Technology

• US DOJ has seized nearly 400 domains
• The sites were being used to illegally stream World Cup games
• Users of the sites were exposed to malware, data theft, and other threats

Almost 400 domains have been seized as part of Operation Offsides - a coordinated global effort to take down sites illegally streaming the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The sites were seized by the US Justice Department's Criminal Division for violating copyright and intellectual property law.

The takedowns were coordinated by members of the International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) network.

US and friends enforce the offside rule

Many of the seized domains now display a banner explaining that the website was seized as part of Operation Offsides. “This action was taken to protect consumers and enforce intellectual property rights worldwide,” the banner states.

(Image credit: U.S. Justice Department)

Back in May 2026, the FBI warned that thousands of domains were being registered ahead of the World Cup, with most set up with the intention to scam fans looking for cheap tickets, access to streaming services, and those looking for discounted merchandise. It appears that Operation Offside was focused on disrupting streaming sites in particular, rather than taking down the wider scam networks associated with these domains.

“We have seized hundreds of domains, used to illegally stream World Cup matches for profit, to disrupt the international networks that profit from the global popularity of the World Cup,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

“This operation illustrates the Department’s respect for intellectual property rights and the responsibility of the United States as a host nation to protect the FIFA World Cup from criminals. The Criminal Division will continue to disrupt and, where appropriate, seek to prosecute these sites and the subjects responsible for this criminal activity.”

In many cases, the networks of fake domains offering cheap or free access to streaming services are run by cybercriminals deliberately operating at a loss in order to attract users to their services. In return for accessing the streaming site, the domain will use the user’s local network as an exit node for the cybercriminal network, obscuring their traffic and making it appear legitimate.

Unfortunately for the user, who may think they have just found free access to every World Cup game, their network and IP address could be used to distribute malware, cybercriminal communications, and illegal content such as stolen data and exploitative materials - including child sex abuse material.

8849 Tank 5: 30-second review

The Tank 5 represents the most complete version of a concept that 8849 has been refining for several generations. Where earlier models asked buyers to accept trade-offs between size, battery and projector quality, the Tank 5 attempts to resolve all three at once. The result is something that genuinely has no mainstream equivalent.

There is a very specific kind of person the 8849 Tank 5 is made for. They work far from mains power. They need a phone that survives punishment. And occasionally, they want to project something onto a wall, a tent, or the side of a cliff face. For that person, no mainstream smartphone comes close.

Where previous models asked buyers to accept mid-range processors and modest projection quality, the Tank 5 brings flagship silicon to the category for the first time. The MediaTek Dimensity 9400e is a genuine top-tier chip in 2026 terms, and finding it in a device this rugged at this price is a pleasant surprise.

The headline numbers are hard to ignore. A 17,600mAh battery. A 3K AMOLED display peaking at 3000 nits. A 2K TI DLP projector with 220-lumen output and laser autofocus to four metres. Triple 50-megapixel rear cameras. Android 16 out of the box. On paper, this reads like a wish list written by someone who spends more time on a mountainside than in a meeting room.

The catch, as ever, is the physical reality. At 715 grams and nearly 34 millimetres thick, the Tank 5 is not a device you slip into a jacket pocket. It is a tool. And like any serious tool, it rewards the user who actually needs what it offers.

Is this one of the best rugged phones? That entirely depends on what features you value. For those who don’t care about size and weight but want battery capacity, exotic features and colourful display, this is certainly a contender.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)8849 Tank 5: price and availability

• How much does it cost? $900/£697/€809
• When is it out? Available now
• Where can you get it? Direct from the maker or via an online retailer

The Tank 5 launches at $999.99 in pre-order configuration with the standard retail price listed at $1,599.99. However, now that those numbers have come down somewhat, with the US pricing at $899.99. In the UK, it’s £696.87, and across Europe it is €808.52, direct from the 8849tech website.

To put that into perspective, the Tank X launched at $549.99 early bird against a $1,049.99 RRP. The Tank 5, therefore, represents a substantial step up in cost, but is justified by improvements in specification.

Currently, the Tank X costs $699.99 from Amazon.com and £599 via Amazon.co.uk, making the Tank 5 pricing less of an uplift for those in the UK.

When considering alternatives, it's worth noting that remarkably few phones have a projector, and none of them has one with the same specification as the DLP unit in this phone.

Other than the Tank X and Tank 4 Pro by 8849, rugged phones with projectors include the Ulefone Armour 34 Pro Plus and Oukitel WP100 Titan. From Amazon.com, the Tank 4 Pro is $789.99, and the Ulefone Armor 34 Pro Plus is $594.99. The Oukitel WP100 Titan isn’t available from Amazon, but can be bought directly from the makers for $869.99.

The cover these in a spec comparison, the Tank X offers a slower Dimensity 8200 SoC and a lower resolution 1080p projector. The Tank 4 Pro only has a Dimensity 8300 SoC, but only a 720p projector. And the Ulefone Armor 34 Pro has the slowest processor, with a Dimensity 7300, and a weird projector resolution of 854 x 480. And finally, the Oukitel WP100 Titan has the same processor as the 34 Pro, and the same odd resolution to its 100 lumen projector.

Most of these have more battery capacity than the Tank 5, but critically, their projectors don’t come close to being a match.

Based purely on value for money, the 8849 Tank 5 is a winner.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

• Value score: 4.5/5

8849 Tank 5: Specs

Item

Spec

Processor

MediaTek Dimensity 9400e, 4nm, octa-core (1x Cortex-X4 at 3.4GHz + 3x X4 at 2.85GHz + 4x A720 at 2.0GHz)

GPU

Immortalis-G720 MC12

RAM

18GB LPDDR5X (plus 18GB virtual)

Storage

512GB UFS 4.0, microSD expandable to 2TB

Display

6.73-inch AMOLED, 3200x1440px (3K), 120Hz, 3000 nits (local peak), Panda Glass

Main Camera

50MP Samsung ISOCELL GN1, PDAF, f/1.8, 4K30fps

Telephoto

50MP, 3x optical zoom, OIS

Night Vision

50MP with 4x infrared LEDs

Front Camera

32MP OmniVision OV32B40, f/1.7, 1080p video

Battery

17,600mAh dual-cell

Charging

120W wired (full charge approx. 90 min), 25W reverse charge

Projector

TI DLP, 2K resolution, 220 lumens, 4m laser autofocus, 4-point keystone correction

OS

Android 16

5G

SA/NSA, including bands n77/n78

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)

Bluetooth

5.4

NFC

Yes

SIM

eSIM + Dual Nano SIM

GPS

Dual-frequency L1+L5, multi-constellation

USB

USB-C (DisplayPort 1.4 Alt Mode)

Rugged Rating

IP68, MIL-STD-810H

Dimensions

177.1 x 87 x 33.8mm

Weight

715g

Colours

Black

8849 Tank 5: Design

• Thick and heavy
• Vents for projector on both sides

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

Pick up the Tank 5, and the sheer physical commitment of it registers immediately. At 177.1 x 87 x 33.8mm and 715 grams, this device sits somewhere between a phone and a piece of site equipment. The chassis combines brushed metal plates, rubberised TPU corner armour and polycarbonate panels, and the build quality throughout is excellent. Seams are tight. There is no flex anywhere. It feels, correctly, like something engineered to survive conditions that would end a normal phone's life in seconds.

The layout of the Tank 5 is dictated by one thing above all others: cooling. The projector needs active thermal management, and the ventilation grille that serves it runs across a significant portion of the left frame. That grille is not a cosmetic addition. It is a structural constraint, and it shapes where every other control can go. The volume controls and shortcut buttons sit above it, pushed into the upper corner.

Below it, separated by a visible gap of bare metal, sit red and silver programmable buttons. The vent physically cleaves the left side into two distinct groups. It is an honest piece of industrial design. Nothing is where it is by accident, but you need to be careful where you place your fingers when the projector is running.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The right side tells another story. A second vent grille occupies the upper portion, again serving the projector cooling system, and below it, the frame is noticeably cleaner with only a single large silver power key with its integrated fingerprint sensor. The visual contrast between the two sides is immediate. Where the left side is busy by necessity, the right side breathes.

The rear is where the Tank 5 makes its most direct statement of intent. The camping light bar dominates the centre of the chassis, a wide rectangular strip that illuminates with 1200 lumens and RGB warning modes. Above it sits the camera module, with two main lenses at the top right, the night vision lens below left and four infrared LEDs in a horizontal strip. The "TANK PROJECTOR INSIDE" text sits between the camera cluster and the lamp, which is either endearing or unnecessary depending on your tolerance for that kind of thing. The projector aperture itself is at the top edge, along with another flashlight and the SIM card slot.

Compared to the Tank X, the Tank 5 is a more resolved design. The Tank X was 91.8mm wide and 750 grams. The Tank 5 pulls back to 87mm and 715 grams. Those numbers sound modest, but the difference in hand is real. The Tank X sat at the outer limit of a comfortable two-handed span. The Tank 5 comes back just enough to feel deliberate.

What has not changed is the fundamental reality of the form factor. This is not going into any conventional pocket. A jacket chest pocket, a belt holster or a vehicle mount is the practical answer for daily carry. That is the honest consequence of fitting a projector, a 17,600mAh battery and an active cooling system into a single chassis, and the Tank 5 makes no apology for it.

Design score: 3.5/5

8849 Tank 5: Hardware

• MediaTek Dimensity 9400e
• AMOLED display
• 17600 mAh fast charge battery

The Dimensity 9400e is an important specification decision. Most rugged phones at this price use mid-range silicon from three to four years ago. The Tank X stepped up to the Dimensity 8200, and that was already a significant advance. The 9400e goes further still, using a 4nm process with Cortex-X4 architecture.

The 'e' suffix indicates a slightly binned or optimised version of the full 9400. In practice, real-world performance at this specification level is well beyond anything a rugged phone buyer has previously been able to access at this price point. The comparison with the Immortalis-G720 MC12 GPU is also notable for mobile gaming and sustained workloads.

The Tank X, launched in February 2026, was the first 8849 device to achieve 1080p DLP projection at 220 lumens. The Tank 5 carries that hardware forward and adds 2K output with laser autofocus rated to four metres. That four-metre figure is a meaningful practical upgrade, because how far away from the wall you can get dictates the size of the projection. Earlier models topped out at three metres, and the keystone correction has been expanded from two to four points. What this means in practice is a more practical outdoor cinema experience.

The 220-lumen figure also requires context, as it's extremely competitive within this product category, where some devices can only manage 100 lumen. The Ulefone Armor 34 Pro, a direct rival, managed 150 lumens at a lower resolution. However, any projector of this size still demands reasonable darkness for a clear image. The spec sheet implies more than the physics can deliver in daylight, as it needs to be twilight outside or in a shaded room for a good experience. But, this is more than any other brand is currently offering.

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

My only complaint about the projector is that not long after it is activated, the cooling fan starts up and can be a little noisy. This won’t be a problem if you are projecting an action blockbuster, but it isn’t ideal for anything with quiet audio and dialogue.

Earlier Tank models used AMOLED panels, but the Tank 5 moves to a 3200x1440 native resolution. The 3000 nits peak brightness is a headline figure borrowed from premium consumer phones, and the results are spectacular.

Considering how good the display is, that 8849 went with Panda Glass to protect it, and not stronger Gorilla Glass Victus is disappointing.

That choice looks entirely cost-driven, but conversely, the battery technology used in the Tank 5 doesn’t hold back.

Seventeen thousand six hundred milliamp hours is a substantial number, even by rugged phone standards. The Tank 4 used an 11,600mAh cell. The Tank X brought the 17,600mAh configuration back after the Tank 3 and Tank 3 Pro sat at around 23,800mAh. The Tank 5 pairs that 17,600mAh capacity with 120W charging, which can be recharged in just over 90 minutes, incredibly. It does this by using a dual-cell design, so it works like two 8800mAh batteries.

The addition of 25W reverse charging makes the Tank 5 a practical field power bank. At that capacity, it can top up a standard 5000mAh smartphone three times over. For field workers and outdoor users, this is a genuinely compelling capability, even if you lose some of the capacity in the transfer.

Another full-cream feature is Wi-Fi 7. Most rugged phones ship with Wi-Fi 6 at best. The inclusion of eSIM alongside dual nano SIM slots gives the Tank 5 flexibility that neither predecessor offered. For travellers, the combination of eSIM, dual-frequency GPS and extensive 5G band support is a strong package. The addition of eSIM also means you can ditch one of the physical Nano SIMs, fit a MicroSD card in the tray, and still have two network services.

With a few minor exceptions, the specifications of the Tank 5 place it in the premium rugged phone bracket.

• Hardware score: 4.5/5

8849 Tank 5: Cameras

• 50MP main + 50MP telephoto + 50MP night vision
• 32MP on the front
• Four cameras in total

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)

The 8849 Tank 5 has four cameras:

Rear camera: 50MP Samsung ISOCELL S5KGN1SP, 50MP OmniVision OV50C40, 50MP OmniVision OV50D40
Front camera: 32MP OV32B40

The camera cluster on the Tank 5 is a significant rethink compared to what came before it. On the Tank X, the three sensors were arranged in a vertical strip, with the 8MP telephoto the obvious weak link in the lineup.

The Tank 5 design addresses this directly with all three rear sensors now 50 megapixels, and this is a much more balanced package.

The two primary lenses sit at the top right of the module in a paired arrangement, noticeably larger than the sensors below. The night vision camera sits below and to the left, with the four infrared LEDs arranged in a horizontal strip beneath it. It is a purposeful, asymmetric layout that prioritises the main imaging hardware without pretending everything is equal.

The main sensor is a Samsung ISOCELL GN1 with phase detection autofocus. That’s a well-regarded chip with a strong track record on mainstream flagship devices. It is a genuine step up from the Sony sensor used on the Tank X, which, while capable, was hampered by the overall image processing pipeline more than the sensor itself. The GN1 brings improved low-light capture and better dynamic range handling. It might not be the 108MP sensor we’ve seen elsewhere, but the arrangement is decent and effective.

The caveat to this choice is that, while there is a PRO mode in the camera application, there are relatively few other special modes or HDR. This camera doesn’t do panoramas or slow motion, though it can do timelapse and super-resolution.

Video capture can be in resolutions up to 4K, but there is no control over the framerate, irrespective of the capture resolution.

The telephoto upgrade is the most important change for practical use. Going from 8MP to 50MP with optical image stabilisation transforms what the camera can do at a distance. The Tank X telephoto was essentially a crop tool dressed up as a lens. The Tank 5 telephoto is a genuine optical system with 3x zoom, and OIS means it remains usable in the kind of low-stability field conditions this phone is designed for. Hiking, construction sites, and vehicle-mounted use. All of these benefit from stabilisation in ways that a rugged phone buyer will actually notice.

The night vision camera is the one area where the upgrade is less straightforward. The Tank X used a 64MP OmniVision sensor for its night vision work, paired with four IR LEDs. The Tank 5 drops to a 50MP sensor for that role, but it's just as effective. The megapixel reduction is not inherently a problem, as night vision performance depends far more on sensor size, IR LED power, and processing than on raw resolution.

The front camera remains unchanged from Tank X, a 32MP with an OmniVision OV32B40 sensor and an f/1.7 aperture. A competent selfie and video-call solution by definition.

What the cluster cannot do is match a photography-focused flagship. The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra or Pixel 9 Pro operate in a different league for computational photography, colour science and video processing.

That comparison is not unfair, but it is also largely irrelevant. The Tank 5 camera system is built for documenting field conditions, capturing evidence, seeing in the dark and shooting at range from an unstable platform. On those terms, it is well-equipped, and the results are better than those of some phones with more megapixels to play with.

One disappointment is that with a camera that can capture 4K video, and play that back nicely on the AMOLED screen, you won’t be using that display to see high-quality streams, because 8849 wouldn’t pay for Widevine L1 encryption.

8849 Tank 5 Camera samplesMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark PickavanceMark Pickavance

• Camera score: 4/5

8849 Tank 5: Performance

• 4nm SoC
• Premium performance

Phone

 

8849 Tank 5

8849 Tank X

SoC

 

MediaTek Dimensity 9400E

MediaTek Dimensity 8200

GPU

 

ARM Immortalis-G720 MC12

Mali-G610 MC6

NPU

 

MediaTek NPU 790

MediaTek NPU 580

Memory

 

16GB/512GB

16GB/512GB

Weight

 

 

750g

Battery

 

17600

17600

Geekbench

Single

2097

1260

 

Multi

6536

3939

 

OpenCL

12943

4056

 

Vulkan

14916

4517

PCMark

3.0 Score

18477

15637

 

Battery

32h 25m (14%)

32h 48m (20% left)

Charge 30

%

46

11

Passmark

Score

25227

17045

 

CPU

11866

8623

3DMark

Slingshot OGL

Maxed Out

Maxed Out

 

Slingshot Ex. OGL

Maxed Out

Maxed Out

 

Slingshot Ex. Vulkan

Maxed Out

Maxed Out

 

Wildlife

Maxed Out

6343

 

Nomad Lite

1820

632

With so few competitors in this niche, it seemed logical to compare this 8849 to its predecessor, the Tank X.

And what we quickly learn here is that the Dimensity 9400e is a beast compared to the Dimensity 8200, outperforming it in every respect. The most sobering score is the 3DMark Nomad Lite performance, where it is nearly 300% better at this demanding benchmark.

But the other takeaway here is that you can have a more powerful SoC, without it impacting the power consumption dramatically. With the same battery capacity, the running time is remarkably similar to that of the Tank X, even though it does more over that time.

But where the Tank 5 really shows the most dramatic improvement is in the recharging of the battery, which took hours on the Tank X, and can be done in close to 90 minutes on the Tank 5. In just thirty minutes, being able to recover 46% of the battery is excellent.

Overall, the Tank 5 is a top-tier performer for whatever apps you wish to install.

• Performance score: 4.5/5

(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)8849 Tank 5: Final verdict

The 8849 Tank 5 is the most technically accomplished rugged projector phone yet made. It takes the Tank X's headline concept and delivers a genuine performance upgrade at every level. The Dimensity 9400e is fast. The 3K AMOLED display is bright. The 17,600mAh battery is enormous. The projector is now 2K capable with laser autofocus at four metres.

None of that comes without compromise.

The device is very heavy, and the projector still benefits from darkness, whatever the spec sheet implies. And the lack of a published software update policy is a concern worth flagging for any buyer planning to keep this device for several years.

For the specific buyer this device is designed for, the Tank 5 is a compelling proposition. It does things no other phone can match in a single chassis. That remains, as it has been throughout the Tank series, both its greatest strength and its clearest self-selection filter.

Yes, it might have the ideal characteristics to make a decent boat anchor, but when you pack this much technology into a phone, it was never going to be lightweight and slim.

Should I buy a 8849 Tank 5?8849 Tank 5 Score Card

Attributes

Notes

Rating

Value

Probably the right price for a phone with such high specs.

4.5/5

Design

Thick and heavy, but nicely finished and presented.

4/5

Hardware

Excellent SoC, gorgeous AMOLED display and fast charging battery

4.5/5

Camera

Practical sensors for those recording for the workplace

4/5

Performance

Powerful Dimensity 9400e and full charge in 90 minutes battery

4.5/5

Overall

Best phone with a projector so far

4.5/5

Buy it if...

You love adventure
This is the perfect device if you work or adventure in environments where battery life is critical and multi-day use without a charger is a regular requirement. I’m not sure you would want to hike with hardware this heavy, but for a rugged device for capturing images and video and then projecting them, it's exceptional.

You carry lots of data or apps
With 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, this phone is ideal for those who like to carry data and install numerous apps. And, if you give up a SIM card slot, you can add a MicroSD card for even more space.

Don't buy it if...

You travel light
For some, a phone weighing more than 700g is a practical dealbreaker, and it's so big that it won't easily fit in a pocket. It could be a serious issue if you fall into water.

You don't need a projector
The cost of this device is tied to its feature set, and so if you don't want the projector, there seems little point in buying this. Other rugged designs with this SoC, memory and storage are available for less than 8849 is asking for the Tank 5.

Also Consider

8849 Tank X
A predecessor to the Tank X. It features a less powerful SoC, a lower resolution and brightness projector, but the same battery capacity. The biggest weakness of this design is how slowly, compared to the Tank 5, the battery recharges. However, it is a little cheaper for those looking to save money.

Check out my full 8849 Tank X review

ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola
The ThinkPhone 25 offers a powerful SoC, robust package, practical form factor, high-quality camera sensors and decent battery life at a mid-range price point. But, it’s not available in the USA, sadly.

Read our ThinkPhone 25 by Motorola reviewView Deal

For more ruggedized devices, we've reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

Most large enterprises have already experimented with AI in some form.

They have tested copilots, automated workflows, analytics platforms, content generation tools and customer service assistants, and initial reactions are often positive. Demonstrations create excitement, leadership teams engage quickly and investment follows.

Yet many organizations still struggle to move beyond isolated successes. Adoption slows, usage becomes inconsistent and AI initiatives gradually lose visibility inside day-to-day operations.

What begins as a strategic priority often becomes another innovation program that never fully reshapes the business.

At that point, organizations frequently conclude that the technology is not mature enough.

In reality, the bigger obstacle is often structural rather than technical. AI adoption rarely fails because the tools are incapable.

More commonly, organizations fail to adapt their operating models, incentives and decision-making structures to support meaningful change.

Fragmented ownership weakens adoption

One of the biggest barriers to enterprise AI adoption is unclear accountability: technology teams manage IT infrastructure, governance, security and vendor relationships; innovation teams run pilots; individual business units experiment independently; and senior executives communicate ambition and strategic direction. Yet in many organizations, nobody owns AI adoption from end to end.

But without clear ownership tied to operational outcomes, AI initiatives often become disconnected from how work actually happens. Teams are encouraged to experiment but lack the authority to redesign processes or redefine how decisions are made. Pilots move forward without long-term accountability and successful experiments fail to scale beyond individual departments.

As a result, AI can exist inside the organisation without becoming embedded into its operating model. The technology itself may function well, but adoption stalls because no one is responsible for turning experimentation into lasting behavioral change.

Why technology teams cannot solve this alone

This challenge becomes particularly visible inside platform, data and IT functions. These teams are frequently tasked with enabling enterprise AI adoption by assessing vendors, integrating systems, securing data environments and establishing governance frameworks. At the same time, they are expected to minimize operational risk and ensure compliance requirements are met.

However, they rarely control how individual departments actually work. Technology teams cannot independently redesign sales processes, restructure customer support operations or redefine HR workflows. They can provide tools and infrastructure, but they are not usually empowered to drive organizational change across business functions.

That imbalance creates predictable tension. If AI deployments introduce operational or security risks, technology teams are held accountable. But if adoption slows because departments resist changing established processes, responsibility becomes far less clear.

Over time, this dynamic naturally encourages caution. Teams carrying significant risk without the authority to control it often become more conservative in how aggressively they push transformation initiatives forward.

Incentives matter more than strategy documents

Many organizations also underestimate how strongly incentives shape adoption behavior. A customer service team may be encouraged to use AI tools at the same time as being measured primarily on ticket throughput and response speed. Marketing teams may be asked to experiment with AI-generated content while facing scrutiny over even minor inconsistencies in tone or branding.

Compliance teams could be expected to support innovation even though they’re evaluated almost entirely on risk reduction. In each case, employees respond rationally to the incentives in front of them.

Meaningful AI integration almost always creates short-term disruption. Teams need time to test workflows, adjust processes and learn how humans and AI systems operate together effectively. Productivity can temporarily decline before long-term gains become visible.

If organizations continue rewarding operational stability above all else, employees will avoid experimentation regardless of how ambitious leadership messaging may be.

This is one reason many “AI-first” strategies struggle to move beyond isolated use cases. Declaring strategic intent is relatively easy. Adjusting performance frameworks, redefining accountability and creating room for experimentation is far more difficult.

Unclear governance creates hesitation

Another major obstacle to adoption is uncertainty around governance and operational boundaries. Many organizations still have not clearly defined what AI represents within their broader operating model. Is it an individual productivity layer? A centrally governed capability? A feature embedded into existing enterprise platforms? Or a specialist function managed by dedicated teams? When those questions remain unanswered, ambiguity spreads quickly.

Employees become unsure what usage is permitted, while managers struggle to establish consistent expectations. Technology, legal and compliance teams disagree on where accountability begins and ends - and in practice, this uncertainty often slows adoption more than technical limitations do.

Clear governance does not need to eliminate experimentation. In fact, successful organizations usually balance flexibility with oversight. Employees are far more likely to engage confidently with AI systems when they understand where experimentation is encouraged and where stricter controls apply. Without that clarity, even capable tools can remain underused.

AI transformation is an operational challenge

For CIOs and senior technology leaders, this requires an important shift in perspective. AI transformation is often framed primarily as a technology modernization effort focused on infrastructure, integration and data readiness. Those foundations remain essential. Without them, large-scale deployment is impossible. However, technical readiness alone does not determine adoption outcomes.

The organizations making meaningful progress with AI tend to treat it as an operational redesign challenge rather than simply a software rollout. They integrate AI into existing workflows, align ownership with accountability and adapt governance structures to support new ways of working.

This also explains why many AI programs gradually shift from transformational ambitions into smaller experimental efforts. Experimentation is organizationally safer because it avoids forcing structural change. Unfortunately, it also limits long-term impact.

Successful organizations tend to share several characteristics. They establish clear executive accountability for measurable outcomes linked to AI adoption. Rather than prioritizing short-term stability, they align incentives with workflow evolution. By integrating AI directly into operational systems, they aren’t left to rely on disconnected standalone tools. And they define governance boundaries clearly enough that employees understand how AI should be used.

Notably, none of these are primarily technical decisions. They are organizational and leadership choices.

The real question organizations need to answer

When AI initiatives underperform, organizations often focus first on the technology itself. Vendors are reassessed, models are compared and infrastructure decisions are revisited. Sometimes, those issues do genuinely matter. Often, however, the technology is functioning adequately while the organisation surrounding it has not evolved enough to support adoption at scale.

That distinction is crucial because organizational barriers are solvable. Accountability can be clarified. Incentives can be redesigned. Governance structures can be simplified. Operational ownership can be aligned more effectively with responsibility.

Ultimately, adopting AI means changing how work gets done across the business. And that means the question facing enterprises today is no longer whether AI technology is capable enough to deliver value. It is whether they are prepared to redesign themselves around it.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadar Pro Perspectives, our channel to feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today.

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The Sihoo B100 is one of the best budget ergonomic office chairs I've seen, and Amazon has reduced the price by 25%, with the B100 dropping to $166 (was $220). And in the UK, the Sihoo B100 is now £150 was £190

As good as the price reduction is, that's not the biggest reason I'd recommend this chair. That would be the adaptive lumbar support, a feature that's usually reserved for much more expensive office chairs and one that helps keep your lower back supported as you naturally move throughout the day.

Unlike fixed lumbar cushions, the support adjusts with your posture whether you're leaning forward to concentrate, sitting upright during meetings, or reclining for a quick break. It's the kind of feature that can make a real difference if you're spending long hours at your desk.

Today's top Sihoo office chair deal

For my money, the B100 is one of the best budget office chairs you can buy. The price is great, but the adaptive lumbar support is the standout feature. It offers consistent support even when you move in your seat, reducing pressure on your lower back and helping your posture.

In the UK: now £150 was £190View Deal

Although my team and I haven't yet reviewed the B100 specifically, we've tested plenty of Sihoo office chairs over the years and they have consistently impressed us with their comfort, adjustability, and value.

The widened seat cushion helps spread your weight more evenly, while the adjustable headrest provides extra support whether you're working, studying, or simply leaning back to think through your next project.

Three reclining positions at 110°, 125°, and 135° let you switch between focused work and a more relaxed posture throughout the day.

Flip-up armrests also make it easier to slide the chair neatly under your desk when you're finished.

The breathable mesh back helps improve airflow, keeping you cooler during long work sessions or warm summer afternoons.

A reinforced metal base, Class 4 gas lift, and support for up to 300lb complete a chair that is well equipped for everyday use and surprisingly affordable.

Based on our experience with Sihoo's wider range and the features on offer here, this is one of the strongest budget office chair deals available right now.

For more top picks, check out my guide to the best office chairs.

Also consider: More Sihoo office chair deals

If you have the budget, the Doro C300 is an exceptional office chair with more adjustability than the B100. We tested this one and found it very breathable and comfortable for all-day sitting in our review.

In the UK: Now £240 was £340.View Deal

The M18 from Sihoo is a solid budget office chair that's nicely designed and has all the core features. I'd still recommend the B100 over this one due to the better lumbar support.

In the UK: Now £110 was £180.View Deal

There's a lot I like about Sihoo's M57, including the adjustable lower back support, 3D armrests, and 330lb weight limit. However, it's more expensive than the B100 right now, and there's no adaptive lumbar cushioning here.

In the UK: Now £229.23.View Deal

• US: Shop all Sihoo office chairs at Amazon
• UK: See all Sihoo office chairs at Amazon.co.uk

• PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has suggested the brand's next console could be a handheld ir hybrid
• He said Sony wants to break the perception that "PlayStation equals the living room"
• Nishino added that the next-gen console will offer "a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room"

New comments from Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino seem to suggest that the next-generation PlayStation console could be a handheld.

During a recent Q&A published by Sony (via IGN), Nishino was asked how Sony plans to bring back users who migrated to gaming PCs during the COVID period and if the company sees potential for significant changes with the next-gen console.

Nishino responded, saying that PlayStation "has long been strongly associated with the idea of playing in the living room." However, in recent years, gamers have been using personal monitors elsewhere in their homes, so Sony is now selling peripherals such as monitors and speakers "to break away from the fixed perception that 'PlayStation equals the living room' and to broaden usage scenarios."

This is when Nishino hinted at the next-gen console, which we expect will be the PS6.

"For the next-generation platform, rather than simply serving as an alternative to PCs, we aim to deliver value that is unique to PlayStation," he said. "This includes not only technological advancements but also an expansion of usage styles, enabling a seamless experience that can be enjoyed naturally beyond the living room."

It's this comment in particular that suggests that Sony is looking to shift gears and perhaps create a console similar to the Nintendo Switch 2.

The CEO made similar comments in a recent interview Famitsu, during which he said Sony wants to leverage tech "that can be used in various forms and locations."

Nishino confirmed that the company plans to continue focusing on consoles, saying, "My belief that a console is necessary for playing games hasn’t changed," adding that Sony "wants to continue providing its own game consoles."

He added that "pick up and play" is the most important quality for consoles nowadays, making one think of the Switch 2.

Rumors of a PS6 handheld have been circulating for some time. According to a reliable insider, Moore's Law is Dead, Sony will launch its next-generation PlayStation with three devices in 2027, including two consoles and a companion handheld.

Mobile gamers are in for a treat with Ugreen's new Honkai: Star Rail collaboration. The mobile accessory brand has unveiled five new special edition products that are out right now, plus a massive limited edition gift box with some exclusive merch for true collectors.

They're all based on the popular Star Rail character Yao Guang and includes two high-end power banks, a charger brick, retractable USB-C cable, and a little Apple Find My compatible tracker. All of the items have a special Yao Guang inspired design, with a clean blue color scheme and loads of little details to appeal to her biggest fans.

I've used plenty of Ugreen charging gear in the past, and can vouch for their quality. In fact, my go-to laptop and phone charger is the Nexode model from the brand's Genshin Impact collaboration last year.

All of these latest products are available with discounted launch pricing, as you can see below.

New Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail collab products

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Collectible Gift Box with exclusive merchandise

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Magflow Air Magnetic Power Bank (10000mAh, Qi2 15W)

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode Air 65W mini USB-C Charger

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode Pro Power Bank (10000mAh, 55W) with built-in screen

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Nexode 100W Retractable Cable, 3.3ft

Ugreen x Honkai: Star Rail Finetrack Mini2 Tracker Tag

Shark's new Transformer three-in-one vacuum combines an upright vacuum that breaks out into a cordless stick and handheld model to tackle your cleaning needs.

• European automotive body suggests sales of electric vehicles are booming
• Results show annual EV sales in the UK have overtaken petrol cars
• But plug-in hybrids are propping up the figures

New data released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) suggests that more electric vehicles have been sold over the past 12 months than petrol cars, marking it as the first time this monumental shift has been recorded.

The milestone comes amid continued debate over the UK government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, with several manufacturers arguing the sales targets remain unrealistic without stronger consumer demand.

However, the recent data shows that in the 12 months to May 2026, UK consumers bought 516,490 new BEVs, compared with only 504,010 new petrol cars, according to analysis by Carbon Brief.

Similarly, data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that registrations of petrol and diesel cars fell by -7.1% and -2.2% respectively, as electrified vehicles gained ground.

That said, the claims that electric vehicles are overtaking internal combustion cars are misleading, as while pure petrol-powered cars have now slipped behind battery electric vehicles in the sales charts, combustion-powered vehicles remain comfortably ahead once diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles are factored in.

That's because both conventional hybrids (HEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) still rely on an internal combustion engine. Although they're often grouped together under the umbrella term "electrified vehicles", neither is a fully electric car in the same sense as a battery-electric vehicle.

The latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures reflect this distinction, listing battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles as separate categories rather than combining them into a single EV total.

According to its latest figures, battery-electric vehicles accounted for almost one in four new car registrations over the past year, comfortably overtaking petrol-only models.

However, when hybrid and plug-in hybrid registrations are added to petrol and diesel sales, combustion engines continue to dominate the market overall.

Analysis: this is still a big moment for EVs

(Image credit: Omoda)

We shouldn't downplay the significance of these figures, because they demonstrate a genuine shift away from conventional petrol-powered cars and towards electrified alternatives.

In fact, the SMMT’s data actually softens the decline of petrol engines, as it labels "mild" hybrids as petrol vehicles, the sales of which can obscure the true decline of pure fossil-fuel options, according to Arena EV.

But sales of these traditional hybrids, while still a significant figure, have actually tapered off in recent years, while sales of plug-in hybrids have risen by 24% year-on-year in May 2026, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association’s (ACEA) numbers.

The SMMT data backs this fact, claiming plug-in hybrid deliveries grew 23.9% to take an enlarged 13.8% market share in May of this year. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) uptake, meanwhile, increased 34.2% to take 27.3% of the market, the highest recorded so far in 2026.

It is clear that there is a noticeable shift in consumer buying habits, with more opting for plug-in hybrid variants that arguably act as a stepping stone to pure battery EVs.

Today’s plug-in hybrids, such as the Omoda's Super Hybrid System, can manage impressive mileage on a single charge of their battery packs, with 60-90 miles now relatively commonplace.

In my personal experience, a large majority of motorists quickly realize that they rarely need much more than the range offered by the electric system in their plug-in hybrid, and if they can charge at home, this makes it easier to contemplate going full electric in the future.

The use of fossil fuel might not be completely dead just yet, but the figures indicate that it is quickly slipping out of fashion.

Apple TV's got some big projects landing this month, including a new, original Ben Stiller-produced pickleball movie.

Its first exhibit translates rainforest data into a sumptuous audiovisual experience, but without a strong thesis about data as art.

• Samsung Messages is shutting down for US users in July
• Google Messages is the suggested alternative, but there are other options
• You should switch to a new app before the shutdown date to ensure you keep your chat history

If you’re a Samsung Messages user then you’re probably already aware that the app is soon shutting down in the US — and if you’re not, you need to be, because there are steps you’ll need to take to preserve your messages and continue being able to chat.

While the exact shutdown date hasn’t been confirmed by Samsung, the company has said that it will be switched off at some point in July, and it’s looking like it will probably happen on July 6, as some users reported getting notifications with that date.

So, you don’t have long to get your messaging house in order. With that in mind, we’ve detailed the five things you should do before Samsung Messages shuts down.

1. Check if you’re affected

Samsung Galaxy S26 Plus users in the US are among those losing access (Image credit: Future/Rami Tabari)

Oddly, it seems that right now at least, Samsung isn’t shutting down its messaging app everywhere. In fact, initially, it’s only shutting down in the US.

Even then, it will seemingly continue working on devices running Android 11 or older, so if you’re outside the US or running a very old version of Android, you don’t necessarily need to do anything (though you might still want to, as detailed below).

But Android 11 is likely to have numerous security vulnerabilities these days, so if you are still running that version of Google's software, it’s worth updating your device or getting a new one anyway if possible.

2. Consider switching even if you’re not affected

While Samsung has said that it currently has no plans to shut down Samsung Messages outside the US, it’s hard to imagine this isn’t something the company is at least considering.

We’d think it’s likely that the US shutdown is just the first step, with other regions potentially following sometime later, and even if it isn’t shut down elsewhere, this move rather suggests that Samsung Messages isn’t a priority for the company, so you might find it doesn’t get updated as much as alternative apps.

All of which is to say it could be worth switching messaging apps anyway, even if you don’t actually have to yet.

3. Choose and download a new messaging app

Google Messages (Image credit: Google)

Assuming you either have to switch or have decided that now’s the time, you’re going to need to choose an alternative.

Handily, there’s no need to give this much thought, as Samsung is directing users to Google Messages, so if you’re happy with that, you can download it from Google Play and skip to the next step.

But you might want to consider other options too, such as Fossify Messages, Textra SMS, Beeper, or Pulse SMS.

However, be aware that only Google Messages and Beeper support RCS (Rich Communication Services) — the others are limited to SMS, which has fewer features and is less secure.

4. Set it as your default messaging app

Next, set whichever app you’ve chosen as your default messaging app. In most cases, you should see a prompt asking you to do this when you launch the new app for the first time, but if not, just head to Settings > Apps > Choose default apps > SMS app, and then tap the one you want to use.

5. Wait for your chats to move across

Beeper is an alternative to Samsung Messages (Image credit: Beeper)

In most cases, once you download a new messaging app and set it as your default, your previous conversations from Samsung Messages will move across to it automatically, though this can take up to 24 hours, so don’t panic if they don’t immediately appear.

But if you choose to switch to Beeper, then the process is a bit more involved, as you’ll first need to download Google Messages anyway and move your conversation history over to that. Then you can connect Beeper to your Google account to give it access.

• Ugreen has released a new line of Honkai: Star Rail collab products
• It includes charging accessories and a little tracker
• They're all inspired by the character Yao Guang

Mobile accessory maker Ugreen has launched a new collection of Honkai: Star Rail collab products and they seem perfect for mobile gamers.

Hot off the heels of the brand's successful Genshin Impact collaboration, this new line contains five officially licensed items inspired by the popular character Star Rail character Yao Guang.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

The most expensive is the $89.99 MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition, a compact power bank with an integrated braided USB-C cable which actually doubles as a carrying handle when it's not in use.

Despite its small size, the power bank boasts a massive 10,000mAh battery capacity. It supports MagSafe, so is capable of snapping to the back of a compatible phone for simple cable-free charging, and could come in clutch if you find yourself running out of juice in an intense mobile gaming session.

Of course, the whole power bank is decked out in a unique blue colorway and decorated with an illustration of Yao Guang on one side and some patterns inspired by her in-game abilities on the other.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

If you're after a more traditional power bank, then the $59.99 Ugreen Nexode Pro Power Bank Honkai: Star Rail Edition is the model to go for.

You lose MagSafe compatibility, but gains a built-in smart display that lets you monitor the remaining battery capacity and check the charging speed— up to 45W (or 55W with compatible Xiaomi devices).

Like its thinner sibling, this model has a massive 10,000mAh battery capacity and a built-in braided USB-C cable that can double as a useful carrying strap.

The design of this is a bit brighter, though, with full color artwork and lots of little flourishes for fans to appreciate.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

The $49.99 Ugreen Nexode Air Charger Honkai: Star Rail Edition might seem a little pricey for a charger brick, but does has some high-end specs on top of its special edition design.

It's meant to charge everything from your laptop to smartphones and tablets with its 65W output, and comes bundled with a 1M long USB-C cable.

The plug's prongs can be folded down, which is ideal if you want to keep it in your rucksack without inadvertently scratching something else.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

There's another cable too: the Ugreen Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable Honkai: Star Rail Edition. It costs $19.99 and supports up to 100W fast charging.

It retracts into a compact disk (emblazoned with some character artwork) and is meant to help keep your desk or bag tidy by cutting down on cable clutter when not in use.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

Although charging is clearly a big focus with the collection (and a big concern for most mobile gamers, as intensive titles like Honkai: Star Rail tend to burn through battery fast), the final collab item is actually a location tracker.

The Ugreen FineTrack Mini 2 Honkai: Star Rail Edition looks like an adorable AirTag alternative, and is exclusively compatible with Apple Find My.

Unlike an AirTag, the Ugreen FineTrack Mini 2 does not offer a replaceable battery: once it runs out of charge, you need to buy a new one.

This is a shame, though the brand does estimate that each unit will last more than seven years and claims that a disposable battery cell actually has lower carbon emissions than a rechargeable one.

It's also IP68 waterproof thanks to the sealed design, and is a touch cheaper than an AirTag at $21.99.

(Image credit: Ugreen / HoYoverse)

All the items are available separately today via Amazon and the TikTok Shop with some launch day discounts to be had.

For the most dedicated fans, however, Ugreen has also released a limited time collectible gift box that costs $249.99 .

It contains the four items from the product line (the MagFlow Air Magnetic Power Bank, Nexode Air Charger, Nexode Retractable USB-C Cable, and FineTrack Mini 2) plus loads of exclusive merchandise including an acrylic stand and power bank pouch.

• WhatsApp username reservations are now open for some
• Check inside the app for your reservation invite
• You can link your new handle to Facebook and Instagram

The big WhatsApp username revolution has started — and while usernames won't fully take over until later this year, Meta is letting people reserve their handles starting from now. Open up WhatsApp on your phone, and you'll see an alert above the conversation list inviting you to reserve your name.

Earlier today I got the alert on my phone (maybe because I'm such an enthusiastic WhatsApp user). If you miss tapping the notification before it disappears, you need to head to Settings: On Android, it's the three dots (top right) then Settings; on iOS, tap the You icon (bottom right) to get to the same menu.

From Settings, select Account > Username > Create username to start selecting your WhatsApp handle. It's worth remembering you're up against three billion other users here, so your first choice might be gone — in which case WhatsApp will ask you to pick something else until you land on something unique.

(Image credit: Meta)

You may have to deploy some numbers or special characters to get a username that hasn't already been taken — the same tricks you may well have used to get your handles on other platforms (for example, using underscores and periods). There's also a Suggest username option here you can use if you're stuck, and WhatsApp will come up with a few ideas for you.

You can also link an existing username from Instagram or Facebook, which is helpful if you've got a small business or side hustle set up on those platforms and want to be consistent in every app. Just follow the Use Instagram username or Use Facebook username links when you see them.

What you need to know

(Image credit: Meta)

There are a few things to bear in mind when reserving your username. Firstly, this won't hide your phone number from people who already have it on WhatsApp — it only applies to new contacts you add after the username feature goes live, and it seems as though that won't happen for a few months yet.

Second, if you think that someone might guess or otherwise stumble across your username, you can add an extra layer of protection. From Account > Username, tap Contact me by username and you can generate a key code — a prospective new contact will then need to be told both this key and your username in order to connect with you.

(Image credit: Meta)

If you have a change of heart (or identity) then you can still change your username before the feature goes live: open up Account > Username then tap Edit to pick something different. At the moment, it's not clear how username changes will be handled once the feature goes live later this year.

Fourth, you'll be wasting your time if you try and reserve something like @zendaya or @edsheeran. WhatsApp says it's fenced off usernames that relate to celebrities, politicians, and other VIPs, so you're not going to be able to use this as an opportunity to impersonate someone famous.

Finally, if you do register the same handle as you've got on Facebook or Instagram, Meta will ask you to connect your accounts. That makes them a little easier to manage together, but it also gives Meta more information about you, your devices, and your activities — which may be used for targeted ads in the future.

Loewe, the German speaker and TV maker, has just announced that it's launching a new venture called Loewe Systems. According to the company, this is "a new Berlin-based company focused on developing fully integrated high-end audio and audiovisual solutions for automotive manufacturers, luxury residences, superyachts, recreational vehicles, and other premium mobility applications."

The new team consists of Managing Director Alexander Meisen, Director of Acoustics Ajan Hannemann, and Director of Automotive Engineering Robert Schletze. The team comes from a background of working on the Burmester audio systems in Mercedes-Benz cars, so has a strong in-car audio heritage.

To find out more about the goal of this new team, I spoke with the three members of the Loewe System crew, as well as Loewe's CEO Aslan Khabliev.

TechRadar: What's the goal for you guys of pushing into the integrated installation systems market?

Alexander Meisen: We did projects in residential and one-off projects, and this is really where we see people smiling. This is really where we can create stories. With the new setup with Loewe, creating those kind of experiences this is clearly where we see lots of potential.

TechRadar: What what will success look like for you going into this market?

Alexander Meisen: Clearly more than just adding a brand to projects to speaker grilles in automotive. Really going deep, really creating a special sound signature, really creating outstanding experiences with future partners.

TechRadar: You mentioned the sound profile. Is that one of the main things that will make Loewe's offering unique, or what else do you think will make will make people want to see that brand on the design?

Robert Schletze: I think it's a lots of things, but starting in an automotive project, it's specific knowledge of how to specify the speakers, how to integrate the speakers in the car, partner up with the right partners, having our own sound signature, knowing how to tune a car with 37 speakers like an orchestra [when you're] sitting in the middle, knowing what to do with delays, gains, filters… all that stuff comes together [in our] knowledge.

TechRadar: What are other companies doing wrong that you think you can do differently to win over the the car makers?

Alexander Meisen: There are massive changes and shifts in in-car audio. That's especially where we see lots of potential, because in this field it became quite common to just add a logo to speaker grilles, make it look fancy and try to tell stories — I mean, there's no real USP, there's no real story. So we really go into what Robert just explained, and then in addition, we know that in the hi-fi market or in audio market in general we see a certain lack of really activating partnerships, really communicating and kicking off marketing campaigns together.

This is clearly one of the reasons why we decided to set this up under the Loewe and also Cabasse brand, because Loewe is already doing this — Loewe can offer that to potential partners. And Loewe also has a long heritage, and the feedback we're getting right now from potential partners we're talking to is 'Hey guys, we don't just want to put the name somewhere from a certain brand which is maybe famous or recognized in a certain area. We really want to create those experiences together' — and this is where we're very confident we can offer those [companies] the full package with all the different aspects

TechRadar: Is in-car audio the primary area of the Loewe Systems project? Loewe has history in this area with BMW, so it makes sense.

Alexander Meisen: There is this history, and yes, automotive is clearly the priority to us. This is where our team has lots of expertise. This is where the network is established. This is where… we haven't released the news officially, but we are in talks. There are certain lead times when it comes to establishing new partnerships, but yes, clearly and absolutely [in-car audio is the priority].

Still we're also talking to potential partners in the field of residential building on integrated systems, because the great thing for for us as a team right now is also we have full access to all the expertise and products of Loewe Group. We're not only talking about audio, we're talking about the full experience, which is also the visual element.

TechRadar: What do you see as the ultimate in-car offering from Loewe? Does it stretch to the displays as well as the audio and the DSP?

Robert Schletze: It's an overall experience in the car. You look at the market, there are video screens already integrated lots of them [regardless of the] brand that they're coming from. You have the audio part, you have smell in the car — you can connect all together, so it's an overall experience. Why not add this visual area from Loewe if it works and we can partner up? Anything is possible there. Currently we're figuring it out — we know where our expertise is, and we as we said we're not just just adding elements to a car. We're working together hand in hand [with manufacturers] for the full experience.

TechRadar: Are we talking about Dolby Atmos in cars, or what kind of premium experience are you aiming for?

Robert Schletze: I think Dolby Atmos is a standard now in the automotive area anyway. Yeah, of course. 3D sound, 4D sound, 2D sound.

Alexander Meisen: We've worked with the teams of Dolby before. We know them pretty well. So, this is one aspect, but it's not new anymore. It's not outstanding. It's more like a given to us.

TechRadar: Is there something else new that you guys have in mind that you can bring?

Alexander Meisen: The manufacturers are asking for new features, especially when you compare the markets. You have a look on the European market and then you check the Chinese market and there are there are different demands and requests. We know that we will come up with features that are not [widely available] yet, but we cannot communicate them right now because we're at a very early stage.

Robert Schletze: We have some past experience with what's missing in the market. We've got some ideas there, and partners that we can develop them with. But overall I think you have to go back from adding feature over feature over feature — you have to go back to not adding another speaker in the car, but developing a proper speaker that can reproduce the sound as we want. The basics; go back to the basics. That's missing a lot today.

TechRadar: You talked earlier about working with speaker partners on developing the right speaker for this situation. How involved do you expect to be in like the actual driver design?

Ajan Hannemann: We want to dive into this topic, and we will specify this — we actually already did in the past as well, for Mercedes Group. So we aim to improve those elements, but [the] really important thing for us, like Robert already mentioned, is the packaging of where the speaker is placed — there's room for improvement if you can make it clear to the manufacturer of the car what kind of benefits we get when when we place the speakers in more optimized positions. You can gain a lot of improvement regarding the sound performance.

TechRadar: Can you give us any examples of issues that you see with a lot of in-car systems now that you want to aim to improve?

Robert Schletze: Definitely the design wins over the functionality, which is quite normal today and that shouldn't be the case. So most of the time you have a midspeaker next to your knee, so you don't have a proper staging. It belongs higher up. It's all because the designers have the power.

TechRadar: So you want to work with partners where you can put the acoustic design earlier into the overall car design, and get the speakers where you need them to be. Is that the idea?

Robert Schletze: That should be the target, yeah. To be in early from the beginning stage of every project.

TechRadar: And the partners you're working with now are on board with that?

Robert Schletze: They are on board and they provide the direct access, yes.

TechRadar: Can you say any of the car partners you'll be working with at this point?

Aslan Khabliev: Let's put it this way, they will be German.

TechRadar: What's your goal in the luxury property development market? Are you are you looking at home theater installations, or is it more like convenient built-in sound for kitchens and bathrooms?

Alexander Meisen: Yeah, we're focusing on to B2B [business to business] partnerships, so we're not looking at individual home cinema here. We're more looking to work with developers, architects, interior designers, etc. We're also looking at concepts that we can scale, so not only the one unit, but maybe the whole building. Our main priority is clearly not the bathroom or the ambient sound in the elevator or somewhere, but clearly defined listening situations.

Ajan Hannemann: And here also, the target is to achieve a high-quality sound reproduction from those systems integrated in the environment, that are part of the architecture. From the very first steps, we [want to] define not only materials surrounding our system, but only also the perfect positioning of the system to make the best out of those sometimes-challenging spaces. New architecture is often with a lot of flat surfaces, so you get flatter echoes, you get high reverberation times, and we want to specify exactly the parameters we need to achieve a high-quality sound.

So that's why, in the past, we worked at early stages together with the architects and the engineering and simulation companies to try to achieve the best possible room acoustic parameters. So this is the goal in architectural audio as well, not only home cinema. So this we want to do this in a scaled way, [multiple apartments] in one building. And we will individually tune every apartment, so that you get the transporting sound signature from the car, [bringing] the tuning expertise we have there into real-estate projects.

TechRadar: The yacht market is an interesting one because it seems to have its own genre of audio brands that specialize in, it like JL Audio from Garmin. So what kind of systems are you talking about building in that market and what do you want to do differently?

Ajan Hannemann: In that market, we have to rely on marine partners, because in the portfolio from Cabasse and Loewe there are no marine-certified systems available. So we have to choose strong partners in that market and adapt our skills, our expertise, the human touch we bring regarding sound signature, into the marine sector.

TechRadar: So in that area, are you talking about becoming more like an integrator and not so much offering your own speakers?

Aslan Khabliev: Never say never. This might be the next project for the guys from Cabasse, for example. By the way, you asked a question about drivers: we have our own drivers in Cabasse, with a lot of expertise and IP and patents. I'm very happy that we have acquired Cabasse, I think we bought a real diamond. So there is no project which we cannot do, let's put it this way.

Right now, [Loewe Systems] is only a three-man show. It's a very tiny team, but we have a lot of ambition and knowledge, and it's never going to happen with these three guys by them by themselves. We [Loewe] are a big team now, we have 200 people now in Kronach, and we have 40 people in France, and we all want to help these guys to become successful. So whenever they need some hardware, software, this can all be done in-house.

What we need to do to help them is to basically realize their dreams. And those things which were not possible in their previous experience, to make them possible with our skilled people — and in my opinion, there is nothing that is impossible. It has to make sense financially, because you don't want to spend millions on one project and just sell one or two pieces. It has to make sense, but otherwise I think everything is possible. We've got the right resources for that.

Alexander Meisen: It's amazing for us to see what kind of resources, expertise and and infrastructure we can access now as a team. All three of us are coming from Burmester. So Ajan responsible for overall acoustics at Burmester, Robert was the lead engineer for automotive and responsible for Mercedes. This is well known in the industry and this is also what we're adding here. So a full network but with all the power and direct access within the Loewe group — this makes us really confident.

TechRadar: One of the areas mentioned in the press release was premium mobility brands. Can you say what that means outside of the areas we've already talked about.

Alexander Meisen: Yeah, so we would also call it, like, future mobility concepts. Automotive is is very clear, yacht is very clear, and residential as well. But for instance think about an RV. This is also interesting for us, but it's not the main priority.

TechRadar: Things like tour buses for for bands?

Alexander Meisen: Exactly. But most of the time these are not projects you're allowed to communicate [to other people] in the first place.

TechRadar: A lot of the times they might be private custom designs?

Alexander Meisen: They prefer that, yes. Same for yachts, but it's still it's very interesting for us.

Finding, accessing and deleting the biggest files on an iPhone isn't the easiest. Thankfully, there's a workaround to simplify things.

• A new 4K restoration of Hammer's Dracula is coming to theaters and Blu-ray in October 2026
• Uncensored and with new footage believed to have been lost forever
• Pieced together from 'the best original archival materials sourced from around the world'

Here's a tale to really sink your teeth into: Hammer Films has "painstakingly restored" (pun intended, I assume) the original 1958 Dracula, adding "long-lost" footage and delivering an uncensored cut in full 4K. It'll be coming to movie theaters and home entertainment in October 2026.

This isn't a remaster. It's a resurrection. It features footage that was believed to be lost for over six decades, and which was only ever seen by Japanese cinemagoers in the 1950s. The recovered material is "from the best original archival materials sourced from around the world" and has never been released in the US or UK, nor available for home viewing in either country.

Dracula was the second on-screen pairing of Peter Cushing, who plays Dr Van Helsing, and Christopher Lee, who plays… I'm just checking my notes here… Dracula.

Hammer FilmsHammer FilmsHammer FilmsHammer FilmsHammer FilmsFangs for the memories

There have been many Dracula movies, but the 1958 one delivered the definitive Drac: as Hammer Films says, Lee's portrayal introduced "the bloodshot eyes, predatory fangs and visceral physicality that became the blueprint for modern vampire mythology and whose influence can still be seen across horror cinema today."

It's hard to overstate Dracula's influence. Everything you'd expect from a Dracula movie — the fangs, the heaving bosoms, the wooden stakes, the suggestion that some women might actually enjoy having their necks bitten by a charismatic count — features here, and the film has frequently been included in rankings of the best films and horror films of all time.

As director Terence Fisher explained to our friends at SFX Magazine, this was the movie that made vampires sexy. "My greatest contribution to the Dracula myth was to bring out the underlying sexual element in the story… At the moment he bites it is the culmination of a sexual experience."

As you can see from the still images above, the restored version looks absolutely spectacular. And the film itself is a masterpiece. As Empire wrote in its retrospective review, "It was garish, it was sexy and it was never afraid to be gory. And with its spectacular ending — in which The Count's flesh peels away and crumbles to dust when caught in the first rays of the morning sun — Dracula created one of the classic images of horror cinema."

According to the wonderfully named John Gore, CEO of Hammer Films and executive chairman of John Gore Studios, “Bringing Dracula back to audiences in 4K goes far beyond a piece of film restoration work. This is the recovery of a piece of British film history that audiences believed had been lost forever. Seeing Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing together again in such extraordinary detail is a reminder of just how powerful this film remains nearly seventy years after its original release.”

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• Box finds 2 in 3 ITDMs expect headcount to grow over the next three years as AI evolves
• New roles – like agent operators and automation specialists – will emerge
• Nearly all ITDMs admit stronger governance would help

New research from Box has claimed two in three (65%) UK IT decision-makers expect overall headcount to grow over the next three years, not shrink.

In fact, only 14% believe headcount will decrease, with the consensus generally pointing toward AI creating new jobs, not replacing human workers.

This shift in narrative comes at an important point for AI, as it evolves from experimentation to actual deployment.

AI is creating new roles, not eliminating them altogether

Box now believes we're entering the era of the 'agentic enterprise' where AI agents are embedded into everyday workflows and have organizion-wide knowledge and context, but even as they become more sophisticated and capable, the impacts on human workers are expected to be positive.

Of all the companies using or testing AI agents, only 8% say they've led to job losses today.

Among the roles more likely to be created are AI agent operators within IT teams – nearly half (48%) of all organizations are hiring for this role. Workflow automation specialists (32%), security, risk and compliance professionals (31%), change management and AI enablement roles (31%) and AI ethics and governance specialists (26%) are also crucial opportunities for human workers.

"As organisations embrace the next phase of AI, the focus is increasingly shifting from individual productivity gains to transforming how work gets done," EMEA President Samantha Wessels commented.

Though only around one in three companies are hiring for security professionals, the opportunities could grow further as nearly one in two (45%) experience an AI-related data exposure incident.

Rather than framing the opportunities as being capped, with either humans or AI helping to meet goals, Box proposes a higher ceiling where AI and humans can work together to push goals even further. Most ITDMs (94%) now believe better governance would help them adopt agentic AI faster.

The companies have teamed up on the new offering, but don't expect a bundle.

• Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will have three graphics modes on PS5 and PS5 Pro
• Performance, Fidelity, and Balanced modes will run at 60FPS, 30FPS, and 40FPS, respectively
• The PS5 Pro will offer extended ray tracing thanks to PSSR 2.0

Ubisoft has unveiled the PlayStation features for Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced, which is set to have three graphics modes across PS5 and PS5 Pro.

As detailed in a new PlayStation Blog post, Black Flag Resynced, which was rebuilt from the ground up and described as "an experience tailored for modern PlayStation hardware," will offer 60FPS performance options, HDR support, Dolby Atmos, and DualSense haptic feedback.

On PS5 and PS5 Pro, the game will have Performance, Fidelity, and Balanced modes, which will run at 60FPS, 30FPS, and 40FPS, respectively, with an upscaled 2160p resolution.

The game will also utilize the PS5 Pro's upgraded PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) upscaling technology, improving image quality and reconstruction, reducing the visual gap between performance and fidelity modes, and offering an "extended ray tracing support" including both Ray-Traced Global Illumination and Ray-Traced Specular Reflections

"This enables richer lighting and reflection quality while maintaining higher performance targets across Performance, Balanced, and Fidelity modes," Ubisoft said.

Fidelity and Balanced modes on PS5 will also offer extended ray tracing, but it will be "standard" in Performance mode.

(Image credit: Ubisoft)

The developer has also expanded strand-based hair technology on PS5 Pro and it will be available for Edward Kenway across all modes. In Fidelity mode, nearby crowd characters will also benefit from strand technology during gameplay, while cinematics use strand-based hair for all characters regardless of mode.

"Rather than relying solely on traditional hair cards, the engine can simulate and render individual strands for more natural motion and response to wind. All of this allows us to get a very realistic hair render for our characters," Ubisoft explained.

Thanks to Ubisoft's upgraded Anvil engine, Black Flag Resynced also simulates weather in real time through Atmos, the systemic weather simulation framework, which continuously simulates variables such as temperature, humidity, wind, and vapor density, instead of treating weather as an isolated effect.

"These systems evolve over time and influence one another, producing more coherent and dynamic weather," the studio explained, adding that the same simulation extends into gameplay and environmental interaction.

The game's water system has also been modernized using a new tessellation technique, volumetric foam generation, and dynamic bubbles, allowing the sea to respond more naturally to wind conditions, weather, and ship movement.

Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is set to launch on July 9, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X and Series S, and PC.

I recently visited Audeze’s HQ in California for a revealing behind-the-scenes look at how one of the most premium audio brands goes about its business, from the science and developments behind the tech to the philosophy, people, and culture driving it.

As someone who covers gaming hardware and tech, one of my most pressing lines of inquiry during my visit was to really nail down why Audeze believes that planar magnetic drivers are superior for gaming audio and in gaming headsets like the Audeze Maxwell 2.

And I got my answer: it’s the driver’s innate ability and technical functionality, but also what it allows a user to do afterwards.

All things transient

“Planar magnetic drivers have several fundamental performance advantages that benefit gaming,” Audeze marketing director Peter James tells me.

“One of those is better transient response … The driver is lighter, moves faster, reacts quicker to the changes in the signal, which means better precision and more realism.”

This can then equate to enhanced “immersion in a single-player game” or a “competitive advantage in a multiplayer game, where you're hearing more precisely and more quickly what's going on around you”, he says.

This is supported by the weighty opinion of Dragoslav Colich (or ‘Dr C’ for short), co-founder and chief technical officer of Audeze: “Transient response is much higher, so bass is much cleaner.”

If you’ve ever compared the likes of an Audeze Maxwell 2 to a competing dynamic driver gaming headset, then this is something you already know. I have had plenty of experience with overly muddy and thumping bass on many leading brands’ gaming sets, which are nowhere near as clean and detailed as the Maxwell 2’s.

Enhanced immersion and precision, regardless of whatever genre of game you're playing

The second major benefit of the drivers’ ability to offer lower distortion and the knock-on effects of that.

“Lower distortion, again, means versions of all those things you're hearing, [with] enhanced immersion and precision, regardless of whatever genre of game you're playing. But additionally, the low distortion enables better customization of the sound,” James argues.

This means planar magnetic drivers might not only sound better by default but can also allow you to tweak the sound profile more effectively than other sets.

“Because these drivers are so flexible and so low in distortion, they take EQ very easily and readily without creating even more distortion the way dynamic drivers often do, particularly when you boost bass,” he goes on. “This allows our headphones to be more customizable to people's individual tastes.”

So, better transient response for higher levels of precision and realism, lower distortion, and great flexibility in taking on EQs — and that’s on top of a level of audio quality that is, at least for me, incredible.