Indian police conducted raids at 19 locations to target scammersSix people were arrested, and numerous equipment seizedThe operation targeted elderly Japanese victimsIndian and Japanese law enforcement, with the help of Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU), have taken down a major financial fraud network and arrest six people suspected of running the entire operation.India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently conducted raids at 19 locations across the country and dismantled a large network that includes tech support schemes.The network mostly targeted older adults in Japan (aged 60 and above) and included two illegal call centers. Besides the arrests, both digital and physical infrastructure was seized, including computers, storage devices, digital video recorders, and phones.Chakra VThe fightback started with the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), a Japanese nonprofit dedicated to combating cybercrime, which identified the cybercriminal operation impersonating Microsoft, flagging it to the tech giant.The operation, known as Chakra V, was large and well-organized, the report notes - it revolved around fake pop-ups tricking people into thinking their computers were broken, and providing a phone number to “call Microsoft” and have the issues fixed.However the calls were actually being made towards the scammers, who would trick the victims into installing remote desktop software, or malware, and use this to steal sensitive files and money.The operation included pop-up creators, search-engine optimizers, lead generators, logistics and technology providers, payment processors, and talent providers.Microsoft also said that the introduction of Gen AI made scaling the operation infinitely easier and thus - more dangerous.“These actors used generative AI to scale their operations, including to identify potential victims, automate the creation of malicious pop–up windows, and perform language translations to target Japanese victims,” Microsoft explained.“This activity highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals and underscores the importance of proactive global collaboration to protect victims.”You might also likeMicrosoft thinks it could stop this dangerous scam foreverTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers

I think I finally understand why my mind so often wanders back to that picture-perfect day in Redmond, Washington, and the Windows 95 launch event on August 24, 1995.Put simply, it's a combination of the sensory overload of attending my first carnival-atmosphere-level tech launch event and the fact that I was 31 years old, and realizing that I'd found the career and lifestyle that would sustain me possibly for the rest of my life.Bill Gates at the Windows 95 launch in Redmond, Washington. (Image credit: Getty Images)In a way, Microsoft and I had this in common: 1995 (and that August 24 launch) marked a turning point for Windows, which had, even with Windows 3.1, been a pale imitation of the Macintosh OS graphical user interface (GUI). Windows 95 put Microsoft's Start button approach to desktop computing in the hands of millions, cementing its position as the PC platform leader just as Apple was sliding into temporary obscurity. In my life, I was a rising tech editor at the number one tech publication in the world, and at home, just months earlier welcomed my first child in our still relatively new home.In a way, I think I'm nostalgic for that moment. Microsoft felt a little scrappy and a lot nerdy. I was a curly-headed, over-enthusiastic nerdy tech writer who was never quite sure how to climb the media ladder.Image 1 of 2My ticket and press pass for the event. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Microsoft's Windows 95 launch event was the culmination of a year-long marketing effort, but it also felt as if Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and company were reaching, without much success, for a little bit of the Apple cool. When Apple launched the iconic Macintosh more than a decade earlier, it did it with an extraordinary TV commercial, one that almost said, 'We don't need you, you need us."Microsoft hired Jay Leno, an amiable Tonight Show host who has never and will never be "cool," as the master of ceremonies and paid The Rolling Stones a still unknown sum for the opening bars of its salacious Start Me Up (go read the lyrics, I'll wait). Even that didn't make Microsoft cool.None of that mattered, though, because, at the time, Windows 95's relevance quotient was through the roof.While I was wandering around the Redmond campus carnival, pausing briefly to watch Jay Leno deliver a standup routine to a dozen or so people seated on the perfectly manicured green lawn and to share a couple of words with Bill Gates who stood behind all of them, watching, thousands of people around the world were lined up at retail stores to buy the first copies of the $99 Windows 95 operating systems (it went on sale at midnight that evening).That's right. They lined up. Long before Apple inspired consumers to queue up at Apple stores for the first iPhone, Bill Gates had marketed the heck out of Windows 95 and turned everyone into either Windows fans or at least software collectors.Image 1 of 7This Special Edition Windows 95 package was handed to us at the launch event. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 2 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 3 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 4 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 5 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 6 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)Image 7 of 7(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)I remember lots of little bits about the day. It felt important, and I, by extension of my invite and ability to cover it, also felt like I mattered a little more.In the ensuing decades, I'd visit Microsoft's campus again (most recently the same spot for the company's 50th anniversary), travel to Cupertino for Apple, South Korea for Samsung, Austin, TX, for Dell, and Las Vegas for almost two dozen CES events. But Microsoft's Windows 95 launch was the first. It was the original tech spectacle and rewrote the script for where technology would live in consumers' lives and how they would learn about it.Within a few years, the Internet would be ubiquitous and Microsoft, which launched Windows 95 without a web browser, would race to catch up, belatedly delivering Internet Explorer.The original Windows 95 upgrade software (left) and on the right the Plus package that later added, among other things, Internet Explorer. (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)The web splits our attention across an untold number of niche interests. Getting millions to focus on one singular event was becoming virtually impossible.These days, we craft our own information channels.Just this past week in Brooklyn, NY, Google launched its new Pixel line with Jimmy Fallon, the SNL comedian who took over for Leno, as host. It was a slightly strange and mildly amusing event that I attended and wrote about. But this isn't 1995, and it wasn't a circus, just another big tech company trying to garner attention. Instead of Ferris wheels, games, and songs about sex, we got the milqutoast Jonas Brothers and a legion of influencers who were either on stage or in the audience, all there to spread the word.Most of them were either born years after the Windows 95 launch or are too young to remember it.You might also likeI've been covering Microsoft, DOS, and Windows since the 1980s, and Microsoft turning 50 is more important than you thinkWindows 10 is ten years old and it had some of the best and worst ideas everI've been using a MacBook Air for a month and, no, I don't miss Windows

Bowers & Wilkins just released the Px8 S2 wireless headphones, a follow-up to the well-reviewed original Px8 cans. This new entry brings a bevy of updated features, many of which were pulled from the recently-released Px7 S3 headphones.

They feature new audio drivers, a built-in digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and an improved digital signal processor (DSP.) This allows for a 24-bit/96 kHz high-resolution audio signal. The headphones can handle high-res audio from streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, thanks to Qualcomm's aptX Lossless audio codec.

The sound is aided by a five-band customizable EQ, which is accessible via a proprietary app. This app also lets users set other parameters and play audio directly from streaming platforms.

The Px8 S2 headphones also include more microphones for ANC, which should allow for better noise cancellation and a more nuanced transparency mode. The battery lasts for 30 hours, which is in line with all of the other Bowers & Wilkins models.

Bowers & Wilkins

The overall design has been refreshed, with a slimmer form factor. The company says it's the "most considered and comfortable over-ear headphone design we've ever made." The exterior has been crafted with Nappa leather and die-cast aluminum. There are two colorways to choose from and both are extremely easy on the eyes. These headphones are also slightly lighter than the original Px8 cans.

Each unit ships with a new carry case that's been designed to fit in most bags. The Px8 S2 headphones cost $800, which is $100 more than the original Px8 cost when they were released in 2023. Bowers & Wilkins does promise future software updates, including one that brings spatial audio.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/headphones/bowers--wilkins-px8-s2-headphones-have-updated-drivers-improved-anc-and-a-new-look-181913079.html?src=rss

Beyerdynamic Aventho 100: Two-minute reviewI really like the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 and have enjoyed my time reviewing them, but feel a little conflicted because their sound quality may actually be one of their least interesting qualities.That’s not to say that they don’t sound good – in fact, I think anyone shopping for a pair of headphones for under $250 (and are used to cheaper headphones) will have nothing but great things to say about how these sound. They’re fun to listen to, just a little exaggerated in their tuning (a little hyped, if you will) particularly through the low end and not as detailed as I would expect, especially from an audio specialist such as Beyerdynamic.But if their big brother, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, can hang with the best wireless headphones in terms of audio quality, the Aventho 100’s best attributes have more to do with their design, from the cool old-school Aviator look to the fact that they fold up to a relatively small size for easy portability. They also come with a very healthy battery life that adds to their long-haul flight appeal.Overall, these are fun headphones that are great for anyone looking for something a little distinctive or a bit more portable, where the last word in audio quality is not the most important factor (again, they sound good, but they don’t do anything particularly special on the audio front at this level either).(Image credit: Future)Beyerdynamic Aventho 100: Price and release datePriced $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00Released on July 8, 2025Available in the US, UK, and AustraliaThe Beyerdynamic Aventho 100‘s price tag of $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00 is firmly in mid-range territory. And that’s appropriate for these headphones. They have a solid feature set, but it’s not the full kitchen sink. And these on-ear headphones are meant a little more for those looking for a unique looking pair of 'lifestyle' headphones than those wanting the ultimate audio performance, which in the Beyerdynamic ecosystem are the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300.The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are available in the US, UK, and Australia. If you’re in the EU, they’ve been available since July of this year whereas those in North America have been able to order them since September.Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: SpecsDriversNot stated Active noise cancellationYesBattery lifeMore than 60 hours (or more than 40 hours with ANC) Weight220gConnectivityBluetooth 5.4 with aptX Lossless, aptX Adaptive; USB-C charging WaterproofingN/A(Image credit: Future)Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: FeaturesNo proprietary spatial audio or headtrackingSupports lossless over BluetoothAdaptive ANC and transparency modes available via appWhile the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 doesn’t have the full bag of tricks of more expensive headphones like head tracking or Dolby Atmos, they have enough to satisfy most people. To start, these headphones support lossless audio including aptX Lossless and the aptX Adaptive codec (which automatically balances quality and latency over Bluetooth) as well as the more vanilla AAC and SBC. Multipoint connectivity is on offer as well, which is useful.Most of the Aventho 100’s adjustable features are accessible via the easy-to-use mobile app. The presses and holds on the action button can be remapped to a small number of different options, though I do wish Beyerdynamic could have facilitated the enabling / disabling of active noise cancellation (ANC) and transparency modes here.On that note, not only are both ANC and transparency modes available in the companion app, but both have three levels (low, medium, high). Both work reasonably well. I was able to use the ANC while working in a cafe and didn’t hear anything but the music I was listening to. The transparency mode does a good job as well, though as soon as I play music at anything but a low level, I can’t really hear my surroundings.Overall, I appreciate the inclusion and think these profiles work well, particularly so given that these are on-ear headphones, but they aren’t going to be quite as robust as what you'll find in flagship Bose or Sony headphones – Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), I'm looking at you… Features score: 4.5/5(Image credit: Future)Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: DesignCool if not quite premium old-school Aviator aestheticFoldable with soft caseVery long battery lifeThe Beyerdynamic Aventho 100’s design are notable in comparison to other headphones not only because they’re on-ear as opposed to over-ear (as the majority of $200+ headphones tend to be these days), but because they sport an old aviator-style aesthetic that is marked contrast from the competition.Of course, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 aren’t the only aviator-inspired on-ear headphones out there. The Master and Dynamic MH40 already fit the bill (see the heritage MW50 Wireless too), but are also often double the price. Unlike those M&D headphones, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are half metal and half molded plastic, which keeps them from feeling as premium on my ears as they look in their advertising images. Still, whether you get the black, brown, or cream colorway, they do have quite the vibe.Filling out the look are the removable ear cups and headband padding. Both have a relatively plush feel and are covered in what I can only assume is some kind of pleather-type material.On that note, the feel and fit is comfortable. There is plenty of adjustment for different size heads via the ear cup yokes and that padding is soft enough that I’m able to wear the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 for long listening sessions without feeling fatigued. They do sit a little tight on the head initially, but this can be stretched out.(Image credit: Future)The controls all sit on the right earcup (left and right are marked on the cloth inside the earcups) and consist of a volume up, action, volume down, and power / bluetooth pairing button. And they responded quickly and accurately, whether I’m adjusting the volume or pressing the action button twice to go to the next track.One thing I appreciate about the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 is that they’ve been designed for easy travel. They not only come with a soft traveling case and USB and Aux cables (the former for charging), but have foldable ear cups so that they take up less space. That makes these much more attractive for those who travel light like myself over something like their big brother, the Aventho 300, or even bigger headphones like the Apple Airpods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6. Lastly, the battery life on the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 is quite impressive. With ANC on, they still last 40 hours, and without, can last 60 without needing a recharge. Plus, if for some reason you get really low, 15 minutes of charging turns into 15 hours of playback. That kind of fast charging is very helpful.Design score: 4.5/5(Image credit: Future)Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Sound qualityLots of bassFun, but not very neutral or accurate soundHas low latency for watching mediaWhen using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100, I listened to all sorts of music for a benchmark. This included rock, hip hop, electronic dance to acoustic and jazz. After my extended time with these headphones, I was struck by the amount of low-end the default audio profile has.In fact, I had to go into the EQ settings in the app and use the “neutral” setting to get a more balanced sound. Simon & Garfunkel's Scarborough Fair doesn’t sound quite as good as Kendrick Lamar's DNA. It’s no surprise then that this setting cuts the bass quite a bit, along with an extreme high-end cut.Speaking of that high end, the Aventho 100 have plenty of presence, sometimes even sounding a tiny bit harsh (also helped with that neutral setting). Somehow though, they don’t have quite the resolution that I’ve experienced with other Beyerdynamic headphones.I appreciate that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 support lossless audio, but these are not audiophile-grade listening headphones. I may sound a bit negative on these headphones, but they actually do sound fun to listen to. They’re just not accurate in the way the Aventho 300 are – and I also tested those.Since many people also use headphones when watching TV and movies, it’s worth noting that these work well with streaming Netflix or Youtube. Not only do they use Bluetooth 5.4 but have a low latency mode available through the app. I didn’t notice any lag or latency when watching something on my phone or computer.Sound quality: 4/5(Image credit: Future)Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: ValueNot overpriced, but not exceptional value, eitherSignificantly cheaper than their big brotherCompetition at this price will have other compromisesSome headphones punch way above their weight compared to their price tag and some come with a hefty price tag that are only really justified by their name or because they’re marketed as "premium".The Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 fit into neither of those categories. At $229.99 / £199.00 / AU$314.00, they’re about what I would expect them to cost. As mentioned, they look cool but are partially molded plastic instead of more premium (and costly) materials. Their sound quality is also fairly middle-of-the-road. Of course, they’re a step down in terms of sound quality from the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, but those have an MSRP of $399.99 / £359.00 (about AU$640). That’s almost double, and it's not lost on me – because the Aventho 300 do sound better.I’ve also mentioned the Master & Dynamic MH40, a pair of headphones that takes similar influence from past headphones but use more premium materials, sound a little better, but also cost around $400.At a similar price point, the Anker Soundcore Space One Pro focus less on style and more on value. They’re also slightly cheaper at $199.99 / £149.99 (about AU$300), though being an Anker product means it will see regular discounts below that price tag. They support high-res audio but aren’t any more detailed than the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100.Value: 4/5(Image credit: Future)Should I buy the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100?Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 scorecardAttributesNotesRatingFeaturesANC, transparency mode, and multipoint connectivity are just some of the features on hand, only missing Dolby Atmos support.4.5/5DesignThe Aventho 100 look cool and fold into a small package, making them fairly portable4.5/5Sound qualityThe sound quality is good with plenty of bass, but doesn’t sound as detailed as one might hope from this brand.4/5ValueThey cost about what they should, neither being overpriced or offering a particularly excellent value4/5Buy them if…You want some cool looking on-ear headphonesIf you don’t mind the half plastic build, the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 look really cool with their throw-back vibes.You want portability and a long battery lifeThese headphones last a long time and fold up pretty small making them ideal for on-the-road use.Don’t buy them if…You care about audio quality above all elseI feel bad that I keep saying this because they sound good, but you can find other headphones in the same price point with fewer features or stripped down in some other way that sound better.You want premiumWhile these look very cool, they still don’t look like the premium headphones that their aesthetic presents them as. This is a small gripe, but worth noting since the Aventho 100 are big on style.Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 review: Also considerAnker Soundcore Space One ProThe Anker Soundcore Space One Pro are just a little cheaper with a comparable audio quality. There’s plenty of bass and a decent (though not great) amount of detail. They also have have an impressive battery life. Of course, aesthetically, they’re a bit on the chunky side.Read our full Anker Soundcore Space One Pro reviewBeyerdynamic Aventho 300The Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 might be almost double the price, but they offer the kind of pristine audio quality that Beyerdynamic is known for. They’re also a little more feature-filled, mainly including Dolby Atmos, not to mention have a similarly long battery life.Read our full Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 reviewHow I tested the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100Tested the various features over two weeksTested with different music as well as video streamingI spent a week using the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 as my daily headphones. While using them, I listened to all sorts of genres from electronic and hip hop to rock and acoustic music to compare the frequency range and soundstage. I also tested them with streaming video and used the various settings such as ANC, transparency mode, EQ, and multipoint.After testing, it seems that the Beyerdynamic Aventho 100 are best suited for those wanting a pair of headphones that look and sound fun.I’ve spent the last few years reviewing audio equipment and have spent even longer using my critical ear as a listener and musician to understand what does and doesn’t sound good.First reviewed in November 2025Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

Robosculptor is debuting its AI-powered massage robot in the U.S.The mechanical masseur uses real-time body mapping to provide consistent treatmentFor everyday clients, Robosculptor promises therapeutic massages aimed at those who value privacy and efficiencyBooking a massage might not need the soft music and small talk if you'd prefer lying down in front of a robot with a silicone-tipped arm and AI brain instead. That’s the promise of Robosculptor and its AI-powered massage system.The mechanical masseur is designed not to mimic a human therapist, but to use AI analysis embedded into the machine to provide personalized treatment that is the same every time you hop on the table.Robosculptor has just begun rolling out in the U.S., and the company hopes to get people comfortable with the idea of a robot doing their massage. After all, massage is one of the most personal, touch-based services around. Skilled practitioners use training, experience, and feedback from clients to provide care. Robosculptor isn’t trying to pass as human in its muscle manipulation – the whole pitch is the opposite. The idea is that an AI won't be tired, have an off day, or forget something about treating your body.Robosculptor scans your body with cameras, builds a real-time 3D map, and then the AI guides the arm to execute specified treatments, which have names like “Inner Peace” and “Vital Flow Express.” It’s a massage-as-output-optimized-protocol. And for some people, that might be exactly what they want.The company is probably right to focus on making people feel okay about the experience. It's a lot more intense than a massage chair's vibrations, and people inherently trust a trained human to pay attention to little cues about your comfort, or discomfort, that a machine lacks the empathy and sentience to spot.That's partly why Robosculptor is targeting fitness centers and high-end spas, places where consistent performance across many customers is key to the business. You’re less likely to encounter one in a boutique massage studio. For people with social anxiety, or who don't like to be touched by other people, the idea of a massage without a person in the room could be the difference between booking an appointment and not.It could also be more affordable since the owner can use the Robosculptor far more frequently than a human masseur can complete a session. The company says the machine can do up to 240 sessions per month, triple the average for a human practitioner.Massage AIMassage therapists might not be thrilled, understandably. Robosculptor does claim the device is not a replacement for human experts, and that it can handle only the more basic, repeatable kinds of massage. But, it's easy to imagine that, in chasing efficiency and margins, some operators might decide that the robot is “good enough” for most clients and scale back human staff. That would be a loss not just for therapists, but for clients who value their relationship with their massage therapist.These theoretical issues need to be addressed as Robosculptor isn't alone as a robotic massage provider. Massage Robotics debuted its dual robot arms more than three years ago, and the hardware and AI software have only improved since then. AI will learn from a wider range of body types, protocols, and outcomes. The robot arm you meet today might be a curiosity. The one in five years might be indistinguishable from the best therapist you ever had.So while your massage next week might not come with a settings menu yet, it could happen sooner than you'd imagine. And you might not hate it. You could walk into a fitness center, book a 25-minute lymphatic flush, and get the exact same experience every week thereafter. You might even relax more, knowing no one’s judging your compression socks or weird tan lines.Or maybe you’ll still want a person to do it and be willing to pay for it. For many people, though, Robosculptor could be their new favorite spa treatment, as long as that silicone is kept warm.You might also likeOur predictions for AI in 2025 – what next for ChatGPT, Apple Intelligence and moreGoogle Gemini is racing to win the AI crown in 2025The AI rocketship may be running on fumes