TechRadar News

Developer NetEase games has unveiled Destiny: Rising, an upcoming free-to-play sci-fi shooter set in the world of the popular Destiny franchise. The game, which is coming to mobile devices, will have its first closed alpha test in November.

Destiny: Rising sounds like quite an interesting direction for the series. It’s set in an alternate version of the Destiny universe, at the end of the previously unexplored Dark Age. Humanity is just emerging from a period of collapse, brought on by an alien invasion that almost drove the species to extinction. 

The game follows a new generation of Lightbearers, the heroes of Destiny and Destiny 2, who are accompanied by robotic Ghosts. It will feature both traditional first-person and new third-person play, plus controller support on top of the usual touchscreen controls.

You will be able to play as a range of unique characters, each with their own unique abilities, personalities, and backstories. Some will be recognizable to long-time Destiny fans, while others are completely new arrivals.

In addition to single player gameplay, a range of competitive and cooperative game modes will also be available. This includes some taken from existing Destiny games and others that the studio states are designed to “introduce new ways to play Destiny”.

Destiny: Rising is officially licensed by Bungie. According to Ethan Wang, senior vice prresident at NetEase, the company “is honored to partner with Bungie to deliver a Destiny-caliber experience to mobile devices.”

“Destiny is an incredible franchise with a passionate and dedicated global fanbase,” he continued. “As huge fans ourselves, we are humbled and thrilled for the opportunity to bring gamers an action-packed RPG shooter set within the Destiny Universe.”

Terry Redfield, creative lead at Bungie added that “for over a decade, we have built this universe to contain many unique and wonderful stories, and we are excited to see mobile gamers be able to experience this new take on the Destiny universe from the creative team at NetEase.” 

The closed alpha test for Destiny: Rising will begin on November 1. If you want a shot at playing early, you can register for it now via the game’s official website. 

You might also like...

• The GameSir Tarantula Pro has one of the coolest features that I've ever seen on a controller
• Get ready for Halloween by playing Alien: Isolation and Doom Eternal for free with Amazon Prime Gaming
• Throne and Liberty review: an old-school, beautiful, and divisive MMORPG

A recently published patent application by LG Display has us hoping for a revival of the company's ill-fated rollable phone project, last seen in prototype form in 2022.

The patent in question concerns a rollable display, ostensibly using the same technology as the canceled LG Rollable phone The Verge reported on in 2022, a year after LG stopped producing smartphones. The OLED display used in this concept phone started at a rather huge 6.8 inches before unfurling to a 7.4-inch mini-tablet.

LG Display is a subsidiary of LG Group that designs and manufactures displays and licenses them to other companies, including majority shareholder LG Electronics, which is legally a separate entity.

Since this rollable phone actually made it to the prototype stage – see the hands-on review by BullsLab – we can reasonably assume that this display could be manufactured again, but to what scale remains a bit of a mystery.

As MSPowerUser reports, the 21-page application includes schematics that detail how the rolling display technology can be used for smartphone-sized devices, as well as larger frames. Though published on October 8 this year, this latest patent was actually filed on October 10, 2023.

Could LG be returning to smartphones?

The LG Wing had a truly unique design when it launched in 2020 (Image credit: Future)

It’s not uncommon for phone makers to file speculative patents on proprietary technology simply in the interest of defending their ideas from copycats and competitors, but seeing continued research into phone design from LG is exciting given the company’s exit from the phone market in 2021.

LG made a name for itself with high-spec Android phones and, later on, futuristic and unique designs. The most memorable of these remains the LG Wing, which featured two layered displays, the topmost of which could swivel into a landscape orientation to give the phone a T-shaped profile. The company’s final phone, the LG V60, also set itself apart with a detachable second screen, providing cheaper competition to the then-nascent folding phone market.

With these later models in mind, a quirky rolling display wouldn’t feel too out of the ordinary if LG was to return to smartphones.

Mind you, there’s been no official announcement, or even suggestion, of such a return for the South Korean giant, so for now, we think it's unlikely that LG will produce any new phones itself.

However, as mentioned, this patent was filed by LG Display, which commonly licenses displays to other manufacturers, so there's a chance we could see this tech licensed and applied by another manufacturer.

Whether the outcome matches our speculation or not, it's exciting to see that this exciting product hasn't been completely forgotten yet.

For the latest updates, including any official announcements, be sure to keep up with our phones coverage – and for a blast from the past, check out our archived list of the best LG phones.

You might also like

• iPhone SE 4 case leak gives us hints about the design of Apple's next affordable iPhone
• The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is rumored to be borrowing a key part of the Galaxy Z Fold 6 design
• Google denies claims that your Pixel phone sends it private data 4 times an hour

AMD’s Ryzen 9800X3D processor may not offer the sizeable leap in gaming performance that some leaks have previously suggested, it seems according to some new material shared by German tech site HardwareLuxx (via Tom’s Hardware): namely leaked slides from an MSI presentation.

According to the headline at the top of a gaming comparison slide, the Ryzen 9800X3D (referred to as an ‘8-core Ryzen 9000X3D’ CPU) is 11% faster than its predecessor, the 7800X3D, in Far Cry 6. Gains are far more modest in the likes of Shadow of the Tomb Raider (where the 9800X3D is just 4% faster) and Black Myth: Wukong (a paltry 2%).

The Ryzen 9950X3D (referred to as a ‘16-core Ryzen 9000X3D’ CPU) sees a 13% improvement in frame rates versus its predecessor, the 7950X3D, and a similar uptick as the 9800X3D in the other two games, just 2% in both in this case. (In these benchmarks, the processors were paired with an Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics card).

Cinebench results are also shared – which we’ve seen previously leaked, in fact – that show the Ryzen 9800X3D offering a big performance uplift on the 7800X3D, being around 18% and 28% faster than its predecessor for single-core and multi-core respectively. The Ryzen 9950X3D isn’t as much of a boost over the 7950X3D, in this case, though, purportedly netting an uplift of 9% and 16% respectively (which is still very good).

Analysis: Reasons to be cautious

Clearly, this has caused quite the stir, as with recent talk of beefy clock speeds for the 9800X3D and other leaks besides, PC gamers have been getting pretty excited about what this processor might be capable of. Particularly in the light of all the disappointment about the gaming performance of vanilla Ryzen 9000 CPUs, and Intel’s new Arrow Lake processors also falling flat for gen-on-gen PC gaming gains.

So, has this new leak poured a whole lot of freezing-cold water on those 9800X3D expectations? Well, yes, in a word, though many of the more realistic PC gamers out there are admonishing the folks who cared to believe the previous buzz around potentially big gaming uplifts for the 9800X3D (especially given some of the shakiness around Ryzen 9000’s launch).

However, let’s not get carried away with this particular leak either, and there are some reasons we should arm ourselves with a bit more skepticism than usual, perhaps, aside from the normal caveats: it’s just a leak, and only one set of testing.

In fact, on the latter point, only three games are run through their paces, so it’s a pretty thin batch of benchmarks. There are some odd choices here, too – like Wukong (a game that’s heavy on the GPU, so not ideal for laying bare the prowess of the processor), and Tomb Raider is seriously old by now. On top of that, the presentation slide for the gaming results has some strange errors included (the headline doesn’t match the GPUs listed with the graphs), and it all feels a bit messy... and therefore more dubious.

As the slides observe, the Ryzen 9000X3D parts are samples too, with better performance expected from the retail CPUs (that said, it probably won’t be much better, given how close to release we are theoretically).

All that said, maybe the Ryzen 9800X3D won’t offer any major gaming leap, but even a modest increase – with better all-round performance – is still worthwhile, and AMD might still adjust pricing to impress, too. While that may seem unlikely, it all depends on how much Team Red wants to recover from its stumbles with vanilla Ryzen 9000, we guess.

We shouldn’t have long to wait to find out how the Ryzen 9800X3D shapes up, as rumor has it that the CPU could be launched very soon indeed.

You might also like

• Intel may not have any new desktop chips coming until Nova Lake in 2026
• These are all the best cheap graphics card deals
• What is a processor: Your CPU explained in plain terms

The LG C3 and LG G3 TVs are getting an upgrade to their smart TV operating system, which is rolling out now – earlier than the 2025 window it was originally scheduled for. The 'webOS 24' update brings several new features that first appeared on LG's 2024 TVs (picture above).

The new software is appearing on some C3 and G3 TVs now, but as FlatpanelsHD notes, you don't need to panic if it hasn't appeared on your TV yet – it can take a few days to appear on all TVs. If you have a different LG TV from 2023, including the LG B3, you should still expect to get this update, but it seems as though the more premium OLED TVs are the lucky first few.

LG has committed to offering 5 years of upgrades to its webOS TVs, with the upgrades arriving one year behind the next version. The stated plan was for 2023 TVs to be given the upgrades that first appeared in 2024's TVs (including the LG C4) during 2025. LG's jumped the gun on that one, but I'm not complaining to any improvement to the best OLED TVs.

2022's TVs, including the LG C2, will receive an upgrade to 2023's software during 2025, following this same rule. It's always one step back.

Here are the four key new features of this update, according to LG:

1. Chromecast built-in: Now you can enjoy your mobile content on the big screen without additional devices.
2. Voice ID: Recognize your voice to automatically sign in and deliver personalized services.
3. Sports Portal: View your favorite sports team's game schedule, scores, and odds all at once.
4. Chatbot: Easily resolve issues through dialogue.

When we first tested this new version of webOS, we called out the Sports Portal and accessibility features (including the chatbot) as being among its best changes, so it's nice to see them coming to more sets.

The chatbot has felt like a work-in-progress, but the general principle of being able to just ask the TV why your picture doesn't look right and have it point you to the options that could fix it. That's instead of you being expected to know what menu to hunt through, which is clearly a good idea.

This is the first time we're seeing the fruits of LG's plans to consistently upgrades its sets, and it could definitely be something that helps put its models in our list of the best TVs, because it adds to their long-term value. Samsung has recently announced that its TVs will get seven years of updates (beating the five of LG), so LG's push to be first with this kind of promise has already helped improve things for buyers of other brands too.

You might also like

• Panasonic Z95A review: a stunning, bright OLED TV with best-in-class Dolby Atmos sound
• Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar: all the rumored price, leaked release date and features news, with our analysis
• Samsung TVs will get new One UI software to match its phones, and we have mixed feelings about it

Watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online

After the first series' wild popularity Down Under, it was inevitable that we'd see more from John Ibrahim and the often violent Sydney nightlife scene. Read on for how to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online from anywhere with a VPN – and potentially for FREE.

Season 2 picks up 18 months after where the bloody end of the first run left off, and John Ibrahim (played by Lincoln Younes) is back in Sydney from his exile in Spain. What he finds is a very different King's Cross district to the one he departed.

That forces him to a new part of town with a new set of rules to learn if he wants to re-establish himself as the clubbing kingpin. Plus, to do so, he'll need to find away to topple he who wears the crown – Ray Kinnock played by Lost's and The Dropout's Naveen Andrews.

Below we have all the information you need on where to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online and stream every episode from anywhere. Together with details of where you might find free streams.

Can I watch Last King of the Cross season 2 for free?

Yes! New Zealanders get to watch every episode of Last King of the Cross for free thanks to the ThreeNow streaming service. Alternatively, you can claim seven days of Paramount Plus for free in Australia and Canada.

How to watch Last King of the Cross S2 online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll be unable to watch Last King of the Cross like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch Last King of the Cross from anywhere.

Editors Choice

NordVPN – get the world's best VPN
We regularly review all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice. It unblocked every streaming service in testing and it's very straightforward to use. Speed, security and 24/7 support available if you need – it's got it all.

The best value plan is the two-year deal which sets the price at $3.59 per month, and includes an extra 3 months absolutely FREE. There's also an all-important 30-day no-quibble refund if you decide it's not for you.

- Try NordVPN 100% risk-free for 30 daysVIEW DEAL ON

Can I watch Last King of the Cross in the US?

Strangely, Last King of the Cross isn't available on the Paramount Plus platform in the US. In fact, no broadcaster or streaming service has picked up the show stateside.

If you're in the US and still want to watch Last King of the Cross, the only suggestion we can make would be to download a VPN and pick up a stream from another country.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online in Canada

Just like in the show's native Australia, the Paramount Plus platform is the place to watch Last King of the Cross in Canada.

North of the border, the Paramount Plus price is $6.99 per month after the service's free 7-day trial.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 in the UK

With the first series already available to stream in full, Sky TV will show episodes of Last King of the Cross season 2 on Tuesdays from Tuesday, October 15.

The eight instalments will go out at 2am and 9pm each week on its Sky Max channel. Subscribers can also stream episodes on their smartphone and online via the Sky Go app.

How to watch Last King of the Cross season 2 online in Australia

All episodes of Last King of the Cross season 2 are now available to stream on the Paramount Plus streaming service Down Under.

The Paramount Plus price is $10.99 per month or $97.99 if you want access for a whole year.

How to watch Last King of the Cross in New Zealand for FREE

ThreeNow is New Zealand's free ad-supported streaming service, and it has all episodes from season 1 and 2 of Last King of the Cross available to stream.

You do need to register to watch, but all that's required is your name and email address.

Last King of the Cross season 2 cast

• Lincoln Younes as John Ibrahim
• Tim Roth as Ezra Shipman
• Callan Mulvey as Detective Sergeant Brian Crellan
• Claude Jabbour as Sam Ibrahim
• Matt Nable as Anthony 'Big Tony' Stone
• Maria Tran as Madame Tien
• Tess Haubrich as Detective Liz Doyle
• Naveen Andrews as Ray Kinnock
• Luke Arnold as Dean Taylor
• Matuse as Benny

Hackers have found a clever new way to abuse Rich Text Format (.RTF) files in phishing attacks, experts have warned.

Cybersecurity researchers Ironscales claim to have observed a “major spike” in these campaigns during 2024, and in the space of just one month (March 2024), the experts say they spotted, and stopped, 6,755 such attacks.

So what makes this attack so unique, and ultimately - successful? Three things, Ironscales says: the use of an outdated file format, attachment personalization, and URL obfuscation.

Attachment personalization

RTF files are quite uncommon these days, the researchers said, which means two things - victims are not that suspicious when they receive them in the email, and security solutions (especially traditional email security filters) don’t flag them as often.

So, when a threat actor sends a phishing email with an .RTF file attached, victims are somewhat more inclined to open it. Which led the researchers to the second point - attachment personalization. They say the criminals found a way to customize the file name in the email, to match the domain of the target recipient. Therefore, the attachment carries the name of the target company, boosting credibility.

Finally, URL obfuscation. In the .RTF file, the crooks would attach a link that “looks innocent enough”, and often appear to lead to a well-known site, such as microsoft.com. However, a clever use of the @ symbol allows them to redirect the victim to a malicious site, instead. The usual link in these files would look something like this: https://www.microsoft.com@malicious-site.com/invoice.pdf.

“In the world of URLs, anything before the @ is treated as a ‘username’ but can be written to look like a trusted domain,” the researchers explained. “The catch? The browser ignores everything before the @ and only cares about what comes after.”

In other words, if the victim is not carefully reading the entire link, they might think they’re visiting microsoft.com, but are instead being redirected elsewhere.

In conclusion, crooks are getting smarter, Ironscales argues, meaning organizations must do the same - or suffer the consequences.

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

Microsoft has officially ended software support for the Surface Laptop Go, its affordable alternative to its expensive Surface family of products, and this means there will be no more official firmware or driver updates released.

The Surface Laptop Go was launched in October 2020. It had a starting price of $550, making it one of the most affordable laptops in Microsoft’s Surface range. It had a sleek, premium design and was well built, much like other costlier Surface models.

It did, however, draw criticism for its limited RAM and storage, lack of features, performance limitations, and base model limitations. Though it came with a mid-range 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, the base model had only 4GB of RAM and 64 GB of eMMC storage, which these days is particularly low for a Windows laptop, and meant that customers needing to do more intensive tasks had to skip it.

Then there was the issue of the display’s resolution. At only 1536 x 1024 it was lower than many other laptops in its price range, which offered full HD displays. It lacked keyboard backlighting, too, not only in its base model but in the higher-tier models, too.  However, the main point of contention for critics was the base model’s RAM and eMMC storage. It is well known that eMMC storage is slower than SSD, and 4GB of RAM just isn’t enough to run Windows 10 (or Windows 11) smoothly. So, customers looking for better performance had to pay more for a higher end model.

Overall, it was a device that would only really benefit students and casual users looking to do basic light tasks like streaming, browsing the web or very basic office tasks - and now it might not even be able to do that.

Letting customers down

The Surface Laptop Go has only received four years of software support from Microsoft, and it was replaced by the second-gen Surface Laptop Go 2 in June 2022, bringing notable upgrades, including an 11th-gen Intel Core i5 processor. The third-gen model, the Surface Laptop Go 3, was released October 2023 with a 12th-gen Intel Core i5 processor. Both models introduced several improvements to storage and power, while keeping the series’ focus on affordability and portability.

Still, anyone who bought the original Surface Laptop Go might feel a bit short-changed by support being dropped so soon. No matter how low the asking price of a laptop is, you should expect it to last a decent amount of time before you have to upgrade.

That being said, the end of support means that while the entry-level laptop won’t get any more official software and firmware updates, it doesn’t mean the device will stop working. You can still install the new Windows 11 update 24H2, and the original Surface Laptop will still receive critical security updates. That might be little comfort, however, for people who paid for the Surface Laptop Go in the hope that Microsoft would continue to release improvements and bug fixes for a long time, despite its budget price.

You might also like

• The best Surface Pro deals in October 2024
• Say goodbye to the Surface Duo – Microsoft is pulling the plug on the Duo 2 this month
• Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 review: makes me believe in the Surface series again

This year’s Adobe Max event has seen the company greatly expand its AI offerings, with loads of new tools hitting Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign - all powered by Firefly.

Top tools coming to our current pick for the best photo editor around include an upgrade Remove tool, a space for design ideation, and a range of genAI tools now available to all.

And, since it’s Adobe Max-mas, the company has also announced a handful of extras for Illustrator and InDesign, too.

What’s new in Adobe Photoshop?

Photoshop was already no slouch in the artificial intelligence department, filled with tools that streamline editing workflows - so, we were intrigued to see the latest servings for Adobe users.

First up, a number of essential AI tools will see general availability for Photoshop desktop and web users. So, look out for Generative Fill, Generative Expand, Generate Similar, Generate Background, and Generate Image powered by Firefly Image 3 Model.

The Remove tool gets a serious update, too, and now features what Adobe dubbed “distraction removal technology”. Effectively, this will let users remove unwanted elements from an image in a single click.

The company has also announced a new Generative Workspace within Photoshop. This lets designers try out new ideas (or adapt existing ones) in a sandbox, where generations run in the background without disrupting the workflow. The space also includes generation history, to quickly view previous prompts and images.

One of the most exciting developments to come to Photoshop is the Adobe Substance 3D Viewer app. Now in beta, this tool merges 2D and 3D image design, so users can import models created in Adobe Substance 3D straight into Photoshop.

More AI tools are also on the way for Illustrator, including new Objects on Path and Generative Shape Fill, and InDesign, which now boasts Generative Expand, Text to Image, and integration with Adobe Express.

You can check out the latest beta tools from Adobe by clicking here.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Get creative - we tested the best graphic design software
• Looking for something different? See our review of the best Adobe Photoshop alternatives
• Game-changing AI comes to Adobe Premiere Pro

Iranian threat actors are on the hunt for login credentials that can grant them access to organizations and personal systems of people in the United Arab Emirates and the broader Gulf region, experts have warned.

A report from cybersecurity researchers Trend Micro claims a group called OilRig (AKA APT43, or Cobalt Gipsy) has been going after vulnerable servers that they can use to deploy web shells. These, in turn, allow them to run PowerShell and consequently - deploy malware on the servers.

The malware then abuses a vulnerability tracked as CVE-2024-30088 to escalate privileges and allow the crooks to exfiltrate sensitive information. This vulnerability, patched by Microsoft in June 2024, is described as a Windows Kernel Elevation of Privilege flaw and has a base score of 7.0 (high).

Affiliation with ransomware players

The name of the malware used in these attacks is STEALHOOK. It essentially serves as an infostealer, since its goal is to exfiltrate data to a command & control (C2) server, operated by the attackers. What’s interesting about STEALHOOK is that it blends this information with legitimate one, and sends it out via an Exchange server.

BleepingComputer points out that OilRig is a state-sponsored actor, adding the group “remains highly active” in the Middle East region, and that it seems to be affiliated with FOX Kitten, another Iran-based APT group involved in ransomware attacks.

The majority of the targets work in the energy sector, Trend Micro concluded, warning that any disruption to the operation of these firms could impact the wider population greatly.

Despite there being evidence of abuse, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) is yet to place CVE-2024-30088 on its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Iranian hackers work with ransomware gangs to break into companies via VPN and firewall tools
• Here's a list of the best firewalls today
• These are the best endpoint protection tools right now

We’ve known for months that Apple is working on a cheaper version of the Vision Pro headset, but the actual price of the device has remained something of a mystery. Now, though, we might have a better idea of how much it’ll cost – and it’s hardly what you’d call cheap.

According to reliable Bloomberg journalist Mark Gurman, the cut-price Vision Pro headset – due to launch “as early as next year” – will cost “around $2,000" (or about £1,500 / AU$3,000). That will still put it comfortably at the top end of all the best virtual reality (VR) headsets, though, so it’s unlikely to ever be positioned as an affordable product.

Still, $2,000 is close to half the current asking price of the Vision Pro, which will set you back a mighty $3,499. While the price is not entirely unjustified – the Vision Pro has some of the best and most advanced tech inside any consumer VR headset on the market – it’s held the product back from being a true mainstream success.

But by bringing out a cheaper alternative to the regular Vision Pro, Apple will be able to offer a (somewhat) easier route into its 'spatial computing' ecosystem. The company saw success using this tactic with the HomePod and HomePod mini, although with such vast price differences between these speakers and Apple’s headset, being able to replicate that feat with the Vision Pro is far from guaranteed.

Redefining affordability

(Image credit: Future)

Going from $3,499 to $2,000 is still a massive drop in price, so how exactly will Apple make it happen? Gurman believes that the cheaper device will “probably use an inferior processor and cheaper materials” in order to drive the cost down. As well as that, Apple is also planning to drop the EyeSight feature that displays a user’s eyes on the outside of the headset.

With all these changes, Gurman says Apple “is expecting unit sales of the device to be at least double the level of the Vision Pro.” But considering the low sales figures of the current Vision Pro, Gurman adds “that’s not saying much.”

The lower-priced Vision Pro is just one of the future augmented reality (AR) devices that Apple is working on. Also in the pipeline is a second-generation Vision Pro, as well as Apple’s ultimate goal in this field, which is a pair of lightweight AR glasses similar to the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses.

But given how the Vision Pro doesn’t seem to be flying off the shelves, it would make sense for Apple to focus its efforts on bringing the price down to encourage more people to give it a try.

You might also like

• The cheaper Apple Vision Pro could come with these big trade-offs – and make the Meta Quest 3 look a bargain
• The iPhone 16 is the best evidence we have that a much cheaper Vision Pro is on the way
• A cheaper Apple Vision Pro might not land until 2026 – and Samsung's XR/VR headset could steal its lunch

The Olympics and Paralympics are high stakes. The biggest sporting event in the world – major broadcasters reported more viewers in the first two days than the entirety of the previous event in Tokyo – and over 9.2 million tickets were sold.

The pressure was on for the athletes, who displayed incredible sporting prowess. It was also high stakes for the organizations protecting the event from cyber-attacks, all the way from individual event security teams up to the French Organizing Committee.

The event industry is a prime target for disruption. Threat actors knew the world was watching and that an attack could have huge impacts for the host country’s reputation and operation. This only served to increase the leverage of attackers, who could have had any one of a range of motivations:

· Geopolitical cyber-terrorism: what better way to shock the world or sap France’s morale than to disrupt the country’s spotlight moment?

· Financial gain: The large sums of money at stake made event organizers and associated parties a prime target for financially motivated cyber-crime like ransomware attacks or ticketing scams.

· Hacktivism: As witnessed by the high-profile attacks and stolen data during previous major sporting events, the Olympics provide a global stage for activist groups hoping to make a point.

Often described as a 'honeypot' for cybercriminals, attackers were acutely aware of the global stage that came with these tournaments. If an attack was successful and caused significant disruption, then there would be huge financial and reputational repercussions for host countries and the organizers hit by the breach.

The complex challenge of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is, by nature, a one-sided game: defenders need to protect everything, and attackers need to find just one weak point. The widespread adoption of AI is allowing adversaries to execute attacks faster and at a more sophisticated level, whilst the increased integration of tech and tech suppliers across sports means a larger potential network for bad actors to leverage. This is true across sectors, with 74% of security leaders sharing that AI-powered cyber threats are already having a significant impact on their organization.

Safeguarding events such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games presents a multifaceted challenge. The concerns extend beyond threats directed at individual teams and encompass both physical and digital security measures in place. Additionally, there are vulnerabilities within the surrounding supply chain that must be addressed. Potential attackers may focus on critical infrastructure associated with the venues, including power and water systems, transportation networks, broadcasting services, mobile ticketing platforms, and even the financial resources supporting the event.

Targeted phishing campaigns and email scams tend to increase around these events too, whether people were attending in person or watching virtually. The ramifications of cyber disruption during a large-scale event cannot be overstated. A momentary lapse in access to power could bring TV broadcasts to a halt. CCTV outages could lead to dangerous overcrowding. The barrier between the cyber and physical worlds have long dissolved – cyber-attacks threaten human safety.

The financial incentive for adversaries also cannot be understated. The broadcast rights alone for the event were expected to be in the region of $3.3 billion. Criminals were aware of the colossal funds being spent to ensure the smooth running of the games and strived to take a cut by threatening the seamless running of the event.

Timing was also key. Every second counted, on and off the track. Events had to go ahead at whatever cost – you couldn't suddenly postpone the 100-meter final or cancel the opening ceremony. This was a dream for ransomware attackers, because if you didn't have enough time to restore your system, then your only option was to pay up.

The winning combination? Human and AI collaboration

The best way to protect sporting events like last week's is for security teams to pivot from a reactive to a proactive standpoint, with AI being a key defender on the pitch.

Cyber threats are sadly an inevitability. AI allows us to keep pace with the machine-speed of adversaries. Using AI proactively will ensure we're one step ahead of bad actors. AI pre-emptively identifies internal and external vulnerabilities, identifies gaps in security policy and process before an attack occurs, breaks down silos to investigate all threats (known and unknown) during an attack, and uplifts the human analyst beyond menial tasks to incident validation and recovery after an attack. Instead of asking already overworked security teams to keep track of thousands of potential issues, AI can simplify them down into just a few key actions that teams need to take to prevent catastrophe.

This method of defense means building a complete view of everything happening in the digital ecosystem of an event – something that would take months to do manually. It's critical to find and close weak points before they are exploited as well as ensuring security teams are well drilled: practicing attacks in realistic environments until the security teams are as well prepared as the athletes on the track.

Society expects organizations and events like last week's to be prepared for attacks and to keep everyone involved safe. This means protecting not just those attending the physical event, but analysing risks in your supply chain. We've already seen the risks of supplier-led cyber disruption with attacks on London hospitals over the summer. No matter how tight your own cybersecurity might be, it only takes one critical supplier to be breached to derail the whole sporting event. Vetting and shoring up suppliers, from payment providers to closed circuit cameras, has now become an essential part of due diligence that cannot be overlooked.

AI tools are essential in mapping environments and closing off risks. Security teams, working in partnership with AI, can cover enough ground to make sure they are proactively heading off threats wherever they surface.

Teamwork is as essential in the security team as it is on the pitch. In this instance, proactivity and readiness is indeed the best defense.

We've featured the best endpoint protection 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

Indian health insurer Star Health says it has received an email containing a ransom of $68,000 following a "targeted malicious cyberattack". The attack allegedly resulted in the leak of personal data of up to 31 million Star Health policy holders and over 5.8 million insurance claims.

The health organization confirmed that the cyberattack resulted in "unauthorized and illegal access to certain data" including full names, postal addresses, phone numbers, medical reports, and insurance claims.

Since the attack, the company has suffered serious reputational damage and an 11% drop in shares, and has also launched legal action against Telegram, since Telegram chatbots were used to leak the information.

A mountain of information

The stolen data was reported to total a staggering 7.24 terabytes, although it is not yet confirmed exactly what information was taken. Health Star is said to have sought the assistance of Indian cybersecurity authorities in its investigation.

Although the hacker alleged that Chief Information Security Officer Amarjeet Khanuja was involved in the breach, the organization is yet to identify any wrongdoing - but the internal investigation is ongoing.

“We also want to categorically mention that our CISO has been duly co-operating in the investigation, and we have not arrived at any finding of wrongdoing by him till date. We request that his privacy be respected as we know that the threat actor is trying to create panic” the insurer commented.

Telegram have declined to comment on account details or permanently ban accounts linked to the hacker, an individual dubbed ‘xenZen’, despite "multiple notices issued in this regard", the Star has revealed.

As is always the case with compromised data, this leaves customers exposed to malicious actors, specifically in regards to the risk of identity theft. We've listed the best identity theft protections for anyone concerned about their data.

Via Reuters

More from TechRadar Pro

• Take a look at some of the best malware removal software
• Healthcare organizations are being hit hard by cyberattacks
• Check out our pick for best antivirus software

There was a lot of hype around the introduction of 5G in 2019, and the forecasts for what it would bring in terms of instant hyperconnectivity. While initial uptake was slow, rollout has continued steadily and the technology has matured in parallel, rising in value to meet expectations. Despite its rocky start, 5G is now lauded for bringing unparalleled speed, low latency and vast capacity to revolutionize every vertical sector, including transportation. Let’s look at that statement in more detail, specifically the advantages and opportunities available to transport hubs.

Stress free connectivity

A transport hub, like an airport or train station, is a complex network where various modes of transport come together and intersect. The busiest hubs in the world see upwards of 100 million people pass through each year. With numbers like that, it stands to reason that poor connectivity can result in high levels of stress – for passengers and staff alike. Low-speed connectivity can cause a cascade of negative effects, from delayed and missed connections and difficulties with communication, to security breaches and operations inefficiencies. Thankfully, with each new generation of mobile networks, it has become easier to tackle these challenges. Now, with the implementation of 5G, hubs finally have access to the reliable and high-speed connectivity they need for the effective operation of services, including passenger information systems, baggage tracking, security platforms and ticketing.

We’ve all seen workers on their laptops at airports. It’s very easy to spot an executive struggling to connect with their team by the look of stress on their face! 5G offers a solution for that particular stress. With 5G, remote work is enhanced through high-quality video conferencing, rapid file sharing, and online collaboration. Teams can work more effectively while waiting for their transport connection, without facing the limitations of slower networks. For these and other passengers, 5G opens the door to benefitting from a host of other on-site technology services. Most airports and some train stations now boast food and shopping apps that mean guests can pre-order food, drink and goods for collection on-the-go. This saves a lot of time for anyone concerned about making their gate time.

Intelligent transport systems

5G allows for greater use of Integrating Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), used at transport hubs to supercharge the collection, analysis and application of data. What this means for the passenger is an experience enhanced through near real-time scheduling information, whether that’s via on-site digital signage, the passenger’s mobile phone, apps or even AR technology. 5G is capable of utilizing AI software applications; combine this with traditional ML and it becomes possible to proactively manage and optimize passenger and cargo movements. Crowd density and passenger flow data can be collected, analyzed and mapped rapidly so that transportation authorities are better informed to make decisions and optimize traffic flow, thereby reducing passenger congestion.

Connected security

With greater control over traffic, a natural knock on is greater physical security for staff and passengers; that’s before you consider that rapid and smart alerts make it possible for security personnel to respond quicker to potential threats. 5G also allows medical staff and first responders to access real-time information during emergencies, including live video feeds, location tracking, and sensor data. This helps improve the coordination of response efforts, enabling faster and more informed decision-making.

But its impact on safety goes beyond the physical. 5G offers more support to surveillance technologies, facial recognition, and biometric authentication systems, and enables tighter security from the moment a person enters the hub space. Additionally, with the aid of IoT devices, hubs can use connected video cameras to prevent luggage theft with passenger-luggage matching technology to ensure each bag leaves with its original owner.

A foundation for autonomous vehicles

One of the most significant transformations afforded by 5G is its role in the advancement of autonomous vehicles and drones. With better coverage than previous waves, 5G makes it safer and easier to manage connected cars and buses in congested and high-risk areas. Plus, its high-speed and low-latency connectivity allows transportation hubs to support the deployment of autonomous shuttles and delivery vehicles that rely on these elements. These vehicles can navigate complex environments more efficiently, reducing traffic bottlenecks and emissions. Similarly, 5G can enable the safe integration of drones for surveillance, security and logistics operations within transportation hubs.

The future of transportation hubs is undeniably intertwined with the potential of 5G, and embracing this transformative technology is vital for unlocking its full potential. How do I know this? I’ve seen how the use of 5G network solutions is driving indoor 5G connectivity for all kinds of large venues such as stadiums, business complexes—and of course, those sprawling centres of heavy demand: transportation hubs. Because of that, I have no doubt all the world’s major hubs will soon do too.

We've featured the best small business app.

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

Fujifilm has unveiled a new video-focused beginner mirrorless camera, the X-M5. It's positively tiny and very powerful, being Fujifilm's smallest and lightest X-series camera (in its current lineup), while packing video features ranging from 6K video in color-rich 10-bit to an all-new 9:16 vertical video mode.

As with the X-T50, you get Fujifilm's trending Film Simulations on tap, 20 of them in all, accessible through a dial on the top of the camera. And the retro aesthetic doesn't begin and end with the camera's dials – the faux leather finish is the classic Fujifilm look that many creators have come to love.

Starting at $799 / £799 / AU$1,449 body-only, the X-M5 joins the X-T30 II as the cheapest X-series camera available. It boasts better video features and Fujifilm's latest autofocus algorithms, with improved subject detection AF. However, the X-T30 II looks a better bet for photographers given that it has a viewfinder for composing shots.

All round, the X-M5 offers incredible bang for buck, so is it the perfect starter camera? I've already shared more thoughts in my X-M5 hands-on review, and my takeaway is that's while there much to love about the camera, it misses one key feature.

(Image credit: Fujifilm) If I had one wish

The X-M5 is a feature-rich camera, and you'll struggle to find a better hybrid camera for the money. In addition to 6K internal 10-bit video recording you get 4K video with cinematic 60fps plus slow-motion 240fps recording in 1080p resolution.

There are also a few firsts for Fujifilm. The X-M5 has triple internal mics that can be used individually or together in combinations, ideal for isolating a voice in front of and/or behind the camera (complete with 'steady state' noise reduction), plus wired USB file transfer from camera to phone for fast and reliable uploads. That high-resolution 6K video also provides enough detail for a new 9:16 vertical video mode (see picture, below) which records at 1080p resolution without you needed to rotate the camera, together with record-time presets for social.

These are all superb features for content creators, and the 26MP APS-C sensor and X-Processor 5 engine combination is exactly the same as in the pricier Fujifilm X-S20. So surely the X-M5 is an outright hit? Well, not quite.

(Image credit: Fujifilm)

As a video-focused model, the X-M5 sits below the X-S20, and the two models actually share many of the same features, despite the big difference in price. While the X-M5 costs $799 / £799 / AU$1,449 or $899 / £899 / AU$1,649 with the 15-45mm kit lens, the X-S20 costs $1,299 / £1,249 / AU$2,349 (although it's currently 10% off).

So where do the two models differ? Mainly in design. I've unpacked this more in my hands-on review, but the one key feature that the X-M5 lacks is in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to smooth out handheld videos. No beginner camera has this feature, but the X-M5 is otherwise so capable that the absence of IBIS is noticeable. It has digital image stabilization instead, which is far less effective, plus it imposes a minimum 1.32x crop of the image area.

Of course there are other reasons why the X-S20 costs more. But if I was to add one feature to the X-M5, it would be IBIS. With that feature, it would feel like a complete video camera for beginners. Add its tiny form factor, paired with, say, the 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens, and it would also be a powerful walkaround camera for photography. Still, the X-M5 is a super-impressive addition to Fujifilm's retro range of mirrorless cameras, and it hits the shelves on November 14.

You might also like

• Fujifilm X-M5 hands-on review
• The best cameras for vlogging 2024: top choices for every budget
• The best YouTube camera 2024: top choices for your new channel

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has accused Apple of illegally firing an employee who used Slack, which the company uses internally, for pushing workplace reforms.

In the complaint, which was spotted by Reuters , the Cupertino giant also allegedly forced a worker to delete a social media post.

The case dates back to 2021, when #AppleToo co-organizer Janneke Parrish complained about being fired for sharing what Apple deemed confidential information.

Apple accused of wrongly firing workers

Parish believes that the real reason Apple had fired her was a result of her activism, which included advocating for permanent remote work, distributing a pay equity survey and highlighting incidents of racial and gender discrimination within the company.

The NLRB’s complaint highlights Apple’s policies that prevent employees from creating Slack channels without a manager’s approval.

However Parrish’s lawyer, Laurie Burgess, asserts that Apple extensively violated workers’ rights, noting, “We look forward to holding Apple accountable at trial for implementing facially unlawful rules and terminating employees for engaging in the core protected activity of calling out gender discrimination and other civil rights violations that permeated the workplace.”

If the iPhone maker does not settle with the NLRB, an initial hearing is scheduled for February 2025. Parrish is seeking financial losses stemming from her termination and for the company to change its policies.

“We are and have always been deeply committed to creating and maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace," Apple said in a comment

"We take all concerns seriously and we thoroughly investigate whenever a concern is raised and, out of respect for the privacy of any individuals involved, we do not discuss specific employee matters… We strongly disagree with these claims and will continue to share the facts at the hearing.”

More from TechRadar Pro

• Check out the best job sites and best recruitment platforms
• Fancy a career change? We’ve rounded up the best online learning platforms
• Nearly half of businesses are tracking their remote workers — but apparently it's for your own good

For all the benefits of the best AI image generators, many of us are worried about a torrent of misinformation and fakery. Meta, it seems, didn't get the memo – in a Threads post, it's just recommended that those of us who missed the recent return of the Northern Lights should just fake shots using Meta AI instead.

The Threads post, spotted by The Verge, is titled "POV: you missed the northern lights IRL, so you made your own with Meta AI" and includes AI-generated images of the phenomena over landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Las Vegas.

Meta has received a justifiable roasting for its tone-deaf post in the Threads comments. "Please sell Instagram to someone who cares about photography" noted one response, while NASA software engineer Kevin M. Gill remarked that fake images like Meta's "make our cultural intelligence worse".

It's possible that Meta's Threads post was just an errant social media post rather than a reflection of the company's broader view on how Meta AI's image generator should be used. And it could be argued that there's little wrong with generating images like Meta's examples, as long as creators are clear about their origin.

(Image credit: Meta)

The problem is that the tone of Meta's post suggests people should use AI to mislead their followers into thinking that they'd photographed a real event.

For many, that's crossing a line that could have more serious repercussions for news events that are more consequential than the Northern Lights.

But where is the line?

(Image credit: Future)

Is posting AI-generated photos of the Northern Lights any worse than using Photoshop's Sky Replacement tool (above)? Or editing your photos with Adobe's Generative Fill? These are the kinds of questions that generative AI tools are raising on a daily basis – and this Meta misstep is an example of how thin the line can be.

Many would argue that it ultimately comes down to transparency. The issue with Meta's post (which is still live) isn't the AI-generated Northern Lights images, but the suggestion that you could use them to simply fake witnessing a real news event.

Transparency and honesty around an image's origins are as much the responsibility of the tech companies as it is their users. That's why Google Photos is, according to Android Authority, testing new metadata that'll tell you whether or not an image is AI-generated.

Adobe has also made similar efforts with its Content Authenticity Initiative (CAI), which has been attempting to fight visual misinformation with its own metadata standard. Google recently announced that it will finally be using the CAI's guidelines to label AI images in Google Search results. But the sluggishness in adopting a standard leaves us in a limbo situation as AI image generators become ever-more powerful.

Let's hope the situation improves soon – in the meantime, it seems incumbent on social media users to be honest when posting fully AI-generated images. And certainly for tech giants to not encourage them to do the opposite.

You might also like...

• Google Gemini’s new AI image generator just rolled out to everyone for free – with one annoying limitation
• AI-generated and edited images will soon be labeled in Google Search results
• Google just rolled out its answer to Midjourney – here’s how to try the AI image generator

Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, the makers of ChatGPT, put his name to a new viral trend on the platform recently when he retweeted it on X (formerly Twitter) with “love this” added in response to a tweet that has got ChatGPT users enthralled.

The original Tweet, from writer Tom Morgan, says simply, 'Ask ChatGPT “From all of our interactions what is one thing that you can tell me about myself that I may not know about myself'.

It’s a simple prompt but many people have been finding it very insightful.

love this: https://t.co/Jh66ElOmfAOctober 13, 2024

Posted on the Reddit group called ChatGPT, the post had already racked up 10K upvotes and generated 1.8K comments at the time of writing. From the user responses it seems that this particular ChatGPT prompt has found a way of resonating with people, providing an instant peek into their own psychological makeup.

Crying right now

Before you dive over to ChatGPT to try it out, it’s worth noting that this prompt only works if you have subscribed to the paid-for version of ChatGPT, called ChatGPT Plus ($20, £16, AU$30), since the free version has no memory of you from the last time you used it.

Responses on Reddit ranged from Newmoonlightavenger who said simply “It was the best thing anyone has ever said about me” to Jimmylegs50 who wrote, “Crying. I really needed to hear this right now. Thanks, OP."

User PopeAsthetic wrote, 'Wow I did it, and GPT gave me the most profound advice and reflection of myself that I’ve ever received. Even told me I seem to have a desire for control, while at the same time having a desire to let go of control. I’ve never thought about it like that.'

(Image credit: Getty Images) Roast me like one of your French girls

Of course, as is typical of chatbots, people instantly started to experiment with interesting new ways of getting ChatGPT to judge you. “Whatever you do do not, I repeat *do not* ask it to roast you based on all your interactions (unless you have thick skin)” wrote Cagnazzo82, and a flurry of people instantly did just that. It turns out that ChatGPT doesn’t mess around when you ask it to roast you, and the results can be quite brutal!

One user, Fluer-de-Mai, asked “roast me like one of your French girls”, a reference to the line from the 1997 film Titanic, where Rose asks Jack to “Paint me like one of your French girls”. The response was particularly funny: “Alright, picture this: You, sprawled out like a masterpiece of half-finished projects and abandoned goals, draped in the finest procrastination. Every curve is a testament to good intentions gone astray, with a side of “I’ll start Monday” energy. You’re basically a work of art – unfinished, perpetually delayed, and admired only by your Netflix account.”

In fact, when I tried the same prompt the results were scarily accurate:

“But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, you’re probably the type to say, 'Draw me like one of your French girls,” only to immediately follow it up with, “But make sure my espresso is ready in exactly 1 minute 45 seconds. And don’t forget to set up the camera – I’m planning a tech review after this sketch.”'

You may also like...

• ChatGPT o1-preview can solve riddles faster than me and I kind of hate it for it
• Apple's Intelligence's free ChatGPT upgrade may come sooner than expected with a Visual Intelligence bonus
• ChatGPT’s Google search rival is set to go live this year – could SearchGPT break Google's hold on the web?

The Android Automotive operating system is rapidly becoming the carmakers’ infotainment platform of choice, but Austrian motorcycle manufacturer KTM is about to introduce the connected experience to its motorcycle line-up for the first time.

Highlighting two new TFT displays, complete with new switchgear to operate them, KTM claims it's been exploring ways to make the Human Machine Interface (HMI) more immersive, providing more information without distracting the rider.

Despite the fact that some motorcycle manufacturers have already embraced Android Auto and Apple CarPlay screen mirroring, such as Honda, Indian and Harley-Davidson on their respective cruiser models, this is the first time a manufacturer has taken the next step and fully baked in the Android Automotive platform.

This means the likes of Google Maps comes pre-loaded into the system, while an eSIM and GPS technology allows riders to navigate directly form the dashboard, without the requirement of tethering a smartphone.

KTM’s V80 (vertical 8-inch) and H88 (horizontal 8.8-inch) touchscreen displays have been designed for easy operation with gloved hands, while a customizable layout allows the rider to split the screen according to their preference.

The company also states that it has introduced a revised CCU3.0 (Connectivity Control Unit) connectivity unit with 32GB of storage and 3GB RAM, which will let you save offline playlists and synchronize phone contacts, for example.

This new control unit also ensures seamless reconnection with a paired smartphone on every ignition cycle, allowing riders to pick up where they left off or navigate via a smartphone and then send routing to the infotainment system.

There is no definitive word on a release date for the technology, with KTM stating it will initially be rolled out on its ‘premium’ models, which we would expect to include the likes of the Super Adventure and Super Duke GT range.

Analysis: Taking the stress out of touring

(Image credit: KTM)

As with the many automakers using Android Automotive, such as Renault, Volvo and Ford, KTM’s newest operating system is designed retain the company’s branding and general feel, but also allow access to a selection of built-in Google-approved apps.

However, there is no mention of access to the wider Google Play store, nor is there any official note on the sort of apps that riders will be able to download and use natively on both the V80 and H88 systems.

This is compounded by the fact that none of the images accompanying the official press release show any third-party apps in action, so we will have to assume that a number of these are still being signed off for use on a motorcycle.

Regardless, KTM's system opens up more possibilities for riders covering big distances to pair Bluetooth headphone and speaker systems to enjoy audio or communicate with a pillion passenger. Riders will also be able to navigate using their favored route-planning tool, such as Waze or bike-specific services like Rever, Detecht and Calimoto, without the need to pair a phone.

While it's nice to experience the open road and get well and truly lost on two wheels, sometimes it's also good to get to a destination without the need to constantly check a smartphone.

You might also like

• I rode the world’s first fully electric adventure motorcycle – and it’s the future aside from one big drawback
• The 7 hottest new electric motorcycles and scooters to boost your commute
• I rode the new Maeving RM1S – and it's the first truly convincing 125cc electric motorbike I've tried

AI is making cybersecurity threats harder to detect, but security professionals believe they have the right tools to fight back, a new survey from Keeper Security has claimed.

The report says the vast majority of IT and security leaders (84%) believe AI-powered tools have made phishing and smishing (SMS-based phishing) more difficult to detect. In the days before AI, phishing emails were full of inconsistencies, as well as spelling and grammar errors, making them somewhat easy pickings for those with even a hint of vigilance.

However, as AI usage has skyrocketed, phishing emails have become almost indistinguishable from legitimate emails, making detection infinitely more difficult. As a result, roughly half (51%) of security leaders see AI-powered attacks as the most serious threat they are facing, with 35% adding that they are least prepared to tackle these attacks, compared to other threats.

The business strikes back

But businesses are not sitting idly. Four in five (81%) implemented AI usage policies for employees, and confidence is relatively high. More than three-quarters (77%) said they were quite familiar with best practices for AI security. Furthermore, businesses were seen adopting data encryption (51%) into their security strategies, since encryption helps protect sensitive data from unauthorized access - a crucial step in defending agastin AI attacks.

Other notable mentions include employee training and awareness, and advanced threat detection systems, both of which were cited by many (45% and 41% respectively) as important tools in detecting and responding to sophisticated AI-drive threats.

“The emergence of AI-driven cyber attacks presents new challenges, but the fundamental cybersecurity practices – such as data encryption, employee training and advanced threat detection – remain essential,” Keeper said. “Organizations must ensure these foundational measures are consistently updated and adapted to meet emerging threats.”

More from TechRadar Pro

• AI models could be hacked by a whole new type of Skeleton Key attacks, Microsoft warns
• Here's a list of the best firewalls today
• These are the best endpoint protection tools right now

True generative AI video editing has arrived on Premiere Pro. At this year’s Adobe Max, the company has revealed the new genAI video tools are now available in beta, including the first generative video model designed to be safe for commercial use.

As we reported last month, the latest update adds a whole suite of genAI tools. Generative Extend is the headline feature, letting users increase the length of video and audio clips.

But there’s much more on offer as Adobe pushes its Firefly AI deeper into the video editing software.

What's new from Adobe Firefly Video?

With the release of the first set of Firefly-powered video editing workflows, Adobe has confirmed several core focuses.

First, dissatisfied with the quality of previous results, Adobe has R&D’d the latest version to the Nth degree. As well as improved video quality, the model has, the company said, been trained on Adobe Stock and public domain data - and not user data or media found online. Adobe trusts the safeguarded training, alongside the indemnification available to enterprise customers, makes this the first generative video model designed to be commercially safe, and more attractive to professionals looking to use AI without fear of copyright infringement.

That doesn’t mean Adobe’s forgotten the core of the experience. In a virtual press conference attended by TechRadar Pro, Alexandru Costin, Vice President, Generative AI and Sensei at Adobe, explained that users “told us editing is more important than pure generation. If you look at the success of Firefly Image, the most use we get inside Photoshop is with Generative Fill because we’re serving an actual customer workflow. So, with video, we’ve decided to focus more on generative editing.”

So, what does that look like in practice?

Generative Extend is the clearest, and most useful example coming to the beta. This tool lets users extend existing video and audio clips to match the soundtrack or alter the pacing, even without enough coverage.

Image to Video and Text to Video have also arrived in earnest - as one would expect to find in any self-respecting AI video editor. By the looks of things, it works in a similar fashion that that found elsewhere across the Creative Cloud ecosystem - with, like any good movie, a twist. Here, users can effectively become the director with creative control over shot size, angle, motion, and zoom. Using the new models, the company also showcased examples of text graphics, B-roll content, and overlaying AI-generated atmospheric elements like solar flares to existing footage.

The latest updates build on last month's set of beta tools, including a new context-aware properties panel that adds most needed tools into one place to speed up workflows. There’s a new Color Management that, Adobe said, “fundamentally transforms the core color engine.” And general performance sees an improvement, ProRes exports, for example, are now three times faster than before.

We’ll be reviewing the latest version of Premiere Pro soon, and we’re keen to see how well the new video tools complement the editing process. In the meantime, users can try out Adobe’s new tools in beta by clicking here.

More from TechRadar Pro

• Get started with the best video editing software for beginners
• Looking for something different? See our review of the best Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives
• New Adobe Premiere Pro updates will make your video content pop