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If you're on grilling duty this Memorial Day and stressing about getting the steak and veggies just right, we've got a deal for you. The MasterClass Memorial Day sale, running from May 22 to 26, offers up to 40 percent off all subscriptions to the video learning platform. Starting at $72, you can learn how to grill from legendary Texas BBQ master Aaron Franklin, then enjoy other courses for a full year. Just make sure to subscribe before the end of Memorial Day itself to take advantage of the discount.

When you take a MasterClass course, one of the world's top experts guides you through a series of videos on how to approach their craft. The Memorial Day deal drops the cost of a Standard subscription to $6 per month when billed annually, which comes out to $72 in total. That gives you access to more than 200 courses for a year, though you can only watch them on a device connected to the internet. It makes an excellent gift for someone you love — or for yourself.

MasterClass is also discounting its higher tiers for Memorial Day. With a Plus subscription, you can watch MasterClass courses on two devices at once, and download them to watch offline whenever you want. A Premium subscription boosts the number of devices to six. The latter also includes access to MasterClass On Call, which lets you chat with AI recreations of MasterClass experts (Although, as our review notes, that feature still needs a bit of polishing.)

After you've wowed your friends and family with your new grilling skills, MasterClass has plenty of other lessons that you can explore to continue your education. Creative writers can check out the BBC Maestro course that "resurrects" Agatha Christie, using her notes, an actress and AI rendering to teach the art of crafting a killer mystery. The platform also just launched a 20-episode series on healthy skin, featuring a panel of accredited dermatologists and cosmeticians.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/masterclass-subscriptions-are-40-percent-off-for-memorial-day-121509629.html?src=rss

The third installment in Netflix’s landmark documentary series American Manhunt has critics raving and audiences rushing to binge the three-episode series.Since its release on May 14, American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden has shot to the top of the Netflix charts, holding the top stop not just in the US, but globally, with an estimated 12.6 million views in its first week.It's hardly surprising, considering critics are hailing it as one of the best Netflix shows around at the moment, earning the doc a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.Directed by Daniel Sivan and Mor Loushy, the series details the hunt for, and eventual raid on the compound of, al-Qaida founder Osama bin Laden in the decade that followed the events of September 11, 2001.Bin Laden was eventually “compromised to a permanent end” on May 2, 2011, but, as per Netflix’s synopsis, “less is known about what happened in between, and what operatives, officials, and counterterrorism experts faced in order to capture and bring down one of the most notorious terrorists in modern history.”This is what the documentary sets out to explore, focusing on the individuals whose 10-year hunt involved tough decisions and swift actions, and transporting the viewer to the secure spaces in which intelligence operatives and Special Forces undertook a global pursuit of the world’s most wanted man.Over the three episodes, the audiences hear from some of these men and women, with interviews with former CIA, Department of Defense and FBI officials such as Leon Panetta and Henry A. Crumpton, White House staffers of the era including Ben Rhodes and the journalists, like ABC reporter John Miller, who covered the ever evolving events.The show tells “the story of the people tasked to find the world’s most wanted terrorist and bring him to justice” say Sivan and Loushy, “it [was] a hunt that changed their lives, America, and the world as we know it.”What are the critics saying about American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden?As evidenced by the doc’s perfect Rotten Tomatoes score, critics have nothing but praise for the show, which Ready Steady Cut called “absolutely stellar documentary filmmaking.”Decider’s review shows that Sivan and Loushy have hit their mark attempting to tell the untold story of the operation, saying American Manhunt: Osama bin Laden “gives insight into operations most people in the US knew nothing about,” while San Francisco Chronicle called it a “a useful, riveting documentary docuseries.”(Image credit: Netflix)What's the subscriber's verdict?However, the response from viewers has been a little more muted, with the show currently sitting at just a 56% RT Audience Score.One reviewer on the site criticized the lack of focus on the troops on the ground, saying “There is very little about the Seals [sic] who risked their lives but a great deal of preening and posturing by the politicians,” while others wished the show covered pre-9/11 US involvement with the al-Qaida leader in more depth: “Bin Laden and the US is part of history before the plane crash too. The documentary doesn’t delve into that subject nearly enough.”Reddit users had a more positive response to the show, however, with one poster calling it “a solid 10/10 series” and another saying simply “must watch” while a third stated “I got goosebumps. I cried. I clapped [...] very powerful.”Comment from r/netflixAs with the first two installments of the American Manhunt series – The Boston Marathon Bombing and O.J. Simpson – it seems one of the best streaming services have delivered a gripping documentary detailing the untold aspects of a headline-dominating event in recent U.S. history.All three episodes, along with previous seasons, can be streamed on Netflix right now.You might also likeFor more Netflix TV show-based coverage, read our guides on Stranger Things season 5, One Piece season 2, Squid Game season 3, and Knives Out 3.

Bandai Namco has confirmed the rumors going around that Elden Ring will be adapted into a live-action movie. The project will be produced by Bandai Namco and American film company A24, and it will be helmed by filmmaker Alex Garland, who directed Ex Machina, Annihilation, Civil War and Warfare. He was also the novelist behind The Beach and had written the movies 28 Days Later, Dredd and 28 Years Later. The film will be produced by Peter Rice, along with Andrew Macdonald and Allon Reich from DNA, as well as with George R. R. Martin and Vince Gerardis.

Elden Ring is a dark fantasy action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, which was also the studio behind Dark Souls. Like other "Souls games," it has a reputation for being notoriously difficult, and a movie would allow people too intimidated to even touch it to experience its story and its universe. Martin, who's of course most known for the A Song of Ice and Fire novels, provided the game's backstory and world building. FromSoftware's president Hidetaka Miyazaki directed the game. Miyazaki was also the director behind the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne and Sekiro.

Not much is known about the movie adaptation at the moment other than what Bandai Namco has announced. There are no stars attached to it yet, or a target release date. Fans do have Elden Ring Nightreign to look forward to, however: The co-op survival spinoff will be available on the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S starting on May 30.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/an-elden-ring-movie-directed-by-alex-garland-is-in-the-works-123042735.html?src=rss

Memorial Day sales are in full swing, and if you've been eager to make your home a bit smarter, this deal on the 2024 Ring Video Doorbell is worth considering. It's down to $55 right now, or $45 off the regular price and a record-low.

This is a battery-powered version of the doorbell, so you won't have to spend a second figuring out how to hook it up to existing wiring. It'll be easy to recharge the Video Doorbell too. When you need to top up the battery, all you'll need to do is detach the device and plug in a USB-C cable for a while.

This version of the Ring Video Doorbell provides a head-to-toe view of the person who's on your doorstep, as it offers 66 percent more vertical coverage than the previous model. The live view feature delivers a real-time feed from the camera to your phone, tablet or other compatible device. There's a two-way talk function as well, so you can chat with the person at your door no matter where you are.

You can receive real-time alerts on your phone whenever the Ring Video Doorbell picks up movement through its motion-detection function. However, you'll need to pony up for a Ring Home plan (starting at $5 per month) to get more detailed alerts, such as whether the motion alert was due to a person ringing your doorbell, a package delivery and so on. The subscription includes features like access to 180 days of event video history. If you opt for the $20 per month premium tier, you'll get 24/7 recording for every compatible doorbell and camera in your home.

A few other Ring devices are on sale for Memorial Day as well. The pan-and-tilt Ring Indoor cam is 25 percent off and down to $60, and you can snag a five-piece Ring Alarm Kit for only $150, or 25 percent less than usual.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-2024-ring-video-doorbell-drops-to-a-record-low-price-for-memorial-day-162236396.html?src=rss

US President Donald Trump has said he's "recommending" a 50% tariff on the European Union starting June 1. And these tariffs could hit Apple, as it doesn't manufacture its iPhones and other devices in the US."I have long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone’s that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else," Trump posted on his social media site Truth. "If that is not the case, a Tariff of at least 25% must be paid by Apple to the U.S. Thank your for your attention to this matter!"If such a tariff comes to fruition, the cost of iPhones could increase to compensate for the increased tariffs.Even if Apple were to shift its manufacturing of iPhones wholesale to the US, that would very likely represent a huge initial cost of setup, as well as a long lead time and ongoing labor expenses. So, that could also see Apple need to increase the price of its products, both existing and likely upcoming.The next big Apple product launches are likely to be the iPhone 17 and the so-called iPhone 17 Air. If the Trump administration pursues these tariffs, then both phones could have a launch price that'll sting even the most dedicated iPhone fans.This is a developing story so we'll update it as we find out more... You might also likeThis iPhone 17 Air dummy unit looks incredibly slim next to an iPhone 16 Plus, it’s just a shame about the big cameraiPhones just got Google’s best AI feature for free – and it could genuinely make me switch back from Android

Researchers found a new non-password-protected databaseThe database contained hundreds of millions of recordsAmong the records were login credentials for Facebook, Apple, and moreLogin credentials for Microsoft, Facebook, Snapchat, and many other services, were recently found in a public, non-password-protected database, available for anyone who knew where to look.The database was discovered by Jeremiah Fowler, a security researcher known for hunting large, open databases.According to Fowler, the database contained more than 184 million unique logins and passwords: emails, usernames, passwords, and URL login links, for a wide range of services applications and accounts. That includes email providers, Microsoft products, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, and many more.Fowler also said he saw credentials for bank and financial accounts, health platforms, and government portals from “numerous countries”. He managed to confirm the authenticity of at least some of the data in the database, by reaching out to email addresses found inside.Attribution was tricky, though. Fowler says the IP address indicated that the database was connected to two domain names - one parked and unavailable, and the other unregistered and available for purchase.The Whois registration was set to private, making it impossible to identify the true owner of the database.Save up to 68% on identity theft protection for TechRadar readers! TechRadar editors praise Aura's upfront pricing and simplicity. Aura also includes a password manager, VPN, and antivirus to make its security solution an even more compelling deal.Preferred partner (What does this mean?)View DealAttribution troublesBut the researcher managed to reach out to the hosting provider, and soon after - public access was restricted. The provider, however, did not disclose the information about the owner.With that in mind, Fowler says it’s difficult to determine if the database was generated by a malicious actor, or a legitimate one. Still, he leans towards the former, claiming to have seen “multiple signs” the data was harvested with infostealers.Infostealers are usually distributed via phishing, malicious websites, or tainted updates. They can harvest sensitive information from the compromised device, including passwords stored in browsers, important PDF files, cryptocurrency wallet information, and more.Once crooks get access to email accounts, they can use them to launch convincing phishing attacks, or steal even more data.In fact, Fowler argues that many people “treat their email accounts like free storage” and keep years’ worth of sensitive documents inside.Via Website PlanetYou might also likeSchneider Electric says developer platform was breached, company data stolenTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator appWe've rounded up the best password managers

The high-end iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max is available for $779 via Wellbots as part of a Memorial Day promotion. That's a giant discount of $620. This is exclusive to Engadget readers, so enter the code ENGD620 at checkout to secure the deal.

The Roomba Combo 10 Max is one of the company's most advanced robovacs. It comes with all kinds of bells and whistles, including a mop, a self-emptying bin and an autowash dock. That's right. It'll wash and dry the mop pads all on its own. At the time of its release last year, this was the first robot vacuum on the market that could do that.

The software is also advanced enough to know which areas of the home get dirtiest fastest, adjusting cleaning power accordingly. It also boosts suction power when rolling over a carpet, which is something pet owners will likely be happy about. All adjustments are made via the iRobot app, and this app will even let people know when it's time for a manual maintenance task.

The mopping tank holds enough water for seven continuous days of use, which is nice, and the debris gets off-loaded into an enclosed bag for easy disposal. The only downside with this model is the exorbitant $1,399 asking price. Luckily, this deal has taken care of that.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/irobots-roomba-combo-10-max-is-620-off-for-memorial-day-130047519.html?src=rss

Strava has been updated with new features for paying subscribersThat includes AI-powered Routes and tappable locationsThe app’s leaderboards have also been purged of cheatsIf you’re a fitness fanatic you’ve probably heard of Strava. The health tracking app is popular among athletes and enthusiasts alike, and it’s just been updated with a range of new features for subscribers.According to a blog post on the Strava website, the new features “blend on-the-go flexibility with community-driven reliability,” meaning the app gives subscribers “smarter, community-powered tools to explore and compete with confidence.”So, what do you actually get with the update? First, there’s a new Routes experience. Strava says this comprises “updated AI-powered Routes” that can offer suggestions based on the app’s Global Heatmap. That means more flexible and reliable options that are based on user contributions, the company claims.From June, points of interest will be tappable, and this can allow you to find out more information about the place in question (such as an eatery or beauty spot). It also means you can create a route that either goes directly to the point of interest or incorporates it along the path, and this will show data like elevation and estimate arrival time.Then from July, subscribers will be able to drop a pin onto a map in Strava and create an “efficient, activity-specific route from A to B.”Leaderboard fairness(Image credit: Strava)Beyond these new features, Strava says it's also taking steps to ensure that leaderboard times have been achieved fairly. To that end, the app’s machine learning model has been updated to reprocess the 10 most popular spots on the ride and run leaderboards. This has resulted in the removal of 4.45 million activities that were either filed with the wrong sport type or were recorded in vehicles. Strava says this means the leaderboards will now “reflect true performances.”Strava is also adding more live segments, with double the number compared to previously. You'll be able to access these segments whether you’re a subscriber or not, but paid members will get a few added features here, including extra screens with comparison metrics.If you love Strava and use it every time you head out on a run or a ride, these updates might have piqued your interest. Just make sure you take one of the best fitness trackers with you the next time you hit the road.You might also likeStrava review: Still the best training app for runners and cyclists, but it's getting expensiveBest fitness app 2025: Get fit with just a smartphoneThe best fitness trackers 2025: From Fitbit-style bands to smartwatches and more

Would you believe Google really wants to sell you on its AI? This week, we dive into the news from Google I/O 2025 with Engadget's Karissa Bell. We discuss how Gemini is headed to even more places, as well as Karissa's brief hands-on with Google's prototype XR glasses. It seems like Google is trying a bit harder now than it did with Google Glass and its defunct Daydream VR platform. But will the company end up giving up again, or does it really have a shot against Meta and Apple?

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Lots of AI and a little XR: Highlights from Google I/O 2025 – 1:15

OpenAI buys Jony Ive’s design company for $6.6B, in an all equity deal – 29:27

Fujifilm’s $850 X Half could be the perfect retro camera for the social media age – 39:42

Sesame Street is moving from HBO to Netflix – 44:09

Cuts to IMLS will lead to headaches accessing content on apps like Libby and Hoopla – 45:49

Listener Mail: Should I replace my Chromebook with a Mac or PC Laptop? – 48:33

Pop culture picks – 52:22

Credits

Hosts: Devindra Hardawar and Karissa BellProducer: Ben EllmanMusic: Dale North and Terrence O'Brien

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/engadget-podcast-the-ai-and-xr-of-google-io-2025-131552868.html?src=rss

Solidigm’s 122.88TB SSD is efficient, dense, and now on sale First review confirms strong performance in read-heavy enterprise storage use CSAL tech removes QLC flash drawbacks for practical, high-capacity deploymentSolidigm’s 122.88TB D5-P5336 enterprise SSD was announced in November 2024 and has just gone on sale, priced at $12,399, less than the $14,000 analysts were predicting.Now the first full review of Solidigm’s 122.88TB beast has arrived, and according to Jon Coulter, Senior Hardware Editor at TweakTown, the best SSD more than lives up to the hype, not just in scale, but in performance, efficiency, and practical deployment.As Coulter writes, “In enterprise scenarios where capacity is king, Solidigm's D5-P5336 122.88TB SSD reigns supreme.”Game-changing advantagesThe drive, based on QLC NAND, is described as the most efficient high-capacity SSD currently in circulation. It offers unprecedented storage density, allowing data centers to store up to 4 petabytes per 1U server footprint. That matters more than ever in an era where AI model datasets are doubling every eight months.TweakTown notes that Solidigm is at the forefront of QLC flash development and points out that many of the usual drawbacks of QLC, such as endurance and write performance, are addressed by both the sheer size of the drive and by Solidigm’s CSAL (caching SSD acceleration layer) technology.Coulter explains, “As we see it, with CSAL augmentation, all drawbacks inherent to QLC arrays are completely erased and you are left with only game changing advantages. Amazing.”The D5-P5336 reached 7,481MB/s in sequential reads and 947,000 IOPS in 4K random reads during testing, both exceeding manufacturer specifications. “Factory spec here is up to 900K IOPS at QD256. We are getting 947K IOPS at QD256 with our configuration,” Coulter reports.In practice, this level of performance is intended for high-volume, read-heavy storage tiers, not fast-paced transactional systems. As Coulter points out, "workloads of this nature will rarely, if ever, be encountered in the role QLC SSDs play in the storage tier. Results here are to be taken with a grain of salt."Summing up, he concludes: “Because it delivers as advertised and then some, is readily available, supremely efficient, delivers plenty of performance for its intended roles, and is backed by a 134 PBW 5-year warranty. Solidigm's 122.88TB D5-5336 SSD has earned a Must Have Editor's Choice rating.”You might also likeThese are the fastest SSDs you can buy right nowAnd these are the largest SSDs and hard drives on the marketThis the first 122.88TB SSD ever, the Solidigm DP-P5336 and someone tested it with DeepSeek and Nvidia's cutest motherboard

There are plenty of Memorial Day sales on tech worth considering this year, included a few solid discounts on Apple devices. Key among them is $100 off the Apple Watch Series 10, the wearable we consider to be the best smartwatch for most people. That brings it down to $299, which is a record-low price.

This price is for a GPS version (meaning it doesn't support LTE) with the smaller 42mm case. At the time of writing, the $299 price applies to two color variants: a jet black aluminium case with black sport band and a rose gold aluminium case with light blush sport band. Discounts vary on other configurations.

The Apple Watch Series 10 is an iterative upgrade. If you already have a Series 8 or 9, it's perhaps not worth switching to the latest model. However, if you're rocking an older Apple Watch or you're looking to pick up your first one, this is our recommendation. We gave the Apple Watch Series 10 a score of 90 in our review.

The Series 10 is a little thinner and lighter than the previous model, but it has a larger OLED screen, which makes it easier to see what's on the display. Apple has improved the efficiency of the battery life as well, and it should often last longer on a single charge than the 18 hours for which it's rated.

The new sleep apnea feature is very welcome, but the blood oxygen feature from older models is not available here (Apple removed that app from certain models in the US due to a patent dispute). In general, though, the Series 10 is a solid step forward for the Apple Watch. The latest model is a terrific fitness tracker that helps you keep an eye on the most important alerts and notifications you receive on your iPhone.

If you're looking to spend a bit less, the Apple Watch SE is also on sale for Memorial Day for $169.

Check out our coverage of the best Apple deals for more discounts, and follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/pick-up-the-apple-watch-series-10-while-its-100-off-for-memorial-day-151537403.html?src=rss

DomainTools found more than 100 domains promoting fake browser extensionsThese extensions impersonated legitimate products and reputable businessesThey were stealing sensitive data and executing malicious code remotelySecurity researchers recently found more than 100 malicious browser extensions posing as legitimate tools. These extensions, distributed through various channels, but also found on the Google Chrome Web Store, were able to steal sensitive user information, as well as receive further commands to execute.Google was notified of the findings and managed to remove most malware from its repository. Apparently, some still remain and continue to present a risk to the users.This is all according to DomainTools, who claim to have spotted more than 100 fake domains promoting the tools, most likely through malvertising campaigns. The malware spoofed all sorts of legitimate products, from VPNs, to AI assistants, and cryptocurrency utilities, and impersonated some of the world’s biggest brands, including Fortinet, YouTube, or Calendly."The Chrome Web Store has removed multiple of the actor's malicious extensions after malware identification," DomainTools said. "However, the actor's persistence and the time lag in detection and removal pose a threat to users seeking productivity tools and browser enhancements."The full list of malicious domains can be found on this link.Abusing extensionsAdd-ons and extensions are a great way to expand the browser’s features and thus enhance user productivity in a business environment.For example, tools like Asana, Trello, or Grammarly can streamline workflows and improve writing accuracy, while password managers like LastPass can improve credential management.However, they also handle a lot of sensitive information and are granted high-level permissions, which is why they’re often on the threat actors’ radars. That being said, not only are hackers looking for ways to break into legitimate tools, they often build fake ones, too.With spoofed add-ons, they can gain high-level privileges without raising alarms, and can access sensitive information stored in the browser, such as passwords, or credit card data.It is important that users only install the add-ons from reputable sources such as the Chrome Web Store, but even there - they should read the reviews and mind the download count because, as seen in this example, crooks can sometimes smuggle malware even past the greatest of gatekeepers.Via BleepingComputerYou might also likeMalicious "polymorphic" Chrome extensions can mimic other tools to trick victimsWe've rounded up the best password generatorsTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator app

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, May 23 (game #446).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 #447) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Flights of fancyNYT Strands today (game #447) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.STOPSTOOPPOOTCLOPCLAWSCOOLNYT Strands today (game #447) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 10 lettersNYT Strands today (game #447) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: top, 2nd columnLast side: bottom, 5th columnRight, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.NYT Strands today (game #447) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #447, are…CHAMPAGNEPILLOWLEGROOMPRIVACYTOWELETTESPANGRAM: FIRST CLASSMy rating: EasyMy score: PerfectI flew FIRST CLASS once when the friend I was traveling with managed to get us an upgrade. It was very much like that episode of The Simpsons when Homer discovers that there is a secret world that only beautiful people are allowed entry to.I spent the entire flight feeling like an imposter. An imposter who was enjoying eating lobster and shrimps with fine CHAMPAGNE, of course.Another time, the Icelandic tourist board bumped me up to business class, which was thrilling news except I got stuck in security and missed the flight and then got downgraded back down to coach. It was frustrating but I enjoyed the momentary “flight of fancy”, feeling like an important businessperson even though I didn’t get to enjoy the perks of being an important businessperson. I know my place.Anyway, I digress. A straightforward search today and a reminder of the small things that make a big difference when it comes to comfort.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, May 23, game #446)FAVAKIDNEYBLACKGREENNAVYCANNELLINISPANGRAM: BEAN SALADWhat 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 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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, May 23 (game #1215).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 #1216) - hint #1 - VowelsHow 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 #1216) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.Quordle today (game #1216) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo 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 #1216) - 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 2.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 #1216) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• H• H• F• PRight, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.Quordle today (game #1216) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1216, are…HUSKYHEISTFOGGYPOLARI made hard work of finishing today’s Quordle, but I also had some bad luck guessing boggy instead of FOGGY.My error was going for a word I wasn’t even sure was a word (LORAL) ahead of a very obvious one (POLAR), which for some reason I completely ignored. A bad case of Quordle blindness.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.Daily Sequence today (game #1216) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1216, are…NOBLEOPIUMRABIDGLEANQuordle answers: The past 20Quordle #1215, Friday, 23 May: SHIRE, GIANT, AWAIT, CAPERQuordle #1214, Thursday, 22 May: LOSE, GLOVE, STINT, EXCELQuordle #1213, Wednesday, 21 May: NOVEL, CHOSE, DIRTY, DONUTQuordle #1212, Tuesday, 20 May: DECOY, SHAKE, MAPLE, PURERQuordle #1211, Monday, 19 May: LINK, HANDY, DITCH, WAIVEQuordle #1210, Sunday, 18 May: QUACK, ROACH, PURGE, DOWNYQuordle #1209, Saturday, 17 May: STRIP, RANGE, UNITE, GEESEQuordle #1208, Friday, 16 May: SHEEP, SNUCK, DRIFT, BREAKQuordle #1207, Thursday, 15 May: PAINT, CROUP, PEDAL, FLUKEQuordle #1206, Wednesday, 14 May: FAVOR, METER, PICKY, MAKERQuordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARNQuordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READYQuordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUEQuordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATINQuordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAINQuordle #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, CANNY

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 Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, May 23 (game #712).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 #713) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…WALKERJETSTROLLERJOGGERNETHOOKSRANGERMONITORBUTLERMETBOTTLESLACKGAYCAPRIJEANBIBNYT Connections today (game #713) - hint #1 - group hintsWhat are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?YELLOW: Stuff for little onesGREEN: Add a letter for popular trousersBLUE: Big Apple playersPURPLE: Famous female writers 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 #713) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?YELLOW: BABY GEAR GREEN: KINDS OF PANTS MINUS "S"BLUE: NEW YORK SPORTS TEAM MEMBERS PURPLE: BLACK WOMEN AUTHORS Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.NYT Connections today (game #713) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #713, are…YELLOW: BABY GEAR BIB, BOTTLE, MONITOR, STROLLERGREEN: KINDS OF PANTS MINUS "S" CAPRI, JEAN, JOGGER, SLACKBLUE: NEW YORK SPORTS TEAM MEMBERS JET, MET, NET, RANGERPURPLE: BLACK WOMEN AUTHORS BUTLER, GAY, HOOKS, WALKERMy rating: EasyMy score: PerfectI’m sure I wasn’t alone in toying with JOGGER, STROLLER, and WALKER – which in my mind are all varieties of baby buggy. Fortunately I didn’t find a fourth option so I switched focus.Even though I’m in the UK and do not follow US sports, the branding of many teams is global and it’s probably easier to get jerseys for the METS, JETS, NETS and RANGERS in London than in some US cities. So the blue group was easy to see – easier than the purple group, which contained several BLACK WOMEN AUTHORS that I was ignorant of.Fortunately by this point I’d connected KINDS OF PANTS MINUS “S” and BABY GEAR. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, May 23, game #712)YELLOW: QUITE THE PARTY BASH, BLAST, BLOWOUT, RAVEGREEN: ONE'S CONSTITUTION CHARACTER, FIBER, MAKEUP, NATUREBLUE: BRITISH IMPERIAL UNITS OF WEIGHT DRAM, OUNCE, POUND, STONEPURPLE: WHAT "CAT'S EYE" CAN BE USED TO DESCRIBE EYELINER, GLASSES, MARBLE, NEBULAWhat 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.

The final weekend of May is upon us and, without wanting to sound hyperbolic, the fifth month of 2025 is aiming to go out with a bang.Well, on the 'what to watch at home' front, anyway. The world's best streaming services have released plenty of new movies and shows to enjoy between now and the start of the new working week on Monday (or, for those of you in the US and UK, Tuesday due to the latest holiday weekend's arrival).So, from the three offerings Netflix has given us this week, to various genre fare on a number of its streaming rivals, here's what you'll want to catch over the next few days. – Tom Power, senior entertainment reporterFear Street: Prom Queen (Netflix)Following on from the success of the first three Fear Street movies, there's a new tale of terror to enjoy. Fear Street: Prom Queen seems to be channeling Stephen King's Carrie and, as such, I'm very excited for this one.With the other three scoring highly enough to be on our best Netflix movies round-up, it'll be interesting to see if they get lucky a fourth time. This movie does sound promising and early trailers have caught my attention, but its current 44% Rotten Tomatoes critical score doesn't bode well.Set during 1988, we follow the senior year at Shadyside High as they begin their prom queen election, which is a very cut throat competition. Unfortunately, it's cut throat in the literal sense as a serial killer targets all the candidates. Sounds like it'll be a senior prom to remember, for all the wrong reasons. – Lucy Buglass, senior entertainment writerWatch Fear Street: Prom Queen on NetflixNine Perfect Strangers season 2 (Hulu/Prime Video)Nine Perfect Strangers is back for its second season on Hulu (US) and Prime Video (internationally), and it's bringing an all-star cast along with it. That might not save it from receiving a mixed response, though, especially as season 1 holds a 59% Rotten Tomatoes score among critics.This season, Nicole Kidman is joined by the likes of Mark Strong, Henry Golding, and Annie Murphy, with the plot centering around nine tourists who arrive in the Austrian Alps to embark on a transformative journey at a wellness resort.Will Nine Perfect Strangers earn some rest and relaxation by making it onto our best Hulu shows and best Prime Video shows lists by way of its second outing? Time will tell. – LBWatch Nine Perfect Strangers season 2 on Hulu (US) and Prime Video (internationally)Mickey 17 (Max)Bong Joon-ho wowed us with the multi-award-winning Parasite a few years ago, but his latest movie is truly out of this world. While it didn't quite reach the heights of his Oscar-winning masterpiece, Mickey 17 still has a lot to say and should become part of our best Max movies list soon enough.Led by Robert Pattinson, we follow a man (the titular Mickey_ who joins a space colony as an 'Expendable, i.e. a disposable worker who is cloned every time he dies. And yes, you guessed it, it's happened 17 times, which is pretty rough going.However, a spanner in the works emerges when the 17th Mickey actually survives his apparent death as his replacement gets printed, meaning there are now two versions of Mickey vying to survive. Here, you get a brilliant dual performance from Pattinson, as well as an all-star supporting cast featuring Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, the latter of who plays a very obnoxious politician character in this Max sci-fi flick. – LBWatch Mickey 17 on MaxSirens (Netflix)This new limited series has been compared to HBO's smash hit Succession but, in my view, the similarities begin and end with the the familial melodrama that's at the heart of Sirens.A dark comedy-drama, it stars Meghann Fahy as Devon, who becomes increasingly concerned about the wellbeing of her younger sibling Simone (played by former House of the Dragon actor and soon-to-be Supergirl in James Gunn's DCU Milly Alcock).Indeed, Simone works for enigmatic billionaire Michaela (the ever-excellent Julianne Moore), and the pair's creepy, cult-like relationship is clearly disconcerting enough for Devon, who's hardly the epitome of a well-rounded human, to rock up at Michaela's lavish home to hold an intervention for her sister. Cue an explosive weekend of discourse and revelations alike in this dark comedy program that's been positively received by all – TPWatch Sirens on NetflixFountain of Youth (Apple TV+)With a critically-acclaimed back catalog of hits, Apple can seemingly do no wrong on the TV Original front. Things are quite different on the movie development side, though, with the tech giant's film library being more hit-and-miss than it would like.Fountain of Youth, the next Apple TV+ flick, will hope to be the former rather than the latter. Guy Ritchie's Indiana Jones-inspired movie stars John Krasinski and Natalie Portman as siblings (and intrepid explorers) who, yep, you've guessed it, set out to find the fabled fountain of youth. Eiza Gonzalez, Laz Alonso, and Domnhall Gleeson are among the supporting cast.Like Apple, Ritchie's movies tend to be great or pretty rubbish, so Fountain of Youth could go either way with fans and critics alike. Will we be adding it to our best Apple TV+ movies list in the next week or so? Or will its potentially old and cliched storytelling formula turn people off? We'll find out soon enough. – TPWatch Fountain of Youth on Apple TV+Clarkson's Farm season 4 (Prime Video)Everyone's favorite petrolhead-turned-agriculturist returns for another installment of his popular (well, well-liked in the UK, anyway) Prime Video series.That's right, Clarkson's Farm is back for its fourth season. And, if the three previous installments were any indication, we can expect even more rural-based mayhem from Jeremy Clarkson, Caleb, and the rest of the gang down at Diddly Squat Farm.As mentioned, this comedy-laced docuseries has been a huge hit for Amazon on British shores, so I suspect season 4 will shoot to the top of Prime Video's Top 10 TV chart in the coming days. Don't be surprised if it makes a return to our best Prime Video shows list, either. – TPWatch Clarkson's Farm season 4 on Prime VideoBig Mouth season 8 (Netflix)Big Mouth is growing up. Indeed, the coming-of-age animation is bowing out with its eighth and final season, which follows the characters as they start a new chapter at high school.You can expect plenty of cringe, crude adult humor once again, and the plot includes Nick going off to a different high school, becoming enamored with a new best friend while neglecting his old one, and Jay becoming a overprotective parent after being given a melon to look after as a school project.With an impressive 94% Rotten Tomatoes rating, fans have loved this series and will no doubt be very sad to see it go. But, who knows, maybe the characters will return again down the line? – LBWatch Big Mouth season 8 on NetflixFor more streaming recommendations, read our guides on the best Disney+ shows, best Hulu movies, best Paramount+ movies, and best Max shows.

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the growing capabilities of hardware and software integration means unprecedented opportunity for innovative design. Yet with great innovation comes great responsibility. The need to act on climate change grows more urgent every day. The data is stark: natural disasters are increasing in frequency, wildlife populations have declined by 69%, and UN scientists are calling for a 43% emissions cut by 2030 to achieve the targets set out in the Paris agreement.Despite these pressures, many companies are not yet up to standard when it comes to managing their environmental impact. Last year, hundreds of businesses that originally committed to the UN’s campaign were removed for failing to set sufficiently meaningful targets. Limitations around technology, geopolitical tensions and poor economic factors have all been cited as barriers for progress.As the co-founder and CTO of TG0, I can see that one of the biggest opportunities we have to make a positive impact is in conscientious product design. EU Science Hub estimates that more than 80% of all product-related environmental impacts are determined during the design phase. Almost 70% of Apple’s gross carbon emissions are attributed to purchased goods and services. For BMW, it’s 81%, and for Siemens, it’s 96%.As business leaders commit to sustainability initiatives and navigate regulations like the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products, it is crucial to recognize that genuine environmental impact begins at the design stage.Consumer demand is also driving progress – a recent poll by Amazon found two in three UK shoppers prefer to buy products that have a more positive environmental impact.The simplicity revolutionWhen Capgemini surveyed over 900 senior product designers and engineering executives, only 22% of companies had made sustainability a key component of their product design processes. Those that did reported remarkable benefits: 67% saw reductions in carbon emissions, 73% achieved higher revenue growth, and 70% experienced increased customer satisfaction.But where to start? Through my work developing next generation human-machine interfaces, I’ve discovered that simplification at the design stage delivers benefits across almost every stage of the product life cycle. The choice of materials, for example, determines how easily a product can be repaired, recycled, or reused. The functionality dictates how many manufacturing steps are required. And the components and features will affect overall energy efficiency.Materials reimaginedIt starts with the materials that product designers choose. The environmental cost of our current approach is staggering: half of all global greenhouse gas emissions and around 90% of the world’s biodiversity loss is down to the extraction and processing of raw materials. Choosing recycled materials, reducing the complexity of a product’s bill of materials (BOM), and limiting the number of components significantly limits environmental impact without reducing any functionality.Simplifying or rationalizing materials doesn’t have to mean sacrificing any sophistication of performance, especially in a world of evergreen products that are improved with regular software updates.The economic caseBeyond environmental benefits, there are substantial economic advantages to simplified design. Fewer physical components means a more streamlined assembly process, reduced potential for errors, and lower production costs. Products become more durable with fewer points of failure, while digitization enables feature expansion without increasing material usage. And minimizing complexity often means the end products are lighter, which saves transport costs and associated emissions. This approach creates a virtuous cycle of sustainability and profitability. Conquering the E-Waste Crisis.Perhaps most critically, these considerations address the growing issue of electronic waste. In 2022 alone, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced worldwide, with only 22% collected and recycled. When hardware consists of multiple materials, recycling becomes a challenge and often leads to products being discarded in landfill.Reduced complexity means improved recyclability. When recyclers can easily separate different materials, products are less likely to end up in landfills. Smart design principles mean minimizing material types and creating products that are inherently easier to recycle at end-of-life.More innovation at your fingertipsBeyond the cost savings and associated productivity gains, tackling these challenges can actually lead to more innovative products. This was something that Adidas discovered when it revolutionized its high-performance shoes by replacing twelve different materials with a single smart material. Assembly became easier, recycling more straightforward, and the company pioneered new manufacturing techniques using just heat and pressure rather than adhesives.Similarly, in automotive, Hyundai’s IONIQ 5 exemplifies this approach with recycled PET bottle seat fabric, bio-based carpets derived from sugarcane and corn, leather interiors dyed with flaxseed oil, and doors finished with eco-friendly paint. These innovations demonstrate how simplification can lead to more sophisticated, sustainable outcomes.The future of sustainable designAs designers create the next generation of products for the future, we must embrace innovation in our design approach alongside the features we deliver to customers. Simplifying product designs doesn’t mean compromising sophisticated functionality or a luxurious finish. Instead it’s a more streamlined way to deliver advanced capabilities, while minimizing carbon impact.For technology leaders, sustainability can't be a check-box exercise. Only by embracing simplified design philosophy at every stage can we minimize costs, reduce environmental impact, and drive meaningful innovation. The future of product design isn't about adding more - it's about achieving more with less through intelligent design.The time for this transformation is now. Our planet can't wait, and neither can our businesses.We've featured the best green web hosting.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

Blink deals are back for Memorial Day, making it a good time to stock up on security cameras if you have an existing system or try out one of our favorites for the first time. A particularly great deal is on a two-pack of Blink Mini 2 wired security cams, which you can grab for just $38.

The Blink Mini 2 made our list of the best security cameras, and we gave it kudos for being a great option for the budget-conscious. These are small cameras that are easy to place just about anywhere. You can adjust the head to accommodate a wide variety of angles and we found the setup to be painless and quick.

The image quality is decent, though not astounding. The bright spots can get a bit blown out, but the camera gets the job done. We found that it was particularly useful at night, thanks to the infrared view and the spotlight. This model also offers the ability to set privacy zones and it can double as a doorbell chime if you happen to have a Blink Video Doorbell installed.

The camera is weather resistant, so it works outside. It also integrates with Alexa, which makes sense as Amazon owns Blink. Alexa can be used to adjust settings, arm the camera and more.

There's no location detection here, so it can't automatically arm the device when you leave the house. This has to be done manually. Also, it doesn't offer any cloud storage unless you pony up for a Blink subscription. A basic subscription for one camera costs $3 per month.

Memorial Day sales also include other Blink bundles. If you're setting up a Blink system for the first time, you can grab a one-camera Blink Outdoor 4 system for half off, or only $50. That 50-percent discount is also available on multi-camera systems, including an expansive five-camera bundle, which is down to $200.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/a-two-pack-of-blink-mini-2-security-cameras-is-only-38-for-memorial-day-152339657.html?src=rss

Avengers: Doomsday may go head-to-head with another huge movie in late 2026The Marvel film's release was recently pushed back from May 2026 to December of that yearFlorence Pugh is expected to star in both moviesIt's time to start preparing for the 2026 edition of Barbenheimer, everyone.With Avengers: Doomsday being delayed until December 18, 2026, the highly-anticipated Marvel movie is set to do battle with another massive film late next year.The film in question? Dune: Messiah, the third entry in the Denis Villeneuve-directed sci-fi epic franchise. At the time of publication, another of 2026's most exciting new movies is also set to land in theaters next year on December 18, and as long as Avengers 5 and Dune 3 keep their current release dates we could have another Barnerheimer-style movie viewing event on our hands.For those who might need a reminder, Barbenheimer was the title bestowed on the event that saw the Margo Robbie-starring Barbie film and Christopher Nolan-directed Oppenheimer flick released on the same day in 2023. Their contrasting styles and genres, coupled with the sheer amount of talent involved in both productions, saw many fans flock to their local theater to watch back-to-back screenings of these films.Timothée Chalamet will reprise his role as Paul Atreides in Dune: Messiah (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Messiah won't be as polarizing stylistically, but two of 2026's hottest commodities occupy different genres. The fifth Avengers film is unquestionably a comic book/superhero movie, while the Dune franchise – both Frank Herbert's books and its movie series namesake – sits squarely in the sci-fi realm.In my view, that's enough to ensure they meet the criteria first laid out by Barbenheimer. That being, the stark contrast between both films is valid enough to create a similar movie-based phenomenon event around them. Avengers: Dunesday, anyone?Of course, none of this will matter if Avengers 5 suffers another launch day setback. Alternatively, Warner Bros. Pictures and subsidiary studio Legendary might blink first and decide to delay Dune: Messiah's own release so it isn't forced to compete with the cinematic juggernaut that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).If Dune 3 and the second Marvel Phase 6 film retain their current release dates, though, Christmas 2026 is sure to be a happy (and money-spinning) one for Florence Pugh.Florence Pugh could end up starring in two of the biggest (and final) film releases of 2026 (Image credit: Marvel Studios)Pugh, who recently starred as Yelena Belova in another MCU movie in Thunderbolts*, was announced as part of the initial 27-strong cast for Avengers: Doomsday in late March. However, Pugh is also expected to reprise her role as Princess Irulan, who she first played in Dune Part Two, in Dune: Messiah.As long as Irulan is part of the latter's cast, Pugh is set to appear in two of the most anticipated films that'll launch before the end of 2026 – not bad for someone whose breakout role only came in 2019's A24 folk horror indie flick Midsommar, eh?Realistically, though, I can't see Doomsday and Messiah releasing on the same day.Filming isn't underway on the latter yet, and won't be for some time. Meanwhile, since the 2023 Hollywood strikes, numerous Marvel films have been delayed at least twice, so Doomsday could suffer a similar fate.I'm not sure which movie will be shunted back into 2027 but, as much as I want Avengers: Dunesday to be a thing, it's already looking like a pipe dream – and that's before any more release date delays are potentially announced.You might also likeNew Avengers: Doomsday behind-the-scenes images from Robert Downey Jr are getting Marvel fans excited about his portrayal of Doctor DoomFind out how to watch the Marvel movies in orderSee if the first two Dune films are part of our best Max movies guide

The relationship between cybersecurity and machine learning (ML) began with an ambitious, yet simple, idea. Harness everything algorithms have to offer and use it to identify patterns in vast datasets.Prior to this, traditional threat detection relied heavily on signature-based techniques – effectively digital fingerprints of known threats. These methods, while helpful against familiar malware, struggled to meet the demand of the increasingly sophisticated tactics of cybercriminals and zero-day attacks.In the end, this created a gap, which led to a wave of interest in using ML to identify anomalies, recognize patterns indicative of malicious behavior, and essentially predict attacks before they could fully wreak havoc. Some of the earliest successful applications of ML in the space included anomaly-based intrusion detection systems (IDS) and spam detection.These early iterations relied heavily on observed learning, where historical data – both malicious and benign – was fed to algorithms to help them differentiate between the two. Over time, ML-powered applications grew to incorporate unsupervised learning and even reinforcement learning to adapt to the changing nature of the present threats.Falling short of expectationsRecently, conversation has shifted to the introduction of large language models (LLM) like GPT-4. These models excel at summarizing reports, synthesizing large volumes of information, and generating natural language content. In the cybersecurity industy, they’ve been used to generate executive summaries and parse through threat intelligence feeds. Both of which require handling vast amounts of data and presenting it in an easy-to-understand form.In line with this, we’ve seen the concept of a “copilot for security” surface – a tool intended to assist security analysts like a coding copilot helps a developer. The AI-powered copilot would act as a virtual Security Operations Center (SOC) analyst. Ideally, it would not just handle vast amounts of data and present it in a comprehendible way but also sift through alerts, contextualize incidents, and even propose follow up actions.However, the ambition has fallen short. Whilst they show promise in specific workflows, LLMs have yet to deliver an indispensable and transformative use case for SOC teams.Undoubtedly, cybersecurity is intrinsically contextual and complex. Analysts piece together fragmented information, understand the broader implications of a threat, and make decisions that require a nuanced understanding of their organization. All under immense pressure. These copilots can neither replace the expertise of a seasoned analyst nor effectively address the glaring pain points that they face. This is because they lack the situational awareness and deep understanding needed to make critical decisions.This means that rather than serving as a dependable virtual analyst, these tools have often become a "solution looking for a problem.” Adding yet another layer of technology that analysts need to understand and manage, without delivering equal value.A problem and solution: AI meet AIAs it stands, current implementations of AI are struggling to get into their groove. But, if businesses are going to properly support their SOC analysts, how do we bridge this gap?The answer could lie in the development of agentic AI – systems capable of taking proactive independent actions, helping to combine automation and autonomy. Its introduction will help transform AI from a passive handy assistant to a crucial member of the SOC team.By potentially allowing AI-driven entities to actively defend systems, engage in threat hunting, and adjust to novel threats without the constant need for human direction agentic AI offers a promising step forward for defensive cybersecurity. For example, instead of waiting for an analyst to issue commands, agentic AI could act on its own: isolating a compromised endpoint, rerouting network traffic, or even engaging in deception techniques to mislead attackers.Have you put your trust in the machine?Despite this potential, organizations have often been slow in adopting new autonomous security technology that can act on its own. And this uncertainty may be well founded. Nobody wants to stop a senior executive from using their laptop based on a false alert or cause an outage in production. However, with the relationship between ML and cybersecurity set to continue developing, businesses mustn’t be deterred. Attackers don’t have this barrier to overcome. Without a second thought, they will use AI to disrupt, steal and extort their selected targets. This year, it appears organizations will likely face the bleakest threat landscape to date, driven by a malicious use of AI.Consequently, the only way for businesses to combat this will be to be to join the AI arms race - using agentic AI to backup overwhelmed SOC teams. This can be accomplished through autonomous proactive actions, which can enable organizations to actively defend systems, engage in threat hunting and adapt to unique threats without requiring human intervention.We've featured the best malware removal.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

Researchers found a huge database on the dark webThe threat actors claim to have scraped it abusing a Facebook APIFacebook says the database is years oldA hacker claims to have scraped 1.2 billion user records from Facebook, including people’s names, locations, and phone numbers. This is according to cybersecurity researchers Cybernews, who recently spotted a new thread on a dark web forum, promoting the gigantic database.In the thread, the threat actor claims to have generated an entirely new database (rather than compiling information that was already available in the murky waters of the dark web), and that it contains user IDs, names, email addresses, usernames, phone numbers, locations, birthday data, and gender information.Cybernews’ researchers analyzed parts of the data and confirmed that it is legitimate (at least the parts they looked at). This means that whoever grabs this database, can use the information found inside to launch highly convincing phishing attacks, engage in identity theft, and possibly even wire fraud.Abusing extensionsBut there are other things to consider. Cybernews, for one, says that the claim of 1.2 billion user records should be taken with a massive grain of salt, for a number of reasons.First, the threat actor only posted once before, so their reputation is questionable. Secondly, there’s been a similar, but smaller leak, in recent history, prompting the researchers to suggest that maybe this is the same archive, only re-packaged with a little extra information thrown in.The data was allegedly picked up by abusing a Facebook API. Meta, the social media giant’s parent company, did not deny it, but did suggest that the attackers are simple fraudsters trying to share an old database as something entirely new.“This is not a new claim. We disclosed this years ago and have taken steps to prevent similar incidents from happening since,” a Meta spokesperson told Cybernews, and shared a link to a company’s blog on how it combats scraping.The researchers believe this could be one of the biggest data scrapes to have come from Facebook, and a testament to the company’s poor sense of customer security and privacy:“Repeated incidents show a pattern of reactive rather than proactive security measures, particularly when it comes to protecting data that’s publicly visible but still sensitive. The lack of stronger safeguards and transparency undermines trust and leaves millions potentially exposed to phishing, scam, possibly identity theft, and long-term privacy issues,” the team said.Via CybernewsYou might also likeMeta admits it scraped all Australian Facebook posts since 2007 to train its AIWe've rounded up the best password managersTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator app

Dan Brown’s legendary symbologist/action-hero has a new home over at Netflix, with the streamer set to adapt the author's upcoming new Robert Langdon book, The Secret of Secrets.The adaptation has been co-created by Brown alongside former Lost producer Carlton Cuse, who will also serve as showrunner, and marks the fifth live action appearance of Langdon after three blockbuster movies and a somewhat forgotten Peacock show.The franchise kicked off with The Da Vinci Code back in 2006, after the original 2003 novel became a global smash, selling over 80 million copies and becoming the best-selling American novel of all time.The film adaptation was directed by Ron Howard and starred Tom Hanks as Langdon, alongside the likes of Audrey Tautou, Ian McKellen, Alfred Molina, Jean Reno and Paul Bettany.Despite mixed critical reviews, the film was a hit with audiences, generating $760 million worldwide and becoming the second-highest-grossing film of the year (after Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, if you're interested).Two sequels followed, with Angels and Demons – based on the first book in the franchise – arriving in 2009, and the belated Inferno, based on the fourth novel, hitting screens in 2016.Howard returned to direct both instalments but poor reception and disappointing box office results saw the cinematic aspirations for the franchise put to bed with Hanks' trilogy.Langdon did return, however, in the form of Peacock’s The Lost Symbol in 2021. The show reimagined the source novel as a prequel of sorts, casting Ashley Zukerman (Succession, Fear Street) as a young Robert Langdon, hired by the CIA to solve a series of puzzles linked to the disappearance of his mentor Peter Solomon (Eddie Izzard). However, the show was met with poor critical response, and dwindling audiences saw Peacock cancel the series after just one season.But there seems to be life in the franchise yet, with one of the best streaming services set to skip book five in the series, Origin, and instead deliver a big budget adaptation of the upcoming sixth installment, The Secret of Secrets.What can we expect from The Secret of Secrets?(Image credit: Penguin Random House)While Peacock’s iteration served as a quasi-prequel to the films, Netflix look set to completely reboot the franchise, with neither Hanks nor Zukerman set to reprise their role currently (and it's incredibly unlikely that will change), and no involvement from Howard.The novel doesn’t land until September, so there’s not a huge amount out there about what we can expect from the new series, but Netflix has teased: “In the upcoming novel, Langdon, an esteemed symbologist, races against ancient forces and time to rescue a missing scientist, whose groundbreaking manuscript contains discoveries that have the power to forever change humanity’s understanding of the mind. The yet-to-be-titled TV series will blend futuristic science with mystical lore, delivering on the heart-pounding suspense and international intrigue that have made the Langdon stories a global phenomenon.”We do know from previews of the novel that The Lost Symbol’s Katherine Solomon is likely to appear, previously played by Valorie Curry, while settings could include Prague, New York and London.If previous Langdon adventures are anything to go by, we’d expect a global treasure hunt, cryptic puzzles and terrifying henchmen wrapped up in a race against time with a final act twist that’ll make your head spin.Whatever the case, it’s likely to be an addictive, binge-worthy series and potentially one of the best Netflix shows, and I can’t wait to see who’ll be next to strap on the Mickey Mouse watch.You might also likeFor more Netflix TV show-based coverage, read our guides on Stranger Things season 5, One Piece season 2, Squid Game season 3, and Knives Out 3.

The Marvel Rivals best controller settings can really make the difference when playing as certain Heroes. Depending on which character you prefer to use, your controller settings might be slightly different, with fast-moving characters like Spider-Man benefiting from high sensitivity and button mapping, while slower, more deliberate Heroes like Magneto will benefit from a tighter controller sensitivity.Whether you're planning on jumping into Marvel Rivals' Competitive Mode or still experimenting in Quick Play, the tips below will give an overview of the main things to consider when setting up your controllers. I'll cover things like button mapping for those using pro controllers, what to consider when setting sensitivity, and how to apply custom settings for each Hero you use.I've been playing Marvel Rivals since the beginning of Season 0, and have used my expertise to put together a Marvel Rivals tier list recently. Having toyed around with every Hero in the game, I'm confident that I'm able to give some advice on changes that'll help level the playing field in battle.Marvel Rivals best controller settings: general tips(Image credit: NetEase)The best Marvel Rivals controller settings below cover some general tips for choosing your sensitivity and button mapping, as well as more tailored advice for specific class types and Heroes. Here are some general settings to consider:Horizontal Sensitivity: 180Vertical Sensitivity: 130Aim Sensitivity Curve: LinearButton Mapping: Jump on back paddle where possibleVibration: TacticalTrigger Effect Function: OffWall-crawling: Advance toward crosshairs (Rocket, Venom, Spider-Man)Ally Health bars: OnAim Assist Window: 30Aim Assist Strength: 80Choosing the best sensitivity for your play style(Image credit: NetEase)The sensitivity you choose is extremely important in Marvel Rivals and depends mostly on what character you pick. Generally, you'll want to increase your sensitivity from the default. I tend to apply a Horizontal Value of 180 and a Vertical Value of 130 to all Heroes, then tweak from there. There are some Heroes, like Spider-Man and Wolverine, that benefit from very high sensitivity indeed. On Spider-Man, I run 220 and 170, respectively, to allow for quick movement while web swinging.If you're playing a slower character like Magneto, who generally fires simple projectiles and faces forwards while shielding enemies, you can crank the sensitivity down. I go as low as 150 and 120 when playing Magneto, though sometimes I'll increase sensitivity if I find myself having to protect my healers more in a given match.(Image credit: NetEase)Some of the Heroes in Marvel Rivals function like third-person shooters, like The Punisher. I find that a tighter sensitivity helps me hit my shots here. Experiment with different Heroes, then dial in your sensitivity based on their particular play style. With nearly 40 characters to choose from, there are a lot of different variables to consider. You might even look into Marvel Rivals Crosshairs, which will help dial in your Hero even further.Marvel Rivals best Aim Sensitivity Curve(Image credit: NetEase)I recommend sticking with a Linear Aim Sensitivity curve, as it's likely what you'll be used to in other games. Personally, I've switched over to the Dual Zone S-Curve setting as I've gotten more and more used to Marvel Rivals, and Vanguard class Heroes in particular. Generally, I'm playing characters that need to stay locked onto enemies, only tilting the sticks gently to aim. I still swing the camera around occasionally to pivot my focus to my Strategists, so the S-Curve gives me a more gradual sensitivity increase above the midpoint.Because of my play style, I like to have two distinct sensitivity portions to my sticks. Dual-Zone covers this, allowing me to use light movement to track enemies far away, and switch to a high sensitivity at a medium push of the sticks. After a while, I've learned to feel these parts of the sensitivity graph and can adjust my aiming accordingly.Ultimately, you'll find that you'll naturally prefer one setting over another, but when starting out, I'd definitely stick to the default. This is especially suited to your early hours, where you're still experimenting with a wide variety of Heroes. Once you've found a main, you may wish to switch to another mode, like I have.Dig into the Hero-specific controller settings(Image credit: NetEase)While in the Controller settings, and under 'Combat', you'll find the option to set specific settings per Hero. The majority of the Heroes in Marvel Rivals have exclusive settings. In the image above, you'll see that Magneto has options related to his shield, as well as his passive that lets him fall slowly from a height. Generally, I'd recommend turning on the option that lets you see the health bars of your allies. This is on by default when playing as a Strategist, but it's extremely helpful to have on most Heroes. The only exception here is for characters like Hela, where you'll want an unobstructed view for long-range kills.Heroes like Spider-Man, Rocket, and Venom have climbing abilities, where I'd recommend selecting 'Advance towards crosshairs' for the direction. This is much easier to control than the default option. Speaking of Venom and Spider-Man, disable Auto-Swing, and you'll be able to web zip to the ground. Hold to Swing gives you more control as well. Whenever you're picking up a new character, spend some time in the Practice Range and dig into their Hero-specific settings, as some of them make a huge difference.Make use of your back paddles(Image credit: NetEase)Now onto back paddles, which some of you will be using on certain controllers. I play Marvel Rivals using the DualSense Edge PS5 controller, so I have access to two back paddles. I have two different profiles set up, for different Heroes that I play as. The primary profile binds the 'X' button to the left back paddle, allowing me to jump without taking my hand off the right stick. This is my main recommendation for a button to map to a back paddle.On the other I map either 'Square' for reload, and certain abilities like Spider-Man's Uppercut, or 'Circle' for Heroes like Mantis and Mr Fantastic, who have regular abilities that need to be triggered there. If you're lucky enough to have four back paddles, like with the Xbox Elite Series 2 controller, I recommend sticking your general Ping onto one of them, and leaving the last one down to another one of your Hero's main abilities. For example, placing 'Triangle' onto a back paddle lets you activate Peni Parker's Symbiotic Team Up with Venom, without having to take your thumb off the right stick.Setting your Trigger Effect Function and Vibration(Image credit: NetEase)Now onto vibration and triggers. It's usually recommended to switch off vibration completely while playing competitive games like Marvel Rivals, but I like having the Tactical setting selected. This gives cues when enemies are setting off ultimates, and generally just adds an extra level of immersion to battles. I find Marvel Rivals can get very visually messy, so audio and vibration can help me pick out what's happening more clearly.For Trigger Effect Function, switch everything off. While the PS5's adaptive trigger features can be fun at times, they can be quite distracting when playing shooters. Similarly, I set my DualSense Edge to the lowest trigger input setting (smallest dot icon) using the switches on the back. They're closer to being buttons, meaning faster firing and simpler inputs.Marvel Rivals best controller settings FAQCan you be good at Marvel Rivals on controller?Yes, you can be very good at Marvel Rivals on controller. While you'll not have the precision of a mouse and keyboard player, Marvel Rivals is a Hero shooter, and is as much about understanding the game as it is about good aim. For this reason, Vanguards tend to be good choices for controller players, especially Doctor Strange and Magneto. The Punisher is also great, as the aim assist on controller really pairs well with his primary fire at range.Ultimately, unless you're planning on getting into the top three ranks in Marvel Rivals, you'll do just fine on controller. Heroes like Cloak and Dagger and Jeff are good to start with, as they don't require precision aiming, and will help you learn the ins and outs of battle while playing.What's the best controller to use for Marvel RivalsThe best controller to use in Marvel Rivals is the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro. It features six mappable buttons (two on the bumpers, four on the back), and makes use of proprietary Razer PC gaming mouse tech for satisfying inputs. There's Hall effect thumbtacks too, eliminating the risk of stick drift. You can pick up either an Xbox or PlayStation version of this controller.Here's when to expect the next season of Marvel RivalsBest crossplay games to play in 2025Marvel Rivals best Graphics Settings

Sonos has joined in on the Memorial Day sales by discounting its portable speakers. You can get up to 25 percent off right now on items including the Sonos Move 2, which is $113 off and down to $336. The Sonos Roam 2 is also part of the sale with a $45 discount.

The Sonos Move 2 was introduced in 2023 as the more expensive follow-up to the original Move, Sonos' first "portable" speaker. You can argue over it's portability — the Move 2 makes more sense as something your carry to your backyard than take on a hike — but the speaker packs a punch and lets you play music over both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. We liked the Sonos Move 2 when we originally reviewed it, but took issue with how expensive it was, so this sale helps make splurging on it more palatable.

If you're looking for something even more portable and affordable, the Sonos Roam 2 is also on sale for $45 off. Like the Move 2, the speaker has the ability to connect to a smartphone over Bluetooth outside while still being able to hook into your larger Sonos sound system over Wi-Fi at home. The Sonos Roam 2 offers some key improvements to the original Roam's design, too, like new colors and easier to understand buttons, while still providing the company's signature sound profile and 10 hours of battery life.

On top of the two speakers, you could also buy a bundle of a speaker and an accessory, like the Sonos Roam 2 and an OtterBox case, or a bundle of multiple speakers. You can get two Roam 2's for $268 or a Sonos Roam 2 and Sonos Move 2 for $479, for example.

Sonos has faced issues in the last year ironing out software problems — the bugs and missing features were so bad the company's CEO stepped down — but the fundamentals of how the company's speakers sound have remained great. With the ship mostly righted on the software side of things, a sale is a great time to see what all of the fuss is about.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/memorial-day-sales-include-25-percent-off-sonos-portable-speakers-185627410.html?src=rss

Multiple US government agencies were targeted by Chinese hackers, Cisco Talos warnsThe hackers used a bug in Trimble CityworksThe vulnerability was fixed in February this yearLocal government organizations across the United States were recently targeted by a Chinese threat actor looking to deploy various web shells and malware loaders. This is according to cybersecurity researchers Cisco Talos, who have been tracking the attacks since early 2025.Cisco says the threat actors are tracked as UAT-6382 (usually short for Unknown Adversary Threat), and have been targeting organizations through a zero-day vulnerability in Trimble Cityworks.Trimble Cityworks is a Geographic Information System (GIS) asset management and permitting software designed to help local governments and utilities manage infrastructure, maintenance, and operations efficiently.In February this year, we reported the software was vulnerable to CVE-2025-0994, a high-severity deserialization bug with a severity score of 8.6 (high). The vulnerability allowed threat actors to perform remote code execution (RCE).Cisco said the attackers used the zero-day to drop a Rust-based malware loader which, in turn, installed Cobalt Strike beacons and VSHell malware, which provided the Chinese with long-term, persistent access.Patching the flaw"Talos has found intrusions in enterprise networks of local governing bodies in the United States (U.S.), beginning January 2025 when initial exploitation first took place. Upon gaining access, UAT-6382 expressed a clear interest in pivoting to systems related to utilities management," Cisco said in its security advisory.With access established, the attackers started dropping different web shells: AntSword, chinatso/Chopper, and more. All of these are written in Chinese. They were also dropping a custom loader called TetraLoader, which was written in Simplified Chinese.As soon as news of the zero-day broke, Trimble released a patch, bringing Cityworks to versions 15.8.9 and 23.10 and mitigating the risk. It also warned about discovering some on-prem deployments having overprivileged IIS identity permissions, and added that some deployments haid incorrect attachment directory configurations.At the time, there were no reports of victims or damages, but the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) still released a coordinated advisory, urging customers to apply the patches as soon as possible. In early February, the agency added it to KEV, giving Federal Civilian Executive Branch agencies a deadline to patch.Via BleepingComputerYou might also likeHackers are hijacking government software to access sensitive serversWe've rounded up the best password managersTake a look at our guide to the best authenticator app