News

There’s nothing quite like live sport. Globally, over half a billion (571 million) people tuned in to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. Demand for live sports is showing no signs of slowing. But throughout the entire sporting industry, from the field of play to the IT infrastructure beaming the events live to your living room, nothing stands still for long. For athletes and behind-the-scenes technicians alike, innovation is king.In live sports broadcasting, the next innovation on the horizon revolves around photons and transmitting data at the speed of light. As data demand grows exponentially and current network infrastructure struggles under growing pressure and increasing demand, the broadcast industry must look toward All-Photonics Networks (APNs) to deliver the future of live broadcast.The challenges facing the future of live broadcastingThe industry’s current infrastructure is struggling to deal with the increasing demand for media production. While technology has developed at an electrifying rate, the infrastructure we rely on to deliver media has not. Take, for example, the ongoing AI boom. There’s no doubt that AI will significantly add to video production network loads, but our current networks were not built with AI in mind. This isn’t sustainable.As such, producing high-quality live broadcasts is becoming increasingly challenging. Couple this with skilled media professionals typically residing in urban areas and it quickly becomes apparent that delivering live content, like sports, that takes place in remote locations is not only becoming trickier, but more expensive.So, the live broadcast industry, including live sports, is faced with a challenging question. How can the growing demand for engaging, live content be delivered without escalating costs or compromising on quality? The answer is All-Photonics Networks. Rather than using electrons, APNs utilize photons to transmit data. In doing so, APNs consume less power, facilitate higher quality and capacity data transfers, all with less delay.The future is remoteAs the demand for high-quality, live content continues to grow and the traditional broadcasting infrastructure struggles to keep up, the next step in overcoming these challenges lies in transforming how media production is managed, remotely and with greater efficiency.Currently, live broadcasting requires a significant in-person presence. Even for the world’s largest events, bringing the world’s best talent to remote locations can be a challenge. Not to mention expensive. But the need to be there, in person, is only dictated by technological restraints. APNs break free of this restraint.Rather than needing to be in a broadcast van in or outside the venue, media operators can work remotely. APNs enable media production operators to access and control production resources as if they are on-site. This also allows broadcasters to stream more events from lower leagues or remote locations, increasing choice and accessibility for fans.APNs offer low-latency, high-bandwidth connections that utilize photonics. By using photons, rather than electrons, to transmit data, this infrastructure supports the remote control of production resources, enabling seamless, real-time editing and switching. The technology equally supports resource sharing across networks, allowing broadcasters to access and allocate production assets efficiently.By enabling remote work, All-Photonics Networks (APNs) can help address the growing skills gap in live sports broadcasting. Research shows that over half of professionals in the TV industry believe skills-related challenges have worsened in recent years. APNs provide a solution by allowing technicians to work from anywhere, breaking geographic barriers and tapping into a global talent pool.This flexibility not only eases the skills shortage but also promotes diversity and inclusion, as it opens up opportunities for professionals from different regions and backgrounds to contribute to high-profile events.The financial and environmental case for APNsNot only does the shift to remote work bring operational advantages, but it also presents significant financial and environmental benefits, which are crucial as the sports industry looks for ways to optimize costs and reduce its environmental impact. Expanded coverage doesn't require extra travel or personnel, removing cost barriers that have long limited what fans can watch.In elite-level sports, money talks. Whether it's signing top talent for a football team or developing a race-winning car in motorsport, the power of the dollar is evident throughout the industry. And the same is true when assessing the value of updating or overhauling infrastructure. There must be a financial benefit.APNs will revolutionize cost efficiency. Compared to electron-based infrastructure, APNs will reduce both CapEx and OpEx by minimizing on-site infrastructure and personnel needs. Furthermore, APNs will be more resilient than current systems, not only will they facilitate uninterrupted broadcasts, it will also mean less is spent on repairs and fixes. This is because Photonics Networks are more durable and reliable, making them ideal for even the most challenging conditions.And equally, like many other industries, the live broadcast sector is undergoing sustainable transitions. Through APNs, broadcasters will have access to more energy-efficient infrastructure that optimizes networking usage and ultimately reduces the broadcasters' carbon footprint.While viewers may be more familiar with innovation on the pitch, racetrack, or field of play, APNs highlight that it is equally within the infrastructure and behind the scenes of live sports broadcasting that innovative new technologies are set to be revolutionary. Now, as broadcasters question how the growing demand for engaging, live content can be delivered without escalating costs or compromising on quality, it’s increasingly apparent that the answer is racing toward them, at the speed of light.We list the best TVs for sport for all budgets. We've also listed the best sports streaming sites and services.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

Drakong and Fender are set to launch a new guitar controller in 2026It's compatible with Fortnite Festival, as well as classic Rock Band and Guitar Hero gamesNo price or concrete release date have been announced just yetHyperkin's Drakong brand has teamed up with legend guitar maker Fender to create the Infinakore Telecaster Edition.Much like the PDP Riffmaster, this is a guitar controller primarily designed for use with Fortnite Festival. However, a major selling point of the Infinakore is its broad compatibility with consoles both old and new. That means you'll be able to use it with most Guitar Hero and Rock Band games - as well as fan games such as Clone Hero on PC.The Infinakore Telecaster Edition will have two versions - one for Xbox consoles, and another for multiplatform compatibility. The latter will work with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch consoles including PS5 and Switch 2, but not Xbox. However, both models will be compatible with PC and mobile devices.What's looking particularly unique about the Infinakore Telecaster Edition is its modularity. The controller can be broken down into individual parts, including the head, fretboard and body. These parts can then be swapped out for your own, if you're into customization.No price has been announced for the controller just yet, but it's due to release sometime in 2026, according to Drakong's website. It'll support both wired and wireless connections, via Bluetooth and 2.4GHz. Supposedly, it'll also sport a battery life of around 36 hours, which will definitely be impressive if true - pushing Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller numbers there.You might also like...If you love Genshin Impact, then you need to see these two new officially licensed gaming chairs from SecretlabXbox hardware is 'dead' according to a former Microsoft producer – and it's hard to disagreeCapcom reveals new Resident Evil Requiem footage, but still won't tell us if Leon is in the game

New Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter but more powerful Introduces attachment memory and a cool new straightener attachmentOn sale on 8 July in the US, and 'September' in the UKDyson has launched a new version of its Airwrap, and it looks better than ever. The new Airwrap Co-anda 2x is smaller and lighter, but offers more air pressure and more power. The accessories have also been upgraded to amp up the styler's versatility.There's now attachment recognition, and an all-new AirSmooth attachment that looks particularly interesting for those looking to create sleek, straight styles.I reviewed the Dyson Airwrap i.d. and rated it the best hair styler on the market. I haven't tested this one yet, but if I were a betting woman, I'd say Dyson is about to dethrone its own styler with the upgraded version.To create that smaller and lighter build, the Airwrap Co-anda 2x has had its internal mechanics completely redesigned, with a new Hyperdymium 2 motor. Two cool facts about this motor are that it can spin nine times faster than an F1 car engine, and that the wire powering the motor is just 90 microns wide – which is as thin as a strand of human hair. It can apparently deliver twice the air pressure and 30% more power than the Airwrap i.d., without increasing noise levels, which should mean faster drying, more efficient hair wrapping, and sleeker straightening.(Image credit: Dyson)You're still getting the i.d.curl feature, which was such a game-changer on the Airwrap i.d. It enables you to launch a personalized curl sequence with the flick of a button. Here, the barrels can also apparently detect when hair is fully wrapped, and it's time to start the i.d. curl sequence.Overall, it looks like the gap between Dyson and other Airwrap-alikes is widening – today's best Airwrap dupes can't even offer clockwise and anti-clockwise curls on the same barrel, let alone automating the entire process for you. However, I am slightly perturbed to see that Dyson seems to have redesigned the buttons here, swapping the Airwrap i.d.'s chunky, easy-to-use buttons for the fiddly, unnecessarily small switches found on the Dyson Supersonic r hair dryer.It's all in the accessoriesAs I said up top, the accessories are where it's really at, so let's take a closer look at them. Previous versions of the Airwrap were mainly geared towards curling, but this latest iteration amps up the versatility and acts more like a true 'multi-styler'.Firstly, the attachments now contain RFID sensors that enable the dryer part to recognize which one is clipped on. Then it'll automatically adjust to the optimal temperature and windspeed settings (the first time) or your last-used settings (thereafter) with each attachment. It's precisely the same as on the Supersonic Nural and Supersonic r hair dryers, where I found it massively helped to streamline the styling process, making it easier than ever to swap between tools.Second, there's a new attachment geared specifically towards straightening: the AirSmooth2x, which looks like it's been inspired by the wet-to-dry Dyson Airstrait. Two unheated plates clamp together and blast the hair between them with air, with the tension helping smooth and straighten the strands as they dry. The plates will automatically unclamp once you reach the bottom of the hair.Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Dyson)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Dyson)Dyson says the Airwrap Co-anda 2x is the only multi-styler on the market to come with six attachments included with purchase. I'm not sure that's true, but there is certainly a more comprehensive range than you'd usually get.There are two bundles to choose from, with different attachments to suit different hair types:Straight + Wavy bundle:30mm curling barrel40mm curling barrelAnti-snag loop brushRound volumizing brushAirSmooth attachmentFast dryerCurly + Coily bundle:40mm Co-anda curling barrelAnti-snag loop brushRound volumizing brushTension combWave+Curl diffuserFast dryerYou can pick up most of the attachments individually if the one you want isn't included in your chosen bundle. Also available individually is a 20mm barrel for tighter curls (interestingly, Dyson seems to have already done away with the tapering barrel it introduced with the Airwrap i.d.).“Traditional stylers can damage hair, but we have always focused on developing tools that protect hair health whilst enhancing without compromising precision and/or performance," comments brand founder James Dyson. "We harness our expertise in motors, fluid dynamics, and materials to continually improve... It’s about creating exciting long-lasting styles using smarter, more efficient technology."(Image credit: Dyson)Price & availabilityThe Co-anda 2x is actually already available in some international markets, including Korea. However, it was unveiled in the US and UK today (July 1). Both markets will offer the styler in Ceramic Pink or Jasper Plum, and the option of Straight+Wavy or Curly+Coily bundles (priced the same).It will go on sale in the US from July 8 at Dyson.com and Sephora.com for $699.99. For comparison, the i.d. has a list price of $599.99.UK shoppers will have a bit longer to wait: the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x will go on sale in September with a list price of £579.99 (compared to £479.99 for the i.d.).You might also like...I tested two of the priciest Dyson hair dryers on the market against one another in the ultimate head-to-head – here's what I learnedCan't decide which Dyson vacuum is right for you? Here are the models I'd recommend for 5 different use casesDyson Supersonic vs Airwrap: do I need both?

The cast of Foundation have offered their thoughts on season 4 rumorsA February 2025 report claimed another installment had been secretly greenlitApple hasn't confirmed if its highly-rated space opera series will returnThe cast of Foundation have responded to rumors that the Apple TV Original has been renewed for a fourth season.Earlier this year, Deadline claimed Apple had secretly greenlit Foundation season 4 and that Ian Goldberg, who helmed seasons 4 to 8 of AMC's Fear the Walking Dead, had been hired as its new showrunner. Goldberg will reportedly replace the show's co-creator David S Goyer, who is believed to have stepped back as Foundation's showrunner in February 2024.However, speaking to TechRadar ahead of Foundation season 3's release on July 11, Jared Harris and Lou Llobell admitted they had no idea if the sci-fi epic would be back for another season. Llobell, though, added she was "hopeful" that the Apple TV+ series would not return for season 4, but also complete the eight-season plan that was initially conceived by Goyer."I probably know less than you because you're scouring the trades every day," Harris replied when I asked him about that season 4 renewal rumor, "You know more about it than I do. I'm just an actor told everything. We're the last people to find out what's going on!""If that's true, I'm going to be so excited," Llobell added when I put the same question to her in a separate interview. "I'm hopeful, but who knows. If it gets that far [Foundation running for eight seasons], we would be so lucky."Why Foundation will be lucky to reach its endgame on Apple TV+Standing around waiting for Apple to confirm season 4 is in the works like... (Image credit: Apple TV+)If Foundation's eight-season outline is realized, it would be a huge victory for one of the best Apple TV+ shows' cast and crew.Currently, British spy thriller series Slow Horses is the only Apple TV Original to go beyond four seasons. Slow Horses season 5 is due out in September and, with seasons 6 and 7 already in development, it'll be the longest-running series that the tech giant's entertainment division has ever produced.Other programs haven't been so fortunate on Apple TV+ or its streaming rivals. The Wheel of Time is the most notable series to be axed ahead of its time, with the high-fantasy series being canceled after three seasons on Prime Video. Many of the world's best streaming services have also pulled the plug on fan-favorite shows due to costs, low viewing figures, poor critical reception, or a combination of all three.With Foundation already suffering off-camera issues and casting shake-ups during season 3's development, it'll be interesting to see if Apple funds future seasons. Like Llobell, I hope it does, but, in such a cut-throat era were shows have to exceed expectations to be renewed, there's no guarantee this absorbing space opera will run for eight seasons.Do you think Foundation will get a fourth season? And does it deserve to tell its complete story over eight seasons? Let me know in the comments.You might also likeI watched Foundation season 3, and it proves the epic sci-fi series is the best Apple TV+ show you’re not watchingFoundation season 3 trailer reveals the Apple TV+ show's most dangerous villain yet – and an unexpected allianceGet the lowdown on what we know about Severance season 3