Microsoft says it’s committed to improving Microsoft 365 by shutting Publisher down, and you have 2 months to save your files

windowslatest.com Aug 10, 2026

Microsoft says it’s committed to improving Microsoft 365 by shutting Publisher down, and you have 2 months to save your files

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Aug 10, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft announced that Microsoft Publisher will be discontinued on October 1, 2026, ending its availability to Microsoft 365 subscribers. In an email to customers, the company said usage data showed Publisher was rarely used, prompting a reallocation of resources toward higher‑traffic services such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, New Outlook, and AI‑driven Designer. Existing Publisher users have two months to convert their files to Word or PDF, after which the app will be inaccessible through the subscription. The retirement also applies to perpetual‑license versions, with Office 2021 LTSC support ending on October 13, 2026, leaving those copies potentially vulnerable. Microsoft framed the move as a commitment to improve the overall Microsoft 365 experience by focusing on tools its customers actually use.

💡 Why It Matters

· Removing a legacy desktop publishing tool frees engineering capacity for AI‑centric features that dominate enterprise productivity roadmaps.
· Users must act now or lose access to their custom templates, highlighting the practical risks of abrupt platform retirements.

Read full article on windowslatest.com

“‘We’re fixing that,” Microsoft admits error that caused new OneDrive Photos app…

Microsoft inadvertently pushed a new “OneDrive Photos” app to millions of Windows 11 PCs, sparking user backlash. The app, a web‑based photo viewer hidden in the standard OneDrive client, appeared in the Start menu and Windows Search after a switch on Microsoft’s side mistakenly exposed the incubation project. EVP of Apps and Agents Jeff Teper confirmed on X that the rollout was broader than intended and that the traditional Windows Photos app will remain available with local and cloud options. He said Microsoft will correct the error, re‑hide the app where it shouldn’t appear, and later release the new photo experience for desktop, web, and mobile after gathering feedback. This follows previous complaints about forced installations of Microsoft 365 Copilot and other apps.

💡 Users see forced software as a breach of control, and Microsoft’s quick acknowledgment shows a shift toward greater responsiveness to consumer pushback.

techcrunch.com · Aug 10

Google Play adds Venmo as a payment option

Google Play announced today that it will support Venmo as a new payment method for purchasing games, apps, add‑ons, subscriptions and creator tips. Users can link a Venmo account in the Play Store’s payment settings and pay with the Venmo wallet, a linked bank account or a debit/credit card stored in Venmo. The addition joins existing digital options such as PayPal, Cash App and major card networks already available in the United States. Internationally, Google Play has been testing cash‑based payments at physical locations. The move comes as global spending on mobile apps and games continues to rise, with Sensor Tower reporting over $167 billion in combined iOS and Play Store in‑app purchases in 2025, a 10.6 % year‑over‑year increase.

💡 Integrating Venmo taps a widely used peer‑to‑peer platform, potentially expanding Google Play’s checkout convenience and capturing a larger share of the growing in‑app purchase market.

pep.ph · Aug 10

ASK MERALCO: Which hotline to call for power emergencies?

The Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco) has outlined specific channels for customers to report power emergencies and service interruptions. Reliable electricity remains a critical utility for Filipino households, supporting daily activities, remote work, and food preservation. While blackouts often result from severe weather damaging infrastructure, prompt reporting accelerates restoration efforts. Meralco operates several 24/7 contact methods, including a Facebook Messenger channel, official X and Instagram accounts, and text messaging services for Smart and Globe subscribers. Customers can also call the main hotline at 16211 or the business line at 16210. Additionally, the My Meralco App is available for iOS and Android devices. To expedite assistance, Meralco advises customers to have their Customer Account Number ready. Residents are encouraged to check if neighbors are affected to distinguish between isolated household issues and wider distribution problems. Identifying visible hazards, such as fallen lines or sparking transformers, helps dispatchers prioritize responses and ensure public safety during electrical emergencies.

💡 Knowing the precise contact method for your specific situation prevents wasted time during critical outages. Distinguishing between a tripped breaker and a grid failure allows utility crews to deploy resources more efficiently, reducing overall restoration times for affected communities.

us.headtopics.com · Aug 10

The Fastest HR Systems to Implement

BambooHR and Gusto rank as the quickest HR platforms to deploy, with BambooHR leading thanks to its unified system and guided setup. Rapid implementation depends on hands‑on data migration help, prebuilt workflows and a modern, mobile‑first interface. BambooHR typically goes live in two weeks for a small team, while Workday rollouts can extend to many months or 18 months. Buyers often focus on price and features and miss the calendar gap, which can vary dramatically across vendors. A nine‑platform roundup rates each system by realistic launch timelines, noting that headcount, data condition and payroll integration affect speed. A single, connected suite—combining HR, payroll, recruiting and analytics—reduces integration work and speeds adoption. These speed advantages help companies meet deadlines and retain talent.

💡 Faster go‑live timelines let organizations allocate resources to strategic initiatives rather than prolonged implementation projects.

techradar.com · Aug 10

This new TV tracking app could do for shows what Letterboxd does…

Bingers, a new television tracking application developed by the co-founder of TV Time, aims to replicate the social and organizational success of Letterboxd for movie enthusiasts within the TV viewing space. The app features a polished, aesthetically pleasing interface with large, customizable posters and backdrops for each series. Users can quickly add shows to their watchlists and mark episodes or entire seasons as watched with minimal friction through single-tap interactions. To facilitate easy migration from competitors, Bingers allows users to import existing data directly from TV Time, TV Time Liberator, or Refract. While the application is still in its early stages, it addresses common user frustrations with previous TV tracking tools by prioritizing visual appeal and streamlined functionality. The platform seeks to fill a gap in the market where dedicated, user-friendly show-tracking solutions have historically struggled to gain widespread adoption compared to their book and movie counterparts.

💡 The app targets a specific demographic of viewers who crave the communal and organizational benefits of Letterboxd but have lacked a comparable platform for television. By enabling seamless data migration from established rivals, Bingers lowers the barrier to entry for users seeking a more visually engaging and efficient way to catalog their viewing habits.

indianexpress.com · Aug 9

MySpace set to return? What we know about the nostalgic social network’s…

MySpace’s co‑founders, Tim and Chris Vanderhook of Viant Technology, announced in a new documentary that they still own the brand and plan to relaunch the once‑dominant social network, though no launch date was given. The revival follows a failed 2013 comeback attempt and arrives amid growing user fatigue with algorithm‑driven platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. Nostalgic interest in retro tech and concerns over social‑media addiction have spurred speculation that a simpler, less‑curated MySpace could attract users seeking an alternative. The proposed return would enter a crowded market already facing legal scrutiny and potential bans aimed at curbing teenage screen time. Industry observers note that MySpace must adapt to modern expectations while leveraging its nostalgic appeal.

💡 A refreshed MySpace could tap the rising demand for low‑algorithm, nostalgia‑driven digital spaces, offering a counterpoint to today’s attention‑grabbing feeds.