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Upcoming Switch 2 games include a brand new 3D Donkey Kong platformer, a sequel to a cult classic Kirby racing game, and even a Nintendo-exclusive FromSoftware game. Judging by this year's line-up, the new Nintendo console is off to a very strong start indeed.

What's the next big Switch 2 game?(Image credit: Nintendo)Thanks to the full Nintendo Switch 2 reveal, we know that the console will launch on June 5, 2025. It's accompanied by Mario Kart World at launch, as well as a new Pro Controller with back-paddle buttons. And while Mario Kart is undoubtedly the headliner, you'll also be able to play other Switch 2 launch games like Cyberpunk 2077, Deltarune, and Street Fighter 6. Later on in the year, Elden Ring and Metroid Prime 4 will arrive on Nintendo's new console.

And whether you managed to get ahold of a Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order yet, you'll be able to play a lot of these games on the original Nintendo Switch. Still, it's clear that Nintendo Switch 2 is the best place to play, with a whole host of Switch 2 exclusives lined up over the next year or so, each looking like a true next-gen experience.We've even played Nintendo Switch 2, testing out the new Pro Controller, giving Mario Kart World a preview, and using our knowledge to compare the Switch vs Switch 2 specs. Over the last eight years, TechRadar Gaming has covered the full lifecycle of the Switch, and we're all very excited to apply our expertise to its successor in the coming months.For now, here's every confirmed Upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game, so that you can see what you'll have the option of playing in the near future. As new release dates are unveiled, this page will be updated.

Upcoming Switch games 2025: this year’s biggest games

Mario Kart World - June 5, 2025 (Switch 2)Deltarune - June 5, 2025 (Switch 2)Donkey Kong: Bananza - July 17, 2025 (Switch 2)Borderlands 4 - September 23 (Switch 2, XSX|S, PS5, PC)Kirby Air Riders - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Pokémon Legends Z-A - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)

Now, let's go deeper into some of the biggest games planned for Switch 2.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Mario Kart WorldAround the world

Mario Kart World is the first fully new console entry into the series since 2017, and from what we've seen so far, it looks set to be a bold leap forward. The main change here is that there's a huge open world to race across with your friends, with every course now having an actual position on an interconnected map. Up to 24 players can race against each other in Grand Prix, or the new Knockout Mode, which tasks racers with getting from one side of the map to the other.This one is only coming out on Nintendo Switch 2, and launches alongside the console on June 5, 2025.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

The Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild + Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition) Modern classics, remasteredPowerful new abilitiesMassive, rich open worldStuffed with puzzlesComplex battles cause low framerates

Now for some new versions of two absolute belters. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom (sold separately) will each be getting a Nintendo Switch 2 edition alongside the new console's launch, making them look and play better than ever. It feels a bit silly to sing the praises of these games at this point, but yes, they are two of the best games ever made, and yes, you should absolutely play them. The new versions add increased resolution and better performance, as well as new compatibility with the Zelda Notes App.You'll be able to pick up both of these enhanced titles on June 5, 2025. Note that if you already own them on Nintendo Switch, you can upgrade to the new versions for a small fee.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Donkey Kong BananzaKONG!

Donkey Kong Bananza is a brand new 3D platformer that stars the titular ape as he tries to fend off a greedy mining corporation called Voidco. You see, they're after golden bananas, which just so happen to be Kong's food of choice, so he'll punch, smash, stomp, and grab anyone who gets in his way. You'll explore a sprawling underground world filled with colorful locales, filled with treasure and secrets to find.Donkey Kong Bananza launches July 17, 2025, only on Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Gearbox)

Borderlands 4Greetings, Vault Hunter

Now onto Borderlands 4, which first launches in September for PS5, XSX|S, and PC. This one's a great example of how the newer console is able to play third-party titles in a way its predecessor simply couldn't. The Switch 2 version launches sometime in 2025, meaning that you'll be able to take your vault-hunting action on the go in handheld mode. Details are a little scarce at the moment regarding the game's story, though we do know there are four new playable characters to choose from.Borderlands 4 launches in 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Metroid Prime 4: BeyondFriend or foe?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the long-awaited return of the 3D Metroid series. It's still set for 2025, and it'll release on both Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. The gameplay revealed so far points to this being faithful to the original trilogy, with platforming, puzzles, and first-person shooting action. Samus has psychic abilities this time around, and players can use the new Joy-Con mouse functionality to aim.Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch at some point in 2025. Once we hear a more precise release date, we'll update this section.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Pokémon Legends Z-ALumiose City awaits

Pokémon Legends Z-A takes players back to Lumiose City to take part in a program to make the place more suited to Pokémon and people living in harmony. There are dynamic battles, city-wide exploration, and three starter Pokémon in Totodile, Chikorita, and Tepig. Mega Evolution is back too, adding a new layer to combat, and giving Pokémon like Charizard and Lucario new forms.Pokémon Legends Z-A will launch sometime in 2025 for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch.

(Image credit: FromSoftware)

The DuskbloodsBloodsworn

The Duskbloods was perhaps the biggest surprise announcement of the Switch 2 reveal event. It's a multiplayer online action game from the creators of Elden Ring, Dark Souls, and Bloodborne. Crazier yet, it's only launching on Nintendo Switch 2, something that's very unexpected indeed. There's still a lot to learn about the game, but we do know that players will engage in PvPvE combat, taking on the role of "The Bloodsworn". These vampiric characters possess superhuman abilities, which can be used to hunt down and eliminate foes.The Duskbloods is set for a 2026 release on Nintendo Switch 2. So far, a more precise date hasn't been given.

Nintendo Switch 2 games release schedule

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Now, onto the full Nintendo Switch 2 release schedule. The games below will release on Switch 2, and some on Switch as well. We'll indicate where this is the case, and will continue to update release dates as they're unveiled.

Upcoming Switch 2 games: June

(Image credit: Nintendo)

We'll all get our hands on Nintendo Switch 2, and a whole host of launch games in June:

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer - June 5 (Switch 2)Bravely Default Flying Fairy HD Remaster - June 5 (Switch 2)Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition - June 5 (Switch 2)Deltarune - June 5 (Switch 2)Fast Fusion - June 5 (Switch 2)Fortnite - June 5 (Switch 2)Hitman World of Assassination: Signature Edition - June 5 (Switch 2)Hogwarts Legacy - June 5 (Switch 2)Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess - June 5 (Switch 2)Mario Kart World - June 5 (Switch 2)Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour - June 5 (Switch 2)Nobunaga's Ambition: Awakening Complete Edition - June 5 (Switch 2)Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S - June 5 (Switch 2)Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma - June 5 (Switch 2)Sid Meier's Civilization 7 (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) - June 5 (Switch 2)Sonic X Shadow Generations - June 5 (Switch 2)Split Fiction - June 5 (Switch 2)Street Fighter 6 - June 5 (Switch 2)Survival Kids - June 5 (Switch 2)The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Switch 2 Edition) - June 5 (Switch 2)The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch 2 Edition) - June 5 (Switch 2)Yakuza 0 Director's Cut - June 5 (Switch 2)Radio Remastered: Mystery of the Soulless Army - June 19 (Switch 2)Tamagotchi Plaza (Switch 2 Edition) - June 27 (Switch 2)

Upcoming Switch 2 games: July

(Image credit: Activision)

Now onto July, which sees a new Donkey Kong game launching exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - 11th July (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)Donkey Kong Bananza - 17th July 2025 (Switch 2)Shadow Labyrinth (Switch 2 Edition) - July 18 (Switch 2)Super Mario Party Jamboree (Switch 2 Edition) - July 24 (Switch 2)No Sleep For Kaname Date - July 25 (Switch 2)Wild Hearts S - July 25 (Switch 2)Ys X: Proud Nordics - July 31 (Switch 2)

Upcoming Switch 2 games: August

(Image credit: Nintendo)

August brings a new version of an excellent Kirby 3D platformer:

Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (Switch 2 Edition) - August 27 (Switch 2Kirby and the Forgotten Land (Switch 2 Edition) - August 28 (Switch 2)

Upcoming Switch 2 games: September

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

Players will be able to jump into Star Wars Outlaws on Switch 2 in September:

Star Wars Outlaws (Switch 2 Edition) - September 4 (Switch 2)Dæmon X Machina: Titanic Scion - September 5 (Switch 2)

Upcoming Switch 2 games: Rest of 2025 and TBC

(Image credit: Nintendo)

Finally, here's a list of Switch 2 games that have been announced, but either don't have more than a release year attached to them yet, or are much further out. For now, they're simply TBC, but once each game does receive a release date, this page will be updated.

Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment - Winter 2025 (Switch 2)Borderlands 4 - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Drag x Drive - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Hades II - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Hollow Knight: Silksong - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Metroid Prime 4: Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)Pokémon Legends Z-A - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)Professor Layton and the New World Of Steam - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Reanimal - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Two Point Museum - TBC 2025 (Switch 2, Switch)Witchbrook - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Yooka-Replaylee - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)Marvel Cosmic Invasion - TBC 2025 (Switch 2)The Duskbloods - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)Enter The Gungeon - TBC 2026 (Switch 2)Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade - TBC (Switch 2)Human: Fall Flat 2 - TBC (Switch 2)My Time at Evershine - TBC (Switch 2)PowerWash Simulator 2 - TBC (Switch 2)Project 007 - TBC (Switch 2)

New Switch 2 games FAQ

(Image credit: Nintendo)

What games are coming out for Switch 2?There are many games coming out for Switch 2 over the next year or so. The biggest ones are Mario Kart World on June 5, Donkey Kong Bananza on July 17, and then Metroid Prime 4 at some point in 2025. We'll also get Pokémon Legends: Z-A this year, as well as Hades 2 as a console exclusive.

Is the Switch 2 better than Switch 1?The Switch 2 has better specs than Switch 1, with a larger screen, the capacity to output games at up to a 4K resolution, and support for 120 frames per second modes. We'll have to wait for launch to see how it stacks up against its predecessor, though for now, it's looking like Switch 2 could be a much better console than Switch 1, with better third-party game support and an improved Pro-Controller featuring back paddles.

Did Switch 2 sell out yet?While stock for Switch 2 has been very hit or miss in the last week or so, with small flurries of listings going live before selling out immediately, we're still expecting to see a few more opportunities to pre-order. Keep an eye on our Nintendo Switch 2 stock tracker, as it'll be updated as soon as retailers get new supply.

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You can now get Starlink’s setup hardware for freeThis requires a 12-month commitment to the internet serviceThere’s plenty of small print, and not everyone can get it

When you subscribe to a Starlink internet package, you normally need to pay for the cost of your new dish and router. That can be pricey, as that tech comes to $349 in the US. But a new plan from Starlink could see you get those items for absolutely nothing, potentially making it one of the best internet deals around.The change comes as part of Starlink’s 12-month Standard Kit residential plan. You’ll still need to pay the regular monthly fee for your service, but eliminating the cost for the actual hardware could net you some significant savings.Announcing the change on X, Starlink said that the new option would be available in “select markets.” That means you’ll need to check whether you’re actually eligible for this discount based on where you live. To do so, head to Starlink’s website, enter your address, then select Order Now to see if you’re covered.

A lower barrier to entry

(Image credit: Starlink)

Starlink’s offer might seem like a good deal, but there are some caveats to be aware of. For one thing, you only get the kit for free if you commit to a 12-month plan – you’ll need to pay the full figure if you opt for the company’s month-to-month “no commitment” plan.As well as that, Starlink charges a ‘Change Fee’ if you change your address, cancel your service, don’t pay your bill on time, try to transfer your service to someone else, or cancel your service during the 30-day trial but don’t return your kit. If any one of those scenarios occurs, you’ll be charged the full $349 for the dish and router, although that figure is pro-rated based on how far through your 12-month commitment you are.That means you’ll need to think carefully about whether this option is right for you.Still, if it is, it could save you a heap of cash on the hardware you need for Starlink service. Presumably, Starlink has decided that lowering the cost of entry is worth it in order to increase subscriber numbers – and that’s good news if you were already considering signing up.

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OpenAI is introducing shopping features to all tiers of ChatGPTYou can integrate shopping into your chatbot conversationsThe shopping features arrive on Monday

ChatGPT is getting new shopping features that enable you to shop and buy products directly inside ChatGPT conversations.The usual online shopping experience leaves a lot to be desired. You’ve normally got several tabs open as you search for and then compare different products based on a selection of reviews.Maybe that’s the way you like it, but now you can get ChatGPT to do all the work for you and help you find the perfect product.So, instead of scrolling through endless pages of specs and reviews, now you can simply have a conversation with ChatGPT, where you let it know what you’re looking to buy.The AI will think about your preferences and return several shopping suggestions for you to choose from.You don’t have to take the first thing ChatGPT finds for you, either, since it produces a gallery of suggestions. You can also ask follow-up questions, of course, and compare products while you have a conversation with AI.You can see a demo of ChatGPT shopping in action below:

ShoppingWe’re experimenting with making shopping simpler and faster to find, compare, and buy products in ChatGPT.✅ Improved product results✅ Visual product details, pricing, and reviews✅ Direct links to buyProduct results are chosen independently and are not ads.… pic.twitter.com/PkZwsTxJUjApril 28, 2025

Shop till you drop

So, what sort of products will you be able to shop for on ChatGPT?“We’re starting to experiment with categories including fashion, beauty, home goods, and electronics”, says OpenAI, indicating that it’s very much focused on consumer goods right now.The other big question to ask is, can you trust ChatGPT recommendations?Well, OpenAI says that ChatGPT recommendations are chosen independently and are not ads. In fact, there’s no mention of ads inside the service at all.OpenAI is making the tacit admission that there won’t be as wide a selection of products to shop for as it would like at launch, but also that this is still early days for AI and eCommerce and that, “we’ll continue to bring merchants along our journeys as we quickly learn and iterate.”

How does it work?

Using the new shopping features is simplicity itself. There are no extra screens or buttons to press inside ChatGPT, you simply enter a shopping-related query like, “Find me the best espresso machine for under $400 that makes coffee like they have in Italy,” and see what suggestions it brings up.Product suggestions appear as a gallery, which can be scrolled sideways. Tapping on a product takes you to a more detailed pop-up window about it, which also contains a 'buy' button.The only question left is, when do we get it? Plus, Pro and Free users are going to get it on Monday (May 5), and, unusually, even logged-out users will be able to access it.

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Google I/O is usually where the company reveals what’s happening with its smartphone OS for the next 12 months, but this year, Android is getting its own thing. A week ahead of I/O, Google will deep dive into the future of Android in a special edition of The Android Show.

The company said people have been asking for more ways to learn about how the Android experience is changing. (Who are these people?)

Google says it has “so many new things to share” regarding Android, hence this edition of The Android Show — a long-running YouTube series mainly for devs. The presentation will feature Android Ecosystem president Sameer Samat, but Google added that Android will still feature at I/O, where the company says it’ll reveal “even more special announcements and surprises.”

The Android Show: I/O Edition will air on May 13 at 1PM ET.

— Mat Smith

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Nothing sub-brand CMF announced another cheap but stylish smartphone

The battery on the Phone Pro 2 lasts two full days on a charge.

CMF

Nothing says its CMF Phone Pro 2 is the lightest, slimmest smartphone it’s ever designed. It’s 7.8mm thin and 6.5 ounces, which may make it the lightest phone Nothing has ever made, but the iPhone 16, for instance, is just 6 ounces.

There’s a 6.77-inch FHD+ AMOLED display and a four-camera setup, complete with a 50MP main camera. That includes a telephoto lens, an ultra-wide and a front-facing selfie camera, but CMF is offering a modular twist, with the ability to attach fisheye and macro lenses.

The 256GB model costs just $279 and pre-orders are open now, shipping on May 6. However, the phone is only available for those in the company’s beta program. I have the phone right here, but there’s not much to report on until the frivolous accessories land alongside it.

Continue reading.

Researchers secretly experimented on Reddit users with AI-generated comments

They used bot accounts in r/changemyview.

A group of researchers covertly ran a months-long unauthorized experiment in one of Reddit’s most popular communities, using AI-generated comments to test the persuasiveness of large language models (LLMs). The experiment, which was revealed over the weekend by moderators of r/changemyview, is described by Reddit mods as “psychological manipulation” of unsuspecting users.

The researchers used LLMs to generate comments on r/changemyview, a subreddit where Reddit users share (often controversial or provocative) opinions and invite debate from other users. The community has 3.8 million members.

According to Reddit moderators, the AI took on numerous identities in comments during the experiment, including a sexual assault survivor, a trauma counselor “specializing in abuse” and a “Black man opposed to Black Lives Matter.” Many of the original comments have since been deleted.

Reddit appears to be considering some kind of legal action. Chief legal officer Ben Lee wrote that the researchers’ actions were “deeply wrong on both a moral and legal level” and a violation of Reddit’s site-wide rules.

Continue reading.

Russian regulators are trying to seize assets from the developers of World of Tanks

Russia took issue with Wargaming’s support of Ukraine.

Top executives from Wargaming and Lesta Games, the joint developers of World of Tanks, could have their stakes in their respective companies seized by the Russian government, according to reports from Russian news organizations RIA and RBC.

The execs are reportedly being accused of extremist activities by Russia’s prosecutor general (the country’s equivalent of the US attorney general) because of Wargaming’s support of Ukraine, RIA reports.

Development of World of Tanks was split in 2022 when Wargaming left its offices in Russia and Belarus. Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that same year. In response, Wargaming ran a campaign in World of Tanks to raise money for medical aid in Ukraine in 2023.

Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111532476.html?src=rss

Deciding on one of the best gaming monitors is one of the hardest decisions to make when finishing up your gaming rig. As with their graphics cards, both Nvidia and AMD have their own Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) tech designed to eradicate screen tearing, reduce ghosting, and visual artifacts, but which is better out of G-Sync vs FreeSync?Some of the best graphics cards on the market have now made high refresh rate (and high resolution) PC gaming a reality, as we're now able to not only see the likes of 4K@120 through AI-upscalers such as DLSS and FSR in conjunction with Frame Generation, but even 8K@60 and beyond.As a result, both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync play a pivotal role in keeping your gaming experience as smooth as possible when aiming for common refresh rates such as 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and as high as 360Hz and 500Hz.We're comparing Nvidia G-Sync vs AMD FreeSync on their quality, monitor compatibility, HDR support, latency compensation, and more to see which is worth using for PC gaming right now. Don't want to decide between the two? Then read up on how to enable Nvidia G-Sync on an AMD FreeSync monitor.

How do Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync work?Before we compare Nvidia G-Sync vs AMD FreeSync, you must know how the two panel technologies work. Both are the companies' respective versions of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or adaptive sync, which is a technology that matches (or synchronizes) a display's refresh rate with the source (such as a game). This is achieved by having the supported display dynamically adjust its refresh rate to match the source, as your graphics card signals the monitor per frame when to refresh. With compatible hardware, there will be no discrepancies in the transmission, eliminating ghosting, artifacting, and screen-tearing, which can happen when the GPU and the monitor are refreshing differently.

Nvidia G-Sync vs AMD FreeSync: Versions & pricing

(Image credit: Nvidia)

The requirements of Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync are different, and this (traditionally) results in the former being more expensive than the latter. Chiefly, to use Nvidia G-Sync, you'll not only need an Nvidia graphics card, but also a validated G-Sync-capable gaming monitor.By comparison, most modern graphics cards (made by either AMD or Nvidia) can utilize AMD FreeSync, provided the monitor itself is supported. AMD claims that over 4,000 gaming monitors are now FreeSync compatible, accounting for all resolutions, sizes, and refresh rates, whereas Nvidia's list of G-Sync compatible monitors is significantly smaller.That's only one side of the story, however, as there are different versions of both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync depending on the monitor's resolution and refresh rate that you need to be aware of before you buy.For the former, these are: G-Sync, G-Sync Ultimate, and G-Sync Compatible, and the latter tiers are FreeSync, FreeSync Premium, and FreeSync Premium Pro; ergo, they are not all the same. Nvidia's G-Sync Ultimate includes support for HDR at 1,000 nits brightness.Similarly, FreeSync Premium excels above 120Hz, whereas FreeSync Premium Pro offers HDR support at higher framerates and resolutions above 1080p.You're (usually) going to pay more for a gaming monitor with HDR support, a 1440p or 4K resolution, and a higher refresh rate than you would for a duller 1080p panel clocked above 60Hz, hence the pricing differences between G-Sync and FreeSync tiers.Where AMD's adaptive sync offering tends to be cheaper, though, is that it's built on an open standard without expensive licensing fees, verifications, or a proprietary scaling chip that's found in an Nvidia G-Sync monitor.The main difference you'll notice, however, is with "G-Sync Compatible" monitors, which do not have Nvidia processors in them but have been tested by Team Green to show that its tech works as intended. The company has since partnered with MediaTek to produce cheaper scaler chips that integrate G-Sync functionality, blurring the lines even further.

Is V-Sync the same as G-Sync or FreeSync?

Despite similar naming conventions, V-Sync is a completely different technology from both Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync. While V-Sync (or Vertical Synchronization) also eliminates screen tearing, it does so by limiting the target software by forcing your graphics card to wait to finish the refresh cycle before the next frame is rendered/displayed. This can cause some issues, such as increased input lag and stuttering, as the software tries to match the hardware.In comparison, both G-Sync and FreeSync are hardware-based solutions, and enabling either adaptive sync tech from the two companies in tandem with V-Sync will smooth things over. They go hand-in-hand. However, V-Sync must be forced in your GPU's control panel and not per-game, as the latter option can interfere with things.

Which is better, Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync?

Considering Nvidia G-Sync gaming monitors have dedicated scaling chips inside, you may be expecting Team Green's approach to VRR to be vastly superior to what Team Red can do, but that's simply not the case.The truth of the matter is, both G-Sync and FreeSync do exactly what they set out to do when synchronized with their respective hardware; screen-tearing is eliminated, and you can game in higher resolutions and higher refresh rates without ghosting or visual artifacts.The choice of to go with one or the other, therefore, hinges on whether you're using an AMD or Nvidia graphics card and have a monitor that supports HDR.In other words, you should look at the features of the gaming monitor that you want (such as refresh rate, resolution, HDR, size, and aspect ratio) long before concerning yourself with the type of adaptive sync branding from either AMD or Nvidia.Many years ago, Nvidia would have had a clear lead with pricier and more advanced monitors, but graphics card and panel tech have evolved so much that you're no longer at a disadvantage like you were before.

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IBM is the latest to announce major US investments, totaling $150 billion$30 billion will be earmarked for quantum computingIBM has lost 15 US government contracts

IBM has confirmed plans to invest $150 billion into the US over the next five years (via Reuters), including over $30 billion dedicated to quantum computer and mainframe manufacturing expansion.The news comes just days after the company announced its first-quarter financial results, posting a 1% year-over-year increase in revenue to $14.5 billion.More broadly, it's a trend we're seeing across the tech industry, with US-imposed tariffs drawing more companies to invest in the US – Apple and Nvidia have both already promised to invest $500 billion each into the US.

IBM is the latest to announce US investments

The multibillion-dollar investments are all seen as efforts to align with President Trump's push for local manufacturing amid rising tariffs. Relocating to, or expanding within America is also a direct result of the hefty tariffs imposed on certain other nations – Lenovo has already confirmed plans to build a PC and server plant in Saudi Arabia, with its 10% tariff acting as an attraction over the US's 245% rate on China.IBM's $30 billion fund for quantum computing is noteworthy, with the technology gaining attention after recent breakthroughs like Google's new chip, leading the company to target commercialization in the next five years – much more optimistic than Nvidia's 20-year expectation for quantum's practical applications.Last week in its earnings report, IBM noted a 2% drop in consulting revenue. The company confirmed that it had lost 15 government contracts as part of the Trump administration's cost-cutting efforts, driven by Elon Musk's DOGE.IBM CEO Arvind Krishna commented: "We have been focused on American jobs and manufacturing since our founding 114 years ago, and with this investment and manufacturing commitment we are ensuring that IBM remains the epicenter of the world's most advanced computing and AI capabilities."

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For those looking to elevate their cooking, a sous vide machine might be the perfect addition to your toolkit. Previously, these gadgets were almost exclusively used by high-end restaurants. But more recently, prices have come down to where they can be relatively affordable additions to your kitchen.These devices make preparing perfectly cooked steaks a breeze while taking all the guesswork and hassle out of dishes like pulled pork or brisket. And it’s not just for meat either, as a sous vide machine can make easy work out of soft-boiled eggs, homemade yogurt or fish. And while some may say you need a lot of accessories like vacuum sealers or special bags to get the best results, starting with the right appliance will get you 90 percent of the way. So to help you figure out which sous vide machine is right for you, we’ve assembled a list of our favorite gadgets you can get right now.

Best sous vide machines for 2025

What to look for in a sous vide machine

While they might have a fancy name, the main things we look for in a quality sous vide device are quite straightforward: ease-of-use, reliability and a good design. It should be easy to clean and have clear, no-nonsense controls. It should also have some way of attaching to a tank or pot, whether by magnet or adjustable clamp, so it doesn’t become dislodged during use. And most importantly, it should have a strong heating element and motor that can deliver consistent water temperatures to ensure your food hits the correct level of doneness every time without overcooking. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/best-sous-vide-133025288.html?src=rss

The US House of Representatives has passed the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan bill that criminalizes the "publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images," including AI-generated deepfakes that depict "identifiable, real people." It would also compel platforms, such as social networks, to remove those images within 48 hours of being notified. The bill enjoyed overwhelming support in Congress and was cleared for approval by President Trump with a vote of 409 to 2. It passed Senate unanimously in February, and Trump, who previously talked about it while addressing Congress, is expected to sign the bill into law.

Nearly every state in the country has its own laws revolving around revenge porn, and there are 20 states that already have laws that cover deepfakes. Take It Down's authors, who include Senator Ted Cruz, explained that those laws "vary in classification of crime and penalty and have uneven criminal prosecution." Victims are also still having a tough time getting their images removed under those laws. However, it's that takedown provision in the bill that has raised concerns among critics.

According to the Electronic Frontier Foundation, the provision could potentially apply to any image that's perceived as sexual or intimate even if it's not revenge porn. It has much broader definitions of what a "non-consensual, sexually exploitative image" is compared to its narrower definitions in other parts of the bill, the organization said. In addition, the EFF argued that the bill lacks safeguards against bad-faith takedown requests. Since online platforms typically use automated systems to remove content, and 48 hours are likely not enough time to verify each request's legitimacy, they'll most likely just depublish most reported images without checking them first.

One of the Republican representatives who voted against the bill said it was "ripe for abuse, with unintended consequences." But Cruz previously said after introducing Take It Down that it will "protect and empower all victims" of revenge porn by "creating a level playing field at the federal level and putting the responsibility on websites to have in place procedures to remove these images."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/us-congress-passes-take-it-down-revenge-porn-bill-that-also-covers-ai-deepfakes-120047880.html?src=rss

23% HTML attachments are malicious, research from Barracuda findsThese are often used for phishing or credential stealingPDFs are much less likely to be harmful

New research from Barracuda has revealed that a staggering 23% of HTML attachments are marked as malicious, making HTML the most weaponized file type - making up over three quarters of malicious files detected, despite a low total volume.Attackers are increasingly using HTML files for phishing by embedding malicious scripts to redirect victims to fake login pages that are created in order to steal credentials or trick users into downloading malware.The research also shows that PDFs are less likely to be malicious, despite being the most frequently shared file type via email attachments. Only 0.13% of PDFs were found to be harmful, but they are starting to more often contain deceptive links to trick readers onto credential harvesting sites.

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Takeover threats

Worryingly, 87% of binaries that were detected were malicious, which outlines the need for strict policies against executable files being sent through email. The researchers warn that “since executables can directly install malware, security teams should consider blocking binaries (unless they are absolutely necessary) and ensure all downloads are scanned before execution.”A fifth of companies experience at least one account takeover incident per month, with criminals gaining access by exploiting weak or reused passwords, phishing, or credential stuffing - all very common tactics that are on the rise, and hackers are getting better at smuggling phishing emails past cybersecurity defenses, so be wary.Of these account takeover attacks, 27% involved a ‘suspicious rule change’, such as auto-deleting incoming security alerts, or setting up email forwarding to an external address - helping attackers ‘maintain persistence and avoid detection’.“As threats evolve, so should your organization’s protection,” Barracuda advises.“Scammers are adapting their tactics to bypass gateways and spam filters, so it’s critical to have a solution in place that detects and protects against targeted phishing attacks. Supplement your gateways with AI-powered cloud email security technology that doesn’t solely rely on looking for malicious links or attachments.”

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Many people reckon that Michael Clayton is George Clooney's best performance. The legal thriller racked up an impressive selection of Oscar nominations, including a nomination for Clooney and a best supporting actress award for co-star Tilda Swinton.In the US, it's currently streaming on Prime Video and Paramount+, while those in Australia can catch it on SBS Demand. And if you're in the UK, it'll become available on one of the best free streaming services, Samsung TV Plus, from May 2. If you haven't already seen it, you're in for a real treat.

Why is Michael Clayton one of Clooney's best movies?

The combination of movie star charisma, which of course Clooney has in spades, and a morally complex character often makes movie magic. That's definitely the case here, with Clooney playing the titular fixer who takes care of his law firm's dirty work and then gets drawn into a cover-up. And Tilda Swindon's Oscar was well deserved."Michael Clayton definitely has its heart in the '70s," MSNBC said. That's a compliment, as some of the best movies of that decade had flawed protagonists who weren't stereotypical good guys. The Sydney Morning Herald agreed, saying that "It's an enveloping thriller with a cool intelligence, the kind of film Redford or Newman would have jumped at 15 or 20 years ago."Movie Mom (no link available, sorry) was impressed by Clooney's acting – "His performance here is rich and deep and layered, and seeing him work through his range of reactions is enormously moving. It provides a strong center for the legal thriller swirling around him" – while the New York Daily News said that "Every performance in this film is spot-on.""George Clooney wastes nothing in his best performance, and the film is as breathtakingly efficient," said the Midwest Film Journal. "Specifics and surprises unfold with methodical care, and attentive adult audiences can savor one of the smartest, classiest legal thrillers ever made."Michael Clayton is streaming now on Prime Video and on Paramount+ in the US, and SBS Demand in Ausutralia. It'll debut on Samsung TV Plus UK on May the 2nd.

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Duolingo is now going to be "AI-first," the company has announced — aka it will drop employees in favor of using AI. In a publicly shared email, CEO Luis von Ahn outlined how Duolingo will "gradually stop using contractors to do work that AI can handle." This follows the company's January 2024 decision to cut 10 percent of its contractors, in part because AI could do their tasks.

In the email, von Ahn points to Duolingo's "need to create a massive amount of content, and doing that manually doesn’t scale. One of the best decisions we made recently was replacing a slow, manual content creation process with one powered by AI. Without AI, it would take us decades to scale our content to more learners. We owe it to our learners to get them this content ASAP."

The CEO claims that Duolingo still "cares deeply about its employees" but that it needs to remove bottlenecks to best utilize them. To that end, it will be looking for experience using AI both in hiring and when doing performance reviews.

In the email, von Ahn admits that AI is far from perfect — wow, who knew? But, he states that Duolingo should move with urgency, rather than wait and take "occasional small hits" quality-wise. We'll have to wait and see what these AI-powered prompts will look like as a result. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/duolingo-will-replace-contract-workers-with-ai-123058178.html?src=rss

Samsung Galaxy S22 devices have received One UI 7 ahead of scheduleThis suggests Samsung's software rollout is going more smoothlyWe're starting to learn what features these older devices will receive

Samsung’s rollout of One UI 7 has been less than ideal, to put it mildly, but things finally look to be back on track as Samsung smartphones seem to be receiving their features ahead of schedule.Its April rollout to older Samsung devices (outside of betas) already felt late – especially considering Google I/O’s Android 16 showcase (One UI 7 is based on Android 15) is expected in just a few weeks on May 20 and 21 – and that was only compounded by the discovering of a serious bug which caused further delays to Samsung software release.Since then, a fix has been found and the software update continued, and better yet, it’s being reported (via SammyGuru) that devices as old as the Samsung Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4 are starting to receive One UI 7 in South Korea.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 (Image credit: Future / Alex Walker-Todd)

This is notable because Samsung said these older Korean phones wouldn’t see the update until some time in May, meaning we’re not only back on track but ahead of schedule.We may still need to wait a little longer for the same phones to get One UI 7 in other markets, but this is a clear sign that we (thankfully) shouldn’t be waiting too much longer to get the Android 15-based update.But what will One UI 7 bring to these older, non-S25 devices?

What will One UI 7 look like on older phones?

With One UI 7 now appearing on more non-Samsung Galaxy S25 devices, it’s a lot clearer what features those devices will get – and what features they’re missing out on.

Newre devices should alreday have One UI 7 (Image credit: Samsung / Future)

Galaxy AI features like Now Brief are and Audio Eraser, expectedly, are absent, but older phones do look to be getting a toned down version of Now Bar (Samsung’s version of the iPhone Dynamic Island), though from what’s been shown off so far it looks like mostly a glorified media control bar on older phones.They are receiving One UI 7’s various cosmetic changes, such as improved app screen customization, upgraded icons, such as the phone's battery, and new Game Booster controls so you can customize your experience for different titles.We also expect to see a few helpful productivity, security, and camera tools on the older phones, based on this full run-down of every One UI 7 feature from Samsung itself.As more devices receive the update, we should get a clearer picture of what One UI 7 features will be available universally, and with Samsung seemingly getting ahead of its rollout schedule, it shouldn't take much longer to get access to whatever upgraded tools we get.

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Hitachi Vantara, a subsidiary of Hitachi, confirmed suffering a ransomware attackWorking to restore its services, it had to shut down parts of its infrastructure, affecting many clients and servicesThe media say this is the work of the Akira ransomware operation

Hitachi Vantara was forced to pull parts of its IT infrastructure offline to counter a ransomware infection. The company confirmed the news in a written statement shared with the media.Hitachi Vantara is a data infrastructure and analytics company. It is a subsidiary of the Japanese giant Hitachi, and provides storage systems, cloud solutions, and data management software.Many of its customers are large enterprises from different industries, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. Lufthansa, Disney, national banks, and government organizations, all use Hitachi Vantara’s services.

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Akira ransomware

In a written statement shared with BleepingComputer, the company said it suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its network:"On April 26, 2025, Hitachi Vantara experienced a ransomware incident that has resulted in a disruption to some of our systems," Hitachi Vantara told the publication, stressing that it took down servers to contain the incident, brought in third-party experts to help, and that it’s working “as quickly as possible” to restore its operations.While it didn’t say who the threat actors were, BleepingComputer claims this is the work of the Akira ransomware operation, citing a source familiar with the matter. The same source also claims the group stole sensitive files from Hitachi Vantara’s network and is requesting a ransom payment.Hitachi Vantara’s cloud services have dodged a bullet, the publication further said, but added that in order to contain the incident, the company had to disrupt both Hitachi Vantara systems and Hitachi Vantara Manufacturing. On the flipside, customers with self-hosted environments can still access their data.Akira first emerged in 2023, targeting businesses in different industries with the usual double-extortion tactics. It focuses on medium and large organizations in manufacturing, education, finance, and healthcare, and breaks in through VPN vulnerabilities and stolen credentials. Some of its more notable victims include Nissan Oceania, Stanley Steemer, and Bluefield University.Via BleepingComputer

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The Garmin Forerunner 165 watch is on sale for $190, which is $60 off. Just head on over to Wellbots and enter the code 60ENGADGET at checkout. This code also allows for free shipping, which is always nice.

The Forerunner 165 topped our list of the best GPS running watches, and with very good reason. We loved the lightweight design, bright AMOLED touchscreen and the straightforward physical controls. The GPS is accurate and it tracks workout stats and all-day activity data. The battery also lasts for around 11 days, which is a decent metric.

Starting a run is simple, thanks to a clearly-labeled button. However, this thing can track more than standard runs. It tracks walking, strength training, swimming and a whole lot more. The watch is lightweight and comfortable enough for ultra-sweaty training sessions.

This deal is for the version without dedicated storage for music, though that one’s also on sale. The same code works for the Garmin Forerunner 165 Music edition, bringing the price down to $240 from $300. Even the Garmin Forerunner 965 smartwatch is available at a discount. Knock off $120 with the code 120ENGADGET. This model also made the aforementioned list of running watches.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/our-favorite-garmin-gps-watch-is-60-off-right-now-130014078.html?src=rss

HMRC’s recent consultation on e-invoicing marks a significant step in the UK’s efforts to modernize tax compliance. This initiative aims to put the UK in line with EU’s VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA) framework, both sharing a common goal: to drive efficiency in digital tax reporting and real-time compliance.While e-invoicing is nothing new (in fact, the technology has been in use for over two decades), a growing number of countries are mandating its adoption for certain transactions. Currently, approximately 130 countries have either implemented or are in the process of establishing e-invoicing frameworks, defining both required data and format specifications.Globally, there is widespread recognition on the importance of standards in facilitating e-invoicing, especially in international trade, with industry estimates suggesting that adopting e-invoicing can reduce invoicing costs by 60-80%. The UK must keep pace to remain a competitive force in the global business landscape.

Where e-invoicing stands in the UK

E-invoicing is legally permitted in the UK; however, it is not mandatory. The UK has made efforts towards digitalization of compliance with the introduction of Making Tax Digital (MTD) which requires VAT-registered businesses surpassing the required threshold to maintain digital records, and submit VAT returns electronically using compatible software. The only exception is for suppliers to NHS England, who must issue e-invoices via the Pan-European Public Procurement On-Line (PEPPOL) network.While several accountancy software providers in the UK offer e-invoicing capabilities, adoption remains low. But evidence suggests that wider uptake could offer both business efficiency and tax reporting benefits. E-invoicing can:

Enhance productivity by reducing administrative burdens and costsImprove cash flow through faster payments and better data managementStreamline tax reporting, reduce errors, and support businesses in meeting their tax obligations

Centralizing the compliance side

As real-time e-invoicing becomes the standard, indirect tax compliance must fundamentally shift alongside this change. Traditionally managed as a separate function, compliance is now integrated directly into transaction systems. Businesses must ensure that tax reporting is seamlessly embedded in their order-to-cash and procure-to-pay workflows to meet real-time reporting requirements.The operational impact of this shift is substantial. Companies should invest in robust system integrations to avoid inefficiencies, delays, and potential penalties. Research from Vertex highlights the challenge, revealing that 62% of companies publicly report non-compliance issues, while 75% struggle internally to keep up with evolving tax mandates.To remain compliant and competitive, businesses need an approach that combines technology investment, process re-engineering, and resource allocation.

Compliance as a business imperative

Delaying compliance efforts can lead to costly, reactive solutions. Instead, organizations should take a proactive stance to ensure seamless adherence to evolving regulations.Staying informed about regulatory changes is essential, and businesses should actively engage with tax authorities, industry bodies, and compliance experts. Networking provides valuable insights and enables organizations to anticipate and prepare for regulatory shifts.Automation also plays a crucial role in modern tax compliance. Implementing automated tax reporting reduces human error and enables real-time tax filing, ensuring accurate and timely payments. Intelligent invoicing systems that support dynamic tax calculations and real-time validation can significantly enhance compliance efforts.Choosing scalable solutions that adapt to new regulatory frameworks is equally important. Businesses should implement flexible enhancements to accommodate compliance-specific data requirements, particularly if they operate across multiple jurisdictions. A compliance-first approach ensures smooth transitions without disrupting operations.Finally, organizations should identify high-risk areas within their tax processes and allocate resources accordingly. Prioritizing compliance efforts in regions with stringent tax mandates can help mitigate potential risks effectively.

Approaches to real-time e-invoicing

As businesses worldwide transition to real-time e-invoicing, three core models have emerged that UK businesses can adopt:

Post-Audit Model: Invoices are exchanged directly between trading partners without real-time government oversight. Tax authorities retain the right to audit invoices retrospectively.Clearance Model: Invoices must be submitted to and approved by the tax authority (or a government certified platform) before they are legally valid and can be exchanged between trading partners. Tax authorities may also require detailed reporting and validation of invoices in real-time or near real-time.Hybrid Model: This model often involves continuous transaction controls (CTC), where transaction details are reported continuously to the tax authority, but the invoice itself can still be exchanged directly between trading partners. It combines elements of real-time reporting and post-audit mechanisms.

Looking ahead: Adapting to ViDA and future regulations

With HMRC’s consultation underway, businesses must not only prepare for upcoming changes but also anticipate future regulatory shifts. To stay ahead, organizations should monitor regulatory developments, participate in industry discussions, and invest in adaptable e-invoicing solutions that support real-time tax compliance.The digitalization of tax compliance is ongoing, and businesses that continuously evolve and adapt will be best positioned to thrive in an era of regulatory transformation.

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OpenAI, which spends far more money than it takes in, is trying something new to stanch the bleeding. The company just announced that all users, including on the free tier, can shop from ChatGPT Search. "You can now search for a product, compare options and buy products in ChatGPT," OpenAI said in a press release. Categories currently available include fashion, beauty, home goods and electronics, with expansion to more categories set to come later.

The search results you'll obtain are "chosen independently and are not ads," the company promises. The updates are available in 4o and are rolling out to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Free and even logged-out users. Along with the shopping, OpenAI introduced search in WhatsApp, enabling users to send a WhatsApp message to ChatGPT to get up-to-date answers. Also new are improved citations, trending search and upcoming memory integration.

Trusting ChatGPT for accurate shopping advise may be a risk, as the app tends to (still) make stuff up when it doesn't know an answer. It seems that OpenAI is accessing reviews from Wired and other sites to get information on products, presumably through license agreements. It's not clear how OpenAI is making money on shopping since it's surfacing organic results and not paid placements, but it could be through affiliate revenue.

The company certainly needs the cash. OpenAI only made $4 billion last year, reportedly after spending $9 billion. The company expects to boost that revenue by a factor of 30 to $125 billion by 2029, though it didn't give any specifics on how it plans to do so. As it stands now, OpenAI makes the bulk of its money from paid subscriptions and the rest through licensing its API. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openai-adds-shopping-features-to-chatgpt-search-133057362.html?src=rss

Earlier this year, the government accepted, almost in its entirety, the proposed AI Opportunities Action Plan. The ambitious plan demonstrates a significant commitment to the development and deployment of Sovereign AI capabilities to deliver an “AI vision for Britain.”UK government is bullish about AI’s potential for economic growth, and rightly so. It’s estimated that AI will contribute up to $ 15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Today, Britain is the third-largest AI market in the world, behind the US and China. But the race is gaining pace. For the UK to meet its ambition to deliver the highest sustained growth in the G7 and remain a world leader, it needs a thriving domestic AI ecosystem.The AI Action Plan represents a defining moment in advancing the UK’s leadership in AI innovation. It prioritizes secure and sustainable AI infrastructure, high-quality data and a skilled workforce, all wrapped up in safe and trusted AI development and adoption. This is a crucial moment for UK enterprises. Those who seize the opportunities it presents and position the UK as “an AI maker, not an AI taker” will succeed. Those who do not risk obsolescence.

The business imperative for Sovereign AI

Sovereign AI represents a crucial strategy for establishing the UK as a global leader in advanced AI capabilities. But the ramifications are broader than that. Sovereign AI also offers UK businesses a pathway to unlock the full potential of AI while mitigating the risks associated with reliance on foreign technologies. To put that into context; more than £ 14 billion worth of inward investment and thousands of jobs were confirmed immediately after the AI Opportunities Action Plan was published.With that in mind, we should view the AI Action Plan as a call to action to the private sector. UK businesses should seize this moment to embed themselves within the AI ecosystem by forming alliances with technology partners and government stakeholders already championing sovereign AI. And there are more AI-businesses putting their weight behind the UK’s AI strategy every day. These relationships are critical for scaling operations and driving advancements in priority sectors such as healthcare, sustainable energy and education.

What Sovereign AI in the UK looks like

Worldwide, we see three approaches to implementing Sovereign AI: government for government, government for industry, and government with industry. Any country or nation can adopt one or more of these models.Sovereign AI compute’ is defined in the AI Action Plan as compute owned or allocated by the public sector (what we would class as ‘government for government’ and ‘government for industry’). The AI Action Plan recommends a 10-year investment commitment of Sovereign AI Compute. That includes expanding the capacity of the AI Research Resource (of which The Dawn supercomputer at the University of Cambridge, is part) twenty-fold by 2030.This represents a significant expansion of the UK’s AI compute capabilities and will ensure that researchers and startups can access the necessary infrastructure to drive breakthroughs. Clearly the opportunities here are vast. But the UK does not need to own or operate all the compute it will need. In fact, the AI Action Plan determines that Sovereign AI compute will almost certainly be the smallest component of the UK’s overall compute portfolio.We believe it is the third approach, ‘Government with industry’, that arguably presents a greater opportunity for UK enterprises. This collaborative model emphasizes codesigning national strategies with private industry, fostering an environment where private industries can innovate, modernize and lead in AI ecosystems.For example, the Action Plan recommends establishing ‘AI Growth Zones’ (AIGZs) to lead the accelerated build out of AI data centers. AI developers who choose to work on shared AI priorities as part of these Growth Zones could benefit from a streamlined planning approvals process. There is even discussion about the possibility of relief schemes that incentivize private sector investment.The public-private collaboration advocated for in the AI Action Plan will enable business and government to get the most from each other and play to their respective strengths. Government can provide policy frameworks and financial support, while private enterprise can contribute expertise, innovation and speedy execution. Crucially, the model also represents an opportunity for quick wins, with smarter procurement on the table, best practice sharing and even ‘AI Sector Champions’ on hand to drive through adoption barriers.

Targeted innovation for national growth

Sovereign AI provides a framework for developing AI solutions that address critical societal and economic challenges. By aligning their objectives with national priorities, such as those outlined in the AI Action Plan, businesses can create targeted innovations with a meaningful impact. For example, the UK ranks healthcare, sustainable energy and education as priority sectors for AI-driven transformation. By collaborating within these frameworks, businesses can both contribute to national development and position themselves as leaders in emerging AI markets.The dual benefit of this approach lies in its localized impact. Innovations codeveloped with national-level goals in mind are more likely to find support, funding and widespread adoption, making them less susceptible to external disruptions. This directly supports UK businesses in obtaining a competitive advantage against global counterparts, particularly in industries reliant on cutting-edge technologies.

Paving the future with Sovereign AI

Sovereign AI is a defining element of the UK’s vision to secure its position as a global leader in AI. It empowers secure innovation and competitiveness and enables businesses to adapt to the rapidly changing data landscape. And it provides those who want to start up and scale-up their businesses to play an active role in building a prosperous future for the UK.UK business leaders must seize the opportunity to embed themselves in this evolving AI ecosystem. By aligning their strategies with national frameworks and taking advantage of government-supported partnerships, they can position themselves at the forefront of this transformational wave.

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The Wheel of Time fans have launched a campaign to ensure the show isn't cancelledAmazon hasn't confirmed if the high fantasy series will return for a fourth seasonThe Prime Video TV Original's latest season was the best-rated one yet

The Wheel of Time (TWoT) fans have rallied together to call on Amazon to renew the high fantasy show for more seasons.With the Prime Video TV Original's fate hanging in the balance, fans are urging Amazon MGM Studios and fellow production company Sony Pictures Television not to cancel it after three seasons.With general audiences and critics alike (per Rotten Tomatoes, anyway) labeling it the show's highest-rated entry so far – I even waxed lyrical about it in my review of The Wheel of Time season 3 – many assumed that a season 4 renewal was a case of when, not if.However, that's not been the case. At the time of publication, The Wheel of Time season 3 only ended 12 days ago, but viewers have grown increasingly concerned by Amazon and Sony's radio silence on the matter. So, they've taken matters into their own hands.

TWoT's fanbase are worried that Amazon and Sony are choking the life out of the Prime Video TV Original (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios/Prime Video)

The global fan campaign, dubbed 'Renew WoT', is a concerted and concentrated fan effort to prove how eager they are to see TWoT's story told in full.Indeed, TWoT devotees are petitioning their fellow viewers, as well as Amazon and Sony, to ensure that the program returns for a fourth season and beyond.In a bid to prove how much they care about one of the best Prime Video shows' future, organizers have set up a website – RenewWot.com – as a hub where worried audience members can throw their weight behind the campaign. There, fans can sign a petition asking the show's production studios to greenlight more seasons, read testimonials from their fellow fanatics, and more.That's not all. TWoT fans are also being called on to send an email to Amazon and Sony executives via an Action Email webpage to politely show why they want to see the series continue. To date, almost 7,000 emails have been sent to those in the corridors of power.

Will we see Mat, Nynaeve, and Min in season 4 and beyond? (Image credit: Amazon MGM Studios)

Lastly, every Friday at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm BST, fans are being asked to take to social media, use the hashtag #RenewWoT, and state why they'd like to see more seasons of Amazon's live-action adaptation of Robert Jordan's book series namesake.In a press release, the campaign's organizers called the series "a rare example of a major fantasy adaptation with deep character arcs, inclusive casting, and intricate world-building. Consistently improving each season, fans believe its potential is far from finished". The group also believes the campaign "stands out for its tone – focusing on appreciation, not outrage – and amplifying the voices of diverse fans across cultures and backgrounds."So, will it work or is this another fan petition set to fall on deaf ears? For what it's worth, Josha Stradowski, who plays Rand, exclusively told me that the cast and crew were "confident" that The Wheel of Time season 4 would be greenlit eventually.

A post shared by Wheel of Time Series News (@wot.series)A photo posted by on

Per audience measurement specialists Nielsen, The Wheel of Time accrued 505 million minutes streamed for the week running March 24 to 30. However, that data only takes US audience figures into consideration and is spread across the series' 21 episodes that were released up to and including March 30. Without more public data to pore over, then, it's still difficult to determine how well the Rafe Judkins-created program has performed worldwide and if it'll return at some point.Still, fans aren't giving up hope that TWoT will be back."We know renewals depend on a lot of factors and maybe it [season 4] just hasn’t been announced yet," one unnamed organizer said. "By showing the studios how much we appreciate the show and want more, we are either validating a decision already made, or giving them a helpful nudge."Time will tell if all of this hard work has paid off or not. For now, I've reached out to Amazon for an official comment on the fan campaign and I'll report back if I receive a response.

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Nvidia has released another GeForce hotfix driver to address several issuesThe new hotfix driver 576.26 comes right after hotfix driver 576.15Issues of black screens and BSODs remain

Nvidia's RTX 5000 series GPU launch has seemingly set off a barrage of driver issues, with reports of black screens and cases of the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) ever since the first Game Ready Driver 572.16 for the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 was released. Unfortunately, six drivers later, similar problems remain.Nvidia now has released a new GeForce Hotfix driver 576.26, available on its support page, which includes fixes for several games and crash-related issues. Its arrival comes almost immediately after a previous hotfix (576.15) for the mainline Game Ready Driver 576.02, which was released to address a major temperature sensor bug and other display hiccups.However, users are still voicing complaints about issues such as black screens when installing new drivers. In some cases, this prevents users from accessing the Windows login screen; instead, they're met with a loading cursor and a black screen. Many beleagued PC gamers took to Reddit to voice their concerns, as you can see:

Comment from r/nvidia

Comment from r/nvidia

Comment from r/nvidia

Comment from r/nvidia

It's clear that Team Green is working hard to address these issues, and consecutive hotfix releases are one indication of that. However, it's not exactly a good look as far as consumers are concerned - especially those looking to obtain a new RTX 5000-series GPU (like the RTX 5060 Ti or the upcoming RTX 5060), as new Game Ready Drivers are often released specifically to support newer GPUs.While drivers released since 572.16 have been stable for some users, it isn't the case for everyone. RTX 5000-series owners are currently advised by Nvidia to install 572.xx drivers that add official support for their functionality, so rolling back to older drivers isn't really possible for users with these GPUs. I’m currently reviewing an RTX 5000-series laptop, and I’ve been lucky enough to not experience any issues, but judging from the Reddit comments above, many have not been so lucky.

(Image credit: Nvidia)

I've stuck with Game Ready Driver 572.47 for months, and I don't regret it

To put it simply, this is the worst series of GPU driver release issues I've seen, as users have been reporting troubles for months. I understand that Team Green is working hard to address these issues, and I applaud that, but gamers spending their hard-earned money on GPUs won't be pleased at all.I was lucky enough to dodge the bullet of recent driver-related complications. As I highlighted previously, attempting to install a new driver left me with a black screen, forcing a restart, which then left me stuck at another black screen with a loading cursor.I initially thought this was caused by the problematic Windows 11 24H2 update, so my solution was booting Windows into Recovery Mode and uninstalling the latest quality update, which finally let me back into my system. It was only later, when I realized that other Nvidia GPU users were reporting the same issues, that I rolled back to driver 572.47 - and I’ve been free of major problems since.There's nothing more that I can suggest other than finding a driver that is stable for your system and avoiding any new version until there's absolute certainty that these hiccups have been resolved. Let's hope that time comes soon...

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A Windows leaker has found a guided tour for the Copilot appThis is present in a test build of Windows 11, and offers a six-step introduction to the AI appIt covers the basics such as how to upload a file to have Copilot examine it, and the major interface elements of the app

Microsoft is apparently planning on introducing a guided tour for the Copilot app, in order to show the uninitiated what the AI assistant can do in Windows 11.The fresh introduction for Windows 11 preview builds was noticed by PhantomOfEarth on X, as you can see in the below post.

The Copilot app on Windows is getting a guided tour to help new users get started with it. pic.twitter.com/4BRqQiPAWlApril 28, 2025

The leaker provides a quartet of screenshots to show you how the guided tour is currently implemented. (I should note that although it isn’t stated explicitly, the assumption is that this is hidden in Windows 11 test builds, and not yet enabled by Microsoft).The offer of the guided tour is placed at the top of the screen, above the Copilot text and prompt panel.If you click to take it, the tour in its current form is something of a whirlwind affair. We’re shown three of the six steps which introduce the prompt box (where you ask Copilot to do things), the button to upload files for Copilot to work with, and the icon to click to transform the app into a mini-window (for multitasking).

(Image credit: MSI)

Analysis: An obvious move

A guided tour for newbies to this particular facet of AI in Windows 11 seems like a sound enough move. Not everyone is familiar with Copilot in its new standalone app form, and a gentle introduction to the basic functions isn’t going to hurt. And if you’re not interested, obviously you can just ignore it (dismissing the prompt by turning down the tour).Indeed, Microsoft might even work to beef up the tour a bit, although that may not be the case given that its purpose is just to deliver a brief introduction to the key elements of the Copilot app.All of this is assuming that the piece of functionality makes the cut for inclusion in Windows 11, although as noted, I can’t see why it wouldn’t.As you may recall, Copilot wasn’t always an app. When the AI assistant first arrived in Windows 11, it was integrated directly into the OS as a side panel (that pulled out from the right-hand side of the desktop). Microsoft then changed its mind and split off the AI into a standalone application, so it could be interacted with like a normal app – even though decoupling it from the operating system in this way kind of felt like a step backwards. Particularly when the Copilot app was so basic to begin with, although that has now changed.Exactly where Copilot is going in Windows 11 remains to be seen, and there’s no shortage of folks who are rather underwhelmed at the progress made with the AI assistant so far. (And some who might’ve been quite glad to encounter a recent bug that accidentally deleted Copilot from Windows 11, rather unbelievably).A lot of big initial promises about Copilot being able to enact sweeping changes to settings based on broad natural language prompts (such as “make my games faster”) still seem a long, long way off from where we stand right now. Currently, the Copilot app for Windows 11 isn’t that much different to using Copilot on the web.

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For fans of high-fidelity audio, Spotify HiFi could be the Holy Grail. After unveiling its plans for lossless, CD-quality audio in 2021, audiophiles around the world have been patiently waiting for Spotify to bridge that gap to competitor services like Tidal and Apple Music. Though it's still one of our best music streaming services, Spotify has yet to deliver its highly anticipated HiFi tier. It's been almost five years, but we are closer to the release of Spotify HiFi than ever before.When it comes to the hi-res audio game, Apple and Amazon are leaps and bounds ahead of Spotify. Since 2021 subscribers of both services have been able to reap the benefits of lossless audio quality at no extra cost, so what's gone wrong with Spotify? It's a question we're still asking ourselves to this day, but recently Spotify has been dropping more hints about its HiFi tier which we can now point to a late 2025 release date.

(Image credit: Spotify / Apple)

Unfortunately, even when Spotify HiFi does drop, we have reason to believe that it will only be available in “select markets” to start. And while Spotify hasn’t said exactly how much the service will cost just yet, we're confident that the Spotify HiFi tier will cost more than the current standard premium subscription which sits at $11.99/ £11.99/ AU$13.99 - and there’s no guarantee that every song in the entire Spotify catalog will have a HiFi version available.In spite of this very clear downside, we have good reason to believe that Spotify HiFi songs will be available to save and download to your devices for offline listening, which means you should be able to take your new lossless music library with you anywhere.Ready to make the leap to lossless? Here's everything we know about Spotify HiFi.

Spotify HiFi release date rumors

After five years since Spotify unveiled its plans to introduce lossless audio to enhance music listening for its subscribers, a recent Bloomberg ($/£) report says that Spotify HiFi is tipped to launch in late 2025 and will be called Spotify Music Pro. Not only will this new subscription tier give you the long-awaited lossless audio you've been waiting for, but will include additional benefits such as remixing tools (including some AI-powered features for mashing tracks together), and even special offers on live music and concert tickets.Spotify HiFi was expected to arrive in 2021, and one of the first leaks we came across was back then when a user on Reddit shared a video seemingly pointing to the HiFi onboarding process - but that was five years ago. Recently, Spotify has run into a number of bug issues including one that showed ads to Premium subscribers, and while we can't directly connect this to the rollout of Spotify HiFi it's definitely raised our suspicions about what Spotify has going on behind-the-scenes.

We’re aware of some issues with the app right now and are checking them out! We'll keep you posted here: https://t.co/lOcqE1o9OeMarch 6, 2025

Despite sharing this in its Five Things to Know About Spotify HiFi blog post, and confirming that it would be available as an upgrade to Premium, there's still been no addition of HiFi audio.In 2021 Spotify stated the following; "Beginning later this year, Premium subscribers in select markets will be able to upgrade their sound quality to Spotify HiFi and listen to their favorite songs the way artists intended,". Initially, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek claimed that the delay in adding Spotify HiFi has largely come down to licensing issues.Aside from licensing rights, the Spotify HiFi delay can be attributed to its undivided attention to its social features such as Spotify Wrapped, and its mission to bring more AI integrations to its user experience; its jarring AI DJ feature and generative Daylist feature (one which I frequent regularly) are two of its most popular AI tools. Recently, we reported on Spotify's plans to 'double down' on music in 2025 which we believe could go down one of two paths; either the long-awaited HiFi tier or more AI advancements.

Spotify's AI generated 'Daylist' feature was introduced in September 2023. (Image credit: Spotify)

It's also worth focusing on that select markets bit as it means we won’t see Spotify HiFi going live in every territory at the same time. Previously, when Spotify has rolled out new features it usually starts with the US and Europe, but now that the service is available in more than 180 markets, it’s hard to say which will be among the first to get the new service.The other issue you’ll run into regarding Spotify HiFi’s release date – whenever it is eventually announced – is that it’s unlikely that every Spotify Connect device will get the upgrade at the same time – which means some speakers like, say, the Sonos One and PS5 might get it long before your slightly older AV receiver.

Spotify HiFi price predictions

According to the recent Bloomberg report, if the rumors of Spotify Music Pro are true then it could cost you an additional $5 a month on top of its $12 Premium plan. This means that it could be a 50% price rise, presumably costing an additional £6 in the UK and AU$7 in Australia.Previously, we had reason to believe that Spotify HiFi would launch as a brand new subscription tier but the new rumors point to our past guesses that Spotify HiFi would be a new Music Pro feature, as well as a $5 add-on for the Premium Plan. Spotify Premium currently stands at a monthly cost of $11.99/ £11.99/ AU$13.99 therefore if the $5 add-on rumors are true, we'd venture a guess that Spotify HiFi could cost between $14.99 and $19.99 which feels like a safe bet.Speaking of new add-ons, recently a leaked image on X (see below) shows text in the Spotify iOS beta app saying "Explore plans and get more from your Premium experience with add-ons". While we don't know what these add-ons will consist of, they would give credibility to the Bloomberg rumors and mark a big change in Spotify's subscription tier system.

Spotify is working on add-ons!A recent beta of Spotify for iOS mentions "Explore plans and get more from your Premium experience with add-ons" and "'Browse add-ons" pic.twitter.com/nllQtB4xl6April 28, 2025

What’s also influencing our previous guesses is the competition: a Tidal subscription will run you $19.99 per month, while Hi-Res Audio streaming services like Qobuz and Deezer cost $14.99 and $11.99 per month. Amazon Music Unlimited and Apple Music are a bit cheaper and now include lossless streaming options, and it's possible Spotify HiFi could be around the same price if it ever launches.On the prices front, The Financial Times ($/£) recently dropped a report hinting at an upcoming price hike. According to it's coverage Spotify will be increasing the cost of an individual subscription by €1 (about $1/£1) as soon as June, but this will only apply to subscribers in Europe and Latin American countries, and not those in the US who received a price hike just last year.

Spotify HiFi audio quality

So, just how good will Spotify HiFi's lossless audio be? It will supposedly sound, at the very least, as good as a CD does – and maybe a bit better.According to Spotify, Spotify HiFi will stream CD-quality lossless audio to your devices. Ideally, those devices will be connected to a network and capable of using Spotify Connect, otherwise, you’ll have to pipe it over Bluetooth which will likely diminish the quality.In the absence of Spotify HiFi, you can amend your audio streaming quality in your account settings to add somewhat of an improvement to your listening experience. Just go to your Spotify settings, and tap 'Audio Quality'.

(Image credit: Future)

That’s a heck of a lot better than Spotify's current offering of 320kbps, and will likely bring the service's potential audio quality up to par with Tidal, Deezer, and maybe even Apple’s Digital Masters. Speaking of Apple Digital Masters, there’s always a chance that Spotify might also go above and beyond hi-fi with 96kHz / 24-bit audio, but we’re not holding our breath.So what does that all mean? In a very practical sense, lossless audio formats have more details and data than their lossy counterparts. That means hearing new details in songs you’ve never heard before that otherwise might’ve been cut out when the data was compressed. It should also sound a bit wider and more immersive, though, a lot of it will depend on which headphones or speakers you use, too.

Spotify HiFi song catalog

The murkiest detail of all for Spotify HiFi is how many – and which – songs from Spotify’s more than 100 million-song catalog will be included. The safest assumption we can make is that it won't support every song in Spotify's vast catalog, but millions of them should be.Among those will likely be top hits from major record labels which already distribute the files to other services, while some music from smaller labels and older legacy titles likely won’t make the cut. We’ll keep our ears to the ground for more details on which songs will make the cut, but for now, it’s probably best to keep your CD collection right where it is until new details emerge.

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Looking for a different day?A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, April 29 (game #1191).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1192) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1192) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1192) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1192) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1192) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• B• T• A• D

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

Quordle today (game #1192) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1192, are…

BATONTORSOANNEXDROWN

This Quordle was really hard work.Fortunately, to begin, I was faced with a word that had to end ATON, so had no choice but to guess BATON.However, the next three words were less straightforward. I got TORSO after deducing that TOR was the most obvious letter combination for the start of the word, and I got DROWN by thinking the same with DRO.No logic was going to help me with ANNEX, but I’m delighted that it only took me one wrong turn before I guessed correctly.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1192) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1192, are…

UNDERBLUFFWAIVESHAPE

Quordle answers: The past 20

Quordle #1191, Tuesday, 29 April: HOVER, HENCE, OCTAL, COPSEQuordle #1190, Monday, 28 April: JAUNT, ALLOW, FRUIT, BURNTQuordle #1189, Sunday, 27 April: PRIOR, YOUTH, CREDO, CHIDEQuordle #1188, Saturday, 26 April: LINGO, LOCUS, THROW, CLICKQuordle #1187, Friday, 25 April: SHALT, WRATH, MAMBO, HUMPHQuordle #1186, Thursday, 24 April: CHOKE, COLOR, FRAME, CAIRNQuordle #1185, Wednesday, 23 April: VALET, PUPAL, CREEP, DRIFTQuordle #1184, Tuesday, 22 April: POUTY, CHEST, BROOM, TEPEEQuordle #1183, Monday, 21 April: SHARD, PRINT, SUMAC, LEACHQuordle #1182, Sunday, 20 April: DINER, HORDE, SHONE, FUGUEQuordle #1181, Saturday, 19 April: GRADE, LAUGH, RAINY, EXULTQuordle #1180, Friday, 18 April: DEBUT, GLADE, BASTE, PESTOQuordle #1179, Thursday, 17 April: SPRAY, RAMEN, SHELF, COURTQuordle #1178, Wednesday 16 April: STUMP, GRAFT, CHORD, INPUTQuordle #1177, Tuesday 15 April: SLEET, MERIT, HARSH, FORAYQuordle #1176, Monday 14 April: DRAWL, CROOK, ACTOR, LANCEQuordle #1175, Sunday 13 April: SHALE, KINKY, SHORN, WHOOPQuordle #1174, Saturday 12 April: BLIND, OVOID, CACHE, THINGQuordle #1173, Friday 11 April: FOLLY, PITHY, SCOWL, CURLYQuordle #1172, Thursday 10 April: LEAST, SEWER, UNTIE, NOOSE

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, April 29 (game #688).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #689) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

HEELROOMDYNASTYFACEGIMMICKSTANDINGSEATINGMILDEWUPPERSOLEREGARDCHAIRSCAPACITYENGROSSTONGUEIMAGE

NYT Connections today (game #689) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: Think feet firstGREEN: LodgingBLUE: Your honorPURPLE: Look for disgust

Need more clues?We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #689) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

YELLOW: PARTS OF A SHOE GREEN: ACCOMMODATION BLUE: REPUTATION PURPLE: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "YUCK"

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #689) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #689, are…

YELLOW: PARTS OF A SHOE HEEL, SOLE, TONGUE, UPPERGREEN: ACCOMMODATION CAPACITY, CHAIRS, ROOM, SEATINGBLUE: REPUTATION FACE, IMAGE, REGARD, STANDINGPURPLE: ENDING WITH SYNONYMS FOR "YUCK" DYNASTY, ENGROSS, GIMMICK, MILDEW

My rating: ModerateMy score: 1 mistake

I made just one mistake today, but I'm classing this as a dirty win as I had no idea what any of the categories were and had zero confidence throughout that any of my four word groups were correct.At first I saw 16 random words with only three very tenuous links – SOLE and HEEL (soul and heal), CAPACITY and SEATING (theaters), REGARD and STANDING (class system). Instead, I fudged similar-sounding groups together and somehow fluked through.My mistake came with the final two groups. For reasons I can’t even explain I had ENGROSS wrong but the other three words correct. When I got “one away” I swapped in TONGUE and kicked myself that I’d failed to see this group, at least.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, April 29, game #688)

YELLOW: COOKING CONCOCTIONS BATTER, DOUGH, MIXTURE, PASTEGREEN: SEEN ON A TABLE AT A DINNER PARTY CANDLESTICK, PITCHER, PLACEMAT, PLATEBLUE: THINGS TO CLIMB LADDER, MOUNTAIN, ROPE, TREEPURPLE: WHAT "DIAMOND" CAN REFER TO GEMSTONE, INFIELD, RHOMBUS, SUIT

What is NYT Connections?NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, April 29 (game #422).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #423) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Best in class

NYT Strands today (game #423) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

DOOMSEEDSLURMORBIDLIMESLATE

NYT Strands today (game #423) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 8 letters

NYT Strands today (game #423) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: bottom, 4th columnLast side: top, 3rd column

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #423) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #423, are…

EYESDRESSEDSMILECOUPLEATHLETEFRIENDSHAIRSPANGRAM: YEARBOOK

My rating: ModerateMy score: Perfect

It took me a long time to realize that today’s Strands search was YEARBOOK, or to be precise senior superlatives in yearbooks.The first correct word I got was EYES, so I thought we could be looking for dogs, which was my initial hunch from the theme “best in class” – although the "best in show" search was not that long ago, so it would have been a quick repeat.Thankfully, being British and extremely senior I didn’t have to go through the humiliation of yearbooks and having my mullet forever enshrined in print.Although I get their charm as time capsules, I know I would have been voted “Most likely to bluff their way through life” rather than any of the ego-boosting categories in today’s search.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, April 29, game #422)

TACOTORTOISEWALNUTNUCLEUSNAUTILUSARMADILLOSPANGRAM: SHELLS

What is NYT Strands?Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

I’ve been a loyal Spotify subscriber for the best part of 10 years, and there are many reasons why I’ve stuck with it (my Daylist is the first thing that comes to mind). However, despite this, there are several downsides to one of the best music streaming services - its Smart Shuffle feature being one. But now there’s a new way to disable this annoying feature altogether.Spotify introduced Smart Shuffle in 2023, a feature that weaves song recommendations in between the ones in your personally curated playlists, and it didn’t sit well with music fans- myself included - to say the very least. Thankfully, you no longer have to put up with its annoyances as users have spotted a new way to disable it.Eagle-eyed users on Reddit brought attention to the new ‘Enable all play modes’ toggle in the Spotify app settings that was added very quietly. When this setting is enabled, you can sift through the Linear, Shuffle, and Smart Shuffle options when listening to your playlists. Disabling it turns off Smart Shuffle for all of your playlists.

You can now remove Smart Shuffle! from r/truespotify

This new setting appears differently for some users (see below) but has the exact same functionality. So far, it seems as though it’s gradually rolling out globally - I’ve already taken advantage of it - so it may not be visible to all Spotify users just yet.

Comment from r/truespotify

Goodbye Smart Shuffle, we never needed you anyway

Though it was designed to ‘breathe new life’ into your listening experience and offer a personal new music discovery alternative, a large portion of Spotify subscribers never warmed up to the feature as a whole, complaining that its rotation of song suggestions lack in variety and don’t live up to its daily renewal promises. On top of that, Smart Shuffle annoyingly interrupts the standard Shuffle function.When Spotify first brought out Smart Shuffle, I dabbled in it mainly as a means of finding similar songs to fill out my specific playlists, an alternative way of using the ‘Recommended songs’ list at the bottom of each playlist. At first, it was handy, but the novelty wore off rather quickly.For a feature that uses your music habits as well as the knowledge of Spotify’s music experts to offer new song suggestions, it’s not the most dynamic music discovery feature and lacks scope. There are far better features out there for music discovery - I stand by the trusty New Music Friday playlist that’s generated weekly, and I’ll reiterate my soft spot for Spotify Daylists. So, for now, it’s time to disable Smart Shuffle until Spotify can come up with a better solution.

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