Technology

The company also unveiled two concepts: a Holographic TV and a MicroLED mirror display that analyzes your face.

• 8K and 4K Neo QLED mini-LED TVs from 43 inches to 115 inches
• Awesome Glare Free tech featured in Samsung’s top mini-LED TVs
• A wireless 8K 120Hz connection box in the top-end model

Samsung has announced its new Neo QLED TV range at CES 2025. The 2025 lineup includes two 8K models and three series of 4K models with screen sizes ranging from 43 inches to 115 inches. According to the company, all TVs represent “a new era of Samsung AI,” with enhancements ranging from 4K and 8K upscaling to AI-based content search.

Samsung sets generally rank among the best TVs, and the new Neo QLED models look ready to carry on that tradition. AI Upscaling Pro, a feature previously limited to the company’s 8K TVs, will now be available on 4K models. An Auto HDR Remastering Pro feature uses AI to dynamically enhance color, while Real Depth Enhancer Pro analyzes image depth to create something that feels less 2D.

The Glare Free tech used by last year’s Samsung S95D OLED TV to effectively eliminate screen glare has been ported over to Samsung’s top 8K and 4K mini-LED models, the QN990F and QN90F, which should really make them ideal candidates for our list of the best TVs for sports. Those same models get a gaming boost with 165Hz support for PC gaming, and up to 4K 240Hz on the QN990F. A new Wireless One Connect Box will also debut with the QN990F in 2025, allowing for wireless 8K 120Hz transmission to the TV from up to 10m away.

Most Samsung TVs in 2025, the Neo QLED lineup included, will now be able to access the Samsung Art Store portal. This is a feature that was previously limited to Samsung The Frame TVs, and it lets viewers display artworks from world-class museums such as New York’s The Met and Paris' The Louvre on the TV’s screen.

On the Dolby Atmos soundbars front, a new “convertible” 3.1.2-channel model, the QS700F, can be used for either tabletop or wall-mount installations, with the soundbar automatically detecting the installation orientation. The new flagship Q990F soundbar system features a new, ultra-compact subwoofer design that uses dual eight-inch active drivers to reduce vibration, and Samsung’s Q-Symphony tech is being expanded to more models and now supports wireless connection from a TV to up to three separate devices.

Samsung QN900F 8K TV (Image credit: Samsung) 8K Neo QLED: Samsung QN990F and QN900F

The QN990F is Samsung’s top 8K TV for 2025 and will be available in 65- to 98-inch screen sizes. This model features the company’s new NQ8 AI Gen3 processor and has a Glare-Free screen coating to eliminate reflections. It uses the new 8K wireless One Connect Box for a wireless connection from sources, with support for 8K 120Hz at up to 10 meters. Samsung says the QN900F is capable of up to 2,000 nits of peak brightness – a level 8K TVs have trouble reaching due to their small pixel pitch, but that Samsung has compensated for with a new backlight structure.

That backlight is supported by a new metal frame design for the QN990F, which also makes space for a robust 6.2.4-channel built-in speakers with 90W of power, and Object Tracking Sound (OTS) Pro processing to make the position of sounds match the action on-screen. For gaming, the QN990F supports both 8K at 165Hz and 4K at 240Hz.

The QN900F series is available in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes and features Samsung’s NQ8 AI Gen2 processor. An Ultra Viewing Angle feature improves off-axis picture quality and there’s a 4.2.2-channel built-in speaker system with 70W of power and OTS+ processing. The QN900F series supports up to 8K 120Hz input for gaming.

4K Neo QLED: QN90F, QN80F, QN70F

Samsung’s 4K mini-LED TV lineup is led by the QN90F series, which is available in 43- to 115-inch screen sizes. Like the 8K QN990F, the QN90F series features a Glare-Free screen and 165Hz support. An Ultra Viewing Angle feature improves off-axis picture quality and a bezel-free screen gives the QN90F a “floating” effect. Audio on the QN90F series is provided by 4.2.2-channel built-in speakers with 60W of power and OTS+ processing.

The QN80F series is available in 50- to 100-inch screen sizes. It has many of the same picture processing features as QN90F series TVs and has 4.0 channel speakers powered by 30W with OTS Lite and Active Voice Amplifier Pro.

Rounding out the lineup, Samsung has a new entry-level QN70F series mini-LED TV, which will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch screen sizes.

(Image credit: Samsung) 2025 Samsung soundbars

Samsung’s new soundbar lineup is led by the Q990F, an 11.1.4-channel system with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. The Q990F features a new compact subwoofer with dual 8-inch active drivers in an opposing configuration to eliminate vibration. Unlike the subs that typically come with soundbars, it has a cube-like design similar to offerings from hi-fi brands. Other features include HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 120Hz pass-through, Samsung SmartThings Hub built-in, and Roon Ready certification.

Another Samsung soundbar highlight for 2025 is the QS700F, a 3.1.2-channel with a “convertible design” that allows for on-wall or tabletop installation. A built-in gyro sensor automatically detects the soundbar’s orientation and configures its output for proper delivery of Dolby Atmos height effects. The QS700F also features a compact subwoofer with a 6.5-inch driver and supports Q-Symphony for an enhanced presentation with compatible Samsung TVs.

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(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

• The Frame Pro with it's Neo QLED screen joins the exisitng Frame TV.
• It still looks like a Frame TV, but the Frame Pro gets a 'Wireless One Connect Box."
• Samsung's also bringing the Art Store to select Neo QLED and QLED TVs.

While 2024 brought a new category of Samsung’s Frame – a smart speaker dubbed the Music Frame – 2025 is ushering in an entirely new Frame TV. Alongside the standard, Frame TV will be The Frame Pro, with its QLED display finished in a reflection-blocking matte finish, which Samsung revealed at its First Look event on the eve of the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show.

It’ll likely cost quite a pretty penny over the standard Frame TV, but for that price, it should significantly step up the picture quality thanks to a Neo QLED display and a new magic trick of sorts courtesy of a wireless One Connect box.

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

So, let’s start with the picture quality. Frame TV has a QLED display, but Frame Pro kicks things up a notch with mini LEDs in Samsung’s Neo QLED technology package. This should result in higher peak brightness and starker, darker contrast points, making art look even more realistic when used in conjunction with the matte, anti-reflective finish.

The Frame Pro is seemingly designed to be the main event, as Samsung will offer it in 65-inch, 75-inch, and 85-inch sizes. Those wanting a smaller Frame TV will need to opt for the standard and a QLED display.

(Image credit: Samsung)

If you’ve ever wanted to game properly on your Frame TV, the Frame Pro answers the call, as it ups the refresh rate to 144Hz. It’ll also sport Tizen’s smart gaming interface, which allows you to adjust the ratio, frame rate, and even other customizations. However, if you’re interested in The Frame, we’d assume you’re most interested in the Art Store, which is still in full effect.

As with the original, you’ll still wrap your favorite works by Katsushika Hokusai or Vincent van Gogh in a frame on The Frame Pro. While Samsung has confirmed the sizing for the Frame Pro (65-, 75-, 85-inch) and the Frame TV (43-, 50-, 55-, and 65-inch), we're waiting to see if the frame bezels will be identical or at least with the same attachment mechanism.

(Image credit: Samsung)

One thing that is clear, though, is The Frame Pro will only need power, and you’ll plug all your other input devices – be it an Apple TV 4K, PlayStation 5 Pro, Xbox Series X, or Sonos Arc Ultra – into a One Connect Box that can be stored elsewhere. The wireless box will beam your content to the Frame Pro without lag or latency.

This way, you can wall mount the Frame Pro, which looks like a true work of art, on your wall, and you can hide the cables and other devices elsewhere. As someone with a standard Frame TV – well, Disney 100 Edition of the Frame TV – I’m keen to test this side by side and see just how much better the picture is and if the effect of showing art without reflection is better than on the original Frame TV.

As far as The Frame TV in 2025, it’ll likely be very similar to the 2024 Frame TV with a solid picture and that all-important anti-reflection, matte coating. It is getting one improvement, though, and that's a jump to an adaptive 144Hz refresh rate. Considering the Frame Pro is arriving in 65-, 75-, and 85-inch sizes, the Frame TV will only come in 43-, 50-, 55-, and 65-inch sizes in 2025.

Another key change for Samsung this year is that the Art Store – where you can purchase and subscribe to works of art to showcase on your TV – is expanding to non-Frame TVs. This means that if you get a QLED or Neo QLED, you can browse, select a mat if you desire, and set works of art on your TV.

The collection currently includes over 3,000 pieces from artists around the world. It costs $4.99 monthly or $49.99 annually and works across TVs.

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The new ring could give companies like Oura and Samsung more competition.

• Mirumi is the latest strange robot from Yukai Engineering
• It hangs on your bag
• It can "react"

Gadgets that elicit comments like "Why?" and "Is that thing staring at me?" are either the best thing about CES 2025 or the worst. Mirumi, a furry robot that wraps around a bag or backpack strap and watches friends, family, and strangers, is that kind of gadget.

CES 2025

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

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Of course, I would expect no less from Yukai Engineering, a company that's been responsible for the furry therapeutic pillow with a tail Qoobo and the finger-tip chewing Amagami Ham Ham. In this case, the company describes Mirumi as "a mascot robot that spontaneously turns its head to steal a glance at a nearby person." Yes, that sounds wonderful.

If it's any consolation, the robot with its puffy gray (also in pink) body, round furry head, and googly eyes looks adorable. In fact, it would look like a tiny gray chick if it weren't for the oddly long arms that you use to wrap around your handbag and backpack straps.

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)

Even though Mirumi looks like a stuffed animal, it's filled with technology. It has sensors to notice people and objects and the motorized head can turn to "look at them". The sensors also detect movement. All of it works in concert to create a series of emotive responses, and quite a bit of it is designed to make Mirumi respond like a baby or toddler in your arms might to friends, strangers, and unknown objects.

Mirumi can express curiosity – basically, the look-around action triggered by movement. If a person is detected nearby, the head will turn to look at it. It can also mimic bashfulness, hiding its head in your arm.

(Image credit: Yukai Engineering)

If you annoy Mirumi by shaking it, the little robot will turn its head back and forth to signal its displeasure.

There were no pricing or availability details at launch but based on the pricing of some of Yukai Engineering's other robots, this one might not cost more than $149.

Whether or not you want such a robot strapped to your bag is another question., It could entertain and enchant people or have them wonder why that dustball on your bag is staring at them.

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• Circular's new smart ring, the Ring 2, has an FDA-cleared AFib detection algorithm
• It can be sized using your smartphone, with no need for a plastic sizing kit
• Battery life runs for up to eight days, equalling the Samsung Galaxy Ring

(Image credit: Future)

We’re covering all of the latest CES news from the show as it happens. Stick with us for the big stories on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok for the latest from the CES show floor!

The smart wearables scene at CES 2025 continues to heat up, with the best smart rings taking center stage.

Fresh off of Oura revealing a feature that helps users identify a cold or flu, Circular has announced its Ring 2, a next-gen wearable with an Atrial Fibrilation detection algorithm approved by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). In a first for smart rings, it also uses an app to calculate your ring size, rather than a plastic kit.

The new ring, which is available in Gold, Silver, Rose Gold and Black, is crafted from titanium and packs an improved ECG sensor powering the FDA-cleared AFib detection algorithm.

Amaury Kosman, Co-Founder and CEO of Circular said "With the Circular Ring 2, we’ve reimagined what a smart ring can be—combining advanced health technology with timeless design and unmatched durability."

It can track heart health for 24 hours a day like most smart rings, and has an eight-day battery life. However, perhaps one of the most exciting features is the digital sizing, which could streamline the process of buying a smart ring.

Say goodbye to plastic sizing kits

(Image credit: Circular)

In a press release, Circular says that users will be able to use its Digital Ring Sizing function using a smartphone, but doesn't go into how that's handled—although it's safe to assume it'll use some AR features through camera tech. Smart ring users are often advised to wear the plastic dummy rings for around a day, as our fingers swell up and deflate naturally during the course of the day. It'll be interesting to see if digital ring sizing can compensate, or whether it'll lead to a spate of ill-fitting rings.

Smart rings are in a really exciting place right now, with more brands bringing unique features to the table. With the introduction of smart sizing, it could become much easier to order a device without having to measure or order a sizing kit to begin with, potentially helping make the entire product category feel much closer to a smartwatch.

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The Nike x Hyperice boots include compression and heat for post-workout recovery, and athletes wore them during the 2024 Olympics.

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… In neutral

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• WIFE
• FEAT
• HEMP
• GAMER
• LIFE
• FELL

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Milky shades

NYT Strands today (game #309) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 4th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #309) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #309, are…

• CREAM
• IVORY
• LINEN
• VANILLA
• EGGSHELL
• CHAMPAGNE
• SPANGRAM: OFF WHITES

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

The classic 1960s song Whiter Shade of Pale by Procol Harum was in my head as I toiled my way through this bland collection of words most commonly seen when trying to purchase white paint that isn’t white.

In fact, the song has been used several times as the soundtrack for TV commercials advertising white-ish paint.

Although I struggled to remember the words beyond the chorus – something about doing a “light fandango” (which would be a great name for a paint color), “colors in her hair”,“16 vestal virgins” and seeing a ghost and turning a light shade of VANILLA. Only one of those was helpful for this puzzle.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, 5 January, game #308)

• SNOW
• SLEET
• FROST
• BLIZZARD
• DRIZZLE
• FLURRY
• SPANGRAM: WINTER WEATHER

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

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

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

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

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• BLANKET
• BOOT
• BREEZE
• RUM
• PICNIC
• PANT
• UMBRELLA
• PIE
• HEAVE
• ARS
• АВС
• GENERAL
• BROAD
• GASP
• BUT
• PUFF

NYT Connections today (game #575) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Almost out of breath
• GREEN: Overarching 
• BLUE: Simples
• PURPLE: Bottom

Need more clues?

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: BREATHE HARD 
• GREEN: CATCHALL 
• BLUE: METAPHORS FOR EASY THINGS 
• PURPLE: SYNONYMS FOR REAR END MINUS LAST LETTER 

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

NYT Connections today (game #575) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #575, are…

• YELLOW: BREATHE HARD GASP, HEAVE, PANT, PUFF
• GREEN: CATCHALL BLANKET, BROAD, GENERAL, UMBRELLA
• BLUE: METAPHORS FOR EASY THINGS ABC, BREEZE, PICNIC, PIE
• PURPLE: SYNONYMS FOR REAR END MINUS LAST LETTER ARS, BOOT, BUT, RUM

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

My BROAD view of today’s Connections is that it was far from a BREEZE but after some huff and PUFF I got there in the (REAR) END – very cheeky group, that one.

My mistake came as I foolishly thought ARS, PIE, ABC and BUT were all organization acronyms – for what, I have no idea – and, well, it was a bit of a lazy guess. But after getting BREATHE HARD and CATCHALL the final two groups fell into place nicely.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, 5 January, game #574)

• YELLOW: HARDLY BUSTLING CALM, QUIET, SLEEPY, SLOW
• GREEN: EARN GROSS, MAKE, NET, YIELD
• BLUE: REMOTE CONTROL FUNCTIONS HOME, MUTE, STOP, VOLUME
• PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "DRUM" EAR, KETTLE, OIL, SNARE

What is NYT Connections?

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

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

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

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

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #4 - starting letters (1) Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1078) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• W

• G

• G

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

Quordle today (game #1078) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1078, are…

• PIVOT
• WOOLY
• GRUNT
• GROOM

Even though today’s Quordle featured zero Es, I still found it useful to stick with my second start word of STEER. After seeing that the most popular vowel was missing here, I had the confidence to gamble that there was a double O word instead – and so it proved, with WOOLY and then GROOM.

By the time I got to PIVOT I had so few letters left there was no other choice.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1078) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1078, are…

• GRAFT
• AFOUL
• PAYER
• PERCH

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1077, Sunday 5 January: BORAX, JUDGE, CADET, SALON
• Quordle #1076, Saturday 4 January: CORER, CRATE, QUASI, EXIST
• Quordle #1075, Friday 3 January: PERKY, QUARK, NAVEL, SHEEN
• Quordle #1074, Thursday 2 January: UNIFY, SWORE, DEPOT, INTRO
• Quordle #1073, Wednesday 1 January: CLING, SUITE, WORRY, TONIC
• Quordle #1072, Tuesday 31 December: PLUMP, TUBER, IRATE, ICILY
• Quordle #1071, Monday 30 December: TODDY, GROIN, GROWN, VERVE
• Quordle #1070, Sunday 29 December: PURER, SPLAT, RABID, EMCEE
• Quordle #1069, Saturday 28 December: BUNCH, LABOR, TRIPE, BUNNY
• Quordle #1068, Friday 27 December: BRAWL, LYING, ORGAN, CRONY
• Quordle #1067, Thursday 26 December: TATTY, OVERT, FLOUR, SWEPT
• Quordle #1066, Wednesday 25 December: LIVER, CRIER, SHORE, MURKY
• Quordle #1065, Tuesday 24 December: TIPSY, SCALE, FLYER, VALVE
• Quordle #1064, Monday 23 December: SNAKE, SAVVY, ELBOW, TWEED
• Quordle #1063, Sunday 22 December: DOUBT, SLURP, PAPER, CIVIL
• Quordle #1062, Saturday 21 December: STRIP, BUDGE, SAPPY, SHELF
• Quordle #1061, Friday 20 December: PENAL, EAGLE, DILLY, QUITE
• Quordle #1060, Thursday 19 December: JEWEL, GNOME, TRAMP, IDLER
• Quordle #1059, Wednesday 18 December: LITHE, BIRTH, HUMID, ROBOT
• Quordle #1058, Tuesday 17 December: DOING, ENJOY, SNAKY, AMPLE

Click to Search, AI meal planning, a smarter Bixby and a new "AI" remote button headline the company's 2025 smart TV enhancements.

Even in the winter, you'll want to protect your eyes. These are the best prescription sunglasses to help you do just that.

This new high-end TV looks like an early contender for the best picture quality of 2025.

• Oukitel set to launch WP200 Pro in first quarter of 2025
• Device has a single earbud with a color LCD, useful for translation
• It comes with a staggering 1TB of storage and 24GB of RAM, the most I've seen in a rugged handset

We’ve reviewed a number of rugged devices from Chinese manufacturer Oukitel in the past and have always been impressed by what they offer, especially for the price.

The company now plans to debut three new 5G rugged smartphones at CES 2025, and it’s fair to say they all have something interesting that sets them apart from the competition. The WP100 Titan features a massive 33Ah battery, a camping light, and a DLP projector, while the WP200 Pro and WP300 Pro have a recess built into the back, into which you can drop a module.

For the Oukitel WP200, that module is a detachable single earbud that you can pull out and place in your ear for listening to music or podcasts, taking calls, and hearing translations. It saves you from having to carry a separate set of Bluetooth headphones, and as long as you remember to reattach it, you shouldn’t lose it.

1TB of storage

The earphone has a customizable color LCD display, so when you’re not using it in your ear you can glance at the back of your phone and see the time and other details on it. It looks similar to a smartwatch screen, so it’s probably no surprise that it can double as one. Drop it into the separate wristband, and you can wear it as a watch and benefit from its sport modes and health monitoring features.

The phone itself looks attractive, with a choice of blue and green textured finishes. It features a 6.7-inch Full-HD+ AMOLED screen and is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8200 SoC, backed by an impressive 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage - impressive for any smartphone and virtually unheard of in a rugged one. The main camera is a 108MP model, promising sharp and detailed images.

Additional details regarding the Oukitel WP200 Pro (and the WP300 Pro) are still sparse, although the WP200 Pro is expected to launch in Q1 2025. Crucial information, including pricing and global availability, will no doubt be revealed once CES gets underway.

While many rugged phones are mainly designed for users working in demanding environments, such as construction sites or outdoor industries, the WP200 Pro is likely to appeal equally to adventure seekers who are looking for a durable and versatile device for their explorations.

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• Across LATAM and East Europe, people are deliberately selling their ID documents
• Individuals willingly provide photos and documentation in exchange for payment
• This twist in ID misuse criminality makes standard forgery detection redundant

Researchers at iProov have uncovered a complex dark web operation aimed at undermining Know Your Customer (KYC) verification processes.

Unlike conventional identity theft, the scheme involves unsuspecting victims voluntarily handing over their identity documents and facial images in return for financial compensation.

This approach, dubbed "identity farming," allows criminals to exploit genuine credentials to bypass verification systems, complicating detection efforts.

Exploiting genuine credentials

In amassing genuine credentials, the operation, predominantly active in the LATAM region (Latin America), can outwit traditional document verification methods that excel at spotting forgeries or alterations.

While similar activities have been observed in Eastern Europe, no direct connection between the groups has been established.

In regions facing economic hardship and high unemployment, individuals are willing to compromise their identities for short-term financial gains.

Fraudsters exploit their victims in this way, offering payment in exchange for identity documents and biometric data, often under false pretenses. Many victims perceive this as a low-risk transaction.

How identity farming operations work

Attackers are a mixed ability group. Those at entry-level rely on simple yet effective techniques such as presenting static images or pre-recorded videos.

More sophisticated actors employ advanced tools like face-swapping software and lighting manipulations, and the most capable attackers use custom AI models and 3D animations, designed to mimic natural human behavior in real-time.

According to iProov, there's a need for a multi-layered strategy when safeguarding identity verification systems.

This includes measures such as verifying that the presented identity aligns with official documentation, using embedded imagery and metadata analysis to confirm the presence of a real person, and deploying real-time challenge-response systems to detect fraudulent behavior.

"What's particularly alarming about this discovery is not just the sophisticated nature of the operation, but the fact that individuals are willingly compromising their identities for short-term financial gain," said Andrew Newell, Chief Scientific Officer at iProov.

"When people sell their identity documents and biometric data, they're not just risking their own financial security - they're providing criminals with complete, genuine identity packages that can be used for sophisticated impersonation fraud."

"These identities are particularly dangerous because they include both real documents and matching biometric data, making them extremely difficult to detect through traditional verification methods.’’

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OLED is quickly becoming the hottest screen tech to use with the best gaming PCs following a bit of a breakthrough in the last couple of years of OLED and QD-OLED options among the best gaming monitors – and there’s a surprisingly tempting new option coming, though it’s not actually a monitor. But it is OLED, and it’s geared up for PC gaming.

The LG M5 OLED TV has just been announced, and not only does it have the specs PC gamers will look for – 4K, 144Hz, VRR including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support – but it also offers wireless connectivity between the TV screen and an external connection box, meaning you can have your PC and TV further apart, allowing for real flexibility of placement.

Imagine: at your rig, you have your normal gaming monitor. But sometimes, you want to play on the couch with the big-screen – in the case of the M5, the wireless box is also part of your desk setup, so you can just access all your same gaming libraries on your big-screen, with all your preferred saved settings. Your PC acts like both a PC and a console thanks to the wireless Zero Connect box. Could the LG M5 be the perfect PC gaming TV?

Specs and flexibility aplenty

The LG M5 OLED TV will feature a Zero Connect Box (pictured bottom left) similar to its predecessor, the LG M4 OLED (pictured here), but will offer more flexibility in placement (Image credit: Future)

Let’s get one thing clear – the LG M5 OLED is not the first to offer the wireless tech that PC gamers will love. That title belonged to the M5’s antecedent, the LG M3. That also offered 4K, high frame rate with VRR, Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support, and the Zero Connect box, which is a wireless connections box that you plug all the external devices into, and then transmits the signal to the TV itself, meaning a mostly cable-free experience (power cable still required for the screen itself).

But, where the LG M5 will best its predecessor, according to LG, is in the freedom of where the Zero Connect box goes. LG has promised that the Zero Connect on the M5 will be ‘visually lossless’ and ‘true wireless’, regardless of where the M5 and Zero Connect Box are placed. The M4’s Zero Connect Box required line of sight, meaning objects could obstruct signals, but the M5 is said to have much more flexibility in its placement options, while still offering effectively zero latency.

So while the LG M3 and M4 TVs wouldn’t have been ideal for all setups, the M5 should have the flexibility so that you can just tuck the box out of sight and still get its wireless tricks.

Perfect timing for the Nvidia RTX 5080

A recent leak suggests the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 could be imminent - and it would make a perfect match for the LG M5 (Image credit: ChipHell / Via VideoCardz)

It’s no secret that Nvidia makes some of the best graphics cards on the market, with the RTX 4060, 4070 and 4080 all featuring in our picks for the best graphics cards. AMD has had a strong year, but when there’s talk of a new Nvidia graphics card on the horizon, people take notice.

It’s no surprise then that a recent leak of images said to be the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 has sent the PC world into a frenzy, with many believing that a reveal is imminent – maybe even as soon as CES 2025. This is potentially perfect timing for the LG M5 OLED. Because it’s an Nvidia G-Sync certified wireless TV, it should be a match made in heaven for the Nvidia RTX 5080.

One thing that should be noted – none of this is going to be cheap. While PC gamers expect to pay a lot for the best equipment, the LG M5 OLED is going to be at the premium end of the OLED TV market. While we don’t have pricing for the M5 itself, the LG M4 launched at a price of roughly €5,000 / $4,499 / £3,799, a significant price increase over the LG G4, so you can expect to the LG M5 to be similar if not more.

But, if you’re looking for the premium PC gaming experience with an OLED TV, the M5’s improved Zero Connect flexibility over the M4 could make it the perfect companion for PC gamers. Imagine not having to move your PC setup!

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TechRadar will be extensively covering this year's CES, and will bring you all of the big announcements as they happen. Head over to our CES 2025 news page for the latest stories and our hands-on verdicts on everything from 8K TVs and foldable displays to new phones, laptops, smart home gadgets, and the latest in AI.

And don’t forget to follow us on TikTok and WhatsApp for the latest from the CES show floor!

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