More stories

  • in

    NordVPN’s Meshnet ‘not going anywhere’ after all – thanks to customer revolt

    Charlie Osborne/ZDNETFollow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.ZDNET’s key takeawaysMeshnet allows users to create private, encrypted networks for sharing resources.Customer backlash inspired NordVPN to keep the service runningMeshnet will be open-sourced, but no transition timeline is in place.NordVPN has reversed its decision to close down Meshnet and will, instead, be opening it up to the open source community. Also: The best VPNs for rapid speeds and streamingOn Tuesday, NordVPN subscribers received an email noting that the community’s response to the news prompted the VPN provider to change its mind and keep Meshnet running. “Over the past month, many of you have spoken up about how much you value Meshnet, whether for tinkering with private networks, sharing files securely, or just gaming with friends,” NordVPN’s email reads. “Your passion made us take a hard look at our decision. So here’s the update: We heard you. Meshnet is not going anywhere.”NordVPN’s Meshnet is a service that enables users to establish an encrypted virtual network, allowing devices to remotely connect with each other. Up to 60 devices are supported for purposes including file sharing and gaming. However, after its 2022 debut, few NordVPN subscribers adopted the service. “As time went on, it became clear that while a small group of dedicated users valued Meshnet, it never really caught on the way we’d hoped,” NordVPN said. Also: Phishing training doesn’t stop your employees from clicking scam links – here’s whyMeshnet will now be open-sourced, allowing developers interested in the project to contribute. A timeline for this transition is being discussed internally, but there’s no date set for the open-source release. Still, I can see this type of project appealing to a large group of developers. In the meantime, Meshnet will remain open and supported, and the NordVPN team will investigate ways to expand its scope and enhance its appeal to a broader audience. During my recent visit to the Lithuania-based company, NordVPN researchers told ZDNET that the service may have been too complex to attract the attention of a large user base. So, the service was set to be closed in December 2025, with its lab team reassigned to improve the functionality and services of Nord Security’s VPN.Community backlash, however, led to a change of heart. Online, some users noted that they use Meshnet daily, it was one of their favorite features, and for some, Meshnet is the reason they subscribed to NordVPN in the first place. An online appeal was also created. Also: These popular free VPNs all share the same shady security practices – here’s whyMarijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, told ZDNET that it was this feedback from users — sent via social media, private messages, and support tickets — that revealed how valuable the service was to them. “They told us how they use the feature for secure file sharing, remote work, and staying connected with family and friends through gaming sessions,” the executive said. “Although only a small portion of our community actively uses Meshnet, their stories made it clear how valuable it is to them. That perspective made us reconsider our decision, and ultimately, we’ve decided to keep it.” More

  • in

    Popular Neon app that pays users to share call recordings remains down for now – here’s why

    sarayut Thaneerat/Moment via Getty Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways The Neon app has a security flaw that can expose call data. The app has been taken offline for now. The developer expects the app to return in one to two weeks. People trying to earn money by sharing their […] More

  • in

    Microsoft lets you pick a character for your AI – with its new Copilot Portraits feature

    Microsoft Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Copilot Portraits displays animated characters in a voice chat. The feature is available through Copilot Labs in the US, UK, and Canada. You need a $20-per-month Copilot Pro subscription to access it. When I want to speak to an AI, I often enjoy chatting […] More

  • in

    The Linux kernel just got some important upgrades – here’s what’s new in 6.17

    Jon Hicks/Stone/Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Linux 6.17 features significant CPU improvements. It addresses the eternal Spectre and Meltdown security holes. The next release, 6.18, will be a long-term support kernel. Linus Torvalds is the first to admit that there have been more exciting Linux kernel releases. […] More

  • in

    AI agents are transforming the healthcare and life sciences industry

    Just_Super/iStock/Getty Images Plus Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source<!–> on Google. ZDNET’s key takeaways Life sciences leaders say AI agents will be “essential” within two years. 97% say trusted data is essential for effective use of AI agents. 81% of R&D leaders surveyed are “very excited” about using AI.  Life sciences leaders are increasingly adopting […] More

  • in

    Should you spend $100 on a mouse? I found one that’s a game-changer at work

    Logitech MX Master 4 <!–> ZDNET’s key takeaways The Logitech MX Master 4 mouse is available now for $119. It improves on Logitech’s flagship pro mouse lineup with haptic feedback, a premium build, and lots of customization. It’s not exactly cheap, and I wouldn’t recommend it for gaming. –> <!–> Follow ZDNET: Add us as a […] More

  • in

    Microsoft has lost its way

    JASON REDMOND/AFP via Getty Images Satya Nadella is only the third CEO Microsoft has had in its 50 years of existence, which is mind-blowing when you think about it.  Back in 2017, when he was still only a few years into his role at the top of the company’s org chart, Nadella (with the help of […] More