Desktop Icons without Text


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Change the Icon to another Mod?  :huh:

I do'nt know what you mean, but you can change the Icon with Shell Object Editor.

Atm I'm bizzy with the Tutorial, but I'll get on it asap.  :)

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I dont actually use eMule, I use "Neo-Mule" which is a "modded" version of the original eMule, The thing is that the directory path is different on my machine, from what the reg file you created is..

What lines am I meant to edit in your reg file to point to another location??

Tutorial??...For this project??...

Looking forward to it...

I dont actually use eMule, I use "Neo-Mule" which is a "modded" version of the original eMule, The thing is that the directory path is different on my machine, from what the reg file you created is..

What lines am I meant to edit in your reg file to point to another location??

Tutorial??...For this project??...

Looking forward to it...

585580497[/snapback]

You can edit them with regedit,.. :D

Open regedit and search for {00000000-5210-0000-0000-000000000002}.

You can edit the paths there, or PM me the path and I'll do it for ya. :)

The Tutorial is almost done. :p

How to create your own nameless Desktop Icons with Enhanced Context Menus.

The easiest way is editing an existing one.

In this Tutorial I'm going to edit "Add Neowin.reg".

When you edit the reg file you should see something like this:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

;Neowin Without Text by Herby
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]
"InfoTip"="Neowin.net - Where unprofessional journalism looks better."
"NeverShowExt"=""
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\DefaultIcon]
@="%WinDir%\\Icons\\Neowin.ico"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\00]
@="&Neowin.net"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\00\Command]
@=hex(2):25,00,57,00,69,00,6e,00,44,00,69,00,72,00,25,00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,\
 ?00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,52,00,75,00,6e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,\
 ?33,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,20,00,55,00,72,00,6c,00,2c,00,46,00,69,\
 ?00,6c,00,65,00,50,00,72,00,6f,00,74,00,6f,00,63,00,6f,00,6c,00,48,00,61,00,\
 ?6e,00,64,00,6c,00,65,00,72,00,20,00,68,00,74,00,74,00,70,00,3a,00,2f,00,2f,\
 ?00,77,00,77,00,77,00,2e,00,6e,00,65,00,6f,00,77,00,69,00,6e,00,2e,00,6e,00,\
 ?65,00,74,00,2f,00,00,00 ?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\14]
@="View &Headlines"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\14\Command]
@=hex(2):25,00,57,00,69,00,6e,00,44,00,69,00,72,00,25,00,5c,00,53,00,79,00,73,\
 ?00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,52,00,75,00,6e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,\
 ?33,00,32,00,2e,00,65,00,78,00,65,00,20,00,55,00,72,00,6c,00,2c,00,46,00,69,\
 ?00,6c,00,65,00,50,00,72,00,6f,00,74,00,6f,00,63,00,6f,00,6c,00,48,00,61,00,\
 ?6e,00,64,00,6c,00,65,00,72,00,20,00,68,00,74,00,74,00,70,00,3a,00,2f,00,2f,\
 ?00,77,00,77,00,77,00,2e,00,6e,00,65,00,6f,00,77,00,69,00,6e,00,2e,00,6e,00,\
 ?65,00,74,00,2f,00,61,00,72,00,63,00,68,00,69,00,76,00,65,00,2e,00,70,00,68,\
 ?00,70,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=hex:00,00,00,00

;Add Neowin to Desktop
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]

When you edit this line with Regedit you'll see; "%WinDir%\System32\Rundll32.exe Url,FileProtocolHandler https://www.neowin.net" (opens Neowin.net in your default browser).

I used an Expandable String Value because of path/location differences in different language versions of Windows.

For example %ProgramFiles% opens the Program Files directory in every language version of Windows, even when you installed Windows on your D: drive.

You can also use a String Value which is easier to edit:

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\00\Command]

@="C:\\Windows\\System32\\Rundll32.exe Url,FileProtocolHandler https://www.neowin.net"

The command needs to run via an exe file; for example when you want to open a folder you must open it with explorer:

@="Explorer.exe C:\\Windows\\System32\\DllCache"

or an txt file: @="Rundll32.exe Url,FileProtocolHandler C:\\Windows\\system32\\eula.txt" opens eula.txt with your d:)ault text editor. :)

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}\ShellFolder]

"Attributes"=hex:00,00,00,00

The Attributes value is a binary value that enables adding or removing the objects' context menu options (like cut, copy paste, rename & delete).

More info @ http://www.virtualplastic.net/html/ui_shell.html#attributes.

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]

This key adds the Icon to the Desktop.

You can also add the Icon to My Computer:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]

to the Control Panel:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ControlPanel\NameSpace\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]

& to My Network Places:

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\NetworkNeighborhood\NameSpace\{00000000-5140-0000-0000-000000000002}]

https://www.neowin.net/[/color]

Double click on (Default) and change the value data to Explorer.exe %Temp%

Expand 01 and select Command.

Double click on (Default) on the right pane and change the value to mmc.exe /s /a %WinDir%/System32/devmgmt.msc

Now right click on the CLSID {00000000-5240-0000-0000-000000000002}, select Export and save the file as Temp.reg.

Edit temp.reg, copy everything and paste it into "Add Example.reg" and overwrite everything exept the last line (the one that adds the Icon to the Desktop).

Save the reg file.

Editing the Remove reg file:[/color]

Edit "Remove Neowin.reg" and change 5140 from both the CLSID's to 5240.

You should see this:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{00000000-5240-0000-0000-000000000002}]

[-HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\NameSpace\{00000000-5240-0000-0000-000000000002}]

Save the file as "Remove Example.reg"

This reg file removes all the lines you edited / created and removes the Icon from the Desktop.

I hope this helps you all!

If you have any questions and / or suggestions, please post them here or PM me.

[/Herby]

Edited by Herby

I finally found a way to open "Entire Network" directly! :D

I've added it to "My Network Places" & created a new Icon: "My Entire Network", it has the same CLSID & functions as "My Network Places" but it opens "Entire Network" on left click.

The first post is updated with the new and edited Icons and I've added a link to the Tutorial (the Changelog is included in the zip file).

[/Herby]

I've got this problem. When you right click on desktop and lock items, all desktop icons become shaded with text fields become shaded right.

Well, they aren't locked but they are shaded (attachment screenshot).

How do i remove the shaded space under each icon. (i used shell object editor to creat all icons)

It happened after i was playing around with tuneup 2004 I think :p

Edited by skase

Great mod, thanks for all your hard work on this.

I do have a problem with the Office 2003 icons. The first time I selected Excel from the desktop icon I was prompted to find "C:\Program.exe" (or something similar). I assumed it was looking for Excel.exe so I navigated to the Office directory and entered that in the pop-up. Now whenever I select Word, Visio, PowerPoint etc. from the icon it tries to launch it with Excel instead.

How do I undo this, and make the Office 2003 apps launch correctly?

-Rivethead

@ Herby....

Found a neat way to grab command lines from programs already installed on your system..

Just open up the desired program....

Then hit F1(Help)

then type "Command Line" into the "Index" or "Search" of your programs helpfile...

Easy as!!

Ive got a list of CommandLines for you too!!! :)

I've got this problem. When you right click on desktop and lock items, all desktop icons become shaded with text fields become shaded right.

Well, they aren't locked but they are shaded (attachment screenshot).

How do i remove the shaded space under each icon. (i used shell object editor to creat all icons)

It happened after i was playing around with tuneup 2004 I think :p

585594128[/snapback]

Sorry for the late reply,.. bizzy, bizzy, bizzy,... :pinch:

System Properties -> Advanced Tab -> Performance -> Settings -> Visual Effects Tab -> Check: Use Drop Shadows for Icon labels on the Desktop.

If you want them without the text selection: Rename them to an uncommon name like Wuppy01, Wuppy02,... search for the names in the Registry and delete the names. :)

Great mod, thanks for all your hard work on this.

I do have a problem with the Office 2003 icons. The first time I selected Excel from the desktop icon I was prompted to find "C:\Program.exe" (or something similar). I assumed it was looking for Excel.exe so I navigated to the Office directory and entered that in the pop-up. Now whenever I select Word, Visio, PowerPoint etc. from the icon it tries to launch it with Excel instead.

How do I undo this, and make the Office 2003 apps launch correctly?

-Rivethead

585595855[/snapback]

Never had or heard of this problem before... :huh:

What Language version of Windows do you have installed?

What is the path to your office directory?

Try to import the remove reg file and then import the add reg file again.

@ Herby....

Found a neat way to grab command lines from programs already installed on your system..

Just open up the desired program....

Then hit F1(Help)

then type "Command Line" into the "Index" or "Search" of your programs helpfile...

Easy as!!

Ive got a list of CommandLines for you too!!! :)

585596262[/snapback]

Yep,.. I use this method most of the time, but I don't want to install every program. :)

Can you PM me the command lines?

[/Herby]

Heby said ...

Never had or heard of this problem before... huh.gif

What Language version of Windows do you have installed?

What is the path to your office directory?

Try to import the remove reg file and then import the add reg file again.

>>>>>>

Windows XP SP1 US English

C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office XP\Office10 is the path to excel.exe, winword.exe etc.

I've run and re-run the remove registry/import numerous times, rebooted etc. Still the same.

It only affectrs the Microsoft items, merging the other apps works great. Almost seems like a file association problem. It tries to use Excel to launch the MS Office items.

Your questions prompted me to look at the problem a little harder and I thnk I have it solved. I have Office XP so the path to the .exe is different than Office 2003.

For example, the PowerPoint in the Office 2003 reg import creates -

Key = ...\{00000000-5070-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\03\Command

Data = %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office11\PowerPnt.exe

All I have to do is change

Data = %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office XP \Office10\PowerPnt.exe

And it works.

Thanks again for this and your help!

-Rivethead

Yep,.. I use this method most of the time, but I don't want to install every program.  :)

Can you PM me the command lines?

[/Herby]

585601562[/snapback]

Ive got a few Ive been messing around with, (thanks to your guide)but I cant seem to get all the functions to work :no:

I'll send you a PM with all the command lines Ive found so far, by trawling through the net...

What a mission it was too...Ive emailed dozens of popular software companies, to try and get command lines from, that are'nt listed in there "help" file(chm)..

Lots of them are replying as well...

Ended up pretty much devoting a spare machine on my network(Home Network) to installing various software just so I can get the command lines from the help files...lol

Tried my hardest to get some for Webroots Software(SpySweeper, Window-Washer), but no luck, the creators sent me a email saying theres currently none except for a "silent scan" for SpySweeper"...

But Ive got a few others...

Ill just PM you there contents entirely and you can dissect the valid commands etc from them...

Thanks again Herby!!

PS: Any news on the VideoLAN icon yet mate??

Edited by Harsh!

This thread is now on the front page of VirtualPlastic.net, one of my favorite tweak & mod sites. :D :happy:

I've updated the "Clear Temp" command from the Recycle Bin context menu; it deletes now every folder and file that is not in use from the Temp folders. :)

For the people who want to know the command:

cmd.exe /c cd "%WinDir%\Temp\" && del *.* /f /q && (for /d %a in (*) do rd "%a" /q /s) && cd "%UserProfile%\Local Settings\Temp\" && del *.* /f /q && (for /d %a in (*) do rd "%a" /q /s)

Clear_Temp.zip

Your questions prompted me to look at the problem a little harder and I thnk I have it solved. I have Office XP so the path to the .exe is different than Office 2003.

For example, the PowerPoint in the Office 2003 reg import creates -

Key = ...\{00000000-5070-0000-0000-000000000002}\Shell\03\Command

Data = %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office11\PowerPnt.exe

All I have to do is change

Data = %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office XP \Office10\PowerPnt.exe

And it works.

Thanks again for this and your help!

-Rivethead

585602616[/snapback]

Glad you figured it out. :)

Welkome to Neowin!

Ive got a few Ive been messing around with, (thanks to your guide)but I cant seem to get all the functions to work :no:

I'll send you a PM with all the command lines Ive found so far, by trawling through the net...

What a mission it was too...Ive emailed dozens of popular software companies, to try and get command lines from, that are'nt listed in there "help" file(chm)..

Lots of them are replying as well...

Ended up pretty much devoting a spare machine on my network(Home Network) to installing various software just so I can get the command lines from the help files...lol

Tried my hardest to get some for Webroots Software(SpySweeper, Window-Washer), but no luck, the creators sent me a email saying theres currently none except for a "silent scan" for SpySweeper"...

But Ive got a few others...

Ill just PM you there contents entirely and you can dissect the valid commands etc from them...

Thanks again Herby!!

PS: Any news on the VideoLAN icon yet mate??

585604254[/snapback]

If you have any questions about editing the reg files or the registry, PM me or post it here so others can learn from it. :)

I'm looking forward to the commands, thanks! :D

About VideoLAN: I'm pretty bizzy this & next week, but i'll get on it asap.

[/Herby]

Hi guys I just want 2 check something.

I've added some icons from Herby's pack. I now have, for example, the regular "My Computer" icon & a new "My Computer" icon that has no text.

Is it safe to delete the original icons or have I done something wrong?

Thanx 4 looking.

Well, you never actually 'delete' a my computer icon, but if you go into display properties, under the desktop tab there's a 'customize desktop...' button. In there you can uncheck showing the different standard windows icons. That way you can get them back if you need to ;)

Nice desktop icons! and verry useful, thanks :)

Greetings from your little brother  ;) :D

585627534[/snapback]

Hey little bro! long time no smell!! :p

Welkome to Neowin! :D

herby.. what's the difference between the regfiles office 2k3 and office 2003

585632583[/snapback]

Office 2K3 is just a smaller version (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Publisher).

Thanx Fridge.

I have a problem.  After replacing the Recycle Bin icon I am now unable to change the unique properties of the recycle bin.

ie Show delete confirmation, adjust the size of the recycle bin etc.

585645076[/snapback]

If you want to change the properties of the Recycle Bin, import the "Remove Recycle Bin.reg" and adjust the properties (Windows can't handle the nameless one).

@ Harsh!: I've fixed the Pleasuredome101 reg file (you forgot the _ in the name of the icon) and added the remove reg file.

The VLC icon is on it's way. :)

Pleasuredome101.zip

Just a punctualization, Herby... is your work free for distribution?

I'd like to add an article on Megalab.it with some of these icons translated into italian.

Obviously I'll add your name in the readme (kinda " original idea by Herby from www.neowin.net/forum, translated by Squek" or something like this).

Just a punctualization, Herby... is your work free for distribution?

I'd like to add an article on Megalab.it with some of these icons translated into italian.

Obviously I'll add your name in the readme (kinda " original idea by Herby from www.neowin.net/forum, translated by Squek" or something like this).

585647738[/snapback]

Sure, no problem! :)

Feel free to distribute them as long as you give me the credit (I put a lot of effort & time in them).

Sure, no problem!  :)

Feel free to distribute them as long as you give me the credit (I put a lot of effort & time in them).

585649382[/snapback]

Great!

One more thing: as I changed my username her in neowin, could you please modify the credit from "squeksquek" to "squek" in the zip (games folder icon)?

Great!

One more thing: as I changed my username her in neowin, could you please modify the credit from "squeksquek" to "squek" in the zip  (games folder icon)?

585653962[/snapback]

Done! :)

I've also added NeoMule, VLC Media Player & X-Setup Pro (new) + modified the "Add My Documents+.reg" so it puts the Icon automatically on the Desktop and added the Recycle Bin with the improved "Clear Temp" command.

The X-Setup Pro commands work with version 7.0.300, I don't know if they will work with older versions.

Hello herby.. I REALLY like your work here..

But.. The nero button.. When i dubble click it the nero startsmart starts but I never ever uses that "noobie prog.". I uses nero burning rom, so now i wonder if it would be possible to make nero burning rom to start..?

Then I would like to have a icon to start the "win+e" application.. I don't remember the name of it.. I'm swedish..

then a icon for my music because when I right click my documents and chooses my music a error message pops up.. or can I change the location?

Hello herby.. I REALLY like your work here..

But.. The nero button.. When i dubble click it the nero startsmart starts but I never ever uses that "noobie prog.". I uses nero burning rom, so now i wonder if it would be possible to make nero burning rom to start..?

Then I would like to have a icon to start the "win+e" application.. I don't remember the name of it.. I'm swedish..

then a icon for my music because when I right click my documents and chooses my music a error message pops up.. or can I change the location?

585691768[/snapback]

Here's the link to the tutorial. :)

You can change the location(s) in the registry (open the reg file, copy the CLSID and search for it in Regedit).

About the Nero button: try the attached one (first import the "remove" reg and then the "add" reg).

Win+e = explorer,.. -> "Add My Computer.reg" ?!? :unsure:

Nero.zip

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This week in Google News Image: Google Catch up on some of the latest Google news updates that arrived throughout the week: What to expect from the Pixel 11 series: The upcoming lineup is expected to feature four different variants and a price hike due to the global memory shortage. Read our detailed coverage to know about the expected Pixel 11 specs. Stopping Google: The Free Software Foundation Europe urged the European Commission to stop Google from silently reinstalling AI models and requiring registration. Users should be able to fully uninstall AI-based features from Android devices and access interoperability features. Chasing Anthropic: The Claude-maker is making new strides every day in the AI world, but the search giant is struggling to catch up. Google is said to be reshuffling its AI coding "strike team" it created roughly about two months ago, turning it into a broader model-training group amid talent losses at DeepMind. New Google Play billing: Google has faced a long legal battle with Epic Games, and the search giant is rolling out a redesigned Play Store billing and fee structure. Available in the US, UK, and the European Economic Area, it will take effect on June 30. Error-free Sheets? A new feature in Google Sheets allows Gemini to inspect formula errors and apply corrections directly in the spreadsheet. Google said the new feature can handle pretty much everything from basic arithmetic to very complex calculations. Breeze through airports: Google Wallet became the first digital wallet to integrate with TSA PreCheck Touchless ID, a program that enables travelers to move through airport security checkpoints using facial recognition instead of a physical ID or boarding pass. Built-in computer control: Gemini 3.5 Flash got a built-in tool called Computer Use, which allows developers to build agents that navigate browsers, mobile interfaces, and desktop applications. Google Finance: The redesigned platform is now out of beta. Google has added several new features, including portfolio tracking, scheduled market briefings, and a dedicated Android app. An iOS app is planned for later in 2026. This week in Apple News Image: Apple Catch up on some of the latest Apple news updates that arrived throughout the week: Trade secrets reportedly exposed: Apple's manufacturing partner in India, Tata Electronics, confirmed a cybersecurity attack on its systems that may have exposed trade secrets of Apple and Tesla. Hackers reportedly stole up to 630 GB of data and posted up to 200,000 files on the dark web. Grab your payout: Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit in the UK and might end up paying $4 billion (£3 billion) if it loses. The iPhone-maker has been accused of trapping users in iCloud by restricting rivals from fully accessing iOS. The tribunal recently set a full trial date for October 2028. iOS 27 Beta 2: Apple's latest iPhone update is moving forward, and a new beta was pushed this week. While iOS 27 Beta 2 for developers pushed several bug fixes across the system, the AirPort Utility was deprecated; it's no longer available to new users. Price hike: Just like others, Apple has raised prices of several MacBook and iPad models, including the MacBook Neo, which now starts at $699. This comes after reports that this year's iPhone will also become expensive. Second-gen iPhone Fold: While the world is desperate to see Apple's foldable iPhone, leakers have started to talk about its second generation. Apple is expected to launch a successor in Fall 2027, featuring a wider folding display while reusing the same screen found in the first generation. The search for memory: Apple is reportedly looking at blacklisted Chinese companies amid rising memory chip prices. The company is seeking clearance from the Trump administration to purchase memory from ChangXin Memory Technologies (CXMT). This week in Meta news Image: Meta Catch up on some of the latest Meta, WhatsApp, and Instagram updates that arrived throughout the week: WhatsApp gets a new final boss: Mark Zuckerberg announced that CRED's Kunal Shah will become the next global head of WhatsApp, as Will Cathcart steps down and moves to a new role at Meta. The social media giant invested money in CRED through a Series H funding round. AI glasses in 26 styles: A new line of Meta Glasses launched in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. Starting at $299, it comes in more than two dozen styles across different colors, lenses, and frames. More ways to doomscroll: Instagram for TV is now available on Samsung smart TVs launched in 2020 and later years. The company also announced that it's testing several new features on Instagram for TV, bringing it closer to YouTube and Netflix. This week in AI news Image: Microsoft Catch up on the latest artificial intelligence news updates that arrived throughout the week: Water-saving data center: Microsoft is building a gas-powered AI data center with a capacity of 2 gigawatts. The company will deploy a closed-loop cooling system, saying that its total lifecycle water use will be "only a fraction of that consumed annually by a typical fast-food restaurant.” OpenAI beats Claude Mythos: GPT-5.5-Cyber got a limited release for verified defenders. It scored 85.6% on CyberGym, compared with 81.8% for GPT-5.5 and 83.8% for Claude Mythos 5. The AI giant also announced a limited preview of its new GPT-5.6 model series, whose flagship model, GPT-5.6 Sol, is targeted at demanding reasoning and agentic workloads. Proceed with caution: The Trump administration instructed OpenAI to limit the distribution of GPT-5.6 to a small group of government-approved partners rather than the general public, as has happened in the past. Claude Tag: Anthropic launched its new AI teammate for Slack, enabling teams to delegate tasks to Claude directly within Slack channels. What makes it different is that it's designed to operate as a shared assistant for an entire team rather than a single user. Challenging US dominance: The UK government has funded £60 million ($70 million) to Oxford and UCL to keep the country in the AI race by building open-source, low-hardware alternatives. The two organizations will share the money over six years. Paying for AI development: One cost is the loss of human jobs. Oracle laid off about 21,000 employees (13% of its workforce) amid increasing AI adoption. The software giant said that AI advancement and adoption "may continue to result in reductions to our workforce." GitHub strips features: It removed the ability to manually detect an AI model from its Copilot Free and Student plans. In other words, its automatic routing system is the only way to choose a model. Are you a copycat? Anthropic accused Alibaba of creating about 25,000 fraudulent accounts to copy Claude's capabilities at scale. It told US lawmakers that operators linked to Alibaba generated 28.8 million exchanges with Claude between April 22 and June 5, 2026. Reserve my memory: The semiconductor company Micron revealed that AI companies are spending billions to lock up its memory years in advance. Its customers have locked in $22 billion worth of memory supply commitments. Another AI battle: A publisher group that collectively owns 400 newspapers sued OpenAI and Microsoft for scraping their content to build AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Copilot without compensation. Anthropic AI ban: The US government partially reversed the Anthropic AI ban, allowing it to restore Claude Mythos 5. However, it can only be deployed for a limited set of US organizations that operate and defend critical infrastructure. This week in Microsoft News In some of the hottest stories of the week: Windows 10 quietly gained a year of support and updates, Windows 11 KB5095093 released with a long list of features, and Windows 11 26H2 is finally getting the ability to disable web search results in Windows 11 Search. You can check out Taras's freshly baked Microsoft Weekly roundup to catch up on all the interesting stories this week. This week in science news Image by Pascal Küffer via Pexels Catch up on some of the latest science and out-of-this-world updates that arrived throughout the week: 13 billion-year-old secret: Scientists found that the universe's first molecule (helium hyride) reacted with hydrogen much faster in cold temperatures than previously believed. It's a new breakthrough that changes our understanding of early star formation. Cosmic Living Fossil: Astronomers found CR3, a surprisingly pristine 11.5-billion-year-old galaxy dubbed a "living fossil." It suggests the universe's first generation of stars formed much later than previously assumed. Einstein's 100-year-old theory: Thanks to relativity, researchers calculated that clocks on Mars tick 477 microseconds faster per day than on Earth. This minute gravitational difference is crucial for synchronizing future interplanetary space missions. Don't panic: NASA's James Webb Telescope finally eliminated the threat of asteroid 2024 YR4 striking the moon in 2032. The rocky giant will give us a safe fly-by without causing any harm. This week in gaming? The latest issue of Pulasthi's Weekend PC Game Deals curates several exciting games on sale this week. RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 Complete Edition and Voidwrought have replaced the old titles in this week's Epic Games Store giveaway. For Xbox Free Play Days, the new titles include House Flipper 2, Blades of Fire, and Assetto Corsa Competizione. Steam Summer Sale 2026 kicked off with discounts for everything from the newest games and retro gems to all sorts of DLC packs, until July 9. Meanwhile, NVIDIA GeForce NOW added support for several new titles, including Dark Scrolls, SAND: Raiders of Sophie, and EMPULSE. That said, here are some more stories from the gaming world: Age of Empires Mobile comes to PC, here's how to carry over progress from your phone Xbox Insiders get Xbox 360 achievements and Gamertag character upgrades Grand Theft Auto VI pricing revealed alongside Ultimate Edition and pre-loading details Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees" From the review corner This week, Steven published a review of the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro AI-powered NAS, featuring an all-metal exterior on the lines of the four-bay F4-425 series. Powered by the octa-core Intel Core N350, the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro is highly energy-efficient, operates quietly, and offers three M.2 slots. On the flip side, OpenClaw support requires removing security hardening (SPC), AI requires a paid subscription, the software feels like a beta, and the rubber feet constantly come unstuck. ZimaBoard 2 1664 Starter Kit Another NAS setup reviewed this week is the ZimaBoard 2 by IceWhale Technology. It comes in a small footprint with great modern hardware through a combo of Intel N150 and DDR5 memory support. On the downside, the memory is not upgradeable, ZimaOS is a bit barebones, factory reset requires USB flashing, and there is no automatic backup via the mobile app. Synology's BeeCamera software Christopher wrote his review of the software that powers BeeCamera Plus and said "the BeeCamera app is a great way to add private home monitoring to your network but there are some limitations." It's free with an easy setup process, fast response time, and good AI and detection features. However, there is no desktop version; it only works with Synology cameras, some configurations are difficult to set up on a phone, and it lacks the features of the surveillance station. More price drops! We got you covered with some hot tech deals all week. For some reason, if you missed out on a great discount, here is a summary of some recent deals that are still alive: Onkyo Dolby Atmos AV receivers are really solid deals 4TB TEAMGROUP MP44Q, 2TB T-Force G50, and 2TB WD My Passport SSDs drop to great prices Edifier S3000MKII hi-fi audiophile grade bookshelf speaker is at its lowest price now The best controller for XBOX and PC is down to the lowest price Limited time Prime Day deal cuts price of this Hisense 65" 4K smart TV in half To view all of our recent deals, click here. So, these were some of the biggest tech news and other updates from this week. There will be more issues of our 7 Days series in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned. You can also support Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing to extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option. Have a great weekend!
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