Technology

• A future Apple Watch could debut a touch-sensitive glass frame
• The report comes from a Chinese leaker on Weibo
• It appears to be based on an Apple patent published this week

Apple appears to be working on a future design upgrade to the Apple Watch that could see the company replace its chassis housing and physical buttons with a touch-sensitive glass frame, based on new reports.

The prospect of an Apple Watch with a glass frame and touch interaction has been floated on Chinese social media platform Weibo by leaker Instant Digital, specifically in the context that an all-glass Apple Watch could arrive before a rumored all-glass iPhone.

However, the timing of the leak and close proximity suggest this information has actually come from an Apple patent that published on March 27, first spotted by Patently Apple.

The patent, seen by TechRadar and creatively dubbed "wearable electronic device with glass shell" appears to indicate that Apple is considering a future where its best Apple Watch models have a glass shell and side wall with touch sensitivity, rather than a titanium or aluminum chassis.

Here's what we know.

An all-glass Apple Watch future

Patent images include touch buttons housed in the glass exterior. (Image credit: Apple / USPTO)

The patent refers to a wearable device with a glass shell encompassing both the Apple Watch display and "a side wall extending from the front wall." Essentially, the front and sides of the watch would be made from glass.

Not only would this look pretty cool, but it would allow Apple to turn the side walls of the Apple Watch into a touch-sensitive, evolving display that could show information and receive touch inputs.

The benefit, of course, would be that the information and input could change based on the context. For instance, if you were running a stopwatch, touch buttons on the side could offer start and stop functions. Switch to music listening, and these buttons could display buttons for pausing or skipping tracks.

This is one possible iteration of a future Apple Watch that's likely years away, though, so don't expect an all-glass Apple Watch Ultra 3 or Series 11 in September.

Apple has also patented an Apple Watch with a folding, dual-display and cameras, and a recent report from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman suggests that the company is considering adding cameras to the device to turn it into an AI-powered wearable that can contextualize the world around you.

To me, the idea of a more subtle design tweak with touch-sensitive glass seems a little more refined than jamming a camera into the Apple Watch, but there's no reason Apple won't do both at some stage.

Naturally, of course, there's every chance this patent never sees the light of day, and remains an idea on paper only.

More immediately, we know that Apple is planning to add blood-pressure monitoring of some sort to its more premium 2025 models. Meanwhile, those awaiting the Apple Watch SE 3 can expect a pretty significant plastic redesign, which has been giving Apple some design headaches according to the latest reports.

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The Google Pixel 9a was announced in mid-March, but Google almost immediately delayed the sale of the phone, telling us it would be available sometime in April. We finally have the exact day the Pixel 9a should appear on shelves, and it will arrive in the US, UK, and Canada first on April 10. Then, it will go on sale in Europe on April 14th, followed by Australia and Asia on April 16th.

The new Pixel 9a will cost $499 / £499 / AU$849, and for that price, you get 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage. The phone will be available in four colors: Obsidian black, Porcelain white, Peony pink, and Iris lavender. I got to spend thirty minutes with the new phone in a brief preview, and I'm hoping to have a full review up on TechRadar as soon as possible.

@techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

The Pixel 9a was mysteriously delayed and Google would only say there was a component issue with the phone. Recent rumors have suggested that the Pixel 9a could have had problems with the camera overheating. Those rumors say the problem will be fixed with a software update, which fits the short timing of this delay.

Had there been an actual hardware component that needed to be replaced, we could have been looking at weeks or even months of waiting before the Pixel 9a hit shelves.

(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

I've reviewed most of the best phones you can buy, and frankly, camera overheating is a very common issue these days. I've had overheating problems with my iPhone 16 Pro, Google Pixel 9 Pro, and Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra that required the phones to all shut down during intense outdoor photo sessions. It's great that Google caught this problem, and hopefully, the Pixel 9a won't have the same issues as those flagship phones.

Of course, Google has not officially confirmed any specific reason for the delay, so we can only speculate. We hope to have a full review of the Pixel 9a on TechRadar shortly, and we will certainly put the camera - and every other component - through thorough testing to make sure it can stand up to our intense expectations.

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• The 3rd-gen Xiaomi TV Box S has just quietly landed
• There are several under-the-hood upgrades for the Google TV streamer rival
• These include a storage boost to 32GB, but RAM remains the same at 2GB

Google has its own Google TV Streamer for showing off the capabilities of Google TV, but there are now several alternative boxes available making use of Google's big screen software – and Xiaomi's offering just got a couple of welcome upgrades.

The 3rd-gen Xiaomi TV Box S is now official (via FlatPanelsHD), and there are some noticeable upgrades to talk about. Firstly there's a new chipset on board: Xiaomi hasn't said what it is, but it apparently offers a 25% CPU/130% GPU boost over the previous generation (it's most probably the Amlogic S905X5M).

While RAM stays the same at 2GB, there's also a very welcome storage boost from 8GB to 32GB – with the triple-fold increase meaning more room for your apps and games (new Google TV devices have to have at least 16GB of storage, as per Google's guidelines).

There's also Wi-Fi 6 for the first time, while the 3.5 mm audio port has been removed. The box again supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Vision, and HDR10+ as before, while video over HDMI can get up to 4K at 60 frames per second. We're still waiting on availability and pricing details from XIaomi.

Can we have some more, please?

We'd love a Google TV-powered Nvidia Shield TV Pro (Image credit: Future)

Xiaomi's streaming box is now more on a par with the Google TV Streamer, though the latter's 4GB of RAM rather than 2GB is likely to mean a smoother and snappier experience overall – even with the processor boost on the Xiaomi.

And irrespective of the relative specs, it's good to see more Google TV devices on the market. Walmart has its own 4K streaming box running Google TV, and it also comes as standard on numerous TVs, including flagship Sony models.

More choice is always good, giving us a range of form factors to get our Google TV fix from – unlike offerings from Amazon, Roku, and Apple, where the hardware and software experience are very much tied together.

We can only hope that Nvidia takes some time out from pushing forward AI and GPU technology to build a new Nvidia Shield powered by Google TV. We haven't had a new Nvidia Shield streamer since 2019, but it remains a brilliant device for streaming, gaming, and general tech tinkering.

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I've tested more than my fair share of VR headsets, demoed a host of mixed reality apps, and regularly use my AR smart glasses for entertainment when travelling. But it wasn't until today that I got to experience where all this tech is headed – and I'm desperately hungry for more.

That's because I got to spend an hour with the latest (5th gen) Snap Spectacles, a true AR glasses developer kit that doesn’t just play a movie on a giant virtual screen like the Xreal One glasses and its ilk – instead it features sophisticated interactive AR apps complete with hand-tracking in a wireless package.

In some ways it was similar to my other XR exploits, but fundamentally it had a freedom I've yet to taste in VR or even MR.

It's made me rethink claims from the likes of Mark Zuckerberg that we'll all be wearing AR glasses in a decade. I've gone from a mild skeptic to hoping more than ever that the AR revolution is closer than 10 years away.

This view was captured from Qi Pan's perspective in our shared AR session (Image credit: Snap)

The star attraction was by far and away multiplayer.

XR multiplayer is nothing new to me. I've played VR mini golf with family hundreds of miles away, won VR Squid Game against my contemporaries at a SandBox event, and socialized with people from all across the globe in Horizon Worlds.

They were all pretty cool – certainly better than a Discord call – but these VR experiences are, by their nature, a little isolating. We’re trapped behind our avatars, and even when playing together in the same room we have to keep your distance so we don’t bump into each other.

AR multiplayer had no such troubles. We were there together both in real life and virtually. And it was kinda amazing.

We were able to play with and interact with each other's Peridots, we could draw in 3D then marvel at each other's creations – viewing them together from all angles like we were examining a real life sculpture – and in Imagine we used AI to generate toy figurines to make our own fun.

I even demoed a learning app that had us examining a virtual skeleton together – which seemed like the perfect AR tool for a classroom.

Admittedly the apps were a little basic, and at times a buggier than you'd want – for example Peridot did occasionally struggle when we all tried to interact with each of our virtual pets at the same time.

But I could see the vision of what's to come.

My mind couldn't help but transport me to a future of people playing virtual paintball in the park, using heads-up navigation that automatically knows the best way to your destination, or getting to explore a world filled with AR critters in a souped-up version of Pokémon Go (though Niantic has sold that mobile game, so I might be left disappointed on that last front).

When I imagined this future it didn't feel like a distant pipe dream either, it felt like something we were rushing towards. And this demo convinced me it’d be awesome.

More to come

Drawing in AR is a blast, if not a little chaotic (Image credit: Future)

While testing Snap's specs I also had the chance to chat with Snap's Director of Computer Vision Engineering, Qi Pan, and Niantic's Peridot Executive Producer, Alicia Berry, who admitted that there are hardware obstacles still to be overcome.

The glasses aren't uncomfortably heavy, but they are bulky and a lot less stylish than normal eyewear. That’s because they’re pulling against opposing forces – AR glasses are striving to be lightweight, slim, and fashionable, with long battery life, solid processing power, and cameras, displays, speakers and a host of other components Oh, and they should be affordable, too.

It’s not an impossible challenge, but it’s nine tenths of one, and so it’ll take time for Snap, Meta, and everyone else in this AR glasses race to crack it.

But as Alicia Berry put it, it's an important goal in their eyes. We’re all hunched over our phones all the time and AR glasses allow us to 'look up' and still get all the digital benefits we’ve been accustomed to.

There’s no word yet on when we’ll get our hands on consumer-focused versions of these latest Snap Spectacles, but as soon as Snap is ready to launch them I’ll be ready to get in line to snag a pair. And I think everyone else will want to too.

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• Marvel fans think they've worked out what Avengers: Doomsday will be about
• The shadow of an actor's chair is responsible for the story-based fan theory
• MCU devotees have another theory about Scarlet Witch's possible appearance in it, too

Avengers: Doomsday is the gift that keeps on giving. Just days after the highly anticipated Marvel movie was confirmed to be in production and its initial 27-strong cast was revealed, fans have come up with two big theories about its plot and the possible return of a popular character.

Indeed, Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) devotees have spent the past 48 hours doing their best Sherlock Holmes impressions to determine what the next Avengers film's story is about. Thanks to one seemingly eagle-eyed Reddit user, we might have received a big clue by way of a single chair's shadow. Yes, the silhouette of a chair is what's got everyone talking.

If you've been keeping up with events this week, you'll know that Marvel unveiled Doomsday's cast via a five-hour-plus livestream on Wednesday (March 26). During that event, Marvel periodically added foldable chairs bearing the names of actors who'll appear in Avengers 5. Post-livestream, Marvel took to social media to post an image of the full chair line-up, too.

It all leads to Doom.#AvengersDoomsday is now in production. pic.twitter.com/rood4csf38March 26, 2025

It's this photograph that's got fans theorizing about Doomsday's plot. Look at the third chair from the left and, thanks to an orange-colored light being shone on it, an unmistakable 'X' shadow is being cast on the floor.

Marvel fanatics won't need a second invitation to guess what this refers to. This 'X' has to be a reference to the X-Men, especially as there are numerous legacy characters from 20th Century Fox's original X-Men trilogy who'll appear in Doomsday.

But wait, there's more. Taking to Reddit post-livestream, user True_Confusion_295 admitted they'd gone full-blown conspiracy theorist by posting a zoomed-in screenshot of the 'X' with what appears to be an 'A' positioned beneath it.

I feel like a conspiracy theorist circling things in red from r/marvelstudios

Again, you don't need me to tell you what the significance of this 'A' is. Yep, it's a clear nod to the Avengers logo itself.

The insinuation here, then, is that Doomsday's story is going to center on a major dispute between the two superteams. And, based on this simple chair's shadow, it appears the Marvel Phase 6 film will be a full-scale Avengers versus X-Men affair.

There's plenty of evidence to back up this theory. The two groups have clashed in Marvel Comics before, most notably as part of the comic titan's 2012 crossover event 'Avengers Vs. X-Men', which was written by Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Jason Aaron, Ed Brubaker, and Jonathan Hickman.

Interestingly, the last of those writers is also behind 2015's 'Secret Wars' comic book series. Doomsday's directors Joe and Anthony Russo exclusively told me they're drawing inspiration from that series for Avengers 5 and 6. Coincidence? I think not.

#AvengersDoomsday. Now in production. pic.twitter.com/G84UVU8HOcMarch 26, 2025

Then there's the fact that, as mentioned, Doomsday will feature multiple characters from Fox's original X-Men universe, as well as various MCU heroes.

These groups exist in different realities – the MCU's contingent on Earth-616 and Fox's X-Men on Earth-838. With the Multiverse Saga centered on cataclysmic events known as Incursions, which see two worlds collide until one of them is permanently destroyed, logic dictates that these alternate Earths will crash into each other. Their heroes, then, may be forced to do battle to ensure their planet survives, which would be reason enough for an Avengers vs X-Men conflict.

Finally, the Russo brothers have previous form for teasing us with MCU movie details via inanimate objects. Ahead of Avengers: Endgame's release in May 2019, the duo posted an image on social media telling fans to "look hard" at the objects in said image. Long story short: they spelled out the word Endgame, aka the fourth Avengers film's subtitle.

All of this, then, suggests that some or all of Doomsday's primary narrative will focus on a showdown between these two supergroups. Will Robert Downey Jr's Doctor Doom be pulling the strings from behind the scenes to make them battle to the death to save their respective worlds? Maybe.

Doom x Agatha.#AvengersDoomsday pic.twitter.com/3LX38W5Kc0March 26, 2025

He might also have something to do with Scarlet Witch's possible appearance in Doomsday. Fans have also picked up on Downey Jr's 'shushing' movement from the cast reveal livestream, which appears to be an homage to Agatha Harkness' own fingers-on-lips gesture in WandaVision on Disney+.

Now, Elizabeth Olsen has said she won't be in Doomsday. Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch seemingly died in Doctor Strange 2, so her MCU character may not be part of Avengers 5 or its sequel, Avengers: Secret Wars. Nevertheless, some fans are convinced Scarlet Witch will be an integral part of one or both movies, and Downey Jr and Kathryn Hahn's near-identical gestures are all the proof that they need.

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The UK government is accelerating digital transformation across public services, driven by a push for greater efficiency, innovation, and AI-powered solutions. The UK’s AI Blueprint, announced earlier this year, has set out the roadmap for the expansion of digital government services, and recent developments such as the unveiling of plans for a new gov.uk wallet to hold citizens’ driving licenses and passports demonstrate a clear commitment to digital transformation.

This transformation is welcome, but it would be amiss not to consider the cybersecurity challenges that come with the integration of AI-driven tools, cloud-based services, and an increasing number of third-party IT providers. The simple fact is that public sector digital transformation expands the attack surface of organizations – potentially exposing sensitive citizen data, essential services, and national security to risks.

A supply chain compromise could lead to the complete outage of essential services like healthcare systems, emergency response networks, or public transport infrastructure. It could result in the exposure of sensitive citizen data, including financial records, medical histories, and even home addresses, placing individuals at risk of fraud, identity theft, or physical harm. In worst-case scenarios, supply chain breaches could be exploited by nation-state actors, escalating into geopolitical crises that undermine national security.

The risks of public sector digitalization

Recent government projects have highlighted both the potential and pitfalls of AI in the public sector. The UK’s decision to halt AI prototypes in the welfare system due to security and reliability concerns underscores the reality that digital transformation must be accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures.

The increasing reliance on third-party technology suppliers makes government IT ecosystems more interconnected – but also more vulnerable. Poor security hygiene among suppliers can lead to a single weak link exposing entire government networks to cyber threats. The 2023 Capita cyberattack is a stark example of this, where a major IT provider for local councils, the NHS, and the UK military suffered a security breach, exposing sensitive public sector data and disrupting essential services.

This risk is further exacerbated by AI-driven cyberattacks, where threat actors can automate phishing campaigns and deepfake credentials, for example.

Nation-state cyberattacks are targeting the public sector

Recent reports have highlighted how state-sponsored cybercriminals are increasingly targeting supply chains to infiltrate public sector organizations. The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has repeatedly warned about cyber threats posed by Russian and Chinese threat actors, including sophisticated espionage campaigns and ransomware attacks on healthcare, energy, and local government services.

The recent revelation that Russian hackers have been impersonating IT staff in Microsoft Teams is a stark reminder that cyberattacks are evolving beyond traditional malware to social engineering and AI-powered deception. These attacks don’t just target critical infrastructure but also exploit the weakest links in government supply chains – third-party IT service providers, cloud platforms, and even contractors with lower security standards.

Governments must recognize that supply chain security is now a national security issue. If an attacker can’t access a secure government target directly; infiltrating via less protected third-party partners provides a backdoor through which to gain a foothold.

Where the public sector must act now

Public sector organizations must transition from static, point-in-time security assessments to continuous monitoring of third-party vendors. Real-time risk monitoring can help identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in critical suppliers before they become an entry point for cyber threats.

It is also essential that robust AI governance frameworks are used in the public sector. Without proper oversight, AI-powered security systems risk bias, data integrity issues, and exposure to adversarial attacks, where cybercriminals manipulate AI models to bypass security controls.

Another safeguard is to prioritize cybersecurity awareness training for public sector employees. Without a human-centric approach to cybersecurity education, even the most advanced AI security tools will be ineffective.

Cybersecurity is a public trust issue, not just an IT problem

Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue – it’s a fundamental component of public trust. Amongst other things, citizens rely on government services for healthcare, social benefits, and financial security. When supply chain vulnerabilities allow sensitive data to be compromised or critical services to be disrupted, the reputational damage to public institutions can be severe.

The public sector cannot afford to take a reactive approach. Governments must take bold steps to secure digital transformation initiatives.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Morphing Meerkat phishing kit can spoof more than 100 different brands
• It's been used to send "thousands" of emails, experts warn
• Defenses includes adding a strong layer of DNS security

Cybercriminals have created a new technique to serve phishing emails to business users which are almost indistinguishable from legitimate messages.

Cybersecurity researchers Infoblox spotted the Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) kit, built by a threat actor dubbed Morphing Meerkat, which deploys DNS Mail exchange (MX) records, dynamically serving fake login pages.

The technique allows them to spoof more than 100 different brands, making it quite a potent offering for cybercriminals.

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Open redirects

“Morphing Meerkat’s PhaaS platform and phishing kits are unique compared to others because they dynamically serve phishing login webpages based on the DNS MX record of each victim’s email domain,” the researchers explained, saying that it lets the attackers display web content “strongly related” to the victim’s email service provider.

“The overall phishing experience feels natural because the design of the landing page is consistent with the spam email’s message,” they added.

Morphing Meerkat hasn’t exactly drawn much attention to itself yet, which might sound rather surprising given the fact that it sent “thousands” of spam emails from servers mostly located in the UK and the United States.

However, the researchers said the operation is “difficult” to detect at scale, since the attackers know where security blind spots are, and have been exploiting them via open redirects on adtech, DoH communication, and popular file-sharing services.

To protect themselves, organizations should add a strong layer of DNS security to their systems, Infoblox concludes, which includes tightening DNS controls and not allowing users to communicate with DoH servers.

“If companies can reduce the number of unimportant services in their network, they can reduce their attack surface, giving few options to cybercriminals for threat delivery,” Infoblox concluded.

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Prime Minister Keir Starmer's recent plan to revitalize the NHS highlights critical needs: bringing care closer to communities, bridging the digital divide between hospitals, and reducing waiting times. These goals underscore the growing importance of data-driven medicine in shaping the future of healthcare. As the NHS navigates the challenges of an ageing population and increasing demand, harnessing the power of data is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

International collaboration and broad access to computational resources will be key to unlocking the benefits AI promises to deliver across society and the economy. 2025 saw the UK government expand its involvement in the European High-Performance Computing (EuroHPC) Joint Undertaking by committing £7.8 million to fund UK researchers and businesses’ participation in EuroHPC research.

Access to data is a double-edged sword

The exponential growth in patient data volume and complexity presents both a challenge and an opportunity. This data deluge holds the key to unlocking personalized and effective treatments, yet many clinicians lack the necessary tools and resources to effectively analyze and interpret it. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed, hindering rather than helping patient care.

Clinicians need access to advanced analytics platforms that can securely connect and analyze diverse datasets, including genomic information, to extract actionable insights. These platforms can empower healthcare professionals with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions, leading to more personalized and effective care. AI-powered solutions, for instance, can analyze complex genomic data, identifying patterns and insights that would be impossible for humans to detect unaided, enabling faster diagnoses and more targeted treatment plans.

Bringing care closer to the patient through decentralized testing

Traditionally, DNA samples had to be sent to external laboratories for analysis, leading to longer turnaround times and higher costs. With decentralized testing, hospitals and labs can perform genomic testing within the walls of their own institution. This approach not only reduces diagnostic backlogs but also empowers local healthcare providers with cutting-edge tools.

One example of decentralized testing is the UK’s national genomic testing service which consists of seven Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). Faster insights enable earlier interventions and more targeted treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing anxiety for those awaiting diagnosis. Further to this, decentralized platforms can facilitate secure data sharing and collaboration among healthcare professionals. This model ensures that everyone, including those in underserved and remote communities, benefits from the latest advancements in biomarker-driven treatment, fostering a more connected and efficient healthcare ecosystem.

Paving the way for a data-driven NHS

NHS institutions are already pioneering the integrating of data-driven insights into clinical practice. The Royal Marsden, for example, launched the LIBRA study to develop an AI algorithm that can help doctors diagnose lung cancer earlier, while the South West Genomic Laboratory Hub at North Bristol NHS Trust introduced a cutting-edge genetic sequencing to expedite diagnostics. Having access to technologies that can analyze large volumes of data and draw tangible insights empowers clinicians to make the right treatment decisions for their patients.

Investing in accessible and robust data analysis platforms is crucial for realizing the full potential of precision medicine. These platforms should prioritize data security and patient privacy while providing clinicians with user-friendly interfaces and powerful analytical tools. Cloud-based solutions can also offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, enabling the NHS to adapt to evolving needs and maximize its resources.

To fully leverage the potential of data-driven medicine, interoperability and standardization are essential. Data from various sources, including electronic health records, genomic sequencing platforms, and wearable devices, must be seamlessly integrated and analyzed. Standardized data formats and protocols can facilitate data sharing and collaboration, enabling researchers and clinicians to access and analyze data from different institutions and regions. This collaborative approach can accelerate the development of new diagnostic tools and treatments, ultimately benefiting patients across the NHS.

However, as the use of patient data expands, addressing ethical considerations is paramount. Robust data governance frameworks are needed to ensure patient privacy, data security, and responsible use of AI. Transparency and patient consent are crucial for building trust and ensuring that data-driven medicine is used ethically and responsibly. The NHS must prioritize patient well-being and empower individuals with control over their data, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.

The future of healthcare: a data-driven vision

Data-driven medicine holds immense promise for transforming the NHS and improving patient care. By investing in the right technologies, fostering collaboration, and addressing ethical considerations, the NHS can unlock the full potential of data to create a more equitable, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system.

This data-driven approach can empower clinicians, accelerate research, and ultimately, improve the lives of patients across the UK. The future of healthcare is data-driven, and the NHS is poised to lead the way in this transformative journey.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Mullvad VPN has added Multihop to its Android app
• The feature lands on Android after arriving on iOS and Windows in 2024
• Multihop is now available for Mullvad version 2025.1 or newer

As of today, March 28, 2025, Mullvad has launched Multihop on its Android VPN app, promising to make online tracking harder by rerouting your traffic into two distinct WireGuard servers.

A popular advanced security feature among the best VPN services, the new release adds to Mullvad's desktop and iOS apps' existing Multihop feature and is now available on the Android 2025.1 or newer app versions.

Why use Mullvad Multihop?

"Routing your traffic through multiple servers in separate jurisdictions gives you a higher level of privacy and security, even if one server were to be compromised," Mullvad explains in an official announcement.

As the name suggests, the Mullvad Multihop feature allows you to reroute WireGuard traffic via two servers. This means the entry server, where your connection starts, will differ from the exit server reaching your final destination.

As the provider puts it, this will create "a tunnel within a tunnel."

You have full control of your preferred entry and exit points among the list of 600+ servers across 49 countries the provider offers, directly in the app's settings. Mullvad suggests picking two servers in different jurisdictions if you wish to make tracking even harder.

"Adversaries would need to launch timing attacks against the traffic in multiple locations in order to analyze your online usage," the provider explains.

Multihop now available on Android version 2025.1 and newer.Read more here: https://t.co/5m4FPQeA6t pic.twitter.com/nnOjIG9LvyMarch 28, 2025

You need Mullvad version 2025.1 or a newer to benefit from the new Multihop functionalities.

Activating Multihop is simple. Head to Settings and enable the Multihop option by pressing the toggle.

Once activated, you can select your favorite entry and exit servers by heading to the Switch location tab in the main interface.

Multihop is also available within Mullvad's desktop and iOS apps. This means you can fully customize your level of privacy no matter which device you're using.

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It’s no secret that one of 2025's most anticipated TVs has been the LG C5 OLED TV. LG’s OLEDs, especially its mid-range C-series, are always among the most popular TVs year-on-year and the C5 continues the trend.

As the successor to the LG C4, one of the best TVs of 2024, the C5 does everything the C4 does and adds a bit more. I’ve fully tested it and in my LG C5 review, it earned a full five-out-of-five stars. This was because of its incredible picture quality, full suite of gaming features that match the best gaming TVs, and its intuitive smart TV platform. Plus, it’s likely to be the most competitively priced TV in the mid-range OLED category, based on previous years.

There were a a few standout things I took away from my time testing the C5 , so I’ve picked the five that I think you should be aware of if the C5 is a TV you're interested in buying.

1. It still sets the bar for mid-range OLEDs

The LG C5 looks like it'll be tough to beat in 2025. (Image credit: Future)

LG’s C-series TVs have been one of the standard bearers for what's possible in a mid-range OLED over the past few years. That’s not to say other mid-range OLEDs are bad; in fact some beat LG’s C-series in various areas. The Sony Bravia 8 had better sound than the LG C4 for example (and I suspect this will be the case with whatever Sony has for us in 2025 as well).

But, every year, no OLED can really compete with the C series in terms of its versatility and sheer bang for your buck. It often offers the most complete list of features with the best performance and often for the cheapest price (once prices have fallen for the C5 and its rivals).

The Samsung S90F, Samsung’s mid-range OLED, looked set to be the LG C5’s main rival for 2025. However, it seems the same panel lottery that plagued the Samsung S90D in 2024 is set to happen again, where at certain sizes you may not know what kind of performance to expect from it (I've asked Samsung to clarify this situation, but it won't say what the deal is in either direction).

As a result, the C5 looks like it’s going to be the measure for mid-range OLEDs to match up to in 2025.

2. Reflections – the C5’s weak spot

The LG C5 handles reflections well in brighter scenes, but in darker scenes in movies such as The Batman (pictured), it struggles. (Image credit: Future)

TV reflections can be a real problem and can really hamper the viewing experience. In fact, they’re effectively OLED’s kryptonite, with even the best OLED TVs struggling to overcome them in bright rooms (unless you have the Samsung S95D with its anti-reflection screen) and while there are ways to beat TV reflections, sometimes they are just unavoidable.

I expected some reflections before testing the C5, but their prevalence really stood out to me, especially in brighter conditions. In dark scenes in movies such as The Batman, there were obvious mirror-like reflections with myself and other objects appearing on screen whenever a strong light source was nearby in the room.

In dimmed conditions, the C5 fared a lot better – and this is a problem for all equivalent OLEDs – but it’s still worth noting about these reflections. If you’re interested in the C5, make sure you can limit the light in your room.

3. AI Sound Pro is the best sound mode

AI Sound Pro surprised me as the best sound mode, especially in action packed movies. (Image credit: Future)

In my experience testing TVs, I’ve generally come to find that the best preset sound mode is Movie/Cinema mode. It usually has a bolder, richer and overall more rounded sound, with the best balance. While I found it to be a solid option for the C5, I was drawn to another sound mode; AI Sound Pro.

The Batmobile chase scene in The Batman serves as an excellent test for sound quality and I found that AI Sound Pro delivered an immersive, punchy and dynamic sound that had a little bit extra compared to Movie mode. As a sceptic of so-called AI tools in TVs, I found it surprising that I preferred the AI Sound Pro mode.

I still recommended hooking up the C5 to one of the best soundbars for a sound to match the C5’s picture. But, if you are using the C5’s built-in sound, give AI Sound Pro a try.

4. The arrival of more AI features

Personalized Sound Wizard (pictured here on the LG C5) is the most exciting of the latest AI features. (Image credit: Future)

Speaking of AI, LG has introduced a host of AI features to its 2025 TVs via the latest iteration of its smart TV platform webOS 25. While there've been AI picture enhancements on LG’s TVs for a while now (Super Upscaling, AI Picture Wizard, AI Sound Pro), this latest group is aimed more at the smart side of things.

Highlights among these include AI Concierge, which recommends content based on your viewing history; AI Search, which can recommend content based on your search criteria across a large number of streaming services (this feature is only in the US and Korea currently) and lastly the AI (Personalized) Sound Wizard, where users can create their own sound mode created by AI after users listen to a number of audio clips to determine their preferred sound.

There’s even an AI Art Store where you can create your own artworks using prompts (although it costs real money to do so) and a nifty AI Voice ID feature so the TV switches to your user account if you use the voice commands, based on it recognizing your voice.

While I didn’t personally find I needed any of these AI features, some definitely had more potential to be useful. Undoubtedly, some users will revel in using these new AI tools, so it’s a welcome addition to the C-series overall.

5. It’s not that different to the C4

The LG C4 (pictured) delivers a lot of what the LG C5 does, currently at a fraction of the price. (Image credit: Future)

OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: how different is the LG C5 from its predecessor, the LG C4? The answer – not very. Other than the aforementioned AI features and an HDR peak brightness boost, the C5 is almost identical to the C4.

Currently, this is bad news for the C5. The C4, one of 2024’s best OLED TVs, is still widely available and getting discounts all the time. The C5 is at its most expensive, launching in March 2025 and although its prices will drop throughout the year, who knows if it'll fall to the C4's price in the current economic climate.

If you’re an LG C4 owner or if you’re thinking of buying one, I’d still recommend it over the C5. But, once the C4 does retire, the C5 is a more than worthy successor and it’ll be worth your time.

You might also like

• LG G5 vs LG G4 brightness - I saw LG's G5 flagship OLED TV next to last year's G4, and the brightness boost I was excited about is very real
• I saw LG's latest QNED mini-LED TV and it might finally compete with Samsung, Hisense and TCL
• The Samsung S95F; a step-up from the best? - I tested Samsung's new flagship OLED TV, and it fixes my one key flaw with its predecessor, and has mind-blowing brightness

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Friday, March 28 (game #656).

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 Connections hints.

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 #657) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SILVER
• BIKE
• BOXER
• PANAMA
• BERMUDA
• CLUE
• MAN
• COMMANDO
• CRYSTAL
• BRAZIL
• WITNESS
• CHINA
• PLAN
• CARGO
• LINEN
• CANAL

NYT Connections today (game #657) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Upper class table setting 
• GREEN: Varieties of summer clothing 
• BLUE: A legendary play on words
• PURPLE: Big screen hits of the 1980s

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 #657) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: MATERIALS ASSOCIATED WITH FANCY DINING 
• GREEN: KINDS OF SHORTS 
• BLUE: NOUNS IN A FAMOUS PALINDROME 
• PURPLE: MOVIES FROM 1985

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

NYT Connections today (game #657) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #657, are…

• YELLOW: MATERIALS ASSOCIATED WITH FANCY DINING CHINA, CRYSTAL, LINEN, SILVER
• GREEN: KINDS OF SHORTS BERMUDA, BIKE, BOXER, CARGO
• BLUE: NOUNS IN A FAMOUS PALINDROME CANAL, MAN, PANAMA, PLAN
• PURPLE: MOVIES FROM 1985 BRAZIL, CLUE, COMMANDO, WITNESS

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

I muddled through today with just one mistake. That came when I put LINEN instead of CARGO (which I consider a full leg-length garment) in KINDS OF SHORTS.

The rest I got away with despite not really knowing what I was doing — CHINA, CRYSTAL, LINEN, and SILVER as they were all expensive materials; CANAL, MAN, PANAMA, and PLAN because they all had “an” in them.

The famous palindrome in question ( a man, a plan, a canal — Panama!) was coined in a 1948 edition of Notes & Queries magazine, although that is under dispute as some Googling reveals.

In the 1980s other items were added by wordsmiths, including a cat, a ham, a yak, a yam and a hat. Next, a computer programmer came up with a version with 243 words. But then, putting the seal on any future revisions, computer scientist Peter Norvig created his definitive 2,473 word Panama palindrome. I can only imagine the crushing sense of disappointment when he went over 2,002 words.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Friday, 28 March, game #656)

• YELLOW: HURL CHUCK, PELT, PITCH, SLING
• GREEN: BE ON BOTH SIDES OF BOOKEND, BRACKET, FLANK, SURROUND
• BLUE: PARTS OF A CLASSIC GIRL SCOUT UNIFORM BADGE, BERET, SASH, SKIRT
• PURPLE: __HALL BINGO, CITY, MONTY, STUDY

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.

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, March 28 (game #390).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Power plants

NYT Strands today (game #391) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• TINY
• GEESE
• HANGS
• SPORTS
• STAR
• SNOT

NYT Strands today (game #391) - hint #3 - spangram letters How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 13 letters

NYT Strands today (game #391) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 3rd column

Last side: bottom, 4th column

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

NYT Strands today (game #391) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #391, are…

• NUTS
• TOFU
• SEITAN
• TEMPEH
• BEANS
• SEEDS
• YEAST
• SPANGRAM: VEGAN PROTEINS

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

A wonderful search full of lovely VEGAN PROTEINS. Something that will come as a surprise to many, who wouldn’t consider not eating meat due to the perceived lack of protein. In truth there are plenty of alternatives.

Question: How do you know when someone is a vegan? Answer: They’ll tell you.

Everyone has different dietary requirements, but there is something about being a vegan that means you have to let people know within a minute of meeting them regardless of your vicinity to food, but just in case they pull a pork chop out of their pockets or start espousing the brilliance of WingStop.

I say this as a former full-time vegan and now part-time vegan (cheese is my weakness). I prefer vegan food, but will eat the occasional sausage or tin of tuna – a position which seems to annoy both vegans and non-vegans. Maybe I should keep quiet about it.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, 28 March, game #390)

• THINKER
• VISIONARY
• SAGE
• ELDER
• PHILOSOPHER
• SPANGRAM: GUIDING LIGHT

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which 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.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, March 28 (game #1159).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 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 #1160) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* 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 #1160) - 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 #1160) - 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 #1160) - 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 0.

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 #1160) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• L

• O

• C

• A

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

Quordle today (game #1160) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1160, are…

• LATER
• ODDLY
• CUMIN
• AGREE

Too early to call it a streak, but I checked out after seven guesses again. Not that it felt as “green lights all the way home” as it did yesterday, because I spent a good couple of minutes pondering before coming up with CUMIN.

One of the many health medical trends I followed for a few weeks was eating a banana sprinkled with cumin every night before bed. It wasn’t as bad as it sounds, but I gave up as it didn’t seem to make any health difference.

Anyway, I digress. In fairness today’s double letter words did make life easier, so I can’t claim to be at genius level just yet!

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1160) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1160, are…

• MEANT
• HOLLY
• SMOKY
• WINCH

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1159, Friday 28 March: TERSE, MUSHY, PROVE, FROND
• Quordle #1158, Thursday 27 March: CRONE, APNEA, LIGHT, AWOKE
• Quordle #1157, Wednesday 26 March: LEFTY, NOOSE, NOISE, TRIAD
• Quordle #1156, Tuesday 25 March: SNEER, WATCH, FLORA, STAIN
• Quordle #1155, Monday 24 March: FLOUT, SMASH, RAZOR, SMALL
• Quordle #1154, Sunday 23 March: ALLEY, GAMUT, GEESE, RADII
• Quordle #1153, Saturday 22 March: PICKY, BRACE, BOOZE, SURLY
• Quordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISS
• Quordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCH
• Quordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNIC
• Quordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINK
• Quordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEER
• Quordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANK
• Quordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATE
• Quordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE
• Quordle #1144, Thursday 13 March: AMISS, METAL, TEARY, SHORT
• Quordle #1143, Wednesday 12 March: AWASH, PUSHY, RALPH, PROOF
• Quordle #1142, Tuesday 11 March: LINGO, JUICE, SHARP, REVEL
• Quordle #1141, Monday 10 March: AVAIL, THESE, TITAN, GAUGE
• Quordle #1140, Sunday 9 March: SKILL, IDEAL, WHERE, REHAB

What does the C stand for?

This explains why the company released the Nintendo Today app on Thursday.

Welcome, Garmin fans! After yesterday's announcement of Garmin Connect+, the new premium tier available in the Garmin Connect app, we've seen a big conversation begin to take place online.

Some Garmin users are furious, stating they want to "take a stand" against the company for introducing a paid tier. Even though the existing free features will remain free, user sentiment is generally that this is the beginning of a slippery slope for Garmin, and more and more features will be added to Connect+ instead of being available on the app's free tier.

Especially egregious is the price of the best Garmin watches, some of them numbering among the most expensive smartwatches ever, and having to now pay still more on top for the whole package.

Want to make your voice heard? Email us at matt.evans@futurenet.com, and we'll feature your reply here as part of this live blog. Stay tuned!

What is Garmin Connect+, anyway?

For those not in the know, Garmin Connect+ is Garmin's new premium tier available for its previously-free Garmin Connect app, costing $6.99 / £6.99 / AU$12 per month or $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$120 annually, with a one-month free trial available.

For this privilege, Garmin Connect+ will supply Garmin users with new features on top of their free ones, including AI-powered insights dubbed "Active Intelligence" which puts all your stats into context, a Performance Dashboard that allows you to view historic graphs, and improvements to Garmin’s LiveTrack service, including a text-based alerts system.

This isn't the first time it's charged for a service (it also charges for an Outdoor Maps+ subscription plan) but this is a service aimed at all Garmin users, not a specific subsection or service.

Why has this angered Garmin users?

Existing Garmin users are angry, in part, because they feel like their app is going to slowly get taken away. While Garmin has been very careful in its messaging, insisting that everything currently free will remain free, users believe they will eventually have to either leave the platform or resort to paying for a usable version of it.

Even if all current features remain free, as new ones are added and older ones are no longer supported, the existence of a Connect+ tier invites the possibility that future features will only be available to premium subscribers, a galling prospect if you bought an expensive smartwatch with the expectation it would be supported for years to come.

One of the top comments on the video above reads: "No. Bait and switch. We pay premium prices, like my £800 for my Garmin Descent Mk2s, with the understanding that the extra price is subsidising the Garmin Connect platform and its development. Now with just the existence of this, there's little to no chance we'll see any meaningful updates to the free Connect platform from now on. Class action anyone?"

Another commenter puts it more succintly: "Is this the beginning of the end?"

Garmin Reddit is furious

(Image credit: Reddit)

With 7,100 upvotes at the time of writing, this thread has prompted an enormous outcry from the community determined to make their voices heard. Here are a few comments from the 431 and counting:

Comment from r/Garmin Comment from r/Garmin Comment from r/Garmin @techradar

♬ original sound - TechRadar

We took to TikTok to ask Garmin users what they thought about the changes, and got quite a few comments there. One user writes "This is bad news. All new features from now on will be behind a paywall. And in few years, then the initial rage settles, they will move more and more features behind paywall like strava did."

Another said: "wow! I love paywalled AI which tells me the most basic of information which I could gather my self easily."

However, in the interest of balance, not everyone is irate about it. Another TikTok user writes: "If the current features are to stay free then nonworries, pay for the new stuff if you want them if not, don't."

"A greedy company"

The emails have begun to roll in. Remember, if you want to get in touch, email matt.evans@futurenet.com. This one's from Michelangelo:

"I'm writing this email to show Garmin what they are risking by being a greedy company... We have probably around 20 devices from Garmin. We just like the quality and the details you get from a premium device.

"This is why I'm so vocal right now. If Connect+ goes on, I'm definitely done with Garmin. I'll buy another watch for my SO (I was planning for one in May) and I will start doing the opposite of what I've been doing since receiving my original watch. I'll start discouraging people from buying Garmin and propose a valid, European, alternative.

"Tread lightly Garmin, people hate subscription models, especially on PREMIUM products!

Sincerely, A very, VERY, angry customer."

Garmin's AI-powered insights

(Image credit: Garmin)

What exactly is "Active Intelligence", anyway?

Similar to Strava's Athlete Intelligence (also on a premium tier: AI's apparently expensive to run), Garmin's Active Intelligence will offer personalized in-app advice based on your training metrics.

The example above is a good indication of the kind of AI-generated advice you can expect: top-line, general, quick-fire tips to guide your training based on past and current performance, rather than anything too granular and concrete like a workout plan. You'll reportedly be able to get these messages multiple times a day as your activity and recovery levels change.

It's worth noting a Garmin representative emailed and confirmed that the AI was built with user data security in mind. Garmin's aware how sensitive health data is, and the need to keep it secure – especially after a high-profile cyberattack five years ago.

More messages coming through

An email from Vasil says he'll switch away from Garmin if the decision isn't reversed. "Even though I have been a fan of the brand for over 10 years and always buy the latest Fenix model, if the paid version of the mobile application is introduced, I will change the brand!"

Meanwhile, a new comment on TikTok simply says "How do you sign up to it?". Sounds like someone's convinced!

The Garmin subreddit is not taking this well Garmin is getting rid of what makes it special from r/Garmin

The Reddit post above has some particularly poignant things to say.

"They were different than smartwatch companies locking you to a specific phone. They were different than smartwatch companies forcing you to pay a monthly fee just to use the watch. Heck, they were even different than gaming companies providing you games on a platform and then being able to ban you or change the rules after the fact.

"They felt like one of those companies you loved being associated with.... Yet another great company losing track of its identity and tacking on or removing things that just don't speak to its customer base."

Below are some more examples of negative, highly-upvoted feedback from the subreddit.

I paid $700 for a fenix to avoid the subscription bullshit from r/Garmin It’s the beginning of the end for Garmin. from r/Garmin

I mean, you've got to laugh...

Me buying my first Garmin watch 2 days ago and joining this sub from r/Garmin Is the panic overblown?

If you're a new Garmin owner, don't panic. Garmin users aren't going to suddenly see the bottom fall out of their watches' ecosystem; as of now, pretty much all the features on your watch remain unchanged. You can still create routes, generate plans, get your Fitness Age, Body Battery, Endurance Score, workouts, and all the rest of Garmin's goodies as well as ever, without paying a subscription fee. Garmin was keen to emphasize this in all communications about Connect+.

Most of the fear is hypothetical, and based on a term coined by blogger-activist Cory Doctorow called "enshittification". This refers to the process of platform decay, as those in charge of online platforms make things worse for users in order to maximize profit.

We see it with social networks, media websites, online stores, gaming and all other rmanner of online platforms. Garmin users are afraid that their free experience will eventually get worse, as the company attempts to move more of its users onto the paid platform. We've seen it happen enough times that these fears are not unfounded.

On his Pluralistic blog, Doctorow explains it best: "Here is how platforms die: first, they are good to their users; then they abuse their users to make things better for their business customers; finally, they abuse those business customers to claw back all the value for themselves. Then, they die. I call this enshittification."

Has LiveTrack changed?!

(Image credit: Garmin)

More discourse in our TikTok video, with one user sounding very optimistic: "Probably not for the AI, but I would be interested in the Live Track, I use it anyway as I cycle a lot in the mountains, so would be keen to see what the difference is".

The updated Live Tracking service offers a personalized LiveTrack profile to share with followers (useful for cross-posting on Strava, for example) and the ability for family and friends to be notified via text when a workout has begun, along with the usual link to share your current location that you get in the free version.

However, our Homes Editor (and former Fitness Editor) Cat Ellis, herself an avid user of the Garmin Fenix 7, uses LiveTrack a lot, and told me her LiveTracking recently changed. The LiveTrack text messages to show auto-starts and finishes used to be part of the free version, but seems to have been removed this week ahead of the GC+ announcement.

Check out her screenshot from this Monday, then swipe to check out Tuesday's:

Image 1 of 2

(Image credit: Future)Image 2 of 2

(Image credit: Future)

While Garmin mentioned that all features currently free will remain so, this may indicate a feature was changed shortly in advance of the announcement, which is very disingenuous if so. TechRadar has reached out to Garmin for comment, but email in and let us know if this has changed for you.

Two very different reactions with the same sentiment there

(Image credit: Reddit) How much does Garmin Connect+ cost, and what do you get?

Garmin Connect+ will cost $6.99 / £6.99 / AU$12 per month or $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$120 annually, with a one-month free trial available.

For the price, you're getting those Active Intelligence AI messages, the LiveTrack texts mentioned below, exclusive badges and challenges not available to free-tier Connect users (something which isn't helping quell the ire of badge-hunters unwilling to subscribe) new social features and a Performance Dashboard which allows you to customize how you view historic data.

This is confirmed to be different to the Performance Stats tab in the free version.

Black Ops 6 Season 3 launches Wednesday, April 2, adding new maps, some new weapons, as well as a set of iconic tie-in skins (this one's for Kevin Smith fans). This means that next week, players will have a whole host of new features to check out, whether that's in Zombies, Warzone, or core Multiplayer.

Even without extra Season Three, we're still having a blast with Black Ops 6, landing it a place on our list of the best FPS games to play in 2025. This upcoming refresh sees the return of Verdansk to Warzone, and it's looking very close to the original indeed.

Here's what we know about Black Ops Season 3 so far, including a closer look at Wednesday's confirmed release time, as well as what's set to be added. It's worth noting that times do vary depending on your time zone, so be sure to check out the information below for when Season 3 launches in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, and Japan.

Update (April 1, 2025): Added the news of the fresh zombies enemies coming to the game alongside tomorrow's update, as well as some info on new Gobblegums. We can't wait to unlock the Die Pitched Gobblegum, which gives all enemies high-pitched voices for three minutes!

Black Ops 6 Season 3 release time in your time zone

(Image credit: Activision)

The Black Ops 6 Season 3 release time is April 2 at 9AM PST / 12PM EST / 5PM GMT. Here are some more specifics related to the release schedule per your timezone:

• 9AM PST: West Coast (US)
• 12PM EST: East Coast (US)
• 5PM BST: United Kingdom (UK)
• 6PM CET: Europe
• 2AM JST (Friday, February 21): Japan
• 4AM AEDT: (Friday, February 21): Australia

Black Ops 6 Season 3 - what's being added?

(Image credit: Activision)

Activision has now announced what'll be added to Black Ops 6 as part of Season 3. This includes new maps, weapons, and modes, as well as big updates to Warzone. Here's a brief summary of what's being added:

• Maps: Barrage (6v6), Nomad (6v6, 2v2), Firing Range (6v6)
• Weapons: CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle, HDR Sniper Rifle, Nail Gun Special Weapon, Kali Sticks (Melee)
• Attachments: Monolithic Suppressor, SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion, C9 10MM Auto 30-Round Mags
• Modes: Sharpshooter, Demolition
• Perk: Close Shave - Automatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when you perform a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack. Like the old days
• Bundle: Jay & Silent Bob, Digital Dreamin', United Force Tracer Pack
• Warzone: Return of Verdansk, back to basics gameplay tweaks. More in this blog.
• Zombies: Shattered Veil map, Double Tap Perk, Ray Gun Mark II & Wunderwaffle DG - 2 Wonder Weapons. Elder Disciple and Toxic Zombie enemies. New Gobblegums.
• Events: Black Ops Tribute
• Operators: Hudson, Mace, R0-Z3

For a full breakdown of Black Ops 6 Season 3, visit the Call of Duty blog. You'll be able to see the specifics on the new maps and modes that'll arrive soon.

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In an exclusive demo with Intangible's ex-Pixar and ex-Unity executives, I saw how you can create an entire 3D AI world and use it to create still images and short videos.

I spoke with director Jared McGilliard about his new treasure-hunting doc.

• Micro Center suddenly has loads of stock of an Asus RTX 5090 GPU
• This card is stupidly expensive at 85% over MSRP, though, so rather than improved supply, this is likely more a reflection of that asking price
• That said, there’s some hope that RTX 5080 supply is actually improving a little, so we can keep our fingers crossed there

An Asus version of the Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU has been spotted piled high on the shelves of a major US retailer, which might make you think that perhaps the stock drought for the flagship is over – but I doubt that’s the case.

Nonetheless, it’s a novelty to see such a stack of Blackwell graphics cards on the shelves, and there are some more positive hints about RTX 5080 stock, too – which I’ll come back to later. All of which comes courtesy of a Reddit post that shared a photo of a bricks-and-mortar Micro Center store in Dallas (see below) which VideoCardz flagged up.

Microcenter Dallas got tons of 5090 Astral Liquid’s in today from r/nvidia

Of course, this isn’t likely a case of supply suddenly spiking, or Nvidia’s production lines spinning up for the Blackwell flagship – rather it’s (surely) a lack of demand, due to the extortionate price tag pinned on the Asus RTX 5090 board in question.

This is the Asus ROG Astral LC RTX 5090 OC Edition, which is admittedly the top-end offering from the graphics card maker – the LC refers to liquid cooling, and OC indicates it’s overclocked – but the price is still astronomical (or astral-nomical, perhaps, ahem) at $3,719.

That’s 85% more expensive than the (lofty) MSRP set by Nvidia, and it’s even almost 10% costlier than the asking price set by Asus on its own online store for this particular ROG Astral model – and that’s already outrageously high as it is.

Yes, it’s a top-end custom board, and yes, there will always be a premium to pay in that case, for the improvements to the card and cooling that’ll (hopefully) help you get a meaningfully better overclock – but the difference won’t be that much versus an entry-level RTX 5090, in all probability.

And to be forced to pay nearly double for that? Well, even PC gaming enthusiasts won’t do so, which is (doubtless) why all these RTX 5090 models are sat on shelves – and will probably remain so for some time, until Micro Center adjusts its pricing.

That will, of course, eventually happen when the clamor for RTX 5000 graphics cards starts to calm down, and demand doesn’t outweigh supply by such an immense factor.

(Image credit: Future) Analysis: A glimmer of hope – but not for the RTX 5090

Okay, so is there any chance at all that the sudden appearance of a decent number of these flagship Blackwell graphics cards is a hopeful indication of improving stock levels? After all, that was rumored to happen for the RTX 5090 towards the end of March, where we are now. I can’t see it, frankly – whatever might be going on at that Micro Center store, if we look at the major online retailers in the US, RTX 5090 stock remains non-existent. For now, the flagship GPU is only obtainable in local stores.

However, the Reddit poster also notes that there are RTX 5080 GPUs in plentiful stock at that Micro Center – though we don’t see them, or what price they’re at. I’m guessing there won’t be any boards at MSRP level, though, but there is a glimmer of hope here in that at the time of writing, there are a couple of RTX 5080 models in stock for ordering online at Newegg.

Predictably, they aren’t anywhere near MSRP, so this isn’t cause for a true celebration yet – the cheapest model (of three boards available currently) is $1,360, which is the MSI Ventus 3X RTX 5080. That’s still 36% above the MSRP of $999, of course, but nonetheless, even seeing some stock available at all is a change for the better from what I typically discover when I check Blackwell availability.

I wouldn’t get carried away with this notion, but perhaps we are starting to turn a (slight) corner here – although clearly not with RTX 5090 stock, with some truly ridiculous price inflation still very much blighting the Blackwell flagship.

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