Technology

These three new power stations offer a variety of ports and capacities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Samsung has seemingly confirmed that its XR hardware was delayed after all, but simultaneously revealed that its long-awaited VR/AR device will still land “in the future” – with its inclusion in Samsung’s 2025 outlook suggesting a launch sometime next year. However recent comments have us convinced the headset is dead and the rumored gadget will be a pair of simple AR specs instead.

Initially, it was rumored the South Korean tech giant was working on a Samsung XR headset – something like the Meta Quest 3 or (perhaps more appropriately) the high-end Apple Vision Pro. This project faced two setbacks – reportedly because of the Vision Pro. Once from the hype around the Apple headset scaring Samsung into rethinking the project, and again following the eventual unpopularity of the headset, showing that chasing the Vision Pro might not have been a smart move.

More recently there’s been talk around Samsung AR glasses. It’s been unclear if these specs will launch as well as the headset (perhaps a little later to compete with the Meta Orion AR glasses) or if they’ll launch instead of the XR headset – however, conversations are pointing toward the latter.

When talking about the Samsung and Google XR device back in September, Qualcomm CEO Cristian Amon, (who is also collaborating on the project) said that the product would make consumers rethink their relationship with their smartphone, and make everyone with a phone “go buy companion glasses to go along with it.” Amon didn’t outright say the Samsung device is a set of companion glasses, but it certainly sounds like that’s the sort of tech Samsung is teeing up.

Will the Samsung glasses be like Xreal's? (Image credit: Future)

Then there’s the general popularity of smart glasses – like the Ray-Ban Meta specs – and the accessibility of mixed reality compared to the more isolating VR. The industry trend seems to be pushing towards these more casual wearables rather than a full-on headset, so Samsung would likely want to adapt.

Samsung Glasses also make a lot of sense from a business perspective. The likes of the Xreal Air 2 glasses and non-AR Meta Ray-Bans are very reliant on smartphones (especially the former) – something Samsung is very well known for.

What we want to see

So if Samsung is launching AR companion glasses, what should we expect?

Well ideally, it’ll opt for something wireless. The wired Xreal specs are fine, but their lack of an internal battery means they have to rely solely on the device they’re connected to – and they drain the charge very fast.

They’re not really ideal for using if you’ll be traveling away from a reliable plug socket (or don’t have a Beam Pro add-on), but an internal battery would mean the Samsung glasses could power themselves and not leave with a phone on 0% – albeit at the cost of some added weight.

We’re also expecting 4K screens. This depends how Samsung implements the AR aspect of its specs, but if it follows the design of Xreal’s glasses (and other similar companion glasses) then we’re hoping it’ll opt for 4K resolution instead of the industry standard full-HD. Our thinking here is that Samsung's display expertise (as demonstrated by its phones and stunning TVs) make us believe it might face public ridicule if it opts for merely an HD resolution – ridicule it might want to avoid.

Lastly, we want interactability. While some companion specs have started to include hand-tracking, most still don’t, but Samsung will want its specs to land in that former camp. Whether as a direct competitor or as something entirely different, Samsung’s first XR project will either way be seen as its Apple Vision Pro rival.

Much like how it needs 4K visuals, some level of interactability feels equally necessary, alongside unique AR apps or well-made ports of existing software that make the companion glasses feel like a necessary upgrade (and not simply a device for demonstration purposes).

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If your glasses feel too tight, keep slipping or sit unevenly, try these simple adjustments -- no special tools needed.

Sophos went so far as to plant surveillance “implants” on its own devices to catch the hackers at work—and in doing so, revealed a glimpse into China's R&D pipeline of intrusion techniques.

Toys, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics are suspected to be among the noncompliant products available to the Chinese shopping platform’s 90 million European users.

The critically acclaimed Cyberpunk 2077 from developer CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is making its way to Apple Silicon Macs next year - and I’m starting to wonder if Apple’s newly announced M4 Mac mini ($599 / £599 / AU$999) could compete with next-gen consoles like Sony’s PS5 Pro with more triple-A title additions like this.

The first-person action-RPG proved to be a monumental success on console and Windows PCs, despite a rocky launch that sent the developer back to the drawing board. With the game now stable in terms of bugs and performance and boasting a kick-ass major expansion in the form of Phantom Liberty, it appears that now is the perfect time for it to be ported to Macs.

Apple’s list of triple-A games is continuously expanding, as we’ve seen with the Resident Evil 4 remake, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, and Baldur’s Gate 3. Among this lineup, CDPR’s Cyberpunk 2077 is possibly the most demanding of all in terms of hardware requirements - but it seems like even the base M4 version of the new Mac mini will be able to handle all those virtual car chases and Braindances, based on its specifications.

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red) Sony could be in big trouble if the cheaper M4 Mac mini outperforms the PS5 Pro

A big part of this is the fact that Apple has finally moved away from 8GB of unified memory as the baseline for Mac devices - a nightmare for the gaming performance on the cheaper configurations of previous M-series Macs, since that RAM was shared between the CPU and integrated GPU. Now with the base M4 Mac mini rocking 16GB, high performance while gaming looks like a stronger possibility (though it’s still clear that Apple’s primary focus isn’t gaming right now).

Now, there is still a long way for Apple to go with gaming on Macs - specifically with games landing on the platform far later than on Windows PCs and consoles, and many gamers simply not recognizing it as a legitimate gaming brand. Despite this, Cyberpunk 2077’s addition is a huge indication of how great the new M4 chips could be for gaming.

The entry-level configuration of the M4 Mac mini is not only far more compact and also a bit cheaper than Sony’s PS5 Pro (which starts at $699 / £699 / AU$1,119.95), but on paper, it looks like it could potentially outperform the enhanced console. Of course, this might not translate into real-world superiority; optimizing a game for the PS5 is easier for developers, and the console’s bulky chassis means it has far better cooling than the tiny Mac mini. Still, Apple’s Macs are well within reach of providing strong competition in the gaming hardware scene, especially if game devs continue to port big titles to the platform.

We’ve already seen the level of backlash that came from the announcement of its price - there are a plethora of Windows gaming PC builds, that can perform closely to the PS5 Pro within a similar price bracket, so Apple’s Mac mini may leave many reconsidering the Pro console’s value and contemplating this tiny computer as their new living-room gaming machine…

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Tourists often visit sites marked by death, tragedy, and disaster out of macabre curiosity. What they typically find there is enlightenment, empathy, and a connection to history.

Full spoilers follow for Agatha All Along's two-episode finale.

Agatha All Along has reached the end of the road on Disney Plus – and I know you've got questions that desperately need answering after its two-part finale.

Marvel's final live-action show of 2024 was a twisty-turny offering that prompted as many, if not more, fan theories and queries than its prequel series WandaVision did. And, as the dust settles on one of the best Disney Plus shows we've seen in a while, it's time to answer the questions that I can after streaming its last two entries, including whether there's a post-credits scene to stick around for and if that popular Marvel character makes a brief but crowd-pleasing cameo.

This is your final warning: major spoilers immediately follow for Agatha All Along, so turn back if you haven't seen it all.

Who dies in Agatha All Along's final two episodes?

Death comes for us all eventually (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

Of those who are left after Agatha All Along's first seven episodes, the titular character, aka Agatha Harkness, is the only member of her temporary coven who perishes in the Marvel Phase 5 show's two-part finale.

She sacrifices – or, in her words, "takes a calculated risk" – herself to prevent Rio Vidal, who was revealed to be Lady Death in Agatha All Along episode 7, from killing Billy Maximoff. Remember, Billy is the one of the fabricated offspring created by Wanda Maximoff in WandaVision. In that series' final episode, Billy and twin brother Tommy appeared to die but, thanks to Billy's incredibly powerful supernatural/magical abilities, his soul survived. In Agatha All Along episode 5, it was also revealed that Billy's soul found a new home in the body of William Kaplan – a Westview resident who died in a car crash during the events of WandaVision's ninth installment, which sets Agatha All Along's events in motion.

Not the glory you were hoping for, eh, Agatha? (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

As Rio/Lady Death tells Agatha in this show's eighth chapter, titled 'Follow Me My Friend, To Glore At The End', Billy's possession of William's body is an "abomination" that defies the laws of life and death as it gives Billy a second chance to live. So, in order to restore balance to, as The Lion King (I bet you didn't expect me to reference an animated Disney film here!) puts it, the Circle of Life, Lady Death needs to take Billy's soul and let William's body finally rest.

Agatha agrees to Rio's request to hand over Billy once they reach the end of the Witches' Road, but only if Rio doesn't appear to Agatha when it's time for her to die, which Rio agrees to. However, when the time comes, Billy appeals to Agatha's motherly instincts – as episode 9 reveals, Agatha's own son Nicholas Scratch, who's been referenced time and again in this show, died in the 1700s – in a move that convinced Agatha to sacrifice herself instead of Billy. That causes Agatha to kiss Rio – the Kiss of Death, how clever! – which leads to Agatha's demise.

Of course, Agatha isn't completely dead. Episode 9, titled 'Maiden, Mother, Crone', confirms her spirit lives on, with Agatha now existing as a ghost. Unfortunately, Agatha All Along doesn't confirm if she inhabits a new afterlife-style plan of existence, or exists in one we've seen before, such as Black Panther's Ancestral Plane, the Thor film series' Valhalla, Moon Knight's Duat, or Doctor Strange's Astral Dimension.

What do Billy and Agatha find at the end of the Witches' Road?

It turns out Agatha isn't fully dead after all (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

Technically, nothing. In a startling twist, Agatha All Along's final episode confirms the Witches' Road isn't actually real and that it's just a fabricated realm that Billy conjured up using his reality-warping powers way back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) show's premiere.

The 'Ballad of the Witches' Road, i.e. the song that witches need to sing in order to access the magic-imbued parallel dimension, is nothing but a con, too. Indeed, it's a song that Agatha and Nicholas made up in the 18th century. After Nicholas' death, Agatha uses it to lure coven-less witches together so she could steal their powers and drain their life force in order to live longer.

All of that means, then, that the Witches' Road was a manifestation of Billy's desire to find his brother Tommy, and that it was built upon the biggest lie Agatha had ever spun. It also means that those who died while walking the road – Sharon Davis, Alice Wu-Gulliver, and Lilia Calderu – were all technically murdered by Billy. Without him creating the road, the trio would still be alive.

I wonder how many people are going to be making last-minute Wiccan Halloween costumes after episode 8 (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

Walking the magically assembled Witches' Road had some benefits, mind you. It helped Jennifer Kale, the only other survivor of the road, to regain her own magical powers by breaking the binding spell placed on her by Agatha over a century earlier. Billy – or Teen, as he was known for the first half of Agatha All Along – learned his true identity, found out about his own potent powers, and, with Agatha's help, realized that Tommy's soul survived, too.

As for Agatha, she also regained her abilities (before she did, anyway) after Billy uses his powers to revive hers during their episode 8 showdown with Lady Death. In a way, then, the Witches' Road did serve a purpose for those who survived its many trials.

What happens to Nicholas Scratch in Agatha All Along? Will he become Mephisto in the MCU?

Will we see Agatha's son again? (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

As I mentioned, Agatha's only child died in the mid-1700s. As Agatha is giving birth to him, Rio/Lady Death appears and essentially tells Agatha that she'll only get so much time with Nicholas before death comes calling. Long story short: Agatha only enjoys six years with her son as Nicholas gets sick and dies in his sleep.

Of course, the question remains what happens to him once Lady Death comes knocking. In Marvel comics, Nicholas Scratch is a warlock and long-time foe of The Fantastic Four. Could we see him make a cameo in The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie next July, then? I think that's very unlikely, especially with rumors circulating that Marvel's First Family exist in an alternate universe to the MCU's Earth-616.

Marvel might have other plans for Nicholas in the MCU, though. The 'Scratch' half of his name is a reference to Old Scratch, one of many aliases given to the devil. Mephisto, a character inspired by the devil, is a demonic entity who not only exists in Marvel comics, but someone who fans expected to be WandaVision's main villain. Wouldn't it be fun, then, if Mephisto is revealed to be Nicholas Scratch in a future MCU project? There's speculation that he could appear in Ironheart, one of many Marvel shows set to arrive in 2025, so we could learn more in that series if he appears. Of course, this is all conjecture on my part, so don't take it as gospel.

Is there a post credits scene in Agatha All Along?

Is it worth sticking around for an end credits scene? (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

No. Agatha All Along ends with Billy and his ghostly mentor in Agatha embarking on a quest to locate Tommy. After the final end credits sequence rolls, though, there's no end credits scene to stick around for, so I'm unsure where the pair will turn up next. 

Is Marvel going to make Agatha All Along season 2?

Don't bet on a second season of Agatha All Along, folks (Image credit: Marvel Television/Disney Plus)

I don't know. The chances of a second season, though, are very slim, because there's already a second WandaVision spin-off in development at Marvel Studios. Speaking fo which (or should that be witch?)...

Will Billy and Agatha's ghost appear in Marvel's Vision Quest TV show?

Marvel is making a White Vision-led TV series that could include Billy and Agatha cameos (Image credit: Marvel Studios/Disney)

Most likely. I've no insider information about when we'll see them again, but they're sure to appear in the untitled Vision-starring series, the Marvel Phase 6 show that seems like it'll take inspiration from Tom King's 'Vision' comic series. 

Led by Paul Bettany, who's played the synthezoid since 2014's Avengers: Age of Ultron,  this TV project will apparently start filming in January 2025 in the UK. It's being written by Star Trek: Picard season 3 showrunner Terry Matalas and will follow White Vision, who was initially created by SWORD director Tyler Hayward in WandaVision from Vision's corpse – remember, Vision was killed by Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. However, Wanda's chaos magic-created Vision restores White Vision's memories, which causes White Vision to freak out and flee Westview for an unknown location. 

So, Marvel's untitled Vision series should pick up this loose story thread and reunite us with a White Vision who's not only confused and scared by these restored memories, but also an artificial being trying to find his place in the world. That's something Billy and Agatha will no doubt be able to help with, especially if they find Tommy, track down White Vision, and reunite three-quarters of the Maximoff-Vision family.

Does Wanda Maximoff/The Scarlet Witch make a cameo in Agatha All Along?

Nope, Elizabeth Olsen doesn't appear in Agatha All Along's two-part finale (Image credit: Marvel Studios)

Again, no. Wanda is referenced on multiple occasions throughout Agatha All Along, but Elizabeth Olsen, who plays Wanda, doesn't cameo. The fate of this fan-favorite character remains unclear, then, after her apparent demise in Doctor Strange 2. Considering how popular Olsen's Scarlet Witch is, though, don't be shocked when it's revealed she's actually alive in Marvel's Vision-led show on one of the world's best streaming services or another MCU project.

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In spite of the push to go paperless, SMBs still rely heavily on printers for their day-to-day operations. Choosing the right printer can significantly impact your productivity, budget, and even your environmental footprint.

But with so many options available, how do you know which is the best small business printer for you? Do you need a laser printer for high-volume text documents, or would an inkjet be better for your colorful presentations? Should you invest in a multifunction all-in-one printer, or stick with a single-function printer? And what about those new bulk-ink models - are they worth considering?

These are just a few of the questions you might be grappling with as you search for the perfect printer. The choice can seem overwhelming, especially when you're trying to balance performance, cost, and long-term value.

We'll talk about the various types of printers suitable for SMBs, discuss key features to look for, and provide you with essential questions to ask before making your purchase. By the end of this article, you'll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to choose a printer that will serve your business efficiently and economically for years to come.

We’ve also covered the best small business printers.

Types of SMB printers

When it comes to choosing a printer for your SMB, the underlying technology plays a crucial role in determining its suitability for your specific needs. Let's take a closer look at the main types of printers available:

• Inkjet Printers: These versatile printers are a popular choice for many SMBs. They work by spraying tiny droplets of ink onto paper, making them excellent for producing high-quality color documents and photos. In my experience, inkjet printers are particularly well-suited for businesses that need to print a mix of text and graphics, such as marketing agencies or real estate offices. Modern inkjet printers have come a long way in terms of speed and efficiency, with some models rivaling laser printers in these aspects.
• Laser Printers: If your SMB primarily prints text documents in high volumes, a laser printer might be your best bet. These printers use a laser beam and toner to create sharp, crisp text at high speeds. They're typically more expensive upfront but can be more cost-effective in the long run for businesses with high print volumes. I've found laser printers to be particularly useful in legal offices, accounting firms, and other businesses that produce a lot of text-heavy documents.
• LED Printers: Similar to laser printers, LED printers use light to create an image on a drum, which then transfers toner to paper. They're often more compact and energy-efficient than traditional laser printers, making them a good choice for SMBs with limited space or those looking to reduce their energy consumption.
• Solid Ink Printers: Although less common, solid ink printers are worth considering for SMBs that need high-quality color printing. These printers melt solid ink sticks and apply the liquefied ink to paper. They produce vibrant colors and are generally more eco-friendly than other printer types, as they generate less waste.
• Multifunction Printers (MFPs): Also known as all-in-one printers, these devices combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing capabilities in a single unit. For many SMBs, an MFP can be a space-saving and cost-effective solution. In my own small business, our MFP has been invaluable for its versatility, allowing us to handle a variety of document management tasks with just one machine.

Features to look for in an SMB printer

When shopping for a printer for your SMB, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you're getting a device that meets your needs and provides good value for money.

• Print Speed: For busy offices, print speed can be crucial. Look for a printer with a pages per minute (ppm) rate that matches your output needs. Remember, color printing is typically slower than black and white.
• Print Quality: Consider the resolution (measured in dots per inch or dpi) that you need. Higher resolution means sharper text and more detailed images, but it also usually means slower printing and higher ink or toner consumption.
• Connectivity: In today's connected world, you'll want a printer that offers multiple connectivity options. Look for printers with Ethernet ports for network printing, Wi-Fi for wireless printing, and perhaps even NFC or Bluetooth for easy mobile printing.
• Paper Handling: Consider the paper capacity, the ability to handle different paper sizes and types, and whether you need features like automatic duplexing (double-sided printing).
• Running Costs: Don't just look at the upfront cost of the printer. Consider the cost per page, which includes ink or toner and other consumables. Some printers might be cheaper to buy but more expensive to run.
• Duty Cycle: This refers to the maximum number of pages a printer can produce per month without breaking down. Make sure the printer's duty cycle exceeds your expected monthly print volume.
• Energy Efficiency: Look for printers with energy-saving features like automatic sleep mode or ENERGY STAR certification. These can help reduce your electricity bills and your business's environmental impact.
• Security Features: If you'll be printing sensitive documents, look for printers with security features like secure print release or the ability to encrypt data sent to the printer.

Questions to ask when choosing an SMB printer

Before making your final decision, it's important to ask yourself (and potentially the printer vendor) some key questions:

• What is our average monthly print volume? This will help determine the type and capacity of printer you need.
• What types of documents do we primarily print? Text-heavy documents, graphics, photos, or a mix?
• Do we need color printing, or is black and white sufficient?
• How important is print speed to our operations?
• Do we need additional functions like scanning, copying, or faxing?
• What's our budget, both for the initial purchase and for ongoing costs?
• How much physical space do we have for a printer?
• What level of print quality do we require?
• Do we need any special features, like wide-format printing or the ability to print on specialized media?
• How important are environmental considerations in our printer choice?

Creating an ideal printer setup for SMBs

Choosing the perfect printer for your SMB isn't just about picking a single device - it's about creating a printing ecosystem that meets all your business needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

Start by assessing your printing needs thoroughly. Consider not just your current requirements, but also how they might evolve in the near future. If you're a growing business, it might be worth investing in a printer that can handle higher volumes than you currently need.

Don't be afraid to mix and match different types of printers if that's what works best for your business. For example, you might have a high-speed laser printer for bulk text documents, an inkjet for occasional color printing, and a multifunction device for general office use.

Remember, the cheapest printer isn't always the most cost-effective in the long run. Consider the total cost of ownership, including supplies and maintenance, over the expected life of the printer. In my experience, investing in a higher-quality printer often pays off in terms of reliability and lower per-page costs.

Lastly, don't forget about software and support. Look for printers that are compatible with your existing systems and come with good customer support. A printer is only as good as its ability to integrate seamlessly into your workflow and keep running smoothly day after day.

We've featured the best workgroup printers.

Running costs

One of the main concerns with printers is that after their initial purchase price, what will the ongoing cost be over the lifetime of the printer?

For many businesses the cost of ink for their printers is often an afterthought, indeed if this is considered at all. For decades the printer (inkjet printers in particular) have been berated for the high cost of printer ink. Manufacturers cite high R&D costs as the reason, but businesses have understood for several years that ink costs will be high to compensate for the low cost of purchasing the printer itself.

Various schemes have been tried over the years with HP Instant Ink being the latest. Here a compatible printer – for businesses the OfficeJet Pro 8610 all-in-one is a good choice – will automatically order more ink via post to ensure it never runs out.

You enrol your printer and set a subscription level based on the number of pages a month you will be printing. The system is flexible enough to allow businesses to begin at a low subscription rate and up this as print volume increases.

As the cost of replacement inkjet cartridges remains high, the market for unbranded cartridges has become widespread. Should your business use unbranded ink? The inkjet printer manufacturers have used various techniques to stop this practice with the most common being the addition of a microchip to their own legitimate cartridges that the printer reads before accepting the new replacement ink.

The quality of the ink and the attached microchips can be an issue for some printers. Research by Which indicated that it's really a trial and error exercise with some users having little or no problems with unbranded cartridges, with others reporting their printers rejecting the cartridges completely. If your business is looking to save some money on cartridges, it seems you will have to simply try a few from unbranded sellers and see which work. It's worth a try though, as they can cost half the retail price of branded inks.

For several years it has been possible to retrofit an inkjet printer with a refillable ink tank. The ink cartridges in the printer are replaced with new cartridges that have a pipe running to a large external ink tank for each ink colour, which can be refilled.

Coros has unveiled its latest watch, the Coros Pace Pro – its high-powered sequel to the very well-received Coros Pace 3, with a 1500-nit AMOLED screen and improved processing power.

Like its predecessor, the Coros Pace Pro is shaping to be another serious contender for the best running watch crown in 2024. Coros has never been as popular as its contemporaries such as the best Garmin watches, but it’s been making consistently excellent watches for years, and the Pace Pro looks to be no different. The processor upgrade means it’s reportedly twice as fast as the Pace 3, while the full-color AMOLED screen means it can showcase full-color maps, zooming in three times as fast as the Coros Apex 2 Pro.

Coros watches always have excellent battery life, and the Coros Pace Pro looks to be no different, coming in at 20 days of daily usage in smartwatch mode and 31 hours in dual-band GPS mode. When it comes to monitoring health, Coros has designed the rear sensor array with 5 LEDs and 4 photodetector, capable of monitoring heart health and SpO2 (blood oxygen) with increased accuracy.

(Image credit: Coros)

Its navigational features extend to more than just offline global and topographical maps: street names will also be supported with a software update in 2025, so city runners will feel more confident with its Turn-By-Turn directional navigation and Back to Start features. Like existing watches in the Coros app, you can create and edit routes directly, although I’m missing Garmin’s automatic circular route generation.

Workout creation, sleep tracking, and all the usual wellness smarts are baked-in, with additional Sleep Quality and Garmin-like Gear Tracking features coming to the watch in further software updates.

The Coros Pace Pro is available now, costing £349.99 in the UK (around $450 / AU$690), with exact US and AU pricing TBC.

Analysis: A straight upgrade

The Coros Pace Pro looks like a straight upgrade over the Pace 3 in almost every respect. I still like the Pace 3 (in fact, I actually love the fact that a comprehensive running watch is so cheap and light to wear) so I’m excited to test the Pace Pro. Coros seems to want to keep pace (sorry) with Garmin’s Forerunner range, so the introduction of an AMOLED screen to the Pace series could be a direct response to Garmin doing the same thing last year.

I think it’ll do very well – but watch this space to see exactly how well.

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Is Mark Zuckerberg's style transformation just a matter of a change in personal taste? Or is the infamous tech mogul trying to tell us something about Meta?

Will AI actually change the world? Will work and socialization be constrained to the metaverse? Uncanny Valley provides an insider look at the people, power, and influence of Silicon Valley.

Not long ago, a leak suggested that Samsung was working on both a budget Galaxy Z Flip model – which based on Samsung’s naming conventions might perhaps launch as a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE – and a tri-fold device, and now the company itself has reportedly hinted at these things.

According to leaker @Jukanlosreve, in a conference call a Samsung executive said the company was "considering ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products, given the high satisfaction among existing foldable users,” which certainly seems to suggest that a budget model of some kind might be in the works.

They also apparently added that “we are also preparing new form factors to deliver a more powerful and innovative mobile experience” – and a new form factor could refer to a tri-fold handset.

Samsung Conference Call -“We are considering ways to lower entry barriers so that more customers can actually experience foldable products, given the high satisfaction among existing foldable users,” hinting at the preparation of budget-friendly foldable models.The Fold will…October 31, 2024

Likely candidates

The person speaking here didn’t get into specifics, but since both a budget Galaxy Z Flip model and a tri-fold model have previously been mentioned in leaks, they seem obvious candidates.

The comments are also interesting because just a week ago Samsung claimed that it has “no plans” to launch a cheaper foldable. So it could be that any affordable model won’t launch for quite a while.

Hopefully a cheaper model is in the works though, as lowering the barrier to entry for foldable phones can only be a good thing. As for the tri-fold device, we’d imagine that will be extremely expensive if and when it launches.

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OpenAI has just announced ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode is now available for the Mac and PC versions of its chatbot, in addition to the mobile versions.

The update was revealed with the phrase “Big day for desktops” in a tweet on X.com. While the Mac version of the ChatGPT app has been out for a while now, the Windows version only just launched. Until now, however, Advanced Voice mode wasn't available as it currently does not work in the browser-based version of ChatGPT.

Big day for desktops.Advanced Voice is now available in the macOS and Windows desktop apps.https://t.co/mv4ACwIhzA pic.twitter.com/HbwXbN9NkDOctober 30, 2024

A similar experience to mobile

We’ve tried the desktop version of Advanced Voice mode on PC and the experience is refreshingly similar to the mobile version: You click the Advanced Voice icon that’s on the right of the prompt bar and a new window pops up with the familiar floating blue orb that pulses as ChatGPT listens.

You can immediately start having a free-flowing, natural conversation with ChatGPT using one of its nine different voices about pretty much any subject you like. To change voice you simply need to hit the icon in the top right of the screen and you can switch between its nine different voices.

(Image credit: OpenAI)

Advanced Voice mode uses ChatGPT-4o, which is OpenAI’s most accessible current model, for all interactions. A key feature of ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode is that you can interrupt the AI at any time and it should stop talking and start listening to what you’re saying. This is particularly handy when you find its answers are going on a bit too long, and it also helps keep the conversation going.

As with the mobile version, you need to be a ChatGPT Plus subscriber ($20, £16, AU$30) to access Advanced Voice Mode, but there is an option for people to use it on the free tier, although it's limited to just 10 minutes a month of talk time.

ChatGPT Advanced Voice mode has been available in the US for some time now but recently launched in Europe. A new version of ChatGPT called Orion is rumored to be released before the end of the year, but Open AI CEO Sam Altman has dismissed the rumor as 'fake news'.

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Nintendo has released a new Nintendo Switch software update which addresses several bugs.

Version 19.0.1 is now available to download and alongside general system stability improvements, the latest Switch patch fixes a connection issue with the GameCube Controller Adapter and GameCube Controllers.

The update also resolves an issue where some network processes weren't working, including the ability to download software while the Nintendo Switch is in sleep mode.

As always, users will need to head to their system settings to install the latest update.

Nintendo Switch Version 19.0.1 - Patch Notes

• Fixed an issue with the Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter and Nintendo GameCube Controller(s) not being recognized
• Fixed an issue where some network processes, like downloading software, weren’t working as expected during sleep mode
• General system stability improvements to enhance the user's experience

Last week, Nintendo released a brand new Nintendo Switch OLED bundle exclusive to Europe for £309.99. The bundle included a white Switch OLED console, a pre-installed digital copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership.

While Nintendo has yet to formally announce the Nintendo Switch 2, we do know that the handheld will be revealed before the end of 2024 and is expected to launch in 2025.

Rumors about the console have also been ramping up over the past year. Most recently, new images allegedly leaked online showcasing the supposed final design of the Switch 2. 10 out of the 12 images supposedly showed 3D model renders suggesting that the console will be thicker and feature a larger display and kickstand, like the OLED.

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If you're rushing to get one of Apple's freshly-released M4 Macs, you'll need to install a software update immediately upon starting to use it to unlock all of its exciting new capabilities. If you ordered right away and receive your M4 iMac, Mac mini, or MacBook Pro on November 8, you'll find that these devices are running a unique version of macOS Sequoia 15.0 (24A8332) made just for these devices, which doesn't yet include Apple Intelligence.

In order to access macOS Sequoia’s new AI-driven features, including Writing Tools, a smarter Siri with new features and design, smart replies, notification summaries, and health hearing features for the AirPods Pro 2, you’ll then need to update your M4 Mac device to macOS Sequoia 15.1 (build number 24B2083).

If you’re restoring data from a backup of another Mac device that was already running macOS Sequoia 15.1, you’ll still have to update your device’s software as part of the data transfer process to make sure all the new features work seamlessly, according to MacRumors.

macOS Sequoia also introduced the well-received iPhone Mirroring feature to desktop and this update adds drag-and-drop capabilities to it.

Will Apple Intelligence be the first AI tool to win users over?

Apple Intelligence is expected to be a pretty significant development both for Apple and for consumer AI products in general. Going by Apple’s rhetoric, it’s invested a lot of time and resources into Apple Intelligence, while taking its time after other consumer AI products have bolted out of the gate to try and capitalize on the hype. Apple makes products that feel sleek and intuitive, and it’ll get people using Apple Intelligence and features powered by it if it successfully creates at least the illusion of easy, responsive AI.

Of course, time will tell if Apple is successful at making its users feel like this. M4 users in particular are well poised to feel the benefit of Apple Intelligence, with the M4 chips offering AI workload processing times of up to 46% faster than its predecessor, the M3 (according to Apple’s own figures, at least), and I’m eager to see how it impacts the overall macOS user experience along with Sequoia’s new developments.

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Apple Intelligence is now available on macOS Sequoia 15.1, bringing Apple's AI tools to the Mac. Writing Tools, in particular, is incredibly useful on Mac, allowing you to proofread, rewrite, and change the tone of your writing easily. Now, those using Windows on a Mac can access Apple Intelligence Writing Tools thanks to an update to Parallels Desktop.

Parallels, the developer of Parallels Desktop, revealed the update in a blog post, saying: "Thanks to Parallels Tools, you can now use Apple Writing Tools to improve your texts in Windows apps such as Microsoft Word."

The blog post shows users how to get Apple Intelligence and use Writing Tools in the Windows virtual machine. To access Apple Intelligence in Windows, you'll need Parallels Desktop 20.1 and Apple Intelligence activated in macOS Sequoia 15.1. Once enabled, you can use Apple Intelligence Writing Tools in Windows – who would have thought we'd see the day?

Writing Tools in Windows can be activated by selecting text and using the keyboard shortcut Shift+Cmd+W. Alternatively, you can access Writing Tools from the macOS menu bar by clicking Edit, then Writing Tools.

(Image credit: Parallels) Apple Intelligence Writing Tools

Writing Tools is one of the standout features of Apple Intelligence in macOS Sequoia 15.1, and being able to use the feature when you need to use Windows 11 on your Mac is a huge benefit.

Writing Tools works similarly to grammar tools like Grammarly but it's built into macOS, allowing you to use it whenever you need it and in most applications. Whether you're clicking the Apple Intelligence button in Notes, or selecting text to activate Writing Tools in Word, it's a powerful and easy-to-use AI feature that could become pivotal to your workflow. While Writing Tools is the only Apple Intelligence feature available on Windows via Parallels at the moment, hopefully, we'll see other Apple AI tools working on Windows in the future.

Parallels Desktop is priced from $99.99 /£89.99 (about AU$150).

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Expressing your real self on Microsoft Teams is set to get a lot easier after the company began rolling out a significant new update.

Users of the video conferencing service will now get the option to select their preferred skin tone for Microsoft Teams reactions and emojis.

The update, available for users across the world, on all platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, is rolling out now, having been first announced in April 2024.

Microsoft Teams reactions

Previously, only a single skin tone option has been available, however Microsoft's new update will now change all that.

An entry on the official Microsoft 365 roadmap noted, "This preference will be applied to all emojis and reactions in chats, channels, and desktop/web meetings, allowing users to express themselves more authentically in conversations."

Although only a minor tweak to the platform itself, the change is an important signal from Microsoft Teams as it looks to offer a more inclusive environment for workers everywhere.

First introduced in January 2021, Microsoft Teams reactions give users a quick and easy way to show their approval (or not) to chat messages and on calls, covering a range of emojis and symbols such as a thumbs up, frowning face or even a love heart.

The update is the latest in a series of changes recently released for Microsoft Teams allowing users to show a little more personality in their calls and chats.

This includes a "unified fun picker" which brings together stickers, GIFs and more into a single location, hopefully making it a lot quicker to bring some joy to your Microsoft Teams calls and meetings, meaning you will no longer need to search around for the best reaction or emoji to brighten up a meeting.

Microsoft Teams also recently launched a tool allowing workers to book a desk in increasingly crowded offices. Users will be able to reserve desks when arriving at their workplace or office by plugging in to shared desks, quickly spotting where any spaces are, hopefully letting them get online and working without any hassle.

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Nintendo has released a new Nintendo Music app that lets you browse and listen to music from a wide range of the company’s games on your mobile phone. The app is exclusively for Nintendo Switch Online members and requires you to sign in with your Nintendo account once it's downloaded.

The app currently features music from a range of Nintendo Switch hits including the likes of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey, and Splatoon 3. There are also a handful of soundtracks from games on older systems, like Super Mario Galaxy on Wii and Nintendogs on DS. 

It’s not all games though, as there’s even a dedicated Wii Channels album, finally letting you jam out to the iconic Wii Shop Channel theme to your heart's content. Nintendo has also confirmed that more music will be added to the app in the future via software updates.

I’ve downloaded the app to give it a whirl and have been pleasantly surprised by some of its features. There are custom playlists, recommendations, the option to save songs offline, and even the ability to seamlessly extend some tracks by up to an hour. I’m also a big fan of the automated section that is wholly dedicated to games that you’ve previously played on Nintendo Switch.

The app uses in-game screenshots in place of traditional album art and warns upfront that some may contain spoilers. Luckily, you can add games to a spoiler block list in the settings menu, which stops its music from being displayed.

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• The Weather app was previously a Pixel 9 exclusive
• Pixel 6 and later Pixels can now get the app
• The update should arrive on your phone automatically

Our Google Pixel 9 review will tell you that this is a phone series we're very much fans of, and alongside its flagship handsets for 2024, Google also put a new and improved Weather app on the Pixel 9 devices – an app that's now making its way to older Pixels, too.

Earlier this month Google told us this would be happening, and 9to5Google has spotted that the roll out is now underway: every Pixel phone from the Google Pixel 6 onwards is now eligible to get the updated Weather app.

If you own a supported phone, you should get the update automatically. You can also manually check for it by opening up the Play Store app, tapping your profile picture (top right), then choosing Manage apps and device. If any updates are available (including the Weather app), you'll see them here.

This will upgrade the Weather app already on your Pixel phone with all the new features. It's a good idea to restart your phone after updating, so that every part of Android (including the at-a-glance widget) is pulling data from the new app.

Lots to explore

The Google Pixel 6 can get the update (Image credit: Future)

As we've previously reported, there's lots to explore in the new Weather app, not least a Dark Sky-style radar map showing precipitation areas in real time. Alongside the basics, there's information on wind speed, UV levels, visibility, and sunset and sunrise times.

There's an hourly forecast too, as well as notifications that will warn you if rain or snow is on the way to your current location. You can sign up for daily weather forecast notifications if you'd like to, via the app settings.

However, the AI weather report – which uses AI to generate a summary of conditions in your area, will remain exclusive to the Pixel 9 phones. That's most likely due to the extra on-board AI processing available on the Pixel 9 series via Gemini Nano (the Pixel 8 phones have Gemini Nano too, but it's not enabled in the same way).

That AI hardware limitation most probably means we won't see the other Pixel 9 exclusives – like Pixel Screenshots and Pixel Studio – make their way to older phones. However, it's good to see the excellent Weather app trickling down.

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