News

YouTube demonetized two channels for sharing AI-made fake trailersSome Hollywood studios secretly claimed ad revenue from the misleading trailersThe crackdown comes amid new contracts and laws limiting unauthorized AI replicas

If you've ever visited YouTube and clicked on a trailer for the next superhero film and thought it seemed too good to be true, well, you might have been right. Wishful thinking, clever editing, and a scoop of AI fakery produced clips enticing billions of clicks and earning plenty of cash through advertising. The shocking part is that a lot of that money apparently found its way to the very studios you might expect to try and shut down any such unauthorized use of their intellectual property, at least according to information uncovered recently by Deadline.That sidehustle may now be over with YouTube removing two of the biggest homes of these AI-laced fake trailers, Screen Culture and KH Studio, from its Partner Program. That means no more ad revenue for them or the studios reportedly getting a piece of the action.Screen Culture has made many popular trailers full of AI-generated shots for upcoming films like The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman. KH Studio is more famous for its imaginary casting, like Leonardo DiCaprio in the next Squid Game or Henry Cavill as the next James Bond. You would be forgiven for assuming the plotlines, characters, and visuals on display were teasing details of the films, but they were produced far from the real film development.The fakes were good enough to sometimes come up in searches before the real trailers, and enough clicks could prompt YouTube’s recommendation algorithm to highlight the fakes above the real deal. That translates into a lot of cash for a monetized video. That's likely why, according to Deadline, studios made arrangements with YouTube to redirect the ad revenue from these fake trailers into their own accounts.

Trailer tricks

Still, YouTube has its own rules. The monetization deal may have been okay in theory, but the channels broke other rules. For instance, to earn ad revenue, a creator can't just remix someone else's content; they need to add original elements. A reviewer might show a brief clip of a film to comment on it, but most of the video is the review, not the movie. You also can't copy others' work, mislead viewers, or make content for the “sole purpose of getting views.”Screen Culture and KH Studio can appeal the demonetization, but that might be a long shot. YouTube's decision reflects a larger ongoing debate about AI in the entertainment industry. The SAG-AFTRA strike highlighted the demands of actors for limits and control of any AI replicas of people in film and TV. The final agreement reached following the long strike set out new rules for consent by a performer before any studio can use AI to mimic their likeness.In case that wasn't clear enough, California lawmakers passed two bills barring the use of AI to recreate a performer’s voice or image without their consent, even posthumously. That makes it harder for studios or rogue creators to conjure digital versions of famous faces just to juice a trailer, real or otherwise.YouTube is somewhat stuck as fan-made trailers have long been a popular kind of content. Using AI, though, can make a fake trailer seem good enough to trick people, even if only by accident. And YouTube doesn't want to encourage the practice by monetizing it. For now, the message from YouTube is clear: you can imagine a world where Cavill is Bond or Galactus shows up in Fantastic Four, but you can’t cash in on that fantasy if it's built only around AI.

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With a Tomodachi Life sequel teased and the last few Switch 1 games announced, the deck is cleared for Nintendo's next video presentation on the Switch 2. The appropriately titled "Nintendo Direct: Switch 2" presentation is slated for April 2 at 9AM ET / 6AM PT, and will stream on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

Nintendo revealed what the new console looks like in a short teaser video in January, which confirmed details like the device's larger screen, and teased things like a new Mario Kart and some sort of mouse functionality for the Switch 2's Joy-Con controllers. The company's April 2 presentation should answer even more questions about what's exactly different about the Switch successor, how much it'll cost and when it'll launch.

Join us on April 2nd at 6am PT for #NintendoDirect: Nintendo Switch 2 – 4.2.2025, where we will share a closer look at #NintendoSwitch2.► https://t.co/XCecVa9Zid pic.twitter.com/ACu5pZUd0D— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) February 5, 2025

You can read our article collecting Switch 2 rumors and reports for a preview of what Nintendo might cover. Particularly pertinent for anyone thinking about buying the new console, recent leaks indicate that Nintendo could open up pre-orders for the Switch 2 as early as April 9, and ship out the device in June.

We'll have to wait for the Nintendo Direct to fill in those details, and hopefully learn more about the launch lineup of Switch 2 games in the process. You can watch along on Nintendo's YouTube channel or right in this article once the stream goes live.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/how-to-watch-the-switch-2-nintendo-direct-210632411.html?src=rss

Riot Games has unveiled new details for its upcoming tabletop game, called Riftbound - The League of Legends Trading Card Game. We first got a look at this TCG under the codename Project K in December. The latest trailer showed off new artwork for the cards, including fresh takes on the LoL characters that aren't just copies of their in-game champion portraits. The card UI has also gotten some extra polish compared with what was showed late last year.

The team at Riot has been incorporating player feedback into the game's first set, called Origins. This set will have more than 300 different cards, and familiar LoL champions including Jinx, Viktor and Lee Sin will star in pre-built decks for this inaugural set. For the serious collectors, there will also be secret rare versions of the champion cards with unique art.

In addition to the previously revealed multiplayer aspect, Riftbound offers a path for reaching fans who don't have experience in this card game genre. Riftbound will have a box called Proving Grounds where champions like Lux, Annie, Master Yi and Garen will help newer players to get acclimated to TCG basics.

The timeline for the Riftbound is also starting to firm up, with its China launch is scheduled for summer 2025. Some English speaking countries will also see the game arrive this year, but other markets will have to wait until 2026; the devs didn't specify which regions will be on which timeline.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/riot-games-league-of-legends-tcg-is-officially-called-riftbound-212507458.html?src=rss

Asus just teased it's 'cooking something up' on X (formerly Twitter)We think the device might be the rumored Xbox handheldThe computer brand is promising more power with the device

Sure, we’re all waiting for Nintendo to spill all the remaining beans about the Switch 2 during its ‘Direct’ live stream on April 2, 2025, but there is another handheld courting our attention right now.ASUS has just formally teased a gaming handheld in one of the most delightful ways possible. This comes after rumors of Microsoft partnering with the tech brand on a potential Xbox gaming handheld. We're hoping that means a device that’s as well equipped as a Steam Deck with Xbox flare.The teaser, which was posted on X (formerly Twitter), reads, “Our little robot friend is cooking something up… #ROG #ROGALLY #PlayALLYourGames #NextLevelGaming” and features a 34-second video of that ‘little robot friend’ building out something on a large-screen monitor and then tossing a ROG Ally and a ROG Raikiri Pro controller into a chamber emitting smoke.

Our little robot friend is cooking something up...#ROG #ROGALLY #PlayALLYourGames #NextLevelGaming pic.twitter.com/nDG7rlEIhHMarch 31, 2025

What comes out? Well, it’s seemingly the rumored ASUS x Xbox handheld, and we couldn’t be more excited. The device that appears has a simple character winking with one eye with a grin and controls on either side.It’s worth noting that on the screen during the building process, four things are being worked on:

Marathon StaminaFaster SpeedsMore CapacityFresh Look!

(Image credit: Asus)

e qualities of both an upgrade to the ASUS Rog Ally and what you’d want from a portable handheld console. While the original post on X doesn’t exactly mention Xbox anywhere, this post comes after rumors earlier this year, and Xbox did slide in here with a reply.

pic.twitter.com/ONZpeEmNkaMarch 31, 2025

The social team at Xbox responded with a member showing a side-eye, at least hopefully hinting at the partnership or maybe just causing false hope for us all.Either way, whether this future ASUS ROG device runs on the Xbox platform or opts for an alternative operating system, it surely seems that it will be plenty powerful. Asus also seemingly wants to get ahead of Nintendo’s much-anticipated Direct stream on April 2, 2025.As for when Asus we’ll share more, no exact date or timeframe is given. Though Computex 2025, which kicks off on May 19, 2025, is a potential event where this device could debut. Either route, stick with TechRadar for the news as it breaks during the April 2 Nintendo Direct and forever when Asus is ready to share more.

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visionOS 2.4 brings Apple Intelligence to the $3,499 spatial computerImage Playground, Writing Tools, and Genmoji lead the enhancementsAVision Pro app for the iPhone highlights new content and makes hardware information easily accessible

Apple Vision Pro just got a lot smarter with a visionOS 2.4 update that brings some of the best parts of Apple Intelligence to the mixed reality headset.Apple's visionOS 2.4 is available now for download to your $3,499 headset. It adds key Apple Intelligence features, including:

Image PlaygroundGenmojisWriting Tools

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future)

While Writing Tools brings AI-powered writing suggestions to Messages, Notes, and other first-party Apple tools, Image Playground is an entirely new app in the Vision Pro arsenal.It works pretty much the way it does on iOS. There's an app that you can open and then, using gesture and voice, create wild generative images that feature Apple Intelligence interpretations of you and your contacts. These images are manipulated based on your prompt and other visual options you apply, like "Rainforest," "Sci-fi," "Spring," "Party," and more.The artwork now appears in three style options: Animations, Illustration, and Sketch.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Vision Pro's OS update arrives simultaneously alongside iOS 18.4, which delivers the new Apple Vision Pro app to the iPhone. Inside the app are tech details about your own Vision Pro headset, including the specifics of your prescription inserts, if you have them. It's also a great place to discover fresh content for the headset.Meanwhile, back on the Vision Pro, there's the new Spatial Gallery, which is an immersive content gallery. It'll be where Apple will highlight its newest piece of spatial video content: VIP: Yankee Stadium, an immersive look at the iconic ballpark.

Image 1 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 3(Image credit: Future)Image 3 of 3(Image credit: Future)

We spent a little bit of time with the new Apple Intelligence features in Vision Pro. They're all easy to use and integrate well with the Vision pro's gaze and gesture-based interface. This is especially effective when you want to use your voice to alter your Image Playground creations.As for Siri, you do gain access to ChatGPT via Apple's digital assistant, but, as in iOS, there are still no significant updates with visionOS 2.4. That said, we cannot wait until we finally have a Siri that can recognize everything on our Vision Pro desktop and take mixed-reality actions on our behalf.Finally, visionOS 2.4 updates Guest Mode. Now, you can enable the mode from your iPhone without having to first wear the headset, hand it to a guest wearer, and see what they see through your iPhone or iPad. It makes sharing much easier.

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Apple Home now supports select Matter-enabled robot vacuumsAssuming your vacuum is supported, you could soon be saying, 'Siri, vacuum the kitchen'It's been a long time coming, as support was originally promised by the end of 2024

If you’ve been dreaming about one day saying, ‘Hey Siri, have the vacuum clean the living room and the kitchen,’ Apple’s answering your prayers. Well, at least if you have one of the eligible robot vacuum cleaners.With iOS 18.4 – Apple’s latest software, which is rolling out right now alongside iPadOS 18.4, macOS Sequoia 15.4, tvOS 18.4, and HomePods software – Apple Home can now play nice and control eligible Matter-compatible robot vacuums from Roborock, iRobot, and Ecovacs.It’s been a long time coming, to say the least.Apple first promised that support for these smart home cleaners would arrive by the end of 2024, but it took a little bit longer – four months exactly. Still, the support is here with the latest release.

(Image credit: Apple)

So what does this mean? Well, if you have a supported model from those three brands, you can add your robot vacuum to your Apple Home and control it right from there or even integrate it into an existing automation.That latter means you could set up a routine to have your vacuum cleaner start up a session when you leave the house on Wednesdays to ensure that when you return, the floor is clean.Additionally, within Apple Home or via Siri from really any Apple device, you’ll be able to ask the robot vacuum to clean a specific room or ask for it’s status. Now, you may need to update your robot vacuum cleaner. Roborock announced many firmware updates today that will enable the models to work with Apple Home when they roll out in early April 2025. Those include the Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, Saros Z70, Saros 10, Saros 10R, Qrevo Curv, Qrevo Edge, and Qrevo Master.Models from Ecovacs and iRobot will likely require software updates as well, and we’ll update you when we hear more about those. Regardless of whether an update is required, it’s excellent to see Apple make good on its promise of rolling out robot vacuum support to Apple Home, and it really will bolster the smart home offering.Of course, we’re all still waiting on the AI-infused Siri as part of Apple Intelligence, which could make smart home control even better, but that’s set to arrive ‘in the coming year.’ That’ll likely need to arrive before the smart home display – aka a HomePod with a screen – that I and many others dream of, if it ever arrives.

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Looking for a different day?A new NYT Wordle 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 Monday's puzzle instead then click here.

It's time for your guide to today's Wordle answer, featuring my commentary on the latest puzzle, plus a selection of hints designed to help you keep your streak going.Don't think you need any clues for Wordle today? No problem, just skip to my daily column. But remember: failure in this game is only ever six guesses away.Want more word-based fun? TechRadar's Quordle today page contains hints and answers for that game, and you can also take a look at our NYT Strands today and NYT Connections today pages for our verdict on two of the New York Times' other brainteasers.SPOILER WARNING: Today's Wordle answer and hints are below, so don't read on if you don't want to see them.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #1 - Vowels

How many vowels does today's Wordle have?• Wordle today has vowels in two places*.

* 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).

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #2 - first letter

What letter does today's Wordle begin with?• The first letter in today's Wordle answer is J.

J is the least common letter overall in Wordle, but is only the fourth least likely starting letter. That's because it begins 20 out of the 27 answers it appears in (Y, Z and X are all less common starting letters).

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #3 - repeated letters

Does today's Wordle have any repeated letters?• There are repeated letters in today's Wordle.

Repeated letters are quite common in the game, with 748 of the 2,309 Wordle answers containing one. However, it's still more likely that a Wordle doesn't have one.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #4 - ending letter

What letter does today's Wordle end with?• The last letter in today's Wordle is L.

L is a really common letter to find at the end of a Wordle. There are 155 games that finish with an L, and it ranks as the fifth most likely letter there.

Wordle hints (game #1382) - clue #5 - last chance

Still looking for more Wordle hints today? Here's an extra one for game #1382.

Today's Wordle answer is a precious gem.

If you just want to know today's Wordle answer now, simply scroll down – but I'd always recommend trying to solve it on your own first. We've got lots of Wordle tips and tricks to help you, including a guide to the best Wordle start words.If you don't want to know today's answer then DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER BECAUSE IT IS PRINTED BELOW. So don't say you weren't warned!

Today's Wordle answer (game #1382)

(Image credit: New York Times)

NYT average score: 4.6My score: 4WordleBot's score: 4My start word performance: WRACK (59 remaining answers)WordleBot's start word performance: CRANE (273)

Today's Wordle answer (game #1382) is… JEWEL.Oof! Wordle not tough enough for you lately, even with QUOTA and BOOTY in successive games? Well, try JEWEL for size.Like QUOTA, it begins with an uncommon letter – in this case J, the least common in the entire game. And like BOOTY, it contains a repeated letter, E in this case. But it also has a relatively rare W in the middle, plus more than a passing resemblance to the likes of BEVEL, REVEL, LEVEL, REBEL, BEZEL, REPEL and others.Put all that together and you have an average score of 4.6. Or, in other words, a very difficult Wordle indeed.I was therefore very fortunate to play WRACK on my first guess today. This gave me the W right away, and cut the possible answers list to 59 – a far better result than WordleBot got with CRANE (273).I deliberated for what seemed like hours over what to play next. I figured that W may well go after an S or T, and so nearly played SWINE or SWIPE before ultimately choosing TWINE.This was a decent choice – but not fantastic, and it only cut my options to an unlucky 13. I didn't find anywhere near that many myself – I had BELOW, and ELBOW (which I knew was a past Wordle answer), and VOWEL and JEWEL.Many of the others were not true misses on my part, though – WordleBot included lots of ED words such as MOWED and VOWED, and they're unlikely to ever be solutions.Based on the words I'd found, BELOW was guaranteed to give me the answer on the fourth guess.And though I had missed a couple of genuine options (namely DOWEL and BOWEL), it did indeed point me in the right direction; with the W still yellow and the B and O ruled out, JEWEL was the only possible solution.How did you do today? Send me an email or let me know in the comments.

Yesterday's Wordle hints (game #1381)

In a different time zone where it's still Monday? Don't worry – I can give you some clues for Wordle #1381, too.

Wordle yesterday had vowels in two places.

* 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).

The first letter in yesterday's Wordle answer was B.

B is a very, very common starting letter in Wordle. In fact, it's the third most common overall, behind only S and C.

There were repeated letters in yesterday's Wordle.

Repeated letters are quite common in the game, with 748 of the 2,309 Wordle answers containing one. However, it's still more likely that a Wordle doesn't have one.

The last letter in yesterday's Wordle was Y.

Y is the second most common ending letter in the game, behind only E. In total, 364 Wordle answers end with a Y.

Still looking for more Wordle hints? Here's an extra one for game #1381.

Yesterday's Wordle answer is plunder, or something you might shake.

Yesterday's Wordle answer (game #1381)

(Image credit: New York Times)

NYT average score: 4.2My score: 5WordleBot's score: 3My start word performance: FIGHT (288 remaining answers)WordleBot's start word performance: CRANE (356)

Yesterday's Wordle answer (game #1381) was… BOOTY.While Sunday's QUOTA was a difficult Wordle with a lower-than-expected average score due to a single start word skewing the statistics, Monday's is simply a difficult Wordle, full stop.It has an average score of 4.2, and features my least favorite of all Wordle formats: the dreaded OO. And, as if to prove that it's my nemesis, it caused me to suffer my first 5/6 since LADLE more than two weeks ago.Oh, how I do hate those double-Os. I never spot them early and always struggle to place letters either side of them. It's becoming a bit of a cliche.Still, I'm clearly not the only one to struggle yesterday – although annoyingly, the 'Bot managed a three despite its opening CRANE leaving 356 possible solutions compared to the 288 left by my FIGHT.WordleBot's trick was to play SLOTH second time out, which left at most two words (BOOTY and FOOTY) and most likely just the one. In contrast, I followed up with STALE, and this was unlucky in leaving 24.My third guess was TRUNK, which made sense at the time as T had already been ruled out in its most common position at the end of a word and therefore would surely go at the start. The other letters were all common apart from K, which is a regular visitor to the end of words and therefore not a bad choice given that I knew T, E and L would not be going there.The problem was simply that I hadn't considered enough words at this stage. I knew that TROOP, TRUNK, TRUCK, POTTY, PUTTY, DOTTY, NUTTY and TRUMP were all possibles, but had missed a dozen or so more including MOTTO, TUTOR, MOTOR, OUTDO, TUBBY and, yes, BOOTY. Maybe if I'd found some more I would have played something else; WordleBot suggested that TRUMP was the better bet.Anyway, TRUNK was unsuccessful but did cut those 20-plus options down to a quartet of POTTY, DOTTY, BOOTY and MOTTO.POTTY and DOTTY would guarantee a five at worst, the other two wouldn't – so I played DOTTY then had to follow up with BOOTY for that five. Frustrating.

Wordle answers: The past 50

I've been playing Wordle every day for more than three years now and have tracked all of the previous answers so I can help you improve your game. Here are the last 50 solutions starting with yesterday's answer, or check out my past Wordle answers page for the full list.

Wordle #1381, Monday's 31 March: BOOTYWordle #1380, Sunday 30 March: QUOTAWordle #1379, Saturday 29 March: SORRYWordle #1378, Friday 28 March: VERSEWordle #1377, Thursday 27 March: SHEETWordle #1376, Wednesday 26 March: ELBOWWordle #1375, Tuesday 25 March: SHELFWordle #1374, Monday 24 March: ANGLEWordle #1373, Sunday 23 March: DOPEYWordle #1372, Saturday 22 March: AMBLEWordle #1371, Friday 21 March: NUDGEWordle #1370, Thursday 20 March: BASTEWordle #1369, Wednesday 19 March: SPARKWordle #1368, Tuesday 18 March: TIMERWordle #1367, Monday 17 March: LASSOWordle #1366, Sunday 16 March: STAMPWordle #1365, Saturday 15 March: LADLEWordle #1364, Friday 14 March: PIECEWordle #1363, Thursday 13 March: CHASEWordle #1362, Wednesday 12 March: MANGOWordle #1361, Tuesday 11 March: TRACKWordle #1360, Monday 10 March: SPITEWordle #1359, Sunday 9 March: GREEDWordle #1358, Saturday 8 March: NAVELWordle #1357, Friday 7 March: TROOPWordle #1356, Thursday 6 March: ALERTWordle #1355, Wednesday 5 March: SCRUMWordle #1354, Tuesday 4 March: CHECKWordle #1353, Monday 3 March: SPEARWordle #1352, Sunday 2 March: DEITYWordle #1351, Saturday 1 March: HOVERWordle #1350, Friday 28 February: FUZZYWordle #1349, Thursday 27 February: LODGEWordle #1348, Wednesday 26 February: AWARDWordle #1347, Tuesday 25 February: DRYERWordle #1346, Monday 24 February: GLANDWordle #1345, Sunday 23 February: OTTERWordle #1344, Saturday 22 February: CREAMWordle #1343, Friday 21 February: CLOVEWordle #1342, Thursday 20 February: ROACHWordle #1341, Wednesday 19 February: MADLYWordle #1340, Tuesday 18 February: INDIEWordle #1339, Monday 17 February: TRAILWordle #1338, Sunday 16 February: SUAVEWordle #1337, Saturday 15 February: CROOKWordle #1336, Friday 14 February: DITTYWordle #1335, Thursday 13 February: RUMBAWordle #1334, Wednesday 12 February: RAPIDWordle #1333, Tuesday 11 February: SCOREWordle #1332, Monday 10 February: GOODYWordle #1331, Sunday 9 February: BONUS

What is Wordle?

If you're on this page then you almost certainly know what Wordle is already, and indeed have probably been playing it for a while. And even if you've not been playing it, you must surely have heard of it by now, because it's the viral word game phenomenon that took the world by storm last year and is still going strong in 2024.We've got a full guide to the game in our What is Wordle page, but if you just want a refresher then here are the basics.

What is Wordle?Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day. You get six guesses, with each one revealing a little more information. If one of the letters in your guess is in the answer and in the right place, it turns green. If it's in the answer but in the wrong place, it turns yellow. And if it's not in the answer at all it turns gray. Simple, eh?It's played online via the Wordle website or the New York Times' Crossword app (iOS / Android), and is entirely free. Crucially, the answer is the same for everyone each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world, rather than just against yourself or the game. The puzzle then resets each day at midnight in your local time, giving you a new challenge, and the chance to extend your streak.

What are the Wordle rules?The rules of Wordle are pretty straightforward, but with a couple of curveballs thrown in for good measure.1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow.3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray.4. Answers are never plural.5. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.6. Each guess must be a valid word in Wordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.7. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses unless you play on Hard mode.8. You have six guesses to solve the Wordle.9. You must complete the daily Wordle before midnight in your timezone.10. All answers are drawn from Wordle's list of 2,309 solutions. However…11. Wordle will accept a wider pool of words as guesses – some 10,000 of them. For instance, you can guess a plural such as WORDS. It definitely won't be right (see point 4 above), but Wordle will accept it as a guess.

Apple has released iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4 and visionOS 2.4, bringing a grab bag of new features to the companies devices and expanding Apple Intelligence to new countries and languages.

As previously announced by Apple iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 include a new Apple News+ Food section in the News app that collects recipes and food-oriented articles, including exclusive recipes for Apple News+ subscribers. The updates also introduce new emoji, AI-sorted Priority Notifications in Notification Center, new ways to filter photos in the Photos app and lossless audio on the AirPods Max. That's on top of a random assortment of other quality-of-life features like:

AI-generated summaries of App Store reviews

An Ambient Music tool in Control Center

The ability to add and control Matter-compatible robot vacuums to the Home app

New widgets for the Podcasts app

A new "Sketch" style for images in Image Playground

Apple

The update to visionOS 2.4 will add Apple Intelligence features like Writing Tools and Image Playground to the Vision Pro for the first time, on top of a streamlined process for sharing your headset with another person, a new Apple Vision Pro app for the iPhone to download apps and experiences to your Vision Pro remotely, and a Spatial Gallery app for the headset itself that features a rotating collection of spatial videos and photos curated by Apple.

After a bit of a delay, Apple says Apple Intelligence will be available in the European Union for the first time on iPhone and iPad. The suite of AI features will now also work in several new languages "including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India," Apple says.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ios-18-4-available-now-175358838.html?src=rss

The recent disclosure of another major firewall exploit should serve as a wake-up call to security teams everywhere. The latest vulnerabilities impacting Palo Alto Networks’ firewalls have once again exposed how fragile network security architectures are. While the immediate response has followed the predictable cycle of patching, monitoring, and damage assessment, the bigger issue remains unresolved.The problem is not just a software flaw or an unpatched device. It is the lack of extensive network security policy management (NSPM) strategies. These are essential for any organization that is serious about attack surface reduction.Modern network security cannot afford to operate reactively. Organizations that focus solely on perimeter defense and emergency patch management are constantly playing catch-up. The traditional ‘fix and forget’ model no longer works in an environment where threats evolve faster than most teams can respond.Attackers are not just targeting known vulnerabilities; they are probing security policies, misconfigurations, and access control gaps that enterprises often overlook. This is where NSPM becomes a game-changer. Instead of reacting to breaches, organizations need to proactively manage their security posture, ensuring that their policies and configurations don’t introduce new risks.

Expanding complexity

The expansion of hybrid and cloud computing environments has made managing security policies more difficult than ever. Enterprises operate across on-premises data centers, multi-cloud architectures, and remote workforces, each introducing new layers of complexity.Without a structured approach to NSPM, security teams lack visibility into how policies interact across these environments. This blind spot increases the risk of misconfigurations, redundant rules, and security gaps that adversaries can exploit. Gartner’s research on Attack Surface Management (ASM) highlights the challenges which businesses must contend with when it comes to policy complexity.Attack surface management and NSPM go hand in hand. ASM focuses on identifying and monitoring all exposed digital assets, but without NSPM, that visibility is meaningless. Effective security starts with knowing whether firewall rules and access policies allow unauthorized traffic to exploit vulnerabilities.The question every security team should be able to answer is: are there any security policy enforcement rules that allow access to known vulnerabilities across your environment? More importantly, when new rules are created, can you determine if they inadvertently expose an asset that was previously secure? Without an NSPM strategy in place, these risks remain unchecked, leaving enterprises vulnerable even when they believe they are secure.

Welcome to automation

Recent research shows that automation plays a critical role in minimizing attack surfaces. According to an IDC report on Firewall Policy Management, automating firewall policy management reduces human error and enforces compliance across complex architectures. Enterprises that adopt automated NSPM strategies experience fewer misconfigurations and can implement rule optimizations that remove redundant access points. When combined with ASM, this approach reduces the number of exploitable attack paths while maintaining flexibility for legitimate access requirements.The importance of proactive security policy management is underscored by the increasing frequency of firewall-related breaches. While the immediate response to the latest Palo Alto vulnerability will be to patch and monitor affected devices, organizations should view this as an opportunity to rethink how they manage security policies. Patching alone is not enough. Attackers are always looking for the next unpatched device or the next misconfigured rule that provides a pathway into critical systems.

Ongoing process

An effective NSPM approach extends beyond simple rule enforcement. It enables security teams to continuously assess and refine policies based on evolving threats. A structured NSPM approach helps enforce segmentation strategies by dynamically validating policy changes. But segmentation alone is not enough without continuous network monitoring to ensure assets remain protected.Organizations should be implementing a zero-trust approach that dynamically evaluates policy changes and their potential impact on security posture. This requires integrating NSPM into a broader risk management framework that considers exposure, compliance, and operational efficiency.Another challenge is the growing reliance on multi-vendor security environments. Many enterprises use a mix of firewalls, cloud security controls, and endpoint protection platforms, each with its own policy management approach. Without a unified NSPM solution, security teams struggle to enforce consistent policies across different platforms. This inconsistency increases the likelihood of gaps in security enforcement, making it easier for attackers to exploit weak points in the network.

Compliance cornerstone

As cyber threats evolve, regulatory pressures are also increasing. Compliance standards such as GDPR, NIS2, and PCI-DSS require organizations to demonstrate effective security controls, including robust policy management. The IDC highlights that compliance is not just about avoiding fines.Businesses should view it as potential for competitive differentiation. Companies that can demonstrate proactive security policy enforcement are in a stronger position to gain customer trust and meet regulatory expectations. NSPM provides a structured way to ensure that policies remain compliant, reducing the risk of audit failures and costly remediations.Security teams must shift their approach from reactive to proactive policy management. The latest firewall vulnerabilities are proof that outdated security models are failing. Today, NSPM is a strategic imperative for reducing risk and ensuring resilience against the next inevitable breach.

We list the best small and medium business (SMB) firewall and the best cloud firewall.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Daredevil: Born Again season 1 is almost over already.The hit Marvel TV show's final episode will be with us sooner than you'd think – but, before we reach its climax, there's the small matter of two other chapters coming to Disney+ first.So, when will Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 be released on Disney's primary streaming platform? Below, I've outlined when you can watch it in the US, UK, and Australia. You'll also find out when new episodes will launch on one of the world's best streaming services, too. Without further ado, then, here's when you can catch Born Again's seventh installment.

When will Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 launch in the US?

"Vanessa, when will the next episode of our show be released on Disney+?" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Born Again's next entry is set to arrive on Disney+ in the US at 6PM PT / 9PM ET on Tuesday, April 1.If you're wondering why we've jumped from Born Again episode 5's release time to episode 7's, it's because two chapters were released on Disney+ last week. Indeed, there was a double helping of Daredevil's standalone Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series last week (March 25). So, if you somehow missed that double-header, you'll need to watch its sixth installment ASAP.

When can I watch Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 in the UK?

Jumping into a new episode of Born Again like... (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

The Marvel Phase 5 TV show's next outing will make its debut on Disney+ UK at 2AM BST on Wednesday, April 2.Why the time shift? The clocks went forward one hour in the UK last Sunday (March 30), so those of us on British shores will have to wait an extra hour to watch The Man Without Fear's next law- or vigilante-based story on the streaming giant.

What time is Daredevil: Born Again episode 7 going to debut on Disney+ in Australia?

Things won't get any easier for Matt Murdock from here on out (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Those Down Under can check out Born Again's next chapter on Wednesday, April 2 at 12PM AEDT.This is the final time you'll be able to watch the show at this time, too. The clocks are due to go back on Sunday (April 6), which makes things better for Australian viewers because you'll be able to stream episodes 8 and 9 at the earlier time of 11PM AEST.

What is the full release schedule for new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again?

We're not a-Muse-d that Born Again's first season has almost ended already (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

There are only two more episodes of Daredevil: Born Again to come before its first season ends. Find out when new entries for one of the best Disney+ shows will arrive in the US, UK, and Australia below:

Episode 1 – out nowEpisode 2 – out nowEpisode 3 – out nowEpisode 4 – out nowEpisode 5 – out nowEpisode 6 – out nowEpisode 7 – April 1 (US); April 2 (UK and Australia)Episode 8 – April 8 (US); April 9 (UK and Australia)Episode 9 – April 15 (US); April 16 (UK and Australia)

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Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription: was $9.99 per month now $4.99 at MarvelThe ultimate digital comics subscription for Marvel fans is offering new and returning customers 50% off their first month, which is much cheaper than a streaming subscription to watch all the best superhero movies. To gain access to a library of more than 30,000 comics, use the code 'SPIDEY50' at checkout. You're able to use the Marvel Unlimited app on all iOS and Android devices, including the web, too. But, be quick – the deal expires on May 5!View Deal

Ransomware attacks continue to be on the rise and show no signs of slowing down. In fact, a ransomware attack occurs every 39 seconds. That’s over 2200 attacks per day. The sophistication of these attacks evolves constantly, making it extremely challenging for any organization to maintain a strong security posture.New ransomware variants employ various tactics to compromise data, including slow encryption, shadow encryption, and byte replacement techniques. Additionally, attackers are increasingly focusing on data exfiltration, threatening to publish sensitive information if a ransom is not paid. No industry is immune to these threats, with ransomware campaigns specifically targeting sectors like supply chain, healthcare, and state and local governments.

The risk in paying the ransom

Many organizations believe that paying the ransom will restore their operations quickly, but the reality is far more complex. A 2024 study by security provider Sophos found that recovering from a ransomware attack typically costs 10 times more than the ransom itself. Attackers have also learned to target critical backup and data protection infrastructure, further complicating recovery. In fact, 94% of ransomware attacks involve attempts to compromise backups, with 57% of those attempts proving successful.Beyond the financial costs, ransomware attacks lead to operational downtime, disrupting business processes, reducing productivity, and harming profitability. The financial consequences extend beyond the ransom itself, including recovery expenses, regulatory fines, and in some cases, business closures. Organizations that pay ransoms and cannot recover their data often see significant increases in cyber insurance rates because they are at a higher risk of a second attack.Even when paying the ransom, ransomware can also corrupt or permanently delete critical data, undermining long-term business continuity. Customer trust is difficult to rebuild after a data breach, and failure to protect sensitive information can lead to severe penalties under regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

Prioritize recovery - Every ransom fuels the next attack

Paying the ransom only perpetuates the cycle of cybercrime. Instead of funding attackers, organizations must invest in a recovery-first approach that ensures operational resilience and minimizes downtime. This approach starts with immutable backups or snapshots, ensuring that data cannot be altered or deleted by ransomware.Secure ransomware detection mechanisms must be in place to identify ransomware attacks and give confidence that data brought back online does not reinfect the system. Continuous data validation ensures that backups remain recoverable and uncompromised. Finally, proven recovery strategies must be implemented to restore operations without resorting to ransom payments.By prioritizing recovery, organizations can disrupt the economic incentives that drive cybercriminals and enhance their long-term security posture. A strong focus on recovery does not just mitigate the effects of a ransomware attack, it helps break the cycle of funding future attacks.Every ransom paid strengthens cybercriminals, enabling them to develop more sophisticated attacks that target more victims. Organizations that invest in secure, reliable recovery measures play a crucial role in stopping the spread of ransomware.

Post-attack recovery

Businesses are doing what they believe is right and many are making heavy investments in security. Yet the vulnerabilities persist, leaving these organizations susceptible to ransomware. Many traditional resilience solutions fall short in ensuring quick and reliable recovery. To truly secure their environments, businesses must go beyond conventional approaches and implement comprehensive data integrity strategies.A robust post-attack recovery plan should include forensic analysis to understand how the attack occurred and identify compromised systems, accurate ransomware behavior detection to detect anomalies that signal an ongoing attack, and a unified approach to data integrity to ensure that only clean and uncorrupted backups are restored. Organizations must also establish clear recovery objectives, including defined recovery timeframes and prioritized systems for restoration, to ensure minimal disruption and maximum effectiveness.

Prepare for the future

Cyber resilience requires a proactive, team-oriented approach. Siloed organizations mean less institutional knowledge shared, creating gaps in security. Organizations should take multiple steps to strengthen their defenses, including implementing multi-factor authentication, network segmentation, and intrusion detection systems. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify vulnerabilities before attackers can get in and exploit them. Incident response training is also important to prepare teams with simulations and drills to ensure a coordinated response.The bottom line is it’s not if, but when ransomware will come to call, and prevention alone is not enough. A comprehensive data recovery plan, regularly tested and updated, will ensure that organizations can restore operations with minimal disruption and as quickly as possible. Recovery-first strategies must be ingrained in business continuity planning, ensuring that businesses can continue functioning even in the face of sophisticated cyber threats. By emphasizing data integrity and adopting a recovery-first mindset, organizations can break the cycle of ransomware attacks and fortify their cybersecurity defenses for the future.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

TVs are getting slimmer and sleeker, but that often comes at the expense of sound quality. Built-in speakers just don’t cut it when you want room-filling audio for movies, gaming or even just hearing dialogue clearly. That’s where a good soundbar comes in — an easy space-saving way to dramatically improve your TV’s audio without the hassle of a full home theater system.Whether you’re after a Dolby Atmos setup for immersive surround sound, a compact, budget-friendly option or a feature-packed soundbar with smart assistant support, there’s something out there to match your needs.

Table of contents

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

Best soundbars for 2025

What to look for in a soundbar

Other soundbars we tested

Soundbar FAQs

The post-CES soundbar outlook for 2025

I typically come out of CES with a pretty clear understanding of the new soundbars that are coming for the year, but that wasn’t exactly the case in 2025. LG decided to carry over its most premium soundbars from 2024, but it will add the compact S20A this year. The company only previewed the model at CES, so full specs are still forthcoming.

Samsung will once again keep the same overall design and features for its top-end Q990 soundbar. However, the company is adding a few new tools and it drastically reduced the size of the wireless subwoofer that comes in the box. Samsung does have one new model for 2025, the QS700F, that’s designed to sit on a table or automatically adjust to being mounted flat on a wall. Details are scarce on that soundbar for now and I anticipate a full spec sheet when the company is really to sell it.

Of the big three TV companies, Sony is the only one that didn’t announce any home theater gear at CES. The company has decided to focus mainly on its automotive efforts at the show recently, leaving TV and audio announcements for later in the year. The company debuted multiple soundbar options in 2024 and a four-speaker setup for the living room in the Bravia Quad. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if Sony released new soundbars later in the year since its most recent models were only announced last April.

One company I would keep an eye on is Sennheiser. The original Ambeo model is nearly six years old and could use a refresh. The company has added medium and mini options to the Ambeo lineup since then, but it would be nice to see a refined version of the largest model too. The original Ambeo soundbar is huge, so no matter how good it sounds, it will always be a tough sell for some people.

Although I think it’s less likely, it’s also possible that Sonos has new soundbars this year. While the company’s next device will likely be the rumored set-top streaming box, the Sound Motion tech inside the Arc Ultra would offer a big improvement to bass performance in compact models like the Beam and Ray. The company may bring Sound Motion to standalone speakers first, but it’s destined for those smaller soundbars eventually.

The best soundbars for 2025

What to look for in a soundbar

Features

When it comes to features, the more you pay the more you're going to get in your new audio system. Most affordable options ($150 or less) will improve your television's audio quality, but that's about it. Step into the $300 to $400 range and you'll find a smart soundbar with things like built-in voice control, wireless connectivity, Google Chromecast, AirPlay 2 and even Android TV. They're all helpful when you want to avoid looking for the remote control, but the best sound quality is usually only in the top tier and the formats those premium soundbar systems support. I’m talking about things like Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and other high-resolution audio standards. These are essential if you want truly cinematic sound for your living-room setup. And not all Atmos soundbars are equal, so you'll need to look at the finer details carefully before you break into the savings account. If you're looking for one of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, size, channels and subwoofer options will be important factors to consider. Some models even include a dedicated subwoofer to enhance bass performance, bringing an extra punch to action scenes and soundtracks.

Ports

This is a big one. A lot of the more affordable soundbars are limited when it comes to connectivity options. They either offer an optical port or one HDMI jack and, if you're lucky, both. Things get slightly better in the mid-range section, but that's not always the case. The Sonos Beam, for example, is $449, but only has a single HDMI port. Even at the higher-end, the $899 Sonos Arc still only has one HDMI port. If you plan to connect multiple devices like a set-top box, gaming laptop or console directly to your soundbar for the best audio experience, you’ll want an option with at least two HDMI (eARC) inputs. HDMI connections are critical for supporting Dolby Atmos and Dolby Digital audio formats, as well as high-res passthrough for HDR and 8K/4K content.

Channels

Another big thing you’ll want to pay attention to when looking for the best soundbar is channels. That’s the 2.1, 7.1.2 or other decimal number that companies include in product descriptions. The first figure corresponds to the number of channels. A two would just be left and right while a more robust Atmos system, especially one with rear surround speakers, could be five or seven (left, right, center and upward). The second number refers to the dedicated subwoofer, so if your new soundbar comes with one or has them built in, you’ll see one here. The third numeral is up-firing speakers, important for the immersive effect of Dolby Atmos. Not all Atmos-enabled units have them, but if they do, the third number will tell you how many are in play and how they contribute to the overall soundstage.

Wireless

Most soundbars these days offer either Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or both. When it comes to Wi-Fi, that connectivity affords you luxuries like voice control (either built-in or with a separate device), Chromecast, Spotify Connect and AirPlay 2. Depending on your preferences, you might be able to live without some of these. For me, AirPlay 2 and Chromecast are essentials, but the rest I can live without. Those two give me the ability to beam music and podcasts from my go-to apps without having to settle for — or struggle with — a Bluetooth connection. For instance, Sonos speakers often offer seamless integration with iOS devices, making it easy to connect and stream music wirelessly. If you’re looking for a wireless speaker that can enhance your TV setup while also offering flexibility for audio throughout the house, it's worth considering a multi-room system.

Size

This one might seem obvious but humor me for a minute. Nothing is more soul-crushing than getting a pricey soundbar in your living room only to discover you have to rearrange everything to find a spot for it. This was my plight when the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar arrived at my door. Yes, that speaker is absurdly large (and heavy), and most soundbars aren't nearly as big. I learned a valuable lesson: Make sure the space where you want to put a soundbar will accommodate the thing you're about to spend hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars on.

Basically, it all comes down to the TV you have (or are planning to get) and what the primary goal is for your living-room audio. Is it ease of use? Do you want the best possible sound from a single speaker or speaker/sub combo? Do you just want to be able to actually hear your TV better? Or do you want to turn your living room into an immersive home theater system with surround sound?

By paying attention to each of those areas, you should have a good idea of what to look for in a soundbar, soundbar/subwoofer combo, Dolby Digital system or a more robust setup. With that said, we've put numerous products through their paces at Engadget and have a few favorites for best soundbar at various price points to get you started.

Other soundbars we tested

Sonos Arc

There’s no doubt that the Arc is Sonos’ best-sounding soundbar, but it’s also the company’s most expensive. With a new model based on the Arc rumored to be on the way, it’s difficult to recommend this product over the likes of Samsung and Sony. The Arc works well as both a soundbar and a speaker, and the device will fit in nicely with other Sonos gear you might already have for a multiroom setup. It only has one HDMI port though, where much of the competition allows you to connect streaming and gaming devices directly to their soundbars.

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus

I don’t think Sennheiser’s medium-sized model offers enough to stand out from the more powerful Ambeo Soundbar Max or the Ambeo Soundbar Mini. The Mini is more affordable and does a solid job with immersive audio in its own right. Like the rest of the Ambeo lineup, there’s no option for satellite speakers as you can only add a subwoofer to the soundbars. However, the Ambeo Soundbar Plus does have RCA input, so you can use it with a turntable if you’re into vinyl.

Soundbar FAQs

Is a soundbar better than speakers?

It really depends on what you’re after. A soundbar is definitely a simpler, more compact solution compared to a full speaker setup. If you want better sound than your TV’s built-in setup but don’t want to deal with multiple speakers and wires everywhere, a soundbar is probably the way to go. Some soundbars can even deliver impressive surround sound effects, thanks to features like Dolby Atmos and virtual audio technology.

However, if you’re an audiophile or want true surround sound for an at-home theater experience, a multi-speaker setup with a receiver, surround speakers and subwoofer will give you a richer soundstage and more control over your experience.

What connection do I need for a soundbar?

Most modern soundbars connect to your TV via HDMI ARC or eARC, which is the easiest and best option for achieving high-quality audio. If your TV supports this, all you need is an HDMI cable, and you’ll get not only great sound but also some extra features like controlling the soundbar with your TV remote.

If HDMI ARC isn’t an option on your TV, you can use an optical cable, which also delivers solid audio quality. Some soundbars even offer Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connections for streaming music, and a few still have a 3.5mm aux jack for connecting to older devices.

Do all soundbars come with subwoofers?

Not all soundbars come with subwoofers, but many do or at least offer one as an optional add-on that you can purchase separately. A subwoofer is what gives you that deep, booming bass, so if you like action movies or want a fuller sound for music, having one can make a big difference. Some soundbars have a built-in subwoofer, but these generally don’t provide the same punch as a separate one. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/best-soundbars-143041791.html?src=rss

Is the Nintendo Switch 2 launching this year?(Image credit: Nintendo)Thanks to a short presentation in January, we know that the Nintendo Switch 2 is set to launch later this year. For now, we know what it looks like, that most Switch games will be playable on it, and that there's a new Mario Kart on the way. Now it's just a short wait before a Direct on April 2 is set to reveal more.

Now that we're into 2025, there's plenty of big games to look forward to in the coming months. These include a few games that were delayed out of last year, as well as some very highly anticipated titles indeed.From Doom: The Dark Ages to GTA 6, the games slated for upcoming release look to be a very fine line-up indeed, regardless of whether you're playing on console or PC. Some games are much closer than others however, so it can be a little tricky to keep track of everything. That's where we come in.Below, we’ve collated release dates and windows for the biggest confirmed games of 2025 and beyond. So whether you’re playing on PC or consoles, there will likely be at least one game on this list that you’ll want to mark on your calendar. Here's the upcoming games to look forward to in 2025.

Upcoming games 2025: this year’s biggest games

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered - April 3 (PC)South of Midnight - April 8 (PC, XSX|S)Doom: The Dark Ages - May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)Death Stranding 2 - June 26, 2025 (PS5)Borderlands 4 - September 23 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)GTA 6 - 2025 (PS5, XSX|S)

April

(Image credit: Compulsion Games)

It's looking like a big year for Xbox, with April seeing the release of South of Midnight. PC players will also get to play The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered - April 3 (PC)South of Midnight - April 8 (PC, XSX|S)Lost Records: Bloom and Rage Tape 2 - April 15 (PC, PS5, XSX|S)Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - April 17 (PS5)Fatal Fury: City of Wolves - April 24, 2025 (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PC)Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 - April 24 (PC, PS5, XSX|S)Days Gone Remastered - April 25 (PS5)Forza Horizon 5 - 29th April (PS5)

May

(Image credit: id software/Bethesda)

May brings with it a brand new Doom game, and a sequel to a much-beloved cult sci-fi game.

Metal Eden - May 5 (PS5, PC)The Midnight Walk - May 8 (PS5, PC)Doom: The Dark Ages - May 15 (XSX|S, PS5, PC)Sonic Wings Reunion - May 29 (PC, PS5, PS4, Switch)Lost Soul Aside - May 30 (PS5, PC)Elden Ring: Nightrein - May 30, 2025 (PS5, PS4, PC, XBO, XSX|S)Revenge of the Savage Planet - May TBC (PC, XSX|S, XBO, PS5, PS4)

June

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

We'll finally get our hands on Death Stranding 2 in June. Here's what else is coming out:

Five Nights At Freddy's: Secret of the Mimic - June 13, 2025 (PS5, PSVR2)Death Stranding 2 - June 26, 2025 (PS5)Stellar Blade - June TBC (PC)

Rest of 2025 and TBC

(Image credit: Rockstar)

Finally, here's a list of 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.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - 11th July (PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch)Metal Solid Delta: Snake Eater - August 28 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)Shinobi: Art of Vengeance - August 29 (PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, Switch, PC)Hell Is Us - September 4, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)Borderlands 4 - September 23, 2025Directive 8020 - October 2, 2025 (PS5, XSX|S, PC)MindsEye - Summer 2025 (PS5)Arc Raiders - 2025Dreams of Another - 2025Dune Awakening - Early 2025 (PC)Digimon Time Stranger - 2025GTA 6 - Fall 2025Darwin's Paradox - 2025Fable - 2026 (XSX|S, PC)Forever Skies - 2025 (PS5)Ballad of Antara - 2025 (PS5)Ghost of Yotei - 2025 (PS5)Where Winds Meet - 2025 (PS5, PC)Onimusha: Way of the Sword - 2026Saros - 2026Beyond Good and Evil 2 - TBCMarvel's Blade - TBCBioShock 4 - TBCDokeV - TBC (PC, PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO)Everwild - TBC (XSX|S, PC)Fallout 5 - TBCHades 2 - TBC (PC)Haunted Chocolatier - TBCHollow Knight: Silksong - TBC (PS5, XSX|S, PS4, XBO, PC, Switch)Judas - TBCMarvel's Wolverine - TBC (PS5)Kingdom Hearts 4 - TBCMass Effect 5 - TBCFairgame$ - TBC (PS5, PC)Marathon - TBC (PS5, PC)Metroid Prime 4 : Beyond - TBC 2025 (Switch)Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake - 2026Phantom Blade 0 - TBC (PS5)Project 007 - TBCProject Mara - TBC (XSX|S, PC)Revenant Hill - TBC (PS5, PS4)Splinter Cell remake - TBCStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake - TBC (PS5)Star Wars Eclipse - TBCState of Decay 3 - TBC (XSX|S, PC)The Elder Scrolls 6 - TBCThe Outer Worlds 2 - TBC (PC, XSX|S)The Sims 5 - TBCThe Witcher 4 - TBCDying Light: The Beast - TBC

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Sony and Marvel have revealed the official title for Spider-Man 4The superhero movie's real name was unveiled at CinemaCon 2025Tom Holland's next big-screen adventure isn't likely to adapt its comic book namesake's story

Spider-Man 4 is no more. No, I don't mean one of the most anticipated comic book movies has suddenly been canceled. I'm actually referring to the fact that the superhero film finally has an official title.Revealed during Sony Pictures' CinemaCon 2025 presentation yesterday (March 31), the webslinger's next outing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is called Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day 🕷️ July 31, 2026. pic.twitter.com/R6OY8tAHObApril 1, 2025

Sony also reconfirmed the forthcoming flick's recently revised launch date, too, with Spider-Man 4 set to swing into theaters on July 31, 2026. Originally, Brand New Day was going to land in theaters worldwide on July 24, 2026, but its launch was delayed so it won't go up against The Odyssey, aka Christopher Nolan's movie reimagining of Homer's ancient Greek epic poem.Taking to the stage during Sony's presentation, director Daniel Destin Cretton also reaffirmed filming will begin on Spider-Man's latest MCU outing in mid-2025. Tom Holland, who plays the titular hero and his civilian identity Peter Parker, addressed the audience via a pre-recorded message.Given he has previous form for spoiling the plot of Marvel movies, Holland erred on the side of caution this time around. Indeed, after apologizing for not being at the event in-person – Holland is part of The Odyssey's all-star cast, so he's currently filming that flick – he went to say about Spider-Man 4: "I know we left you with a massive cliff hanger at the end of Spider-Man: No Way Home, so Spider Man: Brand New Day is a fresh start. It is exactly that. That’s all I can say."

Spider-Man: Brand New Day's controversial title explained

'Brand New Day' is the title of a Marvel comic book series that began in early 2008 (Image credit: Marvel Comics)

Spider-Man 4's new name obviously alludes to the start of a *ahem* brand new trilogy for the beloved wallcrawler that'll begin with this Marvel Phase 6 project. No Way Home effectively closed the door on the most recent chapter in Peter Parker's life; the superpowered teenager beginning anew after Doctor Strange cast a spell to make everyone – including Peter's girlfriend MJ and best buddy Ned – forget he was Spider-Man in No Way Home's final act.Nevertheless, the mere mention of the upcoming movie's subtitle is enough to send a shiver down the most devoted Spider-Man fan. Indeed, Brand New Day is also the title of a comic book storyline, which ran from January 2008 to July 2008, that followed the most controversial comic series in the Marvel hero's 80-year-plus existence.For the uninitiated: the 'Brand New Day' storyline was the sequel to the extremely divisive 'One More Day' event. In the latter four-part series, Peter and Mary Jane sacrificed their marriage to save Aunt May's life after she was shot by Kingpin. The Parkers made a deal with the demon lord known as Mephisto to spare Aunt May, but he'd erase the couple's entire history in order to do so.

Spider-Man: No Way Home took some inspiration from the 'One More Day' comic book miniseries (Image credit: Matt Kennedy / Columbia Pictures)

While fans praised Joe Quesada's artwork within the pages of the 'Brand New Day' comics, many were infuriated by the decision to wipe out decades of history between Peter and Mary Jane. Others called the story "downright disrespectful" and that it not only "undermined" Spider-Man lore, but also went against everything the hero, plus the wider themes at play throughout his illustrious history, stood for.Fortunately, it's incredibly unlikely that 'Brand New Day' will be adapted ad verbatim for Spider-Man 4. No Way Home was only loosely inspired by 'One More Day', so I expect Brand New Day to eschew much of its comic book namesake's story to tell an original tale instead. Now, about the character that Sadie Sink is reportedly going to play in Spider-Man 4, Sony and Marvel...

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Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription: was $9.99 per month now $4.99 at MarvelThe ultimate digital comics subscription for Marvel fans is offering new and returning customers 50% off their first month, which is much cheaper than a streaming subscription to watch all the best superhero movies. To gain access to a library of more than 30,000 comics, use the code 'SPIDEY50' at checkout. You're able to use the Marvel Unlimited app on all iOS and Android devices, including the web, too. But, be quick – the deal expires on May 5!View Deal

Apple has released almost all of its latest software for iPhone, iPad, and other devicesWe were also expecting watchOS 11.4 with a couple of new updatesHowever, the Apple Watch software hasn't been released

While Apple's WWDC 2025 event and the unveiling of watchOS 12 are just a few weeks away, Apple continues to support watchOS 11 for the best Apple Watch models. However, the latest version of the software, watchOS 11.4 has failed to materialize alongside the rest of Apple's latest software.As spotted by numerous software watchers on X, Apple released iOS 18.4 for all the best iPhones on March 31, alongside iPadOS 18.4, macOS 15.4, and updates for tvOS and the Apple Vision Pro.At first glance, everyone assumed that the latest Apple Watch software would appear alongside the other OS updates. However, shortly after the customary 1pm ET rollout time it became clear that watchOS 11.4 hadn't actually been released, despite Apple listing it on its website.

Where is watchOS 11.4?

Just an fyi. It looks like Apple never released watchOS 11.4 despite listing it on their website. It has since been removed.March 31, 2025

It does indeed seem strange that Apple would list watchOS 11.4 for release alongside all of its other software before choosing not to roll it out.As it stands, there doesn't seem to be any sign of the latest software, which could suggest any number of things. It's possible that Apple hadn't planned to release watchOS 11.4 on March 31, and that its listing was a mistake. Reasons for this could include server or download issues, or simply the software being not ready.WatchOS 11.4 was due to bring us some new emojis, a couple of bug fixes, an update for Matter-compatible robot vacuum cleaners, and a great new feature that can force Sleep Wake Up alarms to break through Silent Mode on your watch.Sadly, these features aren't available as yet. We don't have a clear indication as to why watchOS 11.4 didn't launch this week and no idea when it might come out; it could be today, or it might still be days or even weeks away.We've reached out to Apple for confirmation, and we'll report back with any developments.

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Editor's noteWe've updated this guide with reference to the iPhone 16e, new iPad models, and newer versions of iOS 18.

Both iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 are now available to download, but which iPhone and iPad models are supported by Apple's latest updates?Helpfully, Apple has confirmed the device requirements for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, so below, we’ve listed every supported iPhone and iPad. If your device supports the software, it will be compatible with all subsequent versions of iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 (e.g. iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4), too.We also have details on which iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features aren't available on every device, since Apple is restricting certain tools to newer Apple chipsets.

iOS 18 compatibility

Even the iPhone 12 mini (above) is compatible with iOS 18 (Image credit: TechRadar)

Apple has confirmed that all iPhone models including and newer than the iPhone XS (i.e. any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or better) are compatible with iOS 18. Incidentally, that’s the same eligibility criteria as iOS 17, so if you’re currently running Apple’s last-generation flagship software, you’ll be able to download iOS 18, too.The full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones is as follows:

iPhone 16eiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone SE (2020)iPhone SE (2022)

iPadOS 18 compatibility

(Image credit: Future)

Almost all iPad models are available in multiple sizes, as well as Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi + Cellular configurations, so in the interest of readability, we’ve grouped the below list of iPadOS 18-compatible models into dated categories:

iPad Pro models from 2018 and later (3rd generation onwards)iPad Air models from 2019 and later (3rd generation onwards)iPad models from 2020 and later (8th generation onwards)iPad mini models from 2019 and later (5th generation onwards)

Unlike with iOS 17, not every iPad that runs iPadOS 17 is compatible with iPadOS 18. Specifically, Apple has dropped support for the iPad Pro 10.5-inch (2017), the iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2017), and the iPad 9.7-inch (2018).

Feature compatibility

The Messages via Satellite feature is limited to the iPhone 14 series and upwards (Image credit: Apple)

Not every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18-compatible iPhone and iPad can benefit from every iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 feature.Apple Intelligence features, for instance, are exclusive to devices running Apple’s M-series, A18, A18 Pro, and A17 Pro chipsets, while the Messages via Satellite tool is limited to the iPhone 14 series and newer.Below, we’ve detailed a list of exclusive iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 features, alongside their respective device requirements. Apple Intelligence features notwithstanding, we’ve only been able to track down information relating to iPhone compatibility, but we’ll be updating the list with iPad compatibility once we've been able to confirm that information with Apple.

Apple Intelligence features – iPhone 16 series, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max and M1-equipped iPad and Mac models (or newer)Messages via Satellite – iPhone 14 or newerAudio transcription in Notes – iPhone 12 or newerEye tracking – iPhone 12 or newerMusic Haptics – iPhone 12 or newerWireless smart lock opening – iPhone 11 or newerEnhance Dialogue feature in Apple TV – iPhone 11 or newer

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Take-Two won't reveal the GTA 6 launch date until we're 'relatively' close to its releaseTake-Two boss Strauss Zelnick says the publisher wants to "maintain the anticipation and the excitement"GTA 6 is still scheduled to launch in Fall 2025

Take-Two has confirmed that it won't be announcing the release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 until we're "relatively" close to launch.Speaking in a recent interview with Bloomberg TV's Wall St. Week, Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick was asked about the highly-anticipated release of Rockstar Games' upcoming GTA title and why the publisher is being so secretive about its release date (via GameSpot).Zelnick explained that Take-Two likes to hold back from revealing the date too soon in favor of sharing marketing materials closer to release to maintain excitement around the game."The anticipation for [GTA 6] may be the greatest anticipation I've ever seen for an entertainment property, and I've been around the block a few times. And I've been in every entertainment business there is," Zelnick said."We want to maintain the anticipation and the excitement. We have competitors who will describe their release schedule for years in advance. We've found the better thing to do is to provide marketing materials relatively close to the release window in order to create that excitement, and balance the excitement with unmet expectation. We don't always get it right. But that's what we're trying to do."

Zelnick went on to discuss why it's taken Rockstar over a decade to make the follow-up to its massively successful GTA 5, saying that Take-Two's team's "set an intention" of letting some franchises rest to build hype and that it simply "takes a long time" to make a game as big as GTA 6."Rockstar Games seeks perfection in what they do. Perfection is a pretty high bar. It takes a long time," he added.Grand Theft Auto 6 was finally announced in December 2023 alongside the first trailer teasing the game's Vice City setting and dual protagonists Lucia and Jason.It's slated to release in Fall 2025 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, and despite the lack of updates throughout 2024, Take-Two has reaffirmed that the game will be launching on time.

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CinemaCon 2025 is underway, bringing together all the biggest movie theater owners, Hollywood studios and industry execs for a four-day showcase of presentations and screenings, and we're here to roundup the most important entertainment announcements in one place for you.The event kicked off yesterday (March 31) in the sunny city of Las Vegas with Sony taking the stage to unveil a packed lineup of new movies. But there's a lot more in store over the next few days, as we're still yet to hear from Warners Bros. Discovery, Lionsgate, Universal, DreamWorks Animation, Focus Features, Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Studios.Hollywood's biggest studios have been working on some huge movies, so it's exciting to get an update on where each film is at in development, with some far enough in production that there's been some sneak peeks of what to expect. So, sit back and grab the popcorn – here's everything that's been announced so far at CinemaCon 2025.

Leaked renders show the possible design of the Google Pixel 10 Pro FoldIt appears identical to the Pixel 9 Pro FoldThe rumored dimensions and specs are also mostly identical, just with a new chipset

It’s not just Samsung launching foldable phones this year, we’re also expecting new models from various other brands, with the most high-profile alternative to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 likely to be the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold, and we’ve now seen how this phone might look.But going by the renders – shared by Android Headlines in collaboration with @OnLeaks – you might as well just stick with the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.The phone shown here looks identical to the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, right down to the size of the lenses in the camera module, suggesting that there will be few if any changes to the cameras. That would probably mean we’re getting a 48MP main, 10.5MP ultra-wide, and 10.8MP telephoto (with 5x optical zoom) on the back.

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Android Headlines / @OnLeaks)

The dimensions are also roughly the same – this source claims the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is 155.2 x 150.4 x 5.3mm when unfolded, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is 155.2 x 150.2 x 5.1mm. That would make the new model marginally wider and thicker, but there’s apparently a 0.1-0.3mm margin of error in the leaked dimensions, with Android Headlines predicting that the actual dimensions will be identical to those of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.In any case, Android Headlines also expects the storage and RAM configurations to remain the same as last year, meaning 16GB of RAM and a choice of 256GB or 512GB of storage.So in short, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might have the same design, dimensions, cameras, storage, and RAM as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, and given the dimensions are seemingly around the same it probably has the same screen sizes too – meaning an 8.0-inch foldable display and a 6.3-inch cover screen.That all assumes this leak is right, but it comes from a reputable source, so it could well be. In which case, what is actually changing for this new model? Well, the Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to have a new Tensor G5 chipset, but that alone is unlikely to make it worth upgrading to.

A promising price

Its secret weapon – if it has one at all – could be its price, with Android Headlines claiming the Pixel 10 Pro Fold might have a “modest price reduction” compared to the $1,799 / £1,799 / AU $2,699 Pixel 9 Pro Fold.That would make sense given how little of an upgrade it apparently is, but then the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will probably be available for far less by the time this phone launches, and if the chipset is the only major difference, the new phone might still have a tough time tempting buyers.Hopefully then this leak is wrong, or at least missing some important pieces of the puzzle. With the Pixel 10 Pro Fold probably not landing until August, we might not know exactly how tempting this phone will be for a while yet.

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The Nintendo Today app has provided another Switch 2 hintThis time it's a video that hints at Joy-Con mouse functionalityThe Switch 2 Direct is happening tomorrow on April 2

While Nintendo hasn't outright confirmed the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers have mouse functionality, the company sure isn't shy about teasing it.The latest hint was spotted by VGC, and it comes via the recently launched Nintendo Today app. The app featured a short teaser video today (April 1) that displays the Nintendo Switch 2 console in a variety of setups including docked, handheld and tabletop modes.The tabletop mode setup off to the right is what we're focusing on. It shows the Joy-Con controllers detached from the console, with one of them placed on its side like it was in the initial Switch 2 announcement video.

(Image credit: Nintendo)

While VGC originally spotted the video via its Japanese Nintendo account, it can now be viewed on the Nintendo Today app globally. You'll just need to download the app via Google Play or the Apple Store and log in with your own Nintendo account.Now again, it's important to note that this is just a teaser video and it doesn't outright confirm mouse functionality is enabled for Switch 2's Joy-Con. However, you have to think that placing the Joy-Con on its side like that is a pretty deliberate choice, and it's not likely to be the default way to place them down after you've finished using them.Of course, we'll likely know for sure at tomorrow's big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which is airing on April 2 at 6am PDT / 9am EST / 2pm GMT / 3pm CEST.We'll be covering the presentation live here at TechRadar Gaming, so be sure to stay tuned!

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Amazon has reached a multi-year agreement with EACertain EA games will now come to the Amazon Luna cloud gaming serviceThis starts with Star War Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Dead Space available now

Amazon has reached a multi-year agreement with publisher Electronic Arts (EA) that will see many of its best games added to the Amazon Luna cloud gaming service.This starts with Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Dead Space, which are all available right now. Although a limited version of Amazon Luna can be accessed at no additional cost for Amazon Prime members, these games are part of the Luna+ subscription service - a $9.99 / £8.99 per month add-on.More EA titles are on the way too, including a number from its popular EA Sports franchises. I'm personally really hoping for an Amazon Luna version of The Sims 4 though, as it just seems like the perfect fit for a cloud gaming service that you can play almost anywhere.I would love to be able to check in with my sims from my TV when I'm sprawled on the sofa at home, spend a few hours playing from my phone the next time I go on a big trip.David Tinson, EVP and chief experiences officer at EA said that the company is "focused on building experiences that entertain and engage EA’s massive online communities.""We’re excited to partner with Amazon to make those games available to even more people,” he continued. “We look forward to a selection of EA games joining Amazon Luna, offering new ways for players and fans to come together across a variety of devices they already own, wherever they are.”You can try Amazon Luna on a plethora of devices, including PC, mobile, and select smart TVs.

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The Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable fan with misting functionIt's a shrunk-down version of the FlexBreeze, available in six colorsIt's currently only available in the US, and costs $129.99

Shark has added a new model to its fan range: the Shark FlexBreeze HydroGo is a portable version of the ultra-popular FlexBreeze, and comes with the same misting functionality, so not only does it blast you with cool air, it also sprays you with a fine mist of water to help bring some chill to hot days.In our Shark FlexBreeze review, we were blown away (pun intended) by the full-size version, rating it one of the best fans you can buy. The shrunk-down version has many of the same benefits – it can be used corded or cordless, indoors or out. Shark has gone a step further by making this one available in a variety of colors: a couple of shades of grey alongside four more summery candy tones.

(Image credit: Shark )

It has a carry handle to make it easier to tote around, so you need never be without your own personal wind machine. That's particularly useful because I'd say that this portable fan isn't especially small – think desktop rather than handheld. That's probably good news for the power though (Shark claims it has a blowing radius of up to 70 feet, although we'll get back to you on that once we've tested it.)The misting – once you've got used to the idea of a fan that spits on you – is actually a very smart addition. Fans don't actually lower the temperature, they just make you feel cooler by moving the air around and speeding up the evaporation of sweat from your skin. A mister can lower the temperature of a room, as well as intensifying that cooling feeling created by the fan.

(Image credit: Shark )

Shark has form when it comes to innovative fans – we've just reviewed the Shark TurboBlade, which can blast out concentrated blades of air in any direction from its pivotable arms.Currently, the FlexBreeze HydroGo is only available in the US, and costs $129.99 when purchased directly from Shark. The brand also has a big presence in the UK and Australia, so we're hoping it might make its way to other territories soon.

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Nova Act AI agent is designed to control a web browser with simple functionsIt scored 94% on ScreenSpot Web Text, outperforming OpenAI and AnthropicIt comprises five models – Nova Micro, Lite, Pro, Canvas and Reel

Amazon has launched a new AI agent designed to control a web browser and perform simple browsing tasks autonomously.Currently available in research preview, Amazon says Nova Act is part of its efforts to deliver “real-world value” for all types of customers, including shoppers, sellers and advertisers – not just enterprises.US-based customers with an Amazon account can start using the platform immediately, even though it’s not a full release, by visiting nova.amazon.com, where it can automate simple tasks like ordering food, making reservations, filling out forms or selecting calendar dates.

Amazon Nova Act models and online service

Nova Act is accompanied by Nova Act SDK, which enables developers to build their own browser-based AI agents using the same technology.“nova.amazon.com puts the power of Amazon’s frontier intelligence into the hands of every developer and tech enthusiast, making it easier than ever to explore the capabilities of Amazon Nova,” said Rohit Prasad, SVP of Amazon Artificial General Intelligence.Three separate models have been launched to support the tool and SDK with text generation capabilities – Nova Micro, Lite, and Pro – as well as a fourth for image generation (Nova Canvas) and a fifth for video generation (Nova Reel).The company noted agents are still in their “early stage[s]” and that their usefulness will only grow as developments continue to roll out.Moreover, Amazon’s internal tests demonstrate how Nova Act outperformed key rivals, including Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet (90%) and OpenAI’s CUA (88%) on the ScreenSpot Web Text benchmark, designed to test how the models interact with text on screen. Nova Act scored an impressive 94%.It’s also possible that Nova Act could play a key role in the company’s upcoming Alexa+ upgrade, which improves the utility of the company’s popular voice assistant with AI.We tried to access the site from the UK, but were greeted with the following message: “Thank you for your interest in Amazon Nova. At this time, we are only accepting customers in the US.”It’s unclear when Amazon will roll the online service out more broadly.

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Apple debuted iOS 18 at WWDC 2024, and the feature-packed software update is now available to download on all iOS 18-compatible devices.Now in its fifth iteration (known officially as iOS 18.4), iOS 18 brings Apple Intelligence to the best iPhones (i.e. the iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16 Pro, and some iPhone 15 models), and for everyone else, significant upgrades to core iPhone apps including Mail, Messages, Photos, and Maps.Below, we've detailed the iOS 18 release date(s), key iOS 18 features, and a list of iOS-compatible devices. Here's how to download iOS 18 if you haven't already.

Latest newsiOS 18.4 is now rolling out to compatible devices, bringing upgrades to Apple Intelligence, Apple Music, and the Photos app.

Cut to the chase

What is it? The latest major iOS releaseWhen did it come out? September 16, 2024How much does it cost? It's a free upgrade

iOS 18: release date

Apple announced iOS 18 at WWDC 2024 (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 began rolling out to compatible devices on September 16, 2024, though the software update was actually announced way back at WWDC 2024 on June 10, 2024.Between June and September, Apple released a steady stream of iOS 18 betas, giving both developers and users the chance to try out some of the best iOS 18 features well in advance of their arrival.In the months since its initial release, Apple has rolled out four iterative iOS 18 updates: iOS 18.1 (on October 28), iOS 18.2 (on December 11), iOS 18.3 (on January 28), and iOS 18.4 (on March 31).

iOS 18: features

Below, we've detailed the biggest and best iOS 18 features. For the full list of confirmed features, check out as Apple's dedicated iOS 18 features PDF.

Apple Intelligence

A selection of things Apple Intelligence can do (Image credit: Apple)

Rather than debuting with iOS 18 proper, Apple Intelligence came to the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPhone 16 line as part of iOS 18.1, which didn't arrive (in the US, at least) until October 28. The AI-packed toolset then debuted on UK devices in iOS 18.2, and in iOS 18.3, Apple removed the need to manually enable Apple Intelligence on compatible devices (i.e. it's now available by default).You'll find a full list of Apple Intelligence features in our dedicated Apple Intelligence hub, but as a general rundown, the toolset includes a smarter Siri, text summarization, writing assistance, and generative image creation.

Redesigned Photos app

(Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 brings the "biggest-ever redesign" to the iPhone's Photos app. Essentially, it's been unified into a single view, comprising a photo grid and a dates grid, to better help you find the photo you're looking for. You're able to filter photos by categories, too, like screenshots and groups.There's also a new 'Recovered' album feature in iOS 18, which houses any photos or videos that aren't in your main photo gallery. According to Apple, this reduces the risk of database corruption or issues with third-party apps.

Advanced Home Screen customization

(Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 grants users the ability to rearrange app icons and widgets. For the first time, you're able to position apps at the bottom or side of the screen, freeing up real estate for the wallpaper behind them. You're also able to trigger a new dark mode for app icons in iOS 18, as well as add color tints.

Control Center upgrades

(Image credit: Apple)

Like the Home Screen, Control Center has also been upgraded in iOS 18. You're now able to separate the Control Center into distinct function groups, like Media and Home, and you can resize Control Center widgets, too.For the first time on iPhone, iOS 18 also allows you to edit which Control Center widgets appear on the Lock Screen.

Messages upgrades

Image 1 of 2iOS 18 introduces the ability to schedule messages (Image credit: Apple)Image 2 of 2You'll be able to send messages via satellite in iOS 18 (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 lets you react to messages using any emoji, and you're also able to schedule messages to send at a convenient time in the future. Apple has added new text formatting to the Messages app, too, so you're able to underline, strikethrough and bold your messages, as well as add new text formatting like ripple effects.The Messages app also supports the RCS standard in iOS 18. This should facilitate a richer messaging experience when you're communicating with someone who doesn't own an Apple device.Oh, and Apple has also expanded the satellite capabilities of compatible iPhones to let you send messages via satellite when cellular and Wi-Fi connections aren’t available. Neat!

A new Passwords app

The new Passwords app in action on macOS Sequoia (Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18 brings with it a new, default iPhone app: Passwords. As the name suggests, Passwords acts as a one-stop shop for all your precious passwords, passkeys, and verification codes. As well as being a digital storage vault, the app will also alert you if you're using weak passwords, or if your details have been involved in a data breach.Naturally, all of the information inside the Passwords app is protected by end-to-end encryption, and, of course, you're able to lock it behind Touch or Face ID authentication.

Mail categorization

(Image credit: Shutterstock / sdx15)

iOS 18.2 leveraged the power of Apple's new-and-improved on-device processing to categorize emails into four folders: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. In this version of iOS 18, the Mail app can provide easy-to-read digests, too, helping you to quickly scan for what’s important in the moment.For a rundown of the new system, read our guide on how to turn off Mail categories on iPhone, or customize them to your needs.

Wallet upgrades

iOS 18 adds a new 'tap to cash' feature to the Wallet app (Image credit: Apple)

The Wallet app has been upgraded with a new 'tap to cash' feature in iOS 18, which should help make paying friends easier. Certain event tickets will also now feature a more dynamic design.

Apple News+ recipes

(Image credit: Apple)

iOS 18.4 added a new Food section to Apple News+, which features content on healthy eating, restaurants, and recipes.The Recipe Catalog allows users to save recipes for later, and a follow-along Cooking mode makes putting them into practice a piece of cake.

A dedicated Vision Pro app

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

iOS 18.4 also brought a dedicated Vision Pro app to iPhone, giving Vision Pro users the ability to check for new spatial content and get quick information about their headset. The app will automatically install for those with a Vision Pro headset registered to their Apple Account.

Ambient Music from the Control Center

(Image credit: Future)

iOS 18.4 introduced a dedicated Ambient Music feature to iPhone, and oddly, it's part of the Control Center, not Apple Music.Users can access four different ambient music playlists from their iPhone's drop-down menu, specifically Sleep, Chill, Productivity, and Wellbeing.For those not in the know, ambient music is a form of relaxed, slow music that aims to be enjoyable to listen to without focus – think woodwinds, strings, synthesizers, and a lack of percussion.

ID-authenticated app locks

iOS 18 introduces optional Face ID authentication for all iPhone apps – not just Notes and banking apps. You're also able to hide apps in a new Hidden Apps folder.

An upgrade for Power Reserve

Although not announced by Apple, the first iOS 18 beta revealed that the iPhone 15's Power Reserve feature (which lets you access cards and locate your iPhone when the battery is otherwise out of juice) also now displays the time, so we can only assume that this upgrade has made it to the final iOS 18 build, too.

Math in any text field

You might not ever need to use a calculator with iOS 18, because if you enter a math problem in any text field, the operating system will solve it for you.

Choose your Home hub

If you have multiple devices that could serve as a Home hub, then one iOS 18 feature you'll likely really appreciate is the ability to select which you want to use as your Home hub, so you can make sure the best, fastest option is selected.

Shoot videos without pausing audio

Previously, if you used the video camera mode on an iPhone, it would pause any music, podcasts, or other audio that was playing. But with iOS 18, you can record video without pausing your audio. This is a small change, but a welcome one.

iOS 18: Compatibility

Apple Intelligence features will be limited to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

Apple has confirmed that any iPhone newer than the iPhone XS is compatible with iOS 18 and its subsequent iterations (in other words, any iPhone with the A12 Bionic chipset or newer). Incidentally, that’s also the same device requirements as iOS 17.It's worth noting, though, that Apple Intelligence features are limited to the iPhone 16 line, along with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max.Below, we've detailed the full list of iOS 18-compatible iPhones. For more information, including confirmed iPadOS 18 compatibility, check out our dedicated iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 compatibility explainer.

iPhone 16eiPhone 16iPhone 16 PlusiPhone 16 ProiPhone 16 Pro MaxiPhone 15iPhone 15 PlusiPhone 15 ProiPhone 15 Pro MaxiPhone 14iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 ProiPhone 14 Pro MaxiPhone 13iPhone 13 miniiPhone 13 ProiPhone 13 Pro MaxiPhone 12iPhone 12 miniiPhone 12 ProiPhone 12 Pro MaxiPhone 11iPhone 11 ProiPhone 11 Pro MaxiPhone XSiPhone XS MaxiPhone XRiPhone SE (2nd generation)iPhone SE (3rd generation)

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For World Backup Day 2025, TechRadar Pro wanted to know the most popular backup methods amongst our readers, so we sent out a poll on our WhatsApp channel (which you can find here if you want to vote in any future polls).We asked ‘How do you keep your files safe?’ and the results might surprise you.The most popular response amongst our 2,000 voters was an online backup option, with over 1,100 respondents (65%) choosing to secure their files digitally. This could mean Apple Cloud, Microsoft OneDrive, IDrive, Google Photos, or any of the many digital options available.Only 20% of respondents (340 people) choose to backup their files using physical storage like hard drives, USB drives, or memory cards. Worryingly though, 15% of our readers don’t backup their files -that's over 250 people whose files are unprotected. If that’s you, check out our recommendations for the best ways to backup photos so you can make sure your memories are safe.

Which is best for you?

Considering physical storage gives you the utmost privacy, these results are a little surprising. SD cards don’t require a third party to handle your files, and don’t incur subscription fees, or even require an internet connection, so for any privacy conscious users out there, this is probably your best option.Cloud storage is perhaps the most hassle-free option, as you can access your files from anywhere, and can share your files easily, and collaboration systems are built in, so you can edit documents in real time alongside colleagues.Perhaps most importantly, many cloud storage solutions come with end-to-end encryption, making them super secure, and can be backed up across multiple servers - meaning you can recover them if anything goes wrong.However, if you’re keeping up with Apple’s privacy row with the UK Government, then you’ll know that end-to-end encryption isn’t guaranteed for cloud storage, so choose your platform wisely.Everyone has precious memories and photos that they want to keep safe, and World Backup Day is a great chance to make sure your pictures are secure.There are plenty of options, and whether you use Cloud storage solutions, USB flash drives, external hard drives, SD cards, or you print out your photos directly, backing up your files is always important.

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Sony has finally revealed Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse's release dateThe highly-anticipated movie will arrive in theaters worldwide in June 2027Five first-look images were also unveiled at CinemaCon 2025

It's finally happened. Over four months after we thought we'd get an exciting release update on Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, our wish has been granted.During its CinemaCon 2025 presentation last night (March 31), Sony Pictures announced the third and final entry in Miles Morales' animated film trilogy will be released on June 4, 2027. The confirmation was later revealed on numerous social media channels, including the official Spider-Verse X/Twitter account.

Spider-Man: Beyond the #SpiderVerse is coming exclusively to theatres June 4, 2027. 🕸️ pic.twitter.com/JE1XKqZYqPApril 1, 2025

The aforementioned tweet also revealed a first-look image at the film series' new Prowler. Indeed, the Spider-Man villain, who'll be an alternate reality's version of Miles in this movie, will be a secondary antagonist in Beyond the Spider-Verse, with The Spot taking on chief villain duties as he did last time.Prowler 2.0 was introduced in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse's final few minutes and, as mentioned, is a multiversal variant of this film series' protagonist. If you need to remind yourself what happened in that film – and seeing as it's been almost two years since that movie came out, I wouldn't blame you if you did – be sure to read my Across the Spider-Verse ending explained piece.But I digress. Sony also revealed four other official stills from the Marvel-adjacent movie at CinemaCon 2025. That quartet, which you can see below, shows Miles battling Prowler 2.0 and, in what's sure to be a highly emotional moment, reuniting with Gwen Stacey/Spider-Gwen.

Spider-Man: Beyond the #SpiderVerse is coming exclusively to theatres June 4, 2027. 🕸️ pic.twitter.com/X4Y96n6dauApril 1, 2025

Speaking on stage during Sony's presentation, producer Phil Lord suggested (per Variety) that fans will want to prepare themselves for a potentially devastating end to the highly-rated animated movie trilogy, too.After a behind-doors video teaser was shown to attendees, Lord revealed Miles will be on the run at the start of the flick, which immediately picks up after the previous movie's final scene, before adding: "Gwen and his other friends may or may not be enough to help him save [his] family."

Feeding fans a web of lies

Across the Spider-Verse's sequel was supposed to arrive last March (Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Though I am reassured that Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse will eventually be released in theaters, there's no denying that we were seemingly told more than a little white lie about its development and original launch plan.When Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was first announced, Lord and fellow producer Chris Miller informed us that it would effectively be a two-part movie event.The wait for Beyond the Spider-Verse, i.e. the new title bestowed on the previously named Across the Spider-Verse Part II, wouldn't be a long one, either. In fact, the trilogy's final installment was initially penciled in to make its theatrical debut in March 2024 – just nine months after its predecessor had swung into cinemas worldwide.

Spider-Gwen will return alongside Miles Morales in Beyond the Spider-Verse (Image credit: Sony Pictures)

As the months passed, though, it became clear that Beyond the Spider-Verse wouldn't meet its original release date.A damning report from Vulture suggested that the film's art and animation departments had been subjected to poor working conditions during Across the Spider-Verse's development, with many forced to work long hours and weekends to finish it. Speculation that Lord and Miller were difficult to work with also circulated online. The 2023 Hollywood strikes impacted the flick's seemingly near-ending development cycle, too, but not before Beyond the Spider-Verse was removed from Sony's forthcoming film slate in mid-2023, which suggested its development wasn't going entirely to plan.With Sony confirming who would direct Beyond the Spider-Verse last December, it finally seemed like there was light at the end of the tunnel. With the threequel now on track to arrive in mid-2027, I'm crossing my fingers that its production issues are a thing of the past.I'm also hoping, though, that the film series' chief creative team isn't working its employees to the bone. Four years is a long time to wait for the conclusion to one of the best animated trilogies of all time, but I'd be prepared to wait even longer if it means nobody is forced to crunch to get it out of the door.

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Marvel Unlimited monthly subscription: was $9.99 per month now $4.99 at MarvelThe ultimate digital comics subscription for Marvel fans is offering new and returning customers 50% off their first month, which is much cheaper than a streaming subscription to watch all the best superhero movies. To gain access to a library of more than 30,000 comics, use the code 'SPIDEY50' at checkout. You're able to use the Marvel Unlimited app on all iOS and Android devices, including the web, too. But, be quick – the deal expires on May 5!View Deal

A launch date for the Galaxy S25 Edge may have been revealedApril 15 could be the date the phone goes on saleWe saw a glimpse of the handset at the Unpacked event in January

Three months ago, Samsung first teased us with a glimpse of the super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge phone, and it seems that in the coming days we're going to get all the details on this phone – and get the opportunity to actually go out and buy it.According to tipster @chunvn8888 (via GSMArena), the phone will indeed be officially released sometime in April. The other Samsung Galaxy S25 phones all went on sale shortly after their grand unveiling back in January of course.A separate report in NieuweMobiel.NL (via SamMobile) goes even further, identifying Tuesday, April 15 as the big day – either the day when Samsung reveals everything about the handset, or the day it goes on sale, or both.We could be just a couple of weeks away from getting our hands on this intriguing new device then, but is it going to be worth the wait? Here are five reasons we think it will be.

1. It'll be very thin

In case you haven't heard, thin phones are having a moment, with the Oppo Find N5 the thinnest foldable to date and the iPhone 17 Air due before the end of the year. The Galaxy S25 Edge is rumored to measure just 5.84 mm front to back, so considerably thinner in relative terms than the 7.2 mm thickness of the standard Galaxy S25 handset.

2. Durability will be a priority

Worried about this ultra-slender smartphone bending and breaking while you're using it? Let us assuage your fears: in our exclusive chat with Samsung's Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing in the UK, Annika Bizon, we were told that durability was a "really important" consideration for the engineers who put this device together.

The Galaxy S25 Edge on show (Image credit: Future)

3. It's going to be packed with power

Thin phones can mean compromised phones when it comes to performance, as there's less room for powerful components and the cooling that goes with them – but based on the leaked benchmarks we've seen, and the recent rumors about a high-end cooling solution, we're confident that the Galaxy S25 Edge will keep up with other 2025 flagships.

4. Premium materials are rumored

Another rumor we've come across regarding the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is that it's going to make use of a titanium frame and a 2K display. Those are both signs that Samsung isn't going to be skimping when it comes to the materials used to make this phone – and it could even rival the Galaxy S25 Ultra in terms of its premium feel.

5. It'll have plenty of AI on board

No surprises here, and nothing different to the rest of the Samsung Galaxy S25 series, but the Galaxy S25 Edge model is going to come running the full suite of Galaxy AI tools. We've also heard it's going to match the other phones in the series with six months of free access to Gemini Advanced, giving you access to the best AI models and features from Google.

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Microsoft has delivered a clutch of new AI features to Copilot+ PCsMany of these are gracing AMD and Intel-powered laptops for the first timeThey include live captions and image generation capabilities for both the Paint and Photos apps

Microsoft has just brought in a bunch of new features for Copilot+ PCs, many of which are coming to laptops with AMD and Intel processors for the first time.Of course, Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon (Arm-based) chips have been around for a good deal longer, and are usually first in line to get new AI features, but they come to all devices eventually.And The Verge noticed that Microsoft has announced this is now the case with system-wide live captions, which are debuting with both AMD Ryzen AI 300 CPUs and Intel Core Ultra 200V (Lunar Lake) processors.Live captioning provides subtitled translations in English in real time for audio or video playing via any medium on your Copilot+ PC. Over 40 languages are now supported for live captions in English. On top of that, Snapdragon X Copilot+ PCs are getting support for Simplified Chinese (with 27 languages), and that will eventually come to AMD and Intel machines, too.Owners of Copilot+ PCs with AMD and Intel CPUs have also witnessed the arrival of Cocreator in Paint. This is an AI assistant within the app that you can give instructions to – using either text prompts, rough sketches, or a combination of both – in order for it to generate images.In addition to that, the Photos app is getting Image Creator, a trick in a similar vein that allows for, well, creating images based purely on text prompts in this case. Photos is also being graced with a Restyle Image feature which lets you alter an existing image and turn it into, say, an oil painting or pencil sketch.While there’s not much new for Snapdragon Copilot+ PCs here, save for the addition of the Chinese language support with live captions, there is one fresh ability, and that’s an improvement for Voice Access.Microsoft says that users will be able to “communicate with their PCs using more descriptive and flexible language,” meaning you can issue voice commands in natural language, and Windows 11 will (hopefully) understand them. As opposed to having to stick to strict keywords and syntax, which has been the case with these voice commands so far.Eventually, that functionality will also come to AMD and Intel-powered Copilot+ PCs as well, and Microsoft notes that this will be later this year.

(Image credit: Future)

Analysis: Arrival timeframes – and lack of Recall

If you want access to these features now, you may still have to be a little patient. In some cases, there may be a gradual rollout of the capabilities, so not everyone will get them at the same time.If you’ve already grabbed the Windows 11 preview update for March, you may have some of this new stuff right out of the gate – or it’ll be delivered in the April update, the full cumulative update due in a week (or at least some of it will – depending on the exact rollout progress of each ability).In short, hang tight, grab the next Windows update, and then keep your fingers crossed. Do also bear in mind that with the AI features for Paint and Photos, you’ll also need to ensure you have the latest versions of those apps from the Microsoft Store.If you’re really keen to get these in super-quick fashion, you can always turn on the slider to ‘Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available,’ which is found in Windows Updates (in the Settings app).However, bear in mind that this will pipe through preview updates to your PC, and I wouldn’t recommend doing so. Officially, the preview (optional) updates that arrive at the end of the month are still in testing, so things are more likely to go awry with any update like this. For that reason, I’d advise applying the finished updates and being patient as the best course of action to take.Clearly, though, if you want to get AI features first on Copilot+ PCs, it’s a Snapdragon device that you want to own – the wait can be substantially longer for devices with AMD or Intel CPUs.Of course, there’s a notable AI feature that’s still missing from release versions of Windows 11 on any Copilot+ PC, one which remains seemingly stuck in testing. Namely Recall, the supercharged version of Windows search that relies on leveraging regularly taken screenshots of the activity on your PC.This has long been a controversial feature, of course, in terms of privacy and security worries. Microsoft launched Recall last year, and then pulled it, evidently surprised by the backlash. Recall went back into testing, finally, at the tail end of last year, but continued to hit problems.We’ve seen some fine-tuning of Recall in testing last month, so it’s not like there’s no activity around the feature – but the lack of any mention of it in this latest ‘Copilot+ PC experiences’ update from Microsoft doesn’t exactly bode well about the ability arriving anytime soon.Could it eventually end up being canned? Well, given the weighty level of importance Microsoft has attached to it, that seems unlikely – but it’s easy to start to have doubts about whether it will ever launch, at least in its current incarnation.To be fair to Microsoft, though, if ever there was a feature that needed time and care to get it right, this is it. Although there appeared to be little understanding of that when Recall was first revealed.

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Users report VMware Workstation automatic updates are brokenThe error was caused by a URL redirectWe don’t know if it was intentional, but users should be on their guard

VMware Workstation’s automatic update feature is reportedly broken due to Broadcom’s redirection of the download URL to a generic support page.A Bleeping Computer report notes the program attempts to connect to softwareupdate.broadcom.com/cds for updates, but the URL is redirecting to support.broadcom.com, causing certification errors.For now, users are just receiving an error message, and it’s unclear whether Broadcom is working on a fix for its VMware Workstation product.

Broadcom has redirected an automatic update URL

“A certificate error occurred while connecting to the update server. Check your Internet settings or contact your system administrator,” the error reads.Although the VMware Workstation automatic update mechanism no longer works, users can still manually download and install updates from Broadcom’s website, however the change has frustrated users who received no prior warning. It’s unclear if the change is intentional.Moreover, VMware Workstation continues to function, but users who fail to manually install updates could expose themselves to bugs and other vulnerabilities.One user noted that the issue started on March 24, and also affects VMware Fusion Pro. Another user replied: “A post from a Broadcom employee over in the Fusion community indicates that they have changed the software update infrastructure for their products.”Another wrote: “Broadcom, which now manages VMware products, has reportedly discontinued the in-product update feature for VMware Workstation Pro.”In the months and years following its acquisition of VMware, Broadcom has built itself a history of upsetting customers with major changes to the product portfolio and pricing strategy.TechRadar Pro has asked the company whether it intended to end automatic updates, but we did not receive an immediate response. Any updates will be posted here.

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AI has emerged as the priority for executives globally, with a staggering 97% of CEO's pursuing investment in AI tools. This shows no signs of slowing down, as PwC projects that AI-related spending will inject $15.7 trillion into the global economy by 2030. This has sparked a push for operational efficiency as organizations - driven by competitive pressure - look to implement AI across all possible applications.However, in network operations, the current approach to AI adoption has fallen short of expectations. This has led to growing skepticism, entering what Gartner calls a "trough of disillusionment" where technical, operational and ethical challenges are raising concerns about its long-term effectiveness.

The networking challenge for AI

Although traditional network management systems, enhanced by AI, handle tasks like intelligent traffic routing well, broader AI adoption in networking is hampered by significant challenges. For the typical operator, the network operations landscape tends to be a maze of legacy systems and fragmented data sources requiring consolidating and rationalizing, so inheriting an environment where AI solutions struggle to gain meaningful traction.Despite AI's impressive capacity to analyze large amounts of data, its difficulty in seamlessly integrating with existing network architectures limits its reliability for mission-critical operations. For example, in telecommunications, simple misconfigurations can take down vast networks and hit critical customer services particularly hard. In a sector that had a lot of growth when nascent operational solutions were being developed and data quality wasn’t always implemented, there is a lot of pause on the use of Broad AI solutions.This mismatch suggests that conventional networking approaches and human oversight will remain essential components of network management for the foreseeable future.

Navigating operational roadblocks

Among the technical difficulties of AI adoption, organizations looking to develop their own applications continue to face significant operational and financial barriers to effective deployment. One bottleneck is talent, particularly in specialized development roles. This shortage has reached peak levels, with 60% of IT decision-makers identifying AI expertise as their most severe skills deficit – a gap that continues to widen as demand outpaces the available talent pool.While larger organizations have more immediate access to the capital and in-house skills to build and train AI applications, smaller ones often lack the resources to invest in the necessary IT infrastructure, software and specialized skills, making AI adoption a considerable challenge.Furthermore, many of the tangible gains AI will deliver, are largely internal. This means it’s increasingly difficult for organizations to get around the overhead that comes with deploying AI since they cannot reasonably pass this on to customers. Additionally, current use cases are not at the stage where they are delivering the widespread transformations people have come to associate with AI and typically deal with narrow AI applications solving backend processes like optimizing controlled automation routines and data flow efficiency.As such, businesses need to carefully set their expectations as to whether AI will provide a measurable return on investment (ROI) before committing to widespread adoption.

The value of AI in network operations

It's important to highlight that AI has demonstrated value in network operations, moving beyond basic network monitoring to become a tool for operators. By sifting through vast amounts of network data, AI systems uncover hidden patterns and potential trouble spots before they impact service. This helps teams shift from reactive to proactive optimization, ultimately delivering more reliable performance.AI automation also plays an important role in taking on the heavy lifting of day-to-day operations. For example, intelligently optimizing data flow by ensuring efficient bandwidth allocation and traffic routing. Additionally, detecting anomalies and triggering predefined responses, reducing the need for manual intervention. By strategically deploying AI for specific tasks that complement current workflows, organizations can boost their network performance while maintaining human oversight of critical decisions.Looking to the future, AI will be vital in shaping next-generation networks. As networking and cybersecurity become more closely linked, we are likely to see a market shift towards single-vendor frameworks. This is important because as we undergo this shift, AI’s natural ability to automate responses and provide predictive analysis will help converge network management under a single pane of glass.As more adaptive networks become a necessity, this will help systems keep up with demand, predict failures before they occur and coordinate resources with minimal human oversight.

One step at a time

AI presents promising opportunities for network operations. While it excels at automating intricate processes, enhancing efficiency and anticipating issues, its real value lies in transforming the networks of the future.However, Broad AI solutions utilizing full autonomy remains impractical due to AI’s current limitations in managing complex, high-risk scenarios from multiple disparate data sets. Additionally, the significant costs associated with delivering the right environment for AI to flourish calls for a carefully planned strategy.The conversation shouldn’t be about AI replacing humans, it should be about giving them sophisticated tools that enhance their current capabilities. Therefore, we should see AI adoption as a gradual, long-term endeavor solving clear use cases rather than a rapid transformation.There are some strong use cases now, but patience and intelligent planning will pave the way to broader transformation later down the line. Exercise patience, think practically and reap the benefits.

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Code in a Google app teardown points to an "inactivity reboot" featureThis sounds very similar to a security tool available on iPhonesIt's not active yet but will likely launch as part of Android 16

Late last year, Apple added a security feature to iPhones that should make it harder for thieves to use stolen phones – and which also caused issues for law enforcement, and now the same feature could be coming to Android.The feature in question is known as “inactivity reboot”, and on iPhone it means the device will automatically reboot after three days of inactivity.On Android, it could be exactly the same, with Android Authority having found a reference to “inactivity reboot” in a teardown of the Google Play Services app. As well as sharing a name with Apple’s feature, it seemingly functions the same, with the code string mentioning that this would restart a device if it remains locked for three days.

The Google Pixel 9 could soon be harder for thieves to unlock (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Blocking biometrics

The reason for doing this is that both iPhones and Androids are more secure after a reboot, as biometrics (like face and fingerprint scanners) are inactive, and instead you need to enter your PIN or password to unlock the phone.The assumption – presumably – is that a device that is switched on but hasn’t been unlocked in several days may be in the hands of a thief, who has so far failed to unlock it. So if they don’t manage within three days, it will suddenly get a lot harder for them to do so.This feature isn’t active on Android yet, and while it’s clearly something Google is exploring it’s always possible this won’t make it to public release, but there’s a good chance we’ll see it in Android 16.More specifically, through its digging, Android Authority has found that this is probably part of Advanced Protection Mode, which is a more wide-ranging security feature that we already know is likely coming to Android 16.As well as probably including inactivity reboot, this mode can do things like blocking sideloading, disabling 2G connections, and enabling Memory Tagging Extension (MTE) for apps, which is a feature that protects against memory safety bugs.So it seems Google could be putting a major focus on security with its next Android release, and you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get these features, as Android 16 is expected to land in the second quarter of this year – meaning sometime between now and the end of June.

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AI will enhance low-code and no-code solutions, not replace them, report claimsApp Builder report says most leaders have seen cost and time savings with low-/no-codeCompanies should continue to support developer upskilling

Low-code and no-code tools remain crucial and will continue to live on in an AI-enhanced era, new research has claimed.Despite artificial intelligence’s promise to boost coding efficiency and accessibility, tech leaders see AI as enhancing low- and no-code tools, rather than replacing them.A report from App Builder revealed nearly all (95%) companies have used low- and no-code tools in the past year for software development, highlighting their prevalence for firms everywhere.

Low-code and no-code tools are here to stay

Three in four (76%) tech leaders envision AI making their existing tools more efficient, with even more (84%) confirming that AI will not replace their reliance on low-code and no-code solutions.“As AI converges with low-code and no-code, we’ll see an entirely new paradigm emerge that will change how apps are built, who can build them and how fast it can happen,” said Jason Beres, SVP of Developer Tools at Infragistics, the company behind App Builder.Almost every (98%) tech leader has reported development time savings with low- and no-code solutions, with almost four in five (78%) companies saving up to 50% of development time. A further two in three (67%) say they’ve reduced their costs by up to 30%, with one in ten more than halving their costs thanks to simpler tools.The report noted that companies are increasingly focused on building custom apps – a lack of resources and a global skills shortage make low- and no-code solutions particularly useful in this realm.Beres added companies should not only focus on automating app development to improve efficiency, productivity and collaboration, but they should also continue to invest in upskilling to ensure their workers are prepared to handle emerging technologies and shifting demands.

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There have been more than 100 reports of AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D chips dying since launchThe majority of failures have occurred on ASRock motherboardsThe cause of the issue has yet to be diagnosed

Despite being one of the best processors on the market for PC gamers, AMD's Ryzen 7 9800X3D has been having a rough time since its launch in November last year. Reports of chip-killing burnouts have been steadily mounting, with more than 100 cases now reported.Thanks to the heroic work of Reddit user natty_overlord, a detailed compilation of CPU failure reports is available for all to peruse, and currently shows a total of 108 reports of dead 9800X3Ds. Most reports show the chip dying after only a few weeks or even days of use, with no apparent issues showing up before the moment of demise.Luckily, most affected users have been able to RMA their CPUs for either a refund or a replacement without issue, and considering the thousands of Ryzen 9000 chips that have been sold, it's not a serious problem. Still, that many failed chips is a bit concerning, especially when we still have essentially zero idea what's causing these premature deaths.

Mysterious origins

Okay, there might be some clues to be gleaned from natty_overlord's report, so we're not totally in the dark here. Of the 108 currently-reported cases of Ryzen 9800X3D failure, a whopping 86 of them involved ASRock motherboards. 13 reports were from users with Asus boards, five from MSI, and one from Gigabyte.So, is ASRock responsible? It's possible that the Taiwanese motherboard maker bears part of the blame here; natty_overlord also documented 10 other Ryzen 9000 chip failures (including the 9900X and 9600X), all of which occurred on ASRock mobos. Still, multiple failures on Asus and MSI motherboards would appear to indicate that ASRock isn't solely at fault.There doesn't seem to be any one chipset that's suffering from these issues, either. The majority of 9800X3D failures were split between X870 and B850 motherboards, with a smaller (but not insignificant) number on X670 and B650 models. In short, there's no way of knowing what's causing these failures, although AMD is no doubt investigating.

What you should do

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do to protect yourself from this mysterious chip-killing bug, short of simply not having an ASRock motherboard, perhaps, given the heavy weighting of failure reports for ASRock hardware. If you've been considering buying a Ryzen 7 9800X3D, it might be worth holding off for the time being.The good news is that if your PC is affected, most reports seem to have been satisfactorily resolved via an RMA process, either directly to AMD or to the retailer in cases involving pre-built PCs.Naturally, I'll continue to monitor this story and will follow up with any fresh details that emerge. I've reached out to AMD for comment, but I suspect I won't get any meaty info there; 108 isn't a small number of dead chips, but it's not such a large amount that Team Red really needs to worry that something is seriously amiss.

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Square Enix has launched a new Final Fantasy 9 websiteThe website has been made to commemorate the game's 25th anniversaryFans are now wondering if we'll see a remake announcement soon

Final Fantasy 9 fans are now hoping for a Nintendo Switch 2 remake as the PS1 classic gets a 25th-anniversary website.The Squaresoft-developed RPG (role-playing game) was initially released on the original PlayStation on July 7, 2000, meaning its 25th anniversary is just a few short months away. As a result, an official website has been prepared to commemorate the occasion.The website, translated from Japanese by IGN, states that "various projects, including merchandise and collaborations to commemorate the 25th anniversary" are on the way.A news section on the website shows that several plushies, books, soundtracks, and memorabilia are being prepared for Final Fantasy 9's 25th anniversary. There is no hard confirmation of a commemorative game or remake as of yet, but that hasn't stopped fans of the RPG from speculating on sites like Reddit.Plus, the big Nintendo Switch 2 Direct presentation is happening tomorrow (April 2), leading folks to believe a confirmation of a Final Fantasy 9 remake for the upcoming console could be a real possibility.Final Fantasy 14: Dawntrail, the popular MMORPG's (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) latest expansion, also has a main story that's heavily inspired by Final Fantasy 9. In a vacuum, that admittedly doesn't mean much, as FF14 has routinely paid homage to the series' legacy through various pieces of content. But it does at least show that Square Enix and developer Creative Studio 3 both have Final Fantasy 9 on the brain.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch users are complaining of resetting issuesGalaxy Watch 7 and Ultra users appear to be affectedUsers say their watches go through a forced reset that requires setting up the watch again

A slew of Samsung Galaxy Watch users are reporting that their Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra models keep encountering a forced-reset issue that requires them to setup their devices again.I was first alerted to the issue by reader Spike, who reached out to me about a problem with their Samsung Galaxy Watch 7. Since the last update, they and other users have noticed the Watch 7 randomly disconnecting from the phone it's paired with, such that the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app won't recognize the watch, requiring a factory reset to re-pair."For me this happens about once a week," Spike told me. "I contacted Samsung who wanted me to send my watch in, but I'm pretty certain it's a software issue since a lot of people on the forum are having the same issue."

Samsung Galaxy Watch reset issue

A Samsung Community forum scoured by TechRadar does indeed reveal an extensive thread of users who seem to be suffering from this issue."For no apparent reason, my watch keeps doing a forced reset," the original poster said. "I then have to go through the whole process of setting it up again," they added, even mentioning that the latest hiccup completely changed some watch settings.Other users chimed in to say that they've been experiencing the same issue. "Me too. 3 times now in under 2 weeks," one user replied.The thread is titled '"Galaxy Watch 7/Ultra resetting', which seems to indicate that this problem is affecting Samsung's two best Android smartwatches; it's unclear if it extends to any other models.The precise nature of the issue and its extent are little murky, but users are definitely reporting persistent forced resets on their Galaxy Watches, often multiple times a week. At least some of the time, this requires users to go through the setup process to reconnect the watch.We've reached out to Samsung regarding the problem, but this is definitely a developing issue, and one that appears to be fairly prevalent.The Samsung forum post has 24 likes and over 300 replies from similarly affected users. Samsung also recently confirmed that some of its watches were not tracking sleep properly, and recommended a fix to users.

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I’m sidestepping the desperate attempts at April 1 shenanigans and focusing on the imminent Nintendo Direct broadcast, which is likely to confirm rumors and sink others.

The last few Switch 1 games have been revealed, meaning tomorrow’s Nintendo Direct: Switch 2 presentation, kicking off at 9AM ET / 6AM PT will be all about the new console — no distractions. (Although, I’d be cool with a Silksong release date, finally.)

We already know the Switch 2 will be a bigger console, with a bigger screen and Joy-Cons. There also may be some sort-of-mouse functionality baked into the controllers this time, but Nintendo’s focus is on tech specs — and the games. What does the company have cooking?

— Mat Smith

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Google’s new experimental AI model, Gemini 2.5 Pro, is now available to free users too

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Apple is reportedly on track to launch the M5 iPad Pro and MacBook Pro later this year

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The Light Phone III doesn’t have apps or internet, but still costs $799

$599 if you pre-order.

Light Phone

The company behind several minimalist handsets has just released the Light Phone III. It may be the perfect device for folks who brag about giving up smartphones and have the money to experiment with stripped-down phones that are the ultimate step back from modern convenience. Whoops, sorry, I let my mask slip there. Hey, at least there’s no AI nonsense.

There is a cool, crisp B&W OLED display, new for this third iteration, instead of e-ink paper. There’s still no internet, no apps, no email. There is, however, a place for your podcasts and a simple camera with a physical button. There’s also a Maps app, powered by Here, but it’s private, so there’s no info shared on where you’re trying to get to. Privacy like that, however, costs a heady $799, unless you can get the pre-order price of $599 at launch, with estimated delivery in July.

Continue reading.

xAI, Elon Musk’s AI company, just purchased X, Elon Musk’s social media company

Confused? You should be.

Yes, xAI has purchased X, according to a post shared by Musk. Besides their owner and similar names, the companies are already connected through xAI’s chatbot, Grok, so it makes some sense. The biggest surprise may be that X is still valued at $33 billion — according to Musk and his companies, at least. X, once Twitter, was acquired by Musk in 2022 for $43 billion. xAI, like many leading AI companies, has been raising money as often and as quickly as possible. Combining the two companies may ease some of the debt Musk took on.

The companies’ futures are “intertwined,” according to Musk. Financially, now, that’s very true.

Continue reading.

iOS 18.4 is available now

It adds new emoji, Apple News+ Food and priority notifications.

iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4 and macOS 15.4 include a new Apple News+ Food section in the News app that collects recipes and food-oriented articles, including exclusive recipes for Apple News+ subscribers. The updates also introduce new emoji, AI-sorted Priority Notifications in the Notification Center and a new Ambient Music tool in the Control Center.

After a bit of a delay, Apple Intelligence will be available in the European Union for the first time on iPhone and iPad. The suite of AI features will now also work in several new languages “including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India.”

Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-111414827.html?src=rss

Amazon has launched early access to Alexa+ for selected users, but a few features are missing Not all the features showcased at its February launch event will be available straight away, and will instead be rolled out in parts over the next few monthsWhile Alexa+ is only available on Echo Show 8, 10, 15 and 21, we expect it to come to more Echo devices as more features become available

When Amazon announced its new AI-enhanced Alexa+ voice assistant, we were beyond excited to finally see Amazon’s answer to ChatGPT and Apple Intelligence come to life. In our live blog we speculated a March 31 roll, and it seems as though we were correct as Alexa+ has started rolling out to selected users in the US on certain Echo devices, but it wouldn’t be a major launch without a few catches.During Amazon’s devices event in February, the company took pride in boasting Alexa+’s revamped voice and AI capabilities, but a report from The Washington Post has identified that Alexa+ is missing a number of handy features. They’ll be unveiled in waves over the next few months, but it does feel like a broken promise in some ways.

During Amazon's devices event in February, Panos Panay demonstrated a handful of new features but not all of them are available in Alexa+'s early access. (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

What’s missing from Alexa+?

Amazon promised an array of new features for Alexa+ that provided a more interactive and personal experience with the voice assistant, most notably its ability to offer food recommendations and place orders through Grubhub based on what you’re craving. This feature has the potential to be a saving grace for indecisive foodies out there, but it has been delayed until further notice.Other useful generative features have gone missing from Alexa+’s early access, including its ability to brainstorm gift ideas when the pressures of gift-buying get too intense, and its storytime mode feature for kids has also been pushed back. The Post has also spotted that Alexa+ lacks the ability to visually identify family members around your home - both of which were demonstrated at its launch event - and the web version for Alexa+ is also unavailable for now.As per The Post’s initial report, Amazon has declared that these features are missing from Alexa+ simply because they “don’t yet meet Amazon’s standards for public release”. It’s reassuring to know that Amazon has plans to bulk up Alexa+’s features, but you’ll just have to remain patient for a few more months.

So, what can Alexa+ do at the moment?

Despite the missing features, Alexa+’s early launch isn’t totally lackluster. Since it started rolling out yesterday (March 31) Alexa+ can order you an Uber, search for particular products, and draft emails. While you’ll have to wait a little longer for Grubhub integration with Alexa+, you can still use the voice assistant to give you advice on what to cook.Alexa+ can be accessed for a monthly subscription fee of $19.99, but Amazon Prime members will have full access for free.

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Now Brief has been found on the latest One UI 7 betaThere's no user interface so the fetaure can't be used properlyIts presence suggetss it may come to older phones with One UI 7

For many, the best new Samsung Galaxy S25 feature is Now Brief, but for a while it appeared the feature would remain exclusive to only Samsung’s latest phone release even as One UI 1 rolls out to other phones. Thankfully, it seems like a few older phones will get Now Brief after all.Now Brief is a handy AI tool that gets you prepped for the day ahead with useful info like what events you have today, what journey times are like so you can avoid being late, how well rested you are based on data from your smartwatch, and if coupons in your digital wallet are close to expiring.It’ll even give you different briefings based on when you check (with morning, afternoon and evening briefings focusing on different information), and our own Senior Writer AI John-Anthony Disotto calling Now Brief “precisely the kind of first-party functionality that I think will make a real difference to users’ lives and, in turn, showcase the true power of AI.”

Unfortunately the feature has been absent from the One UI 7 software betas currently available for older devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S24, Galaxy S23, Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6 phones.This has led many to believe it wouldn’t be unlocked for these phones, but it turns out Now Brief is hidden in the One UI beta after all.That’s according to @MEMETCAN88 who managed to access the hidden function on an S24 running the latest One UI 7 beta (via SamMobile, who confirmed it’s also available on other devices).

Breaking. Now brief feature is available in s24 series. Oneui 7 beta 6 is also hidden but I've uncovered with activity launcher.@tarunvats33 @SamMobiles @theonecid @UniverseIce pic.twitter.com/uvLoHZOJAuMarch 31, 2025

It didn’t work completely however, with the hidden Now Brief lacking the necessary user interface to function properly.So, what does this mean? Well the optimistic amongst us are hoping it means that Now Brief will make it to older devices. However, given the full release is set to begin on April 7, it may be a feature that isn’t released for a few update cycles.The more pessimistic look is that Samsung has hidden this feature because it may have thought about releasing Now Brief but ultimately decided to keep it exclusive to its new phones – and it was easier to hide Now Brief than completely remove it from One UI 7.We’ll have to wait and see what’s announced as One UI 7 arrives on older phones and in following updates, but there’s still a chance the best Samsung Galaxy S25 feature will make its way to older phones – and we're seriously hoping it does.

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A Nintendo Switch 2 trade-in deal at GameStop has seemingly leakedThe deal is offering buyers up to $175 toward the new consoleBuyers can trade in the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED for money off

GameStop's Nintendo Switch 2 trade-in deal has seemingly leaked, offering big discounts for buyers who already own a Switch.The Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Showcase airs tomorrow on April 2 and is expected to finally unveil a new in-depth look at the console, along with the long-awaited release date, pricing, and pre-orders details.However, it seems that another leak has broken ahead of the event, and this time, it's a big money-saving offer at GameStop.As spotted by X / Twitter user MikeOdysseyYT (via 9meters) GameStop's trade-in deal reveals that it will be offering three different discounts when buyers exchange their original Switch, Switch Lite, or Switch OLED for the Switch 2.Trading in the OLED will get you $175 toward your Switch 2 reservation, the original Switch (V1 or V2) $125, and the Switch Lite $100.

Here is @gamestop's Switch 2 trade in deal. What you get as credit when you trade in your console. Let's say Switch 2 is $399.00, plus 6.5% tax(FL) Comes out to $424.93. If you trade in an OLED, you would pay $249.93 for your new Switch 2. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/hUIXNc94BXMarch 31, 2025

We don't know how much the Switch 2 will cost just yet, but these offers are brilliant if you're looking to save money on the upcoming console.According to Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa, the company is aware of rising inflation but has said the console will be in line with the "affordable prices customers expect".TechRadar Gaming predicts that the Switch 2 will cost around $399.99 / £349.99 / AU$699.95, which is more expensive than the original Switch that launched in 2017 and started at $259.99 / £259.99 / AUD$435.

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Creatives in the UK are once again speaking out against AI developers accessing copyrighted material. The Society of Authors have published an open letter calling for UK Secretary of State Lisa Nandy to hold Meta accountable for possible copyright infringement regarding its LLM, Llama 3. Signatories of the letter include successful British authors Richard Osman, Kazuo Ishiguro, Val McDermid and Sarah Waters.

A March 20 article in The Atlantic served as the letter's impetus. It reported that Meta had used LibGen, a pirated collection of over 7.5 million books, to train its AI models. Anyone on the internet over the last few weeks has likely seen videos of distraught authors learning that their work is available on the database (and potentially used by Meta without their permission). A lawsuit in the US alleges Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg approved the use of LibGen's data to train its AI. The lawsuit's plaintiffs include writers Sarah Silverman and Ta-Nehisi Coates.

"These cases are shining a light on the unscrupulous behaviour exhibited by global tech companies which seemingly exploit copyright-protected material, safe in the knowledge that they will not be held to account," the Society of Authors' letter stated. "This must change, and global tech companies must now be held accountable and pay for the use they make of authors’ works."

The authors implore Nandy to bring Meta senior executives before Parliament and make them commit to respecting copyrights and compensating authors for any previous infringements.

"Authors are almost powerless given the enormous cost and complexities of pursuing litigation against corporate defendants with such deep pockets," the letter continued. "We call upon you and the UK Government to take all action available to ensure that the rights, interests and livelihoods of authors are adequately protected. Failure to act without further delay will unquestionably have a catastrophic and irreversible impact on all UK authors given that from development through to output, creators’ rights are being systematically and repeatedly ignored."

Artists across the creative industries have also recently protested the UK government's December 2024 proposal to change copyright law. The shift would provide AI developers with a copyright exemption and require creatives to "opt out" or allow access to their materials.

In February, over 1,000 musicians released an album called Is This What We Want?, with 12 songs spelling out, "The British government must not legalise music theft to benefit AI companies." It coincided with the UK News Media Association's Make It Fair campaign calling on the government to support creative industries and compensate those individuals if allowing AI to train on their work.

That same week creatives, from Paul McCartney to Helen Fielding, also shared an open letter against the proposal. Published in The Times, it stated, "There is no moral or economic argument for stealing our copyright. Taking it away will devastate the industry and steal the future of the next generation."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/british-authors-want-meta-to-answer-for-alleged-copyright-infringement-114501800.html?src=rss

ChatGPT 4o's impressive image generation is now available for freeIt's fantastic for editing images as well as generating new onesThere's a daily limit for free users which can be quite infuriating

ChatGPT's viral 4o image generation features are now available to everyone for free, albeit with some limits that can make the new AI tool a little infuriating.Announced by OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, on X, the new native image generation has taken the world by storm thanks to its impressive ability to create images far better than Dall-E (the previous model used by ChatGPT) ever could.You might've seen the controversy surrounding the image generation tool's blatant copy of Studio Ghibli-style anime over the last week, but if not we've covered the drama at length here.In this article, I'm going to show you three ways to use ChatGPT 4o's image generation that aren't following the anime recreation trend.Why only three you might ask? Well, unfortunately, the daily limit for free users is only three image generations, so it only felt fitting to limit the ideas just like OpenAI has limited the use of the tool.

chatgpt image gen now rolled out to all free users!April 1, 2025

1. Change the background

Image 1 of 2(Image credit: Future / ChatGPT)Image 2 of 2(Image credit: Future / ChatGPT)

ChatGPT's image generation is very impressive when it comes to replacing the background of your images. In the first example above, I uploaded an image of my French Bulldog, Kermit, and asked 4o to "change the background to the beach."Like magic, Kermit was now on the beach, although you can tell there have been slight modifications to his likeness. For example, in the original photo, he had a pimple under his mouth, which is now completely removed.ChatGPT 4o's image generation is very good at determining the outline of a subject and creating a realistic background to match. While I've not yet tried Galaxy AI's version of background editing, from my testing with ChatGPT I can't imagine a better AI background editor is available for free on the market.After taking Kermit to the beach, I thought I'd try recreating his namesake's iconic opening scene of the 1979 Muppet Movie. In the movie, Kermit the Frog sits on a log in a swamp playing the banjo.While Kermit the Dog can't play the banjo, ChatGPT managed to take the source material and edit the background so Kermit was indeed on a log in a swamp. Pretty cool!

2. Use a reference to generate a new image

(Image credit: Future / ChatGPT)

ChatGPT 4o's image generation is also very good at using a source image to create anything you can imagine.After feeding the AI tool multiple images of my dog, I asked "Can you imagine a french bulldog riding a skateboard while dressed as a frog?"After waiting about 20 seconds, yes the image generation can be pretty slow, I had an excellent image of a French Bulldog that looks like my boy Kermit, in a frog costume riding a skateboard.Eagle-eyed readers will notice his back paws only have three digits, but I guess ChatGPT thought the dog costume should mimic an amphibian rather than have enough space to be comfortable for the mammal inside.Unfortunately for ChatGPT, a frog has 18 toes altogether... 10 at the back and eight at the front.

3. Change the mood

(Image credit: Future / ChatGPT)

Last but not least, I decided to upload an image of Kermit in a cow costume. Why is he wearing a cow costume? You might ask. Well, for the purpose of this article I needed an image where he's clearly a bit miffed.You see I live in Scotland so Kermit needs a fleece to keep himself warm in the winter. Unfortunately for him, he hates wearing a fleece. That said, ChatGPT's new image generation tools can help with that, so I asked AI to "Make this dog happy."The result here is bizarre because it takes everything from the previous image and recreates it perfectly, just with a smiling dog with its tongue out.I would argue a French Bulldog always looks miserable, and a tongue sticking out like this would actually imply it's thirsty. But AI deems this a happy dog, and to be fair, it has doesn't a very good job a recreating the image with the mood tweaks I asked for.

Try ChatGPT image generation yourself

So there you have it, ChatGPT's image generation is now free for everyone to try and it's capable of some fantastic photo editing.The image limitations are pretty annoying, however, as I was only able to generate three images without loading up my paid ChatGPT Plus work account.I also experienced upload limitations, where ChatGPT stopped allowing me to add source material to edit after providing two images.So it's worth noting ChatGPT image generation is very powerful, but on the free tier you'll need to be patient as you'll quickly reach a daily limit.

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The Garmin Vivoactive 6 has been officially revealedIt looks very similar to the Vivoactive 5, but some specs changes offer improvementsIt comes after heavy criticism by Garmin users over the new Conenct+ premium tier

Garmin has revealed the Garmin Vivoactive 6, an affordable smartwatch with a new smart alarm functionality and access to features from more premium Garmin watches, such as Running Dynamics – priced at £279.99 (around $360 / AU$580).Garmin’s Vivoactive line is full of sporty, value-orientated watches pitched at the Apple Watch crowd, and the Garmin Vivoactive 5 sits pretty as our current ‘best value’ pick on our list of the best Garmin watches available right now. The Vivoactive 6 watch looks very similar to the Garmin Vivoactive 5, with a plastic casing, aluminum bezel, two buttons instead of the usual five-button configuration found on more premium Garmins, AMOLED screen and silicon strap.Just like the Vivoactive 5, the Vivoactive 6 sports up to 11 days of battery life. It shares the dimensions and 1.2-inch screen with the Vivoactive 5, although it has made some changes.A ‘smart alarm’ that can wake you up at the optimum time for a sleep phase (a feature we have wanted on Garmins for years) has been included, a feature all new to Garmin, along with daily suggested walking workouts, just like its running ones. As mentioned above, the Vivoactive 6 also has access to Garmin’s advanced Running Dynamics metrics, which the Vivoactive 5 didn't have.According to a Garmin press release, users 'can also download a robust selection of step-by-step workouts for strength, HIIT, yoga, Pilates, mobility and more through Garmin Connect.'They can also access Garmin Coach running and strength training plans—several of which adapt daily based on performance, recovery and health metrics to help users prepare for their next race, train for a milestone or improve overall fitness.'A wheelchair mode that tracks pushes has also been included, one of the best modes introduced on the Vivoactive 5. It's available in four admittedly snappy-looking color combos: Black/Slate, Bone/Lunar Gold, Jasper Green and Pink Dawn.

Analysis: Garmin is moving the news cycle on

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 (Image credit: Future)

The Garmin Vivoactive 6 seems like a great watch, especially for one cheaper than many of its contemporaries from Apple and Samsung. After all, we loved the Vivoactive 5, and there's no indication this is anything other than an improvement, albeit an iterative one.However, I can't help feeling the timeline for this launch has been pushed up. Until now, the news cycle has been dominated by the backlash against Garmin for releasing Garmin Connect+, a premium tier with AI features on top of the already-free Garmin Connect app.Users have taken to social media and flooded it with complaints, begrudging paying for a very expensive watch only to have new features locked behind an additional subscription. Justifiably or not, they fear new features being introduced to Connect+ at the expense of the app’s free version, until subscription becomes almost mandatory to get the most out of your watch.A well-reviewed new budget device from Garmin would move the news cycle on a bit, although user ire is likely to remain.

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AirPods Max USB-C's lossless update is available nowYou'll need iOS 18.4 to get the update to your MaxInstructions for checking the update are below

Apple has announced that the lossless audio update to AirPods Max with USB-C launches today, alongside the release of iOS 18.4 for iPhone.Apple revealed that the AirPods Max update with lossless and latency-free Personalized Spatial Audio was coming previously, but without an exact date – and here it is.This is the first totally lossless audio support ever for a pair of AirPods, and it provides 24-bit 48 kHz lossless support over USB-C, with a promise that this also brings the latency down to effectively zero, making it great for audio production or gaming.(The original AirPods Max were lossless-ish, with support for cabled connections, but via an active cable that took analog signal, converted it to digital, then converted it back to analog in the headphones, so too much conversion to be truly lossless.)Apple says you can connect to a Mac, iPhone or iPad to get lossless audio, but we'll check whether it works with all other USB-C sources too.Apple has also finally launched its own 3.5mm to USB-C cable, too, to enable the AirPods Max with USB-C to work with analogue audio output (making them work with airplane entertainment systems at last).

(Image credit: Future)

How to make sure you've got the update

AirPods updates should be automatic, though Apple recently explained for the first time how to kick AirPods updates into gear if you need to.You'll need iOS 18.4 on your iPhone, and then follow these steps:

Put your AirPods Max in Bluetooth range of your iPhone, iPad or Mac, which must be connected to Wi-FiPut your AirPods Max on to chargeWait 30 minutesCheck if you have the new update

To check if you have the update, put your AirPods on, open the Settings app, tap on your AirPods Max, then scroll to the bottom and check to see if Version reads '7E99'.AirPods Max with USB-C still rank among the best wireless headphones despite their age, thanks to strong sound quality (even at their high price) and tons of unique features for Apple users, including Personalized Spatial Audio, auto-switching between Apple devices, and Find My support.We actually had to remove them from our list of the best travel headphones since the USB-C version arrived, though, due to their lack of wired input for airplane journeys. This update means we might finally add them back in.

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ChatGPT's built-in image generation feature is now available to everyone. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said last week that the company is delaying its rollout to free tier "for a while," because the tool was way more popular than they had expected. But the company made the feature available to free users over the weekend, allowing them to generate images from within ChatGPT and without having to switch to OpenAI's DALL-E generator. Prior to its rollout to the free tier, the tool was only available to Plus, Pro and Team subscribers.

Altman previously said that free users will get a limit of three images per day. Based on our experience trying it out, some accounts are limited to just one a day. Those who find themselves able to generate more than one will still have to wait anywhere between a few minutes and a few hours. One of the tool's most popular uses that we've seen so far is the creation of Ghibli-style images using real-life photos. Users simply have to upload the photo they want to use and then instruct ChatGPT in natural language to create a Ghibli-style version of it. The trend had raised concerns, yet again, about the legality of using copyrighted work as training data for artificial intelligence. It also resurfaced the reaction of Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli's founder, upon being shown AI-generated animation years ago. "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself," the director said.

In a tweet, Altman said that the tool could still exhibit erratic behavior and could refuse some generations that should be allowed. OpenAI is still fixing the issue. The company also told TechCrunch that it "takes action" if a generated image violates company guidelines, though it didn't exactly detail about what those actions are.

Creating and customizing images is as simple as chatting using GPT‑4o—just describe what you need, including any specifics like aspect ratio, exact colors using hex codes, or a transparent background. pic.twitter.com/fnen1aDjNZ— OpenAI (@OpenAI) March 25, 2025

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/openais-built-in-image-generator-for-chatgpt-is-now-available-to-free-users-120003146.html?src=rss

Apple may not bring iOS 19 to the iPhone XR, XS or XS MaxThis leak contradicts previous reports on the software updateThe 7th-gen iPad apparently also isn't getting iPadOS 19

Back in December, a leak promised that owners of the iPhone XR, iPhone XS and iPhone XS Max would be getting iOS 19 alongside the rest of the iPhone range. But a new leak from a pretty reliable source now says that isn't true.This leak comes via 9to5Mac, whose source – an anonymous, private account on X with a good track record in breaking Apple software stories – says that the XR, XS and XS Max won't be invited to the iOS 19 party.The new leak also appears to confirm that the seventh-generation iPad, launched in 2019, won't be able to get an iPadOS 19 upgrade either.

What iPhones are getting the iOS 19 upgrade?

The iPhone XS Max may be left behind by the iOS 19 update (Image credit: TechRadar)

Nothing's official until Apple announces it at WWDC 2025, which we now know will start on June 9. But if the latest leak is correct, then the oldest iPhone that iOS 19 will support is the iPhone 11. Of the iPhone SE phones, both the second and generation versions will get the upgrade.If Apple sticks to its usual timeframe we should see a developer beta of iOS 19 in June, with various public betas before a final release alongside the iPhone 17 in September 2025.Details of the iOS 19 upgrades haven't been released yet, but of course the leaks have already started. We're expecting to see a visual redesign that allies iOS and iPadOS more closely with visionOS, a new camera app, and maybe even a version of Siri that works more reliably.It's an important update for Apple: iOS 18 was launched with heavy emphasis on Apple Intelligence, and some of the most talked-about features have been delayed significantly. That means iOS 19 needs to do more than make promises of future fun; it needs to actually deliver.

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