Weekly Tech Update October 13, 2026
Technology never seems to stand still! Every week brings new features, changes to familiar services, and important security updates. The good news is that you don't need to follow every announcement.
This week, we're looking at three developments worth knowing about: a change to Microsoft 365 storage, a more visual way to use ChatGPT, and an important Android phone security update.
1. Microsoft 365 Is Changing How Families Share Storage
If you use Microsoft 365 Family to store photographs, documents, and other files online, an important change is coming.
Microsoft is changing how OneDrive storage works for Family and Premium subscriptions.
Previously, each family member received a separate storage allowance. Under the new system, everyone shares a combined allowance of 2 terabytes (TB). A terabyte is a large amount of storage space, enough for thousands of photographs and documents.
The change began October 8, 2026, for new and upgraded subscriptions. Most existing subscribers won't see the change until their first renewal on or after May 2, 2027.
Why It Matters
Imagine a family where one person stores thousands of photographs while another uses very little space. Under the new system, they draw from the same storage allowance.
Importantly, sharing storage space does not mean sharing your files. Each person's photographs and documents remain private unless they choose to share them.
What You Should Do
If you have a Microsoft 365 Family or Premium subscription, check how much OneDrive storage your family uses and when your subscription renews.
You can check your storage at https://onedrive.live.com.
And remember: important photographs and documents should always have a separate backup.
Read Microsoft's explanation of the storage changes
2. ChatGPT Can Now Show You Answers Instead of Just Explaining Them
On October 7, OpenAI announced an interesting improvement to ChatGPT called Intelligent UI.
Until recently, most ChatGPT answers consisted primarily of written explanations. Now, ChatGPT can also provide interactive diagrams, charts, buttons, and simple tools that you can actually use.
For example, instead of reading several paragraphs explaining how your home Wi-Fi works, you can ask ChatGPT to create an interactive diagram.
Or you might ask it to create a simple calculator for dividing a restaurant bill among friends.
Why It Matters
For many of us, seeing how something works is easier than reading a lengthy explanation.
This is particularly helpful when learning unfamiliar technology.
Give It a Try
Open ChatGPT and ask:
“Show me how my home Wi-Fi works using a simple interactive diagram.”
You can also try:
“Create a simple tool that divides a restaurant bill among four people, including the tip.”
The new capabilities are rolling out gradually, so what you see may depend on your ChatGPT account.
Remember that an attractive chart or calculator isn't necessarily correct. Always double-check important information.
Learn more about ChatGPT's new interactive features
3. Android Phone Owners Should Check Their Security Updates
Google released its October Android security bulletin on October 5, with additional information published October 8.
The update addresses several security weaknesses that could potentially affect Android phones.
You don't need to understand the technical details. The important thing is that software updates help protect your phone from security problems that careful clicking alone cannot prevent.
What You Should Do
Open your Android phone's Settings and look for Software update or System update.
You can also look under About phone, then Android version, to check the Android security update date.
Google's October security bulletin identifies October 1, 2026, as the relevant security patch level. If your phone hasn't received this update yet, don't panic. Manufacturers release updates on different schedules.
Install updates when they become available, and restart your phone when requested.
One important reminder: updating your apps is not the same as updating your phone's operating system.
Read Google's October Android security bulletin
A Final Thought
Technology changes quickly, but keeping up doesn't have to be complicated.
This week's practical takeaways are simple: check your Microsoft storage if you share a family subscription, try asking ChatGPT to show you something visually, and keep your Android phone updated.
A few small steps can help you use technology more confidently and safely.
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