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Windows has released a new business backup toolThe tool will help organizations transition to Windows 11Businesses can sign up for the limited public previewWindows Backup for Organizations has now entered public preview, offering businesses a new tool to backup Windows settings when resetting or reimaging a user’s device.The tool works when backing up both Windows 10 and Windows 11 systems, making it even easier for businesses to transition to the latest Windows operating system - a process that many have been putting off for the past three years.The business backup tool was first announced at Microsoft Ignite in 2024, and has now entered limited public preview.All aboard for Windows 11In an announcement, Microsoft said, “You can back up your organization’s Windows 10 or Windows 11 settings and restore them on a Microsoft Entra joined device. This capability helps reduce migration overhead, minimize user disruption, and strengthen device resilience against incidents.”In order to sign up for the public preview, an organization needs to be using Microsoft Entra joined Windows 10 or Windows 11 systems, alongside an active Microsoft Intune test tenant and Microsoft Intune service administrator permissions.As for businesses unable to upgrade to Windows 11 before Windows 10 stops receiving updates on October 14 2025, there is the option to register for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which will provide additional security updates beyond the end-of-life date. Home users can also opt in to this program for $30.Microsoft also announced a new tool designed that allows developers to have their software seek updates via Windows Update, with Microsoft stating that the tool would offer a “unified future for app updates on Windows” across applications, system components, drivers, and more.Via BleepingComputerYou might also likeTake a look at the best cloud backup toolsI've rounded up the best data recovery softwareMicrosoft pledges to keep Windows 10 M365 apps secure into 2028

Marvel fans are worried about the fate of Thor in Avengers: DoomsdayA video uploaded to Chris Hemsworth's YouTube channel has sparked fears about his potential MCU exitChris Hemsworth has been playing Thor in the MCU since 2011Avengers: Doomsday is 18 months away from landing in theaters, but Marvel fans are already fearing the worst about one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's (MCU) longest-serving heroes.Yesterday (May 28), a new video was uploaded to the personal YouTube channel of Chris Hemsworth, who's played Thor since 2011 and is one of the MCU's six original Avengers.Ordinarily, this wouldn't be a big deal. Hemsworth and/or his social media team regularly post videos on the A-lister's account, so the arrival of a new video shouldn't come as a shock.This video is different to the usual ones that get posted, though. Titled 'Thank You! The Legacy of Thor', the two-minute-long video comprises footage of Hemsworth's various appearances as the God of Thunder over the past 14 years. The clips are interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage, plus interviews with Hemsworth and other creatives who have worked on the Thor films, too.Taken at face value, there's an air of finality to the video's title and the footage contained within. That's before you read the earnest video description accompanying said footage, which has seemingly been written by Hemsworth and reads: "Playing Thor has been one of the greatest honors of my life."For the last 15 [sic] years I've held Mjolnir and then Stormbreaker as the God of Thunder, but what made it truly special was sharing it with all of you. Your passion, your cheers, and your love for this character have meant everything to me. Thank you for making my journey through the MCU unforgettable. Next up, Doomsday!"Thor is one of the MCU's most iconic heroes, so his potential demise would be felt acutely among viewers (Image credit: Marvel Studios)Predictably, Hemsworth's latest YouTube upload has sparked fears among MCU fans, with many drawing the conclusion that Thor is going to be killed off in Avengers 5. After all, Hemsworth was confirmed to be part of Doomsday's initial 27-strong cast. With filming now underway on one of 2026's most anticipated new movies, why would Hemsworth, who's probably seen a script and/or starting shooting scenes, post a video like this now if there wasn't a significant reason to do so?Fan worries aren't consigned to a single corner of the internet, either.Indeed, threads on the r/Marvel subreddit and ResetEra, plus the comments section of Hemsworth's latest YouTube video, are full of viewers expressing concerns that the Asgardian's MCU journey will soon come to an end. Is he going to be murdered by Doctor Doom in the same way that Thanos killed Loki in Avengers: Infinity War? It would certainly prove how powerful Doom is if he kills someone like Thor who's survived so many life-threatening events in the MCU.Comment from r/marvelstudiosThere are people who aren't convinced this is the end of the line for Hemsworth, though.Some believe this is nothing more than a promotional video for Thor: Love and Thunder, aka the character's latest Marvel film that was released in July 2022, which has been uploaded to Hemsworth's channel three years too late.Meanwhile, others say their fellow fans are reading too much into the video, with some pointing out that Marvel and Hemsworth have consistently talked about the possibility of making a fifth Thor solo movie. In fact, just three weeks ago, industry insider MyTimetoShineHello, whose recent track record has been patchy at best, suggested Thor 5 is still in the works. If that's the case, the God of Thunder won't perish in Doomsday.Ultimately, it's hard to determine why this video has made its way onto Hemsworth's YouTube channel. I can see why people are scared about the possibility that Thor will die in the Marvel Phase 6 movie. However, I also understand the argument that some are putting two and two together and getting five.If I had to get off of the proverbial fence, I'd err on the side of caution and agree that people are reading too much into this video. I don't think Hemsworth's time in the MCU is done yet, but I guess we'll know for sure when Avengers: Doomsday is released worldwide on its revised launch date of December 18, 2026.You might also likeNew Avengers: Doomsday behind-the-scenes images from Robert Downey Jr are getting Marvel fans excited about his portrayal of Doctor DoomMarvel sleuths think they've solved the case about Avengers: Doomsday's story, and it's all down to a single chair's shadow'There is always room for more': Marvel drops big hint that it isn't done with its Avengers: Doomsday cast announcements

Pokémon Legends: Z-A will officially launch on October 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2A digital or physical Switch version can be upgraded to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via a $10 upgrade packThe Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will "offer improved graphics and frame rates"The Pokémon Company has announced that Pokémon Legends: Z-A will officially launch on October 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.Pre-orders for the next major Pokémon game begin on June 5, and it's been confirmed that players who purchase either a digital or physical version on the Switch can upgrade their copy to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition via a $10 upgrade pack on the Nintendo eShop and My Nintendo Store.It might be worth investing in the Switch 2 Edition as The Pokémon Company has also revealed in a social media post that the version will "offer improved graphics and frame rates", but there's no new trailer for us to compare to the Switch version just yet.In addition, players who pre-order Legends: Z-A through the Pokémon Center in the US, UK, and Canada will receive a random, exclusive Pokémon Sitting Cuties plush featuring Chikorita, Tepig, or Totodile.According to Nintendo, those who pre-order a version of the game from My Nintendo Store will receive a Partner Pokémon figurine as a bonus item, and Mega Evolution, Trainer, and Champion's Choice bundles will also be available."#PokemonLegendsZA arrives October 16, 2025!In addition to the #NintendoSwitch title, a #NintendoSwitch2 Edition will offer improved graphics and frame rates! The digital and physical versions of #PokemonLegendsZA can be upgraded to the #NintendoSwitch2 Edition via upgrade pack pic.twitter.com/DqAcfYPxiKMay 28, 2025We've also received brand new cover art for the game, along with an official blurb, which reads: "Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a new frontier for the Pokémon video game series, blending an RPG story unfolding in a single city with action elements and a real-time battle system unlike anything seen before in the franchise."Trainers can look forward to the beginning of a new adventure in Lumiose City — one woven by people and Pokémon together!​"Pokémon fans won't have to wait long for another look at the game because the next Pokémon Presents livestream will air this summer on July 22.The Nintendo Switch 2 launches next week on June 5 for $449.99 / £395.99, and $499.99 / £429.99 for the official Mario Kart World bundle, which comes with a digital copy of the game.UK pre-orders and US pre-orders are now live. If you missed out on securing a pre-order, GameStop and Best Buy have announced that they will be restocking Switch 2 units in-store and online during the console's launch.You might also like...Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders live: latest UK stock updates as My Nintendo Store's pre-order date arrives, while US pre-orders remain delayedThe Nintendo Switch 2 has been spotted at retailers ahead of its June release - but the reported stock numbers aren't hugeSony's Days of Play sale kicks off tomorrow and will bring price cuts to the PS5 Pro, DualSense Edge, the PS5 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 bundle, and a host of price cuts on accessories and games

The new version of macOS will be revealed on June 9 at WWDCSeveral older Intel-based Macs might be incompatible with itApple is rumored to be switching to a year-based “macOS 26” nameApple releases a new version of its Mac operating system every year, and when that happens, there are inevitably older Macs that are no longer supported.We’re just a week or two away from Apple unveiling its latest iOS and macOS updates at its WWDC 2025 event, and we’ve just found out exactly which Macs might be left behind.That information comes from AppleInsider, which cites “people familiar with the matter.” These sources have revealed that a slate of Intel-based Macs will be incompatible with the forthcoming software update, meaning they’ll be stuck on older versions of Apple’s operating systems.Specifically, AppleInsider says the following Macs will be compatible with the next version of macOS:MacBook Pro 2019 or laterMacBook Air M1 or lateriMac 2020 or laterMac Pro 2019 or laterMac mini M1 or laterMac StudioThat means there are some notable omissions. The 2018 MacBook Pro, 2020 Intel-based MacBook Air, 2017 iMac Pro, and 2018 Mac mini all work with the current version of macOS (macOS Sequoia) but are left off AppleInsider’s list. That suggests that they won’t be able to upgrade beyond macOS Sequoia.What’s in a name?(Image credit: Future / Apple)Interestingly, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has also claimed that Apple is set to switch up its operating system naming conventions. Instead of the previously expected iOS 19 and macOS 16, Apple could name its platforms after the calendar year. So that means we’ll have iOS 26 and macOS 26, Gurman believes.Alongside the name change, these operating systems are expected to come with sweeping changes to their visual styles and user interfaces, something that AppleInsider’s sources also confirmed. Unfortunately, that means that the aforementioned Macs will miss out on this new look as well.If you have one of the Macs that are set to miss out on macOS 26, you might want to think about upgrading. Not only will that ensure you get all the latest macOS features, but you’ll likely get hardware improvements and better battery life too.If you’re thinking about it, our guide to the best Macs and MacBooks should help you decide which one to get.You might also likeApple might be about to make a major change to how it names its operating systemsReport: iOS 19 and macOS 16 could mark their biggest design overhaul in years – and we have one requestiOS 19: new features, a new design, and everything you need to know

Google Gemini is heading to Android Auto soonA new video shows how the integration will workThe new AI will replace Google Assistant in carsGemini is taking over from Google Assistant across all of Google's apps and devices, and Android Auto will be making the switch soon – as shown by a new demo video that gives us an idea of how the AI assistant is going to work on your car's dashboard.The video was captured at Google I/O 2025 and posted by 9to5Google, and you can see how Gemini slots in on the right-hand of the screen (or perhaps the left-hand, depending on the rules of the road in your country).If you've used Gemini on your phone, the interface will be familiar, with the glowing blue-ish ripples showing that Gemini is active. You're then free to ask whatever questions you have on the road, using natural language.You might want to see nearby gas stations for example, or have Gemini pull up the location of an event you're heading to from your Google Calendar. Anything you can do on your phone you can do through Gemini on Android Auto.More flexibilityOne demo Google showed off was using Gemini to compile a list of ingredients for a particular meal in Google Keep, then asking for directions to the local grocery store to pick up the necessary supplies – all very impressive.Generally, it's much more flexible and more intelligent than Google Assistant. All of your in-car chats will be synced back to Gemini on the web and on your phone, so you can pick up where you left off on other devices and carry on the conversation.With Android Automotive (so the version built right into cars), the interface is a little more subtle, with a small pop-up bar showing Gemini. However, the exact look can vary depending on your vehicle and the dashboard screen configuration.It's not clear exactly when Gemini will show up on Android Auto, but Google has said it's coming soon, and we've seen numerous signs that it's on the way. Gemini is already the default AI assistant on new Android phones.You might also likeGemini 2.5 Flash promises to be your favorite AI chatbotA useful new Android Auto video feature has been spottedWe've tried Google Pixel 9's new Gemini Astra upgrade

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are supposed to be the internet’s cloak of invisibility. Long embraced by corporations to secure remote access and by individuals to shield their browsing activity, VPNs have built a reputation as tools of privacy, security, and digital freedom. But that reputation is now under threat.A growing number of criminal groups are repackaging open source VPN frameworks into malware-laced products, disguising their intent behind familiar language, friendly branding, and fake reviews. What looks like a quick fix for accessing overseas content or bypassing geo-restrictions is, in many cases, an entry point for data theft, surveillance, and fraud.It’s ironic in many ways. The promise of privacy has become the perfect lure for privacy-hacking criminals. Users who download these malicious VPNs often think they’re outsmarting content restrictions – watching football matches from abroad, placing bets where they legally shouldn’t, or cashing in on digital deals restricted by region.At the very least, they might think that having a VPN shields them from the prying eyes of online snoopers. In reality, they’re likely handing over control of their device to a shadow network. These fake VPNs quietly turn home networks into residential proxies, harvest personal and financial data, and open the door for broader criminal operations – all while maintaining the illusion of security.This isn’t to say that VPNs are bad. Far from it. But a user's choice of VPN matters today more than ever before. With so many affordable, easy options flooding the market, latching onto a cheap VPN to cloak your device or access geo-restricted content is a gamble – and the cost of losing that gamble simply isn’t worth the risk.Behind the mask: How VPNs are being weaponizedWhat makes these VPNs so effective as attack vectors is how seamlessly they blend into the digital noise. Many operate through traffic distribution systems (TDSs) like Vextrio, which funnel users toward seemingly legitimate downloads. These platforms don’t just advertise VPNs – they create an entire illusion of trust, complete with sponsored search results, polished websites, and glowing reviews on platforms like Trustpilot.Some VPNs are free, others charge modest monthly fees, but the business model is the same: install the software and you unwittingly join a network of compromised machines. These apps often double as information stealers – scraping keystrokes, intercepting browser activity, and quietly logging banking credentials.Worse still, the infected device becomes part of a much larger infrastructure. Malicious VPNs routinely convert users’ home internet connections into residential proxies, effectively turning everyday consumers into unknowing enablers of criminal activity.This allows attackers to route their own traffic through compromised systems, making it harder for authorities to trace or block malicious behavior. It’s like a parasite worming its way in unnoticed – users pay for access to content they’re not legally allowed to watch, while criminals profit by harvesting their data and hijacking their connections. Users think they’ve found a clever workaround, but in reality they’re simply being exploited.DNS, RDGAs, and the art of evasionThe success of these criminals depends on their ability to hide and deceive. To maintain the illusion of legitimacy and avoid detection, malicious VPN operators rely heavily on rapidly generated domain aliases (RDGAs) and DNS tunneling. These tactics allow them to constantly shift the endpoints used by their software, cycling through thousands of domains so that if one is flagged or taken down, the service continues uninterrupted.Take “Reckless Rabbit” and “Ruthless Rabbit” for instance – two recently discovered investment scam actors that use RDGAs to scale their advertising campaigns and lure victims using well-known names to appear trustworthy. Unlike legitimate providers, whose infrastructure remains relatively stable, these actors thrive on churn.The fast rotation of domains not only obscures the true nature of the traffic but also makes it nearly impossible for traditional blocklists or IP reputation tools to keep up. From the outside, it simply looks like a user is accessing routine web services, when in fact, DNS is being manipulated to mask criminal infrastructure.This constant domain hopping is part of a broader evasion strategy. DNS tunneling, in particular, allows attackers to disguise command-and-control traffic as benign DNS requests. It’s a method often used to sneak malware past firewalls or send data out of restricted environments without detection.When embedded within VPN software, this technique becomes even more insidious: not only is the app encrypting the user's traffic, but it’s also silently exfiltrating information and receiving instructions from remote servers, all under the cover of what appears to be a legitimate privacy tool. This is how VPNs, when co-opted, transform from protective wrappers into full-fledged vehicles for criminal communication.Snakes and Ladders: Why do people fall for it?Contempt for the conners, compassion for the conned. That’s how this particular form of cyber-abuse should be viewed. Because the appeal of these rogue VPNs isn’t just technical – it’s psychological. Users are drawn in by the promise of unrestricted access: the ability to stream content blocked in their country, gamble on overseas platforms, or use region-specific services with no questions asked. For many, it feels like a harmless workaround.But that desire to outsmart the system is precisely what these criminal operators rely on. They know users will trade caution for convenience. They know a free or cheap download that promises to “just work” will attract attention. But once it’s installed, the cost is no longer just a few dollars a month – it’s your identity, your credentials, and even your bandwidth.Unwitting participants in criminal schemesIt’s not just about personal risk either. By participating in these networks, even unknowingly, users help power a much larger criminal economy. Their machines become part of an invisible infrastructure used to launder traffic, evade detection, and launch further attacks. In some cases, VPN clients are bundled with gambling or scam platforms, creating a double-loss scenario: victims hand over their data and their money.It’s not just that the VPN didn’t protect them – bad enough though that is – it was that the VPN was the bait all along. The irony stings: in trying to gain more freedom, users end up more surveilled, more exploited, and more vulnerable than they were before.Can app stores and search engines be trusted?When we need a service, we Google it. Or perhaps we scan our app store of choice to find a suitable candidate. We might look at a few reviews, but by and large we’re programmed to trust what we find in these places. But in the case of malicious VPNs, that trust is being actively abused. Traffic distribution systems like Vextrio are skilled at manipulating search rankings – pushing sponsored ads and SEO-optimized domains to the top of results pages within days.A quick search for “free VPN” or “VPN for Netflix” often leads users straight into their funnel. From there, everything is choreographed: the convincing website, the high user ratings, the false claims of speed and security. Even cautious users, seeing a top result or an official-looking listing in an app store, may assume legitimacy – especially when the app promises what they want to hear.Apple’s App Store and Google Play are not immune. Despite vetting processes, threat actors have found ways to sneak past these controls by rebranding malware over and over again – changing logos, names, domains, and shell companies with each iteration. Dozens of malicious VPNs have slipped through, some remaining live in the stores long after being flagged.Even the reviews can’t be trusted – so many of them are fabricated or bot-generated, designed to drown out real complaints and boost visibility. The emergence of tools like ChatGPT have made these bogus reviews all the more convincing and harder to spot. The result is a distorted marketplace where bad actors operate in plain sight, shielded by the very platforms users rely on for safety.How to choose a VPN without compromising yourselfSo how can users protect themselves without sacrificing privacy? The first step is a healthy dose of good old skepticism, particularly toward any VPN app that’s unfamiliar, heavily discounted, or promises unlimited access for free. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Instead of trusting search engine rankings or user reviews, consumers should rely on well-established providers with transparent business models and a long-standing track record.Brands like NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Malwarebytes are trusted not because they’re perfect, but because they’re accountable. They don’t need to hide behind a fresh logo or fake domain every time scrutiny increases. Reputation in this space isn’t just branding – it’s a proxy for security, support, and scrutiny.Equally important is understanding what a VPN can and can’t do. A VPN won’t make a user anonymous, and it doesn’t guarantee safety if the software itself is compromised. In many cases, Protective DNS offers a more targeted layer of defense, alerting users to suspicious activity, blocking access to malicious domains, and providing visibility into where traffic is really going. Whether on a personal device or in an enterprise setting, layered protection matters.VPNs were built to protect. But in the wrong hands, they become a perfect disguise for exploitation. Criminals are counting on users to trade caution for convenience, wrapping malware in the language of privacy and selling it as freedom. The safest path isn’t the fastest download or the highest-ranked result – it’s a trusted name, a transparent provider, and a double-dose of skepticism. Because when privacy tools are weaponized, the price of easy access can be far greater than it first appears.We list the best free VPN.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

Spotify is rolling out new features for its library of podcasts, bringing you closer to the shows you love This includes a new Following feed in the Home page, which groups all the podcasts you follow There's also a new function that helps you to discover new shows, which Spotify has been criticized for lacking in the past Spotify has introduced a small slurry of new podcast features, all designed to boost the presence of its library of audio and video podcasts to the same level as its music catalog - the most notable new addition being a new Following feed.Yesterday the platform announced the new functions in a blog post and although they’re minor additions to Spotify’s interface, they play their part in bringing you closer to the podcasts you love while helping you discover your next favorite show. They also give creators an upper-hand, with Spotify adding ‘it gives them new ways to reach even more audiences around the globe’.The new features are already starting to roll out to users and are widely available, with the exception of one which Spotify says will be ‘rolling out globally in the coming weeks’. So if you’re a keen podcast fan, or you’re at least trying to be, these are the three new tools to test out.1. New podcasts Following feed (Image credit: Spotify)The main podcast feature of the three is the new Following feed, a dedicated space for shows you already follow. It puts them all into one place in the Spotify Home page, allowing you to stay on top of new episodes and releases from the creators you listen to the most.When you go to the Spotify Home page and use the Podcasts filter at the top of the screen, it now displays an extended Following tab that you can enable. From there, all of the latest episodes from the podcast you follow will appear. It’s simple, and easily accessible.2. Podcast recommendations in your Home feed(Image credit: Spotify)As well as bringing you closer to your favorite creators Spotify is doubling down on its podcast discovery features. The second new feature is a recommendation-focused function in your Home page.Just under your Home page shortcuts, Spotify has started displaying recommendations for new audio and video podcasts, ready for you to play or save. This new addition is designed to save you time when scrolling through Spotify’s podcasts categories in search of a new show, while adhering to its own ethos of optimizing exposure for creators.3. New ‘In this episode’ section Spotify recently launched its ‘Follow-Along’ feature for audiobooks, and it’s doing something similar with podcasts. In the coming weeks, Spotify will be rolling out a new ‘In this episode’ section for podcasts, which allows creators to link to content they mention in episodes that’s also available on Spotify.For example, if a creator mentions a specific album, song, or audiobook in a podcast episode, the ‘In this episode’ section will show those titles and give you the option to explore the referenced content.(Image credit: Spotify)For the past few years, Spotify has given much attention to bringing new features allowing users to optimize music discovery, however it has received criticism for not applying the same to podcasts. But these features mark a step towards Spotify’s new strategy for podcast discovery.The battle for the best podcast platform continues, and Spotify is putting up a fight to compete with the likes of Apple Music and YouTube, the latter of which is the current reigning champion for podcast fans in the US.You might also like Spotify HiFi: release date rumors, price predictions, and everything we know so farSpotify’s new Upcoming Releases hub may be my new favorite feature since Daylists, and now I can see all my pre-saved albumsSpotify updates iOS app in record time with new pricing options – leaving fans wondering why other fixes are taking so long