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Duolingo will soon add chess to its list of non-language courses, alongside music and math. The company has revealed that it will add chess lessons to its app, which will initially be available in beta in its iOS app. Senior product manager Edwin Bodge told Cnet that Duolingo is catering to "more of a beginner, medium [player]" in an effort to make the game more accessible. The app will start by asking you how much you know about chess and then tailoring lessons based on your level — it will even teach you how each piece moves if you're a total newbie.

If you already know how each piece moves, then you'll play against Duolingo's character Oscar in mini-puzzles, wherein you'll have to capture certain pieces using a specified piece, like a rook. The puzzles are meant to get you used to how each piece moves, especially since you'll get hints for each lesson. If you move a piece where it can't go several times, Duolingo will put a big arrow on where a piece could go. But since there are many ways to move a piece around the chessboard, the app won't tell you if you made the wrong choice. It can only tell you in a banner how it wasn't the best move out of all the available options.

In addition to the mini-puzzles, you'll be able to play full games against Oscar that scale up in difficulty based on your level, but you can't play against other learners just yet. Cnet says Duolingo is still looking into adding that feature, though it won't be part of the beta version that will be available sometime in mid-May. The company also said that it's working to make chess lessons available on Android and in languages other than English in the coming months. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/duolingo-will-soon-start-offering-chess-lessons-121545964.html?src=rss

CEOs agree that cybersecurity is now critical for business growthThree in five are concerned about cybersecurity threatsSecurity leaders should demonstrate the value

More than four in five (85%) CEOs agree that a good cybersecurity strategy is now critical for business growth in an increasingly digital and connected world.The figures, from a Gartner study, reveal that three-fifths (61%) are concerned about cybersecurity threats, which the emergence of artificial intelligence has influenced.Gartner also noted that risk thresholds have shifted, with changes in commercial activity and political debates about AI, adding that cybersecurity has evolved to something far greater than just a protection system.

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Cybersecurity is now a core business consideration

“With 85% of CEOs recognising its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives,” explained Distinguished VP Analyst David Furlogner.The report also touches on regulatory changes when it comes to AI, with CEOs seeing a direct linkage between cybersecurity capabilities and enterprise growth. In order to inform their strategies, Gartner says security leaders should assess risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection.“CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth,” Furlonger continued, suggesting that change must come from the fundamental C-suite level.However, while it’s on CEOs to demonstrate the role of security leaders, Furlonger says it’s on security leaders to demonstrate the value of their strategy: “Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cybersecurity aids enterprise growth.”

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Phantom Blade Zero was revealed as part of a Sony PlayStation Showcase event, and quickly became one of the hottest games to watch, after it showed off some seriously impressive action.From what's been shown off so far, Phantom Blade Zero is an upcoming game that's absolutely worth keeping an eye on. It features a bleak, dark aesthetic, paired with hyper-fast hack-and-slash action. It's reminiscent of games like Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, Sekiro, and Nioh. It does offer a slightly different take on this genre, however, with a much closer camera and a more cinematic art style. We've even played it. Read our Phantom Blade Zero preview to hear our thoughts.Here's what we know about Phantom Blade Zero so far, including a look at the gameplay, latest trailers, and story/setting. As the year rolls on, it's likely that we'll hear more about Phantom Blade Zero. Once more info is revealed, you'll find it here.

Phantom Blade Zero - cut to the chase

What is it? A hack and slash RPG with a unique art-style When can I play it? TBCWhat can I play it on? PS5, PC Who makes it? S-Game

Phantom Blade Zero trailers

There's only been four trailers for Phantom Blade Zero released so far. the first debuted during PlayStation Showcase 2023, and for many fans, it really stole the show. You can check out the trailer below, which shows off some of the awesome-looking action on offer.

In addition, there was a new anime trailer released over Chinese New Year. This doesn't include any gameplay, but does set the scene for the revenge-filled story to come. Watch it below:

Phantom Blade Zero “Year of the Dragon” special trailer: Rain and Blood is now officially released! A playable demo of Phantom Blade Zero will be available soon within this year as well! We dedicate this special trailer as a gift to our fans awaiting Phantom Blade Zero, wish… pic.twitter.com/6dyvrDaXh7February 2, 2024

The next trailer for Phantom Blade Zero was revealed during Summer Games Fest Opening Night. This gave us a better look at gameplay. You can check this trailer out below:

And now the latest trailer, which focuses on an epic boss fight. It features loads of gameplay, and can be viewed below:

We'll be updating this article with new Phantom Blade Zero trailers when they're released. In the meantime, the best place to check for more on the game is the official PlayStation YouTube channel.

Phantom Blade Zero gameplay

(Image credit: S-Game)

So far, we've seen a fair bit of in-game action for Phantom Blade Zero. It's found in the latest trailer, where you can watch a full boss fight, with a seriously acrobatic foe, and some heavy music soundtracking the whole thing. Still, what we've seen is promising at present, with Phantom Blade Zero offering a faster, more visceral version of the combat found in games like Ghost of Tsushima and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty.It looks as though the bulk of the gameplay in Phantom Blade Zero will consist of fast-paced melee battles, as well as boss fights with more varied enemies. In the trailer released so far, some of the bosses appear to have long-ranged weapons, trick weapons, and even the ability to destroy environments. It's clear that Phantom Blade Zero is aiming for a more cinematic style than that of the games it's already being compared to. Because of this, expect semi-open world exploration, in-game cinematics that transition into fights, as well as an eccentric cast of characters.What we do know is that there could be an "Extreme Difficulty Mode" included in Phantom Blade Zero, as revealed in a recent GDC interview between GamesRadar+ and a representative of developer of S-Games:"So between Gamescom and [Tokyo Game Show], I believe we had one employee that conceptualized this brand new AI. It wasn't just increasing the damage and health, it was a completely new enemy AI that removed the combos and created this PvP-like experience. And it shipped in time for TGS and we showed it off."

Phantom Blade Zero story and setting

(Image credit: S-Game)

In Phantom Blade Zero, you play as Soul, an elite assassin serving an elusive but powerful organization known simply as “The Order”. After being gravely injured, he is brought back to health by a mysterious healer. In effect, this is a curse that only lasts for 66 days, meaning he has a limited time to seek revenge on his enemies.In terms of the setting, we know that it will offer up a semi-open-world for players to explore. The Universe the game is set in is called Phantom World, which is also the setting for other games from the developer. At present, the finer details of Phantom Blade Zero's story have yet to be revealed. Once we hear more about Zero and his quest for vengeance, we'll update this section.

Phantom Blade Zero FAQ

Will Phantom Blade Zero be on PS4?

Phantom Blade Zero will not be on PS4 when it launches. Currently, only PS5 and PC have been confirmed, so it's clear that the team is sticking to current-gen only.

What engine is Phantom Blade Zero being developed in?

Phantom Blade Zero is being developed in Unreal Engine 5. This is evident from just how jaw-dropping the visuals are, and how smooth the action looks to be. Unreal Engine 5 development is still pretty new, so we've got plenty to look forward to over the next few years, with Phantom Blade Zero being a promising example of how it can improve the way games look and feel.

Phantom Blade Zero latest news

Phantom Blade Zero gets new 'Year of the Snake' trailerTo celebrate the start of the new year, we've now got a new trailer for Phantom Blade Zero to enjoy. It's gameplay focused, and shows off an epic boss fight against a seriously quick foe.

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Andor season 2's multi-year story will show how Cassian and Bix's relationship evolvesDiego Luna and Adria Arjona have teased a "complex but beautiful" dynamic between themThe Star Wars show's final season works to this dynamic's benefit, Luna added

Andor season 2 will show how the "complex but beautiful" relationship between Cassian and Bix changes in the four years before Rogue One.Diego Luna and Adria Arjona, who play the duo in the Star Wars TV show, suggested that their characters' dynamic will shift and evolve throughout its final season. And, while they wouldn't be drawn on where the series leaves their relationship leading into Rogue One, it sounds like they'll individually and collectively be put through the emotional wringer.As a TV prequel that directly leads into the aforementioned 2016 Star War movie, Andor's second and final season has to end with a particular outcome.However, the steps taken to reach that point weren't predetermined during Rogue One's development. A such, the Disney+ show's cast and crew had the freedom to reach that marker in whatever way they saw fit.

Bix and Cassian's relationship will be put through the wringer in season 2 (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney Plus)

With only one more season left to fill in the gaps between Andor season 1 and Rogue One, though, the series' second installment had to do plenty of lifting on the storytelling and character evolution front.Indeed, the 12 episodes that comprise season 2 are split into four trilogy-style events, which each three-episode arc depicting a specific event in each of the four years between Andor's debut season and its sequel film. For more information on the Star Wars timeline, read our guide on how to watch the Star Wars movies and TV shows in order.But I digress. This season's four-year narrative cycle provided the cast of Andor season 2, Luna and Arjona included, with the opportunity to explore the ever-changing dynamics between their characters. And, as the pair told me prior to one of the best Disney+ shows' return, that not only allowed them to examine the ups and downs that every relationship faces, but how the addition of a third wheel – the growth of the nascent Rebel Alliance – impacts it, too.

TOMORROW.Don't miss the three-episode premiere of Andor Season 2, streaming tomorrow on @DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/jAA1Wb8YiLApril 21, 2025

"Their relationship is so dependent on what happens outside of them," Arjona told me, "And I think that's one of the reasons why it's so complex. It's not just about them. There's something really big happening outside of them and, as the season progresses, you'll see how it just gets more and more complicated.""This cause is asking for the best from them," Luna added. "And that influences how this relationship evolves. It's very complex and and beautiful, and four years is a good time for a relationship to actually have an arc, which you'll see throughout season two.

There's something really big happening outside of themAdria Arjona, Andor season 2 actor

"From Cassian's perspective, in season one, he's far from being ready to join a revolution, have a love story, or really connect with anyone else but himself. He's in a very selfish, cynical period of his life."Now, he's starting to understand that the real meaning behind everything is making these connections," Luna continued. "He's opening up, being more honest, is finding love, and has a newfound commitment to his ideals. And, it's sad that all of this happens at the same time! One doesn't go with the other and you'll see the full effect of that."I have plenty more exclusive coverage to bring you in the days and weeks ahead, so be sure to check back in with me soon. In the meantime, read my spoiler-free review of Andor season 2, or read more about this season in the section below.

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A VPN (virtual private network) can help you stay safe online and one of our top picks is currently on sale. A two-year subscription to the ProtonVPN Plus plan is currently $86.16. That’s 64 percent off the usual price. The deal drops the cost from $10 to $3.59 per month, and it reduces the overall price for 24 months by $153.

This plan allows you to use ProtonVPN on up to 10 devices at a time. It should be pretty easy to find a server to route your internet traffic through as well, since ProtonVPN has more than 8,600 of them across north of 110 countries.

ProtonVPN is our pick for the best VPN overall due to a blend of its security, usability and privacy. ProtonVPN has a no-logs policy. That means it doesn't keep any records of information that passes through its network. In other words, it doesn't track your internet activity while you're using it, helping to protect you and your anonymity.

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Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/protonvpn-two-year-plans-are-64-percent-off-right-now-152355804.html?src=rss

Fortnite is celebrating Star Wars with a five-part saga starting May 2New updates for Fortnite: Galactic Battle will be released weekly until June and add new Star Wars-themed featuresPlayers will be able to unlock new Star Wars skins like Darth Jar Jar

Star Wars is coming back to Fortnite next month for an all-new collaboration that will be updated over five weeks.Announced during Star Wars Celebration, Fortnite: Galactic Battle begins on May 2 and is a five-part saga where players will "experience new Star Wars gameplay" every week until June, which will lead to an in-game narrative live event.This celebration event will include a fresh Star Wars-themed Battle Pass inspired by iconic characters from the franchise that players will be able to unlock as skins, including Emperor Palpatine, Wookie Cuddle Team Leader, Darth Jar Jar, and more.From the new trailer, which you can watch below, it looks like Luke Skywalker and Mace Windu will also be making an appearance, and players will be able to pilot and co-pilot X-wings and TIE fighters, and explore themed map locations.The first part of Galactic Battle begins on May 2 with Imperial Takeover and will be followed by four more updates across four more weeks. You can check out the dates below.

Imperial Takeover – May 2, 2025The Pull of the Force – May 8, 2025Mandalorian Rising – May 22, 2025Star Destroyer Bombardment – May 29, 2025Death Star Sabotage – June 7, 2025

Fortnite Chapter 6 is currently ongoing with Fortnite: Lawless, and will end on May 2 when Fortnite: Galactic Battle kicks off, so there's still time to complete any challenges and the season's Battle Pass before then.

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Ghost of Yōtei has been revealed, in place of what many had expected to be 'Ghost of Tsushima 2'. It's set more than 300 years after the first Ghost game, and as such, isn't quite a direct sequel. How it connects, however, remains unclear, though it's clear that players can expect the same action/stealth gameplay and gorgeous visuals that wowed all the way back in 2020. This time around though, we're looking at a true next-gen experience, built from the ground up for PS5.While it's still early days in terms of Ghost of Yōtei details, we do know that it's set to arrive later this year, so hopefully we'll hear more sooner rather than later. The main question we need to be answered currently is whether Ghost of Yōtei will tie into its predecessor at all, and how gameplay has evolved with the introduction of firearms. Developer Sucker Punch has already given us a glimpse at gameplay, and some details on the game's new setting.It's yet to be confirmed, but we expect to see Ghost of Yōtei make the most of the PS5 Pro as well, making Ghost of Yōtei one of the most highly anticipated upcoming games for 2025. Hopefully, it'll end up on our list of the best PS5 games by the end of the year.Here's everything we know so far about Ghost of Yōtei so far, including a look at gameplay, as well as all of the latest news and rumors. As new info drops, and once we hear the full Ghost of Yōtei release date, this page will be updated.

Ghost of Yōtei: cut to the chase

What is it? The next entry in the Ghost of Tsushima seriesWhen does it come out? 2025What can I play it on? PS5 (exclusively)Who's making it? Sucker Punch (Ghost of Tsushima, Infamous)

Ghost of Yōtei release year and platforms

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Ghost of Yōtei will launch in 2025 exclusively for PS5. The game won't be coming to older consoles, given that it has been developed from the ground up to run on the PlayStation 5. In terms of a PC release, nothing has been announced, but if we look at recent Sony releases, it'll likely follow the PS5 release at some point.

Ghost of Yōtei trailers

So far, we've only received one trailer for Ghost of Yōtei. It was revealed during the Sony State of Play event on September 24, 2024. We see the new protagonist: Atsu, as they travel across gorgeous vistas, and take down enemies while wearing a Ghost mask. It's a mix of cinematics and gameplay and can be viewed above.

We'll likely hear more about Ghost of Yōtei in the coming months. To keep up to date with every trailer release for the game, be sure to check out the official PlayStation channel.

Ghost of Yōtei gameplay

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

We've only seen glimpses of Ghost of Yōtei gameplay in the first trailer that was revealed. We see Atsu walking through some beautiful locales, but not much more than that. Thankfully, there are some more details on the PS Blog. Atsu will wear a Ghost mask throughout the game, suggesting that she is somehow following the steps of Jin Sakai. This means stealth gameplay, likely with tools, distraction devices, and new abilities. One key difference between Ghost of Yōtei and Ghost of Tsushima is the inclusion of firearms, which will be a core arm of Atsu's arsenal.

Ghost of Yōtei setting

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Sucker Punch is keeping the story of Ghost of Yōtei under wraps for now but we do know that it's set in 1603, more than 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. Players will explore the lands surrounding Mount Yōtei, a towering peak in the heart of Ezo, an area of Japan known as Hokkaido in the present day. The story will be based loosely on history, but is being described as an 'original story.'Over on the game's official website, there's a brief tease as to the game's main story:"300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, a new warrior – Atsu – rises from the ashes of her homestead.Filled with fury and determination, Atsu will hunt down those responsible for the death of her family and exact her revenge. Every odd job and bounty will provide the coin she needs for her journey. But how she fights, survives, and evolves the legend of the Ghost, will be up to you."We'll have to wait and see what's in store for new protagonist Atsu, for now, expect sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, and lush forests.

Ghost of Yōtei: FAQs

(Image credit: Sucker Punch)

Is Ghost of Yotei PS5 only?

So far, Ghost of Yotei has only been revealed for PS5. This is due to it being a PlayStation Studios game, headed up by Sucker Punch. It looks as though the team is leaving the past-generation consoles behind, building the game for the PS5 specifically. Even so, we expect Ghost of Yotei to arrive on PC at some point after the initial launch, though nothing has been confirmed yet.

Can you pre-order Ghost of Yōtei?

Pre-orders for Ghost of Yōtei are not currently live. This will likely change once the full release date is revealed. We're betting this happens sooner rather than later, so stay tuned for updates.

Who is the Ghost of Yōtei protagonist?

Atsu is the protagonist of Ghost of Yōtei. She is a brand new character in the series, and at present, we know almost nothing about her. She's definitely connected to Jin Sakai in some way, given that she wears a similar Ghost mask, and looks to be following the same style of stealth/action from the first game.

Is Ghost of Yōtei PS5 Pro enhanced?

Ghost of Yōtei has not been confirmed as one of the PS5 Pro enhanced games. This is likely set to change, as we'd certainly expect a first-party PlayStation exclusive to make use of the PS5 Pro in some way. For now, it's not confirmed, but we're betting this changes at some point before launch, so could be a good reason to read our PS5 Pro review and see if it's worth picking up.

Is this Ghost of Tsushima 2?

Sort of. Ghost of Yotei is a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, but given that it takes place hundreds of years later, and focuses on a new protagonist, it's still being treated as its own thing. This is likely why Sucker Punch went with the title of Ghost of Yotei, instead of Ghost of Tsushima 2.

Ghost of Yōtei news

Ghost of Yōtei has been revealedSucker Punch has announced Ghost of Yotei, the next installment in the Ghost of Tsushima series. You'll play as Atsu, a new protagonist, in a story set more than 300 years after the events of the first game.

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Google and Samsung took the world by storm with their surprise Android XR glasses announcement – which was complete with an impressive prototype demonstration at a TED 2025 event – but you don’t need to wait until 2026 (which is when the glasses are rumored to be launching) to try some excellent XR smart glasses for yourself.In fact, we’ve just updated our best smart glasses guide with two fantastic new options that you can pick up right now. This includes a new entry in our number one slot for the best AR specs you can buy (the Xreal One glasses) and a new pick in our best affordable smart glasses slot called the RayNeo Air 3S glasses.

(Image credit: Jason Redmond / TED)

Admittedly these specs aren’t quite what Google and Samsung are boasting the Android XR glasses will be, but the Xreal and RayNeo glasses are more for entertainment – you connect them to a compatible phone, laptop or console to enjoy your film, TV or gaming content on a giant virtual screen wherever you are – and they’re damn good at what they do.What’s more they’re a lot less pricey than the Android XR glasses are likely to be (based on pricing rumors for the similar Ray-Ban Meta AR glasses), so if you’re looking to dip your toes into the world of AR before it takes off then these two glasses will serve you well.

The best of the best

So, let’s start with the Xreal One glasses: our new number one pick, that are easily the best of the best AR smart glasses around.As I mentioned before these smart specs are perfect for entertainment – both on-the-go and at-home (say in a cramped apartment, or when you want to relax in bed). You simply connect them to a compatible device via their USB-C cable and you watch your favorite show, film, or game play out on a giant virtual screen that functions like your own private cinema.This feature appears on other AR smart glasses, but the Xreal One experience is on another level thanks to the full-HD 120Hz OLED screens, which boast up to 600-nits of brightness. This allows the glasses to produce vibrant images that have superb contrast for watching dark scenes.

(Image credit: Future)

Image quality is further improved by electrochromically-dimmable lenses – lenses which can be darkened or brightened via electrical input that you can toggle with a switch on the glasses.At their clearest the lenses allow you to easily see what’s going on around you, while at their darkest the lenses serve as the perfect backdrop to whatever you’re watching – blocking out most errant external light that would ruin their near-perfect picture.Beyond their picture, these glasses are also impressive thanks to their speakers which are the best I’ve heard from smart glasses.With sound tuned by Bose (creators of some of the best headphones around) the Xreal One glasses can deliver full-bodied audio across highs, midtones and bass.You will find that using a separate pair of headphones can still elevate your audio experience (especially because they leak less sound than these glasses will), however, these are the first smart glasses I’ve tested where a pair of cans feels like an optional add-on rather than an essential accessory.

The Xreal Beam Pro is a superb companion (Image credit: Xreal)

Couple all that with a superb design that’s both functional, and fairly fashionable, and you’ve got a stellar pair of AR glasses. Things get even better if you snag a pair with an Xreal Beam Pro (an Android spatial computer which turns your glasses into a complete package, rather than a phone accessory).Plus, it only looks set to get better with the upcoming Xreal Eye add-on which will allow the glasses to take first-person photos and videos, and which may help unlock some new spatial computing powers, if we’re lucky.

The best on a budget (but still awesome)

At $499 / £449 the Xreal One glasses are a little pricey. If you’re on a budget you’ll want to try the RayNeo Air 3S glasses instead.These smart glasses cost just $269 (around £205 / AU$435). For that you’ll get access to their 650-nit full-HD micro-OLED setup that produces great images and audio that doesn’t necessitate a pair of headphones.

(Image credit: Future)

They’re a lot like the Xreal One glasses, but do boast a few downgrades as you might expect.The audio performance isn’t quite as impressive. It’s fine without headphones but isn’t quite as rich as Xreal’s alternative, and it’s more leaky (so if you use these while travelling your fellow passengers may hear what’s going on too).What’s more, while on paper their image quality should be better than the Xreal glasses the overall result isn’t quite as vibrant because the reflective lenses the glasses use as a backdrop aren’t as effective as the electrochromic dimming used by the Xreal Ones.This allows more light to sneak through the backdrop leading to image clarity issues (such as the picture appearing washed out) if you’re trying to use the glasses in a brighter environment.They also lack any kind of camera add-on option if that’s a feature you care about.

(Image credit: RayNeo)

But these glasses are still very impressive, as are the specs, and I think most people should buy them because their value proposition is simply so fantastic.Whether you pick the Xreal One glasses of RayNeo Air 3S smart glasses you’ll be in for a treat – and if you love the taste of AR they provide you’ll have a better idea of whether the Android XR and other AR glasses will be worth your time.

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Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek announced they are leaving CISANeither said where they would go nextResignations and redundancies could be causing a brain drain at CISA

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has lost two senior officials on the same day. Bob Lord, and Lauren Zabierek both announced they were leaving the agency on LinkedIn, in the span of an hour.Bob Lord served as a Senior Technical Advisor at CISA since 2022. Before that, he was the Chief Security Officer at the Democratic National Committee from 2018, where he joined after spending roughly two years as Yahoo’s Chief Information Security Officer.Lauren Zabierek, on the other hand, was a CISA senior advisor with previous roles in Recorded Future, and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency.

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Brain drain

Both expressed their gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve their country, and neither said where they would go from here.In a new report, The Record says that the departures are the latest sign of a “brain drain” that’s taking place at CISA. “The Trump administration could soon axe up to 1,300 employees, cutting about half of CISA’s full-time staff, and another 40% of its contractors,” it said.The publication also reminded that the agency also tried to fire 130 probational staffers but was blocked by the court. Also, the Department of Homeland Security tried to buy out employees who voluntarily resigned by April 14.CISA Executive Director Bridget Bean said the agency “remains laser-focused on working across the public and private sectors to improve the nation’s cybersecurity.”“This is why we continue to urge companies to develop products that are secure by design, instead of passing the cost of poorly designed products on to consumers,” she added. “While CISA’s approaches to Secure by Design evolve, our commitment to the principles remain steadfast. I thank Bob Lord and Lauren Zabierek for helping to lay the foundation on which future work in this space can be built.”Via The Record

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Updates the X4 with bigger sensor, better build quality & longer battery lifeWe're still waiting for DJI's rumored 360 camera, plus the GoPro Max 2The Insta360 X5 standard version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99

Our favorite 360 degree camera by a long shot just got even better with a decent, if iterative update.The new Insta360 X5 comes a year after the X4, armed with improved low light image quality, refined video modes, plus very welcome design tweaks which includes fully replaceable lenses – our X5 first impressions are on the way shortly.And the X5 steals a march on DJI's rumored 360 degree camera plus the yet-to-be announced GoPro Max 2, the release of which has been stalled by GoPro for years.It might not be a huge upgrade, but the X5 is better than the X4 where it matters most and further extends Insta360's dominance in the 360 camera space. Also, it only costs a fraction more than the X4 did at launch.The Insta360 X5 Standard Version costs $549.99 / £519.99 / AU$929.99, while the Essentials Bundle costs $659.99 / £609.99 / AU$1,109.99 and comes with an extra battery, fast charge case, 114cm invisible selfie stick, standard lens guards, lens cap and carry case.Let's take a look at what's new in 2025's model.

(Image credit: Insta360)

The X5's updates will go a long way improving real world use

Top of the X5 upgrades list is the all-new and larger twin 1/1.28-inch sensors and triple 'AI' chips (versus the twin chips in the X4), which should deliver much better low light video quality, and we're all for those improvements.The X4's smaller sensor and 8K resolution is pushed in every scenario but for optimum brightness, but the X5, complete with its PureVideo mode, appears to be an altogether more versatile 360 camera.Active HDR video in 5.7K resolution is now available at up to 60fps, whereas previously the resolution and frame rates were more limited – and that's something we noticed in our X4 review.Build quality has also been improved, with tougher, fully replaceable lenses sure to be a hit with demanding users. 360 cameras have bulbous twin lenses that are at risk of damage – but now they can be swapped out in case of any mishaps.We also get a magnetic mount on the camera's underside a la GoPro, which makes moving the camera between mounts all the easier and quicker.Waterproofing has been upped to 49ft / 15m, plus there's a higher capacity battery for longer record times – now up to three hours for 5.7K, that's approximately a 40% increase from the X4. The X5's battery can also be charged to 80% via USB-C in just 20 minutes.A built-in wind guard with wind reduction mode improves in-camera audio quality, while a new wireless mic accessory is designed to easily pair with the X5 and makes it a viable option as a vlogging camera – in fact, the X5 could be your one-stop action and vlogging camera.

(Image credit: Insta360)

Crucially, it looks like the editing process of 360 degree videos has been refined, with new features and tools in Insta360's app, including the new InstaFrame mode that simultaneously records a flat video with auto frame (including AI subject detection skills) keep your subject at the center of the action for video output, with no editing needed, plus a 360 degree version of the video which can be kept as back up for further edits, should you wish. Stats from the likes of Apple Watch and Garmin devices can be overlaid, too.And those sizeable video files can be automatically backed up to the cloud using the Insta360+ Cloud Service, with Basic 200GB, Pro 1TB and Premium 2TYB subscription options – prices are on the Insta360 website.We think Insta360 has made sensible updates from the X4, that should make the X5 the more versatile camera to shoot, edit and upload with. We are uploading our hands-on impression shortly, but spoiler alert in case it wasn't already obvious – the X5 is the new 360 degree camera to beat.

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Google Messages has started rolling out sensitive content warnings for nudity after first unveiling the feature late last year. The new feature will perform two key actions if the AI-based system detects message containing a nude image: it will blur any of those photo and trigger a warning if your child tries to open, send or forward them. Finally, it will provide resources for you and your child to get help. All detection happens on the device to ensure images and data remain private.

Sensitive content warnings are enabled by default for supervised users and signed-in unsupervised teens, the company notes. Parents control the feature for supervised users via the Family Link app, but unsupervised teens aged 13 to 17 can turn it off in Google Messages settings. The feature is off by default for everyone else.

With sensitive content warnings enabled, images are blurred and a "speed bump" prompt opens allowing the user to block the sender, while offering a link to a resource page detailing why nudes can be harmful. Next, it asks the user if they still want to open the message with "No, don't view," and "Yes, view" options. If an attempt is made to send an image, it provides similar options. So, it doesn't completely block children from sending nudes, but merely provides a warning.

The feature is powered by Google's SafetyCore system which allows AI-powered on-device content classification without sending "identifiable data or any of the classified content or results to Google servers," according to the company. It only just started arriving on Android devices and is not yet widely available, 9to5Google wrote. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/google-messages-starts-rolling-out-sensitive-content-warnings-for-nude-images-130525437.html?src=rss

The Insta360 X5 ($550) is the company’s latest 8K 360 action camera and, while it remains a different proposition to traditional action cams, it is more powerful, more reliable and easier to use.

The X5 has a larger 1/1.28-inch sensor compared to the X4's 1/2-inch sensor, ensuring more detail and a notable boost to low-light performance. The issue with wide-angle camera capture is that detail gets lost, especially in low-lit settings. The specification upgrades this time around reduce that substantially, including up to 13.5 stops of dynamic range.

Over the years, I’ve tried to incorporate 360-degree cameras into my workflow, using them both on vacation or at events. However, a lot of the content I capture is either during the evening or in a dark venue, literally the main weakness of these kinds of cameras. In a bid to address those shooting conditions, Insta360 introduced a new PureVideo mode that with AI noise reduction and dynamic range optimization for clearer, brighter footage in low-light conditions. It’s not perfect, but it moves dim video from unusable to decent, if not outright good. With a 5nm AI chip and two imaging chips, the X5 can also now capture Active HDR on footage at up to 5.7K 60 fps.

Image by Mat Smith for Engadget

This chip array also reduces processing time. Insta360 doesn’t specify how much faster, but anecdotally, on-device processing and file transfers to my smartphone were noticeably faster. Videos are saved almost instantly onto the camera, while saving several short clips to my phone took around 30 seconds, compared to minutes on previous devices.

While the X5 doesn’t offer higher resolution video than its predecessor, it packs in even more shooting options, like InstaFrame, which is fast becoming my go-to shooting mode. InstaFrame can record a typical “flat” video and a 360-degree video at the same time. The notion is that this gives an “instantly shareable” flat video, with no reframing or heavy editing needed.

But when you do have to, Insta360’s companion smartphone app has been further improved, with some incredibly useful editing tools. You can re-edit 360-degree video to focus on the user, or force a single view. It’s all quite intuitive too, which is a trait that shouldn’t be ignored.

Image by Mat Smith for Engadget

The X5 an incredibly versatile tool, and there’s something to be said for a camera that can capture everything. However, in less favorable conditions (or when you’re not the camera person), you might prefer the simpler settings and shooting methods of a traditional action camera.

The X5 does perform better in lower light, but it doesn’t quite match the improvements we’ve seen in low-light smartphone photography in recent years. Despite my cautiously walking around in the late evening to capture low-light footage, there was a vibration after-effect as the camera struggled to stabilize the footage. This can be reduced by staying still, but even with PureVideo (which can also be a little too aggressive addressing noise), it’s not quite there yet. I will continue to test the camera and provide further impressions. Insta360 pushed a firmware update to the X5 hours before I published this story, adding 4K60fps recording in single-lens mode, and several resolution bumps across other recording modes.

Design-wise, you have to get up real close to tell the difference between the X5 and the X4. They’re largely the same size, although Insta360 has switched to a polygon effect on the front, with a panel for the mic (and a new mesh wind guard).

The battery compartment and microSD slot are secured with a double latch where the microSD slot lives, and are protected by solid covers with sliding locks. Both sides of the camera have a grippy texture, with record and mode buttons nestled under the screen.

With the same threaded mount, Insta360’s existing selfie sticks will work with its latest camera, although fast-chargers and cases won’t, due to hardware changes. The most important thing: Insta360’s bullet time effect is still here – if you have the right peripheral.

Most of the settings adjustments, like its predecessors, are found in pull-down menus from, well, pretty much every side of the screen. Swiping right will take you to the gallery, while manual camera options are a left swipe away. Toggles and lock settings are located in the dropdown menu. There’s a lot, but if you’ve used a smartphone, you should find the basic navigation familiar.

Image by Mat Smith for Engadget

There’s a whole list of smaller notable hardware improvements on the X5 compared to the predecessor, too:

Scratch-resistant glass lenses —- which are replaceable

Larger capacity battery that lasts up to 180 minutes

Faster-charging battery (0 to 80 percent in 20 minutes)

New built-in steel mesh wind guard

IP68 waterproofing up to 49 feet

Magnetic mounting system

‘Twist to shoot’ record feature, to initiate recording by twisting a connected selfie stick

The Insta360 X5 is now on sale, priced at $550, with an Essentials Bundle also available for $660. The bundle includes an extra battery, fast-charge case, “invisible” selfie stick, lens guards and a carry case. That’s $50 more than the Insta360 X4 was at launch. The improvements to both low-light performance and new shooting modes may be worth the price increase, but don’t expect crisp 4K (or 8K) video if light is an issue.

Competition in this category remains relatively limited. Ricoh continues its Theta series, with a similar camera form factor, but seems to focus on stills more than video, while GoPro’s Max 360 camera lacks features like traditional 4K video capture, let alone 8K recording. The best alternatives are arguably Insta360’s other 360 cameras, like last year’s X4.

While there are less major spec and design changes compared to last year, the Insta360 X5 is another step forward for this type of camera, both in terms of imaging and in simplifying how you share what you capture.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/insta360-x5-launch-date-price-hands-on-132439941.html?src=rss