Technology

• Your Philips Hue Bridge is getting an update to fix a bug with motion sensors
• The problem made bulbs 'forget' your settings when activated by movement
• The update also improves stability for the Philips Hue Twilight lamp

There's a new software update for the Philips Hue Bridge that should fix a problem that causes your bulbs to 'forget' their previous settings. The bug meant that lights sometimes reverted back to their default brightness and color temperature when triggered by a motion sensor. That could be mildly annoying, or outright dazzling if it happened in the hallway when you made a late night trip to the bathroom.

As Fabian of Hueblog.com explains, software version 1969060020 also makes some general improvements to the reliability and stability of your Hue setup, and improves the operation of "certain models of the Twilight sleep and wake-up light". However, the official release notes don't elaborate on what these changes actually are.

The Philips Hue Twilight is one of the best wake-up lights we've reviewed, and we didn't experience any stability problems during our testing. For us, the only drawback was its list price of $279 / £249 (about AU$450), which makes it easily the most expensive sunrise lamp we've used. There don't appear to be any widely reported issues, so we're curious if we'll notice any differences over the coming days.

What else is new?

There are no details on the more general system updates either, though one commenter on Hueblog.com noticed a new feature when using a camera to trigger their smart lights, which makes it a more useful alternative to a motion sensor.

"I guess motion detection by cameras has something new too," wrote reader Davy Maekelberg. "Now [you] can set time when light needs to turn off again. Like with motion detectors."

To make sure you get the latest software releases for your Philips Hue system as soon as possible, open the Hue app, go to Settings > Software Update, and make sure Automatic Update is toggled on.

Do you have motion sensors as part of your Philips Hue setup, and have you noticed any changes in recent weeks? Let us know in the comments.

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• Big upgrades for Android's Health Connect are in the pipeline
• You'll soon be able to store medical record data
• Fitbit could be the first app to tap into that data

We've only just got used to Android 15 being around, but Android 16 is already in its early testing phase – and a new leak suggests that when that upgrade arrives, it'll bring some additional features to your Fitbit app.

According to some code digging done by Android Authority, an upgrade to Health Connect is being prepped in Android 16. Health Connect is the Google-developed central hub for all your health and fitness data, which can be shared between apps.

We already know that medical records are going to be added to Health Connect with the full roll-out of Android 16 – records including vaccinations, allergies, pregnancy details and more – and the hidden code discovered in the operating system suggests that Fitbit will be one of the first apps that can make use of it.

Fitbit can already add data and pull data from Health Connect, so it makes sense that support for medical records would be added when available – giving Fitbit an even more comprehensive look at your health profile.

Making a connection

Health Connect compiles data from multiple apps (Image credit: Google)

Google is keen to emphasize that Health Connect goes to great lengths to keep your data secure and private: you get full control over which apps can access which bits of data, from the number of steps banked this week to how much you slept last night.

The advantage of having a central repository for all this information is that you can combine data from different apps together – maybe use a Fitbit tracker to monitor sleep, for example, and a Pixel Watch to count steps.

It also means you don't have to lose all of your carefully compiled health and fitness data if you decide to move to another app. However, it does depend on app developers signing up – and not all of the big names are on board yet (Withings and Polar are, but Garmin and Strava aren't, for example).

We should know more when Android 16 is finally finished and being pushed out to smartphones. It looks as though that will be around the start of June, ahead of some brand new Google Pixel 10 smartphones in the weeks following.

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• Leaked memo from Meta's CTO teases a big year for Reality Labs
• Meta could launch several AI wearables, and new mixed-reality apps
• The memo says 2025 will decide if Reality Labs' efforts "will go down as the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure”

Following Mark Zuckerberg's comments about 2025 being a “defining year” for Meta's smart-glasses plans, a leaked internal memo apparently penned by Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth is teasing some big things for the XR and AI tech its Reality Labs division is working on.

Shared by Business Insider, the memo is reportedly titled "2025: The Year of Greatness" and was sent to Reality Labs staff in November last year. It’s quite long, and features a fair bit of corporate motivational speak which isn’t all that relevant here, but here’s a snippet from the beginning of the leaked memo – I’ve highlighted some important text I’ll be discussing more below:

“Next year is going to be the most critical year in my 8 years at Reality Labs. We have the best portfolio of products we've ever had in market and are pushing our advantage by launching half a dozen more AI powered wearables. We need to drive sales, retention, and engagement across the board but especially in MR. And Horizon Worlds on mobile absolutely has to break out for our long term plans to have a chance. If you don't feel the weight of history on you then you aren't paying attention. This year likely determines whether this entire effort will go down as the work of visionaries or a legendary misadventure.”

So we might see six AI wearables, a tentpole mixed-reality title, and a serious Horizon Worlds push. Starting with that final highlighted section however, which raises the prospect of failure on the part of Reality Labs failure, it should be noted that Bosworth’s comments aren't as overly dramatic as they seem.

While Reality Labs posted its highest-ever revenue of $1.08 billion in Meta’s recent quarterly earnings report, it also posted its biggest ever loss at $4.97 billion. The division has been hemorrhaging cash since 2020 in the pursuit of developing XR and AI tech, and Bosworth’s comments suggest that Meta and its investors finally want to see a return on their investment. Thankfully for Reality labs, the memo also teases how that might happen.

“Half a dozen” Meta AI wearables incoming?

(Image credit: Meta)

Taken literally, Bosworth’s “half a dozen” comment suggests that Meta has six AI wearables up its sleeve – and it sounds like they’re set to launch this year. If that's correct, this is significantly more than expected.

Based on leaks and teases we were expecting two 2025 hardware launches, maybe three at a push: the third-gen Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses teased by Mark Zuckerberg (which could include a display), Oakley versions of its existing second-gen AI smart glasses, and perhaps Oakley versions of its third-gen specs.

Beyond these we'd heard that Meta was developing some kind of smartwatch/wristband to control its glasses, and even camera-equipped earbuds – marking wearables four and five off our list – however, the earbuds weren’t expected to land anytime soon. Meanwhile the wristband was believed to be more of an add-on than a full-on AI wearable, so perhaps there are even more unknown AI Metra gadgets set to launch.

Based on what we think we know about Meta’s release schedule our money is on Bosworth not just talking about 2025 releases – as we know that Meta has other glasses on the way, including the consumer versions of its Meta Orion AR glasses – and that he was using “half a dozen” as a synonym for ‘several’ rather than a precise figure for Meta’s output. Given that the line is taken from a leaked internal memo rather than an official statement it’s not so important for Bosworth to speak precisely, which is why we’re leaning this way.

If, however, Meta is indeed releasing more glasses than expected, our best guess is that we’ll either see Ray-Ban and (the rumored) Oakley joined by a third brand adapting Meta’s smart glasses tech into their designs; or that, rather than the third-gen smart glasses and display-equipped specs being one and the same product, it could be they’re different devices, to give the line both a high-end and affordable refresh.

The year of mixed reality

(Image credit: Meta)

Mixed reality – which has an app on a VR headset blend real-life and virtual elements into a single experience – has been on a major upswing since the launch of affordable full-color mixed-reality headsets like the Meta Quest 3.

Unfortunately, beyond some fun and innovative, but admittedly limited, experiences in the likes of Starship Home and Infinite Inside, as well as some delightful mixed-reality modes in larger VR titles, there’s yet to be a tentpole MR game or app in the same way as the main campaigns of VR titles Asgard’s Wrath 2, Batman: Arkham Shadow, or Resident Evil 4 VR.

Bosworth’s comments suggest that Reality Labs is helping to publish some major mixed-reality releases this year that get closer to making MR feel as fully realized as VR. Admittedly, these experiences likely won't be on the scale of something like Batman: Arkham Shadow – given that MR titles are inherently more limited by the player’s space – but an MR Focus, and some AA-level MR titles (vs meta’s AAA-quality VR games) could be incoming, and I’m excited to see what 2025 has in store beyond what we know about already (including games such as Laser Dance, which are looking awesome already).

Horizon Worlds reborn

(Image credit: Meta)

Since its launch, Horizon Worlds hasn’t really been much to write home about – in fact I wasn’t entirely aware that it had even launched on mobile yet. I only use it about once or twice a year to check out some concert in VR before letting it gather dust on my virtual game shelf. But I do know that Meta has been working on expanding the scope of Horizon Worlds, with not only player-made but game developer-made worlds for users to explore, and I’m cautiously optimistic that the game might finally feel like a complete package – which I can’t say was how I felt when it was first released.

Meta is likely hoping that its metaverse platform can steal away some of the success of the massively popular Roblox and Fortnite, with which Horizon Worlds shares several similarities, and more emphasis on Horizon Worlds' mobile port would help to reach audiences who have yet to buy a VR headset.

It’s been somewhat surprising to see Meta fail so miserably so far with Horizon Worlds given its social media-focused history with Facebook and Instagram, but perhaps 2025 is the year it finally turns the metaverse around. I’m cautiously optimistic that it might finally make the platform into something I care about, but I’m not holding my breath.

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• Apple’s foldable iPhone could launch in 2026, a new leak claims
• The report contains many details and specs for the device
• There’s also a mention of the foldable iPad/MacBook

Rumors have been flying for months that Apple is secretly building a foldable iPhone, but the actual details of the device have remained largely hidden from view. Now, though, a leaker has spilled the beans on what we might be able to expect from Apple’s upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 5 rival, with everything from release date to design being brought into the light of day.

The speculation comes from long-time leaker Jukanlosreve on X, an account that has posted a steady stream of tech-related leaks on the platform. And according to the post, Apple might launch the foldable iPhone as soon as fall 2026, putting it roughly 18 months away.

While the rumors should be taken with a very large pinch of salt, there are five particularly interesting new details. Firstly, the post explains that “progress on small foldable phones is minimal; the focus is on large foldable phones.” How large are we talking? Jukanlosreve said the foldable iPhone will be 9.2mm thick when folded, with an unfolded single-side width of 4.6mm. Also, “the internal screen is comparable to two 6.1‑inch phones folded together,” Jukanlosreve explained, “resulting in a total size of over 12 inches.”

As for the hinge, this supposedly “utilizes Apple’s design solution” and “features a large folding mechanism on the left rear side.” The company has previously been rumored to be working on a hinge that shows no visible crease in the display, something that even the best foldable phones have failed to eliminate.

Fourthly, there's an intriguing hint about the foldable iPhone's battery – it will reportedly have a capacity of 5,000mAh. That would put it ahead of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, which is Apple’s longest-lived iPhone and has been claimed to have a 4,685mAh capacity (Apple doesn’t list the battery specs on its website).

Whether that will actually mean the foldable iPhone lasts longer on one charge is up for debate, though, as it has to power two displays instead of just one.

Digging into the details

(Image credit: ConceptsiPhone)

The final interesting detail in this leak is that, surprisingly, Jukanlosreve’s post only mentions the foldable iPhone having two rear cameras – with main and ultra-wide lenses discussed, but a telephoto lens being absent.

This could mean that Apple is cutting features in a bid to keep costs down on an otherwise very expensive device (similar to the rumored iPhone 17 Air, which will apparently only have one rear camera). Or it could simply be that the telephoto lens will be present but Jukanlosreve does not have all the details on it yet.

The post estimates that Apple will sell 8-10 million units in 2026, then 20 million units in 2027. That’s well down on iPhone 16 sales numbers, but given how niche (and pricey) the foldable will be, it’s not surprising either.

And there was one more juicy tidbit nestled in the report: 2027 could see the launch of a “foldable iPad/MacBook.” This has been mentioned before, with highly accurate leaker Mark Gurman predicting its release date will fall in 2028. Does that mean the schedule has moved forward? We’ll have to see who is correct over the next few years.

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• New guidance from the Five Eyes Alliance outlines edge device expectations
• Cybersecurity agencies from the UK, Canada, and Australia and more publish recommendations
• The guidance is primarily for edge device manufacturers

The Five Eyes Alliance, a group of cybersecurity agencies from the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the US, have come together to issue cybersecurity guidance for device manufacturers.

With critical infrastructure sustaining 13 cyberattacks per second in recent years, mitigating the effects of compromises is a priority at every stage.

The new recommendations are for manufacturers of network edge devices and appliances such as routers, firewalls, virtual private network (VPN) gateways, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and more.

Manufactured vulnerabilities

The aim of the advice is to help network defenders ‘secure organisational networks both before and after a compromise’ and to set expectations for the minimum requirements for forensic visibility. This will enable network defenders to more easily detect and investigate malicious activity.

The four sets of published requirements include the UK NCSC’s digital forensics guidance, Canada’s CCCS edge device security considerations, and from the Australian ACSC, both mitigation strategies and practitioner guidance.

Threat actors have been known to exploit flaws in edge devices to gain access to networks - so securing these devices will be crucial in the fight against cybercrime.

Edge devices usually have public IP addresses that can be reached from anywhere, and are particularly vulnerable to hackers because they handle important information and connect to external networks directly.

Included in the guidance are logging requirements, setting out the minimum expectations for threat detection and detailed event recording, and forensic data acquisition requirements, like volatile data collection to help facilitate automatic analysis and helping human investigators detect anomalous events.

“Device manufacturers are encouraged to include and enable standard logging and forensic features that are robust and secure by default, so that network defenders can more easily detect malicious activity and investigate following an intrusion,” said the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre.

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• Nvidia Shield's latest update, v9.2, adds a new 3D audio format
• The support comes two years after Nvidia first voiced plans to do so
• However, there's no sign of a new Shield TV model

A new update to the Nvidia Shield TV streaming box has arrived, with software version 9.2 now rolling out to Shield TV devices with a host of new fixes and changes, reminding us that the ageing streamer may still have some life in it yet.

The flashiest change is the addition of Auro-3D, a three-dimensional audio format in the vein of Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Nvidia voiced its intention to support Auro-3D back in 2023, but it's taken around two years to finally get here.

Developed by Denon, Auro-3D works in a similar way to other three-dimensional formats, configured for a sense of height and surround sound immersion alongside traditional horizontal speaker arrangements. You'll need a minimum 9.1 channel speaker setup to get the full experience, mind.

The format isn't widely supported compared to Dolby Atmos, which you'll find on the best streaming services such as Netflix, but it's still a contender making its way to devices, Blu-rays and other platforms – and for those with a suitable home theater system, you'll likely want to check it out for yourself.

(Image credit: Nvidia )

Other changes for version 9.2 include added parental controls in French, increased security measures for 4K DRM playback, and a long list of bug fixes for video and audio playback, app launching, and smart assistant integration issues.

The patch notes mention that the update will remove your Shield TV from Google Home integration, too, so make sure you reconfigure your setup if that's something that affects you.

Will there be more Shield TV hardware to come?

It's an interesting time for Nvidia's TV streaming box. The Shield TV range first launched in 2015, with the latest Shield TV and Shield TV Pro models releasing in 2019, meaning the current hardware is getting a little long in the tooth – especially given it still runs on Android 11 rather than the latest Android 12 OS.

As we wrote in 2024, though, the Shield TV is still an excellent streaming box, even if its updates are now few and far between. It's a capable 4K HDR streamer for any smart TV, with countless Android apps and services, including the jam-packed GeForce Now streaming service with access to over 1,800 games.

But with plenty of other streaming devices to choose from, games consoles that double as streaming boxes, and reports that Valve may be looking at creating a Shield TV competitor, and it's hard to see how long Nvidia's box can hold on without releasing a new hardware iteration in the near future.

I can at least assure you that Matt Hanson, our Managing Editor for Computing and TR's foremost Shield fanatic, brings it up with Nvidia literally every time he speaks to the folks there, which has been pretty damn regularly recently – so when Nvidia finally breaks and promises a new one to shut him up, you'll know who to thank.

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• Invincible season 3's first three episodes are out now on Prime Video
• The show's latest entry is already laying the groundwork for another devastating storyline from the comics
• This season's evolving title card sequence holds the clue to this forthcoming event

Invincible season 3 has finally made its debut on Prime Video – and, even though we're only three episodes deep into its latest run, the show is already laying the groundwork for a hugely significant storyline from the comic series.

Just like its forebear, which was split in half – unsurprisingly, these volumes were labeled Invincible season 2 part 1 and Invincible season 2 part 2 – this season's evolving title card sequence holds the key. Expectedly, it hasn't taken long time fans of the source material, myself included, to work out what said sequence is teasing.

I'm about to get into major spoiler territory for the Invincible comics. If you haven't read them, I'd urge you to proceed with extreme caution because the following information could ruin season 3's final two episodes. I haven't seen them yet but, based on how the plot pans out in the graphic novels, it's possible that season 3 might end with the story arc I'm about to discuss. So, if you don't want to know anything from this point on, turn back now or read my review of Invincible season 3 instead.

*SPOILERS* #INVINCIBLE Loving the new Invincible title card intro! pic.twitter.com/BQJfGkaKfNFebruary 6, 2025

If you've watched this season's three-episode premiere, you'll have picked up on the constantly changing title card. The first is a clear reference to Mark's new "serious" supersuit that was shown in Invincible season 3's official trailer – i.e. the blue and black one he gets in the comics and Amazon's TV adaptation in the aftermath of his acrimonious split with Cecil and the Global Defence Agency (GDA).

The title cards of the episodes that follow, though, are different to their sibling. No sooner do they pop up on the screen, they suddenly and violently shake, which leads to a significant shift in the coloring of their title cards.

There's only one storyline from Robert Kirkman, Ryan Ottley, and Cory Walker's original literary works that these modified sequences are referencing: The Invincible War.

The Invincible War explained

The Invincible War causes wanton destruction across the original Mark Grayson's reality (Image credit: Image Comics)

A one-issue event – Invincible comic issue #60, for anyone wondering – the Invincible War is a cataclysmic event that takes place over a five-day period and results in the near-total devastation of the Earth that Mark Grayson/Invincible (the one we follow in the show and comics) calls home.

Led by one of Mark's arch-nemeses Angstrom Levy, who Mark believed he killed in Invincible season 2 part 2's finale, an army of evil, multiversal Invincibles invade the original Mark's reality and raise many of the world's biggest cities, including New York, London, and Moscow to the ground. It's a multi-pronged attack that completely blind-sides Earth's superhero contingent, as well as Cecil and the GDA, which – obvious as it is to say – immediately puts them on the backfoot.

Belatedly, Mark, the GDA, and the world's other superpowered beings rally and launch a staunch defence of this realm's Earth. Despite their best efforts and eventual victory, though, much of the planet lies in ruins, and numerous heroes have either been slain or severely injured in their duels with one or more of Mark's alternate selves. It's a situation that emotionally devastates this universe's Mark but, as established Invincible fans will know, he has little time to wallow in self-pity and come to terms with what's happened because – well, let's just say the Viltrumite warrior referred to as "Mister Ten Times Stronger", who may be voiced by one of season 3's nine new big cast additions, is ready to make his grand entrance in one of the best Prime Video shows...

So, will this season's seventh and eighth episodes cover the Invincible War and potentially introduce the aforementioned villain? Based on the plot points that season 3's first six episodes cover, they're next in line to be adapted. Seasons 1 and 2 ended with similarly brutal and noteworthy moments from the comics, so it's highly likely that Invincible's latest installment will do so as well. Whether the Invincible War and "Mister Ten Times Stronger" are covered before the final end credits roll, though, remains a mystery for now.

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• Half of entrepreneurs will increase IT investments this year, UBS finds
• Many are worried about higher taxes and geopolitical uncertainty
• Europeans among the most likely to increase AI and IT spending

New data from the UBS Global Entrepreneur Report has revealed the technology startup and small business world is in a healthy place, with three in five (61%) feeling optimistic about the prospects for their industries this year.

The news comes as more entrepreneurs look to invest in expansion, with investments in people and acquisitions on the cards for many.

That said, technology is also said to be a key focus area for entrepreneurs, with the report finding nearly half (45%) are expecting investment in AI infrastructure, applications and/or models, outpacing personnel investments.

Entrepreneurs are growing their businesses and investing more

Three in five (62%) now see AI as offering the greatest commercial opportunity for their industries, with two-thirds (67%) predicting AI will lead to improved productivity for a typical company in their industry by the end of the decade. Nearly half (47%) plan to increase IT and digital transformation spending over the next 12 months.

However, entrepreneurs are continuing to exercise a cautious approach, with many citing political uncertainty and/or instability (53%), higher taxes (42%) and major geopolitical conflicts (42%) as concerns in the next year alone.

Moreover, UBS revealed some key differences across the globe: European entrepreneurs plan to increase AI and IT spending, with digital transformation emerging as key focus areas; while respondents in the Americas will focus on personnel investments. Those located in Asia-Pacific and also Switzerland will focus on both strategic acquisitions and IT/AI growth.

The report also uncovered higher industry outlook optimism in the Americas (71%) compared with Europe (52%), Switzerland (50%) and Asia-Pacific (59%).

By analyzing how entrepreneurs perceive their industries, UBS hopes to understand the effects of the global pandemic and geopolitical conflicts on economic growth.

Head of Strategic Clients Benjamin Cavalli concluded: “This report captures the collective knowledge of some of the brightest business innovators we have the privilege to work with and highlights their insights on topics from their industry outlook to their business plans over a short-term horizon, and to the end of the decade.”

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• Another OnePlus 13 Mini leak has just hinted at its camera offerings
• The rumored 6.31-inch phone is tipped to get two rear cameras
• A launch could be happening soon

While the OnePlus 13 and the OnePlus 13R have already broken cover, the expectation is that we might see one or two more models in this range eventually – and a new leak teases the camera setup heading to the rumored OnePlus 13 Mini.

This comes from well-established tipster Digital Chat Station (via GSMArena), who says that on the back of the OnePlus 13 Mini we're going to get a 50MP primary camera, together with a 50MP telephoto camera offering 2x optical zoom.

That contradicts an earlier report from the same source that pointed to a triple-lens rear camera setup for the OnePlus Mini 13: a 50MP primary camera, a 50MP periscope telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera.

Given the mixed messages, we're not totally convinced that the camera specs listed here will be those actually offered by the OnePlus 13 Mini – but the latter leak is presumably based on more recent supply chain reports.

A big year for OnePlus

The OnePlus 13 (Image credit: OnePlus)

We can't really talk about the OnePlus 13 Mini in terms of upgrades, because there's no direct predecessor to compare it to. The OnePlus launch schedule and product range can be difficult to predict, outside of the main flagship models.

That's even more the case now that Oppo and OnePlus are part of the same company. Some Oppo handsets are rebadged as OnePlus phones for international markets, while others aren't, so we're playing a guessing game at the moment with the OnePlus 13 Mini.

According to previous rumors, the OnePlus 13 Mini could be based on the Oppo Find X8 Mini, which has yet to be unveiled. There has been talk of a 6.31-inch display, so this handset wouldn't actually be all that mini after all.

What we do know for sure is that we've been impressed with the hardware offerings from OnePlus so far this year: check out our OnePlus 13 review and our OnePlus 13R review to find out what makes these handsets two of the best Android phones around.

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• Microsoft has partnered with US and UK stores for Xbox Series X and Series S repairs
• The partnerships are with uBreakiFix in the US and Currys in the UK
• The aim of these partnerships is to combat the rise of electronic waste

In a bid to cut down on electronic waste, Microsoft has formed a partnership with stores in the US and the UK to establish an official console repair service.

In the US, uBreakiFix by Asurion has become an Xbox Authorized Service Provider, covering in-warranty repairs for Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles. That also includes recent revisions such as the Xbox Series X Digital Edition as well as the 2TB Galaxy Black model.

For repairs, you can either schedule an appointment online using uBreakiFix's store locator, or head into a local store to drop off your console directly. The store's website also notes that in-store repairs "can be completed in a few days," but do keep in mind that Xbox One console repairs will still need to go through Microsoft instead.

Over in the UK, it's hardware retailer Currys that has become an Xbox Authorized Service Provider. The official Currys announcement states: "Consumers will benefit from Currys’ tech expertise, regardless of where their Xbox console was purchased. Whether it’s through visiting one of Currys' stores, filled with expert colleagues, or getting their console booked in to be repaired at Europe’s largest tech repair center in Newark – this includes consoles both in warranty and out of warranty."

It adds that the company is committed to combating the rise of electronic waste, and repair services such as this should ensure players can keep gaming on their current consoles instead of having it be replaced by a separate unit entirely.

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• The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might lack a digitizer, allowing for a slimmer design
• However, this would also require a redesign of the S Pen if Samsung's stylus is going to be supported
• The phone is shaping up to be similar to the Z Fold Special Edition, but with added S Pen support

Recent leaks have suggested that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have a lot in common with last year’s Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, including the same-size screens and the same 200MP main camera – but we’re now hearing about one area where the Z Fold 7 might have that previous foldable beat.

According to leaker @PandaFlashPro (via NotebookCheck), Samsung is working on an S Pen that will function without a digitizer in the display. A digitizer is a layer on the screen that registers stylus inputs, and removing it could allow the phone to be slimmer.

Indeed, removing the digitizer is exactly what Samsung did with the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, which at just 10.6mm thick when folded and 4.9mm thick when unfolded is a fair bit slimmer than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6. However, removing the digitizer from that phone also meant that Samsung had to remove S Pen support.

Designed To Work Without the Digitizer Display. https://t.co/TpggtPczCNFebruary 5, 2025

The ideal combination

If the company is working on a new kind of S Pen that doesn’t need a digitizer we could have the best of both worlds with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7: a slim design (though no slimmer than the Z Fold Special Edition according to this source) and support for the S Pen stylus.

We would take this claim with a pinch of salt, both because the source doesn’t mention the Z Fold 7 by name here – meaning that this new S Pen design could be intended for another phone – and because they don’t have much of a track record yet. But this isn’t the first time we’ve heard that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 might have a new S Pen design and no digitizer, so it could well be accurate.

We certainly hope so, because if everything we’ve heard about the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 so far does pan out then it could be quite an upgrade on the Z Fold 6 – a thinner phone with bigger screens, a better camera, and a more powerful chipset, yet perhaps with the same price tag.

We’ll likely find out in July, as that’s when we expect the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 to be unveiled.

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• Investments in AI tech will rise 104% in 2025
• Hybrid, on-prem and AI PCs are “key”, report claims

New research by Lenovo has revealed AI spending could account for as much as a fifth (20%) of IT budgets this year, up from 13% in 2024.

The company's research claims IT decision-makers across EMEA reported higher satisfaction rates with their AI projects over the last 12 months, leading them to expect increases in their investments this year by as much as 104%.

Nearly all (94%) AI projects at least met expectations in the region, with nearly one in three (31%) exceeding them, putting EMEA ahead of North America, where only 16% of projects exceeded expectations.

Businesses are starting to see rewards from AI

Up until now, optimism hasn’t always been met with the same level of tangible success, but the fact businesses are now being able to see the results proves that AI wasn’t just a fad after all.

“The EMEA markets present a diverse landscape of AI adoption and it is clear that most organisations have moved past the hype phase of AI and have shifted focus from experimentation to full implementation," noted Lenovo’s President of EMEA for Infrastructure Solutions Group, Giovanni Di Filippo.

Looking ahead, companies are expecting to increase their generative AI focus from 12% to 44% over the next 12 months – a stark rise. One key area for increased spending includes developing and managing AI models (32%, up from 22% last year), proving enterprises and many other businesses are seeking to regain control over how they use AI at work.

However, time and time again we’re faced with the same challenges, and it’s clear that businesses haven’t overcome them yet.

Lenovo highlighted how poorly prepared data poses an obstacle for AI implementation, with 29% acknowledging they have data quality issues. Others states that the enforcement of their AI governance, risk and compliance (GRC) policies is limited (26%), with an alarming 22% of the surveyed businesses presenting no plans to establish AI GRC policies.

To address at least some of the concerns, Lenovo believes, “hybrid infrastructure is key.” Two-thirds (65%) of organizations across EMEA are already using on-prem or hybrid as their primary architecture, with 18% preferring public cloud.

AI PCs are also set to play a role in localizing AI capabilities, with 65% planning on using the devices soon. Separately, Canalys Principal Analyst Ishan Dutt predicts that AI PCs could account for 35% of the PC sector in 2025; previous predictions for the final quarter of 2024 had this at 20%, indicative of significant growth in the year to come.

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Botnet activity on connected devices is up 500% thanks to default passwords, outdated software, and inadequate security protections creating backdoors into enterprise networks. Now, even entry-level hackers with off-the-shelf tools are getting in on the act.

In November, researchers discovered a new and dangerous botnet, Matrix, made from open source and readily available solutions rather than custom code. While not highly sophisticated, this hack shows how bad actors with basic technical knowledge can make and sell botnets with the potential for widescale damage.

This is an escalating issue and something’s got to give. Stricter device regulations are on the way in 2025 but, until they’re enforced, it’s up to admins to step up. This demands immediate action on software patching, strong authentication, and unified device management.

Growing devices, growing botnets

It’s no coincidence that connected devices and botnets are growing at similar rates. In the past five years, consumers and enterprises have embraced devices in the smart home and office, resulting in a doubling of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). This number is expected to double again in the next decade to more than 40 billion worldwide.

This is a problem since not all devices are created equal. By scanning the internet for known software flaws or easy-to-break passwords – two common vulnerabilities in cheaper products – hackers can bend these machines to their will. With more devices, there are more botnet targets.

Once compromised, devices become unwitting recruits in massive botnet armies, allowing attackers to spread malware, launch devastating DDoS attacks, and infiltrate critical enterprise systems. Nokia recently reported IoT devices engaged in botnet-driven DDoS attacks are up 500% over the past 18 months and account for 40% of all DDoS traffic.

Matrix only ups the degree of difficulty. This latest arrival demonstrates how making a botnet isn’t as hard as one might think, opening up new avenues for individuals to execute broad, multi-faceted attacks on numerous endpoint vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. Even more concerning? The solution is for sale as commercial botnet-as-a-service, turning basic tech know-how into automated hacking weaponry. And with enterprise ecosystems now counting more endpoints than ever before, it’s clear that admins must redouble their cybersecurity efforts in the face of this escalating threat.

Three ways admins can fight back against botnets

First, and it should go without saying, change any default passwords. Generic credentials are often shared across entire fleets of the same device – meaning hackers might already have your login if it’s left unchanged. Regardless of whether you’re securing a camera, sensor, or industrial control, don’t do default. Strong, randomized passwords are non-negotiable and go a step further with two-factor authentication for added protection.

Next, strengthen your software. Half of last year’s enterprise vulnerabilities remain unpatched and outdated, making them perfect botnet targets. Automated patch management isn’t optional – it’s integral to security survival.

Finally, be proactive. Hackers are counting on admin complacency and weak backend safeguards. Prove them wrong. Contain breaches by segmenting networks, consolidate endpoint management with a unified console, and deploy AI monitoring to catch suspicious behavior.

A critical step here is developing an incident response plan. Many organizations discover botnet infections too late because they lack clear protocols for detection and response. Regular tabletop exercises and automated network monitoring (more on that below) can help teams identify weak points and practice responding to potential breaches before they occur. These basics separate minor hiccups from major incidents.

Be smart and proactive

It’s worth mentioning that various regulations are coming online to help stop botnets this year.

Europe, The United States, and The United Kingdom are taking aim at basic vulnerabilities in different ways. Europe’s Cyber Resilience Act, for example, will go a long way to closing device backdoors by banning default passwords and obligating manufacturers to provide software support throughout a product’s lifespan.

Across the Atlantic, expect to see a consumer tick of approval on connected devices that meet cybersecurity minimums. Let’s hope these concerted efforts across major markets will hit botnets where it hurts – easy to exploit vulnerabilities – and make us all a little safer.

In the meantime, the buck stops with admins, and it’s not easy in a landscape of growing devices, experimental hackers, and stretched IT teams. To close the gap, look for extra and smarter ways to oversee your ecosystem. Make your life easier with automation, maintain a real-time ecosystem inventory, and establish clear security baselines for new endpoints. You’ll find that relatively small changes to how you manage, authenticate, and protect devices can make a big difference to your overall security posture.

This isn’t to say to do away with endpoints – far from it. Connected devices are popular in enterprises big and small for a reason. They unlock operational data, deliver business insights, and achieve newfound efficiencies. The key is to onboard them consciously and carefully, slamming shut every potential backdoor while unleashing the full promise of tomorrow’s smart office.

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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

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, leaders around the world are navigating the challenge of how to create clear and consistent regulations that balance innovation with safety. In September, representatives from technology companies, institutions, and researchers issued an open letter to European policymakers, warning that fragmented and inconsistent rules risk depriving the EU of two cornerstones of AI innovation: “open” and “multimodal” models. Open models are free and available to everyone to use, modify, and build on, which spreads social and economic opportunity. The latest multimodal models operate fluidly across text, images, and speech and will enable the next wave of breakthroughs in AI.

Multimodal AI represents a significant leap forward from traditional AI systems. Conventional AI typically focuses on one modality at a time, for example, a text-based chatbot processes only text, and a voice assistant like Siri primarily processes voice inputs. Multimodal AI systems process and respond across multiple formats simultaneously — integrating text, voice, images, and gestures to deliver more intuitive user experiences that feel more natural and human.

Transforming customer experience through multiple touchpoints

Multimodal AI is revolutionizing customer experience, offering transformative possibilities for how brands and customers interact. At their core, these systems have evolved how customers can engage with brands by offering unmatched flexibility in communication methods. They also boost efficiency by leveraging how humans naturally process information, letting users input data the fastest way they can, through speech, and delivering responses in formats that best suit their preferences or needs.

A customer may, for example, begin their interaction through voice commands while driving, seamlessly switch to text upon entering a quiet environment and receive visual confirmations throughout their journey. This adaptability creates a more natural and comfortable experience while maintaining conversational context across different modes of interaction.

With voice interfaces providing much-needed alternatives for individuals with visual impairments and text and visual outputs serving those with hearing difficulties, multimodal systems are helping to remove barriers and promote inclusivity, broadening access to everyday tasks and interactions with brands.

By synthesizing various forms of input, multimodal AI systems are building a more comprehensive understanding of user intent and context, resulting in more accurate and relevant responses. This deeper level of understanding significantly reduces friction in customer interactions and leads to improved overall satisfaction. Notably, multimodal AI’s ability to process multiple types of input also simultaneously leads to enhanced contextual intelligence.

In the retail sector, for instance, multimodal AI is revolutionizing online and in-store consumer experiences. Leading retailers are using the technology to help customers search for products more easily using a combination of voice queries and images. For example, shoppers can use smartphones to photograph a piece of furniture and then verbally specify modifications such as, “show me this in blue” or “find similar items at a lower price point.”

Smart mirrors with multimodal AI are another innovative retail application. They respond to voice commands and gestures, enable customers to “try on” clothes virtually in their reflections, requesting different sizes or colors, and receive product recommendations. These use cases demonstrate how powerful multimodal AI can be in blending the best of digital and physical retail applications.

Best practices for implementing multimodal AI

For organizations looking to implement multimodal AI solutions, several best practices should be considered:

Seamless Integration: The key to successful multimodal implementation lies in creating smooth transitions between different modes of interaction. Users should be able to switch between voice, text, and visual interfaces without disrupting their experience or losing context.

User-Centric Design: Organizations need to understand the preferences of their specific user base to deliver the best experience. This insight should guide the choice of modalities, ensuring the technology serves real user needs rather than being implemented for its own sake.

Contextual Data Utilization: Effective multimodal systems should leverage available contextual data, including location information, interaction history, and user preferences, to deliver more personalized experiences. However, this must be balanced with strong privacy protections, informed user consent, and transparent data collection and usage policies.

Accessibility First: Rather than treating accessibility as an afterthought, organizations should place it at the core of their multimodal AI strategy. This approach not only serves users with different abilities but often leads to better solutions for all users.

Continuous Improvement: The field of multimodal AI is rapidly evolving, making it essential for organizations to update and refine their systems regularly. This includes incorporating customer feedback, adapting to new technological capabilities, and maintaining robust security measures.

Leverage Third-Party Expertise: Partnering with an expert provider can help organizations navigate the complexities of multimodal AI implementation. These providers bring specialized expertise, ensuring seamless integration, responsible innovation, and adherence to regulatory standards. These collaborations can accelerate deployment while maximizing the technology’s impact on customer experiences.

Looking ahead: the future of CX

As generative AI (GenAI) continues to evolve, multimodal AI is unlocking new opportunities for brands to win customers, build loyalty, and drive higher engagement. Offering seamless and personalized experiences enables brands to attract new customers while strengthening relationships with existing ones, encouraging repeat business and increased spending. This technology enables brands to create more meaningful and impactful customer interactions across the entire customer journey.

For multimodal AI to thrive, technology leaders need to have confidence in consistent rules that balance safety with innovation. Europe has the opportunity to create a regulatory framework that addresses potential risks while unlocking the full potential of this transformative technology.

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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

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