News

NSO Group must pay out nearly $167.5 million in damages to WhatsApp1,400 users were compromised through an audio calling vulnerabilityMeta wants to donate to digital rights organizations

NSO Group has been ordered to pay over $167 million in punitive damages and nearly half a million ($445,000) in compensatory damages to WhatsApp after a five-year legal battle.The fines stem from a 2019 hacking campaign affecting over 1,400 WhatsApp users, with NSO using the Pegasus spyware to exploit an audio calling vulnerability on the mobile app.Among those affected were high-profile individuals and public figures, such as journalists, activists and diplomats, with the Israeli cyber-intelligence firm's spyware also capable of accessing emails, texts, financial data, location data and remote camera and microphone activation.

Israel's NSO Group to pay over $167 million in damages to WhatsApp

"Put simply, NSO’s Pegasus works to covertly compromise people’s phones with spyware capable of hoovering up information from any app installed on the device," Meta explained in an announcement.Meta noted that Pegasus, when installed on an affected handset, has the capability of "hoovering up information from any app installed on the device."Given the extent of data types Pegasus targets, Meta has also confirmed that `"WhatsApp was far from NSO’s only target."The tech giant didn't name any other affected companies, but NSO has admitted that it spends tens of millions of dollars annually to develop malware installation methods, which can include via instant messengers, browsers and operating systems – both iOS and Android.NSO Group claims that it sells its spyware to governments only, however there are increasing attacks on citizens suggesting that malicious actors have also been able to get their hands on the spyware – be they government affiliates or otherwise."Pegasus is designed to be stealthy and evade forensic analysis, avoid detection by anti-virus software, and can be deactivated and removed by operators," The Citizen Lab explained.Even after six years, Meta has acknowledged that there could be a long way to go before any damages are paid out, however the company "would like to make a donation to digital rights organizations that are working to defend people against such attacks around the world" as a result of its success in court.

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Rockstar Games has confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6's latest trailer was "captured entirely in-game" on the PS5The trailer was comprised of gameplay and cutscenesRockstar dropped the trailer after delaying the game to May 26, 2026

Rockstar Games has confirmed that the latest Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer was captured entirely on the PlayStation 5.In case you missed it, the studio just dropped a brand new trailer for its anticipated game, which offered an in-depth look at the game's dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, a fresh look at Vice City, and introductions to new characters.It looks incredible, and much to everyone's surprise, the end of the trailer stated that it was captured on the PS5. That's right, the base PS5, not the PS5 Pro!However, there was some discussion as to whether the footage shown was purely cinematics for the simple fact that it looks too damn good, with some parts of the trailer showing what appears to be ray-traced reflections in car mirrors and water.Well, we now have an answer, as Rockstar has since revealed that the entire trailer was comprised of gameplay and cutscenes."Grand Theft Auto 6 Trailer 2 was captured entirely in-game from a PlayStation 5, comprised of equal parts gameplay and cutscenes," Rockstar said in a post on social media the following day.GTA 6 was originally supposed to launch in late 2025, but Rockstar has delayed the game until May 26, 2026. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, the studio decided to delay it by one more year to "avoid brutal crunch". Considering how good the game looks right now, there's a chance the GTA 6 will look even better on release.The game is launching on PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S, but there's no word on a PC release just yet.If you want a full breakdown, we've picked out the top five things we learned from the latest GTA 6 trailer.

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Spotify streams of Hot Together by The Pointer Sisters increased 182,000% in just two hoursThis follows the song's inclusion in the latest Grand Theft Auto 6 trailerLong Road by Tom Petty, featured in the initial GTA 6 reveal, received a similar popularity boost when that trailer dropped back in 2023

Spotify streams of the song featured prominently in the latest Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer surged by 182,000% in the two hours after the trailer's release.The second trailer for the highly anticipated GTA 6 dropped earlier this week, showing off more than two and a half minutes of gameplay and cutscenes captured entirely on PlayStation 5. The footage was accompanied by the 1986 song Hot Together by The Pointer Sisters.The trailer is currently the number one trending video on YouTube, and has amassed more than 85 million views at the time of writing.The catchy background tune seems to have been a hit with GTA fans, as Spotify streams of it increased by a staggering amount in the hours after the trailer dropped, compared to the same period one week prior.

Spotify Streams of Love Is a Long Road by Tom Petty, the song featured in the initial GTA 6 reveal, enjoyed a similar (though somewhat more modest) 37,000% increase when that trailer dropped back in 2023.Spotify global head of editorial Sulinna Ong commented on the songs' massive surges in popularity, arguing that GTA “cuts through popular culture like almost nothing else. Music has been synonymous with the series since the very beginning, so it’s great to see fans both new and established connecting with an iconic track in this way.”If you're a Spotify user and lover of all things GTA, it might be worth checking out the service's official Grand Theft Auto Radio playlist. This features a wide range of tracks played on the in-game radio stations across the series, tailored to your individual Spotify listening preferences.

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Nintendo is throwing some cold water on Switch 2 sales estimates even though launch demand seems to be off the charts. In its latest earnings report, the company projected sales of 15 million Switch 2 units in its first year on sale to March 2026, fewer than analyst predictions of 16.8 million. It didn't explain the number but it's likely due to uncertainty around US tariffs and the fact that Nintendo is usually cautious with its forecasts.

Switch 2 sales opened with a bang as resellers immediately sold out and Nintendo said its own pre-orders may not arrive until after the June 5th launch. That shows there's a lot of pent-up demand for the new model following the Switch's eight year run, but last month Nintendo delayed pre-orders due to concerns over Trump's tariffs on electronic goods. Despite its fears (and buyer complaints about the $450 price tag), the company received 2.2 million applications for pre-orders in Japan alone, a number that Nintendo said "far exceeds our expectations."

Nintendo has sold over 150 million Switch consoles to date, including 17.79 million in the first 13 months — so the Switch 2 is on a similar pace, even with the conservative estimates. In any case, it needs to have a great year as sales have fallen off a cliff (down 30.3 percent over last year), as one would expect with a new console imminent. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/nintendo-thinks-itll-sell-15m-switch-2s-in-its-first-fiscal-year-120044037.html?src=rss

With school behind them and summer ahead, the new graduate in your life is going to have a lot more free time for playing games, so why not indulge them with a few choice items to add to their gaming collection? Whether they’re a console owner or are building the ultimate PC rig, we have items that will make their days a whole lot brighter without breaking the bank.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-gaming-gifts-for-graduates-150047802.html?src=rss

Around 40 organizations and 40+ individuals are urging the EU not to undermine encryption with the new ProtectEU planExperts are asking to have a key role in defining the block's technology roadmap on encryptionProtectEU comes as yet another attempt to create a backdoor into encrypted messages

Around 40 organizations and 40+ individuals are urging EU lawmakers not to undermine encryption.In an open letter published on May 5, 2025, the experts are asking to have a key role in defining the block's technology roadmap on encryption included in the ProtectEU strategy unveiled last April.ProtectEU is the first step in the EU Commission's strategy to lawful and effective access to data for law enforcement. Yet, according to the experts, it comes as another iteration of the divisive Chat Control proposal that has been seeking to introduce backdoors in encrypted messaging apps since 2022.

"No technical silver bullet"

Encryption refers to the scrambling of data into an unreadable form to prevent unwanted access. The likes of Signal, WhatsApp, and secure email providers use end-to-end encryption to ensure your messages remain private between the sender and receiver.According to law enforcement, though, this level of security prevents police officers from successfully carrying on criminal investigations. The ProtectEU plan then wants to give more tools to law enforcement to lawfully access people's online data.Yet, experts have long argued that encryption cannot be weakened safely."Strong encryption is essential to protecting human rights and Europe’s digital infrastructure. Any attempt to grant law enforcement exceptional access would introduce dangerous vulnerabilities. There is no technical 'silver bullet,' access for the 'good guys only' is not possible," said one of the signatories, Matthias Pfau, CEO of Tuta Mail.As mentioned earlier, Tuta also pointed out how ProtectEU may come as simply a rebrand of the controversial Chat Control proposal. The bill, which comes as a way to halt the spread of CSAM content online by scanning all people's communications, has so far failed to attract the needed majority to turn into law.

Together with 39 orgs & 42 experts, our founder @matthiaspfau calls on the EU for a scientific evidence-based approach to #encryption 🔒No government can change the laws of math.Read the open letter ⤵️https://t.co/pdyoSEjoCH pic.twitter.com/VPz3s4XVJlMay 5, 2025

The group, which includes both civil society organizations and individuals specializing in technology and digital rights, is now urging the EU to let them be an active part of the ProtectEU strategy.They wrote: "Rather than investing more resources and time in systems that are demonstrably causing harm, we firmly believe that all stakeholders need to work together to find long-term solutions (both technical and non-technical) to complex societal issues."We further believe that we would be well-positioned to provide expert technical briefings to you, your cabinet, and services, and would be delighted to make ourselves available for this purpose."It is worth noting that, while messaging apps and email providers are set to be the main target of lawmakers, the best VPN services could also become the next target.For the very first time, in fact, a EU expert group explicitly referred to VPN services as "key challenges" to the investigative work of law enforcement agencies, alongside encrypted devices, apps, and new communications operators.

TechRadar needs you! We want to know what you think about the world of VPNs. Whether you're a novice or a VPN pro, we want to hear your thoughts. Don't worry, though, your responses are completely anonymous, and it takes less than a minute to complete!To take part, click the link below: https://futurenet.questionpro.eu/tr-vpn

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The Gemini app now supports the iPad’s larger resolutionGemini joins ChatGPT with a native iPad appStill no support for the Pixel-only screen sharing or camera control features

With Apple currently failing at getting an AI-powered version of Siri out of the starting blocks, Mac, iPhone and iPad users have had to look elsewhere to get their AI fix, and their needs have been well met by Gemini and ChatGPT.Both have released apps for iOS, but ChatGPT has gone even further, offering both a Mac app and a proper iPad version of the iOS app.Now Gemini has joined ChatGPT in providing a proper iPad version of its app. Head to the App Store on your iPad now and you’ll find a dedicated iPad version of the app that you can download.The iPad app can connect to your Google Photos app, and be added to your home screen as a widget.

(Image credit: Apple/Google)

Image and video generation

The iPad often gets neglected by apps, since it has the ability to run iOS apps by simply 2x-ing their size so that they roughly fit the iPad’s larger screen, which results in blocky text.Properly made iPad apps are designed specifically for the iPad’s larger screen size and maintain the correct proportions and resolution for text and graphics.Using the new iPad version of the Gemini app is much nicer than 2x-ing the iOS app.There are no new features to be had though, but you do get everything you got in the iOS version, which means you get to Go Live with Gemini for natural voice conversations, you can create AI images, and also video using Veo 2, provided you are a Gemini Advanced subscriber. And of course you can create Audio Overviews inside Gemini.

No camera control

The new iPad version of the Gemini app still lacks one of the best features of the app when used on a Pixel phone – the ability to share your screen and camera in conversations with Gemini. So far this remarkable feature has remained exclusive to Gemini used on Google Pixel phones, but really unlocks the potential for using AI on a mobile device. It means that Gemini can ‘see’ what you’re looking at through your camera and answer questions about it.

Camera control features in Gemini on a Pixel 9. (Image credit: Future)

The new camera and screen sharing capability is available free with all Pixel 9 phones, and it is available with the Gemini Advanced subscription for other Pixel phones. There’s currently no news from Google about when this ability will appear on other Android phones, or even on iPad and iPhone using the Gemini app.

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LockBit's dark web affiliate panels have been defacedA message saying "don't do crime" was left insteadThe attackers leaked chat logs between LockBit's affiliates and victims

The infamous LockBit ransomware group has suffered yet another cyberattack and data breach that has seen its dark web affiliate panels defaced, and some sensitive data leaked.BleepingComputer reports following the incident, all of the group’s panels are now showing a single message: “Don’t do crime CRIME IS BAD xoxo from Prague.”They also hold a link to download an archive named “paneldb_dump.zip”, which was first spotted by another threat actor called Rey, who confirmed the archive contained an SQL file dumped from the site affiliate panel’s MySQL database. LockBit also allegedly confirmed the authenticity of the breach to them, as well.

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Chats leaked

Apparently, the phpMyAdmin SQL dump showed that the server was running PHP 8.1.2, vulnerable to a critical flaw, tracked as CVE-2024-4577, which is known to have been exploited in the wild.The archive contains a fair bit - almost 60,000 unique bitcoin addresses, individual encryptor builds developed by affiliates, public keys (but no private keys), victim names, and chat messages of communications between the attackers and the victims, generated between December 19, 2024 and April 29, 2025.No one took responsibility for the attack just yet. BleepingComputer speculates this might have been the work of the same people who recently broke into Everest’s ransomware dark web site, since the defacement messages were similar in both cases.This is not the first time LockBit has been attacked. In February 2024, the group had its website and data seized by the authorities as part of “Operation Cronos”. The group took a week to bounce back, but the law enforcement managed to obtain plenty of information not just about the group, but about its affiliates as well.This led to several arrests connected to the group, including two individuals in Poland and Ukraine, one in France, and two in the UK.The US Department of Justice also unsealed indictments against Russian nationals Artur Sungatov and Ivan Kondratyev (also known as "Bassterlord") for deploying LockBit ransomware, both of whom are currently in custody and awaiting trial. Finally, an administrator of a bulletproof hosting service used by LockBit was detained in Spain.Via BleepingComputer

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Your Meta Quest+ subscription is now going to be called Meta Horizon+Two new games are joining the catalog: Deisim and Medieval Dynasty New SettlementFor this month you can also play Pavlov Shack and Kill It With Fire VR for free

Meta is making changes to its Meta Quest+ subscription – but thankfully it’s just the name that will be altered and it will remain the excellent deal it's always been.So, while the service will now be called Meta Horizon+, it will still offer the same subscription service for VR experiences that gives you access to a suite of Quest games.You can think of Meta Horizon+ as Meta’s Netflix or Xbox Game Pass. Each month you pay a fee of $7.99 / £7.99 / AU$12.95 (or a yearly cost of $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95) so you access a rolling catalog of titles. You’ll also get two games each month that you can ‘keep’ – well, to an extent; you can play them for as long as you remain subscribed.This month those two free games are Pavlov Shack and Kill It With Fire VR. Pavlov Shack is a team-based VR shooter which focuses on realistic weapon handling and vehicles across a variety of game modes including 5v5 search and destroy and TTT murder mystery, among othersMeanwhile, Kill It With Fire gives you a host of destructive tools to hunt down and exterminate eight-legged menaces hiding in your home. Though speaking as an arachnophobe the game can feel just as terrifying as it is cathartic.

This'll teach that spider to hide in your garden (Image credit: Casey Donnellan Games LLC / tinyBuild)

Subscribers will also see two new titles adding to the wider rotating catalog in the form of Deisim and Medieval Dynasty New Settlement. Plus, there are limited-time deals for subscribers on several games including Skydance's Behemoth.Frankly if you have a Meta Quest 3 or Meta Quest 3S headset, Meta Horizon+ feels almost like a must-have given the breadth of experiences it can expose you to at a very affordable price.Best of all you’ll get your first month free if you haven’t signed up before, meaning there’s even less to lose by giving it a try. Based on my experience with the service, you won’t be disappointed.

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Apple has filed an emergency motion, asking a federal appeals court to put a pause on orders that would significantly change how the App Store works. Those changes, the company argued in its motion, will cost the company "substantial sums annually" and are based on conduct that hasn't been "adjudicated to be (and is not) unlawful." It said those orders were made to punish Apple for "purported non-compliance" to previous orders.

If you'll recall, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers recently ruled that Apple had violated her 2021 ruling on the lawsuit Epic Games filed against Apple. In her original decision, the judge told the company to allow developers to direct users to other payment systems that would let them bypass the 30 percent commission fee Apple collects. But Apple still collected up to a 27 percent cut for external purchases, and it also showed users a "scare screen" warning them that paying outside the App Store would mean they wouldn't have the company's protection.

In her new ruling, Gonzalez Rogers ordered Apple to stop collecting fees for external payments immediately. She also prohibited Apple from creating rules that would prevent developers from presenting customers with buttons and links for external payments. Apple changed its guidelines to remove prohibitions on buttons and external links that direct customers to non-App Store purchasing mechanisms. However, it also appealed Gonzalez Rogers' decision and is now asking the court to put a stay on those two particular orders while its appeal is ongoing.

Apple insisted in its motion that it is unlawful to prevent the company from taking a cut on linked transactions, because the original decision didn't say anything about commissions or pricing. It also argued that it's unlawful to prevent the company from setting conditions for link placement and language as the original injunction didn't say anything about it. That provision violates the First Amendment, Apple said, by forcing it to "accommodate messages it would prefer to exclude." The company accused the court of punishing it because, in its view, Apple "flouted the court's order."

"Without a stay, these extraordinary intrusions into Apple’s business will cause grave irreparable harm. Depriving Apple of control over core features of the App Store is, standing alone, sufficient to warrant a stay," the company wrote. "The district court acknowledged that compliance will cost Apple 'hundreds of millions to billions' of dollars annually... which Apple can never recoup. Consumers would suffer from the destabilizing effects of the new injunction, while Epic would not be harmed by a stay."

Epic Games called Apple's motion a "last ditch effort to block competition and extract massive junk fees at the expense of consumers and developers." In addition to the video game developer, other companies are also keen to offer external payments that would allow them to bypass Apple's commission. Spotify, for one, already submitted an update that would let users pay outside the App Store for customers in the US.

Apple’s Motion to Stay is a last ditch effort to block competition and extract massive junk fees at the expense of consumers and developers.Since the contempt of court decision was issued by the District Court, Apple has faced a surge of genuine competition as developers have…— Epic Games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) May 8, 2025

When Gonzalez Rogers handed down her decision, it had revealed that App Store lead Phil Schiller advocated for the company to stop collecting fees on web links back in 2023. However, Apple's former Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri convinced Tim Cook to do the opposite. She said the company's Vice-President of Finance, Alex Roman, lied under oath and told the court that Apple didn't decide on collecting a 27-percent fee on external purchases until early 2024, whereas the truth was that Apple had already decided on that percentage back in 2023. The judge has referred the case to the US attorney for the Northern District of California to investigate Apple and Roman for possible criminal contempt.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apple-files-emergency-hold-to-challenge-app-store-payment-injunction-123030879.html?src=rss

Windows 10 runs out of support in October 2025The new ‘End of 10’ project urges those who can’t get Windows 11 to shift over to Linux insteadA clear case is laid out for Linux on an environmentally-friendly basis, and other strengths such as avoiding Microsoft’s adverts and telemetry

Windows 10 is not far from its End of Life, when Microsoft pulls the plug on support, and a new project has emerged pushing Linux as an alternative to upgrading to Windows 11.The ‘End of 10’ initiative (as highlighted by Betanews) is squarely aimed at those with older PCs that don’t meet the system requirements for Windows 11, which are more stringent than Windows 10.Devices which date back a while can easily be ruled out on the grounds of the processor being too old, or the TPM 2.0 security feature not being present (those are the two most common stumbling blocks).The main thrust of 'End of 10' is offering an alternative to one of Microsoft’s commonly aired suggestions for those whose Windows 10 PC doesn’t qualify for Windows 11, which is to simply buy a new computer. The project argues that you can make your older PC “fast and secure again” simply by switching to Linux.Linux is a platform of multiple operating systems – known informally as distros – built around the same core, but offering lots of (substantially) different variations. This project isn’t pushing any specific Linux distro; it’s just presenting the case that using any of them could be a viable way to keep your Windows 10 PC going if you can’t get Windows 11.That case to keep any relatively old – from 2010 onwards – computer alive with Linux is built around a few key aspects.Firstly, a core pillar here is the positive benefit for the environment. As the project website makes clear: “Production of a computer accounts for 75+% of carbon emissions over its lifecycle. Keeping a functioning device longer is a hugely effective way to reduce emissions.”Secondly, we come to the argument that Linux has no adverts or spyware, in contrast to Microsoft’s promotional pushes that we’ve witnessed more regularly in Windows 11 of late. As for the spyware comment, that’s a dig at Microsoft’s telemetry – the data on Windows 11 users that it pipes back to its servers.The project also makes the case that there’s a higher level of user control with Linux, as in you aren’t pushed to, say, upgrade to Windows 11 under threat of a deadline that pulls security updates out from under your feet if you don't.Linux is free, and the associated updates will remain free going forward. (Well, assuming your distro doesn’t dwindle and die, which is why it’s a good idea to pick one of the big names out of the best Linux distros).What people might fear with Linux is that it’s a big change, and a leap into the unknown (assuming you’ve never used one of the distros before, and most people won’t have).If you’ve been running Windows 10 for the past decade, or much of it, you’re pretty familiar with the OS, naturally, and Windows 11 isn’t much different. There’s no real learning curve there, and much of what is more radically altered is hidden under the bonnet of Windows 11.Linux, though – well it’s a whole different way of working (and playing if you’re into games). Questions running through the minds of would-be Linux defectors may include "How do I install a Linux distro – and what if it goes wrong?"; "Can I use my software on it?"; and "Can I play all my games?"This is where the project argues that community support via online forums is key, or indeed via local computer shops or repair cafes, and they may “often help you for free” in the latter case, we’re told.The ‘End of 10’ project has a diverse collection of Linux enthusiasts behind it, and that includes folks who’ve worked on KDE and Gnome (which are desktop environments for Linux), as well as a representative from the Free Software Foundation Europe.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Analysis: how realistic is this advice on migrating to Linux?

As noted, shifting over to Linux is a big move, and we're not that sure you’ll get help for free outside of online forums, as is part of the thrust of the ‘sales pitch’ here. I know people can’t easily get that sort of help in the UK, where I’m based, but a lot of the project seems to have its roots in other European countries, where the repair cafe culture is apparently quite different.That said, there’s no doubting that the help you’ll get from enthusiasts on Linux forums will be plentiful. It’s a community that goes out of its way in this respect – truly – and this project itself shines a light on the extra miles Linux aficionados will go in terms of trying to spread the good word about the OS and its various distros.I can’t, however, argue that for older PCs, which can’t have Windows 11 installed for hardware-related reasons – where even an upgrade isn’t feasible, due to the fact that you’d be pretty much replacing the entire guts of the computer – Linux should be a consideration to keep older hardware alive.That looming scrapheap of PCs that we’ve been repeatedly warned about could become a very real – and literal – blot on the landscape, which is a serious problem that Microsoft has failed to meaningfully address.Calls to ‘buy a new PC’ are hardly helping. And paying for Windows 10 support for another year, through to October 2026, is only kicking the can further down the road for consumers.As to whether the less tech-savvy folks out there can realistically make this leap to Linux, sadly, I’m not sure. This isn’t just about the initial move – installing the Linux distro, and getting used to a different interface and desktop (plumping for a Windows-like distro will help, by the way) – but the realities as newcomers acclimatize to the world of Linux.Those could range from hardware driver problems to your software not being compatible with Linux, and in particular thorny issues with games, such as anti-cheat systems chucking wrenches in the works. So, with online games (that invariably have anti-cheat), that can be a particular bugbear.In some ways, this boils down to how much of an investment you’ve made in the Windows ecosystem – how many apps you’ve bought that aren’t going to play nice with Linux – and how much of a gamer you are, because Linux still isn’t ideal in that sphere.That said, big strides have been taken in the latter respect, and if you’re not fussed about online gaming, it could be worth thinking about giving Linux a spin, as long as you’re not averse to having to do a bit more in the way of tinkering with your OS, and research online.For many everyday users who are less tech-savvy, though, the hard reality of Linux is that it’ll still likely be too much of an uncomfortably steep incline to manage.

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200 Google global business unit workers are being made redundantIt's the company's third reported round of layoffs in 2025 so farGoogle previously alluded to having fewer layers of staff

Google has revealed yet another headcount reduction affecting around 200 workers in its global business unit (via Reuters).The workers come from a department responsible for sales and partnerships, with the redundancies part of a broader cost-cutting move with Google shifting its focus to data centers and AI – a true sign of the times.In a statement, Google said the changes would "drive greater collaboration and expand our ability to quickly and effectively serve our customers."

Google lays off even more workers

It is the latest in a series of announcements of job cuts at Google, after the company recently laid off several hundred workers across its Pixel and Android departments, with its HR department also affected earlier in February 2025.Still, that's not a patch on Google's widespread layoffs in January 2023, when 12,000 workers were sent home – about 6% of its global workforce.As of December 2024, Google had just over 183,000 workers, so while the reduction of 200 global business unit workers isn't significant in terms of percentage, it's still very much an unwelcome decision for all of those affected.Google isn't the only company making regular minor adjustments, either. Meta recently laid off around 100 employees in its reality labs unit, and a considerable 3,600 (5%) earlier in February when CEO Mark Zuckerberg told workers to prepare for an "intense year."Microsoft has made two minor adjustments this calendar year (via layoffs.fyi), while Amazon and Apple have also made some revisions.When we approached Google for a comment last time it laid off workers, a company spokesperson told us: "Our teams have continued to make changes to operate more efficiently, remove layers, and ensure they are set up for long term success."

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Alienware just dropped a pair of new laptops under its Aurora brand. They are relatively budget-friendly and look like an excellent alternative to the pricier Area 51 line. These are the first Aurora laptops the company has released in nearly two decades, as the brand has primarily been reserved for desktops.

There’s the Alienware 16 Aurora and the 16X Aurora. The base 16 laptop starts at just $1,150, which is a good price for a dedicated gaming laptop. The entry-level specs include an Intel 5 Core processor, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU and 8GB of RAM.

Alienware/Dell

However, the laptop can be outfitted with up to the Intel Core 9 processor, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 32GB of RAM and 2TB of internal storage. All configurations are certified for Dolby Audio and feature the company’s proprietary Cryo-Tech cooling technology. The 16-inch screen offers a 240Hz refresh rate and a 2560 x 1600 resolution.

Alienware/Dell

The Alienware 16X Aurora laptop line is a bit beefier, as these models all include Intel Core Ultra processors. The max RAM shoots up to 64GB and the max storage extends to 4TB. The GPU options, however, remain the same. The same goes for the overall design. We don’t have pricing on this line just yet.

These new Aurora laptops join Alienware’s revived Area 51 line. Those models are more powerful and more expensive, as they start at $3,200. They do have a glass bottom that lets users see the cooling fans in action, so that’s something.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/alienware-just-launched-a-new-line-of-more-affordable-laptops-130007657.html?src=rss

Google Messages looks to be getting an update to its group chat function that would allow you to add custom icons to your group chats.If the new feature, which has already been spotted by some users, is fully rolled out, it would mark the latest upgrade in Google’s messaging service for Android after the announcement of four new design upgrades last week.9to5Google first spotted the change in Google Messages, sharing that a handful of users have noticed that they have the freedom to set their own group chat icons. However, while some users apparently have access to the new feature, the upgrade isn’t available for everyone yet, and no official roll-out date has been announced.You can check to see if the feature is available for you by opening a group conversation and tapping the top bar to reveal the group details. If a pencil icon appears at the right of your group chat’s existing image, it means you can set your own icon.Elsewhere, a recent Reddit post notes that GIFs can’t be set as group chat icons, and adds that you can’t return to the previous icon once you’ve set a new custom one.

Custom group icons rolling out! from r/GoogleMessages

Right now, group chat icons in Google Messages only show up to four circle profile images, which doesn’t make it easy to differentiate chats. The addition of custom group chat icons would introduce a smoother way to distinguish between chats, as opposed to relying solely on group chat names, and would definitely be an improvement to Google Messages’ ecosystem.

Google Messages is catching up to WhatsApp

In comparison to rival services, and in particular WhatsApp, Google Messages has fallen behind when it comes to implementing relatively minor upgrades to improve the users experience. Since January, though, Messages has been subject to some minor design changes and functionality improvements, giving the service a long overdue makeover.One of the first changes, introduced earlier this year, allowed users to once again set names and profile images for their contacts, reversing an earlier change that had annoyed many users. This was followed by the discovery of code hinting that group chat read receipts were coming to Google Messages.Another APK teardown in March pointed at the possible addition of WhatsApp-style group chat mentions, and in April more group chat muting features were teased in another teardown. So it looks like Google is making up for lost time in attempting to bring its messaging service up to speed – let us know what you think of the latest changes in the comments below.

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Rockstar Games says the second Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer was watched 475 million times in 24 hoursThe trailer shatters the records for some of the most-watched trailers, including one for Deadpool & Wolverine that racked up 365 million in 24 hoursGTA 6's second trailer sits at 85 million views on YouTube

Rockstar Games has claimed that the latest Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer was watched almost half a billion times in its first day.After delaying and announcing a new release date for GTA 6, the studio dropped the second trailer earlier this week, causing the internet to explode once again. It's perhaps the most anticipated game of all time, so it's not surprising that it brought in millions of views since its debut, but we're now learning that the latest trailer has broken a new record.According to a new report from The Hollywood Reporter, Rockstar has revealed that the second trailer received 475 million views across all platforms within 24 hours of its release.This staggering number of views has shattered some of the most-watched movie trailer launches, including Deadpool & Wolverine, which racked up 365 million in 24 hours, and Spider-Man: No Way Home at 355.5 million.The first trailer, which was exclusive to YouTube and debuted in December 2023, managed to accumulate 93 million views in its first day, compared to the second trailer, which currently sits at 85 million on the platform.17 months since its release, the announcement trailer has been watched 255 million times on YouTube, so the second trailer will likely continue to grow in views as we wait for the next one.Following its release, Rockstar confirmed that the second trailer was captured entirely on the PlayStation 5 and "comprised of equal parts gameplay and cutscenes".We also received a new plot description that centers the game's dual protagonists, Jason and Lucia, in a criminal conspiracy across Vice City. For more, you can check out our trailer breakdown where we highlighted the top five things we learned from the latest GTA 6 trailer.Grand Theft Auto 6 launches on May 26, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. There's no word on a PC release just yet.

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Apple's head of services Eddy Cue has suggested that users may not need an iPhone by 2035The statement was made as part of testimony at the Google antitrust remedies trial on May 7In context, the comments refer to the rising tide of AI

Will we always use smartphones? It’s a question every tech fan has asked. It makes sense that technology will keep evolving, but a phone-less reality is a little hard to imagine in a world where these devices are used for everything from paying for your groceries to streaming your favorite music.However, a new statement by a high-ranking Apple executive suggests the era of the iPhone could come to a close sooner than you might expect.While giving testimony at the Google Search antitrust remedies trial on May 7, Apple SVP and head of services Eddy Cue said: “you may not need an iPhone 10 years from now”.The comment was made in reference to the changing nature of technology and the relative impermanence of tech products compared to other goods.As PhoneArena reports, the comments can be taken in a wider context as a recognition that the ongoing surge in AI development could force even the largest tech companies, like Apple, to adapt to unforeseen changes.Though the iPhone is the icon of Apple’s product portfolio, it and the smartphone industry are still young compared to other industries – Cue highlighted “oil” and “toothpaste” as examples.The expected release of the iPhone 17 family later this year will mark 18 years of the iPhone, and with Apple itself offering a robust suite of AI tools via Apple Intelligence, it’s not beyond the realm of possibility that software could take priority over hardware in the coming years.In fact, some device makers have already made attempts at producing AI-first gadgets, though these have generally failed to take off; the Rabbit R1 AI companion, for instance, landed on our list of the biggest tech flops of last year.

The iPhone 16 represented a fairly significant hardware jump for Apple's handsets (Image credit: Future)

Looking at the iPhone specifically, it’s now pretty rare to see major leaps in hardware power between single generations.The addition of the Camera Control button and bump up to 8GB of RAM for the iPhone 16 family marked the biggest hardware upgrade for Apple’s handsets in years, but we only need to look back at the tiny hop from the iPhone 13 to the iPhone 14 to see much smaller gradations of change.Apple Intelligence, however, isn't beholden to yearly release cycles - Apple can update it as and when it sees fit. Of course, the hardware still needs to be capable enough to run these AI tools, but otherwise, Apple has much more freedom to accelerate on the software side of things.As CNBC reports, Apple already makes about a fifth of its revenue from services, and while Apple Intelligence is currently free, there’s nothing stopping the tech giant from adding premium tiers or charging for existing features in the future.So, while it honestly seems unlikely that iPhones will disappear by 2035, having hardware releases exist to support software developments and AI services seems like a pretty realistic outcome.For now, the era of the iPhone is still ongoing – be sure to check out our list of the best iPhones if you’re thinking of picking one up yourself. Do you think iPhones will be around in 10 years' time? Let us know in the comments.

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Masimo Corporation files new report with the SEC confirming attackIt says it suffered a cyberattack that crippled operationsNo threat actors claimed responsibility yet

Masimo Corporation has confirmed suffering a cyberattack which crippled its operation and forced it to shut down parts of its infrastructure to address the problem.In a new 8-K form filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Masimo said that it spotted unauthorized activity on its on-premise network on April 27, 2025.It responded by activating its incident response protocols and isolating impacted systems, and brought in third-party cybersecurity experts to analyze the attack, and notified law enforcement.

Get Keeper Personal for just $1.67/month, Keeper Family for just $3.54/month, and Keeper Business for just $7/month​Keeper is a cybersecurity platform primarily known for its password manager and digital vault, designed to help individuals, families, and businesses securely store and manage passwords, sensitive files, and other private data. It uses zero-knowledge encryption and offers features like two-factor authentication, dark web monitoring, secure file storage, and breach alerts to protect against cyber threats.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View Deal

Ransomware or not?

The investigation is still ongoing, Masimo said, but confirmed that the attack crippled its operations: “As a result of the incident, certain of the company’s manufacturing facilities have been operating at less than normal levels, and the company’s ability to process, fulfill, and ship customer orders timely has been temporarily impacted,” the filing says.“The company has been working diligently to bring the affected portions of its network back online, restore normal business operations and mitigate the impact of the incident.”Attacks that force companies to shut down parts of their IT network usually end up being ransomware.However, since Masimo’s cloud systems seem to be unaffected by the attack, this might not be the case. The investigation is still ongoing, so we’ll just have to wait and see. Also, no threat actors have claimed responsibility for the attack just yet.Masimo is a US-based medical technology company that develops noninvasive monitoring solutions like pulse oximetry and brain function monitoring.Healthcare organizations are often the targets of ransomware attacks, since they generate and hold huge amounts of highly sensitive information. Medical data can be resold on the dark web for profit, or used in targeted phishing attacks and identity theft.Via BleepingComputer

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As we head into 2025, UK businesses are making strides in their digital transformation efforts. But with rapid evolutions in technologies such as AI, businesses are under increasing pressure to keep up.Economic turbulence, driven by factors like inflation and rising interest rates is putting a strain on budgets and many companies are facing higher operational costs, reduced consumer spending, and tighter access to capital. Over a quarter (28 per cent) of UK businesses responding to Zoho’s Digital Health Study * reported having ‘good’ digital health.Meanwhile, customers, feeling the financial squeeze themselves, are becoming more discerning, demanding greater value and efficiency from the businesses they interact with. In this landscape, companies that fail to accelerate their digital maturity risk losing competitiveness, struggling with inefficiencies, and ultimately falling behind more agile competitors.

The impact of digital maturity on AI adoption

AI is a hot topic in business and boardroom discussions, from the AI Actions Summit to regular government investments and governance debates. However, not all businesses are reaping the benefits of AI equally.Businesses that are lagging in digital health will struggle to gain any return from investment in AI as it demands a foundation of digital maturity. As a result they will, miss out on its potential to drive innovation and productivity. The benefits and efficiencies that AI systems can deliver are no secret, and the businesses that are struggling, or even neglecting to adopt, risk missing out on a competitive advantage.For example, when it comes to customer experience, many businesses are deploying AI to provide detailed insights in order to deliver personalized experiences, and boost efficiency through tools such as AI agents or chatbots. These systems increase the likelihood of a business anticipating customer needs and creating a smooth, seamless customer journey, all of which is built on the foundation of good digital health.

Navigating integration complexities

Integration complexities typically arise from fragmented IT ecosystems, outdated legacy systems, and inconsistent data structures that prevent smooth communication between platforms.Legacy ERP systems, for example, can struggle to integrate with modern cloud-based applications, which results in inefficiencies and data silos. The complexity also extends to customer-facing systems, where disconnected platforms lead to inconsistent user experiences.Businesses are increasingly turning to cloud platforms to overcome these integration hurdles.To address integration challenges, companies should adopt strategies like application programming interfaces and middleware solutions that promote interoperability, or should seek to use vendors who provide these, or provide easy ways to customize integration points.Additionally, consolidating platforms can streamline processes, reduce complexity, and enhance efficiency. However, with larger companies, it is usual that several platforms are in place, so more work needs to be done to optimize interoperability.Beyond technology, businesses should also invest in robust change management strategies and upskill their workforce to maximize the benefits of integration and ensure adoption.Ensuring that teams are equipped to work seamlessly across new digital ecosystems, as well as to understand how the changes can help them in their roles as well as the business overall, is just as critical as the technology itself.

Overcoming infrastructure management challenges

Managing digital infrastructure remains a significant challenge for business and technology leaders, with the difficulty lying in balancing scalability and cost-efficiency while maintaining high system performance. Traditional infrastructure does not have the flexibility for modern digital demands, which leads businesses towards cloud-based models.The rapid growth of IoT devices adds another layer of complexity, as businesses must manage a growing network of connected devices while maintaining data security and integrity.To maintain compliance and ensure data privacy, businesses need solutions that are transparent, user-friendly, and easily governed by technology leaders. Simplified tools should offer automated compliance monitoring and centralized dashboards, while robust security measures include encryption, access controls, and threat detection.

Good digital health means good digital transformation

Businesses that navigate the obstacles of digital transformation tend to see significant benefits and improvements in areas such as customer experience, operational efficiency, and employee engagement.Those with good digital health are more likely to be able to automate workflows effectively, integrate AI systems, and adopt cloud platforms to boost data-driven decision-making and overall employee productivity. These transformations drive agility and resilience, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to market shifts and competitive pressures.On the flip side, for businesses with poor digital health, resistance to change, skills gaps, and budget restraints are among the common barriers hindering the progress of digital transformation. These challenges, coupled with fragmented IT infrastructures, make integration complex and limit agility.Addressing them requires strategic investment in scalable technology and workforce upskilling, not just to modernize operations, but to optimize costs in an unpredictable economy and ensure resilience against evolving market demands.The real driver of digital transformation success lies in aligning technology with business goals. Consolidating platforms and fostering strong vendor partnerships are not just efficiency plays; they reduce operational complexity, enhance compliance with regulatory shifts, and position businesses to stay ahead of rapid technological advancements.Equally important is cultural alignment, which ensures that digital tools are not only implemented effectively but also fully adopted by users. Vendors play a crucial role in this process, as they must take a long-term view of their relationships with customers, providing the necessary support, education, and guidance to help businesses unlock the full value of their investment.Ultimately, digital transformation is a journey, not an immediate fix. Businesses must move away from the notion that simply switching on a tool will yield instant benefits. Instead, they should embrace a comprehensive, strategic approach to drive adoption, overcome challenges, and realize the significant opportunities that effective digitization can offer. With this, by next year, they’ll be far more likely to have good digital health.

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Whoop is releasing new hardware for the first time since 2021It has unveiled its new Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG wearablesBoth feature 14-day battery life, ECG, blood pressure monitoring, and more

Whoop has announced two brand new wearables and a new subscription pricing structure, as the company heralds its first new hardware since 2021.The Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG are both sleek screenless wearables with 14-day battery life, ECG, and even blood pressure estimates.Whoop CEO and founder Will Ahmed said the move wasn't just a product launch but "a new chapter for Whoop and for our members."A new Whoop Healthspan with 'Whoop Age' feature gives you insight into how your daily habits impact your long-term health, quantifying your physiological age using nine metrics to give you data that can slow your pace of ageing. It sounds similar to the 'Fitness Age' or 'Metabolic Age' metric used by the best Garmin watches and some of the best fitness trackers.The new FDA-cleared ECG lets you take a reading at any time from your wrist and share it with your healthcare provider, with a Heart Screener tool that can detect signs of Atrial Fibrillation and provide Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications.One headline is blood pressure insights, with new patent-pending technology that can deliver daily insights with estimated systolic (the first number in a blood pressure reading) and diastolic readings (the second number).There's also support for women's hormonal insights, sleep performance and a new Sleep Score, and the usual myriad of health tracking features.

Whoop 5.0 and MG: Explained

(Image credit: Whoop)

To understand the difference between the Whoop 5.0 and Whoop MG devices, you need to understand Whoop's new subscription structure. That's because the devices come free with each plan, but the amount you pay will determine which model you get.Perhaps more egregiously, some standard 5.0 features aren't available on the cheaper tier.

WHOOP One: the cheapest tier, said to contain 'professional-grade fitness insights at our best price' at £169 / $199 / AU$299 per yearWHOOP Peak: said to contain 'advanced health, fitness and longevity insights designed to help you perform at your peak, longer' priced at £229 / $239 / AU$/419 per yearWHOOP Life: described as 'the most powerful WHOOP ever, delivering medical-grade health and performance insights' priced at £349 / $359 / AU$629 per year

The Whoop MG (MG stands for 'medical grade') features the aforementioned Heart Screener, ECG, and blood pressure insights. The MG is only available on Whoop Life, the most expensive tier.The Whoop 5.0 does not include those medical features and comes with the Whoop One or Whoop Peak memberships, the two cheaper tier options.Whoop told TechRadar that the Whoop One membership gives you access to core metrics like Strain, Recovery, Sleep, VO2 Max, heart rate zones, steps, and more. It also includes a Strength Trainer and Recovery metrics, as well as sleep tracking. On Whoop One, you get the Whoop 5.0 and a basic charger, as well as a CoreKnit band.Whoop Peak gives you the Whoop 5.0, but with more features. It includes Health Monitor and Stress Monitor, which let you see if your vitals are out of range. Peak also gives you Healthspan with Whoop Age, and you get the Wireless PowerPack and a nicer SuperKnit band. There is no hardware difference between Whoop Peak and Whoop One: it simply locks the extra features behind an additional paywall, like Fitbit Premium.As noted, Whoop Life is the most expensive tier and gets you the more premium Whoop MG with the aforementioned medical-grade health features. You get an even more premium band and a Wireless PowerPack for your device.

Analysis: Risking backlash?

In a wearables market where even Garmin's $6 Connect+ subscription has been met with user outcry, Whoop customers who have been waiting for these new devices might well be disappointed by the fact that Whoop is reserving the best features of its devices for its most expensive subscription tiers.The Whoop MG is at least a separate device in principle, but buying a Whoop 5.0 on the cheapest plan, only to miss out on some features ubiquitous to the best smartwatches on the market, is a tough pill to swallow.

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Looking for a different day?A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, May 8 (game #1200).

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

Quordle today (game #1201) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

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

Quordle today (game #1201) - hint #2 - repeated letters

Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1201) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1201) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

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

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

Quordle today (game #1201) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• M• C• N• S

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

Quordle today (game #1201) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1201, are…

MINUSCRIMENOSEYSLAIN

Sports coaches always talk about “fine margins” being the difference between victory and defeat.Although this round wasn’t really a defeat, guessing SNAIL instead of SLAIN is the finest of margins in the game of Quordle. It’s okay, though – I think I can bounce back and learn from this. “Trust the process” as the coaches say.Meanwhile, I managed to guess four correct words after six guesses in today’s Daily Sequence. That's something I've not managed to do in ages.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1201) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1201, are…

KITTYSOAPYHUMIDDENSE

Quordle answers: The past 20

Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITEQuordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVEQuordle #1198, Tuesday, 6 May: UNITE, SOGGY, FILET, PORCHQuordle #1197, Monday, 5 May: WREAK, COWER, STEAD, QUEUEQuordle #1196, Sunday, 4 May: PINCH, SMOKE, SCARY, CANNYQuordle #1195, Saturday, 3 May: PLUSH, VERGE, WROTE, CONDOQuordle #1194, Friday, 2 May: CAUSE, RISEN, MACAW, SMELTQuordle #1193, Thursday, 1 May: IDIOM, EXILE, SPOOF, DRAPEQuordle #1192, Wednesday, 30 April: BATON, TORSO, ANNEX, DROWNQuordle #1191, Tuesday, 29 April: HOVER, HENCE, OCTAL, COPSEQuordle #1190, Monday, 28 April: JAUNT, ALLOW, FRUIT, BURNTQuordle #1189, Sunday, 27 April: PRIOR, YOUTH, CREDO, CHIDEQuordle #1188, Saturday, 26 April: LINGO, LOCUS, THROW, CLICKQuordle #1187, Friday, 25 April: SHALT, WRATH, MAMBO, HUMPHQuordle #1186, Thursday, 24 April: CHOKE, COLOR, FRAME, CAIRNQuordle #1185, Wednesday, 23 April: VALET, PUPAL, CREEP, DRIFTQuordle #1184, Tuesday, 22 April: POUTY, CHEST, BROOM, TEPEEQuordle #1183, Monday, 21 April: SHARD, PRINT, SUMAC, LEACHQuordle #1182, Sunday, 20 April: DINER, HORDE, SHONE, FUGUEQuordle #1181, Saturday, 19 April: GRADE, LAUGH, RAINY, EXULT

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, May 8 (game #431).

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

NYT Strands today (game #432) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Outsiders

NYT Strands today (game #432) - hint #2 - clue words

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

LORETRAILCRAMPCOOLGRITRENTAL

NYT Strands today (game #432) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 11 letters

NYT Strands today (game #432) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: left, 5th rowLast side: right, 5th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #432) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #432, are…

BACKPACKTENTGRILLCOOLERLANTERNTHERMOSSPANGRAM: CAMPING GEAR

My rating: EasyMy score: 1 hint

Am I overthinking this or is today’s spangram in the shape of a TENT?Camping is something that I have a love-hate relationship with. I have always liked the idea of it, communing with nature, bonhomie around the campfire, stripping life back to its essentials.However, I’ve always found the reality uncomfortable and cold. This is no doubt down to my lack of organizational skills, hardyness and equipment – and man do you need a lot of equipment, and not just a GRILL, a THERMOS and a LANTERN.When I was younger it gave me independence and freedom to misbehave. Now that I'm older and less resilient, I prefer concrete and the great indoors.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, May 8, game #431)

GAUDYSNAZZYEXTRAVAGANTDELUXEORNATELAVISHSPANGRAM: OOH SHINY

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

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, May 8 (game #697).

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

NYT Connections today (game #698) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

DIMSUMPRODUCTSHADECOLORDRAPEREMOTEDIFFERENCECONTRASTFAINTSHUTTERTINTQUOTIENTBLINDBRIGHTNESSVAGUE

NYT Connections today (game #698) - hint #1 - group hints

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

YELLOW: Pass the remote GREEN: FadedBLUE: MathematicsPURPLE: Curtain for certain

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

NYT Connections today (game #698) - hint #2 - group answers

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

YELLOW: TV DISPLAY SETTINGS GREEN: FUZZY, AS A MEMORY BLUE: RESULTS OF SOME ARITHMETIC PURPLE: WINDOW TREATMENTS IN THE SINGULAR

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

NYT Connections today (game #698) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #698, are…

YELLOW: TV DISPLAY SETTINGS BRIGHTNESS, COLOR, CONTRAST, TINTGREEN: FUZZY, AS A MEMORY DIM, FAINT, REMOTE, VAGUEBLUE: RESULTS OF SOME ARITHMETIC DIFFERENCE, PRODUCT, QUOTIENT, SUMPURPLE: WINDOW TREATMENTS IN THE SINGULAR BLIND, DRAPE, SHADE, SHUTTER

My rating: EasyMy score: Perfect

I’m all for thinking I’m clever, brushing that imaginary dust off my shoulder, putting a book on my head and pretending I’m a genius, etc but today’s so-called hardest group was not exactly hard?Or, hang on, maybe I am a genius?! Or perhaps the good people at Connections HQ want to give us all the buzz of getting a purple group?Not that the other colors were that much harder, although QUOTIENT is not a word you hear very often. When you do, it’s usually in association with PRODUCT, SUM and DIFFERENCE, as they all represent answers.I’m fully expecting Connections to take revenge on us all tomorrow.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, May 8, game #697)

YELLOW: COMMIT TO PAPER AUTHOR, COMPOSE, PEN, WRITEGREEN: NEEDS FOR PLAYING YAHTZEE CUP, DICE, PENCIL, SCORECARDBLUE: HEROES OF ACTION MOVIE FRANCHISES BOND, JONES, OCEAN, WICKPURPLE: ___STICK CANDLE, CHOP, JOY, YARD

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

Netflix recently unveiled big updates to the design of its platform, and while there’s some interesting features to look forward to in the future, some subscribers remain unconvinced.While the streamer started life as a place to catch your favorite shows and movies without having to traipse to the rental store, the platform has evolved over the years to play host to a plethora of video games, and various live events, including weekly WWE shows and big NFL games. The content pivot from the streamer has led to some subscribers becoming frustrated with the one-size-fits-all approach of a UI that has barely changed since its inception.All that is due to change though, with a new homepage designed to give users the best experience with the media they mostly use the platform for, be that sports, gaming or TV and movies. Netflix's chief product officer Eunice Kim says of the project: “We wanted to create an experience that was more flexible for our broad entertainment offerings, more intuitive and responsive to our members’ needs.”Changes include real time recommendations based on current mood and interest, extra information on titles across the platform such as “Emmy Award Winner” or “#1 in TV shows” and a new, cleaner design for the platform’s landing page.

Are all these changes a good thing?

However, these new features come with downsides too, with it being widely speculated that the removal of interactive TV specials such as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and Unbreakable Kimmy Scmidt finale Kimmy vs the Reverend is a result of the new software no longer being able to support these types of content.And that’s not the only thing subscribers are unhappy about, with one Reddit user stating the “NEW DESIGN SUCKS!!” and calling for the engineers responsible to be fired, comparing the new UI to the notoriously difficult to navigate Prime Video.

NEW DESIGN SUCKS!! from r/netflix

However, some responses to the original post were more positive, with one reply stating “I love the new design,” while others remained cautiously optimistic saying “I’m nervous but hopeful”.

Some of the new features look great

(Image credit: Netflix)

For my money though, while it’ll definitely take some getting used to, there are some very cool new features on the horizon.For starters, the small change of moving shortcuts for Search and My List away from the sidebar and to the top of the page will save getting bogged down in menus while trying to find basic features – I for one have changed profile more than once while trying to search for a particular show. Also intriguing is the use of Generative AI in the search function, meaning that users can use conversational phrases to zero in on the type of content they like to watch, for example “I want to watch a mid-2000s mumblecore movie” rather than scrolling through endless comedies.One of the features I hope makes it to the new design is the vertical discovery feed – illustrated above – which is set to be tested over the coming weeks. The new feed looks to replicate the feeling of scrolling through TikTok watching movie clips, except here, if one piques your interest, rather than engage in an infuriating search through the comments to find the title, you can simply tap on the video to be taken directly to the full movie or show.It’s definitely set to be a new era for Netflix, and one that understandably has some subscribers nervous, but with the site becoming increasingly overloaded by its breadth of content, it could be a very welcome update.

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The modern economy is built on data. Every business, from small enterprises to multinational corporations, relies on massive amounts of storage infrastructure to keep operations running smoothly.But what if the very foundation of this infrastructure—your hard drives—weren’t what they claimed to be? A growing crisis is emerging in the data storage market: fraudulent hard drives, falsely sold as new, are infiltrating the supply chain, putting businesses, government agencies, and data centers at risk.

The growing threat of counterfeit and fraudulent hard drives

The problem of counterfeit and fraudulently resold hard drives is escalating, and enterprise-grade drives such as Seagate Exos and IronWolf Pro HDDs are primary targets. Fraudsters manipulate serial numbers, QR codes, and firmware data to conceal prior usage, effectively repackaging used drives as new. Some reports indicate that these drives have logged over 27,000 hours of prior use—equivalent to more than three years of continuous operation—before being repurposed and resold.This issue has profound implications beyond mere financial loss. For industries where data integrity is paramount—such as finance, healthcare, and cloud services—using compromised drives can lead to catastrophic failures, security vulnerabilities, and compliance violations.

The hidden dangers of fraudulent drives

When businesses unknowingly purchase fraudulent drives, they expose themselves to several critical risks:1. Data security vulnerabilities Previously used drives may contain residual data, raising concerns about data leakage and cybersecurity threats. Even if formatted, data remnants can sometimes be recovered, posing compliance issues in regulated industries like healthcare (HIPAA) and finance (GDPR, PCI-DSS).2. Reliability and performance issuesHard drives degrade over time due to mechanical wear and tear. A drive that has already been in use for years has a significantly higher failure rate than a truly new drive, leading to unexpected downtime, data corruption, and loss of operational efficiency.3. Compliance and regulatory risksRegulatory compliance standards demand strict control over IT hardware procurement. Fraudulent drives introduce an unknown element into an organization's infrastructure, potentially violating compliance policies for data protection and hardware lifecycle management.4. Increased maintenance costsOrganizations that unknowingly install used drives in critical systems may face higher replacement costs, increased IT support requirements, and lost productivity due to premature failures. What initially seemed like a cost-saving purchase can quickly turn into a financial liability.

The root cause: unauthorized supply chains

Fraudulent drives often originate from unauthorized or gray-market resellers who source used hardware, repackage it, and sell it as new. Without robust verification mechanisms, even reputable procurement channels can unknowingly distribute counterfeit storage devices.Experts recommend buying only from manufacturer-authorized distributors, where drives arrive factory-sealed and untouched. But even this approach is not foolproof, as counterfeiters continue to refine their methods. Organizations must take a proactive stance in verifying the authenticity of their hardware purchases.

A solution: industry tools for hard drive verification

Recognizing the widespread nature of this problem, industry experts and organizations have developed drive verification tools that allow businesses to check the actual usage history of a hard drive. These tools extract key drive metrics such as:

Power-on hours: Identifying how long the drive has been in operation.SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) data: Providing insights into drive health and past failures.Firmware authenticity checks: Detecting tampering with drive identification.

IT teams should look for solutions that are available as open-source utilities, allowing them to verify their hardware before installation. Organizations should incorporate these verification steps into their procurement and deployment processes.

A call for greater transparency in IT procurement

The rise of fraudulent hard drives represents a serious and growing challenge for businesses worldwide. As organizations continue to expand their digital infrastructure, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of hardware components is essential. Data security, regulatory compliance, and operational stability depend on it.The responsibility lies with both vendors and buyers to implement stricter verification processes. Businesses must insist on transparency from suppliers and leverage verification tools to confirm that they receive genuine, factory-new drives. By adopting a proactive approach, organizations can protect their data infrastructure from unseen threats and avoid the costly consequences of fraudulent hardware.

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