Technology

Carlo Ancelotti's side will be aiming to extend their lead at the top of the table as they take on mid-table Los Rojillos.

The top four chasing Tricky Trees head to Craven Cottage.

Pep's men take on the Magpies in a crucial match for both side's top-four aspirations.

After a Chinese export ban, can the US get gallium and germanium from Canada—or will tariffs get in the way?

Plus: Researchers find RedNote lacks basic security measures, surveillance ramps up around the US-Mexico border, and the UK ordering Apple to create an encryption backdoor comes under fire.

• AMD RX 9070 GPUs are rumored to hit shelves on March 6
• Another rumor suggests 9070 XT could need a 900W power supply
• That’s for a top-end overclocked version of the 9070 XT, though, and there are numerous caveats to consider here

AMD’s Radeon RX 9070 graphics cards will get a full launch event on February 28, which has been confirmed by Team Red, and now chatter on the rumor mill is indicating these GPUs will be available to buy on March 6.

That purported on-sale date comes courtesy of VideoCardz’s sources, an assertion also backed up by Chinese tech site Benchlife. Even though these two rumors align, we should still take this with a great deal of caution.

That said, AMD has told us that its RX 9070 models will go on sale in early March, which I take to mean the first week, and March 6 fits that picture. Still, we’ll need confirmation officially, and presumably that’ll come at the mentioned press event for RDNA 4 GPUs in late February.

At the same time, more speculation is floating around regarding the power consumption of the RX 9070 XT, suggesting that one third-party variant has a big ask in terms of your PC’s power supply.

Tom’s Hardware noticed a post on X from Tomasz Gawroński showing a purportedly leaked image of the PowerColor RX 9070 XT Red Devil, with the packaging apparently indicating that you’ll need a 900W PSU to have this graphics card in your gaming PC.

There will be 9070 XT cards available at launch that will require lower minimum power supply wattages as will there be plenty with 8 pin power connectors for worry-free upgrading.February 14, 2025

This has raised plenty of eyebrows, as it’s 100W more than the current recommendation for the RX 7900 XTX flagship, though even the poster admitted that they weren’t sure if the image is faked.

Interestingly, Frank Azor, who is head of consumer and gaming marketing at AMD, actually replied to Gawroński, observing that there will be other RX 9070 XT models that’ll “require lower minimum power supply wattages as will there be plenty with 8 pin power connectors for worry-free upgrading.”

Note that Azor didn’t confirm that the image was real, though the AMD executive didn’t call it a fake, either (but of course, he doesn’t work for PowerColor).

(Image credit: AMD / TechPowerup) Analysis: Ready for the AMD vs Nvidia mid-range GPU shootout?

The launch date of March 6 for the RX 9070 models, if it turns out to be correct, is certainly an interesting choice – mainly because Nvidia only just announced March 5 is when the RTX 5070 arrives on shelves. So, as we theorized earlier this week, this is looking very much like a mid-range head-to-head between the RX 9070 and RTX 5070 in the first week of March.

As for the PSU requirement, I wouldn’t panic about the potential scenario of RX 9070 models somehow requiring vast reservoirs of power. Some of the beefiest models may, but we must remember, the Red Devil board mentioned in the leak is a top-end graphics card, and as Azor observed, other models will require less wattage. Indeed, the rumor is that the reference 9070 XT from AMD will ask for a 750W PSU, with the RX 9070 vanilla needing 650W, far more modest requirements (add seasoning with that still).

It's also worth noting that 900W is an odd specification here, given that there aren’t any PSUs delivering that exact figure, as far as I’m aware. There are 850W models and then we jump to 1000W, so why PowerColor is (theoretically) placing the requirement just above 850W, in a non-existent PSU bracket (as it were), I’m not sure. This could perhaps be another suggestion that the image is faked.

That said, I don’t doubt that a heavily overclocked RX 9070 XT model will drink a lot more juice than a standard board. It clearly will, and so it wouldn’t be a surprise if the top dogs of the RDNA 4 graphics card world are considerably more demanding on the PC’s power supply. These GPUs will also cost a lot more than the entry-level 9070 XT products, too, and how competitive AMD’s graphics cards will be in pricing terms is the other key question we’re dying to have answered.

We’ll have those answers soon enough, thankfully. Roll on the end of February.

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• Deutsche Telekom’s NeoCircuit Router pushes for sustainability in consumer electronics
• Project looks to turn old smartphones into routers
• NeoCircuit Router aims for 70% reuse

Deutsche Telekom is exploring a new way to reduce electronic waste by repurposing components from old smartphones to build routers.

Reports from Hardwareluxx (originally in German), claim Deutsche Telekom has developed the NeoCircuit Router, a prototype device that primarily consists of reused parts, , in collaboration with an industrial consortium.

The NeoCircuit router prototype integrates processors, memory chips, and physical connectors from old smartphones, aiming for a circularity rate of around 70%.

Turning old smartphones into routers

Dr. Henning Never, project manager at Deutsche Telekom, believes the NeoCircuit goes beyond typical e-waste recycling, while Bertrand Pascual from Sagemcom believes that repurposing smartphone processors for other applications not only conserves resources but also makes financial sense.

Deutsche Telekom has set an ambitious goal of achieving near-complete circularity for its technologies and consumer devices by 2030. If adopted widely, this approach could reduce production costs by at least 20% compared to manufacturing new components.

This isn't the only Initiative aligns with broader industry efforts from brands like Framework and Fairphone, which promote modular designs to enhance longevity, repairability, and reuse.

The project faces challenges, as many modern devices use glued components and proprietary processors, making extraction and reuse difficult. Nevertheless, the NeoCircuit Router is set to be unveiled at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona on March 3.

Modular design initiatives are nothing new, but it's always great to see more of them. In case you missed it, I've reported on Framework's Laptop 16 announcement, while Fairphone and Nothing offer sustainable, modular alternatives to the best business smartphone alternatives.

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After 75,000 attempts over five years, Summoning Salt is hanging up the virtual gloves.

There’s never a good time to find yourself with no mobile reception. Whether you want to look up directions on Google Maps, send someone a WhatsApp message, or just want to post a beautiful view on Instagram: zero bars on your smartphone won’t get you very far. That's where satellite services like Starlink come in – and this week T-Mobile started offering it for free (ahead of a paid rollout) in the US on compatible smartphones.

The network operator has teamed up with SpaceX to launch the “first and only space-based mobile network” in the US, bringing cell phone service to remote areas via satellite. Powered by Starlink, it’s set to change the game for mobile users in rural locations. Those users won’t have to wait long to access it, either: the beta trial is already underway and a full rollout is scheduled for July this year.

What’s more, access isn’t limited to T-Mobile customers. The carrier has made its new service available to both AT&T and Verizon users as well, provided that their phone supports an eSIM. Want to upgrade your coverage with the groundbreaking satellite-to-cell service? We’ve broken down everything you need to know about T-Mobile Starlink, including how you can get it and how much it costs.

What is Starlink and how does it work?

• Starlink is a subsidiary of Elon Musk’s SpaceX
• It operates a constellation of small internet satellites
• Direct-to-cell satellites work like cell towers in space

Starlink is a subsidiary of SpaceX, the space exploration company owned by Elon Musk. Starlink owns and operates a constellation of thousands of small satellites. It has been launching these compact satellites into space since 2019. They are used primarily to serve high-speed internet to Starlink customers with a compatible antenna on the ground.

Unlike traditional satellite internet services, Starlink’s satellites circle the planet in a low-Earth orbit. This closer proximity to the Earth’s surface helps to reduce the lag – or latency – experienced as data is relayed between a user’s antenna and the orbiting satellite. Because of the high number of Starlink satellites, the system is also able to offer global coverage, reaching areas beyond the scope of standard broadband or fibre optic connectivity. This makes it a particularly useful service in rural locations.

Early last year, SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites equipped with direct-to-cell capabilities. These satellites have modems on-board which function the same as cellphone towers. No special antenna or other hardware is required to connect to them: they are seen by your smartphone as standard cell towers, albeit up in space.

This means active users can access Starlink coverage wherever they can see the sky. If a phone supports LTE, it can connect to Starlink’s satellite-based network the same as if it’s a normal terrestrial provider.

Starlink on phones: how does T-Mobile’s new mobile service work?

• T-Mobile’s Starlink service is powered by SpaceX satellites
• Free public beta testing launched in February
• Paid subscriptions available from July for T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon users

T-Mobile’s new service is powered by Starlink satellites which are equipped for direct-to-cell connectivity. According to T-Mobile, 451 of these satellites have been launched so far. As above, these work like cell towers in space. Wherever you can see the sky, compatible smartphones can connect to T-Mobile Starlink as if it’s a normal mobile network. No additional hardware or antenna is needed.

That means whenever you’re in an area without cell service, your smartphone will connect automatically to Starlink satellites. T-Mobile reckons that more than 500,000 square miles of the US is currently beyond the reach of any carrier’s standard cell towers. Its new service should eliminate those mobile dead zones, allowing users to stay connected wherever they are in the US.

T-Mobile launched the free public beta test of its Starlink service during the Super Bowl on February 9 2025. It’s open for anyone on any US carrier to sign up, including customers of both Verizon and AT&T. Registered users will be given access on a rolling basis, to provide feedback before the full rollout in summer.

In July, T-Mobile Starlink will switch to a paid version. It will be included free for anyone on T-Mobile’s Go5G Next plan. Other T-Mobile customers can access it as a paid add-on for $15 a month. Anyone who registers for the beta in February will also be offered an Early Adopter Discount, bringing the price down to $10 a month.

Verizon and AT&T customers will also be able to continue using the T-Mobile Starlink service once it switches to a paid version, as will users of any wireless network with an unlocked eSIM phone. This will cost $20 a month and users will need to activate a second eSIM in their phone to access the network.

At launch, the service only supports text messaging when connected to the satellite network. T-Mobile states that voice and data will be added soon, although this will require government approval for SpaceX to use the full bandwidth capacity of its satellite constellation.

Starlink on iPhone: how do you get it?

• T-Mobile Starlink works on most modern smartphones
• Apple iPhone 14 models and later are supported
• iPhones need to be running iOS 18.3 to access Starlink

The only way to get Starlink on an iPhone at present is to sign up to the T-Mobile beta test. To do that, you’ll need to have an iPhone 14, iPhone 15 or iPhone 16. That includes the Plus, Pro & Pro Max variants. You’ll also need to be running iOS version 18.3.

Contrary to TikTok rumors, iOS 18.3 does not secretly install Starlink tech on your iPhone. What it does is make the network settings changes necessary to allow your phone to connect to T-Mobile 1900Mhz spectrum.

You’ll then need to register for the T-Mobile beta. Once you’re approved to participate and you head somewhere outside of standard cellular range, your phone should automatically access network coverage via the Starlink satellite constellation. When it does, you’ll see “SAT” instead of the standard bars in the top right corner of your iPhone.

It’s not just Apple iPhone users who can access the public beta. According to T-Mobile, Starlink “works on most smartphones from the last four years.” While no additional hardware or accessory is required to connect to the Starlink network, T-Mobile does state that smartphones need to be “satellite optimized” for users to have the best experience.

T-Mobile says it has worked with both Apple and Google to “ensure that this experience is integrated directly into their OS.” Whatever phone you have, T-Mobile states that it “needs to be on the latest software to use T-Mobile Starlink.”

The official list of supported handsets is as follows:

• Apple iPhone 14 and later (including Plus, Pro & Pro Max)
• Google Pixel 9 (including Pro, Pro Fold, & Pro XL)
• Motorola 2024 and later (including razr, razr+, edge and g series)
• Samsung Galaxy A14, A15, A16, A35, A53, A54
• Samsung Galaxy S21 and later (including Plus, Ultra and Fan Edition)
• Samsung Galaxy X Cover6 Pro
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 and later
• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold3 and later
• REVVL 7 (including Pro)

This list is expected to grow as public beta testing continues, with more handsets likely to be supported by the time that the T-Mobile Starlink service rolls out for general usage in July. Whether older Apple smartphones, such as the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13, will be included isn’t clear.

Starlink Mini: what is Starlink’s backpack-friendly version?

• Starlink Mini is a compact antenna kit that connects to SpaceX satellites
• The kit costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front
• It’s different from T-Mobile’s Starlink service

Starlink Mini is a different way to access the internet via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. It’s a portable antenna kit with a built-in Wi-Fi router. It allows you connect to high-speed, low-latency satellite internet almost anywhere in the world with a clear view of the sky.

It’s different from T-Mobile’s Starlink service. With T-Mobile, users connect to Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites using their smartphone. The satellites work like standard cell towers. With Starlink Mini, the antenna kit receives signal from SpaceX’s Starlink internet satellites. It then creates a Wi-Fi network at ground level using a built-in router, which other devices can connect to.

This setup makes it more versatile than the T-Mobile service, as you can connect to the Starlink Mini’s Wi-Fi network on a range of devices, not just your smartphone. What’s more, Starlink Mini supports peak download speeds in excess of 100Mbps.

(Image credit: Starlink)

Designed to be used on the move, the backpack-friendly Starlink Mini measures 430 x 334 x 79mm and weighs 6.73kg. It ships with a kickstand and power supply, as well as a pipe adapter for pole mounting. Setup is as simple as plugging it in and pointing it at the sky. You can use the Starlink app to find optimal installation locations.

The Starlink Mini kit costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front. In addition to the one-off cost of the kit itself, you’ll need take out a Starlink subscription to access roaming internet. There’s a 50GB Roam package for $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month.

Alternatively, you can get the Roam Unlimited package with unlimited data for a monthly cost of $165 / £96 / AU$195. Subscriptions can be paused at any time. Coverage isn’t yet global, but it is offered in more than 100 markets.

• Read our in-depth Starlink review

Subaru Starlink: what is it?

• Subaru Starlink is a suite of connected in-car services
• It is completely separate form SpaceX’s Starlink system
• It relies on standard cellular connectivity, not satellites

Despite its name, Subaru Starlink has nothing to do with SpaceX satellites. Subaru Starlink is a package of connected in-car services available on most new Subaru vehicles. It includes a suite of safety, security and remote access features, such as automatic collision notifications, enhanced roadside assistance and remote ignition.

In-car connectivity is via standard cellular networks, rather than satellites. If you’re outside of cell tower range, your vehicle won’t be able to access Subaru Starlink services.

Most supported Subaru vehicles come with a complimentary three-year trial of the system, after which it’s available for an additional fee. There’s no longer a standalone Starlink app, as the features have been rolled into the MySubaru app. The features available vary from model to model.

(Image credit: Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Starlink price: what’s the monthly cost for Starlink?

• T-Mobile’s Starlink service starts at $15 per month for T-Mobile customers
• Users of other carriers will be able to use T-Mobile Starlink for $20 a month
• A Starlink Mini Roam subscription starts at $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month

The cost of Starlink depends on how you access it. Once T-Mobile Starlink rolls out to the general public in the US in July, it will be available to T-Mobile customers as an add-on for $15 a month. Users who take out a subscription during the public beta will be entitled to an Early Adopter Discount, bringing the price down to $10 a month.

Customers of other wireless carriers will be able to access T-Mobile’s direct-to-cell service for $20 a month. There is no up-front cost, but they will need an unlocked smartphone with a spare eSIM slot.

Alternatively, you can access satellite internet with a direct subscription to Starlink. Rather than using a smartphone, you will need to purchase a Starlink antenna kit, then take out a monthly data subscription.

The cheapest kit is the portable Starlink Mini (see above) which costs $499 / £399 / AU$599 up-front. The 50GB Roam package costs $50 / £50 / AU$80 per month, while Roam Unlimited is priced at $165 / £96 / AU$19 per month.

If you want a more permanent solution, the Starlink Standard kit costs $249 / £299 / AU$549. Residential service costs at $120 / £75 / AU$139 per month for unlimited data.

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• Chromium browsers can turn a PDF into a working Linux environment under emulation
• Chrome's disabled JIT compiler hampers performance
• High school-aged developer has form for impressive PDF projects, such as running Doom inside one

A high-school student has achieved another coding feat, getting a lightweight Linux distribution to run inside a PDF document.

Ading2210 developed LinuxPDF for Google Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers by leveraging a version of TinyEMU, a RISC-V emulator, that has been modified to run inside a PDF.

Unlike traditional virtual machines, this emulator operates entirely within Chrome’s PDF viewer by utilizing an older version of Emscripten that compiles to asm.js instead of WebAssembly.

How LinuxPDF works

When a user opens the file and agrees to "Start Emulator," the embedded code loads, launching a minimal Linux environment. The interface consists of a text-based Linux viewport with a soft keyboard made of interactive PDF buttons. Users with a physical keyboard can enter commands in a designated input field.

Despite its ingenuity, LinuxPDF is far from practical for regular use. According to Ading2210, boots takes between 30 and 60 seconds.

This sluggish performance is thanks to Chrome’s disabled Just-in-Time (JIT) compiler, a move which bolsters security but prevents optimizations that could speed up code execution. As a result, LinuxPDF remains more of a technical experiment than a functional operating system.

Those interested in testing LinuxPDF can open it in a Chromium-based browser like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Developers can also explore or modify the source code which is freely available on GitHub.

Via TomsHardware

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In case you’ve missed it, we’re here with our catch-up of the week’s biggest tech news so you can get up to speed in a flash.

This week we saw a major PlayStation Network (PSN) outage, tried the world’s thinnest foldable, and were treated to a new Apple product teaser – with the launch set for Wednesday next week. All that and more are explained below.

Once you’ve caught up on the news of the week check out our picks for the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream and more this weekend (February 14) – and the latest episode of the TechRadar podcast which is all about gaming.

1. We got ready to meet the newest member of the Apple family

(Image credit: Apple / Future)

Tim Cook has teased a brand new Apple device with a post telling us to “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family” on February 19.

There’s no indication what this new device will be – our best bet is it’s the much-rumored iPhone SE fourth-generation, but it could also be a new Mac, a second-generation AirTag, a new iPad or something entirely different.

The only other clue is the image we shared above, which shows the Apple logo in front of some kind of circle – though it’s not given us much help in terms of guessing what’s being launched, so we’ll just have to tune in on Wednesday to see what Apple showcases.

• Read more: Tim Cook says we'll meet the newest member of the Apple family on February 19

2. PlayStation Network crashed

(Image credit: Sony)

If you tried to access PSN last weekend then you likely had some trouble, as from around 6pm ET on Friday (February 7) until 6:58pm ET on Saturday (February 8) the service was completely down.

Gamers were locked out from accessing online features for their games – including many Monster Hunter Wilds beta players who were unable to even download the client if they hadn’t installed it already. If your game of choice was an online-only title it was completely inaccessible.

By way of an apology, Sony has said all PlayStation Plus members will automatically receive an additional 5 days of service and blamed the outage on "an operational issue." Regardless, many PS5 gamers are still disappointed. For more detail here's our full report on the 5-day PS Plus extension and the reaction to it.

• Read more: Sony finally explains massive PSN outage and details compensation

3. State of Play gave us a reason to love PlayStation again

(Image credit: Sony)

The latest State of Play was broadcast on February 12, blasting us with a veritable barrage of upcoming PlayStation 5 releases. One of the biggest highlights was the reveal of Tides of Annihilation, a frantic hack and slash game set in a beautiful post-apocalyptic London ravaged by fantasy creatures inspired by Arthurian legend. We also finally got release dates for the highly anticipated Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and Borderlands 4, which are arriving on August 28 and September 23 respectively.

On top of this we got confirmation of a new Stellar Blade DLC, which will add a selection of rather skimpy outfits for protagonist Eve inspired by the Goddess of Victory: Nikke mobile game. This was on top of loads of cool looking smaller titles, like the frantic shooter Metal Eden - which we had the chance to try ahead of the stream.

Easily the most controversial news, however, was the announcement of Days Gone Remastered. This PS5 port of the 2019 PS4 zombie game, which is already fully playable on Sony’s latest console thanks to backwards compatibility, upgrades its visuals and adds some new modes. Fans are divided on whether it is worthwhile, with some wishing that the resources of developer Bend Studio were directed towards new titles, rather than upgraded versions of things that we’ve already played.

• Read more: Everything announced at Sony’s State of Play

4. The Powerbeats Pro 2 landed, and they’re great

(Image credit: Beats)

This week Apple finally unveiled the new hotly-anticipated Powerbeats Pro 2 headphones from Beats, and we've been hands-on in the gym to find out how they stack up as workout headphones.

The new model brings an excellent new design that's more secure and comfortable than ever before. The audio is solid, as is the noise-cancelling, and the battery life is better than ever with up to 10 hours of playtime.

In our hands-on, we really enjoyed using them for working out, but can't quite wrap our heads around the new heart rate monitoring feature. It's very cool and impressive technology, but Apple has confirmed to us that for both iPhone and Android users, a smartwatch with heart rate data will take priority. As such, there's not really any appeal here for people who already own a smartwatch.

They're still excellent workout headphones, and we're excited to see the HRM feature on AirPods later this year, but the way the feature works right now is a bit of a head-scratcher.

• Read more: The Powerbeats Pro 2 are my new favorite workout headphones

5. We tried the world’s thinnest foldable

(Image credit: Future)

Oppo has officially revealed the Find N5, the world’s new thinnest book-style folding phone. Though most details are still under wraps, Oppo has shared that the phone is just 8.93mm when folded – barely thicker than an iPhone 16 Pro Max – and weighs in at 229g, which is actually five grams lighter than the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. We’re expecting further details of this futuristic foldable when it launches in global markets on February 20.

At a recent hands-on event, TechRadar’s Mobile Computing Staff Writer Jamie Richards got to grips with the Oppo Find N5, finding it to be a clear winner over the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 in terms of ergonomics. The latest rumors point to a folded thickness of 4.2mm, which would make the phone slimmer than any folding device bar the tri-fold Huawei Mate XT. We’ll have the latest details as they arrive, so be sure to keep up with our phones coverage.

• Read more: The world’s thinnest foldable makes the Galaxy Z Fold 6 look massive

6. Garmin Tactix 8 just launched

(Image credit: Garmin)

We've been treated to a few new Garmins in recent weeks but none is more eye-catching than the all-new Garmin tactix 8.

Designed with military application in mind, the tactix 8 is a formidable, rugged watch with a 47mm or 51mm AMOLED display. There are also solar options, and onboard you get an Applied Ballistics solver to help you with long-range rifle shooting. Its essentially a golf watch for gun users.

You also get Garmin's usual suite of industry-leading health tracking features, including support for rucking, a trendy new fitness craze that involves walking around with a weighted backpack on.

Prices start at $1,299/£1,189/AU$$2,299. With military-grade durability, advanced GPS, a kill switch, and night vision compatibility, this is not a Garmin to help you tackle your next Park Run.

• Read more: This might be the most formidable Garmin ever

7. Captain America 4 was too afraid to take off

(Image credit: Marvel Studios)

The first Marvel movie of 2025 is here – but, truth be told, it’s not very good. Captain America: Brave New World has spread its wings and flown into theaters, but Sam Wilson’s first big-screen outing as the titular hero isn’t as great as we’d hoped. You can learn more about why that’s the case in senior entertainment reporter Tom Power’s Captain America: Brave New World review. Rather than spend your money on a ticket to see it at your local theater, then, you might want to wait for Captain America 4 to make its yet-to-be-announced streaming debut on Disney Plus instead.

• Read more: The first Marvel movie of 2025 is the titular hero’s worst solo film so far

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The limited selection of high-speed broadband in Boise can make picking the best option tough. CNET's experts help you cut through the noise.

The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency has frozen efforts to aid states in securing elections, according to an internal memo viewed by WIRED.

There are some unbelievably great, if abbreviated, films to watch on YouTube Shorts. A lot of them may soon be more literally unbelievable thanks to Google's AI video creation model Veo 2. YouTube has released Veo 2 to the Shorts platform, augmenting YouTube's Dream Screen AI tool and letting you produce AI-fueled flicks based on a text prompt.

Dream Screen has been using the original version of Veo to produce video backgrounds out of text prompts for Shorts since last year. Veo 2 ups the ante significantly by also making the characters and objects for the video along with the background. The upgrade also makes Dream Screen faster, better at understanding text prompts, and able to produce much more realistic results. The videos mimic real-world physics, and the characters move as realistically (or cartoonishly) as you might want.

You can try out the enhanced Dream Screen by opening the Shorts camera, selecting Green Screen, and typing in what you want to see. You can even add an AI-generated clip to an existing Short by tapping "Add," then "Create," then typing up the prompt. Veo 2 takes over, and within seconds, your giant Pomeranian ballerina is ready to perform.

AI visions

The upgrade to Dream Screen raises many questions and possible concerns. Will AI-generated content flood YouTube Shorts, making it harder to tell what’s real and what’s not? What will creativity look like when the barriers to high-quality visuals disappear? Will we simply get stuck in a loop of AI-generated influencers making AI-generated content for an audience of AI-powered recommendation algorithms?

Google does seem to get that hyper-realistic AI videos made in a few seconds might have some potential pitfalls. That's why YouTube is attaching a SynthID watermark and a label indicating the AI origins of any Dream Screen-produced video. How well these transparency and tracking attempts perform remains to be seen, but at least there's something.

The new feature is only coming to the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand for now, but others are in the pipeline, with more countries on the way. If you’re a YouTube content creator, this may be a huge boon, especially if the only thing standing between your video and viral fame is a slightly more perfect shot, better stock footage, or something truly outlandish. If you don't have an idea, you can always toss around ideas with YouTube's Brainstorm with Gemini tool.

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• Talon is a debloating tool designed for those who aren’t tech-savvy
• It does everything for you in running a fully automated debloat of Windows
• Bear in mind that third-party apps are used at your own risk, though the developer of Talon seems commendably transparent

Fed up with Windows 11’s bits of additional bloat, meaning all those unwanted bits of software and other elements that you’ll never use, clogging up the system?

You might not know where to start to do anything about fixing this, which is where a new utility comes in, allowing for a very easy method of debloating Windows 11 with a minimum of fuss required.

As TweakTown flagged up, this is Talon, a software tool developed by Raven with the aim of being an automated full debloat of Microsoft’s operating system that’s suitable for even novice computer users.

The promise is just two clicks – to choose the type of debloat you want and a dialog box to accept the changes being made to your PC – and you’re done. Well, you have to wait some time for the actual process to happen, but it’s all performed automatically, there’s no brain-ache or puzzling over options involved.

A barebones debloat is what many folks will run – just a straightforward stripping out of all the crud from Windows 11 – but other options can then add some (hopefully) useful apps back for you. For example, choosing ‘Gaming’ as the use of your PC will run the debloat and then install the likes of Discord and Steam.

You can find out more about Talon by watching the YouTube video below, and you can download the utility here (but have a quick read of my analysis underneath the video clip before you do so).

Analysis: An easy way to banish the bloat – but is it a sensible one?

I’ve got to say, I really like the philosophy of Talon, which is to take all the hassle out of debloating.

As Raven points out in the above video, a typical debloating tool will be a maze of check boxes and submenus, and it might even involve entering PowerShell commands. Tasks that less tech-savvy Windows 11 users will doubtless find difficult or even arcane.

So, taking all the pain out of that is a commendable goal. What Talon is really doing is bundling a bunch of these trickier utilities in a user-friendly, automated package. (For the curious, the tools drafted in under the bonnet of Talon include ChrisTitusTech’s WinUtil and Raphi’s Win11Debloat, which are the main engines of what’s happening here).

However, with any third-party app, you must be cautious. Ultimately, whether you want to install any piece of software is a decision that you must take yourself, especially when it comes to lesser-known developers.

However, Talon appears to be laudably transparent in the interview given to TweakTown, and one definite positive is that the code for the tool is open source and can be viewed and checked by anyone. (So, if there are flaws or anything amiss, hopefully they’ll be shouted about).

The developer Raven freely admits that as Talon relies on some third-party software, as mentioned, any vulnerabilities in those would also apply to the app itself (obviously).

I’ll leave the final words to the developer, as quoted from the TweakTown interview: “While it is possible for a supply chain attack to occur, where one of these [third-party] utilities gets compromised then Talon is inherently compromised as a result, they are very popular utilities with lots of eyes on their code, and with extremely talented and trusted maintainers."

“The rest of Talon is done through homemade scripts that we maintain. At the end of the day, the possibility of malware injection, a supply chain attack, or whatever else, is there for any software, no matter the size of the team or the popularity of a project. We will do our best to ensure that this day never comes, though, and if it does we will address it as fast as possible to ensure minimal impact.”

For those who aren’t convinced or would rather DIY the task of streamlining their operating system, make sure you check out TechRadar’s guide on how to find and remove bloatware from your Windows 11 PC.

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