TechRadar News

Bandwidth limitations have become a significant bottleneck in AI and high-performance computing (HPC), as GPUs are underutilized due to bandwidth constraints, with nearly half of their computational power going to waste.

Nvidia is not expected to release optical interconnects for its NVLink protocol until the "Rubin Ultra" GPU compute engine launches in 2027.

This delay has led hyperscalers and cloud builders to explore ways to leapfrog Nvidia’s technology by adopting optical interconnects earlier.

Introducing ChromX

Xscape Photonics, an optical interconnect company spun out of research at Columbia University, is using photonics to realize scalable, high-bandwidth, energy-sustainable, and cost-effective solutions to enable the next generation of AI, ML, and simulation hardware.

This could help the AI industry save billions of dollars in wasted GPU capacity while also offering a path to greener, more sustainable AI infrastructures.

The Next Platform recently took a closer look at Xscape Photonics and spoke with the team behind it, including CEO Vivek Raghunathan, a former MIT researcher and Intel engineer.

Raghunathan highlighted the inefficiencies of current GPU systems, explaining that as scaling continues, the problem shifts "from GPU device-level performance to a system-level networking problem."

This is where Xscape’s technology comes into play. By converting electrical signals into optical ones directly within the GPU, Xscape can dramatically increase bandwidth while simultaneously reducing power consumption.

The startup’s solution, called the "ChromX" platform, uses a laser that can transmit multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously through a single optical fiber - up to 128 different wavelengths (or "colors"). This enables a 32-fold increase in bandwidth compared to lasers that use only four wavelengths.

The ChromX platform also relies on simpler modulation schemes like NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero), which reduce latency compared to higher-order schemes like PAM-4 used in other systems such as InfiniBand and Ethernet. The ChromX platform is programmable, allowing it to adjust the number of wavelengths to match the specific needs of an AI workload, whether for training or inference tasks.

Raghunathan told The Next Platform’s Timothy Prickett Morgan, “The vision is to match in-package communication bandwidth to off-package communication escape bandwidth. And we think when we use our multicolor approach, we can match that so that giant datacenters - or multiple datacenters - behave as one big GPU.”

The potential impact of this technology is enormous. AI workloads consume vast amounts of energy, and with data center demand projected to triple by 2035, power grids may struggle to keep up. Xscape Photonics’ innovations could offer a vital solution, enabling AI systems to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Researchers design tech that could 'potentially replace solar cells'
• Intel debuts crucial optical tech that will boost AI performance
• Humble plastic could become key material in race to conquer AI data center market

Robot vacuums were supposed to make cleaning our homes easier than ever. The set-it-and-forget-it nature meant we could easily program a cleaning routine and path into our little robot, then kick back with our feet up while it did all the work. And for the most part, that’s been true. In fact, Eureka’s E10s has been the most popular robot vacuum on Amazon for a while now – and for good reason. In the TechRadar review of the E10s, the robot vacuum was dubbed “a faithful friend that will get the daily clean done.” Eureka’s E10s robot vacuum is manufactured by a trusted brand with a century of cleaning solution innovation under its belt and offers powerful suction and obstacle avoidance at an affordable price point. What more could you ask for in an automated vacuum cleaner?

Eureka has managed to think of a few things, and now proudly introduces the Eureka E20 Plus – a smart robot vacuum built upon the strong foundation of the E10s but with significant improvements in all aspects. Improved cleaning performance? Check. Anti-tangle capability? Check. Obstacle avoidance? Yeah, check that one, too!

Hands-free cleaning you can count on 

(Image credit: Eureka)

The Eureka E20 Plus comes out of the gate with a 100% improvement over its predecessor with its powerful, self-developed motor capable of 8000 Pa of suction power. That’s double the already popular E10s’ 4000 Pa, meaning the E20 Plus can easily and effortlessly pick up heavier debris. Even those chocolate chips you spilled during your last attempt at baking are no match for the E20 Plus. Carpets are no trouble for the E20 Plus, which manages to pick up even the most embedded dirt and debris. 

Robot vacuums are excellent for cleaning a variety of flooring types, but many often struggle with wetting and soiling carpets, which can lead to foul odors over time. Eureka has implemented mop-lifting technology into the E20 Plus to avoid this issue, raising the mop 10 mm to help your carpets stay clean and dry. The E20 Plus is not just designed to protect your carpets. The rubber roller brush is also engineered to reduce hair tangling and is 14% more effective at preventing hair wraps from pets (or humans who shed a lot) from clogging up your robot vacuum.

(Image credit: Eureka)

How does the E20 Plus know it's over carpet or move around other obstacles, anyway? DuoDetect AI 3D Obstacle Avoidance is an advanced navigation function that works similarly to human eyes, allowing the Eureka E20 to utilize a dual-line laser on the front to dynamically sense obstacles and navigate accordingly. This technology is dual-purpose, giving you the freedom to delegate home cleaning tasks without needing to stay close by and intervene if the E20 Plus becomes stuck. Advanced 3D Obstacle Avoidance even improves the E20 Plus’ navigation in low-light environments. Whether you’re away from home or scheduling cleanings while you’re asleep, the E20 Plus works to ensure that your cleaning routine is handled autonomously. 

(Image credit: Eureka)

Once your cleaning routine is taken care of, the E20 Plus returns to its base station, where you can easily empty the dust tank with a press of a button. There are no messy dustbags or cumbersome systems at play here. The E20 Plus features a transparent bag-free base station that lets you see exactly what kind of debris your robot vacuum has been handling. The system’s multi-cyclonic dust collection features a 13-cone structure utilizing the suction during dust collection that separates 98% of dust and dirt before it even makes it to the filter. This extends your vacuum filter’s lifespan and helps the system maintain its powerful suction over time. 

The Eureka E10s earned its spot as the most popular robot vacuum on Amazon, having been developed by a known brand with a century of trust and innovation in home vacuum cleaning solutions. The E20 Plus, building on that foundation, is gearing up to be a powerful successor that brings hands-free, worry-free cleaning to your life at a reasonable price. The Eureka E20 Plus is available now.

Vizio has announced a new soundbar that doubles as a karaoke machine, offering singalong fanatics a sound system, two microphones, and access to 80,000 songs in a sleek and affordable package.

The Vizio MicMe will ship with two wireless dynamic microphones that automatically activate the soundbar’s custom karaoke mode when removed from the included charging dock. Users will also be able to connect to other karaoke apps, such as Stingray.

Users will also have the option of just singing over whatever’s playing on their smart TV, or streaming audio to sing along to over Bluetooth.

And you can, of course, just use the MicMe as a typical soundbar for music, TV, and movies – the soundbar itself is a 30-inch 2.1 system that connects to an included wireless subwoofer, which we expect will offer more than enough fidelity and volume for a late-night ABBA sesh or two.

(Image credit: Vizio)

And the MicMe system even supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, so it's actually pretty well-specced alongside the rest of the best soundbars.

For further sound tuning, the MicMe system will integrate with the Vizio app – this app can also enable six vocal effects and nine ambient light colors for each of the microphones, adding a touch of personal flair to your living room performances.

In terms of setup, the MicMe is compatible with Vizio’s own QuickFit system which allows for easy and tool-free attachment to Vizio TVs when wall-mounted. HDMI eARC handles the duties of connecting to your TV.

The Vizio MicMe will be available from Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart among other retailers at a price of $349.99 (about £269 / AU$530), and the first units will ship from the end of November – at the time of writing, no specific release date has been confirmed, and we expect it to be a US and Canada launch only for now.

We’re not quite sure if the Vizio MicMe will make it to our list of the best Dolby Atmos soundbars, but it certainly looks like a lot of fun, and the whole mic setup is a new one on us. And the price is impressive for something with this many features. We look forward to giving it a test. Well, some of us are looking forward to it more than others, admittedly.

You might also like

• Earfun UBoom X review: your neighbors will hate how mighty this Bluetooth speaker’s bass sounds (and feels)
• Some people got Sonos Arc Ultra early – here's what they think of the next-gen soundbar
• Audio-Technica’s hand-crafted 50th anniversary headphones are a a serious audio celebration

Nothing has revealed a glow-in-the-dark version of its most recent smartphone, the Nothing Phone 2a Plus, designed in collaboration with contest-winning fans.

The Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition comes replete with green-tinted phosphorescent glow-in-the-dark decorations – that’s the kind that “charges” with light and doesn’t require power.

The Community Edition was, as the name suggests, designed with input from the public as part of a project that garnered 900 entries from Nothing fans in 47 countries.

As we previously reported, five winners were selected to help develop the final design of the phone, with their ideas influencing multiple stages of production from concept to completion.

(Image credit: Nothing)

Astrid Vanhuyse and Kenta Akasaki worked with Nothing on the phosphorescence design concept; Andrés Mateos used AI tools and digital design to produce six wallpapers; Ian Henry Simmonds designed the packaging using glow-in-the-dark and reflective materials; and Sonya Palma worked with Nothing on the marketing campaign, producing related video and digital assets.

The Nothing Phone 2a Plus was originally released in August, and is effectively a slightly more powerful version of the Nothing Phone 2a, which hit shelves back in March. Both phones are in turn pared-down versions of the flagship Nothing Phone 2.

The Community Edition comes equipped with the same 6.7-inch AMOLED display, 12GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage that impressed us when testing the phone for our Nothing Phone 2a Plus review.

The phone also boasts dual 50MP wide and ultra-wide rear cameras, an exclusive MediaTek Dimensity 7350 Pro chipset, and a 5000mAh battery; a rather impressive spec sheet for its lower-mid-range price tag.

(Image credit: Nothing)

The Nothing Phone 2a Plus Community Edition starts at £399 – the same as the regular 2a Plus – with the first of only 1,000 limited-edition units available on November 12 from Nothing’s official website and select retailers. The flagship Nothing store in London will also stock the phone from November 16.

Nothing phones are only available in the US through the company’s US Beta program, and as such, no pricing has yet been given for this region. We’re waiting to hear back from Nothing regarding whether the Community Edition will receive a proper launch in the US.

Nothing is calling this launch the “first major pilot to co-create hardware, software, and content with its community," suggesting more community involvement could be on the cards for the company in the future.

If you’re interested in entering the next Nothing contest, or just want to keep up with the latest updates, be sure to check out our Nothing phones coverage and more general Android coverage.

You might also like

• Samsung's One UI 7 could feel as smooth as iOS 18, and this video proves it
• Almost every OnePlus 13 spec just leaked, a day ahead of the official announcement
• The Samsung Galaxy S25 FE could launch with an Exynos chip - and it might be here sooner than expected

Own a Google TV device and are a fan of its 'apps-only' mode that simplifies the smart TV menu? Then you may be about to see more ads where there were none before.

As reported by FlatpanelsHD, there have been reports of Google TV devices in a number of European countries, including Germany, Sweden, Netherlands and more, that have noticed large banner ads appearing in the 'apps-only' view of the home screen – a previously ad-free screen.

It's worth noting that these banner ads have been in the 'apps-only' mode for some time in North America, but have now made their way to Google TV devices, which include some of the best TVs such as the Sony Bravia 8, TCL C855 and Philips OLED809, to devices in Europe.

FlatpanelsHD reports that the introduction of ads actually pushes the app icons in the 'app-only' mode almost off the screen, despite no sign of recommendations like you'd find on Google TV's standard home menu.

It's another instance of ads invading Google TV, with unskippable ads appearing on Google TV's free streaming channels in the summer. But it's not just Google TV that has jumped on the ad bandwagon.

LG recently introduced screensaver ads to its OLED TVs, such as the LG G4, and then weeks later followed this up with screensaver ads on older OLED models as well, such as the LG C3. Thankfully, there were are ways to turn these ads off, but just how long will that last?

Ads, ads, ads

Ads outrage has become a regular feature here at TechRadar, especially in the world of streaming and TVs. in 2024 alone, Roku TV has had plans to introduce video ads to its home screen, Amazon Fire TV has tested full-screen screensaver ads and on the streaming side, the best streaming services have raised prices for ad-free tiers or placed ads into more standard tiers, with Amazon announcing its Prime Video service will feature more ads in movies and TV shows in 2025.

The point is that ads are everywhere. With broadcast TV, we expected them at different intervals throughout TV shows, but I don't think we expected them to feature quite as heavily as they do on devices that we pay for, be that TVs, streaming devices like Amazon Fire Sticks or Roku TV sticks, or streaming services – especially when we'd initially paid not to have them.

The fact that these ads are now on what was once an ad-free section of Google TV shows that ads are here to stay and we're likely to see more of them infiltrating more devices soon. It's just a matter of how intrusive they'll be.

You might also like

• Roku's ad director wants to bring Instagram-style shoppable ads to your smart TV
• Get ready for AI to serve Google Search-style ads
• Youtube's pesky new pause screen ads are its latest attempt to push you to Premium

Users of this best VPN app can now secure their online identity with a new suite of protection tools – and it can be yours without spending a penny.

ExpressVPN has just launched Identity Defender, a security bundle that includes three distinct solutions: an identity theft alert, cyber insurance, and data removal service. These tools are only available for the US market at the time of writing.

As of today, October 30, 2024, the ID suite comes free of charge alongside the feature-packed VPN for all new customers signing up for ExpressVPN's new 2-year plan. More availability is expected to follow suit.

The need for better Identity protection

With digital threats increasingly more widespread and sophisticated, a standalone VPN isn't enough anymore to protect your privacy when browsing the web.

Do you know?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A VPN, short for virtual private network, is security software that encrypts all your internet connections to prevent third parties from spying on your online activities. At the same time, it spoofs your real IP address location for better anonymity while granting you access to otherwise geo-restricted content.

VPN providers, ExpressVPN included, have known this for a while. This is exactly why VPN solutions have evolved over time.

From malware and ad-blocker systems (see ExpressVPN's Threat Manager) to password manager tools (ExpressVPN Keys), now the focus seems to be on better identity protection.

Data coming from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shows, in fact, that the number of identity theft incidents reported in the first half of 2024 (552,000 cases) is set to exceed all reports throughout the 12 months in 2023.

Hence, there's a growing need for users to take control of their digital identities with easy-to-use tools that both prevent and recover any losses or damages.

How to use ExpressVPN Identity Defender

"Discovering that your personal information has been compromised is stressful enough, but figuring out what to do next can be an even bigger challenge," said Lauren Hendry Parsons, Digital Privacy Advocate at ExpressVPN.

"With Identity Defender, we aim to provide users with a one-stop solution that not only helps them quickly determine if their information is at risk but also guides them through effective steps to address any issues."

To do that, the provider has launched three distinctive products that, together, provide a comprehensive solution against all the issues related to identity theft.

ExpressVPN’s Identity Defender includes three distinctive products: ID Alerts, ID Theft Insurance, and Data Removal (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

• ID Alerts is a personal information monitoring tool. It regularly carries out dark web scans, checking for your data, alongside Social Security number (SSN) real-time monitoring to protect you against potential financial fraud. Alerts also include any changes to your address and mail redirection.
• ID Theft is a cyber insurance plan powered by Assurant, providing coverage of up to $1 million for identity theft and assistance with restoring stolen accounts. Data breaches, stolen identity, check forgery, and embezzlement are some of the incidents it covers. For more info, visit the Express website.
• Data removal regularly scans the web to let you know which data brokers and people-search websites hold information about you. It then helps you to ask for the removal of all your collected data.

How to get ExpressVPN Identity Defender

As mentioned earlier, Express has launched its new Identity Defender suite for US users only at this time.

Parsons told me that's mainly because of the nature of the product – the United States is one of the countries with the biggest number of victims, according to Statista – coupled with the fact that the US is the provider's biggest market.

At the time of writing, Identity Defender is also limited to new US users before progressively being rolled out to all subscribers based in the United States. Currently, the provider doesn't have an exact date for when this is due to take place.

Despite being a security bundle, availability differs between the different tools.

ID Alerts comes free of charge with all new subscription plans, while ID Theft Insurance and Data Removal are included only with ExpressVPN's new 2-year plan – which TechRadar's readers can grab with 3 months of extra protection for free. Other subscribers need to pay an extra fee to add these products, starting from $4.39 per month.

Platform availability is also limited to its iOS and Android VPN apps at the time of writing, with more coming soon.

It's a good day to be a Netflix subscriber as the streaming platform is set to add even more Universal movies to its vast library of titles. The best streaming service has renewed its deal with Universal Filmed Entertainment Group that allows Netflix to stream the studio's animation films, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

In addition, the two companies have signed a new deal that will see live-action films from Universal Pictures and Focus Features appear on Netflix no later than eight months after their theatrical release, starting in 2027. These new live-action movies will still initially debut on Peacock, but after four months the titles will move to Netflix, which will get to exclusively stream Universal's live-action films for 10 months before they return to Peacock at the end of this window.

Netflix will also renew the existing licensing deal for Universal's full animation and live-action film catalogue from Illumination and DreamWorks Animation (DWA), as well as rights to certain titles from Universal’s huge film library.

However, it's bad news for Prime Video's existing deal with Universal. Since 2022, Universal titles have landed on Prime Video after a brief run on Peacock, now Netflix's new arrangement with the studio will eventually replace this.

Netflix and Universal thrills

Thanks to Netflix and Universal's current partnership, The Super Mario Bros. Movie became one of the streaming giant's most-watched movies of 2024, which spent a record-setting 38 weeks on Netflix’s Top 10 list in the US, meanwhile Sing 2 remained in the Top 10 for 32 weeks. Other hit Universal flicks such as The Secret Life of Pets, Kung Fu Panda 4 and Minions: The Rise of Gru have also been a huge success for the platform with all of them landing a place on the Top 10.

With the agreement now being renewed, this means that we'll get to see some highly-anticipated animations arrive in the future that could end up on the best Netflix movies list, including The Super Mario Bros. Movie 2, Minions 3, and the one I'm most excited for: Shrek 5.

Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer, Netflix said in a Netflix press release: “We have always valued our partnership with NBCUniversal, and we are excited to expand it to bring even more entertainment to our U.S. members starting in 2027. Illumination and DWA animated films have always been incredibly popular on Netflix, and we are looking forward to adding Universal Pictures and Focus Features live-action films in the years to come. By combining these licensed titles with our Netflix original programming, we can offer our members an exceptional entertainment package with an even greater selection of films to enjoy.”

You might also like

• Don’t Move is Netflix’s new #1 movie but there are better rated thrillers – here are 3 with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Netflix drops trailer for A Man on the Inside and The Good Place fans need to watch it immediately
• Arcane season 2 cast and character guide: who's playing who in the popular Netflix show's final chapter?

Cybercriminals are increasingly abusing Eventbrite to run successful phishing campaigns, experts have warned.

A report from cybersecurity researchers Perception Point claims to have observed a 900% growth in the rate of such email attacks recently.

The method is quite simple - a malicious actor will register an account with Eventbrite, and set up a fake event under the guise of a reputable brand, with crooks already impersonating the likes of airline Qantas, toll ecollection system Brobizz , web hosting platform One, DHL, EnergyAustralia, and Qatar Post.

Phishing deluge

Creating an event then allows the hackers to create emails through the Eventbrite platform, which is where they draft the phishing messages.

“These emails can include text, images, and links, all of which are prime opportunities for attackers to smatter in malicious content,” the researchers explained. “The attacker then enters their list of targets (or “attendees”) and sends them the invite email.”

Eventbrite is an online platform where users can create, promote, and manage different events. Organizers can use it to sell tickets, and track attendance. Its tools can support different events, from concerts and festivals to workshops and conferences. On the other hand, consumers can use it to browse different events and purchase tickets.

Obviously, the tool also has its own mailing system, through which it can notify users of new events, changes in schedule, and more. Now, security pros are saying that this mailing system is being abused to send phishing messages that are more likely to bypass any email security set up.

In the usual phishing manner, victims are asked to urgently login to solve a problem, and during the process, they share personal information such as login credentials, tax identification numbers, phone numbers, credit card details, and more.

What makes this phishing campaign particularly dangerous is the fact that all emails are sent from the noreply@events.eventbrite.com domain - a trusted name that also makes it past different email filters.

More from TechRadar Pro

• New method for phishing discovered for Android and iPhone users
• Here's a list of the best firewalls today
• These are the best endpoint protection tools right now

For the first time in almost 20 years, the Wayans brothers are confirmed to reunite for another installment of their Scary Movie franchise, but production isn't expected to begin until next year, so you'll have to stream the first four movies on Paramount Plus in the US instead for Halloween 2024. The filmmaker brothers (Marlon, Shawn and Keenen Wayans) will work together to develop a fresh screenplay for their first Scary Movie film since they departed from the franchise after the release of Scary Movie 3 (2006).

CinemaCon announced that a new Scary Movie was in the works in April, but only now are the details about its production surfacing. Marlon Wayans took to Instagram (see below) to announce the reboot of the movie franchise, which he developed with his brothers in 2000. As well as announcing the comeback on social media, the brothers shared that “(they) couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the new Scary Movie and work with each other again” in a recent statement.

A post shared by Marlon Wayans (@marlonwayans)

A photo posted by on

The movie franchise kicked off in the early ‘00s and garnered mass attention because of its comedic elements and parody references to horror movies such as Scream (1996), my favorite slasher movie, The Exorcist (1973), I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) and Signs (2002), which I recently ticked off my sci-fi horror movie watchlist.

As of now, there are a total of five movies in the franchise with the most recent being Scary Movie 5 (2013), therefore, we can only venture a guess that the reboot will be Scary Movie 6. The first four movies starred recurring characters Cindy (Anna Faris) and Brenda (Regina Hall), and though casting is another question, I have my fingers crossed behind my back that the comedy gold duo will return.

What horror movies will be spoofed this time?

The original cast of the Scary Movie franchise includes Regina Hall, Shawn Wayans, Marlon Wayans, and Anna Faris. (Image credit: Mirimax/ Netflix )

Since the last Scary Movie insert was released just over 10 years ago it’s been a very powerful decade for the best horror movies, so there’s plenty of material for the Wayans brothers to work with for the reboot. While the movie is still very early into its development and we don’t know who will star or what the movie will entail, I’ve decided to turn this into a fun guessing game.

It goes without saying that Get Out (2017) is one of the biggest horror movies of the last few years, and director Jordan Peele has contributed his fresh and original perspective to the genre with other movies Us (2019) and Nope (2022), all of which provide a strong foundation for a parody.

Similar to Peele, Ari Aster’s interpretation of psychological horror movies has cemented his works as modern classics - especially Hereditary (2018) and Midsommar (2017). While both movies are dark and gruesome in their own right, I strongly believe that there’s enough whimsy in them that can be adopted for a spoof movie. In other words, I want a silly and comedic recreation of Toni Collette’s ceiling head-bang moment from Hereditary.

You might also like

• Daniel Craig’s A24 Queer trailer is here and it’s making we want to stream my favorite forbidden romance movie on Netflix
• 4 supernatural horror movies on Prime Video, Max, and more that I recommend streaming for Halloween 2024
• Netflix now lets you share iconic clips from its shows and movies to social media

For the first time in GitHub history, Python has overtaken JavaScript as the most popular programming language on the platform, with coders using the increasingly common language for AI development.

The platform’s annual Octoverse report revealed Python’s popularity appears largely due to huge demand for artificial intelligence, but it’s also used in data science for open source projects.

According to the stats, contributions to generative AI projects alone saw a 59% rise, with contributions to AI-related public projects nearly doubling compared with 2023. India, Germany, Japan and Singapore accounted for most of these, says the platform.

Python is now GitHub’s most popular language

Moreover, GitHub noted the surge in developers joining and using the platform from all over the world: “...many of these developers are contributing to open source projects for the first time.”

Two years after the public preview launch of ChatGPT and the subsequent AI boom, the company says companies and developers alike are turning their attentions to AI agents and smaller models that require less compute and promise more custom applications.

The demand for Python is also evidenced in the 92% increase in the use of Jupyter Notebooks, a project designed to support the development of open source software.

According to the report, the growth of Python to become the platform’s number one language is indicative of the shift in userbase, from traditional software programmers to a wider range of STEM use cases.

Python, JavaScript, TypeScript and Java remain the most common languages on GitHub, but systems programming languages like Rust are also on the up.

Looking ahead, GitHub anticipates that India will have the world’s largest developer population on GitHub by 2028, with Africa and Latin America countries, such as Brazil, also set to undergo significant growth.

The launch of the report coincides with the company’s annual Universe event, which it used to announce the availability of even more models. GitHub Copilot, initially launched with GPT-3-based Codex, has been largely OpenAI-reliant up until now.

Later updates to Copilot Chat have seen the introduction of GPT-3.5, GPT 3.5-turbo, GPT-4, GPT-4o and 4o-mini models to cater to different latency and quality requirements, but now the company is promising new model options from other providers.

Copilot Chat has now launched with OpenAI o1-preview and o1-mini models, but Anthropic’s Claude 3.5 Sonnet is set to roll out over the next week, with Google’s Gemini 1.5 Pro coming in the coming weeks.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Learn a new language with the best Python online courses
• Popular IDE JetBrains Rider is going free to use
• Upgrade to the best laptops for programmers

Before I spent all my free time running, doing yoga and resistance training, and adopting all the other healthy habits we’re told to do to keep an aging body healthy, I trained in a different way. Once upon a time, four times a week, I would strap on a pair of heavy 14lbs gloves and go kickboxing.

It’s hard on the hips, the shins, the knees (and the repeated head impacts are probably not good for your brain in the long-term either) but I was a lithe 21-year-old in the best shape of my life, and I was absolutely certain I was going to live like this forever.

Of course, any time I strap on the gloves now, it’s considerably harder. For one thing, I’m eleven years older, less fit, and very out of practice. For another, even the best smartwatch can prove inconvenient: I was testing a chunky running watch during a boxercise class recently, and kept accidentally pausing the tracked workout inside of my cuff.

Smart rings are one solution, but they’re not for everyone; and if you’re doing a combat sport like jiujitsu or rugby, wearing jewelry is out of the question. Surely, I thought, as I unpaused my workout for the sixth time as I switched gloves for pads, there’s a better wearable you can use to track your health during combat sports – and the Orb Sport Smart Mouthguard is just the thing I was looking for.

(Image credit: Orb Innovations)

The Smart Mouthguard is a conventional-looking mouthguard that hides an array of sensors that are designed to monitor not just your heart rate and calorie burn, but your movements too. Like the best smart rings, it’s based around a 'set and forget' style of tracking: just pop it in after setup and away you go. Just like with smart rings, you’ll need to do a bit of sizing beforehand to ensure it’s comfortable, which involves biting into a conventional soft mouthguard and sending it off so that your Orb Sport Smart Mouthguard can be moulded to the imprint of your teeth.

The Smart Mouthguard can even estimate statistics such as stride length using a combination of your height and a metric called 'movement intensity'. Tracking G-force in three dimensions across X, Y and Z axes in the app also enables the mouthguard to estimate the force of the impacts you sustain. This is crucial: a higher-scoring impact might indicate that you need additional rest, recovery, or perhaps even hospital treatment.

According to the Orb Sport website, the Impacts feature is in beta, but it uses several key metrics to estimate the force of an impact, including the aforementioned graph. Impact Region calculations even display the percentage of impacts detected by the mouthguard on the left side versus the right side of the head. For sports with a high rate of concussions, such as American football and rugby, this could be a game-changing metric.

The Orb Sport Smart Mouthguard costs $349.99 (around £270 / AU$530) and is available from the Orb Sport website. It currently ships only to the United States.

You might also like...

• Xiaomi confirms that two new wearables are coming soon
• Look away now if you're a personal trainer: tech, data, and AI are forecast to be the biggest fitness trends of 2025
• Garmin's latest watch is ludicrously expensive, but I still want it

Glasses manufacturer Gunnar Optiks has revealed some brand new Call of Duty-inspired frames, the Call of Duty Ghost edition glasses.

The overall design is based on military-style aviator shades and constructed from a combination of stainless steel and polymer. The design is definitely a little reminiscent of Adler’s trademark specs in the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 campaign, which definitely seems intentional given the timing of this release.

They are offered in a single color option, a rather striking Onyx/Mercury, and with two lens choices. There’s the company’s standard Signature Amber lens or a brand-new AmberNetrual Sun-Shift lens, which quickly transitions to a tinted shade when exposed to sunlight.

The regular edition costs $74, while the Amber Sun-Shift version will be $109. That’s about what you would expect for a premium pair of glasses and you also get some nice bonuses in the package that reflect this price tag. This includes a special Call of Duty glasses collectors case plus a branded microfiber cloth and pouch. 

An exclusive in-game weapon charm, the mystery crate, is also included, which could make them a very worthwhile buy for any seriously die-hard Call of Duty collectors out there.

The manufacturer claims that these glasses can help combat some of the effects of long periods of screen use, including dry eyes, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and headaches. I’ll personally be reserving judgment on this until I can try a pair out for myself.

It’s been a big week for Call of Duty elsewhere too, with new KontrolFreek Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 thumbsticks hitting shelves on top of a huge Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 collection with Zombies inspired accessories from SteelSeries. 

You might also like...

• Sony has shut down two PlayStation studios including Concord developer Firewalk Studios
• Black Ops 6 Season One release date and what to expect
• Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered review: Aloy’s first adventure gets a massive tune-up

Cell coverage isn’t always reliable. When you don’t have any bars and you’re in a remote area, out at sea, on a business trip in an area with unreliable cell service, or hiking canyons, your cell phone won’t help you. But a satellite communications device or satellite phone will.

Satellite devices and satellite-enabled smartphones may work worldwide, regardless of cellular networks. These devices rely on a system, or constellation, of communication satellites in various types of earth orbit.   

A satellite communications device can be lifesaving during emergencies, especially when conventional communication methods fail. These devices offer reliable SOS alerts, two-way communication, and peace of mind.   

Global Rescue responds to hundreds of SOS calls monthly, coordinating rescues worldwide for individuals using satellite devices. These range from someone rescued from a life raft off the U.S. Atlantic coast to evacuating a snake bite victim in Australia. Other rescues include a hiker in Sweden with a dislocated shoulder, a 65-year-old trekker in Canada with an ankle injury, a user in Scotland whose wife fell and severely injured her back, and a teenage hiker separated from his family during an unforeseen wildfire in a national forest.

We coordinated with ZOLEO, a satellite communications device company, to receive SOS messages from their devices. After receiving the SOS messages in our operations center, Global Rescue coordinated with emergency services to rescue a helicopter pilot who crashed onto a frozen lake north of Goose Bay Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The helicopter pilot was medevaced to safety with minor injuries.   

Quick response is essential. Timely rescues prevent more severe complications during emergencies.  

Satellite communication

Satellite communication capabilities are evolving rapidly. Apple’s iOS 18 update now expands satellite messaging beyond emergencies, offering users satellite messages when cellular and Wi-Fi connections are unavailable. Google's Pixel 9 series can connect to a satellite to notify emergency services when no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage is available.   

Other companies are also racing to expand satellite-to-cell capabilities. SpaceX is partnering with T-Mobile to test direct-to-cell satellite services through Starlink. Verizon and AT&T have agreed with AST SpaceMobile, which is developing direct-to-cell satellite services that provide even greater coverage in remote areas.

The race among wireless service companies and smartphone manufacturers to provide satellite communications capabilities for users provides business, leisure, and adventure travelers a bigger safety net to travel more boldly in the future.  

Travelers welcome the advances. According to the Global Rescue survey, 82% of respondents would feel safer with smartphones equipped with emergency satellite communication capabilities. One out of 10 survey respondents (12%) said they had lost cell coverage in the past during travel, and it concerned them that they were unable to communicate with others, especially in an emergency.

Staying connected with family, friends and colleagues gives people peace of mind during their travels, reducing anxiety and stress by providing updates on their whereabouts and well-being. The survey exposed that nearly half (49%) said the ability to call for help in areas without cell service is their top reason for using these devices. More than a third (37%) said it also reassures their family and friends, reducing their anxiety during travel.

Satellite phones

The survey showed that a third of respondents (32%) plan to acquire a smartphone with satellite communications capabilities, while one out of ten said they already own such a device. Of those who already have a satellite-enabled smartphone, 33% rated the performance of the satellite communication connectivity as “excellent” or “very good", and 17% described it as "good". Another third (35%) mentioned they hadn't used their device's satellite capabilities yet.

A business traveler may need a satellite phone or satellite messaging device for various reasons that are distinct from those of a tourist on leisure travel. They often travel internationally to various destinations where local networks may not be compatible with their phones.

Many workforce travelers frequently visit international destinations, like Bolivia and Madagascar, where local cellular networks may not provide reliable coverage. Satellite phones offer global coverage, allowing seamless communication across borders without the need for multiple SIM cards or roaming charges.

Business travelers may need to communicate sensitive or confidential information that requires secure and private channels. In some regions, using local networks may pose a risk to data security. Satellite communication devices provide a secure means of communication for business-related calls, messages and emergencies.

However, knowing the limitations—such as satellite visibility, topographical challenges, and environmental conditions—is crucial to maximizing their effectiveness. The satellite antenna in iPhones or other mobile phones with satellite capability currently has less power and bandwidth than the antenna in a satellite communication device, like Zoleo or inReach devices, which have more reliable connectivity than a satellite-enabled mobile phone.  

Peace of mind

Users should be aware of topography limitations that can affect satellite connections. A clear view of the sky is necessary. It may be challenging to connect with satellites in thick forests or where there are steep slopes above you. The same is true in urban areas with tall buildings. You may be able to send a signal indoors if standing next to a window.   

Satellite phone and SATCOM device users often make avoidable mistakes like failing to familiarize themselves with the device’s features, especially the SOS function. Users attempting to send an SOS must know their device’s specific procedures, ensuring they understand who receives their distress call. Satellite messaging devices send alerts to a monitoring provider, which dispatches rescue operations or emergency services based on the severity of the situation.   

Other user mistakes include forgetting to keep the device charged, neglecting to renew service subscriptions and overestimating the device’s coverage. Finally, overlooking to add key contacts to the device can delay emergency communications, highlighting the importance of preloading important numbers.

Satellite communications devices offer peace of mind and life-saving two-way communication capabilities during emergencies, especially in areas without cellular service. For travelers, adventurers, and professionals in remote locations, these devices allow SOS alerts to be sent to first responders, initiating medical operations or emergency rescue, including helicopter rescues when necessary.  

We've featured the best rugged phone.

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

With growth and productivity high on the political agenda worldwide, international interest in AI has exploded. The race for AI supremacy is in full swing. For many nations, taking the lead on AI has become a strategic objective.

To get ahead in the race for AI supremacy, governments must ensure the right infrastructure is in place to grasp this opportunity and be part of the growth agenda. Data center growth has been steadily building for years alongside digital adoption, but AI has catapulted this demand to a new level. According to Gartner, spending on data center systems will increase by a quarter (24%) in 2024. AI-capable data centers are quickly becoming a key strategic resource, which is reflected in the $22bn of global investment in data centers in the first five months of 2024.

However, efforts by operators to grasp this opportunity are being hampered by an operational inertia that is making it difficult to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. This threatens to see operators miss out on exploiting this investment opportunity and being part of the growth agenda.

Rising up the global government agenda

Data centers are key for the growth of global economies in the AI gold rush. They provide the critical IT infrastructure that will power the AI revolution, enabling governments to ride the wave of AI to supercharge economic growth and productivity.

The UK is one such country which has recognized data centers as being a critical component in boosting the UK’s AI sector. In early 2024, the UK government announced it would remove planning barriers to new data centers and designate projects as “nationally important”. This has seen plans for two rejected data centers revisited, and the UK government now declare data centers powering the economy be designated as Critical National Infrastructure, providing protections from cyber criminals and IT blackouts.

Across the Irish Sea, Ireland is set to generate more than €4.5 billion in inward data center investment by 2025. This is being driven by the Irish government’s position on the importance of data centers to the economy and attracting investment. Ireland has recently revised these statements to ensure sites adhere to new green principles.

In mainland Europe, the German government has said that data centres are, “the lifeline of the digitalised world.” While Berlin’s regional government, “understands the importance of data centres to the region”. Before its hung parliament, the French government was seeking to pass a law allowing large data centres to be classified as projects of major national interest, part of a push to expand an industry it sees as the backbone of the digital economy. Meanwhile, in growing regions like Norway, the Norwegian data center strategy 2.0 makes it easier to establish data centers and outlines better ways to manage resource utilization of waste heat from data centers.

The roadblocks to data center growth

The demand for data centers is skyrocketing due to the high compute power needs of AI, creating huge growth and opportunities for operators. But many operators are being held back by an operational inertia that prevents them from adapting to a rapidly evolving environment. This inertia can be broken down into 5 barriers that limit interchangeability or an operator’s ability to adapt:

1. Power access continues to be a problem: A power shortage is inhibiting the global data center markets growth. AI-compute requires high-performance processors (GPUs & DPUs) that draw more power than traditional CPUs. Gaining access to power requires a lot of planning, and operators must consider this in choosing development sites to avoid costly delays.

2. ESG concerns continue to dominate the agenda: Data center teams are under pressure to accurately measure and report on supply chain sustainability. Demand for digital services will create more compute intensity, challenging the cooling and power capabilities of sites, significantly impacting their ability to achieve ESG goals. Failure to address ESG concerns risks operators falling behind sustainability legislation, causing delays.

3. Finding and retaining talent: 53% of operators face difficulty finding qualified candidates, whilst 42% have difficulty retaining staff. Operators need to fill this gap with people familiar with data center operations, because sites are more than just the servers, or the water and power they consume. Without the right skills mix, data centers will be unable to cater to the growing demand facing them.

4. Supply chain disruption halts progress: 83% of operators have reported delays to projects due to global material shortages. Supply chains have become brittle, and short-staffed teams are spread too thin trying to manage supply chain problems such as material acquisition, shipping and production management. Operators must find ways to identify and mitigate these challenges or risk significant delays.

5. Health and safety is rising up the agenda: The speed of the development of data centers requires teams to fully understand the importance of health and safety procedures and processes and meet zero-incident policies. Failure to address concerns could lead to injuries that result in operational delays or financial penalties.

Data centers can’t handle growth and the political agenda alone

To overcome operational inertia, data center operators must take a more holistic approach to data center design and operations. Maintaining the right balance between all aspects of the data center – from the infrastructure impact of AI to skills, health and safety and sustainability. This includes building modular infrastructure where interchangeability and connectivity are foundational, creating flexible facilities that can adapt as demand or technologies change.

This approach allows operators to stay nimble, enabling them to seize the growth opportunity and navigate the corridors of power influencing data center growth.

But operators can’t do this alone – they need support. Strong partners can help to overcome roadblocks by helping to manage projects and providing vital expertise. This knowledge is critical in ensuring operators have support across all aspects of the data center. Strong partners can also provide a pipeline of talent and resources with which operators can successfully exploit the global data center investment opportunity and be a vital part of the growth agenda.

We've featured the best small business software.

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

• Gmail users are reporting issues with the email service today
• The problems include long loading times and sluggish performance
• Google hasn't yet acknowledged an issue – we've contacted it for a response

If you've been trying to use Gmail today and found it to be sluggish, unresponsive, or unusably slow, you aren't alone – a growing number of reports suggest there could be a widespread issue, even though Google hasn't (yet) officially acknowledged a problem.

A large spike in reports from around 8.30am ET / 12.30pm GMT on Downdetector show that hundreds of people are reporting Gmail issues including long loading times, lost server connections, and an inability to send or receive emails. At the time of writing, there were over 500 reports in the US on Downdetector, with the numbers continuing to rise.

Google's Workspace dashboard isn't currently showing any problems and Google hasn't officially commented on the reported issues. We've asked Google for a response and will update this story when we hear back.

The issues have been experienced across the TechRadar team today when accessing Gmail in a desktop browser, though some on Downdetector are reporting problems in the app, too. Some other symptoms we've experienced include blank screen and sluggish performance. The issue is potentially a caching problem, as we've found that refreshing or reloading the web page has occasionally helped.

A significant spike

At the time of writing, there were over 500 reports of Gmail issues in the US on Downdetector (above) (Image credit: Downdetector)

Today's Gmail issues have mostly been reported in the US, but also seem to be global with users in regions like the UK also reporting similar frustrations.

The majority of the reports are for the browser-based version of Gmail, though a small number (5%) say the app is also affected.

Google hasn't yet commented on its social channels, but on the likes of X (formerly Twitter) many Gmail users are venting about the problems, which include "infinite loading" and "slow and laggy" performance.

Some have found that refreshing the browser has eased the problems, but the issues continue for many. We'll update this story as soon as we hear back from Google.

You might also like...

• Gmail remains by far the most popular email service — but competition led by Outlook and ProtonMail is rapidly building, TechRadar poll finds
• Gmail is getting tough on spam — new security rules should help clean up your inbox for good
• Gmail just gave Android fans a speedier way to reply to emails

Even though I'm not a horror fan, Netflix's new high-concept thriller Don't Move was a movie I couldn't wait to see. The two nail-biting trailers were enough to have me paralyzed with fear, but with the legendary Evil Dead and Spider-Man director Sam Raimi producing this horror thriller, I was willing to be scared stiff just this once.

Raimi was one of the producers behind Don't Move and he's no stranger to creating breathless thrillers. Funny enough, Raimi produced the intense Don't Breathe in 2016, which follows three home intruders who get trapped inside a blind man's house. Don't Breathe literally had me on the edge of my seat with its heart-pounding terror, but Don't Move failed to do the one thing I hoped for: have me crippled with fright. But this doesn't stop it from being a punchy killer thriller with many pulse-raising moments that both horror and non-horror fans will enjoy this Halloween Week and beyond.

In Don't Move, Raimi turns his attention to the element of movement – or rather the limitations of it – as it deals with the horrifying effects of paralysis. At the start of the film, we meet grieving mother Iris (Kelsey Asbille) who is considering suicide after the loss of her young son. Just as Iris stands on the edge of a cliff, a stranger (Finn Wittrock) convinces her not to jump by sharing his own story of a major loss he's suffered. However, it's all a deception to lure her in before he injects her with a drug that will paralyze her in 20 minutes. This soon kicks off a desperate fight for survival as her body starts to completely shut down while the killer is chasing her in the remote woods.

A spine-chilling thriller

Directors Adam Schindler and Brian Netto have some nifty tricks up their sleeves when it comes to high-stakes thrills that keep the audience engaged throughout the brisk 85-minute runtime. Iris' nightmare sees her battle an ants' nest, ferocious rapids, a noisy lawnmower, and a blazing fire as she tries to signal for help from strangers using only her eyes – it's the only part of her body that she can move once the sedative takes effect.

Asbille puts on a believable performance in displaying these intense emotions without physically showing them as she goes from a woman paralyzed with grief to literally being paralyzed. While the rules of what her body can and can't do does feel wobbly at times, it's still an immersive horror story full of suspense. As for Wittrock, he puts on a scene-stealing performance as maniacal serial killer 'Richard,' who has never been afraid to tap into his darker side thanks to his roles in Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story and Ratched.

While there are some hard-hitting moments of violence, Don't Move doesn't go down as the best Netflix movie or the best horror movie. However, it certainly lives up to Schindler's comment he made in my exclusive interview with the Don't Move directors that "this movie is going to surprise people". Don't Move is an engaging and snappy Netflix movie that's perfect for some casual weekend viewing or some well-made pre-Halloween entertainment. It's available to watch right now on the best streaming service, so you don't even have to move to the cinema to watch it.

You might also like

• Netflix renews Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft for a second season and I can't wait for more relic hunting and... shark-punching?
• PSA: Here are Netflix’s secret codes to see all its horror movies and shows
• Netflix’s Woman of the Hour is this week’s movie of the hour – here are 3 more crime thrillers with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes

Sony has closed two PlayStation developers, Neon Koi, and Concord developer Firewalk Studios. The news was confirmed in an internal email from Sony CEO Hermen Hulst that was subsequently shared to the official Sony blog.

The email states that the company seeks to “consistently evaluate our games portfolio and status of our projects to ensure we are meeting near and long-term business priorities.” The decision to close the two studios reportedly arose from “ongoing efforts to strengthen” the business.

Neon Koi was working on an unannounced mobile action game, which the statement confirms will “not be moving forward” at this time.

Firewalk Studios has been shuttered as a result of the poor reception of its debut title Concord, which was released back in August. The game had been in development for eight years and was shut down just two weeks after launch, with refunds given to affected players.

In a September PlayStation blog post, game director Ryan Ellis said that the studio would “explore options, including those that will better reach our players” - potentially suggesting a future relaunch. Now we know that this will not be the case as this latest communication states that “after much thought, we have determined the best path forward is to permanently sunset the game and close the studio”.

The email then goes on to say that Sony “will take the lessons learned from Concord and continue to advance our live service capabilities to deliver future growth in this area.” This could indicate that there are even more live-service projects on the horizon.

Firewalk Studios has since shared a goodbye message on social media, “signing off one last time” and praising the team’s “truly world-class” talent. 

There is no official word on the number of staff affected by this decision, though a new report by Bloomberg claims that a total of 210 people will be losing their jobs across both Neon Koi and Firewalk Studios.

You might also like...

• Indiana Jones and the Great Circle let me pelt Nazis with bottles, shovels, and various foods - in short, it absolutely rocks
• Bungie shares an update on its new shooter Marathon, confirming it's still "on track" but that it's received a "lot of aggressive changes"
• The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot launches next month, featuring unique rotating thumbstick and button modules

New TeamViewer research has revealed AI tools are increasingly being used by IT, operational technology (OT) and business leaders to handle complex tasks, make autonomous decisions and provide forecasting.

However, despite the clear optimism, three-quarters (74%) of IT decision-makers (ITDMs) and even more (87%) C-suite execs expressed concern about the security of AI, including data management.

This has led to a cautious approach to the rollout of AI within organizations, however nearly two in three (64%) continue to implement artificial intelligence.

Business leaders are keen to use AI

The research suggests there is still room to improve the management of AI-related risks, however two-thirds of UK decision makers would bet on their organization’s ability to manage the, with nearly half (48%) of C-suite execs willing to stake a week or a month’s pay.

The confidence comes from their recognition of AI’s potential for transformation when it comes to productivity. While the study covers leaders from France, Germany, Australia, Singapore and the US, it notes the productivity struggles that are playing out in the UK, adding that 74% of UK decision-makers believe AI could drive the most significant productivity boost in the last century.

Moreover, leaders believe that AI could improve workplace accessibility for those suffering with chronic illnesses.

“​​AI offers immense potential for fostering equal opportunities in the workplace by supporting employees in overcoming challenges and streamlining tasks at all levels," noted TeamViewer CHRO Constanze Backhaus.

More broadly, the survey’s respondents predict a potential average revenue increase of 270% by implementing AI, with time savings equating to 16 hours each month for IT professionals.

With this in mind, four in five (81%) UK respondents expect expanded training in the next six to 12 months. “AI adoption is growing rapidly as businesses increasingly recognize its tangible benefits in driving productivity and streamlining operations," added TeamViewer CPTO Mei Dent.

However, while the research uncovered the predictions of leaders and experts, the true benefits of artificial intelligence across all sectors and worker types remains to be seen.

More from TechRadar Pro

• These are the best AI writers around today
• Many UK workers still aren't using AI at work
• We’ve rounded up a list of the all the best productivity apps

One of the best VPN services has just dropped some serious improvements for Apple users.

As of today, October 30, 2024, Proton VPN landed on Apple TV with a new dedicated VPN app. According to the provider, this was one of the most hotly anticipated and requested features among users. The good news doesn't end here, either, as Proton also announces its compatibility with the Apple Vision Pro, the Big Tech giant's spatial computer handset.

"Today’s releases represent an important step in Proton’s mission to help all users take control of their data on every platform and device," said David Peterson, General Manager of Proton VPN. "Users can now keep their streaming habits, online activity, and their IP address private from their Internet Service Providers or any other third parties."

How to use Proton VPN Apple TV

With its new Apple TV app, Proton promises "a simple and convenient way" to watch your favorite streaming content on the big screen. Until now, Proton users had to find a workaround to use the virtual private network software on these platforms, and this often involved daunting installation processes.

Everything's changed now. All you need to do is download Proton's new Apple TV VPN app, as you would with any other application, and enter your login credentials.

(Image credit: Proton)

You'll then need to connect to one of Proton's servers to maximize your streaming experience. The provider has over 8,600 servers dotted across 112 locations worldwide, meaning you'll have plenty of choices when it comes to hopping across digital borders.

Proton VPN's new Apple TV app is available to all users with a paid plan, namely Proton VPN Plus, Proton Unlimited, and Proton Visionary. Unfortunately, the provider's secure free VPN service isn't optimized for streaming or unblocking popular platforms.

Why use a VPN on Apple TV

A streaming VPN is a great tool to boost your streaming experience.

It allows you to keep up with your favorite shows no matter where you are in the world by bypassing the geo-restrictions used by streaming platforms to dictate where certain content catalogs are available. Additionally, a VPN will provide round-the-clock protection and improved digital privacy, while helping you avoid buffering, slowdowns, or throttling.

Apple first introduced support for third-party VPN applications with the tvOS 17 update in September 2023. The move prompted some of the biggest providers to roll out their own dedicated Apple TV VPN apps. Alongside Proton VPN, other services available on Apple TV include NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN.

VPN on Apple Vision Pro

Apple Vision Pro is a spatial computer that allows users to navigate using hand gestures, eye tracking, and voice commands. This means you can use Apple's handset for a variety of activities, including work tasks, communications, gaming, streaming, and more.

(Image credit: Apple)

As always, when you go online, your data may be at risk of hacks or surveillance – and the same applies to your Apple Vision Pro sessions. Similarly, you may need a workaround to bypass geo-restrictions enforced on the content you wish to access.

This is exactly where a VPN for Apple Vision Pro comes in. It boosts your privacy and security – especially important when browsing from a public Wi-Fi – while helping you bypass blocks and internet throttling.

While Proton VPN did not build a new dedicated app per se, the provider has just announced its compatibility with Apple Vision Pro as the handset supports its iPad VPN app.

A Fortnite Remix live event will lead into the next season, which is going to be a throwback to Chapter 2. This live event has been revealed as Fortnite Remix: The Prelude, and it'll give players the chance to come together to witness what's set to be a musical-themed blockbuster showing.

Now that we know that the next Season of Fortnite is another throwback in the vein of Fortnite OG, we can start looking ahead to the next month of action. Epic Games has been keeping fairly quiet on the full details regarding Fortnite Remix, however, we do know that things will start to ramp up on Friday (November 1).

Here's everything we know about the next Fortnite live event so far, including all of the confirmed details on Fortnite Remix: The Prelude. We'll break down the release date in your time zone, and update with new info as it drops.

Fortnite Remix live event release date and timings for your timezone

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Fortnite Remix: The Prelude goes live on November 1 at 6:30PM ET / 3:30PM PT / 10:30PM GMT. You'll be able to load into the game at this point, though we don't yet know exactly what we'll be doing. Stay tuned for updates!

Fortnite Remix: The Prelude live event - what to expect

(Image credit: Epic Games)

Epic Games hasn't revealed any details on Fortnite Remix: The Prelude just yet, other than the time it'll be going live. A Tweet from the Fortnite account does provide a slight clue, however, telling players that they will want to have their "volume up".

The countdown begins! Join us for Remix: The Prelude in-game on November 1. When the timer hits zero, be there with the volume UP. pic.twitter.com/nah5aXPedzOctober 29, 2024

Given the Remix theming of Fortnite Chapter 2, it's likely that the upcoming live event will feature a musical element front and center. This could mean a performance of a remixed Chapter 2 track, a collaborative Fortnite Festival gameplay style, or something else entirely. We'll have to wait and see.

You Might Also Like...

• Best crossplay games
• Fortnite Chapter 4 review
• PS5 Pro games list