April 26, 2025, Redmond, Washington – Microsoft has released the KB5055627 update for Windows 11, introducing a range of AI-driven features and bug fixes aimed at enhancing productivity, particularly for Copilot+ PC users. This preview update, available through the Release Preview Channel, offers a glimpse into how AI is transforming computing experiences, making tasks like searching and multitasking more efficient.

The KB5055627 update, which brings Windows 11 24H2 to build 26100.3915, is an optional, non-security release, as detailed in Microsoft’s official support bulletin. Users can install it now to test its features before the mandatory rollout in May 2025 during Patch Tuesday. For those juggling multiple tasks across apps and devices, this update could streamline daily workflows significantly.

One of the standout features is Windows Recall, exclusive to Copilot+ PCs with a 40+ TOPS NPU. This AI-powered tool tracks activities across apps, websites, and documents, allowing users to search their history using natural language queries like “find the document I edited last week.” Microsoft has prioritized privacy by requiring users to opt-in and enroll in Windows Hello for secure access to activity snapshots, addressing concerns about AI data privacy. This focus on security is timely, especially as AI tools like Microsoft Copilot continue to evolve with new personal AI features.

The update also enhances Windows Search with semantic indexing, enabling natural language queries such as “show me photos from my summer trip.” This feature operates offline and now supports AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs, expanding its compatibility. For users who frequently search for files, this improvement could save time and reduce frustration. It builds on Microsoft’s broader AI initiatives, similar to how Apple is using AI for user data privacy in its ecosystem.

Beyond AI, the update improves device connectivity. A new mobile sidebar integrates with Phone Link and Link to Windows apps, allowing users to make calls, send SMS, and share content seamlessly between their PC and mobile devices. This feature could be particularly useful for those who rely on tools like WhatsApp for communication, which recently introduced advanced privacy controls. Additionally, the update fixes rendering issues in the Start menu for “Sign out” and “More options” buttons when text size is adjusted, enhancing accessibility. File Explorer now includes a “Recommended” section for Microsoft 365 files, making recent documents easier to access.

Key Features of KB5055627

Here’s a quick overview of the major updates:

• Windows Recall tracks activities for easy retrieval (Copilot+ PCs only).
• Enhanced Search supports natural language queries offline.
• Mobile sidebar enables calls and SMS via Phone Link.
• Bug fixes improve Start menu rendering and File Explorer usability.

For users interested in exploring other AI advancements, OpenAI’s GPT-4.1 launch offers a comparative look at how AI is shaping technology in 2025. Additionally, those looking to stay updated on tech trends might find value in learning about Instagram’s AI-driven teen detection features, which highlight the growing role of AI in digital platforms. As Microsoft continues to integrate AI into Windows 11, this update marks a step toward a more intuitive computing experience. Have you tried KB5055627? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

WhatsApp has rolled out a significant privacy upgrade that allows users to prevent others from taking screenshots, forwarding messages, or exporting conversations. The new Advanced Chat Privacy feature represents one of the messaging platform’s most substantial privacy enhancements in recent years, giving users unprecedented control over their communications.

The feature, which began rolling out this week to WhatsApp’s global user base, enables users to establish enhanced protection for sensitive conversations by eliminating common methods of content sharing. Unlike traditional messaging controls, this new system prevents recipients from capturing or redistributing message content through technological restrictions rather than mere policy enforcement.

“With Advanced Chat Privacy, users can ensure their most sensitive conversations remain truly private,” explained a WhatsApp spokesperson. “This builds upon our commitment to end-to-end encryption by addressing what happens to messages after they’re received.”

The new privacy controls can be applied to both individual and group conversations through the chat settings menu. When activated, participants will see a notification indicating that advanced privacy has been enabled, along with an explanation of the resulting limitations. The setting can only be modified by the person who initially enabled it, ensuring consistent protection across the conversation.

Security experts have praised the update as addressing a longstanding vulnerability in messaging privacy. While end-to-end encryption has protected messages in transit, previously there were limited protections against authorized recipients sharing content beyond the intended audience. The new controls help close this gap by technically restricting redistribution methods.

However, the feature has generated some controversy regarding data retention. When Advanced Chat Privacy is enabled, the protected conversations cannot be included in backups or exported from the app. For users who rely on backups to preserve important conversations or transfer them between devices, this limitation could create complications.

“The feature creates a clear trade-off between absolute privacy and convenience,” noted mobile security analyst James Chen. “Users will need to be strategic about which conversations they apply these protections to, especially if they regularly switch devices or need to maintain records.”

The technical implementation prevents screenshots through the standard operating system functions on both Android and iOS. Additionally, when users attempt to forward content from protected chats, they’ll receive an error message explaining that the action is not permitted due to privacy settings.

For businesses that use WhatsApp’s business platform, the feature introduces new considerations for record-keeping and compliance. Many regulated industries require communications to be archived, which conflicts with the restrictions imposed by Advanced Chat Privacy. WhatsApp has indicated that business accounts will have modified implementations that balance privacy with regulatory requirements.

The feature also prevents Meta’s AI systems from accessing protected conversations, addressing growing concerns about large language models training on private communications. Users can now ensure that their most sensitive exchanges remain inaccessible not only to other users but also to the platform’s own artificial intelligence systems.

To enable Advanced Chat Privacy, users need to update to the latest version of the app, then navigate to the specific chat they want to protect. From the chat information screen, a new “Advanced Privacy” option appears, which can be toggled on or off by the conversation initiator.

Digital rights advocates have generally responded positively to the development, noting that it gives users more agency over their communications. “This is about restoring control to users in an era where everything seems designed to be shared, screenshotted, and redistributed without consent,” explained digital privacy advocate Marcus Reynolds.

The feature’s rollout comes amid increasing regulatory pressure on encrypted messaging services worldwide. Various governments have pushed for backdoor access to encrypted communications, claiming national security concerns. WhatsApp’s additional privacy enhancements signal the company’s commitment to user confidentiality despite these pressures.

For everyday users, the primary benefit lies in the ability to have truly ephemeral conversations without worrying about future distribution. This could be particularly valuable for sensitive personal discussions, confidential work communications, or situations involving shared personal information.

WhatsApp has confirmed that the feature will be available to all users worldwide by the end of May, with the staged rollout helping to identify and address any implementation issues before full deployment.

add an extra layer of protection to your chats 🔒 advanced chat privacy stops media downloads, block chat exports, and keep your messages between you and who you’re talking to pic.twitter.com/8wmh2OCgQL

— WhatsApp (@WhatsApp) April 23, 2025

Preorders for the Nintendo Switch 2 kick off on April 24 at key U.S. retailers, with consoles priced at $449.99 and the Mario Kart World bundle at $499.99. Shoppers will be able to reserve units starting at midnight ET at Target, Walmart, and Best Buy, while GameStop is offering online reservations from 11 a.m. ET.

Nintendo’s delay from the originally planned April 9 date, prompted by evolving tariff concerns, has left eager fans marking their calendars for the console’s June 5 launch.

With over 2 billion Switch systems sold to date, the Switch 2’s preorder rollout represents one of the biggest retailer campaigns in Nintendo’s history. Major chains have announced staggered start times and special pickup windows, while accessory price hikes and limited stock forecasts add urgency for prospective buyers.

Two weeks after announcing a retail preorder delay “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” Nintendo confirmed preorders will begin April 24 with no change to the $449.99 base price or the $499.99 bundle that includes Mario Kart World.

GameStop told customers on X that in‑store reservations open when doors physically open on April 24, while its website will accept online orders at 11 a.m. ET. Target’s website shows a 12 a.m. ET launch for preorders of both the console and accessories, and Walmart confirmed a simultaneous 12 a.m. ET start, promising delivery by 9 a.m. on launch day for orders placed by June 4 at 8 a.m. ET. Best Buy will also begin taking orders at 12 a.m. ET via both its mobile app and BestBuy.com, with most stores opening for in‑store pickups at midnight local time on June 5.

Although Nintendo’s own online store has not yet confirmed exact timing, most analysts expect it to follow the same midnight ET schedule. Prospective buyers should consider bookmarking or creating retailer accounts in advance and setting alerts through Briskfeeds’ preorder guide to avoid oversold stock.

Retailer Timelines and Perks

• GameStop: In‑store preorders start when “doors open” on April 24; online at 11 a.m. ET. Exclusive trade‑in credit offers are rumored for members.

• Target: All preorders—including Joy‑Con and Pro Controller—open at 12 a.m. ET. Target Circle members may receive early access alerts.

• Walmart: Opens at 12 a.m. ET; guarantees delivery by 9 a.m. on launch day for orders placed by June 4 at 8 a.m. ET.

• Best Buy: Midnight ET orders via app/website; in‑store pickup begins June 5 at 12 a.m. local time. Reward certificate offers may apply to My Best Buy members.

Amazon’s participation remains unconfirmed; customers eager to buy there should watch the Hollywood Reporter’s preorder overview for updates.

Pricing, Bundles, and Accessory Hikes

Nintendo reaffirmed the Switch 2’s MSRP at $449.99, making it the company’s priciest console at launch. The $499.99 bundle includes a digital code for Mario Kart World, a newly announced kart‑racing title timed to showcase the Switch 2’s boosted graphics and processing power.

Accessories saw modest increases—an extra $5 for Joy‑Con 2 pairs and the Pro Controller—cited as adjustments reflecting “market conditions,” though Nintendo noted further pricing shifts could occur. Standard game prices for digital and physical releases—$79.99 for Mario Kart World and $69.99 for Donkey Kong Bananza—will remain unchanged at launch.

Despite concerns that tariffs might have driven these hikes, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser later clarified that pricing decisions were based on the console’s premium positioning, not solely external levies. Analysts from Fortune observed that the $449.99 tag, while high compared to competitors, aligns with a broader industry trend toward higher MSRP for next‑gen hardware.

Why the Delay—and What It Means

Originally slated for an April 9 preorder start, Nintendo postponed to April 24 “to assess the potential impact of tariffs and evolving market conditions,” a move that ensured stable pricing but frustrated some fans. The switch in timing also served as a warning that supply chain factors—such as logistics, component sourcing, and retailer readiness—remain fluid amid post‑pandemic disruptions.

Industry watchers note that the two‑week buffer allowed retailers to sync inventory shipments, technically reducing the risk of preorder oversells and bot‑driven stock grabs. The Verge reported that internal retailer systems had to update pricing, pages, and backend logistics to accommodate both the new console and newly adjusted accessory MSRPs.

Scalper Concerns and Anti‑Bot Measures

High demand for Nintendo products often leads to rapid sell‑outs and scalper activity. In preparation, several retailers have implemented purchase limits—typically one console per customer—and CAPTCHA or queue‑based checkout systems. Shoppers using automated bots have already flagged on gaming forums, prompting some chains to confirm they will blacklist suspicious IP addresses and require account verification.

Despite these measures, community discussion on Reddit and Discord indicates a brisk secondary market forming, with floor prices near $600 for console-only units. Experts caution that despite robust initial stock, scalper pressure could persist into June, prolonging the scramble beyond launch day.

Tips for a Successful Preorder

1. Create or Update Retailer Accounts Today. Enter payment and shipping info in advance.

2. Set Early‑Morning Alarms. Midnight ET launches require prompt clicks.

3. Enable Notifications. Many retailers offer email/SMS alerts when pages go live.

4. Beware of Phishing Scams. Confirm you’re on official sites and avoid third‑party links on social media.

5. Consider Bundles or Trade‑Ins. GameStop’s trade‑in promos and Best Buy certificates can offset cost.

With preorders opening at key chains on April 24 and launch day pegged for June 5, Nintendo and its retail partners aim for a smooth rollout of what’s widely expected to be the fastest‑selling Nintendo system yet. Consumers should prepare now to avoid disappointment—stock is limited, and enthusiasm is high.

Bookmark Briskfeeds’ Switch 2 preorder guide for real‑time alerts and insider tips.