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Best Noise-Canceling Headphones (2025): Over-Ears, Wireless Earbuds, Workout Pairs

WIRED Top Stories - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:03
Tune out (or rock out) with our favorite over-ears and earbuds.
Categories: Technology

I Attended Netflix's WWE Raw Premiere Event, and I Can't Wait to See Where This Goes

CNET News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:00
Commentary: Being able to stream WWE programming on the streamer is a game-changer.
Categories: Technology

I Tried Duckbill, an AI Executive Assistant for My Personal Life

CNET News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:00
Can Duckbill do my life admin? I gave it a shot.
Categories: Technology

Best Cable Internet Providers for January 2025

CNET News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 07:00
With over 82% of the country having access, cable internet offers wide availability. Here are the top cable internet providers that made the cut.
Categories: Technology

Goodbye, buttons – BMW's new Panoramic iDrive system gives all of its cars a massive head-up display with AI assistant

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:42
  • The new iDrive system will first feature in the Neue Klasse X electric SUV
  • A full-width head-up display stretches from pillar to pillar
  • New, more capable Operating System X underpins the technology

BMW has unveiled what the infotainment offering will look like in its upcoming Neue Klasse range of electric vehicles at this year's CES 2025 show. Look away now if you don't like screens.

Dubbed the BMW Panoramic iDrive, the infotainment offering consists of an innovative head-up display (HUD) that spans the entire width of the windshield and beams information onto a black printed surface in the lower section of the glass.

According to BMW, this won’t require a specialist windshield, keeping repair costs down. But most windscreens that are compatible with HUDs feature a special coating to improve visibility and these generally cost more to replace anyway.

The content displayed in the so-called BMW Panoramic Vision is highly customizable and drivers can personalize the space to display content and information that is most important to them, with the vehicle remembering settings for individual users. A 3D effect ensures the graphics jump out for both drivers and passengers.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

In addition to this, there’s another 3D head-up display that sits directly in the driver’s line of vision that delivers even more content and information that BMW claims neatly compliments the full-width Panoramic Vision module.

So for example, the Panoramic Vision will display details about the current driver assistance systems that are active, while the 3D HUD will offer turn-by-turn directions, should navigation be activated.

The German marque has also introduced a new central touchscreen display that is angled so it faces the driver. Said to make it easier to reach and operate by those in control, the display runs BMW’s latest OS X operating system that has been developed in-house for a slicker, more intuitive user experience.

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It is based on an Android Open Source Project software stack and allows for high levels of customization, so you can drag, drop and pin your favorite applications, as well as uploading personal photos as desktop-style background.

Despite the current call from many modern vehicle owners for more easily located physical buttons, BMW has done away with pretty much all of them, and has instead committed much of the functionality to the central touchscreen and the multi-function steering wheel, complete with haptic, surface mounted buttons.

BMW says it is all part of its new "shy-tech approach", which harnesses artificial intelligence and the use of Large Language Models that have been co-developed with Amazon to encourage drivers to use voice commands instead.

According to the marque, users will be able to use more natural language to navigate to a destination in the initial stages, but with increased levels of functionality coming later via over-the-air updates.

The introduction of OS X builds on BMW’s existing Intelligent Personal Assistant, empowering it with the ability to make suggestions, such as initiating Sport Mode on a particularly twisty route or kick-starting a favored playlist. Should the driver choose to ignore these suggestions, the system will quickly learn to refrain from butting in.

Analysis: Banishing buttons could backfire

(Image credit: BMW)

Controversially, BMW has said that this Panoramic iDrive system will eventually appear on all of its future vehicles, essentially ridding everything of traditional instrument clusters and physical buttons. This is particularly pertinent for a brand that once marketed itself as ‘The Ultimate Diving Machine’.

Soon, BMW owners will be confronted with a vast amount of information on every drive, some of which will be positioned at the furthest reaches of the windscreen, rather than directly in the driver’s eye-line.

Only time will tell whether the Panoramic iDrive system proves simple to navigate and intuitive to use when behind the wheel, but we already know several manufacturers have faced a backlash for committing so much important functionality to difficult-to-locate digital menus or haptic feedback buttons that change their functionality depending on modes or settings.

This makes it near-impossible to obtain the muscle memory required to perform simple tasks, like defrosting the windshield with one touch, or locating the volume for the radio without diving into numerous menus.

Volkswagen, for example, had to go back to the drawing board with its infotainment offering in the ID range of electric vehicles, as so many users and reviewers complained that its sparse interior made key functionality almost impossible to locate when driving... or in the dark.

However, BMW is already envisioning a time where its autonomous driving systems are doing the majority of the heavy lifting and the Panoramic iDrive system essentially becomes a way for the driver to easily monitor the situation while enjoying hands-off/eyes-off travel.

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Categories: Technology

Monster Hunter Wilds is getting a second beta test in February, and you won't need PS Plus or Game Pass to take part

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:38
  • Monster Hunter Wilds is getting a second beta test in February
  • A new hunt is being added alongside access to all content from the first beta test
  • Character creation data will transfer to the second playtest

Mark your calendars, hunters; Monster Hunter Wilds is getting a second open beta test ahead of release.

This was confirmed today (January 8), via a post on the official Monster Hunter Wilds X / Twitter account. In a video attached to the post, series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto goes over the details of the second open beta test, including what's featured in it and when you can play it.

First up, the 'Open Beta Test 2' for Monster Hunter Wilds will be split into two phases. The first is happening from February 6 - February 9, with the second taking place a few days later between February 13 - February 16.

The beta will be available to download for free on PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and PC via Steam. Crossplay will be enabled for the open playtest, and players won't need a PS Plus or Game Pass Core subscription in order to play online with others on console, which is a lovely bonus.

Happy New Year, hunters! Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto is here to welcome you into the year of Monster Hunter Wilds, and to share news of the second Open Beta Test planned for February! The future is looking bright... pic.twitter.com/ejn6Z6MraZJanuary 8, 2025

As for what's featured in the beta, players will be able to access all content from the first playtest. That includes character creation, a segment of the main story, and a quest to slay the new Doshaguma monster. A new hunt to take down returning monster Gypceros has also been added.

Tsujimoto also confirms that character creation data from the first open beta will carry over to the second for both your hunter and their Palico companion. This can also be transferred over to the full game upon its February 28 release. Participants in the second beta will also receive a cute Palico weapon charm for the full game.

Lastly, Tsujimoto states that development for the finished version of Monster Hunter Wilds has been completed. However, he does make it clear that any changes and improvements based on feedback from the first beta won't be featured in the second. "This includes various adjustments and improvements," he said, "but I hope you can understand that this means those improvements won't be ready to make it into the second beta test."

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Categories: Technology

Hurry: Save up to 60% at Mattress Firm!

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:10

With almost four decades of experience, Mattress Firm knows exactly what is required to find you the best mattress to suit your needs. At Mattress Firm, shoppers can buy mattresses, pillows, duvets, mattress toppers, mattress protectors, bedding and bed bases from a wide variety of manufacturers.

The company has over 2,400 stores in 49 states but why leave the comfort of your own home when you can get up to 60% off when you shop online

Mattress Firm regularly has live offers and you can check out our Mattress Firm coupon codes hub for more offers throughout the year.

MattressFirm.com: get up to 60% off
TechRadar readers can use our exclusive code at Mattress Firm to get a whopping discount as well as a free adjustable base on qualifying purchases. That means you can get a king bed for a queen price or a queen bed for a twin price.
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Our top picks from Mattress Firm

Get 59% off this incredible mattress that offers innerspring support, high-quality foams and a quilted surface with a plush euro top. It also boasts pocketed coils so you can look forward to consistent support throughout the night.View Deal

Get 42% off this mattress that provides 35% more pressure relief, with a layer of Beautyrest Gel Memory Foam that molds to your body and promotes better airflow. Get a free adjustable base with $599+ Queen Mattress or $699+ King Mattress using code ELEVATEView Deal

Why we love Mattress Firm

Mattress Firm stocks brands including Tempur-Pedic, Purple, Sealy, Stearns & Foster, Nectar, Serta and many more. To match you with the right mattress, the sleep experts at Mattress Firm have 80 hours of training to find you the most comfortable option tailored to your needs and sleep style.

The company also offers an amazing return policy. If you’re unhappy with your order, you can return or exchange it within 120 days. They also offer a 10-year warranty on all their products.

Categories: Technology

Disney Plus is working on its second reimagining of the cult '90s children’s book Holes – and this one will feature a female lead

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:01
  • Disney has ordered a pilot for a reboot of Louis Sachar's '90s novel 'Holes'
  • The series will feature a female lead
  • It will be the second adaptation of Sachar's novel, following the 2003 feature movie

If you cast your mind back to high school English class, then you may remember being introduced to Louis Sachar’s 1998 young adult mystery novel ‘Holes’. Now, thanks to Disney Plus, the platform has ordered a pilot meaning a TV reboot of Sachar's novel could be arriving on one of the best streaming services - but this time with a slight twist.

The Holes TV series will mark Disney’s second reimagining of Sachar’s book, which was initially adapted for a 2003 feature movie starring Shia LaBoeuf, Sigourney Weaver, Patricia Arquette, and Eartha Kitt with a screenplay by Sachar himself. It follows main character Stanley Yelnats, who’s sent to a correctional facility when he’s falsely accused of theft. While he’s serving time, the story unfolds revealing how each of the characters have impacted Stanley’s life through intertwining narratives, all while adhering to the requests of a warden who makes them dig holes for an undisclosed reason.

Disney Plus' TV reboot of Holes will feature a female lead. (Image credit: Summit Entertainment)

From what we know so far, the TV reboot will follow the story of Sachar’s novel, but will introduce a female lead who we can guess will assume the role of its original protagonist. According to a report from Variety, the project’s logline reads: “In this reimagining of the beloved 1998 book from Louis Sachar, a teenage girl is sent to a detention camp where the ruthless Warden forces the campers to dig holes for a mysterious purpose.” Disney has yet to reveal which actress will be stepping into the role.

Additionally to the mystery actress in question, Sachar’s name is also absent from the show’s discourse, meaning that we don’t know whether he’ll be contributing to the show’s production. However, Disney has acquired an army of production giants to fit all the pieces of the Holes series into place, starting with writer Anna Mankin (Katy Keene, Lodge 49) who’ll executive produce alongside showrunner and Yellowjackets writer Liz Phang. Drew Goddard (Cabin in the Woods, The Good Place) of Goddard Textiles is another executive producer joining the Holes team, while Walden Media (which produced the 2003 movie) will return to produce the series, and 20th Television will serve as the studio.

With the announcement of the Disney Plus reboot, Holes joins the long lineup of new TV shows that we’re excited to see come to the platform. But despite not having a release date to look forward this is one that’ll certainly stay in the back of my mind until then, and if it can bring Sachar’s book to life in the same way as Percy Jackson and the Olympians did for Riordan, then it could take over as one of the best Disney Plus shows.

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Categories: Technology

Would You Pay $100,000 for a Mini Smart House? We Saw the Details at CES 2025

CNET News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:00
This expandable home pod from AC Future is stylish, filled with smart tech and energy-independent -- but you may have to preorder in crypto.
Categories: Technology

Microsoft reveals billion-dollar cloud and AI investment plan in India

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:00
  • India set to receive $3 billion from Microsoft over the next two years
  • The company wants to upskill 10 million citizens by 2030
  • Further workshops and opportunities will support startups

Microsoft has confirmed plans to invest $3 billion in India to help the country develop its cloud and AI infrastructure, boosting adoption and upskilling the workforce as it goes.

The news was confirmed yesterday by CEO Satya Nadella, who said the money would be available over the course of the next two years.

Microsoft’s investment will help support the country’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, and includes a large-scale AI upskilling effort destined to support 10 million citizens over the next five years.

Microsoft invests $3 billion in India

“The investments in infrastructure and skilling we are announcing today reaffirm our commitment to making India AI-first, and will help ensure people and organizations across the country benefit broadly," Nadella commented.

Separate from this announcement, Microsoft already has plans to open a fourth data center in India by 2026. The company also launched its ADVANTA(I)GE India initiative last year, committing to upskill two million citizens with AI skills by 2025. In the end, 2.4 million benefited from the scheme.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, added: “Collaborations with global leaders like Microsoft and similar companies are pivotal in this transformation. By equipping our workforce, especially women and youth, with advanced skills, we are building an AI-ready India, poised for digital leadership and sustainable economic growth.”

The company has also announced a partnership with SaaSBoomi, through which it hopes to support 5,000 startups and 10,000 entrepreneurs with focused workshops, regional development and new job prospects.

Speaking about the investment, Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok concluded: “Today’s announcement strengthens our belief in India’s potential and our resolve to equip the country with the resources and future-ready skills needed to excel in the global marketplace.”

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Categories: Technology

No Fact-Checking and More Hate Speech: Meta Goes MAGA

WIRED Top Stories - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 06:00
Mark Zuckerberg has fully adopted the language of his former right-wing critics about what constitutes censorship.
Categories: Technology

This Nintendo Switch 2 mockup from CES 2025 is allegedly based on the console itself, making us think an official announcement has to be imminent

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:57
  • Accessory maker Genki has shown off a Nintendo Switch 2 mockup
  • The mockup appeared at CES 2025
  • It's allegedly based on real Nintendo Switch 2 hardware

Gaming accessories brand Genki has presented an apparent mockup of the Nintendo Switch 2 at CES 2025, and according to the company, it's closely based on real hardware.

A report from French outlet Numerama (via IGN), dives into more detail on the mockup. The publication's X / Twitter account posted a video showcasing the mockup, highlighting its magnetic Joy-Con controllers as well as a size comparison with the original Nintendo Switch handheld. In the video, it appears to be noticeably larger than the 2017 console and features a bigger screen.

According to Genki, the new Joy-Con's optical sensor - which was shown off in a series of leaked images - is in fact a feature of the controller. Furthermore, the accessory maker even posted a video showcasing a Nintendo Switch 2 render to its website which was picked up by the r/NintendoSwitch2 subreddit.

This does appear to be a close match to the mockup Genki has brought to CES 2025. But as ever, it's worth keeping in mind that Nintendo has yet to announce or show the console in any official capacity. As a result, it's always worth taking mockups and renders like these with a pinch of salt.

Interestingly, Genki has also alleged that the Nintendo Switch 2 could be set for an April 2025 launch. If this is indeed the case, then Nintendo could make its official announcement practically any day now. What we do know is that company president Shuntaro Furukawa has stated the console will be revealed before the end of this financial year. Effectively, that's any time before March 31, 2025.

This potential April launch also lines up with a report from last year from GameIndustry.biz's Chris Dring. At the time, Dring stated he'd spoken to developers that "hope it’s out in April or May time, still early next year, not late."

Overall, these last couple of weeks have been the busiest we've seen yet for Nintendo Switch 2 leaks and rumors. At this stage, one has to wonder what Nintendo is planning in regards to an official announcement especially with new unofficial details coming to light on a near daily basis.

For our own thoughts, we do think an announcement this month is highly likely. Especially if the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch very early on in the upcoming fiscal year.

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Categories: Technology

Take a look-y at the kooky Kanto UKI: Kanto's new small speaker brings distinctive looks to your desktop or bookshelf

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:54
  • Kanto sound for a fraction of the price
  • Launching in the second half of 2025
  • $199 / £199 (which is around AU$320)

Kanto makes the superb Ren powered speakers, which we absolutely loved – but at $599 / £599 / €719 (around AU$1,199) they're a fairly big ask for budget-conscious buyers, and the same firm's Ora 4 speakers currently retail for up to $349 / £399. So it's good to see a much more affordable pair that once again matches interesting design with Kanto's audio expertise.

The new Kanto UKI bookshelf speakers are unusual-looking compact bookshelf speakers – to my eyes they look like something you'd expect to see from aspirational brand Vivid Audio (seen more recently at High End Munich, if you skip to point 3) or in Demi Moore's apartment in The Substance – and they're much more affordable than anything you'd expect to see in those worlds. If they sound as good as their bigger and more expensive siblings, they could be sensational.

Kanto only gave us one product image so here's the incredible Demi Moore in The Substance. Perhaps she's considering some new speakers? (Image credit: Mubi) Kanto UKI speakers: key features, pricing and availability

The distinctive clamshell design of the UKI speakers is available in four colors: black, white, cobalt and sage.

Each speaker has a 3-inch concave cone driver for the mids and lows, a 3/4-inch silk dome for the highs and a subwoofer output if you want to beef up the bass. There's USB-C, RCA and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity for computers, turntables and wireless streaming respectively, plus a headphone jack on the front of one speaker.

You can't buy the UKI just yet – the version being shown off at CES is an early prototype – but it'll launch in the second half of 2025 with a recommended retail price of $199 in the US and £199 in the UK. That's roughly AU$319.99.

TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

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Categories: Technology

This awesome E Ink poster frame looks like the future of wall art, if you can stomach the price tag

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:41
  • PocketBook has launched the InkPoster digital art display at CES
  • The battery-powered frame claims to use zero energy most of the time
  • It comes in three sizes, but none of them are exactly affordable

Digital art displays are a great way to liven up your home, but most of them can consume a lot of energy in use. Now, though, one company claims to have solved that issue by developing an E Ink screen that slashes its energy consumption – for a price.

Introduced at CES 2025, the PocketBook InkPoster comprises an E Ink Spectra 6 display, which PocketBook says offers “the authentic feel of ink-on-paper with vibrant colors and detailed, bright images.” Since the InkPoster doesn’t contain an LCD panel, that means it also doesn’t use backlighting – as a result, there are no blue light emissions.

Interestingly, PocketBook claims that the InkPoster device consumes no energy when displaying a static image and only requires power when changing from one image to another. As well as that, PocketBook states that the device does not emit any heat in usage, unlike rival LCD-based options.

Instead of being plugged into the wall, the InkPoster is battery-powered and can last up to a year on a single charge. It comes in three sizes, with 13.3-inch, 28.5-inch, and 31.5-inch options available. The 28.5-inch model adds in Sharp’s IGZO tech, which ensures faster image updates. An A1 version is coming later in 2025.

A pricey option

(Image credit: PocketBook)

PocketBook says you can access thousands of artworks using the company’s app or display your own images or photos instead. Each InkPoster unit can be used in either landscape or portrait orientation, so they should work with a wide variety of images.

However, there’s a notable catch: the price. The PocketBook InkPoster models don’t come cheap, and you should expect to pay $599 (around £485 / AU$970) for the 13.3-inch model, $1,700 (about £1,380 / AU$2,740) for the 31.5-inch version, and $2,400 (around £1,945 / AU$3,875) for the 28.5-inch edition with Sharp’s IGZO technology.

That makes the InkPoster far, far more expensive than simply using traditional printed and framed images – which, incidentally, don’t require any energy to operate either. Perhaps that might be a better option, despite the lure of the InkPoster's impressive tech, if you don’t plan on updating the displayed image very often.

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Categories: Technology

Nanoleaf's Ambilight alternative is now even easier to install – no more corner brackets

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:40
  • Nanoleaf 4D V2 uses a camera and light strip to extend colors from your TV
  • It has no mounting brackets, and should be easier to fit than other systems
  • Its camera has also been upgraded to work with wider screens

Smart-lighting company Nanoleaf has revealed a new version of its budget-friendly Philips Ambilight alternative, which is easier to install and supports wider screens. Nanoleaf launched the 4D V2 system at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, alongside a new color-shifting floor lamp, a premium software subscription service, and an LED light therapy face mask.

Like many of the best Ambilight alternatives, the Nanoleaf 4D setup uses a camera mounted at the top of your TV to capture what's being displayed, then mirrors the colors at the edges using an LED light strip fitted behind the screen. Any setup that uses a camera can be thrown off by reflections on the screen, but they're much cheaper than upgrading your TV to an Ambilight model, or using a Philips Hue Play HDMI Sync Box and Hue Gradient Light Strip.

One of the biggest drawbacks of all Ambilight alternatives is the need to attach a strip of lights to the back of your TV by fitting a set of fiddly adhesive brackets. The Nanoleaf 4D V2 gets around that problem with a lighter, bendable LED strip that you can attach directly to the TV – no brackets necessary. Nanoleaf promises this will make it easier to fit, and judging by its promotional images it should make the back of your TV look tidier as well. The image below shows how the Nanoleaf 4D V2 (left) looks compared with a Philips Hue Gradient Light Strip (right).

The Nanoleaf 4D V2 (left) should give a tidier look and be easier to fit than the equivalent Philips Hue Play system (right) (Image credit: Nanoleaf / Signify)

Nanoleaf has also upgraded the 4D 2K's camera with a wider mount, keeping it more stable (thereby increasing the accuracy of color mirroring) and making it compatible with wider screens.

The system will be released later this year. Nanoleaf has yet to announce an official price, but the original Nanoleaf 4D system cost $99 / £89.99 / AU$189.99 for TVs up to 65 inches, and $119 / £119.99 / AU$229.99 for TVs up to 85 inches, so I'd expect it to be similar.

Another bright idea

Nanoleaf also used this year's CES event to announce a new subscription software service, Nanoleaf Premium, which will give fans of Nanoleaf's best smart lights access to two new features: Orchestrator and Scenescapes.

Most smart lighting systems use a microphone to sync light patterns and colors with music, which generally works well, but is susceptible to interference from ambient noise. Instead, Orchestrator connects directly to the audio source for more accurate audio syncing.

Nanoleaf's new Scenescapes will let you apply themes to all your Nanoleaf smart lights (Image credit: Nanoleaf)

Nanoleaf Scenescapes sounds very much like the Philips Hue system's lighting scenes, which are themes that you can apply to all the lights in a room to create a particular mood. For example, you might pick something like Beach or Fireplace when you want to relax in the evening.

Nanoleaf Premium is available now for the Nanoleaf desktop app. You'll get a free trial, after which you'll be charged $1.99 (about £1.50 / AU$3) monthly or $19.99 (about £15 / AU$30) annually. You might balk at the idea of paying for themed lighting schemes when Philips Hue scenes are free to use, but Hue hardware is much more expensive to buy at the outset, so it's a question of what your priorities (and budget) are.

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TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

Categories: Technology

No, an AMD Ryzen Z2 Steam Deck isn’t in the works says Valve employee

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:36
  • An AMD spokesperson suggested that a future Steam Deck model would ship with a Ryzen Z2 Series processor
  • A Valve employee has now refuted this claim
  • We'll probably have to wait a lot longer for a new Steam Deck model

Ahead of CES 2025, an AMD spokesperson claimed that the brand’s new Ryzen Z2 Series processors would ship in future handheld gaming PCs including the Steam Deck. Now, a Valve employee has confirmed that this will not be the case.

According to PCGamer, the AMD spokesperson stated that the Z2 Series will be “coming to market from a number of partners” during a press briefing. This would allegedly include “the Legion Go, the ROG Ally, the Valve Steam Deck.”

"This really allows us to tap into what we see as an exciting and fast-growing portion of the market where many of our OEM partners are bringing some really cool and high-powered handheld solutions to market and delivering great battery life and performance,” the spokesperson continued.

An image of the Steam Deck was also included on a marketing slide, where it was placed alongside a breakdown of the AMD Ryzen Z2 Series and pictures of other handheld PCs. This led many to believe that a new model of the Steam Deck was in the pipeline featuring an AMD Ryzen Z2 Series processor.

“There is and will be no Z2 Steam Deck,” stated Valve employee and Steam Deck engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais in a recent post on Bluesky. Griffais added that “the slide was [likely] meant to say the series is meant for products like [the Steam Deck], not announcing anything specific.”

At the time of writing, the most recent Valve handheld is the Steam Deck OLED. It utilizes a custom AMD APU, which is paired with 16GB of DDR5 RAM, an NVMe SSD, and a 1280 x 800, 7.4-inch OLED touchscreen for a formidable handheld gaming experience.

Steam Deck designers Lawrence Yang and Yazan Aldehyyat have previously stated that Valve is planning “to wait for a generational leap in compute without sacrificing battery life before the real second generation of Steam Deck”, so we probably shouldn’t expect a new model any time soon.

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Categories: Technology

Casio confirms data of 8,500 people exposed in recent ransomware attack

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:32
  • Casio confirms 8.5k people lost their data in October 2024 ransomware attack
  • Most are Casio employees, with partners and customers less affected
  • The company says it did not pay the ransom demand

Personal data on 8,500 people, mostly Casio employees, was stolen during the October 2024 ransomware attack against the Japanese electronics manufacturer, the company confirmed in an announcement posted on its website.

The incident saw a threat actor from the Underground ransomware group gain access to the company’s IT infrastructure through a successful phishing attack. From there, they were able to disrupt the company’s network, steal sensitive information, and demand a ransom payment.

At the time, the company could not say exactly who was affected by the breach, or what kind of information was stolen - now, a subsequent investigation has shown the data mostly belongs to company employees, with a smaller amount belonging to business partners, and customers.

Employees, business partners, and customers

Overall, 6,456 employees lost their names, employee numbers, email addresses, affiliations, genders, dates of birth, family details, addresses, phone numbers, taxpayer ID numbers, and HQ system account information.

1,931 business partners also lost their names, email addresses, and phone numbers, but also company names, company addresses, and ID card information.

Finally, 91 customers lost their delivery addresses, names, phone numbers, dates of purchase, and product names.

Other leaked data includes internal documents such as invoices, contracts, and meeting materials. Credit card and other payment information was not taken.

Casio stressed that it did not negotiate with the attackers, and did not pay any ransom demand. All affected individuals have been alerted. Usually, when a threat actor steals sensitive information but does not receive a payment, they end up selling the data on the dark web, or using it in phishing, identity theft, or similar attacks.

So far, that doesn’t seem to have been the case, since Casio says there is no evidence of in-the-wild abuse yet.

Via BleepingComputer

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Categories: Technology

Leaked Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra specs reveal new details and a charging surprise

TechRadar News - Wed, 01/08/2025 - 05:32
  • A leaked specs list points to 25W wireless charging for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra
  • This would be faster than the 15W-capable Galaxy S24 Ultra, but there's reason to doubt the claim
  • We've also heard more screen details

At this point, we have a fairly good idea of what specs to expect from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, as this upcoming handset has leaked extensively. That said, a new specs list fills in a few gaps, and includes a higher wireless charging speed than we’d expected.

According to reliable leaker Roland Quandt, posting on Bluesky, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be able to wirelessly charge at up to 25W, which would be a boost over the 15W-capable Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

We hadn’t yet heard anything specific about the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s wireless charging speeds, so this doesn’t conflict with previous leaks, but precisely because we haven’t heard this spec before, we’d still take it with a pinch of salt – especially since Quandt also mentions Qi2 magnetic wireless charging support, and that typically tops out at 15W.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future) A similar screen and a slimmer shell

That’s the most intriguing new detail in this spec list anyway, but there are also screen specs we haven’t previously heard, including a 2,600-nit peak brightness and support for HDR10+. However, that’s the same as you’ll find on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, so it’s no surprise.

The rest is largely stuff that we’ve heard before, including that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will apparently have a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a 120Hz refresh rate, 45W wired charging, and that it will come in three configurations – one with 12GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, one with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, and one with 16GB of RAM and 1TB of storage.

While 16GB of RAM has been mentioned before, one recent leak suggested that there would only be 12GB configurations of the Galaxy S25 Ultra, so it’s reassuring to hear 16GB mentioned again.

Finally, Quandt echoes a previous leak in saying that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will measure 162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2mm and weigh 219g. For reference, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra measures 162.3 x 79 x 8.6mm and 232g, so that would make the S25 Ultra marginally taller, narrower, thinner, and lighter.

We should find out whether these details are accurate very soon, as the next Samsung Galaxy Unpacked is set for January 22, and we’re expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy S25, Samsung Galaxy S25 Plus, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra unveiled at this event.

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