Technology

• Apple’s new Invites app has an interesting interface design
• It’s more reminiscent of visionOS apps than those made for iOS
• It might be a hint at iOS 19’s upcoming design rethink

Occasionally, we get a sneak peek at what Apple has planned in its future devices, and that seems to have happened with the recent launch of the company’s new Invites app. Because far from being a simple party-planning app, Invites sheds light on the sort of design we could end up seeing in iOS 19.

Open up Invites and the first thing you’ll notice is how much it has in common with apps made for Apple’s Vision Pro headset. As Apple enthusiast Parker Ortolani has noted, the app’s glassy, floating boxes and colorful backgrounds are very reminiscent of what you’ll find when using the Vision Pro.

It’s unlike most other Apple apps, which share a more familiar design language that has been present in iOS for years. With visionOS – the operating system that runs on the Vision Pro – Apple changed things up, and that seems to have translated across to Invites.

Interestingly, it’s not the first time we’ve seen an Apple app take a new direction in terms of the user interface. Ortolani pointed out that Apple’s recently-launched Sports app was also a departure from the traditional design ethos we’re used to seeing. And a recent leak of what’s claimed to be a new look for the Camera app in iOS 19 shows an interface that is similarly inspired by the Vision Pro.

Reading the tea leaves

(Image credit: Future)

With the firm’s two most recent apps both taking a turn away from the design principles of past Apple apps, does that mean something new is on the horizon? That seems to be Ortolani’s belief, at least. If Apple is starting to follow the Vision Pro’s lead when it comes to app design, this could perhaps portend a shift when iOS 19 is previewed in the summer at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).

The last time we saw a significant app design shift was when iOS 7 launched in 2013. When that happened, Apple ditched the skeuomorphism that defined its past design philosophy and adopted a much flatter look for both the operating system and its apps.

It’s been over a decade since that major change, so it may well be time for another design rethink. And if Apple’s latest apps seem to be shifting closer to those found in visionOS, perhaps we’ll see a much bigger overhaul when iOS 19 is revealed to the world.

Ultimately, ensuring its apps share a common design language makes sense for Apple, as it means its users can find familiar elements and systems whatever device they’re using. And if that’s the goal, it’s possible that Apple’s other devices – from the Apple Watch to the Mac – could end up heading the same way.

You might also like

• Apple’s new Invites app gives iCloud+ subscribers an easier way to organize parties – and Android fans are invited too
• iOS 19’s leaked Camera app makeover looks like a big improvement, but it’s still missing the one feature I want
• Siri may not match ChatGPT's conversational skills until 2026, new iOS 19 rumors predict

• Amazon is the “top corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Europe”
• 10 European countries got solar and wind power investments
• Amazon wants to be net-zero carbon by 2040

Amazon has boldly declared it is now the “top corporate purchaser of renewable energy in Europe,” giving it another string to its bow against Microsoft and Google.

In 2024 alone, the ecommerce and cloud computing giant says it added 26 renewable energy projects and 20 onsite installations up and down Europe, consisting primarily of solar and wind farms.

The biggest beneficiary of Amazon’s 2024 energy investments was Spain, with 15 new solar and wind farms and a further two onsite solar installations.

Amazon is betting big on European renewable energy

Amazon’s total reach now spans more than 230 solar and wind projects across Europe, with its renewable energy portfolio generating 9 GW of energy – enough to power the equivalent of 6.7 million European homes annually.

Italy, Greece, Finland, the UK, Germany, France and the Czech Republic also benefitted from extensive solar investments, with Northern Ireland and Portugal receiving investments in wind farms.

“Increasing the amount of renewable energy on Europe’s electricity grids is the fastest and cheapest way to help Europe’s economy decarbonize at scale and fight against climate change," noted Amazon’s EMEA Director of Energy for Europe, Lindsay McQuade.

Amazon is yet to release its 2024 Sustainability Report, but in 2023 the company said that it used "lower-carbon materials" like steel and concrete, and switched some of those out for wood, to save 46,700 tonnes of CO2e that year – the same amount of emissions that 11,100 US cars would produce in 12 months.

AWS is also reconsidering its backup generators, with sites in Ireland, Sweden, and Oregon now using hydrotreated vegetable oil for fuel rather than diesel.

Chief Sustainability Officer Kara Hurst confirmed Amazon's plans to smash Paris Agreement plans, reaching net-zero carbon emissions a decade early in 2040. She also confirmed that the entire company reached 100% renewable energy consumption seven years early in 2023.

The company also wants to be water-positive by the end of this decade – a topic of contention in the world of data centers, where powerful computers consume vast amounts of water for cooling.

You might also like

• Check out the best green web hosting providers
• Amazon is swapping plastic pillows for paper in its packaging
• We’ve listed the best cloud storage and best cloud backup tools

Rates are holding steady for now, but don't wait too long to lock yours in.

• The Google Pixel 9a could start at the same price as its predecessor in the UK
• The UK pre-order date is reportedly March 19, just like in the US
• Some of the Pixel 9a's colors might only be available on the 128GB model

The Google Pixel 9a is expected to land in March, but while most leaks so far have addressed the phone's US price and availability, we’re now hearing about Google’s possible plans for the Pixel 9a in Europe.

According to Dealabs (via GSMArena), the Pixel 9a will go up for pre-order on March 19 in the UK and the rest of Europe, and begin shipping on March 26. Those are exactly the same dates as we’d heard for the US, so it’s not overly surprising, but this both adds credence to those original claims and should reassure European buyers that they won’t have a longer wait.

This site also reveals the possible pricing for the UK market, stating that the Pixel 9a will start at £499, for which you’ll get 128GB of storage. That’s exactly the same starting price as the Google Pixel 8a, so you might not have to pay any more for this newer model.

The Google Pixel 8a (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) Pushing up the price

However, the phone's price could increase for the 256GB version, with Dealabs claiming that this model will cost £599, while the 256GB version of the Pixel 8a costs just £559. We’d take these claims with a pinch of salt, but a previous Pixel 9a price leak pointed to the same thing in the US, so there’s a good chance this is accurate.

We also have a bit more information on the possible Pixel 9a colors, with Dealabs echoing previous reports that the phone will be sold in Porcelain (off-white), Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), and Iris (bluish-purple), but adding that, in Europe at least, the 256GB model will only be sold in Obsidian and Iris, while the 128GB version will apparently be available in all four shades.

Given that all signs point to the Pixel 9a landing in mid-March, we should find out how accurate this information is soon. But based on other leaks, this phone could be worth waiting for, as it reportedly has a Tensor G4 chipset, a new main camera, a bigger screen than its predecessor, and a large 5,000mAh battery.

You might also like

• Best Google Pixel phones: these are the Google phones to buy right now
• Google Pixel 9 review: a fantastic phone* (*added fees may apply)
• Google Pixel 9 Pro review: the AI phone is here, but the future is not

• India’s Reserve Bank is launching new .bank.in and .fin.in domains
• They will prove the authenticity of a banking website
• Digital fraud is on the rise in the country

India’s central bank, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is set to introduce a brand-new ‘.bank.in’ domain in April 2025 to combat digital fraud (via Reuters).

The central bank governor warned lenders against rising instances of frauds in digital payments – the new secure website domain is hoped to stamp out dodgy financial activity by proving authenticity.

Additionally, a separate ‘.fin.in’ domain is also set to be rolled out for non-bank financial institutions in the country, all in a bid to tackle rising cases of fraud.

Indian banking domains launched to tackle fraud

The governor confirmed that the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will be the only domain registrar for the new .bank.in and .fin.in domains, imposing strict controls over who can register them.

The updated domains will help users differentiate between legitimate banking websites and fraudulent ones. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that the initiative would also help reduce cyber threats like phishing attacks, which India has been struggling with more than ever.

Fraudsters typically use slightly different domain names that can look similar to legitimate ones, therefore having an exclusive set of trusted domains will help strengthen security. That said, threat actors could still use ‘typosquatting’ techniques, such as swapping the letter ‘i’ out for an ‘l’, so Indian banking customers will still need to bear this in mind when checking the domain in their address bar.

Other security measures employed by India’s financial sector include the Additional Factor of Authentication (AFA) for domestic digital payments.

Malhotra summarized: “The surge in digital frauds is a matter of concern, warranting action by all stakeholders.”

Detailed guidelines regarding the new domains are set to be issued separately by the RBI.

You might also like

• We've rounded up the best free website builders around
• US Treasury says that AI has made financial fraud easier than ever
• How to choose a domain name for your website : TLD vs ccTLD vs exotic

The future of quality assurance (QA) and software development is AI-powered. While this future certainly presents exciting opportunities for innovation, it also brings about challenges and anxieties for QA professionals. The accelerated pace of change is increasing the volume of code that needs to be tested, putting immense pressure on QA teams. In response, QA teams are adapting by leveraging the best AI tools to streamline their workflows.

A majority of QA professionals are already using AI for tasks such as test case design, automation, and execution. In 2025, success hinges on embracing these intelligent solutions that enhance quality, accelerate delivery, and improve overall efficiency. Here are five key areas where organizations can leverage AI effectively in 2025:

1. Accelerate Testing Through AI Automation

As 2025 unfolds, we'll witness a growth in how AI disrupts test automation by streamlining repetitive tasks such as regression testing and defect detection. Expect a surge in AI tools that predict potential failure points and simulate complex user scenarios, enabling teams to accelerate testing cycles.

We'll also see an uptick in modern test management platforms incorporating AI capabilities. These platforms empower QA teams to scale their operations and free up resources for strategic initiatives like enhancing user experiences. As a result, we can anticipate a substantial reduction in human error, leading to increased precision and reliability in the testing process.

2. Elevate QA with AI-Powered Security Testing

We live in a digital age riddled with daily cyber threats, and new ones are always on deck as cybercriminals continue to train and become more advanced. This means that elevating QA processes with AI-powered cybersecurity testing is no longer an option but a necessity.

AI tools can identify vulnerabilities, simulate potential attacks, and recommend improvements to strengthen defenses. This proactive approach minimizes risks and ensures compliance with regulatory standards, empowering organizations to build secure and resilient applications.

QA teams must collaborate closely with security professionals to ensure that testing covers functional and security requirements, reducing the likelihood of breaches. AI can also monitor code changes in real time, alerting teams to security risks that could arise from newly introduced vulnerabilities.

3. AI: The Catalyst for Enhanced Collaboration with Real-Time Insights

Real-time data and predictive analytics, accessible through shared dashboards, will empower teams to identify and address bottlenecks before they become a problem, optimize test coverage, and maintain unwavering alignment. This will reduce costly rework, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

Organizations should invest in centralized tools that offer precise, actionable data to improve communication and coordination across departments. Real-time updates reduce unnecessary back-and-forth, helping projects stay on track and within budget. By promoting a culture of transparency through AI-enabled tools, teams can work cohesively to deliver high-quality software efficiently.

4. Prioritize AI Upskilling for QA Teams

Organizations must invest in developing their QA teams' AI proficiency to fully leverage the power of AI-driven tools. This necessitates a shift in skill sets. Prioritizing training programs that equip QA professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize AI technologies is crucial.

Upskilling enhances efficiency and productivity and plays a vital role in retaining top talent. By providing continuous learning opportunities through workshops, certifications, and collaborative learning sessions, organizations empower their teams to stay relevant and contribute to cutting-edge innovations.

Businesses that prioritize skill development will foster higher engagement and productivity within their QA teams, ultimately improving project outcomes and gaining a competitive advantage.

5. The Human-AI Synergy in QA

The success of QA in 2025 will depend on a symbiotic relationship between AI and human expertise. While AI excels at automating repetitive testing tasks, it cannot replace the critical thinking and nuanced judgment that human testers bring to the table.

A key aspect of this human-centric approach is clearly defining the scope of AI automation. AI can efficiently generate test cases, but human intervention is crucial for evaluating user experience, assessing overall product usability, and making critical decisions that require ethical considerations.

By fostering a synergy between human expertise and AI capabilities, QA teams can maintain the highest quality standards while ensuring software's ethical and responsible development now and in the coming years.

Adapting to Change with Purpose

Embracing AI is not a one-time event. It's an ongoing process of continuous evaluation, refinement, and adaptation. Teams must remain agile, readily adopting new technologies that enhance speed, accuracy, and collaboration. And as the saying goes, "Change starts at the top." Strong leadership is pivotal in creating an environment driven by AI innovation across the enterprise.

With knowledge of these industry trends and adhering to these key principles, QA and development leaders can empower their teams to overcome challenges and effectively integrate AI into their workflows. The results will depend upon how these leaders set clear goals, provide necessary resources, and encourage open communication.

We've compiled a list of the best DevOps tools.

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

Saving doesn't have to be boring. Here's one expert's advice for keeping it interesting.

• Avowed's game director has confirmed the game will reach 60fps on console
• This is limited to the Xbox Series X version, however
• On Xbox Series S, Avowed will max out at 30fps

Soon-to-release role-playing game (RPG) Avowed will be playable at a smooth 60 frames per second (fps), its developer, Obsidian, confirms - but there is a slight catch.

Obsidian's Carrie Patel, game director for Avowed, confirmed in an interview with MinnMax (via IGN) that "you can get up to [60fps]" on Xbox Series X specifically. That's great news for owners of the more powerful console, or indeed the Xbox Series X Digital Edition. Unfortunately, it does seem that Avowed will be limited to 30fps on the less powerful Xbox Series S.

It's fair to say there were concerns about Avowed managing a 60fps target on Xbox Series X, if only because a similarly structured RPG, Starfield, was locked to 30fps on the console at launch. During my Avowed preview a few months ago, on PC, I also noted some pretty glaring performance issues on a decent gaming rig. If overall performance has been optimized to the point of allowing for a 60fps mode on consoles, then it bodes well for the PC release, too.

Avowed is a fantasy RPG in the same vein as other Obsidian-developed titles such as The Outer Worlds or indeed Fallout New Vegas. Set in the Pillars of Eternity universe, you play the envoy of the Aedyran emperor and are set to a dangerous frontier known as The Living Lands to combat the Dreamscourge, a spreading plague that threatens the entire realm.

In an interview I conducted with Avowed director Carrie Patel and senior gameplay engineer Gabriel Paramo last year, both stressed that the team had been working hard to improve the game's combat (something I thought felt excellent in the prior preview build). Patel also explained that the game will be similar in "length and breadth" to that of The Outer Worlds.

Avowed launches on February 18 for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC. The Premium Edition allows for up to 5 days early access, making the game playable from February 13.

You might also like...

• Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater could launch in August, per new leak
• Microsoft partners with stores in the US and UK to offer an official Xbox Series X and Series S repair service
• Don't worry about the Nintendo Switch 2 price, Nintendo says it will follow the 'affordable prices customers expect'

We live in a world where a new breed of alchemist has emerged. These modern-day sorcerers aren't toiling over bubbling cauldrons or searching for the philosopher's stone. Instead, they're mining the most valuable resource of our age: human attention.

The world of social engineering isn’t just about exploiting people for money - it's more about engaging people and competing for attention. Because once you’ve hooked someone, they become easier to influence and manipulate.

The Base Elements of Engagement

At the heart of this digital alchemy lies a simple truth: humans are predictable in their unpredictability. “Dr. Firewall”, a cybersecurity elder, shared his thoughts with me. His meticulously crafted post on zero-day vulnerabilities was met by crickets, while a hastily scribbled doodle of a melancholic robot went viral.

"People don't want to be educated," he mused, sipping a coffee that tasted of disillusionment. "They want to be entertained, outraged, or validated."

And this observation lies at the heart of audience engagement - which are the same techniques and reactions that social engineers are looking for.

Advertising: The original social alchemy

Influencing human behavior isn’t new. Advertising agencies have been trying to understand and manipulate behavior since before the days of Mad Men. It’s not uncommon to see corporate giants like Nike and Pepsi experiment with the volatile elements of public opinion.

Nike's 2018 campaign featuring Colin Kaepernick is a masterclass in corporate social alchemy. By embracing the controversial NFL quarterback, known for kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice, Nike didn't just create an ad – they ignited a cultural firestorm.

The initial reaction was explosive. #BoycottNike trended, videos of people burning their Nike shoes went viral, and the company's stock dipped briefly. But Nike had calculated this risk. They understood their core demographic and the power of taking a stand in a polarized world.

The result? Nike's online sales jumped 31% in the days following the campaign launch. More importantly, they positioned themselves as a brand willing to stand for something, resonating deeply with younger, socially conscious consumers. This wasn't just marketing; it was social engineering on a massive scale, transforming potential controversy into brand loyalty and significant financial gain.

On the flip side, Pepsi's 2017 ad featuring Kendall Jenner demonstrates how this corporate alchemy can go terribly wrong. The ad, which showed Jenner seemingly resolving tensions between protesters and police by offering an officer a Pepsi, was intended to project a message of unity and peace.

Instead, it sparked immediate backlash, with critics accusing Pepsi of trivializing serious issues like police brutality and co-opting imagery from real protests. The ad was pulled within 24 hours, and Pepsi issued an apology.

This miscalculation highlights the risks of corporate social engagement experiments. Pepsi misread the room, underestimating the complexity and sensitivity of the issues they were attempting to leverage. The backfire served as a reminder that in the attention economy, negative engagement can be just as viral. But while negative engagement can be damaging for brands, it sometimes can be the key to success for individuals.

The Dark Arts of Virality

Whereas negative engagement and ethical implications can prevent organizations from crossing certain thresholds, individuals, or anonymous entities on social media can exploit human nature with little to no restrictions. Turning our curiosity, outrage, desire for connection, and other emotions into a powerful tool of engagement.

Take, for instance, the "rage-bait" phenomenon. Content creators intentionally post inflammatory or incorrect information, knowing it will trigger a flood of corrective responses. A YouTuber once confided, "I always mispronounce a popular tech brand in my videos. The comments section explodes with corrections, and engagement skyrockets." This tactic weaponizes our innate desire to be right, turning pedantry into profit.

Another dark art is the "curiosity gap" technique. Headlines like "You won't believe what happened next..." or "This one weird trick..." prey on our inability to resist closure. It's the digital equivalent of a cliffhanger, leaving our brains itching for resolution. Studies show that this cognitive itch can be so powerful that we'll click even when we know we're being manipulated.

The "outrage machine" is perhaps the most insidious of these dark arts. Platforms like Facebook have admitted that anger is the emotion that spreads most easily online. Content creators exploit this by crafting posts designed to provoke moral outrage. A seemingly innocuous tweet about pineapple on pizza can spiral into a viral storm of righteous fury, with each indignant share feeding the algorithm's hunger for engagement.

Even more troubling is the rise of deepfake technology. In 2019, a manipulated video of Nancy Pelosi, altered to make her appear drunk, spread like wildfire across social media. Despite being quickly debunked, the video had already shaped perceptions for millions of viewers. This incident highlighted how our brains are wired to remember the initial emotional impact of content, even after we learn it's false.

The "astroturfing" technique creates the illusion of grassroots support for ideas or products. In 2006, Sony faced backlash for creating a fake blog to promote their PSP console. More recently, investigations have uncovered networks of bots and paid actors creating artificial buzz around everything from political candidates to cryptocurrency schemes. These campaigns exploit our tendency to follow the crowd, manufacturing social proof out of thin air.

Perhaps most pervasive is the art of "dopamine hacking." Social media platforms are designed to trigger small bursts of pleasure with each like, share, or notification. This creates a feedback loop that keeps us scrolling, much like a slot machine keeps gamblers pulling the lever. By understanding and exploiting the brain's reward system, these platforms turn our own neurochemistry against us.

These dark arts of virality aren't just annoying or manipulative – they're reshaping our information landscape. They exploit the human element that cybersecurity experts have long warned about, turning our quirks into vulnerabilities. As these techniques become more sophisticated, the line between engagement and exploitation grows ever thinner.

In this new frontier of social engineering, awareness is our first line of defense. By understanding these tactics, we can begin to recognize when we're being manipulated. The challenge lies not just in hardening our systems, but in cultivating a kind of behavioral immune system – one that can recognize and resist these viral incantations of the digital age.

Weaponized Information

With this new phase of social engineering, information itself has become a weapon of mass influence. This isn't just about fake news or propaganda; it's about the strategic deployment of information to manipulate emotions, shape perceptions, and even incite real-world action. The consequences of this weaponization stretch far beyond the digital realm, seeping into the fabric of our societies and democratic institutions.

Take the case of the UK, where digital whispers transformed into physical violence. In 2020, conspiracy theories linking 5G networks to the COVID-19 pandemic spread like wildfire across social media platforms. The result? Over 70 cell towers were vandalized or burned in the UK alone. This incident starkly illustrates how misinformation, when weaponized, can leap from screens to streets, endangering lives and infrastructure.

But the weaponization of information isn't always so overt. In 2016, the Cambridge Analytica scandal revealed how harvested Facebook data was used to create psychographic profiles of voters, allowing for hyper-targeted political messaging. This wasn't just advertising; it was a precision-guided information weapon, designed to exploit individual psychological vulnerabilities for political gain.

The rise of "troll farms" adds another layer to this digital arms race. In 2018, the Internet Research Agency in Russia was indicted for interfering in the 2016 US election through a coordinated campaign of disinformation and social media manipulation. These operations don't just spread false information; they sow discord, amplify existing tensions, and erode trust in institutions.

Even more insidious is the weaponization of truth itself. Techniques like "firehosing" – overwhelming the public with a rapid, continuous stream of information, regardless of its consistency or veracity – exploit our cognitive limitations. When faced with an onslaught of conflicting narratives, many people simply disengage, creating a fertile ground for further manipulation.

The health sector hasn't been spared either. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we witnessed an "infodemic" alongside the viral outbreak. Anti-vaccine misinformation, often weaponized and spread by coordinated groups, led to vaccine hesitancy that cost lives. Here, the weaponization of information directly impacted public health outcomes.

In the corporate world, "short and distort" schemes show how weaponized information can manipulate markets. Bad actors spread false negative information about a company to drive down its stock price, profiting from the artificial decline. This tactic has cost companies millions and undermined investor confidence.

Countering this threat requires a multifaceted approach. Technical solutions like improved content moderation and AI-driven fact-checking are part of the puzzle. But equally important is fostering digital literacy and critical thinking skills among the general public. Some countries, like Finland, have incorporated media literacy into their national curriculum, aiming to create a citizenry resilient to information warfare.

As cybersecurity professionals, our mandate has expanded. We're no longer just guardians of data and systems; we're on the front lines of a battle for the integrity of information itself.

Defending the Human Element

As the digital landscape evolves, so too must our approach to cybersecurity. Traditional measures like firewalls and antivirus software, while still crucial, are no longer sufficient in a world where the primary target is the human mind. Defending the human element requires a multifaceted approach that combines technological solutions with psychological insights and educational initiatives.

1. Cultivating Digital Street Smarts

The first line of defense is education, but not in the conventional sense. We need to move beyond dry, technical training and focus on developing "digital street smarts." This means teaching people to recognize the emotional triggers and cognitive biases that social engineers exploit.

For example, the UK's National Cyber Security Centre has developed the "Cyber Aware" campaign, which uses relatable scenarios to teach basic cybersecurity hygiene. Similarly, Google's "Be Internet Awesome" curriculum for kids blends online safety with lessons on digital citizenship, teaching children to think critically about their online interactions from an early age.

2. Leveraging Behavioral Science

Understanding human behavior is key to defending against social engineering attacks.

This is where the Human Risk Management approach comes into play. By understanding individuals’ behaviors and patterns, one can deploy personalized, relevant, and adaptive training and nudges to the people who need it the most at the time when it’s needed, and through a medium that they can engage with.

3. Cyber Mindfulness

Building mindful cyber practices can help us develop mental habits that act as a first line of defense against manipulation.

The SIFT method (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield, teaches people to pause before sharing information, investigate the source, find better coverage, and trace claims back to their origins. This simple framework can significantly reduce the spread of misinformation.

4. Fostering a Culture of Skepticism

Creating an environment where it's okay to question and verify is crucial. This is where the value of regular simulated phishing comes into play. Allowing and drilling staff into understanding what to look out for, how to report it, and overall making skepticism a habit… not just a one-off training exercise.

5. Embracing Transparency

Finally, fostering a culture of openness about mistakes and near-misses is crucial. When employees feel safe reporting potential security incidents without fear of punishment, it creates a learning environment that strengthens overall security posture.

To Summarize

Defending the human element is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. It requires constant adaptation as social engineering tactics evolve. By combining technological solutions with a deep understanding of human behavior, we can build a more resilient digital society.

Corporate, societal, and individual challenges lie before us - and many may seem technical, whereas in fact they are deeply human. How do we foster genuine connection in a world of engineered interactions? How do we preserve truth when lies are crafted to be more appealing? These are the questions that will define the next era of digital security.

Keep your business safe with the best network monitoring tool.

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

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Feb. 7.

While there were many E-Ink color displays on show in the digital signage section of ISE 2025, the Wi-Poster caught TechRadar Pro’s attention as the only one that uses wireless power.

Available in a range of sizes from 13in up to 40 inches, it’s the first working product we’ve seen that uses wireless power at a distance.

One man who saw it working at the same time as us described it as ‘magic’, and we’d have to agree.

(Image credit: ISE 2025/Benny Har-Even)

Ori Mor, CEO and founder of Wi-Charge, told TechRadar Pro wireless power means that not only can businesses put the Wi-Poster wherever they want, but wireless power means it is effectively permanently powered.

This means images can be updated over Wi-Fi as many times as needed, without having to worry about ever having to connect it to a portable power station or a power cord to recharge batteries.

“Over time the cost of replacing batteries can really mount up so over time our wireless power solution can save businesses a lot of money, as well as greatly reducing waste. And even with a rechargeable battery you still have to spend time and cost getting power to them when they run down”.

Mor said Wi-Charge’s wireless power solution, dubbed “AirCord” uses infra-red to send up to 350 milliwatts of power from a transmitter plugged into the mains to devices with a built-in receiver up to 10 meters away. One transmitter can send power to multiple devices at once, but every device requires a line of sight to a transmitter. The power flow ceases as soon as anything gets in the way but resumes immediately afterward.

Naturally, we wondered about the safety of sending power over the air like this, but Mor assured us that it was completely safe and has been ratified by all global standards agencies, such as the IEC and CE in Europe and FC and FCC in the USA.

As a Spectra 6 display, the Wi-Poster images looked impressively color-rich and vibrant. Virtually indistinguishable from paper, they will remain visible even under sunlight. Mor demonstrated the Wi-Poster updating, taking around 30 seconds for the image to change.

(Image credit: ise 2025/Benny Har-Even)

E Ink isn't suitable for video, however, and for that, Mor said that Wi-Charge already has an ‘Aircord’ powered LCD display in the market called Wi-Spot. Available in either 7- and 9in sizes, Mor said this was aimed primarily at product adjacent advertising for the retail market.

He said the Wi-Spot also contains motion sensors, enabling businesses to gather footfall stats to provide data to optimize store layouts.

Wi-Charge also had a wirelessly powered toothbrush holder and an X-Box controller on show, though these turned out to be prototypes rather than actual products for sale.

(Image credit: ISE/Benny Har-Even)

Mor said that Wi-Charge was not currently revealing costs for the Wi-Poster, but that businesses should get in touch with the company directly to discuss.

You might also like

• Top tech conferences: The ultimate tech events guide
• Looking to edit photos? Check out our roundup of the best photo editor
• We've listed the best standing desks and office chairs in the market right now

Former BMW and Porsche engineers are hoping to forge a new path in bike gear by making a first-of-its-kind digital bicycle upgrade.

• 'AI godfather' Yoshua Bengio warns that the AI race prioritizes speed over safety
• This risks unpredictable and dangerous consequences
• He urges global cooperation to enforce AI regulations before autonomous systems become difficult to control

'AI godfather' Yoshua Bengio helped create the foundations of the neural networks running all kinds of AI tools today, from chatbots mimicking cartoon characters to scientific research assistants. Now, he has an urgent warning for AI developers, as he explained in a Sky News interview. The race to develop ever-more-powerful AI systems is escalating at a pace that, in his view, is far too reckless.

And it’s not just about which company builds the best chatbot or who gets the most funding. Bengio believes that the rapid, unregulated push toward advanced AI could have catastrophic consequences if safety isn’t treated as a top priority.

Bengio described watching developers racing against each other, getting sloppy, or taking dangerous shortcuts. Though speed can make the difference in breaking ground on a new kind of product worth billions and playing catch-up to a rival, it may not be worth it to society.

That pressure has only intensified for AI developers with the rise of Chinese AI firms like DeepSeek, whose advanced chatbot capabilities have caught the attention of Western companies and governments alike. Instead of slowing down and carefully considering the risks, major tech firms are accelerating their AI development in an all-out sprint for superiority. Bengio worries this will lead to rushed deployments, inadequate safety measures, and systems that behave in ways we don’t yet fully understand.

Bengio explained that he has been warning about the need for stronger AI oversight, but recent events have made his message feel even more urgent. The current moment is a "turning point," where we either implement meaningful regulations and safety protocols or risk letting AI development spiral into something unpredictable.

After all, more and more AI systems don’t just process information but can make autonomous decisions. These AI agents are capable of acting on their own rather than simply responding to user inputs. They're exactly what Bengio sees as the most dangerous path forward. With enough computing power, an AI that can strategize, adapt, and take independent actions could quickly become difficult to control should humans want to take back the reins.

AI takeover

The problem isn’t just theoretical. Already, AI models are making financial trades, managing logistics, and even writing and deploying software with minimal human oversight. Bengio warns that we’re only a few steps away from much more complex, potentially unpredictable AI behavior. If a system like this is deployed without strict safeguards, the consequences could range from annoying hiccups in service to full-on security and economic crises.

Bengio isn’t calling for a halt to AI development. He made clear that he's an optimist about AI's abilities when used responsibly for things like medical and environmental research. He just sees a need for a priority shift to more thoughtful and deliberate work on AI technology. His unique perspective may carry some weight when he calls for AI developers to put ethics and safety ahead of competing with rival companies. That's why he participates in policy discussions at events like the upcoming International AI Safety Summit in Paris,

He also thinks regulation needs to be bolstered by companies willing to take responsibility for their systems. They need to invest as much in safety research as they do in performance improvements, he claims, though that balance is hard to imagine appearing in today's AI melee. In an industry where speed equals dominance, no company wants to be the first to hit the brakes.

The global cooperation Bengio pitches might not appear immediately, but as the AI arms race continues, warnings from Bengio and others in similar positions of prestige grow more urgent. He hopes the industry will recognize the risks now rather than when a crisis forces the matter. The question is whether the world is ready to listen before it’s too late.

You might also like...

• I discovered a surprising difference between DeepSeek and ChatGPT search capabilities
• Will OpenAI sharing future AI models early with the government improve AI safety, or just let it write the rules?
• OpenAI co-founder's new company promises 'Safe Superintelligence' – a laughably impossible dream

The chatbot is part of Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s ambitions to use AI and other technologies to cut costs and modernize the US government.

Netgear issues fixes for several Wi-Fi 6 access points and Nighthawk Pro Gaming routers.

Don't lose hope on the next Grand Theft Auto.

• Bloomberg is reporting that Apple might announce a new iPhone SE as early as next week
• The rumored fourth-generation would ditch the home button
• It's expected to be a big upgrade with a new design and a processor jump

Apple has been rumored to be working on a next-generation iPhone SE for quite some time. We expect the fourth-generation, more affordable iPhone to arrive sometime in 2025, potentially in the spring, around March or April.

However, a new report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman notes that Apple could announce the smartphone as soon as next week. He writes, “The company expects to announce the device as early as next week, ahead of it going on sale later in the month.” That hints at a pretty imminent arrival, but one that likely won’t garner the occasion of an Apple Special Event. It would be more likely to be launched in a matter similar to the iPad Mini from late last year via a press release.

The iPhone SE has long been a part of Apple’s iPhone lineup, first arriving in 2016 and last updated as a third generation in 2022. Currently, it most resembles that of an iPhone 8 and is the only smartphone in Apple’s family that still features a home button with Touch ID. However, this next generation of the iPhone SE should be a big leap in terms of looks and the hardware powering it.

(Image credit: Apple)

It’s reported that the fourth-generation iPhone SE will look similar to that of the iPhone 14, with a larger, closer-to-the-edge screen design that ditches the home button and features a notch containing Face ID. This means that you’d be able to unlock the iPhone with just a glance, and the same goes for authenticating purchases or using Apple Pay.

Gurman’s latest reporting notes that the device is codenamed “V59” and will be the first Apple product to feature a modem designed in-house. That would mean ditching another Qualcomm component for Apple, and the silicon would also be made by the tech giant, with this report noting it would be the A18 chip.

That’s the same processor inside the iPhone 16 and 16 Plus, which should make it plenty speedy and, maybe even more important, is the fact that it could handle Apple Intelligence. This means you’d be able to use ‘Writing Tools,’ create a Genmoji, use Image Playground, and even remove annoying background objects or people from photos with ‘Clean Up.” It would also make it fit for a pretty long shelf life, something that’s become a need for the iPhone SE as it’s only typically refreshed every few years.

Along with removing the home button, the iPhone SE fourth-generation will likely make the switch to USB-C. While it’s still available in the United States, it was taken off the shelves and discontinued in the EU, partly in an effort to comply with the rules of ports. When it does arrive, Gurman believes it will be around the same price point of the current model. Right now, the iPhone SE third-generation starts at $429 / £419 / AU$719 and that’s a competitive price for the iPhone lineup, especially considering the iPhone 16 starts at $899. Some other reports have shown that the price could be a bit higher, though.

As far as an arrival as next week, that would kick off Apple’s 2025 product debuts. Also rumored to be arriving next week, as reported by Bloomberg, and the much-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 from Beats. Gurman also notes that a MacBook Air with the M4 chip, a new entry-level iPad, and a new iPad Air should arrive in the first half of 2025.

Of course, as with all Apple rumors, nothing's official until the technology giant says it, so we'll see what next week brings. In the meantime, we can look at Apple's cute, expressive robot prototype.

You might also like

• The best iPhone 2025: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?
• Apple built a super-cute, expressive robot lamp that is giving us major Pixar vibes
• The iPhone SE 4 could surprisingly get this iPhone 16 feature – and that would make it an even better mid-range option

Elon Musk's DOGE was previously granted access to the US Treasury Department's payment systems, drawing the ire of many Americans.

The days of trailers and demos are done as the ESA broadens its horizons. The newly minted “iicon” conference will bring together the many industries impacted by video games, from Hollywood to health care.

Sources tell WIRED that the ability of DOGE’s Marko Elez to alter code controlling trillions in federal spending was rescinded days after US Treasury and White House officials said it didn’t exist.