Proton VPN now offers its Chrome and Firefox extensions to free users, previously for paying users only. These extensions support various browsers and provide privacy features without bandwidth limits, ads, or data selling.
https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/proton-vpn-expands-access-to-chrome-and-firefox-extensions-to-its-free-users/

Elon Musk's xAI launched Grok-2 and Grok-2 mini language models for subscribers of his platform X. Integrated with an AI image generator powered by FLUX.1, Grok-2 faces mixed reviews and legal concerns due to fewer restrictions compared to other AI models.
https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/x-launches-grok-2-models-with-controversial-ai-image-generator-powered-by-flux-1/

Google Meet's Android and iOS apps are getting a major redesign with a streamlined interface, new call controls, real-time text chat, screen sharing, an On-the-Go audio-only mode, live captions in 70+ languages, and new expressive features https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/google-meet-for-mobile-gets-a-ui-redesign-real-time-chat-on-the-go-mode-and-screen-sharing/

AltStore PAL has removed its €1.50 annual subscription fee for EU users, funded by an Epic Games MegaGrant. Current subscribers will have their memberships canceled upon expiration, with future rewards promised https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/altstore-pal-drops-1-50-fee-for-eu-users-thanks-to-epic-games-megagrant/

Nvidia's GeForce Now now supports 25 popular World of Warcraft mods via CurseForge for Ultimate and Priority subscribers. Mods come pre-installed and updated, enhancing the cloud gaming experience for WoW players https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/nvidia-geforce-now-adds-support-for-world-of-warcraft-mods-from-curseforge/

Zed Code Editor version 0.148 adds slash commands, a new configuration panel for LLM providers, and REPL enhancements. Preview v0.149 has also been launched with image support, improved indentation, and new workflow commands https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/zed-code-editor-v0-148-slash-commands-repl-enhancements-and-new-configuration-panel/

Zotero 7 introduces a modern redesign, dark mode, EPUB support, new annotation types, and performance improvements. It enhances usability with features like a smart reference popup, improved citation dialog, and better tab management https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/zotero-7-launches-modern-design-dark-mode-and-enhanced-performance-for-researchers/

Twitch now allows 60-second video stories via its mobile app, aiming to boost streamer-audience engagement and compete with Instagram and TikTok. Video stories include interactive features and are accessible on both mobile and web apps https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/twitch-introduces-60-second-video-stories-to-compete-with-instagram-and-tiktok/

Raycast v1.81.0 update introduces LaTeX support for rendering mathematical equations, batch editing for AI Commands, and a Full Content Width setting for AI Chat. Improvements include syncing settings, increased app timeout, and various bug fixes https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/raycast-update-v1-81-0-latex-support-batch-editing-for-ai-commands-and-enhanced-syncing/

Proton has launched Proton Duo, a plan for couples offering encrypted email, VPN, cloud storage, password manager, and calendar. It includes 1TB shared storage for $19.99/month, with a limited-time offer of $14.99/month https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/proton-launches-cost-effective-proton-duo-sub-tier-for-couples-with-encrypted-services/

OpenProject 14.4 introduces Dark Mode, refined permissions management, precise progress tracking, and various usability enhancements, including improved Nextcloud configuration, better filtering, and streamlined meeting agendas https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/openproject-14-4-adds-dark-mode-enhanced-permissions-and-improved-progress-tracking/

Microsoft Edge's PDF reader will introduce smart keywords powered by Copilot, enabling users to identify key terms and perform AI-powered web searches within Edge https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/microsoft-edge-is-adding-copilot-ai-powered-smart-keywords-to-its-pdf-reader/

Microsoft is testing a compact version of its Game Bar for Windows 11, optimized for handhelds and controller-based PC gameplay, targeting Xbox Insiders. It simplifies widget access and integrates controller functionality https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/microsoft-tests-compact-xbox-game-bar-for-windows-optimized-for-handhelds-and-controllers/

FreeBSD released a security update for a high-severity OpenSSH flaw (CVE-2024-7589) that allows remote code execution. Users should update and restart sshd or set LoginGraceTime to 0 to mitigate risks.
https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/freebsd-issues-critical-update-to-patch-openssh-vulnerability/

YouTube users have reported obscene content in recommendations and ads, targeting minors. Some channels lure kids with child-friendly content before showing NSFW material, raising concerns about inadequate age verification and content moderation.
https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/youtube-users-report-obscene-nsfw-content-targeting-minors-found-in-video-recommendations/

Starting with Ubuntu 24.10, Canonical will use the latest Linux kernel series at release time, moving away from using older safe kernels. This aims to enhance performance and hardware support, addressing community demands.
https://alternativeto.net/news/2024/8/ubuntu-will-adopt-latest-linux-kernel-starting-version-24-10-leaving-conservative-approach/