Technology

It's time for an unexpected party. The Lord of the Rings Shire Lego set is set to release in less than two weeks, and there is so much to see and do.

• Seagate has debuted a new NVMe hard disk proof of concept
• Prototype system pairs NVMe HDDs, SSDs, DPUs, and AIStore for AI workloads
• NVMe HDDs use less power, with better efficiency, and reduced storage costs

In late 2021, Seagate unveiled a proof-of-concept hard disk drive that used the NVMe protocol and a PCIe interface - two technologies typically reserved for solid state drives.

Demonstrated at the Open Compute Project Summit in a custom JBOD enclosure with twelve 3.5-inch drives, the NVMe HDD featured a proprietary controller that supported SAS, SATA, and NVMe natively, without the need for a bridge.

Seen as a way to simplify data center infrastructure by unifying storage devices under a single interface, the drive promised performance improvements, lower TCO, and considerable energy savings.

Combined

Fast forward to GTC 2025, and Seagate has demonstrated a new proof-of-concept system combining NVMe HDDs and SSDs with Nvidia’s BlueField 3 DPU and AIStore software to show how NVMe can help address common storage challenges in AI environments.

While other vendors are reportedly exploring similar such concepts, Seagate appears to be the only firm showing off a functional system.

(Image credit: Seagate) Working with customers and partners

“Unlike SAS/SATA-based hard drives, NVMe hard drives remove the need for HBAs, protocol bridges, and additional SAS infrastructure, making AI storage more streamlined,” Seagate says.

“These drives allow AI workloads to scale seamlessly by integrating high-density hard drive storage with high-speed SSD caching in a unified NVMe architecture.”

The prototype Seagate showcased featured eight NVMe hard drives, four NVMe SSDs for caching, Nvidia BlueField DPUs, and AIStore software, all housed inside a hybrid array.

The team demonstrated that direct GPU-to-storage communication, via NVMe hard drives and DPUs, reduced latency in AI workflows. Eliminating legacy SAS/SATA overhead also simplified system architecture and improved storage efficiency.

“By using NVMe hard drives alongside SSDs, organizations will be able to optimize cost while maintaining performance, reserving SSDs for active datasets and using hard drives for long-term AI training data retention,” Seagate says.

From a design perspective, adding NVMe to HDDs potentially only requires a few changes, such as a PCIe interface and firmware updates, while retaining the familiar 3.5-inch form factor.

Compared to SSDs, Seagate says NVMe hard drives offer 10 times more efficient embodied carbon per terabyte, four times more efficient operating power consumption per terabyte, and lower cost per terabyte.

When, or indeed if, these drives will reach the market is anyone’s guess. Seagate says it is “working with customers and partners to explore how NVMe hard drives can fit into next-generation AI storage solutions,” but there’s no timeline for it as yet.

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Apple might want to put a camera or two on your next Apple Watch, ostensibly to assist its AI in interpreting your environment and, perhaps, acting on your behalf: "There's a hill up ahead! You might want to accelerate your running pace, but watch out for that puddle; it might be a pothole!"

That sounds useful, but do we need a smartwatch to do a job best left to our eyes? You'll see that hill, you'll take note of the puddle, and subconsciously plan a route around it. Why would you need a camera on your wrist?

Forgive me if I am a bit against the whole concept of a wearable camera. I think that unless you're a police officer who has to record all their interactions with the public (see The Rookie for details), a chest-bound camera is a bad idea. I think most Humane AI Pin wearers (and Humane AI) quickly discovered this.

Cameras on glasses aren't as bad, perhaps because they're so close to your eyes where you are looking at and making mental notes about what you see anyway. There are privacy concerns though, and when I've worn Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses, I've had a few people ask if I'm recording them. There's a little light on the frame that tells them as much, but I get the concern. No one wants to be recorded or have their picture taken without their explicit permission.

Never a good idea

We've seen cameras on smartwatches before. Back in 2013, Samsung unveiled the beefy Samsung Galaxy Gear, which I wore and reviewed. Samsung's idea for an on-wrist camera was, shall I say, unusual.

Instead of integrating the camera into the smart watch's body, Samsung stuffed it into the wristband. This was one bad idea on top of another. By placing the camera on the wristband, it forced you to position your wrist just right to capture a photo, using the smartwatch display as a viewfinder. Moreover, there was concern about damaging the wristband, which could lead to ruining the 2MP camera. It took, by the way, just passable photos.

A post shared by Lance Ulanoff (@lanceulanoff)

A photo posted by on

Apple's apparent idea for a smartwatch camera is less about capturing a decent photo and more about ambient awareness. Information that one or more cameras can glean about your environment could inform Apple Intelligence – assuming Apple Intelligence is, by then, what Apple's been promising all along.

Powerful AI works best with data, both training to build the models and real time for analysis by those same models. Our best iPhones and best smartwatches are full of sensors that tell these devices where they are, where they're going, how fast they're moving, and if you've taken a fall or been in a car crash while carrying or wearing them. The watch has no camera, and your phone does not use its camera to build a data picture unless you ask it to.

Currently, you can squeeze your Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 and enable Visual Intelligence. This lets you take a picture and ask ChatGPT or Google Search to analyze it.

An eye on your wrist

A camera on your smartwatch, though, might always be on and trying, even as you pump your arms during a brisk run, to tell you about what's around and in front of you.

It might be looking at the people running toward you, and could possibly identify people on the fly, assuming it can get a clear enough shot. The watch could then connect to your phone or AirPods and identify people: "That's Bob Smith. According to his LinkedIn, he works in real estate." I'm not sure how those other people would feel about that, though.

I get that some of this sounds very cool and futuristic, but are we really meant to know that much about everything around us? Wouldn't it be better to explore what we want to with our eyes and ignore the rest? Exactly how much information can a human take?

It needs this but...

There are no guarantees that this will happen. It's just a rumor from Bloomberg News, but it makes sense.

It's high time for Apple to do the first truly significant Apple Watch redesign in a decade. Apple also needs some exciting new technology to remind people it can still innovate. Plus, more hardware sensors open the door to more powerful Apple Intelligence, and with all the recent missteps in that space, Apple is in dire need of an AI win.

I'm fine with all of that, as long as it does not involve putting cameras on my Apple Watch.

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You don't need to use Dall-E 3 to generate AI images in ChatGPT anymore.

While it’s not another 12 days of news from OpenAI – or at least, we hope not – the company behind ChatGPT did have a quick live stream on March 25, 2025.

The news? Well, while the AI behemoth was tight-lipped in the lead-up, OpenAI did debut native image generation for the 4o model.

It makes the teaser image of someone writing “Livestream at 11AM PT” on a classic, dark green chalkboard make a lot more sense.

OpenAI's much-improved image generation skills are debuting shortly after Google added native image generation to Gemini inside its AI Studio.

Ahead, you can see TechRadar's live blog during the event as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman walked us through the news and updates since the stream wrapped of us putting the new feature to the test.

(Image credit: Future)

Well, the livestream title is shedding a lot more light as to watch we can expect ... way more than the intitally teased image. It's titled "4o Image Generation in ChatGPT and Sora" so that means we're likely getting improvements to creating images within ChatGPT and Sora.

The mention of the latter might mean more general improvements for text-to-video generation as well.

Under 15 minutes to go now!

OpenAI's live stream has begun, and in the lead-up to the 2PM ET / 11AM PT / 6PM GMT start time, we're being treated to various images. Some of these overlap, but it refreshes every few seconds and shows off all the different styles.

The live stream description notes we'll be hearing from Sam Altman, Gabriel Goh, Prafulla Dhariwal, Lu Liu, Allan Jabri, and Mengchao Zhong discussing 4o image generation.

(Image credit: Future) OpenAI debuts native image generation in the 4o model

(Image credit: Future)

And we're off to the races – Sam Altman is calling this one of the most fun advancments, and it's native image generation in the 4o model. He quickly noted 'it's a huge step forward' and something that OpenAI has been excited to rollout for quite some time, for a whole host of folks.

Altman notes the best way to explain it is to show it off, so we're already in a demo. In just a few seconds after the prompt, OpenAI showed off an image with what the team said has 'perfect text.' Seemingly showing a leap in terms of understanding the prompt and creating the image with clear text, and a unique point of view effect.

(Image credit: Future)

(Image credit: Future)

In the second demo, the OpenAI team took a selfie and then asked ChatGPT to make it into an 'anime style.' It took several seconds, but it did indeed generate what was requested. You can see it above.

Sam Altman was then quick to note that the improved image generation is starting to roll out now in ChatGPT and Sora for Pro users, and it will be available for free users as well.

We also are seeing the process of the native image generation model within the 4o model, turning that generated selfie into an "AGI meme."

(Image credit: Future)

Sam Altman also teased that the native image generation model within 4o is designed to be a little offensive within reason if that's what you direct it to. The key phrase there is "within reason," and no doubt many users will put that to the test.

Now, the second demo asks for a colorful image describing the theory of relativity, with some added humor. Altman also noted that the image generation model is a bit slower but that the result is much higher in quality.

(Image credit: Future)

Considering the improved image generation is already available – or at least rolling out – TechRadar's editor-at-large, Lance Ulanoff, already tested the feature.

Lance took a selfie and uploaded it to ChatGPT via the iPhone app. He then asked for it to be turned into anime style. The first time, it gave him a full head of hair, but then corrected when he asked for it to be bald.

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

(Image credit: Future)

Back to the live demos, OpenAI is showing that we can now chat with ChatGPT more visually. This means that you can ask for requests to images in a row, and it will remember the context.

In this example, a photo of a coin was sent, and then the team asked ChatGPT to make it transparent, among other requests.

(Image credit: Future) That was fast!

OpenAI certainly covered quite a bit of ground in just about 15~ minutes. Sam Altman and the team debuted native image generation in the 4o model. Then, presented some demos, and before it was wrapped, we already tested the feature in the ChatGPT app for the iPhone.

Now, as OpenAI announced, the improved model is rolling out now to Pro users, but is also coming to free users. Altman also confirmed it will eventually arrive in the API as well.

We just put image generation in the 4o model through another test, this time asking for a cartoon strip in the style of Charles Schulz's "Peanuts." While ChatGPT acknowledged the request, it turned it down due to copyright.

Instead, the resulting funny comic strip is in a similar style, with two familiar characters who have new names and other qualities to distinguish them from the original.

(Image credit: Future)

The head of OracleNetSuite has laid out his vision of getting business technology to work by ensuring your organization is connected as much as possible.

Speaking at the company's SuiteConnect London 2025 event, Evan Goldberg highlighted the importance of ensuring all your data is connected, noting how successful businesses don't work in silos.

"If you're a business leader in 2025, you probably feel pressure to get the most out of your technology - and you're not alone," he declared. "The best-run businesses operate in a unified way, with every function connected to every other."

Time for Suiteness

With NetSuite's platform offering such a wide array of accountancy and finance tools for businesses, Goldberg introduced the idea of "Suiteness" - by which all the elements of your suite work together, meaning all your data, your processes and teams are unified in one system.

This approach means users can get more insight by analyzing data together, but also see greater productivity benefits, as workflows are united from end to end and across departments, meaning your teams can truly collaborate because they're all working in the same system.

"(Suiteness) means you can achieve more in every department across your business," Goldberg concluded.

(Image credit: Oracle NetSuite)

Goldberg also noted how finance is critical for every area of a business, and this is why NetSuite was built to be, "an operating system for your entire business, not just a system for accounting or operations or HR or any single functional area."

"It's our job to deliver constant innovation, to let you get more out of the suite in every area of your organization,” Goldberg added.

“Our partnership with Oracle (means) we're able to deliver powerful enterprise-grade solutions, once available only to the largest organizations, at a scale and price that's appropriate for your organization."

AI was unsurprisingly at the heart of the company's latest innovation, with Nicky Tozer, Senior Vice President, EMEA, Oracle NetSuite, noting how AI "is no longer the tech of the future, it's here today."

The company also unveiled a host of AI tools and services centered around AI agents, including Text Enhance for custom fields, allowing for faster and more customized data entry, and a Financial Exception Management agent which can automatically detect any potential issues with suspicious transactions.

“Organizations in the UK are looking to AI to help them be more productive and do more with less, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming,” said Goldberg.

“With our AI built in, not bolted on and by offering it at no additional cost, NetSuite is helping customers reduce the barrier to entry and quickly and easily benefit from the latest advancements to gain deeper insights and boost efficiency.”

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• Apple's announced that WWDC 2025 will run from June 9 to June 13
• The week-long developer conference will start with a special event on June 9
• It should be the next big chance for Apple to provide an update on Apple Intelligence and for new software to be unveiled

We’ve all been expecting Apple’s next event to be in June, and the Cupertino-based tech behemoth just made it official. WWDC – aka World Wide Developers Conference – is returning, and the week-long affair will kick off with a special event on June 9, 2025.

It’s safe to say that Apple has a lot riding on the special event, as it will be almost a year to the day that Apple Intelligence was unveiled, and in the 365 days since then, there’s been a lot of news.

Most recently, Apple officially confirmed a delay with the AI-infused Siri and said it’ll arrive ‘in the coming year.’ We’re all expecting Apple – likely in the form of CEO Tim Cook or SVP of Software Craig Federghi – to give a state of the state of sorts on the feature set.

In typical Apple fashion, the company is tight-lipped about what to expect from WWDC 2025. We have a new graphic with “WWDC” in the iconic rainbow Apple colors, and the “25” at the end of the event logo has some dimension to it, potentially hinting that the rumored redesign of iOS, iPadOS, and macOS will take a page from VisionOS.

Apple's state of the state, and hopefully an update on Apple Intelligence

(Image credit: Future)

In the shared release, Apple teases that the week will “spotlight the latest advancements in Apple software,” likely hinting at the release of iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS – insert fun California-themed name – 16, watchOS 12, VisionOS 3, as well as new versions of tvOS and the OS’ for HomePod and HomePod mini.

Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations, writes, “We’re excited to mark another incredible year of WWDC with our global developer community. We can’t wait to share the latest tools and technologies that will empower developers and help them continue to innovate” – certainly powering the hype train out of the station.

Greg Joswiak, Apple’s SVP of Marketing, took to X (formerly Twitter) to suggest we all save the week, hinting at a lot of news and sharing an animated version of the WWDC 25 logo that certainly has some bounce.

You’re gonna want to save the date for the week of June 9! #WWDC25 pic.twitter.com/gjzYZCkPbAMarch 25, 2025

As with previous years, WWDC 2025 will be available online and free for all registered developers, but there will be an in-person component happening at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA. This will be a chance for folks to watch the keynote and platforms' state of the union as well as take part in workshops. Space is limited, though, and registration is required. Regardless, TechRadar will have boots on the ground and be the place to be for the news as it breaks.

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

The real question, though, on our mind is how Apple Intelligence is positioned going forward, and what non-AI developments Apple has in store for the software that powers the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, and even AirPods.

Apple’s top team will need to explain where the AI-infused Siri is, how the timeline has shifted, and most importantly, how they will stick to it. The most recent report is that Mike Rockwell – the VP behind the Vision Pro and getting it to market – is now in charge of Siri, reporting directly to Craig Federghi.

Could we finally get a true redesign of iPadOS, making it more Mac-like and letting folks with an iPad Pro take advantage of the M4 chip? Will there be some impressive new Continuity features in the same vein as iPhone Mirroring? Might the redesign be as impressive and a garaguntan leap that pushes the appeal of Apple hardware?

The stakes are high, and I hope we’ll get some major news. But now we just have to wait 76 days – and counting – until Tim Cook takes the stage, says Good Morning, and hopefully provides more context around Apple Intelligence and the strange, strange rollout it’s taken.

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• New changes to Hollow Knight: Silksong's Steam metadata have been discovered
• The game's copyright has been updated to 2025 from 2019, and eligibility for Nvidia GeForce Now has been added
• Fans are convinced the new copyright could mean a 2025 release date will be announced soon

Updates on Hollow Knight: Silksong have been few and far between for quite some time, but new changes to the game's Steam data have convinced fans that we'll finally hear more about it this year.

The discovery comes from SteamDB (via IGN), where several updates to the game's Steam listing were recorded. Among them is an update to change Silksong's copyright year from 2019 to 2025, eligibility for Nvidia's streaming platform, GeForce Now, and add new assets.

It's the changed copyright info that has fans excited and has sparked new speculation that the game could potentially launch sometime this year.

"This is the first copyright update in 6 years and also they added cloud gaming. This has to mean they’re getting close to launching the game right??" one user posted over on the game's subbreddit.

"This is it boys, it's been nice living in the silksanity for so long," said one user in response to a YouTube video detailing the news.

"Okay, all jokes aside, I genuinely believe that this might be the year..." another wrote.

Hollow Knight: Silksong was announced five years ago and is a sequel to the popular metroidvania Hollow Knight. The most recent trailer was released during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase event in 2022.

Recent rumors suggest that a Nintendo Direct Showcase will air sometime this week, and if Hollow Knight: Silksong is launching this year, the broadcast could be the perfect place to announce a launch date and perhaps even a Switch 2 release.

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• Monster Hunter Wilds Title Update 1 launches in early April, adding new monsters and some of the best-looking armor sets I need to add to my collection

The tech giant is expected to reveal iOS 19 and other major software updates at its annual developer conference.

• OpenAI launches OpenAI Academy
• The free resource has all the info you need on how to master ChatGPT and Sora
• The AI bible includes live streams, videos, and in-person events

OpenAI just launched an incredible AI resource bible called OpenAI Academy, and it could be the catalyst for you to finally try ChatGPT.

Announced on the company's blog, OpenAI Academy is a publicly available, free online resource hub that will help "support AI literacy and help people from all backgrounds access tools, best practices, and peer insights to use AI more effectively and responsibly".

With in-person events, live streams, and content to explore at your own pace, the Academy could become your go-to resource for all things ChatGPT and Sora.

There are plenty of excellent AI resources on the internet. In fact, you're reading one just now. OpenAI Academy, however, gives users a go-to educational tool created by the makers of ChatGPT to help teach the right practices for using AI.

You can access OpenAI Academy without paying a dime; all you'll need to do is sign up for an account. You can access the resource here.

The perfect companion

AI is rapidly evolving and changing the way we interact with technology. As someone who writes about AI and uses it daily, OpenAI Academy is the kind of resource I've been waiting for.

Initially, OpenAI Academy launched as an in-person event, so it's fantastic to see the resources be made available to anyone with access to the internet.

From tips on how to get started with Sora and how to craft a storyboard, to how to create custom GPTs and use Deep Research in ChatGPT, there's a guide for almost all your needs.

Considering companies charge for educational courses on AI, OpenAI's offering here is a steal for free. So whether or not you use ChatGPT or Sora daily, or if you've been hesitant to try because it can be overwhelming, OpenAI Academy has you covered.

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• Capcom has announced that Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 1 will arrive on April 3
• The major content patch will add a new monster called Mizutsune, Arch-tempered Rey Dau, The Grand Hub, new gear sets, and more
• Free Title Update 2 is confirmed for a Summer 2025 release and will see the return of Lagiacrus

Monster Hunter Wilds Free Title Update 1 will be released on April 3 and will introduce a buffet of new content, including the addition of a new monster.

The Monster Hunter Wilds Showcase kicked off today, where Capcom gave fans the first look at the game's first major content patch while also teasing its Summer update and the return of a familiar monster.

Kicking things off with one of the most notable announcements of the broadcast, the upcoming update will introduce a brand new monster called Mizutsune, a water-element beast that can be unlocked at Hunter Rank 21 and can be found in the Scarlet Forest.

We didn't get a ton of information about Mizutsune, but from a short clip, we know that it will use giant bubbles and a spraying attack from its mouth to counter the player at long range.

Players at Hunter Rank 50 and above will also be able to take on Arch-tempered Rey Dau on April 29, and Zoh Sia can be fought once again at Hunter Rank 50 when the patch drops. All three monsters will each drop materials that can be used to craft brand-new armor sets, and every single one of them looks amazing.

Another new feature arriving with Title Update 1 is The Grand Hub, a larger, interactive gathering space for players that can be unlocked at Rank 16, featuring a new Barrel Bowling mini-game with rewards, arm wrestling, and night-time performances from the Diva.

Arena Quests will finally be implemented, too, allowing players to compete with other Hunters online for the fastest completion times.

Challenge Quests and Free Challenge Quests will also be available as limited-time Event Quests, the latter of which requires no equipment limits and allows up to four players.

Capcom has confirmed that every season, celebrations will be held at The Grand Hub, with the first celebration of Spring, the Festival of Accord: Blossomdance, to be released on April 23.

During seasonal events, the appearance of The Grand Hub and available meals will change, and players can obtain limited equipment, gestures, pop-up camp decorations, and more.

In addition to seasonal event quests, "most previous event quests will also make a return", but it's unclear which ones right now.

Alongside the release of free downloadable content (DLC) packs that feature new gestures, players will also be able to change Alma's outfit for free. Accessing the customisation tab in the game's menu will allow players to equip Alma with her new outfit and, after completing a certain side mission, Alma's glasses will also be changeable.

Capcom shared a look at the game's roadmap, which revealed that a new Capcom collaboration and "additional features" will arrive at the end of May.

At the end of the showcase, it was also announced that Title Update 2 is planned to arrive in Summer 2025, with a short sneak peek teasing the return of Lagiacrus, a monster that has been featured in many past Monster Hunter games.

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• Security researchers Sygnia discover attack after responding to a separate incident
• The attack was attributed to a Chinese state-sponsored threat actor
• Weaver Ant group lurked for years, stealing sensitive data and moving laterally

Chinese state-sponsored threat actors allegedly spent four years lurking in the IT infrastructure of a “major” Asian telecommunications provider, according to cybersecurity researchers Sygnia, which discovered the cyber-espionage campaign after responding to a separate incident.

In a technical writeup, Sygnia said while investigating a separate forensic case, multiple security alerts flagged suspicious activity. Furthermore, a previously disabled account was re-enabled, raising even more suspicion.

Digging deeper, the investigators found China Chopper web shells, as well as multiple other malicious payloads used for lateral movement and data exfiltration.

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"Incredibly dangerous"

They concluded that the threat actors, named Weaver Ant, were Chinese, since their operational tactics, the use of China Chopper, ORB networks, and other tools, their working hours, and the choice of target (critical telecom infrastructure), all pointed to that conclusion.

Sygnia did not want to disclose who that “major” Asian telecommunications company is, but said that the initial access vectors were vulnerable Zyxel routers.

Furthermore, the company added other Southeast Asian telecom providers as victims, as well, since their compromised Zyxel routers were used in the attack.

Weaver Ant managed to successfully maintain long-term access, exfiltrate sensitive data, while moving laterally across the company’s systems, Sygnia concluded. The goal was espionage - to gather as much intelligence as possible, from critical infrastructure.

Despite multiple attempts to remove them, Weaver Ant managed to persist, it was concluded.

“Nation-state threat actors like Weaver Ant are incredibly dangerous and persistent with the primary goal of infiltrating critical infrastructure and collecting as much information as they can before being discovered,” said Oren Biderman, incident response leader at Sygnia.

“Weaver Ant maintained activity within the compromised network for over four years despite repeated attempts to eliminate them from compromised systems. The threat actor adapted their [tactics] to the evolving network environment, enabling continuous access to compromised systems and the collection of sensitive information.”

Via The Record

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• Sony earbuds to replace the budget-belter WF-C700N have launched
• The new WF-C710N buds bring wearer detection and improved battery life
• …Oh, and a stunning 'glass blue' transparent colorway

It's unlikely you'll have missed the excellent Sony WF-C700N earbuds. They sat atop TechRadar's best budget earbuds list for over a year following their release in April 2023, until the Nothing Ear (a) swept in a whole 13 months later and after much deliberation – including a Nothing Ear (a) versus Sony WF-C700N feature – we agreed Nothing's option should take their spot.

But as of today, there's a new Sony kid in town: Sony WF-C710N – so, er, 10 more than the older model (it is difficult to understand Sony's monikers; I find it best to nod slightly, as we did with the cheap and very-good-but-devoid-of-ANC Sony WF-C510, and move on). The point is, they're here to supersede the Sony WF-C700N, and that 'N' definitely means 'noise cancellation'.

Before we get into the specs though, let's talk about that all-new 'Blue Glass' colorway in addition to black, white, and pink finishes. It is transparent like sea glass and for anyone who remembers Nothing laboring the point of its mostly-transparent stems and driver housing, this seems oh-so effortless…

Sony WF-C710N specs and features

(Image credit: Sony)

So what are the upgrades? First off, the stamina: without ANC deployed Sony tells me you can expect a 40-hour total battery life, or 12 hours from the buds and a further 28 from the case. With noise-canceling on, it's 8.5 hours and 21.5 hours in the case, or a 30-hour battery total before you need a USB-C charger. It's a huge step up from the 20 hours without ANC (or 15 with it) total battery life you'd get from the outgoing model.

Next, there's a new Sony companion app called 'Sound Connect' that, in addition to Sony's five-band EQ tab, adds a feature called 'Find My Equaliser'. This plays various tracks to you and asks you to pick a favorite of five EQ presets, to create a custom profile tuned to your ears.

Also on the new-for-WF-C710N list is wearer detection, which is something we really wanted to see in the Sony WF-C710N, because it means they'll pause the audio when you remove one and resume it when you put it back in your ear.

Elsewhere, on-ear touch controls are back including volume tweaks, playback, access to noise-cancelling profiles, hands-free summoning of Gemini or Siri plus Quick Attention, which means that by covering one earbud, playback is cut and your mics are amplified to better hear the person who just disturbed you at your desk. (It's a great feature. I love it, really… )

On those mics, you now get two per bud with a new AI-enhanced 'dual noise sensor technology' to pick out and amplify your voice while nixing extraneous noise in calls. Said mics also now feature a special wind-noise reduction mesh. There's also multi-point to two devices, adaptive sound control for ANC, Sony's 360 Reality Audio solution (but do remember, Tidal sadly no longer supports the format) and Sony's entry-level DSEE upscaler to make even lowly Spotify streams sound closer to the real thing.

The 5mm driver unit appears unchanged, however, and although there's a Bluetooth 5.3 chipset, at launch the WF-C710N will not support Auracast audio broadcasts at airports and dental surgeries – when those arrive. There's also no higher-resolution LDAC support (your codec support here is limited to SBC and AAC) and your ear tip selection is limited to just three sizes (small, medium, and large), however, I found their elder siblings some of the best earbuds for smaller ears, so since the driver-size and earpiece dimensions here seem largely unchanged, I'm not particularly worried about the fit.

Pricing? Certainly. The Sony WF-C710N earbuds are priced at £100 or €120 (so just £1 more than the WF-C700N), which translates to around $129 or AU$205, although these last two prices are unofficial.

How good are they and should you rush out and buy a set? I'm working on a full review, and I'll let you know soon…

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• Nacon has revealed a new gaming microphone
• The RIG M2 Streamstar is geared towards content creators
• It features wireless real-time audio monitoring via Bluetooth

Publisher and gaming accessory manufacturer Nacon has revealed the RIG M2 Streamstar, a new gaming microphone in its RIG line of peripherals.

Billed as the first wired gaming microphone with an in-built Bluetooth audio gateway, it allows you to pair Bluetooth earbuds directly to the mic for real-time audio monitoring.

This could be particularly handy for creators who already own Bluetooth headphones (like many of the best gaming earbuds) and don't want to have to pick up a wired pair. It also boasts compatibility with the aptX HD audio codec for hi-res 24-bit wireless audio.

The other features of the microphone are quite basic. It can capture high-definition 24-bit audio with a sampling rate of up to 192kHz. It's designed for easy plug-and-play use, with no software required.

The overall design of the microphone is impressively compact, with a small included stand. It's also compatible with boom arms.

The RIG M2 Streamstar is available now via Amazon for $129.99, a price that puts it in direct competition with some of the best microphones for streaming today.

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• Verdansk is coming back to Warzone on April 3
• The classic map has been rebuilt by Beenox
• It will feature overhauled visuals, including better lighting

Fan-favorite map Verdansk is finally coming back to Call of Duty: Warzone and it looks absolutely stunning.

The development team at Beenox, the studio helming the updated version of the classic environment, has released a new Intel Drop video showing it off and explaining some of the work that's gone into it.

"It's rebuilt from the ground up to recapture the original battle royale experience but now it has stunning new textures [and] improved visuals," explained environment artist Simon Duschense.

"We really wanted to keep this nostalgic feeling while also upgrading it with new technology," he added.

Although it might not look like much has changed, when you compare this new Verdansk to the old environments it's clear that there have been some massive upgrades plus some small changes to its layout.

The lighting is hugely improved, with significantly more realistic shadows and textures that now appear in much higher resolution.

That said, some fans don't seem too thrilled with the news. "We need old feeling, old movement, old TTK, old game. Not just [the] map," said one YouTube commenter. " Another added "it won't be the same unfortunately."

A number of players also seem skeptical about the reliability of the game's anti-cheat systems. "Invest in a better anti-cheat or none of this matters" is currently one of the highest-rated comments under the video.

Verdansk returns to Call of Duty: Warzone on April 3. The game is available now as a free-to-play title on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC.

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The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from futuristic speculation to tangible reality, and nowhere is this more evident than in the customer experience (CX) industry. Businesses worldwide are not only embracing AI but are also seeing measurable benefits that enhance customer interactions, streamline operations and most importantly drive business value.

According to the latest industry research, 96 percent of organizations report that AI has met or exceeded their expectations, revealing an industry rapidly embracing AI not as a mere novelty, but as a strategic imperative. Across the CX industry, AI is now rapidly shifting from an emerging technology to a core operational component, changing how businesses interact with and serve their customers.

Increasing AI investment

Businesses are doubling down on AI investments, recognizing AI’s ability to revolutionize customer engagement and service delivery. With 44 percent of organizations planning to increase their AI investment within the next year, businesses that lag behind risk missing out on competitive advantages.

In addition, the same research has found that 70 percent of organizations now have roles dedicated solely to generative AI, and 68 percent are hiring for additional AI-focused positions. It’s also interesting to note the rise of the ‘Chief AI Officer’ (a role now present in 51 percent of organizations) which further highlights AI's elevation to a strategic, boardroom-level priority, solidifying its place as a key driver of business success.

In recruiting for such roles, organizations are demonstrating the central role that AI will play in their operating models. And from a CX perspective, the value this approach will deliver is substantial.

How is AI transforming CX?

The practical applications of AI in customer experience are vast and quickly evolving. From automation to predictive analytics, AI enables brands to enhance efficiency, personalize interactions and proactively address customer needs – all of which are key drivers of success in today’s experience-driven economy. A McKinsey survey indicates that 65 percent of organisations are now regularly utilising generative AI, nearly double the percentage from the previous year. Research has also revealed the widespread embrace of generative AI tools among CX professionals specifically. An impressive 90 percent have leveraged these tools, with 89 percent reporting a positive impact.

AI is being deployed in various ways, from AI-powered chatbots that handle complex customer queries, to AI-driven systems that deliver personalized product recommendations based on past purchase history. It’s clear to see AI's ability to deliver tangible benefits, from streamlining mundane operational tasks to crafting hyper-personalized customer interactions that resonate on a deeper level.

One of AI’s biggest contributions to CX is in data analysis and predictive modelling. AI-powered analytics allow businesses to process vast amounts of customer data at unparalleled speeds, identifying patterns and predicting customer needs before they arise. This proactive approach enables brands to offer highly personalized experiences, strengthening customer relationships and increasing loyalty.

Powering smarter conversations

Automated communication is also playing a pivotal role in the transformation of CX. Automated chatbots and virtual assistants powered by generative AI are providing instant responses, reducing wait times and improving issue resolution rates. These tools are no longer simple FAQ responders - they are becoming sophisticated conversational agents capable of understanding and resolving complex customer inquiries. AI is also used to analyze customer sentiment during these conversations, allowing companies to identify and address potential issues in real-time.

Another key AI-driven innovation is prescriptive insights, where AI not only analyses past customer interactions but also recommends actionable steps for businesses to take to ensure the delivery of stellar CX. This capability enhances decision-making, ensuring CX teams can act swiftly on customer feedback, optimize touchpoints and deliver frictionless experiences.

The role of AI vendors and partnerships

It’s also important to highlight the increasing importance of strategic vendor partnerships in driving successful AI outcomes. With one third of organizations already implementing vendor-led AI solutions, strategic partnerships play a crucial role in AI’s success in CX. Organizations are looking at AI vendors for a variety of reasons, including enhanced data protection, scalability, and not to mention cost efficiency. As AI adoption grows, however, organizations must ensure their technology partners offer robust security measures, regulatory compliance, and adaptable frameworks that evolve alongside customer needs.

Moreover, research has highlighted the need for tailored AI strategies. A McKinsey survey indicates that only 21 percent of organizations have established policies governing employees' use of generative AI technologies. It’s evident that one-size-fits-all solutions rarely yield optimal results when it comes to CX. Companies that work closely with AI vendors to develop bespoke AI implementations are ultimately better positioned to drive meaningful CX improvements and long-term competitive advantage.

Overcoming challenges to AI integration

Despite AI’s promise, businesses face obstacles that can hinder the realisation of its full potential. An overwhelming 89 percent of businesses are only somewhat or not at all prepared for AI integration. With further research revealing that employee confusion (32 percent), insufficient time to realize benefits (32 percent) and data privacy concerns (23 percent) are among the top challenges organizations face when integrating AI into their CX strategies, how can organizations overcome the challenges to reap the rewards?

Clear communication and training are essential to overcoming employee resistance to AI. Organizations that invest in upskilling their workforce to effectively collaborate with AI-powered tools will maximize the value these technologies bring and enhance the CX delivered. Additionally, addressing data privacy concerns through transparent policies, robust encryption methods and compliance with upcoming regulation (such as the EU AI Act for example) will be critical for businesses looking to maintain customer trust while leveraging AI’s full capabilities. For example, organizations could implement end-to-end encryption on customer data and allow customers to easily opt out of data collection.

The future of AI in CX

AI’s role in customer experience is still evolving, with untapped potential in areas like simulation modelling and agentic applications. These advanced AI capabilities can refine decision-making processes, enhance predictive accuracy, and enable even more seamless customer interactions.

As businesses prepare for an AI-driven future, the need for cross-functional collaboration, strong leadership and well-defined AI governance has never been greater. Organizations that develop scalable AI strategies today will be the ones defining the CX landscape of tomorrow.

Ultimately, AI is a transformative tool, but its return on investment depends on how strategically it’s developed and deployed. The evidence is clear: AI is not just a fleeting trend; it's a fundamental shift that is reshaping the customer experience industry. Businesses that embrace AI with a strategic mindset, a commitment to responsible innovation, and a focus on ethical implementation will be best positioned to thrive in this new era of customer engagement. It is now time to consider how your company will implement AI into your CX strategy.

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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

• Keenetic suffered a data leak in 2023, but the hacker said the data was destroyed and not shared
• However Cybernews researchers recently received a sample database
• Almost a million Russian households are at risk, experts say

Information on Keenetic router users, originally stolen in March 2023 and thought to have been deleted back then, has surfaced online, potentially putting a million households at significant risk.

In a security notification published on the company’s website, Keenetic said an independent IT researcher reached out in mid-March 2023 to warn about unauthorized access to the Keenetic Mobile App database.

“After verifying the nature and credibility of the risk, we immediately resolved the issue on the afternoon of March 15th 2023,” the company said. Keenetic was then told that the data hadn’t been shared with anybody, and was subsequently destroyed. However, it now seems that wasn’t really the case, since security researchers from Cybernews were recently shown samples via an anonymous tip.

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Names, emails, and plaintext passwords

Cybernews says the number of exposed records include more than a million emails, names, locales, Keycloak identity management system and Network Order IDs, and Telegram Code IDs.

Furthermore, there were 929,501 leaked records containing WiFi SSIDs and passwords in plain text, device models, serial numbers, interfaces, MAC addresses, domain names for external access, encryption keys, and much more.

Then, there were 558,371 device configuration records such as user access details, vulnerable MD-5 hashed passwords, assigned IP addresses, and expanded router settings.

Finally, comprehensive service logs containing over 53,869,785 records were also leaked, including hostnames, MAC addresses, IPs, access details, and even “owner_is_pirate” flags.

Most of the exposed users seem to be Russian-speaking (943,927), with 39,472 victims being English users, and 48,384 Turkish-language users.

After learning about the leak, Keenetic advised users who registered before March 16, 2023, to change their device user account passwords, WiFi passwords, and VPN-client passwords/pre-shared keys for PPTP/L2TP, L2TP/IPSec, IPSec Site-to-Site, SSTP.

Via Cybernews

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