Android 16 Brings Major Security Upgrades and Smarter Anti-Theft Features

Android 16, the next major update for Android devices, is set to bring important security enhancements this summer. Google aims to combat fraud and prevent the exploitation of stolen phones with several new features. After introducing AI-driven tools in March to spot scam messages using common text patterns, Google is now expanding its approach. The tech giant is training its models to detect a wider range of fraud, including road toll scams, which have become more prevalent this year. Plus, Google Play Protect will now be quicker at identifying harmful apps.

One of the standout changes in Android 16 is the restriction on granting certain accessibility privileges during calls with unknown numbers. This is paired with the introduction of the Key Verifier feature, which prevents scammers from impersonating your contacts. The new tool allows users to exchange public encryption keys with trusted people, making it easier to verify each other's identities.

For users concerned about phone theft, Android 16 adds more layers of protection. A new feature, Identity Check, now requires biometric verification to alter sensitive settings if you're outside of a trusted location. Originally launched on certain Pixel and Galaxy phones in January, it will now be more widely available. This aims to prevent incidents where thieves steal phones by observing passcode entry in public spaces, a common issue in crowded places like bars.

Other anti-theft measures include a new security question when trying to disable remote locks, along with stricter limitations on actions taken after a factory reset. Android 16 will also hide two-factor authentication codes received via text on the lock screen if the phone has been offline or not unlocked for some time.

The update also introduces Advanced Protection, a centralized security feature that groups multiple settings together. Once activated, no part of the system under this umbrella can be turned off.

Google is also enhancing its Find My Device tool by expanding it into Find Hub. This new service allows users to track any object with a Bluetooth tag or smart technology. Devices equipped with ultra-wideband (UWB) will offer more precise location tracking, and satellite communication ensures functionality even outside cellular network coverage.

These updates were revealed during Google’s pre-recorded Android Show on May 13, which also highlighted the introduction of Material 3 Expressive design, expanded Gemini AI for Wear OS and Android Auto, and additional security improvements. Google plans to make further announcements about AI developments at the Google I/O 2025 conference, taking place from May 20 to May 23.

Read next: Google Homepage Pushes AI Mode Forward, Leaves 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button Behind
by Asim BN via Digital Information World

Google Homepage Pushes AI Mode Forward, Leaves 'I'm Feeling Lucky' Button Behind

Google has recently changed parts of its main search page, shifting more attention toward artificial intelligence technology. The updated AI Mode, now available to more users, appears in a prominent spot on Google.com (the home page). As spotted by some users on social media, it has taken over the space where the familiar "I'm Feeling Lucky" button used to exist.

This AI Mode was launched more broadly earlier in the month. It gives users a long, AI-written answer to their search questions, instead of showing short text snippets or links as before. In some account types, the button appears near the search bar. In others, it completely takes over the place where “I’m Feeling Lucky” used to be. The exact layout can depend on whether the user has AI Mode switched on and which test group they belong to.

The feature builds on last year’s AI Overviews rollout, but this new approach offers more full-length responses. These results come on a separate page, where users are shown a complete answer created by the AI system. People can use this by typing their query as usual and then clicking the AI Mode button, or directly going to google.com/aimode.

Google commented to media outlets that this homepage version of AI Mode is part of several ongoing experiments. It has not been declared as a permanent change.

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Besides the search changes, Google has also introduced a small update to its own branding. After around a decade, the main “G” logo has been refreshed. Instead of separating red, green, yellow, and blue into four segments, the colors now appear as a blended transition. This new look is also seen near the AI Mode area on the homepage.

The "I'm Feeling Lucky" button, once famous for skipping the search results and sending users straight to a selected page, has been less used in recent years. Data from 2007 suggested that only around 1% of searches involved the feature. Today, most people prefer typing directly into the browser address bar, making homepage buttons like this one less relevant.

While this change might seem small at first glance, it reflects a larger shift in how Google wants users to interact with its platform. The trend is going away from showing a list of links and moving more toward delivering one complete AI response.

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Other search companies are also racing to bring AI features into their platforms. Microsoft’s Bing was first among major players to integrate an AI assistant, powered by OpenAI technology, into its search results. Startups like Perplexity and You.com are pushing even further, offering direct answers and cited summaries instead of traditional link listings. These developments are increasing the competitive pressure on Google, which for the first time in decades is facing real risk to its dominance in the search space. With more people now relying on ChatGPT and similar AI bots to find quick information or even do research, Google is no longer just competing with search engines, it is competing with answer engines. For the company, this AI shift is not only a product challenge but an existential one.

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World

These Are the Common Email Phrases That Seem Polite but Read as Passive Aggressive

Emails at work are really important to stay connected with your colleagues and to communicate in a professional manner. But some workers also use passive aggressive statements in their emails that leave a bad taste in the mouth of whoever is reading that email. A survey of US office workers by Mailsuite shows that 86.09% of Americans have received passive aggressive statements from their co-workers.

To keep your relationship with your colleagues healthy and professional, there are some statements you should avoid using in your work emails. If you are using “just a friendly reminder” in your emails, just know that it doesn't give friendly feelings at all. Even though this statement seems friendly, it gives feelings of passive aggressiveness. Instead, try using “what is the current state of…..?” which is to the point. There is also another statement you may have found in your work email that is “thank you in advance”. It creates a sense of pressure on whoever is reading the email so you can use “thank you for any help you can offer.”

Some other common passive aggressive phrases in work emails are: “As you are, no doubt, aware…”, “as per my last email”, “correct me if I am wrong, but…” and “I am a little confused about”. All of these statements are somewhat rude or demanding. You should always check on how you’d feel if someone would say these statements to you in a passive aggressive way. If you are sending your co-workers emails about CC’ing your manager or boss for reference, it feels like you do not trust the ability of your co-workers to deal with the situation at hand. Be polite and make sure your co-workers feel included in all our discussions with the managers.

• Also read: Which Tech Giants Are Leading with the Toughest Interviews and Earning Candidates' Praise?

“Going forward” and “Please Advice” can also be perceived as passive aggressive so you should avoid using them too. If you want to make a genuine request, try using “In the future, we could….” And “I would appreciate your input. What would you suggest?”. Make sure your co-workers aren't feeling that you are being dismissive or disapproving by saying “If that's what you want to do…”. Use direct language and get to the point without coming off as judgy or rude.

Take a look at this infographic for more insights, curtesy of MailSuite.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

Apple Prepares Smarter Battery Controls Amid iOS 19 Launch Hopes

Apple appears to be lining up a targeted fix for one of iPhone’s most persistent headaches i.e.: unreliable battery endurance. Sources familiar with internal progress hint that the company is preparing a fully adaptive power management feature, set to debut with iOS 19 during June’s developer showcase.

The upcoming mechanism, which reportedly draws intelligence from user behavior directly on the device, aims to stretch battery mileage without hindering daily performance. Instead of enforcing static power profiles, the new system would quietly track personal habits — when you stream, game, idle, or charge — and make microscopic decisions accordingly. Resource-heavy actions may pause when power runs low. Other tasks might wait until plugged in.

Apple already provides battery-preserving options like charging delay settings and background throttling, but those tools treat all users similarly. The new approach, if finalized, leans on machine learning to adapt in real-time, reshaping how the phone operates based on one’s daily rhythm.

No public confirmation has emerged from Cupertino yet, and product strategies often evolve behind closed doors. Even within testing labs, not all prototypes pass through to final release.

Nonetheless, Apple’s deeper shift toward AI in power control marks a meaningful twist. With this year’s software cycle likely to be flooded with artificial intelligence integrations, a smarter battery could serve as a quiet but vital part of the overhaul. WWDC in June may pull back the curtain.

Image: DIW-Aigen

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• Best AI Tools to Instantly Enhance Photos Without Editing Skills
by Asim BN via Digital Information World

Best AI Tools to Instantly Enhance Photos Without Editing Skills

You scroll through your feed. Everywhere you look — you find sharp images, vibrant colors, perfect sizing. But you're no photographer, and yet, your post needs to keep up.

Different platforms demand different formats. Still, images appear clear, large, and professional. How’s that possible? It comes down to tools, not just talent.

Modern AI image enhancers quietly fix what the camera missed. They increase resolution, correct sizing, and avoid pixelation — all without touching Photoshop or any sophisticated software.

Say you’ve got an old picture, slightly blurry, not quite usable. You don’t toss it. You fix it. AI-enhancement tools sharpen details, boost clarity, and clean it up fast.

No jargon. No learning curve. Just click, adjust, and the image is ready — whether for your site, resume, or next post.

Best AI Image Enhancers

Here’s a list of the top AI image enhancers in 2025:

● AVCLabs Photo Enhancer
● PhotoDirector
● Photoroom AI Image Upscale Tool

● HitPaw Photo Enhancer
● Claid.AI
● Dezgo
● Vance AI
● DeepImage
● Picsart

AVCLabs Photo Enhancer

If you are looking for a desktop-based image editing software, AVCLabs Photo Enhancer is the one that is developed by Anvsoft Inc. It is built around AI-driven tools like noise removal, image upscaling, and face enhancement. AVCLabs Photo Enhancer also uses the Super Resolution deep learning algorithm, which helps upscale images without ruining the quality and detail.

There is also an option to enlarge images up to 400% and output resolutions reaching 4K or HD, and the AI helps adjust all the details and elements in the images, like contrast and brightness.

Specifications:
●Available for Windows and Mac
● Input formats of JPEG, JPG, BMP, PNG, WEBP, and JFIF are available
● Export formats of JPEG, JPG, BMP, and PNG are available
● Best for studios, professional creatives, agencies, and studios
● Not best for small businesses or casual users

Pros:
● Advanced AI features provide high-quality image enhancement
● It has a simple workflow where you can browse to import images or drag and drop
● Provides you with a Preview mode before saving the image
● Offers preset upscaling levels at 100%-400%
● Provides all-in-one adjustment like sharpening, color correction and deblurring

Cons:
● It is only available for Desktop
● Sometimes, there is slow processing for large or high-resolution images, which can take minutes
● The free version comes with watermarks or output images
● No previews for file size available before export
● Needs decent hardware to work

Pricing and Plans:
● Free trial includes a watermark on images
● Monthly plan starts from $19.95, while the annual plan starts from $79.95
● Also has a lifetime license at $159.90

How to Use AVCLabs Photo Enhancer?



To use AVCLabs Photo Enhancer:
1. Download and install the app on your desktop from its official site
2. Launch the app and then import your photo that needs AI enhancement
3. Choose the AI model you want to work with, and the scaling factor as well
4. Make any optional adjustments if needed, and then use the Preview icon to check the results.
5. Click Save All to process the image and then export it wherever you want.

PhotoDirector

PhotoDirector by Cyberlink is also a desktop photo editing software (plus they also offer Android and iOS apps), which has an AI Image Upscaler tool that lets users enhance their images up to 4 times their original size, while still ensuring that the quality and clarity aren't ruined. PhotoDirector also has many additional advanced editing tools, but it is specifically designed for desktop use.

Specifications:
● Runs on desktop for Mac and Windows and mobile devices as well
● Input formats like JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIF, and RAW files (CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW) are available
● Export formats like PNG, JPEG, GIF, BMP, and TIF are available
● Also has additional tools like object removal, Denoise, AI background removal, deblur, and a full image adjustment suite
● Export settings also include customizable quality, color profile, image resolution, and file size
● Anyone from beginners to professionals can use the PhotoDirector AI Image Upscaler Tool

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Pros:
● Has a comprehensive editing suite, and doesn't only focus on upscaling
● Has a very user-friendly interface with powerful features
● Also has an internal media library to tag, organize, and sort large folders
● Photographers can also edit RAW images

Cons:
● Has no batch processing, so images have to be upscaled one at a time
● Needs installation on desktop, so not good for lightweight systems or doing quick edits on web

Pricing Plans:
● PhotoDirector desktop has a free trial, but there's no access to the AI Upscaler
● Subscription for Suite 365 is $134.99 annually, which includes access to all tools as well as 100 GB cloud storage
● Lifetime license starts at $99.99 a month

How to Use the AI Image Upscaler in PhotoDirector?

To use the AI image Upscaler in PhotoDirector:
1. Download and install the PhotoDirector software from the official site of CyberLink.
2. Launch the app and then go to its main menu, where you have to click on AI Image Upscaler
3. Import your image through the important image option or drag-and-drop, and then choose your scaling option.

Photoroom AI Image Upscale Tool

Photoroom’s AI upscale is one of the most powerful suite of AI editing tools available on Android and iOS. It uses generative AI that creates new pixels to preserve the images instead of stretching them. The image quality also gets enhanced as the resolution increases.

The things which make Photoroom AI Image Upscale unique are that it doesn't leave images blurred and its advanced AI tool analyzes the pixels surrounding the images and generates new ones, which keeps the images sharp, and even at 4K resolution.

Specifications:
● It is available on iOS, Web app, and Android
● Input formats like JPEG, PNG, HEIC, and WEBP are available
● Export formats like JPEG, PNG, and WEBP are available
● Best for content creators, small business owners, enterprises, and creatives

Pros:
● Can upscale images up to 4K with only a few taps
● Works with low-resolution images as well
● Has additional AI tools like outpainting, background removal/replacement, and object removal
● Also adds text to images
● Batch editing for mobile and web is available
● API for large-scale editing
● Also provides team-sharing with a One Pro subscription, which covers two teammates

Cons:
● No offline desktop software
● A free trial is available, but AI Upscale is mainly a Pro-only feature

Pricing and Plans:
● Free Plan covers access to basic features like background removal
● Pro Plan starts at $4.99 per week, $12.99 a month, or $89.99 per year

How to Use a Photoroom AI Upscale Tool?

To use the Photoroom AI Upscale Tool:
1. Open the Photorom app on your device and go to All Tools and then Upscale.
2.  Sign into to you Google account to upload your image and choose an option to enhance, transform, or reimagine.
3. Click on Upscale and wait until the image gets processed, and then click on Done and Export the image to download.

HitPaw Photo Enhancer

HitPaw Photo Enhancer allows users to upscale their images up to 800%, and has built-in AI models for enhancing different types of images. This is a high-performance desktop solution, especially for users who need professional results.

Specifications:
● Available for desktop platforms like Windows and Mac. Its Android app is available as well.
● Several types of input and export formats are available
● Gives output resolution in 2K, 4K, HD, or 8K
● Best for small businesses as well as professionals
● AI enhancement models have a face enhancer, denoise, color correction, colorizer, and image sharpener

• Also read: 2025’s Best Social Sentiment Tools to Help Brands Know Customers Better

Pros:
● Can upscale up to 800% without compromising on performance and speed
● Has highly customizable output settings like DPI, resolution, metadata, and format
● Has an easy-to-use and user-friendly interface
● The free version also has batch processing
● Has all major formatting options

Cons:
● Has no web interface, so an Android app or a desktop is needed
● Watermarks on the free version
● It is a bit costly than other options
● A subscription is needed to access all features

Pricing Plans:
● Free trial comes with watermarks, while the monthly plan starts from $51.99.
● The annual plan starts with $169.99, while the lifetime license is $229.99
● The business plan for HitPaw Photo Enhancer is $406.99 per year and has volume discounts and multi-user controls

How to Use HitPaw to Enhance photos from 360P to 1080P Even 4K

1. Open HitPaw Enhancer on the desktop to the Android app and go to AI Enhancer on the side bar.
2. Upload images you want to upscale and choose a scaling level.
3. For export settings, click the Gear icon, click Preview, and then Export.
4. Use the same settings for batches by using ‘Apply to All’.

Claid.AI

A web-based AI image enhancer, Claid.AI, is primarily built for product photography and e-commerce. It helps improve the sharpness, quality, and overall presentation of images for online posts and marketing content. It is not a high-end professional photo editor, but it is beginner-friendly and helps enhance images using AI.

Specifications:
● It is a web-based platform.
● Best for marketers, e-commerce sellers, and casual users who are focused on product imagery
● Not best for users who need complex photo retouching

Pros:
● It is especially for product photography
● Has a simple user interface, and there's no learning curve required for it
● Free trial can enhance up to 5 images
● Has solid enhancement tools like blemish correction, sharpness, and color

• Related: Want to Edit Videos Like A Pro? Use these Best Free and Paid Video Editing Tools in 2025

Cons:
● The free version is limited
● Has no advanced editing tools for creative effects or retouching
● Needs a paid plan for full access

Pricing Plans:
● The free plan can enhance up to 5 images
● Starter plans start at $9 a month with basic features
● Pro plan is $39 a month with templates and advanced tools

Dezgo

Dezgo is a web-based AI image enhancer with text-to-image capabilities that gives users a prompt-driven editing experience. One of the best features of Dezgo is its ability to describe changes in natural language, which makes it super accessible to non-designers and casual users as well. The results can be a hit or a miss because of its generative nature, but it offers great image enhancements as well.

Specifications:
● It is web-based, which means no installation is required.
● Its core capabilities include image upscaling, AI image generation, text-based editing, and background removal
● It is best for product photographers, casual users, and social content creators
● Not good for professional creative control or portrait editing

Pros:
● No design skill is required to use Dezgo because it can do innovative prompt-based editing
● It is completely free to start and experiment with.
● Has a flexible toolset and supports background removal, upscaling, and image generation
● Has a pay-as-you-go pricing

Cons:
● Has limited control, and there are no fine-tuning tools or manual editing
● Gives inconsistent output, like distorted or unexpected results
● Not reliable for detailed edits or human features

Pricing Plan:
● It is free to use, but has a power mode as well, which removes image size restrictions, ads, and rate limits.
● It is not subscription-based and has prepaid credits.

Vance AI

By using Vance AI, you can enhance image quality using AI-powered tools with minimal effort. There are different tools available that do image upscaling, like noise reduction, color correction, and sharpening, and are best for anyone who is looking to improve the quality and clarity of their low-resolution images. It is easily accessible for everyone and produces professional results without any need for technical skills.

Specifications:
● It is web-based, which means no installation is needed.
● Its main features include noise reduction, upscaling, and color and detail enhancement.
● Best for content creators, casual users, and e-commerce sellers.
● Not best for technical and professional users

Pros:
● Has multiple AI-powered enhancement options
● No editing skills required to use Vance AI.
● Quickly processes images with high-quality results
● Has flexible and pay-as-you-go pricing

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Cons:
● Free trial only allows 3 image enhancements
● There's no free plan
● Has limited customisation options

Pricing Plans:
● The monthly plan includes 200 credits for $9.99 and 500 credits for $19.99.
● Pay-as-you-go pricing allows 600 credits for $24.99

DeepImage

DeepImage AI focuses on the enhancement of e-commerce and real estate product photography at a professional level. It is also integrated with platforms like Google Drive and Shopify, which makes it ideal for users who are managing a large number of product images. DeepImage has AI-driven sharpening, upscaling, noise removal, and more image enhancement features, and can also optimize images in bulk.

Specifications:
● It is web-based and is integrated with Google Drive and Shopify
● Its main features include sharpening blurry images, upscaling them to 4K, and removing any noise and JPEG artifacts
● It is good for online store owners, real estate agents, and marketers
● Not good for casual users or ones who want customized editing

Pros:
● Google Drive and Shopify integration
● Supports editing in bulk, which makes DeepImage ideal for large-scale image enhancement
● Sharpens and restores clarity in images up to 4K
● It is web-based, so no downloading of software is required

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Cons:
● Free trial only allows enhancements of 5 images
● It is more focused on business use, so it doesn't have facial editing options and artistic filters
● Has a pay-per-image model

How to Use DeepImage AI?
1. Go to Deepimage.ai website and upload the image manually or sync via Google Drive or Shopify
2. Select the enhancement features you want, like sharpen, upscale, or noise removal.
3. Process the images individually or in bulk, then download the results or auto-sync them to a cloud folder or Shopify.

Picsart

Picsart is a cross-platform AI-powered photo and video editor designed for casual creators, content marketers, and design enthusiasts. It blends standard editing tools with powerful AI features like background/object removal, AI Enhance, and text-to-image generation. Picsart also offers a design studio with stickers, templates, and collage layouts.

With cloud sync, the app works seamlessly across mobile, web, and Windows. Most AI tools require an internet connection, though basic offline editing is available via desktop.

Specifications:

● Available on Android, iOS, Web, and Windows

● Supports JPEG, PNG, and MP4 formats for input/output

● Includes tools for photo/video editing, stickers, templates, and social media graphics

● Best for casual users, influencers, and design hobbyists

● Not best for professional photographers or RAW workflows

Pros:

● All-in-one editor with AI-driven enhancement and object removal tools

● Thousands of ready-made templates for posts, banners, and thumbnails

● Cloud sync allows work on mobile and desktop without loss

● Regular feature updates including text-to-image, AI expand, and generative tools

● Extensive asset library includes stock images, videos, fonts, and stickers

Cons:

● Watermarks and limited features in the free version

● AI tools rely on credit limits, even on paid plans

● Internet is required for most advanced AI functions

● Can feel cluttered or overwhelming to first-time users

● Not suitable for advanced retouching or color grading

Pricing and Plans:

● Free version includes 5 AI credits/week, 100MB cloud storage, and standard tools

● Plus plan starts at $5/month (billed annually) with 200 AI credits and 5GB storage

● Pro plan starts at $7/month (billed annually) with 500 AI credits, brand kit, bulk editing, and 20GB storage

● Business/Enterprise plans offer team seats, API access, and advanced workflow support

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Image Enhancement?

Image enhancement is the process of making the size of a photo bigger without ruining its quality. Making the size of the photo bigger also means increasing the resolution and adding more pixels to the image.

How to Choose an AI Image Enhancer?

There are some things that an AI image enhancer should have, like ease of access, format, export formats, customization of exports, speed, and quality of upscaling. If an AI image upscaler has these things, it is good to use.

How to Enhance Images Without Losing Quality?

Using the best AI image enhancers is the only way to enhance images without losing their quality. The AI image enhancers mentioned in this article, enhance images using AI without making them lose their quality. Some other important tools that were not mentioned in the list are Cutout Photo Enhancer and Canva AI Photo Enhancer that you should try for quick results.

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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World

7 Free Tools Replacing Costly Creative Software for Budget-Conscious Users

A lot of people do not like “open source” software when it comes to using productivity software. As many get worried about their privacy and data, while some also do not have any idea how well an open-source software can work. But some consumers are becoming less reluctant to use open-source software, partly because it helps them save money. If you are looking for some good open-source productivity software, check out these seven software that provide a good workflow.

1- Krita

Image: Krita

If you need a fast and smooth open-source software to create vectors and rasters, Krita seems right up your alley. It works similar to Photoshop, and there's also an option to create GIFs with Krita’s animation. Krita also has AI capabilities, but still way less than Adobe Photoshop. If you are looking for a light web based Photoshop alternative Photopea should in your checklist.

2- Inkscape

Image: Logos By Nick / YT

Inkscape is everything you are looking for in Adobe illustrator. It has good compatibility, feature set and extensive plugin ecosystem that makes it have good functionality overall. It doesn't support CMYK natively so it's a better option if you are only doing digital projects.

3- Darktable

Darktable is a great alternative to Adobe Lightroom. Even though it is primarily made for Linux, you can use it on Mac and Windows too. It is completely free and you get the same result as Lightroom. One drawback of Darktable is that it doesn't have any cloud sync. You will have to manage your files on your own.

4- Kdenlive

Image: kdenlive

Kdenlive is a great video editing software which is similar to VEGAS and Premiere Pro. It may not be a good option for professional work but is good for editing casually. It is good for switching short clips with voice overs, but it can show some lags and bugs if the workload increases. Some other similar but not open sources options include CapCut and Clipchamp.

5- GIMP

Image: Davies Media Design / YT

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GIMP is the biggest competitor of Photoshop in terms of open-source software. It runs smoothly and is compatible with different types of files too. Once you get a hang of it, it is an easy software to use for editing. It has almost all the features that Photoshop has, you just need to discover them.

6- Audacity

Audacity provides a good platform to audio record and use simple effects. This open-source software is mostly used for podcasters and musicians who don't want to spend some money on paid software. It doesn't control MIDI controllers, but it still is good to turn audio into digital format.

7- LibreOffice

LibreOffice is a competitor to Microsoft Office, but there's no subscription or payment on LibreOffice. It has all the tools that you find in MS Office, including spreadsheets, word processing, databases, presentations and drawing capabilities. It is also compatible with Microsoft Office files, but can have some issues if some file has large amounts of data. So you might also want to play with Google Docs and its set of tools.

These were some of the best open-source software and tools that you can use for creativity and office work purposes. As they are free, they may not be the best, but they do the job perfectly fine and can bring some worth to your work.

Open-source software is a much safer alternative to pirated or torrented tools. While paid programs may offer more advanced features, using illegal versions often exposes users to malware, data breaches, and ransomware attacks. For those on a tight budget, choosing open-source tools is not only legal and ethical but also far more secure.

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Trump-Ordered Firing Raises Alarms Over AI’s Influence on Copyright Law

Shira Perlmutter is no longer running the U.S. Copyright Office. Her exit wasn’t announced with formality or explained in any government statement, but it quickly drew political heat — and deeper questions about how copyright law collides with artificial intelligence.

Her dismissal came from Donald Trump, according to multiple reports, though no official comment followed from his campaign or team. Still, her removal came just hours after her office circulated a draft report that spelled trouble for tech companies mining creative works to train AI systems.

The timing wasn’t subtle. The report didn’t offer final rulings, but its message was clear: training AI models on copyrighted books, articles, and art — especially for commercial gain — probably won’t qualify as fair use. Courts will have to make those decisions eventually, but the Copyright Office isn’t leaning in favor of the AI firms.

The report acknowledged that not every use would break the rules. Research and analysis might be fine. But taking huge volumes of creative material, using it to produce market-ready content, and doing it without permission? That crosses a line, the document implied.

Perlmutter had been appointed in 2020, during Trump’s earlier term. This week, he also removed Carla Hayden, the Librarian of Congress, who originally gave her the role. These two changes — close together — didn’t go unnoticed.

On Capitol Hill, reaction came fast. Some lawmakers pointed directly at Elon Musk, who has a personal and financial interest in generative AI. Musk runs xAI, an AI startup that’s now being folded into the social platform formerly known as Twitter. He also co-founded OpenAI, which remains at the center of several lawsuits accusing it of using copyrighted data improperly.

A statement from Representative Joe Morelle, a Democrat on a House oversight panel, suggested that Perlmutter’s refusal to back Musk's position on copyright may have triggered her removal. He didn’t offer documentation, but he pointed at the report’s publication as a likely tipping point.

Trump, for his part, shared a post on his social network referencing Perlmutter’s firing. The message didn’t clarify his reasoning, but it hinted at approval. Ironically, the post came from an attorney critical of the move, arguing that AI firms were aiming to exploit creators for profit.

Meanwhile, the Copyright Office stopped short of demanding new laws or crackdowns. It proposed allowing licensing systems to develop, so that creators might negotiate directly with AI firms. If that fails, the agency floated broader models — like collective licenses — to balance power in the marketplace.

• Also read: How to Avoid Common Prompt Mistakes for Clearer ChatGPT Responses

As of now, companies building AI models still face legal uncertainty. They're betting that courts will accept their use of protected content as transformative or educational. But growing pressure from artists, authors, and lawmakers is making that gamble riskier by the day.

Perlmutter’s departure isn’t just a staffing change. It signals that the coming fights over AI and copyright won’t just play out in courtrooms — they may start with personnel decisions in federal agencies.

Image: DIW-AI-gen

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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World