News

The foldable iPhone will reportedly use a different type of screen to Samsung's foldablesIt will supposedly have an integrated touch sensor, making it thinner and lighterIt's also said to offer higher brightness and better color reproduction

The long-rumored foldable iPhone will reportedly have a display made by Samsung, yet despite that its screen could actually have Samsung’s own foldable phones beat according to a new report.Leaker yeux1122 posting on South Korean blog Naver (via MacRumors), claims that the foldable iPhone will have a new type of screen that we haven’t seen on any Samsung Galaxy Z Fold or Samsung Galaxy Z Flip models.Supposedly, this screen will have a touch sensor integrated directly into the display, whereas with Samsung’s current foldables the touch sensor is a separate layer placed on top of the foldable screen.Having it integrated into the screen is common on non-foldable phones but is harder to achieve with a foldable. It comes with advantages though, including apparently making this screen around 19% thinner than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold displays, as well as being lighter.That in turn could help Apple keep the foldable iPhone thin, with previous reports suggesting it could be just 4.5mm thick when unfolded and between 9mm and 9.5mm thick when folded.

Samsung could also benefit

The successor to the Z Fold 6 could benefit from Apple's requirements (Image credit: Lance Ulanoff / Future)

That won’t necessarily make it any slimmer than the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is also rumored to be slimming down a lot compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. But interestingly, according to this report Samsung is only making its own upcoming phone thinner because of the work it’s doing to meet Apple’s display requirements.So, in other words the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 may have a similar screen, but Samsung might not have pursued this if Apple hadn’t reportedly required it.The foldable iPhone’s display probably won’t be identical to whatever the Galaxy Z Fold 7 has though, as Apple will apparently hold branding trademarks for the foldable iPhone’s screen, so it may well be even thinner than the Z Fold 7’s display.And this new screen isn’t just said to be thinner and lighter than Samsung’s existing foldable displays, it also apparently has improved peak brightness, normal brightness, and color reproduction. So, this screen could be a real upgrade on the foldable displays we’ve seen to date.Sadly, we probably won’t see it for a while yet, with the foldable iPhone not likely to launch before late 2026. But we may at least see some of these improvements in the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is likely to land this July.

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When I get asked the inevitable question of what keeps me up at night, my answer is always the same: the pace of business. That’s especially true today. The speed of AI innovation and its impact on how we work, create and operate is breakneck. We’re not just moving faster. We’re moving differently. And that’s what makes this moment such a big deal.We’re shifting how decisions get made, how creative gets produced, and who gets to contribute. AI is flattening workflows, compressing timelines and changing expectations in real time. That’s exciting, but it’s also a lot to manage. If we don’t stay intentional, we risk moving so fast we lose sight of what actually matters.We saw this play out recently with OpenAI’s rollout of image generation inside ChatGPT. It wasn’t just another product update—it lowered the barrier in a way that changes who gets to create, and how fast. This wasn’t just a tech update—it was a major shift in accessibility.Half a billion people now have the power to create visuals on demand without opening a new app, setting up an account or learning new software. Sure, AI image tools have been around for a while. But now they’re right there, baked into a tool people are already using multiple times every day. That’s the difference.This isn’t just innovation. It's normalization. And it signals something bigger.Speed now defines the way we work. AI isn’t just for engineers and data scientists anymore. It’s become a standard part of the marketing toolkit. And for marketers and agencies, underestimating this shift isn’t just a missed opportunity—it could be a liability.

Use AI to accelerate thinking, not replace it

With a few lines of text, you can produce everything from a rough concept to a surprisingly polished ad visual. In seconds. This collapses the early stages of the creative process—brainstorming, moodboarding, mocking up—into a real-time, iterative flow. It’s no longer a linear process gated by resources or expertise. It’s conversational, collaborative, immediate.But when speed becomes universal, it stops being a competitive advantage. Strategy becomes the differentiator. The question isn’t “How fast can we make something?” but “Are we making the right thing, in the right voice, for the right moment?”AI can help you generate content, but it can’t define your brand narrative or understand the emotional nuance of your audience. That still takes human insight. The marketers who win in this new landscape will be the ones who use AI to accelerate their thinking, not replace it.

AI is changing everything, including how you protect your brand

One of the most immediate challenges we’re hearing from marketing leaders is brand consistency. When anyone on the team can spin up an image in seconds, the risk of going off-brand—visually or tonally—increases dramatically.This doesn’t mean locking down creativity. It means evolving brand governance for the AI era. Clear design systems, approved prompt libraries and integrated review workflows will become essential. Companies that get this right will turn brand consistency into a true advantage, creating more content without sacrificing cohesion or quality.We’re already seeing forward-thinking teams explore how to integrate these tools into their sales pipeline without losing control. Expect to see more CMOs investing in systems that combine flexibility with oversight.

Measuring creativity is the next frontier

If AI speeds up content creation, it also raises the stakes for performance data. We can now test dozens of creative variations in a single campaign sprint—but without timely, actionable insights, that velocity goes to waste.The traditional launch-wait-analyse-iterate cycle is too slow for this new pace. Instead, marketers need tighter, real-time feedback loops that connect content creation with audience response. Tools that integrate creation, publishing and performance tracking into a single workflow will become critical.In other words, creative iteration doesn’t just need to be faster. It needs to be smarter. The best teams will treat every piece of content as a hypothesis, and every campaign as a learning engine.

What’s next?

The launch may have happened weeks ago, but we’re just beginning to see the real impact unfold. The ad industry is waking up to a new reality: the tools are changing fast, and with them, the expectations of what marketers can deliver—and how fast.Here are three things I’d suggest every brand and agency leader do now:Give your team room to test, learn and move fast: Give your team room. See where AI tools spark creativity, and where they cause confusion. Use that intel to guide smart adoption.It’s time to future-proof your brand playbook: Include AI-specific guidance: prompt templates, review steps, examples of what “on-brand” means in this new context.Close the loop between content and performance: Don’t let AI outpace your measurement. If you’re producing faster, you need to learn faster too.The tools will keep evolving. That much is certain. But this moment—the one we’re in right now—is about adaptation. Not to the tools themselves, but to the new cadence of creative work they’re enabling.

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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

Three in five businesses are exploring quantum AIData analytics and machine learning is a key application for the techHigh costs and lacking knowledge and skills are barriers to full adoption

Businesses are more familiar with quantum AI than you might expect, with more then three in five actively investing in or exploring the technology, new research has claimed.A report from SAS has revealed how the technology's most popular application is in data analytics and machine learning (48%), with research and development a fairly close second (41%) and cybersecurity in third place (35%).Supple chain and logistics (31%), finance and risk management (26%) and marketing (20%) are also areas that are being explored for the use of quantum AI.

Quantum AI might be the next development in AI

The company noted 'quantum AI' is the combination of AI as we know it today with the power of quantum computing, enabling the development of new algorithms, models and other systems that can process complex data, train complicated ML models and solve problems that would otherwise be considered highly challenging or impossible with today's tech.However, the usual barriers apply as per any new technology, with high costs (38%), a lack of knowledge or understanding (35%), uncertainty about real-world use cases (31%), a lack of trained workers (31%) and a lack of regulatory guidelines (26%) all preventing businesses from being able to or wanting to explore quantum AI in more detail.SAS even acknowledged that there's a lot of hype around quantum computing and quantum AI, adding that today's research into the topic can be confusing."With the emergence of quantum technologies, companies can analyse more data than ever and achieve amazingly fast answers to very complex questions involving myriad variables," SAS Principal Quantum Architect Bill Wisotsky explained.Although many argue that quantum AI use cases could still be years – or even decades – off, today's research is paving the way and many enterprises are already starting to explore the emerging technology's applications now.Among the key industries set to benefit from quantum AI include life sciences for drug discovery, financial services for risk management, and manufacturing for optimized processes.

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Fitness trackers are a solid option if you really want to hone in on tracking, well, your fitness. Some of the best fitness trackers also include additional sensors to track things like stress, sleep and other advanced health metrics. Sure, you could opt for the best smartwatch, but if you’re not interested in all of the extra features they offer, a fitness tracker might be a better (and more affordable) option.Accurate workout and activity tracking is what fitness trackers do best; most include a pedometer to track your steps throughout the day. They might not look as glamorous as an Apple Watch, but they do a particular job well. We’ve researched and tested a good selection of the most popular fitness trackers out there to help make your decision a little easier.

Table of contents

Best fitness trackers and watches for 2025

What do fitness trackers do best?

When to get a smartwatch instead

Other fitness trackers we tested

Fitness tracker FAQs

Best fitness trackers and watches for 2025

What do fitness trackers do best?

The answer seems simple: Fitness trackers are best at monitoring exercise, be it a 10-minute walk around the block or that half marathon you’ve been diligently training for. Obviously, smartwatches can help you reach your fitness goals too, but there are some areas where fitness bands have proven to be the best buy: focus, design, better battery life, durability and price.

When I say “focus,” I’m alluding to the fact that fitness trackers are made to track activity well; anything else is extra. They often don’t have the bells and whistles that smartwatches do, which could distract from their advanced health tracking abilities. They also tend to have fewer sensors and internal components, which keeps them smaller and lighter. Fitness trackers are also a better option for those who just want a less conspicuous gadget on their wrists all day.

Battery life tends to be better on fitness trackers, too. While most smartwatches last one to two days on a single charge, fitness bands offer between five and seven days of battery life — and that’s with all-day and all-night use even with sleep tracking features enabled. Many fitness trackers also slot nicely into your existing ecosystem, syncing seamlessly with your smartphone, other fitness apps and cloud storage to keep all your data in one place.

When it comes to price point, there’s no competition. Most worthwhile smartwatches start at $175 to $200, but you can get a solid smart band starting at $70. Yes, more expensive bands exist (and we recommend a few here), but you’ll find more options under $150 in the fitness tracker space than in the smartwatch space.

When to get a smartwatch instead

If you need a bit more from your wearable and don’t want to be limited to a fitness or activity tracker, a smartwatch may be the best buy for you. There are things like on-watch apps, alerts and even more robust fitness features that smartwatches have and the best fitness trackers don’t. You can use one to control smart home appliances, set timers and reminders, check weather reports and more. Some smartwatches let you choose which apps you want to receive alerts from, and the options go beyond just call and text notifications. Just make sure your smartwatch is compatible with your Android or iPhone, however, before purchasing, as not all of them work with both operating systems.

But the extra fitness features are arguably the most important thing to think about when deciding between a fitness tracker and a smartwatch. The latter devices tend to be larger, giving them more space for things like GPS, barometers, onboard music storage and more. While you can find built-in GPS on select fitness trackers, it’s not common.

If you’re someone who’s seriously training — say for a race or an endurance challenge — a dedicated running watch may be worth considering. These often provide more in-depth cardio analytics, recovery insights, and real-time pace data that go beyond what standard trackers can deliver.

Other fitness trackers we've tested

Fitbit Inspire 3

The Fitbit Inspire 3 strips out all the luxury features from the Charge 6 and keeps only the essential tracking features. You won’t get built-in GPS tracking or Fitbit Pay or Spotify control but you do get solid activity tracking, automatic workout detection, smartphone alerts and plenty more. The updated version has a sleeker design and includes a color touch display and connected GPS, the latter of which lets you track pace and distance while you run or bike outside while you have your phone with you. When compared to the Charge 6, the Inspire 3 is more fashionable, too. Its interchangeable bands let you switch up the look and feel of your tracker whenever you want, and it’s slim enough to blend in with other jewelry you might be wearing. We were also impressed by its multi-day battery life: Fitbit promises up to 10 days on a single charge, and that checked out for us. After four days of round-the-clock use, the Inspire 3 still had 66 percent battery left to go.

Fitness tracker FAQs

How long do fitness tracker batteries last?

The battery life of fitness trackers can vary depending on the model and its features. On average, most fitness trackers last between five to seven days on a single charge. Basic models with limited features could stretch up to 10 days or more. However, more advanced trackers with features like continuous heart rate monitoring, GPS, or always-on displays may need recharging after one to three days. If you're using GPS or streaming music through your fitness tracker, you'll find that this drains the battery faster. By using these features less, or turning them off, you'll extend battery life. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/best-fitness-trackers-133053484.html?src=rss

Netskope report find almost all healthcare workers use AI tools trained on user dataHIPAA-protected information, passwords, IP and more at riskOrganizations need to approve AI tools more quickly

New research from Netskope has blamed healthcare workers for putting their companies at risk by regularly attempting to upload sensitive and regulated data to unapproved locations, including generative AI chatbots like ChatGPT and Gemini.Highlighting the extent of unapproved tool usage, the report revealed that 96% of respondents used apps that leverage user data for training.Besides the use of unapproved GenAI tools, many violations also stemmed from uploads to personal OneDrive or Google Drive cloud storage accounts.

Healthcare workers are putting your data at risk

The figures claim 81% of all data privacy violations involved regulated healthcare data such as HIPAA-protected information, while 19% involved passwords, source code or intellectual property.More than two-thirds of GenAI users in healthcare also admitted to using their personal AI accounts to send sensitive data while at work, potentially alluding to their frustration regarding confusing regulation and delayed processes.Netskope noted, "this behavior is hindering security teams' visibility over GenAI-related activity among their staff.""Healthcare organisations must balance the benefits of genAI with the deployment of security and data protection guardrails to mitigate those risks," explained Netskope Threat Labs Cloud Threat Researcher Gianpietro Cutolo.Looking ahead, the research calls for faster deployment of organization-approved GenAI applications in order to reduce the use of shadow AI – a trend that is already starting to slow down, reducing from 87% to 71% over the past year.Data Loss Prevention (DLP) policies are also an effective strategy to monitor and control access to GenAI applications, with more than half (54%) of organizations now using DLP policies compared with 31% last year.Cutolo summarized: "Healthcare organisations are making progress, but continued focus on secure, enterprise-approved solutions will be critical to ensure data remains protected in this evolving landscape."

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 appears to have leaked in fullIt looks like Samsung could be ditching its iconic circle for a design closer to the Apple WatchBoth the 8 and the 8 Classic are depicted with a 'squircle' body

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 appears to have leaked in full, revealing that the company could be set to introduce a massive design change.The leak follows the emergence of the One UI 8 Watch update, which has revealed some big software changes coming to the Galaxy Watch, including Gemini AI.As spotted by Android Authority, animation files for the new models buried in the code of the upcoming software launch reveal the design of the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic, with both seemingly having a 'squircle'-shaped body.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 design

(Image credit: Android Authority)

The best smartwatches on the market, notably the best Apple Watches, all feature a squircle design that lends itself more readily to a wearable user interface. In my experience, circular Wear OS devices tend to have poorly spaced, wasteful designs that never feel quite as effective as watchOS.However, if these design leaks are accurate (these could also be placeholder images not reflective of the final design) – Samsung is adopting the square chassis of the Galaxy Watch Ultra while keeping the circular display of the Classic range, which is arguably the worst of both worlds.The images clearly show a Galaxy Watch 8 and 8 Classic that look just like the Ultra and myriad Apple Watches, which would be a huge shakeup from the current design.As the report notes, the Galaxy Watch 8 appears set to retain its two buttons, while the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic looks set to add the Ultra's Quick Button.A firmware video also shared by AA clearly reveals a Galaxy Watch 8 with a squircle design. The report further notes that the files "don't appear to be placeholders," but doesn't rule out the possibility.If these images are the real deal the Galaxy Watch 8 could mark the end of an era for Samsung, with the retirement of its iconic circular design leaving the Pixel Watch as the best Android smartwatch still embracing the circular chassis.With the Galaxy Watch 8 expected to launch in July, we don't have long to wait before we find out.

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10Web announced a new AI-powered Website Builder APIDevelopers can build fully-fledged ecommerce sites, not just "visit cards"Additional features were announced, too

10Web, known as one of the best website builders, just announced the launch of its AI Website Builder API, a new tool that will allow website developers to turn “any text input” into a “fully-functional” website hosted on WordPress.In a press release shared with TechRadar Pro, 10Web said that the API runs on proprietary technology that was developed “before generative AI went mainstream”. The company claims the tool can be used by companies serving both entrepreneurs and small businesses, and that website creation can be embedded directly into product flows.The generated websites are fully customizable, ecommerce-ready, and hosted on 10Web’s infrastructure, it was said.In the press release, the company said that the API runs on a custom builder engine that creates fully tailored websites instead of “just pre-filled layouts”. It creates unique page structures, business-specific designs, content, functionality, and visuals.Apparently, multiple AI models are leveraged in the engine, including Google Gemini, OpenAI, and Anthropic. Every agent is trained to perform a precise, unique task within the website builder.10Web says advanced LLMs, such as GPT-4o-mini-azure and Claude 3 Sonnet are “fine-tuned for performance inside the WordPress ecosystem”.

Ecommerce features

Furthermore, the site is built on WordPress, and it’s not limited to basic “visit card” websites, 10Web said. Product management, inventory, payments, shipping, checkout, all of these features are supported and powered by WooCommerce.Finally, the 10Web AI Co-Pilot allows users to modify layouts, edit widget settings, and generate new sections in real-time, using natural language.“As an entrepreneur, I know how many ideas die simply because building a website feels overwhelming. That’s the barrier we’ve been working to break,” said Arto Minasyan, founder and CEO of 10Web. “We created 10Web AI Website Builder so that the next generation of entrepreneurs — whether they’re launching a service, a storefront, or a side project — can get online instantly, with powerful tech working quietly in the background. This API puts the power of our years of work — across AI, hosting, and WordPress — into the hands of partners who can help millions of people get online.”10Web will soon be expanding on its offering, the company stressed, saying that AI Co-Pilot for on-page editing, enhanced ecommerce & business management tools, and more, will be coming “soon”.

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Intel has deployed a new patch for 14th-gen and 13th-gen chipsThis is another fix for the long-running episode around instability problemsSo it seems we weren’t done with fixes for those issues after all, but the new patch is admittedly addressing a niche scenario

Intel has released another update for its processors in the long-running saga of instability issues with its 14th-gen and 13th-gen chips.VideoCardz pointed out that Intel’s announced the deployment of a new microcode patch (excitingly named ‘0x12F’) for those Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake Refresh CPUs.This is a supplement to a previous patch (equally catchily dubbed ‘0x12B’) which was rolled out back in September 2024.In a press release, Intel says: “This new microcode further improves system conditions that can potentially contribute to Vmin Shift Instability on Intel Core 13th and 14th Gen desktop-powered systems.”In other words, it’s smoothing out further issues relating to elevated voltages that were the main cause of the various crashing nastiness (and chip degradation) with those processors.Intel further adds that it has released this patch after an investigation into a “limited number of reports” of wonkiness with PCs that are “continuously running for multiple days” in a state of low activity (with just light workloads ticking away).Intel suggests all affected 14th-gen and 13th-gen chip owners install their latest BIOS update – the next release will contain this patch when it’s provided by their motherboard manufacturer – and promises that it doesn’t slow down performance on the host PC. At least going by Intel’s own internal testing, anyway.

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler)

Analysis: A surprise addition

But wait a minute, wasn’t this whole elevated voltage bug already cured? Well, officially, it was. In October 2024, after the last patch before this new one, Intel said the stability problems were fully fixed – but apparently they weren’t. Not quite.Okay, so to be fair to Intel, this is a niche situation. Not that many folks leave their PC on for days running some kind of light workload constantly, and so this is something that the average user is (presumably) not going to encounter.That said, maybe you do at least leave your PC on for multiple days at a time – even if it’s mostly not doing anything – and as such, it’ll seem prudent to apply the patch anyway. Besides, there could be other minor side effects stemming from whatever issues this new release fixes up, so I’d recommend – as Intel does – that everyone apply the patch as a matter of course.Hopefully, as Intel claims, there won’t be any performance impact from installing this patch. But if you’re concerned about that possibility, just wait for independent testing of the microcode update – which will happen soon enough – to confirm that your PC won’t be slowed down by this.This latest installment in the instability saga does make you wonder if there might yet be further patches deployed by Intel in the future, too.

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KitchenAid has launched a new citrus juicer and mini food chopperThey're the latest additions to the cordless KitchenAid Go seriesAll KitchenAid Go appliances can be used with the same swappable battery

KitchenAid has launched two new cordless appliances to make your kitchen less cluttered: a citrus juicer and a mini chopper.The pair are part of the KitchenAid Go system, which is a set of handheld appliances that all use the same rechargeable battery. You only need to buy the battery with your first KitchenAid Go product, making all your other appliances considerably cheaper.The KitchenAid Go series also includes a cordless hand mixer, portable blender, hand blender, and even a tiny handheld vacuum for clearing up crumbs and flour – it might not earn a place in our roundup of the best cordless vacuums for whole-house cleaning, but it's very handy for quickly tidying your kitchen counters.The new citrus juicer is a compact alternative to the stylish Smeg CJF01, and despite its small size is capable of handling anything from limes to grapefruit. It has an auto-reverse motor to help squeeze out every last drop of juice more effectively than you could could by hand.

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

It has a BPA-free glass bowl with a fine pouring spout with a control tap to minimize mess, and the bowl is dishwasher safe too, for easy cleanup. It will be interesting to see how it compares to the best juicers we've tested from other brands.The KitchenAid Go citrus juicer has a list price of $99.99 / £139 / AU$159 when bought without the battery pack, and is currently reduced to $79.99 in the US or AU$129 in Australia when bought directly through KitchenAid. If you need the battery as well, the list price increases to $129.99 / £208 / AU$228.

(Image credit: KitchenAid)

The KitchenAid Go Top Down Chopper is designed for small tasks like chopping nuts, onions, and herbs. Unlike the original Cordless Food Chopper the new appliance has blades in the top, which means you can prep and store food in the same bowl – just remove the motor and blade unit, and replace it with the airtight lid supplied.The Top Down Chopper is listed at $69.99 / £99.99 / AU$129 without the battery, but is reduced to $59.99 in the US and $109 in Australia at KitchenAid's online store. It costs $99.99 / £168 / AU$198 when bought with the battery. I'm hoping to test it soon to see whether it can earn a place in our roundup of the best food processors.

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Signs of new ChatGPT subscriptions have been spottedFor now the options are hidden away in app codeMonthly subscriptions are the only options currently available

OpenAI has to pay for its melting GPUs somehow, and it seems the ChatGPT developer is exploring new subscription options to encourage more people to start paying for AI text, coding, and image generation.As spotted by tipster @M1Astra, the latest ChatGPT app builds include mentions of weekly, annual, and lifetime subscriptions, alongside the current monthly one. The team at Android Authority found the same references in the latest ChatGPT app for Android.The decision-makers at ChatGPT could change their minds before any of this goes live of course, and we've heard nothing official about this yet. But it makes sense that OpenAI would want to offer subscribers more flexibility to encourage extra sign-ups.There is a key piece of information missing here: how much these subscriptions would cost. Right now, you can either pay $20 (about £15 / AU$31) each month for a Plus subscription, or $200 (about £150 / AU$312) a month for ChatGPT Pro.

Would you sign up?

OpenAI is considering Lifetime and Weekly subscriptions for ChatGPT - found in latest ChatGPT build! pic.twitter.com/LpAN1vgWinMay 8, 2025

Of these new subscription options, the weekly deal seems the most appealing. It would help you quickly complete a project or generate an image gallery before having to go back to the usage restrictions of the free tier.A lifetime subscription would be a real surprise – it's not something we tend to see much of elsewhere with high-profile software and services, and it's difficult to calculate the ongoing costs of AI processing and hardware across the decades to come.What we do know is that running AI models is a very, very expensive business, and so far OpenAI has spent a lot more money on ChatGPT than it's made back. Getting more people to part with their cash is one way of fixing that.We've also seen upgrades to the shopping capabilities of ChatGPT in recent days, which is another potential money-spinner: ChatGPT guides you towards the perfect coffee maker, and gets a cut of the purchase price in return.

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Google Messages has started rolling out its 'Delete for everyone' feature It was first spotted in February, and now users are starting to gain access to the long-awaited messaging function The feature is being rolled out slowly, but users have noticed some setbacks

Embarrassing texts are the worst, we’ve all been there, but Google has plans to crush that feeling and is starting to roll out a ‘Delete for everyone’ option in Google Messages for Android – just a few months after initial rumors.The new unsend function will soon have two different options, the first being ‘Delete for me’, which is already part of Google Messages’ ecosystem, and the second being its upcoming ‘Delete for everyone’ button that, as its name suggests, will remove messages from the view of other contacts.A handful of users have started to notice the new ‘Delete for everyone’ option in Google Messages already, but not everyone has it yet, implying that it’s being rolled out gradually. One user with access posted a screenshot to Reddit showing what the new function will look like once it’s rolled out widely.

RCS message delete is also rolling out to beta people. from r/GoogleMessages

We first heard of Google’s plans to introduce an unsend button back in February when Android Authority shared an APK teardown, and the site's writers managed to get it working in March. A feature like this has been a long time coming for Google Messages, but even when it does roll out it’ll come with some slight drawbacks.

So far, ‘Delete for everyone’ is limited to large group chats

When it comes to unsending texts, Google Messages is behind the likes of WhatsApp and iMessage, which have offered the ability to delete messages for everyone in a chat for quite some time. It’s good to see that Google is catching up, but there are still two catches you should note.As discussed in our previous reports, it’s likely that Google will stick with its 15-minute window for its ‘Delete for everyone’ feature, meaning that if you want to remove a text from a conversation, you’ll have to act rather swiftly. But that’s not the only issue that users have noticed.Although the Reddit post above gives an insight to how Google Messages’ new unsend feature will look, the user also draws our attention to the feature only being accessible in larger group chats. For them, ‘Delete for everyone’ only works in a group chat with 12 members, and they have yet to find a 1:1 chat that allows them to delete messages for everyone.As it stands this new function has a lot of limitations, but because it’s only in the very early stages of roll out we’re hoping that Google will amend these once it's widely available to all Google Messages users.

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LinkedIn wants to use AI to determine your best job results – not specific keywords"The core issue in the job search today is discovery," LinkedIn CPO saysYou can also get a job match score highlighting strengths and skill gaps

LinkedIn has added even more AI tools to the job searching area of its platform, allowing users to access the millions of listings on the site with simpler and more natural prompts.The tool works by understanding the intent behind the job seeker's search, the job site says, as by using AI, the search functionality reduces its reliance on specific keyword matching, improving the relevance and quality of search results without users having to manufacture and tailor their searches for the machine.LinkedIn CPO Tomer Cohen explained how users can input prompts like "I'm looking for business development roles in the video games industry" to find similar matches.

LinkedIn is using AI to improve job search result relevance

"The core issue in the job search today is discovery – often requiring an understanding of the right keywords, filters, and the intricacies of the system itself," Cohen explained.Besides improving the efficiency of search, LinkedIn is also making changes to how it matches users with jobs, allowing applicants to assess their fit before applying by showing them how well they fit a role, highlighting their strengths and skill gaps.Again, the Microsoft-owned platform is using AI to reduce users' reliance on specific keywords, this time by understanding implied skills – for example, web developers will likely know HTML even if not listed."Premium subscribers gain even deeper insights, including job match ratings and actionable suggestions for standing out in an increasingly competitive job market," Cohen explained.Among the other updates coming to LinkedIn are personalized AI coaching with actionable feedback and a Career Journey tool to determine a personalized learning plan for workers looking for a career change – both tools are only available to Premium subscribers.Besides its paid services, LinkedIn also occasionally makes some of its courses free, with its 10 most popular AI training courses currently free until the end of June 2025.

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Sony's WH-1000XM6 headphones launch on May 15Almost all of the details have already leakedExpect deliveries to begin in June

Sony's next flagship headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6, will launch on May 15. Sony Australia shared a teaser for the launch on its Instagram account with no details other than the date and time: for Australians it's 2am on the May 16.Because Australia is many time zones ahead that's a day later than everybody else: for countries further west, it's 9am PDT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST on Thursday May 15. We're expecting shipping to begin in June 2025.Almost all of the details have already leaked bar one key detail: international pricing. We know the price for the Spanish market courtesy of an Amazon leak on its Spanish website, but the details of US and UK prices haven't been similarly shared – although we can take a pretty good guess as to what those prices will be.Here's the teaser, followed by six things to expect from next week's WH-1000XM6 launch event.

A post shared by Sony Australia (@sonyaustralia)A photo posted by on

6 things to expect from the Sony WH-1000XM6 (based on rumors)

1. A small price hike

The Amazon leak included a price for Spanish buyers of €470 including tax; without tax that works out as €439.That's roughly $499 / £439 / AU$770, which sounds about right: rumors suggested we'd see a price hike for Sony's 2025 model. The current model launched at $399 / £380 / AU$649.

2. The hinge is back! Back! BACK!

The Sony WH-1000XM4s (above) had a hinge to help them fold down into their carrying case, a design feature that appears to be returning on the XM6s. (Image credit: Future)

Newly leaked imagery on The Walkman Blog shows the redesign, which includes redesigned earcups, a thick and foldable hinge and a wider headband.That's good, because one of the key criticisms of the current model is what some users have found to be a fairly flimsy construction.

3. Even better noise cancelling

(Image credit: Future)

The leaked specification on Amazon highlighted a new HD noise cancelling processor, dubbed QN3. The QN3 is reportedly seven times faster than the QN1 that's in the current WH-1000XM5.That's accompanied by 12 microphones, Multi Noise Sensor technology and an automatic noise cancelling optimizer; together that should mean an improvement to Sony's already excellent noise cancellation.

4. Improved audio processing

The Integrated Processor V1 in the XM5s included the QN1 processor, so an updated version of that processor should mean better sound too.Sony's leaked marketing materials say that the WH-1000XM6 have hi-res audio, DSEE Extreme, LDAC, Adaptive Sound Control, Personalized Spatial Audio and 360 Reality Audio with head tracking.

5. Small, rigid drivers

One of the surprises in the XM5 was that Sony moved to smaller drivers than the ones in the XM4, dropping the size by 25% to 30mm. The drivers this time around are 30mm too.As we said in our Sony WH-1000XM5 review, smaller doesn't mean worse: the 30mm driver "makes use of a high rigidity dome and soft edge to take some of the bite off of higher-pitched sounds."We found the XM5 to sound better than the XM4 (although there's not a lot in it, so if you see the XM4s going really cheap, then go for it).

6. A better case

(Image credit: Future)

The Walkman Blog reports that the case has been redesigned: the zipper is gone, replaced by a magnetic closure, and there's a small pocket for your 3.5mm and USB cables.A few XM5 owners have been posting on Reddit about the zip on their cases (above) failing, so this may be a reaction to that; hopefully the magnet is as strong as the one on Apple's odd AirPods Max case.We will of course be following the launch event and we'll update you with all the confirmed details and the price in your area, too.

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This week we're diving into the new 12-inch Surface Pro, which, alongside the 13-inch Surface Laptop, is a foray into smaller Surface hardware. You can thank Qualcomm's Snapdragon X Plus chips for that. In this episode, Devindra and Engadget's Igor Bonifacic explore the compromises Microsoft had to make for these devices, and they dive into the rumors around Half Life 3 and the leaked photos of Microsoft and ASUS's potential Xbox handheld. Also, Devindra chats with the head of Google's X division, Astro Teller, about the past and future of the "moonshot factory."

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Topics

Surface Pro 12-inch review: less weight, less power? – 2:04

ASUS’ Xbox handheld photos leak in FCC filing – 21:39

OpenAI restructures business, announces plan for hostile takeover-proof public benefit corp – 26:14

The EPA announces plans to shut down the Energy Star Program – 31:16

Telemessage, a Signal clone favored by Trump administration officials has been hacked – 34:44

Samsung subsidiary buys Masimo and now it owns all the fancy speakers – 36:35

Half-Life 3 is fully formed and playable?! – 40:59

Around Engadget – 49:53

Pop culture picks – 51:42

Credits

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Igor BonifacicProducer: Ben EllmanMusic: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-surface-pro-12-inch-and-a-chat-with-google-xs-astro-teller-113048410.html?src=rss

Max's crackdown on password sharing is already in effect in the US, and we're expecting it to come to more territories this year and next. But while the crackdown is indeed coming to more places, it's not doing so at high speed.That's according to Warner Bros Discovery's CEO of streaming, JB Perrette, who explained during a conference call that "the password sharing crackdown... will take 12 months to 18 months to get to full steam".It's still coming and will begin to be more enforced as the pricing for 'Extra Members' is announced in more regions, but it looks like for the time being at least Max is more interested in growing subscribers by deploying the carrot rather than the stick.

How Max wants to take subscriptions to the max and bring its shows to the UK and Europe

(Image credit: Jeff Kravitz/Warner Bros. Discovery)

As Perrette told investors and journalists, there are "several big levers" to improve its streaming business and revenues. The first is rolling out to more places: "We've still got almost half the world to go to in terms of rollout in new markets." Those new markets will include the UK, Germany and Italy "in the beginning of next year".The second big lever is getting more subscribers in the places where Max is already available. Perrette noted that Max is just 12 months into the "lower priced ad-light" service "to go after more price-sensitive consumers."But for Perrette, "content is obviously the fuel of this entire thing" and the content slate for "the next 18 to 24 months is stronger than anything we've ever had and more consistent... we went from not good to good" and the next step is "to go from good to great. That will help engagement, that will help time spent, that will help monetization."Disney's David Zaslav also took part in the conversation, and said that the bundling that's worked well in the US will be coming to other countries too. "Not just a bundle for price, but one that has a better customer experience... what we did here in the US with Hulu, Disney+ and Max." As Zaslav explained, the bundles mean "less marketing, much lower churn".Zaslav predicts more consolidation in the streaming market. "Ultimately there's going to be 5 or 6 players," he said. Bar a few regional players that may be dependent on sports, "there will be [only] a few global players... it'll be a better consumer experience and some of those 5 or 6 may come together in a bundle to make that experience even more compelling."

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The late, great $30 Chromecast is no more. After hanging on as an option at Google's online store for months after the introduction of the pricier Google TV streaming box, it's gone to the great Google graveyard. But that doesn't mean there aren't countless Chromecast dongles still serving up the best streaming services, even as the the new box and a growing number of good budget-priced smart TVs now have Google TV as their default operating system.

But no matter which generation of Google streamer you're using, you'll need a VPN (virtual private network) to expand your video options beyond your home library. Fortunately, both support several native VPN apps. Here’s how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.

Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?

For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different country’s server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.

Let’s say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your heart’s content.

VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Any worthwhile VPN encrypts your connection to the internet so you're totally anonymous online. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on several devices concurrently, so we recommend you shop for a flexible one that supports multiple concurrent logins.

What VPNs are available on Google TV?

Google TV doesn’t have as many VPN apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazon’s Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, it’s actually a blessing in disguise.

With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.

We recommend the following VPN services for Google TV and Chromecast:

ProtonVPN

ExpressVPN

Surfshark

CyberGhost

For more details on why these services top the list, check out our thorough roundup of the best VPNs.

How to set up a VPN on your Google TV or Chromecast

It’s easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Here’s a step-by-step guide for each system.

Google TV

Navigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.

Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword “VPN” to view your options).

Install the VPN.

Sign up (or login if you already have an account).

Navigate the country server list and connect.

Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once you’ve purchased a subscription, it’s wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.

Chromecast

If you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN — you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Here’s how to do it:

Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.

Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.

Turn on the VPN on your smartphone or laptop.

Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.

Begin streaming your content.

As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device you’re screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.

VPN options for other streaming platforms

Don't have Google TV? Good news: Robust VPN options (or alternatives) exist for the other major streaming platforms, too.

How to use a VPN on your Apple TV

How to stream via a VPN on Roku

How to use a VPN to stream with Fire TV

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-a-vpn-on-chromecast-or-google-tv-140619467.html?src=rss

Apple is developing a chip for smart glasses, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, and it's based on the chip used for the Apple Watch. The company's silicon group has reportedly removed some components from the chip used for the Watch to improve its power efficiency. In addition, the group has been working to give it the ability to control multiple cameras that the glasses would need to be able to function. Gurman previously reported that the company has set aside plans for Mac-tethered augmented reality glasses but that it still intends to release standalone AR glasses in the future. These glasses won't be true AR glasses, however, and would be more of a direct competitor to Meta's Ray-Bans

The company is taking a slower, more cautious approach in developing the standalone glasses, so it could take some time before they're released. Gurman says Apple is looking to start mass producing the chips for the product sometime in 2027, so the company is expecting its development to take two more years at the very least. Based on that timeline, Meta will likely be able to release its first true pair of augmented reality glasses first: The company is already working on one and is hoping to launch it in 2027.

If the device is going to be a true competitor to Meta's Ray-Ban spectacles, then it will be able to capture photos and videos, will have speakers or earphones and will be able perform tasks with voice commands. Apple's glasses will reportedly be using cameras to scan its environment and will assist wearers with the help of artificial intelligence. So yes, it will be similar to Meta Ray-Bans, but Bloomberg says Apple is still figuring out its exact approach for the product. Aside from the chip for its smart glasses, Apple is also reportedly working on chips for use in other devices, including a range of more powerful Macs and AI servers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/apples-smart-glasses-project-may-use-the-same-chips-from-the-watch-120054077.html?src=rss

Travel is one of the best ways to learn something new about yourself and as a parent, you probably want to ensure your child has a great time exploring the world. Visiting a new place can be intimidating, but a few gadgets can help make the experience easier and more enjoyable for your new grad. These are some of the best travel accessories that always earn a spot in our bag whenever we head out on an adventure.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/best-travel-tech-for-graduates-123028465.html?src=rss

All Android users can now verify if their Mullvad VPN app is legitStarting with version 2025.2, Mullvad has made the Android app builds reproducible in a bid to improve user securityReproducible builds are a guarantee that the app you install hasn’t been tampered with by malicious actors

All Android users can now verify if their Mullvad VPN app is legit before downloading and installing it on their device.That's because, starting with version 2025.2, Mullvad has made its Android VPN app builds reproducible.The move comes in a bid to provide users with a trustworthy and secure VPN application. Reproducible builds are a guarantee that the app you install hasn’t been tampered with by malicious actors

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

Verify your Mullvad Android app builds, bit-for-bit

By definition, "a build is reproducible if, given the same source code, build environment, and build instructions, any party can recreate bit-by-bit identical copies of all specified artifacts."Put it simply, the app code you see when downloading the app should match the source code published by the app developers. This provides assurance that no modification has occurred during the build process.This comes as 2024 saw a surge in malicious free VPN apps. Cybercriminals increasingly took advantage of the high demand for virtual private network (VPN) tools to spread malware via fake software that mimicked legitimate services.VPN-based attacks have continued in 2025 as well, with Google warning of attackers using legitimate VPN applications as a backdoor to inject malware and gain remote control of infected devices."We believe transparency is crucial for security software. Investing in reproducible builds is a testament to our commitment to providing you with a trustworthy and secure application," wrote Mullvad, one of the best VPN providers on the market right now, in its official announcement.

Starting with version 2025.2, our Android app builds are reproducible. This means you can verify that the app you download and install is built from the open source code we publish.Read more here: https://t.co/GV1ZH8NO5OMay 9, 2025

As mentioned earlier, only Mullvad's latest Android VPN app comes with reproducible builds at the time of writing.It isn't yet clear if and when the company will extend this feature across its other applications. We approached Mullvad for clarification on this and will update the article when we know more.The company is now urging all technically inclined users to verify Mullvad builds. The verification process does require some IT skills, but the VPN firm has put together a set of instructions to help you do just that."To help ensure we are able to produce reproducible builds over time, we have added initial such checks to our continuous integration (CI) environment," Mullvad added.

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Pearson has confirmed recently suffering a cyberattackThe company claims hackers obtained "legacy data"No threat actors claimed responsibility yet

Education services giant Pearson has confirmed suffering a cyberattack and losing customer data, but has played down the importance of the breach, suggesting the stolen data was outdated anyway.BleepingComputer was tipped off that someone used an exposed GitLab Personal Access token to compromise Pearson’s development environment in January 2025.The token was found in a public .git/config file, with the attackers using this access to find even more login credentials, hardcoded in the source code, which they then used to infiltrate the company’s network and steal corporate and customer information.

Chinese threat

Pearson later confirmed the news in a statement given to BleepingComputer:"We recently discovered that an unauthorized actor gained access to a portion of our systems," the statement said."Once we identified the activity, we took steps to stop it and investigate what happened and what data was affected with forensics experts. We also supported law enforcement's investigation. We have taken steps to deploy additional safeguards onto our systems, including enhancing security monitoring and authentication."Then, the company hinted that the data might not be as valuable: "We are continuing to investigate, but at this time we believe the actor downloaded largely legacy data. We will be sharing additional information directly with customers and partners as appropriate."There was no employee information among the stolen files, it was confirmed. Pearson did not want to say how many people were affected by the incident, or what kind of information was exposed in this “legacy data”.Unfortunately, leaving sensitive information in Git projects configuration files is nothing new, and criminals know it. In a recent analysis published by security pros GreyNoise, it was said that cybercriminals have ramped up their scanning for exposed Git configuration files, as they hunted for vulnerable organizations in Singapore.

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Google is using AI to protect against scams in Chrome, Search and AndroidThe AI can analyze and distill data to detect entirely new scamsGoogle claims it’s already seeing positive results from the change

If there’s one thing you learn while browsing the internet, it’s that scams are everywhere. Even the most eagle-eyed experts can fall victim, with untold sums of money being lost to these nefarious schemes every year.That doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless, though, and Google is now taking the fight to scammers with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). According to a recent blog post from the company, there are three areas where Google is using AI against scams: Chrome, Google Search, and Android.In Chrome, Google is deploying its Gemini Nano on-device large language model (LLM) to provide an Enhanced Protection mode to users. Google says this “keeps users twice as safe from phishing and other scams versus our Standard Protection mode.”The AI does this by distilling its knowledge of scams in order to analyze suspicious websites and alert users to threats, even if the dangers are new and haven’t been seen before.As for Search, Google says AI “helps us detect and block hundreds of millions of scammy results every day,” with 20 times as many fraudulent pages being caught than before Google enlisted the help of AI.Google claims this approach has reduced airline-related scams appearing in Search by up to 80%, for example.

AI on Android

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

While many of these improvements are cross-platform changes that will be seen on different devices, there are also some Android-exclusive tweaks that are putting AI to good use against scams.One example is website notifications on Android phones. If you’ve allowed a scam website to send you notifications (without realizing it is a scam), you could be barraged by fraudulent alerts that try to steal your data. In cases like that, Google has just launched AI-powered warnings specifically for Chrome on Android.When a suspicious notification is detected, Chrome on Android will warn you that the alert might be a scam. You can then turn off notifications from the website in question, or view the alert itself, at which point you will again be able to unsubscribe or always allow the alerts if you don’t think they are nefarious.There are also improvements coming to Google Messages and Phone by Google. These detect ongoing scams that start out innocently, but quickly evolve into dangerous situations, which might be hard for traditional scam-protection methods to spot.Whatever device you use, it looks like you could benefit from Google’s recent rollout of AI to fight against scams. With bad actors constantly improving their tactics, AI’s ability to quickly analyze huge reams of data could spare you from the fraudsters.

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Years after the Federal Trade Commission sued Meta in a bid to halt acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, the trial that will shape its future is finally underway. The trial kicked off last month when CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand, and it’s expected to last several weeks.

Facebook’s 2012 acquisition of Instagram is a central part of the FTC’s case against Meta. The government says Zuckerberg bought Instagram to neutralize it as a competitor. When Instagram’s cofounder and former CEO Kevin Systrom took the stand, he didn’t exactly defend the move. While Zuckerberg had testified Meta had helped Instagram grow, Systrom testified Zuckerberg saw Instagram as a “threat” to Facebook’s growth and intentionally withheld company resources.

Further still, Facebook’s decision to pay $1 billion for Instagram — an app with no revenue and just a handful of employees — seemed like an incredible sum. Sheryl Sandberg thought Zuckerberg had overpaid for Instagram. In an exchange between the two from 2012, she said, “Yes, of course it’s way too much.”

There are more nuggets, too. Like how Meta sees TikTok as an earnest threat, how Europeans aren’t buying the ad-free subscriptions (duh), and why Zuckerberg thought about nuking users’ friend lists annually to boost engagement. Read Karissa Bell’s full breakdown of the FTC v. Meta antitrust trial so far.

— Mat Smith

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Samsung plans an Unpacked event for its slim S25 Edge

Thinner, more expensive?

Samsung

Samsung is ready to finally launch its slim iteration of the S25. It says it’ll offer a look at “the next evolution of Galaxy” devices and unveil “more about the latest addition to the Galaxy S series.” Then the teaser coaxed something “beyond slim.” So it’s the S25 Edge, even if Samsung isn’t saying the S25 Edge. The Unpacked event will kick off May 12 at 8PM ET.

Continue reading.

A militia group thinks NOAA’s radars are ‘weather weapons’

They aren’t.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has warned the National Weather Service of possible attacks from an armed conspiracy group. According to a report from CNN, the group Veterans on Patrol is going after government radars because it believes they’re being used as “weather weapons.” Despite its cooler-than-average name, the NEXRAD or Next Generation Weather Radar is fairly mundane, used by NWS to detect precipitation in the atmosphere. NEXRAD plays a vital role in locating thunderstorms and tornados. National Weather Service staff have been advised to buddy up when working at remote radar sites and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

Continue reading.

What to expect from Google I/O 2025

Android 16, Gemini and more.

Google

Google I/O 2025 should be one of the more exciting tech keynotes in recent memory. Plus, for the first time, Google has spun out a dedicated Android showcase a whole week earlier. What can we expect to see in Android 16? We’ve had lots of hints at an upcoming design change to the platform, reportedly called Material 3 Expressive. A leaked blog post discusses the research behind Material 3 Expressive and how the visual overhaul led to action elements standing out more and greater responsiveness on the users’ part. Then there are Gemini AI updates, more Google service updates and everything else. We break down what we’re expecting to see.

Continue reading.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-122022797.html?src=rss