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• Get free Google AI Pro tools with select Acer Chromebook Plus models
• AI, storage, and video creation tools are completely free for one full year
• Offer includes 2TB storage and premium Gemini model access

If you're considering buying a new Chromebook, Acer has just come up with a compelling reason to look at its Plus range.

For a limited time (between now and February 1, 2026), select Acer Chromebook Plus models come bundled with $240 worth of Google AI services.

The eligible models are the Acer Chromebook Plus 514, 516, and Spin 714. The Google AI Pro plan unlocks access to Gemini 2.5 Pro, 2TB of cloud storage, and AI features inside Gmail, Docs, and other Google services.

Making AI tools more accessible

While you get a full free year of the Google AI Pro plan, it's worth mentioning that a $19.99 monthly subscription kicks in after the promotional period, so you’ll need to remember to cancel it if you don’t want to face ongoing charges.

Users also get NotebookLM, which helps with organizing and synthesizing research, and Flow, a video tool built to help with cinematic story creation. Flow is powered by Google’s Veo 3 Fast model, included as part of the same plan.

NotebookLM allows more depth in user sessions, offering five times the number of notebooks, queries, and source references compared to its free version. It’s aimed at making research and writing more manageable for students, professionals, or content creators.

The Chromebook Plus Spin 714 sports Intel Core Ultra processors and up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM. It includes a convertible form factor and stylus support.

The 514 (CB514-5H) offers up to an Intel Core 7 chip, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X memory and 512GB of storage. The 514 (CB514-6H) runs on an Intel Core 3 N-series processor and also supports up to 16GB of RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD.

For those who need more screen space and power, the Chromebook Plus 516 includes up to an Intel Core 7 processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X memory, and 512GB of internal storage. All models support either Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 and come equipped with high-resolution QHD displays.

All of the Chromebook Plus devices also come with Google’s built-in AI tools, like Magic Eraser and AI-enhanced video calls.

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Both Microsoft and Sony have confirmed they’re working on next-generation games consoles, with 2027 even tipped to be the potential launch date for a potential PlayStation 6 or new Xbox. But I’m here to squash that hype.

While 2027 makes sense for the usual new console cycle, which tends to be around every seven years - the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X (and S) both launched in November 2020, so that amount of time will have elapsed come 2027 - I think it’s way too early to start thinking about next-gen consoles (unless you’re looking at snagging a Nintendo Switch 2 restock).

I was lucky enough to put both current-gen PlayStation and Xbox flagship consoles through their paces when they launched. And both are excellent bits of hardware; the Series X is the ultimate expression of Xbox, while the PS5 offered a neat suite of innovations and the immersion-heightening DualSense controller.

But the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic not only made it hard to get either of the consoles close to launch, but also saw huge delays to games. This had the knock-on effect of more games being cross-generation than I’d have usually expected.

While that’s no bad thing, especially as I rather enjoyed playing games like God of War and The Last of Us Part 2 at 60 frames per second (fps), I felt it didn’t really give the proper next-generation console vibe I’d hoped for.

And now, five years into the generation and Microsoft has already started talking about next-generation hardware, with Xbox president Sarah Bond announcing the gaming division has formed a partnership with AMD for future hardware. And Sony confirmed it’s working on new next-generation PlayStation hardware, but stopped short of calling it the PS6.

Too soon?

(Image credit: Shutterstock/Hopix Art)

None of this is surprising, as of course there’ll be a new console generation; that’s unless Microsoft really does eschew hardware and go fully into Xbox Cloud Gaming, but that’s another topic of discussion. However, I think it's way too early for even the most hardcore of gamers to be thinking too much about what’s next for Xbox and PlayStation hardware.

The crux of this is, I reckon, we only really started to get proper ‘next-gen’ games in 2022, perhaps even 2023 - when the term ‘next-gen’ started to feel irrelevant. Perhaps ‘current-gen’ was more appropriate by then.

Now I get that even on the PS5 Pro, players may still need to make some form of choice between the fastest frame rates or the crispest graphics, rather than just having 4K 60 fps (I should add that the PS5 Pro does offer some excellent middle-ground options like a 40 fps high quality graphics mode in Horizon Forbidden West, and PSSR offer some smart upsampling for games).

So there’s potentially an argument for new hardware to finally deliver the ultra-high-definition and fast frame rate combo that has always felt like an undelivered promise.

A powerful PC like this Starforge System is arguably a step towards next-gen gaming right now. (Image credit: Starforge Systems)

Of course, PC gamers with deep pockets can already get this with a high-end machine, or are making the most out of Nvidia’s DLSS tech to get fast frame rates at cleverly up-mixed resolutions.

As someone with a very powerful gaming PC, I do love the ease of being able to boot up basically any game, crank everything up, and enjoy fast frame rates on a monitor with a high refresh rate. But that’s a bit of a niche proposition, and I don’t think it’s yet a catalyst for new console hardware.

My overarching feeling is that the current Xbox and PlayStation generation is only really three-ish years old in a gaming sense. I'd like to see more pumped out of the current hardware before diving headfirst into the next, as I reckon developers have more to extract from these machines.

I’ve partially made this argument before in regards to the PS5 Pro, which I think is great but perhaps a tad underwhelming. What I find more impressive is seeing consoles work to deliver impressive performance or visuals as developers really learn to optimize for their silicon innards.

Take The Last of Us on the PS3 - that was a seriously impressive-looking game that got so much out of very mature hardware. I’d say the same was true of Halo 4 on the Xbox 360.

While those consoles had different chip architecture to their predecessors, I think that the technical know-how of getting the most out of aging hardware may have had a positive knock-on effect on developing games for the PS4 and Xbox One.

Given that last-generation and this generation’s consoles run on AMD chip architecture, and that’s sure to continue with the next-generation, I think learning to push current hardware as hard as possible will have a positive knock on effect for the next-gen consoles in terms of extracting more performance from the offset, but also potentially opening up new gaming experiences with an understanding of what can be done with extra performance headroom.

Beyond frame rates

(Image credit: Sony/PlayStation)

While we’ve had some very graphically impressive games, like Horizon Forbidden West and Gran Turismo 7 on PS5, and Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox Series X, I don’t feel they were enormously different from their predecessors. So I’m still waiting on a game to truly wow me - Fable 4 and GTA 6 have both caught my eye, but they’re delayed until next year.

Going by the recent Witcher 4 tech demo, which looked amazing yet was running at 60 fps on PS5 hardware, there’s seemingly a lot of untapped promise in the current console hardware, especially with what Unreal Engine 5 has to offer.

Equally, I still think The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt looks fantastic, especially after its upgraded release on the current-gen consoles. And while I love fast frame rate gaming with all the bells and whistles on my PC, I do wonder if we’ve sort of hit 'peak graphics’. Sure, things can get crisper, sharper, and smoother, but will we ever see the big generational leap like I used to see in the early 2000s? Probably not.

So I worry that with a new console generation now arguably on the horizon, we’ll see even the best games consoles go the way of smartphones and become almost incremental generation-to-generation. I do not want that.

Rather, I want new consoles to offer proper step changes in gaming. Where once graphical fidelity represented that, how about seeing something new?

The world and its technological dog are harping on about AI, so how about we see games consoles that can truly support advanced character AI that offer unique player experiences with each new playthrough, or expand the scope of games.

(Image credit: Stock-Asso / Shutterstock)

Or perhaps we see new control schemes that really make gaming accessible to all; as much as the Nintendo Switch 2 might be a cool piece of hardware, my colleague Rob Dwiar can’t use it, and that seems rather limiting in the year 2025.

As games have evolved, they open up more interesting experiences and interactions - if we break away from the established molds of Call of Duty, Assassin’s Creed, and so on - and I feel hardware could and perhaps should follow suit.

So it’s my hope that we don’t let hype push a new console generation too soon, and instead, current hardware is pushed to the max while smarter people than me come up with new tech that takes gaming to a new level.

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• AI use is exploding, but most European companies are still operating without clear rules or policies
• Organizations celebrate productivity gains while ignoring rising security threats from deepfakes and AI misuse
• Employees use generative AI daily, but few know when, where, or how they should

As generative AI gains traction across Europe’s workplaces, many organizations are embracing its capabilities without establishing formal policies to guide its use.

According to ISACA, 83% of IT and business professionals believe AI is already being used by staff within their organizations, but only 31% report the presence of a comprehensive internal AI policy.

The use of AI in the workplace comes with some benefits. Fifty-six percent of respondents say AI has already improved productivity, 71% cite efficiency gains and time savings, while 62% are optimistic that AI will further enhance their organizations over the next year.

Productivity gains without structure is a ticking bomb

However, AI applications are not universally positive, and whatever perceived gains they bring come with caveats.

“The UK Government has made it clear through its AI Opportunities Action Plan that responsible AI adoption is a national priority,” says Chris Dimitriadis, ISACA’s Chief Global Strategy Officer.

“AI threats are evolving fast, from deepfakes to phishing, and without adequate training, investment and internal policy, businesses will struggle to keep up. Bridging this risk-action gap is essential if the UK is to lead with innovation and digital trust.”

This dissonance between enthusiasm and regulation poses notable challenges.

Concerns about AI misuse are high, and 64% of respondents are extremely or very concerned about generative AI being turned against them.

However, only 18% of organizations are investing in tools to detect deepfakes, despite 71% anticipating their proliferation in the near future.

These figures reflect a clear risk-action gap, where awareness of threats is not translating into meaningful protective measures.

The situation is further complicated by a lack of role-specific guidance. Without it, employees are left to determine when and how to use AI, which increases the risk of unsafe or inappropriate applications.

“Without guidance, rules or training in place on the extent to which AI can be used at work, employees might continue to use it in the wrong context or in an unsafe way. Equally, they might not be able to spot misinformation or deepfakes as easily as they might if they were equipped with the right knowledge and tools.”

This absence of structure is not only a security risk but also a missed opportunity for proper professional development.

Nearly half of the respondents, 42%, believe they need to improve their AI knowledge within six months to remain competitive in their roles.

This marks an 8% increase from the previous year and reflects a growing realization that skills development is critical.

Within two years, 89% expect to need upskilling in AI, underscoring the urgency of formal training.

That said, companies that want the best AI tools, including the best LLM for coding and the best AI writers, must also account for the responsibilities that come with them.

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• Security-focused Apple browser Psylo isolates tabs into silos with private proxies per tab
• Each silo blocks trackers and fingerprinting for deeper privacy
• No data or identity gets stored, only bandwidth tied to random ID

Browser fingerprinting tracks users by collecting device details to build a unique profile, allowing cross-site tracking without cookies or static IPs.

Apple users looking for privacy-first web browsing now have a new option for blocking this kind of tracking in Psylo, a browser developed by Canadian security researchers Talal Haj Bakry and Tommy Mysk.

Available on Apple’s App Store it offers a fresh approach to online privacy via isolated browser tabs and built-in proxy protections.

True tab isolation

Psylo is built around the idea of isolating every browser tab as its own “silo,” with separate storage, cookies, and even unique IP addresses.

This approach not only adds privacy but makes tracking users far more difficult. “Psylo stands out as it is the only WebKit-based iOS browser that truly isolates tabs,” Tommy Mysk told The Register.

Each silo connects through Psylo’s private proxy network, offering more than 40 high-speed servers in locations like Canada, Germany, and Brazil.

Unlike traditional VPNs, which mask only IP addresses, Psylo adjusts browser fingerprints per silo. It aligns timezone and system language to the chosen proxy location, a feature aimed at preventing fingerprinting techniques that can bypass VPNs.

The app is fully self-contained. It doesn't modify system VPN settings or require any setup.

Protections such as DNS-level tracker blocking and automatic HTTPS upgrades are built-in. There are no ads, no crypto incentives, and no AI agents running in the background.

Psylo also allows multiple account usage through web versions of social platforms like Instagram or X.

Tabs can run side by side without sharing data or tracking information between them. Users can choose between persistent silos for daily browsing or ephemeral ones that delete data after closing.

Mysk says that no browsing history, IP addresses, or personally identifiable information is stored. Bandwidth data is the only thing recorded, and it is tied only to a random identifier created at signup. Apple handles all payment data.

Psylo is available now on iOS and iPadOS. Users can try it free for seven days without creating an account. Monthly and yearly subscriptions are available, starting at $9.99 per month.

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Want to catch up on the biggest tech news stories you might have missed from the past seven days?

You're in luck, as we've rounded up the biggest events from Tesla launching its robotaxis (in a way) in Austin to reports of PS5s failing as an old debunked issue resurfaces.

Once you're up to speed on all that, be sure to check out the 7 new movies and TV shows to stream this weekend (June 27).

8. We hosted Smart Home week

(Image credit: Getty Images / Kemal Yildirim)

Ever wanted to get started with smart lighting, set up a home security system, or automate everyday chores? This week, we've brought you a heap of expert advice and tutorials to help you get started with smart home tech. Whether you're getting connected for the first time or want to get more out of the devices you already have, we're here to help.

Smart home tech is all about making your life easier, so we’ll show you the devices that will do the most for you and show you how to connect them all together in a seamless system. It’s a lot simpler and more affordable than you might expect, and you’ll be amazed at just how much it can do for you!

• Read more: Welcome to TechRadar's Smart Home Week

7. Windows 10 fans got a new lifeline

(Image credit: Shutterstock - Wachiwit)

Microsoft is officially cutting the cord on Windows 10 on October 14, but this week it threw a buoy to anyone who needs a bit more time to switch to Windows 11.

The Extended Security Updates (ESU) program brings important security patches to Windows 10 for a year after official support ends. And there’s now a new wizard to help you get your PC enrolled – it’ll be available in the Windows Insider Program in July, before rolling out more widely in August.

The wizard can’t, unfortunately, wave its wand to make Windows 11 go away, but it will help you kick that can down the road for another year if you aren’t quite ready to make the leap.

• Read more: Windows 10 users who don’t want to upgrade to Windows 11 get new lifeline from Microsoft

6. Cambridge Audio made us even crazier about music

(Image credit: Future)

Until now, Cambridge Audio’s wireless earbuds have been ‘pretty good’, but in a market so chock full of plucky contenders, ‘pretty good’ is usually not good enough. And so the company is back with a very concerted effort, in the shape of the new Melomania A100.

Look, it’s not every week that such a gifted set of earbuds arrives. Here is a product priced to compete squarely in the mainstream, but with so few apparent compromises – yes, they sound great; yes, the ANC is very effective – it makes the price tag seem unfathomable.

In every respect (build quality, specification and, especially, performance) these earbuds outperform their asking price by a wide margin. Highly recommended.

• Read more: I tested Cambridge Audio's all-new Melomania A100 earbuds

5. Multiple users reported PS5 failures

(Image credit: Sony)

Panic stations, folks; reports of PS5 failures due to liquid metal leaking issues are resurfacing, despite previously being debunked. This comes from the founder of indie developer Alderon Games, who claims that developers and multiple players reported constant abrupt shutdowns while playing its Rise of Titans game.

It’s perhaps the worst possible time for issues to occur, as arguably the most anticipated game of all time, GTA 6, is almost upon us; therefore, it’s advised to place consoles horizontally to avoid any potential complications.

• Read more: I sure hope my PS5 doesn't die before GTA 6 - reports suggest hardware issues could damage consoles over time

4. Bond found its next movie director

(Image credit: MGM)

The first James Bond movie of the Amazon MGM Studios era is starting to take shape with a new director set to take over the reins that you might have heard of: Denis Villeneuve.

Known for big blockbusters like Dune, Arrival, Sicario, and Blade Runner 2049, the filmmaker has been trusted with taking over established franchises before, and so understands that the Bond movies are “sacred territory”.

A self-proclaimed “die-hard Bond fan”, the announcement of Villeneuve’s appointment has been largely welcomed by fans, with many taking to social media to say how excited they are. Although some have raised concerns that Villeneuve’s other upcoming projects, like Dune ,3 might mean there’ll be a longer wait.

• Read more: ‘I can’t believe I’m excited for a Bond movie again’: Amazon’s bold new direction for 007 has fans talking

3. Tesla’s self-driving robotaxis hit the road

(Image credit: Tesla)

After quite the wait, the Tesla robotaxi service has ‘launched’ in Austin, Texas, so now you can be ferried around in a Tesla vehicle with no human driver behind the wheel.

However, it’s a very limited thing. Not only does it only cover a very specific part of Austin – a region that's been thoroughly mapped by Tesla's software – but you also have to receive an invite to even try the service.

You won’t be alone on your ride for now either, as each robo taxi comes with its own robo taxi employee who can shut the car down if it gets into trouble, which bodes well for how Tesla thinks this test will go.

• Read more: Tesla has launched its robotaxi service for a handful of super-fans

2. Chromecast with Google TV finally got its update

(Image credit: Google)

The Android 14 update, which we first reported that Chromecasts would be getting back in March, is at last available for everyone.

Some people did initially manage to start installing the update, so this new rollout is for two versions – a smaller package for anyone who downloaded the initial Android 14 update before it was pulled, and a larger one for anyone who didn't and whose device is still running Android 12.

According to Google, the update should lead to "a snappier, more responsive TV experience".

• Read more: Chromecast with Google TV's long Android 14 nightmare is over

1. Samsung set the date for Galaxy Unpacked

(Image credit: Samsung)

After numerous hints from Samsung and many rumors about the next Galaxy Z Fold, Galaxy Z Flip, and Galaxy Watches, you can now officially mark your calendars for July 9, 2025.

The Galaxy Unpacked festivities will kick off at 10am ET / 7am PT / 3pm BST on July 9, 2025, and the event will be live-streamed. TechRadar will be on the scene in Brooklyn, New York, reporting live, so we’ll be breaking down err... Unpacking everything that Samsung unveils.

The teaser says 'Ultra Unfolds' suggesting we might also see the rumored Samsung Galaxy Z Fold Ultra.

• Read more: Is the Galaxy Z Fold ready to go Ultra?

• TCL’s 57-inch 57R94 offers wide dual 4K view in a single curved monitor
• Promises strong color performance with 2304 dimming zones and HDR support
• Includes full connectivity with 90W USB-C and multiple display ports

If you’ve ever dreamed of replacing your dual-monitor setup with a seamless ultra-wide beast, TCL’s new curved monitor might be exactly what you’ve been waiting for.

The 57R94 is a 57-inch, 32:9 ratio, dual 4K display that looks more like a command center than a typical desktop monitor and may require the purchase of a new office desk to accommodate it.

It delivers a resolution of 7680 x 2160, giving users the space of two 4K screens on a single curved panel. That curvature, rated at 1000R, keeps every inch of the screen more consistent in viewing distance. It refreshes at 120Hz and supports a 1ms response time, which should help with fast visuals in creative tasks like video editing or gaming.

A solid selection of ports

With 2304 dimming zones, the panel can finely adjust light output across its surface. This means deeper contrast, with black areas that stay dark while highlights pop up to 1200nits.

Its HDR performance is certified to meet VESA DisplayHDR 1400 standards, and the display also scores high marks for color, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 gamut.

Color accuracy is a big plus, with a Delta E under 1. It also has Pantone certification, so colors should stay true to the original.

The display also limits blue light exposure, meeting Rhine's low blue light standard to help reduce eye fatigue.

The 57R94 has dual HDMI 2.1 ports, DisplayPort 1.4, and a 90W USB-C that can deliver power and handle video at the same time. There’s also a USB-B upstream, four USB-A ports for peripherals, and a headphone jack. Built-in dual speakers provide basic sound capabilities.

No word on pricing or availability as of yet, but we wouldn’t expect to see much (if any) change from $1500 when it does arrive.

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• Foxconn is preparing robots to perform manual tasks such as cable insertion and part assembly
• Nvidia may become the first to use humanoid robots in its AI server production line
• Foxconn’s Houston factory was selected for its larger space and adaptable new layout design

Foxconn and Nvidia are reportedly discussing plans to deploy humanoid robots at a new AI server production facility in Houston.

If implemented, this would be the first time humanoids are used in the assembly of Nvidia products and Foxconn’s first AI server line to incorporate them.

Sources familiar with the matter, who declined to be named, told Reuters the deployment could be finalized soon, with operations possibly beginning in the first quarter of 2026.

New factory layout makes robotics more feasible

Houston was considered a strategic choice due to its new facility design and greater available space compared to existing AI server manufacturing sites.

However, neither Nvidia nor Foxconn has officially confirmed the plan, but the reports align with both companies’ growing interest in automation and robotics, particularly in areas that demand speed and flexibility, like AI server production.

Foxconn has been developing its own humanoid robots through its subsidiary Foxconn Industrial Internet and is also training robots to do basic tasks like cable insertion, object placement, and light assembly work.

At a recent event in Taipei, Leo Guo, general manager of the company's robotics division, revealed that two types of robots will be showcased in November 2025.

One version has legs, while the other is mounted on a wheeled autonomous mobile base, which Guo said “would cost less than the version with legs,” though he declined to share specific figures.

Nvidia, for its part, has a strong stake in the humanoid robotics field, as it supplies the AI platforms used by many developers to create humanoid machines.

At its recent Nvidia GTC 2025 event, CEO Jensen Huang stated the widespread use of such robots in manufacturing was “less than five years away.”

Nvidia’s broader plans in Texas include a second partnership in Dallas with Wistron, and both sites are expected to begin production within 12 to 15 months.

Still, one unanswered question lingers: if Nvidia is pushing for humanoid robots in the US, where exactly will these robots be built?

Foxconn may turn to Taiwan, where its robotics unit is based, or to China, where it operates large-scale factories and has previously collaborated with UBTech.

Vietnam and India are also plausible choices, given Foxconn’s ongoing expansion in those countries to reduce production costs.

Alternatively, the company could outsource components to established robotics manufacturers in Japan or South Korea, where the technology is more advanced and well-established.

While the United States could be considered for localized production, this is likely part of a longer-term strategy.

This key detail will determine how scalable the approach is and whether the future of automated manufacturing will rely on global supply chains or more localized development.

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• A 'leaked' image shows a screen protector for the iPhone 17 family
• And the iPhone 17 Air has a standout change with a left-oriented selfie camera
• This dull tip could hint at more than meets the eye

The iPhone 17 Air has been tipped to have a front-facing camera on the left-hand side of the Dynamic Island that the rumored super-slim phone is expected to have.

This comes courtesy of tipster Majin Bu, who has a habit of surfacing claimed leaks taken from Chinese social media on X, often with a mixed track record of accuracy. Bu posted an image of screen protectors that are supposedly for the iPhone 17 lineup.

These images are hardly dynamic and don't hint at big design changes for the next-generation iPhones. But for an image labelled 'IP17Air', the front-facing camera has been shifted from the right-hand side of the Dynamic Island (as seen on the iPhone 16 models and expected for their next-gen counterparts) to the left.

(Image credit: Majin Bu/X)

Now, before you yawn yourself off this article, let me explain why it could be more interesting than you think.

Moving a camera isn't a big deal, especially as Apple would likely make sure iOS 26 takes this into account when using the likes of the reworked camera app to snap selfies and so on.

But Apple tends to rarely do things for the sake of it or just for a bit of design flair. Rather, I think this change could be a clue as to how Cupertino might have reworked the internal layout of its iPhones to produce a super-slim variant of a next-gen Apple phone.

Formula iPhone

(Image credit: Apple TV+)

If you happen to follow Formula One – which, as it happens, Apple has made a movie about – you'll know that how components in an F1 car are packaged is vital to getting the most performance out of a car; in terms of aerodynamics, weight distribution, weight, and so on. The rules of F1 mean that there are limitations to how much can be changed with each team's car to ensure that one doesn't have an unfair advantage over the others.

And I think the same logic can be applied from an F1 car to making super-slim phones, well, to an extent, so bear with me.

This is because consumers have certain expectations from phones – especially those from the biggest brands – such as decent performance, rear- and front-facing cameras, a solid battery life, and a decent display. And given phones have basically got somewhat iterative generation-to-generation, there are arguably limitations to what can be done to make a phone slim and light without too many compromises.

As such, this tipped camera reposition in the Dynamic Island is a potential hint that Apple is working to package the internal components and structures of the iPhone 17 Air in such a way as to make it seriously slim.

Given Samsung beat Apple to the punch with the Galaxy S25 Edge, I think Tim Cook's crew will need something special to stand out and avoid being slated for following in its rival's footsteps instead of leading.

Of course, the iPhone 17 Air could still be rumor and speculation, with screen protector makers reacting to the tips rather than any official design. But at this point, a form of iPhone 17 Air seems quite likely; we're sure to find out more come the expected September Apple event.

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• JCB’s rugged phone trio enters a saturated market with a price that raises eyebrows
• JCB Toughphone P20's thermal camera is unique, but won’t matter much to everyday users
• Midrange specs and premium pricing put the JCB M20 and E10 in a tight spot

JCB has introduced three Android rugged smartphones, targeting field professionals in industries such as construction and logistics.

The most advanced of the trio, the Toughphone P20, arrives with Android 14, a 6.6-inch 120Hz Full HD+ display, and a MediaTek MT6877 chipset coupled with 12GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, expandable up to 1TB.

But with a launch price of £649 (€649), it lands in a territory already contested by better-known and, in some cases, more affordable rivals.

Niche features may not justify a premium price

On paper, the Toughphone P20 appears to be built to last. Its 10,000mAh battery supports up to 40 hours of talk time and 50 days of standby, while also offering powerbank functionality.

JCB claims it “combines robust hardware with advanced features,” and the device meets IP69K and MIL-STD 810H durability standards.

The drop resistance of up to 1.8 metres and water resistance make it a credible option, but it must contend with phones like the Ulefone Armor 28 Ultra, which boasts similar ruggedness, an even larger battery, and support for Android 15 at a slightly higher cost.

JCB's inclusion of a thermal imaging camera is a niche but welcome feature, using an “uncooled VOx microbolometer” capable of capturing temperatures from -15°C to 550°C with a resolution of 256 x 192 pixels.

The triple rear camera system, 64MP main, 8MP wide-angle, and 20MP night vision, adds versatility, and the 20MP front camera is well above the standard for rugged phones.

However, in the area of software assurance and update longevity, mainstream rivals like the Samsung Galaxy XCover 7 still offer more confidence, especially for enterprise users who value a mature ecosystem.

The Toughphone M20 and E10, which come in at £449 and £249 respectively, cater to mid- and entry-level rugged users, but again, they're priced within reach of alternative options.

The Doogee S200 provides similar specs to the M20 with a huge battery and 5G support, but may come in cheaper, especially from resellers.

Meanwhile, for buyers interested in large screens and aggressive aesthetics, the 8849 Shark 3 competes with its striking design and gaming-inspired rugged build.

JCB markets the P20 as a field-ready tool but it faces stiff competition even among lesser-known brands. The Oukitel WP200 Pro, for instance, blends durability, strong specs, and an average price point, challenging JCB’s efforts to stand out.

Unless JCB can negotiate volume deals to bring the price down significantly, its debut trio may struggle to attract attention beyond niche buyers who already know exactly what they're looking for.

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• New research shows AI tools are being used and abused by cybercriminals
• Hackers are creating tools that exploit legitimate LLMs
• Criminals are also training their own LLMs

It’s undeniable that AI is being used by both cybersecurity teams and cybercriminals, but new research from Cisco Talos reveals that criminals are getting creative. The latest development in the AI/cybersecurity landscape is that ‘uncensored’ LLMs, jailbroken LLMs, and cybercriminal-designed LLMs are being leveraged against targets.

It was recently revealed that both Grok and Mistral AI models were powering WormGPT variants that were generating malicious code, social engineering attacks, and even providing hacking tutorials - so it's clearly becoming a popular tactic.

LLMs are built with security features and guardrails, ensuring minimal bias and outputs that consist with human values and ethics, as well as making sure the chatbots don’t engage in harmful behaviour, such as creating malware or phishing emails - but there are work arounds.

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Jailbroken and uncensored

The so-called uncensored LLMs observed in this research are versions of the AI models that operate outside of the normal constraints. This means that they are able to carry out tasks for criminals and create harmful content. These are quite easy to find, the research shows, and are simple to run - with only relatively simple prompts required.

Some criminals have gone one step further, creating their own LLMs, such as WormGPT, FraudGPT, and DarkGPT. These are marketed to bad actors and have a whole host of nefarious features. For example, FraudGPT claims to be able to create automatic scripts for replicating logs/cookies, write scam pages/letters, find leaks and vulnerabilities, and even learn to code/hack.

Others navigate around the safety features of legitimate AI models through ‘jailbreaking’ chatbots. This can be done using ‘obfuscation techniques,’ which include Base64/Rot-13 encoding, using different languages, “L33t sp34k”, emojis, and even morse code.

“As AI technology continues to develop, Cisco Talos expects cybercriminals to continue adopting LLMs to help streamline their processes, write tools/scripts that can be used to compromise users and generate content that can more easily bypass defenses. This new technology doesn’t necessarily arm cybercriminals with completely novel cyber weapons, but it does act as a force multiplier, enhancing and improving familiar attacks,” the report confirms.

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• 96% of workers have filled skills gaps with AI
• Daily users trust AI more – and get more out of it, too
• Workers want AI for brainstorming, research and presentations

According to new research form Salesforce, AI is showing signs of shifting from basic applications like task automation to more powerful outcomes, such as enabling creative and strategic work.

With global use of AI for creative and strategic tasks up 154%, artificial intelligence is now unlocking the full potential of the workforce – almost all (96%) workers have used AI for tasks they lacked the skills for.

Not only has AI usage risen, but the number of people using the tech day in, day out has also surged by 233% in the space of six months, with three in five desktop workers using artificial intelligence.

Workers are seeing the benefits of AI

According to the report, daily AI users report high productivity (+64%), focus (+58%) and job satisfaction (+81%). Those who use artificial intelligence daily are also twice as likely to trust it, with many workers relying on the tech to eliminate research efforts, get help with writing and communication, and support brainstorming.

Nevertheless, some workers remain more open to emerging technologies than others. For example, 30% of Millennials claim strong understanding of AI agents compared with 22% of Gen Z. In fact, more than two-thirds (68%) of Millennials now use AI for strategic tasks like drafting and summarizing.

"As workers actually use and experiment with AI agents, their trust and enthusiasm in this technology grows – and we see them leveraging agents to unlock new skills and opportunities in their everyday work," Research VP Lucas Puente explained.

Salesforce also reports that the higher up the organizational tree you are, the more likely you are to become a user – 43% of execs use AI daily, compared with 35% of senior managers and 23% of middle managers.

Looking ahead, the most requested use cases for AI are brainstorming automation and augmentation (72%), research assistance (80%) and presentation generation (82%).

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• New Sony over-ear Bluetooth headphones appear in an official database
• Possibly a successor to the Sony WH-CH520 or WH-C720N
• This is a very early leak so a launch may not be imminent

There's no doubt that Sony's WH-1000XM6 over-ears are a truly excellent pair of headphones. But at $449 / £399 / AU$699 they're also a pretty expensive pair of headphones. If you're looking for an audio upgrade but would prefer something a bit more affordable, Sony appears to be preparing exactly that.

A new pair of Sony headphones have leaked, and they appear to be over-ears. And that means they're most likely the successor to the Sony WH-CH520 or WH-C720N – although we can't rule out a brand new model that we haven't seen before.

The first of those had a launch price of $60 / £60 / AU$99, and the latter were $129 / £99 / AU$259. And both are getting on a bit: two years, which is a long time in the headphone market.

The WH-CH520 may also be in line for a replacement later this year (Image credit: Sony)Sony's new over-ear headphones: what we know so far

As is often the case with Sony leaks, the news comes via The Walkman Blog and its access to Sony's shipping manifests.

Those manifests include a new model number, YY2998, which they describe as "Bluetooth headphones with over-head cover, 2.4GHz band, Brand: Sony... Black, Silver". 2.4GHz is where Bluetooth lives.

Previous leaks for a different set of headphones had the model number YY2985, which is believed to be the WF-1000XM6 earbuds that are expected to launch later this year.

The headphones detailed in the manifests appear to be test samples, which means that this is a very early leak: the big leaks tend to be when headphones are submitted to the various certification bodies, a process that tends to happen in the very final stages before product launches.

That suggests that whatever these headphones are, we probably won't see them until the end of this year. So if you're hankering after a set of Sonys but don't want to wait that long, check our our guide to the best Sony headphones for all budgets.

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• 10% of the 150,000+ SaaS apps on offer could be affected by Entra ID vulnerability
• It was first disclosed in 2023, but many apps still remain affected
• App vendors need to issue patches or you risk account takeover

Semperis has released new research uncovering a severe flaw in Microsoft's Entra ID, called nOAuth, and its effects could span 10% of SaaS applications globally.

The vulnerability involves a cross-tenant authentication flaw affecting Entra ID integrations – attackers could execute full account takeover with just access to an Entra tenant and the victim's email.

The report explains that the attack is a low-complexity, low-effort one that bypasses even multi-factor authentication (MFA), conditional access policies and zero-trust security architecture – all things that are generally characteristics of companies with strong cybersecurity postures.

Entra ID vulnerability could have broad effects

Additionally, attackers can get away without leaving much trace, and the Entra ID vulnerability cannot be defended against without vendor-side fixes.

Given that there are an estimated 150,000 SaaS apps in use globally, Semperis suggests more than 15,000 SaaS applications could be affected.

Once an attacker gains access to one of the apps at risk, they can impersonate the victim, gain access to personally identifiable information or exfiltrate data.

Currently, there is no effective way to detect the attack, and prevention is also proving to be troubling without the right fixes from software vendors. Alarmingly, it was first disclosed in 2023, but Semperis' 2025 research shows that it still affects many apps.

Semperis' Chief Identity Architect, Eric Woodruff, commented: "customers are left with no way to detect or stop the attack, making this an especially dangerous and persistent threat."

As such, SaaS vendors are being urged to audit and patch affected apps as quickly as possible. The Microsoft Security Response Center has also advised vendors to follow its guidelines or risk being removed from the Entra gallery.

"We’ve confirmed exploitation is still possible in many SaaS apps, which makes this an urgent call to action. We encourage developers to implement the necessary fixes and help protect their customers before this flaw is exploited further," Woodruff added.

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I do love a good treasure hunt, and the more dysfunctional it is the better – so I'm really intrigued by Low Life, which is one of the latest Korean dramas to come to one of the best streaming services.

Disney's been streaming some really good stuff from Korea lately: its Nine Puzzles was a rewarding slow burn of a serial killer thriller, and while Low Life is a very different kind of story, it sounds like it's going to be of similarly high quality.

The 11-parter is written and directed by Kang Yun-seong, who wrote Disney+'s Big Bet and directed the hit movie The Outlaws. It's a tale of small-time schemers who hear about the ultimate treasure hunt and decide to make it theirs. Naturally a whole host of other people have the same idea, and many of those people are exactly the kind of people you don't want to run into.

What we know about Low Life so far

Low Life is a period drama set in the 1970s amid South Korea's "murky" underworld, and as The Hollywood Reporter reports, the star of the show is veteran Korean star Ryu Seung-ryong – who you may have seen in Disney Plus's Moving. He plays conman Oh Gwanseok, a veteran crook who's looking for the obligatory one last score, and he recruits his rather naive nephew Oh Heedong (rising star Yang Se-jong) to help.

I haven't seen the show yet but I like the setup: it reminds me of countless odd-couple dramas such as the peerless Midnight Run, which starred Robert De Niro and James Brolin. Having mismatched protagonists facing all kinds of obstacles is usually a recipe for a thoroughly entertaining time, and the buddy dynamic tends to be a lot of fun, so I'm hoping this will earn a spot as one of the best Disney+ shows.

Low Life will premiere as a Hulu Original in the US and will stream internationally on Disney+. The premiere is on July 16, with three episodes available at once, and the remaining eight episodes will be released weekly until the two-part finale on August 13.

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Death Stranding 2 was revealed at The Game Awards 2022 and follows on from what we think is one of the best PS4 games ever. Better yet, it's out now.

Given that Death Stranding 2 is available now for all players, we've actually been busy over the last couple of weeks playing a pre-release version of the game. You can check out our 5-star Death Stranding 2 review to read what we liked, and didn't, about the star-studded sequel.

Here's what you need to know about Death Stranding 2, including a look at the confirmed platforms, the latest trailers, and all of the latest news. As more details come to light post-launch, no doubt drip-fed over the next few months or so, we'll be sure to update this page.

Death Stranding 2 - cut to the chase

• What is it? The sequel to 2019's Death Stranding
• When did it come out? June 26, 2025
• What can I play it on? PS5
• Who's making it? Kojima Productions

Death Stranding 2 release date

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

Death Stranding 2 is currently only released for PS5, and launched June 26, 2025.

Death Stranding, one of the best PS5 exclusives you can play right now, actually launched on PS4. It was originally published by Sony for PlayStation 4, before later seeing a PC version later on, published by 505 Games. It's possible that a similar thing could happen with Death Stranding 2, but, for now, it's only confirmed as a PS5 exclusive.

You can, of course, also load up Death Stranding 2 on PS5 Pro. Thanks to some slight but nonetheless impressive upgrades, the game has already landed on our list of the best PS5 Pro games to play in 2025.

Death Stranding 2 trailers

At SXSW 2025, a detailed trailer was revealed for Death Stranding 2. It announced the release date for the game, and gave a new look at the story. You can view it below:

We received a new Death Stranding 2: On the Beach trailer in 2024, and it was quite the showing. It confirms the true name of the game (Death Stranding 2: On the Beach), and lasts around 10 minutes. There's a puppet, lots of bridges being blown up, and a fight that involves a weaponized guitar. See for yourself, below:

There's only been two Death Stranding 2 trailers released so far. The reveal trailer is four minutes of classic Kojima misdirection, with plenty of big names thrown in. Check it out below:

In terms of what it all means... well, the Death Stranding 2 reveal trailer definitely raises more questions than answers. For one, Sam 'Porter' Bridges is grey now, and Fragile appears to be cured. Not only that, but she has a baby, which she later fails to protect from unknown enemies. There's a creepy-looking BB, a giant ship rising from tar, as well as a new villain wearing a very familiar red mask. We'll have to wait and see how it all pays off and develops into a fuller narrative.

It could be a while before we see more about Death Stranding 2, though it's still penned for later this year. Until then, it's worth keeping an eye on the official PlayStation YouTube channel for new trailer drops.

While not a proper trailer per se, there is a full PlayStation Presents presentation on Death Stranding 2. It was released during Tokyo Game Show, and features some new footage from the game, including a look at photo mode.

Death Stranding 2 cast

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

As expected, Death Stranding 2's main cast features some big names from the worlds of both movies and gaming. You can check out the confirmed cast below:

• Norman Reedus
• Léa Seydoux
• Elle Fanning
• Shioli Kutsana
• Troy Baker
• George Miller

Death Stranding 2 gameplay

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

Thanks to the latest Death Stranding 2 trailer, we've gotten our first extended look at gameplay. Things look similar to the first, with players hiking across open areas, encountering ghostly enemies along the way. The main differences here appear to be in the terrain, which seems much more treacherous. Landslides, flash floods and tougher enemies present more of a challenge, with much more of a focus on action this time around.

We see Sam using bikes to get around, and weapons to dispatch enemies. Whether or not we'll be delivering packages in the same way as in the first game remains to be seen, but given Fragile's new Drawbridge network filling in for the UCA, we're betting there'll be plenty of bridge-building, albeit across larger and more detailed environments.

Death Stranding 2 early access - how to play early

(Image credit: Kojima Productions)

You can play Death Stranding 2 two days early by pre-ordering the Collector's Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. This will give you a whole host of bonuses and goodies. Full info in the PS Blog.

Death Stranding 2 latest news

Hideo Kojima shows 9 seconds of Death Stranding 2 title screen footage
In a Tweet, Hideo Kojima has shared a first look at Death Stranding 2's loading screen, though he has warned that it is "very temporary".

Death Stranding 2 has a release date, but Hideo Kojima isn't ready to share it yet
During a recent PlayStation presentation for the Death Stranding sequel, the director revealed that the game already has a decided release date but he was unable to announce it at the event due to "unforeseen circumstances" (via VGC).

Death Stranding 2 will launch in 2025
We now know that Death Stranding 2: On the Beach will arrive at some point in 2025. Beyond that, there's been no indication of a release window. Stay tuned!

Hideo Kojima rewrote Death Stranding 2 completely following the pandemic
Speaking to the Japanese outlet Natalie, Kojima has outlined exactly what changed with the sequel's story in the wake of COVID-19. In the interview, the Metal Gear Solid and Snatcher creator explained that the plot for Death Stranding 2 was written before the pandemic, which surged in Asia in late 2019 before going global in early 2020.

Hideo Kojima shares a picture of Keanu Reeves and Norman Reedus
Hideo Kojima has sparked an online furor by posting pictures of Death Stranding star Norman Reedus with Keanu Reeves, kicking off speculation that The Matrix star may appear in Death Stranding 2.

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What's the next big Xbox game?

(Image credit: Obsidian Entertainment)

The next big Xbox game is Grounded 2, which arrives July 29, 2025. It's an evolution of the excellent co-op survival game, and it's already looking like a much bigger experience at launch. Then there's Gears of War: Reloaded, which is a remaster of the first game, before The Outer Worlds 2 arrives in October to steal the show.

Fable 4, also currently just known as Fable, is a reboot of a beloved trilogy of fantasy action role-playing games (RPGs) originally developed by Lionhead Studios. However, the series is in the process of being revived under its new stewards Playground Games.

The Fable series is renowned for two things: enabling the player to craft exactly the kind of character they want and side-splitting dark humor. For some, the original trilogy stands among the best RPGs ever made, offering an emphasis on player agency that rivals some of the best single-player games.

Fortunately, if Fable 4's most recent trailer is anything to go by, it looks as though we can expect the series' trademark sense of humor in spades. While we've not seen any reveals as to the upcoming game's mechanics, the trailer did show off some stellar writing, as well as a hilarious performance from British actor Matt King.

That said, we do know that Fable 4 will be an RPG. It also seems likely that it will follow the mold of its predecessors, offering real-time action with plenty of quests to complete and places to explore. Read on to find out everything we know about Fable.

Fable 4: cut to the chase

• What is it? The fourth installment in the mainline Fable franchise
• When is it coming out? 2026
• What can I play it on? TBC, but it's an Xbox exclusive
• Who is making it? Playground Games

Fable 4 release year and platforms

(Image credit: Playground Games)

Fable 4 will be released for Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC sometime in 2026, where it will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one. It's unknown if it'll arrive on Xbox One consoles, but it seems unlikely.

This Xbox exclusivity makes it exceedingly unlikely that Fable 4 will arrive on a PlayStation console. We'll have to wait until the game is shown again, as currently, we have no information on when it's expected to come out. It's worth noting that recently, some Xbox-exclusive games like Sea of Thieves have and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle have come to PS5, so it's certainly possible that Fable will do the same.

Fable 4 trailers

The most recent trailer for Fable came alongside the news of a delay to 2026. It features some new gameplay, check it out below:

A trailer for Fable was released at the Xbox Games Showcase event that aired on June 9, 2024. It was another cinematic trailer, showing Peep Show actor Matt King playing a retired hero. It was a fun trailer but once again offered a distinct lack of concrete information about the wider plot or game mechanics. It did reveal that Fable will be arriving at some point in 2025 (later delayed to 2026). You can check it out below:

Right now, only three Fable trailers have been released: the latest one, the world premiere announcement trailer, and the one shown off at Xbox Games Showcase 2023. While we wait for more, you can head to the official Xbox YouTube account to keep an eye out for new info.

Fable 4 gameplay

While we've yet to receive any concrete details about Fable's game mechanics, there were some glimpses of what we might be able to expect in the second trailer. Sword combat was shown, with a warrior depicted in battle with a bandit before performing a sort of finishing move, throwing them to the ground.

Another shot of gameplay showed the main character throwing a fire bomb at a group of enemies, suggesting that these sorts of items might also be making a return. Unfortunately, this is all we've seen so far, alongside some in-engine cinematics.

That said, Aaron Greenberg, general manager of Xbox Games Marketing at Microsoft, did make it clear after the reveal that "it's obviously going to be a role-playing game" (via GamesRadar). Though this gives us little to go on in terms of specifics, it confirms that Fable 4 will likely place an emphasis on storytelling, character customization, and player agency, much like its predecessors.

Fable 4 main character

(Image credit: Xbox)

We don't yet know much about the Fable 4 main character, but there are a few details we can glean from the teasers we've seen so far. First, it seems likely that the main character will be a 'hero' of some kind. This could potentially spell a connection to The Guild of Heroes - a powerful organization of do-gooders who feature in the original Fable (2004).

It also seems likely that our hero will have to do battle with Richard Ayoade's giant at some point. The Fable franchise is no stranger to including celebrated actors and comedians. Fable 3 famously included Monty Python veteran John Cleese, comedian Stephen Fry, and actor Simon Pegg. The inclusion of Ayoade in Fable 4 beyond just a cameo in the trailer seems likely, given this tradition.

While it hasn't been confirmed, it also seems probable that our main character will also be highly customizable. The Fable games have always been big on letting you tweak your character physically and cosmetically and it would be odd for Fable 4 to not continue the trend. We might also see the return of appearance changes based on character morality, too. In the original trilogy, evil choices would net you devil horns and sinister-looking eyes while good choices would get you a halo and angel wings. We imagine Fable 4 will iterate on these systems in some way, though we're not sure quite what's in store at this stage.

Fable 4 FAQ

(Image credit: Playground Games)Who's developing Fable 4?

The new Fable game is being worked on by the fine folks over at Playground Games. This team previously worked on the Forza Horizon series, so this is quite a switch up. Regardless, this is an excellent studio with a real knack for creating amazing environments with gorgeous atmospheric effects. There's no doubt that Fable 4 could be a very beautiful looking game indeed when it launches in 2026.

Will Fable 4 be on Game Pass?

The new Fable game will launch on Game Pass, available for subscribers at no extra cost. This has been confirmed since the game was first shown off, so expect it to drop onto your games lineup some time this year.

Will Fable come to PS5?

Currently, there are no announced plans to bring Fable to PS5, though that doesn't mean it won't happen. Recently, Xbox games have started to be ported over to PlayStation, including Sea of Thieves. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 also have PS5 versions, so it's possible that Fable could follow a similar release pattern.

Fable 4 news

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Xbox confirms Fable has been delayed to 2026, shares new pre-alpha gameplay footage offering a brand new look at the game
"We are actually going to give Fable more time. It's going to ship in 2026 now. While I know that's not maybe the news people want to hear, what I want is to assure people that it's definitely worth the wait." - full story here.

Xbox re-reveals Fable
Fable was finally re-revealed during the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 event. Not much was shown, but it's clear that the game now has a strong tonal direction and comedic vibe to it. Hopefully, the next time we see the game, we'll get a look at the game mechanics as well as what to expect from the story.

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• Xiaomi says it's sold more than 2,000 YU7s within three minutes of launch
• The electric SUV deliberately undercuts the Model Y
• Huge demand means the company’s plant capacity is sold out until 2027

Not content with ripping up the performance EV rulebook in the Nurburgring-shattering SU7 Ultra, Chinese technology giant Xiaomi is now entering the popular and hotly-contested SUV market with its YU7.

There are no guesses for which best-seller its latest model is gunning for, seeing as Xiaomi’s Tesla-baiting model betters Musk’s best-selling creation in almost every statistic.

It is faster from 0-62mph, the range is substantially higher than a Model Y (in YU7 Max versions) and it operates on a modern 800V architecture for ultra-rapid charging – all of this and it is roughly $1,400 cheaper than a Base Model Y in China.

Offered in three distinct variants (Standard, Pro and Max), Xiaomi’s YU7 delivers a variety of performance and electric range figures, with the entry-level Standard version offering almost 520 miles on a single charge, according to China’s notoriously generous Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

The 800V silicon carbide platform means it supports ultra-fast charging at up to 5.2C (a rate of 5.2 times its capacity in one hour), this allows it to nail a 10–80% charge in as little as 12 minutes and can add up to 385 miles of range in 15 minutes.

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(Image credit: Xiaomi )

Performance is strong, too, with the marque’s HyperEngine V6s Plus endowing the YU7 Max model with 690hp, which translates into a top speed of 146mph and a 0-62mph sprint time of just 3.2 seconds.

It is a veritable tech-fest under the shapely, almost Ferrari-esque skin, with Nvidia’s Drive AGX Thor chips powering advanced levels of autonomous driving, as well as the new Xiaomi HyperVision Panoramic Display that projects information onto the lower half of the windshield.

The tech giant also says that the powerful infotainment system offers bags of entertainment, including mic-free karaoke and the option to fall in love with a digital pet capybara or an otter. The virtual critters act as the AI assistant, apparently.

Cleverly, Xiaomi has even installed dual-thread ports with power on both sides of the dashboard that can house operational accessory smartphone cradles, while the rear-view mirror can accommodate a 4K gimbal camera.

Analysis: coping with demand is Xiaomi’s biggest problem

(Image credit: Xiaomi )

Last year, the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in China and it continued to hold its own against an onslaught of domestic rivals that have launched in recent months. That said, Car News China reports that Tesla sales are still down 24% so far this year.

Xiaomi’s YU7 poses a serious threat to Tesla’s foothold in the country, but it is to be followed by Xpeng’s much-lauded G7 and Li Auto’s i8, which is said to feature the latest generation fast-charging NMC battery from CATL.

Musk has responded by announcing a China-only version of the Model Y that can be configured with either six or seven seats, but it hasn’t seen fit to update the vehicle beyond the tweaks it made earlier this year, which didn’t include faster charging capability.

However, some media outlets in China have reported that Xiaomi could well struggle to keep up with demand of both the recently-launched SU7 performance sedan and the YU7 SUV, with Car News China stating that wait times for the SU7 Pro are almost a year.

It currently only has a single plant in Beijing that is dedicated to producing its electric vehicles, meaning that unless it can increase output, the rampant pre-orders mean everything is sold out for the next year and a half.

A nice problem to have for Xiaomi, and a small glimmer of hope for Tesla.

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It was supposed to be the answer to IT’s flexibility dilemma. Hybrid cloud, with its blend of on-premises control and public cloud scalability, gave businesses the agility to respond to new demands without overhauling infrastructure. But what started as a strategic advantage has, for many CISOs, evolved into a patchwork of fragmented tools, siloed teams and visibility gaps.

The result is an increasingly difficult environment to secure. And the solution isn’t just more technology. It’s a rethink of how CISOs lead in a hybrid world.

Why the old playbook no longer works

In traditional data centers, security was built around well-defined perimeters. The rise of cloud computing forced a shift to more distributed security models. But hybrid cloud has created something altogether more complex — an environment where workloads move between clouds, teams manage different platforms, and security responsibilities blur across IT, DevOps and compliance.

This complexity undermines many of the assumptions baked into earlier security strategies. Tools that worked well in isolated environments struggle to deliver unified protection across platforms. Policies become inconsistent. Incident response slows down. Most concerning of all, blind spots develop — not out of negligence, but out of an inability to see and manage everything at once.

The challenge isn’t visibility. It’s integration

Many security leaders have responded by investing in more observability tools. But even with best-in-class dashboards and alerts, visibility alone doesn’t equal security. It’s not what you can see that protects your environment, but how quickly and intelligently you can act.

That’s where integration becomes essential. Security needs to be embedded into the fabric of hybrid infrastructure, not added on after deployment. This means consolidating policy controls, enabling workload portability without security drift, and ensuring that response actions can be automated and orchestrated across environments.

It also means designing security to work with the business, not against it. Hybrid strategies are often driven by performance or cost optimization goals. When security becomes a bottleneck, teams find workarounds, and that’s when risk increases.

Leadership starts with simplification

The most effective CISOs today are not simply technologists. They are architects of simplification. Instead of trying to manage complexity through sheer effort, they look for ways to reduce it at the source.

This might mean consolidating infrastructure platforms to reduce the number of control points. It could involve standardizing security policies across cloud and on-prem environments. It often requires working more closely with enterprise architects and business leaders to design security in from the beginning, rather than retrofitting it later.

Partnerships that bring infrastructure and security closer together can play a pivotal role here. For example, when hybrid cloud platforms are tightly integrated with next-generation firewall capabilities, CISOs gain more than visibility. They gain a consistent, policy-driven approach to security that travels with workloads, automates enforcement, and simplifies day-to-day operations.

Bringing security closer to the workload

Rather than layering security tools on top of an existing environment, an integrated approach embeds protection directly into the virtual network fabric, enabling precise control over how applications and data communicate across both public and private clouds.

Through virtual private cloud (VPC) capabilities, organizations can isolate and secure multitenant environments with greater confidence. This alignment offers a practical path forward for CISOs aiming to implement zero-trust principles.

Policies based on user identity, application behavior and contextual risk can be applied consistently, regardless of whether workloads reside in a data center or a hybrid multicloud setup. Continuous verification, least-privileged access, and deep threat inspection all become easier to manage when security is embedded at the infrastructure layer.

Importantly, this model supports automation. Using policy tags and centralized tools such as Palo Alto Networks Panorama, teams can manage firewall deployments across environments and streamline security operations within CI/CD pipelines. It’s a significant step toward security that adapts as the business scales and a compelling example of how simplification and strategic integration can go hand in hand.

From silos to synergy. A new operating model

What begins with tighter integration at the infrastructure level is now evolving into broader operational change. Organizations are starting to move away from fragmented roles and responsibilities. Instead of separate cloud and data center teams, some are creating platform teams that manage hybrid environments as a whole. And rather than relying on a patchwork of point security products, they are turning to solutions that bring networking, security and operations into a cohesive, centrally managed layer.

This improves efficiency and makes it possible to apply zero trust principles more effectively. When identities, workloads and data flows are managed consistently, the attack surface shrinks — not because there are fewer threats, but because there are fewer gaps to exploit.

Crucially, these organizations are moving from reactive security to proactive resilience. That’s the real goal in a hybrid world. You cannot prevent every breach, but you can design systems to detect, contain and recover more effectively. That’s what gives the business confidence to move faster without sacrificing safety.

Rethinking the role of the CISO

Hybrid cloud is becoming more entrenched as organizations balance cost, performance and regulatory demands. For CISOs, the new burning question is how to lead with hybrid cloud in a way that makes it secure by design.

This starts by embracing simplification, fostering collaboration, and embedding security into every layer of hybrid operations. It’s not easy. But it’s also not optional. Because in today’s environment, complexity is the greatest vulnerability, and clarity is the most powerful defense.

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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Friday, June 27 (game #481).

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

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

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

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… ... not included

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• CHILL
• TRICK
• REAL
• CAMEL
• GRATE
• MOLE

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 17 letters

NYT Strands today (game #482) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 8th row

Last side: left, 1st row

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

NYT Strands today (game #482) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #482, are…

• REMOTE
• FLASHLIGHT
• CLOCK
• TOYS
• CAMERA
• SPANGRAM: BATTERIES REQUIRED

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Besides the pleasure of completing the word search, the other joy of Strands is the places it takes your mind. Today offered a trip down memory lane and the humble but often frustrating unsung hero of technology.

The theme “… not included” immediately made me think of Christmas Day frustrations of being gifted TOYS that were rendered redundant for the day because they required some AA batteries.

BATTERIES REQUIRED is the longest spangram I can remember seeing and it took up a huge chunk of the puzzle. I tapped out “batteries” twice before seeing the added “required”.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Friday, June 27, game #481)

• SHOVEL
• BUCKET
• TRUCK
• FUNNEL
• MOLD
• RAKE
• SIFTER
• SPANGRAM: SANDBOX TOYS

What is NYT Strands?

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

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

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Friday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Friday, June 27 (game #1250).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

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

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 0.

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• S

• D

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1251) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1251, are…

• AWOKE
• SMOKY
• DEVIL
• SWING

This was one of those charmed editions of Quordle for me, where I whizzed through all four columns without doing very much thinking at all.

I like to think of these as green light days – like driving through a city and every light turning green as you approach it. I even managed to get the Daily Sequence done in seven guesses. I hope it was a good one for you, too.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1251) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1251, are…

• UTILE
• CUMIN
• SKILL
• CANAL

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1250, Friday, 27 June: SPEAK, EAGLE, AVERT, SUING
• Quordle #1249, Thursday, 26 June: SLUMP, REBUS, GUAVA, MONEY
• Quordle #1248, Wednesday, 25 June: SOGGY, CLASH, MODEM, SQUAD
• Quordle #1247, Tuesday, 24 June: QUALM, SQUIB, AXIAL, FLACK
• Quordle #1246, Monday, 23 June: PIXEL, FJORD, STEAL, EXIST
• Quordle #1245, Sunday, 22 June: WREST, CRAZE, PAPAL, SCION
• Quordle #1244, Saturday, 21 June: BUDDY, GROUT, BEGIN, MADAM
• Quordle #1243, Friday, 20 June: BRAID, DULLY, HASTE, LURID
• Quordle #1242, Thursday, 19 June: BRUSH, ISLET, FRUIT, PRIVY
• Quordle #1241, Wednesday, 18 June: MEDIA, SHARK, GUPPY, MOURN
• Quordle #1240, Tuesday, 17 June: LEAPT, PRISM, ADMIN, WHINE
• Quordle #1239, Monday, 16 June: RETRY, SCALD, DINGO, FEIGN
• Quordle #1238, Sunday, 15 June: SHOCK, STEIN, BROIL, COVEN
• Quordle #1237, Saturday, 14 June: STICK, FERRY, THESE, IONIC
• Quordle #1236, Friday, 13 June: REPEL, LARGE, SNIDE, CARRY
• Quordle #1235, Thursday, 12 June: SCANT, BATCH, UNDER, PARSE
• Quordle #1234, Wednesday, 11 June: CRAVE, ROOST, ANGLE, FLOOD
• Quordle #1233, Tuesday, 10 June: DECRY, CHEEK, FILET, EASEL
• Quordle #1232, Monday, 9 June: DERBY, LEMON, WRITE, HOVEL
• Quordle #1231, Sunday, 8 June: REBAR, ALERT, PAYEE, FLUME