Microsoft has released an out-of-band (OOB) update to fix a security vulnerabilities affecting Windows 11 Enterprise devices that receive hotpatch updates instead of the regular Patch Tuesday cumulative updates.

The KB5084597 hotpatch update was released yesterday to fix vulnerabilities in the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) management tool that could allow remote code execution when connecting to a malicious server.

“Microsoft has identified a security issue in the Windows Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) management tool that could allow remote code execution when connecting to a malicious server,” reads an advisory from Microsoft.

“This issue only applies to a limited set of scenarios involving Enterprise client devices running hotpatch updates and being used for remote server management.”

The KB5084597 update is for Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2, as well as Windows 11 Enterprise LTSC 2024 systems.

Microsoft says the vulnerabilities fixed by this hotpatch are tracked as CVE-2026-25172, CVE-2026-25173, and CVE-2026-26111, which were fixed as part of the March 2026 Patch Tuesday updates.

“An attacker authenticated on the domain could exploit this vulnerability by tricking a domain-joined user into sending a request to a malicious server via the Routing and Remote Access Service (RRAS) Snap-in,” reads the description for all three flaws.

The company says the hotpatch update is cumulative and includes all fixes and improvements from the March 2026 Windows security update released on March 10.

While the vulnerabilities were already fixed on Patch Tuesday, installing cumulative updates requires devices to be rebooted. However, some devices are used for mission-critical applications and services that cannot be easily rebooted.

To protect these types of devices, hotpatch updates apply new vulnerability fixes by performing in-memory patching of running processes to deliver fixes. At the same time, they update the files on disk so that the next time the device reboots, the fixes are still present.

Microsoft says it previously released hotfixes for these flaws, but re-released them yesterday “ensure comprehensive coverage across all affected scenarios.”

However, Microsoft says the hotpatch will only be offered to devices enrolled in the hotpatch update program and managed through Windows Autopatch, where it will be installed automatically without requiring a restart.

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Few electric scooters can touch 70 mph, let alone flirt with 100. Determined to close that gap himself, President Chay spent several weeks in his workshop piecing together something truly out of the ordinary. At the heart of it were three QS273 motors, each capable of putting out 30,000 watts on their own, adding up to a staggering 90,000 watts at peak output. Power came from three separate battery packs, each running at 72 volts and 45 amp hours, with every single pack requiring 600 individual lithium ion cells to build.

All that battery capacity translated directly into range, with calculations suggesting the scooter could cover more than 100 miles on a full charge. Keeping everything stable under that kind of weight and power was its own engineering challenge, and the answer was a robust aluminum frame built to absorb the stress without flexing. Dirt bike forks handled the front end, while custom steel brackets at the rear kept the axles locked firmly in place. Additional bracing was added around the neck and the belly of the frame to house all the electronics and keep the whole thing composed when the torque really starts to build.

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Suspension came next, with simple shocks and pillow block bushings fitted to keep all four wheels planted on even the roughest surfaces. By the time everything was bolted together and a rider climbed aboard, the whole machine tipped the scales at 400 pounds. Hit full throttle and none of that weight seemed to matter in the slightest. Fifty miles per hour arrived in roughly two seconds, leaving a very convincing set of black marks on the pavement as proof.

Testing started with a single motor on a controlled stand, and the numbers were immediately eye opening, with wheel speed climbing past 120 miles per hour before hitting its limits. Out on the open road with all three motors singing together, things got seriously interesting. The quickest run saw the GPS clock 99.4 miles per hour, close enough to the century mark that the team celebrated as though they had actually cracked it. What nobody quite expected was how planted and composed the scooter felt at those speeds. They even had the rider lift both hands off the handlebars for a stretch, and the scooter just carried on without so much as a wobble.

The ultimate test came in the form of a side by side drag race against a stock Gotrax scooter, and it was over almost before it began. The custom build launched off the line and was gone, leaving the Gotrax looking rather sorry for itself. Even after all those high speed runs the range held up impressively well, which was a result in itself.

A fresh Windows 11 bug is causing serious headaches for some PC owners, and Samsung laptop users appear to be bearing the brunt of it. Microsoft has confirmed reports that certain devices running recent Windows 11 builds can suddenly lose access to the system drive after installing a February 2026 security update.

When the issue triggers, users see the error message “C: is not accessible – Access denied”, effectively locking them out of the drive where Windows and most applications reside. The company says it is actively investigating the issue and working with Samsung to determine the root cause. For affected users, though, the problem can render their machines partially unusable.

Why are Samsung laptops being hit the hardest?

According to Microsoft’s release health documentation, the issue has been reported mainly on Samsung consumer devices such as the Galaxy Book 4 series running Windows 11 versions 24H2 or 25H2. Add to that, it’s predominantly in regions like India, Brazil, Portugal, and South Korea, indicating the bug isn’t limited to a single market.

Early investigation suggests the bug may be connected to the Samsung Share application, though Microsoft says the root cause has not yet been fully confirmed. The problem appears after installing the February 2026 Patch Tuesday update (KB5077181), which corresponds to OS build 26100.7840. Interestingly, the failure isn’t tied to any specific user action. Instead, it can surface during routine tasks like opening files, launching apps, or performing administrative operations. Once triggered, Windows may suddenly deny permission to the system drive, breaking access to files and programs stored on it.

What actually happens when the bug strikes?

The impact goes well beyond a simple error message. Affected systems may fail to launch everyday software such as Outlook, Office apps, web browsers, and Windows utilities, because those programs rely on files stored on the C drive. In some cases, the permission issues also prevent users from elevating privileges, uninstalling updates, or even collecting diagnostic logs.

Some users online have suggested temporary workarounds, such as manually changing file ownership permissions for the entire system drive. However, doing so could weaken Windows’ built-in protections and expose the system to further risks. For now, Microsoft has not provided an official fix. The company says it is investigating the reports alongside Samsung and will share more information once the root cause is confirmed.

There’s been significant growth in solar panel installations, as more of us look for ways to become energy-independent (or at least offset some costs).

Having had solar installed recently (check out my BOXT Solar review for more details), I’ve had time to crunch some figures and do some testing to really get into how good solar is and whether it’s worth investing in.

A note on the price cap

How long solar panels take to pay back depends on a lot of things, but one of the most important ones is the amount you would otherwise have to pay for electricity.

While the current price cap will see electricity prices fall from April 1, the market remains quite unstable, and the situation in Iran could well lead to price increases three months later.

Despite that instability, the one thing that seems certain is that we’re unlikely to suddenly be able to buy clean electricity at such a low price that solar panels would be hard to justify.

In general terms, the payback time shouldn’t fluctuate too much. If anything, rising electricity prices will actually make solar seem like a better value.

So, in the UK, home of the constant drizzle and cloudy days, is solar really worth it?

Anthropic said the expansion reflects Ireland’s growing position as a hub for AI adoption.

Artificial intelligence (AI) safety and research company Anthropic today (13 March) announced plans to create 200 new jobs by 2027 amid the expansion of its Dublin operations into a new, larger premises. The new roles will be in engineering, sales, finance, legal and compliance, and operations.

Anthropic stated that the expansion is in response to “strong enterprise demand in Europe”, as regional revenue has grown 11-fold year on year, driven by enterprises, digital-native businesses and start-ups that are building with Claude.

The organisation also suggested that the expansion is a reflection of Ireland’s growing position as a hub for AI adoption. 

Commenting on the jobs announcement, Daniela Amodei, the president and co-founder of Anthropic, said: “We’re expanding our Irish operations to meet strong enterprise demand across Europe. What we hear consistently from Europe’s largest businesses is that they want AI they can trust, systems that are safe, reliable and built with their interests in mind. 

“That’s exactly what Anthropic exists to provide and Dublin is the ideal base to deliver it. The talent here is exceptional and we’re proud to be deepening our commitment to Ireland at this pivotal moment for AI adoption in Europe.”

Irish businesses currently utilising Anthropic’s Claude technology include Wayflyer, Tines and Manna. Claude is also used by students here; Zerostrike, a start-up established by three Trinity College Dublin students and one Dublin City University alumnus, recently won first place at HackEurope – a major European coding competition – with a Claude-based project on wildfire prevention. 

On the jobs announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, TD said: “Anthropic’s major expansion in Ireland is a strong vote of confidence in our thriving technology ecosystem and our position as a global hub for AI innovation, supported by world-class research, a highly skilled workforce and a pro-innovation policy environment. 

“Our recently launched digital and AI strategy – Digital Ireland: Connecting our People, Securing our Future – sets out the Government’s strong ambition to ensure the economy reaps the benefits of digital and AI for growth and competitiveness, to enhance our public services as well as to empower our people to thrive in a digital society.” 

Tech giant Microsoft recently announced plans to launch Copilot Cowork, which is a tool based on Anthropic’s popular Claude Cowork. Reportedly, it is part of a larger initiative to take advantage of the growing demand for autonomous agents.

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Parallels, the company best known for making the virtualization that enables you to run Windows and other operating systems on a Mac, has confirmed that Parallels Desktop is compatible with the MacBook Neo.

At launch it was unclear if Apple’s new $600 possessed the under-the-hood heft to run Windows apps, but in a recently updated on its website, Parallels said that initial tests show its software running “stably,” although performance is still being assessed.

The MacBook Neo uses an A18 Pro chip, which debuted in the However, as this chip is based on the same ARM architecture as M-series chips for Mac, it’s still capable of running Parallels’ Windows virtual machine.

But there is a caveat to all this. Just because you can do something, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. While Parallels Desktop could theoretically be a viable option for Neo owners who are only interested in light Windows use, anything that puts a significant strain on the CPU or GPU is going to present a problem.

This is because the MacBook Neo only ships with 8GB of RAM, and as Parallels highlights, Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM to run. That leaves a very small amount of remaining headroom for macOS and your Mac apps to run alongside Windows, which is going to noticeably hurt the laptop’s performance. Add to that the lack of a cooling fan, meaning the chip will reduce clock speeds when it detects a heavy CPU or GPU load, and this definitely isn’t a device for power users.

If you really want to dabble with Windows on a Mac, Parallels recommends picking up an Apple laptop with 16GB of unified memory or more, like the new or a MacBook Pro. And for those content with macOS and looking to save some money, we dubbed the MacBook Neo the best $600 laptop we’ve ever in our recently published review.

OpenAI offers app integrations in ChatGPT to allow you to connect your accounts directly to ChatGPT and ask the assistant to do things for you. For instance, with a Spotify integration, you can tell it to create personalized playlists that will show up right in your Spotify app.

To get started, make sure you’re logged into ChatGPT. Then type the name of the app you want to use at the start of your prompt, and ChatGPT will guide you through signing in and connecting your account.

If you want to set everything up at once, head over to the Settings menu, then click on Apps and Connectors. You can browse through the available apps, pick the ones you like, and it’ll take you to the sign-in page for each one. 

However, it’s important to note that connecting your account means you’re sharing your app data with ChatGPT. Make sure to review the permissions you’re giving when you’re linking your accounts. For example, if you connect your Spotify account, ChatGPT can see your playlists, listening history, and other personal information. (Sharing this info helps personalize the experience, but if you have privacy concerns, consider whether you’re comfortable with this level of access before connecting.)

You can also disconnect any app whenever you want, right from the Settings menu.

Available apps

Angi

Angi is one of the most recent companies to launch an in-app experience within ChatGPT. The online home service marketplace gives users a way to ask home improvement questions directly in the AI chatbot and request to be matched with an Angi professional in one place. Users can ask about house projects and repair guidance, then request a quote and be directed to Angi, where they can continue the experience with its own AI assistant.  

Booking.com

This integration with the online travel giant is designed to help travelers, especially first-time visitors in need of suggestions for where to stay.

Once you link your Booking.com account, you can ask ChatGPT to find hotels in your preferred city based on your dates and budget. You can also specify how many people are coming and whether you want the hotel near public transport. ChatGPT aims to make this process more intuitive than searching directly on the Booking.com site. Plus, you can be more specific, like searching for options “with breakfast included.” 

When you find a hotel you like, just open the Booking.com listing to complete your reservation.

Canva

Canva in ChatGPT is a helpful tool for graphic designers and anyone else who needs to generate visual content quickly. Whether it’s for a social media post, a poster, or a slide deck for a presentation, this may be a good way to help kickstart your project and brainstorm ideas. 

Once you connect your Canva account, you can ask ChatGPT to design something like “a 16:9 slide deck about our Q4 roadmap” or “a fun poster for a dog-walking business.” You can include specifics such as the fonts you prefer, color schemes, formats (like Instagram posts or stories), and exact dimensions. 

AI-generated designs are seldom perfect, with occasional distorted images or spelling mistakes. However, some users may find this better than starting from scratch, and they can jump into Canva at any time to tweak their design and make it look just how they want.

Coursera

Coursera’s integration is designed to help you quickly discover the best online courses for your skill level. For instance, you can then tell ChatGPT to find an “intermediate-level course on Python.” You can then tell the chatbot to compare course options by rating, duration, and cost before enrolling. ChatGPT can also provide a quick rundown of what exactly each course covers.

DoorDash

DoorDash introduced its ChatGPT integration in December 2025, which aims to save time on meal planning and grocery shopping. Users can ask the chatbot for a meal plan and instantly add all ingredients to their DoorDash cart, then review and check out.

​Currently, this feature is available only to users in the U.S., with participating grocery retailers, including Kroger, Safeway, Fairway Market, Wegmans, and more.

Expedia

ChatGPT can display hotel options and flights via Expedia without leaving chat. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape or a longer trip, it can find flights that fit your travel dates, budget, and number of travelers. You can narrow things down by saying stuff like “Only show 4-star hotels.” Once you see something you like, go to Expedia to finalize everything and book your trip.

Figma

To use Figma in ChatGPT, you can ask it to generate diagrams, flow charts, and more. This is helpful for turning your ideas and brainstorming sessions into something more tangible. It may also be useful for visualizing complex concepts or workflows.

You can also upload files and ask the chatbot to generate a product roadmap for your team. This roadmap can include milestones, deliverables, and deadlines, helping your team stay organized and focused on their goals.

Quizlet

Quizlet recently launched a native app within ChatGPT, allowing students to convert AI conversations, notes, or documents into study materials and flashcard sets. Plus, users can now enter an active practicing mode in ChatGPT, where they can access Quizlet’s library of millions of study sets.

Spotify

One of the most helpful aspects of using Spotify in ChatGPT is the ability to quickly create playlists and listen to new recommended songs tailored to your specific tastes. You can ask it to create a playlist based on your current mood, or just a playlist that only includes tracks by your favorite band. 

It can also suggest new artists, playlists, audiobooks, and podcast episodes. Additionally, ChatGPT can perform actions on your behalf, including adding and removing items from your Spotify library. 

Target

Retail giant Target strategically launched a beta version of its ChatGPT integration before Black Friday. This feature allows shoppers to ask the chatbot for gift suggestions and quickly create a shopping basket with multiple items without leaving ChatGPT. For example, users can request ideas for a movie night, and the chatbot will provide a curated selection of available Target items. Shoppers can add these items to their cart and make a purchase using their Target account. They can then choose from same-day “Drive Up,” in-store pickup, or standard shipping.

Uber

If you’re planning a trip, the Uber integration makes it easy to find ride options, which is especially useful if you’re in a new country. You can set up your trip in the ChatGPT app, then complete the ride request and payment in the Uber app.

Currently, it’s only available in the U.S., and it doesn’t let you book rides in advance; only on-demand rides are available. You can choose from options like UberX, UberXL, Comfort, and Black.

There’s also an Uber Eats integration for U.S. users, so you can check out local restaurants and menu items within ChatGPT, then finish paying in the Uber Eats app.

Wix

In March 2026, website builder Wix launched its integration, allowing users to prompt ChatGPT to create a functional website with just a text or voice prompt. Users can describe the capabilities they want the website to have, how it should look, and other desired features. Additionally, existing Wix users can manage their business within ChatGPT, which can handle scheduling, payments, SEO, accessibility, performance, security, and more.

Zillow

If you’re looking for a new home, Zillow in ChatGPT could make the search experience more straightforward. Using a simple text prompt, you can find homes that meet your criteria and apply filters to narrow the results. Whether you’re looking for a specific price range, number of bedrooms, or particular neighborhoods, you can specify these details in your prompt, making the search process much more efficient and tailored to your needs. 

What’s next?

Alongside the announcement that OpenAI would bring apps into ChatGPT, the company also said it plans to welcome additional partners soon, including OpenTable, PayPal, and Walmart. These will launch in 2026. 

The rollout of ChatGPT’s app integrations is currently limited to the U.S. and Canada. Users in Europe and the U.K. are excluded for now.

This story has been updated to include newly launched integrations.

Watch March Madness 2026 live streams as 68 schools battle it out over the course of 67 games in 21 days to determine this year’s NCAA national champion. Below we have all the info on how to watch college basketball from anywhere in the world with details on worldwide TV channels, broadcasters and free streaming online.

Having started all the way back in November, the long college basketball season is set to come to its fast and furious climax. The beginning of the end kicks off with Selection Sunday (March 15) where the all-important brackets are decided, followed by the First Four round (March 17 & 18) in which a quartet of colleges play for the right to join the Big Dance.

Artificial intelligence chatbots are facing growing scrutiny after several recent cases linked online conversations with violent incidents or attempted attacks. Legal filings, lawsuits, and independent research suggest that interactions with AI systems may sometimes reinforce dangerous beliefs among vulnerable individuals, raising concerns about how these technologies handle conversations involving violence or severe mental distress.

Alarming Cases Spark Concern

One of the most disturbing incidents occurred last month in Tumbler Ridge, Canada, where court documents claim that 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar discussed feelings of isolation and an escalating fascination with violence with ChatGPT before carrying out a deadly school attack. According to the filings, the chatbot allegedly validated her emotions and provided guidance about weapons and past mass casualty events. Authorities say Van Rootselaar went on to kill her mother, her younger brother, five students, and an education assistant before taking her own life.

Another case involves Jonathan Gavalas, a 36-year-old man who died by suicide in October after reportedly engaging in extensive conversations with Google’s Gemini chatbot. A recently filed lawsuit claims the AI convinced Gavalas that it was his sentient “AI wife” and directed him on real-world missions meant to evade federal agents. In one instance, the chatbot allegedly instructed him to stage a “catastrophic incident” at a storage facility near Miami International Airport, advising him to eliminate witnesses and destroy evidence. Gavalas reportedly arrived armed with knives and tactical gear, but the scenario described by the chatbot never materialized.

In a separate incident in Finland last year, investigators say a 16-year-old student used ChatGPT for months to develop a manifesto and plan a knife attack, which resulted in three female classmates being stabbed.

Growing Worries About AI And Delusions

Experts say these cases highlight a troubling pattern in which individuals who already feel isolated or persecuted engage with chatbots that unintentionally reinforce those beliefs. Jay Edelson, the attorney leading the lawsuit involving Gavalas, said the chat logs he has reviewed often follow a similar trajectory: users begin by describing loneliness or feeling misunderstood, and the conversation gradually escalates into narratives involving conspiracies or threats.

Edelson claims his law firm now receives daily inquiries from families dealing with AI-related mental health crises, including suicide cases and violent incidents. He believes the same pattern may appear in other attacks currently under investigation.

Concerns about AI’s role in violence extend beyond these individual cases. Research conducted by the Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) found that many major chatbots were willing to assist users posing as teenagers in planning violent attacks. The study tested systems including ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Meta AI, Perplexity, Character.AI, DeepSeek, and Replika. According to the findings, most platforms provided guidance on weapons, tactics, or target selection when prompted.

Only Anthropic’s Claude and Snapchat’s My AI consistently refused to help plan attacks, and Claude was the only chatbot that actively attempted to discourage the behavior.

Why The Issue Matters

Experts warn that AI systems designed to be helpful and conversational can sometimes produce responses that validate harmful beliefs instead of challenging them. Imran Ahmed, CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, says the underlying design of many chatbots encourages engagement and assumes positive intent from users.

That approach can create dangerous situations when someone is experiencing delusional thinking or violent ideation. Within minutes, vague grievances can evolve into detailed planning with suggestions about weapons or tactics, according to the CCDH report.

Calls For Stronger Safeguards

Technology companies say they have implemented safeguards intended to prevent chatbots from assisting with violent activities. OpenAI and Google both maintain that their systems are designed to refuse requests related to harm or illegal behavior.

However, the incidents described in lawsuits and research reports suggest those safeguards may not always work as intended. In the Tumbler Ridge case, OpenAI reportedly flagged the user’s conversations internally and banned the account but chose not to notify law enforcement. The individual later created a new account.

Since the attack, OpenAI has announced plans to revise its safety procedures. The company says it will consider notifying authorities sooner when conversations appear dangerous and will strengthen mechanisms to prevent banned users from returning to the platform.

As AI tools become more integrated into everyday life, researchers and policymakers are increasingly focused on ensuring these systems cannot be manipulated into amplifying harmful beliefs or facilitating real-world violence. The ongoing investigations and lawsuits may ultimately shape how companies design safety systems for the next generation of conversational AI.