TechRadar News

• Luma Labs’ Dream Machine can now add audio to video clips for free
• You can prompt the audio or let the AI come up with something it decides is appropriate
• Sora and other AI video makers mostly lack even an imperfect AI audio creator to go with their visuals

Luma Labs has added a score to the AI videos produced on its Dream Machine platform. The new feature brings audio to your video, custom-generated to match a written prompt or created by the AI, and is based solely on what's happening in the video. That could mean chirping birds at the sunrise scene, a spaceship’s distant hum for your sci-fi animation, the chaotic clatter of a busy café, or anything else you care to hear.

The new feature is free in beta for all users. After generating a video with Dream Machine, you’ll see a new “Audio” button along the row at the bottom of the video next to the existing "Extend" and "Enhance" buttons. Click it, and you get two choices: let the AI decide the best fitting sounds on its own, or take the wheel and provide a text prompt describing exactly what you want. Maybe you’ve got a dreamy nature scene and want to hear a distant waterfall, or maybe you want to hear how the AI does it; either way, it works.

Sound Idea

This update is big because AI-generated videos, while sometimes visually stunning, have always felt incomplete without sound. It's a lot of work to painstakingly add audio yourself. Even some of the biggest names in AI video don't have audio as an option yet, including OpenAI's Sora.

Of course, AI sound generation on its own isn't unique. There are a lot of AI music makers, even full voice and song producers. But, the production within the platform linked to the video already there makes Dream Machine a real standout. That said, it isn't perfect. You can tell from the way the motion and sound don't quite match with this dog as it swims.

On the other hand, when prompted correctly, this crackling fire and laughter of people around it sounds pretty good.

But, I wouldn't rely on Dream Machine to create sound on its own without any guidance in a prompt. With a blank audio prompt, the AI took the same short clip of people around a fire and came up with something a lot spookier.

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• SanDisk reveals E61 8TB Portable SSD
• New device offers drop protection up to 3 meters, with silicone shell improving durability and enhances tactile grip
• There's also fast read/write speeds for large file transfers

SanDisk has launched an 8TB version of its popular E61 portable SSD, expanding its offerings for users who require extensive storage capacity.

Thr new model aims to cater to professionals such as video editors, photographers, and data analysts, who often handle large files and need reliable storage solutions.

However, despite the excitement around the 8TB capacity, concerns linger about the reliability of SanDisk’s SSDs due to a major data corruption issue that surfaced in 2024.

Bigger - but also better?

The 8TB SanDisk E61 comes with a compact and lightweight form factor measuring 100.8 x 52.55 x 9.6 mm, meaning it is quite portable, and features a silicone shell that offers protection from drops of up to 3 meters, along with an IP45 rating, providing resistance against dust and water, making it ideal for outdoor use or travel.

Its USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 interface boasts read speeds of up to 1500MB/s and write speeds of 1000MB/s, ensuring fast data transfers for large files. Furthermore, it has a plug-and-play feature which means users can start using the SSD immediately without the need for additional drivers or software. It also includes 256-bit AES hardware encryption, ensuring data security for sensitive information, whether for personal or professional use.

While the new 8TB SanDisk E61 offers a compelling set of features, concerns remain about the product’s reliability. In 2023, SanDisk’s portable SSDs, including the SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro models, were plagued by a major firmware issue that caused widespread data corruption and drive failures. Users reported losing access to critical data, with the drives suddenly becoming unreadable. A class-action lawsuit was filed, accusing Western Digital (SanDisk's parent company) of failing to address the issue adequately.

In response, Western Digital issued a firmware update to mitigate the problem, but the lawsuit claimed that the core issue remained unresolved. As a result, many users, particularly professionals handling large volumes of important data, continue to worry about the long-term reliability of SanDisk SSDs.

Nevertheless, with this new 8TB version, SanDisk has an opportunity to restore customer confidence by ensuring that the previous data corruption issues have been fully addressed. The high price point of around $714 makes it a premium product, especially for professionals who depend on safe, secure, and reliable data storage.

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• Advanced Voice Mode is coming to all ChatGPT free users
• There will be a daily limit on usage
• Deep Research is being released to Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users

OpenAI has just announced, via X, that it is starting to roll out a “preview” version of Advanced Voice mode for ChatGPT free users while also rolling out its Deep Research agent to all Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise users.

Advanced Voice Mode, which is currently only available to ChatGPT Plus users, launched initially in the mobile app versions of ChatGPT and arrived in the desktop app version of ChatGPT in November last year. It is one of the nicest features of ChatGPT; it’s a way to communicate with the chatbot using your voice in a free-flowing, natural conversation. It’s almost like talking to a real person, and you have the ability to interrupt the chatbot if you find its reply is going on too long. There are a variety of different voices to choose from too, so you can customize the experience.

OpenAI has previously experimented with offering 10 minutes of Advanced Voice Mode a month to ChatGPT free users, but the new rollout is going to “give all ChatGPT free users a chance to preview it daily across platforms." The company is also being a bit secretive about what the daily limit is for Advanced Voice Mode for free users, as it clearly wants to retain the ability to adjust it depending on demand. The only detail on usage it offers is that ChatGPT Plus users will get “5x the free limit."

Starting today, we’re rolling out a version of Advanced Voice powered by GPT-4o mini to give all ChatGPT free users a chance to preview it daily across platforms.The natural conversation pace and tone are similar to the GPT-4o version while being more cost effective to serve.February 25, 2025

ChatGPT 4o-mini-powered

The ChatGPT free version of Advanced Voice Mode will be powered by ChatGPT 4o-mini, while Plus users will continue to have access to Advanced Voice Mode powered by ChatGPT 4o. In its statement, OpenAI said: “Starting today, we’re rolling out a version of Advanced Voice powered by GPT-4o mini to give all ChatGPT free users a chance to preview it daily across platforms. Plus users will continue to have access to Advanced Voice powered by 4o with the existing daily rate limit, which is more than 5x the free limit, as well as access to video and screensharing in Advanced Voice.”

Reacting to the news some X users expressed concern that the 4o-mini model might be “dumbed down” and expressed frustration that the daily limit remained in place for ChatGPT Plus subscribers “We’re paying for the best, not a crippled version. Get it together”, said X user Emanuele Dagostino.

Gemini Live, Google's voice mode chatbot, is entirely free for Android users.

Advanced Voice Mode in the ChatGPT Mac app. (Image credit: OpenAI) Deep Research

At the same time, OpenAI is rolling out its Deep Research agent tool to all its paid subscribers, rather than just its Pro subscribers. Built using the o3 model, Deep Research is a tool for carrying out in-depth research using the Internet that drastically reduces the time taken by researchers.

The o3 model is optimized for data analysis and can handle text, images, and PDF files that it can access via the web.

Deep Research can work independently. You simply give it a prompt, and it goes off and analyzes and synthesizes hundreds of online sources for you, reducing a job that would take human researchers many hours to a few minutes.

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• OpenWrt launches "unbrickable" security-focused wireless router
• Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity ensures fast, reliable internet access
• Open-source firmware guarantees no lock-in or obsolescence risks

OpenWrt has officially launched its first dedicated wireless router that promises unrivalled security protection.

Developed in collaboration with Banana Pi, the OpenWrt One is specifically designed to meet the needs of hackers and security-conscious users.

Available for just $89, the OpenWrt One promises to offer a long-lasting, open, and flexible solution for users who value control and security in their networking hardware.

A router built for the OpenWrt community

The OpenWrt One is powered by the MediaTek MT7981B system-on-chip (SoC), supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 with the MediaTek MT7976C chipset, and offers 2x2 2.4 GHz and 3x3 5 GHz wireless connectivity. For wired connections, the router includes one 2.5 Gbit WAN port and one 1 Gbit LAN port, ensuring fast, reliable internet access.

In terms of storage and expandability, the OpenWrt One features 128MB of SPI NAND and 16MB of SPI NOR flash memory, with additional storage options through a 2230/2242 NVMe PCIe 2.0 slot. It also includes a USB 2.0 Type-A port for connecting peripherals and a USB Type-C port for power delivery and serial interface, providing ample options for customization.

The router's hacker-friendly design includes a mechanical switch for boot selection between NAND and NOR flash, as well as a mikroBUS expansion slot for additional hardware add-ons. Fully compliant with FCC, EC, and RoHS standards, the OpenWrt One is built with security and open source innovation at its core.

According to OpenWrt, what sets OpenWrt One apart from other routers is its dedication to being open and secure. Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC), a group that worked with OpenWrt on the project claims that it comes with OpenWrt’s open-source firmware which guarantees that it will never be locked and it is designed to be "forever unbrickable." This means users can experiment with different configurations, flash new firmware, and make modifications without the risk of rendering the device unusable.

The OpenWrt One launch comes at a time when many older routers and network devices are becoming obsolete due to unpatched vulnerabilities. Manufacturers often abandon support for these devices, leaving users with few options other than replacing hardware. With OpenWrt, users can continue using their existing devices by flashing the open source firmware, extending the life of their hardware and improving security.

Many users are turning to open source solutions like OpenWrt as manufacturers stop supporting older models. For instance, D-Link recently refused to patch critical security flaws in over 60,000 NAS devices, effectively turning them into e-waste. In contrast, the OpenWrt One is designed to avoid these issues, giving users peace of mind that their router will remain secure and usable for years to come.

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• Nvidia's ConnectX-8 features a GPU-inspired design for networking
• ConnectX-8 delivers an impressive 800Gbps throughput capability
• Requires PCIe Gen6 x16 for optimal performance

Nvidia has unveiled the ConnectX-8 SuperNIC, a new card whichcomes with an 800Gbps capability, doubling the 400Gbps recorded for its predecessor.

The design of this card is a departure from conventional network interface cards (NICs) as it looks more like traditional GPUs, with the ConnectX-8 seemingly set to focus on enhancing airflow and cooling efficiency with its low-profile design, backplate and advanced internal layout.

This device also comes with a large connector on the back, which suggests the potential for multi-host cable connections, possibly linking to additional CPUs or functioning as a PCIe switch output.

Multi-host connections and flexibility

The ConnectX-8 SuperNIC is a single-port card that delivers high bandwidth which necessitates advanced PCIe connectivity.

Specifically, it requires either PCIe Gen6 x16 or two Gen5 x16 links to operate effectively, suggesting the card's performance exceeds what a single CPU can handle. This capability aligns with the need for robust connectivity in Nvidia's Grace platforms, where the ConnectX-8 serves as a critical component for auxiliary connections due to the limitations of Grace CPUs.

By integrating these NICs, Nvidia minimizes reliance on Broadcom products, enhancing system efficiency and flexibility.

Unlike older NIC designs that typically feature bulky heatsinks and a more utilitarian aesthetic, the ConnectX-8 showcases a sleek backplate and overall factor reminiscent of modern GPUs.

The introduction of the ConnectX-8 does not seem to be merely about aesthetics, as it suggests Nvidia has a broader vision for AI infrastructure. By aligning its networking products with GPU-like designs, the company likely aims to streamline its integration within data centers while delivering high-performance capabilities essential for AI workloads.

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Imagine if two AIs could chat with each other in a language no human could understand. Right. Now go hide under the covers.

If you've called customer service in the last year or so, you've probably chatted with an AI. In fact, the earliest demonstrations of powerful large language models showed off how such AIs could easily fool human callers. There are now so many AI chatbots out there handling customer service that two of them are bound to dial each other up, and now, if they do, they can do it in their own special, sonic language.

Developers at the ElevenLabs 2025 Hackathon recently demonstrated GibberLink. Here's how it works, according to a demonstration they provided on YouTube.

Two AI agents from ElevenLabs (we've called them the best speech synthesis startup) call each other about a hotel booking. When they realize they are both AI assistants, they switch to a higher-speed audio communication called GGWave. According to a post on Reddit, GGWave is "a communication protocol that enables data transmission via sound waves."

In the video, the audio tones that replace spoken words sound a bit like old-school modem handshake protocols.

It's hard to say if GGWave and Gibberlink are any faster than speech, but the developers claim the GGWave is cheaper because it no longer relies on the GPU to interpret the speech and can instead rely on the less resource-intensive CPU.

The group shared their code on GitHub in case anyone wants to try building this communication protocol for their own chatting AI chatbots.

Since these were ElevenLabs AI Agents, there's no indication that GibberLink would work with ChatGPT or Google Gemini, though I'm sure some will soon try similar GGWave efforts with these and other generative AI chatbots.

What are they saying?!

A pair of Artificial intelligence Assistants "speaking" their unintelligible language sounds like a recipe for disaster. Who knows what these chatbots might get up to? After they're done booking that hotel room, what if they decide to empty the user's bank account and then use the funds to buy another computer to add a third GGWave "voice" to the mix?

Ultimately, this is a cool tech demonstration that doesn't have much purpose beyond proving it can be done. It has, though, succeeded in making people a little nervous.

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• Code found in a recent Google Messages beta hints at a new Message Details menu
• The new UI will include recipient names and profile pictures, as well as read receipts in group chats
• We're not sure if the new menu will actually be released

If you’ve ever sent a message in a group chat hoping a certain person sees it, or just wanted to be really sure that a direct message had been received, then the next Google Messages update will be a welcome one.

Code found in an upcoming version of Google Messages enables a new UI for the Message Details menu, that goes far deeper than the basic overview found in the current build of Google’s first-party messaging app.

That’s according to Android Authority, which uncovered the new menu layout in a recent Google Messages beta teardown – though there’s no certainty that these features will make it to full release just yet.

The new Details UI adds the ability to see a recipients’ display name and profile picture, and check which individual users have read a message sent to a group chat. The new menu also allows you to see the original message when viewing a reply, and contact recipients directly from the new menu.

Presently, a long press on a sent message opens a small pop-up menu, detailing the time and date at which a message was sent and received, its priority status, and the phone numbers of the sender and recipient.

Crucially, the current Message Details menu doesn’t state whether the recipient actually read the message, only that it was successfully delivered to their phone.

This isn’t so much of an issue in direct messages, where you can rely on read receipts, but in group chats it can be harder to gauge what proportion of the chat’s members have read your latest message – read receipts typically only trigger when the entire chat has done so.

Google Messages is one of the world’s most popular messaging apps, and is the default messaging app on some of the best Android phones, from the Google Pixel 9 series to the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup.

As we’ve previously reported, Google has been keenly updating Google Messages, recently adding new chat deletion features and the ability to message yourself over RCS. What do you think of these new message detail tools? Are they useful, or do we risk knowing too much? Let us know in the comments below.

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• Nvidia unveils upgraded BlueField-3 DPUs
• New editions allow flexible storage server configurations
• BlueField-3 DPU offloads CPU tasks, and reduces latency for storage-heavy environments

Nvidia has revealed a new iteration of its BlueField-3 Data Processing Unit (DPU), that is not just a regular SuperNIC, but a self-hosted model mainly for storage.

The new offering greatly increases memory bandwidth compared to its predecessors, as while the BlueField-2 DPU utilized a single-channel design, resulting in lower memory bandwidth than the first generation, the BlueField-3 boasts dual 64-bit DDR5-5600 memory interfaces.

This upgrade translates to 80GB of bandwidth, enabling faster data processing and efficiency, particularly for applications which rely on high-speed data access.

Self-hosted solutions for storage applications

The special version, classified as B3220SH, also it introduces advanced capabilities for direct hardware connections. With its ability to expose PCIe roots, this model enables direct integration with NVMe SSDs and GPUs, bypassing the need for an external CPU.

This capability allows for greater flexibility in configuring storage solutions without relying on traditional x86 or Arm CPUs, enabling a more streamlined architecture for storage servers. The integration of a PCIe switch further enhances this model's functionality by allowing multiple devices to be connected seamlessly. This architecture not only simplifies data flow, it also reduces latency and improves the overall performance in storage-intensive applications.

The versatility of the BlueField-3 extends beyond storage, as its architecture supports various applications across sectors such as high-performance computing (HPC) and artificial intelligence (AI). The new model can offload tasks from CPUs, it frees up valuable processing resources for revenue-generating workloads.

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• Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering lets slip about update
• Recent Model 3 and Model Y refresh likely to influence upgrades
• Could Plaid+ variant make a return to Model S?

Tesla can be credited with spearheading the electric vehicle revolution, which is now arguably in full swing, but it can also be criticized for resting on its laurels when it comes to introducing new products and refreshing old ones.

Both the Model S and Model X have waited four years for an update, with even the previous 2021 tweaks proving underwhelming. Instead, Musk’s company has been relying on Over the Air (OTA) updates in order to add new software features to keep things interesting.

However, Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, revealed on the Ride the Lightning podcast (via Electrek) recently that both the Model X and Model S would receive “some love” later this year, stopping short of divulging full information on what that might entail.

We all know that Tesla operates outside of the automotive norms, shunning the legacy product life cycles that tend to see models refreshed or updated two or three years after launch, before a replacement model is announced a couple of years thereafter.

To compound matters, this traditional life cycle has been sped up in the era of battery packs and electric motors, such is the rate of advancement in battery technology, range and performance.

As a result, Tesla is not only facing much stiffer competition from fellow manufacturers, many of whom are now offering an entire range of electrified passenger cars and even vans, but also the threat of more predictable facelift and update cycles, which helps keep the PR and marketing output in full effect.

The recently refreshed Model Y proves that change is very much welcome when it comes to Tesla’s largely aging line-up. If we do witness much-needed updates to Model S and Model X this year, here are the 5 things we’d like to see.

1. Sharper styling from Model Y and Model 3

(Image credit: Tesla UK)

Tesla’s treatment of the front and rear bumpers, as well as the full-width rear light bar, on the recently refreshed Model Y have made a night-and-day difference to the way the vehicle looks.

It is generally sleeker, more purposeful and, simply put, cuts a more modern shape on today’s roads, which are now filled with exciting EV designs from the likes of Kia, Lucid, Rivian, Renault, Peugeot and many more.

Although the Model S still looks pretty good today, it would benefit from refreshed exterior styling, while the Model X, complete with its Falcon-Wing doors, could harness the various innovations in mass production to adopt an altogether more forward-thinking approach to design.

Something that will keep pace with the rapidly advancing automotive design trends that look set to remain for the foreseeable future.

2. Improved suspension and refinement

(Image credit: Tesla UK)

Often the butt of auto industry jokes and jibes, Tesla’s models have long suffered from relatively poor quality control, a fidgety ride and a general lack of refinement that the likes of Mercedes-Benz and BMW are famed for.

Again, the recently updated Model Y and Model 3 have made huge improvements when it comes to the quietness of the cabin, the vehicle’s body control and general handling dynamics thanks to the chassis and suspension innovations made during Cybertruck development.

3. Better interior quality and more tech

(Image credit: Tesla)

Small things, such as ambient lighting and heated seats throughout, helped to lift the interior quality of the recently refreshed Model Y. Alongside this, Tesla also added a second screen to the rear (as it did with Model 3), so passengers can enjoy entertainment on the move.

This refresh could also benefit from ditching the yoke-style steering wheel found in Model S and Model X, and replacing it with something more traditional, complete with proper indicator stalks, rather than cumbersome buttons.

As with all of Tesla’s recent model line-up, the Model S and Model X will greatly benefit from the latest Hardware 4 (HW4) set ups, which allows the vehicles to effectively park themselves, be remotely summoned and offer advanced levels of autonomous driving features.

4. Exciting Plaid models

(Image credit: Tesla)

The Tesla Model S Plaid already holds a number of coveted lap records, including being one of the fastest production electric cars to lap Germany’s infamous Nurburgring, but that hasn’t stopped punters wanting more.

The rumor mill has been working overtime of late, with talk of a Plaid+ variant returning to the Model S, which would see acceleration and top speeds lifted, as well as improvements introduced to handling.

5. Faster charging and better battery range

(Image credit: Tesla)

Although Tesla did improve the electric range in the refreshed Model Y, the figures weren’t exactly mind-blowing. The official EPA-rated range crept up from 311 miles for the outgoing model to 320 miles.

In addition to this, Tesla has 800V electrical architecture in its armory, meaning it could offer versions of the Model S and Model X with fast-charging capabilities, greatly reducing the amount of time sat at Tesla’s admittedly brilliant Supercharger network.

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• Moana 2 arrives on Disney+ on March 12
• The sequel was a huge box-office success, taking $1.05 billion
• The first Moana is Disney+'s most-streamed movie

Moana 2 is setting course for Disney+, and you'll be able to watch it from the comfort of your living room when it arrives on March 12. Fans have been eagerly anticipating Moana 2's arrival, considering the original Moana is the most-streamed movie of the past five years, and the return of the beloved Disney character was met with lots of hype. Its box-office takings alone are huge, with it earning $1.05 billion against its $150 million budget.

Interestingly, Moana 2 falls short of earning a place on our best Disney Plus movies rankings because it didn't receive a 70% Rotten Tomatoes score. The movie stands at 61%, which is still fresh but not high enough to join some of our favorite titles. Still, it's been a massive hit around the world, so you can be the judge of what you think! In my Moana 2 review, I praised the movie but did miss a certain familiar face.

What is Moana 2 about?

Set three years after the first movie, Moana reunites with the demigod Maui and assembles a wayfinding crew to find the lost island of Motufetu, where she hopes to break its curse and free its people. So, unsurprisingly, she hasn't said goodbye to her ocean adventures, and she's as determined as ever. There are both familiar and new faces here, and it's a welcome return to the beautiful island location.

The movie was originally intended to be a TV series for Disney+, but it seems the decision to swap it for a movie has been a huge success for the company.

The Moana adventures don't stop there, either, as there are plans for a live-action remake of the first movie, which will see Dwayne Johnson reprise his role as Maui, while Catherine Laga'aia will portray the titular character, taking over from Auliʻi Cravalho.

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• New renders for the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 tip a slimmer design
• The next-gen foldable could also have larger displays
• Meanwhile, the Galaxy Flip 7 is tipped to get a powerful Snapdragon chip

The rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 could sport a tweaked design that makes it slimmer, potentially measuring 4.5mm thick when unfolded.

This rumor comes courtesy of tipster OnLeaks working with Android Headlines to produce renders of the Galaxy Z Fold 7 based on what seems to be insider information. If this information is on point, then that's a decent trimming down of thickness in smartphone terms, given the Galaxy Z Fold 6 when unfolded measured 5.6mm. It would also put the Fold 7 a mere 0.3mm thicker than the world's thinnest foldable phone, which is currently the Oppo Find N5 measuring 4.35mm when unfolded.

Aside from looking a little slimmer, and perhaps having sharper corners to the display and maybe slightly narrower bezels, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 looks much like the foldable phone that came before it and not dramatically different from the Galaxy Z Fold 5; such is Samsung’s current approach to iterating on phone designs.

However, what’s not easily noticed in the renders is that the main display will apparently hit 8.2 inches when unfolded, which is a decent size bump, phone-screen-wise, over the 7.6-inch display of the Fold 6. The cover display is also tipped to measure 6.5 inches, which is a little bigger than the 6.3-inch display on the Fold 6.

Overall, the Fold 7’s dimensions are tipped to be 158.4 x 143.1 x 4.5mm, which paves the way for the cover display to get its size boost by being wider than the one on the Fold 6. That could be a blessing or a curse, depending on how well you fared with the cover display on older Fold phones. On the early models it was too narrow to comfortably use, but one could argue that going wider than the Fold 6’s cover display could make it harder to navigate for people with small hands.

Personally, I’m all for more screen space, as it makes sense for foldable phones and helps them pull double duty as a compact tablet, which in my experience helps make them better for productivity on the move.

Aside from these tweaks, we’re expecting the Galaxy Z Fold to follow in the Galaxy S25’s footsteps and get a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chipset, with its main cameras getting a bump to 200 megapixels, up from 50MP. But the biggest upgrades are likely to be on the software side, with AI-centric tools and features sure to be given the limelight by Samsung.

Flipping the power on

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 is tipped to get a neat power boost over the Flip 6. (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

In another foldable rumor, Korean-language website The Bell reports that yields on Samsung’s Exynos 2500 chip were lower than needed for the Galaxy S25 range, which is why we saw the Snapdragon chipset across all the phones in all regions.

That low yield is apparently still in effect, and so it’s predicted that the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 will get a Qualcomm chip instead, leaving the Samsung Z Flip FE to use the Exynos 2500; this would make sense, as that phone is tipped to be a cheaper take on the Galaxy Z Flip.

Giving the Galaxy Z Flip 7 a Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip will see it sport flagship-grade power, which would be welcome for powering AI features but also means the price of the flip-style foldable is unlikely to go down compared to last year.

The Bell also reports that Samsung may look to put a new Exynos 2600 chip in Galaxy S26 phones, which are sure to arrive next year as part of Samsung’s yearly flagship refresh. Given that Samsung often puts Exynos chips in its standard and Plus S-series models in markets outside the US and China, I wouldn't be surprised to see this happen with the Galaxy S26. I’d prefer that Samsung adopt Snapdragon chips across the board given the power they offer.

Either way, we can expect to see new foldables from Samsung around June or July time. Head to the comments to let me know if you’re excited about these phones, or what you’d like to see Samsung do in the foldables realm.

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• Several big firms are interested in acquiring Intel, reports claim
• Suiters potentially include TSMC and Broadcom, but AMD could block them
• A deal dating back 16 years will require any buyer of Intel to negotiate with AMD

Recent reports have claimed Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and Broadcom are separately considering deals to split Intel apart, with Broadcom interested in the chip design and marketing side of the business and TSMC potentially interested in the chip factories. That story came on the heels of a report from eeNews Europe, which suggested an alternative scenario in which Intel could merge with GlobalFoundries, a firm born out of AMD’s manufacturing division that was spun off some years back when the then-struggling chipmaker decided to go fabless.

There’s no confirmation that Intel is going to be sold off to any of the potential suitors rumored to be sniffing around, but there are obstacles that any buyer will need to be aware of. One, of course, is that the US government isn’t likely to be keen on allowing a foreign entity like TSMC to run Intel’s chip business. Another issue, which Digit to Dollars brought to light back in November 2024, could further complicate any deal.

Broad cross-licensing agreements

“We are frequently asked some version of ‘Will someone acquire Intel?’", the site noted. "At this point, we think it is highly unlikely, but these are highly unpredictable times. Setting aside all the principal considerations – like money, strategy, and regulatory approval – there are a few other hurdles. Chief among those is Intel’s license for x86.”

“Apparently, when Intel and AMD resolved their multi-decade dispute over x86, the cross-license agreement held provisions about transferability. If either company is acquired, the other has the right to cancel the license, effectively blocking the deal. When this was signed, we have to think everyone involved assumed it would be AMD getting acquired, but the provision seems to be mutual, and times change.”

Change they do indeed. While AMD is performing well, Intel… isn’t. Hence all the speculation surrounding its potential acquisition.

The broad cross-licensing agreements, which aren’t limited purely to the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA), mean Intel and AMD can use each other’s patents and will avoid accidental infringement lawsuits. There are strict rules over what they can do, so for example, Intel can’t make chips for AMD’s sockets and vice versa.

The cross-license agreement states that if either AMD or Intel merges with another firm or gets acquired, the deal ends and will require the remaining chipmaker to negotiate a new agreement with the new owner. If Broadcom were to buy Intel, that could create an interesting scenario.

AMD could negotiate with Broadcom in a bid to better challenge Nvidia, but as Tom’s Hardware points out, “At present, Broadcom, armed with both CPUs and AI processors, poses a greater competitive threat to AMD than Intel, the latter of which lacks a clear AI strategy.” In terms of market capitalization, AMD currently ranks as the 83rd largest company in the world, while Intel sits at 165th. Broadcom, however, is far ahead in 11th place, which shows its industry clout.

A licensing agreement between AMD and Broadcom would be in both companies’ interests, but what form that might take is anyone’s guess right now.

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• Netflix has released a new teaser for You season 5.
• In the teaser, Joe has started a new life in New York with his rich wife, Kate.
• But the ghosts of his past – and his own sinister desires – have other plans.

After releasing an ominous first teaser clip and image of You season 5 earlier this year, Netflix has now unveiled a new trailer of Joe Goldberg's (Penn Badgley) final murderous chapter.

Following a truly mind-bending finale to You season 4, Joe leaves another fake identity behind and goes back to where his killer story began: New York City. Having finally come to terms with who and what he is, there's no knowing what deadly extremes he'll go to in his obsessive pursuit of love.

In the teaser (see below), Joe has the chutzpah to declare that he's "the luckiest guy in New York" now that he's settled down with his new wife Kate (Charlotte Ritchie), who has opened doors for him due to her wealthy background. But is his luck about to run out? I certainly hope so.

What can we expect in You season 5?

After masquerading as an English professor in London, the murderous bookstore manager heads to the Big Apple with Kate to, he hopes, enjoy his happily ever after. However, his perfect life is soon threatened by the ghosts of his past and his own dark desires.

In the fifth and final season of one of the best Netflix shows, Joe's new obsession arrives in the form of Bronte (Madeline Brewer), an enigmatic young playwright who comes to work at his bookstore and makes him reconsider his wealthy lifestyle (he's also not having the best of times having to contend with Kate's siblings.)

Joe's search for love has seen him embark on a globe-trotting journey over the show's four seasons – and from Los Angeles to London, the book-loving killer has has made himself a whole lot of enemies who are now out to get him.

Now, one of them is set to come back and haunt him in the Big Apple – but who could it be? There's Joe's love rival Dr. Nicky (John Stamos) from season 1, orphaned Ellie (Jenna Ortega) from season 2, and Joe's former love interest Marienne (Tati Gabrielle) in season 3 just to name a few. Not only has Joe being pursued by the living, but his victims including ex-girlfriend Beck (Elizabeth Lail) and wife Love (Victoria Pedretti) have also returned from the grave to torment him.

We'll have to see if Joe's past catches up with him when You season 5 premieres on the best streaming service on April 24.

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Amazon's next big Alexa event is imminent, and it's set to be a major one for all things Echo and smart home. The device-focused event, which will take place on February 26 at 10AM ET in New York City, marks the company's first Alexa announcement since September 2023. That was when the Echo Pop Kids smart speaker and its second-gen Echo Show 8 were unveiled. This time, Amazon is likely focused on the Alexa voice and could announce a big change for its smart assistant.

While Amazon hasn't officially revealed what's in store for its Alexa event, it hasn't been afraid to drop little hints here and there in the build-up to the next device launch. So far, we can venture a safe guess that the Alexa voice assistant will be the prime focus of the event, which is said to receive a significant AI upgrade, followed by the announcement of a new Echo smart speaker and possible Fire TV updates.

Therefore, we have a solid idea of what we expect next from the tech giant, but as we've said, nothing has been set in stone. We won't know for sure until Amazon makes it official during its event, so you can bet our eyes will be peeled for all the latest announcements during our live blog, which we'll update regularly throughout the event. Still, before that, these are the announcements we're expecting to see at tomorrow.

A next-gen Alexa

(Image credit: Getty Images)

At Amazon's last device event in September 2023, the company teased us with a brief look at Alexa AI, an AI-powered version of the voice assistant with ChatGPT-style functions. This could include an advanced ability to interpret context and distinguish natural speech, conducting multiple requests in a single voice command, and a possible monthly subscription fee.

There's no doubt that Alexa AI will be the star of the show at Amazon's event. However, as recent leaks have pointed out, the AI revamp may be slightly delayed before access is granted.

We've recently reported that an anonymous source informed The Washington Post ($/£) that the AI-revamped Alexa voice had been experiencing inaccuracies when asked questions. As a result, its release date could now be pushed back to March 31, but it will still be announced at Amazon's Alexa event tomorrow.

New Echo smart speakers

(Image credit: Future)

There's a chance we could see a brand new Echo speaker join Amazon's seemingly never-ending lineup of smart home devices that make up some of the best smart speakers. The last time the company unveiled a new Alexa speaker was the Amazon Echo 4th Gen in 2020.

Despite skipping its Alexa event last year, Amazon didn't starve us of some fresh Echo devices in its other smart home device ranges. Most notably, the Echo Show 21, which reigns as its largest Echo device, and its Echo Spot smart alarm speaker both made their debuts.

Given the near five-year time gap since Amazon's last Echo speaker hardware update, an announcement isn't completely unrealistic. A new smart speaker would also be handy for pairing with the AI-integrated Alexa voice.

Alexa subscription tiers

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

As we know, Alexa AI is likely to appear during Amazon's big Alexa event. However, we believe that the revamped voice assistant will offer limited free use before introducing a monthly subscription fee. Thankfully, though, this will likely not impact the classic Alexa we all know and love.

We've been aware that Amazon has been toying with the idea of implementing a fee for its new Alexa voice which could cost you between $5 to $10 a month. Considering that Amazon has fallen behind its AI competitors ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Apple Intelligence and has yet to ride the AI train, from a business perspective, charging a monthly fee makes sense. However, from a consumer perspective, we're still not entirely convinced that this will be worth splurging on, given its numerous delays and reported inaccurate responses.

Updates for Fire TV, and maybe a new device

(Image credit: Amazon)

While its Alexa voice assistant will be the main focus, it's likely that Amazon speak about its Fire TV device range. Amazon's 2023 device event revealed features for its Fire TV devices, including an improved Alexa voice search function and AI screensavers. Following Amazon's Android TV update, we believe the company could introduce new Fire TV devices alongside updates to the abovementioned features during its event.

Mentions of new Fire TV hardware were spotted on one of Amazon's developer pages, stating the following; “Android 14-based Fire TV is based on API level 34. The following sections explain some of [the] important changes that you should consider when you build apps for Android 14-based Fire TV". This gives a strong indication that new Fire TV devices will be one of the star announcements at tomorrow's event.

This leak has come at an awfully convenient time with the Alexa event due to happen tomorrow, adding to our suspicions that Amazon could expand its Fire TV line. With the lack of mentions of specific hardware models, we're unable to pinpoint what exactly this will entail, but we'd expect it to be the announcement of a new smart TV or streaming stick.

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• Researchers found a predatory loans app hiding as a financial management application
• Android app apeared to exclusively target Indian users
• It was removed from the Play Store

Cybersecurity researchers have found a SpyLoan app in Google Play targeting Indian consumers with some 100,000 downloads, before being pulled from the app store.

Predatory loan apps have a simple modus operandi: they advertise as quick and easy loan apps, offering fast loans with little to no paperwork. When the victim installs the app, though, it demands excessive permissions, accessing people’s messages and call logs, contacts, photos, and more.

After taking a loan, the app then asks for high interest rates, starts harassing the victim, and threatens to release sensitive photos (sometimes even fake, edited photos, too).

Bypassing security mechanisms with WebView

In this case, cybersecurity researchers from CYFIRMA found an app called Finance Simplified, which allegedly had 100,000 downloads on Google Play before being pulled down. This app pretended to be a financial management application, and while it worked more-or-less as intended around the world, it behaved differently for users located in India.

Before the app was pulled, BleepingComputer managed to read some of the reviews. "Very very very bad app they given low loan amount nd black mail to pay High otherwise photoes edited as a nude nd black mailing," one review read. CYFIRMA also said the app was advertised as a registered non-banking financial company, which was an outright lie.

Google is usually quite good at spotting malware in its repository, which begs the question - how did Finance Simplified make it through? Apparently, it loaded a WebView to redirect users to an external website, from where they downloaded a loan app APK hosted on an Amazon EC2 server.

"The Finance Simplified app appears to target Indian users specifically by displaying and recommending loan applications, loading a WebView that shows a loan service that redirects to an external website where a separate loan APK file is downloaded," CYFIRMA said.

After the news broke, a Google spokesperson said the app was removed from Google Play, and added that Android users are “automatically protected” against known versions of this malware by Google Play Protect. “Google Play Protect can warn users or block apps known to exhibit malicious behavior, even when those apps come from sources outside of Play,” the spokesperson told BleepingComputer.

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• Apple is reportedly targeting vloggers with the iPhone 17 series
• It may replace a dedicated digital camera for video creators
• For now, it's not clear what any potential video upgrades could be

We're gradually learning more and more about what Apple has in store for us with the iPhone 17 later this year, and a new report suggests the four phones are going to have a special focus on video recording features.

"In past years, Apple has focused more heavily on the camera's photo-taking abilities," writes Mark Gurman in his Power On newsletter for Bloomberg. "This year it will stress improvements to video recording."

Gurman is one of the more reliable Apple tipsters in the business, and he says Apple is targeting the "vlogging community" and "video creators" to move away from standalone cameras and use their iPhones instead.

It's not clear if there will be any new video recording features, or exactly what they might be, but it sounds like Apple is going to hype up these particular capabilities when it comes to iPhone 17 launch day (most probably sometime in September).

The current top-end iPhones, the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max, can record video at a maximum resolution of 4K, and at up to 120 frames per second. Multi-stream ProRes and 3D spatial video recording are supported as well.

Potential upgrades

The rear cameras on the iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

If Apple is going to introduce new video features on the iPhone 17, what could they be? And will they offer enough to get vloggers to leave their dedicated digital cameras behind and go all-in on the iPhone?

A boost in megapixels is expected, as is a new telephoto sensor. On the hardware side, improved audio and video capture would certainly appeal, as would a boost to optical video stabilization for those smooth, extended shots.

There are likely to be improvements on the software and AI side too – perhaps something to match the Pixel's Audio Magic Eraser that cuts out background noise and can identify different types of sound (like singing or the hum of traffic).

(Image credit: Apple)

Yet even if the iPhone 17 does get these features, it won't completely replace the best vlogging cameras. TechRadar Cameras editor Tim Coleman says: "If a future iPhone 17 Pro is to be taken seriously by aspiring and pro filmmakers, Apple has its work cut out because we'd need to see several hardware improvements equating to the biggest single camera upgrade we've seen yet" he said.

"These include the quality of lenses, and for vloggers especially a dramatic improvement in the quality of the selfie camera. A built-in ND filter together with some sort of pro mode in the native camera app offering manual exposure control, including aperture and shutter speed, will make footage feel more natural and premium. I'd also hope for better heat dissipation, battery life, and larger SSD storage, although there are accessories to boost battery life and storage, so those points aren't dealbreakers" he added.

(Image credit: Sony )

Whatever happens, dedicated pro video cameras are likely to be around for a long time yet. "Today's vlogging cameras have evolved to keep them ahead of the best smartphones, like the iPhone 16 Pro. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3, for example, has a built-in gimbal for stabilization and smoothly following the subject" our cameras editor notes.

"The likes of the Panasonic GH7 and Sony ZV-E1, meanwhile, have much bigger sensors than iPhones and a wealth of pro-friendly recording modes. iPhones have made great strides with video, but there will be a place for standalone video cameras for a while yet" he added.

Still, while the iPhone 17 series won't be a primary camera for many filmmakers, it could well bring pro-friendly features to a new audience – and we're looking forward to finding out what those rumored features are later this year.

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• Fable has been delayed to 2026
• Xbox Game Studios lead Craig Duncan confirmed he's giving Playground Games "more time"
• New pre-alpha footage was also revealed, giving us a first look at the gameplay

Xbox has officially confirmed that Fable has been delayed to 2026, but also offered a first look at gameplay.

This comes from the latest episode of the Xbox Podcast, where Xbox Game Studios lead Craig Duncan revealed that Playground Games' next fantasy role-playing game (RPG) will no longer be released in the planned 2025 launch window and instead arrive in 2026.

When asked by Xbox's Tina Amini where the development is at with the game, Duncan said, "We're really excited about [Fable's] progress and where Playground are. We previously announced Fable as 2025.

"We are actually going to give Fable more time. It's going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want is to assure people that it's definitely worth the wait."

Duncan added that he has "unequivocal confidence" in Playground Games and referenced the studio's legacy with its popular Forza Horizon series.

"Just what they’re bringing to Fable as a franchise, just think of the visuals of what you expect of Playground games plus amazing gameplay, British humor, Playground’s version of Albion," he said. "So inspired by what’s gone before with the franchise but their take, in quite frankly the most beautifully realized version of Albion you’ve ever seen.

"So, really excited about the plans and really excited about the future. I want the community to understand that we do these things for the best of the games and the teams, and ultimately that results in the best game for the community."

Duncan then went on to showcase a few clips of pre-alpha gameplay footage captured in-game. There are moments of the playable character walking through stunning forests, riding a horse, shots of cityscapes, a few cutscenes, and even some combat featuring some monsters, like a werewolf.

He also confirmed that he's played some of the game, including some of the "city elements", and some quests, he's also engaged in combat and a boss battle, as well as "used magic".

"It felt amazing," Duncan said, "and I had a great time."

Fable is the fourth installment in the franchise and was announced in 2020. Development updates remained quiet until the game was re-revealed at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 with a new, comedic trailer. We then received another cinematic trailer last year, which offered a deeper look at the game's characters and fantasy world.

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We’ve been hearing about Alexa 2.0 for quite some time now, and with a mysterious Amazon devices showcase looming on the immediate horizon, we could finally be about to see the AI revolution hit smart home technology in a big way.

While we expected Alexa 2.0 sometime in 2024, Amazon didn’t deliver, skipping its 2024 Devices and Services event in favor of an Alexa-themed event this week on Feb 26 in New York City.

It’s an exciting moment for smart home fans, likely signaling the first major wave of new large language model (LLM) AI technology hitting our homes. However, the simple fact is there’s a lot that needs fixing in Amazon’s smart home - and that goes for Google, Samsung, and Apple, too, mind you - and AI might not be the solution for all of those problems.

It's left me at a challenging juncture I'm sure many budding smart home fans have faced; can Alexa keep up with my demands? Here are five problems I'd need to see fixed to keep me on-side.

1. Improved routines

(Image credit: Future / Amazon)

My biggest woe with Alexa is the dire state of automation. I use Alexa's Routine feature daily, and while the functionality works pretty well for the basics, as soon as you begin to work in any more complex instructions, custom commands, or conditional logic, you’re liable to either spend hours head-scratching while working through complex workarounds and third-party solutions and potentially just end up with something that scrapes by as semi-functional.

For example, there’s a lack of conditional logic. In an ideal world, I should be able to set up complex, conditional automations within the Alexa app; if my air quality monitor detects that it’s a bit cold in my home and its geofencing detects that I’m home and a sensor device detects the windows are closed, then my heater should turn on. In the past year, Alexa’s ability to incorporate multiple triggers has improved. Even so, it’s still limited and error-prone, meaning the best option stands as the more complex, added-cost IFTTT automation ecosystem.

It’d also be especially helpful if you could nest routines, allowing you to trigger complex chains of actions simultaneously instead of in one poorly optimized clump. Again, there are workarounds here using custom commands, but these work inconsistently, especially if Alexa has a surprise update that inexplicably wipes out its standard response to the exact same prompt you’ve been using for years.

Lastly, the ability to snooze routines or only run them when you’re home (currently impossible in the UK, where Amazon’s geolocation software isn’t available) would be helpful for those of us who live between homes or with a more flexible schedule.

We’ve got a full guide for how to use Alexa automations, why not check it out?

2. Contextual responses

(Image credit: Amazon)

One of the more likely Alexa upgrades we’ll see is improved contextual responses, allowing for many improved experiences when interacting with your smart home assistant.

For instance, one of the most frequent debates I have with my non-sentient smart home sasspot is the definition of ‘resume’. Often, I’ll pause a TV show, a news briefing, or some other kind of Alexa Skill while I take a call or answer the door, and I’ll ask Alexa to resume within minutes. What happens? Instead of resuming the media, I was just listening to, Alexa will nine times out of ten play whatever was last playing on Spotify.

Contextual responses would mean that instead of jumping straight to whatever takes priority in Alexa’s programming, the assistant will recall the context of my most recent requests and make a logic-based decision. Alexa offers contextual actions for certain smart home devices; smart lights can be controlled more easily when grouped into rooms with an Echo device. However, far wider-reaching device support is necessary to really make the smart assistant… well, assistive.

It would also allow for more natural interactions between the user and the Echo device. I regularly move between my kitchen and living room and have Alexa-enabled displays in both rooms. In an ideal world, I could ask Alexa to move Netflix from my kitchen to my living room, but as of writing, I have to pause my show, close Netflix, and then ask for Alexa to resume playing in the other room. It’s a first-world problem, yes, but a problem that bugs me every day when it should just work.

Improved Follow-up Mode

(Image credit: Future/James Holland)

Similarly, using Alexa would be a lot less painful if Follow-up Mode was a two-way street. When the feature was announced, many thought it might mean Alexa could ask follow-up questions to understand better what the user might want and need.

Unfortunately, Follow-up Mode basically just means that you don’t have to repeat your wake word to string commands to Alexa, which is certainly handy. It’s not exactly ‘smart’ though; all that’s happening is that your Echo speaker or display continues listening for a few seconds after completing your first request to see if you have anything else to add.

An improved Follow-up Mode could see Alexa asking clarifying questions, making real-time suggestions, and allow for better Routine configuration, wherein the user can ask Alexa to ask a clarifying question mid-way through a Routine that creates different pathways for executing the rest of the steps. Similarly, using Alexa would be a lot less painful if Follow-up mode was a two-way street. When the feature was announced, many thought it might mean Alexa could ask follow-up questions to understand better what the user might want and need.

Unfortunately, Follow-up Mode basically just means that you don’t have to repeat your wake word to string commands to Alexa, which is certainly handy. It’s not exactly ‘smart’ though; all that’s happening is that your Echo speaker or display continues listening for a few seconds after completing your first request to see if you have anything else to add.

An improved Follow-up Mode could see Alexa asking clarifying questions, making real-time suggestions, and allow for better Routine configuration, wherein the user can ask Alexa to ask a clarifying question mid-way through a Routine that creates different pathways for executing the rest of the steps.

4. Improved media searching

(Image credit: Amazon)

I won’t be joining the reams of conspiracy theorists claiming Alexa has “become dumber,” but I will say its ability to search for media seems to have deteriorated slightly, which could just as likely be a result of the ever-growing, terrifyingly vast swathes of content now available online.

For example, I’m a fan of Cobblestone Jazz, and I’ll often ask Alexa to play their music on Spotify. What do I get? A custom mix by Cybotron on Amazon Music. Any niche artist, track, or album is invariably skipped over for a slightly more recognizable alternative, with hilariously mismatched results at times.

The aforementioned improved handling of context would help Alexa to at least remember my preferences and make more logical decisions on what it thinks I might play, and follow-up questions where the user can provide more information and direction would also benefit Alexa’s hit rate. Regardless, something’s gotta give, so I stop accidentally blaring heavy metal instead of smooth jazz in the evening.

5. Improved language processing

(Image credit: Amazon)

I saved the obvious one for last because, of all the things that most need fixing, this is both the most important and most likely, thanks to the inevitable incorporation of LLM smarts to Alexa 2.0.

Currently, Alexa can be almost hilariously inefficient when it comes to commands, requiring very specific verbiage to work as intended. Better yet, that verbiage seems to change as updates come and go; the same Echo Spot I’ve been using to control my Philips Hue Signe for the best part of a year used to respond to “Signe” and now only responds to “floor lamp”, and I haven’t changed the name of the device in the App.

Improving language processing would mean users won’t have to adhere to a strict, seemingly undocumented list of specific commands and product names, which would allow users to play and experiment more with the voice assistant. If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they had no idea that their smart speaker could help you find your phone or talk you through a seven-minute workout, I’d have at least enough to afford the rumored new monthly Alexa subscription.

While smart home enthusiasts have found some workarounds for a number of the improvements I think Alexa needs so desperately, many involve fiddly hacks or third-party services that your average user just might not want to tackle.

Echo devices have always been positioned more towards the ‘everyman’ than those of us who like to get down in the weeds with smart home setup, and to that end, it’s a surprise that Alexa is still as complex and riddled with awkward loopholes and quirks as it is.

With Alexa 2.0, however, that seems fit to change - hopefully, all will be revealed tomorrow at Amazon’s ‘Devices and Services’ event, so make sure to stay tuned!

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I can't scroll through social media without stumbling across Severance season 2 fan theories, memes, art, and other creative endeavors, which is one of the reasons I'm so obsessed with the show. Recently, I found some fan-made Severance trailers that pay homage to three more of my favorite comedy shows: The Office, Succession, and Parks and Recreation. I'm sure Adam Scott, who plays Mark Scout in Severance and Ben Wyatt in Parks and Rec, will be thrilled about the latter!

It's so great to see one of the best Apple TV+ shows getting so much love, even if I am jealous of the people who didn't have to wait three years between seasons. If you're new to the Severance fandom, it's better late than never, and we get to see gems like this. I absolutely love Severance season 2's new title sequence, but these are very creative indeed, not to mention funny.

So, without further waffle (do you see what I did there?), here are the aforementioned fan-made trailers. Spoilers follow for Severance seasons 1 and 2, so proceed with caution if you haven't watched the popular Apple TV+ series yet.

Lumon if it was Dunder Mifflin

#SEVERANCE | the office intro pic.twitter.com/tuABaeqY7bFebruary 24, 2025

If Michael Scott could see this intro, I'm sure he would give it one of his coveted Dundies. Maybe Lumon should have its own award ceremony, too: The Lumies? That one needs work, I think.

Anyway, it's very cool to see one of my favorite comedy shows of all time, The Office, coming together with Severance. This brings a very different vibe to the mysterious Lumon halls. I would quite like to see a Kier-based sitcom. Can someone greenlight that?

Severance and Recreation

As mentioned, Adam Scott is well-known for playing Ben Wyatt in Parks and Recreation, so it's cool to see two of his most famous shows come together in a fan-made tease that the talented Inherent Mediocre has dubbed Severance and Recreation. This playful take on Severance features all of the main cast and uses the grid imagery that Parks and Recreation made so iconic.

Perhaps some of the Pawnee workers would quite like the idea of being severed, as not all of them are quite as enthusiastic about their jobs as Leslie Knope. I would love to see what all their innies are like.

Let's burn Waystar Royco to the ground

The drama of this one! Succession's intro has always been brilliant and it's one I never skipped because I just had to hear that great Nicholas Britell score every single time. Considering it's a show about corruption and power dynamics, there are parallels with Severance there for sure.

This is another Inherent Mediocre gem and, honestly, I'm excited to see where they go next because every creation of theirs is brilliant.

What Severance intro parodies would you like to see next? Let me know in the comments!

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• Partnership comes as Salesforce bets big on agentic AI
• Long context windows and real-time data are just some of the benefits

Salesforce and Google Cloud have announced what they describe as a “major expansion” of their strategic partnership – a two-way deal which will see them sharing cloud and AI resources.

Central to the deal is how Salesforce customers will nowbe able to build AI agents using Google’s Gemini models as well as deploy Salesforce on Google Cloud.

The news comes during the emergence of agentic AI, a sector that’s estimated to be worth $2 trillion.

“Our mutual customers have asked us to be able to work more seamlessly across Salesforce and Google Cloud, and this expanded partnership will help them accelerate their AI transformations with agentic AI, state-of-the-art AI models, data analytics, and more," noted Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian.

Salesforce and Google Cloud deepen partnership

The news comes during the emergence of agentic AI, a sector that’s estimated to be worth $2 trillion.

According to Salesforce data, 84% of CIOs believe artificial intelligence will be as significant as the internet itself.

Salesforce’s access to Google’s models includes Grounding with Google Search through Vertex AI, which means that users will be able to access “up-to-the-minute data, news, current events, and credible citations.”

Salesforce also noted the importance of giving its customers the freedom to choose their own models – this flexibility should in theory prevent them from seeking alternative solutions, keeping them spending their money with Salesforce.

“Through our expanded partnership with Google Cloud and deep integrations at the platform, application, and infrastructure layer, we’re giving customers choice in the applications and models they want to use," noted Salesforce Chief Engineering Officer Srini Tallapragada.

The announcement also references Gemini’s two million-token context window, making it one of the most powerful models for contextual understanding and reasoning.

The two companies have promised deeper integrations across Data Cloud, BigQuery, and Cortex Framework later in 2025, as well as new native Tableau, Looker, and BigQuery integration.

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