news,technology

The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max has contactless entry via palm recognitionIt doubles as a video doorbell with 2K footage and AI intruder detectionFootage can be stored either locally, or in the cloud with a subscription

Eufy – the company behind some of the best video doorbells we've tested here at TechRadar – has released a new smart lock with palm recognition for touch-free entry. The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max, which launched today, also has an external camera that offers wide-angle 2K video, plus built-in AI to alert you when a visitor approaches your door – welcome or not.Eufy was one of the first companies to launch a smart lock with palm-recognition (the other big name being Philips with its 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock), and it has several advantages over fingerprint scanners, which are a more common option for keyless entry.Palm recognition works by detecting the unique pattern of blood vessels in your hand, and comparing this with a database of authorized images. In the case of the FamiLock S3 Max, this data is stored locally to protect it from potential security breaches. This means it can be opened without physical contact, and its accuracy isn't affected by skin conditions, sweat, or dirt.Palm recognition also uses more data points than a fingerprint sensor or facial recognition, making it more accurate and much harder to deceive.

(Image credit: Eufy)

Who's there?

The FamiLock S3 Max also functions as a video doorbell, so there's no need for two separate devices. It has a 2K camera and a 140-degree field of vision both vertically and horizonally (the same as higher-end Ring video doorbells), giving you a head-to-toe view of visitors, plus packages left on your doorstep.You'll receive an alert on your phone when someone rings, and the lock's software includes person-detection that can let you know if someone is loitering on your property.Video footage can be saved in the cloud with a paid-for subscription, or locally with a Eufy HomeBase 3 encrypted external hard drive.We're currently testing the Eufy FamiLock S3 Max to see how it compares with the best smart locks from other brands, and will bring you a full review very soon. It's available to buy now direct from Eufy and from Amazon for $399.99 (about £300 / AU$630).

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New "computer use" feature for Copilot Studio gives AI agents more toolsAgents can now interact directly with apps or websitesThis can help with data entry, analysis, research and much more

Microsoft is giving its Copilot Studio AI platform more autonomy in accessing websites and apps directly - without any human interaction.The company has revealed a new "computer use" feature for Copilot Studio, which will allow the platform to directly interact with desktop apps and websites alike, such as clicking buttons, selecting menus, and even typing into fields on the screen.This means companies will be able to build AI agents with a much greater understanding of such systems (essentially anything with a graphical user interface), treating them as if they were tools, allowing for improved functionality across the board.

"Computer use"

(Image credit: Microsoft)

"Copilot Studio is the end-to-end agent platform designed to help organizations achieve their AI and operational goals," Charles Lamanna, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s business & industry Copilot, wrote in a blog post announcing the news."We want to empower you to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and drive innovation."Computer use will allow agents to handle tasks even when there is no API available to connect to the system directly, and can automatically adapt to any changes in the app or website.Developers can use the tool to build agents across both desktop and browser applications, with Edge, Chrome, and Firefox all included from the launch.It works in real-time, using built-in reasoning tools to work out solutions to problems independently, so development can continue uninterrupted.Lamanna laid out several possible scenarios where computer use could prove especially handy for developers, including automating the input of large volumes of data from various sources into a centralized system, carrying out widespread market research from various online sources, and processing invoices much faster and more accurately than before.As the tool runs on Microsoft-hosted infrastructure, users don’t need to manage their own servers, and it includes Copilot Studio’s existing security measures and governance frameworks to help ensure compliance with industry standards.The launch, which will see more attention at Microsoft Build in May 2025, follows a similar announcement of "Actions" in the commercial version of Copilot recently. This system allows for background completion of tasks such as making restaurant reservations, booking event tickets, and purchasing items from online stores.

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Whether you're planning a long vacation or just want more peace of mind, a security camera can make a big difference in your life. Now, our choice for best budget security camera is half off, making safety all the more accessible. You can pick up the newest Blink Mini 2 for $20, down from $40 — a deal last seen during Amazon's Spring Sale.

The Blink Mini 2 offers a great device for the price. It's easy to set up and can be used outside (with a separately purchased water-resistant power adapter). It also has a 1080p HD live view with a built-in spotlight and night vision in color.

If you're in need of multiple Blink Mini 2 cameras then you can take advantage of multi-pack deals. Right now, the two-pack of Blink Mini 2s is down to $38 from $70 — a 46 percent sale. A trio of the cameras is 45 percent off, down to $55 from $100.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/get-a-blink-mini-2-security-camera-for-half-off-right-now-125338630.html?src=rss

One of the more serious players in the air taxi game, Archer, has just unveiled routes for a potential service in New York City. Its Midnight aircraft would shuttle passengers from Manhattan to JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airpots in five to 15 minutes, potentially shaving an hour or more from typical driving times. However, Archer didn't provide any dates for the start of the service and all of this could be derailed by regulatory bodies, particularly the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Any news about air taxis should come with the caveat that no such services are operating yet, even though startups have been trying for a decade or more. With that said, Archer has partnered with a number of established aviation and other companies including Fiat Chrysler and United Airlines, along with fixed base operators (FBOs) like Signature Aviation and Atlantic Aviation. Archer also previously announced proposed air taxi networks in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Archer's plan is to have you book air taxi rides as an "add-on" to traditional flights. You'd launch from existing Manhattan facilities, namely the East 34th Street Heliport, Downtown Skyport and West 30th Street Heliport. From there, you'd be able to fly to "vertiports" at JFK, LaGuardia and Newark airpots, along with locations at other regional airports. Flights would be aboard the company's human-piloted, four-passenger Midnight aircraft with 12 rotors, six batteries and a range of 20-50 miles.

Archer

Archer does have United Airlines, New York's Port Authority and the New York City Economic Development Corportation (NYCEDC) all on board. However, it hasn't provided important details like the number of potential flights per day, operating hours and more. That information would be vital to the FAA, which must decide if the service is safe for passengers, other aircraft and people on the ground.

That's an undertaking that could require a lot of time and cost, and Archer's VTOL aircraft still hasn't received its FAA type certification required for any operations. The company did receive the FAA's final airworthiness criteria, though, making it one of only two air taxi companies with that certification along with rival Joby Aviation. The only air taxi company to obtain type certification from an aviation regulator is EHang from China's Civil Aviation Administration (CAAC).

The air taxi game is risky for startups, too. Late last year one of Archer's VTOL rivals, Lilium ceased operations, laying off 1,000 people, despite successful flight tests. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/archer-outlines-its-plan-to-use-air-taxis-between-new-yorks-major-airports-123024903.html?src=rss

Hackers are using stolen email accounts to launch phishing attacksThey are creating fake landing pages through Gamma AI,e xperts warnThe goal is to steal Microsoft login credentials

Gamma, a relatively new AI-powered presentation software tool, is being abused in hyper-convincing phishing attacks that impersonate Microsoft’s SharePoint and aim to steal people’s login credentials.Cybersecurity researchers Abnormal spotted the attacks in the wild, and described the phishing flow as “so polished it feels legitimate at every step.”The attack starts with a generic, quick-to-the-point phishing email being sent from a legitimate, but compromised, email account. This helps the crooks bypass standard authentication checks like SPF, DKIM, and DMARC and land the email directly into the target’s inbox.

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Spoofing SharePoint

The email itself is nothing out of the ordinary, and carries a PDF attachment that, in reality, is just a hyperlink, leading to a presentation hosted on Gamma, an AI-powered online presentation builder.The presentation features the impersonated organization’s logo and a message in the lines of “View PDF” or “Review Secure Documents”.The message is in the form of a hyperlink that leads to an intermediary splash page holding impersonated Microsoft branding and a Cloudflare Turnstile. That way, crooks make sure that actual humans, not basic automated security tools, access the site.If the victim clicks on the call-to-action, they are taken to a phishing page that impersonates the Microsoft SharePoint sign-in portal.This is where the actual theft happens, since the victims are then invited to log in using their Microsoft credentials.Typing in the wrong credentials returns an error, prompting the researchers to conclude that the attackers have some sort of adversary-in-the-middle setup that helps them verify the credentials in real-time.Abnormal says the attack is unique mostly because Gamma is a “relative newcomer” on the scene, only being around for a few years.“Organizations are becoming increasingly familiar with file-sharing phishing attacks in general, and some may have even begun incorporating examples into their security awareness training. That being said, it’s highly likely that the percentage of companies that have updated their cybersecurity education to include this type of phishing is low—and the number that use examples of attacks other than those exploiting household brands like Docusign and Dropbox is even lower,” the researchers said.“Thus, this kind of attack may not set off alarm bells that encourage a higher level of scrutiny from employees the way an attack that exploits Canva or Google Drive might.”

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Doctor Who season 2 is finally up and running, and I imagine you – yes, you, fellow Whovian – want to know when you can watch its next episode.In this article, I'll tell you where you can stream this season's second chapter, titled 'Lux', in the US, UK, and Australia. I'll also run you through what date and time it'll launch in these nations.Without further ado, then, here's when you'll be reunited with The Doctor and Bel in Doctor Who's sophomore season (or, if you've been watching the show's revival since 2005, season 15).

What time is Doctor Who season 2 episode 2 going to be released in the US?

Get ready to say hello to Mister Ring-a-ding, everyone (Image credit: BBC One/Bad Wolf Studios/Disney+)

'Lux' will premiere on Disney+ in the US on Saturday, April 19 at 12am PT / 3am ET. That's the same time that Doctor Who season 2 episode 1 was released on one of the world's best streaming services.

When can I stream Doctor Who season 2 episode 'Lux' in the UK?

Sprinting towards your TV to watch Doctor Who's latest episode like... (Image credit: BBC One/Bad Wolf Studios/Disney+)

UK fans can watch Doctor Who season 2's forthcoming chapter on Saturday, April 19 at 8am BST.Well, on BBC iPlayer, anyway. 'Lux' will also air on BBC One later on the same day, with an expected release time of 6:50pm BST. That's when its predecessor, 'The Robot Revolution,' made its BBC One debut last Saturday (April 12).So, unless there's a scheduling change between now and then, I'd expect 'Lux' to be released at that time, too.

What is the release date of episode 2 of Doctor Who season 2 in Australia?

Here's a sneak peek at next week's #DoctorWho episode - LUX! 🎥🚀💡Watch from Saturday 19th April on @BBCiPlayer in the UK and @DisneyPlus where available. pic.twitter.com/ObdwgTHhJzApril 12, 2025

Just like American and British viewers, the iconic Time Lord's fanbase can see this season's second episode on Saturday, April 19 albeit with a launch time of 5pm AEST.

When will new episodes of Doctor Who season 2 premiere in the US, UK, and Australia?

It's time to get her home 🌌#DoctorWho: THE ROBOT REVOLUTION is streaming NOW on @BBCiPlayer in the UK and @DisneyPlus where available. pic.twitter.com/7YKurPXny3April 12, 2025

Want to know when new installments of one of the best Disney+ shows (and best BBC TV Originals, for those of you in the UK) will be available to watch? Read the full release schedule below for more details.

Doctor Who season 2 episode 1 – out nowDoctor Who season 2 episode 2 – Saturday, April 19Doctor Who season 2 episode 3 – Saturday, April 26Doctor Who season 2 episode 4 – Saturday, May 3Doctor Who season 2 episode 5 – Saturday, May 10Doctor Who season 2 episode 6 – Saturday, May 17Doctor Who season 2 episode 7 – Saturday, May 24Doctor Who season 2 episode 8 – Saturday, May 31

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Nike has teamed up with Hyperice, a company that specializes in products meant for muscle recovery and relaxation in athletes, to launch the Hyperboot. Originally introduced in the summer of 2024, the Hyperboot looks pretty much like a pair of chunky high-top shoes. The companies said it's more than that, however, calling it a "heat and dynamic air-compression massage tool" that you can walk in.

It's equipped with dual-air bladders with heating elements throughout its entire upper. The Hyperboot was designed to massage its wearer's feet with sequential compression patterns designed to "drive heat deep into the muscle and tissue in the foot and ankle." Apparently, that helps athletes feel like they've already warmed up before they even start their warm-up routine. It also helps them recover much faster. Nike and Hyperice have been testing the Hyperboot with help from athletes, one of whom was Sha'Carri Richardson, Olympic gold medalist for track and field, who said that the device allowed her to "start warming up and recovering while still being mobile."

Wearers will be able to synchronize their boots with the press of a button to make sure they're delivering compressions at the same time. They'll also be able to choose from three levels of compression and three levels of heat. And for those wondering why the boots' soles are so thick, it's because that's where the battery packs are located. They can power the footwear for one to one-and-a-half hours on maximum setting and up to eight hours in massage mode with no heat. It takes five to six hours to charge them.

The Hyperboot might look like a concept, but it'll soon be something you can actually buy. It will be available from Nike's and Hyperice's websites, as well as from some of their retail partners, starting on May 17 in North America. They're also planning to release it worldwide later this year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/nike-and-hyperice-to-release-the-hyperboot-warm-up-footwear-for-athletes-on-may-17-130019623.html?src=rss

Pellet grills are great for the "set it and forget it" style of low-and-slow cooking things like brisket, pork shoulders and other barbecue meats require. And most of them will get hot enough to sear a steak, although not all models offer some type of direct-flame grilling. Recteq thinks it has finally cracked the code with its new X-Fire Pro, a smart pellet grill that the company says will replace a gas grill thanks to a 1,250-degree Fahrenheit maximum temperature.

The X-Fire Pro has two separate modes for both of those styles of cooking: Grill Mode and Smoke Mode. The grill offers a temperature range of 225-1,250 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can do everything in between smoking and searing too. Adaptive Sear Control allows backyard cooks to adjust how much direct flame they want. Turn it all the way up to sear a steak or keep it at a lower level for "classic grilling." And Grill Mode has low, medium and high temperature settings, so using it will feel familiar to anyone who has used a gas grill.

“This is a totally new grill concept for Recteq and the pellet grill category as a whole,” CEO Ralph Santana said in the X-Fire Pro announcement. “Our research indicated that while the majority of gas grillers enjoy their current grilling experience, they wish they could also cook low and slow. So, we challenged ourselves to replicate the hot, fast, open-lid convenience of gas while still delivering that additional control and versatility of pellet grill smoking."

recteq

With 825 square inches of cooking space, Recteq says you'll have enough capacity for 28 pork chops or 26 burgers, and that should be plenty of room for multiple chickens, briskets or pork shoulders. The hopper holds up to 20 pounds of pellets, which is enough fuel for up to 20 hours of use. Durable materials like stainless steel and cast iron were used for components like the barrel, heat deflector and grill grates.

The X-Fire Pro is also equipped with Recteq's smart grilling tech, which includes precise PID temperature control for Smoke Mode and the ability to monitor temperatures from afar with Wi-Fi connectivity. This is done with the Recteq app, software that also allows you to make adjustments to the grill from your phone. The X-Fire Pro comes with two meat temperature probes, and those stats get beamed to the app as well.

The X-Fire Pro is available now from Recteq, Amazon and other retailers in the US for $1,550. The company is also selling a rotisserie spit rod add-on for $250. That price is comparable to Traeger's new Woodridge Elite that comes with slightly more cooking space, enclosed storage and a side burner. That grill doesn't have an open-lid mode though. Weber's Searwood does, and the largest version of it clocks in at $1,199.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/kitchen-tech/recteq-debuts-the-x-fire-pro-dual-mode-pellet-grill-that-can-sear-at-1250-degrees-130007516.html?src=rss

Sony has released a first trailer for 28 Days LaterThe movie will be released on June 20, 2025Fans are impressed that the trailer hasn't spoiled too much

28 Years Later is shaping up to be a very worthy sequel and one I've been excited about since the first movie was released. The new trailer for it has made me even more excited, too.We've had a few teasers so far, including one where fans mistook a zombie for Cillian Murphy, but now we've been given a proper look ahead of the movie's release on June 20.I previously mentioned 28 Years Later in my most anticipated horror movies of 2025 round up, and it won't be long until it arrives on the big screen. However, a streaming release is currently unknown, and recently we complained about how we can’t find 28 Days Later on any of the best streaming services.Take a look at the gripping new trailer below filled with tension, dread, blood and everything we love about one of the best zombie franchises.

How have fans reacted to the 28 Years Later trailer?

This is not Cillian Murphy, but it had fans fooled! (Image credit: Sony Pictures)

Based on comments I've seen, fans are very happy that the 28 Years Later trailer hasn't spoiled much.One of the top comments on YouTube reads: "I'll give this trailer props for not showing major plot points and just showing bits and pieces to keep us interested for the actual movie. This is how a trailer should be done."I'm inclined to agree too, as oftentimes, trailers can give way too much away, like the time I complained the Companion trailer spoiled a big part of the movie. Especially with something like a horror, it's best going in as blind as possible.As a big fan of Danny Boyle, I'm impressed he's keeping so much under wraps for us to uncover when the movie is released. With a star-studded cast like Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes, this could be the horror event of the year.

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Xbox boss Phil Spencer has once again confirmed his support for the Nintendo Switch 2Spencer is a "really big believer" in Nintendo and what it can do for the industryHe also says there isn't any pressure about revealing Xbox's next-gen project following the Switch 2 hardware reveal

Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has reaffirmed that Xbox is still interested in supporting the Nintendo Switch 2.In a new interview with Variety following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct earlier this month, Spencer was asked if there are any plans to branch out to the Switch 2 amid Microsoft's ongoing multi-platform push, which has seen games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle make their way to PS5.Like the Xbox boss expressed in January, he said that the company will support the Switch 2, like the Switch, as it's another way to reach more players, and thinks that Nintendo is an important part of the industry overall."So we’ve been supporting Switch 1, I want to support Switch 2. Nintendo has been a great partner," Spencer said. "We think it is a unique way for us to reach players who aren’t PC players, who aren’t players on Xbox. It lets us continue to grow our community of people that care about the franchises that we have, and that’s really important for us to make sure we continue to invest in our games."I’m really a big believer in what Nintendo means for this industry and us continuing to support them. And getting the support from them for our franchises, I think, is an important part of our future."Although no Xbox games were revealed to be coming to the Switch 2 during the showcase, it's rumored that titles like Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Microsoft Flight Simulator will be coming to the platform in the future.When asked if Nintendo's big reveal of the Switch 2's hardware has made Xbox "antsy" in terms of revealing its own next-gen project, Spencer said "No," and thinks the industry "should focus on our communities and the player base that we're building"."I get inspired by what a lot of different creators do and other platform holders. But I believe in the plans that we have," he said. "Obviously, we’re evolving what it means to be Xbox and meeting players in so many different places. There are 3 billion people who play video games on the planet and I get up every morning and think about how Xbox can be more relevant to the 3 billion people who play."And that’s through making sure we’re leading in how our games and our platform features can be available in as many places as possible, whether that’s Cloud, whether it’s people playing on PC, whether it’s people playing on console. So we’re really driven by trying to grow our franchises and our platform to be an important part of gaming for as many of those 3 billion gamers as we can reach."The Nintendo Switch 2 launches on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a Mario Kart World bundle.Pre-orders are now live in the UK, but US pre-orders and Canadian pre-orders have been delayed as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of tariffs.

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A discounted Apple TV+ subscription is as rare as any offer from Apple, but the company is being rather generous with its current deal on one of the best streaming services. Right now you can get Apple TV+ for three months for only $2.99 in the US, £2.99 in the UK and AU$3.99 in Australia.There's still some time to claim this offer, which applies to both new and returning customers, before it ends on April 24, and if you do snap it up, there are five TV shows that should be at the top of your streaming list.When it comes to the best Apple TV+ shows, its hit sci-fi series Severance is an obvious choice – make sure to read our Severance season 2 review and Severance season 3 guide for more news about its next installment when you're done.But there's a whole range of shows alongside Severance that are on my radar, spanning dramas, comedies, and thrillers.

Apple TV+ 3-month subscription: was $9.99 a month now $2.99 at AppleWe don't often see streaming deals for Apple TV+, so we wouldn't wait to snap up this great offer before it expires on April 24. This limited-time Apple TV+ deal brings down the usual three-month price of a subscription to the service to just $8.97, representing a massive 70% saving. There is a catch though: you can't have been a subscriber in the last month, but if that's not you then you're good to sign up.View Deal

The Studio

RT score: 96%Age rating: TV-MALength: ~44 minute episodesCreators: Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Peter Huyck, Alex Gregory, Frida Perez

A satirical comedy show that criticises the entertainment industry? Sign me up. A recent addition to Apple TV+'s library of titles, The Studio has already proved itself to be a staple on the platform and has been well received by audiences. With its strong main cast and list of self-starring guests, The Studio sits at the top of my list.Film production company Continental Studios finds itself struggling to keep up with rapidly changing tastes, and as a result it appoints a new studio head Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) to keep the business afloat. Remick discovers that his job is much more difficult than anticipated, and must save the studio from floundering by keeping up with ongoing social and economic changes.

Disclaimer

RT score: 76%Age rating: TV-MALength: ~55 minute episodesDirector: Alfonso Cuarón

I thoroughly enjoyed Todd Field's psychological drama Tár (2022), and I loved Cate Blanchett even more. This miniseries from Alfonso Cuarón, who directed Children of Men (2006) and Gravity (2013) seems to offer a similar premise and tone to Field's movie, and can easily be binged with this three-month Apple TV+ offer.Celebrated documentary journalist Catherine Ravenscroft (Blanchett) has made a career out of exposing the private lives and wrongdoings of others, but the tables are turned when she receives a novel from a mystery author and discovers that she is the main character in a story that reveals her darkest and deepest secrets. To protect herself she attempts to find discover identity of the mystery author, but in doing so she must come face-to-face with her past.It's pretty much Tár 2.0 the remix, with an even darker spin on the theme of cancel culture.

Ted Lasso

RT critics score: 90%Age rating: TV-MALength: ~29 minute episodesDevelopers: Jason Sudeikis, Bill Lawrence, Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly

Ted Lasso is by far one of the most popular shows on Apple TV+, so it would feel like a wasted opportunity to not tick this off my watchlist in the next three months. Not only does its high Rotten Tomatoes scores from both critics and audiences show that it's been well received, but its numerous Emmy nominations and wins are the icing on the cake.US college football coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is recruited to help a British Premier League soccer team, AFC Richmond, even though he has no experience in the sport. After gaining ownership of the team following a divorce, owner Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) hires Ted in that hope that it will lead to the team's downfall, which wouild devastate her ex-husband. But to everyone's surprise, Ted's attitude and personality grows on Rebecca and the rest of the team.

Lessons in Chemistry

RT score: 83%Age rating: TV-MALength: ~41 minute episodesCreator: Lee Eisenberg

Lessons in Chemistry is another miniseries that's ideal for bingeing if you just want to sample the best of Apple TV+ for three months. There are only eight episodes, and whole lot of Brie Larson – my main reason for watching.Based on the book by Bonnie Garmus, Lessons in Chemistry is a historical drama set in the 1960s and follows aspiring scientist Elizabeth Zott (Larson) who finds it challenging to reach her goals because of the societal attitudes of the time. After being fired from her job as a lab tech she's presented with a hosting job on a cooking show called Supper at Six, educating housewives on scientific topics. But Elizabeth sees this as the perfect opportunity to teach the entire nation, including men, a lesson that's more than just new recipes.

Pachinko

RT score: 97%Age rating: TV-MALength: ~47 minute episodesCreator: Soo Hugh

Pachinko is an Apple TV+ shows I've only recently come across, and although I've never been drawn to stories that take place over several generations but this show sounds like a powerful and moving account of a family in search of a better life.Premiering in 2022, Pachinko follows a Korean family between 1915 and 1989. In the early 1930s, Kim Sunja (Kim Min-ha & Youn Yuh-jung) who leaves her family in Japanese-dominated Korea to start a new life in Japan where she finds herself the target of further discrimination as a Korean woman. In an epic search to make a better life for herself, Pachinko highlights the issues of racism and stereotyping in the Korean experience of Japan in the 20th century.

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The best free games in 2025 provide a crucial resource for those who love the pastime but don't enjoy spending large amounts of money after every new release.Thankfully, there are tons of superb games that you can play for free. Many of these entries also grace our lists of best FPS games, the best RPGs, or the best multiplayer PC games. It just proves that if you're careful, you don't have to spend money to have fun.However, it is important to understand that while these games are all free-to-play, some may include microtransactions or in-game purchases for optional content. This won't affect the fun, but it is worth knowing before you dive in.So, if you're looking for something new to enjoy by yourself or with friends without cashing out any money, then check out this list, where we have gathered all the best free games that are worth playing.

Best free games 2025

(Image credit: Riot Games)

16. ValorantAgent under fire

Why we love itValorant continues to evolve and grow over time, managing to stay up to date thanks to new Agents, and a vibrant competitive scene. Despite being a very e-sports heavy shooter, Valorant is surprisingly friendly to new players. If you're looking to dip your toe into a tactical FPS, this is the one to try.

Valorant is a surprisingly approachable tactical FPS, at least when compared to its competitors. By offering over 25 Agents to choose from, the game does a great job at encouraging experimentation, and at rewarding a variety of play styles. Whether you want to rack up kills, protect your teammates, or seek out opponents to mark them on the map, there's an option for you.For a game with such a heavy competitive-focus, Valorant is also a great entry point for those looking to try out a more e-sports friendly game. It's free too, and you'll unlock a handful of Agents from the get-go. Unlock more just by playing to get a wider selection, each with their own abilities and skills. If you're into shooting games, the thrilling 5v5 matches of Valorant are sure to keep you busy for a while.

(Image credit: Bungie)

15. Destiny 2Light vs. dark

Why we love itDestiny 2 has really proven itself over the years, with a constant stream of updates giving players more and more reasons to keep playing. The base experience is free as well, meaning you can get a taste for yourself, before deciding to dive in further. If you do decide to play Destiny 2, there's hundreds of hours of excellent FPS gameplay to enjoy, with some of the best art-direction in the business.

Destiny 2 now features a frankly dizzying amount of content. Thanks to years and years of updates from Bungie, including 2024's excellent The Final Shape, players have been coming back again and again to continue the story. It's a real achievement when you consider just how much has been added on top of the base game, with the base experience even being free-to-play these days.As an FPS, Destiny 2 is absolutely fantastic, providing a modernized version of what Bungie accomplished with the Halo series. Destiny 2 is a very different beast to the studio's early work, however, paving the way for games as a service and the rise of always-evolving online experiences. Destiny 2 is one of the ones to really get this new model right, using post-launch updates to further an ongoing story, and give players new reasons to play.

(Image credit: NetEase)

14. Marvel RivalsTeam-up!

Why we love it"With 33 Heroes to play as, best-in-class presentation bookending matches, and a free-to-play monetization model, Marvel Rivals is almost too good to be true. There’s balancing issues, and some core problems with the way objectives play out, sure, but given that Marvel Rivals has only just launched, the future is very bright indeed. For now, you’ll be able to jump in and have fun, whether you’re looking for competitive challenge, or casual fun." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming contributor.

Marvel Rivals has seen huge success since launching at the tail end of 2024. With 33 Heroes to choose from, each with distinct abilities and play-styles, there's plenty to keep you busy as you get to grips with the flow of the game. Essentially, this is a more action-packed Overwatch, with added character variety, largely in the form of melee brawlers. As you push the payload and hold objectives, you'll need to work with your team, filling your role and adapting to the other team's composition.If that all sounds a bit much for you, worry not! Marvel Rivals is a very easy game to enjoy as a more casual gamer. Characters like Punisher are perfect for beginners, with a third-person shooting style of play. If you're not feeling one Hero, however, you can simply jump to another, and there's plenty of depth with each one for those looking for a more competitive edge.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

13. BrawlhallaEpic platform-fighting fun

Why we love it"Brawlhalla offers a huge amount of fighters to experiment with, with many of them needing several hours to get to grips with. Others are easier to grasp immediately, with powerful and intuitive special attacks and platforming abilities. It's genuinely surprising that Brawlhalla is free to play, especially given how smooth the online experience is these days" - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming Contributor.

Brawlhalla is a hidden gem, one that can be picked up for free on a whole host of platforms. Nowadays, there's a huge roster of characters to choose from, including tie-ins like SpongeBob, Darth Maul and even WWE resellers like Xavier Woods and John Cena. With these characters come themed stages to battle around, and an awesome soundtrack to keep things bumping.There's real care put into each and every fighter in Brawlhalla, and several different play-styles to master. Unlike other platform fighters, Brawlhalla offers a silky smooth online experience, meaning you can easily jump in with up to eight players online. There's casual, ranked and private matches to choose from, and loads of options to cater your experience.

(Image credit: Valve)

12. Counter-Strike 2 A fresh coat of paint

Why we love it"This is essentially the same game that's been beloved by players for years at this point, but with a shiny new coat of paint. While it can be a bit tricky to get into, it's a real blast once you learn the ropes. Simple, yet surprisingly deep, Counter-Strike 2 is a shining example of why the FPS genre continues to be so popular." - Jake Green, TechRadar Gaming Contributor.

Counter-Strike 2 takes the iconic FPS and gives it a much needed spruce up. In the process, CS:GO has been shuttered, but there's still plenty to love here. If you're a newbie, it's well worth trying out CS2, given how it's been subtly modernized to be more in line with its competitors. It is an inherently difficult game to learn, however, so be aware that it may take a little while for the game to click fully.The great thing about CS2 is that it's free to play, meaning you can try it out and see for yourself whether it's for you. Ultimately, this is a very pure FPS experience, where skilled players will excel.

(Image credit: Activision)

11. Warzone Be the last one standing

Why we love itWarzone has managed to stand tall above many of its competitors. Namely, this has been due to smart tie-ins with each year's major Call of Duty release, keeping things fresh even years after launch. The gunplay is tight, and the large Battle Royale maps are some of the best-designed in the business. Check it out if you're a fan of FPS games.

Platforms: PS5, PS4, XSX|S, XBO, PCWarzone is still trucking along, managing to stay competitive with its major rivals Fortnite and Apex Legends (more on those later). In terms of gunplay, it's the best in the business, integrating excellent sound design, and a wide range of weaponry to choose from. While it's gone through a few different versions over the years, the main thing keeping the game fresh these days is the introduction of new modes and maps. There's also annual major updates to bring it in-line with the Call of Duty game coming out that year, the latest being Black Ops 6.Whether you want the slow and methodical pace of the full Battle Royale mode, or something snappier in Rebirth Island, there's plenty for players to enjoy here. Unlike other Call of Duty games, it's also free to play, making it easy to try out for yourself. There are micro transactions galore, however, so be aware that there's a lot of pressure to spend your real money once you load into the game.

(Image credit: Psyonix)

10. Rocket LeagueOff the wall fun

Why we love itRocket League is one of the best competitive games available to play right now. The skill and mechanics make this game uniquely entertaining.

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox OneRocket League presents a combination of arcade-style soccer and vehicular chaos in a bright, frantic battle to be the best team. Putting you in a 1v1, 2v2, or 3v3 battles, you will need to learn how to master the simple controls and use each environment to your advantage to score goals before the timer runs out.With regularly changing seasons, Rocket League offers in-game cosmetic items for your vehicle to unlock as you progress, alongside several game modes to work toward. For a casual player, there are plenty of opportunities to play matches either with your friends or online, but if you're looking for more competition, ranked game modes let you put your skills to the test.

(Image credit: Grinding Gear Games)

9. Path of ExileA dark fantasy action RPG

Why we love itIf you're a fan of epic RPGs then this is a game that you need to check out. The various skills and resources that you can access is varied and exciting.

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox OnePath of Exile is a fantastic action RPG set in a dark fantasy world. Within this title, you'll be challenged with playing as one of seven classes that you will need to master in order to fight your way through ancient Gods and evil forces.As you battle your way through the game, you'll unlock new skills and collect randomly generated items to assist your journey through various dungeons, caves, and outdoor areas. Up to six players can play together, too, making it one of the best co-op games if you're looking for a multiplayer experience without breaking the bank.

(Image credit: Epic Games)

8. Fortnite A tense competition to come out on top

Why we love it"Beneath all of the dances, the skins, and the Battle Pass, Fortnite Battle Royale is an excellently designed, ever-shifting platform of a game that respects a player's time whether they choose to spend money or not. There's enough of a learning curve to keep us coming back time and time again, while also being a fun place to play a quick game with a friend. It truly is a modern marvel." - Lloyd Coombes, TechRadar Gaming reviewer.

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4For players looking for a tense battle royale, Fortnite ticks every box. Esteemed as one of the best shooters, you'll battle online against up to 100 players with a variety of weapons and gear at your disposal. As the storm closes in, you'll need to protect yourself from the environment while chipping away at your competitors in order to come out on top.Constant updates also keep the in-game content exciting, and new weapons, locations, and events are hosted to keep you engaged. Whether you want to play solo or experience the title with a squad of up to four players, Fortnite is worth picking up if you haven't already.

(Image credit: EA)

7. Apex LegendsThe next evolution of Hero Shooters

Why we love it If you're looking for a mix-up between Counter Strike 2 and Overwatch 2, then look no further. Apex Legends regularly receives major updates, adding in new Legends, and even new maps. Its easy to get into, with heaps to discover as you master the game.

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Nintendo SwitchApex Legends offers a tense, team-based experience if you want a more tactical shooter. Offering a variety of heroes to select from, all boasting different skills to utilize when facing your enemies, you'll need to navigate different maps and work efficiently as a team to get the most kills before the end of a round.There are also various game modes that you can enjoy. Whether you love the chaotic violence of Battle Royale or just want an arena to show off your skills, there's Team Deathmatch, Control, and Gun Run.Apex Legends is constantly being upgraded with quality-of-life improvements as well as various new heroes and expansions to the lore, so it's a great free-to-play game to jump into at any time.

(Image credit: Mediatonic)

6. Fall GuysA family-friendly slice of fun

Why we love itFall Guys is a ton of fun whether you're alone or with friends. The colorful and exciting maps provide adequate challenge without you having to break too much of a sweat.

Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS4In this charming, brightly-colored platformer, you can up to 60 players go head-to-head in a variety of obstacle courses in a frantic competition to win the crown. Throwing in a mix of team-based mini-games, fast-paced puzzles, and a lot of platforming luck, Fall Guys is a slice of friendly competition worth playing if you need a pick-me-up you don't have to pay for.There are a variety of game modes and events to take part in, alongside a standard 'show' which you can face either alone or in a squad of up to four players, meaning there's always fresh content to enjoy with your fellow beans.

(Image credit: Embark Studios)

5. The FinalsEnter the arena

Why we love itThe Finals is a high stakes fast-paced FPS game which allows players to change the environment to their liking, whether you want to alter, exploit, or right out destroy your surroundings, it's all up to you.

Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PCThe Finals is a new multiplayer FPS games which sees groups of three enter a virtual arena which is changeable. The end goal is to make it through escalating tournaments right to the very end, with lasting fame as your prize.The fast-paced action in The Finals, as well as various builds and destructible environments, make it an excitingly unique experience. It also encourages building gameplans and coordination amongst your playgroup, meaning you can put a unique spin on the action.If you're looking to jump on a new FPS with your mates and don't want to commit any cash to the cause yet, then this is a fantastic option.

(Image credit: HoYoverse)

4. Honkai: Star RailA space fantasy RPG for gacha fans

Why we love itThe vast world in Honkai: Star Rail is exciting and easy to explore. The various characters are also a bonus in this dungeon-crawling world.

Platforms: PC, PS5, PS4, Android, iOSHonkai: Star Rail is a gacha space fantasy RPG, with a huge variety of eclectic characters to collect, and tense, turn-based combat. There's a huge world for you to explore, and elements of dungeon-crawling keep you and your in-game companions on your toes. You'll need to make sure the characters you've chosen to accompany your journey are as strong as possible to prevent your team from getting knocked down by the enemies you're bound to meet along the way.If you're looking for one of the best RPGs to sink your time into which typically strays from the tense competition of free games like Fortnite and Valorant, Honkai: Star Rail might be worth trying out.

(Image credit: Nuverse)

3. Marvel SnapA card collecting battler for Marvel fanatics

Why we love itMarvel Snap is a brilliant game to have if you're always on the go. Getting to play it when you're at a lose end is refreshing and fun.

Platforms: PC, MobileIf you're hunting for an exciting mobile game, Marvel Snap is the perfect addition to any card game lovers' library. This strategic card collector offers you a deck inspired by Marvel characters with different powers and abilities you'll need to harness to outsmart your opponent to come out on top. It takes minutes to learn, yet there are hours of fun embedded in its vibrant animations and exciting mechanics.Each match lasts three minutes, so the game is incredibly pick up and play when it suits you. In addition, success is rewarded through new cards to help bulk out your roster with the best characters in the MCU. Marvel Snap is also available on PC if you wanted a slightly larger screen to play on.

(Image credit: Riot Games)

2. League of LegendsA team-based competition of defense

Why we love it The countless unique characters breath incredibly life into League of Legends. The lore and stories behind the game is also one to be admired.

Platforms: PCLeague of Legends takes the cake as one of the best team-based games, putting two teams of five against each other in a desperate attempt to protect their side of the map. Although the premise is pretty simple, the excitement comes through its cast of over 150 unique champions with different playstyles and abilities which help you become the most powerful team on the field.Because of how many champions there are to choose from, you'll be able to find a character to suit how you like to play, and in-game events alongside alternative game modes will keep things fresh no matter how many hours you pour into it. The bustling community of League of Legends players means there's always a team waiting for you, too.

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)

1. The Sims 4A social simulator for the ages

Why we love itThe skies the limit for The Sims 4. The customizing and ability to create whatever scenarios suit you best mean that you can have endless fun here.

Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox OneThe Sims 4 is one of the best social simulation games, and since October 2022, it's entirely free to play. Use your creativity to bring characters to life, build houses, develop relationships, and watch your virtual family thrive. Although the entire game is single-player, you'll quickly find yourself slipping into Willow Creek or Oasis Springs for hours on end. We'd even go as far as to say it's one of the best single-player games, depending on how many hours you are prepared to sacrifice for it.Of course, if you're looking to take your experience one step further with expansion packs and DLC you'll need to start paying, but the base game still has hundreds of hours worth of content to keep you and your Sims family entertained.

Best free games 2025: FAQs

(Image credit: Electronic Arts)

What free games are coming out in 2025?There are multiple free upcoming games that are worth keeping an eye on. For one, there's a new Fortnite chapter to enjoy, as well as a series of updates to Warzone following the release of Black Ops 6. Verdansk is even returning soon.

What is the best free game?Deciding on which free game is the best of the best is down to personal preference and which genre you're looking to pick up, really. Most free games have active communities due to offering a fantastic experience at no charge, which can be a fantastic way to tell how good a game is. Many players would suggest that games with huge player bases like Fortnite or League of Legends are the best free games, but at the end of the day, it's down to what you like more than anything else.

How we made our best free games list

Our list of the best free games is designed to show the variety of free games across all platforms, and how there are multiple games you can enjoy without having to buy any additional content.Our team of experts at TechRadar Gaming has spent hundreds of hours testing the best free games so we know which ones to recommend, whether that's going head-to-head for the crown in Fall Guys, or pouring thousands of hours into Fortnite. We've ensured both experts and new players have been diving into different genres as well to see how the user experience is for players with all sorts of backgrounds.Because of this, we've tried to include everything from tactical shooters to social simulators in our list of the best. In addition, we've included titles that can either be enjoyed solo or with a couple of friends for those game nights where you can't decide on what to play.

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Strava has exercised its right to expand. A bad pun, yes, but apt considering the exercise tracking app has purchased Runna, a UK-based company that provides its users personalized running plans and coaching. The deal proceeded for an undisclosed sum of money.

Strava reports that interest in running has grown significantly, with 43 percent of its members wanting to do a big race or event this year. "Running is booming worldwide — nearly 1 billion runs were recorded on Strava in 2024. Runna’s mission to give every runner a personalised plan to achieve their goal is a perfect fit," Strava CEO Michael Martin stated. "Coming off Strava’s accelerated innovation and unprecedented growth last year, it was the right time to look for complementary businesses that could create even greater value for our users." Last year, Strava launched features such as a family plan and night heat maps.

Runna launched in 2022, but has since grown to a team of 180 employees working on an app available in 180 countries. According to Martin, Strava and Runna will be kept as separate apps for the time being, with plans to expand the latter's team and resources. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apps/strava-buys-uk-based-personalized-running-plan-app-runna-133044850.html?src=rss

Sure, it's getting warmer outside but, if you ask me, there's no reason that should get in the way of watching TV. With that in mind, we're very excited to see that our favorite all-in-one streaming device is now on sale.

Right now, you can get the Google TV Streamer 4K for $79, down from $100 — a 21 percent discount. This deal is the lowest price we've seen since the device went on sale in October of last year. The low price is (unsurprisingly) available on Amazon, but is also the same if you purchase it directly from Google.

We gave the Google TV streamer 4K an 87 in our review thanks to features like its great interface that keeps everything organized and clear, even across different streaming sources. It also has a simple, easy-to-use remote and switches between content very quickly. However, it does require an HDMI cord (which is not included) and doesn't work with Wi-Fi 6 or 6E.

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-google-tv-streamer-4k-drops-to-a-record-low-of-79-133539395.html?src=rss

Looking for a different day?A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, April 17 (game #1179).

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 #1180) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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 #1180) - hint #2 - repeated letters

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

Quordle today (game #1180) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

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

Quordle today (game #1180) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

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

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

Quordle today (game #1180) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• D• G• B• P

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

Quordle today (game #1180) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1180, are…

DEBUTGLADEBASTEPESTO

This is the closest I’ve come to a failure for a while. My downfall was the three attempts it took me to get BASTE. Fortunately, one of my wrong guesses led me to getting PESTO.A tricky day, I hope you got through it quicker than I did.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1180) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1180, are…

SLINGPOSERUNFEDGRIND

Quordle answers: The past 20

Quordle #1179, Thursday, 17 April: SPRAY, RAMEN, SHELF, COURTQuordle #1178, Wednesday 16 April: STUMP, GRAFT, CHORD, INPUTQuordle #1177, Tuesday 15 April: SLEET, MERIT, HARSH, FORAYQuordle #1176, Monday 14 April: DRAWL, CROOK, ACTOR, LANCEQuordle #1175, Sunday 13 April: SHALE, KINKY, SHORN, WHOOPQuordle #1174, Saturday 12 April: BLIND, OVOID, CACHE, THINGQuordle #1173, Friday 11 April: FOLLY, PITHY, SCOWL, CURLYQuordle #1172, Thursday 10 April: LEAST, SEWER, UNTIE, NOOSEQuordle #1171, Wednesday 9 April: LITHE, LEFTY, KNOLL, MULCHQuordle #1170, Tuesday 8 April: WIDTH, VISOR, MEDAL, BROOKQuordle #1169, Monday 7 April: BROTH, SHOUT, BRUTE, CABINQuordle #1168, Sunday 6 April: AMBER, GAUZE, STORE, SLICKQuordle #1167, Saturday 5 April: GUSTY, VAULT, WHINE, BEGATQuordle #1166, Friday 4 April: OAKEN, LOOPY, CURIO, BUTTEQuordle #1165, Thursday 3 April: ASCOT, JETTY, DRUNK, JOLLYQuordle #1164, Wednesday 2 April: INDEX, QUEEN, INCUR, STOLEQuordle #1163, Tuesday 1 April: HUMUS, BALMY, WORRY, ERECTQuordle #1162, Monday 31 March: RECUT, MOODY, WHERE, BRACEQuordle #1161, Sunday 30 March: CRIME, DRINK, CLOVE, TRUERQuordle #1160, Saturday 29 March: LATER, ODDLY, CUMIN, AGREE

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, April 17 (game #410).

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 #411) - hint #1 - today's theme

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

NYT Strands today (game #411) - hint #2 - clue words

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

MILE POSHGAMECHEERSTHINKCHEEK

NYT Strands today (game #411) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #411) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: right, 3rd rowLast side: left, 5th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #411) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #411, are…

TILEDOMINOTOKENCHECKERKNIGHTBATTLESHIPSPANGRAM: GAME PIECES

My rating: EasyMy score: 1 hint

The hint I used to get me going today wasn’t really much help, as TILE could have just as easily applied to things you can attach to a board.Then I saw DOMINO hiding in plain sight and the remainder was a straightforward mission looking for GAME PIECES – closer to playing Connect Four against a cat than sinking a BATTLESHIP.I love a board game and I’m happy to play the loser, while I’m learning all the rules and moves.Sometimes, like with backgammon and chess, that’s a process that’s lasted years. I like to think I’ve ascended beyond competitiveness to a zen-like state of gamesmanship. But then I'll actually win a game and turn into a 12-year-old brat asking their opponent how they like them apples. Boo-ya.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 17 April, game #410)

RINGAVIATORSHININGGOONIESGODFATHERGRADUATESPANGRAM: TITLES

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

Looking for a different day?A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Thursday, April 17 (game #676).

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 #677) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

GOODBOYBANJOBIRDSNOSEMANPOSSESSIONGOODNESSBELONGINGHAUNTINGAPPLECARDSHININGEFFECTWOWEXORCIST

NYT Connections today (game #677) - hint #1 - group hints

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

YELLOW: Oh! GREEN: Scary films BLUE: Use your fingerPURPLE: Add a letter to “your stuff”

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 #677) - hint #2 - group answers

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

YELLOW: INTERJECTIONS BOY, GOODNESS, MAN, WOWGREEN: HORROR MOVIES, WITH "THE" BIRDS, EXORCIST, HAUNTING, SHININGBLUE: THINGS YOU CAN PICK APPLE, BANJO, CARD, NOSEPURPLE: PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS "S" BELONGING, EFFECT, GOOD, POSSESSION

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

NYT Connections today (game #677) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #677, are…

YELLOW: INTERJECTIONS BOY, GOODNESS, MAN, WOWGREEN: HORROR MOVIES, WITH "THE" BIRDS, EXORCIST, HAUNTING, SHININGBLUE: THINGS YOU CAN PICK APPLE, BANJO, CARD, NOSEPURPLE: PERSONAL PROPERTY MINUS "S" BELONGING, EFFECT, GOOD, POSSESSION

My rating: ModerateMy score: Perfect

Seeing SHINING, EXORCIST, and BIRDS was the easy part. Deciding on what was the fourth classic horror film was the hard bit and for a while I thought that I was being tricked into a rogue group.I plumped for HAUNTING as the final HORROR MOVIES WITH “THE” as a total guess because it sounded a more likely bet than POSSESSION and BELONGING – both of which are movie titles too it turns out.Also, films beginning with The was a Strands puzzle theme this week, and it included The Shining — is Connections running out of ideas to torment us with?After a brief dalliance with thinking there was a group describing a key scene in the film Deliverance (BANJO, BOY) I enjoyed the thrill of actually getting a purple group without it being sheer luck.How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Thursday, 17 April, game #676)

YELLOW: CENTRAL SECTION OF THE BODY CORE, MIDRIFF, TORSO, TRUNKGREEN: COMPONENTS OF A PIZZA CHEESE, CRUST, SAUCE, TOPPINGSBLUE: UNITS OF BEER CASE, FORTY, GROWLER, SIX-PACKPURPLE: BASEBALL GREATS BONDS, MANTLE, TROUT, YOUNG

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

Security researchers spotted a new phishing campaign targeting diplomats in EuropeThe targets are invited to an upmarket wine tasting eventHowever the emails distribute a new loader called GRAPELOADER

Russian scammers are using diplomats’ love for wine to distribute a nasty new backdoor.A new report from cybersecurity experts Check Point Research (CPR), who have been tracking the campaign since early 2025, noted infamous state-sponsored threat actor APT29 (AKA Cozy Bear, Midnight Blizzard) is impersonating a major European Ministry of Foreign Affairs as it sends out phishing emails to other diplomats across the continent.The emails, containing an invite to a wine tasting (or a similar event), distribute two distinct malware variants: GRAPELOADER and an updated version of WINELOADER.

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Spoofing SharePoint

Older variants of WINELOADER are confirmed to originate from APT29, which is how CPR concluded that the campaign belongs to the Russian threat actor.The focus of the report is on GRAPELOADER, since it’s newer and relatively more dangerous. It acts as an initial-stage loader, and is used for fingerprinting, persistence, and payload delivery. CPR says it employs advanced stealth methods and anti-analysis techniques, and exploits DLL side-loading vulnerabilities for execution.WINELOADER, on the other hand, is a modular backdoor used in later stages of the attack. It shares some similarities with GRAPELOADER in code structure and obfuscation, and comes with improved anti-analysis features.The targets are diplomats, located in Europe, but not European in origin. Instead, Cozy Bear focuses on embassies of non-European countries, located in Europe. CPR did not detail who the targets were, and how successful the campaign might have been.Cozy Bear is believed to be affiliated with Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) and is described as one of the most sophisticated and stealthy APT threat actors out there. It is usually tasked with intelligence gathering, targeting government agencies (in the US, NATO countries, and the EU), think tanks and NGOS, universities, cybersecurity companies, and more.It gained global notoriety after the 2020 SolarWinds attack, which is now perceived as one of the most impactful supply-chain attacks ever, compromising US federal agencies and major corporations.

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Two iOS flaws have been patched by AppleThe issues could have allowed hackers to carry out targeted attacksGeopolitical tensions have meant a rise in state-sponsored attacks

A new iOS software update has been released to patch two security flaws that, when exploited, allowed cybercriminals to hack specific target devices in an “extremely sophisticated attack”, Apple has confirmed.The vulnerabilities are in CoreAudio and RPAC, and affected iOS, tvOS, visionOS, and iPadOS - and were discovered by Apple and the Google Threat Analysis Group (TAG).It’s not yet been confirmed how many times these flaws were deployed, or against whom, but Google TAG’s focus is working to “counter government-backed hacking and attacks against Google and our users,” suggesting the exploits were used by nation-state actors, or at least involved in some way.

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Unknown victims

Adam Boynton, Senior Security Strategy Manager EMEIA at Jamf, toldTechRadar Pro the first vulnerability addressed was an “actively exploited CoreMedia flaw that could have allowed malicious code execution through the processing of a media file,” and that Apple has mitigated this by “implementing improved bounds checking.”The second vulnerability fixed by Apple could allow attackers with read or write access to sidestep Pointer Authentication, which, Boynton told us, is “a security mechanism designed to resist memory disclosure attacks—bypassing it gives an attacker the opportunity to launch attacks and access to parts of the device’s memory.”“With the security fixes in iOS 18.4.1 addressing two zero-day vulnerabilities, it is essential that all users immediately update their Apple devices,” Boynton.“The fact that these two vulnerabilities are extremely sophisticated to exploit explains why Apple has only observed attacks against specific, targeted individuals. However, the limited scope of these attacks should not deter users from updating their devices promptly.”Almost half of UK businesses report an “increasing number” of state-sponsored threat actors in the last 12 months, and elevated geopolitical tensions make for a hostile cybersecurity landscape. Patching known security flaws is a first line of defence for all users, and should be a priority for all security teams.

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Google is now offering Gemini live video and screen sharing to just about every Android user who wants them — totally free. The announcement comes just a couple weeks after Google first rolled out the features. They have been available to all Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy S25 owners and through a Google One AI Premium plan for other Android users with the Gemini app. Now, Google says that "great feedback" has motivated the company "to bring it to more people."

Gemini live video and screen share allows you to ask Gemini about anything on your screen or directly in front of you. For example, you can take a picture of an item of clothing and get info about its materials. You can also ask it about something you've found on the internet, like a word in a story that you've never heard before.

We’ve been hearing great feedback on Gemini Live with camera and screen share, so we decided to bring it to more people ✨Starting today and over the coming weeks, we're rolling it out to *all* @Android users with the Gemini app. Enjoy!PS If you don’t have the app yet,… https://t.co/dTsxLZLxNI— Google Gemini App (@GeminiApp) April 16, 2025

Google will be rolling the tools out over the coming weeks to all Androids that are compatible with the Gemini app. According to a Google spokesperson, this is all "Android devices with 2GB of RAM or more, running Android 10 and up." This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/gemini-live-video-and-screen-sharing-is-now-free-for-android-users-140051993.html?src=rss

The past 12 months have seen remarkable advances in AI coding capabilities. To offer some perspective, there’s a benchmark that measures performance on 500 real-world engineering problems derived from real world software projects. Early last year, state-of-the-art large language models (LLMs) solved only about 4% of these issues. With this momentum in AI coding agents now drawing significant media attention, I’m asked more frequently: “Will this affect software engineering jobs?”The tipping point in writing this article was a conversation with a prospective investor who wondered whether his child should continue pursuing an interest in computer science. In true engineering style, I’ll begin with a succinct “TL;DR” (too long; didn’t read) summary and then elaborate in detail below:TL;DR- “Indeed says engineering jobs are 70% down.” This is misleading.- “AI will never fix a bug for me.” Time to wake up.- “AI will change software jobs.” Absolutely.- “AI will dramatically reduce the number of software jobs in the near future.” Almost certainly not.- “Is it still worth learning computer science?” More than ever.If I’ve still got your attention, let’s dive in.

Misreading the Indeed data

It’s true that software development postings on Indeed have dropped below their pre-pandemic baseline by 29%, and many people are blaming AI. However, here’s an inside secret for anyone outside the recruiting and software engineering circles: hiring for highly paid professionals (and many software developers fall into that category) is simply moving away from Indeed. I’ve hired hundreds of engineers over the course of my career, and I can’t recall the last time I posted a software engineering job on Indeed. It’s been years.For context, consider that “Education & Instruction” job postings are up 46.8% on Indeed over the same period. Do we attribute that to AI magically creating 50% more demand for educators? Hardly. Until we see data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics or another official source, I’m inclined to classify any direct correlation between Indeed’s dip in engineering listings and AI as a “spurious correlation.”The tech sector experienced a massive spike during the pandemic, followed by a significant correction that resulted in layoffs and hiring freezes. That had little to do with AI; if anything, AI might be reinvigorating the tech market by attracting new capital and creating specialized jobs.

The evolving landscape of AI coding tools

On the flip side, some individuals remain stuck in a world where “coding assistant” equals GitHub Copilot circa 2022. They’ve grown disenchanted with the market, and I can’t blame them. From overly optimistic claims of “25% productivity boosts” to confusing benchmarks focused on programming Olympiad tasks, AI capabilities can be both overhyped and misunderstood. AI is nuanced; it can perform astonishingly well on one task while failing spectacularly on a similar one.Keep in mind that Olympiad programming tasks are not reflective of day-to-day software engineering. That’s akin to comparing a Certified Public Accountant’s responsibilities with the role of a company’s founding entrepreneur—they’re wholly different. So the next time you hear that a model “beat a human champion” in a programming competition, don’t assume you can hand it your “Instagram-killer” app and watch it code effortlessly. That said, we’re also not in Kansas anymore. It’s no longer 2022, and GitHub Copilot isn’t the leading edge of coding assistance.Let me use a simile: have you tried doing legal research with the original ChatGPT? Now compare that experience to using the latest ChatGPT Professional. I have, and my personal conclusion—not legal advice, your mileage may vary—is that while I wouldn’t have used the original model for serious legal research, the newer version impressed me enough to recommend it to my attorney.The same progression applies to coding assistants. They’re evolving from neat-but-limited tools into powerful agents that can shoulder simple tasks while you stay in the driver’s seat. And as rapid as the last 12 months of progress have been, the next 12 promise to be even more transformative. There are still multiple levers in AI software agents that the industry has yet to pull—so stay tuned.

Unlocking value for businesses and developers

This brings me to how AI coding agents can unlock tremendous value for both software engineers and their companies. Recent breakthroughs in agentic AI are driving a generational shift in coding assistance. These tools now tap into a much deeper contextual awareness, scanning entire codebases to suggest, test, and fix solutions aligned with bigger project goals.For businesses, this translates to delivering sophisticated applications more quickly, adapting to market shifts in real-time, and expanding the boundaries of what’s possible. For developers, AI coding assistants eliminate the drudgery of repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing them to focus on creativity, innovation, and strategic problem-solving.

Will this reduce the number of software jobs?

So, if AI handles more routine work, does that mean we’ll need fewer engineers? I don’t think so. Over my career, I’ve seen more than a tenfold jump in engineering productivity, thanks to modern programming languages, open-source libraries, and cloud infrastructure.And that’s on top of another tenfold improvement before I even entered the field. Innovation is the hallmark of technology jobs. The more powerful our tools become, the more room there is for creativity and value creation. That value translates into greater demand in the job market, not less. Our collective drive toward progress is our best job security.

The future of Computer Science education

Finally, let’s talk about learning computer science. The programming languages, libraries, and tools I use today are entirely different from those I studied in school. Yet that education remains the bedrock of my career. The next generation of computer scientists will be more resourceful, more collaborative, and more powerful than ever before.Universities will adapt their curricula to meet industry needs, and hands-on experiences—like internships and open-source capstone projects—will help students build real-world skills that position them for success. AI will enhance their capabilities, not render them obsolete.

Conclusion

AI coding agents are evolving at breakneck speed, but they’re far from making software engineers obsolete. Instead, they promise to enhance developer productivity and creativity, leading to new opportunities for innovation. And for anyone wondering whether to invest time and effort in a computer science education: there has never been a better moment to do so.

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

Galaxy Buds FE 2 filings have been spotted in the US (FCC) and India (BIS) According to the FCC certification, 'Galaxy Buds Core' could be their nameDetails in the FCC filing even suggest dual-band Wi-Fi (up to 5.8 GHz)

We'd read reports of a fresh set of Galaxy earbuds in 'advanced development', but now they've actually been spotted – on two official certification sites. But is it just a case of another day, another set of affordable earbuds spotted in the wild?Well, no, because a) September 2023 was a long time ago and that's when the inaugural (and honestly disappointing) Samsung Galaxy Buds FE launched, and b) the US listing mentions dual-band Wi-Fi up to 5.8 GHz.If true (and as spotted by 91 Mobiles, many thanks for that), that would bring Samsung's typically cheaper-than-Pro 'Fan Edition' buds up in line with Xiaomi's Buds 5 Pro Wi-Fi – which can be yours for a cool $239 / £189 / AU$385 (or thereabouts).But Samsung's original Buds FE sold for just $99 / £99 / AU$149, so surely not? Then again, when 'Fan Edition' has come to mean anything that'll play especially nice with your Samsung Galaxy phone and ecosystem, much not much else, it would certainly fit the bill. For clarity, Xiaomi's list of compatible smartphone source devices for its Wi-Fi toting buds is currently limited to its own Xiaomi 15 and Xiaomi 15 Ultra so buying a smartphone from another manufacturer after buying Xiaomi buds? Strongly discouraged.

Samsung Galaxy Buds FE 2: what we know so far

The Buds FE will soon be updated with a new model – but Wi-Fi? (Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)

We have not one but two credible Galaxy Buds FE 2 or 'Buds Core' sources now: the Bureau of India Standards (BIS), as spotted by SamMobile, and the Federal Communications Commission (an independent US government agency, usually referred to as the FCC).Although we can't see any design or pricing specs, the model name is still SM-R410, which ties up with previous reports pertaining to the Budes FE 2. That said, the marketing name on the FCC listing is 'Samsung Galaxy Buds Core'. A new naming strategy for Samsung? We'll wait and see – but whatever the moniker, they'll almost certainly be successors to the entry-level Buds FE.Specs in the FCC filing suggest a 200mAh battery in the buds with a charging case that houses a 500mAh power pack. Given that the original Galaxy Buds FE's case carried a 479mAh battery (to boast a maximum 30-hour playtime with the buds) it's a nice update – particularly when you consider that in Xiaomi's recent two-strong Buds Pro 5 release, the buds boasting Wi-Fi support actually carried a better battery life claim than the regular Bluetooth set.That's right! Crucially, the US listing also mentions connectivity dual-band Wi-Fi (up to 5.8 GHz frequency) and because the older Spetember 2023-issue siblings carried 5.2, we'd expect Bluetooth 5.3 at least at this point.Will they arrive alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7 at Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event – which we'd expect to happen some time in July? It's impossible to be sure, but right now it certainly looks like it.

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Mario Kart World's Free Roam mode will feature open-world challengesPlayers will be able to find 'P' switches in the world that will activate challengesCollectible Peach Medallions and other hidden features can also be discovered

Nintendo has confirmed that Mario Kart World's Free Roam mode will feature challenges and collectibles.During the Mario Kart World Nintendo Direct today, we were treated to an over 15-minute showcase of the upcoming Switch 2 launch title, offering a new look at new maps and courses, the Grand Prix, Knockout Tour, new tricks, and Free Roam mode.Nintendo revealed Free Roam mode during the Switch 2 Direct earlier this month. It will allow players to drive freely around the game's multiple maps, but in today's broadcast, it was revealed that the open world won't be as empty as I initially thought.While driving through the world, players can come across challenges and missions. In the footage, it's said that players can find 'hundreds' of 'P' switches that will activate challenges, with one that tasks you to grind across rails to collect blue coins on the 'Slackline course'.It also looks like there will be timed races, as well as collectible Peach Medallions scattered around the world, hidden panels, and more.It makes me wonder if Nintendo will offer additional challenges post-launch, perhaps in the form of downloadable content (DLC) or content patches.Mario Kart World will launch the same day as the Nintendo Switch 2 on June 5, 2025, for $449.99 / £395.99 or $499.99 / £429.99 for a Mario Kart World bundle.Pre-orders are now live in the UK, but US pre-orders and Canadian pre-orders have been delayed as Nintendo assesses the potential impact of tariffs.

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Cyber extortion continues to be a persistent threat to the cybersecurity landscape. Our latest Cy-Xplorer reveals a significant year-on-year increase in the number of victims in 2024 - 77% year-on-year. While some industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and professional services, found themselves in the firing line most frequently, few industries could consider themselves safe.While these are sophisticated attacks, in our experience, the best ways to secure an organization against them are less complex and more comprehensive. While many businesses may be looking to AI and large language models (LLMs) as a panacea for all cybersecurity ills, most organizations would benefit from more fundamental changes to their security posture.

AI: A double-edged sword

Generative AI is the technology topic de jour and has already proven to be a powerful tool for both bad actors and cybersecurity professionals. On the threat side, we’ve already seen state-sponsored threat actors often use generative AI to craft more convincing phishing attacks through voice emulation and deepfakes. For cybersecurity professionals, AI can bolster defenses by streamlining threat detection, incident response, and risk management.Despite the seemingly fast-advancing technology, AI should not be used as a shortcut to robust security protocols. The technology is still nascent, and the economics are still to be worked out. Many organizations have yet to get a handle on AI and where it sits within their technology infrastructure. AI applications can be another attack vector to company servers for bad actors, especially when they don’t adhere to company policies.This is not to say that AI holds no value for security - far from it - but businesses should not rush into an AI-driven security strategy without first having a strong security posture to build upon. This includes having processes on what systems AI applications are connected to and educating employees on appropriate use cases for AI. In the near term, relying on more classical threat intelligence and pentesting processes will prove the most effective strategies for mitigating risk.

Security starts with culture

It’s always been the case that the weakest link in the security chain has been people, and our latest Security Navigator report reaffirms this point - 37% of cyber incidents in organizations originate internally. As much as we might wish to be able to claim there is a silver bullet to cybersecurity, the truth is that, even in a world of growing cyber threats, no amount of technology will protect your business if your staff aren’t trained in recognizing cyber extortion, social engineering and other cyber threats, and how best to avoid or report them.Mitigating risks requires integrating security awareness into employees’ daily routines, whether they’re full-time contractors, partners, or suppliers. Continuous training from the likes of CSOs, CIOs, and external experts must solidify this awareness.There will almost certainly be resistance to these kinds of approaches. Why, after all, should this be the responsibility of your non-cybersecurity employees? To win over naysayers, security leaders must clearly demonstrate the consequences of inadequate security measures and effectively communicate their security strategy across the organization to secure employee buy-in in every function.

Defining cybersecurity success

While strengthening security posture and mitigating risk should always be the core targets, security teams must have realistic goals and targets for cybersecurity success. While a zero per cent incident rate would be ideal - is it realistic? In a landscape of increasingly sophisticated and varied threats, we’d say it isn’t.Consider more achievable and appropriate targets for your business. One would be reducing incidents, and tracking and reducing the time between detection, reporting and remediation. Systems being brought down will bring business processes to a screeching halt, so if a system is compromised, how quickly can it be brought back online through backups? Consider what sensitive (and therefore particularly valuable) data the company holds - how can security strategy reduce the risk of unauthorized access to that data in particular?Increasing resilience is a marathon, not a sprint, and no system is impenetrable. Set realistic milestones and goals based on data sensitivity and business responsibility, then build on that posture over weeks, months and years.

People, process and technology alignment

The idea that one technology, or even a suite of technologies, no matter how advanced, is the recipe for robust cybersecurity is a fanciful and risky position to hold. If internal standards around education and processes slip due to an over-reliance on technology, severe system compromises from bad actors are inevitable.As the threat landscape evolves, security must not be a static barrier. It, too, must change to meet new threats by aligning well-informed people following strong processes supported by technology.

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

Vantrue updates its mini E1 with 4K video and a 158-degree lens'PlatePix' tech enhances the clarity of crucial details such as license platesIt's also equipped with GPS and voice control features, plus Vantrue's app

Vantrue has unveiled the latest version of its compact E1 series of dash cams, the E1 Pro, and it's equipped with a feature that makes perfect sense for a dash cam – enhanced license plate recognition.The latest model, which already features more detailed 4K video than the original model, uses Vantrue's 'PlatePix' software to improve the clarity of the details that matter most for dash cam footage, namely license plates of the cars around you.Combined with a bright f/1.8 aperture lens, circular polarizer filter (included), 158-degree wide-angle perspective and Vantrue's Night Vision mode, the E1 Pro's PlatePix tech should deliver some of the clearest video footage of crucial details both day and night.The cherry on the cake is the competitive price of the GPS-equipped E1 Pro; $149.99 / £129.99 at Amazon, with $20 / £20 discounts available at the time of writing.

(Image credit: Vantrue)

The new budget dash cam to beat?

Vantrue has been in the dash cam game for 10 years now, consistently delivering solid products that score well in our in-depth reviews, including the original E1. Its latest model could cement the company's reputation in this space.The E1 Pro looks like a solid update of the E1, delivering higher resolution video and a raft of improvements, all in a compact and affordable package.There's 4K video up to 30fps that can be enhanced using Vantrue's PlatePix tech, to make crucial details clearer. Vantrue describes the output as "4K HDR video that is 50% clearer than standard 4K HDR."We also get the latest Sony Starvis 2 sensor utilized by most of the best dash cams, a bright f/1.8 aperture lens, wider-than-most 158 degree perspective, and seemingly decent image quality in low light through the Night Vision mode. All videos can also be tagged with GPS data.Vantrue includes a circular polarizer filter with the E1 Pro – it's the most effective tool for cutting out reflections that could otherwise obscure crucial details, including from your own windscreen.5G Wi-Fi should enable quick image uploads and reliable voice command support, while a 'Buffered Parking Mode' can record 15 seconds before and 30 seconds after motion is detected, though you'll need a hardwire kit for this feature.This all sounds very impressive for a dash cam that's currently available for $129.99 at Amazon US (applying a $20 voucher at check out), or £109.99 at Amazon UK (applying a £20 voucher). The E1 Pro with hardwire kit is available via that same link, for only a little extra.We're currently reviewing the E1 Pro and will share our verdict soon, but based on its specs alone, you'll struggle to find a better dash cam for the money. Our in-depth testing will reveal if the E1 Pro delivers for real world use.

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Chinese authorities have banned automakers from using terms such as "smart driving" and "autonomous driving" for ads in the country, according to Reuters. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has tightened its rules for advertising driving assistance features following a fatal crash involving a Xiaomi SUV7 (pictured above), which raised concerns about the technology's safety. Based on Xiaomi's report, the vehicle's driving assistance mode was switched on when the vehicle was approaching a construction zone, but the driver took control right before the SUV collided with a concrete barrier. The electric vehicle went up in flames, with the accident claiming three lives.

Back in 2022, the California DMV accused Tesla of falsely portraying its vehicles as fully autonomous based on the language it used on its website, though that didn't lead to a ban on advertising terms. Chinese authorities announced the new rule at a meeting attended by 60 representatives from the automobile industry. In addition to the new advertising rules, they also announced that they're prohibiting automakers from testing and improving their driver assistance systems via remote software upgrades if they're already in the hands of customers. If the companies want to roll out updates over the air, they'll have to secure an approval for them after conducting a battery of tests.

As Reuters noted, there's a growing competition in the Chinese automotive industry with companies launching vehicles promising "smart driving" capabilities. BYD, the top Chinese EV manufacturer based in Shenzhen, rolled out a whopping 21 models of electric vehicles in February, with the company's free "smart driving" features being one of their main selling points. These automakers may now have to alter their advertising materials in order to comply with the new regulations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/transportation/china-cracks-down-on-autonomous-car-claims-after-fatal-accident-143026741.html?src=rss

Wikipedia has been struggling with the impact that AI crawlers — bots that are scraping text and multimedia from the encyclopedia to train generative artificial intelligence models — have been having on its servers, leading to increased costs and slower load times for human users in some cases. Perhaps in an effort to stop the bots from pummeling the public Wikipedia website and soaking up too much bandwidth, the Wikimedia Foundation (which manages Wikipedia's data) is offering AI developers a dataset they can freely use.

The organization has teamed up with Kaggle, a data science platform, to offer up a beta release of a structured dataset in both English and French. According to Google — which owns Kaggle — the dataset is formatted for machine learning to make it more useful for training, development and data science.

Wikimedia Enterprise notes that the dataset includes "abstracts, short descriptions, infobox-style key-value data, image links and clearly segmented article sections." There are no references or other "non-prose elements," such as video clips. The lack of references could make the issue of attribution for information in the dataset somewhat foggy. However, Wikimedia Enterprise (a part of the Wikimedia Foundation that seeks to make Wikipedia data available through APIs) says that the content in the dataset is freely licensed under Creative Commons, the public domain and so on since it's all from Wikipedia.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/wikipedia-offers-ai-developers-a-training-dataset-to-maybe-get-scraper-bots-off-its-back-143255593.html?src=rss

Independent testing lab confirms Saily’s ad blocker reduces mobile data usage by 28.6%The ad blocker blocks ads and trackers at the network level using DNS filteringTest showed Saily used less data than four other eSIM providers across 22 websites

While using an eSIM for international travel, users often end up paying for mobile data consumed by ads they neither want nor understand.However, new testing found Saily's ad blocker feature blocks ads at the network level. Powered by NordVPN's threat protection, the ad blocker feature applies DNS filtering to block ads and prevents websites from loading malicious ads.The test was carried independently by West Coast Labs across 22 global websites spanning gaming, shopping, travel, and entertainment - with results showing a 28.6% reduction in data usage with Saily.

Built-in security features

Backed by NordVPN, Saily draws on established expertise in security features. When Tech Radar Pro spoke with Saily CEO Vykintas Maknickas, he highlighted how they company building a 'network-level security for travel eSIM connectivity'.Saily's suite of security features reflects a broader industry shift towards a low-cost and safe solution for travel.As the demand for eSIMs continues to rise, providers like Saily are setting themselves apart from other players by creating an all-around travel service.Other security features like web protection and virtual location are built at the network level and are readily available with the eSIM, provided they are enabled in the Saily app.“While traveling abroad, users are often exposed to ads in local languages they do not even understand. They pay to see this irrelevant content by buying and using their mobile data," Maknickas added.Comparisons were also made with the industry average of data usage and compared with four other eSIM providers - Saily, with the ad blocker enabled, used less data on every website."A web-browsing user with a 5 GB plan could expect 1.43 GB of data savings. With these savings, the cost per gigabyte becomes lower too, which is a fair deal from the perspective of the consumer,” Maknickas added.

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Codemasters' Formula 1 franchise is back for another lap. Publisher EA says the tracks in F1 2025 have a more realistic look and feel, thanks to LiDAR scanning. The new installment arrives on May 30.

Although EA initially didn't offer much detail about LiDAR's use, it confirmed on Thursday that it involved high-resolution 3D scans of real-world tracks to make them as close to a 1:1 representation as possible. (After all, it's the same tech autonomous vehicles use for real-time 3D mapping and object detection.)

EA scanned five tracks on F1 race weekends: Bahrain, Miami, Melbourne, Suzuka and Imola. It then used millions of data points from those batches to recreate the courses for F1 2025. "These tracks now reflect every bump and detail, including safety barriers and fan areas," the company said, adding that LiDAR allowed for "unprecedented accuracy" in this year's installment.

EA / Codemasters

In other areas, F1 25 overhauls My Team, with players now able to serve as the squad's owner and driver. And in the Braking Point story mode, Konnersport has moved up in the world and is now a highly competitive team battling for championships. But wait, "a dramatic event throws the team into chaos," so rest assured the writing team still understands the importance of using obstacles in storytelling.

EA is also adding a new race mode with a fun wrinkle: You can race several tracks backward. To be clear, that doesn't mean you'll screech around the circuit with your car in reverse. (Although that may have a twisted fun to it.) Instead, everyone's forward-facing vehicles will drive the tracks opposite their usual direction. If nothing else, it should add more variety to the game.

Reverse tracks will be available for Silverstone, Zandvoort and the Red Bull Ring. You can kick it in "R" in Grand Prix, Time Trial, Multiplayer modes or add them to Career modes beginning with the game's second season.

F1 25 launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on May 30. If you own F1 23 or F1 24, you can save 15 percent off your pre-order of the game's Iconic Edition, which typically costs $80 on PC and $90 on consoles. That variant will add post-launch Braking Point chapters that tie into Apple's upcoming film F1, starring Brad Pitt. Meanwhile, the base game costs $60 on PC and $70 on PlayStation and Xbox.

You can check out the trailer below, featuring cover star Lewis Hamilton.

Update, April 17, 2025, 11AM ET: This story has been updated with extra info about LiDAR scanning and reverse tracks.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/ea-used-lidar-to-model-the-tracks-in-f1-25-192206031.html?src=rss

Almost all enterprise mobile apps come with security risks, experts warnMost frequent flaws include misconfigured cloud storage, hardcoded credentials, or outdated cryptographyZimperium shares its advice on how to stay safe

If your business is using mobile apps, there is a good chance those apps are leaking sensitive information and putting your entire operation at risk of data breaches, loss of trust, regulatory fines, and a whole swathe of other headaches.Cybersecurity researchers Zimperium analyzed more than 17,000 enterprise mobile apps, and revealed many carry vulnerabilities such as misconfigured cloud storage, hardcoded credentials, or outdated cryptography, and while these are not tied to a particular platform, there were significantly more iOS apps vulnerable (11,626 on iOS compared to 6037 on Android).Breaking the numbers down, the researchers found 83 Android apps with misconfigured or otherwise unprotected cloud storage, and 10 Android apps with exposed AWS credentials.

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Spoofing SharePoint

Almost all of the analyzed apps used weak or flawed cryptography, and five of the top 100 apps had high-severity cryptographic flaws. Others, also from the top 100, had storage directories exposed to the public.“Our research found that 88% of all apps and 43% of the top 100 use one or more cryptographic methods that don't follow best practices,” the researchers said. “In some cases - high-severity cryptography flaws.”To avoid these risks, Zimperium suggests that every company’s mobile device fleet manager gains visibility into app behavior patterns. That way, they’ll be able to identify misconfigured cloud storage settings, detect exposed credentials and API keys, and evaluate cloud service integration security.Furthermore, they should validate encryption methods and key management, identify outdated or weak algorithms, assess security of integrated cloud SDKs, validate third-party cryptographic implementations, and monitor for known vulnerabilities.“We cannot change the apps, but we can choose which apps we allow to ensure our data’s security,” they concluded.

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Looking for a good VPN service? ExpressVPN is offering one heck of a deal right now. You can snag a 28-month subscription, which is well over two years, for 61 percent off the typical price. This boils down to $5 per month, but there’s one catch. You have to pay up front, which comes out to $140.

That’s a hefty initial payout, but having access to a good VPN service into late 2027 sounds pretty dang nice. To that end, ExpressVPN is one of the more reputable companies out there and it easily made our list of the best VPN providers. We appreciated the speedy connections offered by the service. This isn’t always the case with VPNs. We also didn’t encounter too much lag during our testing.

It works on a variety of devices, so this isn’t just for the living room desktop. ExpressVPN integrates with mobile gadgets, smart TVs and game consoles, among other items. It’s really the best solution for gamers who travel a lot. It also comes with an in-house password manager, which would eliminate the need for a standalone subscription.

Truly the only real downside of this service is the price. The regular cost is $13 per month, which is mighty steep. This sale alleviates this concern, at least for 28 months. Spending $5 per month for a VPN of this caliber is something of a no-brainer.

Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/expressvpn-two-year-subscriptions-are-61-percent-off-right-now-150758431.html?src=rss

Samsung's first RGB micro-LED TV will be 115 inchesIt may be the only model this year, although smaller models will followThe tech is also due this year from Hisense

Samsung's next TV is a big deal: it'll use an RGB backlight, which looks set to be the next key technology in high-end televisions.Unfortunately, the TV is going to be big in two other respects: it'll be a 115-inch model, too big for many homes, and it'll come with a big price tag that'll make it unaffordable for many too.We've covered Samsung's RGB LED TV plans before: the firm showed off an 8K RGB micro-LED TV at CES 2025. That was a 98-inch model but Samsung said at the time that the actual product might be differently sized… though we weren't expecting it to be larger.The news comes via trade site The Elec, which says that the RGB micro-LED TV tech will be used in an "ultra premium lineup", with more models appearing after the 115-inch TV makes its debut this year.

(Image credit: Future)

Why this big TV will be a big deal

This isn't a traditional micro-LED TV. That tech works like OLED, in that each pixel generates its own light. Samsung's RGB micro-LED moniker is for TVs that use a backlight and LCD panel just like its QLED TVs – but the backlight can display a wide range of colors, it won't just be one hue, enabling far better color depth and more efficient brightness levels.Samsung previously told us that by using micro-LED rather than mini-LED backlighting for these sets would deliver "three times more LEDs", which means better brightness and more local dimming zones for more precise control. However, it would suggest that we're not really talking about LEDs that are truly in line with micro-LED.Still, the TechRadar team has seen this type of TV in the flesh, and we're very excited about the technology: while the first TVs to use it will have huge price tags, mini-LED has plummeted in price and micro-LED is likely to do the same.Hisense has announced that its first RGB backlit model will arrive this year, and will be 116 inches, so will probably also have a huge price tag. TCL has also confirmed plans to release a TV with this tech in 2026.We've been told that the tech will generally not cost much more than current mini-LED backlit TVs… but not if it's stuck at over 100 inches, where every TV is super-expensive. We'll have to see if sizes can come down to something more realistic next year – otherwise, current budget mini-LED tech will remain dominant for a while.

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A federal judge has ruled that Google is a monopolist in online advertising. The New York Times reported on Thursday that Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia said the company broke the law to maintain its ad tech dominance.

“In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” the judge said.

Developing...This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/google-is-a-monopoly-in-online-ad-tech-federal-judge-rules-151531919.html?src=rss

Netflix has revealed The Sandman season 2's official release dateThe fantasy show's final season will be released in two installments in early JulyAn official teaser and first-look images have also been released

It's official: The Sandman season 2 will wake from its slumber this July – and it'll arrive in two parts.The acclaimed fantasy show, which is based on Neil Gaiman's graphic novel namesake, will return for its second and final chapter in mid-2025. Volume 1, which will consist of six episodes, will make its debut on Netflix on July 3, 2025. Season 2's five-part second volume will be released on July 24, 2025.

The Dreaming awaits your return. The Sandman: Season 2. Volume 1 - July 3rd. Volume 2 - July 24th. pic.twitter.com/ORsNJRh89pApril 17, 2025

Netflix didn't just unveil The Sandman's two new launch dates today (April 17), though. The Tom Sturridge-fronted TV Original also received its first teaser trailer, which shows The Endless, Sturridge's Dream included, summoned to a meeting by one of their siblings Destiny.It's unclear why Destiny has called on his fellow immortals to join him (well, unless you've read the source material) and the teaser doesn't exactly reveal what the purpose of the meeting is. Nevertheless, it suggests one of the best Netflix shows – depending on who you ask, anyway – is aiming to go out with a fantastical bang with its final installment.

This is the first official information we've received about The Sandman 2 since last September.During Netflix Geeked Week 2024, the streaming titan revealed a dreamy behind-the-scenes look at season 2, which revealed a 2025 release window. Prior to that, Netflix confirmed who would play Destiny, Delirium, and The Prodigal in season 2 last May, before announcing nine new cast additions for The Sandman's final season in July 2024.

Why is The Sandman ending after two seasons?

The Sandman season 2 will be the show's final installment (Image credit: Netflix)

Netflix hasn't provided an official statement about ending The Sandman after two seasons. With so much source material left to adapt, general audiences might be bemused by the best streaming service's decision to do so.Anyone who's kept up with the news over the last year, however, will have an idea about why the high fantasy series is prematurely ending – and it's all to do with Gaiman.In July 2024, the award-winning writer was accused of sexual assault and abuse by five women on a Tortoise Media podcast called 'Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman'. Since then, more allegations, some of which date back to 1986, have come to light about Gaiman's behavior and include his alleged involvement in human trafficking. As of February 2025, three federal lawsuits have been brought against the author, too.Gaiman has strenuously denied all of the accusations made against him. Nonetheless, live-action adaptations of his works have been impacted since he was accused of the aforementioned crimes. That includes the third season of Good Omens, the popular Prime Video TV show, which Gaiman is no longer involved in and has since been turned into a 90-minute movie.As I wrote earlier, it's unclear if Netflix is bringing its retelling of The Sandman to an end because of what's been outlined above. One thing is certain, though: The Sandman won't get another outing on Netflix.

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Marvel has released a new trailer for The Fantastic Four: First StepsThe MCU Phase 6 film will arrive in theaters worldwide this JulyThe teaser is full of moments that fans have been waiting to see

Marvel has revealed the official trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps – and, if I wasn't already super excited for its release, I certainly am now.The Marvel Phase 6 film's latest teaser is full of new footage that fans will want to *ahem* stretch their eyeballs around. Indeed, from first looks at Julia Garner's Silver Surfer and Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards using his stretchy superpowers, to new teases of the movie's villain Galactus, it's an unmissable two-and-a-half minute feast for the eyes.

The arrival of a new Fantastic Four trailer shouldn't come as a big surprise. Indeed, a new teaser was shown exclusively to CinemaCon 2025 attendees a two weeks ago. That trailer confirmed a big fan theory about Vanessa Kirby's Sue Storm – i.e., that she'll be pregnant for a portion of the film. With this latest round of footage doing likewise, it appears that Marvel has simply released the trailer it showed at during Disney's presentation at the trade show on April 3.A new trailer hasn't been a long time coming for the final Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie of 2025. The first teaser for First Steps only achieved lift-off in early February, so it's not like we've had an excruciating wait for new clips to pore over.Still, with Marvel's Thunderbolts* movie set to be released in theaters in early May, the comic book giant will want to run a new teaser ahead of that flick to further build anticipation for First Steps' own launch, which will take place in late July.

#TheFantasticFour: First StepsOnly in theaters July 25. pic.twitter.com/OyTgSYCl2hApril 17, 2025

Joining Pascal, Kirby, and Garner on the film's cast are Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/The Human Torch, Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing, Ralph Ineson as the voice of Galactus, and John Malkovich, Paul Walter Hauser, Sarah Niles, and Natasha Lyonne as TBC.Marvel fans think they know who Lyonne is playing in First Steps, though, and many are also convinced that Hauser and Malkovich are playing B-tier Marvel antagonists in Mole Man and Red Ghost respectively. Lastly, Mark Gatiss appears to be playing the TV host of a show that Marvel's First Family appear on in the trailer and forthcoming film.The Fantastic Four: First Steps will take flight on July 25. While we wait for its arrival, read more MCU-based coverage in the section below.

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Instagram is launching Blends, a new custom Reels feedThe idea is you add this to a DM or Group Chat and watch Reels that will appeal to the people who make up the groupYou can react and add comments that live within the DM

If you’re anything like me, you can spend maybe too much time (though I’ll never admit it) scrolling through Reels on Instagram, and clips on TikTok. But not so surprisingly, Instagram wants to keep you within the walls of its app and has a new feature that lets you make a custom Reels feed for you and your friends.Dubbed Blend, and launching right now, you can set up this custom feed for you and a friend and be served Reels that match both of your interests. It’s an invite-only Reels feed that you can scroll within your chat window and reply to at the bottom to strike up a conversation about whatever you’d like.And if you were guessing it lives within DMs, you’d be right, as that's where Instagram invites you to keep the conversation going. Further, if you’re concerned that the Reels will live in line next to your messages, GIFs, and potentially other shared Reels … fear not.

Blend will live via an icon at the top of the chat that looks like a merge of two basic emojis. You’ll tap on that to access your Blend, which is a Blended feed of Reels that hit your interests, and it’s also where you can invite someone to join your blend.Another important note – you can’t force someone to join your Blend on Instagram; whoever you invite will need to accept it. Instagram also says you can set up blends for you and one other person or for a group of people.

Here’s how Blend will work

(Image credit: Instagram)

So once you’ve set up a Blend with, say, two of your besties, you’ll open that group message within Instagram and tap the new icon next to the call buttons on the top right of the chat.Tap that, and you’ll be taken to your customized Reels feed. It should look pretty similar. You’ll see the Reel creator’s username, the audio used, a snippet of the caption, and the ability to like it, comment, and even share it.The difference is that you’ll see a bubble that says “Suggested for [insert username here],” so Instagram will clue you in as to who it thinks will like the Reel the most. And yes, this is based on whatever Reels you’ve engaged with and what Instagram knows about you.More specifically, Instagram says “Suggested are based on each person’s activity on Instagram, including the reels they watch and interact with. They can also be based on reels sent in the chat.”As you scroll, if you feel compelled to, you can send a message back to your group about the Reel you’re watching or even drop a reaction like an emoji. For instance, if it’s a particularly epic one, you might use the fire emoji.

(Image credit: Instagram)

It’s pretty neat and a new way to explore Reels with friends on your own time, while still interacting with each other. Not for nothing, you won’t need to risk SharePlaying on iOS or screensharing on Android, not knowing what might appear in your regular feed.However, since this is based on your interests, your friends might learn something – those I invite to Blend will know I like Bruce Springsteen, Disney Parks, Lego, and Star Wars.That’s the risk of the Blend: it essentially shows your Instagram Reels interests to a friend (assuming they accepted the invite). If you’re up for the fun and the challenge, you can give Instagram’s latest feature a try as it’s rolling out now.Just make sure that the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device is up to date.

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Portable monitors have been around for years, but their importance skyrocketed during the pandemic. And with the continuation of remote and hybrid work positions, they’re going to be staples for the foreseeable future. But picking one isn’t as simple as it seems. At this point, almost every major PC maker has its own take on travel-friendly displays, with prices ranging from as little as $100 to nearly $1,000. So to help sort through the confusion, I tested out a bunch of options to put together a short list of the best portable monitors on sale today.

Table of contents

Best portable monitors for 2025

Things to consider before buying a portable monitor

What to look for in a portable monitor

Best portable monitors for 2025

Things to consider before buying a portable monitor

Before you start looking at specific products, it’s super important to think about how and where you plan on using a second monitor as a portable display. Larger panels are great for home use where you may only need to move it or put it away when you have company over. Meanwhile, smaller screens are great for travel and whipping out at a coffee shop or shared workspace. But if you go too small, you may be adding extra weight to your bag without providing a ton of extra utility, especially if it lacks a good USB-C cable or mini HDMI for connectivity. Screen size and compatibility with your existing devices should be top considerations.

It’s also important to consider your typical workload, as artists may get extra value out of monitors with higher maximum brightness, HDR, wider color accuracy and a higher contrast ratio. Those who spend all day looking at spreadsheets won’t get as much value from more vibrant displays or FHD displays with high refresh rates, but they may still benefit from having a basic plug-and-play second monitor for multitasking.

What to look for in a portable monitor

Aside from price and screen size, some of the most important specs in a portable monitor include panel type, pixels per inch, brightness, refresh rate and connectivity. Most portable monitors use IPS LCD displays, which generally offer good viewing angles, strong brightness and good power efficiency. However, some higher resolution models now feature OLED screens that support wider color gamuts, better color accuracy and contrast ratio, which can be a major benefit for artists and content creators. Some budget models may use TN panels, as that can help cut costs and reduce energy consumption. That said, we generally try to stay away from those as they often have worse image quality compared to IPS screens.

For brightness, 300 nits is the lowest we recommend — anything less can make the monitor hard to use even in some indoor environments. Ideally, we look for screens that are closer to 350 or 400 nits and above for better accuracy and visibility.

Connectivity is also important because if you can’t easily hook your phone, gaming console, or laptop to a monitor, it becomes an oversized paperweight. Most travel displays include an HDMI port or USB-C port(or both), which cover the large majority of devices. It’s rare to find a portable monitor these days with only USB-A, since the majority of devices have moved over to USB-C. However, we also like models that support passthrough power over USB-C connections, which reduces the complexity of your setup and decreases the number of cords and adapters you have to carry around.

Finally, most portable monitors feature 60Hz refresh rates, which is fine for most use cases. However, if you’re looking for a gaming monitor, there are models with 120Hz or even 240Hz refresh rates. These are excellent choices for gamers looking to maintain smooth fps while playing on the go.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-portable-monitor-120050851.html?src=rss

Instagram is adding yet another way to liven up your Reels recommendations. The app is rolling out “Blend,” a feature that allows you to create a custom feed within a DM that combines your recommendations with a friend’s.

If that sounds familiar, it’s because Blend has been in the works for some time. It was first spotted in the app more than a year ago, but was only an internal prototype at the time. Now, Meta is finally making it official, describing it as an “invite-only Reels feed for you and your friend(s).”

Anyone can invite a friend or a group of friends to join a Blend from within a direct message or group chat on Instagram. Once someone accepts the invitation, Instagram generates a custom feed of Reels made up of video recommendations tailored to each person. As you scroll, you can view who each suggested clip is for, giving a window into what types of Reels Instagram’s algorithm serves your friends.

The feature is the latest way Meta has been allowing instagram users to gain more insight into their friends’ Reels-watching habits. The company also recently introduced a dedicated tab that shows videos liked by your Instagram friends. Whether that sounds like an intriguing way to find new niches of content, or potentially massively embarrassing is another matter. (It’s also yet another reminder that your Instagram likes were never actually private.) But, if you’re Reels suggestions have been feeling a little stale, or you’re just curious about how some of your friends experience the app, it could be an entertaining way to spice up your recommendations.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/instagram-now-lets-you-combine-your-reels-recommendations-with-friends-160023003.html?src=rss

Google 2024 Ads Safety report says it blocked 5.1 billion bad adsIt also blocked millions of advertiser accountsGoogle notes its detection accuracy improved thanks to AI

Google blocked more than five billion bad ads in 2024 and suspended almost 40 million advertiser accounts that were engaged in fraudulent behavior in what was apparently a bumper year for scammers.In its 2024 Ads Safety Report, Google outlined how bad ads have really taken off in recent months, alrgely thanks to the advancements in Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).However, Google is also using AI to improve its deception rates and apparently - it works.

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Banning ad accounts

Google's proactive measures in 2024 were impressive. The company either blocked or removed 5.1 billion ads that violated Google Ads policies. Furthermore, the search engine giant suspended 39.2 million advertiser accounts, which prevented many ads from ever reaching the consumers in the first place.As a result, the number of stopped bad ads did not grow year-on-year, but remained relatively stable. Last year, Google removed 5.5 billion bad ads, and the drop seems to be due to the fact that Google banned significantly more advertiser accounts (12.7 million).The company also said to have permanently banned more than 700,000 advertiser accounts for policy violations related to AI-driven impersonation scams."To fight back, we quickly assembled a dedicated team of over 100 experts to analyze these scams and develop effective countermeasures, such as updating our Misrepresentation policy to suspend advertisers that promote these scams," Google said in the report."As a result, we were able to permanently suspend over 700,000 offending advertiser accounts. This led to a 90% drop in reports of this kind of scam ad last year. While we are encouraged by this progress, we continue to work to prevent these scams."Google seems to be heavily invested in AI for scanning and detection. It implemented more than 50 enhancements to its Large Language Models (LLMs), enabling more efficient and precise enforcement.Most of the AI-powered bad ads revolved around deepfaked celebrities.Via BleepingComputer

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