MacBook Neo in terms of price, build quality, and everyday usability. While several affordable announcements have appeared lately, Dell and Acer really stood out with their latest models. The Dell XPS 13 and Acer Swift Air 14 AI seem like laptops that the average buyer or student on a tight budget could actually consider.

Both devices seem to have taken note of what Apple got right with the MacBook Neo: people want a machine that feels premium without hitting four‑figure prices.

The new XPS 13 makes a bold statement

Dell’s decision to revive the XPS line was already welcomed, and the XPS 13 takes that enthusiasm a step further. A solid value laptop is great, but offering a premium experience at a reasonable price is almost a no‑brainer. The XPS series has always represented Dell’s high‑end consumer line, known for tight construction, clean aesthetics, excellent screens, and a polished Windows experience. Seeing a fresh XPS 13 start at $699—and even drop to $599 for eligible students—shifts the conversation.

This is especially significant given today’s painful RAM and component pricing environment. Many manufacturers are squeezed to keep costs low while memory prices climb, forcing compromises such as poorer screens, basic webcams, and cheaper chassis. Those trade‑offs have made price hikes inevitable, which makes the XPS 13’s approach feel refreshing.

The revamped XPS 13 still boasts an aluminum chassis, a 2.5K anti‑reflective touch display, back‑lit keyboard, Windows Hello, quad speakers, faster USB‑C, Wi‑Fi 7, and a starting weight of just 1 kg. Dell targets this notebook at students, young professionals, and first‑time premium‑laptop buyers who want something that feels nicer than the typical entry‑level Windows device.

It’s still about $100 more than the MacBook Neo, but the gap is justified by a smoother 120 Hz panel, a useful back‑lit keyboard, biometric login even in the base model, and double the starting storage capacity. Performance with Intel’s Wildcat chips still needs thorough testing, but the overall package positions the XPS 13 as a serious MacBook Neo contender.

Acer’s Swift Air 14 AI joins the fray

The Dell XPS 13 isn’t the only contender. Another promising sight at Computex 2026 was the Acer Swift Air 14 AI. It follows the premium direction with an all‑aluminum Windows laptop featuring Intel Core Series 3 processors, an integrated NPU for AI‑enhanced features, a 14‑inch 120 Hz display, quad speakers, an IR camera with Windows Hello, a privacy shutter, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB‑A, and a 70 Wh battery.

This is a far stronger package than the traditional notion of a budget laptop. The MacBook Neo still holds clear advantages—sharper display, macOS ecosystem, and superior battery efficiency. However, Acer counters with a larger 14‑inch screen, smoother 120 Hz refresh rate, greater port variety, Windows Hello facial recognition, and a design that doesn’t apologize for its price.

MacBook Neo gave Windows a wake‑up call

A major factor behind the Neo’s success was Apple’s deep understanding of its own formula. Offering a premium product at a more accessible price reshaped the laptop market, making Windows no longer the obvious value choice. Dell and Acer aren’t trying to undercut Apple by simply lowering prices; each adds distinct touches that keep them separate from Apple’s entry‑level offering.

Neither notebook magically solves all budget‑laptop woes. The return of 8 GB base configurations is still something to watch, especially for users planning to keep a device for several years. Nonetheless, these machines demonstrate that affordability no longer has to mean boring hardware. For the first time in a while, the Windows side appears to have a genuine answer to Apple’s budget‑premium strategy.

From fitness trackers to sensory technology, a growing category of devices is exploring how personalized guidance may fit into everyday wellness routines 

A decade ago, most wellness products asked people to follow the same routine. Download the app, follow the plan, and hope it works. 

That approach reflected how many health and wellness products were designed at the time. Whether someone was tracking exercise, improving sleep habits, or trying a new wellness device, the experience often looked nearly identical from one user to the next. 

Consumers increasingly expect something different today. Streaming services recommend what to watch. Shopping platforms suggest products based on past purchases. Even navigation apps adjust routes in real time. As people have become accustomed to personalized experiences in other parts of their lives, many wellness companies have started moving in the same direction. 

Rather than offering identical experiences to every user, many companies are building products designed to respond to individual habits and preferences. 

The Shift Toward Personalization 

Personalization now appears across much of the wellness market. Fitness apps adjust workout suggestions based on activity levels. Sleep trackers generate reports based on nightly patterns. Other products use questionnaires, sensors, or app-based feedback to create a more customized experience. 

The goal is not necessarily medical treatment. In many cases, companies are simply trying to make wellness tools feel more relevant and easier to use consistently. 

Exploring Sensory Technology 

Another area attracting attention involves products that incorporate sound, vibration, light, or other sensory inputs. Companies are experimenting with how these experiences may fit into daily wellness routines, often combining wearable hardware with software that adapts to individual users. 

One example is SONU, a wearable device from SoundHealth. According to the company, users provide information through a companion app that helps tailor the acoustic experience delivered through the device. 

The concept reflects a broader movement toward personalization rather than standardized experiences. 

The Importance of Habit 

One challenge facing wellness technology has little to do with innovation. It is consistency. Many people start new routines with enthusiasm only to abandon them weeks later. Because of that, companies often pay close attention to whether products become part of everyday habits. 

According to company-reported information, SONU users have completed hundreds of thousands of treatment sessions. Those figures suggest that some users continue returning to the platform after trying it for the first time. 

For wellness companies, that type of consistent engagement can be as important as attracting new users. 

When Personalization Becomes the Expectation 

Personalization has become a common theme across wellness technology, and that trend shows little sign of slowing.  

Some companies are focused on fitness. Others are exploring sleep, mindfulness, comfort, or sensory experiences. Devices such as SONU illustrate how software, wearables, and user input are increasingly combined into a single experience. 

The appeal of these devices may have less to do with the technology itself and more to do with the feeling that the experience was designed with the individual in mind. 

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider. 

Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Please check the retailer’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information. 

Valve is pulling physical Steam gift cards from retail stores, bringing an end to a program that has been around since 2012. The company confirmed, as spotted via SteamDB, that it will no longer send new stock of Steam gift cards to retailers once current supplies run out.

Digital Steam gift cards are not going away. Valve says users will still be able to buy them directly through Steam, and existing physical cards can still be redeemed whenever users choose. Retail stock, however, is expected to disappear by the end of 2026.

Why Valve is cutting off retail gift cards

Valve says the decision comes after years of scam-prevention efforts. The company says it worked with retailers and law enforcement, added prominent scam warnings, limited cards by currency, restricted availability, and removed cards from sale when unusual activity appeared. Unfortunately, scammers still adapted.

The issue is not limited to Steam. Scammers prefer gift cards because they are fast, widely available, and difficult to reverse once redeemed. A victim can buy one at a normal retail store, read out the code and PIN over the phone, and lose the money without ever handing over the physical card. Unlike a card payment or bank transfer, there is usually no simple chargeback process once the value has been claimed. Since no bank details are involved, it becomes much harder for victims or authorities to follow the money.

Who scammers target, and how the scam works

Gift card scams often target the elderly, isolated people, users who are less familiar with digital payments, and anyone who can be frightened into acting quickly. The setup usually starts with a phone call, email, text, or social media message.

Scammers may pretend to be government officials, tech support workers, debt collectors, utility companies, romantic partners, employers, or relatives in trouble. Although the story changes, the pressure tactic is usually the same. They insist on immediate payment, tell victims to keep the situation secret, and discourage them from ending the call.

Victims are often told exactly which card to buy and where to buy it. Once they share the number and PIN from the back of the card, the money can be drained remotely.

Valve is currently the only major company taking this step with physical gift cards. But if gift card scams keep growing, other companies may also decide that selling them in stores is no longer worth the risk.

Instagram has been subtly curating your feed for years without ever asking for your preferences. That’s about to change.

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, revealed that the “Your Algorithm” feature – which allows you to view and adjust the topics the platform believes you’re interested in – will soon be rolled out to your main feed. The tool is already active on Reels and the Explore page, and this week’s update extends it to the area where most users spend the most time.

What is “Your Algorithm” and how does it function?

“Your Algorithm” displays the topics the system thinks matter most to you and gives you the ability to manage them. You can browse the complete list, add topics you’d like to see more of, and remove those you’re not interested in.

At present, the feature is limited to topics, but Instagram says it’s working on expanding it to include specific people, different moods or vibes, and various content types.

Mosseri explains that the feature is made possible by a genuine shift in AI model behavior. Previously, ranking systems relied on data that no human could actually read or interpret. Now, large language models can analyze clusters of content and translate them into plain language, enabling tools like this.

Why this matters

Mosseri was unusually open in his announcement. He admitted that while algorithmic recommendations are truly helpful, they have quietly taken something away from users over time.

Your feed learned from what you tapped and watched, but you never really got to tell it what you wanted. Eventually, the interaction became a one‑sided conversation.

He says Instagram intends to base much of its next developments on giving people genuine control over their experience. He also hinted at a more ambitious future where AI could generate fully personalized app experiences on the fly, though he cautioned that such a version would be considerably more complex.

iOS 27 could make battery saving feel less like detective work. Developer Steve Moser spotted references in iOS 27 Beta 1 and watchOS that point to a feature called Dormancy, which appears designed to recommend disabling settings or features that haven’t been used.

That would give battery advice a sharper target. Instead of leaving people to guess which toggles are quietly using power, Dormancy could turn an idle feature into a direct suggestion.

Apple is working on a new battery feature in watchOS and iOS 27 Beta 1, codenamed Dormancy, which suggests feature to turn off to optimize battery life. Looks like one of the suggested features to turn off is hand gestures i.e. double tap.“These features haven’t been used… pic.twitter.com/Jn1663qrh6

— Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) June 9, 2026

**What did Moser spot**

Moser’s tweet points to code references for Dormancy across iOS 27 Beta 1 and watchOS. The feature appears tied to battery optimization prompts, with Apple Watch gestures named as one area that could be recommended for disabling.

Gestures are a useful example because they’re easy to try, forget, and leave running. On Apple Watch, where battery headroom is tighter than on an iPhone, a small optional feature can feel more costly if it isn’t part of someone’s daily use.

Apple hasn’t announced Dormancy, so the name, interface, supported devices, and trigger conditions could still change before release.

**Why would gestures be targeted**

Apple Watch is the more interesting part of the clue. It has a growing set of small interactions that can be helpful for some people and unnecessary for others, especially when they’re rarely used after setup.

A Dormancy prompt would make those tradeoffs easier to see. The system could notice when a feature has gone idle and recommend switching it off, rather than making users dig through settings to find the culprit themselves.

That fits how many people use wearables. They’ll accept a little complexity when it helps, but they don’t want to babysit every toggle just to get through the day.

**When could Dormancy arrive**

Dormancy is still a beta‑code finding, not a confirmed iOS 27 feature. Apple could rename it, limit it to certain devices, delay it, or remove it before public release.

The practical move is to watch the iOS 27 and watchOS beta cycle. If Apple keeps Dormancy in testing, battery saving on iPhone and Apple Watch could become more targeted, with fewer trips through the settings menu and fewer forgotten features draining power in the background.

Most of us spend more time with headphones or earbuds than we realize, and I’m no exception. Whether I’m shuffling playlists on my commute, hopping on work calls, catching podcasts while strolling the neighborhood, or winding down with a late‑night binge, audio has quietly become a daily essential.

Our listening needs shift throughout the day. The over‑ear headphones I prefer for a long work session aren’t necessarily the same audio companion I reach for when I step outside. Yet many audio brands push the idea that a single pricey product is the ultimate answer.

In a market where new wireless gear drops every week with eye‑watering price tags, finding tech that truly balances comfort, performance, and value can feel daunting. That’s exactly why I was drawn to JLab. Instead of relying on exclusivity or celebrity endorsements, the company has built its reputation on practical tech for real people and real‑world routines.

This approach is a breath of fresh air. By offering high‑tier features at an accessible price, JLab makes a lasting impression and becomes a compelling option for shoppers. You don’t need to empty your wallet to enjoy great sound in everyday life. That philosophy is embodied in two standout products – the JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones and the Epic Pods ANC True Wireless Earbuds.

JBuds Lux ANC – For When You Need to Tune Everything Out

There are moments when I need to block out the world. Whether I’m focusing on work in a noisy café, settling into a long flight, or listening to a new album without distraction, noise isolation can be as crucial as the depth of the music itself. Over‑ear headphones often provide the immersion that earbuds can’t match, and the JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones are built for exactly those scenarios.

Equipped with Smart Active Noise Cancelling, they cut down background chatter so you can stay absorbed in music, podcasts, movies, or calls. The convenience goes further: Bluetooth Multipoint lets you stay connected to both a laptop and a phone simultaneously, so you can flip from a Zoom call on your computer to a playlist on your phone without re‑pairing.

Battery life is another strong point – over 70 hours of playback keep pace with packed schedules, long trips, and marathon listening sessions without constant recharging.

Comfort matters too. The over‑ear design and Cloud Foam cushions are made for extended wear, making them ideal companions for long workdays, study marathons, and travel. Through the JLab App, users can fine‑tune sound settings to match personal preferences, ensuring every playlist, podcast, and movie sounds just right.

Epic Pods ANC – For When You’re On the Move

Life rarely stays at a desk. Some days are a nonstop cycle of commuting, errands, impromptu workouts, and rapid transitions between activities. In those moments, portability is just as vital as performance.

The Epic Pods ANC True Wireless Earbuds cater to that on‑the‑go lifestyle. They pack impressive technology into a compact form. Instead of a single driver, a hybrid dual‑driver system delivers depth and clarity: a 10 mm dynamic driver handles deep bass, while a specialized Knowles balanced armature focuses on crisp mids and clear highs, resulting in a balanced soundstage where vocals and instruments stay distinct.

If audio quality matters, LDAC support on Android and AAC on iOS ensure higher‑resolution streams retain detail, clarity, and depth. Adaptive Active Noise Cancelling automatically adjusts to environments—from crowded subways to quiet streets—maintaining the right blend of immersion and awareness without manual toggles.

Battery performance is solid, with more than 56 hours of total playtime and a quick‑charge feature that provides up to 5 hours of listening from a 10‑minute charge, keeping up with even the busiest schedules.

The earbuds are built for daily wear: a secure‑fit design stays put during intense workouts, IP55‑grade protection guards against sweat and dust, and Bluetooth Multipoint adds the convenience of seamless switching between multiple devices.

Why Personal Tech Should Evolve With You

The biggest shift in personal audio today isn’t just about pushing sound quality limits; it’s about reshaping expectations and delivering a holistic package that offers real value. Audio enthusiasts no longer want to choose between premium features and a reasonable price. They want gear that naturally fits into daily routines, solves everyday frustrations, and provides genuine worth.

That’s what makes JLab a compelling choice. Whether you gravitate toward the immersive comfort and endurance of the JBuds Lux ANC Wireless Headphones or the flexibility of the Epic Pods ANC True Wireless Earbuds, both embody the same philosophy: personal tech should adapt to your life, not the other way around. Great audio shouldn’t be a luxury reserved for a few—it should be practical, accessible, and ready for whatever your day brings.

The OnePlus 15 is now joining the small group of Android phones that can share files directly with Apple devices through AirDrop.

As reported by Android Authority, AirDrop support through Quick Share is now live on the OnePlus 15. The feature was also spotted in a OnePlus Community post, where a user reported that the phone could now send files to iPhones, iPads, and Macs through Apple’s sharing system. That means OnePlus 15 users should be able to send files to nearby iPhones and receive files from them without the need for any workarounds like Google Drive links, Bluetooth, or third‑party file‑sharing apps.

**How it works on the OnePlus 15**

The process still depends on Apple’s existing AirDrop visibility settings. On the iPhone side, AirDrop needs to be enabled and set to “Everyone for 10 Minutes.” On the OnePlus 15, users can open Quick Share, choose Send, select the file, and then pick the nearby iPhone when it appears in the available devices list.

The same flow also works in reverse. An iPhone user can open the share sheet, choose AirDrop, and select the OnePlus 15 if the Android device is discoverable. It is a small change in daily use, but a meaningful one for mixed Android and iPhone households.

**The rollout started with Pixel**

Google first announced Quick Share support for AirDrop in November 2025, starting with the Pixel 10 family. Since then, the feature has slowly expanded to more Android phones, including the Pixel 9 series, Galaxy S25 series, newer Samsung flagships, OPPO Find X9 series, Vivo X300 Ultra, and Pixel 8a.

There is still no confirmed timeline for older OnePlus phones. Google has also offered a broader Quick Share QR code method for Android‑to‑iPhone transfers, but direct AirDrop‑style support is clearly the cleaner option.

Apple is also making AirDrop faster with iOS 27, which should improve file sharing between supported Apple devices. It is not clear yet whether Android phones using Quick Share will benefit from those speed improvements when sending files to an iPhone, iPad, or Mac.

An AI-generated song called “Through My Soul” has racked up over 11 million YouTube views and millions of streams worldwide. Nobody knows who really made it. The credited artist, Enlly Blue, is a fake persona with six full albums and no human behind it. This is the reality of AI music in 2026, and it is only getting louder.

How an AI song ended up on a real setlist

Adrian Younge, the composer and co-founder of the Los Angeles-based Jazz Is Dead label, heard “Through My Soul” and felt something was off immediately. He told Fast Company he could sense the track had been constructed rather than performed, its influences pulled from somewhere and stitched together by a machine.

So he did something unexpected. Younge recruited his Midnight Hour band and vocalist Loren Oden to record a fully human version. He told the musicians to go big, be bold, and make the song feel alive. They performed it live at the Lodge Room in L.A., and something clicked.

A song written by a machine and performed by a machine has no soul, but with real musicians behind it, it finally meant something. Younge liked it so much he added it to his touring setlist.

The plan to give human-made music its own verified label

The cover song is the centerpiece of a campaign called Played by Humans, created with ad agency TBWAChiatDay LA. Artists and labels can upload their music to a tool that checks for AI audio fingerprints. Tracks that pass receive a certifiable stamp for public display, similar to how explicit content is labeled.

The tool has already scanned over 1.6 million tracks, and the numbers behind this are staggering. According to Deezer, 44% of all music uploaded to streaming platforms daily is now AI-generated, and 97% of listeners cannot tell the difference.

How is the music industry reacting to AI music?

The music industry’s response to all of this has been telling. Spotify launched a Verified by Spotify badge in April to help listeners identify human artists. Then in May, Spotify turned around and struck a deal with Universal Music Group to let Premium subscribers create AI-generated covers and remixes of real songs, for an extra fee.

So on one hand, Spotify is trying to help you spot human music. On the other hand, it is building a paid tool to generate more AI music using human artists’ work. Spotify says participating artists will collect royalties on anything made from their work.

Played by Humans is not anti-AI. It just analyzes the music itself, because it believes you deserve to know exactly what you are actually listening to. Meanwhile, Sony has also developed technology that can identify original songs hidden inside AI-generated music, to sniff out plagiarism.