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The Guardian reports on a growing movement of music and film fans abandoning streaming services in favour of physical media such as CDs, DVDs and vinyl records. Many say they are tired of algorithmic recommendations deciding what they watch and listen to, and value the ownership, sound quality and deliberate choice that physical formats offer. The trend reflects wider frustration with streaming platforms' catalogues shifting and curation feeling imposed rather than chosen.

Imbue, an AI research company, has published an essay arguing that personal computing is ready for a second revolution. It contends that today's computers serve platforms and advertisers rather than users, and calls for a shift toward machines that act as genuine personal agents, using AI to understand and act on an individual's behalf. The piece frames this as 'Personal Computing 2.0', echoing the early ideals of the original personal computer era.

Commentary is circulating on how AI agents are changing the online travel industry, asking which companies and consumers stand to win or lose as automated assistants take over search, comparison and booking tasks. The discussion focuses on the shifting balance between traditional online travel agencies and AI-driven tools, and what the transition means for travellers and incumbent platforms.

A Mastodon user has publicly asked the platform's developers to improve the iPhone app's feed refresh. They say that when they reach the end of the timeline, the required pull-down gesture to load more posts is too large for their thumb, forcing them to shift their hand or use another finger. The request highlights accessibility and one-handed use concerns for the decentralized social network's mobile app.

Russia has begun paying salaries in digital rubles for the first time, a milestone for the country's central bank digital currency pilot. The move shifts some wage payments onto the digital ruble, run on the Bank of Russia's platform, and marks an early practical use of the currency beyond testing.

The Internet Computer blockchain has quietly surpassed 300 billion total transactions, a milestone that arrived alongside the shutdown of Blast. The network's transaction volume highlights its scale in the competitive blockchain space, even as it receives little fanfare compared with rivals. The simultaneous closure of Blast has drawn attention to shifting fortunes across crypto platforms.

Netflix will stream some Disney films and television series, according to reports. The news has drawn attention as Disney has largely pulled its content from Netflix to build its own streaming service, so any return of Disney titles to the platform would mark a notable shift in the two companies' streaming rivalry. Details on which titles and which regions are covered remain unclear.