Coolgeek P1 Cassette Player unveiledBrings some modern twists like Bluetooth and a HD displayKickstarter campaign just launched; MSRP is $179 but cheaper nowThe cassette player revival began with retro-inspired models such as the EDITH WE-001 and FiiO CP13, but we're beginning to see more modern versions like, well, this strange wall-mounted system. And another new option — the one you're here to read about — definitely falls into the latter camp.Coolgeek, whose RGB light-up turntable we covered several months ago, is back with its newest gadget: the P1 Cassette Player.Like its turntable, this device is being 'released' on Kickstarter, so you can't buy it immediately. However, from what we've been told, it sounds pretty far along in production, so I don't envision the turn-around time being too long here.While the standard price of the P1 is $179 (about £130, AU$260), in true Kickstarter fashion it's available for much cheaper if you sign up to the campaign earlier; it'll be half that price in the 'Super Early Bird' wave, and slowly increase over time.What your money gets you(Image credit: CoolkGeek)At its core, Coolgeek's P1 Cassette Player is... well, a cassette player (think Walkman, but Sony makes those), so you don't really need me to run you through what it does, do you? It plays cassettes. But there's more, of course, or we wouldn't be covering it.For one, the model has Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, so you can listen to your tapes using your wireless headphones. There's a 3.5mm jack for wired headphone lovers too, as well as a USB-C port, but the latter's just for charging.There's also a little HD display, which is primarily used for arranging the Bluetooth connection. Judging by images we've seen, there's also some colorful LED indicator column (ooh, lights!) probably for volume, but we weren't expressly told what it depicts.Like many retro-inspired gadgets, the P1 is see-through, so you can see your tape spinning around as you listen. Coolgeek told us that it was designed not merely to ape older cassette players, but to have its own design identity.Plenty of the new cassette players we've seen have playful, pastel-colored designs and curved edges, and Coolgeek's P1 looks a lot more mechanical and industrial in comparison — like true 1970s and 1980s tangible tech. So if you've been wanting an alternative cassette player, the campaign might be worth taking a look at.

Kail Audio HP-1 are wireless cans with instant switching of sound profilesSonic profiles for bass heavy and popular consumer headphonesLaunching at $199 / £199 / €199If you make audio for other people to listen to, you'll know how much of a pain it is to have to listen on multiple things – but of course you have to do it, because what sounds good on neutral studio monitors may be too bassy on a pair of Beats or unclear on AirPods.That means accumulating more earbuds and over-ears than you have ears, which is expensive and in my case, also very annoying because I keep forgetting to charge any of the wireless ones.Kali Audio may have a better option.Fancy a set of reference over-ear wireless headphones that can switch to emulate the sound of bassy boomers or airier options? That's what the new HP-1 promise to deliver, albeit without naming any specific headphone models. They're a single pair of headphones with a triple-split personality.(Image credit: Kali Audio)Kali Audio HP-1: key features and priceThe Kali Audio HP-1 headphones are over-ear closed-back headphones with 40mm drivers, a promised 18Hz to 22kHz frequency range, and custom digital signal processing profiles. There are three different voicings: studio, bass-heavy and consumer, all accessible instantly via the press of a button.There's a 3.5mm cable (essential for latency-free music production) and the headphones also have Bluetooth for more relaxed listening, although that only has the basic standard SBC and AAC codecs, rather than aptX or LDAC.Battery life is promised to be 40 hours, and there's active noise cancellation for when you need to take your show on the road.The first profile, studio, is the standard one for these headphones, and it's designed to deliver transparent and accurate sound when you're mixing or mastering just like any other pair of studio headphones.Press a button and you'll switch to the bass-heavy mode, which emulates the sound of "headphones that are popular with hip-hop and EDM creators and fans." The difference between fairly flat headphones and the more prominent low-end of such headphones can be quite considerable, so this setting should help keep the bass tight rather than overly boomy.The third voicing is consumer, which according to Kali Audio "replicates the sound of popular headphones sold alongside phones and computers", which is an impressively phrased way of telling me you mean AirPods without telling me you mean AirPods.I haven't tried these headphones, so I can't say how they compare to the headphones they aim to emulate. But if Kali has cracked the sound profiles, these could be a good option for those of us who can't afford to buy a library of headphones purely for mixing. With an official of $199 / £199 / €199 (about AU$400) the Kali Audio HP-1 are well within reach for bedroom producers as well as ones with bigger budgets.You might also likeLink 1Link 2Link 3

Marshall Kilburn III The Marshall Kilburn III serves up an incredible combination of beautifully balanced audio, meaty features and premium aesthetic. Its 50-hour battery life means you’ll barely ever have to charge it too. Sure, it’s more costly than its predecessor was at launch, and you can get better protection against the elements from rivals like the Xtreme 4, but the Kilburn III is still one of the best-sounding (and looking) models in its weight class. ProsExceptional battery lifeClassy amp-inspired designHighly effective placement compensationConsInferior IP rating to Xtreme 4No multi-speaker pairingNot as portable as JBL’s speaker JBL Xtreme 4 The JBL Xtreme 4 delivers each musical element with clarity and distinction and packs in some nifty features that build on the strengths of its predecessor. It's a rugged, outdoorsy speaker that doesn’t go all out on style, but hits all the right notes when it comes to utility, boasting a great battery life and IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating. ProsUltra-rugged designSeriously powerful audio outputConsiderably lighter than Kilburn IIIConsRequires EQ tuning to sound its bestLower battery life than Kilburn IIIExterior design lacks sex appeal I've tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers during my time here at TechRadar – everything from mini audio companions to colossal boombox-style models. But so far, two of my favorite models sit somewhere in the middle of that – they're portable, yet decently bulky units that are ideal for gatherings, parties, or personal listening.The speakers in question are the Marshall Kilburn III and the JBL Xtreme 4. Both of these have blown me away with wonderful sound quality, a high standard of build, and plenty of flashy features.But if you're in the market for one of the best Bluetooth speakers, which one of these should you buy? Well, it's not all too easy to pick a winner – but I've tried my hardest to pick my champion. So, let's take a look at what sets these models apart, and ultimately, which model I'd spend my own money on.Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: price and availabilityThe Kilburn III released in May 2025, almost seven years after its predecessor, the Marshall Kilburn II. With a list price of $379 / £299 / AU$599, it comes in at $80 / £50 / AU$100 more than its predecessor at the point of its launch. But that price does reflect a host of major improvements, including superior waterproofing, playtime, and acoustics. The Kilburn III is available in either Black & Brass or Cream.Meanwhile, the JBL Xtreme 4 is a little older, having first released in March 2024. Despite carrying a list price of $379.95 / £329.99 / AU$499.95, you’ll regularly find it for less. After a quick search, I spotted it going for less than $280 / £240 / AU$380. Like the Kilburn III, JBL’s speaker is available in multiple colorways – there’s black, blue, and camo.Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: specsMarshall Kilburn IIIJBL Xtreme 4Weight6.2 lbs / 2.8kg4.63 lbs / 2.1kgDimensions10.7 x 5.9 x 6.7 inches / 273 x 150 x 169mm11.7 x 5.9 x 5.6 inches / 297 x 149 x 141mmConnectivityBluetooth 5.3, AUXBluetooth 5.3Battery life50 hours24 hours (plus up to 6 hours more with Playtime Boost)Speaker drivers1 x 30W woofer; 2 x 10W full ranges2 x 30W woofers, 2 x 20W tweetersWaterproofingIP54IP67Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: featuresBoth of these Bluetooth speakers are packed with tons of smart feature goodness. Each have the usual good stuff – multi-point connectivity, fast-pairing, and the ability to charge external devices. But there’s so much more to discover in each model’s respective companion app.For instance, the Kilburn III offers placement compensation, enabling you to optimize the speaker’s sound relative to its position in a room. That’s especially useful if the speaker is close to a wall or corner, say. This is something the Xtreme 4 does not offer, unfortunately.Another thing the Kilburn III has that JBL skips on is a shortcut button. Using the Marshall companion app, you can pick two EQ calibrations to switch between using the speaker’s physical ‘M’ button. This lets you seamlessly switch between the standard tuning and a bass boosted mode, for example.(Image credit: Future)But the JBL does have a few tricks up its sleeve too. For example, there’s multi-speaker pairing, which you can access via the Xtreme 4 itself or the JBL Portable app. That’s something the Kilburn III left out. It's also got an option called PlayTime Boost, which extends the speaker’s maximum battery life by six hours, though it does disable EQ settings.Still, the Kilburn III does have its own battery-related settings. It’s got preservation settings like an optional maximum charge cap, temperature reduction, and adaptive charging speed. It's also got a replaceable battery – something the Xtreme 4 boasts as well.It's worth noting too, that the Kilburn III has a colossal battery life of 50 hours, which considerably outdoes the Xtreme 4’s very respectable 30 hours (with PlayTime Boost on). Both speakers also have Auracast and custom EQ options – but also skip on an inbuilt mic for hands-free calling and USB-C audio passthrough.In spite of that, the Kilburn III does have an AUX port for wired listening – which combined with its placement compensation and superior battery life make it the stronger option features-wise – even though multi-speaker pairing was left out.(Image credit: Future)Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: sound qualityRight, there wasn’t a lot in it features-wise, and perhaps unsurprisingly, the same can be said in terms of sound quality. That’s because both of these Bluetooth speakers perform very well indeed in the audio department, offering highly tuneable, impactful, and clean sound. And that’s even without any fancy codecs like LDAC or aptX Adaptive.Each model is crammed full of tech for an optimized listening experience. I already discussed the Kilburn III’s placement compensation feature, but there’s even more at play here. First of all, there’s dynamic loudness, which automatically adjusts bass, mids, and treble, ensuring that you don’t lose out on subtle details, even at high volumes.On top of that, the Kilburn III makes use of Marshall’s ‘True Stereophonic’ sound, meaning you get a great listening experience from all angles. When using the speaker at our music testing space, I couldn’t detect any discernible blind spot, with full-sounding, expressive audio serviced to every part of the room.But JBL didn’t come to play, it came to compete. As a result, the Xtreme 4 has some smart audio tech of its own – namely AI Sound Boost. Basically, this utilizes an AI algorithm to identify speaker movement and response in real-time, helping the Xtreme 4 to plate up “better and more powerful” sound, and reduce distortion at loud volumes. And during the testing process, I certainly found this to be very effective – there was little to no noticeable distortion, even when I cranked up the loudness real high.Something I do like more about the Kilburn III is its sound signature out of the box. When listening to a track like Keep That Groove by Vitess, I was treated to heavy, pumping low-end output – though the bass never overwhelmed synths or vocals. But the Xtreme 4 left me wanting a bit in terms of low-end power: the thumping bass of Moloko’s I Want You, for instance, lacked the raw energy I’d expect from a speaker claiming to offer “next level massive” sound.(Image credit: Future)With a bit of tinkering in the JBL Portable app, though, my concerns were soon put to bed. With the right tuning, this thing is capable of seriously mighty, yet expertly balanced audio output. Using Custom EQ, Black Eye by Allie X was replicated excellently, with a responsive, emphatic interpretation of the track’s deep, rapid drum machine. Vocals were also given plenty of room to breathe, and crashing percussion never sounded harsh.The Xtreme 4 is more powerful than the Kilburn III, making use of two 30W woofers and two 20W tweeters – as opposed to Marshall’s single 30W woofer and dual 10W full-range drivers. So, if sheer strength is what you’re after, it may well be the better pick. However, I have to say that I would edge the Kilburn III in terms of overall quality.I’ve already mentioned its credentials as far as bass is concerned, making it more than capable of ramping up a party atmosphere. But beyond that, it provides a wide, engrossing soundstage and surprisingly strong instrument separation. When listening to Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz, intertwining guitars sounded pleasantly forward, while fantastically positioned drums and piercing vocals tied up a head-banging listening experience.(Image credit: Future)Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: designThis tightly contested battle remains just that as we tip-toe into the realm of design. But while these speakers have shared a lot of strengths so far, this is where they diverge a bit.See, the Marshall Kilburn III is a marvel in design, but predominantly because of its drop-dead gorgeous construction. I’m a huge fan of its amp-inspired look – a nod to Marshall’s rich history in the music space. Its tactile control knobs, red velvet-adorned handle, and golden details are also stand-out aspects, helping the Kilburn III to surpass its predecessor and, indeed, the JBL Xtreme 4, as far as appearances go.Both is Black & Brass and Cream colorways perfectly complement its retro-style aesthetic too.(Image credit: Future)Meanwhile, the JBL Xtreme 4 goes in a slightly different direction, focusing on a rough and ready build rather than premium looks. It’s got a real tough feel about it, an outdoorsy style – especially in its camo colorway – but above all, excellent protection against the elements.Specifically, JBL’s speaker is IP67-rated, meaning it’s well-shielded against dust, as well as water. It's so weather-resistant, in fact, that it can survive being submerged in up to a meter of water for 30 minutes. Not bad, eh? Combine that with a floatable build and this thing’s ready to go for pool parties, beach-sided bashes and, well, just about anything.The same can’t quite be said about the Marshall Kilburn III. It’s only IP54-rated, which is a significant upgrade over the IPX2 Kilburn II, but means it can only withstand water splashes, rather than full on immersion. Previously, I quizzed Marshall on this, and it told me that the Kilburn III is intended to be more of an “interior statement piece”, due to models such as the IP67-rated Marshall Emberton III and Marshall Middleton occupying the rugged space.Still, it's safe to say that the Xtreme 4 is the winner when it comes to durability. It's also lighter and has a shoulder strap, making it more portable overall.Personally, though, I’m not a big fan of how it looks. Its pseudo-cylindrical build and color options don’t grab my attention – especially not compared to the Kilburn III. Still, I think it's only fair to call this category a tie, with each model excelling in their own distinct way.(Image credit: Future)Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: valueLet’s not beat around the bush. If you’re in the market for a cheap and cheerful Bluetooth speaker, neither of these models are going to cut it – they’re closer to the premium side of things.But in this case, these speakers’ high price is indicative of high quality. With both models, you’re getting high-calibre audio for parties, outdoor gatherings, or personal listening. On top of that, both speakers have great build quality, plenty of features to have fun with, and plenty of playtime.(Image credit: Future)Now that the Xtreme 4 is regularly on sale, I’d argue that it's a good value pick. It doesn’t have the battery life or beauty of the Kilburn III, but it’s an awesome option if you’re the outdoorsy type or want a touch more power.The Kilburn III is newer, so sales are few and far between, but honestly, I still think it’s well-priced, especially against rivals like the Bose SoundLink Max. The improvements on its predecessor are seismic, it supplies exemplary sonic performance, and that playtime is out of this world.In the end, each of these offer plenty of bang for your buck. I’d probably give the Kilburn III a slight edge on value, due to its slightly superior audio and luxurious appearance, but there’s a lot to love about JBL’s rugged rival, especially with a price-cut.(Image credit: Future)Marshall Kilburn III vs JBL Xtreme 4: verdictUltimately, I think that both of these speakers remain worthy of my recommendation – but the model you pick will depend on what you need it for.If you’re going to be using your flashy new audio companion outdoors – especially near a body of water – the additional power and durability of the Xtreme 4 could be your best bet.Meanwhile, the Kilburn III is a fantastic statement piece, and offers up stunning build quality for the price. If you want a speaker for personal listening or indoor gatherings, I’d give it the edge, for its slightly superior audio performance.But if I could only pick one of these in general, I’d also pick the Kilburn III – it just oozes class. I’m a big fan of its 50 hour battery life and room calibration capabilities – plus it did take the edge overall across our four categories.Anyway, what’s your view? Do you own either of these speakers, and if so, what do you make of them? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so make sure to get chatting in the comments!You may also like Looking to entertain? Then why not check out our guide to the best party speakers.Or maybe you want something that supports Wi-Fi streaming? Then head on over to our list of the best wireless speakers

A jury in New Mexico has found Meta liable for violating the state's consumer protection laws in a high-profile civil trial over child exploitation and other safety issues. One day after closing arguments in the weeks-long trial concluded, the jury ruled against Meta on every count and ordered the company to pay $375 million. The case was brought by New Mexico's attorney general in 2023 and centered around allegations that Meta knew its platform put children at risk of exploitation and mental health harms and failed to put safety measures in place. In the end, the jury ruled that Meta was liable for both counts of violating New Mexico's consumer protection laws for misleading people in the state about the safety of its services. It imposed a penalty of $375 million, the maximum amount under the law based on the number of violations. During the trial, jurors were shown numerous internal documents throughout Meta's history. These included the results of research into mental health issues facing teens, and email exchanges in which Meta executives discussed safety problems like sextortion, self harm content and grooming. Prosecutors argued that these documents showed Meta knew children were experiencing harms on its apps, despite public statements that it prioritized safety. In a statement, Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said the company would appeal the verdict. "We respectfully disagree with the verdict and will appeal. We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing bad actors or harmful content," he said. "We will continue to defend ourselves vigorously, and we remain confident in our record of protecting teens online.”The verdict isn't the end of New Mexico's case against Meta. The state will argue that Meta is a "public nuisance" at a bench trial (a trial with a judge and no jury) that's expected to begin in May. In a statement, Attorney General Raul Torrez called the verdict a "historic victory" for families affected by Meta's safety lapses.“Meta executives knew their products harmed children, disregarded warnings from their own employees, and lied to the public about what they knew. Today the jury joined families, educators, and child safety experts in saying enough is enough."The New Mexico trial has been closely watched as it's among the first of many cases against Meta over child safety issues. A jury is currently deliberating in a separate trial in Los Angeles over social media addiction. A coalition of dozens of other states have also brought a lawsuit against the company for harming teens.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/jury-rules-against-meta-orders-375-million-fine-in-major-child-safety-trial-224215209.html?src=rss

When we tested out FastestVPN, we found "above-average speeds and rock-bottom prices" from this service. Now, I'm all for low pricing at a time when everything seems to be costing more and more. But there's something even better hidden in the company's early Black Friday sale that you might've missed. You can get a lifetime premium family password for six users alongside the VPN, for a one-off $27 (was $115) with code FUTUREBF2026. • Best for: Families bundling together privacy and security tools without ever losing or forgetting passwords again. • Why we like it: I really appreciate one-time charge - we've all got subscription-fatigue at this point. Our reader-exclusive code drops the price of the lifetime plan to less than the cost of the two-year plan, so you're effectively getting the password manager free on top of the multi-login VPN. • What you need to know: This deal is for the lifetime plan, but a standard plan for two years is also available. FastestVPN has additional monthly costs for users who need dedicated IP and port forwarding. That might not affect most people, but worth knowing. Lifetime VPN plan with lifetime family password manager: was $115 now $27The Lifetime VPN plan bundles together a 6-user family password manager and VPN for 15 devices at once. For the full discount, use code FUTUREBF2026. View DealWhy we recommend itThere's a lot to like about FastestVPN's lifetime plan - particularly for busy households and home offices. The lifetime password manager for up to six users is the real draw for me, because it means you can protect your accounts with stronger passwords that you won't forget (it feels like I'm reading about password breaches every week these days). On the VPN side, the service offers WireGuard Protocol, 10 Gbps high-speed servers - despite its name, it's not the fastest VPN we've ever tested, but we scored it 4 stars in our review. The platform also offers streaming-optimized servers for Netflix, Disney+, and other popular sites.There's app support for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, as well as smart TVs, routers, and Fire Sticks. For more options, we've rounded up the best password managers and best VPNs we've tested.Price Context & Historical ValueConsidering it's lifetime access for under $30, this is great value for general password management and VPN use. The lifetime plan alone typically costs $40 (or $35 for the two-year plan) in the Black Friday sale. Our reader-exclusive code is what makes this the best value. Should you buy it?✅ Buy the FastestVPN Lifetime Plan if... You want to end those never-ending subscriptions critical security and privacy tools for your household. ❌ Skip the FastestVPN Lifetime Plan if... You prioritize VPN speed or don't need a password manager for six users.

Apple’s yearly developer conference, WWDC 2025, is mere hours away from kicking off with a keynote presentation featuring CEO Tim Cook – and of all the rumors I’ve heard so far, the one I really hope ends up being true is a minor Apple Intelligence appearance.This year’s WWDC sees Apple in a rather odd spot, with the company largely being seen as behind some of its key competitors, especially Microsoft and Google, when it comes to artificial intelligence, and many commentators will no doubt crow about this loudly if WWDC 2025 goes by without much mention (if any) of Apple Intelligence, Apple’s AI tool that was announced at last year’s WWDC.However, after more than a year of companies trying (and failing) to convince me that AI is the next big thing for laptops, I’d actually love it if Apple Intelligence is barely a footnote at WWDC 2025.I feel like I’m being gaslighted(Image credit: Future)Now, let me first say that I am not completely against AI, or at least the modern tech that a lot of companies are calling AI. The actual technology behind it is incredibly impressive, and for some industries, such as scientific research and healthcare, the transformative potential is genuinely exciting.The problem I have is that a lot of companies are pushing AI into products where the user benefit is less clear. Earlier this year I attended the huge computing show Computex 2025 in Taiwan, and whilst looking out for potential candidates for best laptops of the next 12 months, pretty much every laptop maker was eager to tell me how great the AI features of its laptops, while seeming to ignore all the cool technical advancements I was actually interested in, such as slimline designs, powerful performance and long battery lives.These are the things that will make big differences to how we use our laptops, but instead I was told how great it would be to use Copilot (the AI tool Microsoft has stuffed into Windows 11) to generate images in Paint, write up my work in Word or summarize emails that until now I never realized that I had trouble reading.While the companies excitedly listed off all these AI features, I was left wondering what all the fuss is about. I tried generating images in Paint a while back, and while it was mildly diverting for a few moments, it’s something I’d never do again. Meanwhile, reading and writing emails, something I was repeatedly told was a time-consuming, difficult, and boring task, has actually never been an issue.(Image credit: Microsoft)It felt like I was being gaslighted, to be honest. When a spokesperson for a company that is heavily pushing AI said that they now never write emails themselves, they get AI to do it, rather than being excited and inspired, I just felt a bit depressed. It never takes me that long to write an email, and the idea that someone I’m talking to doesn’t take that same time, but just generates a response, didn’t feel great. It certainly meant that if I ever got an email from that person, I’d be less inclined to spend time engaging with the email.These kinds of disconnects between what the laptop makers were telling me to be excited about and what I was actually interested in are becoming ever more common, I feel.I felt it again during my recent Surface Pro 12 review. This is the latest tablet from Microsoft, and as a high-profile ‘Copilot+ PC’, which is the company’s name for Windows 11 devices that feature an NPU (Neural Processing Unit) capable of on-device AI tasks, Microsoft is using it to showcase its vision of AI in Windows.Now, to be fair to Microsoft (maybe something you’d never expect me to write), the company’s AI integration is a lot more ambitious than many of its competitors, going beyond the usual image generation/asking questions/writing and rewriting text. Unfortunately, while these tools are trying something different, they remain the least interesting aspect of the Surface Pro 12, with tools like Recall still feeling a little creepy and intrusive, while Click to Do just feels pointless at the moment.So, if the rumors are true and Apple won’t be talking about AI that much, it would actually make me very happy.Apple’s AI woes(Image credit: Apple)There have been quite a few reports that allege that Apple is struggling to keep up with the AI competition. We’ve not seen much of what Apple Intelligence can do outside of image and text generation, which are as uninspiring to me as similar tools from Microsoft, Google, and the like.Apple’s overhauled virtual assistant, Siri, which is supposed to feature AI, has also been missing in action since it was first announced. This has led to a general feeling that Apple might not know what to do with AI – and that’s the most relatable I’ve ever found this trillion-dollar company.Weirdly, Apple was ahead of the game in many respects – the M1 chip that launched in 2020 and ushered in a new age of the best MacBooks and Macs was based on Arm architecture (like many flagship Copilot+ PCs are), and came with an NPU (named the Neural Engine) many years before Microsoft and the like got all hot and bothered about it.But if Apple is struggling to find a way to integrate AI into its products, maybe that’s a sign that, at the moment, there’s no real benefit to including it in many consumer devices, especially laptops. One suggestion about why Apple might be wary of showing or talking about AI is that the tech is still not ready, and the company has already been burned by announcing the all-new Siri and then failing to release it.However, I’d much rather Apple held off any AI announcements until it has a clear vision on how these tools can improve their products (and our lives), and offer tools that work well and showcase the full potential of AI.The alternative is to do what Microsoft did, which was to initially delay tools such as Recall, then roll out both Recall and Click To Do as early ‘preview’ releases in a bid to assure people they are still being worked on. The problem is, during my time with the Surface Pro 12, neither Recall nor Click To Do felt remotely finished (both lacked features and even crashed the system). Rather than a tantalizing taste of an AI-powered future, it put me off the features altogether.Not talking about AI would be the brave thing to do at WWDC, as it would inevitably lead to commentators declaring it proof that Apple is behind the curve when it comes to artificial intelligence, but it would be the right thing to do – it would give the company space to talk about its current technology and the exciting, actually useful, features coming to iOS and macOS. It could even change the narrative – rather than Apple trying to keep up with competitors, it’s instead choosing not to chase a bandwagon and do its own thing instead.The problem is, deep down, I think what will really happen is that we’ll get a few half-baked AI tools and some nonsense platitudes about how AI will change our lives, then some deja vu-triggering examples of someone using AI to generate an ugly looking image and summarize an email that should take five seconds to read. Please prove me wrong, Apple.You may also likeWWDC 2025 live blog: all the breaking news as it happens5 new features to look forward to in iOS 19macOS 16 Tahoe is imminent – here’s what to expect from Apple’s next desktop OS

Strava has exercised its right to expand. A bad pun, yes, but apt considering the exercise tracking app has purchased Runna, a UK-based company that provides its users personalized running plans and coaching. The deal proceeded for an undisclosed sum of money.

Strava reports that interest in running has grown significantly, with 43 percent of its members wanting to do a big race or event this year. "Running is booming worldwide — nearly 1 billion runs were recorded on Strava in 2024. Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalised plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit," Strava CEO Michael Martin stated. "Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users." Last year, Strava launched features such as a family plan and night heat maps.

Runna launched in 2022, but has since grown to a team of 180 employees working on an app available in 180 countries. According to Martin, Strava and Runna will be kept as separate apps for the time being, with plans to expand the latter's team and resources. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/strava-buys-uk-based-personalized-running-plan-app-runna-133044850.html?src=rss

Telecommunications is an inherently data-driven industry. Traditionally, great focus has been placed on gaining data visibility into the core and transit areas of the network. This approach has provided valuable insights for throughput optimizations, speed, and general performance.Regardless of promises of speed, customers are mainly concerned about whether or not they’re able to watch streaming services, play live games, and connect with colleagues and loved ones via video calling - sometimes simultaneously. To solve for optimized performance and a great customer experience, telecommunication companies are shifting their focus toward further enhancing their last-mile visibility.Historically, service providers have used the last-mile data they collect to identify the worst-performing connections and pinpoint the group of customers most at risk of churning to another provider. However, if approached correctly, last-mile performance intelligence can offer more than just a way to mitigate churn.Today, when consumers visit the marketing and sign-up pages of telcos or internet service providers, they are typically presented with maps showing broad network coverage and similar pricing between providers, indicative of both the competitiveness of the telecommunications landscape and the utility-like nature of many of its services. On paper, there is often little to differentiate providers from a marketing perspective.This is where the opportunity lies. Service providers are in a unique position by virtue of owning and operating the networks that connect users with the applications and services they’ve come to rely on in their daily lives. By rethinking their relationship with last-mile data, additional benefits - beyond customer retention - are ripe for the taking when it comes to intelligent fault diagnosis, customer communication, and differentiated services.

How incomplete last-mile data can impact decisions

One of the most important aspects of data-driven decision-making is that the source data underpinning the decision is clean, comprehensive, and has good lineage. This goes to its quality and reliability as the foundation for decision-making.With more comprehensive last-mile data, service providers and carriers can make better informed decisions regarding new product launches, network planning, capacity, and capital allocation. For example, telcos and service providers will make significant moves around optimization of services for the needs of specific market segments - such as gaming, or industrial companies with IoT needs, and so on.This kind of optimization has long been a promise of network slicing technology, and many telcos and providers now have this in their arsenal. Yet, the biggest challenge may be determining the best customer cohorts to target with this level of optimized services. This is a problem that is addressable in part by having more comprehensive last-mile data to analyze and base these decisions on.Incomplete last-mile data also makes it harder to determine where a proposed investment in network infrastructure or capacity would have the biggest performance improvement. By contrast, in circumstances where the telco or service provider is collecting last-mile data from every active service, from every home or premises, they have a much more comprehensive understanding of how their services land, and where improvements most need to be made.

Last-mile intelligence as a differentiator

Telcos and service providers have always had options available to them to collect last-mile data: whether that’s TR-069 on customer premises equipment, or specific broadband monitoring boxes.The key opportunity ahead lies in the improved capability within service provider environments to correlate and use last-mile intelligence.For instance, last-mile network intelligence can significantly enhance the ability to deploy maintenance strategies proactively. By continuously monitoring the last-mile connections, service providers can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems, reducing downtime and improving overall service reliability. This proactive approach not only helps in maintaining customer satisfaction but also reduces operational costs associated with emergency repairs and customer support.Service providers can also use last-mile insight to analyze usage patterns and preferences to tailor their offerings for a higher level of personalization that can lead to deeper customer satisfaction and loyalty, as customers feel their specific needs are being met.In a market where pricing and coverage are often similar, last-mile intelligence can be a key differentiator. Service providers that can demonstrate superior last-mile performance through transparent reporting, value-add services, and customer testimonials can gain a competitive edge. This transparency builds trust and can be a deciding factor for customers choosing between providers.

Where will richer data take you?

With insights into all last-mile connections, service providers can access a valuable dataset that has long been overlooked. This knowledge can enhance customer experience and inform a wider range of commercial decisions, resulting in comprehensive strategies that are supported by a clearer understanding of the last-mile situation and the needs of their subscribers.

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