Microsoft Rolls Out Gaming Copilot for Windows 11


Microsoft is rolling out its Gaming Copilot, a new AI assistant for gamers, to all Windows 11 users globally except in mainland China. The tool offers support during gameplay, allowing users to ask for tips without stepping far outside the actual gaming experience.

Microsoft says PC players will begin seeing Gaming Copilot integrated into the Game Bar over the next few weeks as part of a gradual release. The company plans to bring Gaming Copilot to the Xbox mobile app on Apple and Android next month, so players can access the assistant through a second screen without disrupting gameplay.

Xbox Copilot Phone


Credit: Microsoft

Gaming Copilot has a voice mode that lets users interact with the AI using spoken commands instead of keyboard shortcuts. The assistant is set to help answer in-game questions using screenshots, such as offering tips for defeating a boss. Gamers can also use Gaming Copilot to pull game recommendations, review recent Xbox achievements, and more.

Microsoft says it plans to optimize Gaming Copilot for its upcoming Xbox Ally handheld devices and bring the assistant to Xbox consoles in the near future. Looking ahead, the company says it’s likely that Gaming Copilot will morph into a full AI gaming coach.

Answered Prayers Journal – Sarah Titus


Do you want a fun way to record ALL the things God has done in your life?

In times of rebellion and disbelief in God’s will, we need reminders that He has ALWAYS done the best for us! 

This cute Answered Prayers Journal is the perfect place to note down and journal your answered prayers. Every time God answers a prayer, every time He shows you that trusting in Him was good, that He took care of you, you can write it down. 

Any time you need a little pick-me-up, you can read through them all and REMEMBER His faithfulness in the past (Psalm 77:11-12). Remember His genuine care for you, His unconditional love, His abundant provision.

Whether it’s for use at a Bible Study group, VBS/Sunday School, or for use at home, this Answered Prayers Journal is an awesome tool to build a deep and trusting connection with God!

Answered Prayers Journal

Recording my prayers has been such an encouragement to me over the years and I want to give you that gift of seeing just how God works in your life every single day too! ❤️

Printables include:

  • Binder Cover
  • Answered Prayers (2 Pages)
  • Important Prayers
  • Answered Prayers Journal Page

 

Pages include:

You’ll get a page for recording quick prayers and space to brainstorm your next prayer.

 

You’ll get more detailed pages to record more details about what the prayer was about and how/when it was answered. 

You’ll get a lined page to make a list of prayers. You can write the date next to it when it was answered! 

Grab your Answered Prayers Journal here.

One UI 8.5 all but confirms S26 Ultra’s new Private Display feature


A side view of someone holding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Joe Maring / Android Authority

TL;DR

  • Code within leaked One UI 8.5 build suggests Samsung is developing a new “Private Display” or “Privacy Display” feature.
  • This feature will limit screen visibility from side angles, protecting privacy in crowded public places.
  • It’s likely to debut on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which is rumored to have the necessary screen hardware.

Per previous leaks, the Galaxy S26 Ultra is rumored to sport “Flex Magic Pixel” technology on its screen. Samsung Display had previously announced this tech, which uses AI to “adjust” a screen’s pixels to control viewing angles so that the screen is not easily visible to the person next to you.

We’ve now spotted code within the alleged One UI 8.5 builds that sheds some more light on this feature. It could be branded as “Private Display” or “Privacy Display,” as both terms have been used interchangeably.

Code

<string name="sec_privacy_display_title">Privacy display</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_summary">Limits screen visibility from side angles to protect your privacy in public.</string>

As the feature description notes, the Privacy Display/Private Display feature will limit screen visiblity from side angles to protect user privacy in public.

Code

<string name="sec_privacy_display_auto_privacy_summary">Automatically use Private display when you use sensitive apps and when you’re in crowed places.</string>

Ignoring the spelling errors in the various strings, we learn from the strings that when the setting is enabled, the Private Display feature will automatically kick in when users use sensitive apps in crowded places.

Code

<string name="sec_privacy_display_manual_settings">Manual settings</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_maximum_privacy">Maximum privacy</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_maximum_privacy_summary">For even stronger privacy protection, make the screen dimmer than usual while Private dislay is on.</string>

Code also suggests that there could be two types of privacy levels that users can choose from:

  • Maximum Privacy: For even stronger privacy protection, make the screen dimmer than usual while Private display is on
  • Manual Settings

It’s not immediately clear what settings will come under manual settings.

Don’t want to miss the best from Android Authority?

We’ve spotted code for custom conditions, too, and these may be included in manual settings to give users more control over when the feature works.

Code

<string name="sec_privacy_display_custom_conditions">Custom conditions</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_custom_conditions_apps_summary">Choose specific apps where you want to use Private display.</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_custom_conditions_apps_title">Apps</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_custom_conditions_schedule_summary">Set a schedule when you want to use Private display.</string>
<string name="sec_privacy_display_custom_conditions_schedule_add_button">Add schedule</string>

These strings suggest that users can set up custom conditions for the Private Display feature. They will be able to choose specific apps that the feature would activate on (like your specific banking or messaging apps), and even set a schedule for it.

Samsung has not yet announced the Private Display feature, nor has it mentioned or given any details about the next One UI 8.5 release. Given that the Private Display feature does have some hardware requirements, namely Samsung Display’s Flex Magic Pixel technology, it may remain limited to newer devices, like the Galaxy S26 Ultra, as per leaks.

Leaks also suggest that One UI x.5 updates will debut with Galaxy S-series flagships, where they will likely debut new UI/UX, AI features, and software enhancements, so it’s fair to presume that we will get One UI 8.5 with the Galaxy S26 series in early 2026. We’ll keep you updated when we learn more.

⚠️ An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release.

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Bookshop Simulator Free Download (Build 19997087) –


Bookshop Simulator Pre-Installed Worldofpcgames

Bookshop Simulator Direct Download:

Fulfill your dream of owning and operating your own bookshop. Buy and sell inventory and use the profits to decorate and expand your shop. Build your business from a small boutique shop into a retail empire! Buy and place bookshelves, then fill them with new books, comics, board games, and other items to sell. Run the cash register to earn revenue. As your business grows, hire employees to be cashiers and item stockers so you can focus on expansion. Expand your reach to new locations around the world. Use your income from established shops to help set up new shops. Travel between shops to manage them and optimize your profits. Early access will launch with the France and Japan locations. Flick Shot Rogues

Use your profits to customize your store. Choose walls and floors. Decorate with rugs, plants, wall art, and more! Create specialized sections for your favorite genre, or build cozy book nooks. Get boxes of used books that may contain rare mythical books. These books have powerful abilities to improve your profits and capabilities. Adopt a cat to keep you and your customers company every day in the shop. Buy food, a bed, and other items to keep the cat active and happy in the store.

Features and System Requirements:

  • Expand your business: grow from a small boutique to a chain with multiple shops in different locations.
  • Multiple shop locations with different layouts, sizes, and exclusive items per location.
  • Use profits to decorate and customize your store: choose walls, floors, rugs, plants, wall art & more. Create cozy reading/book “nook” areas.

Screenshots

System Requirements

Recommended
Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
Processor: Intel i7 9700 / AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: GTX 1070 / Vega 56
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 10 GB available space
Support the game developers by purchasing the game on Steam

Installation Guide

Turn Off Your Antivirus Before Installing Any Game

1 :: Download Game
2 :: Extract Game
3 :: Launch The Game
4 :: Have Fun 🙂

How to Harness AI for Video Creation with Joshua Xu [MAICON 2025 Speaker Series]


MAICON brings together top visionaries and experts in the field of AI during a three-day conference packed with actionable sessions and networking events—all to position you as the change agent your organization (and career) needs. In this ongoing speaker series, we’re featuring these extraordinary leaders, with forward-looking predictions, actionable tips you can use today, and a preview of their MAICON 2025 sessions. Continue reading “How to Harness AI for Video Creation with Joshua Xu [MAICON 2025 Speaker Series]”

The 20 best horror movies on Netflix in 2025, ranked from least to most scary


Halloween is still over a month away, but spooky season has already begun. If the changing of the seasons has you in the mood for a good scary movie, you’re in luck: There are plenty of incredible horror films to dive into on Netflix before October comes along.

Diehard horror fans may prefer dedicated streaming services like Shudder, but as the biggest platform of its kind, Netflix still has plenty to offer, whether you’re a longtime scary movie fan or just getting into the genre.

Horror encompasses a range of fears and discomforts, and our movie selection reflects that. From old classics to new and from mildly unnerving to downright terrifying, here are the 20 best horror movies you’ll find on Netflix right now, ranked extremely subjectively from least to most scary.

20

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)

Speak No Evil, Beetlejuice 2, Netflix’s That Christmas, and every movie new to streaming Credit: Image: Warner Bros.

The original Beetlejuice is a classic for a reason, and if you’re feeling nostalgic and want to jump back into that world, you should definitely check out Tim Burton’s sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. It has the same tone as the original, while adding its own twists into the mix.

A dark comedy more than a horror, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice picks up three decades later. Lydia (Winona Ryder) is still haunted by Beetlejuice and wants to leave that part of her life far behind. However, once her teenage daughter Astrid (Jenna Ortega) opens up a portal to the Afterlife, there’s no stopping the twisted events that come next.

19

The Babysitter (2017)

Horror doesn’t have to be non-stop scares, it can also be deeply funny, too; a sentiment that leads me to recommend The Babysitter from director McG. The film follows 12-year-old Cole (Judah Lewis), a down-on-his-luck kid whose sole solace is the crush he has on his babysitter, Bee (Samara Weaving). Bee looks after Cole when his parents are out of town. One night, he decides to sneak downstairs to see what she’s is up to, only to discover that his favorite person might actually be a secret, murderous cult leader.

It’s a cheesy movie that fully embraces plotlines that are way too outlandish to be believable. But if you’re after a film that will make you laugh one minute, and then wince as blood and gore spurt everywhere, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything to dislike about The Babysitter.

18

Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)

What’s scarier: vampires or gentrification? Director Oz Rodriguez has the answer: both.

This is the premise of the horror-comedy Vampires vs the Bronx, which was easily one of my favorite movies of 2020. It’s got everything you expect and want from the genre: characters that are hilarious, but with substance, tension and terror that prevents it from being a straight-up comedy, and a fascinating angle that you would have never thought of before.

17

Jaws (1975)

Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and Quint (Robert Shaw) lean off the back of their small fishing boat, holding ropes as they watch a giant great white shark emerge from the water in a still from the 1975 film Jaws, directed by Steven Spielberg Credit: Image: Universal Pictures/Getty Images

Some may debate on whether Jaws, from legendary director Stephen Spielberg, is a thriller or horror. I’ll nip that in the bud by declaring this film about a killer shark terrorizing a New England town a horror-thriller — and a classic one at that.

Jaws is legendary for a variety of reasons, but the one that sticks out most is its use of a killer (pun intended) soundtrack that’s recognizable even by those who haven’t watched the film. Spielberg also establishes himself here as being a master of suspense, teasing the monster and ramping up that horrific atmosphere, before practically strangling audiences with tension.

16

The Blackening (2023)

The Blackening is a horror-comedy from director Tim Story about a group of Black friends who head off on a weekend getaway at a cabin in the woods. Surely nothing bad will happen while staying in a cabin in the woods, right? Wrong. The group comes face-to-face with a racist serial killer. It’s a premise that may feel almost too on the nose, but The Blackening is anything but one-note.

Self-aware without ruining the suspense, The Blackening balances humor and horror with ease and a sincerity that will touch you just as much as it will make you jump and laugh. It’s a fascinating and subversive film, and one that will stick with you long after.

15

Cargo (2017)

Martin Freeman stars in this compact, post-apocalyptic film about a man looking to find a community to care for his infant daughter after he gets bitten by a zombie. With only 48 hours before his undead transformation is complete, he sets out across the Australian wilderness.

Based on a short 2013 film of the same name from director Ben Howling and Yolanda Ramke, Cargo is less of a zombie film than it is a story about finding a community among impossible odds. Humanity often inflicts horrors on each other in zombie stories, but Cargo goes the extra mile to show that, bleak as things may be, we can learn to forgive, accept, and even rely on one another. The apocalypse doesn’t always have to be depressingly bleak and cynical. There’s hope to be found and, in a horror film, that’s the sort of thing that keeps you returning for a second watch. If you’re as emotional as I am, grab the tissues before you watch this one.

14

Till Death (2021)

Megan Fox as Emma, covered in blood and brandishing a knife in Till Death Credit: Photo: Millennium Films

Most horror fans know Megan Fox from the 2009 film Jennifer’s Body, but if you’re looking for more of Fox in a setting that’s less camp, more horrifying, and as a character that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to check her out in the gut-churning film, Till Death.

The film follows Emma, a woman stuck in an unhappy marriage. One night, she wakes to find she’s handcuffed to her husband, who immediately shoots himself. The situation only gets worse when Emma finds out her husband also set up a hit on her, and now she must fight to survive against two killers who want to silence her forever. Fox is deliciously good here and shows she’s got the spine, and acting chops to be a memorable and contemporary scream queen.

13

Until Dawn (2025)

After a group of friends find themselves lost on the road, they have little choice but to head to a suspiciously abandoned lodge for the night. Only, the lodge (and the surrounding town of Glore Valley) isn’t what it seems.

Fans of Supermassive Games might recognize the title from the 2015 video game. And I’ll be honest, when director David F. Sandberg’s adaptation of the survival horror game Until Dawn arrived, I wasn’t a huge fan. But after my second viewing, I realized my love for the video game was holding me back from accepting a truly well-done horror film. Until Dawn handles itself well, featuring a time-loop, weird and creepy creatures, diabolical jump scares, and some truly gorgeous cinematography. It might not be the perfect adaptation of the video game, but it’s certainly enjoyable.

12

There’s Someone Inside Your House (2021)

Director Patrick Brice teams up with James Wan (The Conjuring) and Shawn Levy (Stranger Things) to bring the scares in There’s Someone Inside Your House, an adaptation based on the novel of the same name from author Stephanie Perkins (which, if you’re looking for a new novel to get stuck into, is as cracking as a read as this film is to watch).

After moving from Hawaii to Nebraska, teenager Makani (Sydney Park) finds herself caught up in a murder mystery that has every victim’s secrets being revealed before they’re unceremoniously killed off. The thematic pillars of this movie are far from subtle, and Brice doesn’t look to reinvent the wheel or make this anything more than a slasher flick. But as far as I’m concerned, that’s part of the film’s charm. It’s a fun romp overall and a perfect watch for you and your friends on a Friday night.

11

Tarot (2024)

Jacob Batalon gestures with his hands as he’s being dealt a tarot deck in the movie Tarot. Credit: Photo: Slobodan Pikula/Screen Gems

Tarot dares to ask the question: What if you and a bunch of your friends went to a mansion up in the Catskills, read each other’s fortune with some crusty old cards you found, and then were brutally murdered in ways depicted by those cards? Wouldn’t that be fun?

If you answered yes, then Spenser Cohen and Anna Halberg’s 2024 supernatural horror is one for you. Tarot’s plot is surprisingly twisty, even with such a basic premise. Its kills are memorable and phobia-inducing, its setting haunting, and its production and set design is immaculate. Most importantly, Cohen and Halberg know what you’re here for: big scares. They’re happy to provide.

Do I Need a License to Rent My House


Need a License to Rent My House
Pexels

Renting your home can be an exciting way to generate income, build long-term wealth, or even transition into a real estate investor. But before you get down to the business of advertising your property for rent and signing any leases, you might be wondering a critical question: Do I need a license to rent out my house?

The answer will depend on where you live, what kind of place you’re renting, and whether there are local regulations. Rental licensing regulations vary by location, and failing to comply could result in fines or legal issues. This post covers everything you need to know about rental licenses, including when you need one and how to keep it up to date.

What Is a Rental License?

A rental license (also known as a rental permit, landlord license or housing permit) is an official document provided by a city, county or municipality that permits property owners to rent their homes legally. The objective of this license is to provide safe rental housing for tenants and communities.

Most licensing processes involve:

  • Application submission
  • Payment of fees
  • Safety and code maintenance property reviews
  • Proof of ownership and identification

It will be necessary to renew the license annually or every two years in some areas to remain licensed.

Do You Always Need a License to Rent Out a House?

Not necessarily. Licensing requirements depend on local law. Here are some typical situations:

Long-Term Rentals (Traditional Leasing):

Landlords are frequently required to have a rental license for long-term rentals in many towns and counties. For instance, if you’re renting out your house for six months or longer, permitting may be required before tenants move in.

Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.):

Short-term rentals, for example, are often governed by different rules. In many towns, there are separate short-term rental permits that may come with stricter conditions, such as zoning constraints or guest limits and higher fees.

Single-Family Homes vs. Multi-Family Units:

Some places only require a license for multi-family buildings (duplexes, apartments, etc.) and let single-family homeowners rent without one.

HOA or Community Rules:

Your city might not require a license, but your homeowners’ association (HOA) may have its own rental restrictions. Always read the HOA bylaws before leasing.

Why Are Rental Licenses Required?

Municipal Rent Licensing Programs:

Governments use rent licensing programs for a variety of reasons:

Tenant Safety:

Inspections make sure homes contain working smoke detectors, safe wiring and adequate heat.

Code Enforcement:

Licensing is a way to enforce building and health codes.

Neighbourhood Stability:

Cities also wield licensing to curb overcrowding and nuisance renting.

Revenue:

The city receives licensing fees that help support city services and enforcement programs.

What Happens If You Rent Without a License?

Renting your home without a license can result in:

Fines and Penalties:

This could be from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the jurisdiction.

Delays in Evictions:

Landlords may be unable to legally evict tenants if they are operating an unlicensed property in some markets.

Legal Liability:

If anything goes wrong (a safety issue, for example), you might be liable or have an insurance situation on your hands.

Invalidating the Lease:

The courts will not enforce a lease providing for an unlicensed rental.

How to Check If You Need a License

Call your Local Government Office:

Begin with the housing or zoning department in your city.

Check Municipal Websites:

Many municipalities’ landlord guides cover rental licensing requirements.

Consult an attorney in real estate or property management, or even local property management companies, since they often stay updated on licensing requirements and regulations.

Consult your HOA or Condo Board:

It may have additional rules even if the city doesn’t.

Steps to Get a Rental License

If your locality has a rental license program, here’s what that typical process looks like:

Fill Out an Application:

Applications are usually available online at your city or county’s website.

Pay the Fee:

Fees vary from about $50 to hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of property.

Book Inspection:

A housing inspector will check that your property meets safety and code requirements.

Submit Documents:

It may ask for proof of possession, photo identification and might even ask for tax papers.

Renew:

Reoccurring renewals to keep you covered and prevent penalties for expired licenses.

Alternatives to Licensing

Although no rental licenses are required in some regions:

  • Compromise with taxes by registering your property as a taxable item.
  • Obtain a commercial business license if renting is considered a business.
  • Comply with landlord-tenant laws, including processing security deposits appropriately.

Final Thoughts

So, do you need a license if you want to rent your house? In many places, yes — but not entirely. The trick is knowing your local rules before putting your home on the market. A simple call to the housing department in your city can help protect you from costly errors and ensure you’re renting legally.

Whether you rent out your home for short-term stays or long-term leases, compliance benefits you as much as it protects your tenants. Licensing requirements may seem like red tape, but they are crucial for creating a fair, safe and transparent rental market.

If you’re thinking about renting your house out, do some research on the local laws. Many property management companies can also guide homeowners through licensing and compliance, making the rental process easier and more efficient.

Find a Home-Based Business to Start-Up >>> Hundreds of Business Listings.

Google isn’t kidding around about cost cutting, even slashing its FT subscription


Google is ending its enterprise subscription to the Financial Times, and it’s not the only enterprise media subscription on the chopping block, sources say. The cuts reflect broader cost-reduction efforts at the search giant, even as the company reports strong financial performance.

Google has been implementing cost reductions across 2025, including eliminating 35% of managers who oversee teams of three people or fewer, and offering voluntary exit programs across multiple divisions since January. Finance chief Anat Ashkenazi signaled late last year that the company would continue to push cost cuts “a little further,” a mandate that appears unchanged despite Alphabet reporting strong Q2 2025 results with $96.4 billion in revenue.

These cuts may save Google mere thousands; they also come as Google faces increasingly strained relationships with news publishers. August data from the trade association Digital Content Next showed median referral traffic from Google Search to publishers fell 10% between May and June of this year, with non-news brands experiencing 14% drops.

Major outlets, including CNN, Business Insider, and HuffPost have reportedly seen even sharper traffic declines (of 30%, 40%, and 40%, respectively), according to data from SimilarWeb.

Publishers attribute these declines largely to Google’s AI Overviews feature, which has reduced click-throughs to external websites from 56% to 69% since its launch, according to Pew Research. This spring, Pew analyzed data from 900 U.S. adults, six in ten of whom conducted at least one Google search in March 2025 that produced an AI-generated summary.

Some might even see Google canceling its FT subscription as akin to a plagiarist refusing to buy the textbook they’re copying from.

At a Fortune event earlier this month, the CEO of the largest digital and print publisher in the U.S. — Neil Vogel of People Inc. — didn’t hold his punches, calling Google a “bad actor” and accusing it of using the same bot to crawl websites for its search engine as it does to support its AI features.

Techcrunch event

San Francisco
|
October 27-29, 2025

In a separate, scathing op-ed this summer, Digital Content Next CEO Jason Kint wrote that Google’s AI overviews are creating a “zero-click” environment where “all traffic dead ends at Google.”

Google did not respond to a request for comment.

Today’s Wordle clues, hints and answer for September 20 #1554


It’s Saturday, and this latest Wordle is yours to win. The quickest way to do that is with a sneaky little look at the September 20 (1554) answer, but if that’s not really your style then you’ll find every kind of clue and hint for today’s Wordle you could ever wish for below. Give them a try, they’ll definitely help you reveal all those green letters you’ve been missing.

A clue for today’s Wordle

Stuck on today’s Wordle? Here’s a clue that pertains to the meaning of the word.

Build island factory towns for fat cats in Whiskerwood, the latest sooty strategy sim from Hooded Horse and the Railgrade devs


Whenever possible, I like to sucker-punch everybody’s weekend plans by blogging the release of a huge 4X strategy game, factory sim or other managerial timesink last thing on Friday. In this case, I’m ambushing you with the avid rodent carpentry of Whiskerwood, the new city builder from Railgrade developers Minakata Dynamics and Manor Lords publishers Hooded Horse. It’s got 40 different commodities, an elaborate weather simulation, and a demo out now on Steam. Haha, yes! You are welcome.

In Whiskerwood, you are a mouse mayor setting up island colonies on behalf of some bastard fat cats. Yes, this one’s a straight-shooting allegory, but going by the release date trailer, any transferable learnings about the plight of the mouse proletariat come a distinct second to the joy of plaiting conveyor belts.

Continue reading “Build island factory towns for fat cats in Whiskerwood, the latest sooty strategy sim from Hooded Horse and the Railgrade devs”