Technology New of the last 24 hours

Borderlands 4 won't cost $80, despite Gearbox CEO's previous commentsIt will cost $69.99, meeting the recent standard for most gamesIt comes after a plethora of comments from users suggesting they won't purchase the gameGearbox Software's fourth installment in the Borderlands franchise is just months away from launch on September 12, and concerns of an $80 (or more specifically, $79.99) price tag have been put to bed.Gearbox CEO, Randy Pitchford, announced on X that Borderlands 4 will not cost $80 but the current industry standard of $69.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 (or AU$109.95 on PC) – and it's available for pre-order now for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Steam).It comes after Pitchford's comments on the game's potential price tag; gamers were told that if they were "real fans," they would find a way to buy Borderlands 4 if it were priced at $80, considering Nintendo and Microsoft's shift to a $80 game price tag.Unsurprisingly, that was met with a barrage of criticisms, and if I'm honest, those comments from a CEO weren't a pretty sight, to say the least (although not very surprising to see).However, this is a prime example of what happens when consumers voice frustrations and essentially vote with their wallets; in this case, long before the game has even launched, as a significant portion of the criticisms were gamers promising not to purchase the game due to Pitchford's commentsJust don't buy it. Talk with your money. If you're a true fan, you won't accept them pricing people out. This one's 80 the next game will be 100 and continue to rise. Say no.May 20, 2025While there wasn't a price tag set in stone, Pitchford's comments alone suggested that Borderlands 4 would follow the new $80 trend – and it appears as though the backlash has convinced 2K, Take-Two Interactive, and the seniors involved to stick with $69.99.Unfortunately, that may not be the case with other games priced at $80, and Nintendo's Mario Kart World is the best example. However, the Nintendo Switch 2's launch is likely a significant factor in the new title's high sales.Analysis: Stop saying 'there's nothing that can be done' and keep your voices heard(Image credit: Gearbox / 2K)Even if there are future cases like Mario Kart World selling well at $80, at the very least, ensuring that CEOs and senior management of game companies are aware of complaints regarding egregious pricing is incredibly vital.Like I've seen over the years, if there's enough backlash and rejection of a move that fans don't like, change is more often the answer from game companies.I can almost guarantee that the response to the Gearbox CEO's comments was a major factor in the $69.99 price tag – and frankly, some gamers could likely still turn away from a purchase as $69.99 is still frowned upon (and rightly so).Nintendo's move has already set the dangerous precedent I feared, but Borderlands 4's case should be enough of an indication that the more you vote with your wallet by stating displeasure and actively avoiding $80 games, the more we'll see game companies take a step back...You might also like...Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser says 'stay tuned' when asked about the absence of a mainline Mario game for the Switch 2Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser seemingly reveals the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour priceNintendo of America president says 'tariffs were not factored into the price' of the Switch 2 and weighs in on the price of games

Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally handhelds could launch in OctoberSome rumors suggest the ROG Xbox Ally will be $499, and the Xbox Ally X will cost $799A price point for the MSI Claw A8, using the same processor, is also unconfirmedHandhelds are arguably dominating the console and PC gaming market, with the long-awaited Nintendo Switch 2 now available and Microsoft's ROG Xbox Ally slated for launch late this year. However, the latter may have one significant dealbreaker.As reported by our reliable friends at Windows Central, both the ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X are rumored to launch in late October. However, pricing is still up in the air, despite other rumors suggesting the base model will cost $499 and the more powerful Xbox Ally X will go for $799.The ROG Xbox Ally X will join the MSI Claw A8 in being the first handheld gaming PCs to use AMD's Ryzen Z2 Extreme processor, except Microsoft's handheld will use an AI variant. It's not exactly clear if this will have an edge over the standard Z2 Extreme – but one thing that's becoming slightly evident is the reasoning for the undisclosed price point.It appears as though a combination of uncertainty on tariffs on Taiwan and China (where Asus manufactures products), and MSI not announcing a price for the Claw A8, could be why we're left in the dark on the ROG Xbox Ally pricing for now.We haven't seen the performance capabilities of the Z2 Extreme on handhelds, so perhaps Microsoft is waiting for MSI or even Lenovo (with the Legion Go 2 successor using the same chip) to set the pace before committing to a price point.It's also worth noting that the Asus ROG Ally X recently saw a price hike from $799.99 (£799 / AU$1,599) to $899, so concerns about a potential outrageous price (at least for the ROG Xbox Ally X) are warranted. The base model will use a new Ryzen Z2A processor – which is more aligned with the Steam Deck's chip in performance, using RDNA 2 architecture – so its price may be akin to the Nintendo Switch 2's.Analysis: I'm not worried about the ROG Xbox Ally's price, but I'm very concerned about the ROG Xbox Ally X(Image credit: Microsoft)To put it simply, if the ROG Xbox Ally X ends up with a higher price point than the likes of the MSI Claw 8 AI+, Microsoft can kiss its success goodbye.The MSI Claw 8 AI+ is priced at $900 / £899 / AU$1,799, which is already a very steep price tag that is enough to turn gamers away from a purchase. That isn't me downplaying the device's gaming capabilities, but it's a tough sell in this economy.The ROG Xbox Ally X won't have an 8-inch screen (which is a huge dealbreaker to me), and is using the same processor as the Claw A8, which is indeed using an 8-inch display. Unless the AI Z2 Extreme outperforms both the standard Z2 Extreme, and the Claw 8 AI+'s Core Ultra 7 258V processor, then the ROG Xbox Ally X has no place costing over $900.I'm expecting its weaker counterpart, the ROG Xbox Ally, to do just fine as a more affordable option, if it's under or slightly closer to the Switch 2's price ($449.99 / £395.99 / AU$699.99).Handheld hardware is getting better each year, which obviously comes with a cost increase, but it's important that prices don't go out of whack away from affordability. There's a reason Ayaneo's handhelds aren't in the spotlight, because they cost over $1,000 – and Microsoft better not even think about going there.You might also like...Xbox president Sarah Bond announces that Xbox has formed a 'strategic multi-year partnership' with AMD for its next generation of consoles, handhelds and accessoriesXbox Games Showcase 2025: everything revealed from Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Persona 4 remake to a new handheldNew Xbox Series X games 2025 - the most anticipated Xbox release dates

Last month, Dyson unveiled the PencilVac – a new addition to brand's floorcare lineup, and apparently the world's slimmest vacuum cleaner. Yesterday, I had a chance to try one out, and it turns out this odd-looking vac is one heck of a smooth mover.The PencilVac looks nothing like your standard cordless stick vacuum. The motor, filters and dust cup are all hidden within the broom-like handle, which clocks in at a diminutive 1.5 inches / 3.8cm in diameter. The floorhead is equally surprising, with its four cone-shaped, fluffy rollers.(Image credit: Dyson)Less obvious from the press photos is just how maneuverable this cleaner is. The cleaner head can swivel on the spot and it cleans from the front and from the back sides. Like all the best Dyson vacuums, it can lie flat to the ground, and because the handle is symmetrical, you can hold it from any side, too. You can do figure-eights on your floor if you can get your angles right.The maneuverability is impressive, but there are plenty more cool features besides. The 'QuadConical' floorhead is new on this machine, and designed so that if it encounters long hair, it'll make its way to the narrow end of the cone and pop out as a bundle on the side, at which point it can be easily vacuumed up. The soft material is perfect for delicate hard floors, and the cones protrude out from the casing so you can clean right into the corners, and even give your baseboards a bit of a dust as you go.(Image credit: Future)Dyson has added its distinctive green laser (which first appeared on the Dyson V15 Detect) to the cleaner head. This helps cast shadows on debris on the floor, so you don't miss even the tiniest speck of dirt. Here, it's located in the center of both sides of the floorhead, and it's just as useful as ever.Who's the PencilVac for?While Dyson says the PencilVac can be used on carpet, it's really specialized for hard floors. The fluffy rollers are perfect for hard floors and the laser really comes into its own on a solid surface.While it looks looks like a strong contender for TechRadar's best vacuum for hardwood floor roundup, the soft rollers won't agitate the fibers enough to offer a deep clean on carpet. The suction is also much lower than you'll find on the main flagship range – partly due to the motor and partly due to the more open floorhead design.(Image credit: Dyson)For many, it'll be a complimentary machine rather than your main vacuum, but if you want something for quick cleanups on hard floors, the PencilVac looks perfect. Full review to follow when I've had a chance to put it through its paces properly.At time of writing, I don't have any pricing information for the PencilVac, but I know it's scheduled to go on sale in Australia in August 2025, before hitting the US and UK markets sometime in 2026. If you can't wait that long, you could check out the Dyson V12 Detect Slim, which is a – for our money, underrated – scaled-down vacuum for smaller homes.You might also like...Are Dyson vacuums worth the premium price? After testing most of the leading brands, here's my takeDyson V12 Detect vs Gen5detect: Dyson's most advanced vacuums, comparedAfter months of testing Dyson fans, I’ve swapped back to a cheap air circulator – here are 6 reasons why

Apple’s macOS Tahoe is the final version to support Intel chipsThat means the death of the Hackintosh is nighIt’s sad news for the community of tinkerers and custom PC buildersApple lifted the lid on macOS Tahoe at its WWDC 2025 event earlier in June, and one thing that it announced during the Platforms State of the Union address was that this software update would be the last one to support Intel Macs. That’s had the effect of putting the final nail in the coffin of the humble Hackintosh, and this has left me more than a little sad.In case you don’t know, a Hackintosh is a computer that runs macOS on custom PC hardware. Apple doesn’t support or condone these computers, so building one requires a lot of complex legwork and specific files that convince macOS that it’s running on Apple-approved components.Part of the equation is that a Hackintosh usually requires an Intel chip. You can’t buy Apple silicon chips off the shelf, but with recent macOS versions supporting Intel processors, this was a go-to alternative.With Apple dropping this support, it’s the end of the road for Hackintoshes.We knew this day was coming(Image credit: Future)For many years, I was fascinated with the idea of building a Hackintosh. I’ve long been frustrated with the day-to-day quirks of Windows, but love building PCs too much to go all-in on macOS. A Hackintosh felt like the perfect way to get hands on, build a powerful computer capable of both work and gaming, and still get all the smoothness and rich features of macOS.But with the constantly increasing difficulties in building a Hackintosh and the ever-more complex workarounds that were needed to get one to work, I never took the plunge.Years ago, a Hackintosh was the best of both worlds: the hardware performance that Apple simply couldn’t provide and the software features and stability that Windows sorely lacked. But now that Apple silicon offers tremendous performance – even in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077, something once deemed unthinkable for a Mac – the need for a Hackintosh has diminished.Despite the news, not everyone in the Hackintosh community has taken the news badly. Even before Apple’s announcement, I would occasionally browse Hackintosh forums, and the advice was often the same: modern Macs do a lot of what Hackintoshes set out to achieve.They offer far more bang for your buck than they used to (the M4 Mac mini is a good example), and unless you fill the specific niche of loving both macOS and DIY computer building and refuse to get a Mac and a PC, Apple’s own products do the job. Many of the more recent reactions are along the same lines.Perhaps someone will find a way to get Hackintoshes to work on Apple silicon. But with the tough security measures Apple has built into its chips, that is far from guaranteed. While many in the community are taking the news well, I can’t help but feel disappointed for what we’re going to lose.You might also likeThe end of ‘Hackintosh’ – how Apple is sounding the death knell for a once-thriving online communityIt’s official: your Intel Mac won’t get macOS 27, with macOS Tahoe 26 marking the end of an eramacOS Tahoe 26 is official: here’s everything we know about the release date, compatibility and all the new features

People in Iran have been having difficulties accessing internet services, mostly foreign websites and messaging apps like WhatsApp. According to The New York Times and NBC News, it was the government's decision to restrict internet in the country to ward off cyberattacks by Israel as the conflict between the countries escalate. Fatemeh Mohajerani, Iran's spokesperson, said the government was forced to throttle internet speeds in the country to maintain network stability "given the enemy's cyber attacks." Iran reportedly plans to reduce its internet bandwidth by 80 percent.  Kentinc and Netblocks, companies which track global internet connectivity, told NBC News that Iran's connection plummeted at around 5:30PM Eastern time on June 17. Iranians have been having issues accessing online services for days, however, with their mobile data networks being completely down in parts of the country and the VPNs they were using to access foreign websites being blocked intermittently. In addition to blocking WhatsApp, the Iranian government urged citizens to delete it from their smartphones, accusing it of collecting information to send to Israel. WhatsApp told AP that it was "concerned these false reports will be an excuse for [its] services to be blocked at a time when people need them the most." While Iran's spokesperson said that the government is blocking and slowing down the country's internet connection as a way to prevent Israeli cyberattacks, it's also making it harder for people to get warnings about incoming attacks and to contact loved ones in cases of emergency. And since maps like Google's also aren't working, people trying to evacuate are also reportedly getting lost. Iran is urging its citizens to use its national internet services or N.I.N., which remain available and allow messaging using government platforms, but people don't think they're secure. It's worth noting that Iran also seems to have launched its own cyber attacks on Israel. As The Verge notes, cybersecurity firm Radware reported a surge in cyberattacks on Israel since its strike on Iran. The firm believes they were carried out by Iranian state actors and pro-Iran hacker groups. Iran had been linked to several cyberattacks in the past, including an instance wherein hackers associated with the country stole US voter information and sent intimidating emails to Democrat voters. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/iran-restricts-internet-access-to-ward-off-israeli-cyberattacks-120025170.html?src=rss

Salesforce Enterprise and Unlimited SKUs are going up by 6% on averageSlack Business+ jumps to $15/month, but Pro remains unchangedSalesforce says added value from AI has led to the higher pricesSalesforce has confirmed it will be raising prices by an average of 6% across a number of its core products, including Enterprise and Unlimited SKUs of Sales Cloud, Service Cloud, Field Service and selected Industries Clouds.Changes are set to come into affect from August 1, 2025, giving users just a few weeks to prepare for higher bills or find alternative solutions.Foundations, Starter and Pro Editions are set to remain unchanged, with Salesforce blaming the incremental price increases on "ongoing innovation and [significant] customer value."Salesforce rolls out 6% price risesA month after announcing consumption-based pricing for its AI models, Salesforce has launched new Agentforce add-ons, starting at $125 per user per month, offering unlimited employee agent use for licensed users.The packages include industry-specific, prebuilt AI agent templates, AI analytics (via Tableau), the company's Prompt Builder and more.Agentforce 1 Editions sits above this tier, adding to it features like one million Flex Credits per year (replacing per-conversation pricing) and 2.5 million Data Services Credits per year. It comes at the cost of $550 per user per month.Apart from the new AI models and a 6% average price hike across Enterprise and Unlimited SKUs, Salesforce has also updated its messaging platform.The company says it hasn't changed Slack's pricing since 2022, but earlier in 2025, Slack Business+ users will end up paying $15 per user per month, up from $12.50.A new Enterprise+ tier joins the mix, while Pro pricing is set to remain unchanged. Free users will also continue with access to their current features."These updates across our portfolio are designed to help organizations buy, use, and recognize value with the latest innovations throughout their businesses," Salesforce shared, launching a dedicated page for pricing across all its products.You might also likeCut the costs with the best free office softwareSalesforce says it’s time for the “digital labour revolution”We've listed the best productivity tools and best online collaboration tools

It's official: Nintendo has confirmed that its next Direct will be all about Donkey Kong Bananza!Focusing on this big release alone, the upcoming Nintendo Direct will feature "roughly 15 minutes of information about the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game".Some fans may have been hoping for a bit more of a bombastic June Nintendo Direct - as has been the case in the past - but it seems like Nintendo is content to just focus on the next Donkey Kong game. It's the next major Switch 2 release, after all, and comes out in about a month's time on July 17.It's the first new Donkey Kong game in over a decade, with the prior Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze releasing on the Wii U back in 2014. While ports of Retro Studios' Country titles have released on Nintendo Switch, Donkey Kong Bananza will be the ape's first original adventure in quite some time. It's also his first big 3D platformer outing since Rare's Donkey Kong 64 all the way back in 1999.In the build-up to the Direct, we're going to share some of our thoughts and predictions for the game as well as all things Nintendo Switch 2, while also giving you the best information on how to watch the stream.Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct date, start time, and lengthThe Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct will take place on June 18, 2025, and will begin at 6AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST.As officially confirmed by Nintendo, the broadcast will last for "roughly 15 minutes".How to watch the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo DirectThe most reliable place to catch the Donkey Kong Bananza Nintendo Direct live stream is the Nintendo YouTube channel.Hello and welcome to the start of my live coverage of the upcoming Donkey Kong Bananza Direct.There's not long to go until the stream begins now, so sit back as I deliver a steady of updates, predictions, and everything that you need to know in the build-up to the event!

Summer is here, and if you're anything like me, you've found yourself longing for a refreshing cold-brewed coffee. Not only is it nicely cooling on a hot day, it has a different flavor profile to coffee brewed hot, with a smoother, more mellow taste even if you use the same beans.There's only one problem: making it the traditional way means steeping your ground coffee overnight, or even longer to extract the full flavor. That's fine if you're super organized, but not much use if you just want your coffee right now.Thankfully, modern coffee machines mean that's no longer a problem. I'm lucky enough to test heaps of the best coffee makers for TechRadar, and this year all the big brands have added cold brewing to their lists of features.Ninja, Breville (or Sage, and it's known in the UK) and De'Longhi have all launched new machines that can brew using cold water in seconds rather than hours, and produce a very similar flavor to traditional cold brew.The trick is allowing the coffee longer than usual to pre-infuse, or bloom, before forcing cold water through at high pressure – often in pulses rather than a continuous stream for a longer extraction time.With the Ninja Luxe Café, De'longhi Primadonna Aromatic, and the updated Sage Barista Touch with Cold Extraction all pulling great-tasting cold shots, you're spoilt for choice, but for me one machine in particular stands out above the rest: the Jura J10.(Image credit: Future)Most coffee machines that can brew cold do an admirable job if you enjoy your drinks without milk, but only a couple can foam cold milk as well, and as a fan of a good latte macchiato, that's something I really appreciate.The De'Longhi Primadonna Aromatic does an excellent job of texturizing cold milk (either dairy or plant-based) and comes with a special carafe for foaming it without the use of steam. It works brilliantly, but what gives the Jura J10 the edge is its ability to not only turn any kind of milk into a fluffy cloud of chilled froth, but to infuse it with syrup at the same time.(Image credit: Future)This system, called Sweetfoam, involves filling a small container with your chosen syrup, then gently pushing it onto the milk dispenser. The syrup (which can be any flavor, and sugar-free or not) is incorporated into the milk a little at a time as it's dispensed, distributing it evenly throughout your drink and meaning a little goes a long way; there's no need to pump huge volumes of syrup into your cup like a barista in a coffee shop might.It works equally well with hot milk too, so when the weather cools down again you can enjoy the pumpkin spice latte of your dreams.The syrup never enters the coffee machine itself, and the dispenser purges itself with hot water after use, so there's no need to worry about sticky mess. The container is easy to wash with soapy water.(Image credit: Future)In my opinion, it's the best espresso machine for chilled drinks. There's just one drawback: the Jura J10 costs (take a deep breath) £1,795 / AU$3,990, which works out at about $2,300. However sweet you make your lattes, that's a bitter pill to swallow. When I was loaned one to test, it came packaged in a padded flight case rather than the usual cardboard box with polystyrene inserts. It's not usually delicate – it's just that expensive.The good news is that if that price is tough to stomach, any of the other cold-brewing coffee machines available right now can produce a smooth, well-rounded drink. You won't get the flavorsome foam, but you'll still be able to make refreshing, tasty chilled drinks in seconds rather than hours.

Microsoft has a Start menu redesign in testingThis introduces new layouts for the list of all appsOne of those layouts is a category view, and we’ve had confirmation from Microsoft that it won’t be possible to customize this to your likingWe’ve just learned more about how Microsoft’s revamped Start menu will work when it arrives in Windows 11, and not everyone is happy about the new info aired here.Windows Latest reports on an element of customization that falls short of what some Windows 11 users were hoping for, and it pertains to one of the new layouts being introduced for the list of apps.As you may recall, with the redesigned Start menu – which is in test builds of Windows 11 now – the long list of apps installed on the PC can be set to a couple of more compact alternative layouts, one of which is a grid and the other a category view.It’s the latter we’re interested in here, whereby apps are grouped into different categories such as Games, Productivity, Creativity, Social, Utilities and so forth. Each of these categories has a box in which up to four icons for the most commonly-used apps appear, and the full roster of apps is found within if you open the category – all of which allows for an easier way to locate the app you’re looking for, rather than scrolling through a lengthy alphabetical list.So, what’s the beef that’s been raised here? Windows Latest has received confirmation from Microsoft that it won’t be possible to create your own category types.Windows 11 will, of course, make the decisions on how to categorize apps and where they belong, but there are some interesting, and less than ideal, nuances picked up by Windows Latest here.Any app that Windows 11 isn’t sure about will go in the ‘Other’ category, for one thing. Also, if there aren’t three apps for any given category – because you don’t have enough creativity apps installed on your machine, say – then a stray creativity app (like Paint) will be dumped in Other.Analysis: improved customization could still be offered with any luck(Image credit: MAYA LAB / Shutterstock)If Microsoft gave folks the ability to make their own category folders, they could have a few alternative dumping grounds to Other – categories named so that the user could better remember what apps they contain.However, with Windows 11 overseeing category allocation, it seems like Microsoft wants to keep a tight rein on the groups which are present in this part of the interface. Sadly, it isn’t possible to move an app from one category to another, either (as Windows Latest has highlighted in the past), should you disagree with where it’s been placed - and this latter ability is a more telling shortcoming here.The new Start menu remains in testing, of course, so Microsoft may make changes before it arrives in the finished version of Windows 11. That’s entirely possible, especially seeing as Microsoft has (again) been stressing how it’s listening to user feedback to better inform Windows 11’s design, the Start menu overhaul included.So, simply being able to drag and drop icons between these categories is something we can hope for, in order to reclassify any given - it’s a pretty basic piece of functionality, after all. We may eventually get to define our own categories, too, but for now, it appears Microsoft is taking a rather rigid approach to customization with this part of the menu.Expect this Start menu makeover to be one of the central pillars of Windows 11 25H2 when it pitches up later this year.You might also like...Windows 11's hidden PC migration feature proves Microsoft isn't messing around when it comes to killing off Windows 10macOS Tahoe 26 is official - here's everything you need to know about all the new featuresCan’t upgrade to Windows 11? This Linux project wants to save your old PC from the scrapheap when Windows 10 support ends

Marvel has revealed the full schedule and episode titles for IronheartMy biggest fear about its release format has been confirmedThe penultimate chapter's name might have spoiled a possible secret villain revealMarvel has unveiled the full release schedule and episode titles for Ironheart.At the time of publication, the final Marvel Phase 5 TV show is less than one week away from making its Disney+ debut. And, to celebrate the countdown to launch, Marvel has revealed some key information about the Dominque Thorne-led TV series.A post shared by Marvel Studios (@marvelstudios)A photo posted by on Let's start with that all-important episodic release format, which was officially confirmed via Marvel Studios' Instagram account (see above). We already knew that Ironheart would air with a three-episode premiere on June 24 in the US, and June 25 in the UK and Australia (NB: it'll arrive on one of these two dates in other nations, too). That much was made clear when the long-gestating Marvel TV Original's first trailer was finally unveiled in mid-May.At the time, though, I expressed concern over Ironheart's rumored release format. Industry insiders had claimed its final three episodes would drop together one week after the show premiered. Now, Marvel has proved that leak was correct.So, why is Marvel giving Ironheart the Andor season 2 treatment by releasing it in dual three-part batches? Is it because the comic giant isn't confident people will watch it week-to-week? Or is it simply experimenting with how its small-screen projects are released on one of the world's best streaming services? I can't say for sure, but we'll find out if this release format is a success or not once its streaming data has been crunched in the weeks after its final three episodes have aired.Better the devil you knowIs the devil in the details, or this is a fan theory with no substance? (Image credit: Marvel Comics)Those aren't the only interesting questions that Ironheart's release schedule has thrown up. Indeed, eagle-eyed Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) fans have spotted something in the above Instagram post that might point towards the inclusion of a secret villain.Look at the fifth episode's title – 'Karma's a Glitch' – and you'll notice that the 'm' has been written in different ink colors. The primary hue is black, but a red marker has also been used to spell out the word 'karma'. Even more crucially, the 'm' is the only letter in any of the spelled-out episode titles to get this treatment.So, what's this got to do with a yet-to-be-revealed antagonist in Ironheart? MCU fans believe this is yet another sign that the Demon Lord known as Mephisto will be unveiled as the show's actual villain-in-chief.Comment from r/marvelstudiosUntil now, Anthony Ramos' Parker Robbins/The Hood has been positioned as its lead antagonist (read more about him and much more in my dedicated Ironheart guide). However, Mephisto has long been rumored to be the Big Bad who's puppeteering events from the shadows. In fact, Mephisto was first linked with a role in Ironheart way back in October 2022.Add the show's dark magic versus technology-led story, plus more teases about a potential Mephisto appearance in Ironheart's official trailer, into the equation, and MCU fans are even more convinced that Marvel's take on the Devil is going to show up.Do you think Mephisto will turn up in Ironheart? Or is this a fan theory that people have conjured out of thin air? Let me know in the comments.You might also likeFind out how to watch the Marvel movies in orderOr get the definitive lowdown on The Fantastic Four: First StepsAlternatively, see which MCU TV Originals made it onto our best Disney+ shows list

NordPass now supports attachments of your most important documentsSet reminders to update your copies when they expireThe usual NordPass encryption methods still applyTop password manager NordPass has revealed it is now supporting document storage to make sure all your most important files are kept safe and sound.Starting today, users can now store documents (such as IDs, driving licenses and passports) in an encrypted vault.Documents can be uploaded as scans, images or other file types, with the option to create custom fields for quick reference within he vault, too.NordPass document storageThe company explained the new feature comes in response to insecure storage seen across the world – many individuals simply keep a photo of their sensitive information in their photo library."People struggle to securely store and manage their physical documents... These essential documents are often misplaced, hard to access when needed, or forgotten until they expire, leading to missed renewals and unnecessary stress," Head of Core Product Chandra Challa explained.All stored data is encrypted using xChaCha20, which enables it to be available across all signed-in devices. Families can also use NordPass to store essential records, like marriage and birth certificates and insurance papers.In its announcement, the company boasted about the built-in reminders feature. By assigning an expiration date, users will be reminded to update their documents once renewed so that the latest copy is always available in their vault, enabling seamless data retrieval for online purchases and more.NordPass comes in three different flavors – Free, Premium (for individual users) and Family (for up to six users). TechRadar Pro has asked the company to confirm which plans include the new document storage features.Although the ability to store important document details is not new (Dashlane, 1Password and Proton Pass all support secure notes), being able to keep a photocopy of those documents sets NordPass apart from its key password manager rivals.In the years since it launched, NordPass has become so much more than a simple password manager, supporting multi-factor authentication codes and email masking.You might also likeYour least-favorite browser finally added a proper password manager, and it could be a massive game-changer for secure business credential sharingDream up complex credentials with the best password generatorsThe best VPNs can protect your digital footprint

Even multinational corporations used to run effectively and efficiently without a screen or a mouse or a keyboard in sight – other than a typewriter keyboard, of course. No data storage issues, no input errors, no backup problems, no memory losses or system failures, let alone cyberattacks.Today – barely forty years since computers started appearing in workplaces – we can scarcely imagine life without them. In little more than a generation, all business processes have been completely altered, and a whole array of risks and threats and dangers have appeared that we could hardly even have dreamed of back then.Despite these growing threats, myths continue to prevail that prevent business owners from being effectively equipped to defend themselves against attack or to deal with the consequences of an attack, should it happen. In this article, I debunk five of the biggest myths to ensure all business owners recognize the importance of cybersecurity.1. Cybercrime only happens to othersIt is a trait of most humans, to think that bad things will only happen to others. That can’t happen to you. But at some point, it hits you. You become the unlucky other. Since 2021, cyberattacks have risen over 300% according to the latest Microsoft Digital Defense Report – a threefold rise.None of the companies that were hit by ransomware over the last decade thought they were chosen or deserved to be attacked. None. This is no different to saying that a car accident will never happen to you. That can only be true if you are not going out of your house. Even as a pedestrian, it can happen to you. If you have a business and you are using some kind of technology and, God forbid, if you are making money, then yes, you are a potential target.Following an encounter I once had with a dairy farmer, I came up with a question that I now often ask in my presentations: do you believe that a cow requires cybersecurity? The crowd usually answers that of course they don’t. I then explain to them that the latest development in AgTech (agricultural technologies) means that a team of two farmers can milk 1,000 cows.This amazing advancement allows us to break the physical limitations that used to plague farms. All these devices are connected to the internet in order for sensor data to be collected. I asked one of its makers if they secured the connections. He answered there was no need as it was only sensor data, not interesting to any cybercriminals.There was the door – the way in for a cybercriminal who will do anything to get to their goal, which is bullying you into giving them your money.Hence, a bad actor, thousands of kilometers away, can stop all the farm’s robots cold. Stop the cows from being milked and send a nice email for a ransom. With no milk, the dairy farm would be out of revenue for months and would probably collapse.What if this attack is executed on 100 farms? They could all be stopped at once. We are talking about millions in lost revenues, all because cows don’t require cybersecurity, and the magic thinking that these things only happen to others.2. We’re too small to be attackedThe root of this myth is the assumption that cybercriminals are like fishermen: that they carefully choose their spots and then cast a line into the water to catch a particular fish. Nothing can be further from the truth.Cybercriminals today operate in networks, constantly offering services to new members to make them more efficient and sharing their profits throughout the network. They are no longer individuals in hoodies in basements; this is the age of dark corporations with objectives and quotas, of ‘ransomware as a service’. Not lone fishermen, but fleets of trawlers capturing all they can, by the ton.When they send out a phishing email with the aim of infiltrating a company, months before the actual attack, they do not send ten or twenty; they send between 100,000 and 500,000.What does that say about small and medium businesses? It says that you make up the greatest volume of fish – you are the largest group in the sea. For each large corporation, there are thousands of small and medium businesses. As an example, according to the renowned data site Statista, there were, in 2021, 8,365 companies with over 1,000 employees, compared to the total of 16,435,439 companies below that number.According to those numbers, enterprises constitute 0.051% of all companies, so they may get targeted as the bigger fish, but never as often as the largest shoal in the sea.3. We have nothing worth stealingIf you are in business, it is unlikely that you have nothing to steal. Apart from artists and artisans, who are paid in cash for services that only their talented hands can provide, pretty much all businesses today have valuable customer and employee information. More importantly, if you are in business, you must be making money; hence, you have the one thing that cybercriminals crave above all else: money.After a short time, they will know how much money you have. They will spend months in your systems, sniffing around for clues – in documents, emails, financial statements, human resources files or customer databases – until they have figured out two things: what is important to you and how much you are willing (and able) to pay to get it back. Yes, this can (and most likely will) include deleting or infecting your backups to solidify their claim.Then they will send you a ransom demand. (Whether you decide to pay or not is up to you, but you should understand that as long as victims will pay ransoms – and the attackers make money – cyberattacks will continue.)4. Our data is safe in the cloudDon’t kid yourself. This is not how the cloud works. Although Microsoft (and most other cloud providers) are secure environments, they also have what is known as a Shared Responsibility Matrix. This means that for your data, your research and your business intelligence, to be isolated and to remain fully yours, Microsoft will not access it. They will not subject it to their own security procedures, which might alter the structure of your data and potentially disrupt your business. That would go against the reasons for offering you space in the cloud. Instead, they guarantee that the foundational, underlying systems will be secured and defended.What do I mean by the underlying system? Picture that you are hiring a security company. They will guard the access to your lot, make sure that no one is messing with access to your house, and that you have electricity and communications, but they will not manage what happens inside your house.Same here: you are a tenant within the cloud provider’s infrastructure. He will make sure the gate to your space is guarded and that you have everything you need, but what happens within your company, on services and servers that he is leasing you, is completely your responsibility.5. We have adequate insuranceWhat would buildings and contents insurance provide you if there was a fire in your offices? It would allow you to rebuild, buy back furniture and equipment and return to a normal life in perhaps four to six months. In other words, your insurance company will send you a cheque once your premises are in ashes (if you are lucky).Far better – and usually much cheaper – to avoid a fire than to recover from one.Don’t misunderstand me, insurance is necessary, but it cannot be the only component of your business protection plan. You also need proactive services that will enable you to react to a ‘fire’ before it reduces everything to ashes. As I said before, having a few battery-powered smoke detectors is far from adequate.With proper cybersecurity, you might lose a device or a server, but you will survive the attack and still have a company to run. Instead of playing phoenix, you will live to fight another day.Conclusion As an expert, it is my duty to ensure that those false beliefs are challenged. I hold dear my vision that within the next decade, cybercriminality can be but a distinct memory and that we, as a species, will have evolved beyond that.I strongly believe in making cybersecurity accessible, so that all business owners are in a position to understand and support cybersecurity initiatives within their company.With this in mind, it is vital that you, as a leader, revise your mindset and understand that all cybercriminals are after are your assets. And that, if you are in business, you most likely have some. Either money, recipes, intellectual property, or even, perhaps simply a reputation that you have built over the years. All things that cybercriminals would use against you, to get to their final goal, your money.Please take preventive measures. Just like at home, when you leave, make sure the alarm system is armed, the front door is locked and that the alarm center will be informed if something happened.Deploy that same logic for your company and its assets. It is worth protecting.We list the best antivirus software.This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Microsoft Teams working on adding noise suppression for callsShould cut out background noise like traffic or typingAll Microsoft Teams users should benefit upon launchOne of the most painful issues when dialing into a Microsoft Teams call could seen be a thing of the past thanks to a new update.The video conferencing platform has revealed it is working on adding noise suppression for participants dialing in to a call.Once included, this should spell an end to potentially ear-splitting call interruptions, or participants being deafened by background noise from another person on the call.Microsoft Teams noise suppressionMicrosoft says as well as improving the user experience for everyone on a call, the new addition will also "enhance clarity and reduce distraction for all meeting participants".In a Microsoft 365 roadmap post, it noted the feature will automatically filter out background noise (such as traffic, typing) for users who join meetings via phone (PSTN).The feature is listed as being "in development" for the time being, with an expected rollout start date of September 2025.When launched, Microsoft says it will be available for users across the world using Teams on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS - as well as Teams and Surface devices, and Teams on Web.The launch is the latest in a series of recent improvements to Microsoft Teams announced by the company as it looks to improve the experience for users.This includes a tweak that will allow multiple people to control slides being presented in a meeting or call.Microsoft says the addition will mean that presenters are able to maintain "a smooth flow during meetings or webinars" - hopefully meaning the end of manual slide changes - and hopefully, the phrase "next slide please".It also recently launched of real-time text (RTT) capabilities, allowing participants to type a message while someone else's speech is being transcribed, giving users who prefer typing to speaking another way to make sure their voices get out there.You might also likeMicrosoft Teams is finally adding a tiny but crucial feature I honestly can't believe it never hadMicrosoft Teams will now let companies block people for good — so you'd better behaveWe've rounded up the best productivity tools around right now

Xbox president Sarah Bond has formally announced the next generation of XboxXbox maintains its 'play anywhere' mantra with new consoles, handhelds and accessoriesThe company is partnering with AMD for its next generation hardwareXbox is beginning to talk about its next generation hardware in earnest now, as president Sarah Bond has announced a "strategic multi-year partnership" with tech giant AMD.In a video uploaded to Xbox's official YouTube channel, Bond accentuates the 'play anywhere' mantra that's formed the nucleus of the Xbox brand for the past few years."At Xbox, our vision is for you to play the games you want, with the people you want, anywhere you want," explains Bond, adding that Xbox is now "investing in our next-generation hardware lineup across console, handheld, PC, cloud, and accessories."Bond says that by partnering with AMD, Xbox promises to "deliver the next generation of graphics innovation to unlock a deeper level of visual quality and immersive gameplay and player experiences enhanced with the power of AI".'AI' is a buzzword that Microsoft likes to throw around a lot, and it's understandable if the notion of it prevailing on Xbox has you feeling a little uneasy given the rise of generative AI content in recent years.In truth, the use of AI here will likely boil down to helpful technologies, such as resolution upscaling (like we see with PS5 Pro's bespoke PSSR) and frame generation for smoother performance overall. As such, we could see something similar to PSSR implemented on next-generation Xbox consoles.As for handhelds, we've already seen the announcement of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, two gaming handhelds designed around playing Xbox Game Pass games on the go. Both are set to launch sometime in 2025, as per last week's Xbox Games Showcase.In better news, Bond also seems to confirm full backwards compatibility with Xbox's next generation, stating that new hardware will maintain "compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games." It's reasonably safe to assume that counts Xbox Series X|S games, though the jury remains out on Xbox One and classic Xbox and Xbox 360 titles.Lastly, it seems that Xbox will be sticking to the Windows ecosystem for its next generation of hardware. Bond confirms Xbox is "working closely with the Windows team, to ensure that Windows is the number one platform for gaming." So don't be expecting a return to the iconic Xbox 360 'blades' dashboard that millions have a fondness for.You might also like...The studio behind Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has announced a digital jewelry collaboration - but I just wish they were available in gameFree games alert! Get Tomb Raider 1-3 Remastered, Saints Row 2, and more for nothing during Amazon Prime Day 2025Nintendo has made Switch 2 scalping much harder in Japan by making a simple change to what’s in the box

EA games have arrived on Amazon LunaTitles include EA Sports FC 25, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: SurvivorYou can play them for free if you already own them on PC and have Amazon PrimeAmazon Luna is a criminally underappreciated cloud gaming service, offering the chance to play loads of demanding games without the need for any expensive PC hardware.If you have access to a basic laptop, old phone, compatible smart TV, or spare tablet, then you can its large library of titles straight from your browser window. You need a strong internet connection for it to work well, but that's still much cheaper than splurging out for fully fledged gaming laptop or PC that will be out of date in a few years anyway.The biggest reason I love it is the fact that a brilliant free tier is included with your Amazon Prime subscription - letting you play loads of great games at no extra cost. You can link your Luna account to your GOG or Ubisoft libraries, allowing you to play select games that you already own wherever and whenever you want to.To give you an example of what this means, I already own Far Cry 5 on PC so I can play it straight from my phone using Amazon Luna while I'm out and about. It runs via Amazon's servers, so no installation is required and I can play it even if my PC is turned off at home.If all that wasn't enough, earlier this month the service received a massive upgrade with a robust slate of games added from the catalog of publishing giant Electronic Arts (EA). This includes EA Sports FC 25, Need for Speed Unbound, Dead Space, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.I'd recommend each any every one, and if you have Prime, and already own them on PC, you can access them right now for at no additional cost. Just head to the Luna homepage to sign in and link your accounts.But what if you don't own these games on PC and still want to play? They're also part of the Luna+ subscription service, which costs $9.99 / £8.99 per month and includes access to loads of other games.You can also buy the titles outright on Amazon Luna itself, which also nets you a PC copy. They're currently subject to some pretty generous discounts, so this option is definitely worth checking out.If you want to learn even more about how Amazon Luna works, and see how it stacked up in my testing, check out my detailed Amazon Luna review.You might also like...The next Nintendo Direct will highlight the Switch 2's next big game, Donkey Kong Bananza – here’s when you can watch itWuchang: Fallen Feathers kept me on the edge of my seat as a soulslike that rewards dodging over parryingAfter an hour with Sonic Racing: Crossworlds, I think Mario Kart World has got a race on its hands to hold onto pole position in the kart-racing genre

The ICO has issued 23andMe with £2.31 million ($3.1 million) fineFine is punishment for failings following 2023 data breachAn investigation found 'serious security failings'The British data protection watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has issued a £2.31 million fine to 23andMe for “failing to implement appropriate security measures to protect the personal information of UK users”This follows a 2023 cyberattack in which hackers accessed 23andMe personal user data.The breach only affected 0.1% of the company's customer base, roughly 14,000 individuals, but thanks to the sensitive nature of the information 23andMe holds, hackers were able to access “a significant number of files containing profile information about other users’ ancestry that such users chose to share.”Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers! TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealKeeping secureThe joint investigation, carried out between the ICO and Canadian Privacy Commissioner revealed ‘serious security failings’ after the breach, calling 23andMe’s actions ‘inadequate’.After the hackers carried out their credential stuffing attack, the company waited months until starting a full investigation, only confirming the breach after an employee discovered stolen data advertised for sale on Reddit.This breach put those affected at risk, not just for the typical identity theft and fraud, but also for seriously sophisticated social engineering attacks. If your genetic or family history is sold to a criminal, it could be leveraged against you.“This was a profoundly damaging breach that exposed sensitive personal information, family histories, and even health conditions of thousands of people in the UK,” confirmed John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner.“As one of those impacted told us: once this information is out there, it cannot be changed or reissued like a password or credit card number.”An example of this could be a “family member” reaching out and asking for more information about yourself, or a “medical company” contacting you about an existing genetic health condition. If you’re affected by this breach, be sure to be extra vigilant and cautious about any unexpected communications you receive.“23andMe failed to take basic steps to protect this information. Their security systems were inadequate, the warning signs were there, and the company was slow to respond. This left people’s most sensitive data vulnerable to exploitation and harm,” Edwards confirmed.You might also likeTake a look at our picks for the best malware removal software aroundCheck out our choice for best antivirus softwareHackers claim 64 million leaked T-Mobile records, but it denies breach

As the summer months start rolling in, my mind turns to keeping cool in the warmer weather. When it comes to personal cooling, Dyson is the first brand that springs to mind for many, and understandably so, as it makes some fantastic products. But its fans don’t come cheap.Dyson makes some of the best air purifiers and vacuum cleaners on the market, thanks to their efficiency – and the iconic aesthetic makes them incredibly desirable. But having tested Dyson’s best, as well as a load of alternatives, I’ve found that when it comes to fans I can be cooled down just as well using a far cheaper option.If you’re on the fence about whether or not to invest in a Dyson fan, I’ve listed a number of points below that are worth considering before you commit to the cost. Because if all you want is to stay cool, you can do it for less.1. There are quieter fans out thereI’m not saying that Dyson fans aren’t quiet – quite the opposite, in fact. I found this out when I reviewed the Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 Purifying Fan, whose quiet operation of just 52dB at top speed had me thinking that a more traditional bladed design wouldn’t be able to compete when it came to volume levels.It turns out I was mistaken, however, as I learned when I tested the MeacoFan Sefte 8in Portable Air Circulator. It gave me noise readings as quiet as 26dB on the lowest fan speed, and a very impressive reading of just 36dB on speed 12, which is quieter than the sound of your average refrigerator.2. They don’t always hit the spotWhile Dyson’s iconic bladeless loop amplifiers are undoubtedly an impressive piece of engineering, I’ve found the gappy design tends to leave a bit of a blind spot in the air flow. This means I often need to use a higher fan setting, and perfect the angle or keep the fan oscillating to feel sufficiently cooled.My air circulator, on the other hand, makes me feel cooler right off the bat, as the design delivers a more concentrated flow of air, making it feel stronger even at lower speeds. This will depend on the design of the air circulator, obviously – but it’ll usually be true of any decent one.(Image credit: Future)3. They’re not as cutting edge as you might thinkWhile Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology is patented, the bladeless fan concept is not. In fact, Toshiba developed the first bladeless fan over forty years ago. My point here is that there are other options on the market if you’re determined not to purchase a bladed fan, which are, more often than not, more affordable too.One such example, and one we consider to be one of the best fans on the market, is the satisfyingly adaptable Shark TurboBlade, which can blast air in multiple directions at once and is considerably cheaper than a Dyson.4. They have a premium price tagIt’s safe to say that the Dyson name is associated with a hefty price tag. Whether or not Dyson fans are worth the expense really comes down to personal preference.It’s not that Dyson fans don’t do a good job; they certainly do. But as I’ve learned, it’s possible to get just as efficient, and in some cases, even better cooling from cheaper alternatives. If brand names and a sleek and modern aesthetic are at the top of your wishlist then, without a doubt, a Dyson is the way to go.However, if you prioritize function over form and want to get the most value for money, I’d recommend checking out fans from brands like Shark, Dreo, and Govee.5. They’re not 'remotely' attractiveDon’t worry, I’m not slamming the Dyson aesthetic. Quite the contrary, in fact, as I love the smooth curves, quality materials, and modern design that we all associate with their products. This is why it’s particularly unfortunate that the clear end panels on the Dyson remotes make them look unfinished.I wouldn’t mind as much if they were designed to be holstered out of the way. But the fact that they’re magnetized to sit on top of the loop amplifiers, therefore placing them front and center, makes it all the more disappointing.In contrast, the remote for the MeacoFan Sefte 8in looks well finished, and near enough disappears when magnetically clipped to the front of the circulator.Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)6. I can use my air circulator all year roundOkay, this point isn’t actually Dyson-specific, but it’s a useful bit of info that’s worth sharing. One of the key differences in air circulators and fans is that, as the name suggests, air circulators are much more efficient at distributing air flow around the room. This makes them a perfect pairing not only with air conditioning units in the summer, but with heaters during colder spells too, as an air circulator can help evenly distribute the warmer air.This means you could be spending less than a Dyson on an air circulator that proves its worth all year round, rather than investing in a premium fan whose best work is limited to the summer months.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 could both include a Google AI Pro subscriptionThis provides access to advanced AI video creation tools like Veo 3 Fast and FlowIt's possible this bundled subscription will last six monthsSamsung often chucks in freebies with its high-end phones, and it’s looking like the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could be no exception, as they might be bundled with a subscription to Google AI Pro.This is according to Android Authority, which while digging around in code for the latest beta version of the Google app, has found reference to the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 being eligible for free access to Google AI Pro.This is a subscription service that usually costs $19.99 / £18.99 / AU$32.99 per month, and unlocks access to Veo 3 Fast video generation, as well as Flow (an AI filmmaking tool built with Veo 3).Veo 3 Fast lets you turn text into videos with sound, while Flow lets you do things like edit and extend shots, and directly control the ‘camera.’ So, if you’re interested in AI filmmaking then Google AI Pro is well worth having.Those are arguably the headline features of Google AI Pro, but it also gives you increased access to other AI tools like Gemini 2.5 Pro and Deep Research on 2.5 Pro, along with 2TB of Google One cloud storage.The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)A six-month subscriptionOf course, there’s no guarantee the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will actually come with a free subscription to this.But it looks likely, as not only was mention of this spotted in the Google app, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 series launched with a similar freebie.In the case of the Galaxy S25 series you got six months free access to Gemini Advanced, which was basically an earlier iteration of what’s now called Google AI Pro.So perhaps the company’s upcoming foldables will also include a six-month subscription, but that’s just speculation, as Android Authority hasn’t found any information on the duration.We should find out exactly what – if any – freebies Samsung has planned soon though, as the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7 will probably both launch in the first half of July.You might also likeMajor Samsung leak predicts the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Flip 7 launch highlights – here are 5 things to expectThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be the thinnest and lightest model yetThe Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could have a huge screen with tiny bezels

A new Google Pixel #BestPhonesForever ad appearsIt points out the features iOS 26 is borrowing from AndroidHowever, Google has copied from Apple in the pastGoogle has published another of its #BestPhonesForever promo clips, where we typically get an iPhone chatting to a Pixel handset – and this time there are some digs at what iOS 26 is copying from Android and the best Pixel phones.The new clip puts the two phones in a podcast-style format, and has the iPhone talking up three new features in iOS 26: live translations across multiple apps, hold assist for keeping your place in line in a call queue, and call screening for getting information from unknown callers before you pick up.In response, the Google phone points out that Pixels have had similar features since 2021, 2020, and 2018 respectively – something the iPhone in the clip puts down to mere coincidence. It's taken a while for Apple to catch up in these areas.Last month, the previous clip in the series highlighted night mode photography, AI image editing (in the shape of Android Magic Eraser and iOS Clean Up), and home screen widgets as features that Apple had borrowed from Google down the years.Copy and pasteThere's no refuting the claims Google makes here: it did have these features on its Pixel phones before Apple added them to the iPhone. It's also fair to point out, of course, that Apple, Samsung, and Google have all been copying from each other for many years.For example, Google's Android 16 and Samsung's One UI 7 both add something very similar to Live Activities on the iPhone, which Apple added back in 2022. The features mean users can get easier access to real-time information on screen, such as cab arrival times or sports scores.Ultimately, a good feature idea for a phone is going to work across Android and iOS – so it's no surprise that these days there are fewer differences between the platforms than ever. Apple fans would argue that iOS implements these features in better ways, even if it takes longer.One area where Apple would admit that it's lagging behind is AI. We know that it's struggling to bring Siri up to speed with Gemini – but then again, Siri did launch some five years ahead of Google Assistant.You might also likeThis new iOS 26 feature for Apple Music is going viralAndroid 16 is finally giving the Pixel Camera app a makeoverDon't call it a Mac – I went hands-on with iPadOS 26

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy urges workers to be "curious about AI"It has has 1,000+ AI services and apps in development or in useGenAI and agentic AI could lead to job losses at AmazonAmazon CEO Andy Jassy has announced advancements in AI, and the technology's integration across many of the company's operations, will likely reduce the firm's headcount over the next five years due to efficiency gains.In a letter to workers, CEO Andy Jassy boasted that more than 1,000 AI services and apps area already in progress or built, and many more are to come.Jassy name-dropped a few of the successful deployments and upcoming rollouts, including its next-generation smart personal assistant Alexa+, the AI Shopping Assistant, seller tools and advertiser tools.Amazon blames AI for future layoffsUltimately, artificial intelligence could end up changing the nature of work, requiring fewer people in some roles but more in others.The ecommerce giant has already laid off an estimated 27,000 workers since 2022, including recent cuts in devices, services and books divisions, but it seems that widespread tech layoffs could be far from over for Amazonians.AI has also proven instrumental in allowing Amazon to improve its inventory, forecasting, robot efficiency and customer service, but Jassy's letter remained consistent with one key theme – a strong emphasis on internal productivity improvements through the use of generative and agentic AI.With capabilities spanning task completion, research, code writing and workflow automation, Jassy sees AI agents are critical for faster innovation and better customer experiences, however the downside of that is that the tech will enable leaner teams to achieve more, reducing the need for as many workers.Despite the threat of AI taking their roles, Jassy urged workers to be "curious" about the tech, experiment and innovate with it, and further their learning."We will need fewer people doing some of the jobs that are being done today, and more people doing other types of jobs.," Jassy explained. "It’s hard to know exactly where this nets out over time, but in the next few years, we expect that this will reduce our total corporate workforce."Jassy's comment about knowing where this nets out in the future is a relevant one. Although many experts predict that AI could lead to net job creation, it could mean that some companies (like Amazon) end up reducing their headcount, while others see growth.You might also likeSurprisingly enough, it seems some AI agents aren't quite up to scratch on some basic business testsIt might be time to keep an eye on the best job sites and best recruitment platformsThe best online learning platforms could help you further your training

Leaked image shows a rounded square design and a large lensHints at a wireless charging dock but no modular designSuggests Insta360 is soon to release its next action cameraInsta360’s next action camera model might just have surfaced. And if the leaked image is accurate, the camera maker could be plotting a serious design shake-up.Rumored to be the Go 4, the new camera doesn’t look like an obvious successor to the Go 3S, which we rate as the best modular action camera. In fact, it doesn’t look like any Insta360 camera I’ve used before.Shared by @Quadro_News – a usually reliable source – the leaked photo shows a miniature camera with a rounded square design and a large lens dominating one corner.Crucially, the product pictured in the leak is comprised of a single unit. Unlike the Go 3S, there’s no obvious separation between camera and screen block.I’ve used both the Insta360 Go 3 and Go 3S. What impressed me about them was their modular design. Each is a tiny, thumb-sized camera which you can wear magnetically or slot into the Action Pod, for proper GoPro-style framing with the flip-up screen. They are an effective hybrid solution for creators who shoot first-person content: lightweight and discreet by default, with the option of deeper control when needed.But with this new design, it looks like Insta360 is heading in a different direction. One without an Action Pod.👉So far, there's not much information on the new camera Insta360. Only this... pic.twitter.com/fpinRohNSKJune 15, 2025No more modular?A closer inspection of the leak reveals details that raise further questions. There’s a visible indicator light, plus what looks like a front-facing audio grille. There’s also a smaller circle, which could be another light or possibly a sensor. A diagram posted along with the image hints at capacitive touch control on the front of the unit.Interestingly, the camera in the image is held above what appears to be a dock. There’s speculation that this could be a wireless charging station, though whether it’s a consumer accessory or a development rig isn’t clear.What we can’t see anywhere is the back of the camera. That begs a bigger question: is there a screen at all?There’s a world in which Insta360 could be developing an all-in-one camera that strips things back even further than the Go 3S. That might sound like a step in the wrong direction, but there’s logic here. The Insta360 Go series is all about lightweight, wearable cameras for social creators. If this new model keeps things ultra-portable while improving audio, touch control and battery life, it could offer a more streamlined, potentially more affordable solution.That could well appeal to POV creators who rarely use the screen block and are happy to rely on smartphone app connectivity for framing or editing after the fact. It’s also worth noting that the Action Pod supplied with previous versions wasn’t waterproof. By adopting an integrated design, Insta360 could be favoring durability and portability over total control.Another factor at play here is the DJI Osmo Nano, itself a dinky, modular camera targeting the same audience. Rumored for a July launch, that device seems to pick up where the Osmo Action 2 left off, with a small camera unit that attaches magnetically to clothing and can pair with an optional screen module. The potential twist is that DJI appears to be embracing modularity just as Insta360 may be phasing it out.Don’t count Insta360 out just yet, though. It’s possible this new design is part of an alternative line entirely – not the Go 4, but a different wearable camera aimed at filling a new niche. Or it might be a prototype of the Go 4 that simply doesn’t show the modular elements. Until we see the full picture, we won’t know whether the Action Pod is in or out.Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if an official launch is imminent. The leak shows a device that looks pretty far along in the development process. And with the Go 3S launched back in June 2023, it’s about due an update given Insta360's recent prolificacy. If the DJI Osmo Nano does hit shelves in July, along with DJI's first-ever 360 camera, expect Insta360 to respond quickly.Until then, all we can do is speculate. But one thing’s clear: both DJI and Insta360 are in the fight for the wearable camera crown. Watch this space.You might also like...Insta360 Go 3S review: a worthy 4K successor to the Go 3Leaked Osmo Nano images suggest DJI is taking a second swing at tiny modular action camsCamera rumors for 2025: new gear we're expecting soon from DJI, Sony, Canon and more

DC Studios has found the lead star for its Clayface movieSurprisingly, the Batman villain won't be played by Alan TudykTudyk voiced Clayface in season 1 of Creature CommandosDC Studios has revealed which actor will star in its forthcoming Clayface movie – and, surprisingly, it won't be Alan Tudyk.First reported by Deadline and later confirmed by studio co-chief James Gunn, the budget horror film's titular character will be portrayed by Tom Rhys Harries. Taking to Instagram, Gunn said it had been a "long and exhaustive search" to find the right person to play the shapeshifter, but he and fellow producer Matt Reeves eventually settled on Harries after they were "blown away" by his auditions.A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)A photo posted by on Clayface will be the third film released as part of the DC Universe's (DCU) first line-up of movies and TV shows. Currently, it's set to be released on September 11, 2026, so it'll arrive three months after Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – or, as Gunn recently confirmed, the DCU's second movie that's now known by its much simpler title in Supergirl.Little is known about Clayface's story. However, it'll be directed by James Watkins (Speak No Evil) and its original script was penned by horror auteur Mike Flanagan. According to Deadline, Hossein Amini conducted some rewrites for the DCU Chapter One film, but Gunn has confirmed (via Threads) that the vast majority of Flanagan's initial screenplay has been retained.Principal photography is set to begin this October, according to The Wrap's Umberto Gonzalez. Per The Hollywood Reporter, Gunn and company are looking to make it for a modest $40 million, too.Why isn't Alan Tudyk playing Clayface in his live-action DC comic book movie?Alan Tudyk voiced Clayface in Creature Commandos season 1 (Image credit: Max)Harries' hiring has certainly raised some eyebrows among DC fans.There's no question that the Welsh actor is a talented up-and-comer – indeed, he's proved as much in Apple TV+ series Suspicion, Netflix show White Lies, and Guy Ritchie's 2019 crime comedy flick The Gentlemen. More recently, Harries portrayed Ricky September in Doctor Who episode 'Dot and Bubble', which, per its 94% critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is one of the highest-rated installments of the Ncuti Gatwa era.Nonetheless, fans have expressed surprised that prolific actor Alan Tudyk, who voiced Clayface in season 1 of Creature Commandos, aka the DCU's first TV series, on Max, wasn't tapped to portray Clayface's titular character. After all, some people have pointed out that Gunn previously said actors who are cast in the DCU would play their character in live-action and animated projects.Gunn, though, has tried to clear up any confusion about Harries' casting. Responding to a fan on Threads about why Tudyk wasn't chosen, Gunn wrote: "I said we would plan on using primary actors whenever we can. I've also never said if the two characters are the same. (I've also never said they're not)."It's the final part of his response that's most telling. There have been eight incarnations of Clayface in DC Comics, so it's entirely possible that Tudyk and Harries will portray different versions of the villainous metahuman in the DCU. We'll learn if that's the case once Clayface has taken shape and landed in theaters next year.You might also like'I think I have a way in': James Gunn gives exciting update on the DCU's Batman movie, but I want clarity about The Dark Knight's next film as wellJames Gunn confirms new Wonder Woman movie is on the way, and DC fans say a Star Wars actor is the clear choice to play herGet the definitive lowdown on what we know about Superman

Keyview 13" Touch is a mechanical keyboard with a built-in 13-inch touchscreenIt works with phones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and even game consolesThere’s no battery or touchpad unfortunately, so you'll need to provide power and a mouseThe Keyview 13" Touch, from Aura Displays, is a compact 82-key mechanical keyboard (83 keys for the UK version) with a fun, and useful twist - it has an integrated 13-inch touchscreen attached.This isn’t the first product of its kind we’ve seen - we’ve previously covered the Maxfree K3 and the Thanko mechanical keyboard with a 10-inch monitor, both of which offer the same blend of keyboard and display in one unit.We’ve also encountered various DIY projects that produced laptops without displays, as well as notebook docking stations with built-in screens, but few of those have been as polished or feature-packed as this.RGB lighting and custom shortcutsThe Keyview 13" Touch's screen folds from 0 to 90 degrees and delivers a 1920 x 720 matte IPS display. It supports full 10-point multitouch and has a wide 178° viewing angle, making it usable for video, docs, or just as a second screen.The keyboard itself uses yellow mechanical switches and PBT keycaps. It’s fully customizable, with hot-swappable keys, RGB lighting, and support for custom shortcuts.The device includes USB-C, HDMI, two USB 3.0 ports, an SD/TF slot, and an M2 SSD bay for internal storage expansion. It also supports 60W PD fast charging.It’s compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and ChromeOS. That means it works with laptops, desktops, full-featured USB-C phones like the Galaxy line, latest iPhones, tablets, and even game consoles.The case is made from aluminum alloy, ABS, and PC plastic. It’s solid but weighs 2.12kg, which makes it more of a backpack item than something pocketable.There’s also a built-in speaker, rated at 1W. That's nothing special, but it will be fine for notifications or quick audio tasks.There are a couple of bigger drawbacks, though - there’s no battery for starters, so you’ll need to plug it in every time you want to use it. And there’s no touchpad either, so unless your device is touch-capable, you’ll want to bring a mouse too.Still, for a certain type of user, especially those wanting to turn their phone into a capable workstation, it’s an unusual and potentially useful option. You can buy it direct from Aura now for $399.00, 20% off its usual MSRP of $499.You may also likeCheck out our list of the best mobile workstations for any budgetAnd these are the best mini PCs you can buy right nowMinisforum's NAS packs a Ryzen AI HX 370, up to 96GB RAM and 154TB storage

Meta’s Threads is deepening its integration with the fediverse, a collection of decentralized social media platforms that includes Mastodon. Starting today, users who have enabled sharing to the fediverse in Threads will be able to see posts from federated accounts that they follow. These posts will now appear in a dedicated feed. From this feed, users can now search for federated users from within Threads. These posts will populate in reverse chronological order, ensuring the newest posts from accounts you follow appear first. Decentralized platforms currently compatible with Threads include Mastodon, Bookwyrm, WriteFreely and more, with Meta hoping more services will sign on in the future. When searching for fediverse accounts, simply input their username and corresponding service into the search bar, such as “@[email protected],” and if an exact match exists, their profile will appear alongside the fediverse icon. Meta has spent the last year working on building the fediverse into the Threads experience, and the company says that Threads “has interacted with over 75 percent of all fediverse servers” since sharing to the fediverse was launched a year ago. The social media conglomerate states that its goal “remains to grow the fediverse responsibly, prioritizing the success of a safe community from multiple platforms and with multiple points of view.” Integrations like the features being launched today, however, make it much easier for the company’s users to see federated posts without ever navigating away from Threads to do so. Furthermore, fediverse engagement on Threads remains an “opt-in” feature, and replies you receive to posts shared in the fediverse are still not integrated into Threads.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/threads-adds-new-dedicated-feed-for-fediverse-content-174105370.html?src=rss

It’s official: the Nothing Phone 3 will use the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset.Nothing CEO Carl Pei revealed the spec detail in an interview uploaded to the company’s YouTube channel, confirming that Nothing’s “first true flagship” phone will be “36% faster on CPU, 88% stronger on GPU, and 60% stronger on the NPU” than the Nothing Phone 2.Big numbers! Except the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1-equipped Nothing Phone 2 is almost two years old, and by Nothing’s own admission, it’s not a true flagship, so you’d expect the Phone 3 to deliver a serious jump in performance. The even bigger elephant in the room is that Nothing’s “first true flagship” won’t be using the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which by all accounts is currently the Fastest Gun in the West. Is this a terrible revelation? I’m not so sure.Look, it’s true that many of the best Android phones use Qualcomm’s latest top-end chipest, and it’s also true that, in not using the Snapdragon 8 Elite, the Nothing Phone 3 will likely lag behind the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and OnePlus 13 in benchmark tests and push-your-phone-to-the-limits use cases.If you’re someone who likes to max out every setting in Call of Duty: Mobile or record lengthy videos in 8K, the Nothing Phone 3 won’t be for you. But Nothing is not, and never will be, a brand for these types of power users.The Nothing Phone 3a Pro launched in March (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Carl Pei founded Nothing in 2020 with a mission to “make tech cool again,” and that ethos has been evident in every Nothing phone released thus far (we described the company’s most recent effort, the Nothing Phone 3a Pro, as “the most interesting phone you can buy for less than $500 / £500 / AU$850” in our review).Nothing’s next challenge is to make a “cool” phone that isn’t noticeably slower or buggier than the best phones on the market. And any device that fits that remit can, I think, accurately be described as “a true flagship”.By using the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset, the Nothing Phone 3 will feel like a flagship in comparison to Nothing phones of old, but I’m 99% certain that it’ll feel like a flagship in relation to the iPhones, Samsung phones, and Pixel phones of the world, too.As I wrote in a similarly minded piece last year: “In my opinion, we’ve reached a saturation point when it comes to the speed of flagship phones. Not necessarily overall mobile performance, mind, but the way these phones feel when you’re swiping through them.”If the Snapdragon 8s Gen 4 chipset can deliver a smooth experience while you’re scrolling, streaming, swiping, gaming, taking photos, or doing any of the other things one does with their phone in 2025, I think it’s a perfectly acceptable chipset choice for a flagship handset aimed at those who value aesthetics over raw, unmitigated power.The Tensor G4-equipped Google Pixel 9 Pro was our Phone of the Year last year (Image credit: Blue Pixl Media)Consider Google’s latest flagship phone, the Pixel 9 Pro.By all accounts, its Tensor G4 chipset is weaker than the competition, yet the Pixel 9 Pro sits pretty as the ‘best Android’ option in our list of the best phones and also scooped our Phone of the Year award in 2024. Sure, those titles were awarded subjectively, but no one bats an eyelid when Google’s bona fide flagship ships without the latest and greatest in mobile silicon.The price argument is a little harder to rebuff. Rumors put the Nothing Phone 3’s price tag at around $799 / £799 / AU$1,300, which would bring the phone in line with the Snapdragon 8 Elite-equipped Samsung Galaxy S25.Naturally, Nothing’s upcoming handset won’t be able to compete with Samsung’s latest base model for raw power, but with Carl Pei promising "premium materials and software that really levels things up,” I’m confident that the Phone 3 will deliver on the CEO’s “true flagship” promise.You might also likeLeaked Nothing Phone 3 memo teases lots of AIThese are the best phones you can buy right nowThe Nothing Phone 3 may get a telephoto camera

The discourse around artificial intelligence has all been about pursuing the bleeding edge, pushing the tech into the future as fast as possible. So maybe it should be refreshing that OpenAI's latest announcement feels almost quaintly analog. Starting today, users can tap into the company's image generation by texting 1-800-ChatGPT on WhatsApp. The post on X announcing this new option for using the ChatGPT AI chatbot specifies that the feature is "now available to everyone." I'm not sure what percentage of "everyone" wanted to have a 1-800 number to contact in order to obtain their AI-generated pictures. Considering how long it's been since the concept of a long-distance call was a factor in regular communication, I'd guess that many ChatGPT users don't even know why 1-800 phone numbers were notable. Perhaps this is OpenAI's attempt to lure the older generations away from potentially confusing (and embarrassing) competitors. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/this-1-800-number-will-generate-chatgpt-images-if-for-some-reason-you-need-that-174636780.html?src=rss

Waymo is expanding its service area in two major metropolitan parts of California, according to a report by TechCrunch. The company is bringing its robotaxis to several new cities and neighborhoods around Los Angeles and San Francisco. Beginning today, riders along the San Francisco Peninsula in cities like Brisbane, South San Francisco, San Bruno, Millbrae and Burlingame will be able to try out a Waymo driverless cab. The same goes for Silicon Valley locations like Palo Alto and Menlo Park. Ride to more places in the Bay and LA. ✨ Starting today in SF, with new areas coming to LA later this week. Download the Waymo One app to see our new service areas. pic.twitter.com/delkMqkO4k— Waymo (@Waymo) June 17, 2025 The greater Los Angeles area gets an expansion on June 18. Robotaxis will be available in neighborhoods like Echo Park, Silver Lake, Ladera Heights and Playa del Rey. They will also run through the entirety of Sunset Boulevard. The company says this recent expansion will grow its operational borders in both regions by around 80 square miles. This brings the total coverage area in California to 250 square miles, following other expansions throughout the state. Waymo recently boasted that it reached a milestone of 10 million paid rides, with 250,000 weekly rides in all four of its US markets. The Waymo One service also operates in Phoenix and Austin. This is a decent metric, considering the company ditched its waitlist and began offering rides to the public just last year. On the road again: As Waymo prepares for broader scale, we're embarking on our largest road trip to date, visiting 10+ cities in 2025. First up: Las Vegas and San Diego.Read more about how our road trips help advance the Waymo Driver's AI: https://t.co/96XzLSFV8O pic.twitter.com/UDCWOCkVOk— Waymo (@Waymo) January 29, 2025 The company plans on testing its driverless system in 10 new cities this year, including Las Vegas and San Diego. It has also announced that it'll begin offering driverless taxi rides in Washington DC in 2026. Waymo hasn't abandoned the rest of the world. It started testing robotaxis in Tokyo earlier this year. The company is also planning on more than doubling its fleet of vehicles. Waymo currently operates 1,500 Jaguar I-Pace SUVs. with 2,000 joining the fleet in the next year or so.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/waymo-expands-service-area-around-san-francisco-and-los-angeles-180811473.html?src=rss

World Leaks adds Freedman HealthCare to its data leak siteThe group claims to have exfiltrated tens of thousands of filesThe company is staying silent for nowA cybercrime gang claims to have breached Freedman HealthCare, a US-based consulting firm which helps states and healthcare organizations handle data, and allegedly stole thousands of sensitive files.A threat actor called World Leaks added Freedman HealthCare to its data leak website. The group is a new entrant in the cybercrime space, with some saying it’s a rebrand of Hunters International, while others report it’s a spin-off of the infamous organization.In any case, the group added the consulting firm to its site, but hasn’t yet uploaded any files, most likely to try and pressure it into paying the ransom demand.Extortion as a serviceThe attackers claim to have stolen 42,204 files, amounting to more than 50GB, but the nature of the stolen files isn’t known, nor is the amount of money requested.The company handles personal health information of millions of Americans, including sensitive data processed in Medicaid and commercial insurance claims, state health and human services agencies, social determinants of health datasets, and healthcare workforce initiatives.Freedman HealthCare has not yet addressed these claims, so we don’t even know if they’re legitimate, or not.However, Hunters International has a relatively good track record, with notable past victims including Toyota Brazil, NanoLumens, Integrated Control, and Frederick Wildman and Sons.World Leaks apparently operates on an “extortion-as-a-service” model, launched in early 2025. The Register notes Hunters International found their ransomware work too risky, especially with international law enforcement operations actively targeting these groups. This prompted them to switch from the usual double extortion tactics to extortion as a service, resulting in the creation of World Leaks.The group appears to be Russian in origin, and is rather active, with more than 150 victims in the last year.You might also likeHacked Tata Technologies data leaked by ransomware gangTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers

Kia says it will offer Netflix, Disney+ , YouTube and LG ChannelsThe entertainment is only available when parkedIt’s not free, as it comes part of a subscription-based packageKia is the latest in a slew of manufacturers to start offering blockbuster entertainment inside vehicles, with a new subscription-based Entertainment Package unlocking Netflix, Disney+, YouTube and more.Available only when parked, the optional new packages essentially unlock access to some of the world’s most popular streaming services, but also offer things like Stingray Karaoke, as well as Baby Shark World for Kids.Coming first to the recently launched Kia EV3, the South Korean marque says that the additional software will soon be introduced to new Sportage, EV4, EV5 and all upcoming models in the future.That said, it will only run on those newer vehicles powered by LG’s webOS-based Automotive Content Platform, which discounts older EV6, for example.Currently, it's also only available to European markets, for now with North America and other regions to follow suit. The Entertainment Standard package, which will be offered free for a year, only supports music streaming and YouTube via Obigo.A more comprehensive (and expensive) Entertainment Plus plan grants access to Netflix, Disney+ (in limited European countries) and YouTube via a native app.Finally, an Entertainment PlusWiFi package throws in all of the above, as well as a WiFi hotspot function in the car, meaning passengers can tether and browse using the vehicle’s data package.Analysis: Boredom busting comes at a price(Image credit: Kia)Kia joins a growing list of automotive manufacturers that are transforming their infotainment systems into media streaming devices when parked.Mercedes-Benz, for example, has offered the likes of Disney+ through its MBUX system for some time now, while Tesla’s built-in browser can access streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube and Hulu.Porsche's passenger-specific display, which is available on Taycan, Panamera and Macan as an optional extra, even allows front seat passengers to enjoy a movie or play games when the vehicle is in motion.More and more, we are seeing digital displays within the vehicle double-up as entertainment platforms to kill time when parked... something that many EV owners still find themselves doing while waiting to brim batteries.It's a great distraction and perfect for those times that you forgot to pack iPads or other digital devices for the kids.There have been numerous times where I have whiled away the minutes playing a pop quiz or watching an episode of Bluey in the passenger seat with the little ones as we wait for a charging session to complete.That said, the decision to charge just to access streaming services seems like a backwards step, particularly when most folk are already spending a fortune each month on entertainment plans as it is.Kia will charge £74 a year (around $100/AU$154), or £7 (around $10/AU$15) per month, for its most basic package, with prices rising to £34 (around $46/AU$70) for the first three months for the Entertainment Plus Wi-Fi package .This is in addition to the £80 (around $108/AU$166) a year required for the Kia Connect data package, which is free for the duration of the warranty (7 years), but runs out when the vehicles enter the used market.You might also likeTesla is secretly testing new versions of its Model S Plaid and Model Y Performance – here’s what to expectPeugeot reinvents its GTi badge for the EV age – and the E-208 is the best looking electric hot-hatch so farMove over, Rolls-Royce – America’s first homegrown ultra-luxury vehicle in almost a century is here to steal its crown

Facebook is once again rebranding the "video" section of its app. This time, the tab formerly known as "video," which was also once called "watch," will become "reels." The change comes as the company says that all video on the social network will now fall under the umbrella of "reels" regardless of how long the clip is or how it was shot. According to Meta, the change will make things simpler for users and creators sharing video clips on the platform. Previously, users had to decide whether they wanted a given video to be a "reel," shorter clips that are recommended throughout the Facebook app, or a "video," which also included live and longer-form content, as well as video posts intended only for friends. Now, that distinction will no longer matter. While reels was once explicitly meant for shortform videos of one minute or less, Meta has gradually expanded the format. On Instagram, Reels can now be up to three minutes long. On Facebook, there will be no upper limit on how long a "reel" can be. "You’ll be able to create and share reels of any length or orientation, whether it’s a quick, 30-second vertical clip or an in-depth, 20-minute plus horizontal episode," Meta explains. This change could end up being slightly confusing as most people are used to "reels" being shorter, vertical clips rather than long "episodes." It's also notably different from how video functions on Instagram, where reels still have time constraints. It could also raise questions from a privacy standpoint as reels are typically public posts, while many Facebook users upload video they only want to share with their existing friends (Meta says it will prompt users to revisit their privacy settings once the change rolls out to ensure their clips only make it to the intended audience.) Meta notes that the changes will be rolling out slowly "in the coming months," so people will have some time to adjust to the new format.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/facebook-videos-are-all-just-going-to-be-reels-now-185807805.html?src=rss

Marathon isn't coming in September after all. Bungie said on Tuesday that it's delaying the shooter indefinitely. "We're using this time to empower the team to create the intense, high-stakes experience that a title like Marathon is built around," the company wrote. Bungie wants to incorporate player feedback from the game's closed alpha playtest. (It ran from April 23 to May 4.) The company will continue closed testing over the next few months. The developer wants to drill down on what makes the game "uniquely compelling." Bungie views this as a blend of survival, mystery, raid-like endgame challenges and combat. Adding more challenging AI encounters is also a priority. Ditto for enhanced visual fidelity and a darker tone that's more like the '90s originals. Bungie Last month, the game made headlines for the wrong reasons. Bungie admitted that Marathon's alpha version used stolen artwork. The developer said a former artist on its team pinched the assets without its knowledge. That incident wasn't mentioned in today's statement. Still, it's easy to imagine that could have played a part in the decision. Delays are never fun for those eager to play. However, early testers had plenty of criticism. "Through every comment and real-time conversation on social media and Discord, your voice has been strong and clear," Bungie wrote. "We've taken this to heart, and we know we need more time to craft Marathon into the game that truly reflects your passion." So, it sounds like the delay could be a wise decision in the long run. Bungie says it will provide its next update, along with a new release date, this fall.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/bungie-delays-marathon-indefinitely-190832450.html?src=rss

Polar is launching a screenless band, confirmed in a recent press releaseIt's a distraction free wearable set to launch on September 3Very few details are available, but it will definitely be subscription-freeI first learned about Polar when searching for alternatives to the best Garmin watches, but Polar as a company has been around for a long time: Polar Electro actually developed the world's first wireless heart rate monitor, filing the patent in 1980.While the company may have slipped behind some of its competitors in the smartwatch popularity stakes since then, Polar does make solid, reliable devices that regularly rank on our best running watches and best heart rate monitor lists.Now, though, Polar is moving into a new category: eating Whoop's lunch by releasing a screenless wrist band.However, what excites me isn't just a new challenger in the screenless wearable space; it's the fact that this is a Whoop alternative that's completely subscription-free.(Image credit: Lee Bell)I haven't yet published my review for the Whoop MG, the latest high-end wearable to be released by Whoop, but to cut a long story short: there's a lot to love, especially the detailed analytics. While it's not ideal for runners, it's probably the most useful wearable for hybrid athletes and gym bunnies I've tested in a very long time, thanks to its Oura-style tagging system, workout builder, and advanced recovery tools.However, it's not perfect: the clasp system frequently comes apart when taking the band off, and the subscription cost is very steep: the Whoop MG comes in at a staggering £349 / $359 / AU$629 per year, with the cheapest tier coming in at £169 / $199 / AU$299 per year. For this cost, you get the device along with an annual subscription to the Whoop app.Polar does have a premium subscription tier in its app, but it's specifically for its Fitness Program feature, an adaptive training plan generation tool. The base analytics collected by Polar devices are free, which makes its devices a pretty good value: once a device has been purchased, it can be used without spending more money.I'm really excited about the prospect of a budget Whoop alternative without the costly annual subscription. Polar's running watches, such as the Polar Grit X2 Pro, and heart rate monitors, like the Polar H10, are usually very well-reviewed, which bodes well for the wearable.(Image credit: Whoop)Although a price point hasn't been released for the screenless band – we don't even know its name – we do have a launch date for it: September 3, as mentioned in a Polar press release.The release states that: "The upcoming Polar wearable will not only be the brand’s first screen-free wrist device, but it will also be a subscription-free alternative to other health bands and fitness trackers on the market."By eliminating the need for a screen, this new category of wearables captures accurate insights and data in the background without intruding on users’ daily lives, blending seamlessly into their routines as they go about their day."Users can then check their stats and progress whenever it suits them, staying connected to their sleep, activity, health, and fitness – without it demanding their attention."It certainly sounds a lot like a cheaper Whoop, but we'll know more for sure closer to the launch date. Expect a detailed comparison when it drops, along with my full Whoop MG review soon.You might also like5 of the best muscle-building tips I've heard over 10 years in fitness writingThe next Galaxy Watch will read antioxidant levels, give you useful bedtime guidance, and become the running coach you always wantedTwo months on, OnePlus has fixed my biggest problem with the OnePlus Watch 3, and now I can recommend it to everybody