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Windows 11 Start Menu Refresh, AMD Benchmark Scandal, Disney TV Blackout, AI Legal Risks and Flash Memory Price Surge

Windows 11 Start Menu Refresh, AMD Benchmark Scandal, Disney TV Blackout, AI Legal Risks and Flash Memory Price Surge

Introduction

The tech landscape is shifting fast, and this week’s headlines illustrate the breadth of change—from operating‑system redesigns and questionable marketing tactics to fabricated performance data, high‑profile content disputes, and emerging security concerns. Below, we break down the most significant developments affecting Windows users, PC enthusiasts, content streaming services, and even the legal profession.

Windows 11 Gets a Refreshed Start Menu

Microsoft’s latest Windows 11 update introduces a new Start menu that finally feels complete. The redesign merges pinned apps with the full app list into a single scrollable view and adds three layout options:

  • Category view – groups apps by type.
  • Grid view – classic tile arrangement.
  • List view – compact vertical list.

A long‑requested feature, the recommended section can now be hidden, eliminating the intrusive “cursed” recommendations that many users complained about. The rollout will be gradual over the coming weeks.

Beyond the UI – Upcoming Windows 11 26H1

Microsoft is also testing the next major build, Windows 11 26H1, which is expected to focus on better support for ARM processors. While this could improve performance on ARM‑based devices, it may come at the expense of broader feature enhancements for the platform.

Microsoft’s Influencer‑Driven Copilot Campaign

In parallel with the UI update, Microsoft has launched an aggressive marketing push for its Copilot AI assistant. The strategy relies heavily on social‑media influencers—particularly TikTok creators—to showcase how Copilot can assist with tasks such as Excel formulas. While the approach taps into a younger audience, it raises questions about credibility when productivity tools are promoted alongside unrelated content like skincare routines.

AMD Benchmark Controversy: Fake Ryzen 7 9700X3D Scores

A recent Reddit post revealed that a user and his friends fabricated benchmark results for an unreleased AMD Ryzen 7 9700X3D CPU. By modifying system reports from an over‑clocked 9700X and renaming it, they generated inflated PassMark scores that were subsequently cited by tech news outlets.

Lessons for the Community

  • Never trust a single online benchmark without verification.
  • Cross‑reference results with multiple sources and reputable testing labs.

The incident underscores the importance of rigorous validation, especially when dealing with pre‑release hardware.

Disney+ and YouTube TV Blackout Escalates

A dispute over a new content‑distribution agreement has left Disney‑owned channels unavailable on YouTube TV. Google alleges Disney seeks higher pricing for its live‑TV service, while Disney claims Google is demanding below‑market rates.

In an effort to maintain viewer engagement, Disney streamed College GameDay for free on Twitter, targeting the passionate college‑football audience. Despite this, YouTube TV subscribers have expressed growing frustration over the blackout.

Flash Memory Prices Surge Amid AI Demand

Manufacturers such as SanDisk, Transcend, and InnoDisk are raising flash‑memory prices by up to 50 %. The surge is driven by heightened demand for AI workloads, which are pushing NAND costs higher.

  • Consumers eyeing high‑capacity SSDs (e.g., 4 TB drives for gaming libraries) will face steeper price tags.
  • The market shift may make data backup decisions as much about budget strategy as about data safety.

A recent analysis of court documents identified 509 cases where AI tools were misused, including fabricated citations and entirely fictitious cases generated by large‑language models such as ChatGPT.

Judges and bar associations currently allow AI assistance in legal work, provided the attorney takes responsibility for the output. This policy places the burden on legal professionals to verify AI‑generated content, highlighting the risk of relying on unchecked automation in the justice system.

Security Concerns Over Chinese‑Made Electric Buses

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is investigating whether Chinese‑manufactured electric buses could be remotely disabled. A similar vulnerability was discovered after a Norwegian‑operated bus was parked in a mine and found to be potentially controllable from afar.

The findings raise broader questions about remote shutdown capabilities in modern vehicles and the potential for ransomware‑style attacks on public transportation.

Real‑World Gaming Gear: Death Stranding 2 Exoskeleton

Co‑creator Kojima Productions and partner DNS have announced a limited‑edition real‑world exoskeleton inspired by Death Stranding 2. Designed with artist Yoji Shinkawa, the Z1 Exoskeleton Pro promises:

  • 50 % increase in walking power.
  • Battery monitoring via in‑game‑style LED indicators.
  • Availability in time for the holiday season.

The product blurs the line between cosplay and functional wearable technology, offering fans a tangible piece of the game’s futuristic aesthetic.

Conclusion

From a polished Windows 11 Start menu to unsettling price hikes in flash storage, the week’s tech news reflects both innovation and growing pains. While Microsoft strives to improve user experience, its marketing tactics and the ARM‑focused roadmap hint at strategic pivots. Meanwhile, the AMD benchmark fraud serves as a cautionary tale about the need for verification in an era of rapid hardware leaks.

Content‑distribution battles, AI‑driven legal mishaps, and vehicle cybersecurity concerns remind us that technology’s impact extends far beyond gadgets, influencing legal frameworks, public infrastructure, and even entertainment merchandise. Staying informed—and critically evaluating the sources behind each headline—remains essential for anyone navigating today’s ever‑evolving tech ecosystem.

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