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In recent years, AI adoption has surged at an unprecedented rate. Household names, Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI have poured billions into developing advanced AI systems, while businesses worldwide scramble to integrate the technology into their operations. But, despite its supposed popularity, the pressure is mounting to prove AI’s real-world value. 2025 will be a defining year for the technology, as stakeholders and boards begin to question whether their AI investments are delivering tangible ROI, and if they ever will.Away from AI, the cyber threat landscape is also becoming increasingly volatile. Global conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Yemen have intensified state-sponsored cyber activity, which is expected to continue to escalate and likely to impact the western world the most.Beyond AI and cybersecurity threats, IT infrastructure faces growing risks from interconnectivity failures and data residency issues. High-profile IT outages, like the CrowdStrike incident last year, have highlighted how quickly operations worldwide can be disrupted by one incident. Meanwhile, concerns over undersea cable sabotage and geopolitical disruptions raise questions about where critical data resides and who truly controls it.As we enter the second quarter of 2025, businesses are facing one of the most uncertain and transformative years in IT history. So, let’s take a look at how the cyber and IT landscape will change this year.

A make-or-break year for AI

Since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in November 2022, AI has been booming in every way possible, but the conversation is moving from its potential to its performance. More than two years on and with AI-related spending projected to exceed $1 trillion in the coming years, investors and executives will soon be questioning the returns on these investments, if they aren’t already.Glenn Fogel, CEO of Booking Holdings, the parent company of Booking.com and other travel platforms, recently shared that only a small portion of its customers are interacting with its AI services. While AI can provide excellent assistance, he acknowledged that responses and recommendations are inconsistent, highlighting the need for further refinement before businesses fully commit to large-scale implementation.The issue here is, with billions upon billions being funnelled into AI development, it still feels we are a way off understanding what its best use will be. This will be concerning for shareholders, even in some of the giants involved in the AI goldrush. Where does the buck stop, and will investment become unviable due to the lack of real-world impact.Many are struggling with high implementation costs, unexpected limitations, and ethical concerns around the technology and without a significant breakthrough, skepticism around AI’s true value is likely to grow.

The rise of state-sponsored cyber attacks

Latest data shows that Russian cyber-attacks on Ukraine have surged by nearly 70% in 2024, with 4,315 incidents targeting critical infrastructure.This year we could see an escalation in attacks, especially in Asia, and one of the biggest concerns is upstream supply chain infiltration. Because China is deeply embedded in the global technology supply chain, there is a real risk that malicious code, backdoors, or hardware vulnerabilities have been deliberately introduced into systems long before they are activated.Beyond Asia, another potential flashpoint for state-sponsored cyber activity is Australia. Given its close alliance with the U.S. and increasing tensions with China, if subversive cyber-attacks begin surfacing in Australia, they could show early indicators of a broader Chinese cyber strategy.

Interconnectivity vulnerabilities

As the world becomes more interconnected and reliant on devices and software, organizations are struggling to understand where its vulnerabilities sit, increasing the risk of systemic failures. The CrowdStrike outage last year served as a wake-up call, showing how a single IT failure can cause widespread operational disruptions.Many organizations are unprepared and don’t have back up plans if an issue does occur. What happens if your cloud provider experiences a prolonged outage? What if a major software dependency suddenly fails? Organizations need to consider how they can operate if it can’t access its systems and develop robust contingency plans to mitigate these risks.

The growing data residency battle

Data sovereignty and control will become a major point of contention in 2025. As geopolitical tensions rise and undersea cable sabotage grows, governments and businesses are increasingly concerned about where their data is stored and who has access to it.Most international internet traffic depends on undersea cables, and these have become a target for sabotage. Recent reports indicate that Sweden’s cables have been damaged for a third time, following its severance in November last year. Businesses must consider what happens if these critical infrastructures are compromised, as one incident can cause major disruptions to global connectivity, financial trade, and other critical systems. In other words, depending on the location and extent of the damage, large portions of the world may experience slow or non-existent data or internet access.Emerging technologies like Starlink and other satellite-based internet systems offer potential solutions, but they also introduce new security risks. With these systems becoming integral to global communication, they present lucrative targets for cybercriminals and state-sponsored actors looking to compromise sensitive data or exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access. Companies should know where their data is stored and under what jurisdiction with a robust response plan in place.The cyber and IT landscape is constantly evolving, driven by new technologies and emerging threats, and 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most transformational years in history. As we move through the year, businesses that invest in resilience, and take a proactive stance on AI, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure, will be in the strongest position to succeed and lead.

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Questions raised over Chinese espionage via influx of China-built carsJourneys and location, text messages and documents said to be at riskPlugging a phone in to a Chinese car has been compared to using an unknown USB

UK government and military staff have been warned about security concerns surrounding the use of Chinese-built cars, according to reporting by The i Paper.For example, staff at RAF Wyton have been instructed to park cars that are built with Chinese components at least two miles away from the facility due to concerns over sat-nav and sensor surveillance.Warnings also cover connections between Chinese built cars and their drivers' phones, including Bluetooth connections and even charging the phone via the cable.

Chinese cars are under investigation

Apart from sensing location and surroundings, microphones in certain cars could potentially be used for eavesdropping by the Chinese state. As such, staff are being warned not to connect mobile phones to Chinese-made cars or discuss work inside of them, with major defense firms like BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and Thales reportedly taking protective measures.The worry is that there is the potential for cars to harvest journeys, text messages, voicemails and sensitive documents, and plugging a phone into a car has been compared to plugging an unknown USB drive into a work computer.Chinese electric cars in particular have become incredibly popular in the UK just in the past few years, often undercutting established brands and offering similar levels of quality and standard equipment. However, it's not just Chinese brands that have been affected by the allegations – other brands that use Chinese components are also at risk of potential protective measures.Some cybersecurity experts say that the concerns are valid given China's history of espionage. National Intelligence Law also requires Chinese firms to assist state intelligence on request, therefore espionage via cars is entirely plausible. However, on the flip side, there has been no proven widespread spying via cars as yet.Mike Hawes, leader of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, noted: "All manufacturers with cars on sale in the UK must adhere to relevant regulations on data privacy, and EVs are no different."

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Unreleased code suggests Google may enable users to add cards to Google Wallet by tapping the card on their phone We don't have a timeframe or release date yetThe new feature could speed up adding new cards to your phone

Google could be readying a change to the Google Wallet app that would make adding contactless payment cards faster and easier.Unreleased code uncovered by Android Authority suggests that Google could soon enable the addition of cards via near-field communication, or NFC, the wireless technology that enables contactless payments.In everyday terms, that would mean adding a card by tapping the card on the phone as you would on a contactless card reader.The new option will apparently be found on the “Add payment method” screen alongside existing methods, such as manual entry.And though NFC has the potential to be much faster than adding your card details manually, it’s possible that you’ll still need to enter your CVV (or CVC) number for security reasons.The Android Authority report found no suggestions regarding compatibility, so we can’t yet say which types of cards and which issuers will be supported.Furthermore, there’s no mention of whether this feature will be added with the upcoming release of Android 16, or as part of a smaller update.

How hasn’t this happened yet?

(Image credit: Google)

Personally, I feel like this rumor seems so logical that it’s almost bizarre that it’s not already part of the official Google Wallet experience.After all, the NFC technology employed by contactless cards, phones, and card readers operates the same way – there’s nothing stopping a phone from reading a card from a technical point of view.Speculatively, it’s possible that security concerns delayed Google’s adoption of the tap-to-add feature. After all, the feature needs to be secure so that cards can’t be added to a phone fraudulently.In any case, I’d be glad to see this feature come to Google Wallet – paying contactlessly is a convenient feature, and this new feature is sure to make things even easier for users of the best Android phones.Would you add a card to your phone via NFC? Do you prefer using a contactless card or smartphone to complete payments? Let us know in the comments below.

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Japanese speedrunner Ikaboze has beaten the Nintendo Switch 2 version of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild Ikaboze attended the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: Tokyo event, where he was given access to the 20-minute demoThe speedrunner beat the final boss with no equipment in around seven minutes

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has been beaten on the Nintendo Switch 2 in under 10 minutes ahead of the console's official release.As reported by Nintendo Insider, speedrunner Ikaboze has already cleared the Switch 2 version of the game while attending the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience: Tokyo event, where he was able to play the game's 20-minute demo.However, it turned out that the speedrunner needed less than half that time to roll credits.By using an autosave file situated outside Hyrule Castle and removing his equipment, Ikaboze was able to defeat the final boss, Ganon, becoming the first player in the world to beat Breath of the Wild on the Switch 2.The feat was achieved in around seven minutes using the new Switch 2 controller, and if you watch the complete speed run below, other attendees and employees at the event can be seen cheering him on."I was surprised by how many people had gathered," Ikaboze said (translated via VGC)."Staff were even filming on their smartphones. This was the first time anyone had completed the Breath of the Wild demo, and staff congratulated me."

The Switch 2 Editions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will be day one launch titles for the console. It's been confirmed that both games will contain the full game and upgrades on the cartridge. Breath of the Wild's expansion pass won't be included and will be sold separately.In addition, it seems that the Switch 2 Editions won't support Switch Online's cloud save backup feature.The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are now live.

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Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting login credentials, session cookies, and moreThe threat of identity-based attacks is risingThe costs are adding up, and businesses are slow to respond

Businesses are facing an increase in identity-based attacks, and rogue applications are the top culprit, research from the Huntress 2025 'Managed ITDR Report: Identity Is the New Security Perimeter'.Based on a survey of more than 600 IT and security professionals, Huntress’ new report states that two-thirds (67%) of organizations reported an increase in identity-based incidents in the last three years.What’s more, these attacks comprised more than 40% of security incidents for more than a third (35%) of organizations in the past 12 months alone.

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Second increase

Huntress further claims that “rogue applications” are the number one concern here. Almost half (45%) or respondents said they encountered rogue and/or malicious applications in the past, while 46% described them as a “top identity-based concern”.To make matters worse, detection and response times are not keeping up. More than half (53%) said they need “hours” to detect such an incident, and two-thirds (68%) added that they were “unable” to detect or respond to the threat until the actors already established persistence.Huntress also warned that the financial impact of these attacks is “significant.” Aside from the downtime and reputational harm, the researchers found a third (32%) of businesses losing at least $100,000 as a result.“There’s no denying identity is the new endpoint. With widespread cloud adoption, the shift to hybrid work, and an increased reliance on SaaS applications, the identity attack surface has exploded over the past few years,” said Prakash Ramamurthy, Chief Product Officer at Huntress.“Hackers are no longer wasting time breaking into networks the hard way. They’re logging in using stolen credentials, session cookies, and access tokens to bypass endpoint protection and exploit weak multi-factor authentication.”Not all is lost, though, as there are multiple methods, including zero-trust network access (ZTNA), that help mitigate this threat.

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Nintendo has released a special Switch 2 edition for its official magazineThe "Nintendo Magazine 2025 Special Issue" is available digitally online, with a physical copy set to release in MayThe magazine offers a look at the Switch 2, its hardware features, and new games

Nintendo has released a special issue of its official magazine dedicated to the Nintendo Switch 2.The company shared the news on its Japan website today, announcing that the digital version of the "Nintendo Magazine 2025 Special Issue" featuring the Switch 2 has been released.The magazine, which you can access here, is a total of 80 pages and offers a look at the Switch 2, its hardware features, like its new Joy-Cons, and the console's line-up of software, including Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, and The Duskbloods.There are pages dedicated to third-party titles, too, like Cyberpunk 2077, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, Split Fiction, and more. Each feature page also has links to official websites and videos related to the content.A physical booklet version of the special issue will begin shipping around May 9, 2025, in Japan. Nintendo said the magazine is "expected to be available at video game stores nationwide around May 24th."

[トピックス]Nintendo Switch 2 総特集の「ニンテンドーマガジン 2025特別号」デジタル版を公開。冊子版も5月9日ごろより全国のTVゲーム取扱店へ順次発送予定。https://t.co/lmmo3R6NMhhttps://t.co/lmmo3R6NMhApril 28, 2025

I was able to skim through the magazine via the provided link, but it appears that the site is currently facing issues. When it reloaded, an error message appeared, which reads: "The page you requested could not be found", but I imagine Nintendo will resolve the issue soon.The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for the Mario Kart World bundle. UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are now live.

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If you've been waiting for a good deal on Apple's latest M4 MacBook Air, today seems like a good time to take the plunge. Both Amazon and Best Buy are currently selling the new MacBook Air for $150 off its list price, bringing the notebook down to a record low of $849 from $999. That's the best discount we've tracked. Between the two retailers, all four of the device's color options are on sale.

Note that this price applies to the entry-level model with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. If you're willing to pay extra for more storage space, a version with a 512GB SSD is also $150 off at $1,049. If you want more memory, a variant with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is similarly discounted at $1,249. Both of those deals represent all-time lows as well.

Apple only released the MacBook Air M4 in mid-March and we've since named it 2025's best MacBook overall. We gave it in a 92 in our review, as it still packs an accurate (albeit 60Hz) display and excellent keyboard in a slim, sturdy build that weighs 2.7 pounds and measures 0.44 inches thick. But it's the M4 chip that really gives the Air a boost; the 13-inch model has a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU and 16-core Neural Engine, all of which are more than fast enough for most everyday tasks. Battery life is another plus: The notebook lasted over 18 hours while playing HD video in our testing.

If you're looking for something a little bigger, then it might be worth getting the 15-inch MacBook Air M4. That one is also $150 off in several configurations at Amazon and Best Buy, starting at $1,049 for 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD and moving up to $1,449 for 24GB of RAM and double the storage. Again, each of these deals mark new lows. Apart from its larger display, the 15-inch MacBook Air has a larger trackpad and better speakers than its 13-inch counterpart but is largely identical otherwise.

Update (4/28/2025): Several configurations of the M4 MacBook Air have dropped further in price since this article was first published, so we've updated our post accordingly.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-m4-macbook-air-drops-to-a-new-record-low-price-of-849-144625334.html?src=rss

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is likely to land in just a few months' time, and when it does, it should provide an enticing foldable alternative to the flagship Samsung Galaxy S25 series.Like most big-name upcoming phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 has leaked extensively, with leakers and tipsters revealing, among many other things, the price you might have to pay for it.Of course, nothing will be certain price-wise until Samsung itself unveils the phone later this year, but we do have a solid idea of what to expect. Below, you’ll find details of what you’ll probably have to pay for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, based on a combination of leaks, past form, and educated guesses.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 price predictions

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Before looking at any possible price changes for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, it’s worth being aware of what the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs, so you have a jumping-off point.Below, you can see a chart with full pricing details for the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6, but notably, it starts at $1,099.99 / £1,049 / $1,799.

So, will the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 cost any more or less than that? Well, we haven’t heard loads of price rumors yet, but two separate leaks have suggested that it will have exactly the same starting price.We first heard this Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 price claim in January 2025, and while the claim comes from a leaker who doesn’t yet have much of a track record, the same claim was later made by Android Headlines in an article written in collaboration with @OnLeaks – a source with a very solid track record.These are the only price leaks we’ve heard so far, so for now, our best guess is that the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will start at $1,099.99 / £1,049 / $1,799, just like its predecessor.That said, it’s possible that even if these leaks are correct, the price could change in some regions. Android Headlines, for example, only mentioned the US price when saying that nothing would change.It’s also certainly possible that Samsung will increase the price. After all, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 costs more – at least in some regions – than the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5, a phone that started at $999.99 / £1,049 / AU$1,649. So, Samsung could increase the price again, though it could equally be argued that the company might be reluctant to raise the price two years in a row.It might not have much of a choice, though, especially now that Trump has started introducing tariffs to most countries, which will likely mean Samsung’s costs will increase.Still, until we hear otherwise, we’re going to say the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will probably have the same price as its predecessor, and we’re even more confident that it won’t cost less, as price reductions for new models are rare (though not totally unheard of) and with tariffs coming in it seems especially unlikely to happen.On top of all that, Samsung is reportedly making a Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, which is sure to be cheaper than the main model, so if Samsung was to also lower the price of the Z Flip 7, that might eat into the FE’s potential audience.

What about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE?

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, then, could be the foldable flip phone to buy if you’re hoping for a lower price tag. But just how low will this model go?Well, so far there aren’t any Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE price leaks, but logically it will be cheaper than the Galaxy Z Flip 7, which – if the Z Flip 7 retains its predecessor’s price, as has been rumored – would mean a price of under $1,099.99 / £1,049 / $1,799.As such, we'd guess that this would mean the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE will probably start at no more than $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,650.

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Dr Geoffrey Hinton deserves credit for helping to build the foundation of virtually all neural-network-based generative AI we use today. You can also credit him in recent years with consistency: he still thinks the rapid expansion of AI development and use will lead to some fairly dire outcomes.Two years ago, in an exit interview with The New York Times, Dr Hinton warned, "It is hard to see how you can prevent the bad actors from using it for bad things."Now, in a fresh sitdown with CBS News, the Nobel Prize winner is ratcheting up the concern, admitting that when he figured out how to make a computer brain work more like a human brain, he "didn't think we'd get here in only 40 years," adding that "10 years ago I didn't believe we'd get here."Yet, now we're here, and hurtling towards an unknowable future, with the pace of AI model development easily outstripping the pace of Moore's Law (which states that the number of transistors on a chip doubles roughly every 18 months). Some might argue that artificial intelligence is doubling in capability every 12 months or so, and undoubtedly making significant leaps on a quarterly basis.Naturally, Dr Hinton's reasons for concern are now manifold. Here's some of what he told CBS News.

1. There's a 10%-to-20% risk that AIs will take over

That, according to CBS News, is Dr Hinton's current assessment of the AI-versus-human risk factor. It's not that Dr. Hinton doesn't believe that AI advances won't pay dividends in medicine, education, and climate science; I guess the question here is, at what point does AI become so intelligent that we do not know what it's thinking about or, perhaps, plotting?Dr. Hinton didn't directly address artificial general intelligence (AGI) in the interview, but that must be on his mind. AGI, which remains a somewhat amorphous concept, could mean that AI machines surpass human-like intelligence – and if they do that, at what point does AI start to, as humans do, act in its own self-interest?

2. Is AI a "cute cub" that could someday kill you?

In trying to explain his concerns, Dr Hinton likened current AI to someone owning a tiger cub. "It's just such a cute tiger cub, unless you can be very sure that it's not going to want to kill you when it's grown up."The analogy makes sense when you consider how most people engage with AIs like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and Gemini, using them to generate funny pictures and videos, and declaring, "Isn't that adorable?" But behind all that amusement and shareable imagery is an emotionless system that's only interested in delivering the best result as its neural network and models understand it.

3. Hackers will be more effective (banks could be at risk)

When it comes to current AI threats Dr. Hinton is clearly taking them seriously. He believes that AI will make hackers more effective at attacking targets like banks, hospitals, and infrastructure.AI, which can code for you and help you solve difficult problems, could supercharge their efforts. Dr Hinton's response? Risk mitigation by spreading his money across three banks. Seems like good advice.

4. Authoritarians can use it

Dr Hinton is so concerned about the looming AI threat that he told CBS News he's glad he's 77 years old, which I assume means he hopes to be long gone before the worst-case scenario involving AI potentially comes to pass.I'm not sure he'll get out in time, though. We have a growing legion of authoritarians around the world, some of whom are already using AI-generated imagery to propel their propaganda.

5. Tech companies are not focusing enough on AI safety

Dr Hinton argues that the big tech companies focusing on AI, namely OpenAI, Microsoft, Meta, and Google (where Dr Hinton formerly worked), are putting too much focus on short-term profits and not enough on AI safety. That's hard to verify, and, in their defense, most governments have done a poor job of enforcing any real AI regulation.Dr Hinton has taken notice when some try to sound the alarm. He told CBS News that he was proud of his former protégé and OpenAI's former Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, who helped briefly oust OpenAI CEO Sam Altman over AI safety concerns. Altman soon returned, and Sutskever ultimately walked away.

As for what comes next, and what we should do about it, Dr Hinton doesn't offer any answers. In fact he seems almost as overwhelmed by it all as the rest of us, telling CBS News that while he doesn't despair, "we're at this very very special point in history where in a relatively short time everything might totally change at a change of a scale we've never seen before. It's hard to absorb that emotionally."You can say that again, Dr Hinton.

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Apple’s AirPods 4 earbuds are on sale via Amazon for $100. This is a record low price and a discount of $30. This particular deal is also available at Walmart and Best Buy.

These earbuds are considered some of the best AirPods available for purchase. The sound quality has been improved over the previous generation, which is nice. The big selling point to me, however, is the refined design. The AirPods 4 feature a legitimately comfortable fit, which is pretty rare in the earbud space. They don’t even fall out when moving around, which is something we noted in our official review.

This model features the H2 chip that was originally introduced with the AirPods Pro. The chip allows for some advanced features, like Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking. The earbuds also offer Adaptive EQ and 48kHz audio for video calls. Apple has even included the newly-developed Voice Isolation feature that removes ambient noise when talking on the phone.

The AirPods 4 earbuds do not have onboard volume controls and there’s no option for wireless charging. Also, this model doesn’t include ANC. The ANC-equipped version is on sale today for $149, which is a discount of 17 percent. The high-end AirPods Pro 2 earbuds are also on sale right now for $169. This is a discount of 32 percent, as the regular price is $249.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apples-airpods-4-fall-back-to-a-record-low-of-100-152310784.html?src=rss

Phishing attacks are more common than everNew research shows Microsoft impersonators are targeting usersThese aim to steal credentials and information from victims

Phishing attacks top the tables for most popular intrusion points for cybercriminals over and over again, and new research from Check Point reveals the most commonly imitated firms for the first quarter of 2025. Criminals impersonating Microsoft were by far the most common, making up 36% of observed brand related social engineering attacks in the study.Following behind are Google and Apple, making up 12% and 8% respectively - meaning that over half of all incidents (56%) come from a false address associated with one of those three brands.A notable change though, is in a rise of Mastercard impersonations - with a campaign of fraudulent websites discovered, primarily aimed at Japanese users, and attempting to steal sensitive financial information from victims using a fake website and prompting users to enter their card numbers and CVVs.

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Trending attacks

Unsurprisingly, the research shows that technology is the most impersonated sector for attacks in Q1 of 20225 - most likely because more and more people use the services, and because criminals can prompt users to enter credentials with ‘password reset’ scams, or can lure victims onto a malicious site, especially given the trust awarded to these services.This isn’t the first time researchers have identified Microsoft as the most commonly imitated company in phishing scams, and the best way to stay safe against phishing is to be hyper vigilant - double checking any email address for discrepancies, and never clicking a link from an unverified source.“As we progress through 2025, organizations and users alike must stay alert to the evolving threat of phishing attacks,” says Check Point.“The most frequently targeted brands are not just household names — they are gateways to sensitive personal and financial information. Cyber security awareness, combined with robust protection strategies like multi-factor authentication (MFA), can help minimize the risk of falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.”

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Wix website builder review (2025)

Wix is a giant in the website builder industry. Its marketing campaigns across all mainstream media have made it a household name. While some services give you only a few templates, Wix has more than 500.

ForLimited free planVast library of templates has something for every business typeHuge number of professional featuresEasy to useExtensive ecommerce tools can build a feature-packed web storeExcellent image featuresHundreds of apps connect you to many other platforms and servicesAgainstAbove average pricesCan’t change a template once you’ve chosen itOnly 2GB storage with the cheapest planEmail not included as standard (it’s a paid extra)

Squarespace website builder review (2025)

If you've been keeping an eye out for easy-to-use, all-in-one solutions to create a stunning website, you've surely stumbled upon Squarespace website builder somewhere along the line.

ForBuilt-in email marketingEssential ecommerce features with most plansLots of lovely, mobile-responsive templatesFree trial with no credit card info requiredHelpful link in bio toolFree SSL certificateHelpful 24/7 customer support and well-supplied knowledgebaseA solid set of featuresAgainstCan't switch templates without starting from scratchNo telephone supportLow level of customization

If you are looking for a simple solution to build a great website there are countless options out there. However, with many of the best website builders offering similar features, tools, and price points, it can be hard to know which one is the best option for you. Wix and Squarespace are two of the market-leading website builders. They provide everything you need to create professional websites without coding skills - including website hosting, ecommerce features, easy-to-use interfaces, and more. They even offer similar starting prices with Wix premium plans starting at $17/mo (or less with our Wix promo codes) and Squarespace coming in ever-so-slightly lower with its entry level plan starting at $16/mo (or less with our Squarespace promo codes).Yet they do differ in many areas including tools, design flexibility, templates, and what you get with each plan.If you're looking to pick one over the other, our detailed guide will walk you through the highs and lows of each so you can make the right choice. Let's dig in.

Tip: No coding skills? No problem. Both Wix and Squarespace fall into a category of tools known as no-code ‘software as a service’ or SaaS, which allows novice users to create and maintain a website without any programming knowledge.

Wix vs Squarespace: A detailed breakdown

Wix vs Squarespace: Features

Both Wix and Squarespace have strong features in 2025, but each shines in different ways. Wix boasts a huge template library with over 900 designs. In contrast, Squarespace has around 180 curated templates. Wix's app marketplace is much larger with over 500 integrations, while Squarespace has about 35 extensions. For ecommerce, Wix supports over 80 payment gateways and offers features like pre-order tracking and tax automation. Squarespace includes ecommerce in all plans but has fewer payment options.Both platforms also use AI technology. Wix provides AI tools for product descriptions and image generation. Squarespace offers AI for product descriptions, email content, and blog posts. Squarespace's BluePrint AI helps build websites based on brand personality and preferences. Wix AI creates sites based on user questions in a chatbot interface. Squarespace generally has better blogging features with monetization options, but, Wix excels in business tools and customization.The best choice depends on your needs. Squarespace suits users who value design quality and blogging features, plus it offers ecommerce in all plans. Wix is better for those wanting flexibility, extensive app integrations, and more business tools.

Wix vs Squarespace: Ease of use

Wix and Squarespace are both easy to use for non-programmers without coding experience, but the learning curve still varies.Wix features a simple drag-and-drop editor. Users can place elements anywhere on the page. This allows for pixel-perfect positioning, ideal for beginners who want total customization. Wix also offers two editing options: the original editor for small businesses and creators and Wix Studio for agencies needing top-notch design tools.Squarespace is user-friendly too, but its editing system is more structured. The Fluid Engine, introduced in July 2022, allows drag-and-drop within a grid area. This design offers fewer constraints than the Classic Editor but still maintains some order. Users get consistent and professional results but at the cost of creative freedom. It takes more clicks to achieve the same results as Wix, plus you must manually save changes.Overall, Wix wins for ease of use, especially for beginners who want creative freedom. Its user-friendly interface, automatic saving, and strong backup system enhance accessibility. Squarespace may suit those who prefer structure and consistency, as its limitations help avoid design errors while ensuring a polished look.

Wix vs Squarespace: Support

Wix provides many support options, including live chat and phone support in over ten languages. However, priority phone support requires a Business Elite subscription. Support is available from Monday to Friday, depending on the language. Wix also has a Knowledge Center with tutorials and guides. For Wix Studio subscribers, the Wix Studio Academy offers hundreds of short courses to help users maximize features.Squarespace takes a different approach to customer support. It doesn't offer phone support. Instead, you have the option to use 24/7 human chat support, hire third-party experts, or participate in the community forum where users can ask for advice. It also provides documentation and tutorials. But unlike Wix, Squarespace's live chat support system relies on human support agents, not AI.Wix offers more responsive support that's easier to avail. But, Squarespace stands apart with its strictly human-first support system. While the former offers more accessible, diverse, and affordable options, Squarespace is the better choice for users who need constant access to experts who can troubleshoot complex issues.

Wix vs Squarespace: Pricing and plans

Wix offers a free plan and four paid tiers. The Light plan starts at $17/month, up from the previous $16. The Core plan costs $29/month, the Business plan is $36/month, and the Business Elite plan is $159/month. Wix's entry-level plans are cheaper than Squarespace's. However, the Light plan lacks ecommerce features, which begin with the Core plan.Squarespace does not have a free plan. It offers four paid options with annual discounts. The Personal plan starts at $16/month (billed annually). The Business plan is $23/month, while Commerce Basic (Plus) is $39/month, and Commerce Advanced is $99/month. All Squarespace plans include ecommerce capabilities, making it easy for users to sell products online. Squarespace also offers unlimited storage on all plans. In contrast, Wix's storage ranges from 2GB on the Light plan to unlimited on the Business Elite plan.For value comparison, Wix gives more resources and features at similar price points, especially for business and ecommerce. However, Squarespace offers better value for users focused on ecommerce, as those features are included in all plans. Your best choice depends on your needs. Wix is more affordable for entry-level sites and offers more features at higher tiers. Squarespace provides robust ecommerce capabilities from the start.

Wix vs Squarespace: Final verdict

After comparing Wix and Squarespace in detail, we think that both platforms have unique strengths for different users. Wix shines with its easy drag-and-drop editor, wide template library, large app marketplace, and responsive customer support. Its flexible design options and AI tools are great for those who want creative freedom and customization. With a free plan and lower prices, Wix is also more accessible for beginners and budget-friendly users.Squarespace, on the other hand, lacks a free plan and phone support but stands out with its sleek templates and structured design. This approach ensures consistent, high-quality results. All Squarespace plans include ecommerce features, making it a better choice for users who want to sell products online from the start. Squarespace also offers excellent blogging tools, unlimited storage, and better site performance.The best choice depends on your needs.Choose Wix if you want maximum design flexibility, lots of app integrations, and lower costs. Go for Squarespace if you prioritize professional design, structured editing, better performance, and all-in-one ecommerce features. For most beginners and small businesses seeking value and ease of use, Wix is the more versatile option. In contrast, design-focused professionals and ecommerce businesses may prefer Squarespace.

New research shows AI can help identify which dogs are most likely to be candidatesIt can help reduce the emotionally draining problem of ‘late-stage failure’ in guide dog trainingAI can map dog personality types

AI is being used to help identify which pups have the greatest potential to go on to become guide dogs (also known as seeing-eye dogs) or service dogs earlier and with more accuracy.In a new research project at the University of East London, Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini, Associate Professor in Computer Science and Digital Technologies, found that one AI model achieved 80% prediction accuracy over a 12-month period.“One of the biggest challenges in assistance dog training is the emotional and financial cost of late-stage failure,” says Dr Amirhosseini. “This is more than a tech innovation – it’s a leap forward for animal welfare.”To perform the analysis the trainers who work most closely with the dogs record their behaviour at six months and 12 months using detailed questionnaires, which function as snapshots of the dog’s temperament, focus and personality.AI then weaves its magic and spots the early signs of suitability for guide or service dog training. The AI can detect patterns of behavior that even experienced trainers could miss.

Paw patrol

The project brought together an international dream team of dog experts including members of The Seeing Eye, which is the oldest dog training centre in the world, as well as Canine Companions, the team featured in Netflix’s Inside the Mind of a Dog documentary.While many industries are under threat from AI removing human jobs, the study shows that there are plenty of opportunities for AI to positively benefit mankind.AI can potentially be a game-changer for many dog training programmes, saving time, money and even heartbreak because dogs that don’t make the cut have to get rehomed and split from their potential new vocations and owners.If an AI can pick up patterns that even seasoned dog trainers miss then it will become a powerful new ally in the field of animal training.

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I always have my ear to the ground when it comes to the best streaming services, so trust me when I say there's another wave of brand new Paramount+ movies and TV shows coming to the platform in May 2025 that you'll want to know about.This month it's TV show premieres galore, and Paramount+ has a number of shows returning for new installments, from season 18 of Criminal Minds, to RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 10 where you can expect the show's biggest cast yet – 18 queens altogether.In addition to new Paramount+ shows, the service is also giving its library of best Paramount+ movies a glow up with an assortment of movies spanning a range of genres, but the ones that stick out for me are '90s staple Clueless (1995) and modern cinematic epic Parasite (2019). I'm also excited to finally see Pride (2014) come back to streaming but that's down my obvious bias – I am Welsh after all.

Everything new on Paramount+ in May 2025

Arriving on May 1 A Very Brady Sequel (movie)Addams Family Values (movie)Aeon Flux (movie)Atlantic City (movie)Awake (movie)Black Rain (movie)Book Club (movie)Bound (movie)Bride & Prejudice (movie)Bruce Lee, The Legend (movie)Charlotte's Web (movie)Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (movie)Clueless (movie)Crocodile Dundee (movie)Crocodile Dundee II (movie)Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (movie)Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (movie)Cursed (movie)Days of Thunder (movie)Dreamland (movie)Drillbit Taylor (movie)Duplex (movie)Erin Brockovich (movie)Extraordinary Measures (movie)Finding Neverland (movie)Flight Of The Intruder (movie)Frank Miller's Sin City (movie)Freedom Writers (movie)G.I. Jane (movie)Gandhi (movie)Green Book (movie)Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (movie)Hostage (movie)Hotel for Dogs (movie)I.Q. (movie)In Her Skin (movie)In The Bedroom (movie)Jay And Silent Bob Strike Back (movie)Just Friends (movie)Just Like Heaven (movie)Kate & Leopold (movie)Kingpin (movie)Last Vegas (movie)Life of Pi (movie)Memoirs of a Geisha (movie)Mercy (movie)Minari (movie)Monster Trucks (movie)Nebraska (movie)Norbit (movie)Oldboy (movie)Once Upon a Time in America (movie)Once Upon A Time In The West (movie)Parasite (movie)Patriots Day (movie)Paycheck (movie)Pride (movie)Private Parts (movie)Race for Your Life, Charlie Brown (movie)Rango (movie)Rio Grande (movie)Romeo Must Die (movie)Sahara (movie)Scary Movie 2 (movie)Scary Movie 3 (movie)Some Kind of Wonderful (movie)Son of Rambow (movie)Southside With You (movie)Spell (movie)Stardust (movie)Terminator: Dark Fate (movie)Texas Rangers (movie)The Addams Family (movie)The Adventures Of Sharkboy and Lavagirl (movie)The Brady Bunch Movie (movie)The Comeback Trail (movie)The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (movie)The Edge of Seventeen (movie)The Four Feathers (movie)The Ghost and the Darkness (movie)The Last Airbender (movie)The Last Castle (movie)The Mist (movie)The Prince and Me (movie)The Queen (movie)The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (movie)The Two Jakes (movie)The Weather Man (movie)Things We Lost In The Fire (movie)Top Five (movie)Trading Places (movie)We Were Soldiers (movie)Yours, Mine & Ours (movie)Arriving on May 6Beckham & Friends LiveArriving on May 7 PAW Patrol: Aqua Pups Everybody Still Hates Chris season 1Arriving on May 8Criminal Minds: Evolution season 18Arriving on May 9RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 10RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars: Untucked Arriving on May 12Hard Truths (movie)Arriving on May 14 Assassin Club (movie)Air Disasters season 21 (TV show)First Wives Club season 1 & 2 (TV show)The Family Business seasons 1-3 (TV show)Tyler Perry’s Sistas season 4 (TV show)Tyler Perry’s The Oval season 4 (TV show)Arriving on May 15SkyMed season 3 (TV show)Arriving on May 16The Chi season 7 (TV show)Arriving on May 17 The Greatest @Home Videos season 5 (TV show)Arriving on May 21Dora the Explorer: Mermaid Adventures! (TV show)American Gangster: Trap Queens season 1 & 2 (TV show)Tyler Perry’s Zatima season 1 & 2 (TV show)Arriving on May 23Couples Therapy season 4 (TV show)Arriving on May 26 American Music Awards (TV show)Arriving on May 28 Rock Paper Scissors season 1 (TV show)

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Andor season 2 is already a quarter of the way through its entire run. Indeed, with the first three episodes making their Disney+ debut last Tuesday (or Wednesday, depending on where you live), there are only nine more set to arrive in the weeks ahead.Still, at least we've got three more chapters to look forward to very soon. That's right, episodes 4 to 6 of the Star Wars TV show's second season will air imminently, so you'll want to know when you can stream them.Below, I'll tell you when Andor's next three-episode act will debut on Disney+ in the US, UK, and Australia. A full launch schedule for the rest of this season's entries follows, too. So, strap in, folks, because we're going to rattle through this article quicker than Han Solo completed the legendary Kessel Run.

When can I watch Andor season 2 episodes 4 to 6 in the US?

Andor season 2 episodes 4 to 6 will be an explosive affair (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney+)

Andor season 2 act 2 will be released on Disney's primary streaming platform on Tuesday, April 29 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET in the US. That's the same time that their three predecessors debuted on one of the world's best streaming services.

What is the launch time for Andor season 2 act 2 in the UK?

Prepare to visit Ghorman with Syril Karn over the next three episodes (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney+)

British-based viewers can stream Andor season 2's next three installments on Disney+ UK on Wednesday, April 23 at 2am BST.Yep, that means those of us based over here have got another late night or very early morning ahead of us if we want to watch them as soon as they drop on the service.

When will episodes 4 to 6 of Andor's second season be released in Australia?

Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera will appear in Andor season 2 act 2 (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney+)

One of the best Disney+ shows will get new episodes in Australia on Wednesday, April 23 at 11am AEST.If you're unable to stream one of 2025's new Star Wars shows' latest chapters at that time, it might be best to mute certain words or hashtags on social media so you can avoid spoilers.As I outlined in my Andor season 2 review, I've watched all 12 episodes and there's stuff that happens in episodes 4 to 6 that you won't someone to ruin before you can watch them.

When do new episodes of Andor season 2 come out? Full release schedule explained

Will Vel and Cinta patch things up in Andor season 2 episode 4, 5, or 6? (Image credit: Lucasfilm/Disney+)

If it wasn't obvious by now, new episodes of Andor will be released every Tuesday in the US, and on Wednesdays in the UK and Australia.For a complete rundown on when the final six chapters will arrive, read the list below:

Andor season 2 episode 1 – out nowAndor season 2 episode 2 – out nowAndor season 2 episode 3 – out nowAndor season 2 episode 4 – April 29 (US); April 30 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 5 – April 29 (US); April 30 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 6 – April 29 (US); April 30 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 7 – May 6 (US); May 7 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 8 – May 6 (US); May 7 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 9 – May 6 (US); May 7 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 10 – May 13 (US); May 14 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 11 – May 13 (US); May 14 (UK and Australia)Andor season 2 episode 12 – May 13 (US); May 14 (UK and Australia)

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Patchstack spotted a new phishing campaign targeting WooCommerce usersThe email warns the users about a "critical vulnerability" that must be fixedThe "fix" is actually malware that creates a rogue admin account and drops stage-two malware

If you are a WooCommerce user, pay attention, since there is a new phishing campaign going around targeting people like yourself.Recently, security researchers from Patchstack spotted a new phishing attack, which they described as “large-scale” and “sophisticated”. In the attack, the crooks would send an email, warning their targets about a critical vulnerability in their websites that needs to be addressed immediately.The email also comes with a “Download Patch” link which, instead of the supposed fix, actually deploys a malicious WordPress plugin. The plugin is hosted on a website mimicking the WooCommerce Marketplace, and can be spotted in the typosquatted URL "woocommėrce[.]com" (notice the ė character).

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Old actors or new copycats?

The plugin first hides itself from the list of installed plugins, and then creates a new admin account. It also hides this account from the victim and relays the credentials to the attackers. Finally, it deploys stage-two malware, which includes web shells such as P.A.S.-Fork, p0wny, and WSO.Patchstack, which usually tracks WordPress threats, says that a similar campaign was observed back in December 2023, with the key difference being that the phishing email warned about a non-existent CVE. Since both the emails and the malware are rather similar, the researchers speculate that both attacks are either the work of the same threat actor, or that the new campaign is the work of a copycat,"They claim the targeted websites are impacted by a (non-existent) 'Unauthenticated Administrative Access' vulnerability, and they urge you to visit their phishing website, which uses an IDN homograph attack to disguise itself as the official WooCommerce website," the researchers explained.If you are running a WordPress website with WooCommerce installed, you should scan your site for suspicious plugins and admin accounts, and make sure to update both WordPress and the plugins/themes you are running.Via The Hacker News

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Figma releases wide-ranging AI surveyAdoption and roll-out increasing for design and developmentBut users still think it’s not as useful as it could be

As artificial intelligence continues its path to world domination, Figma has unveiled a new survey that seeks to explore how designers and developers are deploying AI tools in the field.The findings are a bit of a mixed bag, showing that while AI is becoming an integral part of the workflow, it’s not always living up to the promise.The survey follows on from news that Figma, alongside Adobe and Canva, has integrated OpenAI’s ‘gpt-image-1’ model into its design platform.

What users really think about AI

85%. That’s the headline figure from the survey, which states “85% of respondents say AI will be essential to future success in their role.” But how that success is achieved, or what it even looks like, remains unclear right now.The company has explored how businesses are building AI-powered products for the market, as well as uncovering how design and dev teams are using the tools in day-to-day workflows. Either way, the results show that despite embracing the technology, right now it’s failing to live up to frankly over-hyped expectations.According to Figma, one in three say they’ve shipped AI-powered products - a 50% increase since last year’s survey. This includes a wide range of uses, including analytics, document interpretation, and product strategy and marketing growth.However, designers and developers admitted that “many AI projects still lack clarity in purpose,” with Figma pointing to nebulously defined goals like AI experimentation and CX improvements offered by respondents. This, the company claims, makes it difficult to measure the true impact of artificial intelligence.The gulf between reality and potential can also be seen in how designers and developers are using AI. Because, while 78% believe the use of AI makes their workflows more efficient, just 58% reckon it improves the quality of the work. Fewer than half of those surveyed, says Figma, “made them better at their job.”Figma also notes that despite 83% of those surveyed think learning to work with AI is essential to future success, those who believe it will have a “significant impact” on reaching company goals plummets to only 27%. Users who say AI will be “transformational” linger at 15%, exactly where it was in last year’s survey.In other words, the company says, belief in the potential is high, but expectations, while stabilizing, are low due to experiencing the true limitations of current artificial intelligence technology.Despite the general scepticism over just how useful AI is right now, there is some optimism in the design and dev world. Agentic AI is now the fastest-growing category, doubling year on year - although it’s yet to unseat text generation as the biggest project type.Usage is also increasing, particularly among developers. Where just 69% of designers say they’re satisfied with AI tools and 54% of them feel the quality of their work improves when using AI, these figures jump to 83% and 67% for those working in development.However, Figma points out that the disparity is likely down to how artificial intelligence is used across different projects, with designers chiefly using the tools for the likes of asset creation (31%) compared to core development responsibilities, such as code generation, used by 59% of developers.So, all in all, results are mixed right now - how that will change as AI continues to improve will be one to watch.Figma surveyed 2500 developers and designers globally between January 8 and January 30, 2025. You can get the full report here.

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Whether your mom keeps on top of the latest tech trends or still calls you for help logging into her email account, a carefully considered gadget can be a practical way to tell her thanks for, y’know, putting up with you. Sure, the usual flowers, breakfast in bed or complementary spa day will always be worthwhile Mother’s Day gifts, but if you want to take a different (and much nerdier) approach, a good piece of tech can make her life easier even after the holiday has passed. If you need some help brainstorming some gift ideas, we’ve put together a list of gadgets, services and other gear that should bring any mom a little joy.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mothers-day-gift-ideas-123010613.html?src=rss

Google I/O is where we learn about many major features and updates that are coming to the company’s ecosystem, including on the Android front. The company is doing something a little different this year. Just ahead of I/O, it will provide a deep dive into the future of Android with a special edition of The Android Show.

This is the first time that Google has held such a showcase before I/O. The company says that people have been asking for more ways to learn about how the Android experience is changing and giving the ecosystem its own spotlight ahead of the main event is one way to do that.

Google says it has “so many new things to share" regarding Android, hence this edition of The Android Show (a series that the company has been running for developers on YouTube for a while). The presentation will feature Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat. Android will still be featured at I/O, where Google is promising to reveal “even more special announcements and surprises.” Multiple Android keynotes are scheduled for the event.

The Android Show: I/O Edition will air on May 13 at 1PM ET. Google I/O takes place a week later, starting on May 20. As ever, we’ll bring you all the important news and updates you need to know from the event right here on Engadget.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/google-is-giving-android-its-own-showcase-a-week-before-io-160035457.html?src=rss

LG’s 2025 lineup of its QNED Evo premium LCD TVs will be available to buy starting in May, following an initial reveal at the end of 2024 ahead of CES. The flagship QNED9M is the first QNED (Quantum Nano-Emitting Diode) TV capable of leveraging LG’s True Wireless tech to wirelessly transmit and display 4K content, a feature previously exclusive to the company’s more premium OLED TVs.

LG might be best known for its OLEDs these days, but the trickling down of the wireless functionality it first introduced back in 2023 with the Zero Connect Box is proof that the company isn’t forgetting about its more affordable LCD sets. LG claims that with devices like game consoles or set-top boxes plugged into that external box, you can expect to transmit 4K content at up to 144Hz with no latency or loss in picture and audio quality. In a win for clutter-haters (and who isn’t one of those), the only cable you’ll need to plug into the TV itself is its power cord. It’s worth noting that models 55-inch and below top out at a refresh rate of 120Hz.

The QNED Evo lineup is powered by LG’s Alpha AI processor. The updated TVs also benefit from LG’s Dynamic QNED Color solution, replacing quantum dot tech, which produces more vivid and lifelike colors. QNED TVs combine quantum dot and nanocell technology with Mini LED backlighting that employs thousands of dimming zones. As a result, you get brighter images and higher contrast compared to a more traditional LCD panel, even if it’s still a step down from the self-lit pixels on an OLED display.

The new AI Magic Remote you get in the box has a dedicated AI button, which when pressed allows you to make personalized voice requests. The baked-in AI tech can also tweak the TV according to your personal audio and visual preferences, enhance faces and key scene elements, and produce virtual 9.1.2 surround sound from the built-in speakers.

The TVs also double as smart home hubs, offering multi-platform connectivity through LG ThinQ and Google Home. AirPlay and Google Cast are from your iPhone or Android device of choice.

With sizes ranging from 50 to 100 inches, the refreshed QNED Evo models roll out next month in the US, but prices still haven’t been announced.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/lgs-refreshed-qned-evo-lcd-tvs-are-arriving-in-may-161545392.html?src=rss

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is back on sale, this time for the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday. This particular deal is for the 40mm model and only for the green colorway, but you can always swap out the strap if that's not quite your style. This variant is 30 percent or $90 off the usual price of $300. In other words, it can be yours for $210.

Perhaps a cream strap is more of a match for your look. In that case, you can save on a version of the Galaxy Watch 7 with that too as it has dropped to $240. For the same price, you can get a 44mm Galaxy Watch 7 in green (which has a slightly larger, 1.5-inch screen). That also marks a discount of $90.

Samsung hasn't rocked the boat much with the last few iterations of the Galaxy Watch, but it's largely a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" — even if we do have some reservations about the latest generation of the wearable. We gave the Galaxy Watch 7 a score of 85 in our review. The always-on display's impact on battery life is our main bugbear, while running a finger along the bezel for navigation feels clunky.

That said, the Galaxy Watch 7 offers reliable activity tracking (with automatic logging for walks) and it delivers speedy performance. We appreciate that it looks more like a traditional watch than much of the competition too. While the Google Pixel Watch 3 is our pick for the best smartwatch for Android users, there's still a lot to like about the Galaxy Watch 7 — especially at this price.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-samsung-galaxy-watch-7-is-90-off-165020232.html?src=rss

Meta's smart glasses with a screen again tipped for 2025 launchThey're expected to land in October and cost over $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,500Apple is also working on smart glasses according to rumors, but they're still some time off from launch

Meta's incoming AR smart glasses could eventually face an Apple-made rival with Apple Intelligence, according to new rumors. The details add credibility to other rumors we’ve heard previously and hint at a big AR glasses battle in the coming decade – though it’s a fight Meta has a big headstart on right now.The information comes via Mark Gurman’s latest PowerOn newsletter (behind a paywall) where he details some insider reports of what the two companies are apparently working on.Gurman’s comments support a few details we’ve heard previously about Meta’s upcoming glasses. They’ll be smart glasses like its existing Ray-Bans but will also have a display, they’ll be pricey (we’re talking over $1,000 / £1,000 / AU$1,500), and Meta is targeting an October 2025 release (which is when it usually releases new Quest and smart glasses hardware).However, Meta is at risk of slipping from this target date. Gurman adds that “top managers on the team” have reportedly told their staff to pick up the pace – and in some cases employees may need to work through their upcoming weekends to achieve Meta’s goals.

Apple glasses incoming (Image credit: Shutterstock / Girts Ragelis)

There’s no word on when the glasses might be released if they miss their October deadline – we’re hoping they’ll fall this side of 2025 rather than 2026, though ideally their release date will arrive without any excessive crunch Meta's employees.We've also heard the first signs of some potential pressure from Apple’s first smart glasses – codenamed N50.Based on how Gurman describes them (“an Apple Intelligence device” that can “analyze the surrounding environment and feed information to the wearer” but stops short of proper AR) sounds just like what Meta has and is working on in the smart glasses space.The issue? Apparently a launch is still some time away.Gurman isn’t specific on when a launch might follow, but with Meta, Snap and now Google and Samsung (via Android XR) getting involved in the smart glasses space it seriously feels like Apple is giving everyone a major headstart.

(Image credit: Meta)

Analysis: Will Apple be late or right on time?

Given its success with the Apple Watch and AirPods from both a portability and fashionability standpoint (the two key areas smart glasses need to succeed in), Apple has the potential to catch up.But if its non-AR glasses do launch in 2027 that could coincide with when Meta launches full-on AR specs, according to leaked development timetables – which means Apple's rival runs the risk of being dated out of the gate. Then again, Apple’s delayed release will only matter if Meta, Android XR, Snap, and others can capitalize on it.These other AR glasses might be out in the wild sooner, but if they’re expensive and lack innovative applications, they likely won’t be super popular. This could especially be an issue for Meta’s upcoming XR specs, as the existing Meta Ray-Ban smart specs are already great and only continue to get better thanks to software updates.

(Image credit: Jason Redmond / TED)

A display would be a significant enhancement, sure, but it doesn’t yet seem like an essential one – especially when you consider the display-less specs start at just $299 / £299 / AU$449 and are already the best AI wearable around.On the other hand, if the upcoming Meta and Google XR glasses can match even half of the cool uses that I experienced on the Snap Spectacles during my demo, then they have the potential to take people’s perception of XR technology to new heights. That would be an exciting prospect, and a high price would seem significantly more justifiable.We’ll just have to wait and see what Meta, Apple, and Google have up their sleeves, if and when their next-gen XR glasses finally release to the public.

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A breach has impacted thousands of Carolina Anesthesiology PA patients Sensitive health information and patient data was exposedThis leaves anyone affected at risk of identity theft or social engineering

Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler has discovered a non password-protected database, believed to be owned by Carolina Anesthesiology PA - a healthcare firm based out of North Carolina. This dataset contained 21,344 records, was almost 7GB, and spanned multiple states.The information contained sensitive data, including patient information like names, physical addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, as well as insurance coverage details, anesthesia summaries, diagnoses, family medical histories, and doctors notes. According to the researcher, there were files marked ‘Billing and Compliance Reports’, which gives an idea of the type of data included.While there is so far no evidence to suggest the database fell into malicious hands, the potential compromise of the unprotected database could put many at risk of social engineering attacks like phishing, identity theft, or fraud.

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Database on show

The researcher outlines that the dataset contained a “detailed analysis and key metrics related to medical billing and healthcare services provided” - but that, when contacted, the healthcare firm indicated that it did not own or manage the database, but that the owner has been notified and public access restricted.It’s not clear if the information was accessed by a threat actor or third party, as only an internal audit would show this - and as far as we know, the information has not appeared on any dark web sites for sale by cybercriminals. Investigation by the researcher indicate that this folder’s contents was likely affiliated with Atrium Health - a partner of Carolina Anesthesiology PA.“Our cyber security team immediately launched an internal investigation upon receiving an email tip in mid-February 2025 about a possible data breach. Our investigation found that Carolina Anesthesiology, P.A., who regularly provides anesthesia services at select facilities, misconfigured the technology service used for billing data, exposing some of their patient data,” said Atrium Health in response to the breach.“We immediately shut down all data feeds to Carolina Anesthesiology and, as a courtesy, notified the regular governing entities. We continue to learn more from the Carolina Anesthesiology team about their plan to notify their patients of this breach. All data feeds remain off until this issue has been satisfactorily addressed.”

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