Technology

• Ukraine unveils reusable Horynych bomber drones built from civilian aircraft
• Secret drone squadron expands Ukraine's long-range strike capability significantly
• Modified ultralight aircraft now carry full-sized aerial bombs into combat

Ukraine has publicly revealed what appears to be a previously undisclosed squadron of Horynych reusable bomber drones converted from civilian light aircraft for long-range strike operations.

Official images show at least ten modified aircraft carrying Soviet-designed OFAB-100-120 aerial bombs, suggesting the program has expanded beyond isolated experimental missions.

The aircraft are based on SkyRanger Swift and Nynja ultralight airframes originally developed for civilian recreational flying before undergoing military conversion.

Civilian aircraft converted into reusable bomber drones

Engineers replaced conventional cockpit controls with remote piloting equipment and electro-optical cameras, allowing operators to guide the aircraft from the ground throughout bombing missions.

Each aircraft appears to carry one OFAB-100-120 bomb weighing approximately 100kg beneath the fuselage during long-range operations.

Unlike one-way attack drones that are destroyed after striking their objectives, these aircraft are designed to return safely for repeated missions after releasing their payloads.

The appearance of at least ten drones together indicates the capability may have developed into a larger operational force rather than remaining a limited experimental effort.

The absence of leaves on nearby trees suggests the images may have been taken several months before their public release.

If that assessment proves accurate, Ukraine may have maintained this reusable bomber fleet for an extended period before officially revealing its existence.

Reported strike focused attention on expanding deep attack capability

According to Serhii Sternenko, adviser to Ukraine's Defense Minister, the aircraft participated in an overnight strike against an underground Russian logistics facility near Armyansk in occupied Crimea.

Armyansk lies close to the Perekop Isthmus, an important land corridor linking occupied Crimea with Russian-controlled territory and supporting military supply movements across the region.

These underground facilities serve as hardened storage and distribution sites for fuel, ammunition, and military equipment supporting Russian military operations.

The strike was reportedly carried out jointly by Ukraine's Air Force, the Lazar Group, and the Venom Unmanned Systems Center.

Neither Ukraine's military nor its Ministry of Defense has officially confirmed the number of aircraft involved or the extent of damage.

Independent assessments of the reported attack have not yet been published, leaving several key operational details unverified by outside observers.

Ukraine has previously used modified civilian aircraft in long-range strikes, including a June 2025 attack using an A-22 Foxbat towing an unpowered glider.

That glider carried a 100-kilogram warhead and struck a Shahed drone production facility in Alabuga, marking an earlier tandem strike configuration.

Ukraine has also used converted SkyRanger aircraft since 2024, although earlier sightings typically involved individual aircraft rather than a larger operational group.

Whether this expanded Horynych fleet can sustain repeated missions deep inside Russian territory remains unverified without independent confirmation of results.

Ukrainian officials have offered no additional public timeline for when the broader Horynych program might expand its operations further significantly.

There is also no information on the size of the fleet or the extent of damage that it can cause.

Marvel's X-Men movie: what we know

- In development at Marvel Studios
- Expected to be MCU 2.0's first film
- Release date yet to be announced
- Could come out some time in 2028
- No trailer or wider footage available
- Plenty of cast rumors circulating online
- Story synopsis yet to be publicly unveiled
- Nothing to report on possible sequels

The mutants are coming. Indeed, with Marvel hard at work on developing another X-Men movie — one that will officially introduce a new version of the superteam to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) — it won't be long before they return to the big screen. Well, providing you don't consider its potential 2028 launch to be a lengthy wait...

But I digress. With San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) 2026 almost upon us, and speculation that some sort of X-Men announcement will be made at the fan expo, interest over the next live-action X-Men film couldn't be higher. Read on to discover everything we know so far about the movie that's likely to usher in version 2.0 of the MCU.

X-Men movie release date: what we know

Kevin Feige confirms that Jake Schreier's 'X-MEN' movie comes out after 'AVENGERS: SECRET WARS'"I can't wait for all of you to see 'Avengers: Doomsday', we have a movie after that called 'Avengers: Secret Wars', and after that the mutants are coming and the X-Men are coming and… pic.twitter.com/pw9u54BEEBJuly 11, 2026

Marvel is yet to confirm a release date for its X-Men movie. It's still in the early stages of development, after all, so unless a surprise announcement comes at SDCC 2026, it will be some time before we know more.

That said, this film is high on Marvel's list of priorities. Speaking in late 2024, company president Kevin Feige said that MCU's future will be all about the X-Men after the Multiverse Saga comes to an end with next year's Avengers: Secret Wars.

More recently, Feige hinted (see the X/Twitter post above) that the new X-Men movie will be the first film to arrive after the sixth Avengers installment. With that movie due out in December 2027, we shouldn't expect MCU's first mutant-led project until some time in 2028.

Marvel's X-Men movie trailer: is there one?

Cyclops didn't take this trailer news very well... (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Unsurprisingly, no. In fact, assuming Marvel returns to Hall H panel at SDCC 2028, I'd be amazed if we get any official footage before then.

Once a teaser is released, I'll update this section – but you'll be waiting a long time for one!

Marvel's X-Men cast rumors

Sadie Sink (left) is believed to have been cast as a popular X-Men character in the MCU (Image credit: Netflix)

Possible spoilers follow for Marvel's X-Men movie.

Predictably, nobody has been confirmed to appear in Marvel's X-Men movie yet. However, plenty of rumors have surfaced – and continue to circulate – about who's involved, so let's take a look at some of the biggest ones.

For starters, one report that did the rounds in July 2025 suggested that Marvel was eyeing rising stars over established names for its X-Men reboot. The reason? The Disney subsidiary wants to make movies for less — and that means it isn't looking to pay over the odds for A-listers.

And yet, the vast majority of actors who have been linked with roles in Marvel's mutant-led flick are what I'd consider to be household names.

One such star is Stranger Things alumnus Sadie Sink. After being cast as a mystery character in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the long-running rumor is that Sink will play Jean Grey. If that's true — and there's now plenty of evidence to suggest it is — we'll almost certainly see her in this film.

Adam Driver is circling Marvel's X-Men movie, according to numerous insiders (Image credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Who else could pop up? Last May, the rumour mill was buzzing with reports about other potential X-Men cast members, including speculation that Bryan Cranston would play Charles Xavier/Professor X, Cynthia Erivo would portray Ororo Munroe/Storm, and recent retiree Daniel Day-Lewis had held talks to take on the role of Erik Lehnsherr/Magneto.

However, other actors have since been linked with two of those roles. In mid-July, Adam Driver was said to have been cast as Magneto, while Patrick Wilson is supposedly in the frame as Professor X (per knightedgemedia). For what it's worth, reliable industry insider Apocalyptic Horseman said that the latter might not be true.

Inde Navarrette, the breakout movie star of 2026, has also been linked with this MCU flick (Image credit: Focus Features/Universal Pictures)

Elsewhere, Obsession star Inde Navarrette revealed that she'd recently met with new X-Men director Jake Schreier — prompting fans to cast her in a variety of mutant roles. Meanwhile, after unreliable leaker Jeff Sneider claimed that Avatar star Trinity Jo-Li Bliss had been tapped to play Jubilee, Bliss herself denied the report (via The Direct).

Lastly, Lee Sung Jin, one of this film's co-writers, told Collider that he's a huge fan of Remy LeBeau/Gambit. Don't be surprised, then, if we see a new iteration of the Ragin' Cajun as part of this movie's ensemble.

Marvel's X-Men movie plot rumors

Marvel's new X-Men film will be wildly different to what's come before, according to its creative team (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

You already know what I'm going to say here, don't you? Surprise, surprise, Marvel's X-Men reboot doesn't have a story synopsis yet.

Thanks to Schreier and Jin, though, we've been given a glimpse into their creative process for the film, including the key inspiration behind the story they want to tell.

Schreier (via Collider) and Jin (via Men's Health) admitted that the literature penned by legendary scribe Chris Claremont, who's best known for working on the Uncanny X-Men comic book series for 16 years between 1975 and 1991, will be a major influence on their X-Men reboot. Jin also revealed (via The Watch podcast) that beloved Saturday morning cartoon X-Men: The Animated Series is also informing the narrative structure by way of its character-first and soap opera-esque elements.

Chatting to Deadline, Jin also explained that Feige wants him, co-writer Joanna Calo, and Schreier to " take a big swing and start anew, [and] not be beholden to any of the movies that have come before".

Expect an entirely new take — in a live-action sense, anyway — of the iconic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby-created supergroup when their next movie lands in theaters.

Where can I watch the X-Men movies?

Disney+ is home to every single live-action X-Men film and the group's two animated show (Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

You can watch every live-action X-Men movie on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services. Disney's primary streamer has been home to these flicks since the House of Mouse bought 20th Century Fox in March 2019. You can even find out how to watch the X-Men movies in order with our help while you're here.

Additionally, X-Men: The Animated Series and its sequel show X-Men 97 are also available to watch on Disney+. Not a subscriber? Find out if a Disney+ free trial is available or the price of Disney+ in your area if you want to sign up.

What does the future hold for the X-Men in the MCU?

New seasons of MCU-adjacent program X-Men 97 will soon be released annually (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

In short: we have no idea. Marvel still has to get this movie off the ground, and as Schreier explained during an interview with Collider, it needs to be a major success if the franchise is to continue into Marvel Phase 7 and beyond.

If it succeeds, the X-Men could become one of the cornerstones of the MCU's next era. But if it doesn't? Frankly, that's a scenario that doesn't bear thinking about. The X-Men are one of the most popular superhero teams of all time, so if they can't help support Marvel's cinematic juggernaut in a post-Multiverse Saga world, who can?

While we wait for some much-needed news on Marvel's X-Men movie, find out what we know about Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Then, get the full lowdown on Avengers: Doomsday and learn everything we know so far about Avengers: Secret Wars.

A standout channel lineup and user-friendly features make YouTube TV a top live TV streaming service, but its value isn't what it used to be.

In a proof-of-concept demonstration, AT&T and Ericsson showed how existing 5G networks can track aerial objects that might threaten public safety.

The $490 Unihertz Titan 2 Elite has a few quirks, but it nails that BlackBerry Curve feeling.

Modern cars are becoming increasingly good at reminding drivers about speed limits, upcoming safety cameras and potential hazards. So much so, driving is now soundtracked by a cacophony of irritating bleeps and bloops.

But unless you've bought something new in the past few years, there's a good chance your car is missing many of these features altogether.

Even if it isn't, many factory-fitted systems are far from perfect. Speed camera databases aren't always comprehensive, speed limit recognition can be caught out by temporary signs, while built-in alerts often arrive too late or are buried beneath layers of infotainment menus.

That's where dedicated speed camera detectors come in. These discreet dashboard companions warn of fixed cameras, average-speed zones, changing speed limits and road hazards without requiring you to constantly glance at a navigation or smartphone screen.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Unlike apps such as Google Maps or Waze, most of these gadgets are designed to fade into the background. Once paired with your phone, they quietly monitor your journey, without the need to plumb a destination into the navigation, only piping up when there's something worth knowing about.

Some even integrate with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, playing alerts through your car's speakers while leaving your preferred navigation app to handle directions.

It is worth noting that the tested and models (below) are available to purchase and are perfectly fine to use in the UK and much of Europe, but aren't widely available in the US and other regions. These are five of the best dedicated speed camera detectors we'd recommend.

You might also like to check out our best dash cams guide, which is packed with buying advice, FAQs and lists the top models available in all regions today, with links to the best deals. These on board cameras can record journeys and provide you with the assurance and legal evidence needed should you get into any incidents, plus act as a security camera for parked vehicles.

1. Ooono Co-Driver NO2

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £69.99 / $95 / AU$143
• Rating: 5/5

Design

The Ooono Co-Driver NO2 sets the benchmark for one simple reason: it makes almost every rival feel unnecessarily complicated.

Designed in Denmark, the compact puck-shaped device looks more like a premium smart home accessory than a piece of automotive hardware. A subtle aluminum outer ring, bright wraparound LED indicator and minimalist styling mean it blends neatly into almost any dashboard without drawing attention to itself.

Its mounting system remains one of the smartest available. Rather than relying on a large adhesive pad, Ooono supplies two tiny magnetic mounting points with discreet 3M backing. Once installed, the device simply snaps into place magnetically and can be removed in seconds for charging or swapping between vehicles. An optional sun-visor mount also allows it to be positioned completely out of sight while remaining within easy reach.

Unlike the original Co-Driver, the second generation features a rechargeable battery that lasts around a month between charges and tops up via USB-C, eliminating the need for disposable batteries or permanent power cables.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

The Ooono Co-Driver NO2 sets the benchmark for one simple reason: it makes almost every rival feel unnecessarily complicated

Setup

Getting started takes a few minutes. Download the free Ooono app, pair the device over Bluetooth and grant the necessary permissions. Once configured, it automatically wakes whenever it detects your smartphone nearby, meaning there's very little to think about before setting off.

The latest generation also adds native compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing alerts to play directly through the vehicle's audio system while your preferred navigation app continues handling directions. It feels like a small upgrade but makes a noticeable difference during longer journeys, especially if you prefer keeping your phone tucked away.

Perhaps best of all, there are no subscriptions or premium membership tiers to worry about. Once you've bought the hardware, everything else is included. Bonus.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Fixed speed camera alerts arrive with plenty of notice, accompanied by bright LED flashes and clear audible warnings that are difficult to miss without becoming too irritating. Optional speed limit notifications can also be enabled, providing a gentle reminder whenever you creep above the posted limit.

Now, these can get annoying, but there’s plenty of adjustability and personalization within the accompanying smartphone app, so you can get blend just right.

Reporting hazards is also dead easy. A couple of button presses allows drivers to report mobile speed cameras, accidents or broken-down vehicles, while a dedicated cancel button quickly dismisses false alerts. The controls become second nature after only a few journeys and, crucially, never require you to look away from the road.

The only area where Ooono still trails the biggest smartphone navigation apps is community reporting. While its network continues to grow rapidly across the UK, services such as Waze can still provide more comprehensive reports for temporary hazards and mobile enforcement in some regions.

That said, Ooono's verified speed camera database is very good and rarely got things wrong during testing. Plus, its combination of stylish design, thoughtful ergonomics and genuinely useful alerts makes it the easiest dedicated speed camera detector to recommend.

2. Tom by TomTom

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £69.99 / $95 / AU$143
• Rating: 4/5

Design

If the Ooono is the minimalist Scandinavian option, the awkwardly-named Tom by TomTom is the slightly more extrovert cousin.

Build quality is decent, although the plastics don't feel quite as premium as the Ooono's aluminum-trimmed shell

The overall concept is basically the same: a small dashboard-mounted unit with LED alerts and physical buttons for reporting incidents. The TomTom device is a little larger and uses a full adhesive ring mount rather than Ooono's tiny magnetic points, which makes it feel more permanent once installed. There is no visor-mount option either, so it is clearly intended to live on the dashboard full-time.

The upside is visibility. The bright LEDs are among the easiest to spot while driving, particularly in strong sunlight, and the rechargeable battery lasts roughly a month between charges, meaning there is no need for a permanent power cable snaking across the cabin.

Build quality is decent, although the plastics don't feel quite as premium as the Ooono's aluminum-trimmed shell. Plus, there are fewer limited edition finishes like Ooono offers.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Setup

TomTom deserves credit for making the onboarding process almost foolproof. Again, it’s all handled through an app, where users create a free account, pair the device over Bluetooth and you're essentially ready to go. There are no subscription tiers, no payment details to enter and very little opportunity for things to go wrong.

The device automatically reconnects when you get in the car and, because it relies on your phone's data connection, camera and hazard information stays up to date without requiring manual downloads.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

In daily use, the Tom by TomTom runs the Ooono devices surprisingly close. Fixed camera alerts are timely and accurate, average-speed zones are handled well and the visual warnings strike a good balance between noticeable and distracting.

The device also warns when you exceed the limit, using a combination of color changes and audible alerts that are difficult to ignore without becoming overbearing.

Reporting incidents is straightforward, with single and long presses assigned to different hazard types, although the button layout isn't quite as intuitive as Ooono's oversized top-mounted control. Finding the correct button by touch occasionally requires a little more finger fumbling than ideal.

TomTom's greatest strength remains its mapping and traffic data expertise. The camera database proved consistently accurate during testing, and the overall experience felt polished, reliable and refreshingly low-maintenance.

For many drivers, it will come down to a simple question: whether you prefer TomTom's brighter, LEDs or Ooono's more discreet industrial design and slick Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration.

3. Road Angel Pure Sync

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £99.99 / $135 / AU$205
• Rating: 3.5/5

Design

The Road Angel Pure Sync takes a very different approach from the puck-shaped devices above.

Instead of disappearing into the dashboard, it places a small color display front and center, showing GPS speed, speed limits and camera warnings at all times. The magnetic mount is neatly integrated with the USB-C power connection, helping to keep cable routing tidier than many older dashboard gadgets.

Unfortunately, the device still requires constant power, so there is always a cable to manage somewhere in the cabin. Build quality is also less convincing than the price suggests, with a noticeably plasticky shell and a screen that can become difficult to read in direct sunlight depending on where it is mounted.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Camera warnings arrive with plenty of notice, while the speed limit system is impossible to miss

Setup

This is, by far and away, the weakest link in the Road Angel's armor. Despite the included 12-month subscription, registration still requires payment details, which feels unnecessarily complicated when rivals simply ask you to download an app and pair a device.

Bluetooth pairing also proved temperamental during setup, requiring several attempts before the phone and hardware consistently connected. Once configured, however, the system generally behaved itself and reconnects automatically when you start the car.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Camera warnings arrive with plenty of notice, while the speed limit system is impossible to miss: the screen flashes red and the device emits a loud voice warning whenever you drift above the posted limit. In fact, the default volume is so aggressive that most drivers will probably dive into the settings menu and turn it down after the first journey.

The live GPS speed display is genuinely useful in older vehicles with optimistic analogue speedometers, although it feels less essential in modern cars that already provide accurate digital speed readouts.

Hazard reporting works well once you've memorized the controls, with incidents submitted to the Road Angel community for verification before being distributed to other users. As with all cloud-connected systems, coverage still depends on local user numbers, and Waze, Ooono and the TomTom device all remain stronger for temporary hazards in some parts of the UK.

The Pure Sync ultimately feels like a halfway house between a traditional sat-nav camera alert unit and the newer minimalist Bluetooth devices. If you value a permanent speed display and don't mind the subscription model, it remains a capable option. If simplicity is the priority, the Ooono and TomTom solutions are easier to live with.

4. Ooono Co-Driver NO1

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £19.99 / $27 / AU$41
• Rating: 4/5

Design

The original Ooono Co-Driver remains available and, placed beside the newer NO2, it is immediately obvious how much the design has evolved.

The first-generation unit is noticeably smaller and arguably even more discreet, blending into the dashboard almost completely once installed. However, it uses a fixed adhesive mount rather than the newer magnetic system, making it less convenient to remove or transfer between vehicles.

It also relies on a coin-cell battery rather than a rechargeable pack, although Ooono claims around a year of battery life before replacement is needed.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Setup

As before, setup is very simple and anyone can have it up and running in a matter of minutes. The device pairs with the Ooono app over Bluetooth and then quietly runs in the background using the phone's data connection and GPS. There are no subscription fees and no complicated menus to navigate.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

For the core job of warning about speed cameras, the NO1 still performs remarkably well

Performance

For the core job of warning about speed cameras, the NO1 still performs remarkably well. It uses the same Ooono camera database and community reporting network as the newer model, so alert accuracy remains strong.

What you lose are the convenience features: there is no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, no rechargeable battery and no dedicated false-alert cancellation button.

For drivers who simply want reliable camera warnings in the smallest possible package, the original Co-Driver remains one of the cheapest and most discreet options on sale.

5. Snooper My-Speed Plus

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

• Price: £199.99 / $270 / AU$410
• Rating: 3/5

Design

After spending time with the smartphone-connected devices above, the Snooper My-Speed Plus feels like a product from a different era — and that is not necessarily a criticism.

Rather than a tiny puck on the dashboard, Snooper gives you a full 5-inch color display mounted to the windshield or dash, complete with speed readouts, camera warnings and traffic information. It looks more like a compact sat-nav than a modern Bluetooth accessory, and it occupies a lot more real estate as a result.

The larger screen does have advantages. Speed limits and GPS speed are visible at a glance, while the red-and-green graphics make it very obvious when you have drifted above the limit.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

The Snooper My-Speed Plus feels like a product from a different era

Setup

Unlike the other products here, the Snooper operates independently of your smartphone. The device contains its own GPS receiver and uses Snooper's AURA camera database, so there is no need to keep a phone connected during journeys. Initial setup is straightforward, but keeping the database current requires occasional manual updates via USB using a Windows PC or Mac.

That feels decidedly old-school in 2026, but some drivers will appreciate the complete independence from apps, Bluetooth connections and mobile data.

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

Performance

Once updated, the Snooper's camera coverage is excellent. Fixed camera warnings are reliable, average-speed zones are handled well and the large display provides far more information than the minimalist LED-based rivals.

The trade-off is size and cost. At £199.99, it is by far the most expensive device in this guide, requires permanent power from a 12V socket and occupies a significant portion of the windshield compared with the almost invisible Ooono or TomTom units.

For drivers who want a dedicated, easy-to-read display without relying on a smartphone, the Snooper remains a compelling niche option. For everyone else, the newer Bluetooth-based devices generally deliver a cleaner, more modern experience.

Which should you buy?

(Image credit: Future/Leon Poultney)

If you simply want the best all-round experience, the Ooono Co-Driver NO2 remains the device I'd recommend. Its combination of elegant design, effortless setup, strong camera database and CarPlay and Android Auto integration makes it the easiest product here to live with every day.

The Tom by TomTom runs it surprisingly close and offers excellent value for drivers who prefer bright, visible alerts from the built-in LEDs. Road Angel Pure Sync will appeal to owners of older vehicles who value the permanent GPS speed display, while the Ooono NO1 remains a brilliant budget entry point.

The Snooper My-Speed Plus, meanwhile, occupies its own category entirely. It is larger, more expensive and more old-school than the others, but its standalone GPS operation means it doesn’t blitz data on your smartphone. Regardless, it’s absolutely massive and feels OTT compared to the others.

Always-on devices can quietly boost your energy use. Here are some settings to change -- and some devices you might want to unplug -- to avoid wasting energy and money.

• Copenhagen-based Triton Depth, founded in 2025 by three DTU engineering students, has raised €1 million in pre-seed funding
• It aims to address one of the EU's most underserved security concerns: the seabed, as Baltic cable sabotage, shadow-fleet activity, and underwater drone warfare are increasingly growing concerns
• Triton Depth intends to build a scalable network of passive acoustic sensors it calls 'Triton Nodes' to address the issue, leveraging AI to identify vessels and objects in real time

A three-man Danish company founded by students is venturing into a somewhat interesting industry for an EU-based startup: underwater defense.

Triton Depth has received €1 million in pre-seed funding from investors including London-based The Creator Fund and Denmark's state-owned Export and Investment Fund (EIFO), with aims to focus on acoustics to answer what is arguably Europe's biggest security threat in the days to come: drone-based naval warfare and sabotage.

With growing concerns about the vulnerability of the European Union, and by extension, Denmark, to a variety of sea-borne threats, EIFO's investment in Triton Depth might be more than just a value play, but a hallmark of a realization that it needs to tend to its own defense needs even as NATO continues to meander, with the US proving to be a volatile partner of late, to say the least.

Using affordable dual-use acoustic technology as the first line of defense

Triton Depth's approach is appealing for a domestic defense industry that does not share the budgets that larger naval players such as the US, Russia, or China possess: it is simple, yet elegant in its premise, and even partial wins when it comes to its claims would go a long way to safeguard Denmark and the EU's regional interests.

Triton Depth's approach centers around the use and deployment of its 'Triton Nodes', a scalable cluster of low-maintenance passive acoustic sensors that measure sound underwater before feeding information back to an AI model that assesses and classifies signatures it detects in real time.

The company intends to market its product line as a dual-use technology play, with CEO and Co-Founder Carl Borg stating that they aim to build "the intelligence layer for the ocean" for both civilian and defense use cases.

The focus on defense stems from Denmark's own vulnerabilities in the Baltic Sea, which has previously suffered significant economic damage from sabotage, including the destruction of Nord Stream 1 and 2.

With an increasing share of its critical infrastructure, including power interconnectors, data cables, and offshore wind, lying underwater, it could be argued that EIFO's investment is the Danish state safeguarding its own maritime security and intelligence interests by investing in an intelligent tripwire for the future.

Other European governments are also actively seeking scalable, affordable ways to monitor coastal and subsea infrastructure, even as Nordic defense budgets continue to rise, with Triton Depth among many defense infrastructure companies poised to benefit from a renewed focus on maritime security in the region, even as acoustics are seen as a reliable metric to monitor for a variety of infrastructure plays.

Despite the fact that it's not been officially announced, there's a lot of information (albeit all unverified) going around about the Google Pixel Watch 5.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has become the best Android smartwatch for most people, getting better with each iteration. That model was announced last August, and it's very likely a sequel is on the horizon. Here's everything we know so far, including the most recent leaks.

When is the Google Pixel Watch 5 coming out?

August 12. Last year's 'Made by Google' event took place on August 20, and Google looks set to stick to that annual timeframe.

Google has officially confirmed that pre-orders will open for new Google Pixel phones on August 12, and it makes sense to assume that the Google Pixel Watch 5 will be released alongside its companion Pixel devices.

What will the Google Pixel Watch 5 look like?

(Image credit: The TideChart)

It'll be very similar to the Google Pixel Watch 4. We actually have what's purported to be leaked renders of the device, coming from noted leaker OnLeaks via The Tide Chart, a website with a single post to its name (so treat this rumor as unverified).

Despite this solitary post and lack of credible history, The Tide Chart (TTC) did correctly call the August 12 event date before Google announced it, so there is a claim of legitimacy there. The renders look extremely similar to the Google Pixel Watch 4, with the now-classic teardrop shape in its new-last-year dome, in four new colors and two sizes.

Those colors are Dark Anthracite (above) with a black band, Natural Silver with a pale gray band, Pyrite with an olive band, and Warm Gold with a pink coral band. The larger size reportedly remains the same at 45mm, but the smaller size is now 42mm instead of 41mm.

Will the price remain the same?

Not according to TTC. The blog says the watch's list price will start at $399 (around £295 / AU$570) for the Wi-Fi-only 42mm version, a $50 increase over the smallest Wi-Fi-only Pixel Watch 4 in the US.

The price will go up with each model, and the LTE-enabled 45mm Pixel Watch 5 is said to cost a hefty $529 (around £395 / AU$755).

The equivalent Pixel Watch 4 costs $499, a $30 increase over the model in the US. We don't yet know the equivalent prices for the Pixel Watch 5 in the UK or Australia.

Any new features?

(Image credit: Google)

This we're not yet sure about. We can expect Wear OS 7 to include yet more AI capabilities, especially for Pixel phone users, similar to the way watchOS 27 uses Siri AI to work across multiple devices.

Repairability — a standout feature for the Pixel Watch 4, allowing users to take apart the smartwatch and replace the display and battery — and limited satellite connectivity to send SOS messages without signal are both expected to make a welcome return.

A bizarre story earlier this year had a reported prototype of the Google Pixel Watch 5 discovered on the ocean floor, near the island of St Martin. It's said to have had labels including ‘SpO2’ (Blood Oxygen Level), ‘EDA’ (Electrodermal Activity), ‘Skin Temperature’, ‘Heart Rate Sensor’, ‘Pulse Sensor’, and ‘UWB’ (Ultra-Wideband) — all features present in earlier iterations of the watch.

We can expect Google's new AI Health Coach and the revamped Google Health app to play a role. These debuted earlier this year in tandem with the Google Fitbit Air.

• Audio engineer Cameron Oatley is better-known as 'GoldenSound'
• He's teamed up with Status to add a special tuning profile to its Pro X buds
• The result is Pro X GoldenSound; the fruit of impressively extensive labor

Sometimes in this job (as TechRadar's Audio Editor), I just get sent a set of earbuds and a press release. Sometimes, I'm invited to an online briefing so that a marketing rep can explain key terminology before I start my review process.

Rarely am I invited to a lovely pub in London, lulled into a false sense of security with a drink and a comfy chair and then taken through a brief but intense Doctorate in audio engineering.

I jest, of course. But if you've ever come into contact with either Status Audio (see the Status Audio Between 3ANC or Status Audio Pro X for previous examples of greatness) or Cameron Oatley, aka GoldenSound, you'll know that things are about to get decidedly audiophile. And given that this is a collab between the two, it's doubly so.

What you're looking at is the Status Pro X GoldenSound Edition. Yes, it's gold-tone on the top of the case and on the accents of the stems — but that's not all. Inbuilt here (and definitely not available in the non-GoldenSound variant) is a special new piece of software that Oatley thinks is the "most accurate tuning that a TWS product has ever had" and a "faithful recreation of real-world sound".

And this version will be $279 when it hits shelves in August (so $30 more than the current price of the Pro X, at $249) or around £209 / AU$400, give or take.

(Image credit: Future)Status Audio Pro X GoldenSound: are listeners up for a Harmon Curve rewrite?

In terms of hardware, you're looking at everything built into the Status Audio Pro X, so two balanced armatures and a dynamic driver — something Status has been working with for some time and with no dearth of success.

But this time around, Oatley describes his granular approach to tuning thus: "What you measure is the IEM plus the impact of the rig" ie. your inner ear — albeit a metal tube to represent it with a mic at the end, for the purposes of his testing.

Oatley explains that the Harman Curve is often implemented incorrectly by audio engineers, because when it was developed in 2012 (and subsequently published in 2013, quickly becoming a trusted reference), true wireless earbuds hadn't yet been invented.

Because of this, the Harman Curve uses the pinna, or outer ear, as the reference point — ie. part of the "rig". But when developing in-ear products, from a purely sonic perspective (not including the creation of ANC antiphases) you can ignore the outer ear because the product starts within your ear canal. I know! Contrary to what we were taught as kids, the answer to 'My, what big ears you have!' isn't actually 'All the better to hear you with'…

(Image credit: Future)How does all of this stack up against AirPods Pro 3?

I ask Oatley what he's most proud of with this project and he's surprisingly open: "Look, for ANC I think AirPods will always be tough to beat. But a lot of work has been done to make these sound better. These are for the user who wants the best possible sound in a true wireless design. I hope I've achieved that".

He then points me to a graph that's like the Harman Curve, but different. It's what he was able to achieve with the GoldenSound Edition. He's particularly proud of the graceful line between 80Hz and 100Hz, juicy bass frequencies he feels are more accurately relayed in the Pro X GoldenSound Edition. And I have to agree: in this area, these earbuds glitter like gold.

Let's get to the meat of the thing: listening. Both Status and GoldenSound actively encourage me to do this, and even set me up with a Qobuz screen, an LDAC source device and some AirPods Pro 3 for comparison. Oatley adds, "something tuned perfectly on a low codec is still better than something tuned badly on a higher codec", and while we all know you won't get LDAC out of AirPods, it's a very valid point.

Billie Eilish's Bad Guy is expansive and clean, with a snappy, impactful low end. Dire Straits' Money for Nothing is as brooding, snaking and exciting at the outset as you'd ever want it to be. ACDC's Back in Black? A head-nodding and beautifully regimented, cohesive mix.

What's gone are the… I hesitate to call them 'parlor tricks', but that typical V-shaped augmented treble one so often hears in designs of this type feels eased. And know this: the sound is altogether more open as a result.

(Image credit: Future)

It's not all glowing praise: during my limited time for an initial listen, you understand, I found Apple AirPods Pro 3's audio just marginally more woolly overall in direct comparison. That said, AirPods Pro 3 do have a slightly more soaring treble from the box. As such, some tracks sound more fun, forthright and zealous using the Apple product. It's the age old debate, isn't it: integrated hi-fi sound or fun, V-shaped in-ear mix?

I know my ear is keenly tuned to treble sounds (I've done the tests) but some listeners will love what's been achieved here. I spy an industry disruptor and no mistake. It's nothing if not interesting — and I'd say the industry standard was due a shake up.

I often find listeners might think they enjoy a certain tuning (typically, wearers might augment bass frequencies straight away) when in fact, if we play with their EQ settings, they actually prefer something quite different.

Here, Oatley hasn't given users the option to tweak his proprietary GoldenSound profile within the EQ settings, although you can select from 'Status Signature', 'Status Audiophile', 'Knowles Preferred' or 'Vocal Enhance' presets, or create your own using an 8-band tab set at neutral from the Status Hub app. Sadly, there's no similar visual for the presets so you really need to trust GoldenSound has done it right here. And given the extensive amount of work that's gone into them, I think your trust is well-placed.

This is not to be considered a full review, you understand. For that, I need more time. But what I can tell you right now is that the process won't be a hardship.

(Image credit: Future)

Spoilers for Heartstopper Forever ahead.

July 17 was a fantastic day for anyone who loves the movies. Not only did we have the release of Christopher Nolan's epic The Odyssey, but Netflix has wrapped up one of its most beloved IPs with a full-length feature in Heartstopper Forever.

Clearly, these are two very separate events. The Odyssey is set to be a theatrical phenomenon, currently screening in IMAX 70mm around the world, and is set to take at least $200 million at the international box office across its opening weekend.

Meanwhile, Heartstopper fans will be streaming Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie's (Joe Locke) final farewell from the comfort of their own homes. The series has swapped format after its original three TV seasons, but the movie runtime is still equivalent to around 4.5 episodes.

If you're anything like me, you'll be doing both in a double bill that not even Barbenheimer could touch the sides of. But what if I told you there's a direct nod to The Odyssey in Heartstopper Forever if you know where to look?

Charlie's Odyssey poster in Heartstopper Forever is the perfect nod to the Christopher Nolan movie

wonder if there'll also be a heartstopper poster in the odyssey movie xx pic.twitter.com/txBu76z3JjJune 16, 2026

When Nick and Charlie briefly break up, Charlie spends a great deal of time in bed to try and keep his problems at bay. When friends Elle (Yasmin Finney), Isaac (Tobie Donovan), and Tao (William Gao) arrive to stage an intervention, we see a poster of The Odyssey hanging above Charlie's head.

This isn't a detail we've seen in the previous three seasons, so I'd like to think that it is a direct Easter egg nod to the Nolan movie's release — despite this not being confirmed.

"Wonder if there'll also be a Heartstopper poster in The Odyssey movie," one fan joked on X/Twitter, who also spotted the background detail.

As with everything Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman has put her name to, the detail in Heartstopper Forever is nothing short of beautiful. The Odyssey reference isn't the only Easter egg you'll spot in the movie, but not more spoilers here... make sure you read our ending explainer to catch up on what you might have missed.

Are this week's movie releases going to join forces to become a legitimate double bill? I highly doubt it. But the fact that two such separate creations can briefly come together to share a wonderful moment is a testament to the power of cinema and creating meaningful art.

Head on over to our best vacuum cleaner guide and you'll spot that Shark makes a couple of appearances. It's easily one of the top manufacturers if you want a powerful, reliable and affordable vacuum for your home. And now, one of its most advanced and convenient models just dropped to a great low price.

I've spotted the Shark Clean & Empty at Amazon for £199 (was £349.99), which is one of the lowest prices outside of Black Friday and only around £30 more than the previous record-low.

I've had a Shark vacuum for several years now, and no exaggeration, it was one of the best purchases I've made. With good battery life, time-saving anti-hair wrap tech and powerful cordless suction, it's made keeping my home tidier so much easier.

With all these features, and now an auto-empty charging base on the Clean & Empty, I can only imagine it'll be even more useful to prevent dust from flying everywhere when it's tipped into the bin.

Buy the Shark Clean & Empty at Amazon

The Shark Clean & Empty Cordless Vacuum offers convenient automation features and versatile cleaning technology, including a special brushroll that works on both hardwood and carpeted surfaces. Its self-emptying dock doubles as a charging station, which makes it easy to keep fully charged, even though it runs for up to 40 minutes at full battery. For under £200, it's hard to pass up such a high-tech and highly rated vacuum.View Deal

We've not tested this specific model at TechRadar, but we have tried the slightly more advanced Shark Detect Clean & Empty, which scored an impressive four stars.

Many of the key features are available in this cheaper version. However, you do miss out on the Detect mode, which automatically adapts suction and power to suit different surfaces and needs for better efficiency. It's not an enormous loss, in my eyes, especially as the anti-hair wrap tech and auto-empty charging base are still included in the standard Clean & Empty that's currently on sale.

Festivals pose a bit of a conundrum when it comes to charging. It's really useful to have a phone — for checking programs, finding friends, and snapping photos — but the days are long, and there's minimal access to power points. A power pack is your best friend, and below I've rounded up the best models for festival-goers.

I've included a mix of options. There are compact, lightweight power banks that won't weigh your bag down and can charge your phone while you're using it. These can generally only manage two charges at the absolute maximum, so they're best suited to one- or two-day festivals, or festivals where you'll have overnight access to power. There are also larger power packs that offer multiple recharges, but which are generally too bulky and heavy to carry around all day.

Our seasoned reviewers have tested all of these power banks personally, and given them their stamp of approval. You can hit the 'More details' button to find out more about each one, and for a link to the full review, and there's also a handy specs table at the bottom of the page so you can see how the different options match up. Can't find what you're looking for? Our general best power bank guide has a wider range of options.

Power up Iniu P50-E1

Why's it good for a festival? We were impressed with this power pack's "strong blend of portability, speed, and value". The capacity is impressive given the pocketable size — you should be able to use it for multiple recharges before you need to plug it in again.

Read our full review

Pros

• 45W fast charging
• Very compact
• Handy lanyard cable

Cons

• Won't hit top speed on all phones
• Lacks 20V output for some laptops
• Picks up scratches easily

Anker Nano Power Bank 10K 45W Built-In Retractable USB-C Cable

Why's it good for a festival? A compact, reliable power pack with a helpful cord and integrated cable. You won't get many charges out of it, but it's a great one for popping into your bag while you're out and about at the festival.

Read our full review

Pros

• Convenient retractable cable
• Useful display
• Solid overall performance

Cons

• Not enough wattage for more power-hungry devices
• Could recharge a little faster
• Thermal throttling can prevent peak performance

Anker MagGo Power Bank (10K Slim)

Why's it good for a festival? It supports MagSafe charging, and snaps onto your phone with enough force you won't have to worry about losing it. The slimline design is perfect if you want to keep using your phone while it powers up.

Read our full review

Pros

• Charges fast
• Strong magnetic grip
• Slim for a 10K battery

Cons

• Heavier than expected
• On the pricey side

Anker 87W 20000mAh Power Bank

Why's it good for a festival? This model has enough oomph to juice up not just phones but things like laptops and tablets, if they're part of your festival plan. It feels solidly constructed and durable.

Read our review

Pros

• Large power output
• Well-made
• Integrated USB-C cable

Cons

• Some rivals are smaller
• Unnecessarily powerful for many
• Display lacks detailed information

INIU Carry P51L-E1 Power Bank 22.5W 20000mAh

Why's it good for a festival? It's small enough to fit into a pocket, and comes with a handy lanyard for looping it onto a bag. There are three ports and it works quickly, although don't expect multiple charges out of it.

Read our full review

Pros

• Small yet capacious
• Convenient features
• Clear display

Cons

• Display could be more detailed
• Some may desire more ports
• Not enough power for large devices

Anker 737 Power Bank (PowerCore 24K)

Read our full review

Pros

• A powerful 140W output
• A screen that shows charge rates
• Premium build quality

Cons

• Chunky dimensions
• Higher priced
• No UPS mode

Specs compared

Note: the cards above will only show if the product is available in your region — that means there may be products featured in this table that you can't see above.

Science has discovered around 6,000 planets, and this is the first one, other than Earth, that is rocky and has an atmosphere.

The streaming video company with the world’s most subscribers has leaned quickly into AI-assisted production.

It’s getting even more expensive to be an Apple loyalist.

You could hardly say Netflix is a business in trouble, but it does have a problem: for a lot of its shows, viewing figures are declining sharply after the first season. According to Bloomberg, Beef lost more than 70% of its viewers going into its second season, while The Night Agent lost 50% of its audience in season two.

This seems to be a pattern repeated over many Netflix shows, including some that rack up impressive viewing figures in their first season. The streaming platform relies on subscribers sticking around, and these stats are apparently "a major source of concern" for the executives at Netflix.

So what's going on? While I'm not privy to the internal discussions at Netflix or the statistics that its executives are available to them, I am a Netflix subscriber of many years standing — and I have a few ideas about what's going on.

Viewing fatigue

There's a lot to get through these days, isn't there? Tens of millions of songs on music streaming platforms, more movies than you'll ever have time to watch in ten lifetimes, and of course the entire history of TV — with new shows appearing weekly. It's perhaps no surprise that we're all finding it hard to stick with successive series when there's so much more out there to watch and listen to.

The way that Netflix's stats work, is that a drop-off in viewing numbers for a second season also includes those who abandoned the show somewhere along the way during the first run of episodes. And if you're not getting grabbed episode after episode by the plot and the characters, it's all too tempting to click away.

That's a shame for slow burn shows and those that need time to get going, and perhaps we all need to learn to be a bit more patient. However, it goes some way to explaining why Netflix shows can shed a lot of viewers after the initial pull of the first few episodes — there's an awful lot competing for our attention.

The binge model

For the most part, Netflix continues to drop its shows all at once, so as soon as they're live you can binge watch an entire season. Sometimes it's great to be able to burn through a bunch of episodes, but it also means you can be done with an entire season very quickly.

This exacerbates the problem of gaps between series (of which more in a moment), but it also means shows can be quickly forgotten in the rush of everything else that's going on. Some of my favorite TV shows are those that come out week by week: I watch the episode, then I catch up on the recap podcasts.

It means shows last longer — not in terms of the actual running time, but in terms of how many days and weeks it takes to get through a season. I actually quite like being able to binge shows sometimes, but it does mean they can be quickly forgotten.

Stranger Things lasted almost 10 years from start to finish (Image credit: Netflix)Season-to-season gaps

This isn't something that only affects Netflix, but we're still seeing huge gaps between seasons of shows — and unless the viewing experience is very special, that's likely to lead to waning enthusiasm from audiences as the months and years drag on.

Silo isn't a Netflix show, but the point is the same: as I was settling down to watch the third season a few days ago, even the initial recap montage had me confused (there was a mere 18 months between the end of season two and the start of season three). There were parts I didn't remember, and I had to head over to Wikipedia to get caught up.

Stranger Things is a Netflix show, and while I did manage to drag myself through it in its entirety, it was a struggle towards the end. The show lasted for just shy of a decade, and there are huge swathes of it that are no longer in my memory banks. It's not easy to produce television shows quickly, but the slow rollouts aren't helping their chances.

A trust issue

I've seen Netflix's regular cancellation of shows floated as a reason for second-series-syndrome, and I think this is an issue for program makers as well as audiences. If you don't know whether or not you're getting a second or third season, then you have to throw everything into the first one, and think more about wrapping it up neatly than extending it.

The Night Agent is one of the Netflix shows I've found it hard to stay with: the original rookie-on-the-run premise worked well and the first season was propulsive entertainment, but as it's continued, it's become more of a by-the-numbers action thriller. It's almost like they're making it up as they go.

Compare that with something like Bridgerton, which is a Netflix show I have managed to keep up with. It is of course based on a series of books (as is Apple TV's Slow Horses by the way), and that helps to ensure variety from season-to-season, with the focus switching between different characters and plotlines.

I'm not sure exactly how Netflix can fix the problem of viewing numbers declining in season two — I'm not a highly paid TV executive after all — but those are a few thoughts about why it's happening.

You could hardly say Netflix is a business in trouble, but it does have a problem: for a lot of its shows, viewing figures are declining sharply after the first season. According to Bloomberg, Beef lost more than 70% of its viewers going into its second season, while The Night Agent lost 50% of its audience in season two.

This seems to be a pattern repeated over many Netflix shows, including some that rack up impressive viewing figures in their first season. The streaming platform relies on subscribers sticking around, and these stats are apparently "a major source of concern" for the executives at Netflix.

So what's going on? While I'm not privy to the internal discussions at Netflix or the statistics that its executives are available to them, I am a Netflix subscriber of many years standing — and I have a few ideas about what's going on.

Viewing fatigue

There's a lot to get through these days, isn't there? Tens of millions of songs on music streaming platforms, more movies than you'll ever have time to watch in ten lifetimes, and of course the entire history of TV — with new shows appearing weekly. It's perhaps no surprise that we're all finding it hard to stick with successive series when there's so much more out there to watch and listen to.

The way that Netflix's stats work, is that a drop-off in viewing numbers for a second season also includes those who abandoned the show somewhere along the way during the first run of episodes. And if you're not getting grabbed episode after episode by the plot and the characters, it's all too tempting to click away.

That's a shame for slow burn shows and those that need time to get going, and perhaps we all need to learn to be a bit more patient. However, it goes some way to explaining why Netflix shows can shed a lot of viewers after the initial pull of the first few episodes — there's an awful lot competing for our attention.

The binge model

For the most part, Netflix continues to drop its shows all at once, so as soon as they're live you can binge watch an entire season. Sometimes it's great to be able to burn through a bunch of episodes, but it also means you can be done with an entire season very quickly.

This exacerbates the problem of gaps between series (of which more in a moment), but it also means shows can be quickly forgotten in the rush of everything else that's going on. Some of my favorite TV shows are those that come out week by week: I watch the episode, then I catch up on the recap podcasts.

It means shows last longer — not in terms of the actual running time, but in terms of how many days and weeks it takes to get through a season. I actually quite like being able to binge shows sometimes, but it does mean they can be quickly forgotten.

Stranger Things lasted almost 10 years from start to finish (Image credit: Netflix)Season-to-season gaps

This isn't something that only affects Netflix, but we're still seeing huge gaps between seasons of shows — and unless the viewing experience is very special, that's likely to lead to waning enthusiasm from audiences as the months and years drag on.

Silo isn't a Netflix show, but the point is the same: as I was settling down to watch the third season a few days ago, even the initial recap montage had me confused (there was a mere 18 months between the end of season two and the start of season three). There were parts I didn't remember, and I had to head over to Wikipedia to get caught up.

Stranger Things is a Netflix show, and while I did manage to drag myself through it in its entirety, it was a struggle towards the end. The show lasted for just shy of a decade, and there are huge swathes of it that are no longer in my memory banks. It's not easy to produce television shows quickly, but the slow rollouts aren't helping their chances.

A trust issue

I've seen Netflix's regular cancellation of shows floated as a reason for second-series-syndrome, and I think this is an issue for program makers as well as audiences. If you don't know whether or not you're getting a second or third season, then you have to throw everything into the first one, and think more about wrapping it up neatly than extending it.

The Night Agent is one of the Netflix shows I've found it hard to stay with: the original rookie-on-the-run premise worked well and the first season was propulsive entertainment, but as it's continued, it's become more of a by-the-numbers action thriller. It's almost like they're making it up as they go.

Compare that with something like Bridgerton, which is a Netflix show I have managed to keep up with. It is of course based on a series of books (as is Apple TV's Slow Horses by the way), and that helps to ensure variety from season-to-season, with the focus switching between different characters and plotlines.

I'm not sure exactly how Netflix can fix the problem of viewing numbers declining in season two — I'm not a highly paid TV executive after all — but those are a few thoughts about why it's happening.

• Survey inds 69% of Americans support Bernie Sanders’ policy of requiring AI firms to transfer 50% of their stock to a public fund
• Respondents are also overwhelmingly in favor of giving the federal government the power to block new AI services deemed “risky”
• Support does appear to drop when Sanders' name is mentioned

AI is developing an image problem, and respondents to a new survey have made their feelings clear: Bernie Sanders’ demand that AI firms contribute stock to a massive public fund is widely supported.

Conducted during June 2026 by the nonpartisan survey research company Verasight, the survey consisted of 17 questions sent to 1,690 adults (18 and above), finding over two-thirds (69%) supporting Sanders’ policy – a figure that only drops to 64% once it is revealed which politician the idea is associated with.

The bad news for the AI industry doesn’t end there, as respondents demonstrated a notable distrust for how AI companies conduct themselves, with nearly half (43%) believing that the regulations proposed by the AI companies are designed to benefit those same companies. Incredibly, 30% of respondents trust the US federal government more than companies like OpenAI and Anthropic.

How does AI wealth distribution work?

(Image credit: Getty Images / Tasos Katopodis)

Senator Bernie Sanders’ plan gives the public a direct stake in America’s largest AI companies, with a one-off tax paid not in cash, but in stock. "Since AI is built on the collective knowledge of humanity, the wealth it generated must benefit humanity," he said, announcing his planned Act on social media.

This would, according to Sanders’ proposal, deliver an annual $1000 check to U.S. citizens, and fund healthcare and education.

"The findings from our latest survey demonstrate a rare instance of bipartisan agreement," noted Ben Leff, CEO and Co-Founder of Verasight.

"There is an undeniable desire among Americans of both parties for federal oversight, absolute transparency, and accountability to ensure AI safety and to enable all Americans to participate in the economic benefits of AI."

Even with a polarizing figure like Bernie Sanders attached, the wealth fund idea retains support, which suggests that while people are happy to use AI to answer questions, streamline processes, and make tasks quicker, they’re less comfortable with the industry’s wider impact.

A poor public perception

While AI companies are becoming increasingly unpopular, it isn’t all bad news. The survey quizzed subjects about their feelings on other industries, including tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and casinos, along with social media. If the tide is turning against AI, it still isn’t regarded as poorly as casinos or tobacco.

Feelings about AI companies are also notably more positive than social media. Given the concerns expressed about federal oversight and public wealth funds, there could be an avenue for OpenAI, Google Gemini, Anthropic, Microsoft, and others to improve the general feeling about AI: accepting a degree of social responsibility.

The European Union is using its Digital Markets Act to crack down on big tech companies that aren’t being fair.