Technology

• Google has rolled out Wear OS 5.1 to all of its Pixel Watches
• There are reports it could be causing serious issues
• Reported problems include delayed notifications, crashes, and sluggish performance

If your Google Pixel Watch has recently started giving you delayed notifications, crashing, and slowing down, you're not alone, and the recent Wear OS 5.1 update could be to blame.

Google rolled out Wear OS 5.1 to all of its Pixel Watch models, including the best Android smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, at the start of March.

Promised upgrades include the Loss of Pulse Detection feature in the US, as well as upgrades to menstrual health support, step counts, and sleep tracking.

However, there are now numerous reports from users who are saying the update appears to be causing serious performance issues, delayed notifications, and more.

As reported by Android Police, multiple Pixel Watch 3 owners on Reddit are reporting problems, some of which are also occurring on older models.

Wear OS 5.1 issues on Pixel Watch – what we know

(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)

"Has anyone else had sluggish connection issues from the app to the watch since the March update? I am not able to edit watch faces, syncing with Fitbit is very slow and there are delayed notifications," one poster noted in the Pixel Watch subreddit.

"Delayed notifications issue is definitely affecting me," one commenter replied. "My landlord had called me today and the watch didn't even react once," another added.

Delayed notifications seem to be the most prevalent issue, however. Users are also reporting crashing when trying to edit Watch faces, a frozen or unresponsive touchscreen, Fitbit syncing issues, and more.

TechRadar has also seen similar reports in Google's Pixel Watch Help Community.

It's a blow for Google, which recently moved to a quarterly software update cycle for Wear OS. Whether that precludes more frequent patches for serious issues like this remains to be seen, and we've reached out to Google for comment on these issues.

We'll be sure to update you if anything changes. If the company sticks to the quarterly cycle, even for security and performance, it could be a long few months for users who've upgraded.

If you haven't yet downloaded Wear OS 5.1, we'd recommend swerving the update until these issues get fixed.

Last year, Google had to pause the rollout of Wear OS 5 to older Pixel Watch models because of issues with crashing and even bricking, so it looks like the company is yet to get a handle on pushing stable software updates to its users.

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AI is a game-changer, no doubt. But the reality is a part of your employees are already using it in ways you don't control.

Remember the early days of cloud storage? Employees, eager to share and collaborate, started using services like Google Drive and iCloud without IT oversight. With new technologies like AI becoming widely available, we’re starting to see history repeating itself. Instead of files, we now see AI tools being deployed across unauthorized company channels, creating risks like data leaks and compliance issues.

While these unauthorized tools may seem like a quick fix for solving daily tasks, they introduce significant risks that businesses can't afford to ignore. The key is to ensure proactive management and equipping your employees with secure alternatives.

The rise of Shadow AI

The increased accessibility of consumer-facing AI tools has made it easier than ever for employees to adopt solutions outside official company channels. Many of these tools require minimal technical expertise, making them attractive options for workers looking to solve everyday challenges quickly. Meanwhile, the lack of robust AI governance within organizations has created a vacuum, encouraging employees to seek unvetted alternatives.

Just like those early cloud adopters, employees are embracing generative AI at an explosive rate. A survey from early 2024 shows a near doubling in adoption in just ten months. However, this rapid adoption is also fueling a surge in "Shadow AI," with usage up 250% year-over-year in some industries. Therefore, it is very crucial to understand why employees are turning to these unauthorized tools and address those underlying needs.

The risks of unauthorized actions

With growing pressure to deliver faster responses and streamline workflows, Shadow AI can feel like the best option when official tools fall short. However, this lack of oversight exposes companies to significant risks across several areas.

Cybersecurity is a major concern, as poorly managed AI usage can lead to serious data breaches. For instance, uploading customer data into an unencrypted third-party AI tool could expose thousands of sensitive records, resulting in GDPR violations.

A recent survey of 250 British Chief Information Officers revealed that 1 in 5 companies experienced data leakage due to generative AI use, with many CISOs identifying internal threats, such as unauthorized AI, as a bigger risk than external attacks.

Regulatory compliance is another critical issue. Industries like finance and healthcare operate under strict frameworks, and Shadow AI creates gaps by lacking audit trails, accountability, and proper data agreements. This can lead to regulatory violations, hefty fines, and reputational damage.

Additionally, inconsistent quality is also a growing challenge. Unauthorized AI tools often rely on unverified datasets, leading to biased or inaccurate output. The lack of transparency in how these tools process and store data makes it difficult for businesses to maintain control over their most valuable asset: information.

How can companies regain control?

For businesses, banning AI outright isn’t practical, and ignoring it isn’t an option either. To combat the rise of Shadow AI, organizations must take several proactive steps:

1. Develop clear AI governance policies: A formal AI usage policy is essential to define which tools are approved, how they should be used, and who is responsible for oversight. This policy should also set rules for data usage, compliance, and outline consequences for unauthorized AI use. Communicating these policies early and often ensures employees understand and follow them, reducing confusion and misuse.

2. Implement guardrails: Establishing guardrails helps employees use AI responsibly without compromising company data. These can include workshops, webinars, or e-learning courses to train employees on proper AI usage. Additionally, sandbox environments, firewalls, or policies restricting external AI platforms can help mitigate risks while guiding employees toward approved solutions.

3. Integrate secure AI copilots: Organizations should prioritize implementing secure AI copilots that align with both employee needs and expectations. These tools must meet strong security standards and integrate smoothly into existing workflows. By doing so, businesses can protect privacy, maintain service quality, and prepare their workforce for a future shaped by automation. Establishing clear AI usage guidelines and providing user-friendly, approved tools will also encourage responsible AI adoption across teams.

4. Strengthen IT and security protocols: Stronger security protocols are critical to preventing unauthorized AI from slipping through the cracks. Businesses should ensure AI tools meet cybersecurity standards, such as encryption and secure API connections. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Zero Trust security models can further limit access to sensitive data, creating a more secure environment for AI adoption.

The stakes have never been higher. As AI evolves, organizations must prioritize clear governance and adopt secure tools to drive responsible use. This not only empowers employees but also protects privacy, strengthens security, and positions businesses to confidently navigate an AI-driven future while unlocking its full potential

We've rated the best cloud storage.

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

Who's ready for more Daredevil: Born Again? If you've been engrossed by Marvel's latest TV Original since its March 4 debut, I'm certain you'll be eagerly awaiting its next chapter.

There won't just be one new episode of the Disney+ show this week, either. Thanks to an unusual quirk in Born Again's release schedule, we're getting a double helping of Daredevil, so you'll be able to enjoy episodes 5 and 6 when they're released. Here, then, is when you can stream that double-header in the US, UK, and Australia.

What is the Disney+ release time for Daredevil: Born Again episodes 5 and 6 in the US?

Matt Murdock returns with two episodes this week (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Daredevil: Born Again episode 5 will be released on Tuesday, March 25 at 6PM PT / 9PM ET in the US. That's the same time that the last four episodes have aired on Disney+, aka one of the world's best streaming services.

As I mentioned earlier, episode 6 will be released alongside this season's fifth entry. So, once the end credits have rolled on episode 5, don't exit Disney+ straight away.

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When will Daredevil: Born Again episodes 5 and 6 air on Disney+ in the UK?

"This city... will soon be able to watch new episodes of Born Again, Daniel" (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Daredevil: Born Again season 1's fifth and sixth episodes will launch in the UK on Wednesday, March 26 at 1AM GMT.

It's worth noting that this is the final time that new episodes of this Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) TV series will be released at 1AM GMT. The clocks go forward in the UK on Sunday, March 30, which means those on British shores will be eight hours behind the US' Pacific Timezone, rather than seven, in the near future.

Long story short, the final three episodes of Born Again will be released at 2AM GMT on Disney+ UK throughout April.

When can I watch Daredevil: Born Again episodes 5 and 6 on Disney+ in Australia?

Kristen McDuffie will return in Born Again's first season very soon (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

Australian viewers can tune into Born Again's next two installments on Wednesday, March 26 at 12PM AEDT.

Like the UK, the clocks will change Down Under soon, but Aussies don't have to worry about any time alteration until Sunday, April 6.

What are the launch dates for new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again on Disney+?

Frank's back! (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney+)

There'll only be three more episodes of this Marvel Phase 5 TV show to enjoy after this week's dual release. Read on to find out when new chapters will make their Disney+ debuts in the US, UK, and Australia:

• Episode 1 – out now
• Episode 2 – out now
• Episode 3 – out now
• Episode 4 – out now
• Episode 5 – March 25 (US); March 26 (UK and Australia)
• Episode 6 – March 25 (US); March 26 (UK and Australia)
• Episode 7 – April 1 (US); April 2 (UK and Australia)
• Episode 8 – April 8 (US); April 9 (UK and Australia)
• Episode 9 – April 15 (US); April 16 (UK and Australia)

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How do you extract value from the rapidly growing complexity of today’s cloud computing environments? It’s one of the most pressing questions facing modern enterprises.

While the promise of cloud computing has always been centered on flexibility, scalability, and efficiency, the reality for many businesses paints a more challenging picture – one where unexpected complexities make managing multi-cloud and hybrid environments feel like navigating uncharted waters.

The truth is, cloud value stagnates when businesses take a "cloud-first, ask-questions-later" approach – the challenges often outweigh the return. To succeed, modern IT leaders need a forward-thinking cloud strategy.

The hidden complexity of cloud computing

Cloud technology has transformed how businesses operate, but it is not without complications. The disconnect between the promise of streamlined operations and the burden of diverse IT infrastructure is glaring. Today, 89% of organizations operate using multi-cloud frameworks – but this popularity comes at a cost. Here’s why:

Legacy IT constraints

Many enterprises still rely on legacy systems that weren’t designed to integrate with modern cloud technologies. While the benefits of migrating fully to the cloud are obvious, constraints surrounding outdated architectures often prevent this transition from happening smoothly – or in some cases, from happening at all.

Hyperscaler limitations

Cloud giants like AWS, Azure or Google Cloud provide exceptional tools for managing their own platforms, but they rarely address the needs of multi-cloud operations. This inevitably leads organizations to cobble together fragmented tools (e.g. FinOps) to manage governance, security, and visibility across providers, resulting in inefficiencies.

Lack of visibility & control

Hybrid or multi-cloud environments inherently bring layers of complexity to workload management. Tracking resources, monitoring network performance, and ensuring cost efficiency are monumental tasks without a unified strategy in place.

The result? IT teams across industries find themselves trapped, trying to balance rapid technological innovation with the limitations of their existing infrastructure.

Why "true" multi-cloud thinking is the solution

When a standard “cloud-first” mindset no longer reflects the reality of enterprise cloud strategies, what’s next? Organizations distribute workloads more flexibly, whether on-premises, in the cloud, or across public and private cloud environments. But now, they must deal with disparate tools, governance models, and security frameworks, leading to a fundamentally fragmented system that limits visibility and control – and again, the value they get from their cloud infrastructure.

Different cloud environments have traditionally required multiple tools to govern and optimize operations. Solutions offered by hyperscalers are designed primarily for their environments, and FinOps tools often fail to account for multicloud setups. This creates a major challenge for IT leaders, especially when making strategic and value-focused decisions such as seeking differentiated services their current provider may not be able to deliver.

Without proper optimization, data can go unprotected, workloads could be poorly distributed and managing the entire system becomes an uphill battle. The solution lies in a true multi-cloud thinking. Organizations that fail to adopt such thinking risk falling behind their competitors who can pivot swiftly in today’s dynamic market environments.

So, what are the core pillars?

Unified control

Look for foundational architecture that enables the seamless movement of workloads across cloud providers and environments. This control ensures performance is prioritized alongside cost-efficiency and compliance.

Agility

Vendor lock-in creates bottlenecks. A good multi-cloud approach avoids relying too heavily on any single provider, enabling businesses to scale or pivot as operational challenges arise.

Visibility

Centralized governance frameworks, as opposed to disparate tools, offer transparency across clouds, making it easier to track costs, performance, and data security. Better information equals better decisions.

Unified management

Efficient multi-cloud operations require more than just tools; they need coherent strategies built around real-time resource management and overarching visibility.

How centralized management unlocks new potential

The solution isn’t just about adopting diverse tools; it’s about orchestra-like synchronization under a single conductor, a unified platform. This allows businesses to simplify operations, cut redundancy, and even eliminate the silos that form when multi-cloud environments get out of hand.

Think of it as providing IT teams with bird’s-eye visibility. With clear insights into governance, capacity planning, workloads, and security threats, teams can collaborate more effectively and channel resources where they matter most.

Multi-cloud isn’t the future – it’s already here. The challenge is whether organizations can rise to meet it with confidence.

IT leaders must focus on more than just tools and technology. They need to rethink their approach entirely. For example: Invest in agile frameworks. Deploy centralized governance strategies. Empower IT and non-IT personnel to act decisively with intelligent insights on resource performance and cost.

Cloud-based innovation is just the starting line – it’s those who manage that innovation best who will win.

Bold leadership is necessary

Those at the helm of enterprises hold the key to managing complexity to get value from their cloud investments. IT infrastructure choices today won't just dictate cost-savings; they’ll define your competitive edge for years to come.

Your next business breakthrough lies in cutting through the complexity of cloud systems. It’s about replacing fragmented tools with centralized intelligence. Find ways to simplify operations and maximize potential.

If that sounds daunting, remember – you don’t have to go it alone. Partner with experts who know the nuances of enterprise IT, or invest in intelligent platforms that can deliver clarity amidst complexity.

We rate the best business cloud storage.

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

That is what I found after collecting data across 24 AMD CPUs I could get prices and availability for and crunched the numbers at the time of writing.

The 9900X is AMD’s fourth fastest desktop processor on CPUBenchmark but also the one that got the bigger price cut - nearly 25% - after the launch of the 9900X3D on March 12th.

A price reduction of almost a quarter is nothing to be sniffed at for a CPU near the top performers.

This model is popular with anyone looking for high performance, without a premium price tag, across various workloads like video editing or game development, like in Scan’s 3XS GWP A1-R24 workstation PC.

It sold at Amazon at the time of writing for $374.72 down from $499, its lowest price ever

This Zen 5 part, launched in August 2024, has 12 cores, a base speed of 4.4GHz, 12MB L3 cache as well as a 120W TDP.

It reached 54,836 on CPUBenchmark, my default benchmark for processors.

That’s a jaw-dropping 146 marks per dollar, almost 10x better than the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX (15) and 26% better than its bigger sibling, the 9950X.

It also has the cheapest cost per core at just $31.23, the third fastest maximum speed (5.6GHz) and, as for all Ryzen CPUs, it has 1MB of L3 cache per core (in this case, 12MB for 12 cores).

This is the third of several articles based on data I’ve compiled on 41 AMD Zen 4 and Zen 5 CPUs (socketed, OEM). In the rest of the series, I will be looking at the cost per core, performance per core, AMD CPUs that are getting more expensive, all this with the new Ryzen 9 9900/9950 X3D CPUs in the backdrop.

In other words, no processor from AMD delivers more performance per unit dollar than the Ryzen 9 9900X.

The Ryzen 5 9600X is the second model in the pecking order on the value-for-money-meter at 131 marks per dollar or 5000 marks per core, the highest of any AMD processors ever tested on CPUBenchmark - there are still 19 that haven’t been benchmarked on it yet.

The mysterious Ryzen 5 9600

Check out my previous articles in this series

> Surprise, surprise! Ryzen 9 9950X and 9900X offer, by far, the best value for money when it comes to AMD Zen 5 cores

> I don’t understand why AMD's 192-core monster CPU ever is selling at almost 50% discount, just 4 months after it launched

Keep an eye on the Ryzen 5 9600, a CPU that has been released recently and didn’t get as much attention as the bigger models.

It has a slightly lower base speed but I expect it to be the cheapest socketed Zen 5 CPU in AMD’s roster.

A sub $200 retail price and a slightly lower CPUBenchmark score than the 9600X would allow it to breeze past the Ryzen 9 9900X to the top of the leaderboard.

Surprisingly though, neither the Ryzen 9900X nor the Ryzen 9600X have cracked the top 10 best-selling CPU leaderboard on Amazon.com.

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Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for March 25.

• Ugreen has announced a new line of Genshin Impact charging products
• They're themed around the character Kinich and his companion Ajaw
• It includes a co-branded power bank, wireless charging stand, charging plug, and cable

Mobile accessory maker Ugreen has announced a new partnership with Genshin Impact to launch an exclusive collection of co-branded charging products inspired by the hugely popular playable character Kinich.

The Ugreen x Genshin Impact line is available now via the Ugreen website and Amazon in a wide range of countries including the US and UK. It features four new special edition products, each with a unique and adorable design.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

First, there's the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank Genshin Impact Edition, which packs a massive 20,000mAh battery into a portable charger with two USB Type-C ports that can be used at the same time on top of a USB-A output. One Type-C port supports 100W fast charging, which tops up compatible devices in impressive times. According to the manufacturer, this can take an iPhone 15 Pro from zero to 55% in just 30 minutes.

It also has a smart display, with a crisp TFT LCD panel that shows the power bank's current battery level and charging status. It's a very practical addition and, in this special edition, even comes with its own exclusive animations starring Kinich's pixel art companion Ajaw.

The front of the power bank is adorned with bright artwork showing Kinich and Ajaw too, while the sides feature a more subtle pattern plus some Ugreen x Genshin Impact branding.

The Ugreen Nexode Power Bank Genshin Impact Edition costs $89.99 / £74.99 - only about $10 / £5 more than the current going price of the standard version which seems like a great deal for fans given the much cooler design here.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

Next is the Ugreen Magflow Wireless Charger Genshin Impact Edition, a folding 2-in-1 wireless charger that might be the perfect fit for your next trip if you're an iPhone user.

It's compact, so can easily be folded and stashed in a bag, and delivers 15W fast charging with Qi2 certification. There's a MagSafe-compatible magnetic charging pad to hold your phone with 75 degrees of adjustment and, when unfolded, a small charging dock for compatible earbuds (such as recent AirPods).

You also get a USB-C port for charging smartwatches or other accessories, conveniently covering all of your devices while occupying just one socket.

This special edition version has a unique black and neon green design that draws on everything from the Yumkasaurus enemies in the Natlan region in Genshin Impact to Kinich's Constellation and Element Skill.

The Ugreen Magflow Wireless Charger Genshin Impact Edition costs $59.99 / £44.99.

(Image credit: Ugreen)

If you're after powerful charging, then the Ugreen Nexode Charger Genshin Impact Edition should have you covered.

It's small, coming in at 2.59 x 1.57 x 1.22in / 66 x 40 x 31mm in its US variant, but boasts 65W fast charging ideal for everything from laptops to mobile phones and tablets.

It has three separate USB ports: two 65W USB Type-C ports and one 22.5W USB Type-A port (though bear in mind that power distribution varies if multiple cables are connected). As a flagship-level charger, it also boasts the company's 'GaNInfinity' chip, which it claims improves efficiency and keeps temperatures cool.

On the design front, you get more artwork featuring Kinich and Ajaw on one side. On the other, you can find a neat pattern inspired by Ajaw. This is on top of the expected Ugreen x Genshin Impact branding.

The Ugreen Nexode Charger Genshin Impact Edition costs $39.99 / £37.99.

(Image credit: Ugreen.)

Last but not least is the Ugreen USB-C to USB-C Cable Genshin Impact Edition. As the name would suggest, this is a simple 3.28ft / 1m long USB cable with some extra Genshin Impact flair.

In addition to sturdy aluminum connectors, it's braided with neon green nylon and even comes equipped with a cute Ajaw cable tidy. It supports up to 100W charging, making it a good fit for any of the other collab products, plus USB 2.0 compatibility for transfer speeds up to 480Mbps.

The Ugreen USB-C to USB-C Cable Genshin Impact Edition is the cheapest item in the collection, coming in at $9.99 / £7.49.

Hands-on impressions

(Image credit: Ugreen)

I've had the chance to go hands-on with the entire collection over the last month thanks to a collectible gift box provided by Ugreen.

I've definitely been most impressed with the Nexode Power Bank thanks to its eye-catching bright print and very strong performance. It feels very robust and charges my Porsche Design Honor Magic 6 RSR phone to almost 80% in just half an hour, which is more than enough juice to play hours of Genshin Impact on the train and leaves previous power banks that I've owned in the dust.

The animations of this special edition are cute too, and demonstrate a high level of attention to detail from Ugreen.

Although I'm less of an Apple user now, having made the leap from an iPhone 15 Plus just a few months ago, the Ugreen Magflow Wireless Charger was good in my testing. It's a tad fiddly to unfold, but once set up doesn't take up much space and would be very convenient to have on a desk or bedside table - especially on a trip.

As for the Nexode Charger and the cable, they're not the most exciting parts of the collection aside from the unique look. Having multiple ports accessible from one socket is very convenient though and I haven't had any issues charging anything from my work laptop to a Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck OLED.

The gift box came packed with exclusive merch, including an adorable acrylic standee showing Kinich and little Ajaw. This was on top of a themed magnetic phone kickstand grip, power bank pouch, fridge magnet, phone lanyard, and transparent photo frame. All in all, it's a lovely little bundle that fans of the character would certainly enjoy.

This gift box is not available to buy, but if you want to get your hands on one there will be opportunities to win it in giveaways via Ugreen's official X / Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram pages.

Not yet tried Genshin Impact? The free-to-play game is available now on PC and mobile in addition to PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S.

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We're getting in on the action at Zendesk's annual convention, Relate 2025, to hear from company execs and global influencers about how AI can revolutionize customer service and sales.

The keynotes kick off on March 25, so be sure to check back here for live coverage as the days go on.

Get ready to join us as we cover Zendesk's exciting updates at Relate 2025. We're expecting plenty of AI announcements over the coming days.

• Google is rolling out new vision features for Gemini Live
• The AI assistant can now "see" your phone screen or camera feed
• These upgrades are powered by Project Astra, Google's AI R&D umbrella

Google's Gemini Live is finally getting the gift of sight. The tech giant has quietly begun rolling out features that transform your humble smartphone into an all-seeing eye for its AI assistant.

The new abilities were uncovered by a Reddit user who later shared a video of the features in action. The upgrade lets Gemini peer through your screen or camera lens and process what it sees. The rollout marks the debut of Google's much-discussed and much-anticipated Project Astra.

Based on the video, Gemini's 'eyes' can analyze your screen in real-time through a "Share screen with Live" button. Gemini has long been able to digest static screenshots, but the update maintains a continuous gaze on your screen, looking at whatever you are on your phone for better or for worse.

The other tool makes your phone's camera Gemini's eye. Google has demonstrated that the AI can precisely discern colors and objects. Whether the final product matches the platonic ideal of the demos isn't clear just yet.

A short demo of Project Astra (Share screen with Live) from r/Bard Astra eyes

The new feature is arriving first for Gemini Advanced subscribers paying $20 a month for the Google One plan with extra AI. The rollout is notably democratic in where the feature appears, though, judging from the Xiaomi phone shown by the Reddit user. Google had previously hinted that Pixel and Galaxy S25 owners would have faster or better access to Project Astra.

Other AI assistants with similar seeing tools exist, but they are mostly tied to third-party apps like Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Grok, and even Hugging Face's new HuggingSnap app. Having a real-time screen and camera-connect AI built into Android would certainly help entice users interested in an AI assistant to at least try Gemini.

And Google's timing in releasing the feature is notable as it tries to carve out a lead among AI assistants. Though Amazon has been hyping its new “Alexa Plus” update, it has yet to arrive.

Meanwhile, Apple's upgraded Siri has been delayed multiple times. That leaves Google with a temporary but very real lead in the AI assistant race. Gemini, for all its early hiccups and rebranding drama (RIP Bard), is now doing things that neither Alexa nor Siri can match for the moment.

Google has promised that Project Astra will be the "next-generation assistant" everyone wants to use all day. So keep your (and Gemini's) eyes peeled for new features to arrive in the weeks ahead.

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• iDSD Valkyrie is iFi's most high-end DAC to date
• It is $400 / £400 more expensive than the previous flagship, Diablo 2
• …but it also boasts 44% more power

At this point, you'd be forgiven for thinking iFi Audio, (the excellent sister company to Abbingdon Music Research, headquartered in Southport, UK) has been around for decades.

Actually, iFi was only formed in 2012, but in its short 13-year tenure this likable audio outfit has already brought us some of the best portable headphone DACs we've ever tried. Even a quick glance at our most recent iFi reviews is proof that this plucky specialist firm isn't resting on its laurels.

So what new and affordable piece of hi-res audio excellence has it got for you today? Well, (how to put this?) this newest offering isn't like your sub-$100 iFi Go Link Max.

No, this is a solid step up – towards the heavens, if you will. If the word 'Valkyrie' calls to mind both magic and the idea of rubbing shoulders with gods in the great halls of Valhalla, that's what iFi wants you to think. Because although iFi's iDSD Diablo 2 was, ahem, devilishly expensive, this is far north of that.

iFi iDSD Valkrie: what lifts it up high above the rest?

The chief piece of tech you need to know about in iFi's iDSD Valkyrie is K2HD. This is JVCKENWOOD’s renowned coding solution that aims to restore the warmth and emotion of analog recordings to digital music (often considered a colder, or more clinical listen). The Valkyrie offers this tech in two flavors: ‘K2’ mode and ‘K2HD’ mode, where the former preserves the files’ original resolution.

Next up is iFi's DSD 1024 remastering algorithm, powered by a custom-coded FPGA (which stands for 'field programmable gate array'). Here, you can choose between the ‘Normal’ setting, in which DSD signals pass directly to the DAC and PCM signals go through a user-selected digital filter, or ‘Remastering’, with options to remaster to DSD512 or DSD1024 – aka seriously hi-res audio.

On to the main digital-to-analog conversion then, and the Valkyrie sports a quad DAC architecture – fewer than four interleaved Burr-Brown DACs. You also get six digital filters to pick from, including Apodising, GTO, Bit Perfect, Standard, Minimum, and Transient Aligned, giving you more ways to explore the nuance in your music

Valkyrie also features processing perks unique to iFi, such as XBassII (to amp up the low end), XPresence, and XSpace. It also houses a 20,000mAh battery for portability, boasting 18 hours of continuous playtime, with fast charging via USB-C in just 2.5 hours.

(Image credit: iFi)

iFi tells us that, unlike other products, Valkyrie uses switchable analog circuitry for its EQ modes, rather than Digital Signal Processing (DSP). Why? It's a further bid to preserve audio quality and allow for more natural frequency adjustment, with less phase shift and distortion.

And arguably the biggest deal here? Power. The iFi iDSD boasts 5,700mW peak output for driving the most power-hungry headphones. And for clarity, that's approximately 44% more power than iFi's aforementioned flagship iDSD Diablo 2.

Oh, and if you're not using wired headphones, the absolute best quality in Bluetooth codecs are all supported, including LDAC, aptX Lossless, and aptX Adaptive.

Pricing? Yes, but brace yourselves. iFi iDSD is available from today (March 25) priced $1,699 / £1,699, so around AU$2,704, taking that US figure as an estimate – and knowing as we do that the Diablo 2 launched with a $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,199 asking fee.

How good is the iFi iDSD Valkyrie? We're working on that, we promise you.

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• New Galaxy S25 Edge details have leaked
• A screen with a 2K resolution is predicted
• The frame could be made from titanium

Most rumors are suggesting that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge is going to get a full launch sometime in April, and as we count down the days we're getting more information about what to expect from this phone – including its display and the materials used for its frame.

According to prolific tipster Ice Universe (via Android Authority), the fourth phone in the S25 series is going to offer a 2K display – so at least 2,000 pixels (and probably more) from the top of the screen to the bottom. It may match the 6.7-inch Galaxy S25 Plus model, which has a display resolution of 3,120 x 1,080 pixels.

Another tip we get from the same source is that Samsung will use a titanium alloy for the frame of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge. That would follow the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and bring some extra durability and a premium feel to the phone.

There had been some speculation over the materials Samsung would use on this handset. So far, we've only been able to look at the Galaxy S25 Edge, not touch it – with some talk of a ceramic back (a prediction that now doesn't seem to be accurate).

Form and durability

The phone could be the thinnest Galaxy handset in history (Image credit: Future)

We know the Galaxy S25 Edge is real and on the way, but Samsung has said very little about any of the details that would help us assess its appeal – such as the specs inside it, or how much it's going to cost.

From the brief glimpses we've seen of the phone, we know it's designed to be super-slim, which is its main selling point. Earlier leaks have suggested it might be just 5.84 mm front to back, making it substantially thinner than the standard Galaxy S25, which is 7.2 mm thick.

Samsung's Mobile Experience (MX) VP of Product and Marketing in the UK, Annika Bizon, said in an exclusive chat with TechRadar that this slim and light design isn't going to come at the expense of durability – which is something we'll have to put to the test.

We've also heard rumors about how the phone might manage to keep temperatures down and its internal components running smoothly, despite its thinness. In just a few days or weeks, all should be revealed.

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This tent is not only super easy to set up, but it also has some low-profile tech to make the outdoors a little more fun.

Just when I thought I was out, Apple pulls me back in… in this case I’m talking specifically about how I’ve stuck with using an iPhone Pro model since making the switch from Android back in 2021.

But each year since then the iPhone updates have been essentially iterative, with very little in the way of upgrades to tingle my tech synapse. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel phones have evolved rather nicely, and the Pixel 9 Pro on my desk is sitting there siren-like, calling me back to Android.

It hasn’t quite succeeded, mainly due to the annoyance of trying to work out how to neatly transfer the WhatsApp messages I want to keep, and some Apple services that I’m still signed up for. But if Apple keeps going the way it has with its next generation of iPhones, then I really could see myself switching back to Android.

With that in mind, here are the upgrades I’d like to see arrive with the iPhone 17, and which would keep me whiling away the hours and conferring with the flowers in Cupertino’s walled garden.

Improved camera color and contrast

(Image credit: Future / Roland Moore-Colyer)

While this isn't a problem that's exclusive to iPhones, I feel that the past two generations of Apple smartphones have produced photos in which the shadows are lifted and the highlights lowered in scenes that have both light and dark elements.

This picks out more details in a shot, but it also has the effect of making a photo look flat in terms of contrast and vibrancy. I’ve often praised Apple for keeping colors natural and being good at capturing what my eyes are seeing, but it appears to have lost its touch a little.

So I’m really keen for Apple to go back a step with the iPhone 17 and let its image processing allow for deep, dark shadows and punchy flares of light, all with colors that might look a tad boosted given the lighting situation. Otherwise, I can see myself being drawn towards the dynamic, if oversaturated, photography of the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

A real gaming-grade boost in performance

(Image credit: Alex Walker-Todd / Dashiell Wood / Future)

The A17 Pro and A18 Pro chips both promise serious gaming power for a smartphone. And they deliver… but only so far.

While iOS now has access to some true console-quality games like Death Stranding and Sniper Elite 4, they still don’t run at the most desirable frame rates; I particularly struggled with the latter game.

So rather than tout percentage boosts in processing and graphics power with whatever chip comes in the iPhone 17 Pro, I’d like Apple to talk increases in framerates, aiming for a smooth 60 frames per second in the aforementioned games.

I’d also like to see some Apple Arcade games that tap into the power of these Pro chips, although that could be asking for a lot.

A proper Siri and Apple Intelligence experience

(Image credit: Apple)

When the iPhone 16 family arrived, it was championed as a phone with Apple Intelligence.

But that wasn't really the case, and we’ve had to wait some time for AI-powered tools to come to the new phones; so much so that I’ve forgotten a lot of the features Apple showcased at the launch event, and I probably need Apple to talk me through them again.

So with the iPhone 17, I want Apple Intelligence better baked into iOS and the phones themselves, and Siri to be consistently smart and useful in handling my queries.

I also want handy features like being able to ask Siri to read web pages, digital magazines and so on, in a natural fashion and to do so intelligently, without needing me to dig into accessibility settings or try and find a workaround to coax it into reading newspapers in Apple News+.

Cameras flush with the body

(Image credit: Karen Freeman / Future)

I know there’s chatter of an iPhone 17 Air, which looks to be somewhat legit, and that phone could slim down the current iPhone design and have cameras flush with the phone’s body, much like the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge.

But that's a design feature I want to see for the whole iPhone 17 family, especially the Pro models.

I still like the overall design of the iPhone 16 Pro Max, but the square panel housing its trio of rear cameras is starting to feel a little long in the tooth. So finding a way to make them more compact to fit in flush with the phone’s glass rear would be an upgrade I'd appreciate. Plus, it would mark a notable evolution in flagship iPhone design.

Something actually surprising

(Image credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

The Action Button is okay. Camera Control is a whole button of meh. These are two features Apple introduced with the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 respectively, and they're hardly mind-blowing upgrades. In fact, I’d argue that the Camera Control almost gets in the way of my personal iPhone experience.

What I really want is a feature that actually makes me sit up and pay attention. I’m not sure what that could be, but it could be as simple as having a dedicated video editing app for the iPhone 17 Pro that lets one easily capture and create videos for YouTube, TikTok, and so on.

Or it could be a modular system that allows for camera lens accessories to be added. Or a simple way to connect an iPhone 17 to a monitor in a Samsung DeX-like fashion to act as a pseudo desktop when one doesn't have a MacBook handy.

I just want to be surprised by an iPhone for once, as that’s something that hasn't happened in years. So fingers crossed.

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• A new leak says that Philips Hue is working on a video doorbell
• It would represent the next big expansion for the Philips Hue Secure lineup
• Philips Hue already makes lights, contact sensors, and security cameras

While Philips Hue makes a treasure trove of lights, from simple bulbs to sophisticated fixtures, it also makes security cameras and connected wall plugs that are part of the smart home.

We just received our best look yet at what could be next from Philips Hue. As spotted by Hue Blog, Philips Hue has been working on a doorbell, and now the outlet has found images of the ‘Philips Hue Secure Doorbell’ in the latest app update.

That’s right, the competitive world of smart video doorbells might be getting a new entry, and for those already invested in the Philips Hue ecosystem, the plug-and-play aspect that the name alone teases, might be exciting enough.

(Image credit: Signify)

Further, it would help to build out the current Philips Hue Secure lineup that currently consists of security cameras and contact sensors. All of which can be customized to work alongside Philips Hue smartlights.

As revealed in the images shared in this new report, Philips Hue doesn’t seem to be veering from the working formula for a video doorbell. The purported video doorbell from the brand will be a vertically tall rectangle with the physical camera lens and sensors up top and a large, circular ring button on the bottom.

If this turns out to be the case, Philips Hue’s video doorbell will fit right alongside the many other competing options, including the Ring video doorbell lineup. Additionally, the report notes it’ll have Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, likely with the former for setup and the latter for connecting to the internet.

Hue Blog also notes that a QR code will be required for set-up, hinting that “the camera will probably transmit the video signals in encrypted form.” That’s good news for security, especially as this will provide a view from your front door looking outwards.

Like other video doorbells, Philips Hue’s Secure Doorbell will likely require a wired installation, meaning that it will not be able to run solely on batteries. This makes it a bit more limiting option for renters or folks without the necessary power wiring.

Considering the wired requirement, this doorbell could likely cause a chime on a pre-existing ring box that you might have installed in your home.

A look at a Philips Hue Secure Contact Sensor on a door. (Image credit: Signify)

Either route, the latest specs, name, and first image – well, a digitally sketched depiction – of the Philips Hue first doorbell certainly build up the hype and tease a likely more premium option that is purpose-built to work well in the existing ecosystem. Considering that many Philips Hue products work with other smart home systems with a bridge, the doorbell should also play nicely with Amazon, Google, or Apple Home.

Of course, nothing is official until Philips Hue confirms it, and so far, the brand has not even teased that the doorbell is coming. Hue Blog has been reporting on the possibility of a doorbell from the brand for a good bit, but this most recent leak, courtesy of the Philips Hue app, is our best look yet. The report also notes a launch isn’t expected until later in 2025, likely in the Fall (August to October), so it might be several months before we hear anything official.

In the meantime, check out TechRadar’s list of the best video doorbells here.

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• SDUNITED AX835-025FF mini PC packs a Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 128GB LPDDR5X-8000 storage
• Strix Halo’s potential shines despite early optimization challenges
• Big brands lag behind while Chinese manufacturers drive Strix Halo adoption

Lesser-known Chinese brand SDUNITED has launched the AX835-025FF, a portable mini PC powered by AMD’s Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with 128GB of LPDDR5X-8000 memory.

This 16-core, 32-thread Zen 5 processor runs at 5.1GHz and is paired with a 40 CU Radeon 8060S GPU, which is expected to perform similarly to an RTX 4060, making it a decent PC for photo editing.

Small brands, especially those from China, are leading in the adoption of Strix Halo chip in compact devices. While larger companies like Asus, Framework, and HP have integrated the APU into workstations, they have yet to explore compact, high-performance mini PCs.

Supports a staggering 14 ports, but no OCuLink

The AX835-025FF boasts an impressive 14 ports, offering flexibility for professional workloads, and reinforcing its potential as one of the most powerful computers in its class.

However, it lacks OCuLink, which would have allowed for external GPU expansion.

Unlike traditional ultra-compact PCs modelled after Intel’s NUC 4x4, this system is slightly larger but remains significantly smaller than most desktops.

It also includes a built-in power supply and a dual-fan cooling system designed to manage its 120W power consumption.

The current Ryzen AI Max+ 395 engineering sample experiences occasional instability and power fluctuations, ranging from 140W to 10W under load.

Nevertheless, it showcases the potential of Strix Halo and the final retail version is expected to improve optimization, stability, and power efficiency.

Via Videocardz

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• Disney+ is finally letting you remove items from your 'Continue Watching' list
• The streaming service says it's a “much-anticipated global update'
• It's rolling out first for the Apple TV and iOS, with more platforms arriving in the coming weeks

I stream a lot of content on Disney+, whether it’s a DCOM original movie rewatch, one of the original shows like Dream Productions, or to watch a classic film – but I also sometimes just walk away in the middle of a TV episode or a movie. And that leads to a pretty packed list under ‘Continue Watching’ that isn’t in any particular order.

It also means that when I start a new show – maybe the latest from Marvel – and end up hating it, it unfortunately sticks around. But that won't be the case for long – Disney+ is answering our collective prayers and will let us edit the list to remove that show.

That regrettable stream will soon be nothing but a bad memory, and won't haunt your new streaming content efforts.

The streaming giant said it was a “much-anticipated global update,” and it’s beginning to roll out now on a whole host of platforms, including TV and mobile. Simply put, it’s one of the best changes in recent history from one of the best streaming services around.

It’s rolling out on Apple TV and iOS at first, with other platforms following in the coming weeks. And here’s the best news: It’s super easy to get started with removing content from your continue-watching list. This means you won’t be stuck for much longer with that movie you wound up hating after five minutes.

There are four ways to remove content from your ‘Continue Watchlist’

Removing content from your Disney+ Continue Watching row on an iPhone or the Web. (Image credit: Disney)

Disney+ has devised two ways to remove content from this auto-populated watchlist, so let’s break down the first.

When you’re on the streamer's mobile app homepage and see your ‘Continue Watching’ bar, you can simply navigate to and select the show or movie and select the three dots next to the name. From there, you’ll tap “Remove” to see it vanish. This goes for your entire profile within your Disney+ account.

If you’re on the web, you’ll hover over the title and see the option to remove – a circle with a line in the middle, like the equator – appear – just tap that, and it will be removed.

On the TV, since you can’t just touch it, you’ll navigate to the title in the bar and long-press on it to reveal the remove function. It’ll ask you to confirm if you want to remove the title from the list, and you can approve the action.

Alternatively, if you happen to be on the details page for the TV show or movie and it’s in your ‘Continue Watchlist,’ you’ll see the remove icon next to play/start, resume, or save at the end. You can simply select that icon to remove it from the list.

Disney+ certainly made it easy and rolled out several ways to accomplish it. The only hope is that folks without an iOS device or Apple TV 4K will soon receive updates on their various platforms.

(Image credit: Disney+)

In the release announcing the change, Disney+ also explains that if you see content on your watchlist that you don’t recall playing, it might appear if you share your account with someone else using the same profile. Remember, with a single Disney+ account, you can create up to seven profiles. Of course, it might also be a reminder of the people who shared your account before Disney+ and other streaming services started cracking down on account sharing.

Even so, this is excellent news. It will finally let you clean up your ‘Continue Watchlist’ without having to watch through all the content or just start other shows and movies in the hopes of pushing other pieces of content further back.

It should save us from a whole lot of headaches, and let’s hope we see other highly-requested features arrive that let us get even more out of Disney+.

More of this, please, Disney!

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