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6 Aug 2025

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Bridgerton actress agoraphobic after phone attack
Genevieve Chenneour says she no longer feels safe in London after a violent struggle in a cafe.

National Youth Theatre says rape and grooming charges against Cole Johnston don't relate to time working there
Auckland entertainer, Cole Thomas Johnston, is facing charges of indecent assault and sexual violation against a girl aged 12 to 15.

Taylor Britt, Mojave King power Tall Blacks past Iraq at Asia Cup
Judd Flavell’s New Zealanders got it right when it mattered to notch a runaway victory on the opening day in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

De-Google your life: These 17 privacy-obsessed apps will set you free
Google knows what we search for, where we go, who we email—and diligently stores it all as well. For many users, this has long been too much of a “good thing”. If you want to live a more digitally self-determined life, you can gradually turn your back on the data giant from Silicon Valley. But to do that means you’ll also need to find alternatives for services such as Google Search, Gmail, Maps etc. Sounds like a lot of effort? It doesn’t have to be. We show you how you can gain more privacy with just a few clicks. Without sacrificing convenience: Replace Google search: No more data snooping Data protection instead of a data octopus: DuckDuckGo shows search results without tracking or personalized advertising.Sam Singleton Google search delivers brilliant results—but it lets them look deep into your personal life. If you don’t want to be tracked while surfing, you can rely on search engines that take privacy seriously. DuckDuckGo DuckDuckGo is perhaps the best-known Google alternative. It completely dispenses with tracking, does not store IP addresses and still delivers solid results, especially for general search queries. No user profiles are created and no search histories are recorded. The results come from a mix of its own crawlers and partly from Bing, but occasionally with slightly less accuracy compared to Google. Pro: Pure data protection, quick and simple changeover from other search engines (also mobile). Cons: Fewer personalized hits, weaker results for niche topics. Startpage Startpage shows anonymized Google search results—without any tracking, cookies or personalized advertising. This means we get the usual quality of Google searches without our personal data being stored. The service originates from the Netherlands and is subject to European data protection standards. Pro: Best results with privacy. Cons: Slightly longer loading times, adverts in the mix (but they’re discreet). Gmail? No thanks: Emails without readers Tutanota is a German email provider with a zero-tracking philosophy.Sam Singleton Google scans emails (usually automatically) to personalize advertising and services. If you prefer a more discreet approach, switch to a mail provider with a focus on security. Thankfully, we have plenty of choices, as Gmail is one of the Google services that is easiest to replace. Proton Mail Proton Mail is a secure e-mail service from Switzerland that consistently focusses on data protection. Emails between Proton Mail users are automatically end-to-end encrypted, and password protection can be set up for external recipients. The servers are located in Switzerland and are therefore subject to strict data protection laws. The web interface is modern and easy to understand, there are apps for Android and iOS as well as a bridge for classic mail programs. Pro: Strong encryption, servers outside the USA. Cons: Interface takes some getting used to, limited storage in the free plan. Do without Android: De-Googling your smartphone /e/OS is a completely “de-Googled” open source operating systemSam Singleton Android may be open source, but the Google services it contains are not. If you want a smartphone that is as “Google-free” as possible, you have to dig deeper into your bag of tricks—or try something completely new. /e/OS /e/OS is a privacy-friendly Android operating system that works completely without Google services. Instead, it offers its own apps, an alternative app store (Aurora Store) and synchronization via its own /e/ cloud. Many well-known smartphones (such as Samsung and Fairphone) can be reloaded with /e/OS or purchased pre-installed as a “de-Googled Phone”. It’s ideal for everyone who wants to use Android without being tracked by Google. Pro: Compatible with Android apps, many devices supported. Cons: Somewhat technical to set up, not all apps run perfectly. GrapheneOS (for advanced users) GrapheneOS is a particularly secure Android derivative that was specially developed for Pixel smartphones. It is aimed at experienced users and focusses on maximum security, system hardening, and data protection. Google services are not included as standard, but can be installed manually if required (sandboxed)—GrapheneOS is not designed for the “normal” use of Google services. Pro: Extremely secure, hardly any data leakage. Cons: For technology fans, not “plug & play”, requires some know-how and effort Goodbye Google Maps: How to navigate with privacy Map service without tracking: The open source app Organic Maps does not use advertising, does not collect any user data, and works completely offline.Sam Singleton Google Maps knows our routes—oftentimes better than we do. Fortunately, there are alternatives for privacy fans that come with less prying eyes. Organic Maps Organic Maps is an open source navigation app that is based on OSM (OpenStreetMap) maps and works completely without an internet connection. The app does not use tracking or advertising, which makes it particularly privacy-friendly. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who wants to navigate reliably offline, Organic Maps also offers practical functions such as route planning and voice prompts. Pro: Works without the internet, ideal for travelling. Cons: No traffic data, weaker POI search. Magic Earth The Magic Earth map service combines OpenStreetMap data with its own maps and provides a privacy-friendly alternative to Google Maps. In addition to navigation, the app also offers real-time traffic information, offline maps and an overview of cycle paths and footpaths. With a focus on privacy, Magic Earth does away with user tracking and advertising, but remains functional and user-friendly. Pro: Good maps, many features, no data transfer. Cons: Less well-known places are sometimes harder to find. Byebye Google Chrome: Fast, but nosy Far less widespread than Chrome – but a real high-flyer in terms of data protection and customisation: the Firefox browser.Sam Singleton Chrome is the top dog among browsers, but it’s also a real data hoover. If you want to surf without being watched, you can switch to these alternatives: Firefox Firefox is the classic among free browsers—fast, secure, expandable. Developed by the Mozilla Foundation, Firefox places great emphasis on transparency and data protection. The browser is flexible and can be highly customized with numerous add-ons: from ad blockers to cookie control. Pro: Many data protection add-ons, active community. Cons: Sometimes a little slower than Chrome. Brave Brave is a Chromium browser with in-built tracking protection and ad blocker. It blocks adverts, trackers, and fingerprinting by default, even without extensions. Pro: Very fast, good privacy by default. Cons: Partial crypto integration, which not everyone wants. No more Google Docs: texts and spreadsheets with better data protections ONLYOFFICE is a really strong alternative to Google Docs.Sam Singleton Practical, collaborative, usable everywhere: these are the strengths of Google Docs. But if you don’t want to store your documents on US servers, there are also good alternatives. ONLYOFFICE ONLYOFFICE is a powerful office suite that works with Word, Excel and PowerPoint-compatible documents and works both online and offline. The platform is particularly suitable for team collaboration and offers extensive functions for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations. Compared to Google Docs, ONLYOFFICE offers more control over your own data, as the software can also be installed on your own servers. Pro: Compatible with Word, Excel & Co. Cons: Somewhat technical to get started (but easy to use in the cloud). CryptPad CryptPad is a web-based office suite that places particular emphasis on data protection and security by storing all data end-to-end encrypted. Users can work together on documents, spreadsheets or presentations without the operator having access to the content. Ideal for anyone who values anonymous use and maximum data sovereignty. CryptPad also offers functions such as surveys, whiteboards, and markdown editors. Pro: Can be used completely anonymously, no registration required. Cons: Fewer functions, not ideal for large teams. Alternatives for Google Drive: Cloud storage without data snooping Tresorit is a cloud provider from Switzerland with a focus on security for teams and individuals.Sam Singleton Google Drive is convenient, but scans content for its own purposes. If you prefer encrypted storage, you should take a look at these services: Tresorit The cloud storage service Tresorit is based in Switzerland and focuses on security and end-to-end encryption. Files are encrypted before being uploaded so that even Tresorit has no access to the content. The servers are located in Europe, which is a clear advantage for users from the EU in terms of data protection. Ideal for companies and private individuals who want to store and share sensitive data securely online. Pro: End-to-end encryption, GDPR-compliant. Cons: More expensive than Google Drive. Snyc.com The Canadian cloud service Sync.com relies on zero-knowledge encryption. This means that only you have access to your data, not the provider. The service is easy to use, offers apps for all platforms and is ideal for team collaboration. There are no trackers or adverts here either, and even with the free entry-level plan you can get a lot done. It’s a strong Google Drive replacement with significantly more privacy. Pro: Good usability, can also be used free of charge. Cons: Sometimes slower uploads, English-language version. Google Photos is not irreplaceable: Archive your memories without the prying eyes Immich is a self-hosting photo management system with AI functions – without Google.Sam Singleton Google recognizes faces, places, and objects in pictures. And while this is impressive, it’s too much for many people. If you want to store your photos securely, you need alternatives. Immich Immich is an open-source solution for managing and backing up photos on your own server or NAS. The user interface is reminiscent of Google Photos—including face recognition, albums, timelines and AI-supported search. All data remains local and under your own control. Ideal for anyone who wants maximum privacy and is prepared to bring some technical know-how to the table. Pro: Face recognition locally, no cloud compulsion. Cons: Technical expertise required. Internxt Photos Simple cloud service with a focus on encryption: Internxt Photos stores images in the cloud—completely end-to-end encrypted so that no one but you can access them. The app is simple, functional and available for desktop and mobile devices. It has server locations in numerous place including in the EU, and no advertising or tracking. Particularly suitable for anyone who wants to store their photos securely online without relying on big tech providers. Pro: GDPR-compliant, intuitive operation. Cons: Fewer features than Google Photos. Bonus tip: Independence from YouTube—is that even possible? YouTube is hard to replace – also because you can find The Full Nerd videos there.Sam Singleton To be honest: not really. YouTube is not just a video portal, but has long been a gigantic archive for tutorials, documentaries, music, live streams and nerd knowledge. If you don’t use it at all, you’re missing out on a lot. Nevertheless, there are ways to become at least a little more independent—or to use YouTube more sparingly. NewPipe NewPipe is an alternative YouTube app for Android (for using YouTube) that works without a Google account, does not show adverts and also has a background mode on board. Pro: No registration required, no tracking, videos can be downloaded directly. Cons: Only for Android, no commenting or liking possible. Peertube Peertube is a free, decentralized video network that sees itself as a counterpart to YouTube. Content comes from many small instances, without a nosy large corporation behind it. Unlike the NewPipe app presented above, it’s a genuine alternative to YouTube with its very own content. Pro: Open source, ad-free, community-based. Cons: Smaller offering, difficult to browse. Conclusion: Escaping the Google universe step by step In the modern, digitalized world, living without Google is almost as difficult as living without electricity. But it is possible, at least in part. If you consciously look for alternatives, you can reduce tracking, strengthen data protection, and gain more control over your own data. Opting out doesn’t have to be a radical break: even small steps (such as an alternative browser or a new search engine) can have a big impact.

Globant adds new interoperability to expand AI platform
Globant enhances its Enterprise AI platform with new protocols enabling seamless integration and collaboration across major AI environments and tools.

Ex-Premier League star arrives at court charged with 5 counts of rape
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey welcomes “the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer says.

Your PC’s mouse has hidden powers. Here’s how to unlock them
For years, I never used the extra buttons on the side of my mouse, and mostly just viewed them as a nuisance. Too often I’d click them by accident and trigger some unwanted action, like navigating back to the last page in my web browser. Lately, though, I’ve taken control of those extra mouse buttons and made them a big part of my workflow. All it took was an attitude adjustment and some free software for Windows and macOS. This column first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. Sign up to get tech advice like this every Tuesday. How I’m using my extra mouse buttons I use a Logitech MX Master 3S mouse, which has a clickable scroll wheel on top and two extra buttons under my thumb on the left side. Here’s how I’ve set them up now: Left side buttons: Move to the next or previous virtual desktop with Windows Task View or macOS Spaces. Learn more about my relevatory experience with Windows Task View. Click the left and right mouse buttons simultaneously: Reveals the Task View menu in Windows or Mission Control menu in macOS. Click the right and middle mouse buttons simultaneously: Shows the desktop in Windows or macOS. Middle mouse button: Activates the voice-to-text dictation keyboard shortcut in Wispr Flow for Windows or Superwhisper for macOS. Of course, you don’t need to use these exact functions. You can map your mouse buttons to more common functions (like copy and paste or media controls) or set them to launch specific apps. Or, if you’re just annoyed by your mouse’s extra buttons, you can set them to do nothing at all. Some mice come with their own apps for programming their extra buttons, such as Logi Options+ for Logitech products. But if your mouse doesn’t have its own software, or if you find the software too limiting, you can turn to free third-party apps instead. Mapping mouse buttons in Windows Jared Newman / Foundry On the Windows side, X-Mouse Button Control is a free app (with optional donations) for remapping the buttons on any mouse. Open the app and you’ll see a list of mouse buttons, each with a drop-down menu for choosing what that button should do when you click it. The menu has lots of predefined commands, like “Alt-Tab” and “Reveal Desktop,” but you can also use the “Simulated Keys” setting to trigger any keyboard shortcut from your mouse. X-Mouse Button Control also offers a neat “Button Chording” feature, which lets you press two mouse buttons at once to trigger additional actions. (It’s now how I prefer to open Task View on my desktop PC.) Adding an extra layer of mouse controls while holding Shift+Ctrl.Jared Newman / Foundry Dig further into the app and you’ll find even more ways to program your mouse. The “Button Held” option lets you program actions by long-pressing a mouse button, and the “Layers” feature can map an entire set of extra functions to each button, for instance while holding down the modifier keys on your keyboard. (You can set up this layer control under Settings > Modifier Keys.) Mapping macOS mouse buttons LinearMouse for macOSJared Newman / Foundry macOS has a bunch of neat apps for programming your mouse buttons, but if you just want a simple option without any fancy chording or layering features, Linear Mouse gets the job done for free. Programming your mouse buttons in Linear Mouse is easy: just head to the Buttons tab, click the “+” button, then press the mouse button you want to set up. You’ll see a drop-down menu with a list of potential actions to assign to that mouse button. Basic button mapping in SteerMouseJared Newman / Foundry For more advanced mouse controls, I recommend SteerMouse, which costs $20 but offers a 30-day trial with no payment info necessary. SteerMouse has the same basic button remapping features as LinearMouse, but it also offers a “Chords” feature that lets you perform extra actions by clicking two mouse buttons at the same time. To set this up, just head to the Chords tab, hit the “+” button, and choose a pair of mouse buttons. You can then use the “Function” menu to choose what happens when you click them. With SteerMouse, you can also combine mouse buttons with keyboard modifiers such as Cmd and Shift to perform extra actions. To set this up, click your desired modifier keys at the bottom of the app so they’re highlighted in gray, then click the mouse button you want to assign. Now you can assign a function that only triggers when the modifier key is pressed. (You can combine these modifier keys with Chords as well, effectively allowing for dozens of mouse-based shortcuts.) SteerMouse offers extra commands by clicking two mouse buttons togetherJared Newman / Foundry Note: These apps require Accessibility permissions on macOS, allowing them to perform computer functions on your behalf. Once installed, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Accessibility, then enable the toggles for either LinearMouse or SteerMouse. A final word of caution With apps like SteerMouse and X-Mouse Button Control, it’s easy to go so overboard with shortcuts that you have trouble remembering them. My advice is to start small, with just a handful of common actions that you can’t perform as easily with your keyboard or on-screen menus. Once you find the right mouse functions, though, you’ll be wondering how you ever used your computer without them. This column first appeared in Advisorator, Jared’s weekly tech advice newsletter. 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