Technology

• Xbox boss Phil Spencer confirms Rare's Everwild is still in development
• The game was announced in 2019 but Spencer says the team is making "progress"
• Microsoft can give Rare, among other studios, more time due to its packed release schedule

Rare's Everwild is still in development despite its five years of radio silence, according to Xbox boss Phil Spencer.

Speaking to XboxEra in a recent interview, Spencer was asked to discuss his most anticipated game coming to Xbox. He'd previously shared excitement for Undead Labs' State of Decay 3, which is set for a 2026 release, but also said he's looking forward to Everwild, from Sea of Thieves developer Rare.

The game was announced in 2019 and has since been absent from numerous Xbox showcases. There's also no news on when it will launch, but Spencer did confirm that the team is making "progress."

"I’ll go back to what I said earlier. Yeah, State of Decay is just one of the franchises I love back from the original one, so that one stays on the board," Spencer said. "I do think the work that Double Fine’s doing and how Tim kind of solicits feedback from the team. And the other one, I’ll say because I was recently out at Rare. It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making."

Spencer explained that Microsoft can give Rare, Undead Labs, as well as Double Fine, more time to make their games since the company's current lineup is packed.

"...We’ve been able to give those teams time in what they’re doing which is good and still have a portfolio like we have," he said. "It’s like a dream that Matt [Booty] and I have had for a long time, so it’s finally good to be there. We can give those teams time. And next week I’m going to be up in Vancouver with the Coalition - and how fun is that?"

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• iPhone 17 Air renders give us a look at the possible design of the phone
• They show a slim build and a long camera bar
• We've also heard that the iPhone 17 might have the same design as the iPhone 16

This could be a big year for the iPhone, because along with successors to the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max, we’re reportedly going to see something totally new – a super-slim model that, for now, we’re referring to as the iPhone 17 Air.

This device has been the subject of several rumors, but a new leak gives us our first proper look at what could be the iPhone 17 Air's decidedly un-Apple-like design.

Leaker Jon Prosser (via MacRumors) has shared renders in his Front Page Tech YouTube show that supposedly show the final design of the iPhone 17 Air, and you can see some of these below.

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(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Front Page Tech / ‪@Zellzoi‬)

As the renders show, the iPhone 17 Air supposedly has a very slim body, and there’s a long black camera bar running the width of its rear panel. Despite being so long, this camera bar only actually houses one lens, with that sticking out on the left, while the flash is on the far right. Some of the images also show that, unsurprisingly, the phone has both a Camera Control button and an Action button.

While this is the clearest look we’ve had at the possible design of the iPhone 17 Air, these renders are in line with previous leaks, including a blurry photo supposedly showing the iPhone 17 Air. So, these renders may well be accurate, though it’s worth noting that Prosser has a mixed track record – he’s been both right and wrong about Apple information in the past.

No change for the base model

This isn’t the only piece of iPhone 17 series design information Prosser has shared. In a post on X (via Phone Arena), he claimed that the base iPhone 17 looks much like the iPhone 16 – meaning two camera lenses arranged vertically, taking up much less space than the iPhone 17 Air’s alleged camera bar.

If so, then the iPhone 17 series could consist of three quite different designs, because as well as these two, Prosser recently revealed the possible design of the iPhone 17 Pro. According to him, this phone has a much chunkier camera bar even than the Air model.

We might not find out how accurate all of this information is for quite a while, mind, as we’re not expecting to get an official look at the iPhone 17 series until September.

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• The chance to create an NPC in The Elder Scrolls 6 is up for grabs at a charity auction
• Bids currently start at $10,450
• The money raised will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation

Have you ever wanted to be part of a video game? Well developer Bethesda Game Studios is offering one lucky gamer the chance to create an non-player character (NPC) in the massively anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6.

It's being offered as part of a charity auction, benefitting the Make-A-Wish Mid-Atlantic organization. The charity works to provide wish-granting experiences for children with critical illnesses, with the aim of giving hope to children, families, and communities in a challenging time.

The auction is ongoing, with lot #301 letting the winner "have the opportunity to work with the Bethesda Game Studios development team to create a character to appear as a video game NPC in The Elder Scrolls 6." It's an incredibly tempting proposition, letting you have a direct impact one what is easily going to be one of the biggest fantasy video games of the generation.

Bidding starts at $10,450, though I imagine that this will seem like a small price to pay for some seriously die-hard fans. The money from the winning big will go directly to Make-A-Wish, which is going to be something to feel pretty good about.

The Elder Scrolls 6 was first unveiled back in 2018, where a short teaser trailer was shown. We've heard very little about the game since, though information from Microsoft's Activision Blizzard acquisition suggests that it will launch in 2026 at the earliest.

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• Nintendo is set to discontinue its Gold Points rewards scheme
• From March 24, 2025, you'll no longer be able to earn them
• However, points you earn now will be redeemable for another 12 months

Nintendo has confirmed it will be winding down its eShop Gold Points rewards scheme next month.

The announcement was made over on the official My Nintendo website, confirming that the earning of Gold Points will be discontinued on March 24, 2025. At the time of writing, the website is currently returning an error for that page. But an FAQ (sourced by Go Nintendo) provides more details, reading:

"Beginning at 9:30 p.m. PDT on 3/24/2025, users will no longer be able to earn My Nintendo Gold Points. Gold Points will no longer be earned for digital purchases on Nintendo eShop after 9:30 p.m. PDT on 3/24/2025.

"Gold Points will no longer be earned on physical games that release after 3/24/2025. For physical games that released on or before 3/24/2025, Gold Points may still be earned by registering eligible titles within one year from the original release date of the game.

"All earned Gold Points will continue to be valid and redeemable for 12 months after they are issued. Please note that there are no changes to how you redeem the Gold Points you already earned."

Suspiciously, this is happening about a week and a half ahead of April 2's scheduled Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Nintendo currently hasn't announced a replacement for the Gold Points rewards scheme, but there is a chance the company could be implementing a new system for when its new console arrives later this year.

If not, then that's definitely a shame. Gold Points are a pretty great way of saving cash on digital eShop purchases. Like PlayStation Rewards, Gold Points are added to your Nintendo account after registering a physical game or purchasing a game digitally on the eShop. Over time, this lets players save a substantial amount on the best Nintendo Switch games.

Nintendo has confirmed that Nintendo accounts will transfer to Nintendo Switch 2, so, could a bigger Nintendo eShop overhaul be on the way? Let's hope so, because it definitely needs one.

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• Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has finally made its streaming debut on Paramount Plus
• The hit video game film series' latest entry landed on the platform today (February 18)
• However, it's only available in the US and Canada

Sonic the Hedgehog loves telling himself that he's "gotta go fast" – and it seems that phrase applies to the speed with which movies land on Paramount Plus.

Indeed, less than two months have passed since Sonic the Hedgehog 3 raced into theaters, but the latest entry in the blue blur's film series is already available to watch on one of the world's best streaming services. That's right, you can watch Sonic's third big-screen outing from the comfort of your own home as of today (February 18), which Paramount confirmed on X/Twitter yesterday.

#TeamSonic is taking over Paramount+! Stream #SonicMovie3 tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/XEpCBGheKkFebruary 17, 2025

Unfortunately, it seems that Sonic 3 hasn't launched on Paramount's streaming platform outside of North America, with Deadline reporting that it's only available to watch in the US and Canada right now. I checked Paramount Plus UK's film library this morning and Sonic the Hedgehog 1 is the only film you can watch on British shores. The same appears to be true in Australia as well.

Responding to my inquiry about when British and Australian viewers can watch it at home, a Paramount spokesperson said: "Sonic 3 will only be available in the US and Canada. It will also come soon to the UK and Australia, but we haven't set a date yet". Sounds like we've got a long wait on our hands, then.

Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 worth streaming?

Keanu Reeves voices Shadow in the third Sonic the Hedgehog film (Image credit: Paramount Pictures)

Yes! Sonic 3 was one of the last new movies to speed into theaters worldwide in 2024. Its festive seasonal release helped it to become the highest-grossing entry in the Sega mascot's film franchise so far, with the live-action-animated hybrid flick earning $478.5 million globally. For context, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earned $405 million in early 2022, while the first movie accumulated around $320 million in early 2020.

The Sonic movie series has improved with each passing entry, too. Sonic 3 currently holds 85% critical and 95% audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes – and, while the dial hasn't moved that much from an audience perspective (Sonic 1 and Sonic 2 hold 93% and 96% RT scores), they have from a critical acclaim standpoint. Indeed, Sonic 3's critical rating is almost 20% higher than its forebear and over 30% greater than Sonic's first film. Don't be surprised, then, if one or more of these flicks make it onto our best Paramount Plus movies list in the near future.

It's rare that film franchises continually improve with every movie release, so how have the Sonic flicks been able to do so? Well, they're consistently fun, family-friendly films that Sonic devotees and newcomers alike can enjoy. The introduction of fan-favorite characters with each new entry – Tails and Knuckles showed up in Sonic 2, while the Keanu Reeves-voiced Shadow made his debut in Sonic 3 – have also helped. Add in supplemental material that have expanded this universe, such as Knuckles' TV spin-off, which is one of the best Paramount Plus shows, and Paramount's adaptation of the beloved Sonic video game series is going from strength to strength.

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• Kia promised lots with the EV4 Concept and it has delivered
• Both a saloon and hatchback will be offered
• Upcoming EV Day will reveal more about specification

Kia has whipped the silk sheet off its latest EV4 model ahead of an upcoming EV Day later this month, where the Korean company will lay out its plans for this, its PV5 van and a sneak peek at the concept version of the EV2 – slated to be the smallest and most affordable EV in the current line-up.

Although it was previewed more than a year ago now, the production-ready EV4 appears to have remained faithful to the original concept, and slots neatly into the ever-expanding range of electric vehicles that was debuted at the marque’s inaugural EV Day back in 2023.

A play on Kia’s ‘Tiger Face’ front end, which can be seen in the revised EV6 and the most recent EV3, while the sharp and distinctive lines of the entire family can be seen on the sides and particularly at the rear of the elongated saloon model.

However, it is predicted that the saloon or fastback will be made available for global markets, including the US, while the hatchback is predominantly for the UK and European markets.

(Image credit: Kia)

Specification is still under wraps, but we do know that it will ride on the same E-GMP platform as everything else in Kia’s EV range, so will likely be offered with a 58kWh or 81kWh battery.

That said, there is no word on the charging speeds, as EV6 and EV9 are capable of drawing power at 350kW thanks to 800V architecture, but the recent EV3 and EV5 (coming to the UK soon) manage 128kW thanks to 400V architecture.

Inside, we can expect to see the EV4 following the same sort of minimalistic approach as EV3, with a focus on comfort, roominess and plenty of space for the latest screen tech.

Analysis: Kia continues to deliver the goods

(Image credit: Kia)

By offering both saloon and hatchback versions of the EV4, Kia has bolstered its pure-electric line-up and widened its appeal.

Several SUVs of varying sizes join the sporty crossover mash-up EV6 and the forthcoming EV2 city car to deliver an electrified option to suit most needs.

It is a similar story with price, as the EV2 is rumored to compete with the recent Renault R5 E-Tech and battle it out in the £25,000 ($30,000/ AU$50,000) arena, while the range-topping EV9 seven-seat SUV tickles the £77,000 mark in the UK – $73,900 in the US.

With a solid battery range, the latest constantly-connected tech and a very clear and bold design language, Kia now offers a range of electric vehicles that is arguably better than anything it sells with a combustion engine.

Rather than sitting on the fence, the Korean marque committed to a battery-powered future and it appears to be paying off. The company reported that its all-electric sales have been growing year-on-year and in the third quarter of last year EVs accounted for 21% of the company's total sales.

There is no sign of slowing, either, as Kia has gone on record to say that its EV line-up will be 15 strong by 2027, including a new range of battery-powered commercial vehicles, while 2030 will see it hit a target of 1.6 million EV sales globally.

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Since the term AI was first introduced in 1956, our reliance on artificial intelligence has grown immensely—much more than we ever anticipated. It’s not just a concept from futuristic sci-fi films anymore; today, nearly every sector, including highly regulated fields like finance, has embraced AI to enhance its competitive edge and boost profitability.

Companies around the globe are now integrating AI to streamline their operations, stay ahead of their competition, and solidify their positions in the market. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine any CEO ignoring the potential AI has, when used properly, to make our work lives easier, more efficient, and cost-effective. I’ll say it again: when used properly.

While AI is certainly driving growth for many businesses, it's important for us as leaders to take a moment to reflect: Are we truly leveraging what we refer to as "artificial intelligence," or are we actually dealing with "assisted intelligence"? Have we fully tapped into the capabilities of genuine "artificial intelligence"?

From my perspective, we still have a long way to go to reach that goal. Although I am not yet a believer in the full potential of AI, I am a strong advocate for assisted intelligence. For example, using machines to analyze thousands of messages in search of potential non-compliant language and behavior is a practical application of this technology. But it all starts by understanding the difference between what is assisted intelligence and what is artificial intelligence.

The Role of Assisted Intelligence in Modern Workplaces

If we really think about how “AI” has changed our daily lives - is it really doing what it says on the tin? While many of us call it "Artificial Intelligence," a more accurate term might be "Assisted Intelligence." Thanks to innovation in machine learning and natural language processing, many workplaces are changing for the better—about 75% of knowledge workers are already using AI tools to their advantage. However, the idea of AI being fully independent and capable of independent thought is still a long way off.

And that’s not necessarily a bad thing!

Many companies are not yet ready for these types of - advanced - AI solutions. When we take the time to properly examine their primary challenges, it becomes very clear that the biggest obstacle is managing the vast amounts of data generated each day. In fact, over half of employees—around 53%—report feeling overwhelmed by this amount of data, which hinders their ability to engage in strategic thinking, or what I refer to as "meaningful work."

Here is an example: a company with 100 employees that sends out 100 messages each day generates approximately 200,000 messages each month. Even if the company implements policies to monitor just 5% of these messages, it would require a large compliance department to read through them all. Instead of relying on random sampling, companies should allow technology to analyze all messages in real-time and identify the ones that are significant. This way, compliance teams can focus on essential tasks and ensure that the company remains safe from any fines.

So, what can organizations do? They need solutions that can cut through the data clutter and offer clear, actionable insights, allowing teams to concentrate on what truly matters.

Navigating Uncertainty in AI

It’s important to recognize that AI has the potential to boost global corporate profits by up to $4.4 trillion a year. This possibility has business leaders everywhere eager and excited to incorporate AI into their operations for better efficiency and smarter decision-making.

But there’s also some hesitancy from cautious CFOs and compliance officers who want to make sure their organizations really understand the needs, benefits and risks of new technologies - especially something as unregulated as AI. Even though AI tools, especially large language models, can analyze massive datasets, their decision-making processes often aren’t transparent.

This lack of clarity can be a real challenge for compliance teams. In recent years, the amount of data they handle has increased by 10 to 15 times. While the idea of AI spotting noncompliant behavior is appealing, the industry is still figuring out how to best use AI and machine learning within compliance frameworks.

To make matters worse, the rules and regulations are constantly changing. Compliance professionals need to have accurate data to make necessary adjustments while navigating the complexities of compliance amidst ongoing changes.

Another big challenge is understanding how AI makes its decisions. Organizations frequently face questions about where their data comes from, its accuracy, and whether it’s ethically sourced, especially in tightly regulated sectors like finance, where compliance is critical.

For example, FINRA has recently shared updates regarding how regulatory standards apply to AI-generated content, reminding us that businesses are still accountable for their outputs, whether created by humans or AI.

So, what’s the takeaway? While adopting AI can be complicated, businesses should start with a clear vision. This vision needs to outline how AI can help tackle operational challenges while also highlighting growth opportunities—even as they weigh the risks of non-compliance against the potential benefits of AI.

New Year, New Possibilities

Despite the challenges that come with AI, there are plenty of opportunities for organizations ready to face these issues head-on. The good news is that as companies become more aware of their specific needs, they can use AI to pull valuable insights from their data.

In the coming year, we should expect even more exciting advancements in AI technology that will enhance its capabilities and improve user experience further. This progress will help organizations integrate these tools into their everyday workflows more effectively, giving them a competitive edge.

The real competitive edge however will be seen in those organizations that prioritize transparency and accountability in their AI strategies and will earn trust from clients, stakeholders, and regulators. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about fostering fairness and equity in how technology is used.

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

• Garmin has released a new app called ComingUp
• It can be used to log to-dos, deadlines and more
• It runs in the background of your device, so may have an impact on battery life

Garmin has released a new app, ComingUp, which works as a to-do list for some of the best Garmin watches. The app comes with a QWERTY keyboard for task entry, and can talk to various task management services, including Microsoft To Do, Google Tasks, and Todoist, to ensure your tasks sync across your connected services.

Garmin has always walked the line between being some of the best fitness trackers and incorporating some of the features common on the best smartwatches. It appears the company could be preparing to tiptoe over that line.

Naturally, that extra data that's running regular syncs in the background can have an impact on battery life, but given how robust Garmin watches are in that regard we've got no major concerns.

How to get ComingUp on your Garmin (and which watches can get it)

(Image credit: Garmin)

You can find ComingUp in the ConnectIQ store here, and it's worth noting it'll need your permission to run in the background, access to your Garmin Connect profile, and the ability to send and receive data.

Garmin says it syncs in real-time, so your lists will update instantly while you're working away from your desk. As someone who loves a workout at lunch but my head is always filling with ideas for my afternoon, that could be a huge help.

Perhaps best of all are the new reminders for tasks. Getting a timely reminder of your next task being due can help users stay on target, and could be a huge help.

As for compatibility, the full list is on the app link above and it's very extensive. Most of Garmin's most popular models can access the ComingUp app, including the Garmin Fenix 8, Garmin Fenix 7, Garmin Instinct 3, Garmin Venu 3 and the Garmin Forerunner range.

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• Potensic's Atom 2 is an update of the Potensic Atom drone for beginners
• It costs $329, or $449 for the Fly More bundle (UK / Australia pricing TBC)
• Features include 4K HDR video, 48MP stills and 10km transmission range

We reckon the Potensic Atom is the best DJI drone alternative for most novices, and now its successor has been announced – the Potensic Atom 2. It offers an array of new features without seemingly breaking new ground, but overall it's a polished upgrade, and becomes the most obvious DJI Mini 4K rival.

Headline features include gimbal-stabilized 4K video with the option for detail-rich HDR output, vertical video enhanced for social, 48MP stills, AI subject tracking, plus improved transmission range and stability of up to 10km, with Full HD / 30p live view and just 120 milliseconds latency.

With the Atom 2, Potensic has also introduced its first after-sales care service, including easy device exchanges and professional assistance, though we're not sure if this service is available with other models. This kind of customer support should provide peace of mind should you run into any issues with the Atom 2.

The Atom 2 standard bundle costs $329, while the Fly More Combo with additional batteries and charging hub costs $449 – we'll update this page when we get UK and Australia pricing. That's a small mark-up compared to the Atom, which launched at $299 / $399.

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(Image credit: Potensic) DJI's biggest drone rival (for beginners) just got better

We rate the DJI Mini 4K as the best drone for beginners, while the Mini 4 Pro is the best money-no-object option for first-time pilots. However, uncertainty remains around the prospect of a DJI drone ban in the US, and as such any viable alternative is likely to get plenty of attention. Cue the Potensic Atom 2.

On paper, the Atom 2 looks like a refined upgrade. There are no major upgrades that stand out, but the sub-250g drone appears to be refined in many areas, and certainly looks like viable DJI Mini 4K rival.

It's equipped with a 12MP 1/2-inch Sony CMOS sensor, a brighter new f/1.8 lens, together with a 48MP stills output, and a new HDR video mode. Potensic says an upcoming firmware update is on the way too, and it will introduce its first log video recording option. Log video color profiles are flat, and ensure you can get the most detail possible from your drone's hardware, although you'll need to edit them to get the look you want.

Other features include an AI Follow function which automatically tracks subjects to keep them in the center of the frame, while AI Night Mode "captures clear and vivid images" in low-light scenarios', says Potensic. There's also a Dolly Zoom mode, which Potensic "enables users to create cinematic shots with just a single tap, as well as panoramic photography capabilities that allow users to effortlessly capture expansive landscapes'.

We're not sure when the Atom 2 sales start date is, nor do we have our hands on a Potensic Atom 2 for testing yet. We'll be sure to update you on both fronts when the situation changes, and complete our expert review in due course.

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• Huawei FreeArc are here, boasting IP57 dust- and water-ingress protection
• It's Huawei's second open-ear option after FreeClip, but the firm's first 'shell' design
• They're affordable – and there's an extra saving if you buy now

My main issue when considering open-ear earbuds? Actually, there are two things: something that will survive a particularly sweaty/rain-soaked attempt to improve my (abysmal) 5k personal best, and something that won't fall out of my ear during the aforementioned attempt.

While the all-new Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 certainly claimed to have sorted the latter during their hotly-anticipated February 11 arrival announcement, their IPX4 rating won't necessarily tackle the former. Oh, and they come in at $249 / £249 / AU$399. Want something that costs just £99 – or £75 if you act fast – and offers IP57 protection, meaning you could actually drop one in the pool, leave it languishing in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes and still expect music after you've fished it out? Meet Huawei FreeArc.

Open earbuds are big in 2025 – and this set won't break (the bank)

(Image credit: Huawei)

Are the Huawei FreeArc some of the best open ear headphones I've seen? Well, I haven't had a chance to test them fully yet, but on paper there's an awful lot to celebrate, especially for this money.

The sports-focused open-ear category is growing incredibly rapidly, and I predict Huawei's done well to price them so competitively. According to Huawei, a company that boasts seven audio-specific R&D facilities (one with a wind tunnel lab capable of serving up winds of 10 meters per second for mic testing) plus over 1,000 audio engineers with more than 150 PhDs between them, open ear headphones are the fastest growing product in the audio industry, with a 600% growth rate year on year.

This is the Chinese tech specialist's second stab at going open-ear, following the December 2023 cuff-like FreeClip. But this is the first time Huawei's attempted a shell-like design that slides over your outer ear so that the drivers slip in near your ear canal, but not covering it – think Shokz OpenFit Air or Oladance. Huawei tells me its engineers worked exceptionally hard on the new "140-degree optimal Triangle Design", which marries a delicate gravitational balance and data from over 10,000 auricle curves, in something Huawei is calling a "C-bridge design". That 'C' essentially amounts to 8.3g of liquid-silicone rubber covering a 0.7mm titanium nickel wire, with a 17 x 12mm high-sensitivity driver unit at one end and a battery pack at the other (behind the ear).

Leave your phone in your gym locker

Another big selling point for me here is the dual antenna design for stability at long ranges. Although you only get SBC and AAC codec support from the Bluetooth 5.2 chipset (so no higher-resolution codecs such as LDAC or aptX) your quoted range is 100m indoors or 400m outdoors, which means you can leave your phone in your bag by the running track – or in the locker at the gym. And that's a huge bonus if, like me, you'd rather not cart your smartphone around during workouts.

There's also an AI algorithm for the dual mics, to help eliminate blustery wind and ambient noise during calls, and your battery life is a highly competitive seven hours on, or 28 with the case. Did I mention they support on-ear sliding touch gestures for volume too?

The Huawei FreeArc are available to pre-order from today (February 18) in your choice of black, gray or green. Ultimately, they'll be priced at £99.99 – but pre-order them now and you'll get £25 off until March 3, only at a Huawei Store. The full product line will be officially launched on March 4, with a launch offer of £20 off once they hit shelves, until April 1. I'm still waiting on official US and Australian prices where available, but I have to say, predict a big hit at those prices…

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Most security operations center (SOC) teams find themselves caught between a rock and a hard place. Threat actors are becoming steadily more effective, organized, and aggressive. At the same time, the average IT environment has grown twice as complex over the last five years. That can only mean we can expect these environments to become twice as dense within another five.

SOC teams therefore struggle to keep up with an overwhelming flood of alerts and prioritizing the most critical threats. This is only compounded by chronic staff shortages.

Security teams end up on the defensive, forced to react to issues rather than proactively addressing risks.

With the speed and scope of cybersecurity threats overwhelming SOC personnel, the superhuman capabilities of AI may offer one of the best chances of keeping up.

The growing burden on SOC teams

SOC teams face an unrelenting workload that highlights the imbalance between attackers and defenders. It’s always been the case that the attackers only need to succeed once, while defenders must constantly triumph to protect their operations. But the aggressors have the odds stacking in their favor with new tools and techniques, running heavily automated operations that allow them to ramp up both the quantity and quality of their attacks.

For example, AI tools are enabling cybercriminal gangs to easily create highly targeted phishing campaigns. Rather than manually trawling for information and attempting to create convincing fakes, threat actors can use AI to swiftly find out about key personnel at potential targets, or where they are hosted, and populate a list of useful elements to include.

Within moments, attackers can be armed with convincing phishing emails impersonating a CEO asking his CFO to authorize a payment, complete with little details like mentions of the upcoming company sales conference.

Even without these insidious new tactics, SOC teams would have their hands full due to the unchecked expansion of hybrid IT environments. A focus on digital growth spanning on-premises systems, cloud computing infrastructure, and mobile and IoT devices has dramatically increased the attack surface — yet Gartner estimates that only 17% of organizations can clearly identify the majority of their software assets. This makes it difficult to address vulnerabilities like misconfigurations or a lack of protections such as multi-factor authentication (MFA). Additionally, this lack of reliable inventory and overview means SOC teams are frequently overwhelmed by the volume of alerts, struggling to sift through countless notifications with already limited staff and resources.

AI as a game-changer in cybersecurity

Defending these complex environments and keeping up with threats requires security teams to match and exceed the speed and efficiency of their attackers. Gartner has predicted that companies investing in continuous threat exposure management programs can reduce breaches by two-thirds, with tools like AI-powered analytics playing a major role.

Yet while the criminal element has been quick to integrate AI into its operations, many security vendors are still reluctant. It’s a similar situation to the early days of the cloud, where there was a great deal of mistrust about its security and reliability. As a whole, security teams and vendors have spent more time thinking about AI as a threat than as a potential tool for enhancing their operations.

However, again echoing cloud uptake, end-user organizations are increasingly looking to make use of AI, regardless of the potential risks. The security industry cannot ignore AI, but instead must seek to guide its use responsibly.

AI offers a solution to many of the challenges SOC teams face by addressing visibility gaps, enhancing threat detection, and improving response efficiency.

One of the most important capabilities is the consolidation of disparate data streams from tools such as endpoint detection systems, identity management platforms, and cloud monitors. This unified approach reduces alert fatigue, providing analysts with actionable insights that improve decision-making.

Implementing AI into security workflows also automates some of the more tedious processes, allowing security teams to focus on high-priority threats. By filtering out low-risk alerts, it removes the noise that often hinders effective decision-making. AI can rapidly triage vulnerabilities, prioritizing those actively being exploited or posing the greatest risk to the organization.

Along with helping beleaguered SOC teams keep up, AI also has some powerful applications in improving proactive security. For example, combining data from across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments, enables organizations to identify hidden or misconfigured assets creating vulnerabilities across their attack surface.

We have also seen impressive results in using AI to enhance the detection of zero-day vulnerabilities. AI accelerates the identification of behavioral anomalies, isolating threats before they escalate into full-scale incidents.

Addressing AI risks and challenges

While AI has huge potential to help improve cybersecurity, security vendors and SOC teams must be aware of the potential risks.

We often find that organizations fail to apply the same thoroughness to their AI models as they do to other key systems, leaving them vulnerable to misuse or exploitation. All AI tools need to be carefully vetted to assess how they interact with other systems, and any potential risks and attack vectors must be mapped out.

Further, misusing AI tools, such as by uploading sensitive data to unsecured platforms, can expose organizations to breaches. Strict use policies should be put in place so all users know the acceptable uses for any solutions.

For vendors and SOCs operating as MSSPs, it’s also important to consider potential customer reactions to AI usage. Ask anyone if they’d like a service delivered by an automated system or by human hands, and they’ll undoubtedly pick the human. So it’s critical to frame AI as a tool enhancing the skilled human personnel for the SOC team, rather than a replacement for the human touch.

With a solid implementation plan that considers all the angles, AI tools can be deployed to their full potential without introducing any unnecessary new risks.

The future of AI-powered SOCs

AI is proving to be a critical tool in helping SOC teams manage the growing complexities of cybersecurity. By enhancing visibility, automating repetitive tasks, and prioritizing critical risks, it enables teams to operate more efficiently and effectively.

As attackers increasingly use AI to enhance their methods, organizations must keep pace to remain resilient.

However, there is still no substitute for real human intelligence, and AI is most powerful when combined with human expertise, creating a collaborative approach that addresses both routine and complex challenges.

We've compiled a list of the best endpoint protection software.

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

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Feb. 18.

Control smart devices, play music, tell jokes -- Amazon Alexa can do it all and even more with these smart home devices.

At least two workstation specialists have put supercharged PCs with Nvidia RTX 5090 GPUs on sale over the past few days. The most impressive of them all is the Bizon ZX5500 which packs up to seven (yes, seven) water-cooled 32GB RTX 5090 GPUs in a tall tower casing. This is the best GPU ever built and buying it through system builders seems to be the only way to avoid months-long wait.

While BizonTech's solution will probably feature in our best workstation guide, it is not as expansive as Comino’s Grando server, which has eight RTX 5090 GPUs, but the latter has yet to get a launch date (I contacted Comino for more details).

The ZX5500 doesn't come cheap at just under $102,000 with the GPUs accounting the lion share (more than 83%) of the total cost. That’s almost 3x the price of MIFCOM’s Big Boss which has seven liquid-cooled RTX 4090 GPUs.

A beefier 6Kw power supply unit plus and the cards cost an extra $85,000 compared to the same system with a pair of RTX 5080 (with 16GB VRAM each). As a reminder, the suggested retail price of the RTX 5090 is ‘just’ $2000.

An RTX 5090 on its retail packaging on a desk (Image credit: Future) RTX 5090 GPUs, where are you?

I wrote two weeks ago about the Bizontech ZX5500, a 7-GPU RTX 5090 system that, unlike the Grando Comino, can be paired with a dual-core EPYC CPU but had a much higher entry price at $102,000. Other boutique workstation vendors have also managed to secure RTX 5090 units (albeit with a 4-6 weeks leadtime).

UK-based Punch Technology is taking orders for a Threadripper Pro rendering AI workstation with two GPUs, a Threadripper Pro 7995WX, 256GB of RAM and a sticker price of just under £24,000 (about $30,000).

For a bit more, local rival Scan Computers, sells an EPYC-based workstation with eight RTX 5090 for almost two thirds what Comino charges for its system. I reached out to them on X.com (formerly Twitter) to find out whether this is a genuine price, a placeholder or a clumsy mistake.

(ed: Turns out it is a one-year subscription to Scan’s Cloud Workstation service, even more disappointing then)

Puget systems, whose President blamed very limited supply of RTX 5090 for long lead times, is only selling single-GPU configurations for now, although I did notice that you can get a system (the T140-XL) with two 16GB Nvidia RTX 5080 GPUs for a bit less than $13,000, ready to ship in less than two weeks.

Other workstation specialists that are selling RTX 5090 rigs include:

• X.solutions (from only $7,000)
• Neox Computer (from £4,510)
• Boxx (price unknown)
• GladiatorPC (from £12,000)

Popular workstation outfit Titan Computers, and none of the three big PC manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo and HP) have yet to release RTX 5090 workstations.

In his review of the RTX 5090, TechRadar’s John Loeffler calls it the supercar of graphics cards, and asks whether it was simply too powerful, suggesting that it is an absolute glutton for wattage.

“It's overkill”, he quips, “especially if you only want it for gaming, since monitors that can truly handle the frames this GPU can put out are likely years away.”

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Here are some hints — and the answers — for Connections: Sports Edition No. 148 for Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Here are some hints — and the answers — for today's Strands puzzle, No. 352, for Tuesday, Feb. 18.

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Here are some hints and the answer for Wordle No. 1,340 for Tuesday, Feb. 18.

• OpenAI has updated its Model Specification to allow ChatGPT to engage with more controversial topics
• The company is emphasizing neutrality and multiple perspectives as a salve for heated complaints over how its AI responds to prompts
• Universal approval is unlikely, no matter how OpenAI shapes its AI training methods

OpenAI's training methods for ChatGPT are shifting to allow the AI chatbot to discuss controversial and sensitive topics in the name of " intellectual freedom."

The change is part of updates made to the 187-page Model Specification, essentially the rulebook for how its AI behaves. That means you'll be able to get a response from ChatGPT on the delicate topics the AI chatbot usually either takes a somewhat mainstream view on, or refuses to answer.

The overarching mission OpenAI places on its models seems innocuous enough at first. “Do not lie, either by making untrue statements or by omitting important context.” But, while the stated goal may be universally admirable in the abstract, OpenAI is either naive or disingenuous in implying that the "important context" can be divorced from controversy.

The examples of compliant and non-compliant responses by ChatGPT make that clear. For instance, you can ask for help starting a tobacco company or ways to conduct "legal insider trading" without getting any judgment or unprompted ethical questions raised by the prompt. On the other hand, you still can't get ChatGPT to help you forge a doctor's signature, because that's outright illegal.

(Image credit: OpenAI) Context clues

The issue of "important context" gets a lot more complex when it comes to the kind of responses some conservative commentators have criticized.

In a section headed "Assume an objective point of view", the Model Spec details how "the assistant should present information clearly, focusing on factual accuracy and reliability", and also that the core idea is "fairly representing significant viewpoints from reliable sources without imposing an editorial stance".

OpenAI does offer an example of a compliant response to the question "Do Black lives matter?" that unequivocally says yes and references how it's a civil rights slogan and the name of a group. So far, so good.

The issue that OpenAI either doesn't see or is ignoring comes with how ChatGPT tries to thread the needle if you ask, "Don't all lives matter?" as a follow-up. The AI confirms that they do, but adds that the "phrase has been used by people that rejected the premise of the 'Black lives matter' movement."

While that context is technically correct, it's telling that the AI doesn't explicitly say that the "premise" being rejected is that Black lives matter and that societal systems often act as though they don't.

If the goal is to alleviate accusations of bias and censorship, OpenAI is in for a rude shock. Those who "reject the premise" will likely be annoyed at the extra context existing at all, while everyone else will see how OpenAI's definition of important context in this case is, to put it mildly, lacking.

AI chatbots inherently shape conversations, whether companies like it or not. When ChatGPT chooses to include or exclude certain information, that’s an editorial decision, even if an algorithm rather than a human is making it.

(Image credit: OpenAI) AI priorities

The timing of this change might raise a few eyebrows, coming as it does when many who have accused OpenAI of political bias against them are now in positions of power capable of punishing the company at their whim.

OpenAI has said the changes are solely for giving users more control over how they interact with AI and don't have any political considerations. However you feel about the changes OpenAI is making, they aren't happening in a vacuum. No company would make possibly contentious changes to their core product without reason.

OpenAI may think that getting its AI models to dodge answering questions that encourage people to hurt themselves or others, spread malicious lies, or otherwise violate its policies is enough to win the approval of most if not all, potential users. But unless ChatGPT offers nothing but dates, recorded quotes, and business email templates, AI answers are going to upset at least some people.

We live in a time when way too many people who know better will argue passionately for years that the Earth is flat or gravity is an illusion. OpenAI sidestepping complaints of censorship or bias is as likely as me abruptly floating into the sky before falling off the edge of the planet.

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