Technology

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, April 14 (game #407).

Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.

Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Strands today (game #408) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Draft picks

NYT Strands today (game #408) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• STREET
• RISE
• CRACK
• TOWER
• SIRE
• CROW

NYT Strands today (game #408) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 12 letters

NYT Strands today (game #408) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 6th row

Last side: right, 4th row

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Strands today (game #408) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #408, are…

• SOUR
• NITRO
• LAGER
• BOCK
• STOUT
• PORTER
• PILSNER
• SPANGRAM: MICRO BREWERY

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 hint

After fearing that today’s search would have something to do with sports drafts, I was relieved to be on the more solid ground of alcoholic beverages, and beer in particular.

Cunningly, the grid featured the word BEER – but it wasn’t one of the answers. Crafty, crafty…

I did struggle to get going and the word the Hint gave me – SOUR – didn’t help much. It wasn’t until I spotted LAGER that I knew what I was doing. BOCK and NITRO were both new beery words to me, although I’ve seen both incorporated into German beer brands.

All in all, thirsty work.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, 14 April, game #407)

• IRIS
• DAFFODIL
• TULIP
• HYACINTH
• LILY
• CROCUS
• SPANGRAM: SPRING FLOWERS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, April 14 (game #673).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #674) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• BELL
• REFRAIN
• SPEED
• CHORUS
• BRIDGE
• HUBRIS
• DARLING
• HEARTS
• HOOK
• AVOID
• HERO
• CEASE
• SPOONS
• PAN
• ABSTAIN
• TRAGEDY

NYT Connections today (game #674) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Not involved
• GREEN: Play with a deck
• BLUE: Parts of a classic play
• PURPLE: People in JM Barrie’s classic

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #674) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: DESIST 
• GREEN: CARD GAMES 
• BLUE: ELEMENTS OF GREEK DRAMA 
• PURPLE: SECOND WORDS OF "PETER PAN" CHARACTERS 

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

NYT Connections today (game #674) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #674, are…

• YELLOW: DESIST ABSTAIN, AVOID, CEASE, REFRAIN
• GREEN: CARD GAMES BRIDGE, HEARTS, SPEED, SPOONS
• BLUE: ELEMENTS OF GREEK DRAMA CHORUS, HERO, HUBRIS, TRAGEDY
• PURPLE: SECOND WORDS OF "PETER PAN" CHARACTERS BELL, DARLING, HOOK, PAN

• My rating: Hard
• My score: Fail

I failed completely again, wasting a lot of time barking up the wrong trees.

After getting DESIST fairly easily I struggled with the remaining 12 words. I was convinced there was a group about songwriting with BRIDGE, HOOK and CHORUS all being key elements of a hit tune. Scrambling for the fourth word I included BELL and got the dreaded “groups of four” pop-up.

After another mistake, I switched to collecting a group associated with Peter Pan – PAN and HOOK were locks but I went down a dead-end route and thought we were looking for elements of a particular scene, so I included BELL and BRIDGE, all very tenuous.

With “one away” I really should have got the purple group, but I made the wrong choices and went for HERO and TRAGEDY.

Two defeats in a row is not a good look.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, 14 April, game #673)

• YELLOW: RESTRICT BLOCK, CHECK, DAM, STOP
• GREEN: TICKETED EVENTS CONCERT, GAME, MOVIE, PLAY
• BLUE: ASSOCIATED WITH THE GAME THE OREGON TRAIL
• DYSENTERY, FORD, HUNT, OXEN
• PURPLE: WHAT "FORD" MIGHT REFER TO ACTOR, CAR, DIRECTOR, PRESIDENT

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Notorious Apple leaker Mark Gurman has reported that Apple is planning a major overhaul of iPadOS (the operating system iPads use) to make it work a lot like macOS – and I think this could be a great move, though one that also comes with plenty of danger.

Gurman is very well respected when it comes to Apple leaks, so while we probably won’t get any official idea of how iPadOS 19 is shaping up until Apple’s WWDC event in June, this could still be a big hint at the direction Apple is planning to take its tablet operating system.

In his weekly Power On newsletter for Bloomberg, Gurman claims that “this year’s upgrade will focus on productivity, multitasking and app window management — with an eye on the device operating more like a Mac,” and that Apple is keen to make its operating systems (macOS, iPadOS, iOS and visionOS primarily) more consistent.

As someone who uses the M4-powered iPad Pro, this is music to my ears. Ever since I reviewed it last year, I’ve been confused by the iPad Pro. It was Apple’s first product to come with the M4 chip, a powerful bit of hardware that is now more commonly found in Macs and MacBooks (previous M-class chips were only used in Apple’s Mac computers, rather than iPad tablets).

However, despite offering the kind of performance you’d expect from a MacBook, I found the power of the M4 chip largely went to waste with the iPad Pro due to it still using iPadOS, and was confined to running simplified iPad apps, rather than full desktop applications.

Even if this move still means you can’t run macOS apps on the iPad Pro, it could still make a massive difference, especially when it comes to multitasking (running multiple apps at the same time and switching between them). If Apple nails this, it would go a long way to making the iPad Pro a true MacBook alternative.

But, making iPadOS more like macOS could bring downsides as well, so I’ve listed five reasons why this could be a great move – and three reasons why it could all go wrong.

5 reasons why making iPadOS more like macOS is a great idea 1. It means the iPad Pro makes more sense

(Image credit: Future)

The biggest win when it comes to making iPadOS more like macOS is with the powerful iPad Pro. Hardware-wise, the iPad Pro is hard to fault, with a stunning screen, thin and light design, and powerful components.

However, despite its cutting-edge hardware, it can only run iPad apps. These are generally simple and straightforward apps that have been designed to be used with a touchscreen. These apps also need to be able to be run on less powerful iPads as well.

This means advanced features are often left for the desktop version of the app, and any performance improvement owners of the iPad Pro get over people using, say, the iPad mini will be modest. Certainly, when I use the iPad Pro, it feels like a lot of its power and potential is limited by this – so a lot of the expensive hardware is going to waste.

Making iPadOS more like macOS could – in an ideal world – lead to the ability to run Mac applications on the iPad Pro. At the very least, it could mean some app designers make their iPad apps come with a Mac-like option.

If it means multitasking is easier, then that will be welcome as well. One of the things I struggled with when I tried using the iPad Pro for work instead of my MacBook was having multiple apps open at once and quickly moving between them. Cutting and pasting content between apps was particularly cumbersome, not helped by the web browser I was using (Chrome) being the mobile version that doesn’t support extensions.

It made tasks that would take seconds on a MacBook a lot more hassle – a critical problem that meant I swiftly moved back to my MacBook Pro for work.

2. It could be just in time for M5-powered iPad Pros

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Prathankarnpap)

If, as rumored, this major change to iPadOS will be announced at Apple’s WWDC 2025 event, then it could nicely coincide with the rumored reveal of a new iPad Pro powered by the M5 chip.

While I’m not 100% convinced about an M5 iPad Pro, seeing as Apple is still releasing M4 devices, the timing would make sense. If Apple does indeed announce an even more powerful iPad Pro, then iPadOS, in its current form, would feel even more limiting.

However, if Apple announces both a new M5 iPad Pro and an overhaul of iPadOS to make use of this power, then that could be very exciting indeed. And, with WWDC being an event primarily aimed at developers, it could be a great opportunity for Apple to show off the new-look iPadOS and encourage those developers to start making apps that take full advantage of the new and improved operating system.

3. It makes it easier for Mac owners to get into iPad ecosystem

(Image credit: Future)

Gurman’s mention of Apple wanting to make its operating systems more consistent is very interesting. One of Apple’s great strengths is in its ecosystem. If you have an iPhone, it’s more likely that you’ll get an Apple Watch over a different smartwatch, and it means you might also have an Apple Music subscription and AirPods as well.

Making iPadOS more like macOS (and iOS and other Apple operating systems) can benefit both Apple and its customers.

If a MacBook owner decides to buy an iPad (Apple’s dream scenario) and the software looks and works in a similar way, then they’ll likely be very happy as it means their new device is familiar and easy to use. And that could mean they buy even more products, which will again be just what Apple wants.

4. It would give iPadOS more of an identity

(Image credit: Apple)

I don’t know about you, but I just think of iPadOS as just iOS (the operating system for iPhones) with larger icons. Maybe that’s unfair, but when the iPad first launched, it was running iOS, and even with the launch of iPadOS in 2019, there are only a handful of features and apps that don’t work on both operating systems.

By making iPadOS a combination of iOS and macOS, it would ironically mean that iPadOS would feel like a more unique operating system, and it could finally step out of the shadow cast by iOS while still benefitting from being able to run almost all apps found in the iPhone’s massive app library.

5. It could mean macOS becomes a bit more like iPadOS

(Image credit: Kaspars Grinvalds / Apple)

iPadOS getting macOS features could work both ways – so could we get some iPad-like features on a Mac or MacBook? There are things that iPadOS does better, such as being more user-friendly for beginners and turning an iPad into a second display for a nearby MacBook. All this would be great to see in macOS.

Having the choice of a larger interface that works well with touchscreens could even pave the way for one of the devices people most request from Apple: a touchscreen MacBook.

3 reasons why making iPadOS more like macOS is a bad idea 1 . It could overcomplicate things

(Image credit: TechRadar)

One of iPadOS’ best features is its simplicity, and while I feel that simplicity holds back a device like the iPad Pro, for more casual users on their iPad, iPad mini, or iPad Air, that ease-of-use is a huge bonus.

If iPadOS were to become more like macOS, that could delight iPad Pro owners, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that the iPad Pro is a niche device that’s too expensive for most people. macOS-like features on an iPad mini, for example, just doesn’t make sense, and Apple would be silly to make a major change that annoys the majority of its customers to please just a few.

2. It could cause a divergence with iOS – and lead to fewer apps

(Image credit: Apple)

The iPad initially launching with iOS was an excellent decision by Apple, as it meant that people who had bought the new product had instant access to thousands of iPhone apps.

While it wasn’t perfect at first – some apps didn’t work well with the iPad’s larger screen- it was likely much easier than if the iPad had launched with a completely new operating system that then needed developers to create bespoke applications for it.

Think of it this way: if you were an app developer with limited resources (both time and money), would you make an app for a system that already had millions of users or risk making an app for a new product with a tiny user base? The answer is simple – you’d go for the large user base (almost) every time, so if it hadn’t launched with iOS and access to the App Store, then the original iPad could have been a flop. Just look at Microsoft’s attempts with the Windows Phone – it needed developers to create a third version of their apps, alongside iOS and Android versions. Very few developers wanted to do that, which meant Windows Phone devices launched with far fewer apps than Android and iPhone rivals.

If iPadOS moves closer to macOS, could we see fewer apps make it to iPad? While iPads are incredibly popular, they are still nowhere near as popular as iPhones, so if devs have to choose between which audience to make an app for, you can bet it’ll be for the iPhone.

However, if future iPadOS apps will remain essentially iOS apps but with an optional macOS-like interface, that could still mean the new look is dead on arrival, as developers will prefer to concentrate on the interface that can be used by the widest audience rather than just iPad Pro users.

3. You’ll probably need expensive peripherals to make the most of it

(Image credit: Future)

iPadOS works so well because it’s been designed from the ground up to be used on a touchscreen device. You can buy a new iPad, and all you need to do is jab the screen to get going.

However, macOS is designed for keyboard and mouse/trackpad, so if you want to make the most out of a future version of iPadOS that works like macOS, you’re going to need to invest in peripherals – and some of them can be very expensive.

The Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro is a brilliant bit of kit that quickly attaches to the iPad and turns it into a laptop-like device with a physical keyboard and touchpad, but it also costs $299 / £299 / AU$499 – a hefty additional expense, and I can almost guarantee that to use any macOS-like features in iPadOS, you’ll really need some sort of peripherals. This will either make things too expensive for a lot of people, or if you choose a cheaper alternative such as a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse, it then takes away from the simplicity of using an iPad.

This could mean fewer people actually use the macOS-like elements, which in turn would mean there’s less incentive for app developers to implement features and designs that only a small proportion of iPad users will use.

So, I’m all for more macOS features for my iPad Pro – but I am also very aware that I am in the minority when it comes to iPad owners, and Apple needs to be careful not to lose what made the iPad so successful in the first place just to placate people (like me) who moan about iPads being too much like iPads. Maybe it would just be better if I stuck with my MacBook instead.

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• Fujifilm may have asked retailers to suspend orders of three cameras
• Rumors suggest the X100VI, GFX100RF and X-M5 are affected
• The move could be tariff-related – we've asked Fujifilm for a response

The Fujifilm X100VI hasn't been easy to find at the best of times since it launched just over a year ago – but the compact camera could soon become genuinely impossible to buy new in the US, according to new rumors.

An anonymous source has apparently told Fuji Rumors that Fujifilm recently "contacted retailers about the suspension of orders" for the X100VI, alongside the new Fujifilm GFX100RF and the black version of the Fujifilm X-M5.

If that's true, it means backorders for the Fujifilm X100VI may now be suspended in the US, which means not being able to join the queue of people waiting for one. It'd also mean that pre-orders for the GFX100RF, which was announced less than a month ago, may be suspended in the US before it's even got started.

The little Fujifilm X-M5 seemingly hasn't been as badly affected, with the suspension of pre-orders apparently only affecting the black version. But it's possible that stock of the silver version, which is already shipping, could also run dry. We've contacted Fujifilm for a response to these rumors and will update this story if we hear back.

The problem is seemingly that, as Fuji Rumors claims, the X100VI and X-M5 are both made in China, which the US has subjected to a 145% tariff. The GFX100RF is made in Japan, so the reasons for its apparent issues in the US are less obvious.

Something that also isn't clear is whether or not the knock-on effect could be the greater availability of these three cameras in other regions.

In the UK, for example, the Fujifilm X100VI is still largely on backorder, but it may also not be possible to divert stock to different regions due to variations in accessories and warranties.

What should you get instead?

(Image credit: Future | Tim Coleman)

We don't yet know how accurate these reports of Fujifilm suspending retailer orders for the X100VI in the US are. But either way, it's already very difficult to buy the camera new, with the X100VI listed as 'out of stock' on Fujifilm's store and backordered at retailers. The trade war certainly isn't going to ease that situation.

Fortunately, the X100VI isn't your only option. I've previously written about how that camera has helped raise second-hand compact camera prices due to its popularity, but that effect started to wane in early 2025 as the stock issues eased.

If you want a powerful compact camera that's genuinely pocketable (and smaller than the X100VI), then the Ricoh GR III and GR IIIx (which I'd go for due to its 40mm lens) both remain good options.

We've also recently noted the availability of the Leica D-Lux 8, while other solid second-hand options include the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II and Fujifilm X-Pro 2. But my choice would be either the Fujifilm X-T30 II or X-T50 – in fact, I bought the latter when it dropped to a new record-low price recently.

Neither X-T models are as small or as desirable as the rangefinder-style X100VI, but they do come with the considerable benefit of being able to change lenses. That makes them potentially better long-term buys, and certainly superior short-term ones – given they're actually available to buy both new and used.

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• Microsoft will purchase 3.685 million tons of carbon removal credits over 12 years
• Carbon will be captured from pulp and paper milling stations
• It will be stored permanently in saline aquifers

Microsoft has confirmed plans to buy 3.685 million metric tons of carbon removal credits from CO280 as part of an agreement that will last 12 years.

Expected to start in 2028, the project will be located at Gulf Coast pulp and paper mills and will cover emissions from CO280’s first carbon capture project.

Likely to be one of the largest engineered carbon removal purchases to date, it will both help Microsoft to become carbon negative by 2030 and continue its onward journey in the years that follow.

Microsoft signs 12-year deal for carbon removal

Microsoft already uses a mix of renewable energy and carbon removal credits to reach its climate goals, however a lot has changed in recent years with a surge in demand for artificial intelligence, which is built on the power- and resource-hungry foundation of huge data centers.

The company has been candid about these challenges, noting that greenhouse gas emissions have been rising. In 2023, Microsoft produced 17.2 million metric tons of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gases, up from 16.5 million, 14.4 million and 12.3 million metric tons in the three preceding years.

It’s hard to say whether the company is on track to meet its 2030 deadline given the rapidly advancing rate of technology, however its longer-term plans are to remove all historic emissions since its founding in 1975.

CO280’s strategy involves retrofitting pulp and paper mills with carbon capture systems based on amine-based capture tech, permanently storing carbon underground in saline aquifers.

“The CO280 strategy of adding carbon removal to existing paper mills is an efficient way to quickly scale carbon removal and bolster investment and jobs into timberland communities across the United States,” Microsoft Senior Director of Energy & Carbon Removal Brian Marrs commented.

More broadly, Microsoft has other sustainability plans to minimize its footprint globally, including purchasing 1.5 million tons in credits via an afforestation project in India, 1.6 million tons in credits over 30 years in Panama and over seven million tons in credits over 25 years with New York-based Chestnut Carbon.

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• A new rumor suggests that Xiaomi's next flagship phone could sport a 7,000mAh battery
• That could see Xiaomi almost double the battery capacity of the current-gen iPhone 16
• The Xiaomi 16 is extremely unlikely to come to the US

Another day, another futuristic specs rumor concerning a Chinese phone maker – this time, we’ve heard about a major step forward in mobile battery capacity from tech giant Xiaomi.

The folks over at Phonearena spotted a Weibo post by notable tipster Smart Pikachu, who claims the Xiaomi 16 could come equipped with a massive 7,000mAh battery, which would make the Xiaomi 16 the first phone with a battery of this capacity.

Before I dig into that, let me caveat the tip by noting this post was translated from Chinese using the translation option in Google Chrome, so this information isn't crystal clear. But the hashtag Smart Pikachu is using appears to be in reference to the Xiaomi 16, and Phonearea believes the '7' in the translated post (which I've screenshotted and posted below) references the battery size.

(Image credit: Weibo / Smart Pikachu)

We’ve only recently seen phones approach and cross the 6,000mAh mark, and the current-generation Xiaomi 15 sports a 5,240mAh battery – so 7,000mAh seems like a very ambitious target.

The Xiaomi 15 launched this year, so we’d expect the Xiaomi 16 to launch at some time in 2026 – as PhoneArena highlights, that’s the same year we expect to see the iPhone 18, Samsung Galaxy S26, and Google Pixel 11 series launching.

In fact, a 7,000mAh battery would put the Xiaomi 16 at the cutting edge of what’s even possible for a flagship smartphone – there are phones on the market with larger cells, but these are typically bulky and hefty rugged phones.

Our in-depth Xiaomi 15 review found the phone’s battery life impressive, especially for a compact-frame phone – it’s easy to see that a 33% increase up to 7,000mAh could take Xiaomi’s flagship into the highest echelons of mobile battery champs.

And though I still think 7,000mAh is a lofty target, it’s true that Android phone makers – particularly Chinese companies – have been pushing ahead at pace when it comes to battery hardware. It’s got me thinking about whether a certain Cupertino-based tech giant will be looking to catch up any time soon.

Capacity opacity

The iPhone 16 (pictured) has a smaller battery capacity than some of its rivals (Image credit: Future)

Apple is famously shy with its mobile battery capacities, instead opting to list the practical battery life of an iPhone in hours of video playback.

That’s probably for the best, as the exact figures recovered from teardowns and deconstructions after release show that iPhones rarely have batteries as large as their Android counterparts.

For example, the iPhone 16 sports a 3,561mAh battery – less than the 4,000mAh cell found in the Samsung Galaxy S25. The Google Pixel 9 is well ahead, at 4,700mAh – which is closer to the enlarged iPhone 16 Plus’ 4,674mAh cell (which is itself undersized compared to the 5,000-6,000mAh cells found in larger phones from Oppo, Samsung, and Xiaomi).

That’s not to say that iPhones don’t offer good battery life – in recent years especially Apple seems to have upped its game with software optimization and power efficiency – but iPhones are rarely considered battery beasts in the way the best Android phones are.

I’m wondering if the arrival of an Android phone – the Xiaomi 16 or indeed another model – with a 7,000mAh battery could change that. For reference, that’s almost double the capacity of the iPhone 16, a feat enabled by space-saving and efficiency-boosting silicon-carbon battery technology.

Apple has always been content to do its own thing when it comes to hardware, but I’m not sure that it would be happy to have the iPhone quite so obviously lapped by Xiaomi.

Optimistically, I’d like to see Apple a little spooked by this Xiaomi rumor – as mentioned, the iPhone 16 already gets a lot from its relatively small battery thanks to Apple’s efficient chipsets and tight software integration.

A 4,000mAh battery, or even larger, could see the iPhone living up to its strong processing performance, cameras, and software experience in the battery department.

However, with Xiaomi showing no signs of entering the US market any time soon, it’s possible Apple won’t even consider this latest rumor in its planning. Still, I’m hopeful that Apple can give the best iPhones a little more juice in generations to come.

Let us know what you think of this new Xiaomi 16 rumor, and whether you’re counting on Apple to respond with its future phones, in the comments below.

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• The Audio-Technica Hotaru is a limited-edition turntable
• Magnetically suspended floating platter that lights up
• $9,999 (about £7,582 / AU$15,762), only 1,000 made

If you loved the idea of Brian Eno's neon turntable but couldn't quite stretch to the £20,000 / $20,000 price tag, Audio-Technica has some good news for you. Its magnetically levitating, music-sensing, illuminated Hotaru turntable is half the price.

If you want one you'll need to be quick: the reservation period runs until 30 May 2025 and there are just 1,000 turntables planned for production. You'll be expected to pay in August for an October delivery.

If you'd like to see the Hotaru in all its illuminated glory, there's a fun video on Audio-Technica's website here.

Hotaru has 20 different color options that react to the music (Image credit: Audio-Technica) Audio-Technica Hotaru: key features

The Hotaru – it translates as "firefly" – has a magnetically suspended acrylic turntable whose floating structure isolates it from both internal and internal vibration.

And if it weren't visually striking enough, it also has built-in illumination with 20 different color effects and a choice of smooth gradients or more dynamic reactions to the music.

Audio-Technica promises that you'll love to listen to the Hotaru as well as look at it. It claims "shimmering highs and mids interwoven with deep, resonant bass" – as you'd hope, for $10k.

I'm not expecting us to get this in for review or for it to hit our best turntables guide, much as I'd love to test it myself; this will surely have sold out before it ever hits the streets. I certainly wouldn't blame anyone who wants to grab this cool slice of Audio-Technica history as part of they audio collection.

If you do fancy getting your hands on one, you'll need to register your interest on the Hotaru website. But if your budget is more modest, Lenco in the UK will happily sell you a light-up turntable for £169 (about $223 / AU$351).

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• Google is testing even more new features in its Messages beta app
• These include an expanded 14-line message view and new RCS message labels
• While these are still in beta testing, they could start rolling out to users this month

Over the past couple of months, Google has been doubling down on eradicating all traces of Google Assistant to make Gemini its flagship voice assistant, but amidst the organized Gemini chaos, Google has been paying a lot of attention to improving its Messages app, giving it some much-needed TLC.

It’s safe to say that the new revisions to the Google Messages app have significantly improved its UI. Its new snooze function for group chats also comes to mind, but Google is still in its beta testing era. For a while, Google was experimenting with an easier way to join group chats, following WhatsApp’s footsteps. Now, it’s testing five more features that could make up the next wave of Google Messages upgrades this month.

Although these features are in beta, there’s been no comment on whether they’ll be officially rolling out to users. With that said, we’ll be keeping an eye out for any further updates.

Google expands its 4-line text field limit

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Just a few weeks ago, we reported on a new upgrade found in Google Messages beta indicating that Google would get better at handling lengthy text messages.

For a while, Google Messages users have been restricted to a four-line view limit when sending texts, meaning that you would need to scroll to review your entire message before sending. This is particularly frustrating when sending long URL links.

But that could soon be a thing of the past, as 9to5Google has picked up a new beta code that reveals an expanded message composition field on the Pixel 9a that now reaches up to 14 lines.

New RCS labels

Recently, Google has been testing new in-app labels that could distinguish whether you’re sending an SMS or RCS message.

Thanks to an APK teardown from Android Authority, the labels found in beta suggest that soon you’ll be able to see which of your contacts are using RCS in Messages, adding a new RCS label to the right side of a contact’s name or number.

Unsubscribe from automated texts

This is a feature we’re quite excited to see, and we’re hoping for a wider rollout this month. A few weeks ago, an unsubscribe button was spotted at the bottom of some messages, which could give users an easier way of unsubscribing to automated texts and even the option to report spam.

When you tap this, a list of options will appear asking you for your reasons for unsubscribing, which include ‘not signed up’, ‘too many messages’, and ‘no longer interested’ as well as an option for ‘spam’. If you select one of the first three, a message reading ‘STOP’ will be sent automatically, and you’ll be successfully unsubscribed.

Read receipts gets a new look

(Image credit: 9to5Google)

Google could introduce another revamp of how you can view read receipts in the Messages app. In November 2024, Google tested a redesign of its read receipts that placed the checkmark symbols inside the message bubbles, which used to appear underneath sent messages.

In January, Google tested another small redesign introducing a new white background, which could roll out soon, and while this isn’t a major redesign, it’s effective enough to make read receipts stand out more.

Camera and gallery redesign, and sending ‘original quality’ media

We first noticed that Google Messages was prepping a new photo and video quality upgrade. In March, more users started to notice a wider availability, but it’s still not yet fully rolled out, meaning it could be one of the next new updates in the coming weeks.

Essentially, Google could be rolling out a new option that allows you to send media, such as photos and videos, in their original quality. This will give you the choice of the following two options:

‘Optimize for chat’ - sends photos and videos at a faster speed, compromising quality.

‘Original quality’ - sends photos and videos as they appear in your phone’s built-in storage.

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After months of speculation, HBO has officially announced the first cast members for Max’s Harry Potter TV series, and while a few faces have been rumoured for a while, there’s definitely some surprises.

Set to stream on Max and air on Warner’s flagship network HBO, the new series aims to reinvent the Harry Potter saga for a whole new generation. “Exploring every corner of the wizarding world, each season will bring Harry Potter and its incredible adventures to new and existing audiences” says HBO of the new show, while promising a faithful adaptation of the global smash-hit book series.

While some have argued against the necessity for a new adaptation of the books, it’s fair to say that the increasing length of the latter novels meant there was a lot omitted from the original movies.

While those films continue to be passed down the generations – attractions such as Universal’s Wizarding World and London’s WB Studio Tour continue to thrive – a long form adaptation would certainly allow for the story to expand, bringing in subplots and excised material that goes a long way in building the rich world and characters presented in the books.

Who are the new cast members?

(Image credit: HBO)

One of the things making existing fans most nervous is new actors stepping into the shoes of characters so iconically brought to life already, but judging by the first casting announcement, there’s nothing to fear, with six key roles looking to be in very safe hands.

Of those announced in the latest press release, three were already all but official. John Lightgow, starring as Hogwarts headteacher Albus Dumbledore was leaked a few months back, but confirmed today as part of the announcement.

As was Gang’s of London’s Paapa Essiedu, playing complicated Potions Professor Severus Snape, and Cornetto Trilogy star Nick Frost as loveable oversized groundskeeper Rubeus Hagrid.

More surprising were three further announcements, the most intriguing of which is Janet McTeer (currently starring in Paramount+ hit MobLand) as Professor Minerva McGonagall, a role made iconic by the late Dame Maggie Smith. Also announced were relative newcomer Luke Thallon as Professor Quirinus Quirell and comedy legend Paul Whitehouse as cantankerous caretaker Argus Filch.

Yet to be announced are the young actors who will portray the central trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione, but with 30,000 submissions to sift through as a result of an open casting call last year, it could be a while until HBO finds their new stars.

In the meantime, even the most skeptical Potter-head will struggle to disagree that the first official cast members are reason to start getting excited for the franchise’s small screen reboot on one of the best streaming services.

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• Toshiba has unveiled a new portable turntable for vinyl records
• Similar to the iconic Audio-Technica Sound Burger, it has a 10-hour battery
• Despite its portable design, we'd think twice about taking it to the beach

Bluetooth speakers are pretty much a necessity when it comes to a beach day or a summer day at the park, but have you ever wanted to flaunt your vinyl record collection in public? Well, Toshiba’s new portable turntable aims to answer that question.

Toshiba, though not renowned for producing the best turntables, has announced the Aurex AX-RP10, a new wireless vinyl record player expected to be released later this month designed for analog music fans who want to take advantage of their collection outside of their usual home audio set up. Pricing hasn’t been unveiled yet, though we can’t imagine it'll be long before that's out in the open too.

Toshiba's portable turntable comes with an arm lifter, making it easy to raise and lower the needle. There's also an auto-stop function for when the record finishes playing. (Image credit: Toshiba )

Though the Aurex AX-RP10 isn’t quite as pocket-friendly as other music playback devices (it's a lot bigger than the best digital audio players), it still packs a compact size of 160mm x 300mm that can be transported around in its dedicated storage bag. But how does it run you may ask? It’s quite simple; a built-in chargeable battery with a 10-hour battery life.

Let's be honest: Toshiba’s new portable turntable is strikingly similar to the iconic and re-released Audio Technica Sound Burger, which is a minor red flag in itself, given the original 1983 Sound Burger’s reported tendency to gradually scratch vinyl records over time (possibly not the Sound Burger's fault because I mean, if they're coming on road-trips with you, it's going to happen at some point). If this is the case for the Aurex AX-RP10 though, I worry for its longevity, and its audio quality likely won’t be enough to sway audiophiles.

Since the Aurex-RP10 lacks its own inbuilt speakers, there's a stereo mini audio jack for plugging in the best wired headphones or your more traditional sound system, but if you're out and about, the turntable’s Bluetooth connectivity means you can also hook it up to Bluetooth speakers or headphones (and invite a bit of compression).

I’m not saying ‘never’ when it comes to Toshiba’s answer to portable tangible music – I still think it would look great as part of a minimal audio setup, especially if you’re limited for space. Or perhaps you want to replicate a Pinterest-perfect image in your living space, something I’d be guilty of and I'm not sorry. But as far as its portability goes, the beach is the last place I’d take it; my vinyl collection is far too precious for sand.

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It's almost time to bid farewell to the first season of Daredevil: Born Again. The Marvel TV show's ninth and final episode will be released on Disney+ later this week and, after what happened in last week's entry, I'm sure you're keen to know when you can stream it.

Below, I'll tell you when Daredevil: Born Again season 1's next episode will be released in the US, UK, and Australia. Indeed, you'll learn about the launch date and release time for these nations in individual sections.

Unlike previous articles of this nature, you won't find a full release schedule for the series. As I stated earlier, this is the last installment of season 1 of The Man Without Fear's standalone adventure. But, fret not, because Daredevil: Born Again season 2 is already in production – hopefully, it'll be out sometime in 2026.

For now, here's when you can catch Born Again episode 9 on one of the world's best streaming services.

When is Daredevil: Born Again episode 9 going to be released in the US?

"I know when my show's ninth episode will be out on Disney+, Dex" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

The season 1 finale of Daredevil: Born Again will debut on Disney+ in the US on Tuesday, April 15 at 6pm PT / 9pm ET.

Every episode of the Marvel Phase 5 TV series has been released at this time on Tuesday evenings stateside. So, it's no great surprise that the ninth and final entry of this season will do so as well.

What time can I watch the season 1 finale of Daredevil: Born Again in the UK?

Vanessa and Wilson Fisk will be waltzing their way into season 2 after this season's finale (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Marvel fans on the other side of the Atlantic can stream Daredevil: Born Again episode 9 on Disney+ UK on Wednesday, April 16 at 2am BST.

Unlike your US counterparts, one of the best Disney+ shows' last few installments have aired at a different time than before. That's because the clocks went forward on March 30. So, just as you did with episodes 7 and 8, you'll have to wait an extra hour to catch season 1's last entry.

When can I stream Daredevil: Born Again season 1's final episode in Australia?

Will Heather and Matt still be together after this week's chapter? (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

The season 1 finale on Daredevil's standalone Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show will premiere on Disney+ in Australia on Wednesday, April 16 at 11am AEST.

Until the series' eighth episode aired last week (April 9), new chapters had been available at 12pm AEDT. With the clocks going back on April 6, though, fans Down Under have been able to watch new installments 60 minutes earlier than before.

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• Fan-powered electric hypercar proves it is the king of downforce
• Record-shattering EV eats F1 cars for breakfast
• It costs $1million if you fancy racing once yourself

The McMurtry Spéirling might not be on your automotive radar, and that’s perfectly fine. It’s a very odd name for an electric hypercar, for starters, and it also costs around / $1million / £1million if you want to privately own one.

But the name is very much worth remembering, because the McMurtry Spéirling Pure has become the first vehicle to prove it can drive upside-down. That's thanks to its gravity-defying fan technology, which creates enough downforce to not only obliterate various racing circuit records, but also dance on the ceiling... well, drive on the ceiling.

In a video released by the company, badass co-founder and Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive, Thomas Yates, took to the wheel of a Spéirling Pure, casually drove it onto a specially-designed rig and then set the ‘Downforce-on-Demand” system to its most ferocious setting.

In this mode, the numerous fans mounted underneath the diminutive Batmobile-a-like spin at 23,000 rpm, creating a vacuum and the equivalent of 2,000kg of downforce, effectively glueing the vehicle to whatever surface it is standing on.

The clever rig then slowly rotates 180-degrees so the featherweight vehicle effortlessly hangs upside down, before Yates – clearly showing off a bit – drives forward a couple of feet at slow speed.

Although a clever party trick to spread the Spéirling name virally around the world, this potent fan technology has real-world benefits in creating ludicrous amounts of downforce that keep the vehicle positively glue to any circuit brave enough to host it.

So far, the 1,000hp, 1.2-tonne electric racer has smashed the closed-wheel track record at the Hockenheim circuit in Germany, a staggering 14.1 seconds faster than the Mercedes-AMG One, despite running at 75% power and 75% downforce.

It also set a record time up the famous hill at Goodwood in 2022, as well as beating the record set by Fernando Alonso’s 2004 Renault F1 Car around Top Gear’s test circuit – a record that stood for 21 years.

An impressive toy or a serious science lesson?

(Image credit: McMurtry)

As you have probably guessed, the McMurtry Spéirling isn’t currently road legal and most officially sanctioned racing bodies won’t allow it to compete, seeing as it is more ground-level jet fighter than it is racing car.

However, progress is all about coming at problems from a different angle, and this fan-based road rocket does just that – embarrassing all modern supercars with its unrelenting downforce and even challenging the F1 technology we deem to be the absolute cutting-edge in terms of performance.

But perhaps more importantly, it is the ultimate halo vehicle for electric propulsion, making an old-school fire-spitting petrol engine look decidedly dinosaur age by comparison.

Ground-breaking cars like this, the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, which showcased synthesized hot hatch thrills, as well as vehicles like the upcoming Renault 5 Turbo 3E, are important for a collective rewiring of our brains and push the notion that EVs don’t have to be boring to even greater levels.

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• Experts warn Tycoon2FA has gotten new obfuscation and evasion upgrades
• The platform is used to bypass MFA on Google and Microsoft accounts
• It is hugely popular among cybercriminals

Tycoon2FA, an infamous phishing-as-a-service (PhaaS) platform, has been greatly improved, becoming even more difficult to spot and eliminate, experts have warned.

Cybersecurity researchers Trustwave said they have spotted three new upgrades to the PhaaS platform, best known for its ability to bypass multi-factor protection (MFA) on Microsoft and Google accounts.

It operates as an adversary-in-the-middle (AiTM) attack, intercepting login credentials and session cookies to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, even those secured with MFA. It was also upgraded numerous times in the past, with its operators being mostly focused on obfuscation and evasion.

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(R)evolution

Now, Trustwave says Tycoon2FA uses invisible Unicode characters to hide binary data within JavaScript from human eyes, evading manual and static pattern-matching analysis.

Then, it switched from Cloudflare Turnstile to a self-hosted CAPTCHA rendered via HTML canvas with randomized elements, reportedly to bypass fingerprinting and flagging by domain reputation systems.

Finally, it now includes anti-debugging JavaScript code that detects browser automation tools and blocks some analytics tools.

These changes aren’t revolutionary, or particularly new in the PhaaS ecosystem, Trustwave stresses. However, when combined, they make detection and analysis a lot more difficult.

Tycoon 2FA was first spotted in mid-2023, but with the start of 2024, it’s gotten a major upgrade, with the tool using roughly 1,100 domains, and is being used in “thousands” of phishing attacks.

The platform is sold on underground forums, with prices starting at $120 for 10 days of access, making it accessible to a wide range of cybercriminals.

Some researchers claim the platform is very popular in the underground community. Apparently, between August 2023 (when it first launched) and March 2024, the Bitcoin wallet linked to the operation raked in more than $400,000 worth of cryptos at the time.

Via BleepingComputer

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• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has confirmed $5.1 billion in IT savings
• They will be realized by terminating contracts with Accenture and others
• DOGE has now enabled the DOD to save nearly $6 billion, Hegseth says`

$5.1 billion in IT contracts have been canceled by the Department of Defense (DOD) under the guidance of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), new evidence has shown.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memorandum detailing the cancellations, which mostly consisted of “consulting and other non-essential services.”

As Musk’s unit suggests, the DOD also claims to have enhanced efficiency by removing unnecessary steps and duplication, allowing it to allocate cash to other core areas of the agency’s scope, such as “better health care for our warfighters and their families.”

DOD terminates $5.1 billion in IT contracts

The terminated contracts include “$1.8 billion in consulting contracts the Defense Health Agency awarded to various private sector firms, a $1.4 billion enterprise cloud IT services contract awarded to a software reseller, and a $500 million Navy contract for business process consulting.”

Affected companies include Accenture, Deloitte, and Booz Allen.

Hegseth also noted a $500 million contract awarded to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for IT help desk services was "completely duplicative" of services the Defense Information Systems Agency already provides.

The DOD also terminated 11 contracts related to diversity, equity and inclusion, climate change, and COVID-19.

Although the savings only account for a touch over half a percent of the DOD’s $883.7 billion budget, Musk’s goal to iron out unnecessary spending is at least commendable.

However critics have argued there are more factors to consider than simply how much a contract is costing, urging the government to agree on contracts that meet its requirements with more efficiency and to implement performance metrics.

More broadly for the DOD, this latest announcement follows from the recently confirmed $580 million cut to certain programs, contracts and grants, bringing the running total to nearly $6 billion in savings enabled by the DOGE.

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The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to push boundaries, captivating the collective imagination of industries and societies alike. Today, the conversation is expanding beyond generative AI (Gen AI) into agentic AI and artificial general intelligence (AGI).

These advancements promise significant yet complex shifts in business dynamics, organizational structures, innovation processes, and workforce management. As we stand at the threshold of these transformative changes, our focus must remain clear: responsible and human-centered progress.

Reimagining organizational structures

The implications of agentic AI and AGI for organizations are profound. The rise of AI agents will disrupt hierarchical workflows, paving the way for more dynamic and decentralized operational models. In this new paradigm, Chief Knowledge Officers (CKOs) and other roles central to knowledge engineering will become pivotal. These roles ensure that knowledge, not just data, is used effectively, aligning the capabilities of intelligent systems with business strategy.

EY teams have embraced this shift, leveraging AI as a catalyst for redefining how work is structured and executed. The aim has been to develop a flexible, multi-model approach that exemplifies AI’s potential to create positive outcomes when adapted to a variety of business functions. This is not a one-size-fits-all journey; it is an ongoing process of refining options through real-world applications, where EY is often ‘Client Zero’, and learnings from our internal use cases help set the standard for client transformations.

The transformational promise of AGI

Unlike task-specific AI, AGI aspires to surpass human cognitive abilities across a variety of functions. It represents a leap from automated assistance to deep, strategic collaboration. While today’s AI can parse complex data sets and generate creative solutions, AGI could operate as a strategic partner, driving decisions and sparking innovation in ways that exceed the human thought process.

This advancement will challenge traditional enterprise models, shifting from workflow-driven operations to goal-oriented strategies. The essence of business will no longer be confined to what processes can achieve but will be reframed around outcomes that align with strategic objectives. Such transformation requires robust ethical frameworks and adaptive governance that keep human oversight at its core.

Innovation and workforce adaptation

The workforce of the future will need to evolve alongside these technological advances. We have already seen a shift from traditional data science roles to knowledge engineers, AI governance experts, and AI ethics specialists. These roles are becoming essential as AI evolves from a support tool to an integral component of strategic business planning.

Upskilling and reskilling initiatives are more important than ever. AI’s integration into the workplace should not be seen in isolation but as a catalyst for broader workforce transformation. The shift to objective-driven technology requires that businesses equip their employees with new capabilities and build their confidence. At EY, research and experience have shown that embedding human-centric support systems and properly prioritizing human factors can significantly raise the success rate of transformation programs.

Gen AI has already started democratizing skillsets, enabling more individuals to access roles that were previously restricted to highly specialized workers. For instance, AI can simplify complex programming tasks, opening pathways for mid-skilled professionals to contribute at a higher level. This democratization fosters inclusivity and helps bridge the productivity gap across various sectors.

Aligning AGI with societal and ethical values

One fundamental principle I champion at EY is that AI must enhance human capabilities. This belief extends to AGI. While the promise of AGI brings excitement, it also raises valid concerns around confidence, transparency, and control. The lessons learned from current AI deployments underline the importance of robust ethical frameworks, regulatory compliance, and proactive dialogue among industry, governments, and technology developers.

The EU AI Act exemplifies the kind of forward-thinking regulation needed to ensure these technologies develop in a way that aligns with societal values. At EY, a commitment to aligning AI deployment with stringent ethical and operational standards has set a precedent for responsible AI use. As AGI approaches, maintaining these guardrails becomes even more critical. AI must operate with transparency and accountability, building and reinforcing the confidence human beings feel toward the technology we use.

Preparing for AGI’s disruptive potential

If we manage AGI’s development responsibly, it has the potential to revolutionize the enterprise, not as a mere tool but as a collaborative partner. The strategic potential of AGI lies in its capability to autonomously achieve business outcomes, shifting the enterprise focus from process optimization to holistic, outcome-driven strategies. However, this transformation will only be as successful as our commitment to embedding human-centric, ethical practices into the core of AGI’s deployment.

I believe AGI’s introduction will also drive the creation of new roles, including those focused on AI governance, policy, and ethics. The current wave of regulatory discussions is a positive indicator that we are moving toward a global standard for safe and effective AI governance. This evolution, coupled with the emergence of specialized roles and innovative approaches, will help organizations navigate the complexities of integrating AGI while maintaining ethical and operational integrity.

The future is collaborative

In the grand scheme of technological evolution, we are on the brink of an era that promises to redefine industries and reshape society. Agentic AI and AGI will play transformative roles, and their impact on businesses and the workforce will be monumental. Yet, the focus must always return to ensuring that these technologies serve to elevate human potential and align with our shared values.

Our guiding principle is surely clear: AI must be human-centered, and this philosophy will be the cornerstone as we step into the AGI future. This approach is not just ethically sound—it’s essential for building confidence, driving innovation, and ensuring that AI’s profound capabilities are harnessed to benefit businesses and societies alike.

The views reflected in this article are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the global EY organization or its member firms.

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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

Cyberattacks on public institutions are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and with our reliance on technology, the stakes have never been higher. According to the UK Government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024, half of businesses (50%) and around a third of charities (32%) experienced cyber breaches or attacks last year. Given the scale of these attacks, it is no surprise that government bodies, which hold vast amounts of highly sensitive data, are also attractive targets.

Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in public sector IT systems and processes to target them with phishing scams, distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, ransomware and more. Sensitive data including personal records, financial details, and classified intelligence are valuable to cybercriminals, making public institutions prime targets for data theft and ransomware.

In addition to this, geopolitical tensions mean that attacks aimed at disrupting the availability of critical systems are also commonplace. For instance, the attack on the British Library in October 2023, which impacted digital services for months and had an estimated direct cost of £600,000 is just one example of how damaging these incidents can be.

The true cost of cyberattacks: more than just money

The financial impact of cyberattacks on government bodies can be staggering. In 2023, UK organizations spent an average of £1,100 per cyberattack, but for public institutions, the costs can be far greater. The 2025 NAO report on Government Cyber Resilience highlights how these attacks not only disrupt essential services but also lead to huge multifaceted costs including initial response, regulatory fines, recovery, litigation, and in some cases, ransom payments.

The financial impact isn’t the only problem. Cyberattacks also erode public trust which can prove to also be costly, especially in today's volatile political climate. When government agencies fail to protect personal data or ensure services continue running smoothly, confidence in public institutions undoubtedly takes a hit.

Rebuilding that trust can take years, and in the meantime, the British public may become wary of engaging with digital government services. This would ultimately make public services less efficient and more costly to run.

Outdated systems, outdated defenses and the cyber skills gap

One of the biggest challenges in tackling cyber threats in the UK is the cybersecurity skills shortage. The UK Government’s Cyber Security Skills in the UK Labour Market 2024 report found that nearly half (44%) of businesses have skills gaps in basic technical areas. Public institutions, which often work within tight budgets, can struggle to attract and retain cybersecurity professionals, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.

At the same time, many government bodies are still relying on outdated IT systems. The same 2025 NAO report found that 228 legacy systems that lack security patches are still in use across government agencies, with 53% (120 systems) having no fully funded plan for replacement or upgrades.

Many of these systems operate on outdated software that no longer receives security updates, making them easy targets for hackers. While replacing these systems is costly and complex, failing to do so only increases the risk of future cyber incidents.

Bridging the gap

Tackling these cybersecurity challenges requires investment, but being proactive is far more cost-effective long-term than constantly firefighting cyber breaches. Another key priority is improving incident response capabilities.

Cyberattacks are not just a possibility but an inevitability, and government agencies must be equipped to detect and rapidly respond to threats. Investing in advanced monitoring systems, real-time threat intelligence sharing, and dedicated incident response teams can significantly reduce the impact of cyberattacks, ensuring that disruptions are minimized, and services can quickly recover.

Increasing government funding and strategic planning for cybersecurity is also crucial. Cybersecurity cannot be treated as an afterthought, it must be a core component of government budgets and long-term strategy. Allocating sufficient resources for risk assessments, cybersecurity training, and continuous upgrades to IT infrastructure will ensure that public services remain secure and resilient against evolving threats.

Addressing the cyber skills gap is another fundamental aspect of strengthening the cybersecurity of UK Public Services. The shortage of skilled professionals means many public sector organizations lack the expertise needed to defend against and recover from cyberattacks.

The government must take action to attract and retain cybersecurity professionals by offering competitive salaries, investing in robust training programs, and promoting cybersecurity careers within the public sector. Additionally, upskilling existing employees with cybersecurity training can help build a more resilient internal security workforce, reducing the reliance on external expertise.

Securing the UK’s public services

The increasing threat of cyberattacks on UK public services cannot be ignored. With financial losses increasing, public trust on the line, and outdated IT systems creating massive vulnerabilities, there is an urgent need for action. By modernizing IT infrastructure, strengthening incident response, increasing funding, and addressing the cyber skills gap, the UK government can safeguard public services against cyber threats.

Failing to act now will only lead to greater costs, more disruptions, and an even more vulnerable public sector. Therefore, cybersecurity must be a top priority to protect public services, data, and finances from an ever-growing digital threat.

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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

Another week, another OpenAI announcement. Just last week the company announced ChatGPT would get a major memory upgrade, and now CEO, Sam Altman, is hinting at more upgrades coming this week.

On X (formerly Twitter), Altman wrote last night, "We've got a lot of good stuff for you this coming week! Kicking it off tomorrow."

Well, tomorrow has arrived, and we're very excited to see what the world's leading AI company has up its sleeve.

We're not sure when to expect the first announcement, but we'll be live blogging throughout the next week as OpenAI showcases what it's been working on. Could we finally see the next major ChatGPT AI model?

Good afternoon everyone, TechRadar's Senior AI Writer, John-Anthony Disotto, here to take you through the next few hours in the lead up to OpenAI's first announcement of the week.

Will we see something exciting today? Time will tell.

Let's get started by looking at what Sam Altman said on X yesterday. The OpenAI CEO hinted at a big week for the company, and it's all "kicking off" today!

we've got a lot of good stuff for you this coming week!kicking it off tomorrow.April 13, 2025