NZCity NewsLinks -

All Links

14 Aug 2025

Search

Hate the new Netflix app for Apple TV? Change this one setting now
Yep, the redesigned Netflix app has finally hit Apple TV devices, and I was eager for the change. Nothing could be worse than the previous version of the app, right? Silly me, wrong again. Netflix announced its big app revamp back in May, and now that it’s finally landed in Apple TV 4K devices (it’s making the rounds on other platforms, too), the changes are just, like, what? For example, the main menu items have all been moved from the left side of the screen to the top, because that’s clearly the best place for menus. Just don’t tell that to HBO Max, which (when it was still just “Max”) recently did the opposite, moving all its menu items from the top side of the screen to the left. Gotta keep you on your toes, right? I’m also annoyed by what didn’t change—for example, there’s still no “More Like This” section for finding related shows or movies (as you can find on the iOS version of Netflix), and you still can’t filter by genre; instead, you must scroll down one curated row of titles (“Witty Sitcoms,” “TV Dramadies”) after another. (Here are some better ways to find awesome Netflix videos.) But the most annoying change are the auto-playing previews. Scroll over a thumbnail for a movie or TV show, and a preview for the title will immediately start playing, complete with sound. Hate it. The bad news is that there’s no way to change that behavior directly within the Netflix app for Apple TV, but there is a setting on the Netflix website that’ll take care of it. Go to Netflix on the web, click your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen, then click Account. Scroll down and click Edit Settings, then click Playback Settings. Under the Autoplay controls section, uncheck the box that’s labeled “Autoplay preview while browsing on all devices.” Click Save. Now, go back to Netflix on Apple TV and browse—the auto-playing previews should be gone. Change this one setting to banish auto-playing previews from the Netflix app. Ben Patterson/Foundry If they’re not, close the Netflix app (double-click the Apple TV button, then swipe up on the navigation pad) and re-open it. Ah, sweet relief.

Still on Windows 11 23H2? Your update deadline is almost here
Windows 11 version 23H2, released back in October 2023, will soon reach its end of support for Home and Pro editions, according to a recent Microsoft Lifecycle Policy announcement.Starting November 11th, 2025, regular security updates will no longer be available for Windows 11 23H2, leaving unupgraded systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. Millions of users worldwide are likely to be affected, although Microsoft does not provide exact figures. On the other hand, commercial editions—including Enterprise and Education—will continue to receive mainstream support until November 10th, 2026, as they have a longer support cycle of 36 months (as opposed to 24 months for consumer editions). In addition, Windows 11 22H2 is also reaching end of support, but on an earlier date: October 14th, 2025. Windows 11 SE, intended for schools, will not be updated to 25H2 and will expire completely in 2026. What end of support means for you Once the end-of-support date rolls around, PCs running Windows 11 23H2 will no longer receive security updates—and that means any newly discovered security vulnerabilities will remain unpatched. This increases the risk of suffering malware, data loss, and hack attempts for anyone who remains on Windows 11 23H2. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, which has been available since October 2024. The new version brings improved AI integration, enhanced Copilot features for more productive work, and stronger security features (e.g., protections against phishing and ransomware). Microsoft will refuse technical support without an update. However, not all devices can upgrade to Windows 11 24H2 without problems. So-called “safeguard holds” may block the update on PCs that have hardware or software with known conflicts, such as certain audio drivers, webcam software, or older apps. Users should check their update status in the Windows settings or use the Media Creation Tool. What you should do now Microsoft is urging users to upgrade as soon as possible to avoid security vulnerabilities. Anyone who can switch to Windows 11 24H2 should do so quickly—the installation is usually straightforward and brings new features and improvements. For devices with safeguard holds, it’s advisable to regularly check for update releases or fix existing problems. Alternatively, users with incompatible hardware can consider switching to Linux platforms such as Plasma Desktop, which often run well on older devices and offer long-term updates.

Fix weak Wi-Fi signals at home with this plug-in booster, now $20
In the age of uber-fast internet, spotty Wi-Fi connections can be super frustrating, especially at home. Thankfully, there’s an affordable fix you can try: TP-Link’s AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender is only $20 right now at Amazon, a 33% discount on its original $30 price. That’s the lowest price it’s ever been, making this the best time to grab one. A Wi-Fi extender (also known as a Wi-Fi booster) catches the Wi-Fi signal in an area and re-broadcasts it, expanding your overall Wi-Fi coverage and providing a stronger signal to devices that are far from your main router or located in hard-to-reach Wi-Fi dead zones. This one by TP-Link covers up to 1,600 square feet and supports up to 32 connected devices, which is ideal for smart homes with lots of wireless gadgets. The TP-Link AC1200 is easy to set up: simply plug it into an outlet, connect to it with your PC, and configure it to join your Wi-Fi network. It’s compatible with pretty much any Wi-Fi router model, so the whole process should be a snap. For best performance, the Wi-Fi extender should be placed halfway between your router and the Wi-Fi dead zone (i.e., the area where you want improved coverage). It also has an Ethernet port, which you can use to connect a device like your PC or gaming console for a more “direct” connection to your network, ensuring a more reliable connection. Why buy a whole new router or an entire mesh network system when you can try this cheap solution first? Grab the TP-Link AC1200 Wi-Fi Extender for just $20 right now before this limited-time deal expires! Save 33% on this device that boosts Wi-Fi coverage in your homeBuy now at Amazon

OpenAI brings back GPT-4o after user revolt
After unpopular GPT-5 launch, OpenAI begins restoring optional access to previous AI models.

Ex-NBA exec plans sports hotel chain after $26M Rwanda launch

German military drops 192 tons of aid supplies over Gaza

Russia's navy looks to be stretched thin after getting battered by Ukraine and losing a key port, Western officials say

Direct train link between UK and Germany to be established soon

Get this Ryzen 7 mini PC with 32GB RAM for a new low price: $339
If you’re strapped for cash, the best bang for your buck these days is to get a reputable mini PC instead of a budget laptop or desktop PC. Today’s mini PCs are tiny, powerful, and affordable—like this Beelink SER5 Max that’s only $339 on Amazon (was $449) with Prime. Don’t have Prime? Grab a free 30-day trial and score this price now! This thing may be so tiny that you forget it’s even hiding under (or behind) your monitor, but it’s also powerful enough to handle your daily workload without breaking a sweat. It packs an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a speedy 1TB SSD, which is more solid than anything you’ll find on a comparably priced laptop. Between its HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, and USB-C video ports, you’ll be able to run up to three 4K@60Hz monitors with this mini PC. (When used solo, the DisplayPort and USB-C can even support refresh rates up to 144Hz and 120Hz, respectively.) You also get two USB-A 3.2, two USB-A 2.0, a Gigabit LAN, and a 3.5mm audio jack, plus Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 support. It’s truly ready to power your home workstation! This is a fantastic mini PC for just $339, so hurry and get your order in quick because deals like this don’t last forever. Just remember that this exclusive discount requires an Amazon Prime subscription, so if you haven’t signed up yet, start your 30-day free trial. Save 24% on this Ryzen 7 mini PC with a chunky 32GB of RAMBuy now at Amazon