Anyone using the popular Microsoft Outlook service on their smartphone must check which version of the app is installed. Microsoft has confirmed that one of its current services will be discontinued next month, meaning affected users will no longer be able to access emails or send messages through it. The change takes effect on May 25, 2026 and applies to those on Android.

So who is affected by this major change?

The update will hit users who currently have the ageing Outlook Lite app installed on their devices. Anyone still using this app will need to switch to the standard Microsoft Outlook Mobile app to continue receiving and sending emails on their phones.

Unlike the Lite version, the full Outlook Mobile app includes enhanced mailbox features and ongoing support for future updates. It’s unclear why access to the Lite app is ending but there’s now just over a month to make sure those using it have moved.

Microsoft has clarified that no email accounts will be deleted and no messages in inboxes will be lost. The change only affects the app platform itself.

To make the transition easier, Outlook Lite users should now see a link within the app. This will allow them to move directly to the standard version with just one tap. Once activated it will download the updated app and prepare devices ahead of the deadline.

“The Outlook Lite app will be retired starting October 6th, 2025,” Microsoft said.

“Existing users can continue using the app for a limited time before full retirement. To continue enjoying a secure and feature-rich email experience, we recommend switching to Outlook Mobile. Go to Outlook for iOS and Android for more information.”

A quick history of Outlook

Microsoft Outlook began all the way back in 1997 as an email and personal information manager within Microsoft’s Office platform.

It combined mail, calendars, contacts, and tasks for businesses and home users.

Over time, Microsoft expanded Outlook to web and mobile platforms, replacing Hotmail with Outlook.com in 2013.

It’s thought that around 400 million people now use Microsoft Outlook for email and calendar management, and it’s one of the most popular messaging platforms on the planet, particularly in the business and enterprise sector.

Anyone with a Ring Doorbell attached to the front of their homes might want to check out a new feature that is rolling out from today. It’s called Familiar Faces, and it does exactly what it says on the tin. With this upgrade enabled, you’ll get better alerts that confirm exactly who arrived home rather than simply seeing random messages saying the camera has spotted some movement.

“Wouldn’t it be helpful if, instead of getting a generic “A person is at your door” alert, you received a personalised notification like “Mum at Front Door,” without even needing to open the app?,” Amazon said.

“That’s why Ring is introducing Familiar Faces, a new and optional feature that quickly helps you identify people you know when they appear at your door.”

This smart feature allows Ring users to personalise alerts, like turning off notifications for when specific members of the family arrive home, while staying informed about new visitors. This idea helps reduce the notification fatigue that so many smart camera owners face every day. Amazon also hopes that it will give users more useful context about who is detected

How does it work?

With this upgrade turned on, compatible devices will instantly begin detecting faces when people approach the camera. Users can then label people they recognise in the Ring app. It’s even possible to create a personal directory of up to 50 familiar faces, from family members and neighbours to the babysitter or dog walker.

Amazon is keen to point out that privacy is key feature. “Like all Ring features, privacy and control are built into the core of Familiar Faces. The feature is off by default and only activates when you choose to turn it on,” Amazon explained.

So who gets this update?

Familiar Faces will begin rolling out to Ring device owners with an eligible subscription starting today. Customers with a UK Ring Pro and Pro Intelligence subscription plan and eligible 2k, 4k, or select HD devices will receive a notification in their Ring app when the feature becomes available.

The award-winning Sky Q box might rule the roost when it comes to watching and recording premium TV channels, but it’s getting some new competition. The team at Manhattan had already hinted that a new set-top box was on the way, and now this device has been officially confirmed. It’s called the Manhattan S4-R Freesat 4K TV Recorder and it will offer the chance for homes with satellite dishes to tune into more than 100 subscription-free Freesat TV and radio channels, including more than 35 in pin-sharp HD.

Just like Sky Q, it offers the option to record for channels at the same time and will arrive with 500GB of storage at launch – that’s enough for 300 hours of TV.

1TB and 2TB versions will follow soon, offering more space for those who need it. Another feature that’s similar to Sky is the ability to pause and rewind live telly so you never miss a moment.

Manhattan is also promising a simple user interface, the ability to search for content and access to more than 60,000 hours of on-demand shows and movies from apps including BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, 5 and more.

Speaking about the launch Alex Arbab-Zadeh, COO for Manhattan says: “We know how much people value the simple, subscription-free control and intuitive experience of our T4-R Freeview recorder. Our audience has been actively asking for that same experience on Freesat, and we’re thrilled to deliver the S4-R as the answer.

“It not only brings our proprietary user interface to satellite viewing, but it also drastically elevates the recording capability by supporting up to four simultaneous shows, compared to the previous two-channel limit.

“The S4-R is the perfect subscription TV replacement for Brits seeking more power, more choice, and an end to high monthly fees.”

The Manhattan S4-R will be available in April 2026, from Currys, John Lewis, Argos and Richer Sounds.

The standard 500GB model costs £219.99. The 1TB versions will come in May for £249.99 and the 2TB model arriving in June will be priced at £279.99.