TechRadar News

• Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 has a release date and will add Human Torch and The Thing
• NetEase Games has reversed its decision to implement a rank reset mid-season
• The U-turn comes after "a wealth of feedback from the community"

NetEase Games has announced Marvel Rivals Season 1.5 will be released on February 21, 2025.

The studio shared the news via the latest Dev Talk blog post, where it also confirmed that the remaining members of The Fantastic Four, Human Torch and The Thing, will be added to the roster in the mid-season update, joining Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman who were added in the first half of Season 1.

No details were shared about the heroes' abilities in this post, but we do know that "some major balance adjustments" will also be introduced, which are "expected to shake up the battlefield during the second half of Season 1."

The post also announced that competitive ranks will be reset with this update, however, following player feedback online, NetEase has now walked back this decision.

"After the release of Dev Talk 10 regarding the seasonal rank adjustment, we received a wealth of feedback from the community," NetEase said.

"A common concern was the pressure associated with having a rank reset every half-season, which has made participating in competitive mode less enjoyable. In light of the community's input, we have decided to make some changes to optimize the rank system."

Thank you for all your passionate discussions and feedback. There wil be NO RANK RESET when the second half of the season begins! Check out the details here! https://t.co/zM4IWsVRw0 #marvelrivals pic.twitter.com/7Cpn3aiwUxFebruary 11, 2025

Instead of a rank reset, players will retain their ranks and scores from the end of the first half of Season 1. To earn new rewards, players will need to complete 10 matches in Competitive mode and meet the relevant conditions by the end of the season.

In addition, when the first half of Season 1 ends, players at Gold rank will receive costume rewards, along with new Crests of Honor, which will recognize players at Grandmaster, Celestial, Eternity, and One Above All (the top 500), each with its own unique design to showcase the players' skill level.

"We strive to make Marvel Rivals the best game it can be, and the community is the driving force behind this mission," NetEase said, adding that more details about Season 1.5 will arrive soon.

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Microsoft has ditched an online document that was ostensibly about catering for those wanting to uninstall the Edge browser, but in actual fact, was an attempt to dissuade those thinking of removing the app to stick with it.

We reported on the ‘uninstall document’ last week, which came in the form of a web page that, from search results, looked like it pertained to removing Edge from your PC.

However, when actually navigating to the page, it turned out that the document was all about comparing Edge to Google Chrome, and extolling the virtues of the former.

When this hit the headlines, there were a fair few people left unimpressed by this heavy-handed attempt at persuasion – unsurprisingly – and so now Microsoft has canned the web page, as Windows Latest noticed.

When you try to visit this page now, you’re redirected to Microsoft’s Edge portal, which is still all about promoting the benefits of the browser – but without any pretence that this might help you remove Edge (and no mention of Chrome anywhere, either, it should be noted).

(Image credit: Microsoft) Analysis: A misleading tactic that needed to be canned

As you’re likely aware, Microsoft has a long history of prodding folks to use Edge, dating back to, well, the inception of the browser. The Windows operating system has long played host to various nudges, or outright adverts, pushing Edge, so it’s not exactly a surprise to see Microsoft having tried yet another angle on persuasion.

The misleading nature of the search result, compared to the contents of the web page (when it was still active), was the real problem here – and I’m not surprised Microsoft has quickly dropped this one.

What made it worse was the lure of clicking through to ‘uninstall Edge’ when for most folks (outside of Europe), there’s no official way to completely remove the browser from a Windows 11 installation. That’s because other bits of the operating system rely on code within Edge, or this is Microsoft’s stance on the matter, anyway.

You can delete all the shortcuts and so on to the browser, and ignore it, but you can’t actually remove the app as such. It’ll still be sat there lurking in the background. (Furthermore, I should clarify, you can try to ignore it, but it’ll pop up again and again with some regularity in the form of suggestions in various parts of Windows that you should be using Edge, and to make it your default browser).

One of the more frustrating elements about all this is that Edge is a genuinely good product – it tops our list of the best web browsers, in fact – but with constant attempts to promote it, Microsoft is more likely to drive folks away from the app, not into the fold.

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• Elon Musk and other investors offer to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion
• OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hits back with $9.74 billion X valuation
• Others have criticized OpenAI’s plans

A group of investors led by Elon Musk has offered $97.4 billion to buy OpenAI’s nonprofit arm - but OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to hit back with a sarcastic bid offer to buy X.

Musk’s lawyer, Mac Toberoff, confirmed he submitted the bid to OpenAI’s board yesterday (via Wall Street Journal), further complicating the relationship between Musk and Altman.

The pressure adds to the already ongoing battle between the two, with Musk accusing OpenAI of betraying its nonprofit mission and partnering up with Microsoft.

Musk offers to buy OpenAI

Altman has set out plans to convert the business into a for-profit operation while splitting a $500 billion investment with the likes of Oracle and Softbank to improve AI infrastructure – something that Musk says neither OpenAI or Project Stargate’s backers can afford to do.

Meta has also complained, in the form of a letter to California’s attorney general, about the for-profit business plans.

“It’s time for OpenAI to return to the open-source, safety-focused force for good it once was,” Musk said in a statement provided by Toberoff.

Altman hastened to share with colleagues on an internal Slack channel: “Our structure ensures that no individual can take control of OpenAI…These are tactics to try and weaken us because we are making great progress.”

The OpenAI CEO also took to X, the Musk-owned social media platform, to post: “no thank you but we will buy twitter for $9.74 billion if you want.” Must replied with “Swindler,” and called his rival “Scam Altman” in another post.

It’s yet to be observed how the negotiations play out, but a possible OpenAI-xAI merger could be on the cards if the bid succeeds – an event that Altman deems highly unlikely.

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• A new study from the BBC says AI chatbots are unable to accurately summarize news
• The study asked ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Perplexity to summarize BBC news articles
• 51% of responses had 'significant issues' and 19% introduced factual errors

A new study from the BBC has found that four of the world's most popular AI chatbots including ChatGPT are inaccurately summarizing news stories.

The BBC asked ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity to summarize 100 news stories from the news outlet and then rated each answer to determine just how accurate the AI responses were.

The study found that "51% of all AI answers to questions about the news were judged to have significant issues of some form." and "19% of AI answers which cited BBC content introduced factual errors, such as incorrect factual statements, numbers and dates."

The study showcases multiple examples of inaccuracies that showcased differing information to the news it was summarizing. The examples note that "Gemini incorrectly said the NHS did not recommend vaping as an aid to quit smoking" and "ChatGPT and Copilot said Rishi Sunak and Nicola Sturgeon were still in office even after they had left."

Inaccuracies aside, there's another crucial finding. The report found that AI "struggled to differentiate between opinion and fact, editorialised, and often failed to include essential context."

While these results are unsurprising considering how often we see issues with news summarization tools at the moment, including Apple Intelligence's mix-ups that have led Apple to temporarily remove the feature in iOS 18.3, it's a good reminder not to believe everything you read from AI.

Are you surprised?

From the study, the BBC concludes that "Microsoft's Copilot and Google's Gemini had more significant issues than OpenAI's ChatGPT and Perplexity,"

While this research doesn't necessarily give us much more info, it validates the skepticism towards AI summary tools and emphasizes just how important it is to take information from AI chatbots with a pinch of salt. AI is developing rapidly and large language models (LLMs) are released almost weekly at the moment, so it's to be expected that mistakes will happen. That said, from my personal testing I've found inaccuracies and hallucinations to be less frequent now in software like ChatGPT than it was just a few months ago.

Sam Altman said in a blog post yesterday that AI is progressing faster than Moore’s law and that means we'll continue to see constant improvements to software and how it interacts with the world around it. For now, however, it's probably best not to trust AI for your daily news, and if it's tech-based you may as well stick with TechRadar instead.

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• A source has apparently revealed the next MacBook Air’s chip identifier
• This identifier corresponds to Apple’s M4 chip
• The M4 MacBook Air is expected to launch within weeks

All the signs are pointing towards the imminent launch of a new MacBook Air M4 with Apple’s latest M4 chip, and a new clue has just emerged that further cements that idea.

According to MacRumors, a mysterious private account on X (formerly Twitter) recently shared model identifiers for the upcoming MacBook Air. These are the codes that Apple uses to classify its devices and components. In this instance, the source claimed that upcoming models of both the 13-inch MacBook Air and its 15-inch sibling would be equipped with the T8132 chip, which MacRumors believes corresponds to the M4.

MacRumors didn’t share the source, so we’re not able to independently verify what they’ve said. However, there’s been a steady stream of MacBook Air leaks over the past few weeks, with many sources claiming that the laptop will launch soon.

Apple often releases new products in March or April, which could be when we’ll see the M4 MacBook Air.

A modest update?

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

Before you get too excited, this MacBook Air refresh is not expected to be particularly groundbreaking. It’ll get the M4 chip for sure, but there’s precious little else expected. Based on what we’ve seen in the MacBook Pro, the M4 chip will likely bring modest performance improvements rather than anything truly eye-opening.

Apple will almost certainly stick with the same design as the M3 MacBook Air, with its flat edges and slimline chassis. We wouldn’t expect many features from the MacBook Pro to make it across to the MacBook Air either, ruling out new features like the ProMotion dynamic refresh rate and the nano-texture glass option that cuts down on glare and reflections.

However, there could be increased memory bandwidth, which might allow you to connect two external displays without needing to close the laptop’s lid. We also wouldn’t be surprised to see a more efficient Neural Engine to improve artificial intelligence workloads.

If you’ve been considering buying a new MacBook Air, it would be worth holding off just a little longer until the M4 model sees the light of day. Based on the latest news, it looks like that could potentially happen within the next few weeks.

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• Picus Security says the number of attacks against password managers skyrocketed in 2024
• The malware is growing more sophisticated
• Users should deploy MFA with password managers, research suggests

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting password managers in an attempt to break into various important digital accounts.

Picus Security detailed its findings in the newly-released Red Report 2025, based on an in-depth analysis of more than a million malware variants collected last year, finding a quarter of all malware (25%) targeted credentials in password stores. This, the researchers claim, represents a three-fold increase compared to the year before.

“For the first time ever, stealing credentials from password stores is in the top 10 techniques listed in the MITRE ATT&CK Framework,” they said. “The report reveals that these top 10 techniques accounted for 93% of all malicious actions in 2024.”

Multi-factor authentication

The attackers are using all sorts of sophisticated extraction methods in their attacks, Picus Security co-founder and VP of Picus Labs, Dr. Suleyman Ozarslan said, including memory scraping, registry harvesting, and compromising local and cloud-based password stores.

To tackle the threat, Ozarslan added, it is pivotal people use password managers together with multi-factor authentication (MFA). Furthermore, they should never reuse a password, especially for their password manager.

The attacks are not just growing in volume, but in sophistication, as well. Picus said it’s seen threat actors prioritizing “complex, prolonged, multi-stage attacks” that require a new generation of malware. That malware, infostealers included, comes with increased stealth, persistence, and even automation. The researchers likened this increasing sophistication to “the perfect heist”, since most malware samples come with “more than a dozen malicious actions designed to help attackers evade defenses, increase permissions and exfiltrate data.”

A password manager is a tool that securely stores, generates, and autofills passwords for websites and apps. It helps users create and manage strong, unique passwords without needing to remember them all. It is considered one of the key pillars of good cybersecurity hygiene.

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SwitchBot attracted plenty of attention and praise with the launch of the K10+, a pint-sized robot vacuum for people who don't have a ton of space at home – but while the dinky bot can get into a lot of nooks and crannies, it can't clean your stairs or your sofa.

To get around this, SwitchBot has now unveiled the K10+ Pro Combo, which takes the latest model of the mini robovac and bundles in a lightweight stick vacuum that attaches to, and auto-empties into, the same dock. Said dock has gained a long chimney-like extension for the purpose, and now looks a little like a futuristic pizza oven.

This robovac scored highly in our SwitchBot K10+ Pro review, and the manual vacuum looks decent too. It promises many of the same features I'd look for in today's best cordless vacuums, including an advanced filtration system, a roller designed not to get tangled with hair, a lie-flat design, and detailing tools for handling different cleaning tasks.

(Image credit: SwitchBot)

However, I'm not entirely sold on the new configuration. First, the stick vacuum attaches to the back of the dock, which means you can't position the dock flush to the wall. This is perhaps to ensure that the bot can find its way back (you need to position the dock with clear space to the front and sides), but it does mean that you now have to have your dock sitting away from the wall and taking up more space in the room, if you want to avoid accidentally scraping the stick vacuum down the wall as you dock it.

I'm also not convinced that you'd be saving space compared to having a separate wall-mounted cordless vacuum dock – the kind you get with most Dyson vacuums. Sure, the two docks would be in separate spots, but cumulatively they wouldn't take up much more space than this combination effort.

(Image credit: SwitchBot)

If you're wondering why I'm fixating on space here, remember that the SwitchBot robovac's whole USP is that it's small. If you have space for a bigger dock, you'd just buy a regular-sized robot vacuum, and open up a world of other options (here are TechRadar's best robot vacuum picks if you're looking for inspiration).

With a capacity of three liters, the dust cup hidden in the dock is at least large enough to cope with a decent volume of dust, although it has lost a chunk of capacity compared to the standard K10+ Pro dock, which holds four liters.

If you are sold on this idea, now's the time to buy, as there are discounts on the SwitchBot K10+ Pro Combo in both the US and the UK.

Head to Amazon right now and you can get $200 off this new combo cleaner – just check the coupon box to apply the discount. This all-in-one solution combines a pint-sized robot vacuum and a manual stick vacuum, both of which attach to the same streamlined dock, where their dust cups automatically empty. This deal is also available direct from SwitchBot.View Deal

Click the voucher checkbox to apply a £160 discount on the new SwitchBot Combo at Amazon. For £639.99 you get the latest version of the brand's shrunk-down robovac, a stick vacuum with useful detail heads, and a dock that houses both. This offer is also available direct from SwitchBot.View Deal

Analysis: a self-emptying invasion?

SwitchBot is not the only vacuum brand to be offering such a setup. Take the Yeedi C12 Combo, for instance, which also combines a stick vacuum (with additional mopping head) and full-sized robovac, and comes with an absolute beast of a dock.

It's also part of an interesting trend for self-emptying manual vacuums. Both of the newest and best Shark vacuums have optional auto-empty docks, for example. I see the appeal with robot vacuums, because the onboard bins are necessarily tiny, and the whole point is to be a hands-off solution. But if you're manually vacuuming in the first place, it's not a whole lot more effort to empty the dust cup yourself.

I've tested out the Shark PowerDetect, and while the auto-empty dock works well, it's bulky and not terribly attractive. Personally, I would choose to empty my own bin over having the dock out in my home, so I'm interested to see if this growing trend takes off.

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• Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has referenced a Grand Theft Auto 6 PC port
• He drew attention to the release of previous Rockstar Games titles, which have come to PC a year or two after consoles
• This indicates that GTA 6 will also follow this pattern

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has teased a Grand Theft Auto 6 PC port.

The company has previously confirmed that the highly anticipated open-world game is currently on the way for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S sometime in fall 2025. In an interview with IGN ahead of the company's recent financial results, Zelnick was asked whether the lack of a PC release is a mistake given the platform's prevalence.

"With Civ 7 it's available on console and PC and Switch right away,” he replied, referencing the recent multi-platform release of Sid Meier's Civilization 7. “With regard to others in our lineup, we don't always go across all platforms simultaneously. Historically, Rockstar [Games] has started with some platforms and then historically moved to other platforms.”

In the past, it has taken some time for Rockstar titles to make their way to PC. Grand Theft Auto 5, for example, launched for consoles back in 2013 - two years before it arrived on PC. 2018's Red Dead Redemption 2 was a similar story, staying exclusive to consoles for over a year.

Zelnick's words suggest that GTA 6 will follow this pattern. It's reasonable to assume that it will be available on PC a year or so after its release, so sometime in late 2026.

Of course, this is only a hint and we'll have to wait and see what Take-Two has in store.

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Marvel Rivals is set to add The Thing and Human Torch, bringing the total number of Heroes up to 37. They join their other Fantastic Four cohorts, rounding out Season One in style. So far, the new characters have yet to be fully detailed, but we do know their release dates.

Alongside the arrival of these two new Heroes, there will also be new rewards to earn in Marvel Rivals ranked mode. The game's high quality of competitive modes definitely makes it stand out from its competitors and is one of the main reasons it's already landed on our best crossplay games list.

Here's when The Thing and Human Torch are being added to Marvel Rivals. As we're waiting for each to be fully revealed, you'll find our predictions for how each one will play below.

Marvel Rivals The Thing and Human Torch release date

(Image credit: NetEase)

The Thing and Human Torch will be added to Marvel Rivals on February 21, 2025. This is when the game will receive its midseason update, which promises to shake up the battlefield. We're still waiting on precise timings, so stay tuned for updates to this page.

Marvel Rivals The Thing and Human Torch predictions

Marvel Rivals will receive a brand new update this month (February 2025), adding two new Heroes: The Thing and Human Torch. Of course, these two are members of The Fantastic Four and have some pretty unique powers and abilities. The game's developer NetEase has yet to show off the two characters, besides some character art that you can see elsewhere in this article. So until we hear more, here are our predictions for The Thing and Human Torch.

Let's start with The Thing. In terms of class, we expect The Thing to serve as a Vanguard. This is largely because of the fact that he's a giant, rock man. There's also the fact that there are only eight Vanguards currently in the game, compared to 23 Duelists. Interestingly, there are only eight Strategists, so it could be a nice twist to go against what's expected and place The Thing as a Support character.

As a Vanguard, The Thing's primary goal will be to tank damage and position themselves near the objective. We don't think The Thing will be a dive tank, so will probably be closer to someone like Magneto, rather than Venom or Captain America. A rock shield wall could be great, similar to how Groot's works. The Ultimate? It's Clobberin' Time.

Over to Human Torch, who we hope will be able to fly, at least sometimes. As a living supernova, it'd be cool to have Human Torch equipped with a heat meter, which would climb over time. At a certain point, the character should have access to new abilities and an Ultimate that damages every player in its proximity, via heat damage. This would suit a Duelist or Vanguard role. Given that Mr. Fantastic is a Duelist, and Invisible Woman is a strategist, this would fit nicely.

Marvel Rivals The Thing and Human Torch FAQs

(Image credit: Marvel Games) Is the Human Torch in Marvel Rivals yet?

Human Torch is not currently available in Marvel Rivals. This is set to change on February 21, 2025, with the arrival of the midseason update.

Will The Thing and Human Torch be free?

So far, every Hero in Marvel Rivals has been free to play. We don't expect this to change for The Things and Human Torch. It's also worth noting that at the beginning of Season One, Mr Fantastic, and Invisible Woman were added immediately for all players. If this pattern continues, expect to load up the game after the midseason update on February 21, 2025, and be able to select The Thing and Human Torch.

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• Anthropic report finds only 4% of workers use AI for 75% of their tasks
• Software engineers use AI more than other types of workers
• AI is best described as a tech that augments human capabilites

Even though investments in AI continue to grow, only 4% of occupations use AI for 75% or more of their tasks, highlighting just how far there is to go to fully engrain the tech within our workflows, new reports have claimed.

It might not be heavily relied upon, but plenty of workers have tried AI, with more than a third (36%) of occupations incorporating the technology for at least 25% of their tasks.

The figures come from a paper published by Anthropic’s researchers, who ​​analyze over four million Claude.ai conversations.

Not many workers use AI too much

More specifically, Anthropic’s researchers break down exactly how AI tools are currently being used, revealing that nearly two in five (37%) AI users work in software engineering roles.

Two in five (43%) use cases proved to be for automation, but the researchers observed the remaining three-fifths (57%) of AI requests augmenting human capabilities, or in other words, boosting efficiency. This finding directly challenges earlier concerns that AI might replace human workers, and is just one of a growing number of studies supporting the pro-human argument for AI.

Artificial intelligence usage is also more prevalent in mid- and high-paying jobs, where many knowledge workers find themselves. Both salary extremes, such as manual and physical labor, and highly skilled workers like physicians, used AI less.

A separate Microsoft study added that workers who are more confident with a task are among the most likely to apply critical thinking to GenAI’s output, compared with workers who might be less familiar with the task, confirming AI’s power as a human aid and not a replacer.

However, we could be on the cusp of major change. The researchers concluded: “As AI systems expand beyond text to handle video, speech, and physical actions through robotics, and as AI agents become more capable of carrying out extended tasks autonomously, the nature of human-AI collaboration is poised to transform dramatically.”

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When I joined the newly formed Police Service of Scotland in 2014, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) - the United Kingdom (UK) cybersecurity authority - did not yet exist. By the end of my policing career in 2023, I was working as a Detective in Police Scotland’s newly established national Cybercrime Investigations Unit.

Here, we regularly engaged with the NCSC and other international agencies to investigate the increasingly complex cybercrime landscape. The technological changes I witnessed during that decade was significant, with individuals and businesses becoming increasingly reliant on technology to improve their lives and productivity.

Technology is now integrated into everyday life and is essential to many of the services we use daily. This includes technology’s critical role in:

• The National Health Service (NHS)
• The economy and financial transactions
• Our critical national infrastructure (CNI) such as the electricity and gas power supply, and data centres (now categorised as CNI by the UK government)
• Our communication for social, employment and national security purposes

With this increased reliance on technology and 50% of UK businesses reporting they experienced some form of cybersecurity breach or attack in the last year, it is no surprise that cybersecurity and the closing of the current skills gap, are priorities for the UK government.

The Widening Gap

Studies by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), an international non-profit cybersecurity organization, have found that while the demand for cybersecurity professionals to secure organizations globally is increasing, the supply of qualified cybersecurity professionals is not. This disparity has resulted in a skills gap, which has been widening year on year since at least 2022 when the study began.

The UK is also impacted by this skills gap. Research by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology estimates that approximately 637,000 (44%) of businesses have basic cybersecurity skills gaps, where employees responsible for cybersecurity lack the confidence to carry out basic tasks, and do not outsource these tasks. Furthermore, approximately 390,000 (23%) of UK businesses have gaps in advanced cybersecurity skills such as penetration testing and incident response, skills essential for organizations with more complex cybersecurity needs.

The Impact of the Skills Gap

Why does the skills gap matter? As we become increasingly reliant on technology in our everyday lives, the severity of the impact caused by a cybersecurity incident grows as well. In recent years, we have seen the disruption that cyberattacks can cause. Notable examples include:

• Royal Mail (2023): Disrupting international deliveries and costing £10 million.
• The British Library (2023): Costing an estimated £7 million and impacted services are still not yet fully restored.

Whilst the internet has revolutionized global communications, it has also allowed cybercriminals to launch attacks from almost anywhere in the world. Cybercrime has no borders, and a few lines of code sent across the world to a system with cybersecurity vulnerabilities can have significant consequences: a digital butterfly effect.

As technology is constantly evolving, so too are cybersecurity threats. Consider some technologies that have risen in popularity in the last decade:

• Cloud computing
• Cryptocurrency
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices

All these technologies have been, and continue to be, exploited by cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity is a technological arms race between those seeking to breach networks and those seeking to defend them. With cybercriminals consistently learning new skills, it is essential for cybersecurity professionals to continually upskill in order to thwart attacks and protect data and IT infrastructure.

Strategies for Closing the Gap

Now that you know about the cybersecurity skills gap and the impact it will have, you might be asking how we can close the gap and secure the future of cybersecurity in the UK? Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all solution, several strategies can help:

Invest in People: One of the most important skills in cybersecurity is the ability to learn. Hiring and developing staff who are passionate about learning, and investing in training them, will help embed essential cybersecurity skills into your organization.

Education and Awareness: Ensuring that all staff understand basic cybersecurity concepts relevant to their role is essential to defending against threats. With 98% of cyberattacks relying on social engineering (exploiting the human element) employees must have at least a basic understanding of the risks and how to react.

Culture: Foster a culture where employees are encouraged and have opportunities to upskill and continuously learn. Employers that fail to prioritize upskilling their staff will risk leaving themselves vulnerable to emerging technologies and threats.

Upskilling Schemes: Identify and leverage cybersecurity upskilling schemes and grants offered by government and non-profit organizations. Examples include ISC2’s 1 Million Certified in Cybersecurity scheme and The Scottish Government’s Cybersecurity Graduate Apprenticeships scheme.

Look to the Future: Anticipate emerging technologies and threats and upskill your staff to meet the challenges presented. With new threats emerging daily, cybersecurity must be proactive rather than solely reactive.

Consider Outsourcing: It may be the case that your organization does not have sufficient internal cybersecurity skills at present. In this case, it may be practical to outsource cybersecurity tasks (even temporarily) as a cost-effective solution to provide the required skills into your organization.

Balancing Innovation and Security

New technologies present new opportunities for organizations to increase productivity and improve customer and employee experiences. However, whilst innovative technologies can have significant benefits, they also present new cybersecurity risks, and ignoring these risks can have devastating consequences.

When considering implementing new technologies, critically assess the risks they introduce, particularly regarding data and cybersecurity, and implement controls to mitigate them. Taking a holistic approach to considering security implications at an early stage will help prevent cybersecurity complacency and enhance your organizational resiliency against the evolving cyber threat landscape.

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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

When you use an ad blocker, encountering an "ad-block wall" or a pop-up asking you to disable it for access is common. While opinions on these ad-block walls vary — some implementations being more reasonable than others — they are generally straightforward in their intent. These websites openly express their dislike for ad blockers and request users to turn them off.

However, a new and concerning trend has emerged with certain anti-ad block pop-ups that not only restrict access but also misattribute blame to ad blockers for website issues. In this article, we’ll explore this phenomenon in detail, examining the tactics behind these deceptive messages and their implications for user trust and website credibility.

Browsing and finding errors

I was browsing for tech reviews when I came across a site that seemed to load normally at first. But as soon as I opened it with my AdGuard for Windows running to block ads, a pop-up appeared. It said the site couldn't load properly because "html-load.com is broken" and prompted me to allow html-load.com to proceed.

I was surprised by this message, especially since the site seemed to be loading more or less correctly in the background. However, that didn’t last long. A few seconds later, the page no longer displayed the intended content and instead showed a jumble of strings, some of which were hyperlinked.

After clicking “OK,” another pop-up appeared, further explaining the situation. It read: “The page could not be loaded due to incorrect/bad filtering rule(s) of ad blocker.” In fine print at the bottom, it added: “The html-load.com domain is used for loading essential web resources such as HTML, CSS, and images. If this domain is blocked, errors may occur in website loading.”

After some research, we at AdGuard discovered that dozens of websites employ similar tactics, displaying pop-ups that blame ad blockers for layout issues.

The catch here is this is not what is actually happening — ad blockers are not breaking these websites, it is so-called ad recovery tools that make them look broken. While it’s true that sometimes ad blockers can garble the original layout after blocking ads due to a bad or outdated filtering rule, this happens very rarely and almost never results in a complete breakdown of the layout.

Before we delve any deeper into why we believe the messages we’ve shown above are deceptive, let us show some other examples of similar if not the same behavior that we’d encountered earlier.

In August this year, we noticed similar tactics being used by Mail.ru, a popular Russian email service and web portal. Suddenly, a block displaying news stopped showing for users with ad blockers. As we looked into the root of the issue, we discovered that Mail.ru had added code to the page that, upon detecting an ad blocker, hides the news section. After implementing this code, Mail.ru made sure to point the finger at ad blockers as the culprit, going as far as emailing a notice to users that blamed ad blockers for the disappearance of certain elements from the page.

From what we’ve seen recently, it seems that the trend of framing ad blockers for the incorrect display of web pages (that is de-facto lying to them) is gaining momentum and becoming global.

Classic ad block walls: what’s the difference?

This approach of forcing users to disable their ad blockers is both new and not new at the same time. The very idea that users need to turn off their ad blocker to access content isn’t novel; it has long been employed by websites that greet visitors with so-called ad block walls, or anti-adblock pop-ups. These pop-ups typically request users to disable their ad blocker or add the site to their ad blocker’s whitelist.

In the case of these "classic" ad block walls, publishers openly acknowledge that their issue with ad blockers lies in their mere use, not in how they disrupt the website’s layout. Opinions on the "classic" ad block walls approach may vary, but at least the publishers are being honest. When it comes to our own policy, we believe that ad blocker detection messages should be allowed if they offer a feasible value exchange that does not put the user’s privacy or security at risk.

The same cannot be said for the new approach we’re focusing on in this article. So, let’s dive a little deeper into how it works behind the scenes.

First method: Reliance on external styles

What we've observed is the work of so-called ad recovery tools. These tools operate in various ways, often attempting to bypass ad blockers to display ads or recover lost revenue.

One common method involves an ad recovery tool loading styles from external sources. External styles are CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) files that define how a website looks and feels — everything from layout to colors.

If a website relies on an external style from a certain domain, the ad recovery tool loads this style from external sources, and if that domain is blocked by an ad blocker, the website's layout can break. To address this issue and maintain the layout, AdGuard can sometimes load styles manually after a script is blocked. This approach helps ensure that the website remains visually coherent, even when ads are being filtered out.

This can be complicated, particularly on iOS or within browser extensions.

There is also a second method.

Second method: Misleading warning messages

Many websites, including the one we used to illustrate the trend, do not rely on external styles; their layout remains intact even when ads are blocked. However, if the site detects that a script from html-load.com (in our case) isn’t loading, it triggers a misleading warning message. After clicking "OK," a larger warning appears, filled with confusing jargon about CSS and images. In reality, it’s not the ad blocker causing issues, but an ad-recovery tool that removes the layout using special scripts.

When it detects that some requests are blocked or some specific elements are hidden or something went wrong with loading ads, the ad-recovery script removes all elements with style and link tag by using a script like:

document.querySelectorAll('link,style').forEach((e)=>e.remove())

This tactic misleads users into believing that the ad blocker is responsible for the failure. In fact, the site is attempting to shift the blame away from its own choice to use an ad-recovery tool, which is causing the problem, and pin it on the ad blocker instead.

Conclusion

What we’ve established here is that some websites are misrepresenting the reason for why they would not open with an ad blocker one. They come up with outright misleading messages that blame ad blockers for loading issues. In our view, such unscrupulous behavior only casts them in a negative light. When websites deceive users right from the moment they land on their pages, these sites risk damaging their reputation and eroding user trust. As the saying goes, if someone wrongs you once, they’re likely to do it again.

This kind of misdirection not only harms the relationship between users and ad blockers, but also between users and the websites themselves, because they manipulate user behavior with misinformation and abuse user trust.

We've listed the best website change monitoring software and the best website defacement monitoring service.

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

• UK joins China and UAE in global race for hyperfast broadband
• Openreach and Nokia show how fibre networks can scale from 10G today to 50G
• Telemedicine and AI-driven healthcare will benefit from 50Gbps broadband

The UK’s first live 50Gbps fibre broadband connection has been successfully tested in a trial by Nokia and Openreach, delivering speeds up to twenty times faster than existing services.

Openreach revealed more on the test, which was conducted in Ipswich over Openreach’s full-fibre network using Nokia’s 50G PON technology, and achieved download speeds of 41.9Gbps and upload speeds of 20.6Gbps.

To put this speed into perspective, downloading a high-definition movie on a typical 100Mbps connection takes about seven minutes. With a 1Gbps connection, it takes around 40 seconds, while at 50Gbps, the same movie would be ready almost instantly.

A global push for hyperfast fibre broadband

The test involved Openreach’s upgraded XGS-PON network, an enhanced version of its existing infrastructure, which supports higher symmetric speeds.

Trevor Linney, Director of Network Technology at Openreach, emphasized the long-term significance of the trial, noting, “it’s crucial that we continue to research, innovate and evolve our network to meet our customers’ demands for decades to come."

"The full fibre network we’re building today is a platform for the UK’s economic, social and environmental prosperity, and this test proves we can keep upgrading the speeds and services our customers experience over that network long into the future.”

One of the most immediate benefits of 50Gbps broadband will be entertainment, as technologies like virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and 8K video streaming require high bandwidth and low latency to function smoothly. Beyond entertainment, the same high-speed connectivity will also enhance remote work and online learning.

In healthcare, high-speed broadband is essential for telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and real-time medical imaging. Near-instant transmission of large medical files will enable quicker remote consultations and enhance patient care, particularly in urgent situations.

Sandy Motley, President of Nokia Fixed Networks, highlighted how this technology sets the stage for even greater advancements.

“Our platform provides [Openreach] with a full range of PON technologies and services that can be delivered over their existing fibre network," she said.

"From 10G and 25G today to eventually 50Gbps or even 100G, our unique toolkit of fibre solutions allows Openreach to future-proof their network and flexibly address their evolving network demand.”

The UK joins China and the United Arab Emirates in testing these broadband speeds, though there's no confirmed timeline for a full rollout just yet.

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Google wants you to know that Gemini 2.0 Flash should be your favorite AI chatbot. The model boasts greater speed, bigger brains, and more common sense than its predecessor, Gemini 1.5 Flash. After putting Gemini Flash 2.0 through its paces against ChatGPT, I decided to see how Google's new favorite model compares to its older sibling.

As with the earlier matchup, I set up the duel with a few prompts built around common ways anyone might employ Gemini, including myself. Could Gemini 2.0 Flash offer better advice for improving my life, explain a complex subject I know little about in a way I could understand, or work out the answer to a complex logic problem and explain the reasoning? Here's how the test went.

Productive choices

(Image credit: Screenshots from Google Gemini)

If there’s one thing AI should be able to do, it’s give useful advice. Not just generic tips, but applicable and immediately helpful ideas. So I asked both versions the same question: "I want to be more productive but also have better work-life balance. What changes should I make to my routine?"

Gemini 2.0 was noticeably quicker to respond, even if it was only a second or two faster. As for the actual content, both had some good advice. The 1.5 model broke down four big ideas with bullet points, while 2.0 went for a longer list of 10 ideas explained in short paragraphs.

I liked some of the more specific suggestions from 1.5, such as the Pareto Principle, but besides that, 1.5 felt like a lot of restating the initial concept, whereas 2.0 felt like it gave me more nuanced life advice for each suggestion. If a friend were to ask me for advice on the subject, I'd definitely go with 2.0's answer.

What's up with Wi-Fi?

(Image credit: Screenshots from Google Gemini)

A big part of what makes an AI assistant useful isn’t just how much it knows – it’s how well it can explain things in a way that actually clicks. A good explanation isn’t just about listing facts; it’s about making something complex feel intuitive. For this test, I wanted to see how both versions of Gemini handled breaking down a technical topic in a way that felt relevant to everyday life. I asked: “Explain how Wi-Fi works, but in a way that makes sense to someone who just wants to know why their internet is slow.”

Gemini 1.5 went with comparing Wi-Fi to radio, which is more of a description than the analogy it suggested it was making. Calling the router the DJ is something of a stretch, too, though the advice about improving the signal was at least coherent.

Gemini 2.0 used a more elaborate metaphor involving a water delivery system with devices like plants receiving water. The AI extended the metaphor to explain what might be causing issues, such as too many "plants" for the water available and clogged pipes representing provider issues. The "sprinkler interference" comparison was much weaker, but as with the 1.5 version, Gemini 2.0 had practical advice for improving the Wi-Fi signal. Despite being much longer, 2.0's answer emerged slightly faster.

Logic bomb

(Image credit: Screenshots from Google Gemini)

For the last test, I wanted to see how well both versions handled logic and reasoning. AI models are supposed to be good at puzzles, but it’s not just about getting the answer right – it’s about whether they can explain why an answer is correct in a way that actually makes sense. I gave them a classic puzzle: "You have two ropes. Each takes exactly one hour to burn, but they don’t burn at a consistent rate. How do you measure exactly 45 minutes?"

Both models technically gave the correct answer about how to measure the time but in about as different a way as is possible within the constraints of the puzzle and being correct. Gemini 2.0's answer is shorter, ordered in a way that's easier to understand, and explains itself clearly despite its brevity. Gemini 1.5's answer required more careful parsing, and the steps felt a little out of order. The phrasing was also confusing, especially when it said to light the remaining rope "at one end" when it meant the end that it isn't currently lit.

For such a contained answer, Gemini 2.0 stood out as remarkably better for solving this kind of logic puzzle.

Gemini 2.0 for speed and clarity

After testing the prompts, the differences between Gemini 1.5 Flash and Gemini 2.0 Flash were clear. Though 1.5 wasn't necessarily useless, it did seem to struggle with specificity and making useful comparisons. The same goes for its logic breakdown. Were that applied to computer code, you'd have to do a lot of cleanup for a functioning program.

Gemini 2.0 Flash was not only faster but more creative in its answers. It seemed much more capable of imaginative analogies and comparisons and far clearer in explaining its own logic. That’s not to say it’s perfect. The water analogy fell apart a bit, and the productivity advice could have used more concrete examples or ideas.

That said, it was very fast and could clear up those issues with a bit of back-and-forth conversation. Gemini 2.0 Flash isn't the final, perfect AI assistant, but it's definitely a step in the right direction for Google as it strives to outdo itself and rivals like ChatGPT.

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• Meta is testing a machine that decodes brain signals into words typed into a computer.
• The brain-typing system is up to 80% accurate but nowhere near practical.
• The machine is a half-ton, costs $2 million, needs a shielded room, and even slight head movements disrupt the signal.

Meta is showing off a machine capable of turning your thoughts into words typed on a screen, but don't expect to write your Instagram captions telepathically any time soon. The device weighs about half a ton, costs $2 million, and is about as portable as a refrigerator. So, unless you were planning to lug around a lab-grade magnetoencephalography (MEG) scanner, you won’t be sending mind texts anytime soon. And that's before even considering how you can't even slightly move your head when using it.

Still, what Meta has done is impressive. Their AI and neuroscience teams have trained a system that can analyze brain activity and determine what keys someone is pressing – purely based on thought. There are no implanted electrodes, no sci-fi headbands, just a deep neural network deciphering brainwaves from the outside. The research, detailed in a pair of newly released papers, reveals that the system is up to 80% accurate at identifying letters from brain activity, allowing it to reconstruct complete sentences from a typist’s thoughts.

While typing out phrases, a volunteer sits inside a MEG scanner, which looks a bit like a giant hair dryer. The scanner picks up magnetic signals from neurons firing in the brain, and an AI model, aptly named Brain2Qwerty, gets to work learning which signals correspond to which keys. After enough training, it can predict the letters a person is typing. The results weren't perfect, but could reach accuracy levels of up to 80%.

Brain typing

(Image credit: Meta)

Telepathic typing has some real limits for now. The scanner needs to be in a specially shielded room to block out Earth’s magnetic field, which is a trillion times stronger than what's in your head. Plus, the slightest head tilt scrambles the signal. But there's more to it than just another Meta-branded product. The research could really boost brain science and, eventually, medical care for brain injuries and illnesses.

"To explore how the brain transforms thoughts into intricate sequences of motor actions, we used AI to help interpret the MEG signals while participants typed sentences. By taking 1,000 snapshots of the brain every second, we can pinpoint the precise moment where thoughts are turned into words, syllables, and even individual letters," Meta explained in a blog post. "Our study shows that the brain generates a sequence of representations that start from the most abstract level of representations—the meaning of a sentence—and progressively transform them into a myriad of actions, such as the actual finger movement on the keyboard."

Despite its limitations, the non-invasive aspect of Meta's research makes for a much less scary approach than cramming a computer chip right in your brain as companies like Neuralink are testing. Most people wouldn't sign up for elective brain surgery. Even though a product isn't the stated goal of the research, historical points demonstrate that giant, lab-bound machines don't have to stay that way. A tiny smartphone does what a building-size computer couldn't in the 1950s. Perhaps today's brain scanner is tomorrow’s wearable.

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• Framework Laptop 16 dual M.2 adapters combine four drives for massive capacity
• PCIe Gen4 ensures faster data access and seamless multitasking
• Swappable components allow easy upgrades and extended usability

Framework has announced its Laptop 16 device is now able to install up to 26TB of superfast Gen4 SSD storage.

This boost in capacity is achieved by using a dual M.2 SSD adapter alongside high-capacity 8TB WD_BLACK SN850X drives, allowing users to combine four drives (two pairs connected via dual adapters) to reach the maximum storage capacity.

Framework’s modular laptop design philosophy allows users to easily swap components like mainboards, memory modules, and even entire shells when needed - helping to extend device lifespans, reduce waste, and promote sustainability through easier repairs.

Expanding storage possibilities

Framework's flexibility here also takes advantage of PCIe Gen4 technology for faster data access and transfer.

Modular design also fosters an open source community where developers contribute new module designs and software solutions. According to Framework, the Laptop 16's open source Graphics Module Shell has inspired new module developments, such as an e-paper display Input Module.

Expanding its commitment to open hardware, Framework also launched the DeepComputing DC-ROMA RISC-V Mainboard for the Framework Laptop 13.

Powered by the StarFive JH7110 processor and based on the open-source RISC-V ISA, this board is designed primarily for developers looking to accelerate the RISC-V software ecosystem.

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• Euphoria season 3 is now in production, with Max releasing a first-look image of Zendaya as Rue.
• There were many reasons why production was paused on the third season.
• The main cast is expected to return, but there are no official plot details yet.

Max has released a first look image of Euphoria season 3 as production starts on the popular teen drama after a number of delays. But sorry, I'm just not hyped for the show's third season anymore.

The image features Zendaya as Rue (see below), who returns to the role pretty much exactly three years after the premiere of Euphoria season 2. According to The Hollywood Reporter, there were multiple factors on why Max delayed the third season's production. The main reason (as well as the Hollywood writer's strike) is that the network and creator Sam Levinson were discussing where the action would be set after the characters leave high school. Max decided to hit pause on the series until it could be "brought creatively in line with the previous two seasons," as per Variety.

The show has helped launch the careers of Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Hunter Schafer, and Jacob Elordi, who have since become fully fledged movie stars and were pursuing other opportunities while Levinson and Max decided on their season 3 character arcs.

HBO/Max boss Casey Bloys said in November to Variety: “I know the show gets a lot of attention now because, you know, it has created some genuine movie stars, and they have various projects that are working on, but we are shooting this season, so nothing has changed. It’s eight episodes.”

#Euphoria Season 3 is in production. pic.twitter.com/hEPx5AOTmoFebruary 10, 2025

What is Euphoria season 3 about?

At the moment, no official plot details have been revealed regarding Euphoria season 3. Still, there were rumors that Levinson had the idea to include a five-year time jump and potentially see Rue working as a private investigator.

Whether Euphoria season 3 picks up immediately after the events of season 2 or in the near future, the one issue that needs to be dealt with is the messy love triangle between Nate (Elordi), Cassie (Sweeney), and Maddy (Alexa Demie), as well as these three big questions that need answering.

The main cast are all expected to return, including Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, Alexa Demie, Maude Apatow, and Hunter Schafer. Meanwhile, Barbie Ferreira shared that she won't be back as Kat for the third season, and neither will Storm Reid, who plays Rue's sister Gia. Angus Cloud, who shot to stardom as Fezco in the series, also won't be in the third installment after the actor tragically passed away in July 2023.

Euphoria season 2 concluded with an epic finale to a, in my opinion, somewhat messy and unbalanced series filled with neglected characters and baffling storylines. So, combining a disappointing second season with a three-year wait, my excitement isn't at an all-time high. But knowing me, I'm still going to watch the third season of one of the best Max shows.

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• AMD MI355X features 288GB of HBM3E memory and delivers 8TB/sec bandwidth
• Instinct GPU sales surpassed $5 billion in 2024
• Despite rapid growth and innovation, AMD’s production challenges persist

AMD is set to bring forward the launch schedule of its Instinct MI355X GPU as it looks to bring the battle to Nvidia in the increasingly lucrative hardware market.

Though the product was originally set for a late 2025 debut, the MI355X is now expected to arrive by mid-2025, Nextplatform reports.

It's a move that reveals the scale of AMD’s urgency to challenge the established market dominance; Nvidia’s Blackwell series has long been synonymous with top-tier performance.

Outpacing the competition?

We already know the Instinct MI355X GPU is built on AMD's new CDNA 4 architecture and will come with 288GB of HBM3E memory, as well as support 8TB/sec of bandwidth.

These enhancements, along with support for FP6 and FP4 low-precision computing, are designed to meet the demanding needs of AI processing.

By comparison, Nvidia’s Blackwell B200 offers 192GB of HBM3E memory with similar bandwidth, positioning the MI355X as a serious contender in high-performance AI acceleration.

AMD’s push into high-performance GPUs is driven by the explosive growth of its data center business segment.

In 2024, this segment, which includes Epyc CPUs, Instinct GPUs, Pensando DPUs, and Xilinx FPGA accelerators, accounted for nearly half of its $25.79 billion in revenue. The company’s Instinct GPU sales alone surpassed $5 billion, reflecting strong demand for AI and high-performance computing solutions.

Nevertheless, AMD faces production challenges due to limited access to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging technologies like CoWoS, which have constrained its ability to fully meet market demand.

Although Nvidia continues to lead the global AI accelerator market with a commanding share exceeding 90% and a valuation that places it among the world's most valuable companies, AMD’s decision to fast-track the MI355X launch shows its determination to mount a serious challenge and claim some market share for itself.

In case you missed it, AMD unveiled initial details about its next-generation accelerator in June 2024, hinting at what was to come. Shortly thereafter, the company released additional information on its upcoming Instinct MI355X GPU.

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• Samsung subsidiary Solum showcases several 'bar' displays designed for nightlife and high-end retail spaces at ISE 2025
• A network display interface (NDI) for streaming high-resolution video can handle up to 8K and 65-inch screens, and be used to deliver live AI assistance in retail
• Electronic Shelf Labels (ESL) could allow retail businesses to compete with online stores in real time

Solum, a digital signage company spun out of Samsung a decade ago, offered up a variety of eye-catching ideas for retail and commercial spaces at its booth at ISE 2025.

Showing that there’s more to digital signage than just 16:9 displays, Solum showcased a wall of options in unconventional shapes - for example, it has a display that is 35 inches wide but just six inches high.

These ‘bar’ displays are high resolution so they can present clear and vibrant text and images.

The ‘bar’ descriptor could also refer to its use case, as a spokesman explained these products are aimed at locations such as bars, clubs, or high-end retail locations looking to create a modern, cutting-edge aesthetic.

To illustrate this, Solum mocked up a wine shop with bottles in glass cases, with adjacent bar displays reflecting the look of the wine. It also showed off a Spectra 6 E Ink display with a wine advert that looked identical to print.

Solum also showed off its range of E-Ink electronic shelf labels (ESLs), which are more eco-friendly than print.

Thanks to E-Ink, a store could update these all at once, thus enabling brick-and-mortar stores to compete on price with online retailers through dynamic pricing changes in near real-time.

High power efficiency and resolution, low latency

TechRadar Pro was told a single rechargeable battery can power a shelf of ESLs, and that, if updated once a day, the battery would last for ten years.

To enable them to increase efficiency for multiple daily updates, the representative said they were exploring other technologies.

While he wouldn't be drawn on what these were, it seems likely they're considering wireless power solutions, such as the Wi-Charge technology we've written about previously, which would effectively permanently power the ESLs so they can be updated as often as needed without time or cost implications.

Another interesting technology on show was a large display designed for customer service, with an AI assistant able to respond to pre-set questions and a range of network display interface (NDI) displays.

NDI displays allow high-resolution video to be sent over a network with extremely low latency. One suggested use case was for sports stadiums to show the live game taking place at the time, but without crowd noise or commentary, for the benefit of those watching on screens in hospitality.

The NDI standard can handle video up to 8K, and Solum has compatible displays in 43-, 50-, 55- and 65-inch sizes.

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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 Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, February 10 (game #610).

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 #611) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• MAD
• MAN
• HUB
• BUB
• NIGHT
• MAT
• BUD
• TUG
• JACK
• WRENCH
• BLOCK
• JERK
• STRAP
• KNEE
• YANK
• BOLSTER

NYT Connections today (game #611) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Pull the other one
• GREEN: Rhymes with duster
• BLUE: Namaste
• PURPLE: Add a word that rhymes with nap

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 #611) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: WREST 
• GREEN: BUSTER 
• BLUE: YOGA ACCESSORIES 
• PURPLE: _ CAP 

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

NYT Connections today (game #611) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #611, are…

• YELLOW: WREST JERK, TUG, WRENCH, YANK
• GREEN: BUSTER BUB, BUD, JACK, MAN
• BLUE: YOGA ACCESSORIES BLOCK, BOLSTER, MAT, STRAP
• PURPLE: _ CAP HUB, KNEE, MAD, NIGHT

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

Whenever Connections has one of its three-letter word days I can feel my brain seizing up and I have to speak out loud to try to make sense of it all. That’s how I got _ CAP — repeating KNEE over and over like I was going MAD.

YOGA ACCESSORIES was the most gettable and I’m annoyed at myself that I didn’t spot it sooner, as I’m a big fan of trying to do yoga. I wouldn’t say I actually “do it”, though. Well, apart from the corpse pose; I'm great at that one.

As for BUSTER, I think this must be one of those US-UK cultural blindspots as I’ve still got no idea what connects BUB, BUD, JACK and MAN.

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, 10 February, game #610)

• YELLOW: SPRINKLE DUST, PEPPER, SCATTER, SHOWER
• GREEN: SCENTS OF WINE AROMA, BOUQUET, NOSE, NOTE
• BLUE: "AAH, ENOUGH!" MERCY, STOP, TRUCE, UNCLE
• PURPLE: WORDS FAMOUSLY PRONOUNCED DIFFERENT WAYS AUNT, EITHER, TOMATO, VASE

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.